Tritrophic interactions between cabbage cultivars with different resistance and fertilizer levels,cruciferous aphids and parasitoids under field conditions

Tritrophic interactions involving cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata cultivars +/- fertilizer, Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and the parasitoids Diaeretiella rapae (M'cIntosh) and Aphidius sp. were conducted in 1998 and 1999. Brevicorne brassicae was the dominant aphid species on all cultivars +/- fertilizer, except for some treatments in late season 1998. Ruby Ball (red-leaved with antixenosis factors for B. brassicae alates) +/- fertilizer was consistently less colonized by aphids in early stages of plant growth, although only significantly so compared with Derby Day (green-leaved, susceptible to aphids) without fertilizer for B. brassicae and Minicole (green-leaved with antibiosis factors for B. brassicae) with fertilizer for M. persicae. In early 1999, only B. brassicae was present and no significant differences between cultivars were seen. In the mid to late season 1998, the highest aphid infestations were usually found on Derby Day, although only significantly so for B. brassicae, in some treatments. In 1999, higher aphid infestations were observed on Derby Day in mid to late season and some significant differences were found for M. persicae as well as for B. brassicae. In both years, Ruby Ball had the greatest mummy:aphid ratios early season, with no consistent difference between the other cultivars. Later in the season, mummy:aphid ratios were generally highest on Minicole. Parasitism differed in seasonal occurrence and relative abundance. Diaeretiella rapae mummies were found earlier than Aphidius sp. There was evidence of a beneficial interaction between the degree of plant resistance and biological control in early to mid season.     

Parasitic helminths of black bear cubs (Ursus americanus) from Florida

Twenty-two Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) cubs (< or = 12 mo old) from Florida were examined for endoparasites between 1998 and 2003. Eleven species of helminths were found (8 nematodes, 2 trematodes, and 1 acanthocephalan). The most prevalent helminths were Ancylostoma caninum (64%), Macracanthorhynchus ingens (36%), Strongyloides sp. (27%), Baylisascaris transfuga (23%), and A. tubaeforme (14%). New host records include A. tubaeforme and Brachylaima virginianum. This is the first report of B. transfuga in black bears from Florida.     

Monitoring northern fowl mites (Acari: Macronyssidae) in caged laying hens: feasibility of an egg-based sampling system

Northern fowl mites were monitored on a caged-layer operation in southern California for 22 mo. Three experienced observers underestimated actual numbers of mites in the vent region approximately 80% of the time. Errors were higher for heavy infestations. Observer estimates were highly correlated with each other (r > 0.89, P < 0.01) and with mite numbers estimated by vent feather removal (r > 0.82, P < 0.01). Mites on hens varied between houses and over time. Molting consistently reduced mite numbers, but did not eliminate then in a flock. Long-term monitoring of individual sentinel hens demonstrated that some hens would support high numbers of mites for several months or more. Use of a new sequential hen sampling plan required approximately 1 min per hen, if mite numbers were estimated. At this site, treatment decisions often could be reached in < 20 min per house. Mite scores (index of estimated mites per hen) were well correlated with percentage of hens infested in both test houses. In a chronically infested house, prevalence of mites on eggs averaged 8.5%, with a range of 0-55%. Applications of tetrachlorvinphos-dichlorvos by the producer appeared to be based on mites on > about 20% of eggs. The chemical was marginal for controlling mites on hens (25% reduction in percentage of hens infested), but effectively reduced mites on eggs (95% fewer mites on eggs at 1 wk and 90% at 2 wk). When data were grouped by mite index score on hens, there was a strong relationship (r2 = 0.83, P < 0.01) between mite prevalence on eggs and the scores of the hens which laid them. Sampling 100 eggs evenly spaced in a house required < 7 min, and adult mites were easily seen. Sampling mites on eggs appears to be useful to localize at least high-level infestations, and egg-based sampling for mites merits further investigation.     

Prevalence of sarcocysts in Florida black bears (Ursus americanus floridanus)

Sections of muscle from Florida black bears (Ursus americanus floridanus) collected in the state of Florida were observed for the presence of Sarcocystis sp. sarcocysts. Two of 132 (1.5%) black bears had muscle sections containing sarcocysts. One sarcocyst was observed per muscle section. The sarcocysts averaged 181.5 x 99.0 microm by light microscopy of hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections.     

Titin isoform switching is a major cardiac adaptive response in hibernating grizzly bears

The hibernation phenomenon captures biological as well as clinical interests to understand how organs adapt. Here we studied how hibernating grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) tolerate extremely low heart rates without developing cardiac chamber dilation. We evaluated cardiac filling function in unanesthetized grizzly bears by echocardiography during the active and hibernating period. Because both collagen and titin are involved in altering diastolic function, we investigated both in the myocardium of active and hibernating grizzly bears. Heart rates were reduced from 84 beats/min in active bears to 19 beats/min in hibernating bears. Diastolic volume, stroke volume, and left ventricular ejection fraction were not different. However, left ventricular muscle mass was significantly lower (300 +/- 12 compared with 402 +/- 14 g; P = 0.003) in the hibernating bears, and as a result the diastolic volume-to-left ventricular muscle mass ratio was significantly greater. Early ventricular filling deceleration times (106.4 +/- 14 compared with 143.2 +/- 20 ms; P = 0.002) were shorter during hibernation, suggesting increased ventricular stiffness. Restrictive pulmonary venous flow patterns supported this conclusion. Collagen type I and III comparisons did not reveal differences between the two groups of bears. In contrast, the expression of titin was altered by a significant upregulation of the stiffer N2B isoform at the expense of the more compliant N2BA isoform. The mean ratio of N2BA to N2B titin was 0.73 +/- 0.07 in the active bears and decreased to 0.42 +/- 0.03 (P = 0.006) in the hibernating bears. The upregulation of stiff N2B cardiac titin is a likely explanation for the increased ventricular stiffness that was revealed by echocardiography, and we propose that it plays a role in preventing chamber dilation in hibernating grizzly bears. Thus our work identified changes in the alternative splicing of cardiac titin as a major adaptive response in hibernating grizzly bears.     

Nuclear deviation in hepatic parenchymal cells on sinusoidal surfaces in Arctic animals

In normal rat and human, most of the nuclei of hepatic parenchymal cells are centrally located in the cytoplasm. However, it is reported that the nuclei of hepatic parenchymal cells are situated at a deviated position on sinusoidal surfaces under pathological situations such as chronic hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, adenomatous hyperplasia, or regeneration. During a study on the mechanism of extreme vitamin A-accumulation in hepatic stellate cells of arctic animals including polar bears, arctic foxes, bearded seals, and glaucous gulls, we noticed that these arctic animals displayed the nuclear deviation in hepatic parenchymal cells on sinusoidal surfaces. In this study, we assessed the frequency of hepatic parenchymal cells showing the nuclear deviation on the sinusoidal surfaces in arctic animals. A significantly higher frequency of the nuclear deviation in hepatic parenchymal cells was seen in polar bears (89.8+/-3.4%), arctic foxes (68.6+/-10.5%), bearded seals (63.6+/-8.4%), and glaucous gulls (24.2+/-5.8%), as compared to that of control rat liver (9.8+/-3.5%). However, no pathological abnormality such as fibrosis or necrosis was observed in hepatic parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells of arctic animals, and there were no differences in the intralobular distribution of parenchymal cells displaying the nuclear deviation in the livers from either arctic animals and control rats. The hepatic sinusoidal littoral cells such as stellate cells or extracellular matrix components in the perisinusoidal spaces may influence the nuclear positioning and hence the polarity and intrinsic physiological function of parenchymal cells.     

Protein kinase activities in neoplastic squamous epithelia and normal epithelia from the upper aero-digestive tract

In the present study the activities of three different protein kinase were determined in squamous cell carcinoma from the upper aero-digestive tract, and compared with the activities in normal oral mucosa. The protein kinases investigated are: a) cAMP-dependent protein kinase; b) cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and c) casein kinase II. The basal protein kinase activity, when histone IIa was used as substrate, was about 3-fold higher in tumors, as compared to normal mucosa, in the soluble fraction (32.0 +/- 4.2 and 10.9 +/- 2.4 pmol 32P/mg prot. X min, respectively). In the particulate fraction the basal protein kinase activity was about 9 times higher in tumors as compared to normal mucosa (19.4 +/- 5.2 and 2.1 +/- 0.3 pmol 32P/mg prot X min, respectively). The protein kinase activity in the presence of cyclic nucleotide (cAMP/cGMP) minus the basal protein kinase activity was taken as the cAMP- and the cGMP-dependent protein kinase activity, respectively. Maximal protein kinase activity was obtained in the presence of 0.5 microM of cyclic nucleotide both in squamous cell carcinoma and normal mucosa. In the cytosolic fraction the cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity was 33.9 +/- 13.0 pmol 32P/mg prot. X min in tumors, and 28.2 +/- 5.8 pmol 32P/mg prot. X min in normal tissue, after stimulation with 0.5 microM cAMP. The cGMP-dependent protein kinase activity was 5-10% of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity, and no concentration-dependent stimulation with cGMP was seen. The cGMP-dependent protein kinase activity in the presence of 0.5 microM cGMP was 2.4 +/- 1.3 and 1.8 +/- 0.6 pmol 32P/mg prot. X min in tumors and normal mucosa, respectively. Casein kinase II activity was determined only in the cytosolic fraction and was found to be 3-fold higher in tumors as compared to normal mucosa (31.8 +/- 5.2 and 8.6 +/- 3.5 pmol 32P/mg prot X min, respectively). This study shows a general increase in histone phosphorylation and casein kinase activity in neoplastic squamous epithelia compared to normal epithelia. No evidence for an increase in cyclic nucleotide dependent protein kinase activities in neoplastic squamous epithelia was found. This study thus supports the idea that phosphorylation/dephosphorylation reactions may play an important role in the control of cell growth, differentiation and proliferation.     

Acaricidal activity of Juglans regia leaf extracts on Tetranychus viennensis and Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Leaf extracts of the walnut, Juglans regia L., were evaluated under laboratory conditions to determine their acaricidal activity on the mites Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) and Tetranychus viennensis Zacher (Acari: Tetranychidae). Extracts had both contact and systemic toxicity to these mites. The four solvents tested for preparing crude extracts were petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Methanol was the most efficient solvent, with an extraction rate from 17.06 + 0.80 to 20.27 +/- 0.28%. Petroleum ether was the least effective solvent, with extraction rates from 2.30 +/- 0.13 to 2.71 +/- 0.13%. However, the crude extracts with petroleum ether resulted in the highest mite mortality (79.04 +/- 0.52%) in a slide dip bioassay. Mites mortalities from the concentrated extracts prepared by chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, or distilled water were significantly lower than petroleum ether. The mean lethal concentrations (LC50) of the extracts from petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and distilled water to the two mite species were 0.73 +/- 0.04, 1.66 +/- 0.28, 4.96 +/- 0.35, 7.45 +/- 0.67, and 9.91 +/- 0.32 mg/ml, respectively. After liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography, the concentrated extracts of petroleum ether were separated into eight fractions and tested for acaricidal activity. Fraction 6 produced significantly higher mite mortality rates than the other groups, killing approximately 90% of both species.     

Effects of western honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colony, cell type, and larval sex on host acquisition by female Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae).

Female mites of the genus Varroa reproduce on the immature stages of Apis cerana F. and A. mellifera L. Mites are found more often in drone brood than worker brood, and while evolutionary explanations for this bias are well supported, the proximate mechanisms are not known. In one experiment, we verified that the proportion of hosts with one or more mites (MPV, mite prevalence value) was significantly greater for drones (0.763 +/- 0.043) (lsmean +/- SE) than for workers (0.253 +/- 0.043) in populations of mites and bees in the United States. Similar results were found for the average number of mites per host. In a second experiment, using a cross-fostering technique in which worker and drone larvae were reared in both worker and drone cells, we found that cell type, larval sex, colony and all interactions affected the level of mites on a host. Mite prevalence values were greatest in drone larvae reared in drone cells (0.907 +/- 0.025), followed by drone larvae reared in worker cells (0.751 +/- 0.025), worker larvae reared in worker cells (0.499 +/- 0.025), and worker larvae reared in drone cells (0.383 +/- 0.025). Similar results were found for the average number of mites per host. Our data show that mite levels are affected by environmental factors (cell type), by factors intrinsic to the host (sex), and by interactions between these factors. In addition, colony-to-colony variation is important to the expression of intrinsic and environmental factors.     

Vitamin A concentrations in serum and liver from Florida panthers

Many of the anomalies and clinical signs afflicting the Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) are suggestive of vitamin A deficiency. Our objectives in this study were to determine if a vitamin A deficiency exists in the free-ranging panther population and to determine if there are differences in vitamin A levels among various subgroups of free-ranging panthers. Retinol concentrations were used as an index to Vitamin A concentrations and were determined in serum and liver from free-ranging (serum, n = 45; liver, n = 22) and captive (serum, n = 9; liver, n = 2) juvenile and adult Florida panthers from southern peninsular Florida (USA), and in liver from free-ranging cougars (F. concolor subspp.) from Washington (USA) and Texas (USA) between November 1984 and March 1994. Combined juvenile (6- to 24-mo-old) and adult (> 24-mo-old) free-ranging Florida panthers had mean +/- SD serum retinol concentrations of 772.5 +/- 229 pmol/ml. Adult free-ranging Florida panthers had mean liver retinol concentrations of 4794.5 +/- 3747 nmol/g. Free-ranging nursing Florida panther kittens (age < 1 mo) had mean serum retinol concentrations of 397.9 +/- 69 pmol/ml. Among subgroups of free-ranging Florida panthers, females had higher corrected mean serum retinol concentrations than males and adult free-ranging Florida panthers had higher mean liver retinol concentrations than juveniles. Retinol concentrations in free-ranging Florida panthers did not differ significantly from those in captive panthers (liver and serum) or other free-ranging cougars (liver). Based on limited published values and our controls, a vitamin A deficiency could not be demonstrated in the Florida panther population nor were any subgroups or individuals considered deficient.     

OCCURRENCE OF PREDATORY AND FUNGIVOROUS MITES IN LEAF DOMATIA

Domatia are small invaginations and hair tufts usually found at vein junctions on the undersides of leaves in many woody dicots. Domatia of 32 plant species (of worldwide origin from 18 families) growing in California, Hawaii, and Costa Rica were examined for mites. Domatia of 31 of 32 (97%) of these plants contained mites, and 24 of 32 (75%) contained mite eggs. Mites were found within the domatia of 48% of the sampled leaves. The domatia of 26 of 31 (84%) plants had mite species considered beneficial (primarily in the families Phytoseiidae and Tydeidae, but also Bdellidae, Cheyletidae and Stigmaeidae), while 6 of 31 (19%) had mite species considered harmful (Tenuipalpidae and Eriophyidae). Based on these findings (and in part upon Lundström's 1887 domatia theory), we hypothesize the existence of a widespread facultative mutualism between plants with leaf domatia and beneficial mites: leaf domatia serve as shelters and nurseries for mites which in turn eat phytophagous arthropods and pathogens using the plants. This proposed mutualism could be of importance to agriculture since domatia are known to occur in some crop plants, including coffee, grape, and walnut.     

Plasma levels of ursodeoxycholic acid in black bears, Ursus americanus: seasonal changes

To date, no other studies have examined the seasonal changes in circulating levels of various bile acids in the plasma of wild North American black bears, Ursus americanus. Using gas chromatography, bile acid concentrations were measured in plasma samples obtained during either early or late hibernation, and during summer active periods. Thus, specific compositional changes from individual animals were examined through a given year. Total bile acid concentrations in the plasma of these normal animals were found to range between 0.2 and 3.1 micromol/L (0.9 +/- 0.2 micromol/L, mean +/- SEM). Cholic, ursodeoxycholic and chenodeoxycholic acids were the major bile acid species identified. Ursodeoxycholic acid represented 28.0 +/- 2.6% of the total bile acid pool. Deoxycholic and lithocholic acids were found only in small amounts. In addition, total bile acid concentrations were lower in plasma samples obtained during hibernation compared with those obtained during summer active periods (0.6 +/- 0.1 and 1.2 +/- 0.4 micromol/L, respectively; p < 0.05). However, the relative proportion of ursodeoxycholic acid, was significantly greater in winter than in summer (31.5 +/- 3.2% and 22.2 +/- 4.5%, p < 0.05). Finally, taurine-conjugated bile acids were the predominant species in bear plasma, accounting for >67% of the total bile acids. These data demonstrate that ursodeoxycholic acid is a major bile acid in black bear plasma, mostly conjugated with taurine. Further, the finding of seasonal variation in plasma bile acid composition provides evidence to support the possible role that ursodeoxycholic acid may play in cellular protection in hibernating black bears.     

Characterization of semen collected from beagles and captive Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus)

This study characterized semen collected from the Japanese black bear, Ursus thibetanus aponicus, to provide information on semen cryopreservation for artificial breeding. Preliminary studies using a beagle dog as the model species showed that sperm concentration and total sperm count were lower in semen collected by electroejaculation than in semen collected by digital manipulation, but that sperm motility, viability and morphology were similar. Characterization of semen obtained from Japanese black bears by electroejaculation under general anesthesia revealed that semen volume and total number of spermatozoa collected were lower; but that sperm concentration, motility, viability and morphology were equivalent to those reported in other ursids. When semen was collected via a catheter inserted into the urethra during the stimulation for ejaculation, the sperm concentration, total sperm count and motility were relatively higher than when semen was collected directly in a test tube. Specific normal semen characteristics (mean +/- SEM) were pH, 7.6 +/- 0.0; volume, 0.212 +/- 0.038 mL; sperm concentration, 361 +/- 100 x 10(6)/mL; total sperm count, 84.0 +/- 32.2 x 106; +++ motility, 30 +/- 5%; motility, 77 +/- 3%; viability 77 +/- 2%; and abnormal morphology, 11+/- 2%. These results suggest that semen can be collected from Japanese black bears by electroejaculation.     

Cold exposure during military operations: effects on anaerobic performance

This study examined the effects of military field operations (MFO) under different environmental conditions on anaerobic performance. US Marines were tested in the field under the following conditions: 1) noncold environment (NC; n = 30, 10-32 degrees C) and 2) cold environment (CO; n = 32, -2 to -22 degrees C). Subjects performed 30-s Wingate tests (WIN) pre- and immediately post-MFO to assess anaerobic performance. The MFO consisted of approximately 4.5 days of combat training maneuvers while carrying field equipment (packs and weapon, approximately 25 kg). WIN measures obtained were absolute and relative mean power (MP), 5-s peak power (PP), and fatigue index (% decline). Significant main effects (P less than 0.01) were observed for time (pre-post MFO). Reductions occurred in absolute MP [651.8 +/- 30.3 to 616.4 +/- 28.5 (SE) W] and PP (897.8 +/- 41.6 to 857.0 +/- 39.1 W); however, no effect on fatigue index was seen. Significant interaction effects (P less than 0.05) were observed in relative measures. Reductions (pre-post) in MP (NC = 8.64 +/- 0.16 to 8.37 +/- 0.14 W/kg; CO = 8.91 +/- 0.26 to 8.04 +/- 0.15 W/kg) and PP (NC = 11.80 +/- 0.24 to 11.61 +/- 0.33 W/kg; CO = 12.23 +/- 0.35 to 11.20 +/- 0.19 W/kg) were greater under CO than NC conditions. These changes were found despite significant (P less than 0.05) but comparable pre-post weight reductions in both CO and NC conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Using haplotypes to monitor the migration of fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) corn-strain populations from Texas and Florida

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), infestations in most of North America north of Mexico arise from annual migrations of populations that overwinter in southern Texas and Florida. A comparison of the cytochrome oxidase I haplotype profiles within the fall armyworm corn-strain, the subgroup that preferentially infests corn (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers.), identified significant differences in the proportions of certain haplotypes between the Texas and Florida populations. These proportional differences were preserved as the populations migrated, providing a molecular metric by which the source of a migrant population could be identified. The migratory pattern derived from this method for several southeastern states was shown to be consistent with predictions based on analysis of historical agricultural and fall armyworm infestation data. These results demonstrate the utility of haplotype proportions to monitor fall armyworm migration, and they also introduce a potential method to predict the severity of cotton crop infestations in the short term.     

Cuticular hydrocarbons fromVarroa jacobsoni

The cuticular hydrocarbons fromVarroa mites collected in Florida and Italy and their honeybee hosts were characterized by gas chromatography (GC) and by coupled GC-mass spectrometry (MS). AVarroa mite has a hydrocarbon pattern that is qualitatively identical to that of its honeybee host. Mites and all stages of honeybees share a characteristic pattern of prominant alkane components including heneicosane, tricosane, pentacosane, heptacosane, nonacosane and hentriacontane. Adult honey bees and mites from adult bees also have as major components the alkenes 8-nC31:1, 10-nC31:1 and 10-nC33:1, while pupae and mites from pupae have only traces of these alkenes. Coupled GC-MS analysis after addition of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) was used to determine the location of the double bound in the three prominent alkenes above. The question as to whether the mites simply acquire the hydrocarbons from their hosts or possibly synthesize them was not resolved. No characteristic differences between the hydrocarbons of mites from Italy and from Florida were found. We speculate that the hydrocarbons help the mites avoid desiccation and may help integrate the mites into honeybee colony life.Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. R-02473.     

Effect of food deprivation on response of the mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, to heat

Freshly blood-fed adult females of the chicken mite Dermanyssus gallinae DeGeer (Acari: Dermanysidae) were food-deprived during 1, 2-3, 8-10, 14-16 and 22-23 days. These mites were tested in groups of 10 to determine their sensitivity to a heat cue delivered for a 60 s period under controlled laboratory conditions (24 degrees C, simulated dark conditions of 2 lx). Immobile mites were videotaped and start of activation (for individual mites) and percentage of mites activated in the 60 s period were related to temperature changes. Mites were activated with temperature gradients as low as 0.003-0.005 degrees C/s. Mites that had fed the previous day had a significantly lower activation (20%) than other groups. Activation was highest at 2-3 days (60%) and 8-10 days (75%) post-feeding. Activation declined significantly to 45% at 14-16 days and to 30% at 22-23 days post-feeding. Activation patterns probably reflect mite physiological condition and declining responsiveness to heat cues concomitant with starvation and higher risks associated with activation in the prolonged absence of a host.     

Relationship of parity and body condition score to pregnancy rates in Florida beef cattle

Pregnancy rates, determined by per rectum palpation, were analyzed with respect to cow parity (range 1 to >8 calvings) and body condition score (BCS, 1=thin to 9=fat) at pregnancy examination for 3734 beef cattle females on 3 commercial beef operations (8 herds) in 3 Florida counties in 1989 and 1990. The means and standard deviations for the herds were the following: pregnancy rate, 81.3 +/- 39% (range 62.1 to 91.5%); BCS, 4.7 +/- 0.6 (range 4.3 to 4.9); and parity, 3.9 +/- 2.3 (range 2.8 to 4.8). Significant associations were found between pregnancy rate, parity, BCS and herd (P < 0.001); and between the variable interactions, parity with BCS, herd with BCS, and herd with parity (P < 0.001). Cows with a BCS /=5 had a pregnancy rate of 90%. Cows having a parity of <4 had a PR of 80%, while cows having a parity >/=4 had a PR of 85%. The interaction of parity with BCS was significant, resulting in pregnancy rates as follows; parity <4 and BCS /= 5 was 88%; parity >/=4 and BCS /=5 and BCS >/= 5 was 93%. Body condition, parity, and the interaction of body condition and parity play important roles in the reproductive performance of commercial beef cows in Florida.     

Fecal steroid analysis for monitoring reproduction in the sun bear (Helarctos malayanus)

Fecal steroid analyses were conducted on captive (n = 10) and free-ranging (n = 2) sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) in order to establish a noninvasive technique for monitoring endocrine profiles during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Secondly, the effect of the contraceptive porcine zona pellucida protein (PZP) on reproductive function was studied. Finally, we investigated whether the sun bear, naturally living in the aseasonal tropical forests of Southeast Asia, is a seasonal breeder. Fecal samples were collected over periods of 7-48 months in captive untreated (n = 8) and PZP-treated (n = 2) female sun bears. In addition samples were collected over a period of 12 months from radio-collared free-ranging females (n = 2) in their natural habitat in Indonesian Borneo. Androgens, precursors of estrogens, were found to be reliable indicators of the follicular phase, whereas estrogens were found unsuitable. Pregnanediol assay was found to be a reliable indicator of luteal function. Results indicate that sun bears are polyestrous, nonseasonal breeders. Interestrus intervals in nonpregnant animals (n = 2), which were monitored for 27 months, were between 140 and 216 days. Luteal phases (89.6 +/- 3.7 days; n = 9) were preceded by androgen peaks of 15.2 +/- 1.0 days (n = 10). Hormonal profiles of two females treated with PZP indicated missing ovarian activity in one, and persistent follicular and luteal activity in another animal. However, extended periods of missing ovarian, and persistent follicular and luteal activity were also observed in other sun bears studied.     

Demodex spp. in the hair follicles of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

The perineal or perineal and facial skin were evaluated on 53 rhesus macaques as part of a necropsy protocol. Microscopic evaluation of H & E stained skin sections revealed 19 animals positive for Demodex spp. Mites were seen within all portions of the hair follicles. Infestation varied from minimal to severe. Mites were found in macaques of all ages and in both sexes. Reaction to the mites ranged from no reaction, to minimal follicular epidermal hyperplasia to furunculosis. Immune status of the animal did not determine infestation but immune compromised macaques had more severe lesions. This is the first known report of Demodex spp. in rhesus macaques.