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HIV-1 Aspartic Proteinase: High-Level Production and Automated Fluorometric Screening Assay of Inhibitors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/095632029000100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The 99-amino-acid HIV-1 aspartic proteinase was expressed to high levels in Escherichia coli using a T7 expression system. About 50% of the insoluble material after sonication of the bacteria was composed of aggregated proteinase. Subsequent renaturation and purification yielded large quantities of a homogeneous enzyme able to cleave various heptapeptidic substrates in vitro with a Km around 2.5 mM. A fluorometric assay has been devised to allow automated screening of HIV proteinase inhibitors based on an analogous renin assay. We used the synthetic intramolecularly quenched fluorogenic substrate Suc-TLNFPIS-4MCA based on the heptapeptide TLNFPIS, which encompasses the proteinase/reverse transcriptase junction, coupled to the fluorophore 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin and blocked at the amino-terminus by a succinyl group. The enzyme cleaves the substrate between phenylalanine and proline, and conditions were optimized for liberation of 7AMC from the generated PIS-4MCA with aminopeptidase M as secondary enzyme. 7AMC was monitored with a microplate fluorescence scanner. The known aspartic proteinase inhibitor pepstatin A consistently gave Ki = 2 × 10−6M. Other synthetic and natural compounds are currently being tested.
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The ecological benefits of larger colony size may promote polygyny in ants. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:2856-63. [PMID: 25302869 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
How polygyny evolved in social insect societies is a long-standing question. This phenomenon, which is functionally similar to communal breeding in vertebrates, occurs when several queens come together in the same nest to lay eggs that are raised by workers. As a consequence, polygyny drastically reduces genetic relatedness among nestmates. It has been suggested that the short-term benefits procured by group living may outweigh the costs of sharing the same nesting site and thus contribute to organisms rearing unrelated individuals. However, tests of this hypothesis are still limited. To examine the evolutionary emergence of polygyny, we reviewed the literature to build a data set containing life-history traits for 149 Palearctic ant species and combined this data set with a reconstructed phylogeny. We show that monogyny is the ancestral state and that polygyny has evolved secondarily and independently throughout the phylogenetic tree. The occurrence of polygyny is significantly correlated with larger colony size, dependent colony founding and ecological dominance. Although polydomy (when a colony simultaneously uses several connected nests) tends to occur more frequently in polygynous species, this trend is not significant when phylogenetic history is accounted for. Overall, our results indicate that polygyny may have evolved in ants in spite of the reduction in nestmate relatedness because large colony size provides immediate ecological advantages, such as the more efficient use of temporal food resources. We suggest that the competitive context of ant communities may have provided the conditions necessary for the evolution of polygyny in some clades.
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Trauma Association of Canada (TAC) Annual Scientific Meeting. The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa, Whistler, BC, Thursday, Apr. 11 to Saturday, Apr. 13, 2013Testing the reliability of tools for pediatric trauma teamwork evaluation in a North American high-resource simulation settingThe association of etomidate with mortality in trauma patientsDefinition of isolated hip fractures as an exclusion criterion in trauma centre performance evaluations: a systematic reviewEstimation of acute care hospitalization costs for trauma hospital performance evaluation: a systematic reviewHospital length of stay following admission for traumatic injury in Canada: a multicentre cohort studyPredictors of hospital length of stay following traumatic injury: a multicentre cohort studyInfluence of the heterogeneity in definitions of an isolated hip fracture used as an exclusion criterion in trauma centre performance evaluations: a multicentre cohort studyPediatric trauma, advocacy skills and medical studentsCompliance with the prescribed packed red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma and platelet ratio for the trauma transfusion pathway at a level 1 trauma centreEarly fixed-wing aircraft activation for major trauma in remote areasDevelopment of a national, multi-disciplinary trauma crisis resource management curriculum: results from the pilot courseThe management of blunt hepatic trauma in the age of angioembolization: a single centre experienceEarly predictors of in-hospital mortality in adult trauma patientsThe impact of open tibial fracture on health service utilization in the year preceding and following injuryA systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of red blood cell transfusion in the trauma populationSources of support for paramedics managing work-related stress in a Canadian EMS service responding to multisystem trauma patientsAnalysis of prehospital treatment of pain in the multisystem trauma patient at a community level 2 trauma centreIncreased mortality associated with placement of central lines during trauma resuscitationChronic pain after serious injury — identifying high risk patientsEpidemiology of in-hospital trauma deaths in a Brazilian university teaching hospitalIncreased suicidality following major trauma: a population-based studyDevelopment of a population-wide record linkage system to support trauma researchInduction of hmgb1 by increased gut permeability mediates acute lung injury in a hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation mouse modelPatients who sustain gunshot pelvic fractures are at increased risk for deep abscess formation: aggravated by rectal injuryAre we transfusing more with conservative management of isolated blunt splenic injury? A retrospective studyMotorcycle clothesline injury prevention: Experimental test of a protective deviceA prospective analysis of compliance with a massive transfusion protocol - activation alone is not enoughAn evaluation of diagnostic modalities in penetrating injuries to the cardiac box: Is there a role for routine echocardiography in the setting of negative pericardial FAST?Achievement of pediatric national quality indicators — an institutional report cardProcess mapping trauma care in 2 regional health authorities in British Columbia: a tool to assist trauma sys tem design and evaluationPatient safety checklist for emergency intubation: a systematic reviewA standardized flow sheet improves pediatric trauma documentationMassive transfusion in pediatric trauma: a 5-year retrospective reviewIs more better: Does a more intensive physiotherapy program result in accelerated recovery for trauma patients?Trauma care: not just for surgeons. Initial impact of implementing a dedicated multidisciplinary trauma team on severely injured patientsThe role of postmortem autopsy in modern trauma care: Do we still need them?Prototype cervical spine traction device for reduction stabilization and transport of nondistraction type cervical spine injuriesGoing beyond organ preservation: a 12-year review of the beneficial effects of a nonoperative management algorithm for splenic traumaAssessing the construct validity of a global disability measure in adult trauma registry patientsThe mactrauma TTL assessment tool: developing a novel tool for assessing performance of trauma traineesA quality improvement approach to developing a standardized reporting format of ct findings in blunt splenic injuriesOutcomes in geriatric trauma: what really mattersFresh whole blood is not better than component therapy (FFP:RBC) in hemorrhagic shock: a thromboelastometric study in a small animal modelFactors affecting mortality of chest trauma patients: a prospective studyLong-term pain prevalence and health related quality of life outcomes for patients enrolled in a ketamine versus morphine for prehospital traumatic pain randomized controlled trialDescribing pain following trauma: predictors of persistent pain and pain prevalenceManagement strategies for hemorrhage due to pelvic trauma: a survey of Canadian general surgeonsMajor trauma follow-up clinic: Patient perception of recovery following severe traumaLost opportunities to enhance trauma practice: culture of interprofessional education and sharing among emergency staffPrehospital airway management in major trauma and traumatic brain injury by critical care paramedicsImproving patient selection for angiography and identifying risk of rebleeding after angioembolization in the nonoperative management of high grade splenic injuriesFactors predicting the need for angioembolization in solid organ injuryProthrombin complex concentrates use in traumatic brain injury patients on oral anticoagulants is effective despite underutilizationThe right treatment at the right time in the right place: early results and associations from the introduction of an all-inclusive provincial trauma care systemA multicentre study of patient experiences with acute and postacute injury carePopulation burden of major trauma: Has introduction of an organized trauma system made a difference?Long-term functional and return to work outcomes following blunt major trauma in Victoria, AustraliaSurgical dilemma in major burns victim: heterotopic ossification of the tempromandibular jointWhich radiological modality to choose in a unique penetrating neck injury: a differing opinionThe Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program in CanadaThe Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC) in Pakistan: Is there a role?Novel deployment of BC mobile medical unit for coverage of BMX world cup sporting eventIncidence and prevalence of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill adults: a systematic review and meta-analysisRisk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill or injured adults: a systematic review and meta-analysisA comparison of quality improvement practices at adult and pediatric trauma centresInternational trauma centre survey to evaluate content validity, usability and feasibility of quality indicatorsLong-term functional recovery following decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injuryMorbidity and mortality associated with free falls from a height among teenage patients: a 5-year review from a level 1 trauma centreA comparison of adverse events between trauma patients and general surgery patients in a level 1 trauma centreProcoagulation, anticoagulation and fibrinolysis in severely bleeding trauma patients: a laboratorial characterization of the early trauma coagulopathyThe use of mobile technology to facilitate surveillance and improve injury outcome in sport and physical activityIntegrated knowledge translation for injury quality improvement: a partnership between researchers and knowledge usersThe impact of a prevention project in trauma with young and their learningIntraosseus vascular access in adult trauma patients: a systematic reviewThematic analysis of patient reported experiences with acute and post-acute injury careAn evaluation of a world health organization trauma care checklist quality improvement pilot programProspective validation of the modified pediatric trauma triage toolThe 16-year evolution of a Canadian level 1 trauma centre: growing up, growing out, and the impact of a booming economyA 20-year review of trauma related literature: What have we done and where are we going?Management of traumatic flail chest: a systematic review of the literatureOperative versus nonoperative management of flail chestEmergency department performance of a clinically indicated and technically successful emergency department thoracotomy and pericardiotomy with minimal equipment in a New Zealand institution without specialized surgical backupBritish Columbia’s mobile medical unit — an emergency health care support resourceRoutine versus ad hoc screening for acute stress: Who would benefit and what are the opportunities for trauma care?A geographical analysis of the Early Development Instrument (EDI) and childhood injuryDevelopment of a pediatric spinal cord injury nursing course“Kids die in driveways” — an injury prevention campaignEpidemiology of traumatic spine injuries in childrenA collaborative approach to reducing injuries in New Brunswick: acute care and injury preventionImpact of changes to a provincial field trauma triage tool in New BrunswickEnsuring quality of field trauma triage in New BrunswickBenefits of a provincial trauma transfer referral system: beyond the numbersThe field trauma triage landscape in New BrunswickImpact of the Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC) on trauma transfer intervals in a provincial, inclusive trauma systemTrauma and stress: a critical dynamics study of burnout in trauma centre healthcare professionalsUltrasound-guided pediatric forearm fracture reduction with sedation in the emergency departmentBlock first, opiates later? The use of the fascia iliaca block for patients with hip fractures in the emergency department: a systematic reviewRural trauma systems — demographic and survival analysis of remote traumas transferred from northern QuebecSimulation in trauma ultrasound trainingIncidence of clinically significant intra-abdominal injuries in stable blunt trauma patientsWake up: head injury management around the clockDamage control laparotomy for combat casualties in forward surgical facilitiesDetection of soft tissue foreign bodies by nurse practitioner performed ultrasoundAntihypertensive medications and walking devices are associated with falls from standingThe transfer process: perspectives of transferring physiciansDevelopment of a rodent model for the study of abdominal compartment syndromeClinical efficacy of routine repeat head computed tomography in pediatric traumatic brain injuryEarly warning scores (EWS) in trauma: assessing the “effectiveness” of interventions by a rural ground transport service in the interior of British ColumbiaAccuracy of trauma patient transfer documentation in BCPostoperative echocardiogram after penetrating cardiac injuries: a retrospective studyLoss to follow-up in trauma studies comparing operative methods: a systematic reviewWhat matters where and to whom: a survey of experts on the Canadian pediatric trauma systemA quality initiative to enhance pain management for trauma patients: baseline attitudes of practitionersComparison of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) values in massive and nonmassive transfusion patientsMild traumatic brain injury defined by GCS: Is it really mild?The CMAC videolaryngosocpe is superior to the glidescope for the intubation of trauma patients: a prospective analysisInjury patterns and outcome of urban versus suburban major traumaA cost-effective, readily accessible technique for progressive abdominal closureEvolution and impact of the use of pan-CT scan in a tertiary urban trauma centre: a 4-year auditAdditional and repeated CT scan in interfacilities trauma transfers: room for standardizationPediatric trauma in situ simulation facilitates identification and resolution of system issuesHospital code orange plan: there’s an app for thatDiaphragmatic rupture from blunt trauma: an NTDB studyEarly closure of open abdomen using component separation techniqueSurgical fixation versus nonoperative management of flail chest: a meta-analysisIntegration of intraoperative angiography as part of damage control surgery in major traumaMass casualty preparedness of regional trauma systems: recommendations for an evaluative frameworkDiagnostic peritoneal aspirate: An obsolete diagnostic modality?Blunt hollow viscus injury: the frequency and consequences of delayed diagnosis in the era of selective nonoperative managementEnding “double jeopardy:” the diagnostic impact of cardiac ultrasound and chest radiography on operative sequencing in penetrating thoracoabdominal traumaAre trauma patients with hyperfibrinolysis diagnosed by rotem salvageable?The risk of cardiac injury after penetrating thoracic trauma: Which is the better predictor, hemodynamic status or pericardial window?The online Concussion Awareness Training Toolkit for health practitioners (CATT): a new resource for recognizing, treating, and managing concussionThe prevention of concussion and brain injury in child and youth team sportsRandomized controlled trial of an early rehabilitation intervention to improve return to work Rates following road traumaPhone call follow-upPericardiocentesis in trauma: a systematic review. Can J Surg 2013. [DOI: 10.1503/cjs.005813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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How to effectively reduce costs associated with robotic surgery: Is this even possible? Gynecol Oncol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2011.12.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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A psychosocial evaluation process for living liver donors: the University of Rochester model. Int J Psychiatry Med 2012; 41:295-308. [PMID: 22238836 DOI: 10.2190/pm.41.4.a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The donation of livers by living donors entails complex processes, both surgically and psychosocially, potentially involving risks in both domains. Thorough psychosocial evaluation is necessary to minimize those risks, yet little has been written about the donor assessment process. This article describes one such process, utilized by a transplant program in upstate New York. METHOD Donor candidates undergo multiple psychosocial interviews early in the overall transplant evaluation process. Evaluators subsequently meet as a group, along with an independent ethicist, to determine psychosocial candidacy prior to final medical/surgical clearance. RESULTS Between 2003 and 2007, 416 donor candidates initiated and/or underwent full evaluation, resulting in a 17.5% surgery and 55.5% exclusion rate among those individuals. Of those ruled out, 20.8% were for (medical or psychosocial) reasons associated with the recipient, and 8.7% were for donor-related psychosocial issues. CONCLUSION Given the primacy ofpsychosocial and ethical issues in living liver donor candidate evaluation, the multiple interview process, followed by team discussion and overseen by an ethicist removed from other transplant program functions, has advantages as a donor assessment model.
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A cost analysis of postoperative management in endometrial cancer patients treated by robotics versus laparoscopic approach. Gynecol Oncol 2011; 123:528-31. [PMID: 21968341 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2011.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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A cost analysis of postoperative pain management in patients with endometrial cancer: Robotics versus laparoscopy. Gynecol Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2010.12.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Factors associated with regression of cervical dysplasia in adolescents: A retrospective study. J Clin Oncol 2009. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.5582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
5582 Background: Sexually active adolescents have high rates of infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) and abnormal pap smears. They are considered a special population as they are likely to regress to normal cytology. The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with regression of cervical dysplasia in adolescents. Methods: We identified adolescent patients (aged 12–21 years) who had abnormal pap smears at the Center for Women's Medicine at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA, by CPT code from a database between Jan 2004 and Dec 2006. A chart review was performed to capture demographic data, cytology, smoking history, number of sexual partners, parity, race, contraceptive choice, use of barrier contraception. Chi-square analysis with logistic regression and multivariate analysis were used to identify factors associated with regression of cervical dysplasia. Results: Two-hundred two patients were identified. Mean age was 18.84 years (14–22 years). One hundred twenty-two (57.8%) were Hispanic, 71 (33.6%) Caucasian, and 16 (7.6%) Black. Fifty-two (24.6%) were pregnant at the time of diagnosis. Seventy-six (36%) were smokers. There were 125 (61.9%) cases of ASCUS, 33.7% (68 cases) LGSIL and 4.5% (9 cases) HGSIL on initial pap smear. One hundred eighteen (55.9%) patients had colposcopy, and of these, 32 (15.2%) had surgical intervention. Follow-up demonstrated that 72 (57.6%) patients had disease regression, 24 (19.2%) persistence and 29 (23.2%) progression. On multivariate analysis, patients who did not smoke were significantly more likely to show regression of cervical dysplasia on pap smear than women who smoked (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.03–4.55, p = 0.039). Other factors were not statistically significant in predicting regression of cervical dysplasia. Conclusions: Adolescents who smoke were more likely to have persistent cervical dysplasia than non-smoking adolescents, putting smokers at an increased risk of advanced disease. We suggest that this subset have follow-up at shorter intervals and be enrolled in a smoking cessation program. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Development of single sequence repeat markers for the ant Aphaenogaster senilis and cross-species amplification in A. iberica, A . gibbosa, A. subterranea and Messor maroccanus. CONSERV GENET 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-008-9554-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Geographic variations in seed dispersal by ants: are plant and seed traits decisive? Naturwissenschaften 2006; 94:242-6. [PMID: 17119907 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-006-0185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2006] [Revised: 07/20/2006] [Accepted: 10/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The effect of local ant species on the dispersal success of a myrmecochorous plant, Helleborus foetidus, was analyzed in two populations of the Iberian Peninsula (Caurel and Cazorla, respectively). The contribution of the various local ant species to dispersal was very unequal. While 5 and 19 ant taxa visited the plants of Caurel and Cazorla, respectively, most removal activity (67 and 80%) was performed by two species only (Formica lugubris and Camponotus cruentatus, respectively). Visits by dispersers were also unequally distributed between neighboring plants. While some plants were always visited during the period of seed release, others were never visited. A regression model indicated that this pattern might be explained by two plant traits: ants preferred to visit plants that released more seeds and whose elaiosomes were richer in oleic acid. Although it has long been known that this compound triggers removal by ants, it is the first demonstration that quantitative variations in elaiosome traits contribute to variation in dispersal success. Finally, other variables being equal, morphological traits (seed size, elaiosome size, and elaiosome/seed size ratio) did not affect ant behavior. Although myrmecochory has long been considered a diffuse interaction, our results support the idea that, at local scale, a limited number of ant species may be decisive to its evolution.
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Indirect effects of alternative food resources in an ant–plant interaction. Oecologia 2005; 144:72-9. [PMID: 15800743 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-005-0040-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2004] [Accepted: 02/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The seeds of many plant species present a food body that is consumed by animal dispersers. In theory, if the animals are polyphagous, the availability of alternative food resource other than the diaspore itself may influence its dispersal and survival. We used the myrmecochore Helleborus foetidus L. (Ranunculaceae), the seeds of which are attached to a lipid-rich elaiosome that is attractive to ants, as a model system to investigate (1) whether alternative foods that are present along with the plant affect ant foraging behavior and diaspore removal and (2) whether food availability in an ant nest affects seed predation and germination. In a field experiment, artificial diaspore depots were offered together with either sugar, insect corpses, seed, or no food (control). Contrary to the prediction that ants would rather concentrate their foraging effort on the highly rewarding alternative foods only, many workers, attracted by the sugar, switched to the hellebore diaspores, which significantly enhanced removal rate. Results obtained in the laboratory further indicated that the larvae of Aphaenogaster iberica (a major seed disperser) predated more on the H. foetidus embryos when no alternative food was available. This, in turn, slightly reduced seed germination. Overall, these results shed light, for the first time, on the potential indirect effects of alternative resources on the fate of diaspores adapted for ant dispersal.
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Social isolation of mature workers affects nestmate recognition in the ant Camponotus fellah. Behav Processes 2001; 55:67-73. [PMID: 11470498 DOI: 10.1016/s0376-6357(01)00163-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the role of social stimulation on nestmate recognition in mature workers of Camponotus fellah. We isolated 4-week-old workers before examining their behaviour in dyadic reunion tests. At the age of 4 weeks, workers are normally intolerant towards both allospecific and homospecific but allocolonial individuals. However, when they were isolated for up to 20 days, allocolonial aggressions decreased while allospecific aggression remained constant. Workers isolated for 20 days also engaged in allocolonial trophallaxis. These results suggest that workers need to be reinforced by social stimulation during their adult life to keep precise nestmate recognition capacities. We discuss our data under the perspective of recent neuroethological data in social insects to propose a mechanism for the formation of the neural template used in the nestmate recognition process.
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Camponotus fellah colony integration: worker individuality necessitates frequent hydrocarbon exchanges. Anim Behav 2000; 59:1127-1133. [PMID: 10877891 DOI: 10.1006/anbe.2000.1408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to test the existence of Gestalt colony odour in Camponotus fellah. We isolated individual workers to prevent trophallaxis, allogrooming and body contact. After 20 days, the cuticular hydrocarbon profile of the isolated ants diverged from that of the parent colony. Moreover, each isolated individual had its own specific blend. This procedure showed that after about 20 days of isolation there was a turnover of the colony odour, revealing the genetically expressed hydrocarbon profile of each individual. It also showed that the cuticular hydrocarbon profile is polymorphic, and that its homogeneity within a colony is maintained by frequent exchanges of hydrocarbons between workers. Behavioural observations of resident workers, in their nest, towards nestmates reintroduced after isolation indicated that a short isolation period (3-5 days), which induced a minor change in hydrocarbon profile, provoked frequent trophallactic solicitations. These were likely to permit the isolated ants to readjust their hydrocarbon profile to that of the ants in the mother colony. Longer isolation periods (20-40 days) induced a greater change in hydrocarbon profile and made the residents intolerant towards their introduced nestmates. Therefore, our results clearly support the existence of a Gestalt colony odour in C. fellah. They also show that since individual hydrocarbon production is dynamic, workers are obliged to exchange hydrocarbons continually (mainly by trophallaxis) in order to be in the Gestalt, and properly integrate into the colony. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
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Analysis of biogenic amines by solid-phase microextraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. J Chromatogr A 2000; 870:395-403. [PMID: 10722095 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9673(99)01077-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the new solid-phase microextraction method by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection for the analysis of biogenic amines. The Carbowax-Templated Resin 50 microm (purple) fibre coating offers good performances for dopamine and serotonin separation, i.e., good selectivity and high sensibility (0.1 microg l(-1)). We also tested this fibre for biogenic amines quantification of rat striatum. The coating seems to be selective towards the amines and has low affinity for the metabolites, allowing a good separation and preventing drawbacks from the biological matrix. These first results obtained using this original separation method offer large perspectives of application to many biological samples.
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Octopamine reverses the isolation-induced increase in trophallaxis in the carpenter ant Camponotus fellah. J Exp Biol 2000; 203:513-20. [PMID: 10637180 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.203.3.513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Social deprivation is an unusual situation for ants that normally maintain continuous contact with their nestmates. When a worker was experimentally isolated for 5 days and then reunited with a nestmate, she engaged in prolonged trophallaxis. It is suggested that trophallaxis allows her to restore a social bond with her nestmates and to re-integrate into the colony, particularly via the exchange of colony-specific hydrocarbons. Octopamine reduced trophallaxis in these workers as well as hydrocarbon transfer between nestmates, but not hydrocarbon biosynthesis. Administration of serotonin to such 5-day-isolated ants had no effect on the percentage of trophallaxis. Administration of phentolamine alone, an octopamine antagonist, had no effect, but when co-administrated with octopamine it reduced the effect of octopamine alone and restored trophallaxis to control levels. Moreover, the observed effect of octopamine was not due to a non-specific effect on locomotor activity. Therefore, we hypothesise that octopamine mediates behaviour patterns linked to social bonding, such as trophallaxis. On the basis of an analogy with the role of norepinephrine in vertebrates, we suggest that the levels of octopamine in the brain of socially deprived ants may decrease, together with a concomitant increase in their urge to perform trophallaxis and to experience social contacts. Octopamine administration may reduce this social deprivation effect, and octopamine could therefore be regarded as being partly responsible for the social cohesion between nestmates in ant colonies.
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Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the second most frequent gynecologic cancer complicating pregnancy. Although uncommon, this is a topic that encompasses multiple aspects of obstetrics and gynecology. The management of the adxenal mass in pregnancy, surgery for ovarian cancer, chemotherapy during gestation, and the use of tumor markers during pregnancy are discussed.
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Abstract
The incidence and pattern of changes in thyroid function tests were studied in acutely hospitalized psychiatric patients and the cost effectiveness of a systematic screening program for thyroid dysfunction was estimated. Thyroid testing was performed on 1275 of 1424 (90%) admissions to the psychiatric wing of Strong Memorial Hospital between April 1, 1993 and March 30, 1994. Discharge samples were obtained in 232 patients who were hospitalized at least 2 days; 163 patients were admitted multiple times. Psychiatric diagnosis was coded using DSM-III-R criteria. TSH, T4, free T4, and T3 levels were measured within 48 h of admission. TSH values were most frequently abnormal (7.8%) and free T4 the least (1.3%). Admission and discharge thyroid tests were similar. Significant differences in the four parameters of thyroid function were present among the psychiatric groups. By analysis of variance every 1 microU/mL increase in TSH levels was associated with a 2.5% increase in length of stay (LOS) (95% confidence intervals: 0.21%, 4.75%), holding psychiatric diagnosis, age, and gender constant. For patients with elevated TSH levels, the average LOS was increased by 10.7 days (95% confidence intervals: 2.8, 18.7 days). It is concluded that patients hospitalized for psychiatric illness have an incidence of thyroid dysfunction at or slightly higher than the general population. However, patients with elevated TSH levels are hospitalized longer than those with normal or suppressed values.
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Complete nucleotide sequence of the peroxisomal acyl CoA oxidase from the alkane-utilizing yeast Candida maltosa. Nucleic Acids Res 1988; 16:365-6. [PMID: 3340538 PMCID: PMC334648 DOI: 10.1093/nar/16.1.365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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Complex index of refraction of dental enamel at CO(2) laser wavelengths. APPLIED OPTICS 1987; 26:4447-4451. [PMID: 20523383 DOI: 10.1364/ao.26.004447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The reflectance vs angle of incidence method was used to determine the refractive index and absorption coefficient of dental enamel at CO(2) laser wavelengths. A strong wavelength dependence of the optical constants was observed in this spectral region which corresponds to a well-known absorption band of hydroxyapatite, the main constitutent of dental enamel. A directional dependence of the optical constants of dental enamel was also observed. The absorption coefficient reaches a maximum between 9.75 and 10 microm. This particularity may be important for the main CO(2) laser treatments proposed in dentistry up to now: surface treatment of teeth and fusion of dental materials.
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Passive optical element with selective angular reflection. APPLIED OPTICS 1987; 26:570-577. [PMID: 20454172 DOI: 10.1364/ao.26.000570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
This work is related to the development of passive selective transmission materials that will contribute to regularize the solar thermal gain. We propose an original solution to the problem of seasonal control of energetic input into buildings through windows. A passive optical element with selective angular reflection is used to solve this problem. This optical element allows sunlight to enter windows during the fall and winter, whereas, owing to the different astronomical path of the sun, it stops and rejects direct sunlight by means of the optical effect called total internal reflection (TIR) during the central spring-summer period. The purpose of this paper is to describe the optical element in some detail, to develop the principal design equations, and give the results of the optimization of optical and geometrical parameters.
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Use of the inverse synthesis method for the determination of the optical constants of paper in the far infrared. APPLIED OPTICS 1986; 25:2681. [PMID: 18231542 DOI: 10.1364/ao.25.002681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
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