Incubation Period (incubation + period)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Life Sciences

Kinds of Incubation Period

  • different incubation period
  • h incubation period
  • long incubation period
  • longer incubation period
  • shorter incubation period


  • Selected Abstracts


    Application of Sartwell's Model (Lognormal Distribution of Incubation Periods) to Age at Onset and Age at Death of Foals with Rhodococcus equi Pneumonia as Evidence of Perinatal Infection

    JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2001
    Miriam L. Horowitz
    The distributions of the incubation periods for infectious and neoplastic diseases originating from point-source exposures, and for genetic diseases, follow a lognormal distribution (Sartwell's model). Conversely, incubation periods in propagated outbreaks and diseases with strong environmental components do not follow a lognormal distribution. In this study Sartwell's model was applied to the age at onset and age at death of foals with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. The age at onset of clinical signs and age at death were compiled for 107 foals that had been diagnosed with R equi pneumonia at breeding farms in Argentina and Japan. For each outcome (disease and death), these data followed a lognormal distribution. A group of 115 foals with colic from the University of California were used as a comparison group. The age at onset of clinical signs for these foals did not follow a lognormal distribution. These results were consistent with the hypothesis that foals are infected with R equi during the 1st several days of life, similar to a point-source exposure. [source]


    Incubation period in the 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy-mediated thermal autopolymerization of styrene: Kinetics and simulations

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 24 2006
    Enrique Saldívar-Guerra
    Abstract Mechanisms and simulations of the induction period and the initial polymerization stages in the nitroxide-mediated autopolymerization of styrene are discussed. At 120,125 °C and moderate 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) concentrations (0.02,0.08 M), the main source of radicals is the hydrogen abstraction of the Mayo dimer by TEMPO [with the kinetic constant of hydrogen abstraction (kh)]. At higher TEMPO concentrations ([N,] > 0.1 M), this reaction is still dominant, but radical generation by the direct attack against styrene by TEMPO, with kinetic constant of addition kad, also becomes relevant. From previous experimental data and simulations, initial estimates of kh , 1 and kad , 6 × 10,7 L mol,1 s,1 are obtained at 125 °C. From the induction period to the polymerization regime, there is an abrupt change in the dominant mechanism generating radicals because of the sudden decrease in the nitroxide radicals. Under induction-period conditions, the simulations confirm the validity of the quasi-steady-state assumption (QSSA) for the Mayo dimer in this regime; however, after the induction period, the QSSA for the dimer is not valid, and this brings into question the scientific basis of the well-known expression kth[M]3 (where [M] is the monomer concentration and kth is the kinetic constant of autoinitiation) for the autoinitiation rate in styrene polymerization. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6962-6979, 2006 [source]


    Components of Partial Disease Resistance in Wheat Detected in a Detached Leaf Assay Inoculated with Microdochium majus using First, Second and Third Expanding Seedling Leaves

    JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2006
    R. A. Browne
    Abstract The use of first, second and third expanding seedling leaves of wheat (L1, L2 and L3 respectively), inoculated with conidial suspensions of Microdochium majus (syn. Microdochium nivale var. majus) in a detached leaf assay, for detecting components of partial disease resistance (PDR) was investigated across a range of wheat cultivars. Incubation periods (period from inoculation to first appearance of symptoms; a dull grey,green water-soaked lesion) and latent periods (period from inoculation to the first appearance of sporodochia) were longest and lesions smallest on L3. The expression of PDR components on L2 was intermediate to those on L1 and L3. The longer latent periods on L3 typically occurred after leaf senescence contrasting with latent periods on L1 and L2 where sporulation most frequently occurred on relatively green leaf tissue. Cultivar differences in the first appearance of symptoms, incubation period, which occurred before any leaf senescence was observed, correlated significantly across all leaf positions. Similarly cultivar differences in latent period were correlated for L1 and L2. However, latent periods on L3, which were the least consistent between cultivars across experiments, were not correlated with those of L1 or L2 in any experiment. The results indicate that due to the delay in sporulation until after leaf senescence, observations on latent period in L3 are less representative of what occurs in the whole plant where infection of living tissue is of greatest interest. This work indicates that the selection of the first or second expanding leaf of wheat is optimal for the use in the detached leaf assay using M. majus for studying components of PDR. [source]


    Manganese cell labeling of murine hepatocytes using manganese(III)-transferrin,

    CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING, Issue 3 2008
    Christopher H. Sotak
    Abstract Manganese(III)-transferrin [Mn(III),Tf] was investigated as a way to accomplish manganese-labeling of murine hepatocytes for MRI contrast. It is postulated that Mn(III),Tf can exploit the same transferrin-receptor-dependent and -independent metabolic pathways used by hepatocytes to transport the iron analog Fe(III),Tf. More specifically, it was investigated whether manganese delivered by transferrin could give MRI contrast in hepatocytes. Comparison of the T1 and T2 relaxation times of Mn(III),Tf and Fe(III),Tf over the same concentration range showed that the r1 relaxivities of the two metalloproteins are the same in vitro, with little contribution from paramagnetic enhancement. The degree of manganese cell labeling following incubation for 2,7,h in 31.5,µm Mn(III),Tf was comparable to that of hepatocytes incubated in 500,µm Mn2+ for 1,h. The intrinsic manganese tissue relaxivity between Mn(III),Tf-labeled and Mn2+ -labeled cells was found to be the same, consistent with Mn(III) being released from transferrin and reduced to Mn2+. For both treatment regimens, manganese uptake by hepatocytes appeared to saturate in the first 1,2,h of the incubation period and may explain why the efficiency of hepatocyte cell labeling by the two methods appeared to be comparable in spite of the ,16-fold difference in effective manganese concentration. Hepatocytes continuously released manganese, as detected by MRI, and this was the same for both Mn2+ - and Mn(III),Tf-labeled cells. Manganese release may be the result of normal hepatocyte function, much in the same way that hepatocytes excrete manganese into the bile in vivo. This approach exploits a biological process,namely receptor binding, endocytosis and endosomal acidification,to initiate the release of an MRI contrast agent, potentially conferring more specificity to the labeling process. The ubiquitous expression of transferrin receptors by eukaryotic cells should make Mn(III),Tf particularly useful for manganese labeling of a wide variety of cells both in culture and in vivo. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Effect of abiotic factors on reproduction in the centre and periphery of breeding ranges: a comparative analysis in sympatric harriers

    ECOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2001
    J. T. García
    Variables such as weather or other abiotic factors should have a higher influence on demographic rates in border areas than in central areas, given that climatic adaptation might be important in determining range borders. Similarly, for a given area, the relationship between weather and reproduction should be dissimilar for species which are in the centre of their breeding range and those that are near the edge. We tested this hypothesis on two sympatric ground-nesting raptors, the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and the Montagu's harrier Circus pygargus in Madrid, central Spain, where the hen harrier is at the southern edge of its breeding range in the western Palearctic and the Montagu's harrier is central in its distribution. We examined the reproductive success of both species during an 8-yr period, and looked at the influence of the most stressful abiotic factors in the study area (between-year variation in rainfall and within-year variation in temperature) on reproductive parameters. In the hen harrier, low levels of rainfall during the breeding season had a negative influence on annual fledging success and thus on population fledgling production. The relationship between rainfall and reproduction was probably mediated through food abundance, which in Mediterranean habitat depends directly on rainfall levels. In the Montagu's harrier, no negative effect of dry seasons on productivity was found. Additionally, in the hen harrier, the proportion of eggs that did not hatch in each clutch increased with higher temperatures during the incubation period. No such relationship was found in the Montagu's harrier. We interpret these between-species differences in terms of differences of breeding range and adaptations to the average conditions existing there. Hen harriers, commonest at northern latitudes, are probably best adapted to the most typical conditions at those latitudes, and have probably not developed thermoregulatory or behavioural mechanisms to cope with drought and high temperatures in Mediterranean habitats, in contrast to Montagu's harrier. Thus hen harrier distribution might be constrained by these variables, due to lower reproductive success or higher reproductive costs. Accordingly, a logistic regression analysis of the presence or absence of both species in 289 random points throughout the western Palearctic showed that the distribution of both species was related to temperature, but the relationship was in opposite directions for the two species: hen harriers had lower probability of breeding in areas with higher temperature (as expected in a species with a more northerly distribution). [source]


    Behavioural changes in Schistocerca gregaria following infection with a fungal pathogen: implications for susceptibility to predation

    ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 3 2001
    Steven Arthurs
    Summary 1. Field observations have indicated that infection of locusts and grasshoppers by the fungal entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum may result in a substantial increase in the host's susceptibility to predation, before death is caused directly by the disease. 2. Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine how the behaviour of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria Forskål changes following infection by M. anisopliae var. acridum to explore some potential mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. 3. In the first experiment, which involved monitoring general locust activity in small cages throughout the disease incubation period, infected locusts were observed to increase locomotion and bodily movement from 3 days after infection until death (average survival time of 11 days). There was some evidence of reduced feeding and mating behaviour following infection. 4. In a second experiment, locusts were exposed individually to a simulated predator attack and the initiation and strength of any escape responses were measured. Infected locusts were observed to have a reduced escape capability (both the propensity to escape and the strength of the response). In contrast to the relatively early changes in general activity observed in the first experiment, this was only apparent at the late stages of infection shortly before death. 5. Both an increase in movement and general apparency early in the infection process, and reduced escape capability late on, suggest mechanisms whereby the susceptibility of locusts and grasshoppers to predation might be enhanced following infection with M. anisopliae var. acridum. [source]


    Detecting active methanogenic populations on rice roots using stable isotope probing

    ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
    Yahai Lu
    Summary Methane is formed on rice roots mainly by CO2 reduction. The present study aimed to identify the active methanogenic populations responsible for this process. Soil-free rice roots were incubated anaerobically under an atmosphere of H2/13CO2 or N2/13CO2 with phosphate or carbonate (marble) as buffer medium. Nucleic acids were extracted and fractionated by caesium trifluoroacetate equilibrium density gradient centrifugation after 16-day incubation. Community analyses were performed for gradient fractions using terminal restriction fragment polymorphism analysis (T-RFLP) and sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes. In addition, rRNA was extracted and analysed at different time points to trace the community change during the 16-day incubation. The Methanosarcinaceae and the yet-uncultured archaeal lineage Rice Cluster-I (RC-I) were predominant in the root incubations when carbonate buffer and N2 headspace were used. The analysis of [13C]DNA showed that the relative 16S rRNA gene abundance of RC-I increased whereas that of the Methanosarcinaceae decreased with increasing DNA buoyant density, indicating that members of RC-I were more active than the Methanosarcinaceae. However, an unexpected finding was that RC-I was suppressed in the presence of high H2 concentrations (80%, v/v), which during the early incubation period caused a lower CH4 production compared with that with N2 in the headspace. Eventually, however, CH4 production increased, probably because of the activity of Methanosarcinaceae, which became prevalent. Phosphate buffer appeared to inhibit the activity of the Methanosarcinaceae, resulting in lower CH4 production as compared with carbonate buffer. Under these conditions, Methanobacteriaceae were the prevalent methanogens. Our study suggests that the active methanogenic populations on rice roots change in correspondence to the presence of H2 (80%, v/v) and the type of buffer used in the system. [source]


    Effects of the herbicide hexazinone on nutrient cycling in a low-pH blueberry soil

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2004
    D. M. Vienneau
    Abstract The herbicide hexazinone was applied as the commercial formulation Velpar® L at field-rate (FR) concentrations of FR (14.77 ,g ai g,1), FR×5 (73.85 ,g ai g,1), FR×10 (147.70 ,g ai g,1), FR×50 (738.50 ,g ai g,1), and FR×100 (1477.00 ,g ai g,1) to acidic soil, pH 4.12, taken from a lowbush blueberry field. Hexazinone was tested for inhibitory effects on various transformations of the nitrogen cycle and soil respiration. Nitrogen fixation was unaffected by hexazinone levels up to FR×100 following a 4-week incubation period. Ammonification was initially inhibited by all levels of hexazinone, but after 4 weeks, ammonification in all treatment systems was equal to or greater than the control. Nitrification was more sensitive to hexazinone; however, application at a field-rate level caused no inhibition. Inhibitory effects were noted above FR after a 2-month endpoint analysis and above FR×5 after a 6-month endpoint analysis. Hexazinone concentrations up to and including FR×100 stimulated denitrification. Soil respiration was also stimulated over a 3-week period when applied at a level up to 100 times the recommended field rate. In general, it was found that when applied at the recommended field application rate, hexazinone does not adversely affect the nitrogen cycle or soil respiration in acidic lowbush blueberry soils. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 19: 115,122, 2004 [source]


    Degradation of chlorpyrifos, fenamiphos, and chlorothalonil alone and in combination and their effects on soil microbial activity

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2002
    Brajesh Kumar Singh
    Abstract The effects of repeated application and of combinations of pesticides on their degradation rates in soil and on some soil microbial properties were studied. Repeated application of chlorpyrifos did not modify its degradation rate, whereas repeated applications of fenamiphos and chlorothalonil suppressed their own rates of degradation. When applied in combination, the presence of chlorothalonil reduced the degradation rate of both chlorpyrifos and fenamiphos, and the half-life of chlorothalonil was extended in the presence of chlorpyrifos. The dynamics of residues of the major metabolites of the different compounds were also affected by the pesticide combinations and, particularly, by the presence of chlorothalonil. The measured soil microbial parameters (enzyme activities and total microbial biomass) were stable in the pesticide-free control soils throughout the 90-d incubation period, but they were all adversely affected by the presence of chlorothalonil in the soil. The effects from fenamiphos or chlorpyrifos on the soil microbial characteristics were either very small or insignificant. [source]


    Effect of copper on hatching and development of larvae of the estuarine crab Chasmagnathus granulata (Decapoda, Brachyura)

    ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2001
    Valeria Zapata
    Abstract Ovigerous females of the estuarine crab Chasmagnathus granulata were exposed to 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 3 mg/L of copper during the egg incubation period. Regarding egg loss, a higher effect was observed at higher copper concentrations: 80% of the females lost their eggs at 0.5 mg/L, whereas no hatching was seen in those exposed to 3 mg/L. A significant decrease was found in the number of hatched larvae in females exposed to 0.5 mg/L, as was a significant decrease in the duration of the incubation period. In addition, several morphological abnormalities were seen and observed. Hydropsy and atrophy of the dorsal spine, pleon, and maxillipeds occurred at the higher copper concentrations, as found in previous studies with other pollutants. Hyperpigmentation of the cephalothorax and pleon was the only abnormality observed at every concentration assayed. Hypopigmented eyes were also evident. This pathology showed that among all defects observed at 0.5 mg/L, hypopigmented eyes had the highest incidence and might be a specific response to copper. [source]


    STED Microscopy to Monitor Agglomeration of Silica Particles Inside A549 Cells,

    ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010
    Sabrina Schübbe
    The widespread use of engineered nanomaterials increases the exposure of the materials to humans. Therefore, it is necessary to know how these materials interact with cells. One approach is to trace particles by fluorescent labeling. The aim of the present work was to study the behavior of silica particles in A549 cells. For the first time, we applied stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy for this approach. Therefore, SiO2 particles conjugated with Atto647N were prepared by L -arginine-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane. The Atto647N labeled SiO2 particles exhibit a mean size of 128,±,7,nm and a zeta-potential of ,11,mV in cell culture medium. STED microscopy enables subdiffraction resolution imaging of single Atto647N labeled SiO2 particles not only in pure solution but also in a cellular environment. To visualize Atto647N labeled SiO2 particles inside A549 cells, the membrane was labeled and image stacks, that give three-dimensional information, were taken after 5, 24, and 48 h exposure of particles to cells. During this incubation period, an increase in particle uptake was observed and STED micrographs allowed us to evaluate the agglomeration of Atto647N labeled SiO2 particles inside A549 cells. Our results show that STED microscopy is a powerful technique to study particles in a cellular environment. [source]


    Fish and mucus-dwelling bacteria interact to produce a kairomone that induces diel vertical migration in Daphnia

    FRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2006
    MERYEM BEKLIOGLU
    Summary 1. Bacterial populations associated with fish have previously been documented to be crucial for the production of chemical signals governing the interactions between predator fish and zooplankton prey. 2. In this study, we investigated the roles of fish and mucus-dwelling bacteria in kairomone production by conducting two sets of experiments related to elimination of bacteria with antibiotics and using fish mucus in bioassays of Daphnia pulex's diel vertical migration. 3. Daphnia's migratory response to the antibiotic-treated fish was about half the strength of the response to the fish cue treatment. Furthermore, when the same antibiotic-treated fish were removed from the antibiotic-containing water and transferred into control water for 24 and 48 h, the extent of D. pulex's migration depended on the length of the incubation period, apparently corresponding to the regeneration of bacterial colonies associated with mucus. The migration pattern observed in the 24 h treatment was similar to that of antibiotic-treated fish. On the other hand, a pronounced migration occurred in the 48 h following antibiotic treatment; here, we found a higher density of fish surface dwelling bacteria than at the start of the experiment. 4. In the experiment involving fish mucus, the mucus-enriched control water induced a weak response similar to antibiotic-treated fish. 5. On the basis of the results from the two experiments, we suggest that both fish and fish mucus-dwelling bacteria interact in the release of kairomone in ecologically relevant quantities. [source]


    Alkaloids may not be responsible for endophyte-associated reductions in tall fescue decomposition rates

    FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
    Jacob A. Siegrist
    Summary 1. ,Fungal endophyte , grass symbioses can have dramatic ecological effects, altering individual plant physiology, plant and animal community structure and function, and ecosystem processes such as litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. 2. ,Within the tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) , fungal endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum) symbiosis, fungal produced alkaloids are often invoked as the putative mechanism driving these ecological responses. Yet few measurements of alkaloids exist in the ecological literature. In this study, we quantified alkaloid levels in live, standing dead and decomposing endophyte-infected (E+) and ,free (E,) plant material and simultaneously evaluated the direct and indirect effects of endophyte presence on tall fescue decomposition. 3. ,Loline and ergot alkaloid levels were consistently high in live E+ (common toxic strain of N. coenophialum) tall fescue biomass throughout the sampling period (May,November 2007), whereas, E, live and standing dead material had non-detectable alkaloid concentrations. Standing dead E+ biomass had significantly reduced alkaloid levels (6,19x lower than the levels measured in the corresponding live E+ biomass) that were equivalent to E, live and dead for loline but were still somewhat higher than E, material for ergots. 4. ,In an effort to test the role of alkaloids in directly inhibiting decomposition, as has been suggested by previous studies, we conducted a litter bag experiment using green, alkaloid-laden E+ and alkaloid-free E, tall fescue plant material. We incubated E+ and E, litter bags in both E+ and E, tall fescue stands for 170 days, and measured mass loss, carbon and nitrogen content, and ergot and loline alkaloid concentrations over the incubation period. 5. ,Consistent with previous reports, both direct and indirect effects of endophyte presence on litter decomposition were observed: endophyte presence in the litter and surrounding microenvironment significantly reduced decomposition rates. Surprisingly, despite large differences in alkaloid content between E+ and E, litter from Day 0,Day 21 of the incubation, direct effects of the endophyte on litter decomposition, while significant, were relatively small (differences in mass loss between E+ and E, litter were never >3%). Alkaloids were gone from E+ material by day 56. 6. ,We propose that results from this study indicating alkaloids are largely absent in standing dead material (the typical input to the decomposition process), and that despite being present in our litter bag experiment, failed to produce large differences in mass loss between E+ and E, material questions the supposition that fungal produced alkaloids directly inhibit decomposition. Additional studies exploring the mechanisms behind the direct and indirect effects of endophytes on this ecosystem process are needed. [source]


    Consequences of maternal yolk testosterone for offspring development and survival: experimental test in a lizard

    FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
    T. ULLER
    Summary 1Hormone-mediated maternal effects and developmental plasticity are important sources of phenotypic variation, with potential consequences for trait evolution. Yet our understanding of the importance of maternal hormones for offspring fitness in natural populations is very limited, particularly in non-avian species. 2We experimentally elevated yolk testosterone by injection of a physiological dose into eggs of the lizard Ctenophorus fordi Storr, to investigate its roles in offspring development, growth and survival. 3Yolk testosterone did not influence incubation period, basic hatchling morphology or survival under natural conditions. However, there was evidence for increased growth in hatchlings from testosterone-treated eggs, suggesting that maternal hormones have potential fitness consequences in natural populations. 4The positive effect of prenatal testosterone exposure on postnatal growth could represent a taxonomically widespread developmental mechanism that has evolved into an adaptive maternal effect in some taxa, but remains deleterious or selectively neutral in others. 5A broader taxonomic perspective should increase our understanding of the role of physiological constraints in the evolution of endocrine maternal effects. [source]


    Nest attentiveness and egg temperature do not explain the variation in incubation periods in tropical birds

    FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2004
    B. I. TIELEMAN
    Summary 1The wide range in incubation periods among bird species has puzzled biologists for decades, because an extended egg-phase increases time-dependent mortality of the eggs. 2We investigated a recently proposed mechanistic explanation inspired by life-history theory, suggesting that adults may increase their own survival by reducing nest attentiveness, the percentage of daytime spent incubating eggs, in exchange for reduced offspring (egg) survival due to a longer incubation period. Incubation behaviour and egg temperatures (Tegg) of 14 bird species in the humid lowland tropics were studied to test the hypothesis that lower nest attentiveness and reduced Tegg cause longer incubation periods. 3Increased nest attentiveness correlated with higher average Tegg. However, neither nest attentiveness nor average Tegg was associated with the length of the incubation period. Longer off-bouts resulted in lower Tegg, but neither number of off-bouts nor off-bout length was associated with incubation period. In addition, we reanalysed a previously published negative association between Tegg and incubation period based on literature data from temperate passerine birds using a larger data set and found no significant correlation. 4In conclusion, our results do not support the hypothesis that longer incubation periods are caused by reduced nest attentiveness and corresponding lower Tegg. [source]


    A preliminary investigation of the effects of restrictions on Medicaid funding for abortions on female STD rates

    HEALTH ECONOMICS, Issue 6 2003
    Bisakha Sen
    Abstract There is evidence in the economics literature that restrictions on Medicaid funding for abortion reduces the demand for abortion. The unresolved question is whether such restrictions also increase safe sex (that is, pregnancy avoidance) behavior among women. This study explores that issue using state-level gonorrhea rates among women for 1975,1995. The rationale is that sexual behavior that leads to greater risk of accidental pregnancies is likely to be highly correlated with sexual behavior leading to greater risk of STD infection. Since gonorrhea has an incubation period of about a week, and is transmitted almost exclusively through sexual intercourse, a change in sexual behavior should soon be followed by a change in gonorrhea rates. The study used a partial adjustment model with lagged-dependent variables estimated using Arellano-Bond's GMM method. Results fail to find any statistically significant evidence that Medicaid funding restrictions are effective in reducing gonorrhea rates. This finding is robust to a variety of alternate specifications and tests. This suggests that restrictions on Medicaid funding for abortion fail to promote safe sex behavior among women. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    In vitro antimicrobial activity of several concentrations of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine gluconate in the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis

    INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 6 2001
    B. P. F. A. Gomes
    Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to assess, in vitro, the effectiveness of several concentrations of NaOCl (0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 4% and 5.25%) and two forms of chlorhexidine gluconate (gel and liquid) in three concentrations (0.2%, 1% and 2%) in the elimination of E. faecalis. Methodology A broth dilution test using 24-well cell culture plates was performed and the time taken for the irrigants to kill bacterial cells was recorded. Isolated 24 h colonies of pure cultures of E. faecalis grown on 10% sheep blood plus Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) agar plates were suspended in sterile 0.85% NaCl solution. The cell suspension was adjusted spectrophotometrically to match the turbidity of a McFarland 0.5 scale. One mL of each tested substance was placed on the bottom of wells of 24-well cell culture plates (Corning, NY), including the control group (sterile saline). Six wells were used for each time period and irrigant concentration. Two mL of the bacterial suspension were ultrasonically mixed for 10 s with the irrigants and placed in contact with them for 10, 30, and 45 s; 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min; and 1 and 2 h. After each period of time, 1 mL from each well was transferred to tubes containing 2 mL of freshly prepared BHI + neutralizers in order to prevent a residual action of the irrigants. All tubes were incubated at 37°C for 7 days. The tubes considered to have positive growth were those which presented medium turbidity during the incubation period. Data were analysed statistically by the Kruskal,Wallis test, with the level of significance set at P < 0.05. Results All irrigants were effective in killing E. faecalis, but at different times. Chlorhexidine in the liquid form at all concentrations tested (0.2%, 1% and 2%) and NaOCl (5.25%) were the most effective irrigants. However, the time required by 0.2% chlorhexidine liquid and 2% chlorhexidine gel to promote negative cultures was only 30 s and 1 min, respectively. Conclusions Even though all tested irrigants possessed antibacterial activity, the time required to eliminate E. faecalis depended on the concentration and type of irrigant used. [source]


    Effect of pentoxifylline on motility and membrane integrity of cryopreserved human spermatozoa

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 3 2002
    P. Stanic
    The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pentoxifylline used before and after semen cryopreservation,thawing on sperm motility and membrane integrity. Twenty-four semen samples were split into four equal aliquots. Aliquots were incubated at 37 °C for 30 min, followed by cryopreservation with TEST-yolk freezing medium using slow programmable freezing protocol. After 2 weeks the sperm samples were thawed, washed twice in Quinn's Sperm Washing Medium (modified HTF with 5.0 mg/mL Human Albumin) and incubated at 37 °C for 30 min. Aliquots were treated by adding 3 mmol/L pentoxifylline to: (1) fresh sperm samples during incubation period prior to cryopreservation, (2) sperm samples as a supplement to the cryoprotectant prior to cryopreservation, and (3) thawed sperm samples during incubation period. One aliquot received no treatment (control group). The addition of 3 mmol/L pentoxifylline to fresh semen during incubation period prior to cryopreservation significantly decreased progressive and total motility compared with controls. However, the addition of 3 mmol/L pentoxifylline to cryopreserved semen after thawing significantly increased progressive and total motility compared with controls. After post-thaw, no differences in motion characteristics between sperm samples treated by adding 3 mmol/L pentoxifylline as a supplement to the cryoprotectant and control groups were observed. Post-thaw hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test scores did not improve with the addition of pentoxifylline compared with the control group. It is concluded that pentoxifylline enhanced post-thaw motility of cryopreserved human spermatozoa when added after thawing. No improvement was found by freezing sperm with pentoxifylline. [source]


    Primary cutaneous actinomycosis of the elbow with an exceptionally long incubation period

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2008
    Ghaninejad Hayedeh MD
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Association of absence of intestinal oxalate degrading bacteria with urinary calcium oxalate stone formation

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 6 2003
    KAZUO MIKAMI
    Abstract Aim: Urinary concentration of oxalate is considered an important factor in the formation of renal stones. Dietary oxalate is a major contributor to urinary oxalate excretion in most individuals. Furthermore, oxalate degrading bacteria have been isolated from human feces. We investigated the significance of oxalate degrading bacteria for urinary oxalate excretion and urinary stone formation. Methods: Twenty-two known calcium oxalate stone-forming patients (stone formers) and 34 healthy volunteers (non-stone formers) were included in the study. Stool specimens were inoculated into pepton yeast glucose (PYG) medium supplemented with oxalate under anaerobic condition at 37 C for one week. After the incubation period, each colony was checked for the loss of oxalate from the culture medium. A 24-h urine sample was collected in 43 individuals and analyzed for oxalate excretion. Results: Twenty-eight of 34 (82%) healthy volunteers and 10 of 22 (45%) calcium oxalate stone formers were colonized with oxalate degrading bacteria. Calcium oxalate stone formers were more frequently free of oxalate degrading bacteria (P < 0.01). Urinary excretion of oxalate in those with oxalate degrading bacteria was significantly less than in those without oxalate degrading bacteria (P < 0.05). Hyperoxaluria (> 40 mg/day) was found in four of 27 individuals (15%) with oxalate degrading bacteria compared to seven of 16 (44%) without oxalate degrading bacteria (P < 0.05), suggesting an association between the absence of oxalate degrading bacteria and the presence of hyperoxaluria. Conclusion: The absence of oxalate degrading bacteria in the gut could promote the absorption of oxalate, thereby increasing the level of urinary oxalate excretion. The absence of oxalate degrading bacteria from the gut appears to be a risk factor for the presence of absorptive hyperoxaluria and an increased likelihood of urolithiasis. [source]


    Temperature and life history: experimental heating leads female tree swallows to modulate egg temperature and incubation behaviour

    JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
    Daniel R. Ardia
    Summary 1Life-history decisions are strongly affected by environmental conditions. In birds, incubation is energetically expensive and affected significantly by ambient temperature. We reduced energetic constraints for female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) by experimentally heating nests during incubation by an average of 6·9 °C to test for changes in incubation behaviour. 2Females in heated boxes (hereafter ,heated females') increased time spent incubating and maintained higher on-bout and off-bout egg temperatures. This indicates that female energetic constraints, not maximizing developmental conditions of offspring, determine incubation investment. Furthermore, this result suggests that embryonic developmental conditions in unmanipulated nests are suboptimal. 3We found individual variation in how females responded to experimental heating. Early-laying (i.e. higher phenotypic quality) females with heated nests increased egg temperatures and maintained incubation constancy, while later-laying (lower quality) heated females increased incubation constancy. Changes in egg temperature were due to changes in female behaviour and not due directly to increases in internal nest-box temperatures. 4Behaviour during the incubation period affected hatching asynchrony. Decreased variation in egg temperature led to lower levels of hatching asynchrony, which was also generally lower in heated nests. 5Our study finds strong support for the prediction that intermittent incubators set their incubation investment at levels dictated by energetic constraints. Furthermore, females incubating in heated boxes allocated conserved energy primarily to increased egg temperature and increased incubation attentiveness. These results indicate that studies investigating the role of energetics in driving reproductive investment in intermittent incubators should consider egg temperature and individual variation more explicitly. [source]


    Effects of porcine bile on survival of Bacillus cereus vegetative cells and Haemolysin BL enterotoxin production in reconstituted human small intestine media

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
    T. Clavel
    Abstract Aims: To determine the effects of porcine bile (PB) on Bacillus cereus vegetative cells and Haemolysin BL (HBL) enterotoxin production in reconstituted small intestine media (IM). Methods and Results: The effects of PB on the growth of B. cereus vegetative cells in reconstituted IM at PB concentrations ranging between 0 and 3·0 g l,1 were examined. Four gastric media (GM) named GM-J broth (JB), GM-chicken, GM-milk and GM-pea were prepared by mixing equal volumes of a gastric electrolyte solution containing pepsin with JB, chicken, semi-skimmed milk and pea soup, respectively. Bacillus cereus was inoculated at approx. 2 × 104 CFU ml,1 into each GM at pH 5·0 for 30 min at 37°C, then mixed to the same volume of double-strength JB (IM) and PB to give concentrations of between 0 and 3·0 g of PB per litre at pH 6·5 and incubated at 37°C. The diarrhoeal B. cereus strain F4430/73 grew in IM-JB, IM-chicken and IM-milk at PB concentrations of up to 0·6, 1·5 and 1·2 g l,1, respectively. Growth was observed in IM-pea at all concentrations tested. The highest PB concentrations allowing a 3 log B. cereus increase in IM-JB, IM-chicken, IM-milk and IM-pea after a 7,10 h incubation period were 0·3, 0·9, 0·9 and 3·0 g l,1, respectively. The effect of PB on B. cereus cells was strongest in IM-JB, followed by IM-chicken, IM-milk and IM-pea. Haemolysin BL enterotoxin was detectable in IM-chicken, IM-whole milk, IM-semi-skimmed milk and IM-pea up to PB concentrations of only 0·6, 0·6, 0·3 and 0·9 g l,1, respectively. The diarrhoeal B. cereus strain F4433/73 behaved similarly to B. cereus strain F4430/73, whereas the food strain TZ415 was markedly more susceptible to bile. Conclusions: The tolerance of B. cereus cells to PB strongly depends on the type of food contained in the IM. Bile tolerance is also subject to strain variation. Significance and Impact of the Study: The probability that B. cereus cells will grow in the small intestine, produce toxins and cause diarrhoea is likely to depend on the food they are ingested with, on the bile tolerance of the B. cereus strain, and on bile concentration. [source]


    A comparison of changes in the transformation of isoflavones in soymilk using varying concentrations of exogenous and probiotic-derived endogenous , -glucosidases

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
    D.O. Otieno
    Abstract Aims:, To compare endogenous and exogenous , -glucosidases for the hydrolysis of the predominant isoflavone glucosides in soymilk in order to improve the biological activity. Methods and Results:,, -glucosidase activity of probiotic organisms, including Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb12, Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4461 and Lactobacillus casei 2607 in soymilk, was evaluated and was related to the increase in the concentration of isoflavone aglycones during fermentation. The concentrations of isoflavone compounds in soymilk were monitored using a Varian model HPLC with an Amperometric electrochemical detector. The aglycone composition, also known as aglycone equivalent ratio, has been considered to be important for the delivery of health benefits of isoflavones, and was monitored during the fermentation of soymilk. Comparison of the hydrolytic effectiveness of both exogenous and endogenous enzyme during 4-h incubation in soymilk was conducted using the Otieno,Shah (O,S) index. Results showed that exogenous enzyme exhibited faster rate of isoflavone glucoside hydrolysis than that by endogenous enzyme. Highest O,S indices were obtained after 4, 3 and 2 h of incubation with enzyme solution having , -glucosidase activity of 0·288 U ml,1, 0·359 U ml,1 and 0·575 U ml,1, resulting into aglycone concentration increments of 5·87-, 6·07- and 5·94-fold, respectively. Conversely, aglycone concentration in the soymilk with B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb12, L. casei 2607 and L. acidophilus 4461 increased by 3·43-, 2·72- and 3·03-fold, respectively, after 4 h of fermentation at 37°C. In addition, the O,S index of endogenous enzyme was much lower than that of the exogenous enzyme over the same 4-h incubation period. Optimum aglycone equivalent ratios coincided with highest O,S indices and highest aglycone concentrations in soymilk hydrolysed with exogenous enzyme. The same correlation of O,S indices and highest aglycone concentrations occurred for endogenous enzyme during the 24 h of fermentation. Conclusions:, Obtaining highest aglycone concentration and optimum aglycone equivalent ratio could provide a critical beginning point in clinical trials for the realization of unique health benefits of soy isoflavones. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Screening for , -glucosidase activities of probiotics in soymilk and comparing their hydrolytic potentials with that of exogenous , -glucosidase could find wide applications in the development of different aglycone-rich functional soy beverages. [source]


    The infectivity of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agent at low doses: the importance of phospholipid

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006
    P. Gale
    Abstract The issue of whether the mechanism of infection is independent or co-operative for low doses of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agent is critical for risk assessment. The susceptibility (and hence ID50) of individuals with the same prion protein (PrP) genotype may vary considerably with a small proportion being very susceptible. Assuming independent action, the incubation period (IP) would continue to increase until the dose is below the ID50 of the most susceptible individuals in the experiment, at which point it would become constant. This may explain the observed increase in IP with decreasing dose below the apparent ID50 in experiments with untreated TSE agent. In contrast, IPs for autoclaved or NaOH-treated TSE agent increase greatly at doses [source]


    Synthesis, characterization, and thermal and antimicrobial studies of newly developed transition metal,polychelates derived from polymeric Schiff base

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2009
    Nahid Nishat
    Abstract Monomeric Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and 1,3-diaminopropane was subjected to polycondensation reaction with formaldehyde and piperazine in basic medium. The resin was found to form polychelates readily with Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) metal ions. The materials were characterized by elemental analysis, spectral studies (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and UV,visible), magnetic moment measurements, and thermal analysis. The electronic spectra and magnetic moment measurements of the synthesized polychelates confirmed the geometry of the central metal ion. Metal,resin bonds were registered in the IR spectra of the polychelates. The thermogravimetric analysis data indicated that the polychelates were more stable than the corresponding polymeric Schiff base. All the synthesized metal,polychelates showed excellent antibacterial activities against the selected bacteria. The antimicrobial activities were determined by using the shaking flask method, where 25 mg/mL concentrations of each compound were tested against 105 CFU/mL bacteria solutions. The number of viable bacteria was calculated by using the spread-plate method, where 100 ,L of the incubated antimicrobial agent in bacteria solutions were spread on agar plates, and the number of bacteria was counted after 24 h of incubation period at 37°C. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 [source]


    Experimental reduction of incubation temperature affects both nestling and adult blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus

    JOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2008
    Johan F. Nilsson
    Incubation was for a long time considered to be a period of decreased activity and low cost for parents. It was therefore ignored as a potential factor affecting life-history trade-offs in birds. Lately this view has started to change, and studies now show that there might be considerable costs connected to incubation. We experimentally reduced the nest temperature during incubation in blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus, thus increasing the energetic cost of incubation, to test the importance of incubation as a component of reproductive costs and for nestling quality. While most other studies use brood size manipulation to manipulate reproductive costs, we were able to separate treatment effects acting during the incubation period from those acting on later reproductive performance by applying a cross-foster design. We were also able to isolate the effects of decreased incubation temperature on the nestlings from treatment effects acting on incubating females. We found no experimental effect on the length of the incubation period or on hatching success. The lower temperature during incubation, however, caused lower growth rates in nestlings and reduced chick rearing capacity in adults. We conclude that incubation is a costly period, with the potential to affect both the trade-off between current and future reproduction and the one between parental effort and offspring quality within the current breeding attempt. [source]


    Antibacterial effect of silver-zeolite containing root-canal filling material

    JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009

    Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro antibacterial effect of two experimental glass ionomer cements (GICs) on Streptococcus milleri, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis after 24 and 48 h incubation by using the agar diffusion inhibitory test. Silver zeolite (SZ) was added at 0.2 and 2% mass fraction concentration to GIC (Endion). The control group was Endion with no SZ. Each of them were prepared to uniform size using a custom-made Teflon mold, and the GIC materials were prepared to form disks (n = 5 per group). The effect of these materials on the growth of three bacteria associated with endodontic infections was determined using the agar diffusion inhibitory test. The amounts of silver ion release from these materials were measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometry at 10 min, 24- and 48-h periods. The pH of samples was measured with a pH-meter at 10 min, 24- and 48-h periods. After the incubation period, the agar plates were evaluated and the degrees of bacterial inhibition were measured in millimeters. A comparison of the mean of the test materials was statistically different in each group of specimens (p < 0.05). Between the two tested materials 2% SZ containing GIC showed the largest zone of inhibition on the agar plates of all the tested strains (p < 0.05). The most inhibition in bacterial growth occurred in E. faecalis. Adding 2% SZ to GIC resulted in a significant increase in the silver release into deionized water. This study demonstrated that GIC had an inhibitory affect on Streptococcus milleri, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis and that adding SZ increases that affect proportional to its concentration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009 [source]


    Fermentative production of L(+)-lactic acid from starch hydrolyzate and corn steep liquor as inexpensive nutrients by batch culture of Enterococcus faecalis RKY1

    JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2008
    Young-Jung Wee
    Abstract BACKGROUND: Attempts were made to determine the lactic acid production efficiency of novel isolate, Enterococcus faecalis RKY1 using four different starches (corn, tapioca, potato, and wheat starch) with different concentrations (50, 75, 100, and 125 g L,1) and corn steep liquor as an inexpensive nitrogen source. RESULTS: The yield of lactic acid from each starch was higher than 95% based on initial starch concentrations. High lactic acid concentration (129.9 g L,1) and yield (1.04 g-lactic acid g,1 -starch) were achieved faster (84 h) from 125 g L,1 of corn starch. Among the starches used, tapioca starch fermentation usually completed in a shorter incubation period. The final dry cell weight was highest (7.0 g L,1) for the medium containing 75 g L,1 of corn starch, which resulted in maximum volumetric productivity of lactic acid (3.6 g L,1 h,1). The addition of 30 g L,1 corn steep liquor supplemented with a minimal amount of yeast extract supported both cell growth and lactic acid fermentation. CONCLUSION:Enterococcus faecalis RKY1 was found to be capable of growing well on inexpensive nutrients and producing maximum lactic acid from starches and corn steep liquor as lower-cost raw materials than conventionally-used refined sugars such as glucose, and yeast extract as an organic nitrogen source in laboratory-scale studies. These fermentation characteristics are prerequisites for the industrial scale production of lactic acid. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


    Breeding biology of White-rumped Tanagers in central Brazil

    JOURNAL OF FIELD ORNITHOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
    Luane R. Dos Santos
    ABSTRACT White-rumped Tanagers (Cypsnagra hirundinacea) are widely distributed in northern Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, and are classified as vulnerable in the state of Paraná and as endangered in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Little is currently known about their breeding biology. We studied the breeding behavior of White-rumped Tanagers in the Cerrado (Neotropical savanna) in central Brazil from 2002 to 2007. The breeding period extended from mid-August to mid-December. Nests were cup-shaped and located mainly in trees of the genus Kielmeyera at a mean height of 3.7 ± 0.3 m (SE). Clutch sizes varied from one to three eggs and the incubation period lasted an average of 16.0 ± 0.3 d. Incubation was by females only and started with the laying of the first egg. Mean nest attentiveness (percent time on nests by females) was 64 ± 0.08%. Nestlings were fed by males, females, and, when present, helpers. The mean rate of food delivery rate to nests was 5.2 ± 0.4 items/h, with rates similar for males (mean = 2.7 ± 0.3 items/h) and females (mean = 2.4 ± 0.3 items/h). The mean duration of the nestling period was 12.1 ± 0.5 d. Compared to many temperate species of tanagers, White-rumped Tanagers in our study had relatively small clutches, low nest attentiveness, and long incubation periods. As with other tropical species, such characteristics might be due to food limitation or high rates of nest predation. RESUMEN Cypsnagra hirundinacea está ampliamente distribuida desde el norte de Brasil, Bolivia y Paraguay, y está clasificada como vulnerable en el estado de Paraná y en peligro en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Actualmente poco es conocido sobre su biología reproductiva. Estudiamos el comportamiento reproductivo de C. hirundinacea en el cerrado (Sabana Neotropical) en la región central de Brasil desde el 2002 hasta el 2007. El periodo reproductivo se extiende desde mediados de agosto hasta mediados de diciembre. Los nidos en forma de copa estaban localizados principalmente en arboles del genero Kielmeyera a una altura promedio de 3.7 ± 0.3 (ES) m. El tamaño de la nidada vario entre uno y tres huevos y el periodo de incubación duro en promedio 16 ± 0.3 días. La incubación fue realizada exclusivamente por la hembra y comenzó después de la puesta del primer huevo. El promedio de atención al nido (porcentaje del tiempo en el nido por parte de la hembra) fue de 64 ± 0.08%. Los polluelos fueron alimentados por el macho, la hembra y, cuando estaban presentes, ayudantes. El promedio de la tasa de alimentación al nido fue de 5.2 ± 0.4 viajes/hr, con tasas similares entre el macho (promedio = 2.7 ± 0.3 viajes/hr) y la hembra (promedio = 2.4 ± 0.3 viajes/hr). El promedio de duración del periodo de polluelos fue de 12.1 ± 0.5 días. Comparado con muchas especies de tangaras de la zona temperada, C. hirundinacea tiene una nidada relativamente pequeña, baja atención al nido y un periodo largo de incubación. Pero las diferencias con otras especies tropicales en estas variables se pueden deber a variación en la disponibilidad de alimento o altas tasa de depredación. [source]


    A saltwater flotation technique to identify unincubated eggs

    JOURNAL OF FIELD ORNITHOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
    Carol A. Devney
    ABSTRACT Field studies on nesting birds sometimes involve questions related to nest initiation dates, length of the incubation period, or changes in parental incubation behavior during various stages of incubation. Some of this information can be best assessed when a nest is discovered before the eggs have undergone any incubation, and this has traditionally been assessed by floating eggs in freshwater. However, because the freshwater method is not particularly accurate in identifying unincubated eggs, we developed a more reliable saltwater flotation method. The saltwater method involves diluting a saturated saltwater solution with freshwater until a salt concentration is reached where unincubated eggs sink to the bottom and incubated eggs float to the surface. For Laughing Gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla), floating eggs in freshwater failed to identify 39.0% (N= 251) of eggs that were subsequently found by candling to have undergone incubation prior to collection. By contrast, in a separate collection of gull eggs, no eggs that passed the saltwater test (N= 225) were found by a later candling to have been incubated prior to collection. For Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), floating eggs in freshwater failed to identify 15.6% (N= 250) of eggs that had undergone incubation prior to collection, whereas in a separate collection, none of the eggs that passed the saltwater test (N= 85) were found by a later candling to have been incubated prior to collection. Immersion of eggs in saltwater did not affect embryo survival. Although use of the saltwater method is likely limited to colonial species and requires calibrating a saltwater solution, it is a faster and more accurate method of identifying unincubated eggs than the traditional method of floating eggs in freshwater. RESUMEN Los estudios de campo sobre la nidificación a veces involucran preguntas relacionadas a las fechas de iniciación de la nidificación, la duración del periodo de incubación o cambios en el comportamiento de incubación de los padres durante varias etapas del periodo de incubación. Parte de esta información se puede evaluar mejor cuando un nido es descubierto antes de que los huevos han sido incubados y esto se ha tradicionalmente evaluado mediante la flotación de los huevos en agua dulce. Sin embargo, por la razón que este método no es particularmente preciso en la identificación de huevos que no han sido incubados, hemos desarrollado un método de flotación en agua salada más fiable. El método de agua salada involucra la dilución de una solución saturada de agua salada con agua dulce hasta llegar a una concentración en la cual los huevos no-incubados se hunden hasta el fondo y los huevos incubados flotan. Para huevos de Leucophaeus atricilla, la flotación de huevos en agua dulce no pudo identificar el 39.0% (N= 251) de los huevos que fueron subsecuentemente identificados mediante el uso de luz de vela de haber sido incubados antes que fueron colectados. En contraste, un una colección separada de huevos de esta especie, ninguno de los huevos que pasaron la prueba de agua salada (N= 225) fueron identificados subsecuentemente mediante el método de luz de vela como incubados. Para los huevos de Phalacrocorax auritus, la flotación de huevos en agua dulce no pudo identificar el 15.6% (N= 250) de los huevos que fueron incubados antes de ser colectados, mientras que en una colección separada, ninguno de los huevos que pasaron la prueba de agua salada (N= 85) fueron identificados en una prueba posterior usando luz de vela como incubados antes de ser colectados. La inmersión de huevos en agua salada no afectó la supervivencia del embrión. Aunque el uso del método de agua salada es probablemente limitado a especies que nidifican en colonias y requiere de calibrar una solución de agua salada, es un método más rápido y fiable para identificar los huevos no-incubados en comparación al método tradicional de flotar los huevos en agua dulce. [source]