bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat‐specific fishing revealed distinct indicator species in German lowland lake fish communities
Authors: DIEKMANN MARKUS , BRÄMICK UWE , LEMCKE ROLAND , MEHNER THOMAS
Published: September 2005

With the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive, the need for studies on European lake fish communities has increased to include lake type‐specific fish community features. Although several standardized fish sampling methodologies are available, most previous fish community studies lack a simultaneous consideration of the littoral, benthic and pelagic habitats of lakes.

To compare habitat‐specific fish communities, we sampled 67 lakes in the north‐eastern German lowlands using Norden multimesh gillnets in the benthic and pelagic habitats, and electrofishing in the littoral zone.

Standardized catches and diversity of the fish community differed among the three habitats sampled. Species richness and Shannon diversity were higher in benthic and littoral habitats compared with pelagic habitats. Overall, the benthic habitat had the most homogeneous catches and contained the most diverse fish community.

Cluster analysis and subsequent indicator value analyses produced substantially different optimum cluster numbers for the three habitat‐specific fish communities. Based on the significant differences in fish community composition among the habitats, a simultaneous consideration of numerical fish catches from all habitats was performed using standardized fish abundances.

The cluster analysis of the combined abundances resulted in three groups of lakes that were indicated by three fish species. Morphological descriptors (volume, area, maximum depth, mean depth) and descriptors related to the trophic situation (conductivity, total phosphorus) clearly distinguished the three lake groups.

All three habitats showed distinct characteristics with respect to either species diversity or relative species’ abundances. Our results do not support a conceptual model for all lakes of a gradual succession of fish communities as a result of eutrophication.

Synthesis and applications. Only simultaneous consideration of all lake habitats will fulfil the requirements of the Water Framework Directive for evaluating the ecological integrity of lakes. A pre‐separation into at least two community types according to lake morphology is necessary before the deviation of the present fish community relative to a reference state can be determined.
Non‐lethal control of wildlife: using chemical repellents as feeding deterrents for the European badger Meles meles
Authors: BAKER SANDRA E. , ELLWOOD STEPHEN A. , WATKINS RICHARD , MACDONALD DAVID W.
Published: September 2005

Non‐lethal methods of controlling wildlife foraging damage may offer conservation, ethical, legal and efficacy advantages over lethal control. Chemical repellents present a potential non‐lethal approach, but have not been adequately researched in natural environments. Many previous studies have been poorly designed and a lack of data on individual behavioural responses has limited the practical development of repellents. We aimed to identify effective repellents for resolving feeding conflict with wild mammals, using European badgers Meles meles as models.

We tested the relative efficacy of capsaicin, cinnamamide and ziram, in a multichoice paradigm, using remote video‐surveillance to obtain detailed behavioural observations of known free‐ranging individuals. Treatment nights were alternated with control nights over 56 nights.

Badgers discriminated precisely between the four treatments, demonstrating a clear preference for untreated baits, followed by cinnamamide and capsaicin (in no particular order) and then ziram.

All untreated baits, and baits treated with capsaicin or cinnamamide, were eaten throughout the trial.

Ziram baits were fully consumed on treatment nights 1 and 2. Ziram consumption then declined to zero between treatment nights 3 and 9, this coinciding with a sharp rise in bait patch rejection. This ‘learning curve’ peaked at treatment night 7. We conclude that badgers developed conditioned taste aversion towards ziram‐treated baits at this point. Ziram bait consumption was practically zero over the last 20 treatment nights (40 trial nights) and individuals avoided ziram baits, without sampling, for the last 12–22 treatment nights (24–44 trial nights). Observed changes in badger behaviour suggested that avoidance at a distance was facilitated by odour cues.

Synthesis and applications. This study provides proof of the concept that ziram has clear potential for reducing badger feeding damage through conditioned taste aversion to an odour. Our detailed observations allowed us to elucidate the behavioural mechanism involved, crucial for directing future development of this approach, thus demonstrating the importance of studying individual responses in wildlife management research. Second‐order conditioning, such as this, might be applicable to managing other wild mammals. The next step will be to develop a strategy for use in wildlife damage situations.
Spatial association of Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle and badgers Meles meles
Authors: WOODROFFE R. , DONNELLY C. A. , JOHNSTON W. T. , BOURNE F. J. , CHEESEMAN C. L. , CLIFTON‐HADLEY R. S. , COX D. R. , GETTINBY G. , HEWINSON R. G. , LE FEVRE A. M. , MCINERNEY J. P. , MORRISON W. I.
Published: September 2005

Control of zoonotic disease is difficult to achieve when populations of multiple hosts, particularly wildlife, become persistently infected. Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is one such disease: its causative agent, Mycobacterium bovis, infects cattle, humans and multiple wildlife species including European badgers Meles meles.

In Britain, from 1974 to 1998 various strategies for the control of cattle TB involved culling badgers in the immediate vicinity of TB‐affected herds. However, patterns of association between cattle and badgers had not been investigated at a local scale.

Using data from the Randomized Badger Culling Trial, an ongoing large‐scale study of TB dynamics and control, we investigated local geographical associations between M. bovis infection in badgers and cattle.

Mycobacterium bovis infections were locally clustered within both badger and cattle populations.

We show, for the first time, that M. bovis infections in badgers and cattle are spatially associated at a scale of 1–2 km. Badgers and cattle infected with the same strain type of M. bovis are particularly closely correlated. These observational data support the hypothesis that transmission occurs between the two host species; however, they cannot be used to evaluate the relative importance of badger‐to‐cattle and cattle‐to‐badger transmission.

Synthesis and applications. The close associations between M. bovis infections in cattle and badgers suggest that localized badger culling could reasonably be expected to reduce the risks of cattle TB infection; however, experimental culls have found no such beneficial effects over the time‐scale on which they were tested. This demonstrates the difficulty of predicting the outcome of management interventions, and reinforces the need for well‐designed empirical assessments of future control strategies.
Farm‐scale spatiotemporal dynamics of predatory beetles in arable crops
Authors: HOLLAND J. M. , THOMAS C. F. G. , BIRKETT T. , SOUTHWAY S. , OATEN H.
Published: October 2005

The spatial dynamics of farmland invertebrates can provide essential information relevant to their management for pest control and biodiversity conservation in sustainable agriculture. Carabid beetles are one of the most important groups contributing to biological control in arable fields. Previous studies have focused on spatial dynamics within single fields and years. In this study we examined their larger scale, long‐term dynamics, thereby taking into account the impact of changes in crop rotation and the influence of field size.

The spatial distributions of four beetle species were investigated at an unprecedented spatial scale in a grid of 973 pitfall trap locations across six fields encompassing 64 ha of arable land. Week‐long trapping was conducted four times in the first year and twice in the two following years.

All species showed strong aggregation but the size and location of patches differed among species. The distribution of Pterostichus melanarius was stable within and between years, with a single large patch close to the field boundaries. Patches of Poecilus cupreus were also located close to field boundaries but their location changed between years. Pterostichus madidus and Philonthus cognatus distributions extended across field boundaries and were less stable, with patch locations changing between years.

Synthesis and applications. The spatial extent of a population patch for a given species was species‐specific. Species overwintering in field boundaries remained in proximity to these throughout the summer, whereas patches of mid‐field overwintering species were more extensive. Patches were generally stable within years but varied for some species between years. Species therefore differ in their response to crop management practices and consequently blanket management approaches for these important generalist predators of crop pests are inappropriate. For spatially stable species (e.g. Pterostichus melanarius) it may be possible to determine their specific habitat requirements and to devise predictive and protective measures to preserve populations or manipulate them at the farm‐scale. More mobile species may be better at responding to pest aggregations at the farm‐scale. However, operations that deplete populations, e.g. soil cultivations, should be spatially and temporally desynchronized at the farm‐scale to conserve populations and enable functional biocontrol.
Predicting bryophyte diversity in grassland and eucalypt‐dominated remnants in subhumid Tasmania
Authors: Pharo Emma J. , Kirkpatrick Jamie B. , Gilfedder Louise , Mendel Louise , Turner Perpetua A. M.
Published: September 2005

Aim  To determine the environmental factors associated with bryophyte diversity in remnants in a fragmented, agricultural landscape.

Location  Eighty‐two remnants of tussock grassland, eucalypt woodland and eucalypt forest in the subhumid Midlands region of Tasmania, Australia.

Methods  Remnants were surveyed for bryophytes and predictor variables, such as vascular plant cover, climate, and topography. Management histories for each remnant were compiled using both site observation and landowner surveys. Bryophyte cover, richness, and composition were related to the independent variables using simple correlation and general linear models.

Results  We found weak relationships between the dependent variables and the fragmentation variables (remnant area, remnant perimeter to area ratio, distance to nearest remnant, distance to nearest larger remnant, and remnant age). Instead, climatic variables were important in predicting bryophytes, in particular those affecting humidity (minimum temperature of the coldest month, precipitation). Despite extensive sheep grazing in this landscape, grazing was not correlated with bryophyte diversity. Bryophyte diversity was not explained by vascular plant richness and was only weakly explained by composition, but was predicted by the cover of vascular plants. There was greater bryophyte cover and richness and different composition where the cover of native vascular plants was lower.

Main conclusions  The implications of our results are that all remnants, regardless of area, age and isolation, appear to be valuable for bryophyte conservation in this highly altered landscape. Our results also suggest that the cover of the vascular plant community, rather than its diversity, holds promise as a guide to bryophyte diversity. Bryophyte composition was similar between sites and a focus on the most species‐rich sites may be the best conservation strategy in this ecosystem.
Distribution and determinants of serum high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein in a population of young adults. The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Authors: RAITAKARI M. , MANSIKKANIEMI K. , MARNIEMI J. , VIIKARI J. S. A. , RAITAKARI O. T.
Published: September 2005

Objectives.  Elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a suggested risk marker for cardiovascular disease. We aimed at investigating the distribution and determinants of CRP levels in young adults.

Design.  Population‐based study.

Subjects.  A total of 2120 participants aged 24–39 years.

Main outcome measures.  Distribution of CRP, and the relationship between CRP and risk factors.

Results.  CRP concentration (mean ± SD) was 1.43 ± 3.26 mg L−1 in men, 1.36 ± 2.36 mg L−1 in women who did not use oral contraceptives (OC) and 3.69 ± 6.01 mg L−1 in women who used OCs. In total, 8.8% of men, 10.3% of non‐OC user women and 35.3% of OC user women had CRP concentration >3 mg L−1 (recommended cut‐off point of high risk for cardiovascular disease). In univariate analysis, CRP was associated with obesity indices and physical activity amongst both sexes. In men, the multivariate correlates of CRP included waist circumference (P < 0.0001), smoking (<0.0001) and HDL cholesterol (P = 0.024) (inverse association). These three variables explained 21.9% (model R2) of the total variation in CRP, waist circumference having the greatest influence (partial R2 = 19.6%). In women, the multivariate correlates of CRP included OC use (P < 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.0001), triglycerides (<0.0001) and physical activity (P = 0.025) (inverse association). These four variables explained 38.2% (model R2) of the total variation in CRP, with OC use (partial R2 = 18.4%) and BMI (partial R2 = 18.0%) having the greatest influence.

Conclusions.  The determinants of CRP level include obesity and smoking in men, and obesity, OC use and physical activity in women. About one in three of healthy women who use OCs have CRP concentration exceeding 3 mg L−1.
Mechanisms by which food intake elevates circulating levels of hyaluronan in humans
Authors: FRASER J. R. E. , GIBSON P. R.
Published: September 2005

Objectives.  Plasma hyaluronan is a potentially useful clinical test, especially in liver disease. It rises after eating, but mechanisms by which this occurs are not known. The study aimed at defining the effect of different food and liquid intake on plasma hyaluronan and to address mechanisms.

Design.  The effects on plasma hyaluronan of ingestion of high‐fat and low‐fat meals, glucose solution, and saline, and of intravenous metoclopramide and oral cisapride were defined in healthy fasted subjects by serial measurements over 5 h. Hyaluronan was measured by a radiometric assay.

Results.  After test meals and glucose ingestion, plasma hyaluronan rose to 1.7–13 times the fasting levels in 11 healthy volunteers. Peak values were observed in most subjects 45–90 min after ingestion and reached levels in six subjects that might suggest the presence of hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. No change occurred after ingestion of 0.48 L iso‐osmotic NaCl solution, equal in bulk to the glucose solution. Stimulation of gastrointestinal motility with metoclopramide had no effect but oral cisapride induced a pattern of elevated plasma hyaluronan which mimicked that induced by foodstuffs.

Conclusions.  Displacement of hyaluronan from gastrointestinal tissues prevails over the increased clearance expected from elevated portal blood flow. The heightened flux of tissue fluid necessary to displace tissue hyaluronan is best explained by vasodilatation in response to ingestion of nutrients, and subsequent increase in intestinal lymph flow, rather than by fluid absorption, together with gut contraction. The discriminating value of plasma hyaluronan in clinical practice may be greatly enhanced by sampling in fasted subjects at rest.
Home‐exercise regimes for the management of non‐specific temporomandibular disorders
Authors: MICHELOTTI A. , DE WIJER A. , STEENKS M. , FARELLA M.
Published: October 2005

summary  There is a consensus on treatment strategies for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) being reversible. Among reversible therapies, physiotherapy is often chosen for the treatment of TMD pain and dysfunction because it is simple and non‐invasive, it has a low cost as compared with other treatments, it allows an easy self‐management approach, it allows a good doctor–patient communication, and it can be managed by the general practitioner. Home‐exercises regime protocols are reviewed in this article in the context of the biopsychosocial approach. The actual evidence for the efficacy of home physical exercises is weak because of the very limited number of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) available in literature. Therefore, there is a need for further well‐designed studies and RCTs to investigate the therapeutic efficacy. Recent reports and clinical experience, however, suggest that this approach can be promising, particularly if it is tailored towards the individual patient. The favourable cost benefit ratio over other treatment modalities seems to indicate that physiotherapy can be regarded as a first choice approach in selected TMD patients.
Phosphorus nutrition and mycorrhiza effects on grass leaf growth. P status‐ and size‐mediated effects on growth zone kinematics
Authors: KAVANOVÁ MONIKA , GRIMOLDI AGUSTÍN A. , LATTANZI FERNANDO A. , SCHNYDER HANS
Published: October 2005

This study tested whether leaf elongation rate (LER, mm h−1) and its components – average relative elemental growth rate (REGRavg, mm mm−1 h−1) and leaf growth zone length (LLGZ, mm) – are related to phosphorus (P) concentration in the growth zone (PLGZ, mg P g−1 tissue water) of Lolium perenne L. cv. Condesa and whether such relationships are modified by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus hoi. Mycorrhizal and non‐mycorrhizal plants were grown at a range of P supply rates and analysed at either the same plant age or the same tiller size (defined by the length of the sheath of the youngest fully expanded leaf). Both improved P supply (up to 95%) and AMF (up to 21%) strongly increased LER. In tillers of even‐aged plants, this was due to increased REGRavg and LLGZ. In even‐sized tillers, it was exclusively due to increased REGRavg. REGRavg was strictly related to PLGZ (r2 = 0.95) and independent of tiller size. Conversely, LLGZ strictly depended on tiller size (r2 = 0.88) and not on PLGZ. Hence, P status affected leaf growth directly only through effects on relative tissue expansion rates. Symbiosis with AMF did not modify these relationships. Thus, no evidence for P status‐independent effects of AMF on LER was found.
From platform to basin to swell: orbital control on sedimentary sequences in the Oxfordian, Spain
Authors: Strasser André , Aurell Marc , Bádenas Beatriz , Meléndez Guillermo , Tomás Sara
Published: September 2005

Climatic, oceanographic and ecological changes that control the formation and deposition of sediment in shallow and deep depositional environments commonly occur with periodicities of a few 10 000 years. Consequently, in order to interpret sedimentary sequences in the geological past, high time resolution is required. This is best obtained by cyclostratigraphy. Three sections have been studied in the Oxfordian of north‐eastern Spain: one represents a shallow, siliciclastic‐carbonate platform with repetitive subaerial exposures, one an intraplatform basin with sponge bioherms, and one a swell where iron ooids and glauconite formed. The platform section displays a well‐defined stacking pattern of depositional sequences; the deeper‐water sections are well dated by ammonites. The correlation between the three sections is a best‐fit solution integrating biostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy and cyclostratigraphy. It is concluded that the small‐scale depositional sequences formed in tune with the 100‐ka orbital eccentricity cycle. An additional factor was differential subsidence that ruled basin morphology.
In situ chemical dating of tectonothermal events in the French Variscan Belt
Authors: Mezeme Eugène Be , Faure Michel , Cocherie Alain , Chen Yan
Published: September 2005

In situ U–Th–Pb geochronology on monazite using Electron Probe Micro Analyser has been performed on migmatite in the southern French Variscan Massif Central in order to decipher its complex history. After the Early Visean (340 Ma) nappe stacking, the Cévennes area experienced a regional migmatization already dated 330–325 Ma in northern Cévennes. In these rocks two monazite populations are recognized on the basis of petrology texture and geochemistry. The oldest monazite generation that appears as inclusion in K‐feldspar is dated at 331 ± 4 Ma. This age complies with that of the crustal melting experienced by the Cévennes metamorphic series. The youngest monazite generation is interstitial and gives an age of 320 ± 5 Ma. A hydrothermal origin, coeval with the peraluminous magmatism that predates the formation of the Late Carboniferous Velay Dome is proposed as a working hypothesis to account for the formation of this second monazite generation.
Orbital forcing recorded in subtidal cycles from a Lower Miocene siliciclastic–carbonate ramp system (Central Italy)
Authors: Brandano Marco , Corda Laura , Mariotti Goffredo
Published: September 2005

Metre‐scale siliciclastic–carbonate cycles are the basic depositional motif of the lower Miocene Guadagnolo Formation outcropping in the central Apennines. The mechanisms which formed the mixed‐lithology cycles are still a matter of debate. The mixed siliciclastic–carbonate system discussed in this paper provides a new case study to illustrate the role of orbital forcing in controlling the facies evolution and cyclic stacking of small‐scale sequences deposited on the outer sector of a ramp. Two sections are discussed that display mixed siliciclastics and carbonates arranged in upward‐shallowing cycles. Each cycle shows an upward decrease in the terrigenous input and a parallel increase in benthic fauna. Time‐series analyses indicate the cyclic carbonate‐terrigenous pattern to be largely controlled by orbital forcing in the Milankovitch frequency band. Coupling of climate change and sea‐level fluctuations in tune with orbital cycles are proposed as driving mechanisms.
Effects of mantle upwelling in a compressional setting: the Atlas Mountains of Morocco
Authors: Teixell Antonio , Ayarza Puy , Zeyen Hermann , Fernàndez Manel , Arboleya María‐Luisa
Published: September 2005

We discuss the implications of a lithospheric model of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains based on topography, heat flow, gravity and geoid anomalies, taking into account the regional geology. The NW African cratonic lithosphere, some 160–180 km thick, thins to c. 80 km beneath the Atlas fold‐thrust belts, in contrast with the shortening regime prevailing there since the early Cenozoic. This fact explains several geological and geophysical features as high topography with modest tectonic shortening, the occurrence of alkaline magmatism contemporaneous to compression, the absence of large crustal roots to support elevation, the scarce development of foreland basins, and a marked geoid high. The modelled lithosphere thinning is related to a thermal upwelling constrained between the Iberia–Africa convergent plate boundary and the Saharan craton.
Assessing the age of relief growth in the Andes of northern Chile: Magneto‐polarity chronologies from Neogene continental sections
Authors: von Rotz Ruedi , Schlunegger Fritz , Heller Friedrich , Villa Igor
Published: September 2005

The Andes of northern Chile currently experience a phase of relief rejuvenation as indicated by valleys that are >1000 m dissected into pediplains. However, it has been unclear when this phase of relief enhancement started. This paper discusses the use of palaeomagnetic chronologies from four sections in the Taracapá‐Region (northern Chile) to assess this age. The sections are located in distal and proximal positions. Sediment accumulation occurred between c. 22.5 and 8/7.5 Ma with a hiatus that possibly spans a time interval between c. 19.5 and 11 Ma. The magnetic polarity chronologies suggest a preferred age between 8.0 and 7.5 Ma for the time when relief growth started. In proximal positions, however, alternative correlations suggest an age of 8.5 Ma. In addition, the palaeomagnetic data reveal no rotation of the analysed strata, suggesting a minimum age of c. 22.5 Ma for the tectonic block rotation south of the Arica deflection.
Hair loss: is there a relationship with hair care practices in Nigeria?
Authors: Nnoruka Nkechi Edith
Published: September 2005

Background  Hair loss occurs in all ethnic populations, but the etiology varies considerably from group to group. In black women, many forms of alopecia are associated with hair care practices. However, the causes of alopecias in African women have not been extensively investigated.

Objective  This descriptive, cross‐sectional, hospital‐based study was undertaken to document common complaints on initial presentation for hair loss, hair care practices and patterns of hair loss, and to determine if there is a relationship between hair loss and hair care practices.

Methods  A total of 39 female patients seen over a 12 month period were enrolled in the study. Demographic information recorded included age, sex, marital status and occupation. Information regarding medical history included initial presenting complaints, duration of hair loss, site of hair loss, whether there was skin or systemic involvement, hair care practices and the duration of these practices. Examination of the scalp, a hair‐pull test, documentation of the pattern of hair loss, relevant laboratory tests and biopsies were carried out.

Results  All 39 patients were adults. Major complaints at initial presentation, apart from hair loss, included itchy scalp in 17 patients (43.6%), painful scalp in 11 patients (28.2%), hair breakage in seven patients (17.9%) and flaking scalp in four patients (10.3%). All the women relaxed their hair at some point in time. Chemical relaxants were consistently used by 22 patients (53.7%), eight patients (20.5%) alternated these with plaits/braids, and nine patients (23.1%) wore extensions. The use of local concoctions in hair care management was reported by three patients (7.7%). Scarred alopecias were observed in 20 patients (51.3%), while 19 (48.7%) had nonscarred alopecias. Those who reported prolonged and frequent use of chemical relaxants [mean duration (± standard deviation) 23.2 ± 9.3 years] exhibited scarred alopecia more commonly than those who did not often use chemical relaxants (P < 0.001). The application of local concoctions or pomades was also a regular practice amongst females with scarred alopecias.

Conclusions  Itchiness, pain, ready hair breakage and flaking scalp were common complaints at initial presentation. A range of alopecias were documented, and it was also observed that duration of hair care practice and hair styling were relevant to hair loss, particularly for women with central centifugal cicatricial alopecias (CCCAs), which resulted in scarring.
Epidemiologic and etiologic features of pigmentation disorders observed during consultation at the Dermatology Center of Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Authors: Yoboue Pauline , Sangare A. , Kaloga M. , Kouadio A. , Djedje M. A.
Published: September 2005

Skin color is important to people in many societies. In this descriptive cross‐sectional study, the causes of skin disorders in patients presenting for consultation over a period of 5 years were assessed and identified. A total of 4510 dyschromia cases were recorded, representing 9% of the total number of patients attending for consultations at the Dermatology Center of Abidjan over this period. Pigmentation disorders were more often found in female patients (53.56%; sex ratio female:male = 1.44) and were predominant in patients 20–30 years old (50%). All socio‐professional categories were represented. However, students and service professionals (hairdressers, dressmakers, traders and switchboard operators) represented 50% of the patients with pigmentation disorders. Hyperchromia was common (48.49%) and was found in exposed areas of the skin. Most of the pigmentation disorders (60.94%) were of post‐inflammation origin. Vitiligo was the most frequent etiology of systemic or endocrine dyschromia (92.63%). Among the hereditary pigmentation disorders, pigmented naevus was the most commonly found (41.5%). Dyschromic chemical eruptions appeared most frequently in the form of fixed pigmented erythema (84.55%). This study demonstrates that pigmentation disorders are still a frequent reason for consultation due to their distressing consequences.
Keloid acne of the neck: epidemiological studies over 10 years
Authors: Adegbidi Hugues , Atadokpede Felix , Do Ango‐Padonou Florencia , Yedomon Hubert
Published: September 2005

Background  Acne keloidalis nuchae is a chronic condition affecting young adult males of African origin. The frequency of the condition is low but its occurrence has a significant impact on the patient's quality of life.

Patients and methods  We performed a retrospective study on data collected over a period of 10 years in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at the Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire (CNHU) in Cotonou, Benin. We examined 90 files covering the period from 1993 to 2002 in terms of the epidemiologic, clinical and therapeutic features and course of the disease.

Results  The frequency of acne keloidalis nuchae in patients attending the department for consultations over this period was 0.7%. All patients were male, and their mean age was 29 years. The mean period between disease onset and initial consultation in the department was 29 months. Of the patients diagnosed, 82.22% were seen at the stage when the keloid lesions were small. Lesion size did not appear to depend on the duration of the disease. The mean duration of follow up for the 34 patients reviewed was 22 weeks. In nine cases the lesions had spread and in five cases they had resolved. The treatment proposed depended on the type of lesion, but no effective therapeutic guidelines exist.

Conclusions  The study has demonstrated that, once the clinical stage of purely inflammatory lesions has passed, delay in consultation has a negligible effect on the course of the disease, which remains chronic and recurrent. A preventive approach using Information Education Communication (IEC) would be preferable.
Muscarinic receptors, leukotriene B4 production and neutrophilic inflammation in COPD patients
Authors: Profita M. , Giorgi R. Di , Sala A. , Bonanno A. , Riccobono L. , Mirabella F. , Gjomarkaj M. , Bonsignore G. , Bousquet J. , Vignola A. M.
Published: October 2005

Background:  Acetylcholine (ACh) plays an important role in smooth muscle contraction and in the development of airway narrowing; preliminary evidences led us to hypothesize that ACh might also play a role in the development of airways inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods:  We evaluated the concentrations of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in induced sputum, and the expression of Ach M1, M2, and M3 receptors in sputum cells (SC) obtained from 16 patients with COPD, 11 smokers, and 14 control subjects. The SC were also treated with ACh and the production of LTB4 assessed in the presence or absence of a muscarinic antagonist (oxitropium). In blood monocytes, we evaluated LTB4 release and activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) pathway after treatment with Ach.

Results:  The LTB4 concentrations were higher in COPD than in controls (P < 0.01) and correlated with the number of neutrophil (P < 0.01). The M3 receptors expression was increased in COPD subjects when compared to smokers and control (P < 0.05 and 0.0001, respectively), while M2 expression resulted decreased (P < 0.05 and 0.01). The ACh‐induced LTB4 production was observed in peripheral blood monocytes, and was sensitive to ERK inhibition. Similarly, ACh significantly increased neutrophil chemotactic activity and LTB4 released from SC of COPD patients only, and these effects were blocked by pretreatment with the inhibitor of ERK pathway PD98059.

Conclusions:  The results obtained show that muscarinic receptors may be involved in airway inflammation in COPD subjects through ACh‐induced, ERK1/2‐dependent LTB4 release. Muscarinic antagonism may contribute to reduce neutrophil infiltration and activation in COPD.
Asp f6, an Aspergillus allergen specifically recognized by IgE from patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, is differentially expressed during germination
Authors: Schwienbacher M. , Israel L. , Heesemann J. , Ebel F.
Published: October 2005

Background:  Aspergillus fumigatus is a pathogenic mould causing allergic and invasive respiratory diseases. Allergic bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) is a severe pulmonary complication resulting from hypersensitivity to A. fumigatus proteins. Aspergillus allergen Asp f6 is recognized by IgE from ABPA patients, but not from sensitized individuals, a fact that can be used to differentiate between these two groups of allergic patients.

Methods:  Proteins from hyphae, resting and germinating conidia of A. fumigatus were compared by SDS‐PAGE. Protein identification was performed using MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. Recombinant A. fumigatus allergens were used to isolate specific monoclonal antibodies (mab) from a hybridoma bank generated against Aspergillus proteins.

Results:  A hyphae‐specific 23 kDa A. fumigatus protein was identified as the allergen Asp f6/manganese‐dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Differential expression of MnSOD was confirmed by immunoblot using a specific mab. In contrast, Asp f8 another intracellular, but not ABPA‐specific allergen, was detected in hyphae and conidia.

Conclusions:  Aspergillus fumigatus is able to colonize its environment by the formation of hyphae. Hyphae are found in the lung of ABPA patients, but not in patients suffering from atopic asthma. Our finding that Asp f6 is specifically expressed in hyphae might explain why an IgE response to Asp f6 is specific for ABPA patients.
Anaphylactic reactions in children – a questionnaire‐based survey in Germany
Authors: Mehl A. , Wahn U. , Niggemann B.
Published: October 2005

Background:  Severe anaphylactic reactions are medical emergencies requiring immediate recognition and treatment. Despite this, little is known on their clinical features, especially in infants and children.

Objective:  To evaluate trigger factors, patterns of clinical reaction, site of occurrence and treatment modalities of reported reaction in infants and children below 12 years of age in Germany.

Methods:  Paediatricians throughout Germany were asked by questionnaire to report accidental anaphylactic reactions over the previous 12 months. Severity of reported reactions was classified in grades I–IV according to reported symptoms.

Results:  Hundred and three cases of anaphylaxis were evaluated. Median age was 5 years, 58% were boys. Site of occurrence was the child's home in the majority of cases (58%). Foods were the most common causative allergen (57%), followed by insect stings (13%) and immunotherapy (SIT) (12%); in 8% anaphylactic agent was unknown. Among foods, peanuts and tree nuts were the most frequent allergens (20% of food allergens in each case). Severe reactions with cardiovascular involvement occurred in 24% of cases. No fatal reaction was observed. Recurrent episodes of anaphylaxis were reported in 27% of cases, half of these caused by the same allergen again. For treatment, 20% of children received adrenaline, in 8% of cases intravenously. Thirty‐six per cent of patients with grade‐IV reactions received adrenaline, 24% intravenously. In 17% of all children an adrenaline self‐injector was prescribed after the episode.

Conclusion:  Our data: (i) shows an uncertainty of physicians in diagnosing anaphylaxis, (ii) reveals remarkable under‐treatment of the majority of children with anaphylaxis, (iii) reflects the need for guidelines and training for physicians in managing children with anaphylaxis and (iv) should encourage the development of self‐management programmes for patients and families.
An analysis of PAX1 in the development of vertebral malformations
Authors: Giampietro PF , Raggio CL , Reynolds CE , Shukla SK , McPherson E , Ghebranious N , Jacobsen FS , Kumar V , Faciszewski T , Pauli RM , Rasmussen K , Burmester JK , Zaleski C , Merchant S , David D , Weber JL , Glurich I , Blank RD
Published: September 2005

Due to the sporadic occurrence of congenital vertebral malformations, traditional linkage approaches to identify genes associated with human vertebral development are not possible. We therefore identified PAX1 as a candidate gene in vertebral malformations and congenital scoliosis due to its mutation in the undulated mouse. We performed DNA sequence analysis of the PAX1 gene in a series of 48 patients with congenital vertebral malformations, collectively spanning the entire vertebral column length. DNA sequence coding variants were identified in the heterozygous state in exon 4 in two male patients with thoracic vertebral malformations. One patient had T9 hypoplasia, T12 hemivertebrae and absent T10 pedicle, incomplete fusion of T7 posterior elements, ventricular septal defect, and polydactyly. This patient had a CCC (Pro)→CTC (Leu) change at amino acid 410. This variant was not observed in 180 chromosomes tested in the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) database and occurred at a frequency of 0.3% in a diversity panel of 1066 human samples. The second patient had a T11 wedge vertebra and a missense mutation at amino acid 413 corresponding to CCA (Pro)→CTA (Leu). This particular variant has been reported to occur in one of 164 chromosomes in the NIEHS SNP database and was found to occur with a similar frequency of 0.8% in a diversity panel of 1066 human samples. Although each patient's mother was clinically asymptomatic and heterozygous for the respective variant allele, the possibility that these sequence variants have clinical significance is not excluded.
Biological Control of Stenocarpella maydis in Maize Seed with Antagonistic Streptomyces sp. Isolates
Authors: Bressan W. , Figueiredo J. E. F.
Published: September 2005

The effectiveness of two Streptomyces sp. isolates, isolated from maize rhizosphere soil and designated as DAUFPE 11470 and DAUFPE 14632, was evaluated in vitro and under greenhouse conditions for control of Stenocarpella maydis in maize seeds. Stenocarpella maydis incidence was detected in all subsamples of disease‐free maize seeds by in vitro survey test, and ranged from 10.8% to 65.2%. In a filter paper test with surface‐disinfected seeds inoculated with S. maydis, Streptomyces sp. isolates DAUFPE 11470 and DAUFPE 14632 significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.05) the pathogen incidence by 93.2% and 92.3%, respectively. Seed germination in the same treatments was increased by 30.0% and 28.2%, respectively. Treatments of non‐disinfected seeds with the isolates DAUFPE 11470 and DAUFPE 14632, under greenhouse conditions reduced disease incidence in the seedlings by 87.3% and 85.6%, respectively. The reductions in disease incidence in surface‐disinfected seeds were 85.0% and 83.0% for the same isolates. Seedling emergence significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased in disinfected and non‐disinfected seeds inoculated with the Streptomyces sp. isolates. The results indicate the potential of using Streptomyces sp. isolates as an additional tool to control Stenocarpella ear rot by significantly reducing the incidence of S. maydis in maize seeds and seedlings.
Genetic Diversity of Pyrenophora teres Isolates as Detected by AFLP Analysis
Authors: Leišova L. , Minariˇḱova V. , Kučera L. , Ovesná J.
Published: September 2005

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis has been used to analyse mainly 83 Czech isolates of Pyrenophora teres, P. graminea, P. tritici‐repentis and Helminthosporium sativum. Each species had distinct AFLP profiles. Using 19 primer combinations 948 polymorphic bands were detected. All main clusters in dendrogram correspond to the studied species. Even the two forms of P. teres–P. teres f. teres (PTT) and P. teres f. maculata (PTM) – formed different clusters. Genetic diversity, with regard to the locality and the year of the sample's collection, was analysed separately within the AFLP‐based dendrogram cluster of PTT and PTM. Unweighted pair‐group method (UPGMA) analysis of the 37 isolates of PTT and 30 isolates of PTM, using 469 polymorphic bands, showed that the variability seemed to have been influenced more by the year of sampling than by the geographic origin of the isolate. The presence of intermediate haplotypes with a relatively high number of shared markers between the two groups indicated that hybridization between the forms of P. teres could happen, but it is probably often overlapped by selection pressure or genetic drift.
Spatially Resolved Sulphur K‐edge XANES Spectroscopy for in situ Characterization of the Fungus–plant Interaction Puccinia triticina and Wheat Leaves
Authors: Prange A. , Oerke E.‐Ch. , Steiner U. , Bianchetti Ch. M. , Hormes J. , Modrow H.
Published: September 2005

An innovative application of X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy for the characterization of interactions of biotrophic plant pathogens with their hosts as exemplified by Puccinia triticina colonizing wheat leaves is described. Spatially resolved, synchrotron radiation‐based XANES spectroscopy was used for the detection of changes in sulphur metabolism induced by leaf rust infections. A significant accumulation of sulphate occurred at the site of the sporulating urediniosori of P. triticina. Compared with non‐infected leaf areas, minor changes in the spectra were observed for the non‐visibly colonized tissue neighbouring the rust sori. As the spectra for isolated urediniospores and the healthy leaf areas did not match the spectra of the urediniosori, a significant impact of the biotrophic pathogen on sulphur metabolism of wheat has been demonstrated. Spatially resolved XANES spectroscopy will extend the range of qualitative and quantitative methods for in situ investigations of host–pathogen interactions, thus contributing to enlarge our knowledge about the metabolism of diseased plants.
Biological and Molecular Characterization of Melon‐Infecting Kyuri Green Mottle Mosaic Virus in Indonesia
Authors: Daryono B. S. , Somowiyarjo S. , Natsuaki K. T.
Published: September 2005

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) plants showing fruit deformation and mosaic symptoms were found in Java, Indonesia, in 2001. Leaf dips of the symptomatic melon tissue revealed rod‐shaped viral particles 300 × 18 nm in size. Biological and serological data described in this study indicate that the virus belonged to the genus tobamovirus and was related to the kyuri green mottle mosaic virus (KGMMV). The genome of the virus has been completely sequenced, consisting of 6512 nucleotides and was compared in detail with KGMMV‐C1 and KGMMV‐Y. The sequence of their 5′‐ and 3′‐ non‐coding regions (NCRs) were 91% and 94% identical to KGMMV‐C1, and only 82% and 95% identical to KGMMV‐Y respectively. The amino acid sequence of the shorter and longer RNA replicase components, movement protein and coat protein were 94%, 91%, 95% and 94% identical to KGMMV‐C1 and 93%, 89%, 91% and 85% identical of KGMMV‐Y respectively. The results from phylogenetic analysis of the coding regions revealed that KGMMV‐YM is a new strain of KGMMV. This is the first report of the complete nucleotide sequence and analysis of genome organization for KGMMV isolated in anywhere in South‐East Asia.
Early Detection of Bacterium‐induced Basal Resistance in Tobacco Leaves with Diaminobenzidine and Dichlorofluorescein Diacetate
Authors: Bozsó Z. , Ott P. G. , Szatmari A. , Czelleng A. , Varga G. , Besenyei E. , Sárdi É. , Bányai É. , Klement Z.
Published: September 2005

The present study demonstrate that in tobacco leaves the diaminobenzidine (DAB) and 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA) staining is a useful indicator of the basal (also known as general or innate) defence‐associated reactions, especially of the early developing form of basal resistance (EBR). DAB and DCFH‐DA, in the presence of H2O2 and peroxidase converts to a brown polymer and fluorescent DCF respectively. In the present study, the hypersensitive response (HR)‐inducing avirulent Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae 61, its HR‐negative hrp/hrc mutants and even non‐pathogenic bacteria such as P. fluorescens and Escherichia coli caused DAB and DCFH‐DA staining, if the dyes were injected 3–4 h after bacterial inoculation into tobacco leaves. The conditions that enable the staining of plant leaves infiltrated with HR‐negative bacteria were persisted for 1 to several days depending on the physiological state of the plant, and plant activity was required to the development of the staining. The live virulent P. syringae pv. tabaci was able to suppress the development of the staining reaction. Bacteria that induced more intensive staining reaction triggered stronger local resistance response, which was verified by its ability to inhibit the HR by challenging avirulent bacteria and by expression analysis of genes that are activated during the basal defence response. The peroxidase enzyme activity increased in bacterially treated tobacco tissue, and inhibition of peroxidase activity blocked the development of the staining. The results showed that in tobacco leaves the staining reactions were associated with the general recognition and basal defence reaction of tobacco plant and can be used as markers in tobacco leaves for testing the occurrence of this type of defence.
Exercise‐ or dipyridamole‐loaded QGS is useful to evaluate myocardial ischemia and viability in the patients with a history of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Ishikawa Yuichi , Fujiwara Motoki , Ono Yasuo , Tsuda Etsuko , Matsubara Tomoyo , Furukawa Susumu , Echigo Shigeyuki
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Background
: Evaluation of myocardial ischemia and viability is very important for the management of patients with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD). 99mTc‐tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion scintigraphy combined with quantitative gated single photon computed emission tomography (QGS) gives us information, not only about perfusion, but also the percentage change in left ventricular wall thickness (%WT) and relative changes in left ventricular wall motion (LVM).

Methods
: The subjects were 27 patients with a history of KD followed as outpatients at the National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan. Exercise‐loaded QGS was performed on 21 patients, and dipyridamole‐ loaded QGS was performed in six patients younger than 7 years old.

Results
: Perfusion defects (PD) were observed in 12 patients. Of the 12 patients, four with old myocardial infarction (OMI) had decreased %WT. All patients with OMI showed a decrease in %WT in the areas where PD was seen on the image. The other eight patients without OMI showed no decrease in %WT. In non‐infarcted cases, the %WT was normal in the PD‐positive area.

Conclusions
: It is possible to evaluate myocardial ischemia and viability in KD patients by comparing PD on the image with %WT determined by QGS using exercise or drug‐loaded myocardial scintigraphy alone.