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Kinds of Host Terms modified by Host Selected AbstractsWHEN SHOULD A TROPHICALLY TRANSMITTED PARASITE MANIPULATE ITS HOST?EVOLUTION, Issue 2 2009Geoffrey A. Parker We investigate evolution of two categories of adaptive host manipulation by trophically transmitted helminths: (1) predation suppression decreases the host's mortality before the helminth is capable of establishing in its next host; (2) predation enhancement increases the existing host's mortality after it can establish in its next host. If all parasite mortality is purely random (time-independent), enhancement must increase predation by the next host sufficiently more (depending on manipulative costs) than it increases the average for all forms of host mortality; thus if host and parasite die only through random predation, manipulation must increase the "right" predation more than the "wrong" predation. But if almost all parasites die in their intermediate host through reaching the end of a fixed life span, enhancement can evolve if it increases the right predation, regardless of how much it attracts wrong predators. Although enhancement is always most favorable when it targets the right host, suppression aids survival to the time when establishment in the next host is possible: it is most favorable if it reduces all aspects of host (and hence parasite) mortality. If constrained to have selective effects, suppression should reduce the commonest form of mortality. [source] DIRECT AND CORRELATED RESPONSES TO SELECTION IN A HOST,PARASITE SYSTEM: TESTING FOR THE EMERGENCE OF GENOTYPE SPECIFICITYEVOLUTION, Issue 8 2007Thibault Nidelet Genotype × environment interactions can facilitate coexistence of locally adapted specialists. Interactions evolve if adaptation to one environment trades off with performance in others. We investigated whether evolution on one host genotype traded off with performance on others in long-term experimental populations of different genotypes of the protozoan Paramecium caudatum, infected with the bacterial parasite Holospora undulata. A total of nine parasite selection lines evolving on three host genotypes and the ancestral parasite were tested in a cross-infection experiment. We found that evolved parasites produced more infections than did the ancestral parasites, both on host genotypes they had evolved on (positive direct response to selection) and on genotypes they had not evolved on (positive correlated response to selection). On two host genotypes, a negative relationship between direct and correlated responses indicated pleiotropic costs of adaptation. On the third, a positive relationship suggested cost-free adaptation. Nonetheless, on all three hosts, resident parasites tended to be superior to the average nonresident parasite. Thus genotype specificity (i.e., patterns of local adaptation) may evolve without costs of adaptation, as long as direct responses to selection exceed correlated responses. [source] ADVICE OF THE ROSE: EXPERIMENTAL COEVOLUTION OF A TREMATODE PARASITE AND ITS SNAIL HOSTEVOLUTION, Issue 1 2007Britt Koskella Understanding host-parasite coevolution requires multigenerational studies in which changes in both parasite infectivity and host susceptibility are monitored. We conducted a coevolution experiment that examined six generations of interaction between a freshwater snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) and one of its common parasites (the sterilizing trematode, Microphallus sp.). In one treatment (recycled), the parasite was reintroduced into the same population of host snails. In the second treatment (lagged), the host snails received parasites from the recycled treatment, but the addition of these parasites did not begin until the second generation. Hence any parasite-mediated genetic changes of the host in the lagged treatment were expected to be one generation behind those in the recycled treatment. The lagged treatment thus allowed us to test for time lags in parasite adaptation, as predicted by the Red Queen model of host,parasite coevolution. Finally, in the third treatment (control), parasites were not added. The results showed that parasites from the recycled treatment were significantly more infective to snails from the lagged treatment than from the recycled treatment. In addition, the hosts from the recycled treatment diverged from the control hosts with regard to their susceptibility to parasites collected from the field. Taken together, the results are consistent with time lagged, frequency-dependent selection and rapid coevolution between hosts and parasites. [source] Effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine Supplementation in Semen Extenders on Semen Quality and Reactive Oxygen Species of Chilled Canine SpermatozoaREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 2 2010AJ Michael Contents The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of chilled dog semen processed with extenders containing various concentrations of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Ejaculates from five dogs were collected, pooled and evaluated for concentration, motility, rapid steady forward movement (RSF-movement), viability, acrosomal integrity and by the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST). In addition, superoxide anion (O2 -,) production, hydroxyl radicals (OH,) and total reactive oxygen species (tROS) were determined. The pool was divided into five aliquots, which were diluted to a final concentration of 66.66 × 106 spermatozoa/ml with Tris-glucose-egg yolk extender containing one of the following concentrations of NAC (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5 or 5 mm). The semen aliquots were chilled and preserved at 4°C. Semen quality was evaluated after rewarming at 72 h. Sperm motility was significantly higher with the 0.5 mm concentration compared with the control group (p = 0.001). Rapid steady forward movement was higher with the 0.5 and 1 mm concentrations compared with the control and 5 mm group (p < 0.001). Viability and HOST percentages were not significantly altered. Compared with the control, the 5 mm concentration showed significantly reduced percentages of spermatozoa with normal acrosomes (p = 0.049). None of the ROS values at 72 h were significantly affected by the presence of NAC in semen extenders, although all NAC concentrations showed lower O2 -, and OH, values compared with the control. Only the concentrations of 1 and 5 mm inhibited the significant increase of tROS values after 72 h, compared with the fresh semen value. In conclusion, NAC supplementation of semen extenders is beneficial to semen motility of canine spermatozoa during chilling with the 0.5 mm concentration being the most effective, although no significant ROS inhibition was observed at 72 h. [source] Effect of Carbohydrates on the Ability of Bull Sperm to Bind to Bovine Oviduct Epithelial CellsREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 3 2009Y Kon Contents In the present study, we investigated the effect of various carbohydrates on the ability of bovine spermatozoa to bind to the bovine oviduct epithelial cells (OECs). We also examined the fertilization competence and motility of spermatozoa that bind to OECs in the presence of carbohydrates. Frozen-thawed spermatozoa were incubated with OECs, with and without various carbohydrates. The sperms were then divided into two fractions: OEC-binding sperms (B-sperm) and non-OEC binding sperms (NB-sperm). The fertilization rate, ability to bind the zona pellucida, and membrane integrity of the spermatozoa as determined using a hypo-osmotic-swelling test (HOST) were lower in NB-sperm than in the unseparated spermatozoa (control). The motility of the B-sperm was maintained for a longer time than that of the control spermatozoa. The addition of N -acetyl- d -glucosamine (GlcNAc, 5 mm) to the sperm-OEC mixture increased the number of B-sperm. D -mannose (5 mm) and D -fucose (5 mm) had no effect on the number of B-sperm. The motility of B-sperm, which bound to OECs in the presence of GlcNAc, however, was not maintained. When either OECs or the spermatozoa were treated with GlcNAc prior to sperm-OEC co-incubation, only sperm-side treatment enhanced sperm-OEC binding, but B-sperm motility was not maintained. The motility of spermatozoa incubated with GlcNAc was lower than that of controls. These results indicate that GlcNAc enhances sperm binding to OECs, probably via sperm surface modification, but does not promote increased sperm survival. [source] High host specificity of obligate ectoparasitesECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 5 2007CARL W. DICK Abstract 1.,Host specificity is the degree to which a parasite species occurs in association with a host species. 2.,The degree to which obligate ectoparasites are host specific has been debated, but effects of sampling contamination were usually not addressed. Data from a controlled mammal,ectoparasite survey were used to assess host specificity of an obligate group of ectoparasites , streblid bat flies. 3.,Host,parasite associations were categorised as primary or non-primary. Non-primary host associations were evaluated against primary associations via proportional comparison. 4.,Results indicate that host specificity was high, exceeding previous reports. Natural host transfers were rare. 5.,Non-primary host associations were almost completely explained by disturbance transfers during sampling of the host or by contamination upon sampling the parasite. These conclusions likely hold for other taxa of obligate parasites. [source] Host shifting by Operophtera brumata into novel environments leads to population differentiation in life-history traitsECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Adam J. Vanbergen Abstract., 1. Operophtera brumata L. (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), a polyphagous herbivore usually associated with deciduous trees such as oak Quercus robur L., has expanded its host range to include the evergreen species heather Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull and, most recently, Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carrière. 2. Phenology, morphology, and survival of O. brumata were measured at several life-history stages in populations from the three different host plant communities sampled from a range of geographical locations. The data were used to test for population differences, reflecting the marked differences in host-plant secondary chemistry, growth form, and site factors such as climate. The hypothesis that spruce-feeding populations originated from populations feeding on moorland, commonly sites of coniferous afforestation, was also tested. 3. Altitude, not host plant species, was the major influence on the timing of adult emergence. An effect of insect population independent of altitude was found, implying that additional unidentified factors contribute to this phenological variation. Larval survival and adult size varied between populations reared on different host plant species. Survival of larvae was affected negatively when reared on the novel host plant, Sitka spruce, versus the natal plant (oak or heather) but oak and heather-sourced insects did not differ in survivorship on Sitka spruce. 4. Host range extension into novel environments has resulted in population differentiation to the local climate, demonstrating that host shifts pose challenges to the herbivore population greater than those offered by the host plant alone. The hypothesis that Sitka spruce feeding populations have arisen predominantly from moorland feeding populations was not supported. [source] The effect of a pathogen epidemic on the genetic structure and reproductive strategy of the crustacean Daphnia magnaECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 9 2004Suzanne E. Mitchell Abstract Host,parasite coevolution is potentially of great importance in producing and maintaining biological diversity. However, there is a lack of evidence for parasites directly driving genetic change. We examined the impact of an epidemic of the bacterium Pasteuria ramosa on a natural population of the crustacean Daphnia magna through the use of molecular markers (allozymes) and laboratory experiments to determine the susceptibility of hosts collected during and after the epidemic. Some allozyme genotypes were more heavily infected than others in field samples, and the population genetic structure differed during and after the epidemic, consistent with a response to parasite-mediated selection. Laboratory studies showed no evidence for the evolution of higher resistance, but did reveal an intriguing life-history pattern: host genotypes that were more susceptible also showed a greater tendency to engage in sex. In light of this, we suggest a model of host,parasite dynamics that incorporates the cycles of sex and parthenogenesis that Daphnia undergo in the field. [source] Determination of the binding constants of modafinil enantiomers with sulfated ,-cyclodextrin chiral selector by capillary electrophoresis using three different linear plotting methodsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 17 2010Khaldun M. Al Azzam Abstract Binding constants for the enantiomers of modafinil with the negatively charged chiral selector sulfated-,-CD (S-,-CD) using CE technique is presented. The calculations of the binding constants employing three different linearization plots (double reciprocal, X -reciprocal and Y -reciprocal) were performed from the electrophoretic mobility values of modafinil enantiomers at different concentrations of S-,-CD in the BGE. The highest inclusion affinity of the modafinil enantiomers were observed for the S -enantiomer,S-,-CD complex, in agreement with the computational calculations performed previously. Binding constants for each enantiomer,S-,-CD complex at different temperatures, as well as thermodynamic parameters for binding, were calculated. Host,guest binding constants using the double reciprocal fit showed better linearity (r2>0.99) at all temperatures studied (15,30°C) and compared with the other two fit methods. The linear van't Hoff (15,30°C) plot obtained indicated that the thermodynamic parameters of complexation were temperature dependent for the enantiomers. [source] A new stem-borer of the genus Bucculatrix (Lepidoptera: Bucculatricidae) from Japan, with description of the life historyENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2009Shigeki KOBAYASHI Abstract A new species of bucculaticid moth, Bucculatrix hamaboella sp. nov. (Host plant: Hibiscus hamabo, Malvaceae) is described from Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The feeding habit of the new species is unique in that: (i) the young larva is a leaf miner forming a long red linear mine but in the later instars the larva becomes a stem borer; (ii) later instar larvae undergo double molts within a cocoonet (molting cocoon); and (iii) penultimate and final instars appear on the surface of the leaf as non-feeding stages. The external non-feeding larvae of B. hamaboella undergoing double molts within one cocoonet are considered to be an abbreviated form of the external feeding instars of other bucculatricids typically making first and second cocoonets, undergoing a single molt within each cocoonet. On the basis of morphological characters, this species is related to the species of Sections I and II (Host: Asteraceae) of Braun (1963), rather than to the species of Section VIII (Host: Malvaceae). [source] Dynamics of Campylobacter colonization of a natural host, Sturnus vulgaris (European Starling)ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009F. M. Colles Summary Wild European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) shed Campylobacter at high rates, suggesting that they may be a source of human and farm animal infection. A survey of Campylobacter shedding of 957 wild starlings was undertaken by culture of faecal specimens and genetic analysis of the campylobacters isolated: shedding rates were 30.6% for Campylobacter jejuni, 0.6% for C. coli and 6.3% for C. lari. Genotyping by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and antigen sequence typing established that these bacteria were distinct from poultry or human disease isolates with the ST-177 and ST-682 clonal complexes possibly representing starling-adapted genotypes. There was seasonal variation in both shedding rate and genotypic diversity, both exhibiting a maximum during the late spring/early summer. Host age also affected Campylobacter shedding, which was higher in younger birds, and turnover was rapid with no evidence of cross-immunity among Campylobacter species or genotypes. In nestlings, C. jejuni shedding was evident from 9 days of age but siblings were not readily co-infected. The dynamics of Campylobacter infection of starlings differed from that observed in commercial poultry and consequently there was no evidence that wild starlings represent a major source of Campylobacter infections of food animals or humans. [source] From Hostage to Host: Confessions of a Spirit Medium in NigerETHOS, Issue 1-2 2002Associate Professor Adeline Masquelier Spirit possession ostensibly solves problems by freeing the object of possession from certain responsibilities, yet it also creates a whole nexus of unavoidable obligations as the human host learns to cope with the social, financial, and moral demands of her powerful alter ego. Rather than simplifying situations, possession complicates them by introducing new relations and enabling new forms of communication. In this article, I explore what bori possession as communication entailed for a young Mawri woman from Dogondoutchi (Niger) when her possessing spirit made dramatic revelations that forced her to make changes in her life. I show that possession opens up a space of self-awareness for mediums as they struggle to gain progressive control over the terms of their relationships with spirits. In this space of reflexivity they help create and in their role as interlocutors, accusers, or diviners, spirits play a crucial role in the refashioning of human histories and identities. [source] A Simple Fluorescent Ion-Pair Binding Host that Acts as an "If-Then" Logic GateEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 26 2009Sara Jane Dickson Abstract A donor-acceptor-type carbazole pyridine derivative behaves as an "if-then" fluorescent molecular logic gate using chemical inputs in the form of copper(II) cations and nitrate anions. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009) [source] Encapsulation and Stabilization of Reactive Aromatic Diazonium Ions and the Tropylium Ion Within a Supramolecular HostEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 24 2004Julia L. Brumaghim Abstract Supramolecular assemblies with internal cavities are being developed as nanoscale reaction vessels to protect or modify the reactivity of guest species through encapsulation. Diazonium cations and the tropylium cation were examined for their ability to encapsulate in the tetrahedral [Ga4L6]12, supramolecular assembly. The 4-(diethylamino)benzenediazonium cation 1 readily formed a 1:1 host,guest complex with this assembly, and this encapsulation prevented 1 from reacting with 2,4-pentanedione in D2O. The tropylium cation also formed a 1:1 host,guest complex with the [Ga4L6]12, assembly, greatly slowing its decomposition in D2O. Encapsulation in the protected environment of this host cavity alters the reactivity of these guest molecules, giving them greater stability. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004) [source] Hydrophobic Chemistry in Aqueous Solution: Stabilization and Stereoselective Encapsulation of Phosphonium Guests in a Supramolecular HostEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 22 2004Julia L. Brumaghim Abstract Encapsulation of guest molecules inside supramolecular host assemblies provides a way to stabilize reactive species in aqueous solution. The stabilization of reactive phosphonium/ketone adducts of the general formula [R1MeC(OH)PR3]+ by encapsulation as guest molecules within a [Ga4L6]12, tetrahedral metal,ligand assembly is reported; although these cations decompose in aqueous solution, encapsulation inside the hydrophobic cavity of the assembly lengthens their lifetimes considerably, in some cases up to weeks. By varying the phosphane (PMe3, PEt3, PPhMe2, and PPh2Me) and ketone (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone, and fluoroacetone) which form these adducts, as well as the pD of the solutions, it was determined that the pH of the solution as well as the size and shape of the guest cations play an important role in the stability of these host,guest complexes. Encapsulation of chiral guests in the chiral [Ga4L6]12, assembly results in the formation of diastereomers, as characterized by 1H, 19F, and 31P NMR spectroscopy. Although the [Ga4L6]12, assembly is formed from non-chiral ligands, the assembly itself has ,,,, or ,,,, chirality around the metal centers. Due to the chirality of this assembly, diastereomeric selectivity is observed upon initial guest encapsulation (typical diastereomeric excesses are 30,50%). This initial diastereomeric selectivity decreases over time to reach an equilibrium but does not become 1:1, indicating both kinetic and thermodynamic processes promote selective guest encapsulation. These experiments demonstrate further the applications of nanoscale reaction vessels, self-assembled by design from non-chiral ligands, in providing a chiral and hydrophobic environment for guest molecules in aqueous solution. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004) [source] ON THE EVOLUTION OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN HOSTS COEVOLVING WITH MULTIPLE PARASITESEVOLUTION, Issue 6 2010Rafal Mostowy Host,parasite coevolution has been studied extensively in the context of the evolution of sex. Although hosts typically coevolve with several parasites, most studies considered one-host/one-parasite interactions. Here, we study population-genetic models in which hosts interact with two parasites. We find that host/multiple-parasite models differ nontrivially from host/single-parasite models. Selection for sex resulting from interactions with a single parasite is often outweighed by detrimental effects due to the interaction between parasites if coinfection affects the host more severely than expected based on single infections, and/or if double infections are more common than expected based on single infections. The resulting selection against sex is caused by strong linkage-disequilibria of constant sign that arise between host loci interacting with different parasites. In contrast, if coinfection affects hosts less severely than expected and double infections are less common than expected, selection for sex due to interactions with individual parasites can now be reinforced by additional rapid linkage-disequilibrium oscillations with changing sign. Thus, our findings indicate that the presence of an additional parasite can strongly affect the evolution of sex in ways that cannot be predicted from single-parasite models, and that thus host/multiparasite models are an important extension of the Red Queen Hypothesis. [source] EVIDENCE FOR NEGATIVE FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT SELECTION DURING EXPERIMENTAL COEVOLUTION OF A FRESHWATER SNAIL AND A STERILIZING TREMATODEEVOLUTION, Issue 9 2009Britt Koskella Host,parasite coevolution is often suggested as a mechanism for maintaining genetic diversity, but finding direct evidence has proven difficult. In the present study, we examine the process of coevolution using a freshwater New Zealand snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) and its common parasite (the sterilizing trematode, Microphallus sp.) Specifically, we test for changes in genotypic composition of clonal host populations in experimental populations evolving either with or without parasites for six generations. As predicted under the Red Queen model of coevolution, the initially most common host genotype decreased in frequency in the presence, but not the absence, of parasitism. Furthermore, the initially most common host genotype became more susceptible to infection by the coevolving parasite populations over the course of the experiment. These results are consistent with parasite-meditated selection leading to a rare advantage, and they indicate rapid coevolution at the genotypic level between a host and its parasite. [source] Multifunctional Triphenylamine/Oxadiazole Hybrid as Host and Exciton-Blocking Material: High Efficiency Green Phosphorescent OLEDs Using Easily Available and Common MaterialsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 17 2010Youtian Tao Abstract A new triphenylamine/oxadiazole hybrid, namely m -TPA- o -OXD, formed by connecting the meta -position of a phenyl ring in triphenylamine with the ortho -position of 2,5-biphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole, is designed and synthesized. The new bipolar compound is applicable in the phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PHOLEDs) as both host and exciton-blocking material. By using the new material and the optimization of the device structures, very high efficiency green and yellow electrophosphorescence are achieved. For example, by introducing 1,3,5-tris(N -phenylbenzimidazol-2-yl)benzene (TPBI) to replace 2, 9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1, 10-phenanthroline (BCP)/tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminium (Alq3) as hole blocking/electron transporting layer, followed by tuning the thicknesses of hole-transport 1, 4-bis[(1-naphthylphenyl)amino]biphenyl (NPB) layer to manipulate the charge balance, a maximum external quantum efficiency (,EQE,max) of 23.0% and a maximum power efficiency (,p,max) of 94.3 lm W,1 are attained for (ppy)2Ir(acac) based green electrophosphorescence. Subsequently, by inserting a thin layer of m -TPA- o -OXD as self triplet exciton block layer between hole-transport and emissive layer to confine triplet excitons, a ,EQE,max of 23.7% and ,p,max of 105 lm W,1 are achieved. This is the highest efficiency ever reported for (ppy)2Ir(acac) based green PHOLEDs. Furthermore, the new host m -TPA- o -OXD is also applicable for other phosphorescent emitters, such as green-emissive Ir(ppy)3 and yellow-emissive (fbi)2Ir(acac). A yellow electrophosphorescent device with ,EQE,max of 20.6%, ,c,max of 62.1 cd A,1, and ,p,max of 61.7 lm W,1, is fabricated. To the author's knowledge, this is also the highest efficiency ever reported for yellow PHOLEDs. [source] Dual Stimuli-Responsive Supramolecular Polypeptide-Based Hydrogel and Reverse Micellar Hydrogel Mediated by Host,Guest ChemistryADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 4 2010Yi Chen Abstract Versatile strategies are currently being discovered for the fabrication of synthetic polypeptide-based hybrid hydrogels, which have potential applications in polymer therapeutics and regenerative medicine. Herein, a new concept,the reverse micellar hydrogel,is introduced, and a versatile strategy is provided for fabricating supramolecular polypeptide-based normal micellar hydrogel and reverse micellar hydrogels from the same polypeptide-based copolymer via the cooperation of host,guest chemistry and hydrogen-bonding interactions. The supramolecular hydrogels are thoroughly characterized, and a mechanism for their self-assembly is proposed. These hydrogels can respond to dual stimuli,temperature and pH,and their mechanical and controlled drug-release properties can be tuned by the copolymer topology and the polypeptide composition. The reverse micellar hydrogel can load 10% of the anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and sustain DOX release for 45 days, indicating that it could be useful as an injectable drug delivery system. [source] Host,parasite interactions and competition between tubificid species in a benthic communityFRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 8 2009L. C. STEINBACH ELWELL Summary 1. Parasites can be important determinants of host community structure while host community structure can influence the success of parasites, although both are often overlooked. In two laboratory experiments, we examined interactions among Myxobolus cerebralis syn Myxosoma cerebralis Höfer, the myxozoan parasite that causes salmonid whirling disease, and two coexisting tubificid species: Tubifex tubifex (Müller), which is the alternate host of the parasite, and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri Claparède, which is not susceptible. In the first experiment, we examined T. tubifex infection prevalence when exposed to nine doses of spores. In the second experiment, we examined tubificid and parasite success under three spore doses when tubificids were combined in a response surface experimental design used to detect interactions among species. 2. The outcomes of interactions between tubificid species were complex. The number and biomass of offspring of both tubificid species were density dependent when in monoculture or in combination with the other species. Adult growth of T. tubifex was also density dependent in monoculture, but when L. hoffmeisteri replaced one-half of the T. tubifex in the high-density treatment, adult growth of T. tubifex was higher than in monoculture. Adult growth of L. hoffmeisteri was always density independent. Whether T. tubifex was exposed to the parasite or not did not change the outcome of these interactions. However, adult growth of T. tubifex, but not L. hoffmeisteri, was highest when M. cerebralis was present. 3. Infection prevalence of T. tubifex increased with increasing spore dose. Infection prevalence was lowest in the high-density T. tubifex monoculture and highest in the low-density T. tubifex monoculture and when T. tubifex was in combination with L. hoffmeisteri. 4. Both intraspecific and interspecific competition influenced tubificid success, but T. tubifex gained some competitive advantage through increased adult growth when in combination with L. hoffmeisteri. Whether T. tubifex was exposed to the parasite or not did not change the outcome of the interactions between the tubificid species. 5. The presence of L. hoffmeisteri did not decrease the prevalence of infection in T. tubifex, suggesting that parasite success was unaltered by the presence of this non-susceptible species. [source] Host,parasite interactions and vectors in the barn swallow in relation to climate changeGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2010A. P. MØLLER Abstract Recent climate change has affected the phenology of numerous species, and such differential changes may affect host,parasite interactions. Using information on vectors (louseflies, mosquitoes, blackflies) and parasites (tropical fowl mite Ornithonyssus bursa, the lousefly Ornithomyia avicularia, a chewing louse Brueelia sp., two species of feather mites Trouessartia crucifera and Trouessartia appendiculata, and two species of blood parasites Leucozytozoon whitworthi and Haemoproteus prognei) of the barn swallow Hirundo rustica collected during 1971,2008, I analyzed temporal changes in emergence and abundance, relationships with climatic conditions, and changes in the fitness impact of parasites on their hosts. Temperature and rainfall during the summer breeding season of the host increased during the study. The intensity of infestation by mites decreased, but increased for the lousefly during 1982,2008. The prevalence of two species of blood parasites increased during 1988,2008. The timing of first mass emergence of mosquitoes and blackflies advanced. These temporal changes in phenology and abundance of parasites and vectors could be linked to changes in temperature, but less so to changes in precipitation. Parasites had fitness consequences for hosts because intensity of the mite and the chewing louse was significantly associated with delayed breeding of the host, while a greater abundance of feather mites was associated with earlier breeding. Reproductive success of the host decreased with increasing abundance of the chewing louse. The temporal decrease in mite abundance was associated with advanced breeding of the host, while the increase in abundance of the lousefly was associated with earlier breeding. Virulence by the tropical fowl mite decreased with increasing temperature, independent of confounding factors. These findings suggest that climate change affects parasite species differently, hence altering the composition of the parasite community, and that climate change causes changes in the virulence of parasites. Because the changing phenology of different species of parasites had both positive and negative effects on their hosts, and because the abundance of some parasites increased, while that of other decreased, there was no consistent temporal change in host fitness during 1971,2008. [source] A Highly Efficient Universal Bipolar Host for Blue, Green, and Red Phosphorescent OLEDsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 22 2010Ho-Hsiu Chou The bipolar host material BCPO (bis-4- (N-carbazolyl)phenylphosphine oxide) containing a phosphine oxide and two carbazole groups, synthesized in three steps, shows a high triplet energy gap of 3.01,eV. The material can be used as a universal host for blue, green, and red phosphorescent devices, all giving extremely high efficiencies with turn-on voltages within 3 V. [source] High-Triplet-Energy Poly(9,9,-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,6-fluorene) as Host for Blue and Green Phosphorescent Complexes,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 12 2008Zhonglian Wu A novel polyfluorene with high triplet energy level the soluble conjugated homopolymer poly(9,9,-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,6-fluorene)) (P36EHF) is successfully synthesized and characterized. Preliminary results indicate that P36EHF could be a good host material for green and blue phosphorescent complexes (see figure), making it a wide-bandgap conjugated polymer host suitable for blue- or green-phosphorescent polymer LEDs. [source] Three-Color White Electroluminescence from a Single Polymer System with Blue, Green and Red Dopant Units as Individual Emissive Species and Polyfluorene as Individual Polymer HostADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 24 2007J. Liu No abstract is available for this article. [source] Host,bacterial interaction in the development of gastric precancerous lesions in a high risk population for gastric cancer in Venezuela,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 7 2006Ikuko Kato Abstract Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection affects over 50% of the world's population. The prevalence is over 90% in populations at high risk for gastric cancer, but clinical outcomes of the infection are highly variable and thus host genetic factors have been suggested to play a role in its outcomes in addition to bacterial factors. In this study, we examined the effects of common functional genetic polymorphisms of several proinflammatory cytokines known to be overexpressed in HP-infected gastric mucosa on the risk of various stages of gastric premalignant lesions. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia were estimated by multinominal logistic regression analysis among 2,033 Venezuelan subjects. There was a significant effect of IL8 -251A allele on the prevalence of dysplasia (p = 0.021). The OR associated with the A-allele was 1.34 (95% CI: 0.82,2.18) for heterozygotes and 2.00 (95% CI: 1.13,3.56) for homozygotes, compared with the TT genotype. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant interaction between the number of A-alleles and HP cag A genotype (p = 0.009), suggesting that the A-allele increased the risk of dysplasia only when cag A was present. The OR for the AA compared with TT genotype was 3.22 (95% CI: 1.60,6.52) in this group. There were no associations with other proinflammatory cytokines studied, i.e., IL1,, IL6, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) and TNF,, or with other stages of premalignant lesions. The present study provides important evidence suggesting host,bacterial interactions in the development of gastric precancerous lesions. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Molecular Origin of the Temperature-Dependent Energy Migration in a Rigid-Rod Ladder-Phenylene Molecular Host,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 3 2006H. Wiesenhofer Excitation diffusion is studied in a molecular host doped with a luminescent guest. An atomistic model based on the coupling of the electronic excitations to low-frequency intramolecular vibrations reproduces remarkably well the measured temperature-dependent host-to-guest energy transfer efficiency (see Figure). [source] Consumers' views on generic medicines: A review of the literatureINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE, Issue 2 2009Mohamed A. A. Hassali Abstract Objectives To review the literature on consumers' knowledge, attitudes and opinions of the use of generic medicines. Method A narrative review of studies conducted from 1970 to 2008 on consumers' perceptions and views towards generic medicines was performed. An extensive literature search was undertaken using indexing services available at the authors' institution library. The following keywords were used for the search: brand, generic, multisource, medications, medicines, drugs, pharmaceuticals and consumers, customers, and patients. Electronic databases searched were Medline, Inside Web, ISI Web of Knowledge, Science Direct, Springer Link, JSTOR, Proquest, Ebsco Host and Google Scholar. These electronic databases were searched for full text papers published in English from 1970 to October 2008. Key findings Twenty studies were identified. Eleven were from the USA, four were from Europe, two were from Canada and one each was from Australia, Brazil and Malaysia. In general, consumers showed mixed reactions towards the use of generic medicines. This was evident from the divergence of views observed by country development level, consumers' socioeconomic characteristics, drug product characteristics, pharmaceutical reimbursement system, policy environment, contact with health care professionals, past experience with medications, and knowledge of the seriousness of a medical condition. Conclusions Patient confidence and knowledge pertaining to generic medicines use have increased over the past four decades, especially in developed countries. Mass educational efforts, financial incentives, and greater communication among patients and health care professionals were seen as major drivers to the uptake of generic medicines among consumers. [source] Interventions to Improve Transitional Care Between Nursing Homes and Hospitals: A Systematic ReviewJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2010Michael A. LaMantia MD Transitions between healthcare settings are associated with errors in communication of information and treatment plans for frail older patients, but strategies to improve transitional care are lacking. A systematic review was conducted to identify and evaluate interventions to improve communication of accurate and appropriate medication lists and advance directives for elderly patients who transition between nursing homes and hospitals. MEDLINE, ISI Web, and EBSCO Host (from inception to June 2008) were searched for original, English-language research articles reporting interventions to improve communication of medication lists and advance directives. Five studies ultimately met all inclusion criteria. Two described interventions that enhanced transmission of advance directives, two described interventions that improved communication of medication lists, and one intervention addressed both goals. One study was a randomized controlled trial, whereas the remaining studies used historical or no controls. Study results indicate that a standardized patient transfer form may assist with the communication of advance directives and medication lists and that pharmacist-led review of medication lists may help identify omitted or indicated medications on transfer. Although preliminary evidence supports adoption of these methods to improve transitions between nursing home and hospital, further research is needed to define target populations and outcomes measures for high-quality transitional care. [source] Long-standing environmental conditions, geographic isolation and host,symbiont specificity influence the relative ecological dominance and genetic diversification of coral endosymbionts in the genus SymbiodiniumJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2010Todd C. LaJeunesse Abstract Aim, This study examines the importance of geographic proximity, host life history and regional and local differences in environment (temperature and water clarity) in driving the ecological and evolutionary processes underpinning the global patterns of diversity and distribution of symbiotic dinoflagellates. By comparing and contrasting coral,algal symbioses from isolated regions with differing environmental conditions, we may assess the potential of coral communities to respond to significant changes in climate. Location, Indian Ocean. Methods, Community assemblages of obligate symbiotic invertebrates were sampled at numerous sites from two regions, the north-eastern Indian Ocean (Andaman Sea, western Thailand) and the western Indian Ocean (Zanzibar, Tanzania). Molecular genetic methods, including denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacers, DNA sequencing and microsatellite genotyping, were used to characterize the ,species' diversity and evolutionary relationships of symbiotic dinoflagellates (genus Symbiodinium). Host,symbiont specificity, geographic isolation and local and regional environmental factors were evaluated in terms of their importance in governing the distribution and prevalence of certain symbiont taxa. Results, Host-generalist symbionts (C3u and D1-4, formerly D1a now designated Symbiodinium trenchi) frequently occurred alone and sometimes together in hosts with horizontal modes of symbiont acquisition. However, the majority of Symbiodinium diversity consisted of apparently host-specific ,species'. Clade C Symbiodinium were diverse and dominated host assemblages from sites sampled in the western Indian Ocean, a pattern analogous to symbiont communities on the Great Barrier Reef with similar environmental conditions. Clade D Symbiodinium were diverse and occurred frequently in hosts from the north-eastern Indian Ocean, especially at inshore locations, where temperatures are warmer, water turbidity is high and large tidal exchanges commonly expose coral populations to aerial desiccation. Main conclusions, Regional and local differences in cnidarian,algal combinations indicate that these symbioses are ecologically and evolutionarily responsive and can thrive under various environmental conditions. The high temperatures and turbid conditions of the north-eastern Indian Ocean partly explain the ecological success of Clade D Symbiodinium relative to Clade C. Phylogenetic, ecological and population genetic data further indicate that Clade D has undergone an adaptive radiation, especially in regions around Southeast Asia, during the Pleistocene. [source] Host,parasite relations of an angiospermous root parasite (Thonningia sanguinea Vahl) in logged and unlogged sites of Budongo forest reserve, western UgandaAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Concy Acen Olanya Abstract Host,parasite relationships of an angiospermous root parasite (Thonningia sanguinea) were investigated in logged and unlogged sites of Budongo Forest Reserve. Host trees were identified and their diameters measured in 20 × 20 m plots established randomly in sites where the parasites were presumed to occur. The distance of the point of attachment of the parasite from the base of the host stem was determined and overstorey density measured at the centre of each plot. There were more parasites in the logged than in the unlogged sites (878 and 425 individual parasites ha,1 respectively). The parasite was not host specific but Alchornea laxiflora (Benth) Pax and K.Hoffm, Celtis mildbraedii Engl and Lasiodiscus mildbraedii Engl had relatively more parasites than other species. The parasite could be found within a radius of 2 m from the base of the host stem. The diameter of hosts ranged from 1 to 95 cm. There was a positive correlation between overstorey density and occurrence of T. sanguinea. Conservation of T. sanguinea, therefore, requires maintenance of intact forests with closed canopies rather than logged sites with many gaps and hence low overstorey density. Résumé On a étudié les relations hôte-parasite d'un angiosperme parasite des racines (Thonningia sanguinea) sur des sites exploités ou non de la Réserve forestière de Budongo. On a identifié les arbres hôtes et on a mesuré leur diamètre dans des parcelles de 20 × 20 m établies au hasard dans des sites où le parasite était supposé se trouver. La distance entre le point d'ancrage du parasite et la base du tronc de l'hôte fut déterminée, et la densité de la végétation aérienne fut mesurée au centre de chaque parcelle. Il y avait plus de parasites dans les parcelles exploitées que dans les parcelles nonexploitées (878 et 425 parasites par ha, respectivement). Le parasite n'était pas spécifique de l'hôte, mais Alchornea laxiflora (Benth) Pax et K.Hoffm, Celtis mildbraedii Engl et Lasiodiscus mildbraedii Engl avaient relativement plus de parasites que d'autres espèces. Le parasite peut se trouver dans un rayon de deux mètres de la base du tronc de l'hôte. Le diamètre du tronc de l'hôte variait de 1 à 95 cm. Il y avait une corrélation positive entre la densité de la végétation aérienne et l'occurrence de T. sanguinea. Donc, la conservation de T. sanguinea requiert la préservation de forêts intactes avec des canopées fermées plutôt que des sites exploités avec des nombreuses clairières et donc, une faible densité de couverture végétale. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||