bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating elephant densities from wells and droppings in dried out riverbeds
Authors: Rasmussen Henrik Barner , Kahindi Onesmas , Vollrath Fritz , Douglas‐Hamilton Iain
Published: January 2006

In this paper, we present a new method for estimating elephant densities by counting elephant wells and dung boli within dry seasonal flooding rivers. A combination of aerial and ground counts of elephant wells and dung boli in the Ewaso Ngiro River were related to elephant numbers, obtained from an on‐going monitoring program of individually identified elephants in Samburu and Buffalo Spring National Reserves, Kenya. The total number of elephant observations was highly correlated with both densities of wells and dung boli at a spatial resolution of 4‐km river‐section. This indicates that both wells and droppings can be used for estimating relative densities at such spatial resolution. The method can be used as a quick and reliable way of estimating relative elephant densities in semiarid regions but is sensitive to differences in the time when different parts of the river dry out and will be unreliable in areas with secondary un‐censused water sources. A short 4‐week period between the river dry out and the count is recommended, because of an error induced by a level of well reuse and the difficulties in counting areas of high well densities from the air.
Estimating larger carnivore numbers from track counts and measurements
Authors: Gusset Markus , Burgener Nicole
Published: January 2006

Knowing the abundance of larger carnivores is critical for their conservation management. However, direct assessment of carnivore numbers is often difficult, expensive and time‐consuming, leaving indirect sampling as a valid and feasible alternative. Indirect census techniques have proved to be cost‐effective, repeatable and objective. We therefore estimated the numbers of six larger carnivore species in a relatively small area in northern South Africa, comparing three indirect sampling methods based on track counts and measurements: (i) a qualitative approach, whereby individuals were subjectively identified by comparing differences in track measurements; (ii) a quantitative approach using the strong linear correlation of track density with carnivore density found in other studies; and (iii) a quantitative approach applying repeated measures analysis of variance and post‐tests to the track measurement data, in order to test statistically for differences in track sets. All three methods provided similar results that appear to be reasonable and which might be an indication of the real number of larger carnivores that occur in the study area. These results support the reliability of indirect estimates of larger carnivore numbers based on tracking data, which is promising for future research and conservation efforts involving these animals.
Status of succulent shrubs in the southern Namib Desert, Succulent Karoo Biome
Authors: Burke Antje
Published: January 2006

The ratio of dead to alive succulent shrubs as an indicator of turnover was investigated to test whether the accepted notion of rapid turnover rates and cyclic succession in the Succulent Karoo Biome are applicable in the southern Namib. Based on counts of dead and alive plants, twelve species in two habitat types were investigated. These short‐term data which could not incorporate recruitment rates or changes over time, generated, however, some hypotheses. (i) Rapid turnover rates are likely not supported by all succulent plants at the Succulent Karoo Biome's northern boundary. With the exception of one species, mortality rates in succulent shrubs across a range of plant functional types were lower than reported in other parts of the biome. (ii) Sand plains appeared to support some transient species, indicating that there may be differences in vegetation dynamics between habitats. (iii) Species of different plant functional types showed no differences in ratio of dead to alive plants related to habitat. These species may have broad ecological tolerance limits and are perhaps less affected by changes in their environment. (iv) Shrubby Mesembryanthemaceae have high turnover rates and hence a short live span in the investigated area, but are longer lived than elsewhere in the Succulent Karoo Biome. As these hypotheses have implications for management and conservation of succulent species in this global biodiversity hotspot, a detailed evaluation of vegetation turnover, balancing mortality versus recruitment, should be investigated over a longer time span.
Oscillations in large mammal populations: are they related to predation or rainfall?
Authors: Ogutu Joseph O. , Owen‐Smith Norman
Published: January 2006

Cyclic population dynamics is relatively common among populations of small mammals in high latitudes but is not yet established among African savanna ungulates. However, oscillations may be expected in large mammal populations subject to quasi‐periodic oscillations in regional rainfall. We evaluated evidence for environmentally entrained oscillations in a large‐mammal predator–prey system in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, where rainfall exhibits quasi‐periodic oscillations. The evaluation is based on analysis of comparative changes in the abundance of twelve ungulate species throughout South Africa's KNP using population counts over the period 1965–1996. We present evidence suggesting that (i) twelve ungulate populations display cyclic variability with half‐periods ranging between 10 and 18 years, (ii) this variability was associated with lagged rainfall between 3 and 10 years back in the past for different ungulate species, and (iii) the ungulate species respond in contrasting ways to rainfall, with some reaching highest abundance during periods of low rainfall and others under conditions of high rainfall. These findings are not consistent with the response pattern we would expect if the population oscillations were driven directly by the rainfall influence on food availability. Instead they seem to be an outcome of predator–prey interactions, which are entrained by the effect of rainfall on habitat conditions affecting the relative susceptibility of the different ungulate species to predation.
The suitability of the degradation gradient method in arid Namibia
Authors: Getzin Stephan
Published: January 2006

The Degradation Gradient Method (DGM) is a sophisticated technique for the assessment of range condition. It applies multivariate analyses of herbaceous species data to detect subtle degrees of overgrazing. The suitability of this multivariate method was tested in the central Highland Savanna of Namibia by comparing its results against a univariate analysis of herbaceous data in a simple but robust Range‐Unit Model. Despite aridity and topographical heterogeneity, the DGM performed unexpectedly well under these conditions. The relative instability of this dry savanna system favoured the applicability of the DGM by promoting a clear grazing gradient. Using species density data only resulted in an incorrect outcome of the multivariate analysis. The sensitivity of the DGM could be improved by combining density and cover data.
Estimating the density of kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) in subtropical thicket using line transect surveys of dung and DISTANCE software
Authors: Ellis Amanda M. , Bernard Richard T. F.
Published: January 2006

Many ecotourism reserves in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa have introduced large carnivores which prey on ungulates such as kudu. Kudu occupy thick vegetation and helicopter‐based counts are not appropriate. In this study we tested line transect counts of faecal pellets in conjunction with DISTANCE analysis as a method for assessing the abundance of kudu. Transects were undertaken in three regions of two game reserves and the results compared with helicopter based game counts (for two regions) and a known kudu population in the third region (an enclosed breeding centre). Estimates of kudu abundance were two to three times greater than the helicopter counts, but within the known number of kudu in the breeding centre. The increased accuracy in the breeding centre was probably because the transects covered a greater percentage of the available habitat (0.07%) than in the reserves (approximately 0.007%). We suggest that DISTANCE software and line transects counts of pellet groups can be used for kudu and probably for other ungulates in thicket‐type vegetations. Accuracy will depend on the percentage of the available habitat that is surveyed and on the accuracy of the defecation and decay rates.
Landscape heterogeneity and the use of space by elephants in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Grainger Matthew , van Aarde Rudi , Whyte Ian
Published: January 2006

Landscape heterogeneity may influence ranging behaviour of mammals. Here we relate the home range size of elephants living in the Kruger National Park to the number of patches, proportion of each patch, spatial arrangement of patches, patch shape, and contrast between neighbouring patches. Home range sizes decreased exponentially with an increase in the number of patches per 100 km2 and the home range sizes of bulls were in general more strongly related to measures of heterogeneity. This may reflect differences in perception of heterogeneity between the sexes.
A telemetry‐based study of bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) home range in Valley Bushveld
Authors: Coates Gregory D. , Downs Colleen T.
Published: January 2006

With the aid of radio‐telemetry, bushbuck home range was investigated to determine total home range size, home range utilization and home range overlap for the summer season. Estimates of total home range size for males using minimum convex polygons (MCPs) and fixed kernels (FKs) were 33.9 and 32.1 ha, respectively. Estimates of total home range size for females using MCPs and FKs were 12.0 and 13.5 ha, respectively. A significant difference between total home range sizes for male and female was found but there was no significant difference for age (adult and subadult). Female bushbuck home range size was compared to that expected from the published allometric relationship for the scaling of home range area on body mass, where the study animals appeared to have home ranges of half of that predicted. Bushbuck typically utilized one core area within their home ranges in which 50% of their time was spent in approximately 17.0% and 11.7% of their total home range for males and females, respectively. A substantial overlap in total home range and core areas between animals was found.
Ecological impact of tobacco farming in miombo woodlands of Urambo District, Tanzania
Authors: Mangora Mwita M.
Published: January 2006

This paper examines the ecological threat of tobacco farming in Urambo District, the leading producer of flue‐cured tobacco in Tanzania with other major producers being Tabora, Iringa and Chunya Districts. Structured interviews were conducted in four villages while 39 Modified‐Whittacker plots were laid in tobacco fallow lands for inventory of woody species to ascertain ecological performance and the impact of tobacco on species diversity, richness and standing stock functions. There was higher than expected species richness with a total of 115 tree and shrub species identified. Tobacco farming showed no significant negative effect on the floristic composition and stem density. However, the significantly reduced biomass and change in vegetation structure illustrate the potential loss in ecological function of the woodlands. Land clearing for tobacco planting account to an annual deforestation of 3.5% while on average a farmer requires 23 m3 of stacked wood only for curing per season which adds another 3% of deforestation. Shifting cultivation is no longer sustainable given the shortened fallow periods of 4 years. Improved barn structures, alternative sources of fuel like coal, tree planting, mixed cropping and cash crops that are environment friendly are recommended for ecological restoration.
Minimum local anaesthetic dose (MLAD) of intrathecal levobupivacaine and ropivacaine for Caesarean section*
Authors: Parpaglioni R. , Frigo M. G. , Lemma A. , Sebastiani M. , Barbati G. , Celleno D.
Published: January 2006

We determined the minimum local anaesthetic dose (MLAD) of spinal levobupivacaine and ropivacaine for Caesarean section. Ninety women were randomly allocated to two groups and received 3 ml of study solution by a combined spinal/epidural technique. The initial dose was 12 mg for levobupivacaine and 17 mg for ropivacaine groups. To be considered effective, a test solution had to achieve a visual analogue pain score (VAPS) of 30 mm or less at skin incision, uterine incision, birth, peritoneal closure, and at the end of surgery. Effective or ineffective responses determined, respectively, a 0.3 mg decrease or increase of the same drug for the next patient in the same group, using up–down sequential allocation. The MLAD of levobupivacaine was 10.58 mg (CI 95%: 10.08–11.09) and the MLAD of ropivacaine 14.22 mg (CI 95%: 13.67–14.77), using the Dixon and Massey formula. The potency ratio between spinal levobupivacaine and spinal ropivacaine was 1.34.
Study of a combined percutaneous local anaesthetic and the TDS® system for venepuncture
Authors: Tucker A. T. , Chik Z. , Michaels L. , Kirby K. , Seed M. P. , Johnston A. , Alam C. A. S.
Published: January 2006

Transdermal Delivery System (TDS®) is a liquid formulation which can be applied to the skin via a metered pump spray to deliver drug across skin. This placebo controlled, double blind trial compared anaesthetic properties of two TDS® systems (TDS®α and TDS®β) with placebo. The active and placebo treatments were applied to the dorsum of the hands, bilaterally and simultaneously for 5 min on 100 healthy volunteers. Following cannulation, pain perception was measured using the verbal rating score (VRS) and visual analogue score (VAS). Lidocaine plasma levels were assessed at 0 and 2 h. The VRS and VAS results show that TDS®β significantly decreased pain score compared to placebo (p < 0.02). Blood lidocaine at 2 h post application was also higher for TDS®β than for TDS®α, suggesting that a 5 min application of TDS®β was effective in delivering local anaesthetic and accelerating the onset of skin anaesthesia prior to venous cannulation in adults.
The effect of gel lubrication on cuff leakage of double lumen tubes during thoracic surgery*
Authors: Sanjay P. S. , Miller S. A. , Corry P. R. , Russell G. N. , Pennefather S. H.
Published: January 2006

High‐volume, low‐pressure tracheal cuffs of disposable double lumen tubes may offer limited protection to the dependent lung if fluid leaks through folds in the inflated cuffs. This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of fluid leakage past the tracheal cuff and whether gel lubrication reduces the incidence. Fifty‐five patients were randomly assigned to receive a double lumen tube with or without gel lubrication. The dependent lung was intubated. With the patient in the lateral position, methylthionium chloride was administered above the tracheal cuff via a pre‐attached catheter. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy was performed to determine if dye had passed the tracheal cuff. Three patients were excluded. Dye leakage was seen in 12/27 and 3/25 patients in the unlubricated and lubricated group, respectively (p = 0.014). Gel lubrication significantly reduces fluid leakage past the tracheal cuff of a double lumen tube and should be considered for all thoracic surgical patients requiring one‐lung ventilation.
A comparison of the Soft Seal™ disposable and the Classic re‐usable laryngeal mask airway*
Authors: Shafik M. T. , Bahlman B. U. , Hall J. E. , Ali M. S.
Published: January 2006

Many new supraglottic airway devices have been recently introduced, their development motivated by the need for a single‐use equivalent to the original re‐usable laryngeal mask airway. We performed a randomised cross‐over study in spontaneously breathing patients comparing the re‐usable Laryngeal Mask Airway‐Classic (LMA™) and the disposable Soft Seal Laryngeal Mask in sizes 3, 4 and 5. Sixty patients had an LMA and a disposable laryngeal mask placed in random order. The primary outcome was first attempt insertion success rate. Ease of insertion was similar in both groups and there was no difference in first attempt success rates (96% with LMA and 92% with disposable laryngeal mask). The disposable laryngeal mask required significantly less air to inflate the cuff to produce a seal (10 [10–25] ml with disposable laryngeal mask and 15 [10–30] ml with laryngeal mask) and the cuff pressure produced was significantly lower (35 [20–80] cmH2O with disposable laryngeal mask and 75 [20–120] cmH2O with LMA). Data are median and range. We conclude that the disposable laryngeal mask is an acceptable alternative to the re‐usable LMA.
Liver enzyme induction and inhibition: implications for anaesthesia
Authors: Sweeney B. P. , Bromilow J.
Published: January 2006

Recent breakthroughs in molecular biology have enabled a reclassification of drug metabolising enzymes based on their amino acid sequence. This has led to a better understanding of drug metabolism and drug interactions. The majority of these drug metabolising enzymes may be either induced or inhibited by drugs or by extraneous substances including foodstuffs, cigarette smoke and environmental pollutants. Virtually all drugs used in anaesthesia are metabolised by either hepatic phase 1 or phase II enzymes. This review considers the classification of drug metabolising enzymes, explains the mechanisms of enzyme induction and inhibition, and also considers how the action of drugs commonly used by anaesthetists, including opioids and neuromuscular blocking drugs, may be altered by this mechanism.
Postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting following paediatric day‐case tonsillectomy
Authors: Ewah B. N. , Robb P. J. , Raw M.
Published: January 2006

More than 30% of all surgical activity for children in England and Wales is accounted for by routine ENT operations. There is known to be a high incidence of postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting following paediatric tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. This prospective study examined the incidence of these complications in 100 children admitted for routine, elective day‐case tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy. The children were anaesthetised in accordance with our standard paediatric day‐case protocol. The incidence of vomiting on the day of surgery was significantly less in the group anaesthetised in accordance with the protocol, compared to those in previously published studies. Postoperative pain was well controlled, with 88% of the children having minimal pain on the day of surgery, and reporting a pain score of 0–2. Modifying the anaesthetic care to a protocol designed to reduce postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting achieved measurable improvements in the recovery of this group following surgery. It has enabled us to evolve from a 100% inpatient stay for these operations to 98% day‐case discharge rate, with minimal post anaesthetic or surgical morbidity. We describe the protocol and discuss the implications of implementing such a protocol for children undergoing these common operations.
Haemodynamic effects of the prone position: a comparison of propofol total intravenous and inhalation anaesthesia
Authors: Sudheer P. S. , Logan S. W. , Ateleanu B. , Hall J. E.
Published: January 2006

The haemodynamic changes of the prone position were investigated in 40 ASA I–II patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. Patients were randomly assigned, following propofol intravenous induction, to receive maintenance of anaesthesia using either isoflurane 1–1.2% in air or target controlled propofol 3 μg.ml−1 infusion. Measurements of non‐invasive blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output were made in the supine position. The patient was then turned prone onto a Montreal pattern mattress and measurements repeated. Cardiac output measurements were made using a non‐invasive cardiac output monitor. We found a significant reduction in cardiac index in both groups and a significantly greater change with propofol compared to isoflurane on turning supine to prone (CI change 0.4 vs 0.7 l.min−1.m−2 p = 0.001 and SVRI change 89 vs 177 dyne.s−1.cm−5, p = 0.041). We conclude that turning healthy patients prone produces a clinically significant reduction in cardiac output, the change being greater during maintenance of anaesthesia using propofol compared to isoflurane.
A comparison of two single dilator percutaneous tracheostomy sets: the Blue Rhino™ and the Ultraperc™
Authors: Patel P. B. , Ferguson C. , Patel A.
Published: January 2006

The single tapered dilator kit is the most commonly used percutaneous tracheostomy set in the UK. The Cook Blue Rhino™ and the Portex Ultraperc™ were compared in the laboratory on mannequin and porcine airway models. The following data were collected: the subjective ease of dilating the trachea and inserting the tracheostomy tube; the time taken and the anterior–posterior compression during dilatation and tube insertion; the incidence and extent of posterior tracheal wall damage. During dilatation, the Blue Rhino™ caused less mean percentage anterior–posterior compression (34.8% vs. 51.5%, p = 0.0014). There was no difference in subjective ease or time for dilatation in either mannequin or porcine airway models. During insertion of the tracheostomy tube, the Ultraperc™ was subjectively easier in the porcine airway model (p = 0.001); had a shorter median insertion time in both the mannequin (3 s vs. 7.2 s, p = 0.0006) and the porcine airway model (4.3 s vs. 8.5 s, p = 0.0005); the mean percentage anterior–posterior compression caused was less in the mannequin (51.5% vs. 76%, p = 0.0008). The overall incidence of posterior wall damage was 65% with 25% having deep lacerations. There was no difference in the incidence of damage between the two sets. The Ultraperc™ therefore has advantages during tracheostomy tube insertion that are statistically and clinically significant. The advantages are probably due to the presence of the tracheostomy tube introducer.
Ruptured splenic artery aneurysm in pregnancy presenting in a manner similar to pulmonary embolus
Authors: Richardson A. J. , Bahlool S. , Knight J.
Published: January 2006

We report a patient, 33 weeks pregnant with twins, who sustained a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm. This presented with left sided chest pain, breathlessness, low oxygen saturations and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes supportive of a diagnosis of massive pulmonary embolus. The diagnosis of splenic artery rupture was made at emergency Caesarean section performed for fetal distress.
Visualisation of needle position using ultrasonography
Authors: Chapman G. A. , Johnson D. , Bodenham A. R.
Published: January 2006

Anaesthetists and intensivists spend a considerable proportion of their working time inserting needles and catheters into patients. In order to access deeper structures like central veins and nerves, they have traditionally relied on surface markings to guide the needle into the correct position. However, patients may present challenges due to anatomical abnormalities and size. Irrespective of the skill of the operator, there is the ever‐present risk of needle misplacement with the potential of damage to structures like arteries, nerve bundles and pleura. Repeated attempts, even if ultimately successful, cause patient suffering and probably increase the risk of infection and other long term complications.

Portable and affordable, high‐resolution ultrasound scanners, has accelerated the interest in the use of ultrasound guidance for interventional procedures. Ultrasound guidance offers several advantages including a greater likelihood of success, fewer complications and less time spent on the procedure. Even if the target structure is identified correctly there is still the challenge to place the needle or other devices in the optimum site. The smaller and deeper the target, the greater the challenge and potential usefulness of ultrasound guidance.

As a result of limited training in the use of ultrasound we believe that many clinicians fail to use it to its full potential. A lack of understanding, with regard to imaging the location of the needle tip remains a major obstacle. Needle visualisation and related topics form the basis for this review.
Learnability and discriminability of melodic medical equipment alarms*
Authors: Sanderson P. M. , Wee A. , Lacherez P.
Published: January 2006

Melodic alarms proposed in the IEC 60601‐1‐8 standard for medical electrical equipment were tested for learnability and discriminability. Thirty‐three non‐anaesthetist participants learned the alarms over two sessions of practice, with or without mnemonics suggested in the standard. Fewer than 30% of participants could identify the alarms with 100% accuracy at the end of practice. Confusions persisted between pairs of alarms, especially if mnemonics were used during learning (p = 0.011). Participants responded faster (p < 0.00001) and more accurately (p = 0.002) to medium priority alarms than to high priority alarms, even though they rated the high priority alarms as sounding more urgent (p < 0.00001). Participants with at least 1 year of formal musical training identified the alarms more accurately (p = 0.0002) than musically untrained participants, and found the task easier overall (p < 0.00001). More intensive studies of the IEC 60601‐1‐8 alarms are needed for their effectiveness to be determined.
Pre‐operative detection of valvular heart disease by anaesthetists
Authors: Van Klei W. A. , Kalkman C. J. , Tolsma M. , Rutten C. L. G. , Moons K. G. M.
Published: January 2006

We prospectively estimated the prevalence of heart murmurs in 2522 consecutive adult non‐cardiac surgery patients during pre‐operative evaluation. Factors that contribute to the detection of a heart murmur were identified, and echocardiography was used to evaluate to what extent a murmur reflected presence of valvular heart disease. A cardiac murmur was detected in 106 patients (prevalence 4.2%, 95% CI: 3.5–5.1%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that age and general physical impression were independently associated with detecting a murmur (p‐values < 0.01). In 83 (79%) of the patients with a murmur, an echocardiographic diagnosis was available: 39% had aortic valve abnormalities, 24% had mitral valve regurgitation, 7% had other valvular heart disease and 30% did not have any abnormality. Thus, 58 of the 83 patients had valvular heart disease (positive predictive value using routine cardiac auscultation for diagnosing VHD: 70%, 95% CI: 59–79%). Murmurs in patients younger than 40 years never reflected valvular heart disease. Pre‐operative cardiac auscultation seems only reasonable in patients aged 40 years or older. Subsequent echocardiography in these selected patients is necessary.
The time course of biological and immunochemical allergy states induced by anisakis simplex larvae in rats
Authors: Cho T H , Park H-Y , Cho S , Sohn J , Yoon Y W , Cho J-E , Cho S-W
Published: January 2006

Oral infection by Anisakis simplex third stage larvae (L3) frequently gives rise to an allergic response. To comprehend the allergic and immune responses induced by L3, we investigated the kinetics of specific antibody isotype expression and the time course of biological and immunochemical allergy states using sera prepared from rats orally infected with L3 twice, with an interval of 9 weeks between infections. Biological and immunochemical allergy states were analysed by RBL-2H3 exocytosis and by indirect ELISA for IgE, respectively. The peak IgM at reinfection (RI) was comparable or similar to that at primary infection (PI) both in levels analysed by indirect ELISA and in antigen recognition analysed by Western blot. IgG1 and IgG2a levels were higher and showed accelerated kinetics after RI vs. after PI. However, the level of IgG2b was substantially lower than that of IgG2a. Peak immunochemical and biological allergy states for RI were higher and were reached faster than those for PI. The peak biological allergy state was observed at 1 week postreinfection and this occurred sooner than that for the peak immunochemical allergy state found at 2 weeks postreinfection. Our analysis of the relationship between specific IgE avidity and biological allergy state did not show any meaningful correlation. These results suggest that the allergic response induced by L3 oral infection is predominantly caused by reinfection and that this is accompanied by an elevated IgM level, which further suggests that the biological allergy state might not be related to specific IgE avidity.
Regulation of local and metastatic host-mediated anti-tumour mechanisms byl-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1
Authors: Yamada M , Yanaba K , Hasegawa M , Matsushita Y , Horikawa M , Komura K , Matsushita T , Kawasuji A , Fujita T , Takehara K , Steeber D A , Tedder T F , Sato S
Published: January 2006

Malignant melanoma is often accompanied by a host response of inﬂammatory cell infiltration that is highly regulated by multiple adhesion molecules. To assess the role of adhesion molecules, including l-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), in this process, subcutaneous primary growth and metastasis to the lung of B16 melanoma cells not expressing l-selectin, ICAM-1 or their ligands were examined in mice lacking l-selectin, ICAM-1 or both. Primary subcutaneous growth of B16 melanoma was augmented by loss of l-selectin, ICAM-1 or both, while pulmonary metastasis was enhanced by the loss of l-selectin or combined loss of l-selectin and ICAM-1. In both situations, the combined loss of l-selectin and ICAM-1 exhibited the greatest effect. This enhancement was associated generally with a reduced accumulation of natural killer (NK) cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells and also with a diminished release of interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α but not interleukin (IL)-6. Cytotoxicity against melanoma was not defective by the absence of ICAM-1, l-selectin or both, suggesting that the enhancement of tumour growth and metastasis caused by the loss of adhesion molecules results from an impaired migration of effector cells into the tissue rather than from a suppression of the cytotoxic response. The results indicate that l-selectin and ICAM-1 contribute co-operatively to the anti-tumour reaction by regulating lymphocyte infiltration to the tumour.
Altered naive CD4 and CD8 T cell homeostasis in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: thymicversusperipheral (non-thymic) mechanisms
Authors: Duszczyszyn D A , Beck J D , Antel J , Bar-Or A , Lapierre Y , Gadag V , Haegert D G
Published: January 2006

We have reported previously that naive T cells from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients have T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire shifts, but the basis of these TCR repertoire shifts was uncertain. Here, we questioned whether RRMS patients have altered naive CD4 and CD8 T cell homeostasis by studying homeostatic proliferation and thymic production in RRMS patients and healthy controls. We measured thymic production by quantifying signal joint T cell receptor excision circles (sjTRECs). Both naive T subsets from controls showed an age-associated decrease in sjTRECs, i.e. evidence of progressive thymic involution, but we detected no age-associated decrease in sjTRECs in RRMS patients. Instead, naive CD8 T cells from patients had lower sjTRECs (P = 0·012) and higher Ki-67 proliferation levels (P = 0·04) than controls. Naive CD4 T cell sjTRECs did not differ between patients and controls. However, in RRMS these sjTRECs correlated strongly with CD31, a marker expressed by newly generated CD4 T cells but not by naive CD4 T cells that have undergone homeostatic proliferation. HLA-DR2 positivity correlated negatively with naive CD4 T cell CD31 expression in RRMS (P = 0·002). We conclude in RRMS that naive T subsets have homeostatic abnormalities due probably to peripheral (non-thymic) mechanisms. These abnormalities could have relevance for MS pathogenesis, as naive T cell changes may precede MS onset.
Reduced number of interleukin-12 secreting cells in patients with Lyme borreliosis previously exposed to Anaplasma phagocytophilum
Authors: Jarefors S , Karlsson M , Forsberg P , Eliasson I , Ernerudh J , Ekerfelt C
Published: January 2006

Lyme borreliosis and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis are tick-borne diseases caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, respectively. Infection with A. phagocytophilum has been observed to induce immunosuppression and animal studies suggest that the bacteria might also have prolonged inhibitory effects on immune cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytokine secretion in patients exposed previously to A. phagocytophilum and currently infected with B. burgdorferi compared with patients infected with B. burgdorferi and seronegative for A. phagocytophilum. Eight patients with erythema migrans and antibodies against A. phagocytophilum, 15 patients with erythema migrans and negative A. phagocytophilum serology and 15 non-exposed healthy individuals were included in the study. Blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with Borrelia-antigen and the number of cytokine [interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-12, IL-13 and interferon (IFN)-Î³]-secreting cells was detected by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT). This study shows that patients with a previous exposure to A. phagocytophilum and a current infection with B. burgdorferi have a lower number of Borrelia-specific cells secreting IL-12 compared to Ap seronegative patients infected with B. burgdorferi (P < 0·001), indicating impairment in the ability to mount strong Th1-responses. We suggest that this mirrors a reduced Th1 response caused by A. phagocytophilum which could influence the outcome of the Borrelia infection and, speculatively, may also have implications in other conditions.
Circulating dendritic cells and interferon-α production in patients with tuberculosis: correlation with clinical outcome and treatment response
Authors: Lichtner M , Rossi R , Mengoni F , Vignoli S , Colacchia B , Massetti A P , Kamga I , Hosmalin A , Vullo V , Mastroianni C M
Published: January 2006

Dendritic cells (DC) have been characterized recently as having an important role in the initiation and control of immunological response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Blood DC have been subdivided into myeloid (mDC) and plasmacytoid (pDC) subsets, on the basis of differences in phenotype markers and function. Little is known about the enumeration and functional evaluation of circulating DC in patients with tuberculosis and their correlation with clinical outcome during the course of anti-tuberculous treatment. We assessed circulating mDC and pDC counts measured by a newly developed single-platform flow cytometric assay based on TruCOUNT, as well as the production of interferon (IFN)-α after in vitro stimulation by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) in 24 patients with active tuberculosis (TB) and 37 healthy donors. Absolute numbers of both DC subsets were decreased significantly in patients with active TB compared to controls. Similarly, the production of IFN-α was highly impaired. In 13 patients these parameters were assessed longitudinally, before and after the specific anti-microbial treatment. Most interestingly, in all nine patients with successful anti-tuberculous therapy there was a significant and marked increase of pDC counts and IFN-α production. In contrast, no significant longitudinal variations in DC counts and IFN-α production were observed in four patients with lack of response to specific treatment. In conclusion, active TB is associated with a defect in blood DC numbers and IFN-α production that is restored after bacterial clearance and clinical improvement, as a result of effective anti-tuberculous treatment.
Genetic and functional interaction between Ryh1 and Ypt3: two Rab GTPases that function in S. pombe secretory pathway
Authors: He Yi , Sugiura Reiko , Ma Yan , Kita Ayako , Deng Lu , Takegawa Kaoru , Matsuoka Ken , Shuntoh Hisato , Kuno Takayoshi
Published: January 2006

We have previously isolated ypt3‐i5 mutant and showed that Ypt3 GTPase functions in the fission yeast secretory pathway. Here, the same genetic screen led to the isolation of ryh1‐i6, a mutant allele of the ryh1+ gene encoding a homolog of Rab6. The ryh1‐i6 mutant showed phenotypes that support its role in retrograde traffic from endosome to the Golgi. Interestingly, ryh1+ gene deletion was synthetically lethal with ypt3‐i5 mutation. Consistently, the over‐expression of the GDP‐conformational mutant, Ryh1T25 N, inhibited the growth of ypt3‐i5 mutant but had no effect on that of wild‐type cells. Furthermore, the over‐expression of the Ryh1T25N mutant inhibited the acid phosphatase glycosylation and exacerbated the cell wall integrity of ypt3‐i5 mutant, but had no effect on those of wild‐type cells. GFP‐Ryh1 and GFP‐Ypt3 both localized at the Golgi/endosome, but showed distinct subcellular localizations. The localization of GFP‐Ryh1 in ypt3‐i5 mutant and that of GFP‐Ypt3 in ryh1‐i6 mutant were distinct from those in wild‐type cells. In addition, Ryh1 as well as Ypt3 were shown to be involved in acid phosphatase secretion. These results suggest that Ryh1 is involved in the secretory pathway and may have a potential overlapping function with Ypt3 in addition to its role in recycling.
The objective assessment of international collaboration between pathology laboratories
Authors: Holliman R. E. , Johnson J. D. , Adjei O.
Published: January 2006

Collaboration between clinical laboratories in different countries is widespread but rarely subject to critical analysis. We developed a management tool for assessing the quality of an international pathology laboratory collaboration. Key areas of activity were identified and relevant performance indicators were established. There was no evidence of improved staff morale arising from the project but research, education, equipment, protocols and ethics activities all had demonstrable outputs. Identification of suboptimal performance in areas of the project allowed effective improvement planning. International collaboration may consume significant resources. Objective assessment should be used to measure performance and to enhance quality.
Attributed disability: a spot of local difficulty
Authors: Peat George
Published: January 2006

There has been an exponential growth of publications relating to the development and application of health measurement instruments. Condition‐specific measures have formed a large part of this trend. This article questions the rationale behind the concept of condition‐specific disability, a common domain in such measures, taking musculoskeletal medicine as an example. It argues that physical functions are seldom unique to a specific condition and that measurement specificity therefore relies on attributing functional consequences to the health condition of interest. The presence of multi‐morbidity (musculoskeletal and non‐musculoskeletal), and the influence of personal and environmental factors, pose problems for attribution that have seldom been empirically investigated. Furthermore, attributing disability to a specific health condition of interest potentially limits insights into important interventions such as managing co‐morbid interactions and targeting barriers in the physical, social, and attitudinal environment. Efforts to identify regionally relevant item content and to measure participation in daily life are a step in the right direction. Attribution is not needed for either.
A systematic review on communicating with patients about evidence
Authors: Trevena Lyndal J , Heather M Davey BPsych (Hons) MPH (Hons)  , Barratt Alexandra , Butow Phyllis , Caldwell Patrina
Published: January 2006

Objective  To conduct a systematic search for (1) the effectiveness of evidence‐based communication tools to increase patient understanding of evidence, (2) effective formats for representing probabilistic information and (3) effective strategies for eliciting patient preferences about evidence. A case scenario is used to illustrate some of the difficulties of putting these results into practice. 

 Data sources  Systematic search of The Cochrane Library, Medline, Psychinfo, Embase and Cancerlit.

Review methods  Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and high quality RCTs were included. Studies were excluded if they did not address the question, were focused on behavioural outcomes without attempting to increase understanding, were concerned with counselling as a therapeutic intervention, or were specific to communication regarding clinical trial participation. 

 Results  We found 10 systematic reviews of RCTs and 30 additional RCTs addressing our questions. Communication tools in most formats (verbal, written, video, provider‐delivered, computer‐based) will increase patients’ understanding but are more likely to do so if structured, tailored and/or interactive. Probabilistic information is best represented as event rates (natural frequencies) in relevant groups of people, rather than words, probabilities or summarized as effect measures such as relative risk reduction. Illustrations such as cartoons, or graphs (vertical bar charts) appear to aid understanding. Values clarification exercises may be better than standard utility techniques for eliciting preferences in individual decision making. Looking for effective evidence‐based communication tools for prostatic specific antigen testing highlighted the challenges for clinicians and consumers in accessing tools that are evidence‐based in design as well as content.

Conclusion  There is an increasing body of evidence supporting the design of effective evidence‐based communication tools but variable access to such tools in practice.
A comparison of multivariable regression models to analyse cost data
Authors: Dodd Susanna , Bassi Asish , Bodger Keith , Williamson Paula
Published: January 2006

Rationale, aims and objectives  Analysis of cost data is important in providing reliable information to aid budgeting decisions. Certain features of cost data, such as its typically highly skewed distribution and the need to estimate arithmetic mean costs in order to allow inferences to be made on total costs, make it difficult to analyse. Multivariable regression analysis is useful for estimating the influence of explanatory variables on cost in order to predict costs of future patients and allows for the control of variables which influence cost but whose distributions differ between comparison groups. This is especially important in the case of observational studies, where there may be no control over the balance of characteristics between the comparison groups.

Method  This paper compares the appropriateness of various multivariable models of cost data by examining regression diagnostics, using as an example data collected on costs incurred in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The models compared are normal and bootstrapped multiple linear regression, median regression, gamma model with the log link and normal linear regression (NLR) of log costs.

Results  Gamma modelling with the log link was found to be the most suitable model.

Conclusions  Bootstrapping was found to make very little difference to conclusions from the NLR model.
Inorganic carbon acquisition in red tide dinoflagellates
Authors: ROST BJÖRN , RICHTER KLAUS‐UWE , RIEBESELL ULF , HANSEN PER JUEL
Published: January 2006

Carbon acquisition was investigated in three marine bloom‐forming dinoflagellates –Prorocentrum minimum, Heterocapsa triquetra and Ceratium lineatum. In vivo activities of extracellular and intracellular carbonic anhydrase (CA), photosynthetic O2 evolution, CO2 and HCO3– uptake rates were measured by membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) in cells acclimated to low pH (8.0) and high pH (8.5 or 9.1). A second approach used short‐term 14C‐disequilibrium incubations to estimate the carbon source utilized by the cells. All three species showed negligible extracellular CA (eCA) activity in cells acclimated to low pH and only slightly higher activity when acclimated to high pH. Intracellular CA (iCA) activity was present in all three species, but it increased only in P. minimum with increasing pH. Half‐saturation concentrations (K1/2) for photosynthetic O2 evolution were low compared to ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) kinetics. Moreover, apparent affinities for inorganic carbon (Ci) increased with increasing pH in the acclimation, indicating the operation of an efficient CO2 concentration mechanism (CCM) in these dinoflagellates. Rates of CO2 uptake were comparably low and could not support the observed rates of photosynthesis. Consequently, rates of HCO3– uptake were high in the investigated species, contributing more than 80% of the photosynthetic carbon fixation. The affinity for HCO3– and maximum uptake rates increased under higher pH. The strong preference for HCO3– was also confirmed by the 14C‐disequilibrium technique. Modes of carbon acquisition were consistent with the 13C‐fractionation pattern observed and indicated a strong species‐specific difference in leakage. These results suggest that photosynthesis in marine dinoflagellates is not limited by Ci even at high pH, which may occur during red tides in coastal waters.
Evaluation of carrot resistance to alternaria leaf blight in controlled environments
Authors: Pawelec A. , Dubourg C. , Briard M.
Published: January 2006

The objective of this study was to find a technique for plant resistance screening to alternaria leaf blight (ALB), caused by the fungus Alternaria dauci, in controlled environments. Glasshouse and laboratory screening methods were compared using three cultivars and F2 genotypes segregating for ALB resistance evaluated against self‐pollinated F3 field‐grown plants. Plant disease was assessed through a disease index obtained from the size and number of symptoms on carrot leaves. The results indicated the value of glasshouse evaluation and the inadequacy of detached leaf and hypocotyl assays for carrot screening for ALB resistance. Spearman's rank correlation, applied to results obtained with both F2 plants and their progeny, indicated that the optimal evaluation stage for ALB resistance in carrot is 20 days after inoculation. This test was powerful enough to be used as a prescreening test in breeding programmes.
Growth and movement of secondary plasmodia of Plasmodiophora brassicae in turnip suspension‐culture cells
Authors: Asano T. , Kageyama K.
Published: January 2006

Growth of secondary plasmodia of the clubroot pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae was studied in dual culture of P. brassicae and turnip suspension cells. Suspension culture of P. brassicae‐infected turnip cells was achieved by using P. brassicae‐infected callus in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0·1 mg 2,4‐D L−1 and 0·02 mg kinetin L−1. The shape of secondary plasmodia in suspension cells was spherical‐to‐subspherical. A few young plasmodia divided and became numerous spherical, small plasmodia which eventually formed a plasmodial cluster. The plasmodia fused and became vegetative plasmodia. Infected cells were significantly larger than noninfected cells. Secondary plasmodia moved within transformed turnip suspension host cells by cytoplasmic streaming of the host cells. Secondary plasmodia divided in synchrony with the transformed turnip cells.
Three cases of immune‐mediated adnexal skin disease treated with cyclosporin
Authors: NOLI CHIARA , TOMA STEFANO
Published: January 2006

Abstract Cyclosporin is currently considered a new and interesting drug in veterinary dermatology for the treatment of immune‐mediated skin diseases, and a safe and effective alternative to immunosuppressive therapy with glucocorticoids. The authors report a case of granulomatous folliculitis and furunculosis and of sebaceous adenitis in two cats and a case of alopecia areata in a dog, successfully controlled with cyclosporin.