In Vitro Killing of Babesia bovis by the Ornithine Analog α-monofluoromethyldehydroornithine Methyl Ester

The effects of the 2 ornithine decarboxylase inhibitors α-difluoromethylomithine (DFMO) and α-monofluoromethyl-dehydroormithine methyl ester (ΔMFMO-ME) on growth of Babesia bovis blood stages in vitro were tested. The DFMO had no apparent effects on in vitro growth of B. bovis nor on the morphology of the parasite at concentrations up to 20 mM. In contrast, ΔMFMO-ME had cytotoxic effects on B. bovis at 0.5 mM which were more pronounced at 5 mM. ΔMFMO-ME caused both a decrease in percentage parasitized erythrocytes and a degeneration of parasites after 12 h exposure, and the magnitude of both effects was dose-dependent. The effects of ΔMFMO-ME were not reversible for B. bovis precultured for 12 h (5 mM) or 24 h (0.5 mM) in drug before culturing the parasite in drug-free medium. Unexpectedly, 300 μM putrescine did not reverse the effects of ΔMFMO-ME on B. bovis blood stage, raising the possibility that inhibition of omithine decarboxylase is not responsible for these effects.     

Dynamics of Content and Authorship Patterns in The Wildlife Society Journals (1937–2007)

Abstract: A previous analysis of the content of articles published in The Wildlife Society (TWS) journals from 1937 to 1989 concluded that TWS should strive to publish more articles on nongame and endangered species, ecosystems, habitat fragmentation, and human dimensions. We revisited this analysis and included the years 1990–2007 to determine whether, and how, TWS journals have addressed previous concerns. We also analyzed changes in subject content for TWS journals from 1937 to 2007 using selected terms that we considered indicative of emerging trends within the wildlife profession and society by documenting patterns of use of these terms as key words. Additionally, we evaluated authorship patterns for all TWS journals during 1937–2007 to determine trends in both numbers of authors per article and author affiliations. Our analysis demonstrated that the content of TWS journals has changed over time, and the changes reflected emerging themes in TWS, the wildlife profession, and society. We documented increases in published studies of nongame species and multiple species and articles with multiple authorships representing diverse affiliations. We argue that these patterns reflect a TWS response to shifts in public opinion, policy developments, advances in technology, and changes in university curricula. Although the number of studies published on human dimensions and conservation education has increased over time, these disciplines remained underrepresented.     

Evidence of a Minimum Patch Size Threshold of Reproductive Success in an Endangered Songbird

ABSTRACT That area-sensitive songbirds breed only in relatively large patches suggests that there may be a minimum patch size threshold in which they will breed, even when controlling for the total amount of habitat in the landscape. We searched for minimum patch size thresholds of presence, territory establishment by males, pairing success, and reproductive success for 2 migratory songbirds that differed in sensitivity to patch size: golden-cheeked warblers (Dendroica chrysoparia) and white-eyed vireos (Vireo griseus). We assessed 2 potential limiting factors: brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) parasitism and arthropod biomass (food resource). We determined whether either factor was related to patch size and compared measurements of each above and below the observed thresholds. We monitored 24 golden-cheeked warbler and 47 white-eyed vireo territories in 12 patches. We found evidence of a minimum patch size threshold (between 15.0 ha and 20.1 ha) of reproductive success for golden-cheeked warblers, but not for white-eyed vireos. We found no minimum patch size thresholds for presence, territory establishment by males, or pair formation for either species. Conservation practices based on thresholds of presence, territory establishment, or pair formation might not address issues of reproduction for golden-cheeked warblers. We failed to find evidence that cowbird parasitism or arthropod biomass were limiting factors. The ability to identify patch size thresholds of reproductive success for target species could be useful in conservation and management for setting goals for retention and restoration of target species’ habitat patch size.     

Tigers and Telazol®: The Unintended Evolution of Caution to Contraindication

Abstract: Scientific writing depends on citing accurate sources. There can be real-world consequences for failing to do so. As an example, several authors have stated that tiletamine-zolazepam (Telazol®) is contraindicated for tiger (Panthera tigris) immobilization. This admonition has virtually evolved into dogma in the field of wildlife chemical immobilization and was recently used to challenge field research. However, a literature review revealed that no author cited the primary reference that raised concern about the use of Telazol in tigers. We conducted an internet-based inquiry of zoo veterinarians combined with personal communications and other field reports to gather data on the use of Telazol in tigers. These data indicated that the mortality rate (1.3%) of tigers given Telazol was similar to other immobilization regimens in other species, which suggested that, although adverse reactions may still occur, tiletamine-zolazepam should not be contraindicated in tigers. This investigation emphasized the need to conduct thorough literature reviews before making unsubstantiated claims.     

Absence of Murine Melanoma 5′-Nucleotidase Activity Is Not Attributable to a Detectable Inhibitor

Previous observations indicated the absence of demonstrable 5′-nucleotidase activity in six of seven cultured murine melanoma cell lines. It could not be determined from those studies whether the enzyme was absent, or whether an inhibitor was present. The current studies indicate that no inhibitor can be demonstrated, therefore the enzyme is absent.     

Direct and correlated responses to selection for longevity in Drosophila buzzatii

The possible associations between longevity, early fecundity, and stress-resistance traits were explored using artificial selection on longevity in a laboratory population of Drosophila buzzatii . Three replicated lines were selected for increased lifespan (L lines) and compared with the respective unselected controls (C lines) after the 14th generation of selection. Mean longevity exhibited a significant response to selection. The baseline mortality tended to decrease in the L lines and a negative correlated response to longevity selection was found for early fecundity. Egg-to-adult developmental time increased in L lines. Longevity selection increased stress resistance for both high and low temperatures, as measured by heat knockdown resistance and chill-coma recovery. Starvation resistance also tended to be higher in L than in C lines. The results obtained are consistent with the hypothesis of trade-offs between longevity and early fecundity, and also suggest a trade-off association between adult longevity and developmental time. Correlated selection responses were generally consistent with correlations among the traits previously inferred from altitudinal clines for longevity and stress-resistance phenotypes.  © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2009, 97 , 738–748.     

An Occurrence of Shepheardella Siddal (Foraminiferida) from the West Coast of North America

SYNOPSIS. An occurrence of the allogromid genus Shepheardella is here reported for the first time from the western hemisphere. The foraminifer is briefly redescribed and illustrated.