Parasitoids in low-level populations ofLymantria dispar [Lep.: Lymantriidae] in different forest physiographic zones

A 2-year study was conducted on the distribution of parasitoids of gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lep.: Lymantriidae), in mesic and adjacent higher elevation transition and xeric forest habitats in Vermont (U.S.A.). In both years, overall parasitism ranged from 12–18% in each habitat. When analyzed according to the life stage at which the host was collected, parasitism rates of greater than 40% were obtained among the late instars.Parasetigena silvestris (Robineau-Desvoidy) andPhobocampe disparis (Viereck) were recovered most commonly from the mesic habitat, andCotesia melanoscelus (Ratzeburg) andBlepharipa pratensis (= Sturmia scutellata) (Meigen) were most common in collections from the xeric area. Parasitism byCompsilura concinnata (Meigen) occurred at similar levels in all three habitats, and this species was responsible for the highest parasitism rates on the site, reaching 40% among the late instars in 1985. Percent parasitism byC. concinnata increased three-four-fold from 1984 to 1985, while parasitism by other species declined.     

The time-course of energy balance in an isometric tetanus

Unpoisoned sartorius muscles of Rana temporaria were stimulated tetanically in isometric contractions lasting up to 20 s at 0 degrees C. The observed enthalpy (heat + work) production and the chemical changes in these contractions were measured, and a comparison was made between the observed enthalpy and the enthalpy that could be explained by the chemical changes. Like earlier workers, we found that the only net known reaction of energetic significance that occurred was dephosphorylation of n-phosphoryl creatine (PC), and we found a significant evolution of unexplained enthalpy (UE), a portion of the observed enthalpy which could not be explained by the extent of PC dephosphorylation. We measured the total quantity and the rate of production of the UE, and we found that its rate of evolution, which was most rapid during the first 750 ms of contraction, fell progressively to zero by the 8th s of contraction: i.e., after 8 s of contraction, all the observed enthalpy is adequately explained by PC dephosphorylation. The time-course of evolution of the UE was slower than that of the labile enthalpy (a component of the enthalpy evolved in isometric contraction whose rate of production declines exponentially at approximately 1 s-1). We conclude that, although the magnitudes of these enthalpy quantities may be similar, they are not derived from the same chemical reaction in muscle.     

Glycosidases in Cell Wall-degrading Extracts of Ripening Tomato Fruits

Enzyme preparations were obtained from cell wall debris of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv. Tropic) fruits at various stages of ripeness and were assayed for glycosidase and polysaccharidase activities. In addition to polygalacturonase (mol wt 40,000), ripening fruits contain β-galactosidase (mol wt 63,000) and β-1, 3-glucanase (mol wt 12,000). The β-glycosidases, unlike polygalacturonase, are active in extracts of green fruits. Placental tissue shows very low polygalacturonase but increasing β-galactosidase and β-1, 3-glucanase activities as ripening proceeds. A large change in the susceptibility of the walls to hydrolase action occurs before the stage in which the greatest polygalacturonase activity occurs. The possibility that the β-glycosidases contribute to the wall modifications that lead to fruit softening is discussed.     

<Superscript>1</Superscript>H, <Superscript>13</Superscript>C and <Superscript>15</Superscript>N resonance assignments and second structure information of Fag s 1: Fagales allergen from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica</Emphasis>

Fagales allergens belonging to the Bet v 1 family account responsible for the majority of spring pollinosis in the temperate climate zones in the Northern hemisphere. Among them, Fag s 1 from beech pollen is an important trigger of Fagales pollen associated allergic reactions. The protein shares high similarity with birch pollen Bet v 1, the best-characterized member of this allergen family. Of note, recent work on Bet v 1 and its homologues found in Fagales pollen demonstrated that not all allergenic members of this family have the capacity to induce allergic sensitization. Fag s 1 was shown to bind pre-existing IgE antibodies most likely primarily directed against other members of this multi-allergen family. Therefore, it is especially interesting to compare the structures of Bet v 1-like pollen allergens, which have the potential to induce allergic sensitization with allergens that are mainly cross-reactive. This in the end will help to identify allergy eliciting molecular pattern on Bet v 1-like allergens. In this work, we report the ¹H, ¹⁵N and ¹³C NMR assignment of beech pollen Fag s 1 as well as the secondary structure information based on backbone chemical shifts.     

Relationships between body fat measured by DXA and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness measured by Lipometer in adults

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between body fat measured by DXA and subcutaneous adipose tissue layers (SAT-layers) measured by LIPOMETER in adult males (n=28) and females (n=53). Body height and mass were measured and BMI was calculated (kg/m2). Measurements of the thicknesses of SAT-layers by LIPOMETER were performed at 15 original body sites. Body composition was measured using DXA. Total body fat % measured by DXA was highly dependent on the SAT-layers in the upper back and inner thigh in males (87.1%, R(2)x100) and the lateral chest, biceps, and calf in females (78.5%, R(2)x100). There were gender differences in trunk fat mass and right hand and leg fat mass calculation using specific SAT-layers. In conclusion, our results indicate that there are close relationships between SAT-layers and body fat measured by DXA. However, there are big differences between genders.     

Perineal swellings: a social and endocrine advantage for Barbary macaque females (Macaca sylvanus)

This study focuses the relationship between social rank, intersexual behavior, age, fecal cortisol equivalent excretion rates and perineal swelling size in contraceptive-treated Macaca sylvanus females. Behavioral data and fecal samples were collected during a twenty-week period from 24 females. Females were categorized with regard to perineal swelling (enlarged or reduced), and to their dominance rank (high or low); we found that swelling size was not associated with it. However, females with an enlarged perineum received more male grooming interactions, had closer spatial relations to males, and received significantly more interventions from males than did the others. Endocrinologically, females with enlarged swelling showed decreased fecal cortisol equivalent excretion rates. Multiple regression models showed a positive relationship between the extent of the swelling size and grooming, inspection and spatial relation. There was a negative relationship between the extent of swelling size and fecal cortisol equivalents. These results imply that enlarged perineal swellings among implanted Barbary macaque females have a greater impact on intersexual contact and adrenocortical activity than does social rank or age.     

Biochemical and immunohistochemical study on physiological activity and distribution of hepatic cathepsin D

Cathepsin D (EC 3.4.23.5) is a lysosomal endopeptidase physiologically present at very low concentration in different tissues. The aim of the study was to estimate the physiological activity and distribution of cathepsin D in the liver. Four groups of ten-week-old male Wistar rats were raised without xenobiotics and sacrificed on day 4, 42, 47 and 84 of the experiment, and their livers were taken for immunohistochemical and biochemical investigation. Immunostaining for cathepsin D was evaluated by light microscope. Activity of the free and bound fractions of hepatic cathepsin D was measured spectrophotometrically. Immunohistochemical staining for cathepsin D was positive in Browicz-Kupffer cells in some but not in all rat liver specimens of each experimental group. The staining pattern was cytoplasmic and granular. Occasionally the positive stained endothelial cells were also found. No activity of cathepsin D in hepatocytes was detected. The positive immunostaining was found in livers with high enzyme activity in the biochemical investigation. No significant differences in activity of the free and bound fractions of cathepsin D among the different age groups were noted. However, the higher, age-dependent activity (p>0.05) of the free fraction was observed in the youngest and the two-middle groups of rats that were sacrificed on day 42 and 47 than in the oldest one. The bound fraction did not reveal such changes. It could be concluded that there were no differences in the activity of hepatic free and bound fractions of cathepsin D in male Wistar rats of various reproductive age. The rat Browicz-Kupffer cells revealed the highest activity of cathepsin D.     

Pectate Lyase Pollen Allergens: Sensitization Profiles and Cross-Reactivity Pattern

BackgroundPollen released by allergenic members of the botanically unrelated families of Asteraceae and Cupressaceae represent potent elicitors of respiratory allergies in regions where these plants are present. As main allergen sources the Asteraceae species ragweed and mugwort, as well as the Cupressaceae species, cypress, mountain cedar, and Japanese cedar have been identified. The major allergens of all species belong to the pectate lyase enzyme family. Thus, we thought to investigate cross-reactivity pattern as well as sensitization capacities of pectate lyase pollen allergens in cohorts from distinct geographic regions.MethodsThe clinically relevant pectate lyase pollen allergens Amb a 1, Art v 6, Cup a 1, Jun a 1, and Cry j 1 were purified from aqueous pollen extracts, and patients´ sensitization pattern of cohorts from Austria, Canada, Italy, and Japan were determined by IgE ELISA and cross-inhibition experiments. Moreover, we performed microarray experiments and established a mouse model of sensitization.ResultsIn ELISA and ELISA inhibition experiments specific sensitization pattern were discovered for each geographic region, which reflected the natural allergen exposure of the patients. We found significant cross-reactivity within Asteraceae and Cupressaceae pectate lyase pollen allergens, which was however limited between the orders. Animal experiments showed that immunization with Asteraceae allergens mainly induced antibodies reactive within the order, the same was observed for the Cupressaceae allergens. Cross-reactivity between orders was minimal. Moreover, Amb a 1, Art v 6, and Cry j 1 showed in general higher immunogenicity.ConclusionWe could cluster pectate lyase allergens in four categories, Amb a 1, Art v 6, Cup a 1/Jun a 1, and Cry j 1, respectively, at which each category has the potential to sensitize predisposed individuals. The sensitization pattern of different cohorts correlated with pollen exposure, which should be considered for future allergy diagnosis and therapy.