Effect of refrigeration storage of nemathophagous fungi embedded in sodium alginate pellets on predatory activity against asinine gastrointestinal nematodes

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pelleted formulations of Duddingtonia flagrans and Monacrosporium thaumasium sodium alginate matrix stored for two and five years, by refrigeration of 2–8°C, on the predation of nematode infective larvae after passage of the gastrointestinal tract of asinines. Asinines were divided into seven groups, each group containing eight animals, in which each animal received a single dose of 100?g of pellets (containing 20?g of fungal mycelia) along with commercial feed to facilitate ingestion: GI – received D. flagrans pellets stored for five years; GII- received pellets of D. flagrans stored for two years; GIII – received newly produced D. flagrans pellets; GIV – received pellets of M. thaumasium stored for five years; GV – received pellets of M. thaumasium stored for two years; GVI – received pellets of newly-stocked M. thaumasium; and Control – received pellets without nematophagous fungi. It was observed that after passage of the pellets containing D. flangras (AC001) and M. thaumasium (NF34) by the gastrointestinal tract of the asinines, regardless of pellet storage time in assays A (Petri dishes) and B (coprocultures), there was a significant larval reduction (p?<?0.01) up to 72?h. It was concluded that the use of sodium alginate matrix pellets containing D. flagrans and M. thaumasium stored for two and five years were effective on the predation of infective nematode larvae after passage of the gastrointestinal tract from asinines.     

Effects of dredge material placement on benthic macroinvertebrates of the Illinois River

Since the 1930s, dredge material has been removed from the Illinois River and placed along the main channel border in shallow depths to maintain a 2.7 m deep main channel for commercial navigation. Placement of this material changes the sediment composition from primarily silt/clay to primarily sand, and it buries pre-existing benthic invertebrates. During 1997 and 1998, the benthos of an 125 km reach of the middle Illinois River (La Grange Reach) was studied by extracting 1065 Ponar samples from randomly-selected sites which had never received dredge material, received dredge material one year previous, or received dredge material during the current year. Although total numbers of macroinvertebrates collected was lower in 1998 than in 1997, relative abundances of eight targeted taxa were highly similar between years. Chironimidae were most abundant and comprised >66% of all macroinvertebrates collected both years. Differences in densities of Chironomidae, Ephemeroptera, Sphaeriidae, Corbicula fluminea (Muller, 1774), Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771), Odonata, and Gastropoda among the three classes of dredge material placement were all significant (P< 0.05). For all taxa, densities were highest at sites that had never received dredge material; and, for all taxa except Chironimidae, densities were lowest at sites that received dredge material during the current year. No significant recovery by macroinvertebrates was noticed on dredge areas of this reach after one year (P>0.05). Future operations to maintain a channel for navigation should consider preexisting densities of macroinvertebrate taxa. Because benthic macroinvertebrates are an important component of the food web and shifting sand does not support diverse macroinvertebrate communities, strategic placement of dredge material by avoiding islands or other areas of high macroinvertebrate diversity could improve overall system productivity and biotic integrity of large river-floodplains.     

Obese subjects respond to the stimulatory effect of the ghrelin agonist growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 on food intake

Objective: The administration of the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue GH‐releasing peptide (GHRP)‐2, like ghrelin, increases food intake (FI) in lean healthy men. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this effect occurs in obese subjects and whether it is dose‐dependent. Research Methods and Procedures: Nineteen subjects (10 lean and nine obese), all healthy and weight stable, received a double‐blind randomized subcutaneous infusion of GHRP‐2 at high dose (HD; 1 μg/kg per hour), low dose (0.1 μg/kg per hour), or placebo for 270 minutes over three study visits. Blood for hormone assays was collected through an intravenous forearm catheter. Hunger and fullness were rated on visual analog scales before and after a fixed breakfast (320 kcal at 120 minutes) and a buffet lunch at 240 minutes. Before lunch, subjects received taped instructions to eat as much as they wanted. Results: GHRP‐2 infusion significantly increased ad libitum FI in a dose‐dependent manner by 10.2 ± 3.9% at low dose (p = 0.011) and by 33.5 ± 5.8% at HD (p = 0.000) compared with placebo. Obesity status did not influence the effect of GHRP‐2 on FI. All subjects had greater ratings of appetite before but similar levels of fullness after the meal with the HD GHRP‐2. Serum GH levels increased dose dependently in all subjects. Discussion: The dual stimulatory effect of GHRP‐2 on FI and human GH is dose dependent. Obese individuals retain their ability to respond to GHRP‐2 both in terms of FI and human GH.     

A review of Turkish saproxylic beetles from the European Red List

The conservation of beetles that depend on dying or dead wood (i.e. saproxylic), has received a great deal of attention in many parts of the world in recent years. Human activities such as urbanization and logging, and their results, e.g. global warming, destroy natural ecosystems and threaten unusual species such as Lucanus cervus (L. 1758), Rosalia alpina (L. 1758), Limoniscus violaceus (Müller 1821) and Osmoderma eremita (Scopoli 1763). Attempts have been made to conserve the habitats upon which these species depend. Although represented by a large number of species, saproxylic beetles in Turkey have not received much attention. Although some Turkish studies have acknowledged their value, comprehensive investigations of these species are very limited. The aim of this study is to make a list, from the literature, of the species that are endangered in Europe and found in Turkey, to highlight the importance of these species. The research includes 151 saproxylic beetle species belonging to the families Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae, Elateridae, Eucnemidae, Scarabaeidae, Euchiridae, Lucanidae and Mycetophagidae. The list of Turkish saproxylic beetles was prepared using the European Red List of Saproxylic Beetles. Information is provided about the IUCN Red List category in Europe, the locations of the species in Turkey, and their global geographic range. We gathered all data about these species from the international literature. Furthermore, we also include in the list certain species whose locations are not specified, but which inhabit Turkey. We obtained their records from some catalogs in Turkey. In addition to the list, we prepared three distribution maps for Turkey. The maps show distribution in Turkey of some species in the Endangered, Vulnerable and Near Threatened categories in the European Red List. It is expected that this study will lead to comprehensive studies on saproxylic beetles from Turkey.     

Participation of the liver gluconeogenesis in the glibenclamide-induced hypoglycaemia in rats

We previously demonstrated an increased liver gluconeogenesis (LG) during insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia. Thus, an expected effect of sulphonylureas induced hypoglycaemia (SIH) could be the activation of LG. However, sulphonylureas infused directly in to the liver inhibits LG. Considering these opposite effects we investigated herein LG in rats submitted to SIH. For this purpose, 24 h fasted rats that received glibenclamide (10 mg kg^?1) were used (SIH group). Control group received oral saline. Glycaemia at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min after oral administration of glibenclamide were evaluated. Since the lowest glycaemia was obtained 120 min after glibenclamide administration, this time was chosen to investigate LG in situ perfused livers. The gluconeogenesis from precursors that enters in this metabolic pathway before the mitochondrial step, i.e. L ‐alanine (5 mM), L ‐lactate (2 mM), pyruvate (5 mM) and L ‐glutamine were decreased (p < 0·05). However, the gluconeogenic activity using glycerol (2 mM), which enters in the gluconeogenesis after the mitochondrial step was maintained. Taken together, the results suggest that the inhibition of LG promoted by SIH overcome the activation of this metabolic pathway promoted by IIH and could be attributed, at least in part, to its effect on mitochondrial function. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rank relations among sisters in semi-free-ranging Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus)

Although semi-free-ranging Barbary macaque females are able to outrank older females from lower-ranking matrilines (matrilineal rank acquisition), they do not systematically outrank their older sisters, as is known to be the case for semi-free-ranging rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). We test the hypothesis that differences in the support received by younger sisters against their older sisters and against older lower-ranking females might account for this interspecific difference. Thirty-one sister dyads, members of a group of 109 Barbary macaques living at La Montagne des Singes, France, were observed during 16 months. The results indicate that (1) all females were dominant to their younger sisters, and the latter were never observed to challenge their older sisters; (2) younger sisters received as much kin support against their older sisters as against older lower-ranking females; (3) only very young females received support from their kin against their older sisters; (4) younger sisters received much more support from nonkin females against lower-ranking females than against their older sisters; and (5) Barbary macaque females appear to be supported against their older sisters less frequently than rhesus macaque females are. We conclude that the lack of nonkin support is the main factor accounting for the failure of younger sisters to outrank their older sisters in Barbary macaques. Initially this might result from kin support not being sufficient to induce younger sisters to challenge and to solicit support against their older sisters.     

Leucas pachmarhiensis sp. nov. (Lamioideae; Lamiaceae) from central India

A new species, Leucas pachmarhiensis (Lamiaceae), is described and illustrated from the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh, India with conservation status assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’. This novelity is endemic to central India and belongs to Leucas sect. Plagiostoma. It differs from other species of this section by its height up to 120 cm, and inflorescence positioned at multiple nodes. Detailed notes on its conservation status and ecology are provided.     

Effects of Nigella sativa L. and Urtica dioica L. on selected mineral status and hematological values in CCl4-treated rats

This study was designed to investigate the effects of Nigella sativa L. (NS), known as black seed, or/and Urtica dioica L. (UD), known as stinging nettle root, treatments on serum Na, K, Cl, and Ca levels and some hematological values of CCl₄-treated rats. Sixty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250–300 g, were randomly allotted into 1 of 4 experimental groups: A (CCl₄-only treated), B (CCl₄+UD treated), C (CCl₄+NS treated), and D (CCl₄+UD+NS treated), each containing 15 animals. All groups received CCl₄ (0.8 mL/kg of body weight, subcutaneously, twice a week for 90 d starting d 1). In addition, B, C, and D groups also received the daily ip injection of 0.2 mL/kg NS and/or 2 mL/kg UD oils for 45 d starting d 46. Group A, on the other hand, received only 2 mL/kg normal saline solution for 45 d starting d 46. Blood samples for the biochemical analysis were taken by cardiac puncture from five randomly chosen rats in each treatment group at the beginning, d 45, and d 90 of the experiment. The CCl₄ treatment for 45 d significantly (p<0.05) increased the serum K and Ca and decreased (p<0.05) the red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and Hb levels without changing (p>0.05) the serum Na and Cl levels. NS or UD treatments (alone or combination) for 45 d starting d 46 significantly (p<0.05) decreased the elevated serum K and Ca levels and also increased (p<0.05) the reduced RBC, WBC, PCV, and Hb levels. It is concluded that NS and/or UD treatments might ameliorate the CCl₄-induced disturbances of anemia, some minerals, and body’s defense mechanism in CCl₄-treated rats.     

Cutaneous shock produces correlated shifts in slow potential amplitude and cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate level in the parietal cortex of the conscious rat.

Abstract— Fourteen animals each received 4 cutaneous shocks with an interval of 3–5 min between them. During a fifth trial 3–5 min later, eleven subjects received a fifth shock and then 3–30 s afterwards, as cerebral slow potentials developed in response to the stimulus, samples of parietal cortex were rapidly frozen and extracted by a cryoplate. Three baseline subjects received no shock at the time of the fifth trial and had their parietal tissue samples taken without the presence of slow potentials. A correlation coefficient of r=?0.77 (P < 0.01) was observed between the slow potential amplitude on the surface of the parietal cortex at the time of the sampling and the analyzed level of cyclic AMP in the underlying tissue. Five of the shocked animals whose samples were taken before the slow potentials increased significantly showed a tissue level of 11.1 ± 3.0 pmol cyclic AMP/mg protein. This level was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that of the baseline animals (3.1 ± 2.0 pmol cyclic AMP/mg protein). The other six shocked animals who had developed large slow potentials manifested a cyclic AMP level that was not different from the baseline group. It is concluded that a reoccurring cutaneous shock results in the immediate increase in the level of cyclic AMP in the parietal cortex and that within 30 s this level decreases in proportion to the amplitude of the slow potential that develops in the same region.     

FLOWER VISITATION,POLLEN DEPOSITION,AND POLLEN-TUBE COMPETITION IN HIBISCUS MOSCHEUTOS (MALVACEAE)

The potential influence of pollen-tube competition on offspring “quality” has received considerable attention in recent years. Yet the prevalence of pollen competition in natural populations is largely unknown because few investigators have actually measured rates of pollen deposition on stigmas. In this study, we assess the potential for pollen-tube competition in natural populations of the self-compatible, pollinator-dependent herbaceous perennial, Hibiscus moscheutos. Individual flowers averaged two to four visits per 15 min by potential pollinators (Ptilothrix and Bombus), and about 34% of these visits involved contact with a stigma. The median number of pollen grains deposited on virgin stigmas per contact visit was 70 grains (values ranged from 0 to 889), and flowers averaged about four contact visits per hour. Approximately 360 pollen grains must reach stigmas for full seed set to occur in a typical flower (an average ovary has 139 ovules, and 2.6 pollen grains are required per seed). Within 2 and 3 hr exposure to pollinators, 65% and 97% of the flowers received excess pollen (>360 grains) and median stigmatic pollen loads exceeded the number of ovules by a factor of 4.0 and 5.4, respectively. Based on 3 yr observations, it is concluded that pollen competition may frequently occur in this species.     

Batch‐to‐Batch Variation of Polymeric Photovoltaic Materials: its Origin and Impacts on Charge Carrier Transport and Device Performances

A detailed investigation of the impact of molecular weight distribution of a photoactive polymer, poly[N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT), on photovoltaic device performance and carrier transport properties is reported. It is found that different batches of as‐received polymers have substantial differences in their molecular weight distribution. As revealed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), two peaks can generally be observed. One of the peaks corresponds to a high molecular weight component and the other peak corresponds to a low molecular weight component. Photovoltaic devices fabricated with a higher proportion of low molecular weight component have power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) reduced from 5.7% to 2.5%. The corresponding charge carrier mobility at the short‐circuit region is also significantly reduced from 2.7 × 10^?5 to 1.6 × 10^?8 cm² V^?1 s^?1. The carrier transport properties of the polymers at various temperatures are further analyzed by the Gaussian disorder model (GDM). All polymers have similar energetic disorders. However, they appear to have significant differences in carrier hopping distances. This result provides insight into the origin of the molecular weight effect on carrier transport in polymeric semiconducting materials.     

Randomized Control Trial to Improve Adiposity and Insulin Resistance in Overweight Latino Adolescents

Few randomized trials attempt to improve insulin sensitivity and associated metabolic risks in overweight Latino youth. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a modified carbohydrate nutrition program combined with strength training on insulin sensitivity, adiposity, and other type 2 diabetes risk factors in overweight Latino adolescents. In a 16‐week randomized trial, 54 overweight Latino adolescents (15.5 ± 1.0 years) were randomly assigned to: (i) Control (C; n = 16), (ii) Nutrition (N; n = 21), or (iii) Nutrition + Strength training (N+ST; n = 17). The N group received modified carbohydrate nutrition classes (once per week), while the N+ST received the same nutrition classes plus strength training (twice per week). The following were measured at pre‐ and postintervention: strength by 1‐repetition maximum, dietary intake by 3‐day records, body composition by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, glucose/insulin indices by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intravenous glucose tolerance test with minimal modeling. Across intervention group effects were tested using analysis of covariance with post hoc pairwise comparisons. A significant overall intervention effect was found for improvement in bench press (P < 0.001) and reductions in energy (P = 0.05), carbohydrate (P = 0.04) and fat intake (P = 0.03). There were no significant intervention effects on insulin sensitivity, body composition, or most glucose/insulin indices with the exception of glucose incremental area under the curve (IAUC) (P = 0.05), which decreased in the N and N+ST group by 18 and 6.3% compared to a 32% increase in the C group. In conclusion, this intense, culturally tailored intervention resulted in no significant intervention effects on measured risk factors with the exception of a beneficial effect on glycemic response to oral glucose.     

Eradicating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcer Disease Reduces Medical Costs in the Community

Background: Eradicating Helicobacter pylori markedly reduces ulcer recurrence in patients with peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Many decision analysis studies have concluded that eradicating H. pylori in PUD patients is more cost‐effective than maintaining antisecretory therapy. In 1995, we introduced an H. pylori eradication program into a large transportation company that experienced increased incidences of PUD among its employees along with increased medical costs, and we performed trend analysis of the actual medical costs of PUD in this cohort. Methods: In this cohort, there were approximately 8500 employees. H. pylori‐positive PUD patients were identified at the annual health check up. The patients received eradication therapy with lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. After eradication, the patients were followed up by a yearly health check up. The annual number of patients who received eradication was recorded, and the annual direct medical costs of PUD therapy were analyzed. Results: A total of 440 H. pylori‐positive PUD patients received eradication therapy in a 7‐year period. Based on an intention‐to‐treat analysis, the eradication rate was 84.5% (372 of 440). The largest number of patients who received eradication therapy was found in 1995 (n = 115), and from 1995 to 2001 this number decreased yearly by 12.5 (95% confidence interval (CI): 5 to 20). Between 1989 and 1995, the annual medical costs arising of PUD therapy increased by ¥2.25 million (95% CI: 1.19 to 3.31) per year, being highest (¥22.75 million) in 1995. Between 1995 and 2001, the costs decreased by ¥3.88 million (95% CI: 3.16 to 4.59) per year. The cost in 2001 was 5.7% of the cost in 1995. The eradication program was terminated in 2001 because the prevalence of PUD diminished markedly, and the associated medical costs decreased as well. Conclusions: H. pylori eradication could reduce the number of PUD patients and associated medical costs in the workplace setting.     

Risk factors associated with house infestation by the Chagas disease vector Triatoma pallidipennis in Cuernavaca metropolitan area, Mexico

Abstract. Chagas disease caused by infection with Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) is widespread in Mexico, transmitted by various triatomine bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). The only domestic vector in Cuernavaca (population 650 000) is Triatoma pallidipennis (Ståhl) with T. cruzi seroprevalence ranging from 1% to 9% in the resident human population. We surveyed possible risk factors for T. pallidipennis infestation at Cuernavaca (altitude 1200–2200 m) on south-western slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental. This metropolitan area (with five administrative counties) has rapid urbanization, forested environs and proliferation of ‘weekend housing’ for visitors from Mexico City, 60 km to the north. To assess factors associated with T. pallidipennis infestation, we first stratified Cuernavaca by altitude and by socio-economic status of population catchment units (PCUs). Within each PCU, one to three blocks were chosen for cluster sampling (three houses/block) and information about Chagas disease was distributed. After obtaining signed consent from householders, representative houses were routinely and opportunistically inspected for T. pallidipennis and surveyed for demographic, economic, physical and other potential risk factors. Of the 1129 houses assessed, T. pallidipennis was found in 4.1% (range 3.0–6.8% per county) and the T. cruzi infection rate was ∼50% in bugs. Rates of house infestation in poor PCUs were double those in higher socio-economic strata (odds ratio 2.12, confidence interval 1.03–4.3), with >4-fold greater crowding index of T. pallidipennis. The bug density index was inversely correlated with PCU altitude and socio-economic category (altitude of homes being associated with prosperity), while the bug colonization index (presence of nymphs indicating breeding) did not vary significantly across the PCU categories, but did vary according to altitude. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the most significant risk factors associated with T. pallidipennis infestation were lower altitude (linked with lower socio-economic status), garden area >80 m², dogs at liberty to enter the house, occurrence of squirrels and opossums around the house, presence of pigs in the surrounding area and having at least one of the adjacent lots empty (unconstructed). Householders who had received information about Chagas disease comprised 33% from infested houses (14/42) but only 15% from non-infested houses (148/984). Hence, the awareness of Chagas disease was significantly associated with having a bug-free house (P < 0.01). When shown specimens of T. pallidipennis, the proportions of householders who recognized them were 78% from infested houses but only 29% of those with uninfested houses. Given the low infestation rates and the high capacity of the population to act appropriately once they have received information regarding this disease and its vector, relevant health education is expected to have a significant impact on triatomine control in this metropolitan area.     

Does habitat fragmentation reduce genetic diversity and subpopulation connectivity?

The estimation of levels of genetic variation has received considerable attention because it is generally thought to be indicative of overall species vitality and the potential for evolutionary responses to environmental changes. Here, we use allozymes markers and two distinct collections of Cakile maritima, an annual species from sandy coastal habitats (2000 generation and 2005 generation collected from 9 populations in their natural habitats), to assess the magnitude of expected genetic change. We compared genetic diversity between generations (all populations combined), and then between populations at each generation. Based on 13 loci scored from the eight enzymes examined, a high genetic diversity was detected at both the population and generation level as compared to other herbaceous species. However, allelic richness reduction in the 2005 generation suggested restricted gene flow and a high risk of future genetic bottlenecks, if larger tracts of coastal areas disappear. Most loci showed deviation from Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium due to excess of heterozygotes in all populations suggesting that this species has an allogamic mode of reproduction. It appears most likely that this species has experienced a recent decrease in population size, and that genetic drift in small populations has resulted in a loss of alleles occurring at low frequency. Despite the deterioration process, maintenance of high genetic diversity suggests that there are some ecological factors determining population structure.     

ERCC1 expression as a prognostic and predictive factor in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

It is hypothesized that high expression of the excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) gene might be a positive prognostic factor, but predict decreased sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy. Results from the published data are inconsistent. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between ERCC1 and the prognosis and predictive response to chemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a meta-analysis was performed. An electronic search of the PubMed and Embase database was performed. Hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) was pooled in early stage patients received surgery alone to analyze the prognosis of ERCC1 on NSCLC. HRs for OS in patients received surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy and in patients received palliative chemotherapy and relative risk (RR) for overall response to chemotherapy were aggregated to analyze the prediction of ERCC1 on NSCLC. The pooled HR indicated that high ERCC1 levels were associated with longer survival in early stage patients received surgery alone (HR, 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.58–0.83; P = 0.000). There was no difference in survival between high and low ERCC1 levels in patients received surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.93–2.12; P = 0.106). However, high ERCC1 levels were associated with shorter survival and lower response to chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC patients received palliative chemotherapy (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.39–2.22; P = 0.000; RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64–0.93; P = 0.007; respectively). The meta-analysis indicated that high ERCC1 expression might be a favourable prognostic and a drug resistance predictive factor for NSCLC.     

Characterisation of conditioning layers formed by exopolymeric substances of Pseudomonas NCIMB 2021 on surfaces of AISI 316 stainless steel

This investigation aimed to characterise conditioning layers formed on AISI 316 stainless steel by different types of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), i.e. biofilm, planktonic and capsular exopolymers, isolated from continuous cultures of marine Pseudomonas received from the National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria (strain NCIMB 2021). Colorimetric assays and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis confirmed previously obtained results based on a FTIR and SDS‐PAGE study of Pseudomonas NCIMB 2021 EPS demonstrating the presence of protein, neutral and amino sugars and uronic acids. The content and the ratio of these macromolecules differed depending on the type of EPS. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that conditioning layers formed upon exposure of steel to EPS solutions were chemically dissimilar. It is proposed that the observed difference in the chemistry of conditioning layers is the likely reason for reported differences in attachment of Pseudomonas cells to EPS‐conditioned steel surfaces.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Grammonus yunokawai</Emphasis> (Ophidiiformes: Bythitidae), a new marine cavefish from the Ryukyu Islands

A new species of the fish genus Grammonus (Ophidiiformes: Bythitidae) is described based on a ripe female, 98 mm in standard length (SL). It was caught at the bottom of a cave at a depth of 20 m under lightless conditions in Ie-shima Island, one of the Ryukyu Islands. A comparison to the seven described species of Grammonus shows the greatest similarity to the widely distributed G. robustus, but G. yunokawai n. sp. differs from it by having fewer vertebrae (41 vs. 44–47), a greater predorsal length (41.5 vs. 32.0–39.0% SL), higher posterior margin of maxilla (8.4 vs. 5.6–7.3% SL), and greater interorbital width (10.5 vs. 5.9–7.6% SL). Supplementary material to this paper is available in electronic format at     

A new sand whiting, Sillago (Sillago) caudicula, from Oman, the Indian Ocean (Perciformes: Sillaginidae)

A new species of sand whiting, Sillago (Sillago) caudicula, is described based on four specimens collected from Oman, the Indian Ocean. It is easily distinguishable from its four known members of the subgenus Sillago by having a smaller head (29.0–30.1% in standard length), 23–24 soft anal fin rays, 35–36 total vertebrae, body depth at the origin of the second dorsal fin slightly deeper than that at the origin of the first dorsal fin, first and second hypurals fused (in adult) or narrowly separated (in young), third and fourth hypurals fused, and 11 dusky midlateral spots on the body.