Ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths of southern flying squirrels in southeast Georgia.

Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) from southeastern Georgia were examined for ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths. Ten species of ectoparasites were recovered, including 3 species of sucking lice (Hoplopleura trispinosa, Microphthirus uncinatus, and Neohaematopinus sciuropteri), 1 species of flea (Orchopeas howardi), 2 species of ticks (Amblyomma maculatum and Ixodes scapularis), 3 species of mesostigmatid mites (Androlaelaps casalis, A. fahrenholzi, and Haemogamasus ambulans), and 1 species of chigger (Leptotrombidium peromysci). Only the sucking lice and fleas were common on this host. M. uncinatus is reported for the first time from eastern North America. The 2 most commonly collected ectoparasites, N. sciuropteri (prevalence = 63%) and O. howardi (prevalence = 47%), have previously been shown to be vectors of the rickettsial zoonotic agent that causes sporadic epidemic typhus. Also, 3 nematodes (Citellinema bifurcatum, Strongyloides robusius, and Syphacia thompsoni), 1 unidentified cestode, and 1 acanthocephalan (Moniliformis clarki) were found in flying squirrel gastrointestinal tracts. With the exception of S. thompsoni, which was common and relatively abundant in the cecum (prevalence = 94%, intensity = 51+/-12), both the prevalence and intensity of helminth parasites were low. The nematode S. thompsoni and the acanthocephalan M. clarki are new state records for tree squirrels in Georgia.

Maltodextrin preloads reduce food intake without altering the appetiser effect.

The effects of consumption of a soup preload with added maltodextrin, relative to a no-maltodextrin control soup matched for sensory properties, on intake and the pattern of changes in rated hunger and fullness during lunch were investigated in 24 male volunteers. Preloads were consumed 30 min before lunch and condition-order counterbalanced. Intake at lunch was reduced significantly by 77 g (407 kJ) after the maltodextrin preload, and this reduced intake was associated with a significant reduction in eating rate but not meal duration. Hunger ratings were significantly lower, and fullness ratings significantly higher, at the start of lunch after the maltodextrin compared with control preload. However, the pattern of changes in subjective appetite once eating had started (assessed by analyzing best-fit quadratic functions between rated appetite and actual intake) did not differ between preloads. Neither the rated pleasantness of the lunch food at the start of the test meal nor the pattern of change in pleasantness across the meal differed between preloads. These results imply that the effect of maltodextrin preloads on appetite is to reduce the general desire to eat, and possible mechanisms for this effect are discussed.

The employment effects of immigration: a balance sheet approach.

PIP: The impact of immigration on unemployment in Canada is examined for the period 1983-1985. The authors attempt to construct a balance sheet of immigration in terms of labor supply and demand. They conclude that immigrants create more jobs than they fill, and that their net effect on the employment situation is positive. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA)^ieng