Bacteria as Ovipositional Attractants for \u3ci\u3eCulex Pipiens\u3c/i\u3e (Diptera: Culicidae)

(excerpt) The study of factors and mechanisms involving ovipositional attractants in mosquitoes is still a relatively new area of research. Some early workers in mosquito biology suggested that gravid mosquitoes simply scattered their eggs indiscriminately on available aquatic sites; however, numerous field studies have failed to provide any real evidence for indiscriminate oviposition. The current idea is that oviposition involves not only locating an aquatic site, but the selection of an environment containing the necessary physical, chemical, and biotic factors required for larval development. It is desirable for female mosquitoes to be able to detect a breeding site that can successfully provide an environment suitable for development of their own species. According to Kramer and Mulla (1979), it is most likely that gravid females of different species use different factors in cueing in on and selecting ovipositional sites

An Investigation on the Larval Habitat of Five Species of Tree-Hole Breeding Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

A two-year study on the larval habitat of five species of tree-hole breeding mosquitoes was conducted in the vicinity of Bowling Green, Wood County, Ohio. Ninety-eight tree holes containing mosquito larvae were studied. Larval collections (27,741 specimens) were comprised of Aedes rriseriarus (90.8%), Orrhopodomyia signifera (3.3%), Aedes hendersoni (3.2%), Anopheles barberi (2.7%) and Orrhopodomyia alba (\u3c 0.1%). Chemical parameters (BOD, tannin-lignin, pH, and conductivity) of different tree holes were evaluated. Although different tree-hole species were commonly found in association with one another at breeding sites, ecological differences between species were found in spatial, trophic, and temporal niche dimensions

Bacteria as Ovipositional Attractants for \u3ci\u3eAedes Aegypti\u3c/i\u3e (Diptera: Culicidae)

The effectiveness of selected bacterial species as ovipositional attractants for Aedes aegypti was compared. Bacterial washes, in glass containers, were utilized as ovipositional substrates and subsequent egg counts determined the degree of ovipositional attractiveness. Among others, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were noted as being effective attractants. It was concluded that A. aegypti displays discriminatory behavior in selecting individual bacterial species for oviposition

Color, Bacteria, and Mosquito Eggs as Ovipositional Attractants for \u3ci\u3eAedes Aegypti\u3c/i\u3e and \u3ci\u3eAedes Albopictus\u3c/i\u3e (Diptera: Culicidae)

Selected bacterial washes, color, and mosquito eggs were comparatively examined as ovipositional attractants for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Any evidence of additive activity was noted. All colored washes alone were preferred over selected bacterial washes. The combinations of color and bacteria in a single wash were better attractants for oviposition than colored washes alone. The bacterial content of the breeding water was a more important factor than egg presence in oviposition site selection

Ectoparasitic Arthropods Collected From Some Northern Ohio Mammals

Ectoparasitic arthropods were collected from some fur-bearing mammals in northern Ohio. Specimens representing seven mammalian species were examined and found to collectively harbor acarines, fleas, and biting lice. Species determinations were made and new host and state records noted

A 4-D dataset for validation of crystal growth in a complex three-phase material, ice cream

Four dimensional (4D, or 3D plus time) X-ray tomographic imaging of phase changes in materials is quickly becoming an accepted tool for quantifying the development of microstructures to both inform and validate models. However, most of the systems studied have been relatively simple binary compositions with only two phases. In this study we present a quantitative dataset of the phase evolution in a complex three-phase material, ice cream. The microstructure of ice cream is an important parameter in terms of sensorial perception, and therefore quantification and modelling of the evolution of the microstructure with time and temperature is key to understanding its fabrication and storage. The microstructure consists of three phases, air cells, ice crystals, and unfrozen matrix. We perform in situ synchrotron X-ray imaging of ice cream samples using in-line phase contrast tomography, housed within a purpose built cold-stage (-40 to +20oC) with finely controlled variation in specimen temperature. The size and distribution of ice crystals and air cells during programmed temperature cycling are determined using 3D quantification. The microstructural evolution of three-phase materials has many other important applications ranging from biological to structural and functional material, hence this dataset can act as a validation case for numerical investigations on faceted and non-faceted crystal growth in a range of materials

Three-year tracking of fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids in healthy children

Objectives: The fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids reflects the dietary fatty acid intake as well as endogenous turnover. We aimed at investigating the potential tracking of plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition in children that participated in a prospective cohort study. Methods: 26 healthy children participated in a longitudinal study on health risks and had been enrolled after birth. All children were born at term with birth weights appropriate for gestational age. Follow-up took place at ages 24, 36 and 60 months. At each time point a 24-hour dietary recall was obtained, anthropometric parameters were measured and a blood sample for phospholipid fatty acid analysis was taken. Results: Dietary intake of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids at the three time points were not correlated. We found lower values for plasma MUFA and the MUFA/SFA ratio at 60 months compared to 24 months. In contrast, total PUFA, total n-6 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) were higher at 60 months. Significant averaged correlation coefficients (average of Pearson's R for 24 versus 36 months and 36 versus 60 months) were found for n-6 LC-PUFA (r = 0.67), n-6/n-3 LC-PUFA ratio (r = 0.59) and arachidonic acid/linoleic acid ratio (r = 0.64). Partial tracking was found for the docosahexaenoic acid/alpha-linolenic acid ratio (r = 0.33). Body mass index and sum of skinfolds Z-scores were similar in the three evaluations. Conclusions: A significant tracking of n-6 LC-PUFA, n-6 LC-PUFA/n-3 LC-PUFA ratio, arachidonic acid/ linoleic acid ratio and docosahexaenoic acid/alpha-linolenic acid ratio may reflect an influence of individual endogenous fatty acid metabolism on plasma concentrations of some, but not all, fatty acids. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies: Longevity, breadth, and evasion by emerging viral variants.

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody neutralization response and its evasion by emerging viral variants and variant of concern (VOC) are unknown, but critical to understand reinfection risk and breakthrough infection following vaccination. Antibody immunoreactivity against SARS-CoV-2 antigens and Spike variants, inhibition of Spike-driven virus-cell fusion, and infectious SARS-CoV-2 neutralization were characterized in 807 serial samples from 233 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) individuals with detailed demographics and followed up to 7 months. A broad and sustained polyantigenic immunoreactivity against SARS-CoV-2 Spike, Membrane, and Nucleocapsid proteins, along with high viral neutralization, was associated with COVID-19 severity. A subgroup of "high responders" maintained high neutralizing responses over time, representing ideal convalescent plasma donors. Antibodies generated against SARS-CoV-2 during the first COVID-19 wave had reduced immunoreactivity and neutralization potency to emerging Spike variants and VOC. Accurate monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses would be essential for selection of optimal responders and vaccine monitoring and design

Modifiable risk factors associated with bone deficits in childhood cancer survivors

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To determine the prevalence and severity of bone deficits in a cohort of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) compared to a healthy sibling control group, and the modifiable factors associated with bone deficits in CCS.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cross-sectional study of bone health in 319 CCS and 208 healthy sibling controls. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Generalized estimating equations were used to compare measures between CCS and controls. Among CCS, multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate odds ratios for BMD Z-score ≤ -1.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All subjects were younger than 18 years of age. Average time since treatment was 10.1 years (range 4.3 - 17.8 years). CCS were 3.3 times more likely to have whole body BMD Z-score ≤ -1 than controls (95% CI: 1.4-7.8; p = 0.007) and 1.7 times more likely to have lumbar spine BMD Z-score ≤ -1 than controls (95% CI: 1.0-2.7; p = 0.03). Among CCS, hypogonadism, lower lean body mass, higher daily television/computer screen time, lower physical activity, and higher inflammatory marker IL-6, increased the odds of having a BMD Z-score ≤ -1.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>CCS, less than 18 years of age, have bone deficits compared to a healthy control group. Sedentary lifestyle and inflammation may play a role in bone deficits in CCS. Counseling CCS and their caretakers on decreasing television/computer screen time and increasing activity may improve bone health.</p

SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies : longevity, breadth, and evasion by emerging viral variants

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SAU ARS-CoV-2) antibody neutralization response and its evasion by emerging viral variants and variant of concern (VOC) are unknown, but critical to understand reinfection risk and breakthrough infection following vaccination. Antibody immunoreactivity against SARS-CoV-2 antigens and Spike variants, inhibition of Spike-driven virus–cell fusion, and infectious SARS-CoV-2 neutralization were characterized in 807 serial samples from 233 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)–confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) individuals with detailed demographics and followed up to 7 months. A broad and sustained polyantigenic immunoreactivity against SARS-CoV-2 Spike, Membrane, and Nucleocapsid proteins, along with high viral neutralization, was associated with COVID-19 severity. A subgroup of “high responders” maintained high neutralizing responses over time, representing ideal convalescent plasma donors. Antibodies generated against SARS-CoV-2 during the first COVID-19 wave had reduced immunoreactivity and neutralization potency to emerging Spike variants and VOC. Accurate monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses would be essential for selection of optimal responders and vaccine monitoring and design