Effect of walking stress on growth,physiological adaptability and endocrine responses in Malpura ewes in a semi-arid tropical environment

Sheep in hot semi-arid environments are mostly reared using extensive systems. In addition to thermal stress and feed scarcity, the animals need to walk long distances for grazing in this ecological zone. A study was conducted to assess the effect of long-distance walking on adaptive capability in terms of physiological, biochemical and endocrine responses in Malpura ewes. Fourteen adult Malpura non-pregnant ewes weighing between 33 and 35 kg were used in the study. The ewes were randomly allocated into two groups of seven animals each: GI (n = 7; Control), and GII (n = 7; walking stress). The animals were stall-fed with a diet consisting of 70% roughage and 30% concentrate. Both GI and GII ewes had uniform access to feed and water. The walking stress group (GII) ewes were made to walk 14 km in two spans between 0900 and 1500 hours with 1 h 30 min for each span (7 km) of walking. The ewes subjected to walking stress (GII) were prevented from grazing by applying a face mask made of cotton thread. The study was conducted for a period of two estrous cycles (35 days) during the autumn season (October–November). Physiological responses were recorded twice daily at 0800 and 1400 hours at weekly intervals. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at weekly intervals to study the effects of walking stress on blood biochemical and endocrine parameters. The results indicate that walking stress had significant (P < 0.05) influence on body weight, average daily gain, respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), plasma glucose, calcium, phosphorus, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), tri-iodo-thyronine (T₃), thyroxin (T₄), and cortisol. However, walking stress did not influence the reproductive hormone levels. The significant changes in RR, RT, plasma cortisol, T₃ and T₄ show that Malpura ewes have the capability to adapt to long-distance walking, and that adrenal and thyroid gland hormones play a significant role in such adaptation.     

Biological ability of Malpura rams to counter heat stress challenges and its consequences on production performance in a semi-arid tropical environment

A study was conducted to assess the biological ability of Malpura rams to counter heat stress challenges and its impact on the productive performance in a semi-arid tropical environment. The eighteen adult Malpura rams (average body weight 55.0 kg) were divided into two groups, GI (n = 9; Control) and GII (n = 9; heat stress). The study was conducted for a period of 60 days. The results showed that body weight, body condition score, heart girth and feed intake were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in GII as compared to GI rams. The physiological responses i.e. respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature and sweating rate (body and scrotum) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in rams exposed to heat stress. Among the endocrine parameters, plasma T₃, T₄ and testosterone concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in GII rams, while cortisol concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in GII rams. In addition, heat stress significantly (p < 0.05) reduced semen volume, total sperm motility, sperm concentration and progressive sperm motility in GII rams. The results indicated that Malpura rams adapted to the heat stress condition, however, while doing so their production performances were compromised.     

Gas bubbles in rats after heliox saturation and different decompression steps and rates.

Effects of pressure reduction, decompression rate, and repeated exposure on venous gas bubble formation were determined in five groups (GI, GII, GIII, GIV, and GV) of conscious and freely moving rats in a heliox atmosphere. Bubbles were recorded with a Doppler ultrasound probe implanted around the inferior caval vein. Rats were held for 16 h at 0.4 MPa (GI), 0.5 MPa (GII and GIII), 1.7 MPa (GIVa), or 1.9 MPa (GIV and GV), followed by decompression to 0.1 MPa in GI to GIII and to 1.1 MPa in GIV and GV. A greater decompression step, but at the same rate (GII vs. GI and GIVb vs. GIVa), resulted in significantly more bubbles (P < 0.01). A twofold decompression step resulted in equal amount of bubbles when decompressing to 1.1 MPa compared with 0.1 MPa. The faster decompression in GII and GVa (10.0 kPa/s) resulted in significantly more bubbles (P < 0.01) compared with GIII and GVb (2.2 kPa/s). No significant difference was observed in cumulative bubble score when comparing first and second exposure. With the present animal model, different decompression regimes may be evaluated.     

Ameliorative effects of ω-3 fatty acids on stress induced alteration in rhythms of selective biochemical parameters in rats

Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats in each, Control animals without stress (GI); Rats with induced physical stress (GII); Normal Rats fed with omega fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acid (GIII); Stressed Rats supplemented omega-3 fatty acid diet (GIV). In GII and GIV physical stress was induced by keeping six rats in a standard cage instead of four rats and in GIV fish oil was added in the feed @ 3% to ameliorate the physical stress. Sampling was done on 15th and 29th day of the study. On 15th day of study no significant difference was found between the groups with respect to blood glucose and total protein levels, but on 29th day there was significant increase in blood glucose in GII and significant decrease in GIII. There was significant increase in total protein of GIII and decrease in GII, respectively apart from the significant increase in GIII on 29th day as compared to 15th day. Serum creatinine levels were found to be significantly lower in both the samples of GIII. The total and LDL cholesterol was significantly higher in GII but on 29th day it was found to be significantly lower in GIII. The HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in GII and significantly higher in GIII on 29th day, whereas it was vice versa with respect to triglycerides. Serum ALT, was found to be significantly lower in GIII and higher in GII on 29th day with no significant changes observed on 15th day. The liver of GII revealed central vein congestion and mononuclear cell infiltration in portal triad, whereas GIV showed only mild changes. The study proves the time-dependent beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids during physical stress.     

Effects of azaperone and haloperidol on the stress response of drive-net captured Iberian ibexes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capra pyrenaica</Emphasis>)

The physical capture of wild ungulates is performed for different purposes when anesthesia in field conditions is not possible or advisable. The use of tranquilizers may contribute to improved welfare of captured animals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of azaperone and haloperidol on the stress response of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) through the evaluation of physiological, hematological, and serum biochemical parameters. Thirty-five Iberian ibexes were drive-net captured and randomly injected with azaperone (0.52 ± 0.07 mg/kg intramuscularly (IM); n = 10), haloperidol (0.17 ± 0.04 mg/kg IM; n = 10), or saline (0.5 mL IM; n = 15) and physically restrained for 3 h. The variability of heart rate was lower in the azaperone-treated ibexes, suggesting a calming effect, and erythrocyte and biochemical parameters indicated vasodilation, splenic sequestration, hemodilution, improvement of renal perfusion, and a protective effect on muscle as a result of smooth muscle relaxation induced by azaperone. Haloperidol showed poorer results, maybe due to insufficient dosage. These results support the suitability of using azaperone in capture operations of Iberian ibex in order to reduce stress and prevent its adverse effects.     

Physiological rhythmicity in Malpura ewes to adapt to cold stress in a semi-arid tropical environment

A study was conducted to assess the rhythmic pattern of physiological parameter in Malpura ewes to adapt to cold stress in a semi-arid tropical environment. Eighteen adult Malpura ewes were selected for the present study. These ewes were randomly allocated into two groups: GI (Open shed; n=9) and GII (Protected; n=9). The study was conducted for a period of 30 days during the peak winter season (December 2011) during which the animals were stall fed. Blood samples were collected at fortnightly interval. The growth, physiological response, blood biochemical response and endocrine response parameters were studied. The results reveal that cold stress had significant negative influence on all the parameters studied in the ewes. In conclusion, it can be said that cold stress had significant influence on the biological functions in the ewes that would result in the impairment of their production and reproductive efficiency as well. The study also indicates the relevance of provision of appropriate protective measures to foster cold during the extreme winter months in the arid and semi-arid tropical areas.     

Influence of different periods of exposure to hot environment on rumen function and diet digestibility in sheep

Effects of different periods of exposure to hot environments on rumen function, diet digestibility and digesta passage rate were studied in four adult not-pregnant Sardinian ewes housed in a climatic chamber. The ewes were kept in individual metabolic cages. The trial lasted 83 days; 17 days were spent under thermal comfort conditions (TC) [temperature-humidity index (THI) = 65.0 ± 2.0], followed by 49 days under elevated THI (ETHI: THI = 82.0 ± 2.5) and 17 days under thermal comfort (TC; THI = 65.0 ± 1.0). Five digestibility and passage rate trials were carried out during the 83 days. Trials 1 and 5 were carried out under TC; trials 2, 3 and 4 were carried out under ETHI. Values of rectal temperatures (39.7 ± 0.3°C) and respiratory rate (118.4 ± 31.8 breaths/min) indicated that sheep under ETHI were heat-stressed. Heat stress caused an increase (P < 0.01) in water intake, and reductions (P < 0.05) in dry matter intake, rumen pH, rumen cellulolytic and amylolytic bacteria count, rumen osmolarity, organic matter, dry matter, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and non-structural carbohydrates digestibility coefficients, and a reduction of digesta passage rates. Under ETHI, diet digestibility and passage rate of digesta were reduced in a time-dependent fashion. Variation of diet digestibility under ETHI was not related to passage rate of digesta and feed intake. Reduction of cellulolytic and amylolytic bacteria and the adaptive response to hot environment seem to be related to alteration of digestibility observed in ewes chronically exposed to hot environment.     

Serum heat shock protein 27 antigen and antibody levels appear to be related to the macrovascular complications associated with insulin resistance: a pilot study

Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) is over-expressed when cells are exposed to stressful conditions that include oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and insulin resistance. We have investigated the concentrations of serum Hsp27 antigen and antibodies in subjects from different glycaemic categories, who either did or did not have established CVD. Serum Hsp27 antigen and antibody levels (immunoglobulins M and G (IgM and IgG)) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in 68 individuals: 26 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 10 with (+) and 16 without (−) a history of CVD and 42 individuals with varying degrees of glucose intolerance (GI; 21 with and 21 without a history of CVD). Insulin sensitivity was determined in each subject using indices derived from the homeostasis model assessment of sensitivity and the insulin sensitivity index for glycaemia. Serum Hsp27 concentrations were significantly higher in GI (+CVD) subjects compared to GI (−CVD) subjects (p = 0.03), NGT (−CVD) subjects (p = 0.02) and NGT (+CVD) subjects (p = 0.04) and were positively correlated to fasting plasma glucose for all subjects (r = 0.28, p = 0.03). IgM antibody levels were significantly higher in GI (+CVD) subjects compared to NGT (−CVD) group (p = 0.02) and were inversely related to fasting insulin concentrations (r = −0.27, p = 0.04) and the 2-h insulin concentrations (r = −0.29, p = 0.03) for all subjects. Serum IgG antibody levels were higher in GI (+CVD) group compared to GI (−CVD) group (p = 0.06). In conclusion, Hsp27 and its antibody concentrations appear to relate to the presence of cardiovascular complications in patients with GI.     

Increased serum HSP70 levels are associated with the duration of diabetes

The evolutionary conserved family of heat shock proteins (HSP) is responsible for protecting cells against different types of stress, including oxidative stress. Although the levels of HSPs can be readily measured in blood serum, the levels of HSP70 in patients with different durations of diabetes have not been studied before. We quantified serum HSP70 levels in a healthy control group (n = 36) and two groups of type 2 diabetic patients, defined as newly diagnosed diabetes (n = 36) and patients with diabetes duration of more than 5 years (n = 37). The clinical characteristics and biochemical parameters were evaluated in the studied population. We found that serum HSP70 levels were significantly higher in patients with diabetes when compared with controls (p < 0.001) and it was higher in patients with disease for more than 5 years than in newly diagnosed patients (p < 0.001). Serum HSP70 was inversely correlated with fasting blood sugar in patients with diabetes for more than 5 years (r = −0.500, p = 0.002), positively correlated with the history of hypertension in newly diagnosed patients (p < 0.001), and positively correlated with age in patients with diabetes (r = 0.531, p = 0.001). Serum level of HSP70 is significantly higher in patients with diabetes and correlates with the duration of disease. Higher HSP70 in prolonged diabetes versus newly diagnosed diabetes may be an indicator of metabolic derangement in the course of diabetes.     

Domestic use of a disclosing solution for denture hygiene: a randomised trial

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00309.x
Domestic use of a disclosing solution for denture hygiene: a randomised trial Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the domestic use of a disclosing agent for denture hygiene. Materials and methods: Completely edentulous participants wearing maxillary dentures were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups: (1) Follow‐up only (control; n = 12); (2) Oral and denture hygiene instructions (n = 10); (3) Instructions associated with the home use of a disclosing agent (1% neutral red; n = 10). Biofilm coverage area (%) over internal and external surfaces of the maxillary denture was assessed at baseline and after 14 and 90 days. Data were evaluated by generalised estimating equations based on score tests (α = 0.05). Results: The participants presented low changes for areas of biofilm coverage (14 days (%): internal: GI = 1.4 ± 0.9; GII = 1.5 ± 1.3; GIII = ?0.4 ± 0.9; external: GI = 1.4 ± 1.5; GII = 1.5 ± 1.4; GIII = ?0.4 ± 0.9; 90 days (%): internal: GI = 2.0 ± 0.9; GII = 2.2 ± 1.4; GIII = 0.3 ± 1.0; external: GI = 2.1 ± 1.4; GII = 2.2 ± 1.5; GIII = 0.3 ± 0.9). Changes were similar for the three groups (p = 0.293) and were not influenced by the test time (p = 0.218). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the home use of a disclosing agent for denture hygiene does not improve the removal of the biofilm, particularly for patients with adequate oral hygiene habits.     

Clinical evaluation of different applications of misoprostol and aglepristone for induction of abortion in bitches

The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical and endocrinological effects of different applications of misoprostol (MIS) and aglepristone (AGL) for the induction of abortion in bitches. For this purpose, 28 healthy pregnant bitches from different breeds, ages, body weights (Body weigt, BWs, 10–40 kg), and between Days 25 to 35 of gestation were used. Bitches were randomly assigned to four groups. In group 1 (GI, n = 7), AGL (10 mg/kg BW, s.c. on 2 consecutive days); in group 2 (GII, n = 7), AGL (as in GI), intravaginal MIS (IVag, 200 μg for bitches with ≤20 kg BW, 400 μg for bitches with >20 kg BW, daily intravaginally until completion of abortion); in group 3 (GIII, n = 7), AGL (as in GI), ICVag (as in GII), per os MIS (400 μg for bitches with ≤20 kg BW, 800 μg for bitches with >20 kg BW, daily orally, until completion of abortion); in group 4 (GIV, n = 7), AGL (as in GI), per os MIS (as GIII) were used. Clinical, vaginal, and ultrasonographic examinations were performed daily until abortion was completed. For measurement of serum progesterone, blood samples were collected in all groups immediately after the first AGL administration and every other day until completion of abortion. No statistical differences were found between groups concerning the duration until completion of abortion after treatment (nonsignificant); however, in GII, one bitch completed abortion 2 days after the start of treatment.     

ELISA of rat sera infected with Paragonimus iloktsuenensis

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of paragonimiasis iloktsuenensis rat sera was performed using crude antigens of Paragonimus iloktsuenensis (PIA), P. westermani (PWA) and Clonorchis sinensis (CSA). Three crude antigens (PIA, PWA, CSA) were prepared to saline homogenated supernatants of whole adult worms. Infected rat sera were obtained biweekly from the albino rats fed 50-80 metacercariae of P. iloktsuenensis through gastric catheter. Experimental groups were divided into 4 groups: GI (controls), GII, GIII and GIV according to 1-7 worms as GII, 10-19 worms as GIII and 22-40 worms as GIV, respectively. In ELISA, the mean OD values of each group for the homologous antigen (PIA) were increased significantly compared to the control sera at the 4th week of infection. With the progress of duration of infection, the mean OD values of infected sera of GII & GIV continuously increased up to the 12th week (last week), but in GIII the mean OD value increased until the 10th week. No significance was noted among the infection dose groups (GII, GIII and GIV), after the 6th week of infection. Also, the OD values of all infected rats did not show any proportional relationships to the number of worms recovered. In brief, the antibody productivity of individual rats were strongly different. The rat sera infected with P. iloktsuenensis cross-reacted with those infected with P. westermani or C. sinensis, as identified by OD values.     

Effects of triazolopyrimidine on lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels in the corticosteroid-impaired healing of rat tracheal anastomoses

Corticosteroids are used to reduce the oedema and prevent scar tissue formation of the upper airways by their ability to inhibit influx of inflammatory cells, limit capillary permeability and block collagen synthesis in the early stages of wound healing. Triazolopyrimidine (Trapidil) is an antiplatelet agent that acts in part as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and as a competitive inhibitor of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor. Trapidil, with its vasodilator and NO releasing effect may have some potential to diminish the tissue injury. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of trapidil (triazolopyrimidine) on lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide in the corticosteroid-impaired healing of tracheal anastomoses. Thirty-four adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The animals underwent tracheal transection and primary anastomoses. The groups were assigned as follows: group I, control, (GI, n = 6); group II, sham, (GII, n = 6); group III, dexamethasone, 0.1 mg kg(-1) twice daily intramuscularly, (GIII, n = 8); group IV, trapidil, 6 mg kg(-1) twice daily intraperitoneally (GIV, n = 7); group V, dexamethasone, 0.1 mg kg(-1) plus trapidil, 6 mg kg(-1) twice daily (GV, n = 7), for 1 week. After 1 week, anastomotic healing was assessed by measurement of bursting pressure, evaluation of histopathology, measurement of MDA and nitrite/nitrate levels. In GIII, GIV and GV bursting pressures resulted in significantly reduced anastomotic strength compared to the controls (p < 0.001 for all groups). The difference between bursting pressures of GIII and GIV was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.966). In regard to fibroblast proliferation and collagen content, a significant difference was found between GIII and GI (p < 0.01), A significant difference was also found when GIV and GV were compared to GIII (p < 0.01). MDA and nitrite/nitrate levels were found to be higher in GIII when compared to all other groups. MDA levels of GIV and GV rats were found to be lower than GIII (p < 0.001, for both groups). The nitrite/nitrate levels of GIV and GV rats were found to be lower than GIII (p < 0.05), and higher than GI (p < 0.001). Trapidil may be useful for its preventive effects on lipid peroxidation and possible increases in NO in cases with corticosteroid-impaired healing of trachea anastomoses.     

Alterations in Trace Elements and Oxidative Stress in Uremic Patients with Dementia

The present study was conducted to compare the trace elements and oxidative status between uremic patients with and without dementia. Chronic hemodialysis patients with dementia (n = 20) and without dementia (n = 25), and age-matched healthy volunteers (n = 20) were enrolled. The nutritional status, blood levels of trace elements aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl production, antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were measured. No significant difference in nutritional status or clinical characteristics was observed between nondementia and dementia patients. However, uremic patients with dementia have significantly higher Al, Cu, and Mg and lower Zn concentrations, as well as increased Cu/Zn ratio in comparison to nondementia patients. There were statistically significant increased MDA and carbonyl production and decreased GPx and GR activities in dementia patients. Furthermore, the significant associations of Al, Mg, and Cu/Zn ratio with oxidative status in patients with dementia were noted. The dementia may initially worsen with abnormal metabolism of trace elements and oxidative stress occurrence. Our results suggest that abnormalities in trace element levels are associated with oxidative stress and may be a major risk factor in the dementia development of uremic patients.     

Novel monoclonal antibodies broadly reactive to human recombinant sapovirus‐like particles

Sapovirus (SaV), a member of the family Caliciviridae, is an important cause of acute epidemic gastroenteritis in humans. Human SaV is genetically and antigenically diverse and can be classified into four genogroups (GI, GII, GIV, and GV) and 16 genotypes (7 GI [GI.1–7], 7 GII, [GII.1–7], 1 GIV and 1 GV), based on capsid sequence similarities. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are powerful tools for examining viruses and proteins. PAI myeloma cells were fused with spleen cells from mice immunized with a single type of recombinant human SaV virus‐like particles (VLPs) (GI.1, GI.5, GI.6, GII.3, GIV, or GV). Sixty‐five hybrid clones producing MAbs were obtained. Twenty‐four MAbs were characterized by ELISA, according to their cross‐reactivity to each VLP (GI.1, GI.5, GI.6, GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.7, GIV, and GV). The MAbs were classified by this method into: (i) MAbs broadly cross‐reactive to all GI, GII, GIV and GV strains; (ii) those reactive in a genogroup‐specific; and (iii) those reactive in a genotype‐specific manner. Further analysis of three broadly cross‐reactive MAbs with a competitive ELISA demonstrated that at least two different common epitopes are located on the capsid protein of human SaVs in the four genogroups. The MAbs generated and characterized in this study will be useful tools for further study of the antigenic and structural topography of the human SaV virion and for developing new diagnostic assays for human SaV.     

Zinc in Postmortem Body Tissues and Fluids

Data on zinc concentration in the human body may be used to interpret the results obtained in cases of chronic and acute poisonings with zinc compounds, i.e., in clinical and forensic toxicology. In this paper, the concentrations of zinc in human tissues and body fluids obtained from autopsy cases concerning non-poisoned people (n = 203), aged from 14 to 80 years, between 1995 and 2008, are presented. The following values were found by the flame atomic absorption method (mean ± SD, median, range, in microgram per gram or microgram per milliliter): brain 10.3 ± 1.36, 10.2, 7.99–13.8 (n = 48); stomach 14.2 ± 3.63, 13.6, 8.00–22.5 (n = 71); intestines 15.7 ± 5.22, 15.8, 8.36–28.1 (n = 35); liver 39.6 ± 16.1, 36.6, 16.0–78.8 (n = 109); kidney 33.8 ± 10.1, 31.8, 16.4–60.9 (n = 93); lung 12.0 ± 3.88, 11.0, 6.13–18.7 (n = 26); spleen 14.7 ± 2.53, 14.6, 11.4–18.3 (n = 5); heart 26.5 ± 3.63, 26.7, 22.5–31.8 (n = 5); blood 6.81 ± 1.21, 7.00, 4.02–8.68 (n = 50); urine 0.69 ± 1.70, 0.60, 0.39–1.00 (n = 5), and bile 4.92 ± 1.64, 3.75, 3.20–7.09 (n = 9). The accuracy of the method was checked through the use of SRM Bovine Liver 1577b (certified: 127 ± 16 μg Zn/g, found: 117 ± 0.7 μg Zn/g (n = 6)).     

Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Relationship with Zincemia and Activities of Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase in Obese Women

Alterations in antioxidant defense in obese people with metabolic syndrome can contribute to oxidative stress. This study assessed the relationship between the parameters of metabolic syndrome and the zincemia, activity of superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase enzymes in obese women. Seventy-three premenopausal women, aged between 20 and 50 years, were divided into two groups: case group, composed of obese (n = 37), and control group, composed of no obese (n = 36). Analyses of zinc intake, parameters of metabolic syndrome, plasma, and erythrocyte zinc, and activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were carried out. The mean values of body mass index of obese women and control group were 34.5 ± 3.4 and 21.7 ± 1.9 kg/m², respectively (p < 0.05). In the study, body mass index, waist circumference, and zinc intake were higher in obese women than control group (p < 0.05). The plasma zinc and activity of superoxide dismutase did not show significant differences between obese and controls (p > 0.05). The values of erythrocyte zinc was 36.4 ± 15.0 μg/gHb and 45.4 ± 14.3 μg/gHb and of glutathione peroxidase was 46.4 ± 19.4 U/gHb and 36.7 ± 13.6 U/gHb in obese women and controls, respectively (p < 0.05). The study shows that there are alterations in biochemical parameters of zinc in obese women, with low zinc concentrations in erythrocytes. Regression analysis demonstrates that the erythrocyte zinc and activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme is influenced by components of the metabolic syndrome, and the plasmatic glucose, body mass index, and waist circumference have a negative correlation with this enzyme.     

Ranging behaviour and socio-biology of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) on lowland mesotrophic river systems

We examined the spatial structure and socio-biology of a native wild population of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) on mesotrophic rivers in a mild temperate climate. Radio-tracking of 20 individuals revealed exclusive intra-sexual adult home-ranges. Adult female home-ranges (7.5 km, SD = 1.5 km, n = 7) were inversely related to river width (, F ₆ = 13.5, P = 0.014) and so appeared to be based on food resources. The aquatic area within adult male home-ranges (30.2 ha, SD = 9.5 ha, n = 5) was greater than that within adult female’s (16.8 ha, SD = 7.0 ha) (t ₁₀ = 2.437, P = 0.035), though this result is inconclusive because some males were tracked on oligotrophic rivers. One adult male expanded its range from 10.2 km to 19.3 km within 5 days of the death of the neighbouring male, suggesting that male home-ranges were heavily influenced by conspecifics.     

Reproductive and Life History Parameters of Wild Female <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macaca assamensis</Emphasis>

Information on basic reproductive parameters and life-history traits is crucial for the understanding of primate evolution, ecology, social behavior, and reproductive strategies. Here, we report 4 yr of data on reproductive and life-history traits for wild female Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, northeastern Thailand. During 2 consecutive reproductive seasons, we investigated reproductive behavior and sexual swelling size in 16 females and collected 1832 fecal samples. Using enzyme immunoassays, we measured fecal estrogen and progesterone metabolites to assess ovarian activity and timing of ovulation and to ascertain conceptions and pregnancies. Timing of reproduction was strictly seasonal (births: April–July, 86% in April–June, 4 yr, n = 29; conceptions: October–February, 65% in December–January, 2 yr, n = 17). Females showed no cyclic ovarian activity outside the mating season and conceived in their first or second cycle (mean: 1.2 cycles to conception, n = 13). Gestation length was on average 164.2 d (range: 158–170, n = 10), and females had their first infant at an age of 5 yr (n = 4). Interbirth intervals were bimodally distributed, with females giving birth on average every 13.9 or 23.2 mo. Shorter interbirth intervals were linked to early parturition within the birth season. Most females displayed subcaudal sexual swellings which, however, did not reliably indicate female reproductive status or fertility. Overall, our results fall within the range of findings reported for other macaque species. These results thus add to the growing body of information available for wild macaques, facilitating comparative studies for a better understanding of interspecific differences in social and reproductive patterns.     

Distribution analysis of population structures for Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA in Japanese paddy field,using rep-PCR assay

In the present study, characterisation of genotypic variations of Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA associated with rice sheath blight by Rep-PCR assay and their structure of the genotypic variations by monitoring vertical and horizontal movements of their populations at a short distance level were investigated in Japanese paddy fields. Differences of the Rep-PCR fingerprintings were observed and distinguished into four genotypic variations referred to as GI, GII, GIII and GIV, respectively. Although similarity index of each genotype showed high levels of homology (85–90%) within the same genotypes, low levels of similarity index (65–70%) were also varied among the comparison of different genotypes. Moreover, diversity of genotypic populations was observed which is consistent with the correlations between the geographical undulations of the paddy fields and the occupation of their genotypic populations, indicating the presence of genotype GI on low lands such as AK1 and also the presence ofgenotype GIV on high lands such as AK4.