bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of brushing force and time on plaque removal using a powered toothbrush
Authors: McCracken G. I. , Janssen J. , Swan M. , Steen N. , De Jager M. , Heasman P. A.
Published: December 2004

Objectives: Primary objective – To determine the effect of varying brushing forces and brushing times upon the plaque‐removing efficacy of a powered toothbrush. Secondary objective – to determine the optimum combination of brushing force and time for plaque removal.

Material and Methods: This randomised, single‐blind, 16‐cell, cross‐over trial compared the efficacy of plaque removal of a powered toothbrush (PTB) used with four brushing forces (75, 150, 225 and 300 g) and over four brushing times (30, 60, 120 and 180 s). Twelve volunteers (18–30 years) were recruited and trained to use the Philips/Jordan Sensiflex 2000 PTB, which was modified so that specified forces and times could be recorded. Each subject was asked to abstain from all oral hygiene procedures for 24 hs prior to each brushing event, to allow plaque accumulation. Plaque was recorded using a modified Quigley & Hein index (PI) at six points per tooth before and after each episode of brushing, and the differences in the means (pre‐ to postbrushing) were compared. Three‐way anova was undertaken to compare differences between plaque‐removing efficacy for the 16 combinations of force and time. Subjects, brushing time and brushing force were used as fixed effects within the analysis.

Results: All 12 subjects participating completed the 16 combinations of force and time over which plaque removal was assessed. Statistically significant differences in PI reductions were found between different brushing times and forces over all tooth surfaces (p<0.001). The interaction of varying brushing force and brushing time was significant for full mouth (FM) and interproximal (IP) sites (p<0.03). No statistical significance was demonstrated for smooth surface (SS) sites, nor was it detected for the interaction of subjects with brushing force or subjects with brushing time (p>0.05).

Conclusion: We conclude that brushing time and brushing force have significant effects upon the level of plaque removal by a PTB, and at 120 s brushing time the improvement in plaque removal with forces in excess of 150 g was negligible.
Polymorphism at position −174 of IL‐6 gene is associated with susceptibility to chronic periodontitis in a Caucasian Brazilian population
Authors: Trevilatto P. C. , Scarel‐Caminaga R. M. , De Brito R. B. , De Souza A. P. , Line S. R. P.
Published: December 2004

Background: Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a multifunctional cytokine that mediates inflammatory tissue destruction. A G to C substitution at position −174 in the promoter of IL‐6 gene reduces in vitro transcription of IL‐6. This polymorphism has been associated with inflammatory diseases like chronic arthritis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the IL‐6−174 polymorphism and susceptibility to chronic periodontitis in Brazilians.

Material and Methods: Eighty‐four nonsmoking subjects over 25 years (mean age 42.4) were divided according to the severity level of periodontal disease: 36 healthy individuals (control group), 24 subjects with moderate and 24 with severe periodontitis. Genomic DNA was obtained from epithelial cells through a mouthwash with 3% glucose and scraping of oral mucosa. The samples were analyzed for IL‐6−174 polymorphism using PCR‐RFLP. The significance of the differences in the frequencies of the polymorphism in the control and groups with periodontitis was assessed by χ2 test (p<0.05).

Results: Differences were found between control and groups with periodontitis in the genotype (p=0.0036, OR=3.0) and in the allele (p=0.0838, OR=1.9) frequencies.

Conclusion: We concluded that the IL‐6−174 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to chronic periodontitis in the population studied.
Evaluation of the efficacy of two potassium nitrate bioadhesive gels (5% and 10%) in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity. A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Frechoso Susana Cuesta , Menéndez Manuel , Guisasola Cristina , Arregui Ignacio , Tejerina José M , Sicilia Alberto
Published: December 2004

Aim:

A randomised clinical trial was designed to compare the immediate efficacy (48–96 h) of two treatments with bioadhesive gels with different concentrations of potassium nitrate (NK 5% versus NK 10%) on dentine hypersensitivity (DH). We evaluated DH by means of the use of the evaporative stimulus (ES), as the main outcome, using a placebo control group as reference.

Patients and Methods: Forty‐five consecutive patients who, after stimulation with a blast of air, had at least one tooth with DH ≥ 2 according to the verbal ratings scale (VRS) scale were selected. They were randomly treated with a bioadhesive gel with 5% NK, 10% NK or a placebo gel without NK. The DH was evaluated at baseline, days 2, 4, 7 and 14 by an examiner blind to the procedure. The response to the ES with a blast of air, to the tactile stimulation with a probe and the subjective evaluation of the patient measured on the VRS scale were recorded. Statistical analysis was made using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results: A greater reduction of DH after ES was observed after 48 h of treatment in the NK10% group (35.8%) compared to the NK5% group and placebo group (11.8% and 13.4%, respectively). This difference increased significantly at 96 h (p=0.003). No significant differences were observed for the other variables. These preliminary results may support the usefulness of an NK 10% gel to reduce the DH after stimulation with a blast of air during the first 4 days of its appearance.
Effect of toothpaste on the plaque inhibitory properties of a cetylpyridinium chloride mouth rinse
Authors: Sheen S. , Eisenburger M. , Addy M.
Published: December 2004

Background and aims: Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouth rinses have moderate plaque inhibitory activity when used alone but rarely have shown adjunctive benefits to tooth brushing with toothpaste. Several explanations for this apparent anomaly can be proferred, including loss of antiseptic activity due to interactions with toothpaste ingredients. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of toothpaste on the plaque inhibitory properties of a CPC mouth rinse using paired rinses of CPC, toothpaste slurry (TP) and water (W).

Methods: The study was a single blind, randomised, seven‐treatment, cross over design balanced for residual effects, involving 21 healthy, dentate subjects. The paired rinses were: W‐CPC, CPC‐W, TP‐CPC, CPC‐TP, W‐TP, TP‐W and W‐W. Rinsing with solutions or slurries was done for 60 s twice per day. On day 1, subjects were rendered plaque free, suspended tooth cleaning and commenced the allocated rinse regimen. On day 5, plaque was scored by index. A 2½ day wash out of normal oral hygiene was allowed between each regimen.

Results: The order from lowest to highest plaque scores was as follows: W‐CPC = CPC‐W < CPC‐TP < TP‐CPC ≤ W‐TP < TP‐W < W‐W. Several differences in pairs of treatments were statistically significant, the most relevant of which were significantly less plaque with W‐CPC compared to TP‐CPC, TP‐W and W‐TP, and significantly more plaque with W‐W compared to all other regimens except TP‐W.

Conclusions: Toothpaste, whilst possessing some plaque inhibitory activity, when used immediately before a CPC mouth rinse adversely affected the plaque inhibitory action of this antiseptic. This in part may explain the reported lack of adjunctive benefits of CPC rinses to normal oral hygiene practices and supports the suggestion, made for chlorhexidine rinses, that their use should follow toothpaste by at least 60 min.
Trends in dental caries in Latin American and Caribbean 5–6‐ and 11–13‐year‐old children: a systematic review
Authors: Bönecker Marcelo , Cleaton‐Jones Peter
Published: December 2004

Abstract – Objectives: To determine trends in dental caries prevalence and severity in Latin America and Caribbean.

Methods:  A systematic review was done of studies published between 1970 and 2000 among 5–6‐ and 11–13‐year‐old children that used WHO caries diagnostic criteria.

Results: Over the last 30 years, there has been a significant decrease in caries severity for children 5–6 years old and also a significant decrease in caries prevalence and severity for children 11–13 years old. The same broad trends were observed when caries prevalence and severity was analyzed for the last 20 and 10 years but these were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Evidence of a decrease in dental caries in Latin American and Caribbean children has been shown, although the decrease was less prominent in the past few years.
The shortened dental arch concept – attitudes of dentists in Tanzania
Authors: Sarita Paulo T. N. , Witter Dick J. , Kreulen Cees M. , Creugers Nico H. J.
Published: December 2004

Abstract –

Objectives: The shortened dental arch concept is a problem‐oriented strategy to reduce complex restorative treatment in the posterior regions. The aim of this study was to determine the attitude of Tanzanian dentists about this concept.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to all 77 dentists treating patients in Tanzania. The questionnaire contained items to assess the dentist's opinions such as dentist's judgement about the oral function of subjects with shortened dental arches, the type of treatment (or no treatment) of subjects with shortened dental arches and the reactions of patients to the proposal to shorten the dental arch. A short description about the problem‐oriented approach and the shortened dental arch concept was included.

Results: Most of the responding dentists judged that shortened dental arches can provide satisfactory or acceptable chewing function (71%) and dental appearance (79%). Most dentists (89%) indicated that the shortened dental arch concept, as an example of a problem‐oriented approach, has a useful place in clinical practice. However, most dentists (89%) inserted free‐end acrylic partial dentures in these cases. Dentists with experience to apply the concept indicated that most of the patients have no objections after explanation of the proposal to shorten the dental arch.

Conclusions: From this study it is concluded that the shortened dental arch concept is an acceptable strategy for dentists in Tanzania. However, many dentists doubt its implementation in clinical practice.
Classifying periodontitis among adolescents: implications for epidemiological research
Authors: Lopez Rodrigo , Baelum Vibeke
Published: December 2004

Abstract –  Objectives:  To evaluate the performance of four clinical classification systems proposed for periodontitis in young subjects when applied to epidemiological data on clinical attachment loss. We assess the extent to which the use of different case definition systems may influence the outcome of descriptive and analytical epidemiological studies.

Methods:  The data originate in a screening examination for periodontitis carried out among 9162 high school students. Each of four previously published classification systems was applied to the data. The prevalence of cases according to each system was estimated and the association between case status, as defined by each system, and a set of candidate determinant variables was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results:  The four classification systems yielded rather different prevalence estimates. For localized periodontitis the estimates varied by a factor of 10, and for generalized periodontitis, these varied by a factor of 30. The results of the logistic regression analyses using the different case‐definitions essentially confirmed the results of a population‐based analysis. However, the precision of the estimates decreased with decreasing numbers of cases identified by the classification systems.

Conclusions:  From an epidemiological point of view there is little justification for the use of the complicated classification systems. An approach based on the simple definition of a case as a person with clinical attachment loss, e.g. ≥3 mm, is preferable.
Assessment of manual restorative treatment (MRT) with amalgam in high‐caries Filipino children: results after 2 years
Authors: Monse‐Schneider B. , Heinrich‐Weltzien R. , Schug D. , Sheiham A. , Borutta A.
Published: December 2004

Abstract –

Background: The atraumatic restorative treatment (ART), using only hand instruments and glass‐ionomer cement as adhesive material is recommended for restorative dental treatment in disadvantaged communities lacking electricity and sophisticated dental equipment. Research is required on more durable restorative materials appropriate for populations with high‐caries experience.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate, under field conditions, the applicability and effectiveness of an encapsulated amalgam as restorative material in ART prepared cavities in permanent teeth of children with high‐caries rates. As the definition of ART restricts the manual treatment to adhesive materials the approach used is called the manual restorative treatment (MRT).

Methods: Two dentists and two trained healthcare workers, using hand instruments and an encapsulated amalgam that was mixed with a manually driven triturator, placed a total of 934 restorations in the permanent dentition in 466 children. Due to irregular school attendance of Filipino children only 611 restorations could be evaluated by one independent dentist. The average age at reassessment of restorations was 27 ± 4.5 months.

Results: 93.3% of the restorations were acceptable. The failure rate of occlusal surface restorations was 5.6% compared with 13.6% of buccal surface fillings. The survival rate of large occlusal restorations was 95.1% compared with 93.7% for small restorations. The survival of MRT restorations was not influenced by the experience and professional level of the operator.

Conclusions: Amalgam is a suitable MRT material, especially for extensive occlusal lesions in high‐caries populations. Studies of longer duration are needed to confirm this finding.
Dental caries in postwar Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Ivanković Ante , Lukić Ivan Krešimir , Ivanković Zorana , Radić Ankica , Vukić Iljo , Šimić Ankica
Published: December 2004

Abstract –

Objectives: To present the prevalence of dental caries in postwar Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH).

Methods: A survey focused on dmft and DMFT indices was carried out in four cantons of the Federation of BH in 1997. The dental health of 6‐ and 12‐year‐olds was assessed in random samples (n = 238 and 318, respectively). DMFT index in adult population was assessed in clients coming to dental offices in the same area (35–44‐year‐olds; n = 401). All the subjects were clinically investigated.

Results: During the 1991–95 war, all four cantons were affected by the migration of population. The population per dentist ratio considerably increased in three cantons. In 6‐year‐olds, the average dmft (±SD) was 4.9 ± 4.0, and 86% of the children were affected with dental caries. The average DMFT of 12‐year‐olds was 6.2 ± 3.9. On the average, 94% of the 12‐year‐olds were affected with dental caries. Mean DMFT of adult clients was 15.1 ± 7.0. Almost every adult (98%) was affected with dental caries.

Conclusions: The dental status in postwar BH is rather poor and the mean DMFT in all investigated age groups may be considered high. The detrimental effect of 1991–95 war on social conditions and the health care system should be considered in explaining such poor dental health. Despite the limitations, the presented data may be used to assess the treatment needs, assure the visibility for dental issues in BH, and help the west European countries to plan dental services for refugees from BH.
Oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) and mercury in amalgam fillings
Authors: Wong L. , Freeman S.
Published: December 2004

84 patients with oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) were seen in the contact dermatitis clinic. All these patients had reticulate, lacy, plaque‐like or erosive lichenoid changes adjacent to amalgam fillings. Patch testing to metallic mercury, 0.1% thimerosal, 1% ammoniated mercury, 0.1% mercuric chloride, and in some cases 0.05% phenylmercuric nitrate and amalgam discs was undertaken. 33 (39%) patients had positive patch test findings. 30/33 patch test positive patients had replacement of their amalgam fillings, with 28 (87%) patients experiencing improvement of symptoms and signs within 3 months. This confirms that mercury allergy is a factor in the pathogenesis of OLL in some cases. In cases where patch test negative patients improve with amalgam replacement, mercury may be acting as an irritant in the pathogenesis of OLL.
Cytokine gene polymorphisms in allergiccontact dermatitis
Authors: Westphal Götz A. , Schnuch Axel , Moessner Rotraut , König Inke R. , Kränke Birger , Hallier Ernst , Ziegler Andreas , Reich Kristian
Published: December 2004

Susceptibility to contact allergy may be influenced by genetically determined alterations in the production of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. This report focuses on functional polymorphisms in the genes encoding for several cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of contact allergic responses, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (G–238 A, G–308 A), interleukin (IL)‐1β (C‐511G, T+ 3953C), its natural antagonist, the IL‐1 receptor antagonist (VNTR intron 2), and IL‐6 (G–174C). Polymorphisms were investigated by PCR techniques among polysensitized individuals, defined as individuals with confirmed contact sensitization to para‐substituted aryl compounds and at least one other structurally unrelated allergen (n = 86), and healthy control individuals without a history of eczema (n = 310). The distribution of TNFA–308 genotypes was significantly different in these groups (Padjusted= 0.0378). Compared with carriers of 2 wild‐type alleles (TNFA−308*1/1 (*G/G)), carriers of the TNFA–308*1/2 (*G/A) and TNFA–308*2/2 (*A/A) genotypes tended to be more common among polysensitized individuals [OR = 1.54, 95% CI (0.92–2.55) and OR = 2.36 (0.84–6.51), respectively]. No significantly different distribution of genotypes was detected at any other polymorphic loci among control individuals without eczema and polysensitized subjects. These findings suggest a possible relationship between the TNFA–308 polymorphism and contact allergy. The results need to be confirmed in future studies.
Gold allergy in Japan
Authors: Nonaka Hiromitsu , Nakada Tokio , Iijima Masafumi
Published: December 2004

In Japan, gold dermatitis due to ear piercing increased in the early 1990s, but has subsequently become rare. To evaluate this clinical finding and to determine the frequency of gold allergy in Japan, we analysed the results of patch testing with 0.2% gold chloride from 1990 to 2001. 653 patients were tested from March 1990 to December 2001. 55 patients showed a positive reaction to gold (8.4%). Significantly more women (10.2%) than men (0.8%) reacted (P < 0.005), but there was no significant difference between positive rates from 1990 to 1995 (9.2%) and from 1996 to 2001 (7.2%). Our data suggest that patients with gold allergy did not decrease in number, despite a decreased number of patients showing clinically overt gold dermatitis. Thus, gold allergy has changed from being clinically overt to becoming occult in Japan.
Antibody to S100a6 protein is a sensitive immunohistochemical marker for neurothekeoma
Authors: Fullen Douglas R. , Lowe Lori , Su Lyndon D.
Published: December 2004

Background: Neurothekeoma is a benign tumor of putative peripheral nerve sheath origin. It occurs in a myxoid (classic) variant, cellular variant, and intermediate (mixed) variant. Cellular neurothekeoma (CNT) usually involves the head and neck or extremities of young patients. Histologically, CNT can be confused with melanocytic and fibrohistiocytic lesions. An immunohistochemical antibody panel is often necessary to confirm the histological impression and exclude melanocytic and/or fibrohistiocytic lesions.

Methods: Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded archival tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using antibodies specific for S100A6 and PGP9.5 in 11 cases of neurothekeoma (seven cellular, four myxoid). A variety of other antibodies were evaluated by immunohistochemistry at the time of initial diagnosis.

Results: All 11 neurothekeoma cases were positive for S100A6 protein (four cases, weak/1+ ; seven cases, strong/2+), corresponding to 100% sensitivity. In contrast, eight of 11 neurothekeoma cases (73% sensitivity) were positive for PGP9.5. All seven CNT cases were negative for S100B, as expected.

Conclusions: Anti‐S100A6 is a highly sensitive antibody for neurothekeomas, including CNT, and, in our experience, is superior in sensitivity to PGP9.5. However, like other antibodies used in evaluating neurothekeomas, S100A6 lacks specificity, as has been demonstrated in previous studies. Nevertheless, S100A6 can be useful in an immunohistochemical antibody panel to evaluate lesions where the differential diagnosis includes CNT.
Effects of biopsy‐induced wound healing on residual basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas: rate of tumor regression in excisional specimens
Authors: Swetter Susan M. , Boldrick Jennifer C. , Pierre Peterson , Wong Patricia , Egbert Barbara M.
Published: December 2004

Background: Wound healing following a partial biopsy of basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) may induce tumor regression.

Methods: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) biopsy and re‐excision specimens from 1994 to 2001 were reviewed for histologic evidence of scar vs. presence of residual tumor in excision specimens. Regressed and non‐regressed tumors were analyzed to assess the influence of anatomic location, biopsy technique (punch vs. shave), histologic subtype of BCC or SCC, time interval between biopsy and excision, and patient age.

Results: Nine hundred and ten excisions were performed for transected BCC or SCC, 217 (24%) of which showed scar with no residual tumor. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant differences in the regressed vs. non‐regressed subsets. SCCs were more likely to regress than BCCs (40% vs. 20%, respectively, p < 0.00001). Independent of the NMSC type, tumors regressed more often following shave rather than punch biopsy (34% vs. 15%, respectively, p < 0.00001), as did tumors on the trunk and extremities compared with head and neck cases (31% vs. 21%, respectively, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: In our series, 24% of NMSCs transected on the initial biopsy showed no residual tumor in the excision specimens, implying that some event in the interval between biopsy and excision may lead to the eradication of residual tumor. The exact mechanism is unclear, but wound healing likely plays an important role.
Fibroblastic/myofibroblastic sarcoma of the skin: a report of five cases
Authors: Diaz‐Cascajo Carlos , Borghi Susanna , Weyers Wolfgang , Metze Dieter
Published: December 2004

Background: A number of malignant soft tissue tumors, particularly those of fibroblastic and fibrohistiocytic derivation, have been found to display myofibroblastic differentiation focally. The term myofibroblastic sarcoma, a controversial presumably distinctive entity, defines a malignant soft tissue tumor in which myofibroblasts are quantitatively the predominant cell type.

Methods: Five cases of cutaneous spindle‐cell sarcomas showing fibroblastic‐myofibroblastic differentiation with predominance of fibroblasts were retrieved from the files of three large centers of dermatopathology. Tumors were analyzed histopathologically, immunophenotypically, and, in two cases, ultrastructurally. Results were compared with those previously reported in fibrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and myofibroblastic sarcoma.

Results: Immunophenotypic and ultrastructural profiles of the cases analyzed in this series were closer to fibrosarcoma and to malignant fibrous histiocytoma than to myofibroblastic sarcoma by virtue of quantitative predominance of fibroblasts over myofibroblasts. On the other hand, histopathologic findings were in keeping with those reported in myofibroblastic sarcoma.

Conclusions: Our series highlights the intrinsic problems in attaching certain cutaneous sarcomas with fibroblastic‐myofibroblastic differentiation to one of the recognized entities and gives support to the hypothesis that fibrosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and myofibroblastic sarcoma are related histogenetically.
Epithelioid angiosarcoma of the breast involving the skin: a highly aggressive neoplasm readily mistaken for mammary carcinoma
Authors: Fariña M. C. , Casado V. , Renedo G. , Estévez L. , Martín L. , Requena L.
Published: December 2004

Background: Angiosarcomas are malignant neoplasms of endothelial cells. Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare neoplasm that behaves in a highly malignant fashion. It must be differentiated from benign vascular proliferations and from mammary carcinoma.

Methods: We report on a 49‐year‐old‐woman who presented with a large mass involving the left breast.

Results: The lesion had an erythematoviolaceous hue and livedoid pattern at the periphery. Histopathologic study showed an epithelioid malignant neoplasm, and immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that neoplastic cells expressed immunoreactivity for endothelial cell markers.

Conclusions: A diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma of the breast was established. The patient was treated with radical mastectomy, but she refused any other additional therapy.
Hepatitis C and G viruses in B‐cell lymphomas of the skin
Authors: Michaelis Sonja , Kazakov Dmitry V. , Schmid Mirka , Dummer Reinhard , Burg Günter , Kempf Werner
Published: December 2004

Background:  The etiology of B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) of the skin has still to be elucidated. So far, Borrelia sp. has been identified as the causative agent of some cases of B‐cell LPDs of the skin. Apart from bacterial pathogens, recent studies suggested that also flaviviruses, in particular hepatitis C (HCV) and G (HGV) viruses, may be involved in the pathogenesis of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs). Most studies were performed in patients with known HCV infection, but the overall frequency of HCV‐ and HGV‐RNA in tumoral tissue of primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (CBCLs) is unknown.

Methods:  We examined 23 tumor biopsies of various forms of CBCLs by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and sequencing for the presence of HCV and HGV.

Results:  HCV‐RNA sequences were detected in seven of 23 (30%) of the tumor biopsies. In contrast, RNA sequences of HGV were not detected in any of the tumors.

Conclusions:  Interestingly, the presence of HCV in our series of primary CBCLs was not restricted to a distinct clinicopathologic subform. HCV which can infect B cells, may play a role in pathogenesis of one‐third of CBCLs, whereas HGV is not involved in CBCLs. Further molecular studies and therapeutic trials are needed to clarify the putative pathogenetic role of HCV in CBCLs.
Does habitat use explain large scale species richness patterns of aquatic beetles in Europe?
Authors: Ribera Ignacio , Foster Garth N. , Vogler Alfried P.
Published: December 2004

Regularities in species richness are widely observed but controversy continues over its mechanistic explanation. Because richness patterns are usually a compound measure derived from taxonomically diverse species with different ecological requirements, these analyses may confound diverse causes of species numbers. Here we investigate species richness in the aquatic beetle fauna of Europe, separating major taxonomic groups and two major ecological types, species occurring in standing and running water bodies. We collated species distributions for 800+ species of water beetles in 15 regions across western Europe. Species number in any of these regions was related to three variables: total area size, geographic connectedness of the area, and latitude. Pooled species numbers were accurately predicted, but correlations were different for species associated with either running or standing water. The former were mostly correlated with latitude, while the latter were only correlated with the measure of connectedness or with area size. These differences were generally also observed in each of the four phylogenetically independent lineages of aquatic Coleoptera when analysed separately. We propose that effects of habitat, in this case possibly mediated by different long term persistence of running and standing water bodies, impose constraints at the population or local level which, if effective over larger temporal and spatial scales, determine global patterns of species richness.
Spatial separation of Afrotropical dung beetle guilds: a trade‐off between competitive superiority and energetic constraints (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Krell Frank‐Thorsten , Krell‐Westerwalbesloh Sylvia , Weiß Ingo , Eggleton Paul , Linsenmair Karl Eduard
Published: December 2004

In the forest‐savanna mosaic of Côte d'Ivoire (Parc National de la Comoé), we studied the guild structure of dung beetle assemblages of fresh buffalo faeces (60 samples, 19 626 specimens) in three adjacent habitats: savanna parkland, gallery forest, grassland of the river valley. We found clear patterns at the guild level determined by the habitat type and time of day: in the savanna parkland during the day, telecoprids (rollers) and their kleptoparasites are dominant. At night, paracoprids (tunnelers) and endocoprids (dwellers) dominate the dung beetle assemblages. In the river valley during the day and the gallery forest all day and night, the abundance of dung beetles is very low and does not reach a competitive level. In the river valley at night, endocoprids are quite abundant. Abundances of kleptoparasites and their hosts are positively correlated. The telecoprids are the most competitively superior guild since they use the resource most rapidly, but their abundance is correlated with temperature of faeces and soil. This is probably because their mode of resource utilization is energetically costly, so they require higher temperatures in order to maximize their competitiveness. Their ecological tolerance is therefore narrow and they are only present in the savanna parkland during the day. The endocoprids are the least competitive guild, since they do not relocate the resource and so are not able to monopolize parts of it. However, their mode of resource utilization is less energetically costly. They seem to be more tolerant of temperature fluctuation and more able to cross barriers such as the gallery forest. Spatial separation of Afrotropical dung beetle guilds is likely to be due to a trade‐off between competitive superiority and energetic constraints.
Non‐parallel changes in soil microbial carbon and nitrogen dynamics due to reindeer grazing in northern boreal forests
Authors: Stark Sari , Tuomi Juha , Strömmer Rauni , Helle Timo
Published: December 2004

Reindeer grazing has a considerable influence on mineralization processes in northern Fennoscandian boreal forests, but the mechanisms underlying the observed differences between grazed and ungrazed areas are not well understood. We studied the below‐ground impacts of reindeer grazing by comparing the carbon and nitrogen mineralization rates inside and outside long‐term fenced reindeer exclosure areas in five oligotrophic, lichen‐dominated and five mesotrophic, dwarf‐shrub dominated forests. The soil C mineralization rates and microbial metabolic activity (qCO2) were significantly lower in the grazed than the ungrazed areas in both oligotrophic and mesotrophic forests. The reductions occurred irrespective of the impact on soil moisture. We conclude that reindeer grazing causes a reduction in the supply of labile C substrates to microbes, resulting in reduced organic matter decomposition rates through changes in the activity of the microbial biomass. Simultaneously, grazing had no consistent effect on the microbial N dynamics, but the impact ranged from no change to increased or decreased in N mineralization rates at the different study sites. The impact of grazing on the N mineralization potential thus seems to be site‐specific and uncoupled from the impact of grazing on soil C mineralization. Reciprocal transplant incubations showed no interactions between N mineralization rates and the reindeer‐mediated impact on the soil microclimate. We suggest that plant root damage due to trampling by reindeer may be an important mechanism for the deceleration of soil C cycling. In some cases, however, the impact of grazing on the soil active N pool may be strong enough to outweigh the reduction in soil organic matter decomposition, and by these means uncouple soil N dynamics from soil C quality.
Predation rate on artificial nests increases with human housing density in suburban habitats
Authors: Thorington Katherine K. , Bowman Reed
Published: December 2004

Predation causes most nest failure in birds. Predator communities are likely to vary across a gradient of increasing urbanization, so nest predation also is likely to vary across this gradient. Although predation is thought to decline with increasing urbanization, relatively little is known about variation in predation pressure within strata along an urban gradient and how factors known to affect nest success, such as nest location, interact with urban variables, such as human housing density. Native habitats are frequently fragmented and isolated by suburban residential development, thus we quantified predation rates on artificial nests located in natural oak scrub patches within a suburban matrix in south‐central Florida. We examined patterns of predation based on nest location relative to habitat edges, artificial nest weathering treatment, nest shrub height, and human housing density. Over two 18‐d trials, we placed a total of 240 nests, each containing a single quail egg and a clay sham, along three roadside transects. Nest predation was not influenced by proximity to edge, nest weathering, or trial date, but was highest at high housing density and lowest at low housing density. The proportion of quail eggs removed from nests increased with human housing density. Birds were the most frequent predators of artificial nests, but the relative frequency of predation by birds or mammals did not differ relative to any of our treatments. Higher rates of nest predation with increasing human housing density within suburban habitats may reflect changes in habitat structure and composition that increase the vulnerability of nests to predation or changes in the composition of the predator community. Our results modify the conclusions of previous studies by suggesting that at scales smaller than the entire urban gradient, nest predation may increase with human housing density, one common measure of urbanization.
Long distance dispersal and landscape occupancy in a metapopulation of the cranberry fritillary butterfly
Authors: Baguette Michel
Published: December 2004

Movements between habitat patches in a patchy population of the butterflyBoloria aquilonariswere monitored using capture‐mark‐recapture methods during three successive generations. For each data set, the inverse cumulative proportion of individuals moving 100 m distance classes was fitted to the negative exponential function and the inverse power function. In each case, the negative exponential function provided a better fit than the inverse power function. Two dispersal kernels were generated using both negative exponential and inverse power functions. These dispersal kernels were used to predict movements between 14 suitable sites in a landscape of 220 km2. The negative exponential function generated a dispersal kernel predicting extremely low probabilities for movements exceeding 1 km. The inverse power function generated probabilities predicting that between site movements were possible, according to metapopulation size. CMR studies in the landscape revealed that long distance movements occurred at each generation, corresponding to predictions of the inverse power function dispersal kernel. A total of 26 movements between sites (up to 13 km) were detected, together with recolonisation of empty sites. The spatial scale of the metapopulation dynamics is larger than ever reported on butterflies and long distance movements clearly matter to the persistence of this species in a highly fragmented landscape.
Use of foraging habitats by bats in a Mediterranean area determined by acoustic surveys: conservation implications
Authors: Russo Danilo , Jones Gareth
Published: December 2004

We determined habitat use by foraging bats by broad‐band acoustic surveys in 10 habitat types from a Mediterranean area (southern Italy). We applied discriminant functions to identify time‐expanded echolocation calls from free‐flying bats.

Moon phase and cloud cover had no effect on bat activity. Only Hypsugo savii was influenced by temperature, and activity of Myotis daubentonii and Myotis capaccinii was reduced at higher wind speeds. Both total numbers of bat passes and feeding buzzes were highest over rivers and lakes. Pipistrellus kuhlii and H. savii were most frequently recorded. Pipistrellus kuhlii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Tadarida teniotis proved generalists in using foraging habitats.

Water sites and conifer plantations were respectively the most and the least used habitats by H. savii. Rivers were especially important to Myotis bats, Miniopterus schreibersii and Pipistrellus pygmaeus. Unlike P. kuhlii, P. pipistrellus was frequent in beech woodlands; P. pygmaeus made a considerable use of chestnut woodlands and Myotis spp. were moderately active in both these woodland types.

A large number of endangered or vulnerable species featured in riparian habitats, broadleaved woodlands and olive groves. Riparian and woodland habitats constitute an important target for conservation. Typical land use forms such as woodlands used for chestnut production and traditionally managed olive groves should be encouraged in conservation plans. The negative impact of urbanisation on bats might be counteracted by fostering trees, gardens and small cultivated patches. Farmland practices should encourage landscape complexity and limit the use of pesticides.
Arterial elastorrhexis in β‐thalassaemia intermedia, sickle cell thalassaemia and hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Tsomi K. , Karagiorga‐Lagana M. , Karabatsos F. , Fragodimitri C. , Van Vliet‐Konstantinidou C. , Premetis E. , Stamoulakatou A.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Arterial and stromal elastorrhexis, an elastic tissue disorder, was recently described in β‐thalassaemia major. Histopathological material from 10 patients with thalassaemia intermedia, 14 with sickle cell thalassaemia and 18 with hereditary spherocytosis was examined in order to investigate the specificity of the arteriopathy. Histological re‐examination was made in a total of 42 spleens with parasplenic lymph nodes in 14 cases, 26 surgical liver biopsies and 16 gallbladders with associated regional lymph nodes. Arteriopathy, qualitatively similar to that seen in β‐thalassaemia major, was found in up to 90% of extrasplenic muscular arteries. Elastorrhexis lesions were also found in intrasplenic arteries and in stromal elastic tissue of spleens and parasplenic lymph nodes, in the absence of tissue iron overload. The arteriopathy appears in the first decade of life even in spleens of normal weight, and seems unrelated to the severity of permanent anaemia. It is suggested that patients suffering from hereditary chronic haemolytic diseases are subject to an elastic tissue disorder which is similar to hereditary pseudoxanthoma elasticum, the earliest and most frequent manifestation of which is arterial elastorrhexis of muscular extrasplenic arteries.
New T‐lymphocytic cell lines for studying cell infectability by human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Rozmyslowicz Tomasz , Kijowski Jacek , Conover Dareus O. , Majka Marcin , Baj‐Krzyworzeka Monika , Reca Ryan , Libura Jolanta J. , Gaulton Glen N. , Ratajczak Mariusz Z.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: We identified five human T‐lymphoid cell lines (PB‐1, Sez‐4, C19PL, HUT 102B and ATL‐2) which highly express CD4 in addition to CXCR4 and CCR5. In order to evaluate if these cells are infectabile by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and could be employed as a model in HIV research we exposed these cell lines to X4 (T‐cell tropic) and R5 (macrophage tropic) and subsequently tried to correlate their infectability with (i) level of chemokine coreceptor (CXCR4 and CCR5) expression, (ii) coreceptor functionality (calcium flux, chemotaxis and phosphorylation of MAPK p42/44 and AKT) and (iii) endogenous expression and secretion of HIV‐related chemokines which compete with the virus for binding to CXCR4 (SDF‐1/CXCL12) or CCR5 (MIP‐1β/CCL4, MIP‐1α/CCL3, RANTES/CCL5, MCP‐2/CCL8, MCP‐3/CCL7 and MCP‐4/CCL13). We demonstrated that while PB‐1 cells are infectable by both X4 and R5 HIV, Sez‐4, C91PL, HUT 102B and ATL‐2 cells were infected by X4 HIV only. Moreover, we noticed that the susceptibility of these cells to HIV did not correspond either with the level of surface expression or with the functionality of CXCR4 or CCR5; however, it was modulated to some degree by the endogenously secreted HIV‐related chemokines. Thus all five mature T‐cell lines described here may provide useful new models for studying various aspects of HIV infection. In addition we demonstrate that the infectability of cells by HIV is modulated by so far unidentified intrinsic factors as well as some already known endogenously secreted chemokines. The identification of these factors may be important for developing new strategies to protect cells from HIV infection.
Glucocorticoids down‐regulate the extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin, fibulin‐1 and fibulin‐2 in bone marrow stroma
Authors: Gu Yu‐Chen , Talts Jan Fredrik , Gullberg Donald , Timpl Rupert , Ekblom Marja
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Glucocorticoids regulate hematopoietic cell interactions with the bone marrow microenvironment, but the molecules involved in the regulation are still largely unknown. We have studied the effect of glucocorticoids on mRNA expression and protein synthesis of the major extracellular matrix adhesion protein fibronectin and three other extracellular proteins, fibulin‐1, fibulin‐2 and nidogen‐1, in mouse bone marrow cultures and in a hematopoiesis supporting the stromal MC3T3‐G2/PA6 cell line. Glucocorticoids suppressed mRNA expression and protein synthesis of fibronectin, fibulin‐1 and fibulin‐2, but not nidogen‐1, in adherent cells of bone marrow cultures, as shown by Northern blot analysis and immunoprecipitation. mRNA levels of all four proteins were down‐regulated by dexamethasone in MC3T3‐G2/PA6 cells, indicating a direct glucocorticoid effect on cells synthesizing extracellular matrix proteins. Dexamethasone down‐regulated fibronectin mRNA rapidly, within 2 h of treatment, in the stromal cells. This effect did not require mRNA or protein synthesis, as shown by Northern blot analysis after treatment by actinomycin D and cycloheximide. Interferon‐α, which also has been reported to modulate haematopoietic cell–matrix interactions, did not affect mRNA expression of the proteins in MC3T3‐G2/PA6 cells. Our results indicate that glucocorticoids down‐regulate expression of several mesenchymal‐type extracellular matrix molecules in bone marrow, but with a variable effect on different proteins. Thus one mechanism by which glucocorticoids regulate haematopoiesis may be by altering the relative proportions of extracellular matrix proteins.
Loss of CD20 expression in relapsed lymphomas after rituximab therapy
Authors: Haidar Joud H. , Shamseddine Ali , Salem Ziad , Mrad Yasser Abou , Nasr Michel R. , Zaatari Ghazi , Bazarbachi Ali
Published: December 2004

Abstract: The response rate at relapse to rituximab in prior responders B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients is below 50%. Loss of CD20 expression after rituximab therapy may explain this secondary resistance. However, the frequency of CD20 negative relapses cannot be assessed since most patients that relapsed after rituximab therapy have not been re‐biopsied. Here, we present two patients with CD20 positive low grade B‐cell NHL that lost the cell surface and cytoplasmic expression at relapse after rituximab therapy. Our findings suggest that confirmation of CD20 expression on the malignant B cells is required whenever rituximab therapy is considered.
Optical tweezers for measuring red blood cell elasticity: application to the study of drug response in sickle cell disease
Authors: Brandão M. M. , Fontes A. , Barjas‐Castro M. L. , Barbosa L. C. , Costa F. F. , Cesar C. L. , Saad S. T. O.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: The deformability of erythrocytes is a critical determinant of blood flow in microcirculation. By capturing red blood cells (RBC) with optical tweezers and dragging them through a viscous fluid we were able to measure their overall elasticity. We measured, and compared, the RBC deformability of 15 homozygous patients (HbSS) including five patients taking hydroxyurea (HU) for at least 6 months (HbSS/HU), 10 subjects with sickle cell trait (HbAS) and 35 normal controls. Our results showed that the RBC deformability was significantly lower in haemoglobin S (HbS) subjects (HbSS and HbAS), except for HbSS/HU cells, whose deformability was similar to the normal controls. Our data showed that the laser optical tweezers technique is able to detect differences in HbS RBC from subjects taking HU, and to differentiate RBC from normal controls and HbAS, indicating that this is a very sensitive method and can be applied for detection of drug‐response in sickle cell disease.
Influenza vaccine in chronic lymphoproliferative disorders and multiple myeloma
Authors: Rapezzi Davide , Sticchi Laura , Racchi Omar , Mangerini Rosa , Ferraris Anna Maria , Gaetani Gian Franco
Published: December 2004

Objective: Vaccination against influenza in patients with chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (CLPD) and multiple myeloma (MM) is still a matter of clinical uncertainty. The aim of this study was to determine the safety, immunogenicity and clinical response to a commercially available vaccine against influenza in a group of such patients.

Methods: Thirty‐four patients with CLPD and MM and 34 immunologically normal subjects were vaccinated with the same vaccine against influenza. Patients were observed during the epidemic season from October 1999 to April 2000, and monitored for side‐effects of the vaccine, seroprotection and seroconversion after vaccination. The prevaccination level of immunoglobulins was also determined. Occurrence of influenza episodes was demonstrated with the positive isolation of a viral strain from a pharyngeal swab.

Results: No patient had untoward reactions to the vaccine used. Seroconversion and seroprotection were up to the standard established by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products. Only one patient developed influenza during follow‐up.

Conclusions: Influenza vaccine is effective and well tolerated in patients with CLPD and MM. No contraindications exist for its use, and it should become a routine practice, in order to prevent serious complications during the influenza epidemic season.