Effect of host plants on the infectivity of nucleopolyhedrovirus to Spodoptera exigua larvae

Previous studies have shown that the infectivity of baculovirus to herbivores is affected by phytochemicals ingested during the acquisition of viral inoculum on the foliage of host plants. Here, we measured the effects of 14 host plant species on the infectivity of Spodoptera exigua nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeNPV) to its larvae. The order of the LD₅₀ values of SeNPV among the host plants was Ipomoea aquatica > Brassica oleracea > Raphanus sativus > Amaranthus tricolor > Spinacia oleracea > Vigna unguiculata > Solanum melongena > Capsicum annuum > Apium graveolens > Allium fistulosum > Lactuca sativa > Brassica chinensis > Zea mays > Glycine max, with 940.1 ± 2.26, 424.0 ± 0.60, 295.2 ± 1.13, 147.3 ± 0.63, 138.6 ± 0.22, 119.9 ± 0.07, 119.8 ± 0.02, 109.2 ± 0.18, 104.8 ± 0.62, 102.1 ± 0.66, 97.9 ± 0.22, 89.9 ± 0.32, 79.0 ± 0.13 and 64.0 ± 0.38 OBs per larva, respectively, and the values of mean time to death of virus‐infected larvae were 6.21 ± 0.11, 7.12 ± 0.10, 7.33 ± 0.21, 6.97 ± 0.02, 7.06 ± 0.01, 7.29 ± 0.03, 7.32 ± 0.05, 7.07 ± 0.08, 7.24 ± 0.11, 7.09 ± 0.13, 7.50 ± 0.06, 7.23 ± 0.01, 7.30 ± 0.02 and 7.19 ± 0.07 days, respectively. The mean time to death of larvae decreased with increasing viral dose, and corrected mortality decreased as the larval mean time to death increased. These findings have significance for understanding the effects of host plants on the infectivity of baculovirus to noctuids.     

The taxonomy of the family Paramphistomidae Fischoeder, 1901 with special reference to the morphology of species occurring in ruminants. II. Revision of the genus Paramphistomum Fischoeder, 1901

Summary The genus Paramphistomum Fischoeder, 1901 is redefined and restricted and only the following species are retained and considered valid: P. cervi (Zeder, 1790) (type species); P. liorchis Fischoeder, 1901; P. gracile Fischoeder, 1901 P. epiclitum Fischoeder, 1904; P. gotoi Fukui, 1922, P. ichikawai Fukui, 1922; P. leydeni Näsmark, 1937 and P. hiberniae Willmott, 1950. These are redescribed and illustrated. A new species, Paramphistomum cephalophi is described and illustrated from the black-fronted duiker (Cephalophus nigrifrons) in Rwanda. It differs from the rest of the species in the genus by the presence of an anterior sphincter in the pharynx and the characteristic posterior notch of the acetabular rim. Scanning electron photomicrographs of the tegumental surfaces of the species in the genus are provided. Cotylophoron indicum Stiles & Goldberger, 1910 (=Paramphistomum thapari Price & McIntosh, 1953), C. madrasense Gupta, 1958, C. chauhani Gupta & Gupta, 1972, Paramphistomum indicum Stiles & Goldberger, 1910 (in part), P. malayi Lee & Lowe, 1971 and Srivastavaia indica Singh, 1970 are considered synonyms of Paramphistomum epiclitum Fischoeder, 1904. Paramphistomum indicum Stiles & Goldberger, 1910 (in part) and P. bombayiensis Gupta & Verma in Gupta & Nakhasi, 1977 are regarded as synonyms of Paramphistomum gracile Fischoeder, 1901. P. scotiae Willmott, 1950, P. julimarinorum Velázquez-Maldonado, 1976, P. nicabrasilorum Velázquez- Maldonado, 1976, P. procapri Wang, 1979 and Cotylophoron skrjabini Mitskevich, 1958 are considered synonyms of Paramphistomum leydeni Näsmark, 1937. Cotylophoron vigisi Davydova, 1963 is considered synonymous with Paramphistomum ichikawai Fukui, 1922. Paramphistomum birmense Railliet, 1924, P. microon Railliet, 1924, P. chinensis Hsu, 1935 and P. pseudocuonum Wang, 1979 are regarded as species inquirendae.The genera Liorchis Velichko, 1966 and Srivastavaia Singh, 1970 are synonymized with Paramphistomum Fischoeder, 1901.A key to the species of the genus is provided.Part of a thesis approved by the University of London for the award of the Ph.D. degree.Part of a thesis approved by the University of London for the award of the Ph.D. degree.     

全球陆地生态系统光合作用与呼吸作用的温度敏感性

基于全球647套通量数据,定量分析了全球尺度下生态系统光合作用和呼吸作用的温度敏感性(Q10)随纬度、气候和植被的分布规律。结果表明:在全球尺度下,光合作用和呼吸过程的温度敏感性(Q10,G和Q10,R)都随纬度的升高而增加,其中Q10,G和Q10,R的均值分别为3.99±0.21和2.28±0.074。除热带多树草原、常绿落叶林外,Q10,G均大于Q10,R值。不同植被类型的温度敏感性存在显著性差异,表现为:针叶林阔叶林;落叶林常绿林,其中生态系统的季节性变异是造成差异的主要原因。当植被类型和纬度区域共同影响Q10值时,植被类型对Q10值的总变异贡献更大。气候类型对Q10,G和Q10,R都有显著影响。在气候带上,干旱带的Q10,G最小,而冷温带的Q10,G最高。不同气候类型下(除温带草原气候外)的Q10,G都大于Q10,R。在极端条件下,温度可能不在是主导因素,而水分对温度敏感性的影响不可忽略,今后的研究需要更多的关注生态系统温度敏感性对水分变化的响应。     

Ethylenesulfide as a useful agent for incorporation into the biopolymer chitosan in a solvent-free reaction for use in cation removal

Chitosan (Ch) was chemically modified with ethylenesulfide (Es) under solvent-free conditions to give (ChEs), displaying a high content of thiol groups due to opening of the three member cyclic reagent. Elemental analysis showed a decrease in nitrogen content. This result indicated the incorporation of two ethylenesulfide molecules for each unit of the polymeric structure of the precursor biopolymer. Infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and ¹³C NMR in the solid state demonstrated the effectiveness of the reaction, with signals at 30 ppm for ChEs due to the change in the methylene group environment. Divalent metal uptake by chemically modified biopolymer gave the order Cu > Ni > Co > Zn, reflecting the corresponding acidity of these cations in bonding to the sulfur and the basic nitrogen atoms available on the pendant chains. The equilibrium data were fitted to Freundlich, Temkin, and Langmuir models. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity for the cations was found to be 1.54 ± 0.02, 1.25 ± 0.03, 1.13 ± 0.01, and 0.83 ± 0.03 mmol g⁻¹, respectively. The Langmuir model best explained the cation–sulfur bond interactions at the solid–liquid interface. The thermodynamics for these interactions gave exothermic enthalpic values of −43.02 ± 0.03, −28.72 ± 0.02, −26.27 ± 0.04, and −17.32 ± 0.02 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. The spontaneity of the systems is given by negative Gibbs free energies of −31.2 ± 0.1, −32.7 ± 0.1, −31.7 ± 0.1, and −32.2 ± 0.1 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively, in spite of the unfavorable negative entropic values of −39 ± 1, −13 ± 1, −18 ± 1, and −49 ± 1 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ due to solvent ordering in the course of complexation. This newly synthesized biopolymer is presented as a chemically useful material for cation removal from aqueous solution.     

Assessment of Minerals in Obesity-related Diseases in the Chandigarh (India) Population

Excessive Zn but normal Cu and Mg in the staple food consumed by the people of Chandigarh (Union territory and capital of Punjab and Haryana States of India) has been considered to be the major risk factor for the prevalence of obesity (33.15%) and obesity-related diseases in this region. Therefore, in the present investigations, in obesity-related diseases, the status of these minerals was estimated in their tissues, including hair, nails, and blood serum and urine, and compared with those of normal subjects. They were grouped as: normal subjects in control Group A, middle-aged diabetics in Group D_M, older diabetics in Group D_O, and diabetics with osteoarthritis in Group D+ OA, osteoarthritis in Group OA and rheumatoid arthritis in Group RA, respectively. The results evaluated in the order as: hair Zn, group D+OA>D_M>OA>A (control)>RA>D_O (p < 0.001); hair Cu, group A (control)>D_M>OA>D+OA>D_O>RA (p < 0.001); hair Mg, group A (control)>D_M>OA>D+OA>RA>D_O (p < 0.001, 0.01); hair Mn, group A (control)>RA>OA>D-OA>D_M>D_O (p < 0.001); nail Zn, group D_M>D+OA>OA>A (control)>RA>D_O (p < 0.001, 0.05); nail Cu, group A (control)>OA>D_M>D+OA>RA>D_O (p < 0.001); nail Mg, group A (control)>OA>D_M>D_O>D+OA >RA (p < 0.001); nail Mn, group A (control) >RA>OA>D+OA>D_M>D_O (p < 0.01); urine Zn, group D_O>D_M>D+OA>A (control)>RA>OA (p < 0.01); urine Cu, group RA>D+OA>D_O>OA> D_M>A (control) (p<0.001); urine Mg, group RA>OA>D+OA>D_O>D_M>A (control; p < 0.001); urine Mn, group D_O>D_M>OA>D+OA>RA>A (control; p < 0.001), respectively. The analysis of the mineral status in serum of diabetics further showed their highly significant rise from lower mean age subgroup to higher mean age subgroup than their control counter parts (p < 0.001, 0.01, and 0.05) with coincident deficiencies of Cu, Mg, and Mn in their tissues. This study would be helpful considering the status of minerals in these obesity-related diseases depending on the choice of the food consumed to improve the quality of life and prognosis for the diseases.     

Family-group names in Coleoptera (Insecta)

We synthesize data on all known extant and fossil Coleoptera family-group names for the first time. A catalogue of 4887 family-group names (124 fossil, 4763 extant) based on 4707 distinct genera in Coleoptera is given. A total of 4492 names are available, 183 of which are permanently invalid because they are based on a preoccupied or a suppressed type genus. Names are listed in a classification framework. We recognize as valid 24 superfamilies, 211 families, 541 subfamilies, 1663 tribes and 740 subtribes. For each name, the original spelling, author, year of publication, page number, correct stem and type genus are included. The original spelling and availability of each name were checked from primary literature. A list of necessary changes due to Priority and Homonymy problems, and actions taken, is given. Current usage of names was conserved, whenever possible, to promote stability of the classification.New synonymies (family-group names followed by genus-group names): Agronomina Gistel, 1848 syn. nov. of Amarina Zimmermann, 1832 (Carabidae), Hylepnigalioini Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Melandryini Leach, 1815 (Melandryidae), Polycystophoridae Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Malachiinae Fleming, 1821 (Melyridae), Sclerasteinae Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Ptilininae Shuckard, 1839 (Ptinidae), Phloeonomini Ádám, 2001 syn. nov. of Omaliini MacLeay, 1825 (Staphylinidae), Sepedophilini Ádám, 2001 syn. nov. of Tachyporini MacLeay, 1825 (Staphylinidae), Phibalini Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Cteniopodini Solier, 1835 (Tenebrionidae); Agronoma Gistel 1848 (type species Carabus familiaris Duftschmid, 1812, designated herein) syn. nov. of Amara Bonelli, 1810 (Carabidae), Hylepnigalio Gistel, 1856 (type species Chrysomela caraboides Linnaeus, 1760, by monotypy) syn. nov. of Melandrya Fabricius, 1801 (Melandryidae), Polycystophorus Gistel, 1856 (type species Cantharis aeneus Linnaeus, 1758, designated herein) syn. nov. of Malachius Fabricius, 1775 (Melyridae), Sclerastes Gistel, 1856 (type species Ptilinus costatus Gyllenhal, 1827, designated herein) syn. nov. of Ptilinus Geoffroy, 1762 (Ptinidae), Paniscus Gistel, 1848 (type species Scarabaeus fasciatus Linnaeus, 1758, designated herein) syn. nov. of Trichius Fabricius, 1775 (Scarabaeidae), Phibalus Gistel, 1856 (type species Chrysomela pubescens Linnaeus, 1758, by monotypy) syn. nov. of Omophlus Dejean, 1834 (Tenebrionidae). The following new replacement name is proposed: Gompeliina Bouchard, 2011 nom. nov. for Olotelina Báguena Corella, 1948 (Aderidae).Reversal of Precedence (Article 23.9) is used to conserve usage of the following names (family-group names followed by genus-group names): Perigonini Horn, 1881 nom. protectum over Trechicini Bates, 1873 nom. oblitum (Carabidae), Anisodactylina Lacordaire, 1854 nom. protectum over Eurytrichina LeConte, 1848 nom. oblitum (Carabidae), Smicronychini Seidlitz, 1891 nom. protectum over Desmorini LeConte, 1876 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Bagoinae Thomson, 1859 nom. protectum over Lyprinae Gistel 1848 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Aterpina Lacordaire, 1863 nom. protectum over Heliomenina Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Naupactini Gistel, 1848 nom. protectum over Iphiini Schönherr, 1823 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Cleonini Schönherr, 1826 nom. protectum over Geomorini Schönherr, 1823 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Magdalidini Pascoe, 1870 nom. protectum over Scardamyctini Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Agrypninae/-ini Candèze, 1857 nom. protecta over Adelocerinae/-ini Gistel, 1848 nom. oblita and Pangaurinae/-ini Gistel, 1856 nom. oblita (Elateridae), Prosternini Gistel, 1856 nom. protectum over Diacanthini Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Elateridae), Calopodinae Costa, 1852 nom. protectum over Sparedrinae Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Oedemeridae), Adesmiini Lacordaire, 1859 nom. protectum over Macropodini Agassiz, 1846 nom. oblitum (Tenebrionidae), Bolitophagini Kirby, 1837 nom. protectum over Eledonini Billberg, 1820 nom. oblitum (Tenebrionidae), Throscidae Laporte, 1840 nom. protectum over Stereolidae Rafinesque, 1815 nom. oblitum (Throscidae) and Lophocaterini Crowson, 1964 over Lycoptini Casey, 1890 nom. oblitum (Trogossitidae); Monotoma Herbst, 1799 nom. protectum over Monotoma Panzer, 1792 nom. oblitum (Monotomidae); Pediacus Shuckard, 1839 nom. protectum over Biophloeus Dejean, 1835 nom. oblitum (Cucujidae), Pachypus Dejean, 1821 nom. protectum over Pachypus Billberg, 1820 nom. oblitum (Scarabaeidae), Sparrmannia Laporte, 1840 nom. protectum over Leocaeta Dejean, 1833 nom. oblitum and Cephalotrichia Hope, 1837 nom. oblitum (Scarabaeidae).     

Effects of high temperature on reproduction

The significance of seasonal fluctuations in the components of the reproductive cycle is complex. In mammals, high environmental temperature may cause delayed puberty, delayed onset of sexual season, irregularity in cycle length, duration of estrus, ovulation rate, frequency of anovulatory estrus,morphological abnormalities in ova, fetal size and semen characteristics. High temperatures, in birds, may affect rate of egg laying, egg weight, shell quality, fertility, size of blastoderm and hatchability. Animals have developed effective thermoregulatory mechanisms for the testis. The effects of extremes of temperatures on reproduction vary with the species,breed, age, stage of reproductive cycle,period of temperature exposure, nature of temperature fluctuation and altitude. Effects of low temperature on reproduction have been little studied.

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Zusammenfassung Die Bedeutung von jahreszeitlichen Schwankungen der Komponenten im Fortpflanzungszyklus ist komplex. Bei SÄugetieren kann hohe Temperatur eine verspÄtere PubertÄt bewirken, spÄten Beginn der Brunst, UnregelmÄssigkeiten in der ZykluslÄnge,Oestrusdauer, Ovulationsrate und HÄufigkeit von anovulatorischen Oestrus, morphologische AbnormalitÄten der Eier, der Fötengrösse und des Samens.Bei Vögeln können hohe Temperaturen die LegetÄtigkeit, Eigewicht, SchalenqualitÄt, Fruchtbarkeit, Grösse des Blastoderms und Ausbrütbarkeit beeinflussen. Tiere haben wirksame thermoregulatorische Mechanismen für die Hoden entwickelt.Die Einflüsse von Temperaturextremen auf die Fortpflanzung variiert mit der Tierart, Zucht, Alter,Stadium im Fortpflanzungszyklus, Temperatureinwirkungszeit, Art der Temperaturschwankungen und Höhe. Die Bedeutung niedriger Temperatur für die Fortpflanzung ist noch wenig untersucht.

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Resume L'importance des fluctuations saisonnières sur le cycle de reproduction est complexe. Chez les mammifères, une température élevée peut causer un retard de la puberté et du rut des irrégularités de la durée du cycle et de l'oestrus ainsi que de la fréquence des ovulations; les cycles anovulatoires, les anomalies morphologiques de l'oeuf, de la semence et les variations de la grandeur fétale sont plus frequents. Chez les oiseaux les hautes températures peuvent influencer la ponte, le poids de l'oeuf, la qualité de la coquille, la fertilité, la grandeur de blastoderme et la tendance à couver. Les animaux ont développé des mécanismes thermorégulateurs efficaces pour les testicules. Les influences des extrÊmes de température sur la reproduction varient avec l'espèce, la race, l'âge,le stade du cycle de reproduction, la nature et la durée des différences de température et l'altitude. L'influence des basses températures sur la reproduction n'a pas encore été bien étudiée.

     

Four new species of hangingflies (Insecta,Mecoptera, Bittacidae) from the Middle Jurassic of northeastern China

Two new species of Mongolbittacus Petrulevičius, Huang & Ren, 2007, Mongolbittacus speciosus sp. n. and Mongolbittacus oligophlebius sp. n., and two new species of Exilibittacus Yang, Ren & Shih, 2012, Exilibittacus foliaceus sp. n. and Exilibittacus plagioneurus sp. n., in the family Bittacidae, are described and illustrated based on five well-preserved fossil specimens. These specimens were collected from the late Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. These new findings enhance our understanding of the morphological characters of early hangingflies and highlight the diversity of bittacids in the Mid Mesozoic ecosystems.     

Comparative studies of water permeability of red blood cells from humans and over 30 animal species: an overview of 20 years of collaboration with Philip Kuchel

NMR measurements of the diffusional permeability of the human adult red blood cell (RBC) membrane to water (P _d) and of the activation energy (E _a,d) of the process furnished values of P _d ~ 4 × 10^?3 cm/s at 25 °C and ~6.1 × 10^?3 cm/s at 37 °C, and E _a,d ~ 26 kJ/mol. Comparative NMR measurements for other species showed: (1) monotremes (echidna and platypus), chicken, little penguin, and saltwater crocodile have the lowest P _d values; (2) sheep, cow, and elephant have P _d values lower than human P _d values; (3) cat, horse, alpaca, and camel have P _d values close to those of humans; (4) guinea pig, dog, dingo, agile wallaby, red-necked wallaby, Eastern grey kangaroo, and red kangaroo have P _d values higher than those of humans; (5) mouse, rat, rabbit, and “small and medium size” marsupials have the highest values of P _d (>8.0 × 10^?3 cm/s at 25 °C and >10.0 × 10^?3 cm/s at 37 °C). There are peculiarities of E _a,d values for the RBCs from different species. The maximum inhibition of diffusional permeability of RBCs induced by incubation with p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate varied between 0 % (for the chicken and little penguin) to ~50 % (for human, mouse, cat, sheep, horse, camel, and Indian elephant), and ~60–75 % (for rat, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, alpaca, and all marsupials). These results indicate that no water channel proteins (WCPs) or aquaporins are present in the membrane of RBCs from monotremes (echidna, platypus), chicken, little penguin and saltwater crocodile whereas WCPs from the membranes of RBCs from marsupials have peculiarities.     

Tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDCA), chemical chaperone, enhances function of islets by reducing ER stress

The exposure to acute or chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been known to induce dysfunction of islets, leading to apoptosis. The reduction of ER stress in islet isolation for transplantation is critical for islet protection. In this study, we investigated whether tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDCA) could inhibit ER stress induced by thapsigargin, and restore the decreased glucose stimulation index of islets. In pig islets, thapsigargin decreased the insulin secretion by high glucose stimulation in a time-dependent manner (1 h, 1.35 ± 0.16; 2 h, 1.21 ± 0.13; 4 h, 1.17 ± 0.16 vs. 0 h, 1.81 ± 0.15, n = 4, p < 0.05, respectively). However, the treatment of TUDCA restored the decreased insulin secretion index induced by thapsigargin (thapsigargin, 1.25 ± 0.12 vs. thapsigargin + TUDCA, 2.13 ± 0.19, n = 5, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the culture of isolated islets for 24 h with TUDCA significantly reduced the rate of islet regression (37.4 ± 5.8% vs. 14.5 ± 6.4%, n = 12, p < 0.05). The treatment of TUDCA enhanced ATP contents in islets (27.2 ± 3.2 pmol/20IEQs vs. 21.7 ± 2.8 pmol/20IEQs, n = 9, p < 0.05). The insulin secretion index by high glucose stimulation is also increased by treatment of TUDCA (2.42 ± 0.15 vs. 1.92 ± 0.12, n = 12, p < 0.05). Taken together, we suggest that TUDCA could be a useful agent for islet protection in islet isolation for transplantation.     

Evaluation of the toxicity of different phytoextracts of Ocimum basilicum against Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus

The larvicidal effect of the crude carbon tetrachloride, methanol and petroleum ether leaf extracts of a widely grown medicinal plant, Ocimum basilicum, against Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus was evaluated. Petroleum ether extract was found to be the most effective against the larvae of both mosquitoes, with LC₅₀ values of 8.29, 4.57; 87.68, 47.25 ppm and LC₉₀ values of 10.06, 6.06; 129.32, 65.58 ppm against A. stephensi and C. quinquefasciatus being observed after 24 and 48 h of treatment, respectively. The efficacy of petroleum ether was followed by that of the carbon tetrachloride and methanol extracts, which had LC₅₀ values of 268.61, 143.85; 446.61, 384.84 ppm and LC₉₀ values of 641.23, 507.80; 923.60, 887.00 ppm against A. stephensi after 24 and 48 h, respectively, and LC₅₀ values of 24.14, 17.02; 63.48, 53.77 ppm and LC₉₀ values of 295.38, 204.23; 689.71, 388.87 ppm against C. quinquefasciatus after 24 and 48 h of treatment, respectively. These extracts are highly toxic against mosquito larvae from a range of species; therefore, they may be useful for the management of mosquito larvae to control vector borne diseases.     

Physiological differences in the growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sargassum horneri</Emphasis> between the germling and adult stages

The effects of temperature, irradiance, and daylength on Sargassum horneri growth were examined at the germling and adult stages to discern their physiological differences. Temperature–irradiance (10, 15, 20, 25, 30°C × 20, 40, 80 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹) and daylength (8, 12, 16, 24 h) experiments were carried out. The germlings and blades of S. horneri grew over a wide range of temperatures (10–25°C), irradiances (20–80 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹), and daylengths (8–24 h). At the optimal growth conditions, the relative growth rates (RGR) of the germlings were 21% day⁻¹ (25°C, 20 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹) and 13% day⁻¹ (8 h daylength). In contrast, the RGRs of the blade weights were 4% day⁻¹ (15°C, 20 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹) and 5% day⁻¹ (12 h daylength). Negative growth rates were found at 20 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹ of 20°C and 25°C treatments after 12 days. This phenomenon coincides with the necrosis of S. horneri blades in field populations. In conclusion, we found physiological differences between S. horneri germlings and adults with respect to daylength and temperature optima. The growth of S. horneri germlings could be enhanced at 25°C, 20 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹, and 8 h daylength for construction of Sargassum beds and restoration of barren areas.     

Idiotypic diversity and variable region gene usage by mouse anti-HLA-DQ3 mAb

The anti-HLA-DQ3 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) KS13, SO1, SO2, SO3, SO4, and SO5 recognize spatially close but distinct antigenic determinants, since they crossinhibit each other in their binding to HLA-DQ3 antigens, but do not share idiotopes recognized in their antigen combining site by syngeneic and anti-id antisera and mAb. Furthermore, mAb SO1, SO3, SO4, and SO5 react also with HLA-DQ allospecificities other than HLA-DQ3. Sequence analysis of the heavy (V _H ) and light (V _L ) chain variable region of the six mAb revealed preferential usage of V _H 36–60 and V _K 12/13 gene families. However, the individual V _H and V _L germline gene usage by the six mAb is diverse and the utilization of D, J _H , and J _L gene segments is heterogeneous. The diverse usage of V _H and V _L gene segments and heterogeneous amino acid sequences of V _H and V _L CDR, together with the heterogeneous idiotypic profile, may reflect the complexity of the determinants recognized by the six mAb on HLA-DQ3 antigens. The results we have presented provide for the first time information about the structural basis of the diversity of antibodies recognizing human histocompatibility antigens.The nucleotide sequence data reported in this Papershave been submitted to the GenBank nucleotide sequence database and have been assigned the accession numbers L20499, L20957, L20961, L24557, L24558 and L20962, respectively, for V _H region genes, and L20956, L20958, L24555, L24556, L20959, and L20960, respectively, for V _L region genes     

Aspects of the numerical and functional respones of the aphid parasite, Aphidius sonchi, in the laboratory

The fecundity, reproductive rates, and adult survival of Aphidius sonchi Marshall (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) parasitizing second and third instar nymphs of the sowthistle aphid, Hyperomyzus lactucae (L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) were measured at six different host densities under constant laboratory conditions. At host densities of less than 50 aphids per flowering shoot per female per day, oviposition constraints resulting from the lack of hosts reduced the number of eggs laid, enhanced the extent of superparasitization and, as a result, effectively lowered the fecundity and reproductive rates of the parasites. Above this host density the parasites laid on average 220–230 eggs, but the effective fecundity and reproductive rates continued to increase with the host density. By contrast, the survivorship of the parasites seemed unaffected by host density, with an average adult life span of 4–5 days at all densities. Analysis of the data showed that the intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) of the parasite varied with the host density and could reach values higher than that of the host under identical conditions. The response of r_m to changes in host density and parasite sex ratio is illustrated.Overall, A. sonchi showed a typical convex functional response, to host density. However, the response showed obvious changes through the parasite's adult life and, furthermore, the rates of changes were not consistent at all host densities. The frequency distributions of parasite eggs were generally indistinguishable from random, and the number of hosts parasitized were predicted satisfactorily by the random oviposition equation.

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Résumé L'étude a porté sure l'influence de 6 densités différentes d'Hyperomyzus lactucae (L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae), en conditions constantes de laboratoire, sur la fécondité, le taux de reproduction et la survie des adultes d'Aphidius sonchi Marshall (Hym. Aphidiidae, parasite des larves de 2e et 3e stades. A des densités inférieures à 50 pucerons par tige fleurie de Sonchus oleraceus L, par femelle et par jour, la limitation de la ponte due à l'absence d'hôtes a réduit le nombre d'oeufs émis, élevé le taux de superparasitisme et, en conséquence, diminué la fécondité et le taux de reproduction des parasites. Aux densités d'hôtes supérieures, les parasites ont pondu, en moyenne, 220 à 230 oeufs, mais la fécondité réelle et les taux de reproduction ont continué à augmenter avec la densité des pucerons. Par contre, la longévité des parasites n'a pas été affectée par la densité des hôtes, avec une durée moyenne de vie de 4 à 6 jours. L'analyse des données a montré que le taux d'accroissement intrinsèque (r_m) du parasite a changé avec la densité des hôtes, et pourrait atteindre des valeurs supérieures à celles de l'ôte sous des conditions identiques. Les réponses de r_m aux changements de densité des hôtes et au taux sexuel du parasite sont expliquées.Globalement, A. sonchi a présenté une réponse fonctionnelle convexe typique à la densité des hôtes. Cependant, cette réponse a changé au cours de la vie des images et, de plus, les taux de changement ne sont pas logiques à toutes les densités d'hôtes La fréquence de distribution des oeufs n'est généralement pas séparable d'une distribution au hasard, et le nombre d'hôtes parasites peut être prédit d'une façon satisfaisante en utilisant une équation de ponte au hasard.

     

Association of <Emphasis Type="Italic">MMP3, MMP9, ADAM33</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">TIMP3</Emphasis> polymorphisms with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its progression

PCR-RFLP analysis was performed for 391 cases and 514 control individuals to analyze the contribution of polymorphisms of the matrix metalloproteinase genes MMP1 (−1607 G>GG, rs1799750; −519 A>G, rs494379), MMP2 (−735 C>T, rs2285053), MMP3 (−1171 5A>6A, rs35068180), MMP9 (−1562 C>T, rs3918242; 2660A>G, rs17576), MMP12 (−82 A>G, rs2276109), the disintegrin and metalloproteinase 33 gene ADAM33 (12418 A>G, rs2280091; 13491 C>G, rs2787094), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase genes TIMP2 (−418 G>C, rs8179090) and TIMP3 (−1296 T>C, rs9619311) to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Significant association with increased rick of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was observed for the 6A6A genotype of the MMP3 −1171 5A>6A polymorphism (OR = 2.49, P _adj = 0.003979, P _cor = 0.0358 adjusted for age, sex, smoke pack-years, ethnicity) and for the G-G haplotype of ADAM33 polymorphisms 13491 C>G and 12418 A>G (OR = 0.39, P _adj = 0.0012, P _cor = 0.006). Significant interactions were detected between the smoking status and ADAM33 12418 A >G (P _interact = 0.026) and TIMP3 −1296 T>C (P _interact = 0.044). The risk of emphysema was increased in GG homozygotes by ADAM33 13491 C>G and a risk of emphysema was found (OR = 1.74, P _adj = 0.013, P _cor = 0.117). The severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was modified by MMP9 −1562 C>T in the additive model (OR = 1.883, P _adj = 0.028, P _cor = 0.252). Thus, polymorphisms of MMP3, MMP9, ADAM33, and TIMP3 can be considered important risk factors for the development and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; in addition, pathogenetically significant gene-environment interactions were identified. These data contribute to the understanding of hereditary predisposition to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.     

Ecophysiological differences between fringe and dwarf Avicennia marina mangroves

In this investigation, morphological and physiological differences between fringe and dwarf Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. growing in seawater and hypersalinity were compared along a tree height and productivity gradient in Richards Bay, South Africa. Dwarf trees had thicker leaves and cuticles, lower specific leaf area and salt gland frequency, while the concentrations of total chlorophyll and chlorophylls a and b were lower by 26, 23 and 39%, respectively, compared to fringe trees. Soil ψ and soil salinity were −3.04 ± 0.09 MPa and 36 ± 3 psu in the fringe zone, compared to −7.24 ± 0.38 MPa and 58 ± 5 psu, respectively, in the dwarf zone. Midday minimum xylem ψ was −4.3 ± 0.23 MPa in the fringe zone and −6.4 ± 0.28 MPa in the dwarf zone. In leaves of dwarf trees, the concentration of Na⁺ was 30% higher, while those of K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ were lower by 41, 38 and 55%, respectively, than fringe trees. The Na⁺/K⁺ ratio of leaves was 2.1 ± 0.03 for fringe and 5.6 ± 0.05 for dwarf trees. Rates of secretion of Na⁺, Cl⁻, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ over 24 h were significantly lower in dwarf trees by 44, 45, 78, 66 and 54%, respectively. In fringe trees, the rate of secretion of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ was about 28% higher during the night than during the day, while in dwarf trees the corresponding increase was about 174%. CO₂ exchange, leaf conductance, quantum yield of PS II, ETR through PSII and intrinsic photochemical efficiency of PS II were significantly lower in dwarf trees by 50, 83, 39, 33 and 12%, respectively.     

Promotion of direct somatic embryogenesis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncidium</Emphasis> by adjusting carbon sources

To further optimize a culture medium for induction of direct embryo formation of Oncidium cvs. Gower Ramsey and Sweet Sugar, five kinds of carbon sources, cellibiose, fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose at 10, 20, 30 and 60 g dm⁻³ were tested in this study. Cellibiose supply had an inhibitory effect and resulted in high percentage of explant browning in both cultivars. By contrast, fructose, glucose and sucrose were all effective for direct embryo induction. In cv. Gower Ramsey, the suitable ranges of concentration were found at 30–60 g dm⁻³ of sucrose, 10–20 g dm⁻³ of glucose and 20–30 g dm⁻³ of fructose, respectively. The suitable ranges for cv. Sweet Sugar were at 20–60 g dm⁻³ of sucrose, 10–30 g dm⁻³ of glucose, 10–20 g dm⁻³ of fructose and 30–60 g dm⁻³ of maltose, respectively. The highest amount of embryos was obtained at 30 g dm⁻³ of sucrose for cv. Gower Ramsey and at 20 g dm⁻³ of glucose for cv. Sweet Sugar.     

Analysis of the cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) gene polymorphism in the ethnic groups of the republic of Bashkortostan

In three ethnic groups from the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russians (N = 451), Tatars (N= 333), and Bashkirs (N = 171), allele, genotype, and haplotype frequency distribution patterns of the CYP1A1 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms, A2455G and T33801C, were investigated. Substantial interethnic differences in the allele frequency distribution patterns of the CYP1A1 polymorphisms A2455G and T3801C (χ ² = 15.61, d.f. = 2, P = 0.0001; and χ ² = 22.10, d.f. = 2, P = 0.0001, respectively) were observed. Pairwise comparison showed that ethnic groups of Tatars and Russians were similar in the A2455G allele frequencies (χ ² = 1.10, d.f. = 1, P = 0.30). However, in case of the T3801C marker, statistically significant differences were revealed (χ ² = 4.56, d.f. = 1, P = 0.032). At the same time, Bashkir ethnic group was found to be statistically significantly different from Russians and Tatars in the CYP1A1 polymorphic allele frequency distribution patterns (χ ² = 15.74, d.f. = 2, P = 0.0001; and χ ² = 7.47, d.f. = 1, P = 0.024, for A2455G, and χ ² = 6.46, d.f. = 1, P = 0.011; and χ ² = 21.36, d.f. = 1, P = 0.0001, for T3801C). Analysis of the CYP1A1 haplotype diversity showed that in terms of the CYP1A1 haplotype frequency distribution patterns, Bashkir ethnic group was statistically significantly different from both Russians (χ ² = 30.07, d.f. = 3, P = 0.0001) and Tatars (χ ² = 11.28, d.f. = 3, P = 0.013). The differences observed were caused by the high frequency of haplotype CYP1A1*2B, which was represented by a combination of rare alleles of the CYP1A1 polymorphisms A2455G and T3801C in Bashkirs (5.81%). On the other hand, the ethnic groups of Russians and Tatars residing in the Republic of Bashkortostan were characterized by similar frequencies of the CYP1A1 haplotypes (χ ² = 6.322, d.f. = 3, P = 0.127). The data obtained could be used in further investigations of the genetic bases of ecology dependant diseases and in the risk groups in the Republic of Bashkortostan.     

Influence of Therapy with Metformin on the Concentration of Certain Divalent Cations in Patients with Non-insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Research was performed on a group of 30 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), who never received antidiabetic medication before, and on a group of 17 healthy adults. The patients were administered treatment with metformin, 1,000 mg/day. Plasmatic and urinary concentration of magnesium have been measured, copper and zinc along with the concentrations of glucose, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, tryglicerides, HbA1c, and total erythrocyte magnesium, in advance and after 3 months of treatment. Data showed significant differences in the NIDDM group vs the control group: for plasma magnesium—1.95 ± 0.19 vs 2.20 ± 0.18 mg/dl, p < 0.001; urine magnesium—237.28 ± 34.51 vs 126.25 ± 38.22 mg/24 h, p < 0.001; erythrocyte magnesium—5.09 ± 0.63 vs 6.38 ± 0.75 mg/dl, p < 0.001; plasma zinc—67.56 ± 6.21 vs 98.41 ± 20.47 μg/dl, p < 0.001; urine zinc—1,347.54 ± 158.24 vs 851.65 ± 209.75 μg/24 h, p < 0.001; plasma copper—111.91 ± 20.98 vs 96.33 ± 8.56 μg/dl, p < 0.001; and urine copper—51.70 ± 23.79 vs 36.00 ± 11.70 μg/24 h, p < 0.05. Treatment with metformin for 3 months modified significant erythrocyte magnesium—5.75 ± 0.61 vs 5.09 ± 0.63 mg/dl, p < 0.001 and urine magnesium—198.27 ± 27.07 vs 237.28 ± 34.51 mg/24 h, p < 0.001, whereas it did not modify significant the plasmatic and urinary concentration of the other cations. The erythrocyte magnesium concentration was inversely correlated with HbA1c (r = −0.438, p = 0.015). The plasma level of copper was positively correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.517, p < 0.003), tryglicerides (r = 0.534, p < 0.003), and cholesterol (r = 0.440, p < 0.05), and the plasma level of zinc was inversely correlated with glycemia (r = −0.399, p = 0.029). Our data show a significant action of metformin therapy, by increasing the total intraerythrocyte magnesium concentration and decreasing the urinary magnesium elimination, positively correlated with the decrease of glycemia and HbA1c in NIDDM patients.