Ghrelin increases anxiety-like behavior and memory retention in rats

Ghrelin is a peptide found in the hypothalamus and stomach that stimulates food intake and whose circulating concentrations are affected by nutritional state. Very little is known about other central behavioral effects of ghrelin, and thus, we investigated the effects of ghrelin on anxiety and memory retention. The peptide was injected intracerebroventricularly in rats and we performed open-field, plus-maze, and step-down tests (inhibitory avoidance). The administration of ghrelin increased freezing in the open field and decreased the number of entries into the open spaces and the time spent on the open arms in the plus-maze, indicating an anxiogenic effect. Moreover, the peptide increased in a dose-dependent manner the latency time in the step-down test. A rapid and prolonged increase in food intake was also observed. Our results indicate that ghrelin induces anxiogenesis in rats. Moreover, we show for the first time that ghrelin increases memory retention, suggesting that the peptide may influence processes in the hippocampus.     

甲氰菊酯与阿维菌素的混剂防治美洲斑潜蝇田间试验

田间试验表明 ,1 9%甲氰·阿维EC 9 5g (a .i.) 667m2 对美洲斑潜蝇LiriomyzasativaeBlanchard的校正防效药后 3～ 1 1d为 87 2 2 %～ 91 3 2 % ;7 1 2 5g (a.i.) 667m2 药后 3～ 1 1d为 81 2 9%～ 85 1 0 % ;9 5g (a .i.) 667m2 药后 3～ 1 1d防效显著优于单剂甲氰菊酯 ,药后 3～ 7d显著优于单剂阿维菌素 ,药后11d防效与阿维菌素无显著区别。 1 5 %甲氰·阿维EC 7 5g (a .i.) 667m2 对美洲斑潜蝇的校正防效药后3～ 1 1d为 85 5 9%～ 89 0 9% ;5 62 5g (a .i.) 667m2 药后 3～ 1 1d为 77 1 5 %～ 85 95 %。 1 0 %甲氰·阿维EC 7 5g (a .i.) 667m2 对美洲斑潜蝇的校正防效药后 3～ 1 1d为 85 5 9%～ 89 0 9% ;5 62 5g (a .i.) 667m2 药后 3～ 1 1d为 77 1 5 %～ 85 95 %。混剂的药效基本随有效成分含量的提高而提高。     

灰茶尺蠖核型多角体病毒对灰茶尺蠖的致病性研究

采取室内毒力测定和田间防效调查相结合的方法,对灰茶尺蠖核型多角体病毒(Ectropis grisescensnucleopolyhedrovir-us)的致病力进行了研究。毒力测定结果表明,该病毒对2龄灰茶尺蠖幼虫的剂量对数-死亡机率值回归方程为y=-0.8774 0.9498x,LC50=1.5417×106PIB.mL-1;田间用浓度为1×107、1.5×107和2×107PIB.mL-1的EgNPV防治灰茶尺蠖,防效分别达58.81%、89.51%和94.81%。     

Effects of Melatonin on Behavioral Reactions and on the Expression of NCAM in Rats

We studied the effects of i.p. injection of melatonin in pharmacotherapeutic doses and of constant illumination (a melatonin synthesis-suppressing factor) on the behavior of rats in the open-field test and on the content of the main isoforms of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and neocortex of these animals. In the studied brain structures of the rats kept under conditions preventing the melatonin synthesis, we observed suppression of the behavioral activity of animals and a decrease in the expression of the NCAM180 isoform. In rats injected with 10 mg/kg melatonin, changes in the behavioral activity were insignificant. In the hippocampus and neocortex of rats of this group, the NCAM180 content increased. Our experiments showed that melatonin can be involved in the control of balance of the expression of different NCAM isoforms. Such a balance is a crucial factor determining plastic rearrangements of the synaptic contacts.     

Application of arsenic field test kit to stream sediment: effect of fine particles and chemical extraction

Abstract

The field test kit for the on-site analysis of arsenic has been previously evaluated for aqueous solutions such as surface water and groundwater. In this study, the field test kit was optimized for arsenic determination in a sandy sediment The field test kit was found to be applicable to on site screening of arsenic contamination at levels around 6 mgkg^?1, the soil regulatory standard for arsenic concentration in Korean soils. However, the method requires a simple chemical pre-extraction. This arsenic extraction has been optimized and the effects of soil–solution ratio, extraction time and fine particles are discussed in detail. The fine particles in the sediment sample strongly bind to arsenic resulting in variability of its extraction, both in extractability and extraction time. Under the optimized conditions, the arsenic content using the field test kit had a high regression coefficient with respect to that found by chemical analysis of the sediment sample.     

Effects of photoperiod and temperature on the development of Bonagota cranaodes

Abstract.  The Brazilian apple leafroller, Bonagota cranaodes (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is reared in the laboratory under a long-day (LD 14 : 10 h) and a short-day (LD 7 : 17 h) photoperiod at 22 °C, and under two different temperatures (10–13 °C and 21–22 °C). The development time from larval to adult eclosion do not differ between the two photoperiods, but did between the two temperature regimes. However, the larvae do not enter diapause, even under short day conditions and low temperatures. The number of adults obtained does not differ with temperature and light conditions. Field captures with pheromone traps show that Brazilian apple leafroller occurs in apple orchards throughout the year and the population densities are lower in winter. Accordingly, control measures should be taken during the off-season.     

斜纹夜蛾在风洞中对性信息素的行为反应及田间诱捕试验

雌蛾腺体内含量最高的组份9,11-14∶Ac（A）在风洞中能引起雄蛾从搜索气迹、定向飞行到撒开味刷企图交尾连续的行为反应,而雌蛾腺体内其它组份单独使用时均不能引起雄蛾上述行为反应。一定量的Z9,E12-14∶Ac（B）对A的活性有增效作用,诱芯中B数量过多,不但失去对A的活性增效作用,还对雄蛾接近诱芯和企图交尾有强烈的抑制作用。9-14∶Ac（C）与11-14∶Ac (D)对雄蛾的定向行为无影响,诱芯中含有50%的C时,反而对雄蛾接近诱芯和企图交尾有抑制作用。A与B在滤纸诱芯中的含量比例与诱芯释放的挥发物比例明显不同,从9∶1（A∶B）诱芯释放的挥发物比例更接近于雌蛾腺体内的天然比例。田间诱捕试验中两组份诱芯的诱捕量随两组份比例不同而变化, 9∶1（A∶B）诱芯的诱捕量最大,1∶1（A∶B）诱芯的诱捕量低于单一的A组份诱芯。     

蚜虫性信息素田间引诱雄性桃蚜研究(英文)

据报道许多蚜虫性信息素的主要成分是（＋）-（1R,4aR,7S,7aR）-荆齐醇和（＋）－（4aS,7S,7aR）-荆芥内酯。应用这两种物质在1995年和1996年进行引诱桃蚜MyzusPersicae雄蚜的田间试验,在桃园的试验中取得了良好的效果,初步摸索出田间应用最佳时间与合适的配比。     

Homebase behavior of zebrafish in novelty-based paradigms

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are emerging as a promising model species in neuroscience research. Many traditional rodent behavioral paradigms may be adapted for zebrafish testing. Exposing zebrafish to three different “open field” tanks for 30 min, we showed that fish display robust homebase behavior, in which one area of the tank is chosen as a preferred point of reference during the test, which the fish frequently return to and spend a longer duration in. This phenotype strikingly resembles rodent homebase behavior, confirming that both species use homebases as “reference points” for their exploration. Our study introduces a simple method for zebrafish homebase phenotyping, and further supports the utility of these fish in neurobehavioral and cognitive research.     

MALE PEACH APHID ATTRACTION IN THE FIELD BY SEX PHEROMONES1)

Abstract Field trials by sex pheromone of aphid to trap peach aphids Myzus persicae have been carried out in 1995 and in 1996. Suitable time and the effect of ratio of two components nepetalactone and nepetalactol to apply the lure have been observed.     

植物气味化合物对棉铃虫产卵及田间诱蛾的影响

利用触角电位技术（EAG）研究棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera对17种植物气味物质的嗅觉反应,实验结果表明：棉铃虫雄蛾、雌蛾对所试各种植物气味物质均无明显的嗅觉反应差异,不同种类的气味物质能引起不同的EAG反应。对其中的几种植物气味物质进行了引诱产卵实验及田间诱蛾实验,结果表明：某些寄主植物的挥发性次生物质显示出较好的引诱产卵活性,且对棉铃虫性诱剂具有增效和协同作用。田间实验数据显示,增加了植物气味物质的棉铃虫性诱剂与单一的棉铃虫性诱剂相比差异显著。     

Development and evaluation of a point-of-care test with a combination of EZ-Fast DNA extraction and real-time PCR and LAMP detection: evaluation using blood samples containing the bovine leukaemia DNA

Along with progress in globalization of society, the spread of infectious diseases has accelerated worldwide. The deployment of highly sensitive genetic tests is essential for early diagnosis and early containment of potential outbreaks and epidemics, as well as routine surveillance, although tedious and expensive nucleic acid extraction steps represent a major drawback. Here we developed a simple and rapid DNA extraction method, named as an EZ-Fast kit, applicable to the field setting. The kit does not require advanced laboratory equipment or expensive DNA extraction kits and achieves crude DNA extraction within 10 min at extremely low cost and can easily be performed in field settings. When combined with real-time PCR and LAMP analyses, the performance of the POCT, using 183 bovine blood samples, was similar to that of the existing DNA extraction method: 92·5% (135/146) (real-time PCR) and 93·7% (133/142) (LAMP) diagnostic sensitivities, and 100% diagnostic specificities. The developed POCT provides a powerful tool to facilitate on-site diagnosis in a field setting.     

Antennal sensitivity to female sex pheromone compounds of Spodoptera frugiperda males (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and associated field behaviour

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most important insect pests of corn, sorghum, rice, and grasses. The sex pheromone produced by S. frugiperda is composed of a mixture of esters. In this study, I determined the antennal responses of FAW males from 22 populations in Mexico to the components of the sex pheromone of this species: (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z7-12:OAc), (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:OAc), and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:OAc) at four doses (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 μg). In addition, I evaluated the behavioural activity of single compounds in the field. The largest antennal responses of FAW males from all the sampled regions were elicited by Z9-14:OAc (all doses evaluated) and Z7-12:OAc (0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg). The male antennal responses evoked by Z11-16:OAc were smaller but similar to responses to Z7-12:OAc at lower doses (0.01 and 0.1 μg). In the field test, Z9-14:OAc produced significantly higher captures of S. frugiperda males compared to Z7-12:AOc and Z11-16:OAc. Antennal responses were related to captures obtained in the field, supported by the positive correlation of these variables [electroantennography (EAG) response and behaviour], with the exception of Z7-12:OAc, which elicited relatively large EAG responses but did not produce high captures of S. frugiperda. These results are of importance to agriculture, enabling the implementation of better methods of monitoring and controlling this pest, and support the suggestion that a mixture of Z9-14:OAc and Z7-12:OAc could represent an effective attractant for all evaluated populations of S. frugiperda in Mexico.     

王氏连朴饮对脾胃湿热证大鼠行为、肾上腺指数及血清Cort 的影响

目的:观察王氏连朴饮对脾胃湿热证大鼠的行为学、肾上腺指数及血清皮质醇(Cort)的调控作用。方法:将45只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型组、王氏连朴饮(高、中、低剂量)组。利用复合因素复制脾胃湿热证动物模型。通过旷场实验观察大鼠行为学改变,称量法计算肾上腺指数,采用放射免疫法检测大鼠血清Cort的水平。结果:造模成功后大鼠行为发生改变,王氏连朴饮各剂量组对大鼠行为均有恢复作用,但各剂量组间无显著性差异;大鼠肾上腺指数增高,血清Cort升高(P<0.05),王氏连朴饮各剂量组对其均有降低作用,以中剂量组效果最好且有显著性差异(P<0.05)。结论:王氏连朴饮对脾胃湿热证大鼠行为、肾上腺指数和血清Cort有干预作用,这可能是王氏连朴饮清热祛湿的机制之一。     

Evaluation of Ecotoxicological Field Studies for Authorization of Plant Protection Products in Europe

An increasing number of ecotoxicological field studies are being submitted in the European Union procedure for authorization of pesticides. Although there is some guidance on how these studies can be used for risk assessment, not all aspects of field tests are covered and the guidance differs per type of test and per non-target group. To facilitate a more uniform approach by the regulatory authorities in the EU, a basic scheme is proposed with qualitative tools to: (i) assess the scientific reliability of individual field tests, and (ii) to assess the usefulness of field tests for regulatory risk assessment of the pesticide under registration. In this way, the treatment, evaluation, and the mutual comparability of field data for regulatory purposes is harmonized. It thereby provides a more consistent foundation for further risk assessment.     

Novel developments in rapid mycotoxin detection

Rapid antibody-based mycotoxin screening techniques are designed to be used outside a laboratory environment, at the place of sampling. Results are expected immediately, so that commodities can be further processed without delay. Because they are used for mycotoxin analysis, very low levels (ppb and ppt range) should be detected. A further requirement is that the obtained results are accurate with a false negative rate of <5% at the level of interest. At first, plastic microtiter plates were used as solid phase materials for immobilizing antibodies (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays). However, to increase speed and user-friendliness, plastics were replaced by microporous membranes. As an example a flow-through enzyme immunoassay for the detection of fumonisins in cornflakes with a cut-off value of 275 μg/kg is described. No false negative results were observed and the false positive rate was 18%. However, enzyme labels, used to enable visual evaluation of results, did not seem to be completely satisfactory in terms of stability and repeatability of the generated signal. Therefore microparticle labels such as colloidal gold particles are used more and more,e.g. in a lateral flow dipstick immunoassay. When applied to the detection of aflatoxin B₁ in pig feed a cut-off value of 5 μg/kg could be reached with no false negative results and a false positive rate of only 10%. Sample pretreatment for screening techniques should be rapid and simple. Preferably a simple solvent extraction is used, followed by a filtration and dilution step. However, for strongly coloured or complex food matrices, this did not seem to work. The combination of clean-up and detection in one single test device is a new approach. When using this clean-up tandem assay column for the detection of ochratoxin A in roasted coffee, a cut-off value of 6 μg/kg was reached. No false positive results were obtained, however, the false negative rate was 8%. Presented at the EU-USA Bilateral Workshop on Toxigenic Fungi & Mycotoxins, New Orleans, USA, July 5–7, 2005 Financial support: Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (SPSDII-CPAA 15 project), IWT-Flanders (research project 020448/Toxi-Test) and Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds Ghent University (01 1D02803)     

稻田蘑菇半裸镰刀菌病害的研究

半裸镰刀菌是双孢蘑菇栽培中出现的一种新的病原菌。报道了该病原菌的培养特征、形态特征、症状及发病规律 ,温度、pH、12种药物对菌丝体生长的影响 ,结果表明 ,使用克霉灵、甲醛、硫酸铜、有机酸等药物可以有效地杀灭病原菌     

Pharmacological analysis of inhomogeneous static magnetic field-induced antinociceptive action in the mouse

The effect of inhomogeneous, 2-754 mT static magnetic field (SMF) on visceral pain elicited by intraperitoneal injection of 0.6% acetic acid (writhing test) was studied in the mouse. Exposure of mice to static magnetic field (permanent NdFeB N50 grade 10 mm x 10 mm cylindrical magnets with alternating poles) during the nociceptive stimulus (0-30 min) resulted in inhibition of pain reaction: the number of writhings decreased from 9 +/- 2, 32 +/- 4 and 30 +/- 3 to 2 +/- 0.03, 15 +/- 1.6, and 14 +/- 1.6, respectively, measured in 0-5th, 6-20th, and 21-30th min following the acetic acid challenge. The pain reaction during the total observation period was reduced by 57% (P < 0.005). The analgesic action induced by SMF was inhibited by subcutaneous administration of naloxone (1 and 0.2 mg kg(-1)), irreversible micro-opioid receptor antagonist beta-funaltrexamine (20 mg kg(-1)) and delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole (0.5 mg kg(-1)), but the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine (20 mg kg(-1)) failed to affect the SMF-induced antinociception. In contrast to the subcutaneous administration, the intracerebroventricularly injected naloxone (10 microg mouse(-1)) did not antagonize the antinociceptive effect of SMF. The results suggest that acute exposure of mice to static magnetic field results in an opioid-mediated analgesic action in the writhing test in the mouse. The antinociceptive effect is likely to be mediated by micro and (to a lesser extent) delta-opioid receptors.     

Small-scale field tests with transgenic potato,cv. Bintje,to test resistance to primary and secondary infections with potato virus y

The coat protein (CP) gene of the potato virus Y (PVY) strain N605 has been cloned into a plant binary expression vector and introduced into the potato variety Bintje. The transformed lines, Bt6, that contained two copies of the CP gene showed complete resistance to the homologous strain PVY-N605 and a good resistance to the related strain PVY-O803 in the greenhouse. The good resistance of Bt6 to primary and secondary infections by PVY was confirmed in two successive field tests where the virus was transmitted by its natural aphid vector.     

眶额叶区5-HT与Glu、NO在急性强迫游泳应激抑郁症模型中的关系

目的：探讨眶额叶区5-羟色胺（5-HT）与谷氨酸（Glu）、一氧化氮（N0）在急性强迫游泳应激抑郁症模型中的相互作用。方法：雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组及各种药物注射组,强迫游泳制造大鼠应激性抑郁模型,眶额叶区微量注射各组药物,敞箱实验及游泳测试观察大鼠的抑郁样行为表现。结果：①与对照组比,注射Glu使大鼠强迫游泳不动时间显著增加;注射NMDA受体拮抗剂（MK-801）使大鼠强迫游泳不动时间减少;与Glu组比,MK-801预注射后Glu注射使大鼠强迫游泳不动时间减少;②与5-HT组比,MK-801预注射后5-HT注射使大鼠强迫游泳不动时间增加;③与对照组比,注射L-精氨酸（L-Ars）使大鼠强迫游泳不动时间显著增加;注射NOS抑制剂（L-NAME）（10μg/μl）使大鼠强迫游泳不动时间减少;L-NAME（20μg／μl）注射使大鼠强迫游泳不动时间增加;L-NAME（40μg/μl）注射使大鼠强迫游泳不动时间增加;④与L-NAME（10μg/μl）组比较,5-HT1A受体拮抗剂spipemne预注射后LNAME（10μg／μl）注射使大鼠强迫游泳不动时间增加。结论：眶额叶（OFC）区Glu含量的增加能够诱发抑郁,其作用可能主要是通过NMDA受体实现的,Glu经NMDA受体引发抑郁的同时还可能通过调节突触后膜上5-HT1A受体减弱5-HT的抗抑郁作用;OFC区NO可通过调节5-HT神经元进而参与抑郁的发生。