bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Courts, the new constitutionalism and immigrant rights: The case of the French Conseil Constitutionnel
Authors: Joppke Christian , Marzal Elia
Published: October 2004

Abstract.  This article examines the role of courts in the creation of immigrant rights. Immigrant rights are located within a broader ‘new constitutionalism’ (especially in postwar Europe), in which courts have abandoned their traditional passiveness toward the political process and taken on the role of de facto legislator. Analyzing the immigration jurisprudence of the French Conseil Constitutionnel, we argue that courts are torn between two opposite imperatives: to protect an especially vulnerable category of people from the enormous police powers of the modern administrative state; and to respect an elementary exigency of sovereign stateness – that is, the capacity to draw a distinction between ‘citizens’ and ‘aliens’ as differently situated persons without a right of entry and permanence.
Choice versus sensitivity: Party reactions to public concerns
Authors: McDonald Michael D. , Budge Ian , Pennings Paul
Published: October 2004

Abstract. Most discussions of democratic theory assume that parties should offer clear choices to voters but also show themselves sensitive to public concerns. Under certain circumstances, however, party convergence on these may preclude electoral choice, thus creating conflict between two democratic ‘goods’. We examine possible tradeoffs between choice and responsiveness, and see which actually occur in 16 postwar democracies. Party policy positions turn out to be more strongly related to party ideology than popular concerns, thus privileging differentiation and choice over sensitivity and responsiveness. Implications for democratic theory and practice are considered.
Party government in Central Eastern European democracies: A data collection (1990–2003)
Authors: Müller‐Rommel Ferdinand , Fettelschoss Katja , Harfst Philipp
Published: October 2004

Abstract.  This article provides a systematic comparative overview of party governments in 11 Central Eastern European countries. The review is based on the compilation of a cross‐national data set on post‐communist party governments from 1990 to 2003. The presentation of the data is organised in the same way as the party government data for Western democracies presented by Woldendorp et al. in 1998. Thus, the data provide empirical grounds for further comparative research on party governments in Central Eastern European countries, as well as among Central Eastern and Western Europe.
Opposition to European integration and fear of loss of national identity: Debunking a basic assumption regarding hostility to the integration project
Authors: McLaren Lauren M.
Published: October 2004

Abstract.  Opposition to the European integration project can stem from many different sources, but one that appears to be fairly fundamental is the threat that the European Union (EU) poses to long‐established national identities. This contention may in fact appear to be so trivial as to make it uninteresting to the social science community. However, this article analyses the degree to which EU citizens do indeed feel their national identities to be under threat by the EU and the effect of such fear on general feelings about the integration process. The impact of fear of loss of national identity due to integration is then compared to the impact of other potential sources of variation in support for the integration project. The results indicate that while large proportions of EU citizens do indeed fear that the EU is threatening their national identity and culture, the effect of this fear on attitudes toward the EU is not all that substantial and other factors play an equal or greater role in explaining individual‐level opposition to the EU.
Book Reviews
Authors: Smith Preston G.
Published: October 2004

Books reviewed in this issue:

Beyond Software Architecture: Creating and Sustaining Winning Solutions

Service Innovation: Organizational Responses to Technological Opportunities & Market Imperatives

The Future of Competition: Co‐Creating Unique Value with Customers

The Power of Strategy Innovation: A New Way of Linking Creativity and Strategic Planning to Discover Great Business Opportunities

Editor's note: This group of reviews includes one of a software development book, and another such review is in the pipeline. Software is edging into products increasingly: automobiles, toys, appliances, and telephones, for instance. More importantly, software developers have had more than their share of spectacular failures. But they have taken the time to learn from these failures, and I believe that product developers can learn a great deal by adapting software development learnings. Other allied trends that we plan to introduce are globalization and “green,” as they apply to product development. If you have thoughts on such expansions of scope of this section or if you see other trends we should cover, please e‐mail preston@NewProductDynamics.com.
Interaction Between Norepinephrine, Oxytocin, and Nitric Oxide in the Stimulation of Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone Release From Proestrous Rat Basal Hypothalamus Explants
Authors: Selvage D. J. , Johnston C. A.
Published: October 2004

In the proestrous female rat, norepinephrine, oxytocin and nitric oxide (NO) all participate in the regulation of the preovulatory gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) surge. Recent studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that oxytocin induces dose‐dependent release of GnRH from proestrous basal hypothalamus explants. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether norepinephrine could also stimulate GnRH release from similar explants, to identify the receptors responsible for this effect and to investigate interactions between norepinephrine, oxytocin and NO. Norepinephrine significantly stimulated GnRH release from proestrous basal hypothalamus explants, and coadministration of the α1‐adrenergic antagonist prazosin blocked this effect. Combined administration of oxytocin and norepinephrine stimulated significantly more GnRH release than either drug alone, and this stimulation was blocked by inhibition of NO synthase, or by an oxytocin receptor antagonist. NO production was measured from the same samples using a modified Griess reaction. Oxytocin, but not norepinephrine, significantly increased NO production, as did norepinephrine and oxytocin in combination. Oxytocin receptor antagonist administration attenuated the stimulation of NO production by norepinephrine/oxytocin. These results demonstrate for the first time that oxytocin and norepinephrine dramatically stimulate GnRH release from basal hypothalamus explants harvested on the afternoon of proestrus, and indicate that this involves oxytocin receptor and NO‐dependent mechanisms.
Voltage‐ and Ca2+‐Dependent Burst Generation in Neuroendocrine Dahlgren Cells in the Teleost Platichthys flesus
Authors: Brierley M. J. , Bauer C. S. , Lu W. , Riccardi D. , Balment R. J. , McCrohan C. R.
Published: October 2004

The neuroendocrine Type 1 Dahlgren cells of the caudal neurosecretory system of the flounder display characteristic bursting activity, which may increase secretion efficiency. The firing activity pattern in these cells was voltage‐dependent; when progressively depolarized, cells moved from silent (approximately −70 mV), through bursting and phasic to tonic firing (< −65 mV). Brief (10 s) evoked bursts of spikes were followed by a slow after‐depolarization (ADP; amplitude up to 10 mV, duration 10–200 s), which was also voltage‐dependent and could trigger a prolonged burst. The ADP was significantly reduced in the absence of external Ca2+ ions or the presence of the L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine. BayK 8644 (which increases L‐type channel open times) significantly increased ADP duration, whereas the Ca2+‐activated nonselective cation channel blocker, flufenamic acid, had no effect. Pharmacological blockade of Ca2+‐activated K+ channels, using apamin and charybdotoxin, increased the duration of both ADP and evoked bursts. However, action potential waveform was unaffected by either apamin/charybdotoxin, nifedipine, BayK 8644 or removal of external Ca2+. The short duration (approximately 100 ms), hyperpolarization‐activated, postspike depolarizing afterpotentials (DAP), were significantly reduced by nifedipine. We propose that long duration ADPs underlie bursts and that short duration DAPs play a role in modulation of spike frequency.
Central Neuropeptide B Administration Activates Stress Hormone Secretion and Stimulates Feeding in Male Rats
Authors: Samson W. K. , Baker J. R. , Samson C. K. , Samson H. W. , Taylor M. M.
Published: October 2004

Neuropeptide B (NPB) was identified to be an endogenous, peptide ligand for the orphan receptors GPR7 and GPR8. Because GPR7 is expressed in rat brain and, in particular, in the hypothalamus, we hypothesized that NPB might interact with neuroendocrine systems that control hormone release from the anterior pituitary gland. No significant effects of NPB were observed on the in vitro releases of prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or growth hormone (GH) when log molar concentrations ranging from 1 pM to 100 nM NPB were incubated with dispersed anterior pituitary cells harvested from male rats. In addition NPB (100 nM) did not alter the concentration response stimulation of prolactin secretion by thyrotropin‐releasing hormone, ACTH secretion by corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and GH secretion by GH‐releasing hormone. However, NPB, when injected into the lateral cerebroventricle (i.c.v.) of conscious, unrestrained male rats, elevated prolactin and corticosterone, and lowered GH levels in circulation. The threshold dose for the effect on corticosterone and prolactin levels was 1.0 nmol, while that for the effect on GH release was 3.0 nmol NPB. Pretreatment with a polyclonal anti‐CRF antiserum completely blocked the ability of NPB to stimulate ACTH release and significantly inhibited the effect of NPB on plasma corticosterone levels. NPB administration i.c.v. did not significantly alter plasma vasopressin and oxytocin levels in conscious rats. It did stimulate feeding (minimum effective dose 1.0 nmol) in sated animals in a manner similar to that of the other endogenous ligand for GPR7, neuropeptide W. We conclude that NPB can act in the brain to modulate neuroendocrine signals accessing the anterior pituitary gland, but does not itself act as a releasing or inhibiting factor in the gland, at least with regard to prolactin, ACTH and GH secretion.
Central and Peripheral Administration of Kisspeptin‐10 Stimulates the Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Gonadal Axis
Authors: Thompson E. L. , Patterson M. , Murphy K. G. , Smith K. L. , Dhillo W. S. , Todd J. F. , Ghatei M. A. , Bloom S. R.
Published: October 2004

Kisspeptin is the peptide product of the KiSS‐1 gene and the endogenous agonist for the GPR54 receptor. Recent evidence suggests the kisspeptin/GPR54 system is a key regulator of the reproductive system. We examined the effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and peripheral administration of the active kisspeptin fragment, kisspeptin‐10, on circulating gonadotrophins and total testosterone levels in adult male rats. The effect of kisspeptin‐10 in vitro on the release of hypothalamic peptides from hypothalamic explants and gonadotrophins from anterior pituitary fragments was also determined. The i.c.v. administration of kisspeptin‐10 dose‐dependently increased plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and increased plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone at 60 min postinjection. In a separate study investigating the time course of this response, i.c.v. administered kisspeptin‐10 (3 nmol) significantly increased plasma LH at 10, 20 and 60 min, FSH at 60 min and total testosterone at 20 and 60 min postinjection. Kisspeptin‐10 stimulated the release of luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) from in vitro hypothalamic explants. Peripheral administration of kisspeptin‐10 increased plasma LH, FSH and total testosterone. However, doses of 100–1000 nM kisspeptin‐10 did not influence LH or FSH release from pituitary fragments in vitro. Kisspeptin therefore potently stimulates the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis. These effects are likely to be mediated via the hypothalamic LHRH system.
The Roles of Dopamine and the Neurointermediate Lobe of the Pituitary in the Regulation of Prolactin Secretion During Late Pregnancy in Rats
Authors: Andrews Z. B. , Grattan D. R.
Published: October 2004

The major hypothalamic control over prolactin secretion from the anterior pituitary gland is inhibitory by means of dopamine released from tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurones. We have previously shown a dissociation between activity of TIDA neurones and prolactin secretion during late pregnancy, suggesting involvement of additional regulatory factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of dopamine and the neurointermediate lobe (NIL) of the pituitary in the regulation of prolactin secretion during late pregnancy. To determine whether dopamine maintains inhibition of prolactin during late pregnancy, the D2 receptor antagonist domperidone was administered at 12.00 h on days 18 and 21 of pregnancy. These times are characterized by high and low TIDA neuronal activity, respectively, and low prolactin secretion. Domperidone produced an immediate increase in plasma prolactin compared to vehicle‐treated controls on both days 18 and 21. Thus, dopaminergic inhibition of prolactin secretion is maintained despite reduced TIDA neuronal activity at the end of pregnancy. The contribution of NIL‐derived dopamine in regulating prolactin secretion was then examined by investigating the effect of surgical removal of the NIL. NIL removal produced significantly increased basal prolactin concentrations, indicating that dopamine from the NIL contributes to the suppression of prolactin before the antepartum prolactin surge. Furthermore, NIL removal also completely prevented the antepartum prolactin surge compared to sham‐operated controls, which is consistent with the hypothesis that the NIL supplies a prolactin‐releasing factor to the anterior pituitary to induce the antepartum prolactin surge.
Cumulate‐rich xenolith suite in Late Cenozoic basaltic eruptives, Hepburn Lagoon, Newlyn, in relation to western Victorian lithosphere*
Authors: SUTHERLAND F. L. , HOLLIS J. D. , BIRCH W. D. , POGSON R. E. , RAYNOR L. R.
Published: October 2004

Cumulate‐textured rocks form 90 vol% of xenoliths erupted with Hy‐normative olivine basalt at Hepburn Lagoon, Victoria. The phreatomagmatic host eruption punched through Late Cenozoic (<3 Ma) hawaiites. More than 80% of the xenoliths are pyroxenites, largely websterites, and contain Al‐ and Ti‐enriched augites (Mg# 0.76–0.87) and orthopyroxene (Mg# 0.75–0.79), ±altered olivine and spinel (Mg# 0.52–0.60). Subordinate gabbros, gabbronorites and norites contain sodic to calcic plagioclase (An45−64). The xenoliths include minor Mg‐rich metaperidotites (olivine Mg# 0.86–0.90) and metapyroxenites and granulites (± altered garnet or spinel). Thermobarometry for the main cumulates suggests subliquidus equilibration between 1000 and 1100°C at ∼1 ± 0.25 GPa, compatible with observed cumulates in cross‐cutting veins in mantle metaperidotites. The re‐equilibrated granulites and mantle metaperidotites yield lower temperatures (840–980°C) than the cumulates. Gabbroic banding in some pyroxenites suggests that a common parental mafic melt was involved. A melt composition was reconstructed by combining websterite and gabbronorite analyses in the observed 8:1 pyroxenite/gabbro ratio. This yields a Hy‐normative parental basaltic melt (Mg# 0.73–0.76), with oceanic basalt trace‐element contents. The overall range in cumulate compositions and in the mantle‐normalised incompatible trace‐element patterns suggests that some parental melts were Ne‐normative. The Hepburn Lagoon xenolith suite is notable for its little‐modified, relatively anhydrous pyroxene‐rich cumulate assemblages, both in the Victorian context and in intraplate basalt settings elsewhere. It differs markedly from more recrystallised and metasomatised mantle–crust columns represented in xenolith suites to the southwest (Bullenmerri) and southeast (The Anakies). This may reflect its position within the Lachlan Fold Belt, between the older Delamerian (west) and Selwyn Block (east) basements.
Fingerprinting Australia's rivers with clay minerals and the application for the marine record of climate change
Authors: GINGELE F. X. , De DECKKER P.
Published: October 2004

Clay mineral assemblages from sediments taken from 46 rivers around Australia and in the Murray–Darling Basin were analysed and found to be characteristic for each individual river and drainage area. These clay mineral fingerprints are not necessarily associated with present climate in the drainage area, but represent an input from a local clay reservoir that was formed from the weathering of a typical combination of local bedrock over prolonged periods of time. Consequently, the clay composition of these reservoirs does not correspond to simple latitudinal patterns of clay minerals, which conventionally states that physically eroded mica/illite and chlorite occur in cold and high latitudes, and smectite and kaolinite formed from chemical weathering are found under the warm and humid climate conditions of low latitudes. Likewise, there is no latitudinal zonation of clays on the sea floor surrounding Australia. The comparison of river clays and clay mineral assemblages on the sea floor suggests that river suspensions contribute considerably to the terrigenous component in marine sediments around Australia. Although highly episodic and event‐controlled, significant amounts of river clays are discharged into the ocean. They are entrained in ocean currents and can be traced for long distances. Comparing clay mineral suites in different time‐slices of marine sediment cores can be a suitable tool to reconstruct palaeoclimatic processes such as varying river discharge, aridity or humidity of the source area, sea‐level fluctuations and intensity and direction of ocean currents. With clay mineral fingerprints from individual drainage areas, clays in sediment cores can be traced back in many cases to the source area. Thus, the different clay mineral suites from the Last Glacial Maximum and from the present day in 14 deep‐sea sediment cores from around Australia can be explained by fluctuations in climate‐related processes.
Facies architecture of the Lewis Ponds carbonate and volcanic‐hosted massive sulfide deposits, central western New South Wales
Authors: AGNEW M. W. , BULL S. W. , LARGE R. R.
Published: October 2004

The Lewis Ponds carbonate and volcanic‐hosted Zn–Pb–Cu–Ag–Au‐rich massive sulfide deposits are located near the western margin of the Hill End Trough in the eastern Lachlan Fold Belt of New South Wales. Two stratabound massive sulfide zones, Main and Toms' occur in a tightly folded Upper Silurian succession of marine felsic volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Siltstone, mudstone and quartz crystal‐rich sandstone overlie thick, tabular beds of poorly sorted mixed‐provenance breccia, limestone‐clast breccia and pebbly granular sandstone. The sedimentary rocks unconformably overlie a succession of strongly foliated, quartz–plagioclase–phyric dacite. Hydrothermal alteration and deformation have obscured primary textures and contact relationships in the footwall volcanic succession. However, three lithofacies associations were distinguished using phenocryst abundance, overall texture and immobile element compositions. Thick (up to 100 m) conformable or fault‐bound units of poorly sorted limestone‐clast breccia, megabreccia and massive limestone occur throughout the Lewis Ponds host sequence. Clasts vary in size from small pebbles to 10 m‐long boulders and 90 m‐thick lenses. Where primary textures are preserved, the bioclastic limestone contains crinoid fragments, brachiopods, bivalves, solitary corals, volcanic quartz and feldspar crystals and rare Silurian conodonts. Although originally deposited in shallower water, the allochthonous limestone occurs in a host sequence of predominantly siltstone and mudstone. The mixed‐provenance breccia, limestone‐clast breccia, pebbly granular sandstone and quartz crystal‐rich sandstone were deposited on the flanks of a high‐level intrusive dacite centre in a moderately deep, below wave‐base slope environment. Volcanic and sedimentary components originated from multiple source areas at the basin margin and in the adjacent hinterland. The Lewis Ponds host sequence records a transition from coarse‐grained polymictic volcaniclastic breccia and sandstone, upwards into mudstone, siltstone and minor volcanogenic sandstone, indicating deposition in a deepening, more restricted environment as volcanism waned and the basin progressively subsided.
Textural, mineralogical and geochemical variation in the zoned Timbarra Tablelands pluton, New South Wales*
Authors: MUSTARD R.
Published: October 2004

The Timbarra Tablelands pluton is an extensive (∼550 km2) complexly zoned intrusion forming one of many predominantly monzogranite I‐type plutons, which constitute the Moonbi Supersuite in northern New South Wales, Australia. It comprises an outer rim of Rocky River monzogranite (Zones 1–3), an intermediate zone of Sandy Creek syenogranite (Zones 4A−4C), surrounding a core of Surface Hill syenogranite (Zones 5–7). The suite is calc‐alkaline, high‐K, and varies from mildly metaluminous to weakly peraluminous with increasing fractionation. Average Rb/Sr ratios range from 0.4 in the least evolved very coarse‐grained monzogranite (Zone 3) to 46 in the most evolved very fine‐grained biotite microgranite (Zone 6). Trace‐element modelling indicates that the observed compositional variation could have been produced by crystal fractionation. New bulk rock major‐ and trace‐element data for 71 samples are presented, and indicate that a compositional continuum exists that varies between 63 and 78 wt% SiO2. Importantly, there is no systematic chemical variation with spatial distribution of samples from the core of the pluton to its margin, requiring multiple separate pulses of an evolving magma to explain compositional discontinuities. The pluton is interpreted to have been emplaced at mesozonal levels (∼180 ± 60 MPa, 5–10 km depth) and crystallised at temperatures between 620 and 820°C under moderately oxidising conditions (log fO2 = −11.5 to −19). The association of gold–molybdenite mineralisation at Timbarra with moderately oxidised I‐type magmas is consistent with fractionation–redox controls on ore‐element behaviour in magmatic systems in other studies.
Unique marine Permian–Triassic boundary section from Western Australia
Authors: THOMAS B. M. , WILLINK R. J. , GRICE K. , TWITCHETT R. J. , PURCELL R. R. , ARCHBOLD N. W. , GEORGE A. D. , TYE S. , ALEXANDER R. , FOSTER C. B. , BARBER C. J.
Published: October 2004

A unique marine Permian–Triassic boundary section containing rich oil source rocks has been continuously cored in a petroleum borehole from the Perth Basin of Western Australia. Such sequences, which provide a biostratigraphic and environmental record at the time of the largest extinction event of the past 500 million years, are globally rare, and this is the first to be documented in Australia. Throughout geological history there have been periods of global marine anoxia that commonly resulted in the widespread deposition of petroleum source rocks, most notably in the mid‐Cretaceous and Late Jurassic. An apparent paradox is that, previously, source rocks have not been recognised in association with the Permian–Triassic boundary, despite widespread marine anoxia at this time. The Perth Basin source rocks contain abundant and unusual biomarkers, apparently related to the highly specialised and limited biota that flourished in the aftermath of the end‐Permian extinction event. Local conditions may have favoured source‐rock development, either due to higher productivity resulting from coastal upwelling or through enhanced preservation under strongly anoxic conditions.
Thermodynamic modelling of lode‐gold deposits in Archaean granitoids: Woodcutters and Lady Bountiful mines, Kalgoorlie region, Western Australia
Authors: MASON D. R.
Published: October 2004

Granitoid rocks host relatively few Archaean lode‐gold deposits, leading to the suggestion in the literature that granitoids may be geochemically less suitable host rocks because of lower Fe content compared with greenstones. Thermodynamic modelling is used to clarify alteration assemblages including gold deposition in two Archaean lode‐gold deposits in the Kalgoorlie district, Western Australia: Woodcutters and Lady Bountiful. Modelling of the Lady Bountiful deposit reproduces the proximal alteration assemblage characterised by sericite–chlorite–carbonate–pyrite at the published fluid composition and P–T conditions (P ∼200 MPa, T ∼300°C). In contrast, modelling of the Woodcutters deposit fails to produce the proximal muscovite–biotite–pyrite alteration assemblage at the published temperature of 270°C, but successfully generates that assemblage at T = 440°C, which is consistent with a reinterpretation of the published fluid‐inclusion data and with known stability of biotite at and beyond middle greenschist conditions. Epidote‐bearing alteration ‘halos’ enclosing the Woodcutters structures are shown to be incompatible with the CO2‐bearing mineralising fluid, and are reinterpreted as having formed at an earlier time from CO2‐poor fluid. Evaluation of the effect of variable abundance of FeOtotal on deposition of native gold and pyrite in Woodcutters granodiorite and monzodiorite indicates that virtually identical abundances of native gold at significant grade are formed in both granitoids, and that maximum deposition of native gold and associated pyrite is achieved in both granitoids at relatively low Fe content (FeOtotal ∼1.0 wt%). These results confirm that most granitoids represent suitable geochemical traps for deposition of lode‐gold mineralisation and therefore represent exploration targets, given the presence of appropriate structures for ingress of mineralising fluid.
Landslide susceptibility mapping using the fuzzy gamma approach in a GIS, Kakan catchment area, southwest Iran
Authors: TANGESTANI M. H.
Published: October 2004

The northwestern Fars province of Iran is prone to landslides. In order to help the planners in the selection of suitable locations to implement development projects, a landslide susceptibility map has been produced for the Kakan catchment area using the gamma aggregation operation of the fuzzy approach. Lithology, slope angle, slope aspect, land cover, weathering depth, proximity to roads, topographical elevation, and soil depth were considered as landslide causal factors for the study area. Three values for gamma were examined and output maps were evaluated using the known landslides. Performing fuzzy gamma operation with 0.94 for gamma and classifying the area yielded an output susceptibility map with four zones: non‐susceptible, moderate susceptibility, high susceptibility, and very high susceptibility. Gamma values <0.94 decreased the fuzzy membership functions to low susceptibility zones, and eliminated the high and very high classes. Gamma values >0.94 moved the output fuzzy membership function values to high and very high landslide susceptibilities and eliminated the moderate susceptible zones. Comparing the known landslides of the area with the output susceptibility map showed that 93.9% of the identified landslides were located in the high susceptible zone and 6.1% in very high susceptible zone.
Prevalence of Candida dubliniensis among the stored vaginal Candida isolates in a Turkish hospital
Authors: Acikgoz Z. C. , Sancak B. , Gamberzade S. , Misirlioglu M.
Published: October 2004

In this study, 600 stored Candida species, isolated from vaginal samples of immunocompetent women, and phenotypically identified as C. albicans on the basis of a positive germ tube test, were screened for the presence of C. dubliniensis by three phenotypical methods. Only one strain (0.17%) failed to grow at 45 °C, and produced abundant chlamydospores on both the cornmeal‐Tween 80 agar and the Staib agar. This strain was identified as C. dubliniensis by using the ID‐32C kit (bioMerieux Vitek) and confirmed by DNA sequencing of internal transcript spacer (ITS) region.
In vitro susceptibility testing of amorolfine in pathogenic fungi isolated from dermatomycosis patients in China
Authors: Li R.‐Y. , Wan Z. , Wang A.‐P. , Shen Y.‐N. , Lu C.‐M. , Li M. , Xi L.‐Y. , Liu W.‐D. , Zeng F.‐Q.
Published: October 2004

The antifungal susceptibility of isolates from Chinese dermatomycosis patients to amorolfine was investigated following National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) protocols. In total, 383 isolates were tested, including 132 strains from tinea pedis, 148 strains from tinea corporis/cruris, and 103 strains from onychomycosis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of amorolfine against dermatophytes ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 μg ml−1. The MIC50 and MIC90 of amorolfine for Trichophyton rubrum were both equal to 0.04 μg ml−1; for T. mentagrophytes these MICs were 0.04 μg ml−1 and 0.08 μg ml−1 respectively; and for Epidermophyton floccosum they were 0.02 μg ml−1 and 0.04 μg ml−1 respectively. The MIC range of amorolfine against Candida parapsilosis was 0.5–16 μg ml−1. MIC50 and MIC90 for C. parapsilosis were 0.5 and 2 μg ml−1. MIC ranges of amorolfine against Scopulariopsis spp. and Acremonium spp. were 0.5–4 and 2–8 μg ml−1, respectively. Candida albicans, Fusarium solani and Aspergillus flavus required relatively higher concentrations of amorolfine to inhibit their growth (MIC 0.125–64 μg ml−1, MIC50 and MIC90 were 4 and 64 μg ml−1). The results demonstrated that amorolfine is the only topical agent that has such a potent antifungal activity and a broad spectrum against a wide range of pathogenic fungi.
Disseminated Scedosporium apiospermum infection in a previously healthy woman with HELLP syndrome
Authors: Riddell J , Chenoweth C. E. , Kauffman C. A.
Published: October 2004

A previously healthy 33‐year‐old female died of disseminated infection with Scedosporium apiospermum in association with Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome following the delivery of twins. Her postpartum course was complicated by multisystem organ failure managed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). She also developed bowel and left lower extremity ischemia requiring surgical resection. Blood cultures yielded S. apiospermum, and histologic findings revealed in vivo adventitious sporulation, an unusual occurrence with this pathogen. Autopsy showed extensive fungal infection of brain, lungs, thyroid, heart, and kidneys.
Oral candidosis and associated Candida species in HIV‐infected Cambodians exposed to antimycotics
Authors: Schmidt‐Westhausen A. M. , Bendick C. , Reichart P. A. , Samaranayake L. P.
Published: October 2004

Although human immundeficiency virus (HIV) infection is endemic in Southeast Asia, data on oral mycotic flora in this disease in Asians are sparse. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Candida species in HIV‐infected Cambodians with oral candidosis, unexposed (group 1) and exposed to antimycotics (group 2) and a healthy population (group 3). In 161 HIV patients with oral candidosis (group 1: 121 pts; group 2: 40 pts) and in 81 controls (group 3) swab samples of tongue and palate were obtained. Oral candidosis was detected in 100 and 70% of groups 1 and 2 respectively. Candida spp. were isolated from 91 and 100% of groups 1 and 2, respectively, and from 79% of controls. Candida albicans was the most common, with non‐albicans species such as C. tropicalis and C. krusei being notable. Our data indicate that variants of oral candidal infections in HIV disease are similar to those seen in the pre‐HAART era. The particularly high rate of C. krusei isolation in all groups is noteworthy.
Bizarre annular lesion emerging as tinea incognito
Authors: Wacker J. , Durani B. K. , Hartschuh W.
Published: October 2004

Tinea incognito has first been described in 1968. The term describes a tinea infection whose clinical morphology has been modified by the application of topical corticosteroids. The clinical manifestation can masquerade a number of other dermatoses and leads to misdiagnosis of annular eruptions. We describe a patient who showed a bizarre appearance of annular, inflammatory skin lesions at the umbilical region. Mycological culture yielded Microsporum canis.
Clinical and mycological efficacy of single‐day oral treatment with itraconazole (400 mg) in acute vulvovaginal candidosis
Authors: Urünsak M. , Ilkit M. , Evrüke C. , Urünsak I.
Published: October 2004

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of single‐day oral treatment with itraconazole in acute vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC). Vaginitis was demonstrated by both detection of yeast cells and pseudohyphae formation on microscopic examination of vaginal discharge and mycological culture as well as by the clinical signs and symptoms. Clinical and mycological examinations of the 52 patients were performed before, 1 week (short‐term) and 4 weeks (long‐term) after single‐day oral treatment with itraconazole 200 mg b.i.d. The causative yeast fungi were: Candida albicans (76.9%), C. glabrata (9.6%), C. kefyr (9.6%) and C. krusei (3.9%), respectively. In short‐ and long‐term examinations, clinical cure rates were found to be 61.5% and 90.4%, and mycological cure rates were 63.5% and 90.4%, respectively. Itraconazole was found to be 95.0% effective with C. albicans and 75.0% with other Candida species. It is concluded that treatment of acute VVC with itraconazole is safe and effective in the long‐term.
Tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis treated with terbinafine
Authors: Aste Nicola , Pau Monica
Published: October 2004

Tinea capitis is a disease found throughout the world. It frequently affects children and only rarely adults, usually post‐menopausal women. Numerous dermatophytes of the genus Microsporum and Tricophyton can cause tinea capitis and griseofulvin is still today the treatment of choice. To study the effectiveness and tolerability of terbinafine treatment in tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis we treated 26 patients – 22 children and four women – for a period of 12 weeks. Dosage adopted was 62.5 mg day−1 in patients weighing less than 20 kg, 125 mg day−1 in those weighing between 20 and 40 kg, and 250 mg day−1 in patients weighing more than 40 kg. Clinical and mycological healing was achieved in 22 patients (84.6%), tolerability was excellent and in no cases were side effects or abnormal results in blood chemistry tests observed.
Recombinant protein and DNA vaccines derived from hsp60 Trichophyton mentagrophytes control the clinical course of trichophytosis in bovine species and guinea‐pigs
Authors: Milan Raska , Alois Rybnikar , Josef Chumela , Jana Belakova , Evzen Weigl
Published: October 2004

Heat shock proteins (hsp) were identified in many infectious agents as immunodominant antigens with a protective effect. Immunization of laboratory animals by selected representants of hsp60, hsp70 and hsp90 isolated from several pathogens induced protective host immunity and significantly reduced clinical manifestation of infection. The present study involves preparation of a recombinant protein vaccine and a DNA vaccine. Both vaccines were derived from the hsp60 of the dermatophyte, Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Challenge trials with evaluation of the protective effect of vaccination were performed on calves and guinea‐pigs. Both vaccination procedures reduced, in statistically significant fashion, the clinical course of skin mycosis in calves experimentally inoculated with the dermatophyte, T. mentagrophytes. In experiments with guinea‐pigs, increased protection was only seen with DNA vaccination. After DNA vaccine application, no paravaccination side‐effects (granulomas at the injection site, changed total state of the animal) were observed. Only vaccination with the recombinant protein in calf's experiment induced specific serum antibodies. This observation indicates that antibodies are not associated with protection. In summary, DNA vaccine hsp60 is the most promising for prevention of bovine trichophytosis.
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated glomerulonephritis in Taiwanese
Authors: HUNG PEIR‐HAUR , CHIANG WEN‐CHIH , CHEN YUNG‐MING , LIN SHUEI‐LIONG , LIN WEI‐CHOU , TSAI TUN‐JUN , CHEN WAN‐YU
Published: October 2004

Aims:  This retrospective study defined the clinical features and outcome of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated glomerulonephritis in 18 seropositive Taiwanese patients (11 male, seven female; median age 64 years; range 21–82 years) with biopsy‐proven pauci‐immune necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis.

Results:  Fourteen patients had a diagnosis of systemic vasculitis including 10 with microscopic polyangiitis and four with Wegener's granulomatosis; the remaining four had only glomerulonephritis. At onset, 100% of the systemic vasculitis patients had pulmonary lesions with or without haemoptysis, and 29% presented with seizure in the absence of a defined brain lesion. Median serum creatinine concentration was 362.4 µmol/L (range 61.9–857.5 µmol/L) and dialysis therapy was needed in six patients. During follow up (median 16.5 months; range 2–72 months), treatment included cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids (n = 8) or corticosteroids alone (n = 7). In some patients, treatment improved (n = 4) or stabilized (n = 4) renal function. But chronic dialysis was needed in the other 10 patients. Follow‐up death occurred because of sepsis (n = 3) and haemorrhage (n = 2). Patient survival rates were 78% (1 year) and 72% (5 years). Renal survival rates were 56 and 39% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Of the candidate clinical and pathological parameters, chronic glomerular lesions in renal biopsy were the only determinant of poor renal outcome (P = 0.006).

Conclusion:  Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated glomerulonephritis should be considered in nephritic patients with extrarenal manifestations, especially pulmonary infiltrate, unexplained seizure, and fever of an unknown origin in Taiwanese patients. Renal biopsy should be performed before initiating immunosuppressive therapy because the most common cause of mortality was sepsis.
Chronic subdural haematoma and autosomal polycystic kidney disease: Report of two new cases
Authors: ABDERRAHIM EZZEDINE , HEDRI HAFEDH , LÂABIDI JANNETTE , RAIES LAMIA , KHEDER ADEL , ABDALLAH TAIEB BEN , MOUSSA FATMA BEN , MAÏZ HÉDI BEN
Published: October 2004

SUMMARY:  Chronic subdural haematoma (SDH) was recently described in some patients who were suffering from autosomic dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). It results in various neurological symptoms mimicking those related to intracranial aneurysms, which are relatively frequent in such patients. The authors report two cases of chronic SDH observed in two patients known to have advanced renal failure attributed to ADPKD. Medical imaging failed to reveal features of associated intracranial abnormalities such as aneurysms or arachnoid cysts. Surgical drainage resulted in a good recovery without relapse during a long period of follow up that exceeded 10 years in the first case.
Leptin kinetics during peritoneal dialysis in acutely uraemic rats
Authors: MATSUBARA KEISUKE , KIYOMOTO HIDEYASU , MORIWAKI KUMIKO , HARA TAIGA , KONDO NAOKI , SHOKOJI TAKATOMI , HITOMI HIROFUMI , AKI YASUHARU , AONO MASAKI , NISHIYAMA AKIRA , OHMORI KOJI , KOHNO MASAKAZU
Published: October 2004

Background:  Leptin has been shown to function as an inhibitor of appetite and energy expenditure accelerator. However, it was recently reported that leptin has other important functions as a fibrogenetic factor and a novel, independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. The present study aimed to assess the blood concentration of leptin in acute uraemic rats by using various peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions.

Methods:  To induce acute renal failure, the bilateral renal arteries were ligated via a mid‐abdominal incision 1 h before starting PD. Rats were divided into four groups: 13.6 g/L glucose‐containing dialysate (group L); 38.6 g/L glucose‐containing dialysate (group H); 13.6 g/L glucose‐ and 25 g/L mannitol‐containing dialysate with equal osmotic pressure to the dialysate of group H (group M); and renal failure without PD (group F). The concentrations of glucose, urea nitrogen (UN), leptin and insulin were measured at 0, 2 and 4 h after starting PD.

Results:  We observed significant blood UN suppression in all dialysed groups. Blood glucose was significantly higher in rats treated with the high glucose solution than in those treated with the low glucose solution. Insulin and leptin significantly increased in the high glucose solution group. There was a strong correlation between the blood glucose and insulin levels. We also found a strong correlation between the percentage changes in blood glucose and leptin. The relationship between the percentage changes in insulin and leptin were weak but significant.

Conclusion:  The high glucose PD solution resulted in increased circulating levels of leptin, glucose, and insulin, suggesting that these changes are linked with PD performed with glucose‐based dialysis fluid.
Effects of calcium antagonists in hypertensive patients with renal dysfunction: A prospective, randomized, parallel trial comparing benidipine and nifedipine
Authors: INOUE SANAE , TOMINO YASUHIKO
Published: October 2004

Background:  Although calcium antagonists, derived from dihydropyridine (DHP), are important agents in achieving control in a majority of patients with high blood pressure and renal disease, there are no comparative data regarding their inhibitory effects on the progression of renal dysfunction in Japan.

Methods:  Benidipine and nifedipine retard both calcium antagonists derived from DHP and were compared in terms of their inhibitory effect on the progression of renal dysfunction in hypertensive patients. The primary end‐points were defined as 1.5 times the serum creatinine value at baseline, progression to end‐stage renal failure (ESRF) necessitating dialysis or renal transplantation, and death.

Results:  During the study period, a significant decline in blood pressure was observed in the two groups, with no significant difference between them. The worsening of nephropathy was significantly inhibited in the benidipine group as compared with the nifedipine retard group (log‐rank test: P = 0.014, Wilcoxon's test: P = 0.022). Among the subjects who reached a primary end‐point, one (33%) in the benidipine group and five (50%) in the nifedipine retard group were placed on haemodialysis within 1 year.

Conclusion:  It appears that benidipine inhibits the progression of hypertensive renal diseases more effectively than nifedipine retard.
Polymorphism of renin‐angiotensin system genes in IgA nephropathy
Authors: WOO KENG‐THYE , LAU YEOW‐KOK , CHOONG LINA HL , ZHAO YI , TAN HWEE‐BOON , FOOK‐CHONG STEPHANIE , TAN ENG‐KING , YAP HUI‐KIM , WONG KOK‐SENG
Published: October 2004

Background and Aims:  Individuals are prone to disease because of certain disease‐susceptible genes. The angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D), the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene, M235T, and the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (ATR) gene, A1166C, polymorphisms have been associated with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and its progression. Several studies on Caucasians and Japanese patients have reported contradictory results. We determined these polymorphisms in 118 Chinese patients with IgAN and 94 healthy Chinese subjects to assess their clinical impact.

Methods:  Genotyping was performed with DNA isolated from peripheral leucocytes, polymerase chain reaction amplification of the polymorphic sequence, restriction enzymes digestion, and separation and identification of DNA fragments. Clinical data at renal biopsy and final status on renal function were determined from patients’ records.

Results:  Comparing all IgAN patients with controls, AGT and ATR genotype distributions were similar, whereas there was a significant increase in the ACE DD genotype (P < 0.05). When comparing patients with end‐stage renal failure (IgAN‐ESRF) and those without (IgAN‐nonESRF), there was no difference among the three gene polymorphisms. In contrast, there were significant differences in higher male prevalence (P < 0.05), increased serum creatinine at presentation (P < 0.05), more sclerosis (P < 0.01) and higher tubulointerstitial lesion score (P < 0.001) in the IgAN‐ESRF group.

Conclusion:  Among the ACE, AGT and ATR gene polymorphisms, only the DD genotype may predispose the individual to IgAN in the Chinese population. None are significant for prognosticating ESRF.
Angiotensin II facilitates autoregulation in the perfused mouse kidney: An optimized in vitro model for assessment of renal vascular and tubular function
Authors: RAHGOZAR MAJID , GUAN ZHENGRONG , MATTHIAS ANITA , GOBÉ GLENDA C , ENDRE ZOLTÁN H
Published: October 2004

Background and Aims:  We have optimized the isolated perfused mouse kidney (IPMK) model for studying renal vascular and tubular function in vitro using 24–28 g C57BL6J mice; the wild type controls for many transgenic mice.

Methods and Results:  Buffer composition was optimized for bovine serum albumin concentration (BSA). The effect of adding erythrocytes on renal function and morphology was assessed. Autoregulation was investigated during stepped increases in perfusion pressure. Perfusion for 60 min at 90–110 mmHg with Krebs bicarbonate buffer containing 5.5% BSA, and amino acids produced functional parameters within the in vivo range. Erythrocytes increased renal vascular resistance (3.8 ± 0.2 vs 2.4 ± 0.1 mL/min.mmHg, P < 0.05), enhanced sodium reabsorption (FENa = 0.3 ± 0.08 vs 1.5 ± 0.7%, P < 0.05), produced equivalent glomerular filtration rates (GFR; 364 ± 38 vs 400 ± 9 µL/min per gkw) and reduced distal tubular cell injury in the inner stripe (5.8 ± 1.7 vs 23.7 ± 3.1%, P < 0.001) compared to cell free perfusion. The IPMK was responsive to vasoconstrictor (angiotensin II, EC50 100 pM) and vasodilator (methacholine, EC50 75 nM) mediators and showed partial autoregulation of perfusate flow under control conditions over 65–85 mmHg; autoregulatory index (ARI) of 0.66 ± 0.11. Angiotensin II (100 pM) extended this range (to 65–120 mmHg) and enhanced efficiency (ARI 0.21 ± 0.02, P < 0.05). Angiotensin II facilitation was antagonized by methacholine (ARI 0.76 ± 0.08) and papaverine (ARI 0.91 ± 0.13).

Conclusion:  The IPMK model is useful for studying renal physiology and pathophysiology without systemic neurohormonal influences.