bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Histoplasma capsulatum vacuolar ATPase is required for iron homeostasis, intracellular replication in macrophages and virulence in a murine model of histoplasmosis
Authors: Hilty Jeremy , Smulian A. George , Newman Simon L. 
Published: August 2008

Summary Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungal pathogen that survives and replicates within macrophages (Mφ). To identify specific genes required for intracellular survival, we utilized Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated mutagenesis, and screened for H. capsulatum insertional mutants that were unable to survive in human Mφ. One colony was identified that had an insertion within VMA1, the catalytic subunit A of the vacuolar ATPase (V‐ATPase). The vma1 mutant (vma1::HPH) grew normally on iron‐replete medium, but not on iron‐deficient media. On iron‐deficient medium, the growth of the vma1 mutant was restored in the presence of wild‐type (WT) H. capsulatum yeasts, or the hydroxamate siderophore, rhodotorulic acid. However, the inability to replicate within Mφ was only partially restored by the addition of exogenous iron. The vma1::HPH mutant also did not grow as a mold at 28°C. Complementation of the mutant (vma/VMA1) restored its ability to replicate in Mφ, grow on iron‐poor medium and grow as a mold at 28°C. The vma1::HPH mutant was avirulent in a mouse model of histoplasmosis, whereas the vma1/VMA1 strain was as pathogenic as WT yeasts. These studies demonstrate the importance of V‐ATPase function in the pathogenicity of H. capsulatum, in iron homeostasis and in fungal dimorphism.
Multiple sugar: phosphotransferase system permeases participate in catabolite modification of gene expression in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Zeng Lin , Burne Robert A. 
Published: August 2008

Summary Streptococcus mutans is particularly well adapted for high‐affinity, high‐capacity catabolism of multiple carbohydrate sources. S. mutansenzyme II (EIILev), a fructose/mannose permease encoded by the levDEFG genes, and fruA, which encodes a hydrolase that releases fructose from fructan polymers, are transcriptionally regulated by the LevQRST four‐component signal transduction system. Here, we demonstrate that: (i) levDEFGX are co‐transcribed and the levE/F intergenic region is required for optimal expression of levFGX; (ii) D‐mannose is a potent inducer of the levD and fruA operons; (iii) CcpA regulates levD expression in a carbohydrate‐specific manner; (iv) deletion of the genes for the fructose/mannose‐EII enzymes of S. mutans (manL, fruI and levD) enhances levD expression; (v) repression of the LevQRST regulon by EII enzymes depends on the presence of their substrates and requires LevR, but not LevQST; and (vi) CcpA inhibits expression of the manL and fruI genes to indirectly control the LevQRST regulon. Further, the manL, ccpA, fruI/fruCD and levD gene products differentially exert control over the cellobiose and lactose operons. Collectively, the results reveal the existence of a global regulatory network in S. mutans that governs the utilization of non‐preferred carbohydrates in response to the availability and source of multiple preferred carbohydrates.
A degree‐day simulation model for the population dynamics of the rice bug, Leptocorisa acuta (Thunb.)
Authors: Reji G. , Chander S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe rice bug, Leptocorisa acuta (Thunb.) is a major pest of the rice crop in India. A computer simulation model of the bug's population dynamics was formulated using the information generated on the thermal requirements of development stages. It is a mechanistic model which follows the state variable–rate variable approach. The model works based on the accumulation of heat units over stage‐specific thresholds of development. Validation using light trap catches has shown that the model has satisfactory predictive value. Simulated population dynamics over the years were compared and the influence of global warming on bug population dynamics was predicted. The model can forecast the pest population in the field and help in timely adoption of management practices.
Influence of temperature on life‐table parameters ofStethorus gilvifrons(Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed onTetranychus urticaeKoch
Authors: Taghizadeh R. , Fathipour Y. , Kamali K. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe influence of temperature on life‐table parameters, fecundity and survivorship of the predatory ladybird,Stethorus gilvifrons, fed onTetranychus urticaewas determined at seven constant temperatures of 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 28°C, 30°C, 35°C and 40°C. No development was observed at 40°C, thus being regarded as the threshold for the development ofS. gilvifrons. The results indicate a significant decrease in male and female longevity with increasing temperature from 15°C to 35°C. The longest and shortest longevity were 18.40 and 12.75 days for males and 17.40 and 8.80 days for females, respectively. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) and the net reproductive rate (R0) ofS. gilvifronslinearly increased with increasing temperatures from 15°C to 35°C, while the mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) decreased linearly within this temperature range. The highest values ofrm(0.240 females/female/day) andR0(59.27 females/female) and the lowest mean generation time (17.01 days) and DT (2.88 days) were recorded at 35°C. The maximum (185.50 eggs) and minimum (25.50 eggs) measurement of total fecundity was also recorded at 35°C and 15°C, respectively. The results indicate that temperature greatly affected fecundity, survivorship and life‐table parameters ofS. gilvifrons, and that 35°C is a suitable temperature for population growth of this predator.
Kairomonal responses of Tomicus destruens (Col., Scolytidae) to host volatiles α‐pinene and ethanol
Authors: Gallego D. , Galián J. , Diez J. J. , Pajares J. A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe Mediterranean pine shoot beetle Tomicus destruens is one of the most damaging bark beetles attacking Mediterranean pine forests in southern Europe and north Africa. We studied the attractiveness of the host volatiles α‐pinene and ethanol at a range of release rates, alone or in combination, to T. destruens, in order to develop an attractive lure for the management of this beetle. T. destruens was attracted slightly to the host volatile α‐pinene, but a strong synergistic effect was found in the attraction towards monoterpene when ethanol was added to the bait. The highest catches of T. destruens were obtained by the optimal blend releasing 300 mg/day of α‐pinene and 900 mg/day of ethanol. In contrast to data reported for the related species T. piniperda, Mediterranean pine shoot beetles were clearly attracted to baits releasing ethanol alone (1350 mg/day). trans‐Verbenol, which was also added to host volatiles in some tests, did not affect the response. The use of the attractive blend proposed would have a low impact on the natural enemy population of Thanasimus formicarius because of asynchronies in flight periods. Other non‐target insects, such as the facultative predator or competitor Oxipleurus nodieri, were also significantly attracted. These results allow the development of an operative lure for the effective monitoring of T. destruens, although improvements by the addition of other host volatiles should be studied.
Small‐scale dispersal of the European corn borer and its relevance for resistance management in Bt maize
Authors: Engels H. , Sinha A. , Schuphan I. , Eber S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe small‐scale dispersal of the European corn borer (ECB) was studied in a release–recapture experiment using reared dye‐marked adults. Thereby, six light trap cages were set up across two maize fields at 50‐m intervals. In total, 736 marked ECBs were released, of which 10.2% were recaptured together with 212 unmarked naturally occurring adults after a period of 48 h. All marked–released individuals left the release point, with a mean dispersal distance of 195 m. Eighty‐two per cent of the recaptured ECBs moved to the second maize field across a ditch and associated shrubs. The spatial and temporal patterns of incidence of naturally occurring ECBs in the traps were consistent with those of the marked moths and showed an inhomogeneous distribution. There was a highly significant relationship between male and female densities in the cages. No ECBs were caught during a period of adverse weather conditions. Dispersal distances may be influenced by plant size, weather conditions during the flight, pheromonal patterns in the field and the timing of the flight.
Fitness‐related traits in a parasitoid fly are mediated by effects of plants on its host
Authors: Caron V. , Myers J. H. , Gillespie D. R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPlants can affect parasitoids directly, by reducing or enhancing their ability to locate hosts, or indirectly by affecting the fitness of herbivores and thus of parasitoids. Tritrophic interactions between three host plants (cucumber, tomato, sweet pepper), a polyphagous herbivore Trichoplusia ni and a generalist parasitoid Compsilura concinnata were assessed. Plants had a strong effect on T. ni larval survival, as well as on C. concinnata fitness‐related traits: cucumber‐fed hosts yielded parasitoids with shorter larval development time and females had heavier pupal weights than parasitoids from host larvae that were fed tomato. Furthermore, C. concinnata was more efficient at finding cucumber‐fed than tomato‐fed T. ni. These results suggest that C. concinnata has different efficiency and potential as a biocontrol agent on the different crops. This highlights the importance of assessing tritrophic interactions in systems where an inundative biological control agent may be released against generalist targets on more than one crop plant.
Novel visual‐cue‐based sticky traps for monitoring of emerald ash borers,Agrilus planipennis(Col., Buprestidae)
Authors: Lelito J. P. , Fraser I. , Mastro V. C. , Tumlinson J. H. , Baker T. C. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe examined various methods of trapping emerald ash borers (EAB),Agrilus planipennisFairmaire, using solely visual cues based on previous work that has documented the importance of visual cues in EAB mate location. Here, we give the results of two of these methods, coloured sticky cards (yellow or blue), or live ash leaves covered with spray‐on adhesive to which dead male EAB visual lures had been pinned. Feral male beetles were captured effectively on the sticky traps made from dead male EAB on ash leaves. These sticky‐leaf‐traps captured more male EAB when deployed in high‐population density areas than low‐density areas, but did capture EAB even at lower population densities. More feral males were captured on these traps when they were placed higher in the trees, regardless of the population density of EAB. Very few feral female EAB were captured using the sticky‐leaf‐traps. This novel method of EAB trapping may allow ‘real‐time’ population detection and monitoring of EAB adults during the active flight period rather than locating larval galleries during the autumn and winter after adult flight and attack. Feral male beetles were also captured using standard yellow‐ or blue‐coloured sticky cards to which male EAB had been affixed with adhesive; however, this type of trap was much less effective overall than using the sticky‐leaf‐traps. Furthermore,Agrilus cyanescens, a species similar in colour to EAB but smaller in size, showed a strong response to blue‐coloured sticky traps to which dead male EAB had been affixed with adhesive, suggesting a general use of visual cues in the mating systems of some of the other Buprestidae as well.
Ontogenetic and gender‐modulated behavioural rhythms in the deep‐water decapods Liocarcinus depurator (Brachyura: Portunidae), Munida tenuimana and Munida intermedia (Anomura: Galatheidae)
Authors: Aguzzi Jacopo , Company Joan Baptista , García José Antonio 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe regulation and expression of biological rhythms with respect to sex and ontogeny in deep‐water benthic decapod crustaceans constitutes an exciting field in marine biology that is far from understood. Liocarcinus depurator, Munida intermedia and Munida tenuimana are ecologically key crustacean decapod species of the Atlantic and Mediterranean shelves and slopes, and their activity rhythms in the field are poorly known. Our aim was to measure the behavioural rhythms of these species, while at the same time defining their type of displacement (i.e. endobenthic, nektobenthic or benthopelagic). Whether gender and ontogeny modulate the rhythmic behaviour of these decapods is unknown, and we sought to clarify this issue. A temporally scheduled series of trawl hauls and light intensity measures was performed on the western Mediterranean shelf (100–110 m depth) and slope (400–430 m), close to the autumn equinox and the summer solstice. The sex and the size of animals in the catches were analysed. Catch patterns were evaluated through waveform and periodogram analyses. Liocarcinus depurator was captured at night on the shelf, whereas on the slope, animals displayed peaks both in the middle of the day and night. Size‐related differences (but no gender differences) were found in its rhythmic behaviour, possibly due to intra‐specific competition (e.g. fighting) between juveniles and adults. Munida intermedia were weakly diurnal in October and both diurnal and nocturnal in June. Munida tenuimana presented no discernible rhythmicity in October, but was nocturnal in June. Both species showed no evident sex or size modulation of their behaviour. Data were interpreted assuming that all tested species present an endobenthic behaviour (i.e. animals emerge from the substrate during the active phase of their behavioural cycle).
Distribution patterns of interstitial polychaetes in sandy beaches of southern Brazil
Authors: Di Domenico Maikon , Da Cunha Lana Paulo , Garraffoni André R. S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis study describes the distribution patterns of interstitial polychaetes along morphodynamic gradients on six exposed sandy beaches in Santa Catarina and Paraná (South Brazil). Three random transects were sampled at two points on each beach, one at the swash and another at the surf zone, in winter and summer conditions. Six sediment replicates were collected at each sampling point using a corer of 4.6 cm internal diameter that removed 10 cm into the sediment. Abundance and composition of interstitial polychaete were correlated to wave height, slope, grain size, CaCO3, chlorophyll a, omega indexes, temperature and relative tide range using a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). A factorial ANOVA showed that taxa richness, mean density and Shannon’s diversity were significantly higher at the reflective beaches, but average values differ significantly between transects and these differences change according to the beach zones on both sampling dates. PERMANOVA showed that polychaete associations differ among transects according to the beach zones. The composition of interstitial polychaete associations was significantly correlated to beach morphodynamics and features (P < 0.01). Polychaete associations of reflective beaches were more diverse than in other morphodynamic states. Intermediate beaches may also sustain diverse associations due to temporal variability of the morphodynamic patterns. Beaches presenting extreme dissipative morphodynamics and compacted sediments appear to be unfavourable for the occurrence of interstitial polychaetes.
Lymphomatoid granulomatosis mimicking interstitial lung disease
Authors: BRAHAM Emna , AYADI‐KADDOUR Aïda , SMATI Belhassen , BEN MRAD Sonia , BESBES Mohammed , EL MEZNI Faouzi 
Published: August 2008

Abstract:Lymphoid granulomatosis is a rare form of pulmonary angiitis. This case report presents a patient with lymphoid granulomatosis in whom the clinical presentation, radiological features and the partial response to corticosteroid therapy mimicked interstitial lung disease. Lymphoid granulomatosis was only diagnosed at post‐mortem examination. The range of reported clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches and outcomes are described.
Impaired spermatogenesis by testicular sarcoidosis
Authors: TAKIGUCHI Yuichi , MATSUNO Daisuke , KUROSU Katsushi , OKADA Osamu , TATSUMI Koichiro , OHTA Sho , ICHIKAWA Tomohiko , KURIYAMA Takayuki 
Published: August 2008

Abstract:Testicular involvement by sarcoidosis is a rare condition. A 23‐year‐old Japanese man had asymptomatic bilateral testicular lesions, which were detected by gallium scintigram, together with lesions located bilaterally in the uvea, lungs and hilar, and mediastinal lymph nodes and unilateral supraclavicular lymph nodes. Semen analysis demonstrated severely impaired spermatogenesis. Treatment with corticosteroid dramatically improved these lesions and restored spermatogenesis. This case report suggests that testicular sarcoidosis may cause male infertility.
Obesity in aspirin‐tolerant and aspirin‐intolerant asthmatics
Authors: JANG An‐Soo , PARK Jong‐Sook , PARK Sung‐Woo , KIM Do‐Jin , UH Soo‐Taek , SEO Ki‐Hyun , KIM Yong Hoon , PARK Hae‐Sim , PARK Choon‐Sik 
Published: August 2008

Background and objective:  Obesity is an important factor in the development of asthma. Aspirin hypersensitivity affects 5–10% of asthmatics. The association between obesity and aspirin hypersensitivity in asthma is unclear. This study evaluated the association of BMI and asthma in patients with aspirin‐tolerant asthma (ATA) and aspirin‐intolerant asthma (AIA).Methods:  Aspirin provocation tests were performed in 667 asthmatic patients and changes in FEV1 were used to categorize patients as ATA or AIA. The BMI of asthmatics was graded using the percentile BMI of 406 normal controls.Results:  Aspirin‐induced changes in FEV1% ranged from 15% to 68%. Compared with the controls, the ATA group had a higher BMI (24.5 ± 0.1 vs 23.8 ± 0.2 kg/m2, P = 0.001). The AIA group had a lower BMI. The aspirin‐induced percentage fall in FEV1 was inversely correlated with BMI in asthmatic patients (r = −0.094, P = 0.016). BMI was correlated with age and PC20, but not with FEV1 in asthmatic patients. In a logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, and smoking status, FEV1 and PC20 were associated with AIA with odds ratios of 0.986 and 0.586, respectively. BMI was associated with AIA with an odds ratio of 0.916.Conclusions:  Aspirin intolerance in asthmatics explains the lesser association with obesity. Obesity is not a risk factor in the development of asthma in patients with AIA.
Altered expression of antimicrobial molecules in cigarette smoke‐exposed emphysematous mice lungs
Authors: SHIBATA Yoko , ABE Shuichi , INOUE Sumito , TAKABATAKE Noriaki , IGARASHI Akira , TAKEISHI Yasuchika , SATA Makoto , KUBOTA Isao 
Published: August 2008

Background and objective:  The natural history of COPD, a disease usually caused by cigarette smoking, is associated with frequent respiratory infections. Consistent with human COPD, bacterial clearance in the lungs has been reported to be impaired in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. In the airways, several antimicrobial molecules such as surfactant proteins (SP), beta‐defensins (BD), secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and lysozyme play important roles in the defence against invading pathogens. This study evaluated the expression of antimicrobial molecules in mice lungs with cigarette smoke‐induced emphysematous changes.Methods:  Six B6C3F1 mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (2 cigarettes/day/mouse for 6 months) or room air. Gene expression within the lungs of mice in both groups was assessed by RT‐PCR.Results:  The expression of SP‐A, BD2, BD3 and SLPI was significantly elevated in the lungs of cigarette smoke‐exposed mice compared with air‐exposed mice. BD1 expression decreased in the smoke‐exposed mice and lysozyme expression was unchanged.Conclusions:  Chronic cigarette smoke exposure did not suppress the expression of antimicrobial molecules in the lung. Altered expression of antimicrobial molecules in this mouse model does not explain the impaired host defence against respiratory microbes seen in patients with COPD.
Enhanced levels of prostaglandin E2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 correlate with the severity of airflow limitation in stable COPD
Authors: CHEN Yan , CHEN Ping , HANAOKA Masayuki , DROMA Yunden , KUBO Keishi 
Published: August 2008

Background and objective:  Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and its product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) have been demonstrated to play critical roles in inflammation in respiratory diseases. However, the role of COX‐2 in airway remodelling in COPD remains to be elucidated. Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) is associated with both inflammation and airway remodelling in COPD. The objective of this study was to measure the expression of COX‐2 and the concentrations of PGE2 and MMP‐2, and to investigate the role of COX‐2 and PGE2 in airflow limitation mediated by MMP‐2, in the pathogenesis of COPD.Methods:  Forty‐three patients with stable COPD, twelve smoking control subjects and ten non‐smoking control subjects were enrolled. Induced sputum was obtained for measurement of the concentrations of PGE2 and MMP‐2 by ELISA. COX‐2 protein expression was assessed by western blotting.Results:  PGE2 and MMP‐2 concentrations were significantly higher in both smoking control subjects and patients with COPD than in non‐smoking control subjects (P < 0.01). Moreover, the levels of PGE2 and MMP‐2 were inversely correlated with FEV1% predicted in COPD patients (PGE2: r = −0.748, P < 0.01; MMP‐2: r = −0.801, P < 0.01). Levels of PGE2 were also positively correlated with those of MMP‐2 in patients with COPD (r = 0.775, P < 0.01). Expression of COX‐2 protein was significantly higher in COPD patients than in non‐smoking control subjects.Conclusions:  COX‐2 and its product PGE2 are not only involved in airway inflammation, but may also contribute to the severity of airflow limitation mediated by MMP‐2 during progression of COPD.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux are common in lung transplant patients
Authors: SHEPHERD Kelly L. , CHAMBERS Daniel C. , GABBAY Eli , HILLMAN David R. , EASTWOOD Peter R. 
Published: August 2008

Background and objective:  Gastroesophageal reflux (GOR) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), possibly due to pulmonary aspiration of refluxed acid. Risk of aspiration of gastric contents is increased during sleep due to decreased oesophageal clearance mechanisms and may be further increased by the presence of OSA. This study investigated the relationship between nocturnal GOR, OSA and BOS in a group of lung transplant patients.Methods:  Fourteen lung transplant patients underwent overnight polysomnography with simultaneous dual oesophageal pH monitoring.Results:  Patients had an FEV1 of 84 ± 15% of their best post‐transplant FEV1. Six of the 14 patients were in various stages of BOS. The average proportion of time spent overnight with a pH of <4 was 1.7 ± 3.1%. Increased GOR was evident in 8/14 patients during the postprandial period and/or overnight in the distal and/or proximal oesophagus. All patients had OSA (AHI >5 events per hour). There were no relationships between severity of OSA or GOR and severity of BOS.Conclusion:  Both nocturnal GOR and OSA were common in this group of patients but their occurrences were not related. Neither was there any relationship between the presence of nocturnal GOR or OSA and severity of BOS.