BACKGROUND The trade-off between current and residual reproductive values is central to life history theory, although the possible mechanisms underlying this trade-off are largely unknown. The 'molt constraint' hypothesis suggests that molt and plumage functionality are compromised by the preceding breeding event, yet this candidate mechanism remains insufficiently explored. METHODOLOGY/PRINC...

Ion transport and metabolism in the posterior midgut before, during and after the molt to the fifth instar of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta were investigated. In situ measurements reveal that the transepithelial potential difference of the posterior midgut falls during the molting process. This finding was confirmed by in vitro experiments in which it was demonstrated that both the transep...

Introduction: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) as a T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokine has an important role Background and Objective: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) as a T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokine has an important role in activation, growth and differentiation of several immune cells. Moreover IL-2 is known as a pro-inflammatory and anti-tumoral cytokine. In addition deysregulation of IL-2 in some diseases such as ...

We have examined molecular mechanisms of the PMA-inducible HA binding ability of human lymphocytes. Newly established OS/6 and OS/37, specific for human CD44, specifically inhibited PMA-induced HA binding of several human cell lines, suggesting that both mAb detect HA binding epitope(s) on CD44. Sequential staining revealed that these mAb cross-blocked each other's binding to Molt-4, T lymphobl...

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) binds to platelets in chronically infected patients where free HCV constitutes only about 5% of total circulating virus. Free HCV preferentially binds to human mononuclear cell lines but free and complexed virus binds equally to platelets. The extent of free HCV binding to human Molt-4 T cells (which express CD81) and to human promonocytic U937 cells or to platelets (whi...

Backgrounds Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. has an anti-HIV activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of incubation periods on the cytotoxicity and virucidal activities of the J. gendarussa leaves extract on MOLT-4 cells. Materials and Methods The cytotoxicity assay was evaluated by using the WST-1 test with incubation periods of 3 days and 5 days. The virucidal activity test was...

BACKGROUND/AIM In the search for new derivatives of anthracycline antibiotics, formamidinodaunorubicins containing in the amidine group either a morpholine moiety (DAUFmor) or a hexamethyleneimine moiety (DAUFhex) were synthesized. The biological effects of daunorubicin (DAU), DAUFmor and DAUFhex were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS The experiments were performed on human acute lymphoblastic ...

The ability to change reproductive tactics during adult development in response to environmental variation is predicted to enhance fitness. Many organisms show phenotypic plasticity early in non-embryonic development, but later exhibit phases of developmental inflexibility (=canalization). Therefore, we studied reproduction-related hormones and proteins and their relationships to plasticity in ...

This investigation was undertaken to determine whether the mosquito larvicide temephos (applied as Abate 4-Et) created an environmental hazard for nontarget organisms in a southwest Florida salt marsh community. Field toxicity tests were performed during routine larvicide applications using larvae of salt marsh crabs (Aratus pesonii and Uca rapax) and adult Mysidopsis bahia. Laboratory toxicity...

—We document the molt sequence of flight feathers in Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) based on studies of captive and wild birds, and examination of museum specimens. We found an unusual pattern of primary replacement, which appears to be a modified form of Staffelmauser, or stepwise wing molt. A Staffelmauser-like strategy for replacement of the secondaries is also described. These patterns of...