These severely desertified regions require immediate concern at a global scale. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“A variety of prostaglandin (PG) synthases with different evolutionary origins have been identified. These enzymes catalyze reduction and oxidation reactions. However,

despite the similarity in their reactions, thioredoxin-like proteins were not found in the PG synthesis pathway until recently. We PD0325901 manufacturer have identified two new enzymes, thioredoxin-type PGF synthase and membrane-associated PGE synthase-2, with thioredoxin-like domains. In addition, the N-terminal domain of hematopoietic PGD synthase is classified into the thioredoxin-like superfamily, based on structural similarity. The active sites of the former two enzymes have a CXXC motif, which is also critical for the thioredoxin activity. In contrast,

hematopoietic PGD synthase lacks the motif, and the activity is carried out by glutathione. A phylogenetic tree of the thioredoxin-like domains Fosbretabulin cost suggests that they have been independently recruited into these PG synthases. We will discuss the functional meaning of the thioredoxin-like domains in the PG synthases from the viewpoint of the redox activity. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“The Cry1C protein produced in Escherichia coli was used for in vitro evaluation and animal studies to support the safety assessment of GM food or feed products containing the Cry1C protein. The Cry1C protein does not have any sequence homology with known allergens or toxins. Although the Cry1C protein was heat stable it was rapidly degraded in vitro with simulated gastric or intestinal fluids. It PD0332991 molecular weight did not cause adverse effects in mice as administered by gavage at a high level dosage of 5 g (Cry1C protein)/kg body weight. The mutagenicity of this protein was evaluated according to the national standards of People’s Republic of China (PR China) for a new food resource. In mutagenic tests, the Cry1C protein caused <4 micronucleated cells per 1000 cells, <16 sperm abnormalities per 1000 cells and was not associated with any increased mutations in the Ames test. Taken together, these

data indicate that the Cry1C protein is not a potential allergen or toxin. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Although a large body of epidemiologic data accumulated in Western countries show that individuals with a higher socioeconomic position consume higher quality diets, information on such socioeconomic differences in the diets of non-Western populations, including Japanese, is absolutely lacking. This cross-sectional study examined the association of socioeconomic position with dietary intake in a group of pregnant Japanese women. Subjects were 1002 Japanese women during pregnancy. Socioeconomic position was assessed by education, occupation, and household income. Dietary intake was estimated using a validated, self-administered, comprehensive diet history questionnaire.

Thus, transfer of purified CD8(+) T cells is sufficient and safer than that of bulk lymphocytes. To add antigenic stimulation to the CD8(+) T cells in vivo, injection of antigenic peptide-loaded and monocyte-derived autologous dendritic cells (DCs) was simultaneously done and repeated 7 days later. The DC-based vaccinization resulted in efficient priming selleck screening library of HLA class I-restricted and MART1, WT1 or CMV peptides-specific CTLs in the recipient mice. This system may be useful to evaluate the stimulation of antigen-specific human CTLs in vivo. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All

rights reserved.”
“Problem: Frequent dosage adjustments are necessary to achieve effective insulin therapy. However, a controversy surrounds the pertinent clinical parameters required to make effective and safe insulin titrations. We hypothesize that glucose readings are sufficient to adjust insulin dosage provided that it is done on a weekly

basis.\n\nMethods: In a prospective pilot study, we recruited 14 subjects with suboptimally controlled insulin-treated Type-2 and Type-1 diabetes. Subjects were treated with basal-bolus insulin therapy that was titrated weekly for 12 weeks. Dosage adjustments were made by the study Endocrinologist by reviewing subjects’ glucose readings, exclusively based on logsheets and contingent upon the approval of the on-site study team. To corroborate SC79 purchase that the glucose readings were sufficient for making dosage adjustments, we used software to process only glucose readings and recommend insulin dosage adjustments. The recommendations made by the software were retrospectively compared to the ones made by the study Endocrinologist.\n\nResults: All N = 568 recommendations were approved

by the study team and in 99.3% of the cases the recommendations were clinically similar to the ones made by the software. No hazardous disagreements were found. The mean A1C improved from 9.8% (+/- 2.0) to 7.9% (+/- 1.3) (p = 0.001) in 12 weeks and the weekly mean glucose progressively improved from 220.3 mg/dl (+/- 51.9) to 151.5 mg/dl (+/- 19.2) (p<0.0001). The frequency of selleck kinase inhibitor minor hypoglycemia was 22.7 per patient-year in subjects with Type-2 diabetes and 42.7 in the subjects with Type-1 diabetes. No severe hypoglycemic events occurred.\n\nConclusions: Glucose readings are sufficient to adjust insulin therapy in a safe and effective manner, when adjustments are made on a weekly basis. Thus, dedicated software may help adjust insulin dosage between clinic visits. Published by Elsevier Inc.”
“Knowledge of textural properties is important for stakeholders in the food value chain including producers, postharvest handlers, processors, marketers and consumers. For fresh foods such as fruit and vegetable, textural properties such as firmness are widely used as indices of readiness to harvest (maturity) to meet requirements for long term handling, storage and acceptability by the consumer.

The proposed interpretation is that AZD1208 cost CFTR mutations have spread among our ancestors that roamed the central Eurasia after the LGM. The heterozygote individuals might have benefitted

from the limited water resorption in their respiratory mucosa that allowed improved airway cleansing. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective-To determine the antithrombotic effects of SCH 602539, an analog of the selective protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 antagonist vorapaxar (formerly SCH 530348) currently in advanced clinical development, and the P2Y(12) ADP receptor antagonist cangrelor, alone and in combination.\n\nMethods and Results-Multiple platelet activation pathways contribute to thrombosis. The effects of SCH 602539 and cangrelor alone and in combination on cyclic buy GSK2126458 flow reductions were evaluated in a Folts model of thrombosis in cynomolgus monkeys. The effects of these treatments on ex vivo platelet aggregation and coagulation parameters were also monitored. Dose-dependent

inhibition of cyclic flow reductions was observed after treatment with SCH 602539 alone and cangrelor alone (P<0.05 versus vehicle for the 2 highest concentrations of each agent). The combination of SCH 602539 and cangrelor was associated with synergistic antithrombotic effects (P<0.05 versus vehicle for all combinations tested). The 2 highest doses of SCH 602539 inhibited platelet selleck chemicals llc aggregation in response to PAR-1-selective high-affinity thrombin receptor agonist peptide by greater than 80% but did not affect platelet aggregation induced by other agonists; also, they did not affect any coagulation parameters.\n\nConclusion-The combined inhibition of the PAR-1 and the P2Y(12) ADP platelet activation pathways had synergistic antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects. The addition of a PAR-1 antagonist to a P2Y(12) ADP receptor antagonist may provide incremental

clinical benefits in patients with atherothrombotic disease, both in short-and long-term settings. These hypotheses need to be tested clinically. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010; 30: 2143-2149.)”
“Over the past few decades, an alarming increase of infections caused by anti biotic-resistant pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species, carba penem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, extended-spectrum p-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp., has been observed, particularly in intensive care units. For clinicians, the rising resistance rate observed in nosocomial pathogens, when coupled with the lack of effective antimicrobials, represents the real challenge in the therapeutic management of critically ill patients.

Although TSP has been reported to be successful in patients with device closure of interatrial septal communications, questions pertinent to its feasibility in patients with large devices Citarinostat order still remain. We sought to determine whether a “safe zone” for TSP could be visualised by computer tomography (CT), especially if larger device sizes for interatrial septal communication closure (IASC-C) had been used.\n\nRetrospective observational study of 20 patients who underwent CT for de novo chest pain occurring after IASC-C or as a diagnostic test for suspected

or proven coronary artery disease (CAD). Clinical follow-up was for 20.5 +/- 17.6 (6-84) months. CT was done18 +/- 10 (2-28) weeks after IASC-C. Device size and dimensions of both atria in the long and short axes were measured, as was the minimal distance of the device edge to the inferior and inferoposterior atrial floor.\n\nThe calculated minimal distance from the device edge to the inferior aspect (at 6 o’clock) of the (right or left) atrial floor was 7.2 +/- 6.5 (0-27) mm while that to the inferoposterior aspect (at 07:30 o’clock) was 5.3 +/- 4.2 (0-15) mm. In both locations, a distance of > 6 mm was documented in ten patients find more (50%) while in nine patients (45%) a space of < 6 mm was shown in both locations. There was no correlation between atrial dimensions or device size and

minimal device distance to either wall.\n\nWith the exception of cases with the smallest devices (18 and 20 mm), neither device size nor atrial dimensions allow us to predict the feasibility of TSP in patients with a clamshell-type interatrial septal device in place, so that CT may be of help in determining whether a safe puncture space does exist in these patients.”
“PURPOSE. We investigated the vascular system in the far peripheral retina in eyes with pathologic myopia by https://www.selleckchem.com/products/PF-2341066.html ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (FA). METHODS. We analyzed retrospectively 230 with pathologic myopia (myopic refractive error bigger than 8 diopters [D] or axial length

bigger than 26.5 mm) and 42 emmetropic (refractive error smaller than +/- 2 D) controls who were examined with ultra-widefield FA by the Optos P200 system. Far peripheral retina was defined as the area anterior to the ampullae of the vortex veins. RESULTS. Retinal capillary telangiectasia was observed in the far periphery of 34 of 42 (81.0%) emmetropic eyes and in 90 of 115 (78.3%) highly myopic eyes. Retinal capillary microaneurysms were observed in 13 of 42 (31.0%) emmetropic eyes and in 60 of 115 (52.2%) eyes with pathologic myopia. The differences in the incidences of these two lesions were not significant. Areas of nonperfusion in the far periphery were found in two of 42 (4.8%) emmetropic eyes and in 95 of 115 (82.6%) eyes with pathologic myopia.

“
“Postpartum hemorrhage is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality after delivery. Active management of postpartum hemorrhage by an uterotonic drug decreases the rate of postpartum hemorrhage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of rectal misoprostol for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. This double blind randomized clinical trial was performed on full term pregnant women candidate for vaginal delivery, referred to Zahedan Imam Ali Hospital

during 2008-2009. They were randomly divided into two groups of rectal misoprostol and oxytocin. The women in misoprostol group received 400 mu g rectal misoprostol after delivery and the women in oxytocin group received 3 IU oxytocin in 1 L ringer serum, MK-2206 Flavopiridol in vivo intravenously. Rate of bleeding, need to any surgery interventions, rate of transfusion and changes in hemoglobin and hematocrite were compared between two groups. A total of 400 patients (200 cases in misoprostol group and 200 in oxytocin group) entered to the study. Rate of bleeding > 500 cc was significantly higher

in oxytocin group than misoprostol group (33% vs. 19%) (p = 0.005). Also, need to excessive oxytocin for management of postpartum hemorrhage was significantly lower in misoprostol group than oxytocin group (18% vs. 30%) (p = 0.003). Decrease in hematocrite was significantly more observed in oxytocin group than misoprostol group (mean decrease of hematocrite was 1.3 +/- 1.6 in misoprostol group and 1.6 +/- 2.2 in oxytocin group). Two groups were similar in terms of side-effects. Rectal misoprostol as an uterotonic drug can decrease postpartum hemorrhage and also can prevent from decrease of hemoglobin as compared to oxytocin.”
“We investigate the upconversion emission of CaWO4:Tm3+/Yb3+ polycrystals prepared by the high-temperature

solid-state method. The crystal structure of the polycrystals is characterized by means of x-ray diffraction. Under the excitation of a 980 nm continuous wave diode laser, the samples show intense blue upconversion emissions centered at 473 nm, AZD1208 concentration corresponding to the (1)G(4)-> H-3(6) transition of Tm3+. The dependence of the upconversion emission intensity on the pump power of a laser diode is measured, and the results indicate that the two-photon and three-photon processes contribute simultaneously to the blue upconversion emissions. The possible multi-photon upconversion process and upconversion mechanisms are discussed.”
“The catalytic oxidative decomposition of 1,2-dichoroethane was examined over a series of Ce/Zr mixed oxides (CeO2, Ce0.8Zr0.2O2, Ce0.5Zr0.5O2, Ce0.15Zr0.85O2 and ZrO2) treated with a 1 M aqueous solution of H2SO4 or HNO3. After calcination at 550 degrees C, the doped samples were characterised by dynamic thermogravimetry. X-ray diffraction.

The diet during pregnancy was estimated through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with a detailed section regarding fish. We calculated the correlations between Hg and Se in the biological samples and estimated the association between Hg concentrations and fish consumption.\n\nResults: in general, Hg levels

in hair and milk were positively associated selleckchem with the consumption of fish from the lagoon of Grado and Marano. However, they were low in comparison with those of other fish-eating populations and below the WHO alert limits, likely because of the small consumption of fish among pregnant women, estimated from the FFQ. The concentration of Se in milk was also smaller than that reported in other international studies.\n\nConclusion: in Friuli Venezia Giulia, fetal and per natal Hg exposure PP2 clinical trial is low. The children of the cohort be followed-up at school age to measure possible neurodevelopmental effects of such low exposures to Hg.”
“Marine multi-cellular organisms are described as sources of many newly discovered bioactive compounds. Meanwhile, it has been demonstrated repeatedly for several natural products of reputed multicellular origin that they are, in fact, produced by endophytic unicellular organisms-such as microbial fungi or bacteria. Consequently, while studying compounds isolated from a living organism,

it is essential to ensure that the sample integrity is not compromised. To test the diversity of the endobiome from Alcyonium digitatum, a cold BTSA1 water coral found along the Atlantic coasts of the northern hemisphere, we performed a culture dependent surveyed using a phylogenetic approach. A 1 cm(3) cube from the interior tissue of A. digitatum was excised under aseptic conditions, homogenized, spread onto agar-based growth medium plates and incubated in 22 A degrees C to promote microbial growth. Colonies were transferred to secondary

medium plates, incubated, and after harvesting lysed using sterile water to release DNA. 16S and 23S rDNA regions were amplified using PCR, and sequenced for systematic evaluation using phylogenetic analysis. From this survey we identified a broad selection of bacteria, predominantly of the alpha-proteobacterial, bacteriodete, actinobacterial and firmicute lineages, demonstrating a significant biodiversity of the coral bacterial endobiome.”
“Decreased reproductive performance due to summer stress is a well known phenomenon in farm livestock. Whether this occurs in the mare and specifically how this might affect postpartum reproductive activity and performance, especially at Foal Heat (FM), is unknown. This study, therefore, aims to investigate this and the factors that might affect postpartum reproductive activity. Reproductive records of 228 Thoroughbred mares (694 mare years) bred in subtropical north-western India were retrospectively analysed. Overt oestrous activity occurred within 21 d postpartum in 92.94% (645/694) of mares. Significantly (p < 0.

(C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Several catalysts, including FeZSM-5, Co2AlO4, LaCoO3, and BaFeAl11O19, were evaluated for N2O decomposition under representative flue-gas conditions in fluidized-bed combustion

(FBC). Closely related formulations proved active and stable catalysts for process-gas or tail-gas de-N2O in nitric acid plants. With this as starting point, their potential suitability for N2O abatement in stationary combustion was assessed. Tests were carried out in a fixed-bed reactor at ambient pressure and in the temperature range of 473-1123 K using mixtures of N2O, O-2, NO, CO, SO2, and H2O. The mixed oxide catalysts were strongly inhibited by water and sulfur dioxide and experienced fast deactivation in the simulated mixture containing all the gases. selleck inhibitor Bulk sulfate phases were detected by X-ray diffraction in the used perovskite and hexaaluminate, revealing insufficient chemical stability in the presence of sulfur and discouraging installation in the freeboard of the combustor. In great contrast, the activity of steam-activated FeZSM-5 in the model and simulated mixtures was comparable, rendering very stable performance during 30 h on stream. The unique tolerance of this iron zeolite to the complex combination

of feed components makes it prone to implementation after the cyclone of FBCs, where temperatures are typically 800-1100 K. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“The amikacin-fosfomycin inhalation system (AFIS) GSI-IX cost is a combination of 2 antibiotics and an in-line nebulizer delivery system that is being developed for adjunctive treatment of pneumonia caused by Gram-negative organisms in patients on mechanical ventilation. AFIS consists of a combination of amikacin and fosfomycin solutions at a 5:2 ratio (amikacin, 3 ml at 100 mg/ml; fosfomycin,

3 ml at 40 mg/ml) and the PARI Investigational eFlow Inline System. In this antibiotic potentiation study, the antimicrobial activities of amikacin and fosfomycin, alone and in a 5:2 combination, were STA-9090 datasheet assessed against 62 Gram-negative pathogens from a worldwide antimicrobial surveillance collection (SENTRY). The amikacin MICs for 62 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were bigger than = 32 mu g/ml (intermediate or resistant according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute [CLSI]; resistant according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing [EUCAST]). Each isolate was tested against amikacin (0.25 to 1,024 mu g/ml), fosfomycin (0.1 to 409.6 mu g/ml), and amikacin-fosfomycin (at a 5:2 ratio) using CLSI reference agar dilution methods. The median MIC values for amikacin and fosfomycin against the 62 isolates each decreased 2-fold with the amikacin-fosfomycin (5:2) combination from that with either antibiotic alone.

\n\nThe Jena Diversity model (JeDi) simulates

plant survival according to essential plant functional trade-offs, including ecophysiological processes such as water uptake, photosynthesis, allocation, reproduction and phenology. We use JeDi to quantify changes in plant functional richness and biome shifts between present-day and a range of possible future climates from two SRES emission scenarios (A2 and B1) and seven global climate models using metrics of plant functional richness and functional identity.\n\nOur results show (i) a significant loss of plant functional richness in the tropics, (ii) an increase in plant functional richness at mid and high latitudes, and (iii) a pole-ward shift of biomes. While these results are consistent with the findings of empirical approaches, we are able to explain them in terms of the plant functional trade-offs involved in the allocation, metabolic and reproduction strategies of plants.\n\nWe LCL161 conclude that general aspects of plant physiological tolerances can be derived from functional trade-offs, which may provide a useful process-and trait-based alternative to bioclimatic relationships. Such a mechanistic approach may be particularly relevant when addressing vegetation responses to climatic changes that encounter novel combinations of climate parameters that do not exist under contemporary climate.”
“Objective:

To compare combined intrastromal learn more corneal ring segment implantation with same-day ultraviolet-A/riboflavin corneal collagen cross-linking (ICRS-CXL) versus ICRS implantation alone in patients with corneal ectasia.

Design: Retrospective comparative study. Participants: Sixty-six eyes from 54 patients with corneal ectasia were included in the study. The groups were composed of 32 eyes from 27 patients and 34 eyes from 27 patients for the ICRS-CXL and ICRS groups, respectively. Methods: We reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent these procedures from November 2008 to February 2011 for preoperative and for up to 1 year postoperative uncorrected (UDVA) and best corrected distance visual acuity (BDVA), refraction, topographical analysis (mean and steepest keratometry [K]), as well as root mean-square (RMS) of higher-order aberrations (HOAs). Results: Overall, a significant Epoxomicin improvement was seen in both groups for UDVA, BDVA, sphere, cylinder, mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRS E), mean and steepest K, coma, spherical and total HOA at 12 months. Trefoil did not improve, and higher-order astigmatism worsened in the ICRS group (p = 0.0466). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups for visual acuity, sphere, cylinder, coma, trefoil, and spherical HOA. Outcomes were significantly more improved in the ICRS group for MRSE (p = 0.0082), mean K (p = 0.0021), steepest K (p = 0.0152), and total HOAs (p = 0.0208). No complications were observed. Conclusions: ICRS-CXL and ICRS alone were both safe and effective in treating corneal ectasia.

Methods: A total of five EBUS FNA cases from five

patients were identified in our records with a discrepancy SB203580 supplier between the rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) and final diagnosis, or that addressed a diagnostic dilemma. All of the cases had histological confirmation or follow-up. The cytomorphology in the direct smears, cell block, and immunohistochemical stains were reviewed, along with the clinical history and other available information. Results: Two cases were identified with a nondefinitive diagnosis at ROSE that were later diagnosed as malignant (metastatic signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC)) on the final cytological diagnosis. Three additional cases were identified Liproxstatin-1 solubility dmso with a ROSE and final diagnosis of malignant (large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and two squamous cell carcinomas), but raised important diagnostic dilemmas. These cases highlight the importance of recognizing discohesive malignant cells and bland neoplasms on EBUS FNA, which may lead to a negative

or a nondefinitive preliminary diagnosis. Neuroendocrine tumors can also be difficult due to the wide range of entities in the differential diagnosis, including benign lymphocytes, lymphomas, small and nonsmall cell carcinomas, and the lack of immunohistochemical stains at the time of ROSE. Finally, the background material in EBUS FNAs may be misleading and unrelated to the cells of interest. Conclusions: This study illustrates the cytomorphology of five EBUS FNA cases that address some of the diagnostic challenges witnessed while examining these specimens during ROSE. Many learn more of the difficulties faced can be attributed to the baseline cellularity of the aspirates, the bronchial contamination, the difficulty identifying neoplasms with bland cytology, the wide spectrum of diseases that

can occur in the mediastinum with overlapping cytomorphologic features, the mismatch between the background material and the cell populations present, and the overall unfamiliarity with these types of specimens.”
“Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common oral mucosal disease that affects middle age patients. However, there are few reports about the incidence of OLP in different ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of OLP in Thai and Croatian patients. Retrospective data were taken from medical records of 175 patients referred to the Oral Medicine Department of Chulalongkorn University and 175 patients referred to the School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb during the 19972007 period. In all patients the diagnosis of OLP was clinically and histopathologically confirmed. In Thai and Croatian OLP patients, females were predominant (the female to male ratio was 3:5:1).

The randomization code is then broken, the correct interpretation chosen, and the manuscript finalized. Review of the document by an external authority before finalization can provide another safeguard against interpretation bias. Results: We found the blinded preparation of a summary of data interpretation described in this article practical, efficient, and useful. Conclusions: Blinded data interpretation may decrease the frequency S63845 datasheet of misleading data interpretation. Widespread adoption of blinded data interpretation would be greatly facilitated were it added to the minimum set of recommendations outlining proper

conduct of randomized controlled trials (eg, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement). (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of low-dose whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) with tumor bed boost after methotrexate-based

chemotherapy in the management of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed 64 patients with pathologically proven PCNSL between 2000 and 2011. Methotrexate-based chemotherapy with a median of five cycles was followed by radiotherapy to the whole brain and to the initial tumor bed. The median dose to the whole brain and to the tumor bed was 27 Gy (range, 18 to 36 Gy) and 50.4 Gy (range, 45 to 54 Gy), respectively. Results With a median follow-up period of 27 months, 55 patients (85.9%) achieved find more complete response (CR). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 52.6% and 39.3%, respectively. In univariate analysis, factors associated with OS were age, performance status, involvement of deep structure, and CR to sequential chemoradiotherapy (CRT). These variables remained as significant factors for OS in multivariate analysis.

CR to sequential CRT was the only positive factor associated with PFS (p=0.009). Neurologic toxicity was more common in elderly patients older than 60 years (p=0.025). Conclusion Low-dose WBRT with tumor bed boost after methotrexate-based chemotherapy might be an effective method for management of PCNSL.”
“1. Why animals mate multiple times, learn more owing to the lack of immediate fitness benefits, presents an intriguing problem for evolutionary biologists. Yet, the profusion of this behaviour suggests it must be maintained by natural selection via increased performance. 2. The possible benefits of multiple mating using the leaf beetles Ophraella communaLeSage, the biological control agent of the invasive common ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifoliaL., were studied and the fitness consequences of single, twice, three, four, and unrestricted mating events were assessed. 3. Overall, it was observed that the number of copulation events was positively associated with fitness parameters of the insects.