Respiratory airflow in a wingless dung beetle

2002 ◽  
Vol 205 (16) ◽  
pp. 2489-2497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frances D. Duncan ◽  
Marcus J. Byrne

SUMMARY The sealed subelytral cavity of many flightless beetle species is widely acknowledged to be an adaptation to water saving in arid-habitat species. However, this hypothesis relies on the acceptance of two largely untested assumptions: (i) that the movement of respiratory gases is unidirectional from anterior to posterior and (ii) that the coordinated action of the spiracles directs this flow. We tested these assumptions by simultaneously measuring CO2 and O2 exchange at the anterior mesothorax,independently of gas exchange in the posterior body, which included the subelytral cavity, of a large apterous beetle, Circellium bacchus. Flow-through respirometry revealed a marked discontinuous gas-exchange cycle(DGC) pattern from the anterior half of the body. Very little CO2was released from the posterior body, where the DGC was not apparent. Labelled air was shown to flow forwards from the posterior to the anterior body. Individual sampling from the mesothoracic spiracles revealed that the right mesothoracic spiracle, lying outside the elytral cavity, is the primary route for respiratory gas exchange in C. bacchus at rest. This discovery necessitates a reassessment of the currently assumed role of the subelytral cavity in water conservation and is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of forward airflow associated with the unilateral use of a single thoracic spiracle for respiration in an insect.

1995 ◽  
Vol 198 (7) ◽  
pp. 1613-1620 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Lighton ◽  
D Garrigan

Using normoxic and hypoxic flow-through respirometry, we investigated the regulation of the closed-spiracle (C) and the nature of the fluttering-spiracle (F) phases of the discontinuous gas-exchange cycle (DGC) of the ant Camponotus vicinus. We predicted that as ambient O2 concentrations declined, DGC frequency would increase, because C phase duration would decrease (reflecting earlier hypoxic initiation of the F phase) and F phase duration would shorten (reflecting nitrogen accumulation), if convective mass inflow caused by a negative pressure gradient across the spiracles, rather than by diffusion, is the dominant F phase gas-exchange mechanism. C phase duration decreased with declining ambient O2 concentrations, as predicted. In contrast, DGC frequency decreased and F phase duration increased with decreasing ambient O2 concentrations. This was opposite to the expected trend if gas exchange in the F phase was mediated by convection, as is generally hypothesized. We therefore cannot disprove that F phase gas exchange was largely or purely diffusion-based. In addition, our data show equivalent molar rates of H2O and CO2 emission during the F phase. In contrast, during the open-spiracle phase, the duration of which was not affected by ambient O2 concentration, far more H2O than CO2 was lost. We discuss these findings and suggest that current hypotheses of F phase gas-exchange mechanisms and function in reducing respiratory water loss in adult insects may require revision.


1964 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 760-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. W. T. Edwards

Temperature for gas exchange in the alveolar capillaries was determined by the helium-argon method in nine dogs over a range of body temperatures from 37–42 C. The experiments were much more prolonged than those previously carried out in man. Results were compared with simultaneous measurements in the aortic arch, right ventricle, gastrointestinal tract, and bronchial tree. There was no significant difference between alveolar capillary temperatures and those in the right and left heart and bronchial wedge position, even when body temperature was changing. Deep rectal temperatures gave a reasonable estimate of alveolar temperature provided the body temperature was steady, but esophageal and gastric measurements were not reliable, the reading increasing as the stomach was approached. The results support the validity of the helium-argon method and indicate that accurate estimates of alveolar capillary temperature may be obtained by direct measurements in the central circulation or bronchial wedge position. Note: With the Technical Assistance of Judith Laurie alveolar gas exchange; intravascular temperatures; inert gases; solubility of gases; esophageal temperature; gastric temperature Submitted on December 16, 1963


Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5039 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-262
Author(s):  
FRANCIANE CEDROLA ◽  
PRISCILA FREGULIA ◽  
ZACARIAS ROSALINA JOÃO DA SILVA ◽  
MARIANA FONSECA ROSSI ◽  
SAULO MOREIRA MENDES ◽  
...  

The family Ophryoscolecidae (Ciliophora, Entodiniomorphida) constitutes a diverse and monophyletic group of symbiotic ciliates of herbivorous mammals. The family includes approximately 200 species, distributed in three subfamilies and sixteen genera. The subfamily Diplodiniinae is the most diverse group in Ophryoscolecidae and comprises the genus Ostracodinium, which includes species with two retractable ciliary zones in the anterior body portion, a broad skeletal plate covering almost all the right surface of the body and a variable number of contractile vacuoles. The genus currently comprises 28 species, classified according to body size and shape, position and shape of the nuclear apparatus, number and position of contractile vacuoles, and number and shape of caudal projections. The present study performs a systematic review of the genus Ostracodinium, based on morphological and molecular data, and provides data about geographic distribution and hosts of each species.  


Author(s):  
Anne Phillips

No one wants to be treated like an object, regarded as an item of property, or put up for sale. Yet many people frame personal autonomy in terms of self-ownership, representing themselves as property owners with the right to do as they wish with their bodies. Others do not use the language of property, but are similarly insistent on the rights of free individuals to decide for themselves whether to engage in commercial transactions for sex, reproduction, or organ sales. Drawing on analyses of rape, surrogacy, and markets in human organs, this book challenges notions of freedom based on ownership of our bodies and argues against the normalization of markets in bodily services and parts. The book explores the risks associated with metaphors of property and the reasons why the commodification of the body remains problematic. The book asks what is wrong with thinking of oneself as the owner of one's body? What is wrong with making our bodies available for rent or sale? What, if anything, is the difference between markets in sex, reproduction, or human body parts, and the other markets we commonly applaud? The book contends that body markets occupy the outer edges of a continuum that is, in some way, a feature of all labor markets. But it also emphasizes that we all have bodies, and considers the implications of this otherwise banal fact for equality. Bodies remind us of shared vulnerability, alerting us to the common experience of living as embodied beings in the same world. Examining the complex issue of body exceptionalism, the book demonstrates that treating the body as property makes human equality harder to comprehend.


2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Doni Budiono

The  authority  of justice in Indonesia  is executed by  the Supreme Courts and  the  justice  boards/body under the Supreme Courts, including  the general  justice, religious affairs justice, military justice,  state administration  justice,  and  the Constitution Court. According to  certainty in  the Act of  Tax Court, Article1, clause  (5),  tax  dispute   refers to the legal dispute arising in the  taxation  affairs between the  tax payer or the  body  responsible for the  tax with   the government   executives  ( Directorate General of Tax) as the consequence of   the issue of  the decree for the  appeal  to the Tax  Court in accordance with the  tax Act, including the  charge  against the  execution of collection   in accordance with the  Act of Tax Collection by force. The  formation of Tax Court is  designed by  the Executives, in this case, the  Department of Finance, specifically  the Directorate   General  of Tax  which has the right to issue  law  more technical about  tax accord to Article 14,  letter A,  President Decree  no. 44  year 1974,  concerning the  basic  organization of the Department.  Based on  it,  it  is clear that  in addition to execute the government  rules and policy,  this body  has to execute judicial   rules and policy. This is against the  principles of  Judicative  Power/Authority in Indonesia,  which   clearly states that this body  should be under the Supreme Court.   Therefore. It is suggested that   the Act  No UU no.14 Year 2012 concerning  Tax Court   be revised  in accordance with the system of  Power Division  of Justice  as  stated in 45 Constitutions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1477-1481
Author(s):  
Ishwari Gaikwad ◽  
Priyanka Shelotkar

The current world situation is both frightening and alarming due to the massive disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The next few days are censorious as we need to be very precautious in our daily regimen as well as dietary habits. Ayurveda offers knowledge about food based on certain reasoning. Indecent food custom is the chief cause for the rising development of health disorders in the current era. In classical texts of Ayurveda, the concept of diet explained well, ranging from their natural sources, properties and specific utility in pathological as well as physiological manner. In this work, the review of the relevant literature of Ahara (Diet) was carried out from Charak Samhita and other texts, newspapers, articles, web page related to the same.  Every human being is unique with respect to his Prakriti (Physical and mental temperament), Agni (Digestive capacity), Koshtha  (Nature of bowel) etc. For that reason, the specificity of the individual should be kept in mind. Ahara, when consumed in the appropriate amount at the right moment following all Niyamas (Guidelines) given in Ayurveda texts, gives immunity and keeps the body in a healthy state during pandemics such as Covid-19. Ultimately, this will help the human body to maintain its strength for life. This article reviews the concept of diet viz. combination of foods, their quantity and quality, methods of preparation and processing, which are to be followed during pandemics and are essential in maintenance and endorsement of health and preclusion of diseases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 832-838
Author(s):  
Roshna Sukheoji Bhutada ◽  
Renu Rathi ◽  
Devyani Dasar

WHO declared Covid 19 /SARS -COV-2 as a global pandemic.Till date, there is no medicine for COVID-19. If the Infection arises in the body then the defence mechanism activated against infection. A recent study suggests that temporarily augmenting the body's immune system in the early stages of COVID-19 can help patient to avoid severe symptoms as it is rightly said prevention is better than cure. Ayurveda approaches to develop physiological reactions to facilitate immunity. Planning of diet is most important to boost immunity.As per many researches to provide supplementary food which contains Zinc, Vitamin C,Vitamin D and immunity boosting foodsuch as citrus natural products, custard apple, apple, papaya is among the Fruits. Vegetables include broccoli, onion, garlic and green leafy vegetables. Nuts, ginger, turmeric, pepper, egg yolk, shellfish, mushroom. The need of the hour is a quick boost to immune system to keep it fit, fighting. One should get the right amount of nutrients from the diet, supplementation regimen to boost immune system.In this review, there are few common supplements and super food studies have been included. It might be a torch bearer as sample menu and their alternatives are given for a normal adult. Needy may change contemplated according to age, sex, body mass index and daily physical activities.


Impact ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 (3) ◽  
pp. 26-28
Author(s):  
Jonathan Dawson ◽  
Richard Oreffo

Gels made from clay could provide an environment able to stimulate stem-cells due to their ability to bind biological molecules. That molecules stick to clay has been known by scientists since the 1960s. Doctors observed that absorption into the blood stream of certain drugs was severely reduced when patients were also receiving clay-based antacid or anti-diarrhoeal treatments. This curious phenomenon was realized to be due to binding of the drugs by clay particles. This interaction is now routinely harnessed in the design of tablets to carefully control the release and action of a drug. Dr Dawson now proposes to use this property of clay to create micro-environments that could stimulate stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues such as bone, cartilage or skin. The rich electrostatic properties of nano (1 millionth of a millimetre) -scale clay particles which mediate these interactions could allow two hurdles facing the development of stem-cell based regenerative therapies to be overcome simultaneously. The first challenge - to deliver and hold stem cells at the right location in the body - is met by the ability of clays to self-organise into gels via the electrostatic interactions of the particles with each other. Cells mixed with a low concentration (less than 4%) of clay particles can be injected into the body and held in the right place by the gel, eliminating, in many situations, the need for surgery. Clay particles can also interact with large structural molecules (polymers) which are frequently used in the development of materials (or 'scaffolds'), designed to host stem cells. These interactions can greatly improve the strength of such structures and could be applied to preserve their stability at the site of injury until regeneration is complete. While several gels and scaffold materials have been designed to deliver and hold stem cells at the site of regeneration, the ability of clay nanoparticles to overcome a second critical hurdle facing stem-cell therapy is what makes them especially exciting. Essential to directing the activity of stem-cells is the carefully controlled provision of key biological signalling molecules. However, the open structures of conventional scaffolds or gels, while essential for the diffusion of nutrients to the cells, means their ability to hold the signalling molecules in the same location as the cells is limited. The ability of clay nano-particles to bind biological molecules presents a unique opportunity to create local environments at a site of injury or disease that can stimulate and control stem-cell driven repair. Dr Dawson's early studies investigated the ability of clay gels to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels by incorporating a key molecular signal that stimulates this process, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In a manner reminiscent of the observations made in the 60s, Dr Dawson and colleagues observed that adding a drop of clay gel to a solution containing VEGF caused, after a few hours, the disappearance of VEGF from the solution as it became bound to the gel. When placed in an experimental injury model, the gel-bound VEGF stimulated a cluster of new blood vessels to form. These exciting results indicate the potential of clay nanoparticles to create tailor-made micro-environments to foster stem cell regeneration. Dr Dawson is developing this approach as a means of first exploring the biological signals necessary to successfully control stem cell behaviour for regeneration and then, using the same approach, to provide stem cells with these signals to stimulate regeneration in the body. The project will seek to test this approach to regenerate bone lost to cancer or hip replacement failure. If successful the same technology may be applied to harness stem cells for the treatment of a whole host of different scenarios, from burn victims to those suffering with diabetes or Parkinson's.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Benjamin Hegarty

The regulation of public space is generative of new approaches to gender nonconformity. In 1968 in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, a group of people who identified as wadam—a new term made by combining parts of Indonesian words denoting “femininity” and “masculinity”—made a claim to the city's governor that they had the right to appear in public space. This article illustrates the paradoxical achievement of obtaining recognition on terms constituted through public nuisance regulations governing access to and movement through space. The origins and diffuse effects of recognition achieved by those who identified as wadam and, a decade later, waria facilitated the partial recognition of a status that was legal but nonconforming. This possibility emerged out of city-level innovations and historical conceptualizations of the body in Indonesia. Attending to the way that gender nonconformity was folded into existing methods of codifying space at the scale of the city reflects a broader anxiety over who can enter public space and on what basis. Considering a concern for struggles to contend with nonconformity on spatial grounds at the level of the city encourages an alternative perspective on the emergence of gender and sexual morality as a definitive feature of national belonging in Indonesia and elsewhere.


2021 ◽  
pp. 152660282198933
Author(s):  
Pablo V. Uceda ◽  
Julio Peralta Rodriguez ◽  
Hernán Vela ◽  
Adelina Lozano Miranda ◽  
Luis Vega Salvatierra ◽  
...  

The health care system in Peru treats 15,000 dialysis patients annually. Approximately 45% of patients receive therapy using catheters. The incidence of catheter-induced superior vena cava (SVC) occlusion is increasing along with its associated significant morbidity and vascular access dysfunction. One of the unusual manifestations of this complication is bleeding “downhill” esophageal varices caused by reversal of blood flow through esophageal veins around the obstruction to the right atrium. Herein is presented the case of an 18-year-old woman on hemodialysis complicated by SVC occlusion and bleeding esophageal varices who underwent successful endovascular recanalization of the SVC. Bleeding from “downhill” esophageal varices should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dialysis patients exposed to central venous catheters. Aggressive endovascular treatment of SVC occlusion is recommended to preserve upper extremity access function and prevent bleeding from this complication.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document