bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex interactions of light, nutrients and consumer density in a stream periphyton–grazer (tailed frog tadpoles) system
Authors: MALLORY MICHELINE A. , RICHARDSON JOHN S.
Published: November 2005

Consumer–resource interactions may be modified by complex environmental interactions. We experimentally manipulated light, nutrients, consumer density (tailed frog tadpoles − Ascaphus truei), and enclosure sizes in two small and steep streams of coastal British Columbia, Canada. We used flow‐through, screened enclosures in situ as experimental units and measured the responses of algae (as chlorophyll a), periphyton (ash‐free dry mass) and growth rates of tailed frog tadpoles using a factorial model design.

Light exerted a strong, positive effect on algae and periphyton production with 30–40% higher biomass over shaded treatments, and a 14% higher relative growth rate of tadpoles. Nutrient additions had little to no effect on any measure, alone or in interaction with other factors. Tadpole growth, algae and periphyton standing crop were significantly reduced along a gradient of increasing consumer density. Enclosure size had a large effect on all three measures.

Algae and periphyton production were under simultaneous top‐down (tadpole grazing) and bottom‐up control (light); however, the relative importance of these effects was stream‐dependent. At Klondike Creek algae and periphyton production was influenced primarily by grazing, and by light levels at Dipper Creek.

Mean growth rate of tadpoles was on average 45% higher at Klondike Creek than at Dipper Creek. Most of the effects of the abiotic treatments and consumer density interacted statistically with stream identity, despite these streams being very similar and < 6 km apart. The strong effect of stream on the outcomes may be a consequence of large temperature differences.

This study demonstrated that light, consumer density, stream, enclosure size and nutrients alone and in combination affected algae and periphyton production, and grazer growth rate. While the interactions between consumer and resources were tightly coupled, the relative importance of the driving factors varied significantly between nearby streams.
Helping enhances multiple components of reproductive success in the cooperatively breeding apostlebird
Authors: WOXVOLD IAIN A. , MAGRATH MICHAEL J. L.
Published: November 2005

We examined the influence of helpers on reproductive success in the apostlebird using data gathered over three breeding seasons (116 nests, 34 breeding groups). Initially, annual productivity and individual components of reproductive success were examined in relation to group size (two to 17 birds). The effect of helping per se was then examined in a reduced data set by comparing (a) the predictive power of group size and actual helper numbers, and/or (b) the productivity of groups that changed in size between nests or seasons.

Group size was positively and linearly related to annual fledgling production and the number of offspring that survived to the following season. This was attributed to the presence of helpers, as the number of birds that fed nestlings, but not group size, was significantly related to annual fledging success. Neither group size nor helper number influenced fledgling survival over the subsequent winter.

The probability of re‐nesting after a successful first brood increased with group size. Among double‐brooded groups, the interval between nests was inversely related to group size.

Clutch size increased linearly with group size among groups with two to five birds, but was not related to group size among larger groups. A matched comparison of groups that changed size between years further suggests that clutch size was facultatively adjusted to group size, a phenomenon rarely reported in species with non‐breeding helpers.

Hatching success was not related to group size or the number of birds participating in incubation.

The number of birds provisioning the brood was a better predictor of feeding rate per chick than group size, and was significantly and inversely related to the incidence of nestling starvation. However, there was no relationship between group size and fledgling body mass.

Fledging success per brood increased linearly among groups with three to five members. The only case of pair‐breeding was unsuccessful, suggesting that this species is one of only a few birds that may be obligately cooperative.

We found no evidence that helpers influenced the likelihood of nest predation, or the probability of group members surviving to the following season.
Weather packages: finding the right scale and composition of climate in ecology
Authors: STENSETH NILS CHR. , MYSTERUD ATLE
Published: November 2005

Animals are affected by local weather variables such as temperature, rainfall and snow. However, large‐scale climate indices such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) often outperform local weather variables when it comes to explain climate‐related variation in life history traits or animal numbers.

In a recent paper, Hallet et al. (2004, Nature, 430, 71–75) document convincingly why this may happen. In this perspective, we identify from the literature three mechanisms why this is so: (1) the time window; (2) the spatial window; and (3) the weather composition component of climate.

Such an understanding may be used to derive even better ‘weather packages’ than the NAO.
Root herbivore effects on above‐ground herbivore, parasitoid and hyperparasitoid performance via changes in plant quality
Authors: SOLER ROXINA , BEZEMER T. MARTIJN , VAN DER PUTTEN WIM H. , VET LOUISE E. M. , HARVEY JEFFREY A.
Published: November 2005

Plants and insects are part of a complex multitrophic environment, in which they closely interact. However, most of the studies have been focused mainly on bi‐tritrophic above‐ground subsystems, hindering our understanding of the processes that affect multitrophic interactions in a more realistic framework.

We studied whether root herbivory by the fly Delia radicum can influence the development of the leaf feeder Pieris brassicae, its parasitoid Cotesia glomerata and its hyperparasitoid Lysibia nana, through changes in primary and secondary plant compounds.

In the presence of root herbivory, the development time of the leaf herbivore and the parasitoid significantly increased, and the adult size of the parasitoid and the hyperparasitoid were significantly reduced. The effects were stronger at low root fly densities than at high densities.

Higher glucosinolate (sinigrin) levels were recorded in plants exposed to below‐ground herbivory, suggesting that the reduced performance of the above‐ground insects was via reduced plant quality. Sinigrin contents were highest in plants exposed to low root fly densities, intermediate in plants exposed to high root fly densities and lowest in plants that were not exposed to root herbivory.

Our results show, for the first time, that root herbivory via changes in plant quality can reduce the performance of an above‐ground multitrophic level food chain. This underlines the importance of integrating a broader range of above‐ and below‐ground organisms to facilitate a better understanding of complex multitrophic interactions and interrelationships.
Rapid response of macroinvertebrates to drainage management of shallow connected lakes
Authors: VAN DE MEUTTER FRANK , STOKS ROBBY , DE MEESTER LUC
Published: November 2005

Shallow lakes throughout the world are subject to drainage, either for fish harvesting or lake restoration. Lake drainage of fish lakes is known to improve macrophyte and zooplankton diversity, but the effect on the macroinvertebrate community is poorly known.

In the present study, we investigated temporal trends in the macroinvertebrate community following drainage of six shallow connected lakes. Diversity increased for all macroinvertebrates (family level). Recolonization of the lakes occurred within the first year after the drainage and was supplemented with a set of species that were previously rare or did not occur in the lakes. Changes in the abiotic conditions of the lakes were small and transient, except for the decline in fish. The rapid recolonization by the species occurring before drainage is attributed to the high connectivity of our system. The appearance of supplementary species may relate to lowered fish predation, suggesting that fish were a dominant factor in shaping the communities.

Synthesis and applications. Lake drainage has a positive effect on the diversity and richness of macroinvertebrates in shallow connected lakes. This positive effect may be due to a decline in fish predation following lake drainage in combination with a high rate of recolonization among others via connections to non‐drained lakes. Lake drainage, therefore, is probably the most cost‐effective lake restoration tool in shallow connected lakes. Other restoration tools may be preferable in isolated lakes where recolonization is constrained.
Fully automated intensity compensation for confocal microscopic images
Authors: WU H.‐X. , JI L.
Published: November 2005

One well‐recognized problem in three‐dimensional (3D) confocal microscopic images is that the intensities in deeper slices are generally weaker than those in shallower slices. The loss of intensity with depth hampers both qualitative observation and quantitative measurement of specimens. Two major types of methods exist to compensate for this intensity loss: the first is based on the geometrical optics inside the specimen, and the second applies an empirical parametric intensity decay function (IDF) of depth. A common feature shared by both methods is that they are parameter‐dependent. However, for the optics‐based method there are as yet no fully automated parameter‐setting approaches; and for the IDF method the traditional profile‐fitting approach cannot provide proper parameters if the presumed IDF model does not match the experimental intensity–depth profile of the 3D image. In this paper, we propose a novel maximum‐entropy (ME) approach to fully automated parameter‐setting. In principle the ME approach is suitable for any compensation method as long as it is parameter‐dependent. The basic assumption is that without intensity loss an ideal 3D image should be generally homogeneous with respect to depth and this axial homogeneity can be represented by the entropy of a normalized intensity–depth profile. Experiments on real confocal images showed that such a profile was consistent with visual evaluation of axial intensity homogeneity and that the ME approach could provide proper parameters for both compensation methods mentioned above. Moreover, for the IDF method, experiments on both real and simulated data showed that the ME approach could provide more precise parameters than with traditional profile‐fitting. The Appendix provides a proof that under certain conditions the global maximization of the profile‐entropy is guaranteed.
In vivo assessment of emphysema in mice by high resolution X‐ray microtomography
Authors: POSTNOV A. A. , MEURRENS K. , WEILER H. , VAN DYCK D. , XU H. , TERPSTRA P. , DE CLERCK N. M.
Published: November 2005

High resolution X‐ray microtomography (micro‐CT) was used for the detection of emphysema in live mice. Emphysema was induced in C57BL/6 J mice by intratracheal instillation of different amounts of porcine pancreatic elastase. This emphysema could be clearly detected by micro‐CT seven weeks post‐treatment: analysis of the whole data set of virtual cross‐sections showed the presence of a dose‐dependent level of emphysema.
Genotypic difference in canopy diffusive conductance measured by a new remote‐sensing method and its association with the difference in rice yield potential
Authors: HORIE TAKESHI , MATSUURA SHOJI , TAKAI TOSHIYUKI , KUWASAKI KOUHEI , OHSUMI AKIHIRO , SHIRAIWA TATSUHIKO
Published: November 2005

There have been few practical ways of measuring physiological determinants of rice yield. Rapid evaluation of yield determination traits may expedite breeding of high‐yielding rice. Here, we report a new remote‐sensing technique for the evaluation of canopy ecophysiological status under field conditions developed based on simultaneous measurements of sunlit and suddenly shaded canopy temperatures. This technique has the advantage of instantaneous estimation of aerodynamic resistance (ra) and canopy diffusive resistance (rc) without measuring wind velocity. Canopy diffusive conductance (1 / rc) estimated by the remote sensing method was closely related to leaf stomatal conductance (gs) measured with a portable gas exchange system. This result supported the validity of this new method for quantitative estimation of canopy physiological characteristics. Significant genotypic differences were obtained in canopy–air temperature difference (Tc − Ta), rc and 1 / rc during the 2‐week period preceding full heading for two years, and 1 / rc was highly correlated with crop growth rate (CGR), which was closely related to the final yield. These results suggest that 1 / rc can be an effective criterion for the selection of high‐yielding rice genotypes, and the remote sensing technique proposed here can be a powerful tool for the rapid evaluation of 1 / rc under field conditions.
Fungi in decayed roots of conifer seedlings in forest nurseries, afforested clear‐cuts and abandoned farmland
Authors: Menkis A. , Vasiliauskas R. , Taylor A. F. S. , Stenström E. , Stenlid J. , Finlay R.
Published: November 2005

Fungi colonizing decayed roots of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies seedlings were assessed by pure‐culture isolation and direct sequencing of DNA extracted from roots collected from three environments: bare‐root forest nurseries; afforested clear‐cuts; and abandoned farmland. Pure‐culture isolation from 1500 roots collected from 480 seedlings (240 of each tree species) yielded 1110 isolates which, based on mycelial morphology and ITS rDNA sequencing, were found to represent 87 distinct taxa. Direct ITS rDNA sequencing from decayed sections of 140 roots (70 of each tree species) yielded 160 sequences representing 58 taxa. Direct sequencing revealed a significantly higher fungal diversity per root segment than pure‐culture isolation. Overall, a total of 131 taxa were found, 92 of which (70·2%) were identified at least to genus level. Only 14 taxa (10·7%) were detected by both methods, while 73 (55·7%) were detected exclusively by isolation and 44 (33·6%), exclusively by sequencing. The pathogens Fusarium oxysporum (25·6%) and Nectria radicicola (14·9%) were the most common isolates. In contrast, direct sequencing most frequently detected endophyte Phialocephala fortinii (33·1%) and Chalara sp. NS234A2 (10·0%). There were no significant differences in species richness between roots from the different environments, but there was a marked effect on fungal community structure. The results demonstrate that different fungi inhabit decayed roots of conifer seedlings in different environments, and that pure‐culture isolation and direct sequencing are complementary methods that are both necessary for a complete description of the fungal communities colonizing diseased conifer roots.
Identification of tryptase‐ and chymase‐related gene clusters in human mast cells using microarrays
Authors: Dahl C. , Saito H. , Kruhøffer M. , Schiøtz P. O.
Published: November 2005

Tryptase and chymase are the two major granular proteases present in human mast cell (MC)s. We used oligonucleotide microarray to measure the levels of approximately 22 000 transcripts in cord blood‐derived MCs at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 18 weeks in culture. Tryptase (TPSB2) was expressed at the highest level among all transcripts and its expression level reached a plateau at 8 weeks. On the other hand, the expression level of chymase (CMAI) doubled every 4–6 weeks. A similar tendency was found at the protein levels with FACS analysis. After filtering the transcripts with MC‐specificity, hierarchical clustering analysis identified 494 and 81 transcripts in the same clusters with tryptase and chymase, respectively. MC‐specific genes, KIT and HDC were found in the tryptase cluster. In the chymase cluster, a critical suppressor for cell senescence, BMI1 and the several related genes were found, suggesting that chymase expression may be closely related to cell senescence/quiescence events.
Growth and gonad production of the sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus in the fucoid bed and algal turf in northern Japan
Authors: Agatsuma Yukio , Nakabayashi Nobuyasu , Miura Nobuaki , Taniguchi Kazuya
Published: November 2005

To clarify the differences in the growth and gonad size of the sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus among algal sere, the study was conducted in June and July, and September 1998 at three fucoid beds in Oga and at three algal turfs in Hachimori, Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. The most rapid growth was observed in a large perennial fucoid bed at the climax stage. Growth in a small perennial Chondrus ocellatus‐dominated bed in algal turfs in the seral stage was then high. The slowest growth was observed in the small perennial Dictyopteris divaricata‐ and Laurencia spp.‐dominated beds which are known to possess chemicals which act as feeding deterrents against the sea urchins. The gonad index (gonad wet weight × 100/body wet weight) at a fucoid bed was high where standing crops exceeded 3 kg·m−2. The gonad index in the Laurencia bed was lower than those at fucoid beds. These results suggest that growth and gonad production are affected by algal sere and differ among species of small perennial algae in the seral stage with or without chemical defense.
Ecological implications of biomass and morphotype variations of bacterioplankton: an example in a coastal zone of the Northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean)
Authors: La Ferla Rosabruna , Leonardi Marcella
Published: November 2005

This study had the objective of quantifying the variability in abundance, cell volume, morphology and C content of a natural bacterioplankton community in a coastal zone of the North Adriatic Sea during two periods (February and June) of two consequent years (1996 and 1997). We used epifluorescence microscopy with Acridine Orange staining procedures and a microphotographic technique. Low variability in bacterial abundance (range 0.3–3.1 × 105 cells ml−1) occurred between summer and winter periods. Conversely, the cell volume and the calculated carbon content changed greatly with warm and cold periods (ranges: 0.015–0.303 μm3 and 5.83–42.17 fg C cell−1, respectively). Elongated bacteria were dominant while coccoid cells prevailed only in February 1997. Biomass showed high variability (range 0.12–10.21 μg C l−1) whilst the abundance did not show noticeable differences among the sampling periods. As a consequence, quantification of bacterial biomass based solely on cell abundance must be considered with caution because the true biomass could depend on variability in cell volumes and morphotypes.
Hydrozoa (Cnidaria) symbiotic with Porifera: a review
Authors: Puce S. , Calcinai B. , Bavestrello G. , Cerrano C. , Gravili C. , Boero F.
Published: November 2005

Many hydroids are symbiotic with other organisms. Sponges, because of their complex canal system and their filter‐feeding activity inducing a continuous water flow, are used by numerous species as either exclusive or facultative substrata. The associated hydroid fauna thriving on or inside sponges shows a wide range of relationships with their hosts. Hydroids may be simply epibiotic on sponges, their stolons running on the host surface. Alternatively, the stolons may grow inside the sponge body, the polyps emerging from the sponge surface, having also the possibility of retraction inside the sponge tissue. Finally, stolons and branches may develop deeply inside the sponge body, producing a skeletal network for sponge growth. This paper reviews the described relationships of hydrozoans symbiotic with sponges and reports new observations.
A new species, Phialophora europaea, causing superficial infections in humans  Eine neue Art, Phialophora europaea, als Erreger oberflächlicher Infektionen beim Menschen
Authors: De Hoog G. S. , Mayser P. , Haase G. , Horré R. , Horrevorts A. M.
Published: November 2005

Summary.  A new species, Phialophora europaea, member of the P. verrucosa complex, is introduced. It is distinguished from existing species by reduced, flaring phialidic collarettes and inability to assimilate melibiose as sole source of carbon. Analysis of ITS1 and 2 rDNA of six strains attributed to the species show it to be clearly individualized. All strains originated from cutaneous and nail infections of humans in North‐western Europe. A key to morphologically similar taxa is provided.
Isolation and characterization of novel testis‐specific genes from mouse pachytene spermatocyte‐enriched cDNA library
Authors: IJIRI TAKASHI W , NAGASE TAKAHIRO , MATSUDA YOICHI
Published: November 2005

Background and Aims:  Isolation and analysis of spermatogenesis‐specific genes provide important information for elucidating the mechanisms of human infertility. The aim of the present study was to suggest an effective strategy for the comprehensive isolation of novel genes associated with spermatogenesis in mice.

Methods:  To isolate novel testis‐specific genes associated with meiosis in mice, we constructed a mouse pachytene spermatocyte‐enriched cDNA library by the centrifugal elutriation method, and sequenced 120 cDNA clones isolated from the cDNA library. A basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) search was carried out on the cDNA clones to find novel genes and then a detailed expression analysis was carried out by Northern blot hybridization and in situ hybridization.

Results:  Of the 120 cDNA clones, 35 clones (29%) were novel and 18 clones (15%) were expressed only in the testis. The expression patterns of seven novel testis‐specific clones were examined on the testis sections. Three clones were expressed in spermatocytes and other germ cells, and two clones were exclusively expressed in spermatocytes. Amino acid sequences of seven novel testis‐specific clones were deduced from their nucleotide sequences, suggesting that two of them contain known functional repeat structures.

Conclusions:  This method provides a powerful strategy to isolate novel testis‐specific genes efficiently. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 231–237)
Analysis of the first genome fragment from the marine sponge‐associated, novel candidate phylum Poribacteria by environmental genomics
Authors: Fieseler Lars , Quaiser Achim , Schleper Christa , Hentschel Ute
Published: November 2005

The novel candidate phylum Poribacteria is specifically associated with several marine demosponge genera. Because no representatives of Poribacteria have been cultivated, an environmental genomic approach was used to gain insights into genomic properties and possibly physiological/functional features of this elusive candidate division. In a large‐insert library harbouring an estimated 1.1 Gb of microbial community DNA from Aplysina aerophoba, a Poribacteria‐positive 16S rRNA gene locus was identified. Sequencing and sequence annotation of the 39 kb size insert revealed 27 open reading frames (ORFs) and two genes for stable RNAs. The fragment exhibited an overall G+C content of 50.5% and a coding density of 86.1%. The 16S rRNA gene was unlinked from a conventional rrn operon. Its flanking regions did not show any synteny to other 16S rRNA encoding loci from microorganisms with unlinked rrn operons. Two of the predicted hypothetical proteins were highly similar to homologues from Rhodopirellula baltica. Furthermore, a novel kind of molybdenum containing oxidoreductase was predicted as well as a series of eight ORFs encoding for unusual transporters, channel or pore forming proteins. This environmental genomics approach provides, for the first time, genomic and, by inference, functional information on the so far uncultivated, sponge‐associated candidate division Poribacteria.
Replicability of dominant bacterial populations after long‐term surfactant‐enrichment in lab‐scale activated sludge
Authors: Lozada Mariana , Figuerola Eva L. M. , Itria Raúl F. , Erijman Leonardo
Published: November 2005

Bacterial communities were examined in replicate lab‐scale activated sludge reactors after a period of several months of enrichment with non‐ionic nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) surfactants. Four sequential batch reactors were fed with synthetic sewage, two of which received additionally NPE. Small subunit rDNA‐derived denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles and 16S rDNA clone libraries were dominated by clones of Gammaproteobacteria class. Sequences of the other codominant rDNA phylotypes observed only in DGGE from NPE‐amended reactors were, respectively, associated with the Group III of the Acidobacteria phylum. Intriguingly, 16S rRNA content from abundant Gammaproteobacteria cells was unexpectedly low. In addition to Acidobacteria, rRNA‐derived DGGE profiles were dominated by members of the order Burkholderiales (of the Betaproteobacteria) and of the genus Sphingomonas (a member of the Alphaproteobacteria). Specific oligonucleotide probes for the selected ribotypes were designed and applied for quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization, confirming their dominance in treated reactors. The parallel abundance of unique phylotypes in replicate reactors implies a distinctive selection of dominant organisms, which are better adapted to specialized niches in the highly selective environment.
Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis of Vibrio cholerae cells entering the viable but non‐culturable state and starvation in response to cold shock
Authors: González‐Escalona Narjol , Fey Axel , Höfle Manfred G. , Espejo Romilio T. , A. Guzmán Carlos
Published: November 2005

We performed a comparative analysis of the Vibrio cholerae strain El Tor 3083 entering the viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state and starvation after incubation in artificial seawater (ASW) at 4 and 15°C respectively. To this end, we determined bacterial culturability and membrane integrity, as well as the cellular levels of 16S rRNA and mRNA for the tuf, rpoS and relA genes, which were assessed by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Q‐RT‐PCR). Bacterial cells entering the VBNC state showed a 154, 5.1 × 103, 24‐ and 23‐fold reduction in the number of copies of 16S rRNA and mRNA for tuf, rpoS and relA, in comparison to exponentially growing cells. The differences were less striking between cells in the VBNC and starvation states. The mRNA for relA was selectively increased in VBNC cells (3.2‐folds), whereas a 3.9‐fold reduction was observed for 16S rRNA. The obtained results confirmed that key activities of the cellular metabolism (i.e. tuf representing protein synthesis, and relA or rpoS stress response) were still detected in bacteria entering the VBNC state and starvation. These data suggest that the new Q‐RT‐PCR methodology, based on the selected RNA targets, could be successfully exploited for the identification (rRNA) of V. cholerae and assessment of its metabolic activity (tuf, rpoS, relA mRNA) in environmental samples.
Prospective study on the management of patients with complicated diverticular disease
Authors: Salem T. A. , Molloy R. G. , O'Dwyer P. J.
Published: November 2005

Introduction  Diverticular disease is a common condition with high morbidity and mortality related to its complications. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive role of acute diverticulitis in the development of further complications from diverticular disease.

Patients and methods  Prospective assessment of all patients with complicated diverticular disease over a 1‐year period in a large teaching hospital was undertaken. All patients had documented evidence of their diagnosis by radiological, endoscopic or histopathological techniques when feasible.

Results  Seventy‐seven patients with complicated diverticular disease were identified. There were 53 females and 24 males with a median age of 74 years (range 30–97 years). Complications included: acute diverticulitis (37), fistula (12), perforation (8), bleeding (7), abscess (7) and stricture (6). Only 8 had two or more previous documented episodes of diverticulitis. Twenty‐five underwent surgery, 3 died (peritonitis 2, abscess1) and 5 had a complication (anastomotic dehiscence 1, adhesive obstruction 1, incisional hernia 2 and pneumonia 1). Three (5%) of 37 patients with acute diverticulitis had two or more admissions but none underwent surgery or developed further complications. CT was performed during acute admission in 14/37 patients with acute diverticulitis. The majority of patients with fistula (9/12), perforation 7/8, bleeding 6/7 and abscess 5/7 had no previous episode of diverticulitis while most patients with stricture (4/6) had previous documented episodes.

Conclusion  In our patient population acute diverticulitis is not a good predictor of the development of further complications from diverticular disease as only a minority of patients with perforation, fistula, abscess and bleeding had previous documented episodes of diverticulitis.
A prospective study of outcome from rubber band ligation of piles
Authors: Longman R. J. , Thomson W. H. F.
Published: November 2005

Objective  With the recent introduction of stapled anopexy it is timely to review the benefits of existing treatment options for piles. This study investigates the effectiveness and safety of rubber band ligation (RBL) of piles in the outpatient setting.

Patients and methods  Two hundred and fifty‐two consecutive patients referred with piles in an 18‐month period were studied prospectively. In those patients deemed suitable for banding of piles, data were collected on symptoms, proctoscopic appearance and degree of piles. Short and long‐term outcome data were recorded for success of treatment and complications.

Results  Of 203 patients considered suitable and who attended for RBL, 176 kept their follow‐up appointment. One hundred and forty‐eight (84%) had been rendered symptom‐free. A third of patients, however, had proctoscopic evidence of persistent piles, whilst in half of those patients with continuing symptoms the anal cushions appeared normal. Six (3%) patients had suffered a complication. Long‐term follow‐up by questionnaire found that 44% of respondents remained asymptomatic at a median of 46 months from banding. Six (5%) of 117 responders to the questionnaire had, though previously normal, suffered a postbanding impairment of continence.

Conclusion  Most patients with piles of any degree can be safely managed by rubber band ligation, but return of symptoms in the long term affects more than half of patients treated.
Cave adaptation in the spider genus Anthrobia (Araneae, Linyphiidae, Erigoninae)
Authors: Miller Jeremy A.
Published: November 2005

The genus AnthrobiaTellkampf, 1844 is revised and expanded to include two epigean species, Anthrobia acuminata (Emerton, 1913) comb. nov., and A. whiteleyae sp. nov., and two troglobites, the type species A. monmouthiaTellkampf, 1844, and A. coylei sp. nov. The female of A. acuminata is described for the first time. All four Anthrobia species were added to a phylogenetic analysis of erigonine genera. Analysis of this matrix results in a single most parsimonious tree (length = 915, CI = 0.23, RI = 0.58; uninformative characters excluded: length = 911, CI = 0.23), which places Anthrobia sister to Diplocentria Hull, 1911. Troglobitic Anthrobia and epigean Anthrobia are both monophyletic. In comparison to the epigean species, troglobitic Anthrobia exhibit the following putative adaptations to cave life: loss of eyes, elongation of the legs, and reduction of the tracheal system. The reliability of phylogenetic results indicating monophyly of cave Anthrobia are discussed in light of the fact that potentially cave adaptive synapomorphies support this relationship.
Phylogenetic relationships of corytophanid lizards (Iguania, Squamata, Reptilia) based on partitioned and total evidence analyses of sperm morphology, gross morphology, and DNA data
Authors: Vieira Gustavo H. C. , Colli Guarino R. , Báo Sônia N.
Published: November 2005

We conducted partitioned and combined Bayesian and parsimony phylogenetic analyses of corytophanid lizards (Iguania) using mtDNA, gross morphology, and sperm ultrastructure data sets. Bayesian and parsimony hypotheses showed little disagreement. The combined analysis, but not any of the partitioned ones, showed strong support for the monophyly of Corytophanidae and its three genera, Basiliscus, Corytophanes, and Laemanctus. Basiliscus is the sister taxon of a well‐supported clade formed by Corytophanes and Laemanctus. The relationships of species within Basiliscus and Corytophanes received weak support, regardless of the method used. We defend those relationships as feasible and open to further testing. Data derived from the ultrastructure of spermatozoa are potentially a good source of characters for systematic inferences of Iguania and its major lineages. A Brooks Parsimony Analysis based on the geographic distributions of corytophanids and the phylogenetic tree obtained from the combined analysis suggested a Central American origin of the group, a recent colonization of northern South America, and the role of epeirogenic uplifts and the formation of lowlands during the late Tertiary in the differentiation of corytophanids.
Evaluation in and of Public‐sector Reform: The Case of Denmark in a Nordic Perspective
Authors: Hansen Hanne Foss
Published: November 2005

The purpose of this article is to shed light on the twinned development of public‐sector reforms and evaluation in Denmark. While there is a substantial literature on both public‐sector reforms and on evaluation, focus has only recently been put on the relations between these phenomena. The case of Denmark has, however, not been included in the international comparison. This article therefore discusses the case of Denmark, comparing it briefly to Finland, Norway and Sweden. The article analyses both ‘evaluation in’ and ‘evaluation of’ public‐sector reform. ‘Evaluation in’ refers to the question to what extent evaluation (in line with other elements such as, e.g. privatization and performance management) has been part of the content of reforms. ‘Evaluation of’ refers to the questions of whether and how reforms themselves have been evaluated. The analysis shows that although the rhetoric of reforms have been similar in the Nordic countries, reform actions and especially the twinned development of reforms and evaluation have differed between the countries.
Over the sea and far away: ways of overcoming some of the difficulties arising in work with adults with learning disabilities living in geographical isolation in the United Kingdom*
Authors: Bell Dorothy M.
Published: November 2005

A case example is used to illustrate ways of adapting service provision for a range of difficulties to suit a person with learning disabilities and also where there may be limited access due to a remote and rural location.
Cognitive‐behaviour formulation for three men with learning disabilities who experience psychosis: how do we make it make sense?
Authors: Kirkland Jamie
Published: November 2005

Cognitive‐behaviour therapy (CBT) is increasingly being used with people with learning disabilities. One of the challenges in working this way is effectively sharing and understanding the formulation of the client's problem. One could argue that only with a shared understanding can there be collaboration between the therapist and the client. By utilizing current theory around CBT for psychosis and CBT for people with learning disabilities a diagram that was understandable to the client was developed to illustrate each formulation. The aim of the paper is to describe a method for engaging in a collaborative approach with three men with psychosis utilizing current thinking in CBT for people with learning disabilities and CBT for psychosis.
A comparison of challenging behaviour in an adult group with Down's syndrome and dementia compared with an adult Down's syndrome group without dementia
Authors: Huxley Adam , Van‐Schaik Paul , Witts Paul
Published: November 2005

This study investigated the frequency and severity of challenging behaviour in adults with Down's syndrome with and without signs of dementia. Care staff were interviewed using the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist‐Community version (M.G. Aman & N.N. Singh, Slosson, East Aurora, NY, 1994), to investigate the frequency and severity of challenging behaviour. Individuals’‘dementia status’ was assessed by using the Dementia Scale for Down's syndrome (Gedye Research and Consulting, Vancouver, 1995). The results showed that the dementia group displayed more frequent and severe forms of challenging behaviour than the nondementia group. The difference in reported levels of challenging behaviour of both groups with the general learning disabilities population was not considered to be clinically significant and levels fell predominantly within the ‘normal range’. The findings of this study suggest that frequent and severe forms of challenging behaviour in adults with Down's syndrome is more likely to be a behavioural symptom associated with the onset of a dementing illness and not due to normal ageing alone.
Microbially driven acidity generation in a tailings lake
Authors: BERNIER L. , WARREN L. A.
Published: November 2005

In situ characterization and geochemical modelling of acid generation in a mine tailings lake (Moose Lake, ON, Canada) over a 2‐year period (2001–2002; surficial lake pyrrhotite slurry disposal initiated in 2002) show that bacteria significantly impact acidity behaviour through particle‐associated S oxidation and that they do so under conditions that differ from those controlling abiotic pathways. Seasonal epilimnetic pH decreases occurred in both years, decreasing from approximately 3.5 in May to 2.8 by September (2001) or July (2002). Epilimnetic acid generation rates were depth‐dependent, with maximal rates observed not at the surface of lake where O2 concentrations were highest, but rather within a geochemically reactive zone (approximately 1 m thick) of steep, decreasing O2 gradients and dynamic Fe and S geochemistry in the lower epilimnetic region of the lake. Acid generation occurred dominantly through particle rather than aqueous pathways, but model predictions of acid generation via abiotic pyrrhotite oxidation involving either O2 or ferric iron (Fe3+) predicted neither the observed rates nor the depths at which maximal rates occurred. In contrast, model predictions based on microbial pathways involving both O2 and ferric iron (Fe3+) agreed extremely well with both the observed depth profile of H+ generation and the observed rates at any given depth. Imaging showed extensive microbial colonization of epilimnetic‐associated pyrrhotite particles commonly with significant biofilm formation. FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) probing of the community in both pelagic and particle compartments indicated mixed communities occurred in both, and that Acidithiobacillus spp. accounted for 2–46% of the total community in either compartment. Initiation of pyrrhotite slurry discharge at the lake surface in 2002 was accompanied by a relative increase in the number of particle‐associated microbes, as well as a relative proportional decrease of Acidithiobacillus spp. in the total microbial community. Given the widespread occurrence of bacteria across mining environments, the implications of our results extend beyond this specific site and provide new insight into bacterially driven processes contributing to bulk system characteristics which are not currently well constrained.
Childhood Absence Epilepsy: Evolution and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Grosso Salvatore , Galimberti Daniela , Vezzosi Piero , Farnetani Mariangela , Di Bartolo Rosanna Maria , Bazzotti Simone , Morgese Guido , Balestri Paolo
Published: November 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To evaluate how diagnostic criteria influence remission rates for patients with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) and to assess clinical and EEG parameters as predictors of outcome.

Methods: One hundred nineteen patients were diagnosed with CAE, according to International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification criteria. They were subsequently evaluated according to stricter diagnostic criteria. Sixty‐two subjects fulfilled these criteria as group 2; 57 did not and constituted group 1. Diagnostic parameters that prevented patients of group 1 from entering group 2, and variables such as sex, familial history of generalized epilepsy, and personal history of febrile convulsions also were tested as prognostic factors for terminal remission.

Results: Compared with those in group 1, patients of group 2 had significantly higher rates of seizure control (95% vs. 77%), higher rates of terminal remission (82% vs. 51%), fewer generalized tonic–clonic seizures (8% vs. 30%), and shorter mean periods of treatment (2.2 vs. 3.8 years). Significantly fewer patients were receiving polytherapy in group 2 than in group 1 (11% vs. 47%), and fewer patients had seizure relapses at antiepileptic drug discontinuation (0 vs. 22%).

Conclusions: Remission rates of patients with CAE are greatly influenced by the classification criteria used for selection. Stricter diagnostic criteria allow the definition of a homogeneous group of patients with excellent prognosis. Factors predicting unfavorable prognosis were generalized tonic–clonic seizures in the active stage of absences, myoclonic jerks, eyelid myoclonia or perioral myoclonia, and EEG features atypical for CAE.
Cognitive Decline in Severe Intractable Epilepsy
Authors: Thompson Pamela J. , Duncan John S.
Published: November 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To explore the relation between seizure‐related variables and cognitive change in patients with severe intractable epilepsy.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from 136 patients who had undergone a cognitive assessment on two occasions at an interval of ≥10 years. Cognitive measures included tests of memory and executive skills in addition to intelligence quotients (IQ). Details were available regarding seizure type and frequency in the intertest interval.

Results: Cognitive decline was severe and occurred across a wide range of cognitive functions. The frequency of generalised tonic–clonic seizures was the strongest predictor of decline. Complex partial seizure frequency was associated with a decline in memory and executive skills but not in IQ. Seizure‐related head injuries and advancing age carried a poor cognitive prognosis, whereas periods of remission were associated with a better cognitive outcome. Early age at onset was not implicated, and duration of epilepsy was a much less potent predictor of cognitive decline than has been reported in cross‐sectional studies. No evidence indicated that a higher level of cognitive function protected against cognitive decline.

Conclusions: Our findings, together with those from animal studies and surgically treated patients, suggest that seizures can have a direct adverse effect on cognition and that good seizure control even after years of intractability can have a beneficial impact on cognitive prognosis. This study was based on individuals who merited two cognitive assessments ≥10 years apart and hence is biased in favor of those with the most severe forms of refractory epilepsy and those with decline.
Measuring Outcome in Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures: How Relevant Is Seizure Remission?
Authors: Reuber Markus , Mitchell Alex J. , Howlett Stephanie , Elger Christian E.
Published: November 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To examine whether seizure remission is a comprehensive marker of outcome in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs).

Methods: A postal questionnaire was returned by 147 patients with PNESs a mean of 4.2 years after diagnosis (mean age at follow‐up, 38.1 years). The proportion of patients who were “unproductive” (receiving health‐related state benefits) at follow‐up was determined, with a comparison of markers of ongoing psychopathology (Global Severity Index, anxiety and depression scores of the Symptom Checklist 90, Somatization Index DSM of the SOMS‐2) in three outcome groups: group 1, continuing seizures; group 2, seizures stopped but patients “unproductive;” and group 3, seizures stopped, patients “productive.”

Results: Of the patients, 71.4% continued to have seizures, and 28.6% had achieved seizure remission; 60.0% of patients with continuing seizures and 42.7% of patients in remission were “unproductive” (difference, NS). Ongoing psychopathology was related to the factor “group membership” with higher values in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1 (GSI, p < 0.001; anxiety, p = 0.01; depression, p = 0.02; Somatization Index DSM, p < 0.001). Across all patients and in the subgroup with PNESs and additional epilepsy, differences were significant only between groups 2 and 3, not between groups 1 and 2. In patients with PNESs alone, differences were significant only between groups 1 and 2.

Conclusions: Seizure remission is not a comprehensive measure of good medical or psychosocial outcome in PNESs. Nearly half the patients who become seizure free remain unproductive. Many of these patients continue to report symptoms of psychopathology. Seizure control should not be the only focus of treatment in clinical practice or outcome observation in research studies.
In Situ–Produced 7‐Chlorokynurenate Has Different Effects on Evoked Responses in Rats with Limbic Epilepsy in Comparison to Naive Controls
Authors: Zhang De Xing , Williamson John M. , Wu Hu‐Qui , Schwarcz Robert , Bertram Edward H.
Published: November 2005

Summary: Purpose:Uncontrolled epilepsy remains a significant health concern and requires new approaches to therapy.N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockade has been considered, but the adverse cognitive and behavioral effects of conventional NMDA‐receptor antagonists have prevented the development of clinically useful compounds. An alternative approach may be the blockade of the glycine coagonist (“glycineB”) site of the NMDA receptor.

Methods:As a first step in the exploration of this approach, we examined the effect of 4‐chloro‐kynurenine (4‐Cl‐KYN), which is converted by astrocytes to the potent NMDA glycine‐site antagonist 7‐chloro‐kynurenic acid (7‐Cl‐KYNA), on the in vivo epileptiform evoked potentials in the CA1 region of rats with chronic limbic epilepsy (CLE). 4‐Cl‐KYN (100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to naive and epileptic rats. Evoked potentials were induced in area CA1 of the hippocampus by electrical stimulation of the midline region of the thalamus. Simultaneous microdialysis was performed in the contralateral hippocampus to determine the extracellular levels of 7‐Cl‐KYNA over the course of the experiment.

Results:Administration of 4‐Cl‐KYN caused a significant reduction in the amplitude of the population spike and in the number of population spikes in epileptic animals (p < 0.01) but had no effect on the evoked response in naive rats. In contrast, 4‐Cl‐KYN significantly altered the paired response in naive animals (p < 0.01), but had no significant effect on this parameter in epileptic animals. The levels of 7‐Cl‐KYNA measured achieved known pharmacologically effective concentrations and paralleled the observed physiological effects.

Conclusions:The use of glial cells for the neosynthesis and local delivery of neuroactive compounds may be a viable strategy for the treatment of limbic epilepsy. These results also underscore the unique pharmacology of neurons in epilepsy.