9 research outputs found

    Adaptive conditioning of skeletal muscle in a large animal model (Sus domesticus)

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    Recognition of the adaptive capacity of mammalian skeletal muscle has opened the way to a number of clinical applications. For most of these, the fast, fatigue-susceptible fibres need to be transformed stably to fast, fatigue-resistant fibres that express the 2A myosin heavy chain isoform. The thresholds for activity-induced change are size-dependent, so although the requisite patterns of electrical stimulation are known for the rabbit, in humans these same patterns would produce type 1 fibre characteristics, with an undesirable loss of contractile speed and power. We have used histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and electrophoretic separations to evaluate a possible conditioning regime in a large animal model. Stimulation of the porcine latissimus dorsi muscle with a phasic 30-Hz pattern for up to 41 days converted all type 2X and 2A/2X fibres to 2A with only a small increase in the type 1 population, from 17% to 22%. Stimulation for longer periods increased the proportion of type 1 fibres to 52%. Based on this model, stimulation regimes designed to achieve a stable 2A phenotype in humans should deliver fewer stimulating impulses, possibly by a factor of 2, than the pattern assessed here. Any such pattern needs to be tested for at least 8 weeks

    Using micro‑computed tomography to reveal the anatomy of adult Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae) and how it pierces and feeds within a citrus leaf

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    The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is a harmful pest of citrus trees that transmits Candidatus Liberibacter spp. which causes Huanglongbing (HLB) (citrus greening disease); this is considered to be the most serious bacterial disease of citrus plants. Here we detail an anatomical study of the external and internal anatomy (excluding the reproductive system) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). This is the frst complete 3D micro-CT reconstruction of the anatomy of a psylloid insect and includes a 3D reconstruction of an adult feeding on a citrus leaf that can be used on mobile devices. Detailed rendered images and videos support frst descriptions of coxal and scapus antennal glands and sexual diferences in the internal anatomy (hindgut rectum, mesothoracic ganglion and brain). This represents a signifcant advance in our knowledge of ACP anatomy, and of psyllids in general. Together the images, videos and 3D model constitute a unique anatomical atlas and are useful tools for future research and as teaching aids.Kansas State University (KSU)University of Granad

    Identification and Characterization of Seminal Fluid Proteins in the Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus

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