bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biometrical Studies on the Scleral Shelf in Some Domestic Animals
Authors: Abdalla K. E. H. , Hifny A. , Aly K. H. , Kamel G.
Published: November 2005

This work was carried out on the scleral shelf of the eyeball of the donkey, cow, buffalo, camel, sheep, goat, pig and dog. The results of this work shows that the length of the shelf varies in different regions in all studied animals. The dorsal shelf is the longest followed by ventral one, the lateral shelf is the smallest followed by the medial one. The camel has the longest dorsal and ventral shelf followed by donkey, while the buffalo and cow have the smallest ones among the large animals. Among the studied small animals, the dog has the smallest dorsal and ventral shelf followed by pig. However, the small ruminants have the longest ones. On the other hand, the medial and lateral shelves are longest in donkey and smallest in camel. The dog and the small ruminants have the longest medial and lateral shelf of the studied small animals. The camel has the highest value of dorsal and ventral shelf and lowest value in the medial and lateral ones. Therefore the outline of the outer surface of the cornea is highly oval, the reverse results were observed in donkey; in which the cornea has highest degree of circularity followed by cow and buffalo.
Early Embryonic Development of the Camel Lumbar Spinal Cord Segment
Authors: Abd Elmonem M. E. , Mohamed S. A. , Aly K. H.
Published: November 2005

The lumbar spinal cord segment of the camel embryo at CVRL 2.4 to 28 cm was examined. Major changes are occurring in the organization of the lumbar spinal cord segments during this early developmental period. At the CVRL 2.4, 2.7 and 3.6 cm the three primary layers, ependymal cells layer, mantle cells layer, marginal cells layer in the developing lumber spinal cord segment were demonstrated. The mantle layer is the first to show striking differentiation, while the marginal layer is represented by thin outer rim. Proliferation and differentiation of the neuroepithelial cells in the developing spinal cord produce the thick lateral walls, thin roof and floor plates. The spinal ganglion and dorsal root of the spinal nerve are differentiated. At 2.7 cm CVRL differential thickening of the lateral walls produces a shallow longitudinal groove called sulcus limitans, which separates the dorsal part (alar plate) from ventral part (basal plate). The ventral root of the spinal nerve, the spinal cord and ganglion are embedded in loose mesenchyme, which tends to differentiate into spinal meninges. At 3.6 cm CVRL the basal plate, which is the future ventral gray horn, seem to be quite voluminous and the dorsal and ventral roots unite to form the beginning of the spinal nerve. At 5.5 cm CVRL the alar plates enlarge forming the dorsal septum. At 8.4 cm to 10.5 cm CVRL the basal plates enlarge, and bulge ventrally on each side of the midline producing the future ventral medium fissure, and the white and gray matters can be recognized. At 28 cm CVRL the lumen of the spinal cord is differentiated into the central canal bounded dorsally and ventrally by dorsal and ventral gray commissures, and therefore the gray matter takes the appearance of a butterfly.The lumber spinal nerve and their roots are well distinguished.
The Great Vessels and Tributaries of the Heart of the Ringed Seal (Phoca hispida)
Authors: Henry R. W. , Smodlaka H. , Reed R. B.
Published: November 2005

The ringed seal (Phoca hispida), as well as other seals, exhibit some unique anatomical properties when compared to their terrestrial counterparts. In the ringed seal, the most conspicuous adaptation is the aortic bulb, a large dilatation of the ascending aorta, which is comparable to that found in other seal species and marine mammals. Coronary arteries are similar to those of terrestrial mammals. The branches of the ascending aorta (brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery) are similar to those of higher primates and man. The pulmonary trunk originates from the right ventricle near the ventral midline of the thorax. The peculiarities of the venous system are three pulmonary veins, a pericardial venous plexus, a caval sphincter, a hepatic sinus with paired caudal vena cavae and a large extradural venous system. Generally, three pulmonary veins (right, left, middle) empty into the left atrium. The right and left pulmonary veins drain the cranial and middle lung lobes of their respective lung, while the middle pulmonary vein drains both caudal lung lobes and the accessory lobe. The pericardial venous plexus lies on the pericardial pleura on the auricular (ventral) surface the heart. The azygous vein is formed from the union of right and left azygous veins near the 5th thoracic vertebra. The caval sphincter surrounds the caudal vena cava as it passes through the diaphragm. Caudal to the diaphragm, the vena cava is dilated excessively (the hepatic sinus) and near the kidneys it is biphid. Cardiovascular physiological studies have shown some of these anatomical variations, especially of the venous system and the ascending aorta, to be modifications for diving.
Angioarchitecture of the Branchial Arterial System of Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Ito N. , Watanabe H. , Hashimoto Y.
Published: November 2005

The arterial system of the gills of carp and its histological structure were studied light and electron microscopically by making Mercox or Neoplane Latex corrosion cast preparations. Four pairs of afferent and efferent branchial arteries, and a pair of afferent and efferent pseudobranchial arteries were identified in the branchial arterial system. The 1st and 2nd afferent branchial arteries are given off directly from the ventral aorta, and the 3rd and 4th afferent arteries originate from their common trunk, which is branched off from the ventral aorta caudal to the origin of the former branchial arteries. Numerous afferent filamental arteries are connected to the lamellar blood capillary networks in the gill lamellae via afferent lamellar arterioles, and efferent filamental arteries followed the efferent lamellar arterioles are converged into four efferent branchial arteries that are connected to the dorsal aorta. To the pseudobranchia, afferent pseudobranchial arteries are connected with the ventral branches of the 1st efferent branchial arteries to provide arterial blood to the organ through the afferent mandibular arteries. Afferent pseudobranchial lamellar arterioles originating from the afferent pseudobranchial filamental arteries are connected with the blood capillary networks in the pseudobranchial lamellae, and blood in the capillary networks is drained into the efferent pseudobranchial filamental arteries via 2‐4 pseudobranchial lamellar arterioles. Branches of the efferent pseudobranchial filamental arteries are connected with the arteries to the eyeballs and provide blood to choroid of the vascular tunic of them. Pseudobranchial cells surrounding lamellar capillaries in the pseudobranchia are furnished with abundant mitochondria and tubular structures, and the histological findings suggest the cells may share an ability to exchange physiological materials between the cells and the blood in the capillary networks of pseudobranchia.
Temporo‐spatial Expression of the Inducible Nos‐isoform During Development of the Murine Enteric Nervous System
Authors: Arnhold S. , Andressen C. , Addicks K.
Published: November 2005

In the enteric nervous system, nitric oxide (NO) is regarded as an important messenger for the non‐adrenergic and non‐cholinergic neurotransmission. Synthesized mainly by the constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms NOS I and NOS III, this molecule executes pre‐junctional inhibitory effects in the submucosal plexus as well as relaxation of the enteric smooth muscles. In order to elucidate the role for NO during enteric development, we looked for the expression of all three NOS‐isoforms in the enteric nervous system during mouse development from E8 to E20 using immunohistochemistry. Starting around midgestation, a transient expression of the NOS‐II isoform during the very early development of enteric neurones was detected in parallel to that of HNK‐1 exclusively in the myenteric plexus. Similar to findings for other neuronal systems, NOS‐I and NOS III isoforms could be traced starting significantly later to increase towards the end of embryonic development when NOS II immunoreactivity faded and a strong expression of the vasointestinal peptide (VIP) could be detected. In contrast to the NOSII expression, the constitutive isoforms can also be detected in the submucosal plexus. Altogether, these findings suggest NOS‐II to be exclusively involved during early steps of enteric nervous system development. Absence of downstream signalling elements, such as sGC and cGMP both in neurons and in enteric muscle until the end of the second third of gestation, may indicate different effects executed by NO during development, expressed by Ca2+ dependent and independent NOS isoforms.
Morphological Considerations in the Pathogenesis of Paratuberculosis in Goats
Authors: Press C. McL.
Published: November 2005

Paratuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous enteritis and lymphadenitis in ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberuclosis. To investigate the efficacy of assays for early diagnosis, experimental infections were performed in goat kids. Oral doses of M. a. paratuberculosis were administered to goat kids over extended periods and the resulting infection was followed for 12–24 months. Complementary experiments were performed on goat kids vaccinated against M. a. paratuberculosis. Immunological, pathological and morphological examinations were undertaken in both these experimental systems. The analysis of results from these experiment series provided novel insights into the influence of the biology of gut‐associated lymphoid tissue on the progress of disease, into the character of the tissue granuloma and its dominance of the local tissue response and into the relationship between the local and systemic immune responses.
Histological Study of Lymphatic Nodules and their Distributions Throughout the Cecum of the Caspian Miniature Horse
Authors: Rezaian M. , Saheb Jamei A. , Ebrahimpoor F.
Published: November 2005

The cecum is a great cul‐de sac intercalated between the small intestine and the colon. It has a remarkable size in the equine and digestion of more than 30% of total cellulose and production of volatile fatty acids by anaerobic metabolism of cellulose by its micro flora were made on it. It has also a substantial number of lymphatic nodules, which in horses are located near the apex. Topographically, cecum is situated chiefly to the right of the median plane and occupies around the whole volume of there in the abdominal cavity. The histological structure of the lymphatic follicles and their distributions pattern throughout the cecum in five healthy mature miniature horses (an special species of horses lives only in north of Iran) were studied (Fig. 1a). Each cecum was divided into three parts, namely, the base, body and apex, and samples were taken from each part immediately after slaughter and fixed with 10% buffered formalin. Routine histological laboratory techniques were made and 6 μm ?sections were cut and stained with haematoxylin and eosin staining and studied under light microscope. Lymphatic nodules were mostly found in the submucosa, but they disrupted the muscularis mucosa and merged into the lamina propria (Fig. 1c). The thickness of the mucosa and submucosa at these sites was smaller, and the epithelium that covered the mucosa was here modified into simple squamous or low cuboidal epithelia with dark and flattened nuclei (Figs 1b,d). The large and small lymphatic nodules were extensively accumulated in the apex, forming a nearly continuous layer in lamina propria and submucosa. However, they were less prominent at the base and least in the body of the cecum.

image
[ Abdominal viscera of miniature horse: right view. The right lateral wall is removed, right ventral part of colon (thick arrow), cecum (thin arrow). B: Photomicrograph from the apex of cecum in miniature horse, large numbers of lymphatic nodules were seen in lamina propria and sub mucosa (arrows) , H&E, 32x. C: Photomicrograph from the base of cecum in miniature horse, lymphatic nodule (thin arrow), discontinues muscularis mocusa (thick arrow), H&E, 100x. D: Photomicrograph from the epithelium covering the base of cecum in miniature horse, normalepithelia (thick arrow) ]
Diversity and host association of the tropical tree endophyte Lasiodiplodia theobromae revealed using simple sequence repeat markers
Authors: Mohali S. , Burgess T. I. , Wingfield M. J.
Published: November 2005

Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a cosmopolitan fungus with a worldwide distribution in the tropics and subtropics, where it causes shoot blight and dieback of trees and shrubs and imparts blue stain in timber. In this study, eight simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity and gene flow between populations of L. theobromae. The relationships between isolates from different hosts were considered using three populations from different tree species in Venezuela (VEN) and the relationships between isolates from different geographical origins included populations from VEN, South Africa (RSA) and Mexico (MEX). A small number of predominant genotypes were encountered in the VEN and RSA populations and thus genotypic diversity was low. There was no evidence of host specificity for isolates of L. theobromae and there was very high gene flow between populations from different hosts. Geographical isolation existed between populations of the pathogen from different regions, with unique alleles fixed in the different populations. Gene flow was, however, less restricted between isolates from MEX and the other populations, consistent with MEX as a common source of seed in both VEN and RSA. Genetic analysis suggested predominantly clonal reproduction with some genotypes widely distributed within a region. The broad host range of L. theobromae and the lack of evidence for host specialization, coupled with its endophytic nature and the common appearance of symptoms only after harvest, is likely to hinder disease management strategies.
Fatal case ofAspergilluscoinfection in a renal transplant recipient suffering from cytomegalovirus pneumonitis (Case Report)
Authors: SIU YUI‐PONG , LEUNG KAY‐TAI , TONG MATTHEW KA‐HANG , KWOK YUK‐LUNG , WONG PIK‐KEI , KWAN TZE‐HOI
Published: November 2005

SUMMARY: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is common in postrenal transplant recipients, and may predispose the patients to secondary bacterial or fungal infections. However, simultaneous coinfection is rare and often makes diagnosis difficult. We report a case of CMV pneumonitis in a renal transplant recipient presenting with elevated CMVpp65 antigen level and abnormal chest radiograph. Despite potent and broad‐spectrum antimicrobial therapy, his condition deteriorated rapidly – he soon went into respiratory failure, septic shock and died several days later. Transbronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage obtained before the patient's death showed evidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with concomitant CMV pneumonitis. High index of suspicion and early and empirical initiation of antifungal therapy may be necessary for successful management of fulminant pneumonia in solid organ transplant recipients.
Melatonin corrects reticuloendothelial blockade and iron status in haemodialysed patients
Authors: LABONIA WALTER , RUBIO DEBORA , ARIAS CARLOS
Published: November 2005

Aim:  Treatment of anaemia in haemodialysed patients in the setting of inflammation usually displays high levels of serum ferritin (>800 ng/mL) and low transferrin saturation (TSAT) (<20%) despite i.v. iron supplementation, thus proving iron trapping in the reticuloendothelial system. Melatonin has been reported to reduce cytokine production and, in dialysis patients, to prevent oxidative stress resulting from iron and erythropoietin treatment.

Method:  In this study, we evaluated a group of 10 patients undergoing haemodialysis who displayed elevated serum ferritin (981 ± 44.6 ng/mL) and TSAT <20% (15.6 ± 3.8%) after having received 1.2 g of i.v. iron dextran over a period of 8 weeks. These patients received oral melatonin, 6 mg/day at night for 30 days.

Results:  After this treatment, all of them markedly increased TSAT values, reaching 35.5 ± 6.7% (P < 0.0001 vs basal values). In addition, ferritin values decreased to 754.4 ± 263.7 ng/mL (P < 0.05), and serum iron dramatically increased in all of the patients under study (42.4 ± 9.4 vs 109.7 ± 24.3 µg/dL; P < 0.0001). Values for haematocrit (28.6 ± 2.7 vs 31.9 ± 3.57%; P < 0.05) and haemoglobin (9.19 ± 0.97 vs 10.04 ± 1.29 g/dL; P < 0.05) were also improved. Measurements were then repeated 2 weeks after melatonin withdrawal, showing an impressive decrease in TSAT (16.4 ± 5.3%; P < 0.00001) and serum iron (48 ± 14.7 µg/dL; P < 0.0001) values and an almost significant increase in ferritin values (954.4 ± 86 ng/mL; P < 0.054).

Conclusion:  The present study demonstrates that melatonin may strongly correct the reticuloendothelial blockade seen in dialysis patients under an inflammatory status, thus allowing a better management of iron derangements and renal anaemia.
Is cytogenetic diagnosis of 46,XX karyotype spontaneous abortion specimens erroneous? Fluorescence in situ hybridization as a confirmatory technique
Authors: Karaoguz Meral Yirmibes , Nas Tuncay , Konaç Ece , Ince Didem , Pala Elif , Menevse Sevda
Published: November 2005

Aim: Performing the standard cytogenetic technique on spontaneous abortion material is still a valuable tool, but finding a normal 46,XX karyotype can confuse investigators and lead to a problem in diagnosis. This is mainly because it is possible for the female or male conceptus to retain contaminating maternal cells. To address this possibility, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization technique (FISH). X (DXZ1: p11.1‐q11.1 region) and Y (DYZ3: p11.1‐q11.1 region) chromosome α‐satellite probes were employed to confirm the karyotypes previously diagnosed as 46,XX by our cytogenetic laboratory, or to verify the occurrence of ‘Y chromosome component’.

Methods: Besides conventional long‐term tissue cultures and G‐bands by trypsin using Giemsa (GTG) bandings, FISH analyses were also performed.

Results: A total of 134 spontaneous abortion specimens (singleton gestations) were referred for cytogenetic evaluation, of which 125 specimens were successfully karyotyped. Of these, 20.8% (26/125) had chromosome aberrations; 88.5% (23/26) of these aberrations were numerical and 11.5% (3/26) were structural. The most prevalent numerical anomalies were trisomies 15, 16 and 21, tetraploidies, triploidies and monosomy X. FISH results were obtained for 45 out of 92 cases with 46,XX, of which 2 (4.4%) showed XY signals.

Conclusions: For accurate cytogenetic evaluation of spontaneous abortion materials, an additional technique such as FISH is required in order to confirm the cytogenetic results or to provide an estimate of the error rate in the analysis of miscarriages.
Late recurrence of invasive cervical cancer: Twenty years’ experience in a single cancer institute
Authors: Goto Tomoko , Kino Nao , Shirai Takako , Fujimura Masaki , Takahashi Michiko , Shiromizu Kenshi
Published: November 2005

Aim: To estimate the characteristics of, and prognosis for, late recurrence of cervical cancer.

Method: Between 1977 and 1996, of 1721 patients with invasive cervical cancer, 1157 survived more than 5 years. Twenty‐eight patients whose cancer recurred after a disease‐free interval of 5 years were retrospectively investigated. For 22 patients the cancer recurred after less than 10 years, for five patients it recurred between 10 and 20 years after the original occurrence, and in one patient the cancer recurred after more than 20 years.

Results: The histologic subtypes included 20 squamous cell carcinomas and eight adenocarcinomas. The initial therapies were surgery alone (on one patient), surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (on 20 of the patients) and radiotherapy alone (on seven of the patients). Recurrence was initially diagnosed by internal or external examination (11 patients), chest X‐ray (six patients) and computed tomography (11 patients). Rates of lymphogenous metastases were 19% of patients with primary surgery and 57% of patients without primary surgery, while those of hematogenous metastases were 48% of patients with primary surgery and none of patients without primary surgery (P = 0.023). The overall survival rate after recurrence was 50.5% after 2 years and 22.3% after 5 years, respectively. Four of the patients survived for more than 3 years without evidence of disease; these patients all had recurrence outside the irradiated field and achieved complete remission with radiotherapy.

Conclusions: Late recurrence of cervical cancer was frequently observed in patients with initial treatment, including radiotherapy. Some had very long disease‐free intervals, but many were diagnosed by ordinary internal or external examination or chest X‐ray. Patients with primary surgery experienced recurrence less frequently in the case of lymph node metastasis than was the case for hematogenous metastasis. Radiotherapy was effective and improved prognosis, especially for recurrence of cancer outside the irradiated field.
Importance of species interactions to community heritability: a genetic basis to trophic‐level interactions
Authors: Bailey Joseph K. , Wooley Stuart C. , Lindroth Richard L. , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: November 2005

Recent community genetics studies have shown that specific genotypes of a host plant support distinct arthropod communities. Building upon these findings, we examined the hypothesis that a trophic community consisting of cottonwood trees, a galling herbivore and avian predators could also be related to the genetics of the host tree. We found genetic correlations among phytochemistry of individual tree genotypes, the density of a galling herbivore, and the intensity of avian predation on these herbivores. We detected significant broad‐sense heritability of these interactions that range from H = 0.70 to 0.83. The genetic basis of these interactions tended to increase across trophic levels suggesting that small genetic changes in the cottonwood phenotype could have major consequences at higher trophic levels affecting species interactions and energy flow. These findings show a heritable basis to trophic‐level interactions indicating that there is a significant genetic basis to community composition and energy flow that is predictable by plant genotype. Our data clearly link plant genetics to patterns of avian foraging and show that species interactions are important components of community heritability and ecosystem processes. Overall, these data support the hypothesis that evolution of plant traits can alter trophic‐level interactions and community composition.
Assessing environmental risks of transgenic plants
Authors: Andow D. A. , Zwahlen Claudia
Published: November 2005

By the end of the 1980s, a broad consensus had developed that there were potential environmental risks of transgenic plants requiring assessment and that this assessment must be done on a case‐by‐case basis, taking into account the transgene, recipient organism, intended environment of release, and the frequency and scale of the intended introduction. Since 1990, there have been gradual but substantial changes in the environmental risk assessment process. In this review, we focus on changes in the assessment of risks associated with non‐target species and biodiversity, gene flow, and the evolution of resistance. Non‐target risk assessment now focuses on risks of transgenic plants to the intended local environment of release. Measurements of gene flow indicate that it occurs at higher rates than believed in the early 1990s, mathematical theory is beginning to clarify expectations of risks associated with gene flow, and management methods are being developed to reduce gene flow and possibly mitigate its effects. Insect pest resistance risks are now managed using a high‐dose/refuge or a refuge‐only strategy, and the present research focuses on monitoring for resistance and encouraging compliance to requirements. We synthesize previous models for tiering risk assessment and propose a general model for tiering. Future transgenic crops are likely to pose greater challenges for risk assessment, and meeting these challenges will be crucial in developing a scientifically coherent risk assessment framework. Scientific understanding of the factors affecting environmental risk is still nascent, and environmental scientists need to help improve environmental risk assessment.
Herbivore control of annual grassland composition in current and future environments
Authors: Peters Halton A. , Cleland Elsa E. , Mooney Harold A. , Field Christopher B.
Published: November 2005

Selective consumption by herbivores influences the composition and structure of a range of plant communities. Anthropogenically driven global environmental changes, including increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), warming, increased precipitation, and increased N deposition, directly alter plant physiological properties, which may in turn modify herbivore consumption patterns. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that responses of annual grassland composition to global changes can be predicted exclusively from environmentally induced changes in the consumption patterns of a group of widespread herbivores, the terrestrial gastropods. This was done by: (1) assessing gastropod impacts on grassland composition under ambient conditions; (2) quantifying environmentally induced changes in gastropod feeding behaviour; (3) predicting how grassland composition would respond to global‐change manipulations if influenced only by herbivore consumption preferences; and (4) comparing these predictions to observed responses of grassland community composition to simulated global changes. Gastropod herbivores consume nearly half of aboveground production in this system. Global changes induced species‐specific changes in plant leaf characteristics, leading gastropods to alter the relative amounts of different plant types consumed. These changes in gastropod feeding preferences consistently explained global‐change‐induced responses of functional group abundance in an intact annual grassland exposed to simulated future environments. For four of the five global change scenarios, gastropod impacts explained > 50% of the quantitative changes, indicating that herbivore preferences can be a major driver of plant community responses to global changes.
Evolution of natural algal populations at elevated CO2
Authors: Collins Sinéad , Bell Graham
Published: November 2005

Over the next century, it is expected that the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere will roughly double (Watson et al., 2001, Climate Change 2001: the Scientific Basis, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Geneva). Microbial populations, which have large population sizes and short generation times, may respond to CO2 enrichment through genetic change. Here we describe microalgae isolated from the soil of natural CO2 springs and compare these strains with lines of Chlamydomonas that were selected at elevated CO2 in the laboratory. Both the laboratory and natural populations failed to evolve specific adaptations to elevated CO2, and contain populations that grow poorly at ambient levels of CO2. Laboratory and CO2 spring populations also include lines whose growth rates are insensitive to CO2. This demonstrates that, although laboratory selection experiments use simplified environments, the evolutionary responses that are seen following long‐term CO2 enrichment correspond to those found in natural populations that have experienced similar conditions.
Plant cell wall biosynthesis: genetic, biochemical and functional genomics approaches to the identification of key genes
Authors: Farrokhi Naser , Burton Rachel A. , Brownfield Lynette , Hrmova Maria , Wilson Sarah M. , Bacic Antony , Fincher Geoffrey B.
Published: November 2005

Cell walls are dynamic structures that represent key determinants of overall plant form, plant growth and development, and the responses of plants to environmental and pathogen‐induced stresses. Walls play centrally important roles in the quality and processing of plant‐based foods for both human and animal consumption, and in the production of fibres during pulp and paper manufacture. In the future, wall material that constitutes the major proportion of cereal straws and other crop residues will find increasing application as a source of renewable fuel and composite manufacture. Although the chemical structures of most wall constituents have been defined in detail, the enzymes involved in their synthesis and remodelling remain largely undefined, particularly those involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis. There have been real recent advances in our understanding of cellulose biosynthesis in plants, but, with few exceptions, the identities and modes of action of polysaccharide synthases and other glycosyltransferases that mediate the biosynthesis of the major non‐cellulosic wall polysaccharides are not known. Nevertheless, emerging functional genomics and molecular genetics technologies are now allowing us to re‐examine the central questions related to wall biosynthesis. The availability of the rice, Populus trichocarpa and Arabidopsis genome sequences, a variety of mutant populations, high‐density genetic maps for cereals and other industrially important plants, high‐throughput genome and transcript analysis systems, extensive publicly available genomics resources and an increasing armoury of analysis systems for the definition of candidate gene function will together allow us to take a systems approach to the description of wall biosynthesis in plants.
Enhanced seed phytosterol accumulation through expression of a modified HMG‐CoA reductase
Authors: Hey Sandra J. , Powers Stephen J. , Beale Michael H. , Hawkins Nathaniel D. , Ward Jane L. , Halford Nigel G.
Published: November 2005

The regulation of phytosterol biosynthesis in seeds is of interest to biotechnologists because of the efficacy of dietary phytosterols in reducing blood cholesterol in humans. Mevalonate synthesis via 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMG‐CoA reductase) is a key step in phytosterol biosynthesis. HMG‐CoA reductase is inactivated by phosphorylation by SNF1‐related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1). With the aim of increasing seed phytosterol levels, transgenic tobacco plants were produced expressing a full‐length Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) HMG‐CoA reductase gene (HMG1) coding sequence, a modified HMG1 sequence encoding a protein lacking the target serine residue for phosphorylation by SnRK1, or a chimaeric sequence encoding the N‐terminal domain of the Arabidopsis HMG1 enzyme fused with the catalytic domain of yeast HMG‐CoA reductase, which lacks an SnRK1 target site. All three transgenes (35S‐AtHMG1, 35S‐AtHMG1m and 35S‐AtScHMG1) were under the control of a cauliflower mosaic virus 35S RNA promoter. Levels of seed phytosterols were up to 2.44‐fold higher in plants transformed with the 35S‐AtHMG1m gene than in the wild‐type, and were significantly higher than in plants expressing 35S‐AtHMG1 or 35S‐AtScHMG1. In contrast, levels of phytosterols in leaves of plants transformed with the 35S‐AtHMG1m gene were unchanged, suggesting that regulation of HMG‐CoA reductase by SnRK1 is an important factor in seeds but not in leaves. A total of 11 independent transgenic lines expressing 35S‐AtHMG1m or 35S‐AtScHMG1 also showed an altered flower phenotype, comprising a compact floret, prolonged flowering, short, pale petals, a protruding style, short stamens, late anther development, little or no pollen production, premature flower abscission and poor seed set. Because of this phenotype, the modified HMG‐CoA reductase gene would have to be expressed seed specifically if it were to be engineered into a crop plant for biotechnological purposes.
Evaluation of patients with symptomatic dermographism
Authors: Taşkapan O , Harmanyeri Y
Published: November 2005

Background  Dermographism or ‘simple’ dermographism, which has been noted in about 1.5% to 5% of healthy individuals, is regarded as a normal physiological phenomenon. However, in symptomatic dermographism (SD), even light pressure or rubbing from clothes may provoke widespread weal‐and‐flare reactions with itching and burning. It is one of the dermatologic diseases that negatively impacts quality of life.

Objective  We aimed to reveal triggering factors and/or associated clinical conditions in patients with SD.

Methods  Forty patients (28 women and 12 men) with SD whose ages varied between 7 and 65 (30.3 ± 10.7) participated in the study. Patients having chronic idiopathic urticaria, other types of physical urticaria and cutaneous/systemic mastocytosis were excluded. The diagnosis of SD was confirmed by stroking the skin of the back with a tongue blade. This procedure elicited within minutes a linear weal with a flare and severe itching. In light of the history, physical examination, skin prick test (SPT) with aeroallergens and laboratory results, a possible relationship of certain triggering factors and/or associated diseases (psychic factors, atopy, thyroid diseases, diabetes, menopause, infectious, systemic or malignant diseases, history of scabies, and history of drug reaction) to SD were investigated.

Results  The duration of SD varied between 10 days and 10 years (mean: 20.8 months). Psychic factors were found to play the initial triggering role in 12 patients (30%). Five patients (12.50%) were atopic, and they had SPT reactivity to house dust mites. Three female patients (7.50%) defined that their complaints began following drug‐induced urticarial rash. Two patients (5%) had hyperthyroidism, and one of the patients with SD of 1‐month duration had type‐II diabetes mellitus. A female patient defined that her complaints began during the onset of menopausal period. SD was observed with scabies in one patient; and after poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis in a 7‐year‐old girl. No autoimmune, malignant or other systemic diseases were found in patients with SD.

Conclusions  Contrary to commonly held opinion, SD may be associated with some diseases and/or triggered by some conditions. In this study, a close temporal relationship between the appearance of SD and psychic factors, drug reactions and scabies was documented. The relation between SD and atopy, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, menopause and glomerulonephritis seemed unclear.
Parental imprisonment: effects on boys’ antisocial behaviour and delinquency through the life‐course
Authors: Murray Joseph , Farrington David P.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Prisoners’ children appear to suffer profound psychosocial difficulties during their parents’ imprisonment. However, no previous study has examined later‐life outcomes for prisoners’ children compared to children separated from parents for other reasons. We hypothesise that parental imprisonment predicts boys’ antisocial and delinquent behaviour partly because of the trauma of separation, partly because parental imprisonment is a marker for parental criminality, and partly because of childhood risks associated with parental imprisonment.

Method:  This study uses prospective longitudinal data from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development (CSDD). The CSDD includes data on 411 Inner London males and their parents. We compare boys separated by parental imprisonment during their first 10 years of life with four control groups: boys who did not experience separation, boys separated by hospital or death, boys separated for other reasons (usually disharmony), and boys whose parents were only imprisoned before their birth. Individual, parenting, and family risk factors for delinquency were measured when boys were aged 8–11. Eleven antisocial and delinquent outcomes were assessed between ages 14 and 40.

Results:  Separation because of parental imprisonment predicted all antisocial–delinquent outcomes compared to the four control conditions. Separation caused by parental imprisonment was also strongly associated with many other childhood risk factors for delinquency. After controlling for parental convictions and other childhood risk factors, separation caused by parental imprisonment still predicted several antisocial–delinquent outcomes, even up to age 32, compared with other types of separation.

Conclusions:  Prisoners’ children are a highly vulnerable group with multiple risk factors for adverse outcomes. Parental imprisonment appears to affect children over and above separation experiences and associated risks. Further research on possible moderating and mediating factors such as stigma, reduction in family income and reduced quality of care is required to identify the mechanisms by which parental imprisonment affects children.
The Göteborg discotheque fire: posttraumatic stress, and school adjustment as reported by the primary victims 18 months later
Authors: Broberg Anders G. , Dyregrov Atle , Lilled Lars
Published: November 2005

Background:  On October 29, 1998, around 400 young people were gathered in an old warehouse in Göteborg, Sweden, for a discotheque party. A fire erupted and spread explosively. Adolescents were exposed to dreadful scenes inside and outside the building. In all, 63 young people were killed and 213 physically injured. An 18‐month follow‐up with 275 adolescents (126 girls) who survived the fire, regarding the effects of the fire on symptoms of posttraumatic stress, school adjustment and performance, is reported.

Methods:  Impact of Events Scale (IES), Clinician Administered Posttraumatic Stress Scale (CAPS) and an interview concerning background factors and issues of public and personal support.

Results:  The level of posttraumatic stress was generally high, and highest among adolescents with an immigrant background. In all, 25% of the participants met DSM‐IV criteria for PTSD. Twenty‐three percent of the participants reported having either dropped out of school or repeated a class because of the fire. Students’ ratings of how their own school handled the situation, and school absenteeism, were related to ratings of their own performance in school as well as to the level of posttraumatic stress.

Conclusions:  Traditional talking cures were more sought out by girls than boys. Broad‐scale interventions must be complemented with special treatment opportunities for the most severely afflicted. Victims who suffer from high levels of posttraumatic stress need special support for a long period of time to minimise the effects on scholastic achievement and adjustment. Studies of the effects of traumatic events on child and adolescent development should measure school‐related effects better than has hitherto been the case.
Women's thoughts about sexual life after childbirth: focus group discussions with women after childbirth
Authors: Olsson Ann , Lundqvist Martina , Faxelid Elisabeth , Nissen Eva
Published: November 2005

Background:  To give birth and become a parent is a source of many emotions and expectations. Several studies show that women experience different problems after giving birth. It can bring many physical, emotional and social changes that may alter the woman's sexual needs and impact on her relationship. The aim of this study was to elucidate how some women experienced their sexual life with their partner after giving birth.

Methods:  Twenty‐seven women participated in six focus group discussions (FGDs). These discussions took place 3–24 months postdelivery. The midwives at their antenatal clinics selected them. A discussion guide with broad questions related to the subject was used and an observer took notes during the FGD.

Results:  Four themes were identified: body image after childbirth, how sexual patterns are altered following new stresses of family life, discordance of sexual desire with the partner and the necessity for reassurance. The women did not feel comfortable with the physical changes that had taken place and their body image. Childbirth meant less sleep and less free time; consequently, instead of having sex, women wanted to sleep or have time for themselves and that led to a changed sex pattern. Discordance of sexual desire with the partner was a problem but most of the women expressed confidence that their sexual desire would return shortly. Reassurance and confirmation that they were physically alright and back to normal was essential.

Conclusion:  New mothers are concerned with their body image and the ability to adapt to parenting. They need sensitive, professional counselling and reassurance about their body, as well as about sexual life after childbirth. This level of professional counselling is presently not widely available to new mothers, while midwives and gynaecologists should be the key persons to provide this service.
Statistical methods for assessing agreement for ordinal data
Authors: Jakobsson Ulf , Westergren Albert
Published: November 2005

Evaluation of various methods in clinical practice is often based on interpretations by two or more observers. Such data need to be analysed with correct statistics, or the results and conclusions may be misleading. In this study, the use of measures of agreement for ordinal data in five international nursing journals is reviewed and various methods for measuring agreement are presented and discussed. Analyses of agreement did not seem to be very common in nursing research, but a great variation was found regarding the choice of method for analysing agreement. Both acceptable and unacceptable methods were found in the articles reviewed. When choosing among various methods for agreement the weighted κ‐coefficient is probably the most useful for ordinal data, but several issues of concern arise and need to be taken into consideration when using these types of analyses.
ALEXANDRIUM TAMUTUM SP. NOV. (DINOPHYCEAE): A NEW NONTOXIC SPECIES IN THE GENUS ALEXANDRIUM1
Authors: Montresor Marina , John Uwe , Beran Alfred , Medlin Linda K.
Published: November 2005

A new species of the dinoflagellate genus Alexandrium, A. tamutum sp. nov., is described based on the results of morphological and phylogenetic studies carried out on strains isolated from two sites in the Mediterranean Sea: the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea) and the Gulf of Naples (central Tyrrhenian Sea). Vegetative cells were examined in LM and SEM, and resting cysts were obtained by crossing strains of opposite mating type. Alexandrium tamutum is a small‐sized species, resembling A. minutum in its small size, the rounded‐elliptical shape and the morphology of its cyst. The main diagnostic character of the new species is a relatively wide and large sixth precingular plate (6″), whereas that of A. minutum is much narrower and smaller. Contrary to A. minutum, A. tamutum strains did not produce paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins. Phylogenies inferred from the nuclear small subunit rDNA and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit nuclear rDNA of five strains of A. tamutum and numerous strains of other Alexandrium species showed that A. tamutum strains clustered in a well‐supported clade, distinct from A. minutum.
UV‐A/BLUE LIGHT–INDUCED REACTIVATION OF SPORE GERMINATION IN UV‐B IRRADIATED ULVA PERTUSA (CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Han Taejun , Kong Jeong‐Ae , Han Young‐Seok , Kang Sung‐Ho , Häder Donat‐Peter
Published: November 2005

Recent reduction in the ozone shield due to manufactured chlorofluorocarbons raised considerable interest in the ecological and physiological consequences of UV‐B radiation (λ=280–315 nm) in macroalgae. However, early life stages of macroalgae have received little attention in regard to their UV‐B sensitivity and UV‐B defensive mechanisms. Germination of UV‐B irradiated spores of the intertidal green alga Ulva pertusa Kjellman was significantly lower than in unexposed controls, and the degree of reduction correlated with the UV doses. After exposure to moderate levels of UV‐B irradiation, subsequent exposure to visible light caused differential germination in an irradiance‐ and wavelength‐dependent manner. Significantly higher germination was found at higher photon irradiances and in blue light compared with white and red light. The action spectrum for photoreactivation of germination in UV‐B irradiated U. pertusa spores shows a major peak at 435 nm with a smaller but significant peak at 385 nm. When exposed to December sunlight, the germination percentage of U. pertusa spores exposed to 1 h of solar radiation reached 100% regardless of the irradiation treatment conditions. After a 2‐h exposure to sunlight, however, there was complete inhibition of germination in PAR+UV‐A+UV‐B in contrast to 100% germination in PAR or PAR+UV‐A. In addition to mat‐forming characteristics that would act as a selective UV‐B filter for settled spores under the parental canopy, light‐driven repair of germination after UV‐B exposure could explain successful continuation of U. pertusa spore germination in intertidal settings possibly affected by intense solar UV‐B radiation.
SOURCE OF INORGANIC CARBON FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN TWO MARINE DINOFLAGELLATES1
Authors: Dason Jeffrey S. , Emma Huertas I. , Colman Brian
Published: November 2005

Inorganic carbon uptake was investigated in two marine dinoflagellates, Amphidinium carterae Hulburt and Heterocapsa oceanica Stein. Mass spectrometric and potentiometric assays indicated that both species lacked external carbonic anhydrase (CA). The presence of internal CA was demonstrated by potentiometric assay and by the inhibition of photosynthesis upon the addition of 500 μM ethoxyzolamide a membrane‐permeable inhibitor of CA. The capacity for bicarbonate transport was investigated by comparing the calculated rate of spontaneous CO2 formation at pH 8.2 and 25°C with the rate of photosynthesis after the addition of 100 μM NaHCO3. Both species appeared to have a very limited capacity for direct bicarbonate uptake. Monitoring of CO2 and O2 fluxes in both species by mass spectrometry demonstrated a rapid uptake of CO2 on illumination, to concentrations below the CO2 equilibrium concentration, indicating an effective selective uptake of CO2. This dependence of photosynthesis on free CO2 alone suggests that these species are CO2 limited in their natural environment because the CO2 concentration of seawater is very low.
STRUCTURE AND ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE ENIGMATIC CHAROPHYCEAN GREEN ALGA ENTRANSIA FIMBRIATA (KLEBSORMIDIALES, CHAROPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Cook Martha E.
Published: November 2005

As the closest relatives of embryophytes, the charophycean green algae (sensu Mattox and Stewart) may reveal the evolutionary history of characters in this lineage. Recent molecular phylogenetic analysis indicates that the little‐known species Entransia fimbriata Hughes is a member of the charophycean order Klebsormidiales. In this study LM and EM were used to identify and describe additional structural characters of Entransia so that comparisons could be made with Klebsormidium and with other charophycean algae outside the order Klebsormidiales. Features that Entransia shares with various members of the genus Klebsormidium include cylindrical cells in unbranched filaments that may spiral, parietal chloroplasts that cover only part of the circumference of the cell, H‐shaped cross walls, and vegetative reproduction by both fragmentation and formation of zoospores or aplanospores. Among the characteristics that distinguish Entransia from Klebsormidium are a highly lobed chloroplast with multiple pyrenoids; a single large vacuole; short cells that die and collapse, apparently facilitating filament fragmentation; and germinating filaments with condensed adhesive at the base and a tapering spine at the tip. Although Entransia has sometimes been tentatively considered to be a member of the Zygnemataceae, the presence of a flagellate life history stage distinguishes Entransia from this group. The pyrenoids of Entransia are typical of those of charophycean algae in having traversing membranes and surrounding starch. Presence of multiple such pyrenoids in each chloroplast of Entransia supports the hypothesis that the common ancestor of charophycean algae and embryophytes had a single chloroplast with multiple pyrenoids.