Molting Research Articles

Structural habitat use by the Many-scaled Anole, Anolis polylepis (Squamata: Polychrotidae)

Lizards of the genus Anolis are commonly used as models for several ecological studies. Nevertheless, some aspects of their ecology have not been studied and information reported previously for several species must be reanalyzed. The aim of this study is to examine the structural habitat use in a population of the Many-scaled Anole, Anolis polylepis , with the purpose of comparing our results with the information reported previously for this species. Most of the captured individuals were on stems and we did not find any differences in the structural habitat use among sex/age classes. We found differences for perch height among individuals shedding their skin regarding those that are not. We also detected differences among our results and the information reported previously for this species. Such differences could be due to intrinsic factors of each population, such as the proportion of individuals that were molting their skin in a specific time. More studies with greater sample sizes and to a longer term are required to clearly understand the influence of these factors in the habitat use of A. polylepis and other anoline lizards.

Oviposisi Dan Perkembangan Nyamuk Armigeres Pada Berbagai Bahan Kontainer

Abstract. Armigeres mosquito being the vector responsible for Japanese Encephalitis Virus and Filaria. Vari­ous effort have been done to control the mosquitoes. Acurated entomological data is needed to support control mosquito vector, like data hits habitats armigeres. This study is aimed to compare oviposition of armigeres and the development in various container. the clay container (44 egg)s more many found egg is compared with plastical stuff (Jl egg)s. Moulting process of armigeres almost the same to culicinae, that is average ± 2 - 3 days. Mosquito development in this laboratory test only until third generation (/3). Rearing of armigeres need­ed the enviromental kondusif with nature habitat. Key Words : armigeres, clay container, plastic container, rearing

ズワイガニ幼生の生残と脱皮・成長に及ぼす n-3 高度不飽和脂肪酸の影響

n-3 高度不飽和脂肪酸（n-3HUFA）含量と DHA/EPA 比が異なる L 型ワムシをゾエア幼生に給餌し，メガロパには無強化のアルテミアを給餌して第 1 齢稚ガニまで飼育した。n-3HUFA 強化ワムシを給餌した場合，稚ガニまでの生残率と成長は改善されるとともに，メガロパから稚ガニへの脱皮異常率は低くなった。ワムシの脂肪酸含量および組成と生残率の関係から，ゾエア幼生に給餌するワムシ中の適正な n-3HUFA 含量は 2.3 g/100 g（乾燥重量基準），その含量での適正な DHA/EPA 比は 1.5 程度であると判断された。

Molting behavior and growth in the giant barnacle Austromegabalanus psittacus (Molina, 1782)

Se evaluo, bajo condiciones controladas, el efecto de la temperatura y el fotoperiodo sobre la produccion de mudas en ejemplares juveniles del cirripedio Austromegabalanus psittacus (Molina, 1782). El crecimiento fue determinado tanto en condiciones controladas como naturales. Se midio la frecuencia de muda, periodo de intermuda y las tasas instantaneas de crecimiento en el largo carino-rostral de ejemplares sometidos a dos condiciones de temperatura (10oC y 16oC) y fotoperiodo (8 horas luz: 16 horas oscuridad y 16 horas luz: 8 horas oscuridad). El crecimiento de ejemplares en condiciones naturales fue evaluado en sustratos suspendidos de balsas en Bahia Metri (41°36' S; 72°43' W), a dos niveles de profundidad entre 1 y 2 m y entre 4 y 6 m, durante las estaciones de otono-invierno y primavera-verano. La frecuencia de mudas fue mayor a 16oC que a 10oC, sin que se evidenciaran variaciones por el fotoperiodo. Los periodos de intermuda fueron mayores a 10oC que a 16oC y a fotoperiodos de 8:16 que a 16:8. Las tasas instantaneas de crecimiento, en cambio, fueron mayores a 10oC que a 16oC y bajo condiciones de fotoperiodo 8:16 que a 16:8. No se observo relacion entre la tasa instantanea de crecimiento y la frecuencia de muda. En condiciones naturales, se observo un mayor incremento del largo en individuos creciendo a mayor profundidad. Los resultados obtenidos en ambiente controlado y en el medio natural fueron congruentes, porque el mayor crecimiento obtenido en sistemas suspendidos a mayores profundidades se asocio a condiciones de menor luminosidad y temperatura, donde fue mayor el crecimiento bajo condiciones controladas

Níveis de cálcio para poedeiras comerciais após a muda forçada

The experiment was carried out in the aviary of Iguatemi Experimental Farm, at Universidade Estadual de Maringa , Maringa, state of Parana, Brazil, from August 17 to December 6, 1996. After forced molting, 180 commercial laying hens were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 6 replications, and 6 hens for experimental unit. Five isoproteinic (18.68% CP), isoenergetic (2,900.00 kcal ME/kg), isophosphoric (0.46% aP) diets with 3.50%, 3.80%, 4.10%, 4.40% and 4.70% calcium were served. No effects (P > 0.05) of calcium levels were found in the egg laying rate, ration consumption, food conversion and eggshell percentage. A linear increase (P < 0.05) in specific weight was found with the increase of calcium levels. A quadratic effect (P < 0.05) was found in calcium levels on egg weight. It may be concluded that up to 4.7% calcium may be used efficiently for post-molt commercial laying hens.

Quality of life in psoriasis: A study from south India

Psoriasis can have a profound impact on a patient's quality of life. Very few Indian studies have examined this aspect of Indian patients of psoriasis. This study was conducted to assess the clinical severity, as well as physical and psychosocial disability, and stress incurred and to analyze their interrelationship in psoriasis patients aged more than 18 years. This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, JIPMER, Pondicherry, India. Clinical severity, physical and psychosocial morbidity, and the stress incurred were measured using psoriasis area severity index (PASI), psoriasis disability index (PDI), and psoriasis life stress inventory (PLSI) respectively, the latter two of which were suitably modified and translated into the local language, viz., Tamil. Appropriate tests were conducted using SPSS for Windows (Release 7.5.1) statistical software. Fifty patients (34 males, 16 females) were included in the study. The clinical PASI scores correlated significantly with the overall physical disability (PDI), individual aspects of the PDI (except the treatment-related activities), and the measurement of stress incurred (PLSI). A PASI score of more than 18 delineated a subgroup of patients with higher overall physical disability and higher stress rating. Among the physical and psychosocial factors investigated, daily activities, employment, and treatment were reported to be affected the most. Psoriasis sufferers are also most likely to feel self-conscious, be disturbed / inconvenienced by the shedding of the skin, live in a constant fear of relapse, and avoid social interactions. The present study provides compelling evidence that psoriasis affects the quality of life, and it highlights the importance of adopting a multidimensional assessment of psoriasis.

Comparison between highly toxic "Bacillus thuringiensis" serovar israelensis and "Bacillus sphaericus" strains against "Lutzomyia longipalpis" Lutz & Neiva 1912 (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) larvae

The effects of standardized concentrated spores and crystals suspensions of Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis and Bacillus sphaericus against 3rd instar larvae of Lutzomyia longipalpis were recorded by means of qualitative bioassays. The experiments showed a significant difference on mortality and moulting delay between the entomopathogenic bacilli strains tested (p < 0.001). B. thuringiensis serovar israelensis LFB-Fiocruz 584 (a clone of IPS-82) was active against insect larvae assayed (62.5% ± 14.2 of mortality), however, no significant effect was observed with B. sphaericus LFBFiocruz 736 (a clone of strain 2362). The data reinforce the suggestion that B. thuringiensis serovar israelensis should be considered for further evaluation as a potential agent against L. longipalpis larvae. Key words: Bacillus, Lutzomyia longipalpis, control, bioassays.

Abundância sazonal de aves migratórias na Área de Proteção Ambiental de Piaçabuçu, Alagoas, Brasil

Every year, thousands of limicola and migratory birds winter on the South American coast, between September and April, where they acquire body mass and undergo moulting before returning to their reproduction sites. Qualitative and quantitative studies were performed in the Piacabucu Protection Area located in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, by direct counting, aiming to follow upon the birds’ seasonal migration. Five species of Charadriidae family were recorded: Vanellus chilensis (Wagler, 1827); Pluvialis squatarola (Linnaeus, 1758); Charadrius semipalmatus Bonaparte, 1825; Charadrius collaris Vieillot, 1818 and Charadrius wilsonia (Ord, 1814), and five of the Scolopacidae family: Arenaria interpres (Linnaeus, 1758); Actitis macularius (Linnaeus, 1766); Catoptrophorus semipalmatus (Gmelin, 1789); Calidris pusilla (Linnaeus, 1766) and Calidris alba (Pallas, 1764). Pluvialis squatarola, Charadrius semipalmatus, Charadrius collaris, Arenaria interpres, Calidris pusilla and Calidris alba were considered constant (present in over 50% of observation time). Charadrius semipalmatus and Calidris alba showed highest level of frequency during November and December and March and September, respectively. Spearman correlation shows a strong dependency on migration of this species. The birds’ loyalty to the Piacabucu area seen in this research show that this is a preferred site for wintering thus reinforcing its importance for the conservation of the migratory species that utilize the site.

Alometria no crescimento de Uca mordax (Smith) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Ocypodidae) na Baía de Guaratuba, Paraná, Brasil

Relative growth of the male major chela and female abdomen was studied in a population of the fiddler crab Uca mordax (Smith, 1870) from Guaratuba Bay, Parana, Southern Brazil. Major chela length (CMQ) was measured from 319 males, and abdomen width (LAB) from 356 females. Also six small sexually undifferentiated crabs were measured. Carapace width (LC) was the reference dimension for both sexes, which ranged from 1.94 to 20.0 mm for males, from 2.50 to 18.85 mm for females, and from 1.94 to 3.15 mm for sexually undifferentiated crabs. Relationship between LC and CMQ showed a transition point at 11.70 mm LC in males, and between LC and LAB, at 8.77 mm LC in females. Males (mean LC = 14.24 mm) showed a slightly greater size than females (mean LC = 13,97 mm). These dimensions had positive allometrical growth during all life for both sexes: before and after the puberal molting. Regressions between LC and CMQ in males read as: logCMQ = -0,542265 + 1,51.logLC for male juveniles and logCMQ = -1,446281 + 2,37.logLC for male adults. In females, the regressions between LC and LAB were: logLAB = -0,607282 + 1,22.logLC for juveniles and logLAB = -0,912074 + 1,60.logLC for adults. These body dimensions are related to reproductive activities of this species. The level of allometry in CMQ of adult males was the highest among Uca species which relative growth of this dimension is known. The handedness had a proportion of 1:1 between right-handed and left-handed males.

Realization of clinical diagnoses and treatment for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

To emphasize the importance of correct and standardized surgical treatment on dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), and discuss the suitable synthesized therapy on it. 163 cases of DFSP, which were treated between January 1985 and September 2002,were submitted to a retrospective study. Among the 163 cases, 150 (92.0%) were treated with local excision as benign tumors before accepted to Cancer Hospital, Fudan University. 69 cases (46.0%) were approved by pathological examination to have tumor remnants after they were treated with wide excision, and 49 (71.0%) of them couldn't be found to have any tumor remnants by physical examination or B-ultrasonic examination before that operation. It was easy for the tumor to recur after excision, especially the local excision. The recurrent rate after it was 45.1%, which was much higher than the one after wide excision (5.6%). Among the 142 cases which wide excision were performed, 99 ones had excision margins >/= 3 cm and 5 of them (5.1%) developed local recurrence while 36 ones had excision margins 1 approximately 2 cm and 3 of them (8.3%) developed local failure. 46 cases (32.4%) were given skin graft, 11 cases were given flap, and 1 case had dacron mending in skin defection area. The main complications after these operations were necrosis of the skin flap (20 cases) and infection of the wound (6 cases). They could all be cured in 2 months. 17 cases were given complimentary radiotherapy with the dose range from 3275 cGy to 7000 cGy because of their recurrences for times or positive resection margins after wide excision. Only one case had wet molting after radiotherapy and 2 developed local recurrence. Among all the 163 cases, only 2 (1.2%) were dead, and 1 of them was died of metastasis of lung and liver. 2 cases got lymph node metastasis, then were given surgical treatment and still alive now. 13 cases (8.0%) were DFSP-FS with their malignancies increased. 11 of them were the recurrent ones after local excision or wide excision. In order to avoid misdiagnosis, it is necessary for the clinician to know much about DFSP. Once the tumor was diagnosed of DFSP after local excision, it is necessary to take wide excision. Because DFSP is a malignancy of a high recurrent rate after local excision, standardized wide excision is the key in reducing local failure. Adjuvant radiotherapy is an effective treatment for the patients with positive resection margin or the patients don't suit for surgical treatment. The DFSP-FS need to use more energetic treatment in curing it.

Determining Evolutionary Homologies of Molts and Plumages: A Commentary on Howell et al. (2003)

AbstractHowell et al. (2003) argue that the Humphrey-Parkes (H-P) system of molt terminology is flawed because it requires using traditional first prebasic molt as the starting point for plumage succession that results in noncorrespondence between nomenclature and presumed homology in first basic plumages. However, the H-P system does not require this. Second, they argue that plumage color can be a misleading criterion for evaluating plumage homologies. I show, however, that the timing and extent of molts, and thus their homologies, can de documented more accurately by using plumage color than by not doing so. Howell et al. (2003) propose a revised H-P system. To follow their system, one must accept their notion that no first-cycle molts are homologous with prebasic molts in subsequent molt cycles. However, this is not so as many species have a molt in their first cycle that is homologous to definitive prebasic molt. In addition, Howell et al.'s (2003) system does not offer any new or better criteria for identifying homologies than those suggested by Humphrey and Parkes (1959) and, thus, is not an improvement on the H-P system. First-cycle molts and plumages of most birds are poorly known. Therefore, we will not have sufficient data to determine whether new molts have been evolutionarily added to the first cycle, as suggested by Howell et al. (2003), until the molts of many more species of birds are studied. Further, these studies must be done on closely related species, not phylogenetically distant ones as proposed by Howell et al. (2003).Determinación de las Homologías Evolutivas de la Muda y el Plumaje: Un Comentario sobre Howell et al. (2003)Resumen. Howell et al. (2003) aducen que el sistema Humphrey-Parkes (H-P) de terminología para la muda es erróneo porque requiere utilizar la primera muda prebásica como el punto de partida para la sucesión del plumaje, lo que resulta en falta de correspondencia entre la nomenclatura y las presuntas homologías en los primeros plumajes básicos. Sin embargo, el sistema H-P no requiere esto. Segundo, ellos argumentan que el color de plumaje puede ser un criterio engañoso para evaluar las homologías del plumaje, pero yo demuestro que el momento y la extensión de las mudas, y por tanto sus homologías, pueden documentarse con mayor exactitud utilizando el color del plumaje que no haciéndolo. Howell et al. (2003) proponen un sistema H-P revisado que implica aceptar su noción de que ninguna de las mudas del primer ciclo es homóloga con mudas prebásicas de ciclos de muda subsiguientes. Sin embargo, esto no es así, pues muchas especies tienen una muda en su primer ciclo que es homóloga a la muda prebásica definitiva. Adicionalmente, el sistema de Howell et al. (2003) no ofrece criterios nuevos o mejores para identificar las homologías que aquellos sugeridos por Humphrey and Parkes (1959), por lo que no representa un mejoramiento del sistema H-P. Las mudas y los plumajes del primer ciclo de la mayoría de las aves son poco conocidos. Por lo tanto, hasta que no se estudie la muda en muchas más especies de aves, no tendremos suficientes datos para determinar si nuevas mudas se han adicionado evolutivamente al primer ciclo como Howell et al. (2003) sugirieron. Más aún, dichos estudios deben hacerse en especies estrechamente relacionadas, no en aquellas filogenéticamente distantes como Howell et al. (2003) propusieron.

甲殻類の脱皮を抑制する内分泌機構

甲殻類の脱皮を抑制する内分泌機構

Disagrees with AVMA's position on induced molting . . . . Reported ELISA results thought to be inaccurate . . . . Remembering Dr. Bustad . . . . Responses to Dr. Brandt's letter to AVMA members

Disagrees with AVMA's position on induced molting . . . . Reported ELISA results thought to be inaccurate . . . . Remembering Dr. Bustad . . . . Responses to Dr. Brandt's letter to AVMA members

Life History Implications of Complete and Incomplete Primary Molts in Pelagic Cormorants

Abstract We describe the rules of primary flight-feather replacement for Pelagic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), and contrast the completeness of primary replacement in individuals from Asia and North America. In adult Pelagic Cormorants primary replacement is stepwise, with multiple waves of molt, each initiated at the innermost primary (P1), proceeding simultaneously toward the tip of the wing. Shugart and Rohwer's (1996) ontogenetic model for generating and maintaining stepwise primary replacement depended upon incomplete molts. In each new episode of molt, waves of primary replacement were thought to be initiated at P1 and at each arrested wave that had failed to replace all old feathers in the preceding molt. Because most adult Pelagic Cormorants from North America completely replace their primaries but maintain stepwise primary molts, the latter assumption must be relaxed. In contrast to the present-day situation in North America, Pelagic Cormorants from northeastern Asia have incomplete molts of their primaries, and may be forced to skip breeding in some years to clear their wings of overworn primaries. Young birds from Asia start the replacement of their juvenile primaries later than North American birds and replace more feathers simultaneously. Implicancias de la Muda Primaria Completa e Incompleta en la Historia de Vida de Phalacrocorax pelagicus Resumen. Describimos las reglas de reemplazo de plumas primarias para Phalacrocorax pelagicus y contrastamos la totalización del reemplazo de primarias entre individuos de Asia y América del Norte. En individuos adultos, el reemplazo de primarias ocurre en varias etapas, con múltiples secuencias de muda cada una iniciada en la primaria más interna (P1), procediendo simultáneamente hacia la punta del ala. El modelo ontogenético de Shugart y Rohwer (1996) para la generación y mantenimiento del reemplazo en etapas de las plumas primarias depende de mudas incompletas. Se pensaba que en cada nuevo episodio de muda las secuencias de reemplazo de primarias eran iniciadas en P1 y en cada punto de interrupción de la muda precedente que hubiera impedido el reemplazo de todas las plumas viejas. Debido a que la mayoría de los individuos adultos de P. pelagicus de Norteamérica reeemplazan completamente sus primarias pero aún lo hacen en etapas, la última suposición debe ser re-evaluada. En contraste con la situación actual en Norteamérica, individuos del noreste de Asia tienen mudas incompletas de sus primarias y pueden verse forzados a no reproducirse en algunos años para despojarse de la presencia de primarias desgastadas. Las aves juveniles de Asia comienzan el reemplazo de sus primarias más tarde y reemplazan más plumas simultáneamente que las aves de Norteamérica.

Observations on the biology of Rhabdochona kidderi texensis, a parasite of North American cichlids.

An examination of a sample of benthic invertebrates collected from the Upper San Marcos River in southwestern Texas, USA in September 1999 revealed that the nymph of the ephemeropteran Tricorythodes curvatus served as natural intermediate host of the nematode Rhabdochona kidderi texensis (Nematoda: Rhabdochonidae), an intestinal parasite mainly of the Rio Grande perch (Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum) in this locality; the prevalence of the parasite's third- and fourth-stage larvae in mayflies was 6.8% with the intensity of 1-2 larvae per nymph. Live R. kidderi texensis eggs collected from nematodes recovered from C. cyanoguttatum in Texas were transported to the Czech Republic, where they were used to experimentally infect nymphs of the palaearctic mayfly species Paraleptophlebia submarginata; the development of infective third- and fourth-stage larvae in this experimental intermediate host was completed after approximately 10 days at 19 degrees C. Infected nymphs were fed to aquarium-reared fishes, four Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum and one Oreochromis niloticus, of which only three of the former became infected. The last (fourth) moult of a male nematode was observed in C. nigrofasciatum 23 days p.i. and adult males and gravid females with not fully mature (non-embryonated) eggs in uteri on days 40 and 51 p.i. The prepatent period of R. kidderi texensis is approximately two months.

Age structure of a population of Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) in relation to its seasonal questing.

Three sites in south west Scotland, each having one deciduous and one coniferous woodland with populations of roe deer, were sampled over three years for Ixodes ricinus Linnaeus ticks using cloth drags. Nymphs and adult ticks were age graded by dissection of gut and Malpighian tubules and staining for lipid with Sudan red. Temperature and relative humidity were recorded in developmental and questing microclimates. Two annual cohorts of both nymphs and adults were found. For both instars one cohort became apparent in early spring and the other in autumn. The timing of the cohorts of nymphs corresponded to peaks of numbers questing, but neither females nor males had any clear seasonal pattern of questing. The maximum life of questing nymphs and adults was three to four months. Nymphs and adults were found questing at all months of the year and at temperatures ranging from 3.5 degrees C to 29.3 degrees C. Questing of larvae in summer peaks of numbers was positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with relative humidity. These results are explained by a descriptive model which invokes behavioural and morphogenetic diapause. Tests of the model are discussed and it is proposed that the main adaptive advantage of the complex life cycle is to permit moulting and oviposition to occur at favourable summer temperatures in ticks that have engorged at any time of the year.

The Molting Academic: From New Criticism to Critical Renewal

The Molting Academic: From New Criticism to Critical Renewal

Genetic and Environmental Regulation of Dauer Larva Development

I. INTRODUCTION Dauer larvae were first identified as a special larval stage of insect-parasitic nematodes. These larvae, which differed structurally from all other stages of the same species, were termed “dauerlarven” by Fuchs (1915). The dauer (enduring) stage of Caenorhabditis elegans is formed when environmental conditions are inadequate for successful reproduction. In abundant food, the animal develops continuously through the four larval stages (L1–L4) to the adult. Coincident with increased population density and limited food supply, development is arrested at the second molt, and the third-stage larva that is formed is structurally and behaviorally specialized for dispersal and long-term survival (Cassada and Russell 1975). Dauer larvae do not feed, but they can survive at least four to eight times the normal 2-week life span of C. elegans (Klass and Hirsh 1976). When favorable conditions are encountered, the dauer larva begins to feed and resumes development to the adult. Both entry into and exit from the dauer stage are developmental responses to specific chemosensory cues. These cues inform the larva whether there will be sufficient food available to support its reproduction. The environmental cues are first assessed and integrated throughout the L1 stage (Golden and Riddle 1984b). The primary cue is a Caenorhabditis-specific pheromone constitutively released by the nematodes (Golden and Riddle 1984c). The pheromone is very stable and hydrophobic and has chromatographic properties similar to those of hydroxylated fatty acids and bile acids. The concentration of pheromone reflects nematode population density. Temperature and food modulate the response to pheromone...

Hemolymph Profiles of Juvenoid Substances in the Giant Freshwater Prawn &lt;i&gt;Macrobrachium rosenbergii&lt;/i&gt; in Relation to Reproduction and Molting

Hemolymph Profiles of Juvenoid Substances in the Giant Freshwater Prawn &lt;i&gt;Macrobrachium rosenbergii&lt;/i&gt; in Relation to Reproduction and Molting

TAG RETENTION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SLIPPER LOBSTER

ABSTRACT Mediterranean slipper lobsters, Scyllarides latus, were tagged using 3 types of ‘spaghetti’ tags. Each lobster was tagged at 2 points on its dorsal surface: between the carapace and the abdomen and between the third and fourth abdominal segments. The survival, molting, and tag retention of these lobsters was monitored for 16 months. Overall tag retention was significantly higher among lobsters tagged with anchor tags that had conical tips compared to those tagged with regular anchor tags. 86.7% of lobsters tagged with conical-tipped tags molted and only 20% died, while of the lobsters tagged with regular tags only 33.3% molted and 40% died. After molting, lobsters in both groups tended to keep more tags in the posterior position than in the anterior position.