Detoxification enzyme differences between a herbivorous and predatory mite.

The detoxification capabilities of the predatory mite Amblyseius fallacis and its herbivorous prey Tetranychus urticae are fundamentally different. The activities of mixed-function oxidase and trans-epoxide hydrolase are higher in the prey than in the predator; those of cis-epoxide hydrolase and glutathione transferase are lower; and esterase activity is similar. Dissimilarities may be related both to differing adaptations to plant allelochemicals and to the higher respiration rate of the predator. Hydrolytic and conjugating reactions appear more important than oxidative pathways in imparting organophosphate resistance to these acarines. These resistances provide insecticide selectivity favorable to the predator and improved integrated pest control.

Carabidae population dynamics and temporal partitioning: response to coupled neonicotinoid-transgenic technologies in maize.

Insecticidal Bt crops and seed treatments represent additional pest management tools for growers, prompting ecological studies comparing their impact on farm system inputs and effects to nontarget organisms compared with conventional practices. Using high taxonomic and temporal resolution, we contrast the dominance structure of carabids and dynamics of the most abundant species in maize (both sweet and field corn) agroecosystems using pest management tactics determined by the purchase of seed and application of pyrethroid insecticides. In the seed-based treatments, sweet corn contained Cry1Ab/c proteins, whereas field corn contained the coupled technology of Cry3Bb1 proteins for control of corn rootworm and neonicotinoid seed treatments aimed at secondary soil-borne pests. The insecticide treatments involved foliar pyrethroids in sweet corn and at-planting pyrethroids in field corn. The carabid community, comprised of 49 species, was dominated by four species, Scarites quadriceps Chaudoir, Poecilus chalcites Say, Pterostichus melanarius Illiger, and Harpalus pensylvanicus DeGeer, that each occupied a distinct temporal niche during the growing season. Two species, Pt. melanarius and H. pensylvanicus, exhibited differences between treatments over time. Only H. pensylvanicus had consistent results in both years, in which activity densities in field corn were significantly higher in the control in July and/or August. These results, along with laboratory bioassays, led us to hypothesize that lower adult captures resulted from decrease in prey availability or exposure of H. pensylvanicus larvae to soil-directed insecticides-either the neonicotinoid seed treatment in the transgenic field corn or an at-planting soil insecticide in the conventional field corn.

Extravasation reactions associated with the administration of pamidronate: 11 cases (2008-2013).

Pamidronate is a bisphosphonate drug widely utilized in veterinary oncologic practice for the palliation of malignant osteolysis. Pamidronate has not been previously reported to cause tissue injury upon extravasation in dogs. The medical records of 11 client-owned dogs undergoing palliative treatment for primary bone tumors with known or suspected pamidronate extravasation reactions were reviewed. The majority of adverse events were low grade in nature, however in some cases, the reactions were severe and led to euthanasia in one instance. Time to complete resolution of lesions ranged from within several days to greater than one and a half months. Aside from the dog that was euthanized, no long-term sequelae of extravasation were identified. Treatments employed to address the reactions varied widely. Pamidronate extravasation reaction appears to be an uncommon, but potentially serious complication of intravenous administration.

Feline discrete high-grade gastrointestinal lymphoma treated with surgical resection and adjuvant CHOP-based chemotherapy: retrospective study of 20 cases.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of cats treated with surgical intervention for a discrete intermediate-/high-grade gastrointestinal lymphoma prior to CHOP-based chemotherapy. Variables including sex, breed, haematocrit, white blood cell count, serum albumin concentration, clinical stage of disease, gastrointestinal obstruction and peritonitis were assessed for their effect on survival. Twenty cats met the inclusion criteria with three cats still alive at the time of data analysis. The overall median survival time (MST) was 417 days (range: 12-2962 days). The disease-free interval (DFI) was 357 days (range: 0-1585 days) with six cats still deemed in remission prior to death. Only clinical stage had a significant effect on both MST and DFI. Cats with discrete intermediate/high-grade gastrointestinal lymphoma that undergo surgical resection followed by adjuvant CHOP chemotherapy may achieve acceptable overall survival times.

Doxorubicin chemotherapy for presumptive cardiac hemangiosarcoma in dogs†.

Sixty-four dogs were treated with single-agent doxorubicin (DOX) for presumptive cardiac hemangiosarcoma (cHSA). The objective response rate (CR + PR) was 41%, and the biologic response rate (CR + PR + SD), or clinical benefit, was 68%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) for treated dogs was 66 days. The median survival time (MST) for this group was 116 days and was significantly improved compared to a MST of 12 days for untreated control dogs (P = 0.0001). Biologic response was significantly associated with improved PFS (P < 0.0001) and OS (P < 0.0001). Univariate analysis identified larger tumour size as a variable negatively associated with PFS. The high rate of clinical benefit and improved MST suggest that DOX has activity in canine cHSA.

Evaluation of histological grade and histologically tumour-free margins as predictors of local recurrence in completely excised canine mast cell tumours.

Completeness of mast cell tumour (MCT) excision is determined by assessment of histologically tumour-free margins (HTFM). The HTFM width necessary to prevent local recurrence (LR), recognized as histologic safety margin (HSM) in human oncology, has not been defined. We hypothesized that HTFM width would correlate with risk for LR and high-grade tumours would require wider HTFM than low-grade tumours. Records of dogs with completely excised MCTs were included. Signalment, two-tier tumour grade, tumour size, HTFM width, recurrence and therapy data was collected. High-grade (n = 39) tumours were more likely to recur than low-grade (n = 51) tumours (35.9% versus 3.9%), P < 0.0001, with no association between HTFM width and LR. Twenty-nine percent of low-grade tumours had HTFM less than 3 mm; none recurred. Narrow (≤3 mm) histologic margins are likely adequate to prevent LR of low-grade tumours. High-grade tumours have significant risk of LR regardless of HTFM width.

Specific induction of metallothionein in hairless mouse skin by zinc and dexamethasone.

The stimulation of metallothionein (MT) synthesis in mouse skin after i.p. treatments with various doses of dexamethasone or zinc was demonstrated. Specific MT mRNA induction was determined by Northern analysis. Zinc was a more efficient inducer than dexamethasone. The maximal MT accumulation occurs after i.p. injections of 50-100 mg dexamethasone/kg body weight. The possible role of MT in the skin is briefly discussed.

Home blood glucose monitoring: keystone for modern diabetes care.

Home monitoring of capillary blood glucose concentrations has changed diabetes care, giving physicians and patients a way to adjust their therapy and achieve better diabetic control. The practical strategies and equipment for home diabetic monitoring are discussed, including the changing role of urine testing and how inexpensive machines may enhance the value of blood glucose monitoring.

Desensitization and resensitization to violence against women: effects of exposure to sexually violent films on judgments of domestic violence victims.

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of repeated exposure to sexually violent films on emotional desensitization and callousness toward domestic abuse victims. Results indicated that emotional response, self-reported physiological arousal, and ratings of the extent to which the films were sexually violent all diminished with repeated film exposure. Three days following exposure to the final film, experimental participants expressed significantly less sympathy for domestic violence victims, and rated their injuries as less severe, than did a no-exposure comparison group. Five days after the final film exposure, their level of sensitivity to the domestic violence victims had rebounded to baseline levels established by the comparison group. Emotional responsiveness at the final film exposure was correlated with levels of sensitivity to the domestic violence victims 3 days later but not at subsequent observation points.

Home monitoring of diabetes mellitus--a quiet revolution.

Home monitoring of capillary blood glucose concentrations has changed diabetes care, giving physicians and patients a way to adjust their therapy and achieve better diabetic control. The practical strategies and equipment for home diabetic monitoring are discussed, including the changing role of urine testing and how inexpensive machines may enhance the value of blood glucose monitoring.

Structure-mutagenicity relationships of chalcones and their oxides in the Salmonella assay.

31 p-monosubstituted chalcones (E-1, 3-diphenylpropene-1-one) and the corresponding oxides (E-1-benzoyl-2-phenyloxirane) were tested for mutagenic activity on two strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100) with and without rat liver microsomal and cytosolic enzymes. Highest mutagenicity (3.0 revertants/nmole in either strain) was seen with the 4-nitrochalcone, especially after S9 activation. Epoxidation, in general, increased the mutagenic activity of the respective chalcone. Benzoyl (4') substituted chalcones and their oxides with an electron-withdrawing substituent (e.g., nitro, fluoro) usually had higher activity than their phenyl (4) substituted counterparts, whereas the converse was the case with electron-donating substituents (e.g., acetamido, methoxy). Further multiple factorial analysis revealed that increasing hydrophilicity as indicated by the Hansch pi parameter, and resonance electronic contributions were more important than other factors including steric terms in explaining the mutagenicity of these compounds. Mutagenic effects of some chalcone oxides, particularly the 4-methoxy derivative, were markedly decreased by S9 treatment. The consequence of the weak-to-moderate mutagenicity of these compounds to dietary intake of hydroxylated and methoxylated chalcones is discussed.

Mutagenic potency of some conjugated nitroaromatic compounds and its relationship to structure.

The mutagenicities of 12 conjugated non-fused nitroaromatic compounds and 1 amino analogue were determined in strains TA100 and TA98 of Salmonella typhimurium. Reversions by p-nitroaromatics increased in the order of the acetophenone, benzaldehyde, styrene, chalcone, cinnamic acid and stilbene indicating the importance for mutagenic potency of extended conjugation to the p-nitrophenyl substituent. Highest mutagenicity was found with alpha-substituted 4-nitrostyryl derivatives of which the phenyl derivative (31 revertants per nmole in TA100) was the most active. Generally, the TA100 strain was more sensitive than TA98 to these mutagens and S9 treatment was unnecessary for activity, although 4-nitrochalcone required S9 activation. Para-nitro isomers of the cinnamic acids and chalcones were much more active than the corresponding ortho and meta isomers. The 4-aminocinnamic acid analogue was inactive suggesting that complete reduction in Salmonella of 4-nitrocinnamic acid to an active amino derivative is not response for the high mutagenicity of the former. Mutagenicity of these p-nitrostyryl compounds may be explained by the covalent interaction of the electrophilic benzylic carbon with Salmonella DNA.

IPCS harmonization of methods for the prediction and quantification of human carcinogenic/mutagenic hazard, and for indicating the probable mechanism of action of carcinogens.

A flow chart is presented as a recommended sequence of tests to predict the carcinogenic hazard, and to predict and quantify the mutagenic hazard to germ cells of chemicals to humans. Ten associated principles of testing for these endpoints are also suggested. These recommendations are the result of a meeting convened under the auspices of the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), as part of their project on 'Harmonization of Approaches to the Assessment of Risk from Exposure to Chemicals'. The meeting was held at Carshalton, Surrey, from 13-17 February 1995.

Oocyte production and ovarian steroid concentrations of immature rats in response to some commercial gonadotrophin preparations.

Four commercial gonadotrophin preparations, namely Folligon, F.S.H.-P., Folltropin and Ovagen, were examined for their effects on oocyte production and ovarian steroid concentrations in immature rats. The ratios of the FSH to LH concentrations of the preparations, determined by radioreceptor assays, were Folligon 5, F.S.H.-P. 18, Folltropin 49 and Ovagen 1090. Forty-eight hours after administering each gonadotrophin preparation to immature rats, ovulation was induced by injection of chorionic gonadotrophin. Twenty-four hours later, oocytes were recovered from the oviducts and counted. Oocytes were produced after injection of chorionic gonadotrophin following a single injection of Folligon (10-50 i.u.). However, no oocytes were produced in response to the other gonadotrophin preparations unless they were administered by continuous infusion (30-1000 micrograms day-1). When given by injection (Folligon) or infusion (others), the gonadotrophin preparations all promoted a dose-dependent increase in mean oocyte production, except at the highest doses when mean oocyte numbers either remained unchanged or declined significantly in the cases of Folligon and F.S.H.-P. The highest mean numbers of oocytes produced in response to Folltropin (48 +/- 9 oocytes, mean +/- s.e.m.) and Ovagen (47 +/- 7) were greater than those attained with Folligon (21 +/- 6) or F.S.H.-P. (31 +/- 5). Mean ovarian weights also increased in a dose-dependent fashion in response to each of the gonadotrophin preparations. Measurements of ovarian steroid concentrations 48 h after the onset of gonadotrophin treatment (i.e. immediately prior to ovulation induction with chorionic gonadotrophin) showed that the gonadotrophin preparations markedly influenced the ratios of ovarian oestradiol-17 beta and androgen (androstenedione plus testosterone) concentrations. At low doses the gonadotrophin preparations increased the ratio of oestradiol-17 beta to androgens, but at the highest doses, with the exception of Ovagen, the ratio was reduced relative to peak values. Co-infusion of ovine LH (NIADDK-oLH-25; 10-20 micrograms day-1) with Ovagen (250 micrograms day-1) or ovine FSH (10 micrograms day-1, NIADDK-oFSH-17), both low in LH content, increased the mean number of oocytes produced and also the ovarian oestradiol-17 beta:androgen concentration ratio. However, with 40 micrograms LH day-1, the oestradiol-17 beta:androgen ratio fell due to a continued increase in mean ovarian androgen concentrations and a decrease in mean ovarian oestradiol-17 beta concentration. The mean number of oocytes produced also fell significantly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Lipid, polyamide, and flavonol phagostimulants for adult western corn rootworm from sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) pollen.

Adult Diabroticites including western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, consume pollen of corn, squash, sunflower, and other species. Short-chain neutral amino acids in methanol-water extracts of pollen have been previously identified in our laboratory as strong phagostimulants for Diabrotica. Bioassay-driven fractionation was used to characterize the interacting lipid and midpolarity phagostimulants for adult WCR in Giant Gray Stripe sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., pollen. Lipids rich in omega3-linolenic acid including triglycerides, free fatty acids, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidic acids, and phosphatidylcholines were highly phagostimulatory. Other important phagostimulatory components included a hydroxycinnamic acid-polyamine amide, N(1),N(5),N(10)-tri[(E)-p-coumaroyl]spermidine, and a flavonol, quercetin beta-3-O-glucoside. The structural characteristics of these phagoactive compounds and their role in the pollinivory specialization of rootworm beetles are discussed.

Effects of HIV disease on lipid, glucose and insulin levels: results from a large antiretroviral-naive cohort.

OBJECTIVES: With the use of potent antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV disease, changes in lipid parameters and glucose homeostasis have been noted. However, these effects have been difficult to interpret because of the varied demographic and treatment characteristics of the cohorts and the complexity of differentiating the effect of HIV disease from that of the drugs used in its treatment. This study was designed to explore these issues. METHODS: Demographic information and fasting blood samples were collected from 419 antiretroviral-naive HIV-1-infected patients. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 38.2 years, with 21% being female, 60% being African American, and 14% having a history of injection drug use. The mean CD4 lymphocyte count was 216 cells/microL, the mean baseline log10 HIV viral load was 4.98 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL, and 26% of patients had a history of AIDS-defining events. Women and African Americans had significantly higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and older age was associated with higher total cholesterol levels. Lower CD4 lymphocyte counts and higher HIV RNA levels were independently associated with lower HDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, higher HIV RNA level was associated with lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and higher levels of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. A history of AIDS-defining events was associated with higher total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. With respect to glucose homeostasis, a higher CD4 lymphocyte count was associated with less evidence of insulin resistance. However, a higher body mass index was associated with higher lipid levels and with more evidence of insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Both HIV disease and demographic characteristics were found to influence lipid values and glucose homeostasis in the absence of antiretroviral treatment. More advanced HIV disease was associated with less favourable lipid and glucose homeostatic profiles. The independent association between HIV RNA levels and various lipid parameters suggests that viral replication had a direct effect on lipid levels. Interpretation of the effects of various HIV treatment regimen and drugs on metabolic parameters must take into account the stage of HIV disease and the demographic characteristics of the population studied.