1
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Gatti DM, Tyler AL, Mahoney JM, Churchill GA, Yener B, Koyuncu D, Gurcan MN, Niazi M, Tavolara T, Gower AC, Dayao D, McGlone E, Ginese ML, Specht A, Alsharaydeh A, Tessier PA, Kurtz SL, Elkins K, Kramnik I, Beamer G. Systems genetics uncover new loci containing functional gene candidates in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected Diversity Outbred mice. bioRxiv 2023:2023.12.21.572738. [PMID: 38187647 PMCID: PMC10769337 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes tuberculosis (TB), infects 2 billion people across the globe, and results in 8-9 million new TB cases and 1-1.5 million deaths each year. Most patients have no known genetic basis that predisposes them to disease. We investigated the complex genetic basis of pulmonary TB by modelling human genetic diversity with the Diversity Outbred mouse population. When infected with M. tuberculosis, one-third develop early onset, rapidly progressive, necrotizing granulomas and succumb within 60 days. The remaining develop non-necrotizing granulomas and survive longer than 60 days. Genetic mapping using clinical indicators of disease, granuloma histopathological features, and immune response traits identified five new loci on mouse chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 16 and three previously identified loci on chromosomes 3 and 17. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes 1, 16, and 17, associated with multiple correlated traits and had similar patterns of allele effects, suggesting these QTLs contain important genetic regulators of responses to M. tuberculosis. To narrow the list of candidate genes in QTLs, we used a machine learning strategy that integrated gene expression signatures from lungs of M. tuberculosis-infected Diversity Outbred mice with gene interaction networks, generating functional scores. The scores were then used to rank candidates for each mapped trait in each locus, resulting in 11 candidates: Ncf2, Fam20b, S100a8, S100a9, Itgb5, Fstl1, Zbtb20, Ddr1, Ier3, Vegfa, and Zfp318. Importantly, all 11 candidates have roles in infection, inflammation, cell migration, extracellular matrix remodeling, or intracellular signaling. Further, all candidates contain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and some but not all SNPs were predicted to have deleterious consequences on protein functions. Multiple methods were used for validation including (i) a statistical method that showed Diversity Outbred mice carrying PWH/PhJ alleles on chromosome 17 QTL have shorter survival; (ii) quantification of S100A8 protein levels, confirming predicted allele effects; and (iii) infection of C57BL/6 mice deficient for the S100a8 gene. Overall, this work demonstrates that systems genetics using Diversity Outbred mice can identify new (and known) QTLs and new functionally relevant gene candidates that may be major regulators of granuloma necrosis and acute inflammation in pulmonary TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Gatti
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
| | - A L Tyler
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
| | | | | | - B Yener
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
| | - D Koyuncu
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
| | - M N Gurcan
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC
| | - Mkk Niazi
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC
| | - T Tavolara
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC
| | - A C Gower
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - D Dayao
- Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA
| | - E McGlone
- Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA
| | - M L Ginese
- Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA
| | - A Specht
- Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA
| | - A Alsharaydeh
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
| | - P A Tessier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laval University School of Medicine, Quebec, Canada
| | - S L Kurtz
- Center for Biologics, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD
| | - K Elkins
- Center for Biologics, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD
| | - I Kramnik
- NIEDL, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - G Beamer
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
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2
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Strawn JR, Mills JA, Schroeder HK, Neptune ZA, Specht A, Keeshin SW. The Impact of COVID-19 Infection and Characterization of Long COVID in Adolescents With Anxiety Disorders: A Prospective Longitudinal Study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:707-709. [PMID: 36828133 PMCID: PMC9943534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
While the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly impacted pediatric mental health, the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on youth with anxiety disorders has not been prospectively examined. Further, there are limited prospective data on post-acute sequelae COVID-19, including symptoms that constitute the long COVID neuropsychiatric syndrome. In December 2019, we began a longitudinal study of adolescents aged 12-17 years with DSM-5 primary anxiety disorders treated with either duloxetine or escitalopram. Assessments included all items from the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) scales at each week and a weekly clinician-rated Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) scale. We examined the longitudinal course of anxiety, including following laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in affected adolescents. This prospective study of the longitudinal impact of COVID-19 in pediatric anxiety disorders reveals that COVID-19 is associated with worsening anxiety symptoms and a disquieting 33% worsening in syndromic severity. Further, these data raise the possibility that, in anxious youth, COVID-19 is associated with a surfeit of neuropsychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Strawn
- University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | - Jeffrey A Mills
- Lindner College of Business, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | | | | | - Susana W Keeshin
- University of Utah and Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah
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3
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Holtdirk F, Zindler T, Mehnert A, Bültmann O, Weiss M, Mayer J, Meyer B, Specht A, Bröde P, Claus M, Watzl C, Cheng F. Digital health applications to support patients with breast cancer: Effects of two tailored, dialogue-based programs on quality of life. Eur J Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(22)01501-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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4
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Specht A, Sarma N, Hellmund T, Linzbach T, Hörig M, Wintel M, Mockenhaupt FP, Seybold J, Lindner AK. Participatory development of inclusive health communication on COVID-19 with homeless people. Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac130.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the important role of providing people with easy to access up-to-date health information in digital formats. People experiencing homelessness have limited access to health information and were hardly ever directly addressed through communication channels in Germany. Lack of digitalization within shelters and social services, as well as technical and socio-economic barriers in purchasing and maintaining a smartphone are further barriers to information.
Methods
The Charité-COVID-19-project for and with homeless people has created digital health information videos and posters, with an interdisciplinary team and in a participatory approach. Two videos on general information and testing of COVID-19 were launched in 5 languages in February 2021. Vaccination posters in two language versions including 9 languages are available since April 2021.
Results
We will present the collaboration of research, practice and community, the production process, the distribution and the acceptance of the formats. The web link refers to the videos, posters and further information:
https://tropeninstitut.charite.de/forschung/charite_covid_19_projekt_fuer_und_mit_obdachlosen_menschen/
Conclusions
Exclusion from (digital) information is an increasingly important part of the structural marginalization of homeless people. This, as well as the inadequate consideration of this population in health communication and the pandemic response have to be addressed. Tackling the digital gap allows improved access to health information for homeless people and promotes health-seeking behaviour. Empowerment of the community through participation and a network between community, service providers, politics and research are also crucial for improvement of homeless people's health in the future.
Key messages
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Affiliation(s)
- A Specht
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - N Sarma
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute , Berlin, Germany
| | - T Hellmund
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - T Linzbach
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - M Hörig
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - M Wintel
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - FP Mockenhaupt
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - J Seybold
- Medical Directorate, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
| | - AK Lindner
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany
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5
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Shaw TJ, Paula-Moraes SV, Hahn PG, Specht A. Seasonal Flight Patterns of Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the Florida Panhandle and Inventory of Plusiine Species Cross-Attracted to Synthetic Pheromone. J Econ Entomol 2021; 114:2315-2325. [PMID: 34595520 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toab179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Chysodeixis includens (Walker) is a polyphagous economic pest in agricultural landscapes. To detect the occurrence of this pest in the field, trapping using sex pheromone lures is often implemented. However, other plusiine species are cross-attracted to these lures and may be misidentified as C. includens due to their morphological similarities. The objectives of this study were to provide region-specific information on the abundance of C. includens throughout the year as well as document the occurrence of related plusiines cross-attracted to C. includens sex pheromone traps in the Florida Panhandle. Twelve commercial fields of peanut and twelve commercial fields of cotton located across Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Jackson counties were monitored with Trécé delta traps baited with C. includens sex pheromone lures (Alpha Scents, Inc.; West Linn, OR) from June 2017 to June 2019. There was no difference in C. includens flight across dryland or irrigated fields. Identifications revealed that in addition to C. includens, the following species of the subfamily Plusiinae were crossed-attracted: Argyrogramma verruca (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Ctenoplusia oxygramma (Geyer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and Rachiplusia ou (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The occurrence of each species in the region and their flight phenology are documented. Chysodeixis includens abundance was greatest in September and decreased through December. Due to the high abundance of C. oxygramma and similar flight phenology to C. includens, this is the likeliest species to skew estimations and influence management decisions of C. includens, especially early in the crop season, when C. includens abundance is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Shaw
- Entomology and Nematology Department, West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 4253 Experiment Drive, Hwy 182, Jay, FL, USA
| | - S V Paula-Moraes
- Entomology and Nematology Department, West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 4253 Experiment Drive, Hwy 182, Jay, FL, USA
| | - P G Hahn
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 2109 Steinmetz Hall, Building 970 Natural Area Dr., Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - A Specht
- Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, 73310-970, DF, Brazil
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6
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Nakad EA, Chaud J, Morville C, Bolze F, Specht A. Monitoring of uncaging processes by designing photolytical reactions. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2020; 19:1122-1133. [PMID: 32756690 DOI: 10.1039/d0pp00169d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The use of photolabile protecting groups (PPGs) has been growing in emphasis for decades, and nowadays they enable cutting-edge results in numerous fields ranging from organic synthesis to neurosciences. PPGs are chemical entities that can be conjugated to a biomolecule to hide its biological activity, forming a stable so called "caged compound". This conjugate can be simply cleaved by light and therefore, the functionality of the biomolecule is restored with the formation of a PPG by-product. However, there is a sizeable need for PPGs that are able to quantify the "uncaging" process. In this review, we will discuss several strategies leading to an acute quantification of the uncaging events by fluorescence. In particular, we will focus on how molecular engineering of PPG could open new opportunities by providing easy access to photoactivation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Abou Nakad
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Equipe de Chimie et Neurobiologie Moléculaire, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, CAMB UMR 7199, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - J Chaud
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Equipe de Chimie et Neurobiologie Moléculaire, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, CAMB UMR 7199, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - C Morville
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Equipe de Chimie et Neurobiologie Moléculaire, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, CAMB UMR 7199, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - F Bolze
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Equipe de Chimie et Neurobiologie Moléculaire, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, CAMB UMR 7199, F-67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - A Specht
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Equipe de Chimie et Neurobiologie Moléculaire, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, CAMB UMR 7199, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
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7
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CA KH, Brisbois A, Dietrich A, McNamee T, Hallowell K, Specht A, KM C. Creating A Novel Fracture Research Animal Models Database. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2020. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1712906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kirker-Head CA
- Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
| | - A Brisbois
- Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
| | - A Dietrich
- Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
| | - T McNamee
- Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
| | - K Hallowell
- Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
| | - A Specht
- Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Connolly KM
- Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
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8
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Madruga J, Specht A, Salik LMG, Casagrande MM. The External Morphology of Mythimna (Pseudaletia) sequax (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Neotrop Entomol 2019; 48:834-852. [PMID: 31290088 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-019-00703-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mythimna (Pseudaletia) sequax Franclemont, 1951 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidade) is the most important armyworm in the American tropics and subtropics. In this study, we describe the external morphology of the immatures and adults, based on larvae fed on quicuio grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov - Poaceae). The external morphology of the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults is described and illustrated. Important taxonomic structures of the larvae are described, including hypopharynx, spinneret, and mandible. Adult structures that allow the differentiation of the species, such as male genitalia and scent brushes, are also described. The results are compared and discussed based on morph functionality and with publications on the congeneric species.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Madruga
- Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
| | - A Specht
- Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, Brasil.
| | - L M G Salik
- Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
| | - M M Casagrande
- Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
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9
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San Blas G, Silva Dias FM, Specht A, Martins Casagrande M, Hendrik Mielke OH. Overlooked South American noctuid species: revalidation of Feltia llanoi stat. rev. and redescription of Feltia brachystria (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Neotrop Entomol 2019; 48:614-627. [PMID: 30758777 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-018-00668-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Feltia llanoi (Köhler, 1953) stat. rev. and its hitherto senior subjective synonym Feltia brachystria (Hampson, 1903) are two species of noctuid moths with unusual broadly bipectinate antenna and restricted distribution in central eastern Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay. Examination of the type of specimens and further material from several collections indicates that these names are not synonyms, but valid species, and reveal the occurrence of F. llanoistat. rev. in Brazil. Therefore, F. llanoistat. rev. and F. brachystria are redescribed and the former name is reinstated to species, including taxonomic comments, illustration of some characters of taxonomic importance, and of structures of the male and female genitalia. The species are compared with similar-looking and supposedly closely related species, such as F. chilensis (Hampson, 1903), F. carolia (Schaus, 1929), and F. gypaetina (Guenée, 1852). Additionally, in order to stabilize nomenclature, a lectotype for F. llanoistat. rev. is designated, and Agrotis daguerrei Köhler, 1961 is here recognized as a junior subjective synonym of F. llanoistat. rev. (syn. nov.).
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Affiliation(s)
- G San Blas
- CONICET - Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Univ Nacional de La Pampa, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina.
| | - F M Silva Dias
- Lab de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
| | - A Specht
- Embrapa Cerrados, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - M Martins Casagrande
- Lab de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
| | - O H Hendrik Mielke
- Lab de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
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10
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Piovesan M, Carneiro E, Specht A, Casagrande MM. Where and when? How phenological patterns of armyworm moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) change along a latitudinal gradient in Brazil. Bull Entomol Res 2019; 109:490-499. [PMID: 30457062 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485318000822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The phenological patterns exhibited by different organisms are known as adaptive responses to the cyclical environmental conditions. However, only a limited number of researches explore which factors are responsible for these phenological patterns in pest species. In the current study, abundance patterns were studied in the phenology of three Spodoptera Guenée, 1852 species, along the 29° latitudinal gradient in South America. The goal was to test whether widely distributed and abundant crop pest species would exhibit different phenological responses to seasonal meteorological variables and host plant availability. To test this, 13 light traps were set up in Brazil to collect adult Spodoptera samples at the time of the new moon, every month, from June 2015 to May 2016. The time of occurrence and intensity of the phenology were determined for each species, employing circular statistics. Both metrics revealed significant variations among the different species, as well as the factors associated with them. Latitude was found to affect the period of occurrence in Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker, 1858) and Spodoptera albula (Walker, 1857), whereas in Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) its effect was evident only in the intensity of its phenology. Further, both meteorological variables and host plant availability in the sampling sites produced predictive models to account for the phenological patterns expressed. These findings suggest that different species of Spodoptera exhibit different adaptive strategies in their life cycles in response to environmental conditions, thus necessitating specific management practices regarding their seasonal population fluctuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piovesan
- Laboratório de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Departamento de Zoologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 19020, 81.531-980, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
| | - E Carneiro
- Laboratório de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Departamento de Zoologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 19020, 81.531-980, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
| | - A Specht
- Embrapa Cerrados, Caixa Postal 08223, 73.310-970 Planaltina, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - M M Casagrande
- Laboratório de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Departamento de Zoologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 19020, 81.531-980, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
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Brito R, Specht A, Gonçalves GL, Moreira GRP, Carneiro E, Santos FL, Roque-Specht VF, Mielke OHH, Casagrande MM. Spodoptera marima: a New Synonym of Spodoptera ornithogalli (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), with Notes on Adult Morphology, Host Plant Use and Genetic Variation Along Its Geographic Range. Neotrop Entomol 2019; 48:433-448. [PMID: 30515720 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-018-0654-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Spodoptera marima (Schaus, 1904) and Spodoptera ornithogalli (Guenée, 1852) are noctuid moths recognized for their economic importance in the New World. Historically, they have been considered cryptic species, being supposedly differentiated from each other by the absence of sexual dimorphism in S. marima, subtle differences in coloration on the hindwings and scale tufts of the ovipositor and the shape of male valva. The species are allopatric: North and Central America for S. ornithogalli and South America for S. marima. Previous phylogenetic studies using multilocus DNA sequences including a few specimens of S. marima suggested these species merge into a single clade. Here, we performed a comparative analysis to elucidate further their taxonomic status, using specimens of S. marima from various localities in Brazil. These species were recovered in the phylogenetic analysis as consistently mixed with each other in a major well-supported clade within Spodoptera. The existence of a spatial pattern for genetic structure was not clearly supported when two biogeographic regions (Neotropics and Neartic) were taken in separation; however, an individual-level isolation by distance was significant. The morphological characters traditionally used to differentiate the species were also not consistent. Therefore, we now consider S. marima a new junior synonym of S. ornithogalli. Results on host plant use demonstrated that it is a polyphagous species using more than 200 plants, which may mediate phenotypic variation along its geographical range.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Brito
- Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
- Depto de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - A Specht
- Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, Brasil.
| | - G L Gonçalves
- Depto de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
- Depto de Recursos Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Univ de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile
| | - G R P Moreira
- Depto de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - E Carneiro
- Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
| | - F L Santos
- Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
- Univ do Estado de Mato Grosso, Campus de Alta Floresta, Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brasil
| | - V F Roque-Specht
- Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Univ de Brasília, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - O H H Mielke
- Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
| | - M M Casagrande
- Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil
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12
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Luz PMC, Specht A, Paula-Moraes SV, Malaquias JV, Ferreira LFM, Otanásio PN, Diniz IR. Owlet moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea) associated with Bt and non- Bt soybean in the brazilian savanna. BRAZ J BIOL 2019; 79:248-256. [PMID: 29995136 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.179759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of GMO expressing Bt toxin in soybean production has increased significantly in the last years in Brazil in order to manage the damage caused by lepidopteran pests. In this study, we compared the richness and abundance of owlet moths (Noctuoidea) associated with Bt and non-Bt soybean. We determined the temporal variations as a function of phenology, and correlated the population variations of the most common species with meteorological variables. The research was conducted at the experimental area of Embrapa Cerrados. The collection method used was differentiated being suppressive and absolute. A total of 13 species were collected, of which eight occurred on Bt soybeans. The most representative taxa were Chrysodeixis includens (72.87%), Anticarsia gemmatalis (18.17%) and Spodoptera spp (5.22%). The number of larvae belonging to species targeted by the Bt technology was 10 times lower on Bt than on non-Bt soybeans. Utetheisa ornatrix and Elaphria deltoides were recorded on soybean for the first time, observing larvae of both species in non-Bt soybean and those of U. ornatrix also in Bt soybean. Only A. gemmatalis larvae correlated (p <0.05) negatively with precipitation. This study provided field information on the abundance and species richness of owlet moths on non-Bt soybeans, associated with the effects of Bt soybean. When considering the different levels of infestation between cultivars as a criterion, larvae monitoring is of substantial importance in order to develop the lost control program.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M C Luz
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - IB, Universidade de Brasília - UnB, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Bairro Asa Norte, CEP 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - A Specht
- Embrapa Cerrados, Rodovia BR-020, Km 18, CEP 73310-970, Planaltina, DF, Brasil
| | - S V Paula-Moraes
- West Florida Research and Education Center - WFREC, University of Florida - UF, 4253 Experiment Road, Hwy 182, 32565, Jay, Florida, United States
| | - J V Malaquias
- Embrapa Cerrados, Rodovia BR-020, Km 18, CEP 73310-970, Planaltina, DF, Brasil
| | - L F M Ferreira
- União Pioneira de Integração Social - UPIS, Fazenda Lagoa Bonita, BR 02, Km 12, CEP 70390-125, Planaltina, DF, Brasil
| | - P N Otanásio
- Faculdade de Planaltina - FUP, Universidade de Brasília - UnB, Área Universitária, 01, Vila Nossa Senhora de Fátima, CEP 73300-000, Planaltina, DF, Brasil
| | - I R Diniz
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - IB, Universidade de Brasília - UnB, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Bairro Asa Norte, CEP 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brasil
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Abstract
o-Nitrobenzyl (o-NB) derivatives are the most widely applied photoremovable groups for the study of dynamic biological processes. By introducing different substituents to the benzylic position we were able to generate a fluorescence signal upon irradiation. This signal originates from the formation of a nitrosoketone by-product able to achieve a keto-enol tautomerism leading to pi-conjugated α-hydroxystilbene derivatives. These o-NB caging groups can be used to directly monitor the uncaging event by the release of a detectable fluorescent side-product.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Abou Nakad
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Equipe de Chimie et Neurobiologie Moléculaire, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, CAMB UMR 7199, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
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14
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Dias FMS, Specht A, Roque-Specht VF, San Blas G, Casagrande MM, Mielke OHH. Feltia submontana (Noctuidae, Noctuinae): Redescription, Taxonomy, Life Cycle, and Spatial Distribution of a Neglected South American Potential Pest Species. Neotrop Entomol 2019; 48:98-110. [PMID: 29873032 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-018-0611-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Feltia submontana (Köhler, 1961) is redescribed based on specimens from Northwestern Argentina and Central and Southeastern Brazil. Taxonomic comments, photographs of the adults, characters of taxonomic importance, and illustrations of structures of the labial palpus, legs, and male and female genitalia are provided. The species is compared with similar-looking and supposedly closely related species, such as F. hispidula (Guenée, 1852) and F. lilacina (Zerny, 1916). The species, originally described for Argentina, is reported for Brazil for the first time. Most Brazilian specimens come from the "Cerrado" but also from Southeastern Atlantic Forests. The life cycle of F. submontana specimens collected in Planaltina, Distrito Federal, Brazil, is described; the species probably has only a single generation per year and imagines are on the wing in the late autumn and early winter months; the last instar prepupa and pupa pass through aestival diapause. The abundance of F. submontana relative to other species of Agrotis Ochsenheimer, 1816, and Feltia Walker, 1856, in the above-cited locality is accessed through 4 years of standardized collecting with light trap; the species is the second most abundant species of these genera in the area, with about one fifth of the captures, second only to A. ipsilon (Hufnagel, 1766), with about two thirds of the captures, and about two times more abundant than F. subterranea (Fabricius, 1794); the latter two are regarded as important pest species in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M S Dias
- Lab de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, 81.531-980, Brasil.
| | - A Specht
- Lab de Entomologia, Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - V F Roque-Specht
- Univ de Brasília Campus Planaltina, Planaltina, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - G San Blas
- CONICET - Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Univ Nacional de La Pampa, Santa Rosa, Argentina
| | - M M Casagrande
- Lab de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, 81.531-980, Brasil
| | - O H H Mielke
- Lab de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, 81.531-980, Brasil
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15
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Specht A, Roque-Specht VF. Biotic potential and reproductive parameters of Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the laboratory. BRAZ J BIOL 2018; 79:488-494. [PMID: 30304293 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.184595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we evaluate the biotic potential and reproductive parameters of Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker, 1858) under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 10% RH and 14 hour photophase). Females, on average, (14.433 days) did not live significantly longer than their male counterparts (13.100 days). The mean durations of the pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods were 2.767, 10.600 and 1.067 days, respectively. The mean fecundity of females was 5,073.533 eggs and the mean fertility was 5,021.027 larvae. On average, females copulated 1.167 times. Fecundity was positively correlated with the number of copulations (r = 0.583, P <0.001). The number of copulations, however, was negatively correlated whit the duration of the pre-oviposition (r = -0.560, P = 0.007) and oviposition (r = -0.479, P = 0.048) periods, and overall longevity (r = -0.512, P = 0.031). The biotic potential was estimated at 6.547 x 1021 individuals/female/year. The net reproductive rate (Ro) was 2,193.722 times per generation and the mean generation time (T) was 46.407 days. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was 0.166, with a finite rate of increase (λ) of 1.180, per week.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Specht
- Embrapa Cerrados, BR 020, Km 18, CP 08223, CEP 73310-970, Planaltina, DF, Brasil
| | - V F Roque-Specht
- Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília - UnB, Área Universitária 1, Vila Nossa Senhora de Fátima, CEP 73345-010, Planaltina, DF, Brasil
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16
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Queiroz-Santos L, Casagrande MM, Specht A. Morphological Characterization of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae). Neotrop Entomol 2018; 47:517-542. [PMID: 29450860 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-017-0581-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is a widespread lepidopteran pest found in various crops worldwide. This highly polyphagous species, commonly found both in the Old and New World, has caused significant economic damage as an invasive agricultural pest in Brazil since 2013. The goal of the present study is to provide a detailed morphological assessment of adults and immature stages of H. armigera, as this species is often confused with H. zea (Boddie), a congeneric species that is native to the New World. The biology data were acquired during four full life cycles, and observations on general behavior, nocturnal habits of larvae and adults, and sensitivity of larvae to humidity were recorded. Larval chaetotaxy differs between the first and the remaining instars, which bear L2 on the meso- and metathorax and L3 on A3 through A6, along with conspicuous chalazae and longitudinal bands. Important morphological characters of this species include the following: eggs with four micropylar openings, lined with 12 cells arranged in the shape of a rosette; pupa adecticous and obtect, with prominent spiracles; adults with the distal antennomere striate. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism in the number of setae on the frenulum and spines on the prothoracic leg. Illustrations of the critical morphological features of this species are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Queiroz-Santos
- Lab de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 81531-980, P.O. Box 19020, Brasil.
| | - M M Casagrande
- Lab de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 81531-980, P.O. Box 19020, Brasil
| | - A Specht
- Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, Brasil
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17
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Silva IF, Baldin ELL, Specht A, Sosa-Gómez DR, Roque-Specht VF, Morando R, Paula-Moraes SV. Biotic Potential and Life Table of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from Three Brazilian Regions. Neotrop Entomol 2018; 47:344-351. [PMID: 28484967 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-017-0529-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the biotic potential and life table of individuals of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) from different host plants (citrus, corn, and cotton) and Brazilian states (São Paulo, Distrito Federal, and Bahia) in artificial diet, under laboratory conditions (25 ± 1°C, 70 ± 10% RH, 14 h photophase). The longevity, pre-, post- and oviposition periods, fecundity, and fertility of 15 mating pairs per origin were evaluated. We also compared the reproductive parameters of each group of insects (São Paulo (SP), Distrito Federal (DF), and Bahia (BA)), including the net reproductive rate (Ro), mean generation time (T), intrinsic rate of increase (r m), and finite rate of increase (λ). Microsatellite analysis from individuals collected in different locations and host plants did not show differences among the parental insects. It was verified that parental progeny collected in cotton fields from Bahia had a higher biotic potential, a higher reproductive rate (Ro), and a better fecundity compared to the insects from remaining regions. The life table charts indicate that the highest values for the reproductive parameters of the Bahia progeny are associated with higher specific fertility, particularly in early adulthood. The greatest biotic potential of the Bahia progeny may be due to increased selection pressure from the insecticide used (organophosphate and pyrethroid) on cotton crops compared to that of other crops, as well due to the massive adoption of Bt cotton-producing areas of that state from 2013 outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- I F Silva
- Depto de Proteção Vegetal, Fac de Ciências Agronômica, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brasil.
| | - E L L Baldin
- Depto de Proteção Vegetal, Fac de Ciências Agronômica, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - A Specht
- Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, DF, Brasil
| | | | | | - R Morando
- Depto de Proteção Vegetal, Fac de Ciências Agronômica, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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18
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Specht A, Roosevelt H, Mozer M, Sowa D, Peterson S. Prevalence of Malnutrition among Outpatients in Ambulatory Clinic. J Acad Nutr Diet 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2017.06.274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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19
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Costa-Lima TC, Moreira GRP, Gonçalves GL, Specht A. Lasiothyris luminosa (Razowski & Becker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): a New Grapevine Pest in Northeastern Brazil. Neotrop Entomol 2016; 45:336-339. [PMID: 26957083 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-016-0379-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The little-known Neotropical tortricid moth Lasiothyris luminosa (Razowski & Becker) is reported for the first time as a grapevine pest in northeastern Brazil. A diagnosis based on morphological characters including the genitalia is provided for both sexes, together with a preliminary description of economic damage caused by the larval stage on flowers and fruits. In addition, we sequenced a partial region of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene from specimens from the region and reconstructed phylogenetic relationships using representative lineages of closely related tortricids as terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Costa-Lima
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation-Embrapa Tropical Semi-Arid, Petrolina, PE, Brasil
| | - G R P Moreira
- Depto de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, 91501-910, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.
| | - G L Gonçalves
- Genetics Dept, Federal Univ of Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Univ de Tarapacá-UTA, Arica, Chile
| | - A Specht
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation-Embrapa Cerrrados, Planaltina, DF, Brasil
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20
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Specht A, Montezano DG, Sosa-Gómez DR, Paula-Moraes SV, Roque-Specht VF, Barros NM. Reproductive potential of Spodoptera eridania (Stoll) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the laboratory: effect of multiple couples and the size. BRAZ J BIOL 2016; 76:526-30. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.23114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of keeping three couples in the same cage, and the size of adults emerged from small, medium-sized and large pupae (278.67 mg; 333.20 mg and 381.58 mg, respectively), on the reproductive potential of S. eridania (Stoll, 1782) adults, under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 70% RH and 14 hour photophase). We evaluated the survival, number of copulations, fecundity and fertility of the adult females. The survival of females from these different pupal sizes did not differ statistically, but the survival of males from large pupae was statistically shorter than from small pupae. Fecundity differed significantly and correlated positively with size. The number of effective copulations (espematophores) and fertility did not vary significantly with pupal size. Our results emphasize the importance of indicating the number of copulations and the size of the insects when reproductive parameters are compared.
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21
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Montezano DG, Sosa-Gómez DR, Paula-Moraes SV, Roque-Specht VF, Fronza E, Barros NM, Specht A. Immature Development of Spodoptera dolichos (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Neotrop Entomol 2016; 45:22-27. [PMID: 26429580 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-015-0333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We provide detailed temporal and morphological parameters of the immature stages of Spodoptera dolichos (Fabricius) larvae fed on artificial diet under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 10% RH, and 14 h photophase). The viability of the egg, larval, pupal, and prepupal stages was 97.5%, 97.0%, 93.1%, and 98.9%, respectively. The average duration of the egg, larval, prepupal, and pupal stages was 5.0, 23.4, 3.2, and 21.5 days, respectively. Females took longer at the larval stage than males, with 10.5% of them having seven instars. The growth rate of female larvae that developed through six and seven instars was 1.72 and 1.54, respectively. Female pupae were significantly larger, exhibiting slower development than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Montezano
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Univ de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - E Fronza
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Univ de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brasil
| | - N M Barros
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Univ de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brasil
| | - A Specht
- Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, DF, Brasil.
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Campbell CA, Lefroy EC, Caddy-Retalic S, Bax N, Doherty PJ, Douglas MM, Johnson D, Possingham HP, Specht A, Tarte D, West J. Designing environmental research for impact. Sci Total Environ 2015; 534:4-13. [PMID: 25557212 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.11.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Transdisciplinary research, involving close collaboration between researchers and the users of research, has been a feature of environmental problem solving for several decades, often spurred by the need to find negotiated outcomes to intractable problems. In 2005, the Australian government allocated funding to its environment portfolio for public good research, which resulted in consecutive four-year programmes (Commonwealth Environmental Research Facilities, National Environmental Research Program). In April 2014, representatives of the funders, researchers and research users associated with these programmes met to reflect on eight years of experience with these collaborative research models. This structured reflection concluded that successful multi-institutional transdisciplinary research is necessarily a joint enterprise between funding agencies, researchers and the end users of research. The design and governance of research programmes need to explicitly recognise shared accountabilities among the participants, while respecting the different perspectives of each group. Experience shows that traditional incentive systems for academic researchers, current trends in public sector management, and loose organisation of many end users, work against sustained transdisciplinary research on intractable problems, which require continuity and adaptive learning by all three parties. The likelihood of research influencing and improving environmental policy and management is maximised when researchers, funders and research users have shared goals; there is sufficient continuity of personnel to build trust and sustain dialogue throughout the research process from issue scoping to application of findings; and there is sufficient flexibility in the funding, structure and operation of transdisciplinary research initiatives to enable the enterprise to assimilate and respond to new knowledge and situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Campbell
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Darwin 0909, Australia
| | - E C Lefroy
- Centre for Environment, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 141, Hobart 7001, Australia
| | - S Caddy-Retalic
- Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, School of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, SA 5005, Australia
| | - N Bax
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, Castray Esplanade, Hobart 7001, Australia; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Australia
| | - P J Doherty
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville 4810, Australia
| | - M M Douglas
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Darwin 0909, Australia
| | - D Johnson
- Department of the Environment, Australian Government, GPO Box 787, Canberra 2601, Australia
| | - H P Possingham
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4067, Australia
| | - A Specht
- Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4067, Australia
| | - D Tarte
- Marine Ecosystem Policy Advisers, Brisbane, Australia
| | - J West
- Department of the Environment, Australian Government, GPO Box 787, Canberra 2601, Australia
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Specht A, Guru S, Houghton L, Keniger L, Driver P, Ritchie EG, Lai K, Treloar A. Data management challenges in analysis and synthesis in the ecosystem sciences. Sci Total Environ 2015; 534:144-158. [PMID: 25891686 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Open-data has created an unprecedented opportunity with new challenges for ecosystem scientists. Skills in data management are essential to acquire, manage, publish, access and re-use data. These skills span many disciplines and require trans-disciplinary collaboration. Science synthesis centres support analysis and synthesis through collaborative 'Working Groups' where domain specialists work together to synthesise existing information to provide insight into critical problems. The Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (ACEAS) served a wide range of stakeholders, from scientists to policy-makers to managers. This paper investigates the level of sophistication in data management in the ecosystem science community through the lens of the ACEAS experience, and identifies the important factors required to enable us to benefit from this new data-world and produce innovative science. ACEAS promoted the analysis and synthesis of data to solve transdisciplinary questions, and promoted the publication of the synthesised data. To do so, it provided support in many of the key skillsets required. Analysis and synthesis in multi-disciplinary and multi-organisational teams, and publishing data were new for most. Data were difficult to discover and access, and to make ready for analysis, largely due to lack of metadata. Data use and publication were hampered by concerns about data ownership and a desire for data citation. A web portal was created to visualise geospatial datasets to maximise data interpretation. By the end of the experience there was a significant increase in appreciation of the importance of a Data Management Plan. It is extremely doubtful that the work would have occurred or data delivered without the support of the Synthesis centre, as few of the participants had the necessary networks or skills. It is argued that participation in the Centre provided an important learning opportunity, and has resulted in improved knowledge and understanding of good data management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Specht
- Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, a facility of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, University of Queensland, Australia
| | - S Guru
- Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, a facility of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, University of Queensland, Australia; Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, University of Queensland, Australia
| | - L Houghton
- Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, a facility of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, University of Queensland, Australia
| | - L Keniger
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia
| | - P Driver
- Office of Water, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - E G Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Lai
- Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, a facility of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, University of Queensland, Australia
| | - A Treloar
- Australian National Data Service, Monash University, Australia
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Lynch AJJ, Thackway R, Specht A, Beggs PJ, Brisbane S, Burns EL, Byrne M, Capon SJ, Casanova MT, Clarke PA, Davies JM, Dovers S, Dwyer RG, Ens E, Fisher DO, Flanigan M, Garnier E, Guru SM, Kilminster K, Locke J, Mac Nally R, McMahon KM, Mitchell PJ, Pierson JC, Rodgers EM, Russell-Smith J, Udy J, Waycott M. Transdisciplinary synthesis for ecosystem science, policy and management: The Australian experience. Sci Total Environ 2015; 534:173-84. [PMID: 25957785 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.04.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Mitigating the environmental effects of global population growth, climatic change and increasing socio-ecological complexity is a daunting challenge. To tackle this requires synthesis: the integration of disparate information to generate novel insights from heterogeneous, complex situations where there are diverse perspectives. Since 1995, a structured approach to inter-, multi- and trans-disciplinary(1) collaboration around big science questions has been supported through synthesis centres around the world. These centres are finding an expanding role due to ever-accumulating data and the need for more and better opportunities to develop transdisciplinary and holistic approaches to solve real-world problems. The Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (ACEAS <http://www.aceas.org.au>) has been the pioneering ecosystem science synthesis centre in the Southern Hemisphere. Such centres provide analysis and synthesis opportunities for time-pressed scientists, policy-makers and managers. They provide the scientific and organisational environs for virtual and face-to-face engagement, impetus for integration, data and methodological support, and innovative ways to deliver synthesis products. We detail the contribution, role and value of synthesis using ACEAS to exemplify the capacity for synthesis centres to facilitate trans-organisational, transdisciplinary synthesis. We compare ACEAS to other international synthesis centres, and describe how it facilitated project teams and its objective of linking natural resource science to policy to management. Scientists and managers were brought together to actively collaborate in multi-institutional, cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary research on contemporary ecological problems. The teams analysed, integrated and synthesised existing data to co-develop solution-oriented publications and management recommendations that might otherwise not have been produced. We identify key outcomes of some ACEAS working groups which used synthesis to tackle important ecosystem challenges. We also examine the barriers and enablers to synthesis, so that risks can be minimised and successful outcomes maximised. We argue that synthesis centres have a crucial role in developing, communicating and using synthetic transdisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J J Lynch
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - R Thackway
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - A Specht
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia; Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia
| | - P J Beggs
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - S Brisbane
- Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia
| | - E L Burns
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia
| | - M Byrne
- Science and Conservation Division, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, WA 6983, Australia
| | - S J Capon
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia
| | - M T Casanova
- Centre for Environmental Management, Federation University, Mount Helen, Vic 3350, Australia
| | - P A Clarke
- School of Environment, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia
| | - J M Davies
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - S Dovers
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - R G Dwyer
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - E Ens
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - D O Fisher
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - M Flanigan
- Formerly of Department of Environment, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - E Garnier
- CEntre for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biodiversity (CESAB-FRB), 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France; Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (UMR 5175), CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier - EPHE, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - S M Guru
- Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | | | - J Locke
- Biocultural Consulting Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Qld 4000, Australia
| | - R Mac Nally
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - K M McMahon
- School of Natural Sciences, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, WA 6027, Australia
| | - P J Mitchell
- CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, College Rd, Hobart, Tas 7005, Australia
| | - J C Pierson
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - E M Rodgers
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - J Russell-Smith
- Darwin Centre for Bushfire Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia
| | - J Udy
- Healthy Waterways, PO Box 13086, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia
| | - M Waycott
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; State Herbarium of South Australia, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
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Duffy ME, Specht A, Hill RC. Comparison between Urine Protein: Creatinine Ratios of Samples Obtained from Dogs in Home and Hospital Settings. J Vet Intern Med 2015; 29:1029-35. [PMID: 26059431 PMCID: PMC4895355 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) is used to quantify urine protein excretion and guide recommendations for monitoring and treatment of proteinuria. Hypothesis/Objectives Home urine samples will have lower UPCs than hospital samples. The objectives were to compare UPCs of samples collected in each setting and to determine whether environment of sample collection might affect staging, monitoring or treatment recommendations. Animals Twenty‐four client‐owned dogs. Methods Prospective, nonmasked study. Clients collected a urine sample from their dog at home and a second sample was collected at the hospital. Dogs receiving corticosteroids or angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors were excluded, as were those with urine samples of inadequate volume, no protein on dipstick analysis, or active urine sediment. Samples were refrigerated after collection, dipstick and sediment evaluations were completed and each sample was frozen at −80°C within 12 hours. UPCs were performed on frozen samples within 2 months. Results From 81 paired samples, 57 were excluded. Of the remaining 24, 12/24 (50%) had higher hospital sample UPCs, 9/24 (38%) had identical UPCs, and 3/24 (12%) had lower hospital UPCs. The UPCs of hospital samples were higher than home samples for the total population (P = .005) and the subset with UPC > 0.5 (P = .001). Conclusions Setting and related circumstances of urine collection in dogs is associated with UPC differences; results are usually higher in hospital than in home samples. This difference has the potential to affect clinical interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Duffy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - A Specht
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - R C Hill
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL
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Almeida LP, Specht A, Teston JA. Fauna of Noctuidae (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea) in a pasture area in Altamira, Eastern Amazon, Pará, Brazil. BRAZ J BIOL 2014; 74:983-90. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.07713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the nocturnal fauna of Noctuidae in a pasture area in Altamira, Pará. Samples were collected monthly for two nights at the new moon period, from August 2007 to July 2008. We collected a total of 345 specimens (N) of 66 species (S). The most abundant species were Ptichodes basilans (Guenée) (n = 87), Leucania jaliscana (Schaus), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (n = 28) and Argidia palmipes Guenée (n = 21). For the entire period, the following indexes were found: Shannon diversity H′= 3.20 and Brillouin H = 2.94, evenness of Shannon E′= 0.76 and Brillouin E= 0.76, and Berger-Parker dominance BP= 0.252. The greatest diversity was found in the dry season. According to the estimates of species richness, it is possible that between 14 to 72 more species exist in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- LP Almeida
- Universidade Federal do Pará – UFPA, Brazil
| | - A Specht
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Brazil
| | - JA Teston
- Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará – UFOPA, Brazil
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Specht A, Iltchenco J, Fronza E, Roque-Specht VF, Luz PC, Montezzano DG. Biological aspects of Tiracola grandirena (Herrich-Schäffer, 1868) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): a polyphagous armyworm. BRAZ J BIOL 2014; 74:205-11. [PMID: 25055103 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.12212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the biology of Tiracola grandirena (Herrich-Schäffer, 1868) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Hadeninae) at 25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 10% RH and 14 hours of photo phase. Three experiments, using 150 larvae each, were conducted for the larval stage. In the first, used to assess the duration and survival of all stages, insects were reared individually and fed an artificial diet (Grenee). In the second, individuals were also reared separately, but were fed leaves of 10 plants from different families. In the third, the larvae were not individualised, the food plants were rotated such as to provide three plant species every 48 hours. In the first experiment, the viability of the eggs, larvae, pupae and prepupae was 91.9, 94.7, 32.49 and 43.5%, respectively. The average duration of the egg, larvae, prepupae, pupae and adult were 6.0, 25.3, 25.7, 21.4 and 12.7 days, respectively. The prolonged prepupal period indicates that T. grandirena can develop larval (prepupal) diapause. The results of the experiments with different host plants showed that T. grandirena is polyphagous at species, population and individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Specht
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Embrapa Cerrados, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | - J Iltchenco
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - E Fronza
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - V F Roque-Specht
- Faculdade UnB Planaltina, Universidade de Brasília, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
| | - P C Luz
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - D G Montezzano
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
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Specht A, Lorini LM, Fronza E, Poletto G. Biological aspects of Periga circumstans Walker, 1855 (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Hemileucinae) with larvae reared on khaki and mate-plant leaves. BRAZ J BIOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1590/s1519-69842011000500022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to investigate biological aspects of Periga circumstans Walker, 1855 (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae: Hemileucinae) whose larvae were fed on leaves of khaki-plant (Diospyros khaki Linnaeus - Ebenaceae) and Mate-plant (Ilex paraguariensis Saint Hilaire - Aquifoliaceae) leaves. The biological parameters were obtained from specimens kept under controlled conditions: temperature of 25 ± 1 °C, relative humidity of 70 ± 10%, and photoperiod of 12 hours. For each developmental stage, morphological and ethological parameters are described. The larvae passed through six instars with a growth average rate of 1.4 for each instar. The host plants influenced significantly only the total duration of the larval phase, which was prolonged for larvae fed on khaki-plant leaves. Several aspects related to the morphology and the ethology of P. circumstans are similar to those described for Lonomia obliqua Walker, 1855.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Specht
- Embrapa Cerrados, Brazil; Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - E. Fronza
- Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil
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Wang YX, Specht A, Horst WJ. Stable isotope labelling and zinc distribution in grains studied by laser ablation ICP-MS in an ear culture system reveals zinc transport barriers during grain filling in wheat. New Phytol 2011; 189:428-37. [PMID: 20946419 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2010.03489.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) deficiency has been recognized as a potential risk for human health in many developing regions where staple food with low micronutrient density represents a major proportion of the diet. The success of strategies to increase Zn content in the edible part of crops requires better understanding of Zn transport to, and distribution within, the grains. The transfer of Zn from the growth medium to wheat (Triticum aestivum) grains in an ear culture system was investigated by using the stable Zn isotope (70) Zn, and the spatial distribution of Zn within the grains was studied by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Zinc was readily transported in the stem up to the rachis. More Zn accumulated in the stem when higher amounts of Zn were supplied to the medium. Once Zn was transported into the grain, Zn accumulated particularly in the crease vascular tissue. The gradient of (70) Zn concentration between crease vascular tissue, aleurone layer and endosperm demonstrates that Zn is distributed within grain through the crease phloem. These results suggest that two barriers of Zn transport into wheat grains may exist: between the stem tissue rachis and the grain, and the maternal and filial tissues in the grain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y X Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui Road, 225009 Yangzhou, China
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Warther D, Gug S, Specht A, Bolze F, Nicoud JF, Mourot A, Goeldner M. Two-photon uncaging: New prospects in neuroscience and cellular biology. Bioorg Med Chem 2010; 18:7753-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2010.04.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Gobatto V, Giani SG, Camassola M, Dillon AJP, Specht A, Barros NM. Bacillus thuringiensis isolates entomopathogenic for Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). BRAZ J BIOL 2010; 70:1039-46. [DOI: 10.1590/s1519-69842010000500018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2009] [Accepted: 06/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Samples of the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) were collected from soil and insects. Eight isolates were selected from rural soil, 15 from urban soil and 11 from insects. These were evaluated for entomopathogenicity against larvae of Anticarsia gemmatalis and Culex quinquefasciatus. The pathogenicity tests showed that a higher percentage of isolates were active against A. gemmatalis (60%) compared to C. quinquefasciatus (31%). Probit analysis (LC50) indicated that against A. gemmatalis four of the isolates presented values similar to the reference strain against A. gemmatalis, while against C. quinquefasciatus one isolate showed an LC50 similar to the reference strain (IPS-82). SDS-PAGE characterisation of two isolates showed a 27 kDa protein fraction related to the Bt subspecies israelensis cytolytic toxin (cyt) gene. One 130 kDa protein, possibly related to the Bt crystal inclusions (cry1) gene, was identified in the other two isolates, which were more toxic for lepidoptera; another isolate presented a protein of 100 kDa. Some new local Bt isolates had similar LC50 probit values to the reference strains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - SG. Giani
- Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | - A. Specht
- Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil; Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil
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Anhalt FA, Azevedo JL, Sugayama RL, Specht A, Barros NM. Potential of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin (Ascomycetes, hypocreales) in the control of Bonagota salubricola (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) and its compatibility with chemical insecticides. BRAZ J BIOL 2010; 70:931-6. [DOI: 10.1590/s1519-69842010000500003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2005] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several insects are harmful to apples grown in Brazil, especially the leafroller Bonagota salubricola (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae), usually controlled with chemical insecticides. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use of Metarhizium anisopliae strains in the control of the apple leafroller, by assessing their virulence to B. salubricola larvae in bioassays with suspensions of 2 x 10(5) to 2 x 10(9) conidia/mL as well as their relationship with protease expression. The most effective strain underwent a compatibility test with chemical insecticides. The M. anisopliae E6 strain showed a good performance, with up to 88% mortality and a LT50 of 1.66 days. The virulence was positively correlated with a higher enzymatic activity. The E6 strain was compatible with tebufenozide, evidencing its potential to control B. salubricola.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - A. Specht
- Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil; Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil
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Poletto G, Benedetti AJ, Barros NM, Vargas LRB, Specht A. Aucula magnifica (Schaus, 1904) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Agaristinae): morphology of egg and last instar larvae. BRAZ J BIOL 2010; 70:373-80. [DOI: 10.1590/s1519-69842010000200020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2008] [Accepted: 01/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aiming to contribute to knowledge of the immature instars of Neotropical Lepidoptera, this study details the morphology of the egg and last instar larvae of Aucula magnifica (Schaus, 1904) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Agaristinae), emphasising the structures of the corium and the chaetotaxy. There is also a report of the occurrence of entomopathogenic action of Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) Samson fungi on the larva.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - NM Barros
- Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - A Specht
- Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil; Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Brazil
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Specht A, Loudwig S, Peng L, Goeldner M. Complexing photolabile cholinergic ligands with synthetic and biological receptors: a dynamic survey. J INCL PHENOM MACRO 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10847-009-9603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Rehman H, Ijaz A, Specht A, Dill D, Hellweg P, Männer K, Zentek J. In vitro effects of alpha toxin from Clostridium perfringens on the electrophysiological parameters of jejunal tissues from laying hens preincubated with inulin and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Poult Sci 2009; 88:199-204. [PMID: 19096074 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2008-00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present report demonstrates the effect of alpha toxin from Clostridium perfringens on electrophysiological indexes of jejunal mucosa from laying hens pretreated with inulin and N-acetyl-l-cysteine (ACC), a mucolytic agent. In a first set of experiments, the effect of alpha toxin with or without pretreatment with ACC on the electrophysiological parameters was determined when jejunal tissues from laying hens were mounted in Ussing chambers. The short-circuit current remained unchanged when alpha toxin was added mucosally in the tissues whether pretreated with ACC or not. The change in the transmural tissue conductance (DeltaGt) was higher (P = 0.18) after 90 min exposure of toxin independent of pretreament with ACC. The effect of alpha toxin on DeltaGt became significant (P < or = 0.05) after 120 min of incubation. In the second set of experiments, the effect of alpha toxin on the jejunal tissues preincubated with inulin (0.1%) was investigated. The effect of toxin was also time dependent, and DeltaGt became significantly higher (P < or = 0.05) after 120 min of incubation independent of preinubation with inulin. Inulin did not influence the DeltaGt during the experimental period when compared with control tissues. In conclusion, alpha toxin from C. perfringens can impair the intestinal mucosal barrier. The effect is obviously not dependent on the presence of a mucolytic agent nor can it be affected by direct addition of inulin under in vitro conditions. Whether there is an effect of inulin after long-term supplementation in feeding trials or it is due to fermentation bacterial metabolites remains an open question.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Rehman
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Abstract
More than a decade ago it was established that intact nef genes are critical for efficient viral persistence and greatly accelerate disease progression in SIVmac-infected rhesus macaques and in HIV-1-infected humans. Subsequent studies established a striking number of Nef functions that evidently contribute to the maintenance of high viral loads associated with the development of immunodeficiency in the 'evolutionary-recent' human and the experimental macaque hosts. Recent data show that many Nef activities are conserved across different lineages of HIV and SIV. However, some differences also exist. For example, Nef alleles from most SIVs that do not cause disease in their natural monkey hosts, but not those of HIV-1 and its simian precursors, down-modulate TCR-CD3 to suppress T cell activation and programmed death. This evolutionary loss of a specific Nef function may contribute to the high virulence of HIV-1 in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Kirchhoff
- Institute of Virology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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Specht A, Formentini AC, Corseuil E. Bionomy of Anicla mahalpa Schaus, 1898 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae), in the laboratory. BRAZ J BIOL 2008; 68:415-8. [PMID: 18660973 DOI: 10.1590/s1519-69842008000200026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2006] [Accepted: 05/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Anicla Grote, 1874 is composed of eleven species; their larvae are harmful, mainly to native and cultivated grasses, but up to now, there is information available of only two species. This study aims at detailing the bionomy of A. mahalpa Schaus; the data were obtained from a laboratory rearing under the following settings: 20 +/- 2 masculineC, 70 +/- 10% relative humidity and 12 hours of photoperiod. Larvae were fed on ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lam. (Poaceae). The results expressed by the mean and respective standard error for the periods of each phase, in days, were the following: egg 6.00 +/- 0.00, larva 36.47 +/- 0.44, pre-pupa 5.23 +/- 0.21, pupa 23.60 +/- 0.37, and adult: longevity 15.24 +/- 0.75 with pre-egg-laying-periods of 5.29 +/- 0.32; egg-laying period, 9.64 +/- 0.81, and post-egg-laying period, 0.71 +/- 0.27 days. The mean number of egg-laying cycles per female was 7.36 +/- 0.20 and 2,014.21 +/- 78.93 eggs per female. Eggs, which are subspheric, have a diameter of 0.76 +/- 0.01 mm; larvae passed through six instars; their head capsules width, provided a mean ratio of growth of 1.482. Pupae presented a mean width and length of 6.07 +/- 0.06 and 17.24 +/- 0.19 mm, respectively and weight of 0.33 +/- 0.01 g.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Specht
- Laboratório de Biologia, Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brazil.
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Abstract
The main goal of rehabilitation is social and vocational reintegration of handicapped people. Neuropsychological disorders prove to be particularly critical factors in this context. In many cases vocational retraining requiring good cognitive abilities and capacity is essential. Neuropsychological impairments can substantially diminish the chance of successful vocational rehabilitation. To assess the need for neuropsychological intervention within the scope of vocational rehabilitation programmes, 69 persons undergoing rehabilitation in the Berufsförderungswerk Sachsen-Anhalt, a non-profit organization devoted to vocational reintegration, were screened to identify individuals with cognitive deficits. Furthermore a brief multidimensional self-report inventory, the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) was administered. In addition, the files of all participants were reviewed with regard to mental or neurological disorders. The study revealed cognitive deficits in a quarter to a third of the participants depending on the cognitive domain. Comparison of neuropsychological test performance of trainees with and without established diagnosis of pertinent diseases confirmed cognitive deficits in those with prior diagnosis of neurological disorder, as expected. Only for Divided Attention a significant correlation was found between neuropsychological deficits and psychiatric disorders as documented in the files. However, a considerable number of persons without corresponding medical-psychological pre-diagnosis were found to also perform poorly in particular tests. Furthermore it could be shown that subjectively experienced stress in trainees had a negative impact on reaction times in specific test procedures. These findings strongly suggest a need to supplement vocational rehabilitation by neuropsychological training programmes. When cognitive functional impairments are suspected, specific diagnostic assessments should be administered in order to select and implement appropriate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Müller
- Fakultät für Naturwissenschaften (FNW), Institut für Psychologie II, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg.
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Specht A, Formentini AC, Corseuil E. Biological aspects of Hylesia metapyrrha (Lepidoptera; Saturniidae; Hemileucinae), in laboratory. BRAZ J BIOL 2007; 67:173-7. [PMID: 17505766 DOI: 10.1590/s1519-69842007000100024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2005] [Accepted: 02/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study biological aspects and the life cycle of Hylesia Metapyrrha in a laboratory. Laboratorial breeding was made at 25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 10% UR and 14 hours of photophase, feeding the larvae with guava leaves (Psidium guayava L. - Myrtaceae). Time was evaluated on the days of all the development stages; morphometry was evaluated in millimeters and the pupa’s mass in grams. The eggs were disposed in groups and covered by urticating abdominal hair. The incubation period lasted 52 days. The larvae, with gregarious habits, presented background black coloration, yellowish scoli and two orange longitudinal lines above and below the spiracles, during the development which lasted an average period of 74.59 days and went through seven instars. The pre-pupa and the pupa stages lasted on average 8.82 and 50.56 days, respectively; the female pupae presented a duration, weight and size which was significantly bigger. The adult stage lasted on average 5.50 days with periods of pre, post and oviposition of 2.30, 1.90 and 1.00 days, respectively. This study broadens the knowledge of the immature stages, biological, morphological and behavioral aspects, until then restricted to the morphology and to registers of the occurrence of the adult forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Specht
- Laboratório de Biologia, Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brazil.
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Colletier JP, Royant A, Specht A, Nachon F, Zaccai G, Goeldner M, Sussman JL, Silman I, Bourgeois D, Weik M. Kinetic crystallography on cholinesterases. Acta Crystallogr A 2004. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767304097594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Specht A, Ursby T, Weik M, Peng L, Kroon J, Bourgeois D, Goeldner M. Cryophotolysis of ortho-nitrobenzyl derivatives of enzyme ligands for the potential kinetic crystallography of macromolecules. Chembiochem 2001; 2:845-8. [PMID: 11948871 DOI: 10.1002/1439-7633(20011105)2:11<845::aid-cbic845>3.0.co;2-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Specht
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bioorganique, UMR 7514 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Louis Pasteur Strasbourg, BP 24, 67401 Illkirch Cedex, France
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Abstract
Larvae of Anicla infecta (Ochsenheimer, 1816) (Noctuidae) feed upon many grasses and may be harmful to cereals and fodder of economic importance. This study was developed aiming to contribute to knowledge of the biology of this species. The rearing was done in an environmental chamber with the following settings: temperature of 25 +/- 1 degrees C; relative humidity of 70% +/- 10%, and photoperiod of L14:D10. The larvae fed on ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lam. The results express the mean and standard error for the length of every stage in days. For each stage we observed the following time of development: egg 3.2 +/- 0.09; larvae 18.7 +/- 0.07; pre-pupae 3.3 +/- 0.04; pupae 12.6 +/- 0.14; and adult longevity was 12.1 +/- 1.03. Also the pre-egg-laying period was 4.4 +/- 0.59; the egg-laying period was 8.1 +/- 0.84; and the post-egg-laying period was 0.3 +/- 0.14. The mean number of egg-laying cycles per female was 6.7 +/- 0.73; that of eggs per cycle was 77.5 +/- 4.37; and total eggs per female was 521.4 +/- 47.36.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Teston
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Weik M, Gros P, Kroon J, Ursby T, Bourgeois D, Ravelli R, McSweeney S, Peng L, Specht A, Goeldner M, Kryger G, Silman I, Sussman J. Temperature-controlled crystallographic experiments on acetylcholinesterase. Acta Crystallogr A 2000. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767300025472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Specht A. [Ceramic partial denture with active attachment]. Dent Labor (Munch) 1988; 36:741-3. [PMID: 3250895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Graf M, Specht A, Distler W. [Treatment of hypothalamically-induced primary amenorrhea with epimestrol]. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 1986; 46:444-9. [PMID: 2944790 DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1026661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Eleven patients with hypothalamic primary amenorrhoea, aged between 17 and 23 years, were examined. Each patient was given 10 mg epimestrol (E) orally over a period of 10 days followed by a 20-day pause. This regimen was repeated 6 times. Gonadotropin secretory patterns were investigated between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. before, during (on the 5th day of treatment in the 4th cycle) and 3 weeks after termination of treatment. In addition LHRH double stimulation tests were carried out before and after treatment to evaluate the acute releasable pool of gonadotropins as well as the pituitary synthesis capacity. In 3 patients with low baseline gonadotropin levels no effect of E on the release of gonadotropins could be found. These patients also showed non-pulsatile secretion with low baseline gonadotropin levels and no response in the LHRH stimulation tests. Similar results could be observed in one patient with low baseline LH levels but FSH levels within the normal range. Variable results were found in 7 patients with both LH and FSH in the normal range: 3 women experienced menstrual bleeding during and/or after E treatment; 1 woman stated that spotting had occurred twice. These 4 patients all showed regular pulsatile LH secretion after cessation of E treatment; the duration of the LH pulses was 60 to 120 minutes. Some hypothalamic activity seems to be essential for a positive response to E in patients with primary amenorrhoea. This activity is characterized by a positive gestagen test as well as baseline gonadotropin levels in the normal range.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Graf M, Specht A, Distler W. Epimestrol bei primärer Amenorrhoe. Arch Gynecol Obstet 1985. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02430188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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