Bloodmeal digestion in the midgut of Phlebotomus papatasi and Phlebotomus langeroni

Bloodmeal digestion in midguts of the sandflies Phlebotomus papatasi and Phlebotomus langeroni (Diptera: Psychodidae) was investigated in optimized assays to detect general protease, trypsin and aminopeptidase activities using synthetic substrates. Optimal activity occurred at pH 8-9 for all enzymes examined in both species. Protease activity peaked at 24-34 h post human bloodmeal in midguts of P. papatasi and 34-48 h in P. langeroni; all endo- and exoprotease activities were completed by 50 h in P. papatasi compared to 72 h in P. langeroni. Hydrolysis of two chymotrypsin substrates was < 2% of trypsin activity in both species. Aminopeptidase activity was associated mainly with the midgut wall, whereas trypsin activity was confined to the midgut lumen. A feature of digestion in P. langeroni was the high level of aminopeptidase recorded within 10 h of the bloodmeal.     

Studies on the vectors of leishmaniasis in Kenya: phlebotomine sandflies of Sandai location, Baringo district

Adults of phlebotomine sandflies were collected from natural and man-made habitats in Sandai area of Baringo district using sticky and CDC light traps. Three sandfly species belongings to the Phlebotomus genus and eight species belonging to the Sergentomyia genus were recorded in the area. These flies fall into "perennial" group as they appeared to breed throughout the year. During the dry season there was an increase of sandfly densities in animal burrows and termite mounds, the main sandfly breeding places. Tree holes and human habitations constituted the major sandfly resting places during the wet season. Sandflies of the Phlebotomus genus were more collected in termite mounds and inside houses using CDC light traps, whereas in animal burrows they were more collected by sticky traps than by CDC traps. Sandflies of the Sergentomyia genus were equally collected by sticky traps and CDC light traps. However, in animal burrows and in human habitations, sandflies were more collected by CDC light traps than by sticky traps. On statistical analysis, CDC light traps seemed to be effective inside houses and in animal burrows. In termite mounds both traps yielded uniform results.     

Molecular systematics of Phlebotominae: a pilot study. Paraphyly of the genus Phlebotomus

Phylogenetic relationships among Phlebotominae were inferred through a pilot study using parsimony analysis of the D2 domain of ribosomal DNA sequences: 455 pairs of bases were sequenced in nine species of Phlebotomine sandflies which belong to the genera Lutzomyia, Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. Two taxa are used as outgroups: Psychoda sp. and Nemapalpus flavus which is the sister group of the Phlebotominae. The South American genus Lutzomyia appears to be monophyletic. The Mediterranean species Sergentomyia dentata is its sister group and is not clustered with the Old World genus Phlebotomus. The latter is a paraphyletic genus with an early individualization of the branch including the closely related subgenera Phlebotomus and Paraphlebotomus, and a late individualization of the subgenus Larroussius. These results have some consequences on the biogeography of the leishmaniasis in the Old World.     

The potential effect of global warming on the geographic and seasonal distribution of Phlebotomus papatasi in southwest Asia

The distribution of Phlebotomus papatasi in Southwest Asia is thought to be highly dependent on temperature and relative humidity. A discriminant analysis model based on weather data and reported vector surveys was developed to predict the seasonal and geographic distribution of P. papatasi in this region. To simulate global warming, temperature values for 115 weather stations were increased by 1 degree C, 3 degrees C, and 5 degrees C, and the outcome variable coded as unknown in the model. Probability of occurrence values were then predicted for each location with a weather station. Stations with positive probability of occurrence values for May, June, July, and August were considered locations where two or more life cycles of P. papatasi could occur and which could support endemic transmission of leishmaniasis and sandfly fever. Among 115 weather stations, 71 (62%) would be considered endemic with current temperature conditions; 14 (12%) additional stations could become endemic with an increase of 1 degree C; 17 (15%) more with a 3 degrees C increase; and 12 (10%) more (all but one station) with a 5 degrees C increase. In addition to increased geographic distribution, seasonality of disease transmission could be extended throughout 12 months of the year in 7 (6%) locations with at least a 3 degrees C rise in temperature and in 29 (25%) locations with a 5 degrees C rise.     

Oxytocin increases nitric oxide production in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus of male rats: correlation with penile erection and yawning

Dog collars made of PVC plastic impregnated with the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin at 40 mg/g were investigated for their protective efficacy against phlebotomine sandflies. Collared dogs were kept separately (two untreated control dogs lived together) in outdoor enclosures, each with a kennel, in the Cévennes, southern France. To measure sandfly mortality and anti-feeding effects due to the deltamethrin-impregnated collars worn continuously by the dogs for up to 8 months, each dog was periodically sedated and exposed for 2h to 150-200 laboratory-reared Phlebotomus perniciosus females (plus c. 25 males) inside a net (1.2 m square, 1.8 m high) indoors. After dogs were removed from the nets, allowed to recover and returned to their kennels, any dead sandflies were collected from inside the net and counted. Surviving flies were kept overnight, then scored according to whether they were still alive or dead, unfed or blood-fed. From tests 2, 3, 4, 13, 20, 26 and 34 weeks after the dogs began wearing collars, the overall numbers of blood-fed female sandflies recaptured were 75 from two dogs with collars, compared with 1911 from two collarless dogs. Thus, for every 100 flies which fed on collarless dogs, only 4 fed on collared dogs, i.e. the collars protected dogs from 96% of the bites and this activity was maintained for up to 34 weeks. During the same period, the percentage of recaptured female sandflies that had fed on collared dogs was 0-12% compared to 55-95% on collarless dogs. Immediately after dogs were taken out of the nets, 21-60% of flies confined with the collared dogs were found dead, compared to 0-12% with the controls. It is concluded that, at least in the Mediterranean subregion, this insecticidal collar would protect a dog from the majority of sandfly bites and retain a killing effect for a complete sandfly season. Moreover, it seems likely that the use of collars on all dogs in a focus of Leishmania infantum would reduce contact between sandfly vectors and canine reservoir hosts sufficiently to diminish the risk of infection for humans as well as dogs.     

Laboratory animals as a cause of occupational allergy

The sandfly subgenus Phlebotomus (Larroussius) contains species which transmit parasites causing cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in East Africa, including Ethiopia. The Gewasha caves in central Ethiopia harbour a new species (Phlebotomus ashfordi) belonging to the subgenus Larroussius and previously identified as P. (L.) aculeatus Lewis, Minter and Ashford. Although generally similar to P. (L.) aculeatus and P. (L.) elgonensis Ngoka, Madel and Mutinga, the species is distinct in eight male characters and in the female spermatheca. Given its taxonomic affinity to known vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis and the presence of disease in the Gewasha caves area, the medical importance of this species needs to be assessed.     

Cellulase activity of Leishmania major in the sandfly vector and in culture

The secretion of cellulose-degrading enzymes by Leishmania promastigotes in culture and in the sandfly vector was demonstrated. Two types of activity of cellulase enzyme-complexes were measured: endoglucanases, which randomly cleave cellulose chains and cellobioydrolases, which remove cellobiose from the nonreducing end of the molecule. The assays demonstrated that enzymes with these activities were secreted into the culture medium by Leishmania major, L. donovani, and L. braziliensis. These activities were also found in cultures of Sauroleishmania agamae, Leptomonas seymouri, Herpetomonas muscarum, Crithidia fasciculata and Trypanosoma brucei brucei that had a relatively low endoglucanase activity. Both endoglucanase and cellobiohydrolase activities were found in the gut of L. major-infected Phlebotomus papatasi, while gut preparations of uninfected sandflies had only cellobiohydrolase activity. The similar growth of L. major parasites in medium supplemented with either cellulose or glucose suggests these parasites can utilize cellulose.     

Immunohistochemical detection of S-100 protein in human deciduous dental pulp

Phlebotomus duboscqi and P. papatasi are morphologically closely related species. Scanning electron microscopy showed constant differences between pharyngeal teeth of the females.     

Helium-oxygen improves Clinical Asthma Scores in children with acute bronchiolitis

Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 32) were fed diets without fiber (control) or containing 1 or 5% chicory extract or 5% inulin for 4 wk; 0.2% cholesterol was added to all diets. Rats fed chicory extract and inulin diets had significantly higher serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and generally lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations, thus significantly greater ratios of HDL/LDL cholesterol compared with the controls (P < 0.05). The serum apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio was significantly lower in rats fed diets containing chicory extract or inulin than that in rats fed fiber-free diets, due to significant reductions in apolipoprotein B concentration (P < 0.05). Greater liver lipid and triglyceride concentrations were observed in rats fed chicory extract or inulin diets compared with the controls (P < 0.05). However, liver phospholipid and cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different among groups (P > 0.05). Addition of 5% inulin to the diet resulted in greater cecal weight, whereas both 5% chicory extract and 5% inulin resulted in greater cecal propionic acid concentration compared with the controls (P < 0.05). Rats fed chicory extract and inulin had significantly greater fecal lipid, cholesterol and bile acid excretions than those fed fiber-free diets (P < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that the improved lipid metabolism observed in rats fed chicory extract (mainly inulin component) may be caused by an alteration in the absorption and/or synthesis of cholesterol, which might result from the changes in cecal fermentation, and by an increase in the fecal excretion of lipid, cholesterol and bile acid.     

Morphological and morphometric study of crustacean parasites within the genus Lernaeocera

Two species of Lernaeocera are present in the southeastern North Sea. Lernaeocera lusci infects bib Trisopterus luscus, dragonet Callionymus lyra and sand goby Pomatoschistus minutas. L. minuta is a junior synonym of L. lusci. The second valid species, L. branchialis, infects whiting Merlangius merlangus. The two species can be morphologically separated by the antennary processes, which are present in L. lusci and absent in L. branchialis. Discriminant functions allow complete separation between L. lusci and L. branchialis. There is high intraspecific, host-dependent variability within L. lusci. Length of L. lusci is significantly influenced by host size, and body form is influenced by the site of attachment of L. lusci on at least one host (bib). It is suggested that L. lusci consists of 3 forms: f. lusci, f. minuta and f. lyra.     

Spontaneous movement of metallic foreign bodies. Case report

The presence of Leishmania donovani DNA in sand flies caught in Indian kala-azar patients' dwellings during the epidemic of 1990-1992 was studied using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Amplification of miniexon-derived RNA genes and gpG3 mRNA was achieved in single Phlebotomus argentipes, P. papatasi, and Sergentomyia babu flies. The data suggest the possible involvement of multiple sandfly species in kala-azar transmission.     

Production of ethyl (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanoate via reduction of ethyl 2-oxo-4-phenylbutanoate in an interface bioreactor

Ethyl (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanoate [(R)-EHPB], a useful intermediate for the synthesis of various anti-hypertension drugs, was produced via microbial reduction of ethyl 2-oxo-4-phenylbutanoate [EOPB] in an interface bioreactor. Rhodotorula minuta IFO 0920 and Candida holmii KPY 12402 were selected as the best type culture and isolated yeasts, respectively. The highest enantiomeric excess of (R)-EHPB produced by R. minuta and C. holmii were 95 and 94%, respectively. C. holmii was used for the reduction of EOPB in a pad-packed interface bioreactor (inner volume, 3 liter). After incubation for 4 days, 4.4 g of (R)-EHPB was obtained via extraction with methanol followed by column chromatography. The overall yield, chemical purity, and enantiomeric excess of (R)-EHPB were 58%, 99.1%, and 90%, respectively.     

Antigenic relationships among phlebotomus fever group arboviruses and their implication for the epidemiology of sandfly fever

The antigenic relationships of 21 known or presumed Phlebotomus fever group serotypes and of 2 ungrouped, solvent sensitive, sandfly-associated arboviruses (Pacui and Charleville) were studied by complement fixation, plaque neutralization, and hemagglutination-inhibition methods. Results of complement fixation and neutralization tests were specific, allowing clear separation of the various serotypes, while those of the hemagglutination-inhibition test showed broader crossing and lack of specificity. Pacui virus was shown to be a member of the Phlebotomus fever serogroup. Six new Phlebotomus fever group serotypes are also described, increasing the known members of the group to 22. The implications of these and other recent data about the epidemiology of sandfly fever are discussed.     

Absolute auditory thresholds in three Old World monkey species (Cercopithecus aethiops, C. neglectus, Macaca fuscata) and humans (Homo sapiens).

We investigated the absolute auditory sensitivities of three monkey species (Cercopithecus aethiops, C. neglectus, and Macaca fuscata) and humans (Homo sapiens). Results indicated that species-typical variation exists in these primates. Vervets, which have the smallest interaural distance of the species that we tested, exhibited the greatest high-frequency sensitivity. This result is consistent with Masterton, Heffner, and Ravizza's (1969) observations that head size and high-frequency acuity are inversely correlated in mammals. Vervets were also the most sensitive in the middle frequency range. Furthermore, we found that de Brazza's monkeys, though they produce a specialized, low-pitched boom call, did not show the enhanced low-frequency sensitivity that Brown and Waser (1984) showed for blue monkeys (C. mitis), a species with a similar sound. This discrepancy may be related to differences in the acoustics of the respective habitats of these animals or in the way their boom calls are used. The acuity of Japanese monkeys was found to closely resemble that of rhesus macaques (M. mulatta) that were tested in previous studies. Finally, humans tested in the same apparatus exhibited normative sensitivities. These subjects responded more readily to low frequencies than did the monkeys but rapidly became less sensitive in the high ranges. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Videodensitometry of osteons in females with femoral neck fractures

The medial femoral cortices of 10 females with femoral neck fractures and 10 age-matched female autopsy cases were studied using computer-assisted videodensitometry. Radiographic mineral density was determined using the calibration method described by Martin et al. [20]. Measurements were made of porosity, osteon and haversian canal dimensions, and of interstitial and osteon mineral density across the cortical wall of the orthopedic calcar region. There were no differences between the fracture and nonfracture groups in the overall mean mineral density of the bone averaged over the microstructure, excluding pore space, or in the interstitial bone mineral density. The porosity in the fracture group was greater than in the autopsy group, especially in the periosteal region, where the porosity was 2.4 times greater and where there were also 27% fewer osteons per unit area than in the autopsy group (P < 0.05). Mean osteon mineral density was 2.5% higher in the fracture group (P < 0.05) compared with the autopsy group in the endosteal region, and 4% higher in the periosteal region. Osteon and haversian canal areas were also larger in the fracture group, especially in the middle region of the cortical wall (17% and 23%, respectively, P < 0.05).     

Relative frequency of a subclavian vs. a transverse cervical origin for the dorsal scapular artery in humans

Scanning electron microscopy of external ornamentation and internal armature of the pharynx was used to identify females of Sergentomyia sensu stricto. Five species from the eastern Mediterranean basin were compared; S. minuta clearly was separated from species of the fallax-group. Within the fallax-group, S. fallax was distinguished readily by its heart-shaped pharynx and the difference in armature between the dorsal and lateral plates.     

Hemoglobin adducts of benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide in newspaper vendors: association with traffic exhaust

Benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide adducts with hemoglobin (Hb) were measured to detect human exposure to environmental benzo[a]pyrene from traffic exhaust. Benzo[a]pyrene tetrahydrotetrols (BPTs) released from Hb after acid hydrolysis were quantitated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after immunoaffinity chromatography. Fifty three newspaper vendors were enrolled. The median adduct concentration was 0.3 fmol BPTs/mg Hb in high density traffic-exposed vendors and < or = 0.1 fmol BPTs/mg Hb in those exposed to low density traffic; the difference was not significant (P = 0.09). Among non-smokers, adducts were detectable in 60% of high exposure subjects (median 0.3 fmol BPTs/mg Hb) and in 28% of those with low exposure (median < or = 0.1 fmol/mg Hb). This difference was significant (P = 0.02). In low exposure smokers the median of adducts was 0.26 fmol BPTs/mg Hb, while in low exposure non-smokers it was < or = 0.1 fmol BPTs/mg Hb (P = 0.08, not significant). Adduct concentration was no different for low and high density traffic-exposed smokers (P = 0.82). The data indicate a significant difference in adduct concentration related to traffic exhaust exposure among non-smokers.     

Bichat''s fat-pad: correlations with some anthropometric parameters

We report the preliminary results of an epidemiological survey carried out in the locality of Ouled Hcein, province of Taounate (North Morocco) around one visceral leishmaniasis infant case. The strain isolated from the child was characterized by three methods as Leishmania infantum and its isoenzyme pattern was indistinguishable from zymodeme MON-1. The human survey in the locality of origin of the index case did not show any additional case and the serology was negative for the whole people sampled. The canine survey showed that the highest seroprevalence of the canine disease was found in the locality of Ouled Hcein (27.1%) when compared to 4 surrounding localities. The entomological survey showed that amongst the demonstrated L. infantum vectors around the Mediterranean Basin, Phlebotomus longicuspis was the predominant species. Furthermore, the survey led to the identification of one female of P. ariasi naturally infected with L. infantum, so this species should be at least one of the vectors of this parasite in this area. Thus, this study confirms that the transmission cycle of L. infantum in North Morocco is similar to the cycle found in the remaining Mediterranean area.     

Identification of a domain of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase that is involved in interfacial recognition

Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is an interfacial enzyme that acts on lipid substrates on the surface of high density lipoproteins (HDL). Based on observations with other interfacial lipases, we propose that LCAT contains a surface region of 25 amino acids linked by a disulfide bond (C50-C74) that is involved in the binding of LCAT to lipoproteins. Using LCAT cDNA, we have deleted most of this region (delta 53-71) and expressed the mutant enzyme (LCAT delta 53-71) in COS-1 cells. The deletion mutant is expressed and secreted at levels similar to wildtype LCAT, suggesting that the deleted region is located on the surface of the enzyme and is not required for folding. The enzymatic activity of the mutant was tested using two interfacial substrates, reconstituted HDL (rHDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL), as well as a water soluble substrate, p-nitrophenyl butyrate (PNPB). There was no reaction with rHDL and LDL, but 30% of the activity with PNPB was retained. This suggests that the deleted region plays a role in interfacial binding, while the active site core is not disrupted. We thus conclude that this region (C50-C74) forms part of the interfacial binding domain of LCAT.     

Revisiting play elements and self-handicapping in play: A comparative ethogram of five Old World monkey species.

Play behavior has been viewed as a mixture of elements drawn from “serious” behavior, interspersed by ritualized play signals. Two other types of play behaviors have been overlooked: patterns that are dissimilar from any serious behavior and patterns with self-handicapping character, that is, those that put the animal into unnecessary disadvantageous positions or situations. Here the authors show that these 2 types of patterns can constitute a major part of play repertoire. From our own videorecordings and observations, we constructed play ethograms of 5 monkey species (Semnopithecus entellus, Erythrocebus patas, Chlorocebus pygerythrus, Cercopithecus neglectus, and Cercopithecus diana). The authors evaluated the self-handicapping character of each pattern and in Hanuman langurs also the (dis)similarity to serious behavior. Of the 74 patterns in the 5 species, 33 (45%) were judged to have a self-handicapping character. Of 48 patterns observed in langurs, 16 (33%) were totally dissimilar to any serious langur behavior known to us. The authors discuss the possibility that the different types of play elements may have different functions in play. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)