bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive phenology of sympatric hermit crabs in temperate Japan
Authors: Wada Satoshi , Mima Azusa , Ito Atsushi
Published: June 2005

Reproductive phenology among temperate hermit crabs, reproductive seasons of nine sympatric species and some reproductive characteristics of four Pagurus species were investigated in Tosa Bay, southern Shikoku, Japan. Females of P. filholi, P. maculosus, P. minutus and P. nigrivittatus had clutches mainly in winter and were found to breed multiple clutches within each reproductive season while four Diogenidae species and P. japonicus mainly reproduced in summer, suggesting that interspecific variation in reproductive phenology of temperate hermit crabs might be determined by allopatric adaptation with phylogenic constraints. There was interspecific variation in the length of reproductive seasons among the four Pagurus species and the variation was considered to reflect the interspecific difference in the number of clutches per reproductive season, not in the ovigerous period per clutch. The length of reproductive seasons among the four species seemed to relate to maturity size and/or interspecific differences in thermal adaptation.
Cymbium spp. (Gastropoda: Mollusca) as bivalve predators at the tidal flats of the Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania
Authors: Wolff Wim J. , Montserrat Francesc
Published: June 2005

Two species of the genus of large gastropods Cymbium were observed on the tidal flats of the Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania: C. pepo and C. tritonis. Average densities on a flat studied in detail were 0·0009 and 0·0014 individuals per m2, respectively. Both species leave the tidal flats in April and are absent until at least September. Their density on the tidal flats was maximal on sandy sediments. Probably the distribution of their prey species determines the distribution of Cymbium. Prey species observed were the bivalves Anadara senilis (97%), and an occasional Solen vagina and Venerupis sp. The annual predation pressure of Cymbium on intertidal Anadara was estimated to be <1%.
Hydrothermal vent octopuses of Vulcanoctopus hydrothermalis, feed on bathypelagic amphipods of Halice hesmonectes
Authors: Voight Janet R.
Published: June 2005

A feeding frenzy of 12 octopuses of Vulcanoctopus hydrothermalis was observed from the manned submersible ‘Alvin’ at Parigo, a 2620 m deep hydrothermal vent on the East Pacific Rise. The aggregated benthic octopuses at the active vent used their arms and webs to forage on bathypelagic amphipods, apparently targeting their attacks based on contact with the swarming amphipods. Individual octopuses wrapped their arms around the mantles of smaller octopuses, apparently in competition for prey. Although members of the prey species, Halice hesmonectes, are individually small (<5 mm long), the density of their swarms may make them attractive prey for the octopus. Inactive sulphide spires encircled part of this vent site; octopuses that climbed these spires had easy access to the dense prey swarms. The presence of the spires may uniquely enable this site to support simultaneous foraging by large numbers of octopuses.
Update of the marine Bivalvia Mollusca checklist in Greek waters
Authors: Zenetos Argyro , Vardala-Theodorou Evi , Alexandrakis Catherine
Published: June 2005

Species of marine bivalve molluscs identified in the last nine years in the Greek waters have been used to update the checklist published in 1996 (Fauna Graeciae VII) by inserting necessary changes and adding new records. The updated version includes 13 new species among which three are exotics (non-Mediterranean species), five rare, two new deep sea and one previously considered a fossil species. Also, as a result of new resources, the distributions of pre-existing native molluscs have been updated to include new habitat areas. The nomenclature is also up to date based on the CLEMAM Database. Thus five species are now excluded either because they are junior synonyms of pre-existing valid species (2) or because of old spurious records (3 species). Additions and corrections of the 1996 checklist have resulted in a total of 308 bivalves in Greek waters.
The Paracentrotus lividus populations from the northern Moroccan Atlantic coast: growth, reproduction and health condition
Authors: Bayed Abdellatif , Quiniou Françoise , Benrha Ali , Guillou Monique
Published: June 2005

The condition of three intertidal Paracentrotus lividus populations, which inhabit an area between Rabat and Casablanca (Morocco) known by its high wave energy and its substantial anthropogenic disturbances were described. The growth rate of the juvenile sea urchins in this intertidal zone was low compared with more sheltered populations. A sharp increase in the gonad index was observed between January and March at the beginning of a period of algal production, and was concomitant with increases in seawater temperature and food consumption rate. This gonad index increase was followed by a single spawning period occurring between March and June, probably triggered by the phytoplankton bloom induced by upwelling conditions. Larval development in all three populations was severely inhibited and could be explained, in part, by high and generalized Cu contamination throughout the region. Specific contamination of particular populations by Pb or Hg was attributed to local industries and the incomplete dispersion of pollutants in spite of the high hydrodynamics along the Moroccan Atlantic coast. One of the three populations studied showed strong indications of abnormal development; the degradation of its condition appeared to be due to the presence of a wadi (temporary river) which can seasonally reduce the salinity, directly affecting the sea urchin physiology and indirectly enhancing the metal toxicity.
First North American record of the ascidian Perophora japonica
Authors: Lambert Gretchen
Published: June 2005

Colonies of the phlebobranch ascidian Perophora japonica were found in August 2003 in Humboldt Bay, northern California, growing on a submerged settling panel. This species has a unique terminal budding in addition to the usual subterminal stolonial budding: bright yellow stellate plaques form at the tips of many stolons. The plaques break off, float away and reattach, subsequently forming new stolons and new colonies. The presence of these plaques, and the larger size of the zooids, distinguish it from the native Perophora annectens. This is the first North American record for this species.
Deep ground fires cause massive above- and below-ground biomass losses in tropical montane cloud forests in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Asbjornsen H. , Velázquez-Rosas N. , García-Soriano R. , Gallardo-Hernández C.
Published: June 2005

Although fire is occurring at greater frequencies and spatial scales in the moist tropics, few studies have examined the ecological impacts of fire in tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF). This study, conducted in the Chimalapas region of Oaxaca, Mexico, documents changes in live tree biomass, live fine-root biomass, and fallen and standing dead wood 4 y following deep ground fires occurring in TMCF during the 1997–98 El Niño Southern Oscillation event. Forests growing on two different substrates (metamorphic and sedimentary) and having three different statures (mean canopy heights: 20–30 m, 15–20 m and 4–6 m) were assessed within six paired plots established on adjacent burned and unburned forest sites. Total live tree biomass was 82% and 88% lower for burned TMCF growing on metamorphic and sedimentary substrates, respectively, compared with unburned TMCF. Nearly 100% of the living biomass was killed in elfin TMCF located on exposed sedimentary limestone at the highest elevations. Live fine-root biomass in the upper organic soil horizon of burned TMCF sites was 49% lower on metamorphic substrates and 77% lower on sedimentary substrates compared with unburned sites. The amount of total dead wood was 3- to 14-fold greater in burned forests compared with unburned forests. These results suggest that first-time fires in relatively undisturbed TMCF can cause dramatic changes in live above- and below-ground biomass at levels greatly exceeding values reported for most lowland tropical rain forests. These patterns may be attributed to the slower decomposition rates and thick organic soils typical of TMCF, combined with the relatively fast drainage associated with steep topography and, in some locations, sedimentary limestone-derived substrates.
Foraging polymorphism in Heliconius charitonia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae): morphological constraints and behavioural compensation
Authors: Mendoza-Cuenca Luis , Macías-Ordóñez Rogelio
Published: June 2005

Sexes and also within sex phenotypes, frequently differ in morphological traits associated with efficiency and performance in foraging and mating behaviours. In butterflies and other flying animals, phenotypic differences in wing size and traits associated with flight are involved in flight performance and individual fitness, but explorations of links among two or more traits and intrasexual differences are scarce. Foraging patterns were studied in a population of Heliconius charitonia butterflies having three phenotypes (females and two male phenotypes) which differ in their wing morphology and reproductive behaviour. As in previous studies, intersexual differences in foraging patterns were found; more interestingly, intrasexual differences were found between alternative male mating strategies. Using morphological and behavioural data, as well as data from previous flight analyses in Heliconius butterflies, we show that intrasexual differences may be explained by the energetic demands of each phenotype. Energetic expenditure is partially related to phenotypic variability in flight morphology and efficiency, and at least in both male phenotypes, differences may also be related to the energetic demands of alternative mating strategies.
Vorgehensweisen in der deutschsprachigen psychologischen Forschung
Authors: Hager Willi
Published: June 2005

Zusammenfassung. Es wurden 436 empirische Arbeiten aus 14 psychologischen Fachzeitschriften der Jahre 2001 und 2002 u.a. daraufhin analysiert, mit welchen statistischen Verfahren gearbeitet wurde - überwiegend mit Globaltests, gefolgt von Dateninspektionen oder multiplen Vergleichen, und zwar unabhängig davon, ob die vorangestellten psychologischen Hypothesen oder Fragen gerichtet waren oder nicht. Der Kumulation der statistischen Fehlerwahrscheinlichkeiten wurde kaum Beachtung geschenkt, ebenso wenig den Voraussetzungen für parametrische statistische Verfahren. Ferner wurde fast durchgängig ohne Zufallsstichproben gearbeitet, sondern stattdessen mit “Gelegenheitsstichproben“. Inwieweit mit der Randomisierung gearbeitet wurde, ließ sich nicht erkennen, da nur für wenige Studien explizit angegeben wurde, dass randomisiert wurde. Insgesamt wurden in 250 Artikeln 391 psychologische Hypothesen geprüft, und in 301 Untersuchungen wurde mit “Forschungsfragen“ ohne explizite Hypothesen operiert. Eine Kontrolle der Teststärke fand nur in 10 Fällen statt. Mit großem Abstand am häufigsten eingesetzt wurde die statistische Hybride aus der Signifikanztesttheorie von Fisher und der Neyman-Pearson-Theorie eingesetzt, gefolgt von der Fisher-Theorie. Nur in 10 Arbeiten wurde die Theorie des statistischen Hypothesentestens von Neyman und Pearson eingesetzt, in der mit der Teststärke und Effektgrößen operiert wird; statistische Analysen nach dem Bayes-Theorem wurden ebenso wenig durchführt wie sequenzielle Tests nach Wald. Parameterschätzungen und Likelihood-Quotienten-Tests wurden nur gelegentlich eingesetzt.
The Quintiles Prize Lecture 2004: The identification of the adenosine A2B receptor as a novel therapeutic target in asthma
Authors: Holgate Stephen T
Published: June 2005

Adenosine is a powerful bronchoconstrictor of asthmatic, but not normal, airways. In vitro studies on isolated human mast cells and basophils revealed that adenosine and selective analogues augmented inflammatory mediator release from mast cells by stimulating A2 receptors. Pharmacological blockade of mast cell mediator release in vivo also attenuated adenosine‐induced bronchoconstriction, as did theophylline, by adenosine A2 receptor antagonism. Further in vitro studies revealed that the asthmatic response to adenosine is likely to be mediated via the A2B subtype which is selectively antagonised by enprofylline. Studies in animal models, especially mice, have shown a close synergistic interaction between adenosine, Th2 and airway remodelling responses. The recent description of A2B receptors on human airway smooth muscle cells that mediate cytokine and chemokine release and induce differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts strengthens the view that adenosine maybe more than an inflammatory mediator in asthma but also participates in airway wall remodelling in this disease. These data have provided a firm basis for developing adenosine A2B receptor antagonists as a new therapeutic approach to this disease.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 1009–1015. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706272
Somatostatin at nanomolar concentration reduces collagen I and III synthesis by, but not proliferation of activated rat hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Reynaert Hendrik , Rombouts Krista , Jia Yutao , Urbain Daniel , Chatterjee Nirjhar , Uyama Naoki , Geerts Albert
Published: June 2005

Previous studies have shown antifibrotic effects of somatostatin. Since hepatic stellate cells (HSC) express somatostatin receptors and play a key role in hepatic fibrogenesis, we investigated the in vitro antifibrotic effect of somatostatin on rat HSC.

At day 12 after isolation, cells were exposed to different concentrations of somatostatin (10−6–10−9 mol l−1).

mRNA expression of collagen types I and III, and of smooth muscle α‐actin (α‐SMA) was analysed by Northern blotting. At 10−9 mol l−1, somatostatin significantly reduced mRNA expression of collagen I (72.3±10.7%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 45.5–99.0), collagen III (79.0±4.5%; 95% CI: 67.6–90.4) and α‐SMA (65.7±5.9%; 95% CI: 51.1–80.2), as compared to control normalized at 100%. These results were confirmed by quantitative RT–PCR.

Cycloheximide experiments indicated that somatostatin has no direct transcriptional effect.

Using immunoprecipitation, we demonstrated that somatostatin also decreased de novo synthesis of collagen I (73±10%; 95% CI: 48–98%), collagen III (65±13%; 95% CI: 33–97%) and α‐SMA (47±9%; 95% CI: 25–69%). Remarkably, at higher concentrations, somatostatin did not suppress collagen mRNA expression nor de novo protein synthesis. We ascribe this observation to desensitization of the cells for somatostatin.

Cell proliferation, as measured by 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine labelling, was not altered by somatostatin.

No significant effect on the intermediate and actin cytoskeleton were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

Our findings imply that in vivo antifibrotic effects of somatostatin could result partially from a direct action of somatostatin on HSC, but other, in vivo effects are probably also involved.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 77–88. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706298
Sildenafil citrate and sildenafil nitrate (NCX 911) are potent inhibitors of superoxide formation and gp91phox expression in porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells
Authors: Muzaffar Saima , Shukla Nilima , Srivastava Amit , Angelini Gianni D , Jeremy Jamie Y
Published: June 2005

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with increased superoxide (O2•−) formation in the pulmonary vasculature and negation of the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). Since NO inhibits NADPH oxidase expression through a cyclic GMP‐mediated mechanism, sildenafil, a type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor, may be therapeutically effective in ARDS through an augmentation of NO‐mediated inhibition of NADPH oxidase. Therefore, the effect of sildenafil citrate and NO‐donating sildenafil (NCX 911) on O2•− formation and gp91phox (active catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase) expression was investigated in cultured porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs).

PAECs were incubated with 10 nM TXA2 analogue, 9,11‐dideoxy‐9α,11α‐methanoepoxy‐prostaglandin F2α (U46619) (±sildenafil or NCX 911), for 16 h and O2•− formation measured spectrophometrically and gp91phox using Western blotting. The role of the NO‐cGMP axis was studied using morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN‐1), the diethylamine/NO complex (DETA‐NONOate), the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 1H‐{1,2,4}oxadiazolo{4,3‐a}quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ), and the protein kinase G inhibitor, 8‐bromoguanosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp‐isomer (Rp‐8‐Br‐cGMPS). NO release was studied using a fluorescence assay and O2•−–NO interactions by measuring nitrites.

After a 16‐h incubation with 10 nM U46619, both NCX 911 and sildenafil elicited a concentration‐dependent inhibition of O2•− formation and gp91phox expression, NCX 911 being more potent (IC50; 0.26 nM) than sildenafil citrate (IC50; 1.85 nM). These inhibitory effects were reversed by 1 μM ODQ and 10 μM Rp‐8‐Br‐cGMPS. NCX 911 stimulated the formation of cGMP in PAECs and generated NO in a cell‐free system to a greater degree than sildenafil citrate. The inhibitory effect of sildenafil was augmented by 1 μM SIN‐1 and blocked partially by the eNOS inhibitor 10 μM N5‐(1‐iminoethyl)‐ornithine (L‐NIO). Acutely, sildenafil and NCX 911 also inhibited O2•− formation, again blocked by 1 μM ODQ. NCX 911 reacted with O2•− generated by xanthine oxidase, an effect that was inhibited by superoxide dismutase (500 U ml−1).

Since O2•− formation plays contributory role in ARDS, both sildenafil citrate and NCX 911 may be indicated for treating ARDS through suppression of NADPH oxidase expression and therefore of O2•− formation and preservation of NO bioavailability.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 109–117. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706305
Evaluation of benzyltetrahydroisoquinolines as ligands for neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Exley Richard , Iturriaga‐Vásquez Patricio , Lukas Ronald J , Sher Emanuele , Cassels Bruce K , Bermudez Isabel
Published: June 2005

Effects of derivatives of coclaurine (C), which mimic the ‘eastern’ or the nonquaternary halves of the alkaloids tetrandrine or d‐tubocurarine, respectively, both of which are inhibitors of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nACh), were examined on recombinant, human α7, α4β2 and α4β4 nACh receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes and clonal cell lines using two‐electrode voltage clamping and radioligand binding techniques.

In this limited series, Cs have higher affinity and are most potent at α4 subunit‐containing‐nACh receptors and least potent at homomeric α7 receptors, and this trend is very marked for the N‐unsubstituted C and its O,O′‐bisbenzyl derivative.

7‐O‐Benzyl‐N‐methylcoclaurine (BBCM) and its 12‐O‐methyl derivative showed the highest affinities and potencies at all three receptor subtypes, and this suggests that lipophilicity at C7 and/or C12 increases potency.

Laudanosine and armepavine (A) were noncompetitive and voltage‐dependent inhibitors of α7, α4β2 or α4β4 receptors, but the bulkier C7‐benzylated 7BNMC (7‐O‐benzyl‐N‐methylcoclaurine) and 7B12MNMC (7‐O‐benzyl‐N,12‐O‐dimethyl coclaurine) were voltage‐independent, noncompetitive inhibitors of nACh receptors. Voltage‐dependence was also lost on going from A to its N‐ethyl analogue.

These studies suggest that C derivatives may be useful tools for studies characterising the antagonist and ion channel sites on human α7, α4β2 or α4β4 nACh receptors and for revealing structure–function relationships for nACh receptor antagonists.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 15–24. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706307
The interaction of nitrogen application and temperature during reproductive stage on spikelet sterility in field-grown rice
Authors: Gunawardena T. A. , Fukai S.
Published: June 2005

Increased grain yield in response to high rates of application of nitrogen (N) fertiliser is often limited by increased spikelet sterility, particularly under low temperature conditions in the New South Wales (NSW) rice industry. In 3 field experiments, different N rates were applied for different sowing dates to investigate the interaction between N rate and temperature during microspore development on spikelet sterility and grain yield. In one experiment the effect of water depth on spikelet sterility was also investigated. Engorged pollen production, spikelet sterility, and yield and its components were recorded. Application of N affected a few different processes that lead into spikelet sterility. Application of N at both pre-flood (PF) and panicle initiation (PI) significantly reduced the number of engorged pollen grains per anther, which was negatively correlated with spikelet sterility. Application of N and low temperature during microspore development with the absence of deep water also decreased pollen engorgement efficiency (the percentage of pollen grains that were engorged). Application of N further increased spikelet density, which, in turn, increased both spikelet sterility and grain yield. The combined effect of spikelet density and low temperature during microspore development explained the 44% of variation in the number of engorged pollen grains per anther. Grain yield was decreased by low temperature during microspore development in the shallow water when N was applied. Spikelet sterility as a result of late sowing was strongly correlated with minimum temperature during flowering. It is concluded that N application reduced pollen number per anther as a result of increased spikelet density, and this made the spikelets more susceptible to low temperature, causing increased spikelet sterility.
The relative feeding value of a new pasture legume, eastern star clover (Trifolium dasyurum), compared with subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum)
Authors: Norman Hayley C. , Masters David G. , Rintoul Allan J. , Wilmot Matt G. , Jayasena Vijay , Loi Angelo , Revell Clinton K.
Published: June 2005

An accession of eastern star clover (Trifolium dasyurum C. Presl.), a new species to agriculture, has been identified by the National Annual Pasture Legume Improvement Program for commercial release in Australia. This paper reports the findings of an experiment designed to assess the feeding value of eastern star clover compared with a commercial cultivar of subterranean clover (T. subterraneum L. cv. Dalkeith). The hypothesis tested in this experiment is that sheep grazing eastern star clover will have similar growth rates, condition scores, and wool production to sheep grazing subterranean clover. Additionally, it is hypothesised that the sheep grazing the different clover species will have similar health and meat quality. The relative feeding value of the 2 clover species was tested using 14-month-old Merino wethers, grazing 8 by 0.5 ha plots (4 of each species). Stocking rates were such that herbage mass availability would not have limited feed intake. Liveweight, wool growth, and animal health were monitored. After 10 weeks of grazing, 2 animals from each plot were slaughtered for sensory analysis of meat. Although there were generally no differences in liveweight change, condition, or wool growth between sheep grazing eastern star or subterranean clovers, sheep in the subterranean clover plots grew faster during the first month of grazing. There were no differences in meat eating quality (tenderness, juiciness, or flavour), animal health, or vegetable matter contamination of wool. The data suggest that the clovers had the same relative feeding value despite herbage mass from the eastern star clover plots having lower in vitro digestibility, crude protein, and higher fibre than herbage mass from the subterranean clover plots. Given that there was a minimum of 1000 kg/ha of herbage mass in the plots, it is likely that sheep gazing the two clovers were able to maintain the same weight by selecting the high quality components of the pasture. Differences in plant quality are associated with differences in reproductive strategies of the clovers.
The effect of lairage time on consumer sensory scores of the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum from lambs and lactating ewes
Authors: Jacob R. H. , Walker P. J. , Skerritt J. W. , Davidson R. H. , Hopkins D. L. , Thompson J. M. , Pethick D. W.
Published: June 2005

The aim of this study was to determine whether lairage time influenced consumer sensory scores of the eating quality of lamb and mutton. Commercial consignments of lambs and ewes were subjected to 3 different lairage periods (slaughter on arrival, slaughter after 1 day or slaughter after 2 days in lairage) at one site in Victoria (experiment 1) and another site in Western Australia (experiment 2). In experiment 1, 3 sucker and 3 carry-over lamb consignments, each consisting of 36 lambs, were sourced from a public saleyard. In experiment 2, 3 ewe and 3 lamb consignments, each consisting of 150 animals were sourced directly from the farm of origin.
There was no primary effect of lairage time on consumer sensory scores of the M. longissimus et lumborum from either lambs or ewes at the 2 locations. Sucker lambs were tenderer than carry-over lambs in experiment 1. There was an interaction between age class and lairage time for tenderness in experiment 2, such that lamb meat was tenderer than ewe meat when slaughtered after 1 day in lairage. Ewes produced loins with shorter (0.6 µm, P<0.05) sarcomere length, higher (4.9%, P<0.05) intramuscular fat percentage and darker (P<0.05) meat colour compared with those from sucker lambs. Hue angle was higher (2°, P<0.01) for meat from sheep killed after 1 day in lairage compared with meat from sheep killed on arrival or after 2 days in lairage in both experiments.
The effect of dietary treatment on meat quality and on consumer perception of sheep meat eating quality
Authors: Pethick D. W. , Davidson R. , Hopkins D. L. , Jacob R. H. , D'Souza D. N. , Thompson J. M. , Walker P. J.
Published: June 2005

The aim of this experiment was to test the effects of dietary treatment on sheep meat eating quality as perceived by untrained Australian consumers. Six-month-old Suffolk × Merino lambs (n = 192) were allocated to 1 of 4 nutritional treatments for 60–77 days and were fed: (i) an irrigated perennial ryegrass–clover–kikuyu sward; (ii) irrigated perennial ryegrass–clover–kikuyu pasture for 48–61 days then poor quality straw for the last 12–16 days; (iii) a mixed ration treatment consisting of a high-energy pelleted diet (40% barley grain, 30% wheat grain, 15% hay and 12% lupin grain); or (iv) irrigated pasture for 37–51 days followed by a moderate-energy pelleted diet (36% wheat grain, 35% hay and 24.5% lupin grain) for 23–26 days. The starting liveweight of lambs was 31.5–35.5 kg and the final hot carcass weight was 19–20 kg. The nutritional treatment finishing system employing straw feeding for the last 12–16 days was associated with a loss of liveweight during this period, a decreased tissue depth at the GR site and a decreased content of intramuscular fat and glycogen in muscle. Untrained Australian consumers were asked to rate samples (scale 0–100) of the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL) from lambs for tenderness, liking of flavour, juiciness and overall liking and then classify the meat as unsatisfactory, good everyday or better than everyday. Straw feeding was also associated with significantly reduced consumer scores for juiciness (P<0.05) and liking of flavour (P<0.10) with no changes in tenderness and overall liking. There was no significant difference in the consumer acceptance of the LL obtained from lambs finished on pasture v. grain-based diets. It is concluded that nutritional finishing systems should be selected to prevent animals from losing weight pre-slaughter and that decisions on pasture v. grain based feeding systems be based on the cost of production.
Buoyancy control and diel changes in swim-bladder volume in cultured striped trumpeter (Latris lineata) larvae
Authors: Trotter A. J. , Battaglene S. C. , Pankhurst P. M.
Published: June 2005

Body density, swim-bladder volume, buoyant force and feeding in relation to growth, photoperiod and light intensity were investigated in cultured striped trumpeter larvae. Prior to initial swim-bladder inflation, body density was negative during both the light and dark phases, regulated on a diel cycle from 1.0275 to 1.0290 g cm−3 (seawater: 1.0265 g cm−3). After initial swim-bladder inflation, body density decreased markedly during the dark phase as swim-bladder volume increased on a diel cycle. Downward buoyant force from dry matter increased with age and was compensated for by increasing relative swim-bladder volume. Greatest difference in body density between light (1.0260 g cm−3) and dark phase (1.0245 g cm−3) was when larvae were from 6.5 to 7.5 mm (standard length) (seawater: 1.0260 g cm−3). Density of larvae without a functional swim bladder was always greater than larvae with a functional swim bladder, and the former had reduced growth. Diel buoyancy control exhibited by striped trumpeter larvae with low amplitude changes in swim-bladder volume is similar to other transient physostomes. Mortality events previously observed in striped trumpeter culture are possibly related to negative buoyancy before first feeding and positive buoyancy during the dark phase following initial swim-bladder inflation.
Unintended cutaneous reactions to CS spray
Authors: Watson Karen , Rycroft Richard
Published: June 2005

CS spray (2‐chlorobenzylidene malononitrile 5% w/v in methyl isobutyl ketone) has been used by the police force in the UK as an incapacitant for nearly a decade. It causes a number of well‐recognized cutaneous reactions, which are generally regarded as short‐lived. These include skin burning, erythema and blistering. However, a range of unpredictable cutaneous reactions to CS spray may also occur. We have found contact allergy, leukoderma, initiation or exacerbation of seborrhoeic dermatitis, and aggravation of rosacea following CS spray exposure in 6 police officers and 1 doorman. These skin reactions have required long‐term changes in working practice for the affected individuals. Police officers may have repeated exposure to CS spray during their training and in their work, and designated police officers carry CS spray canisters daily in the line of duty. They may therefore be at greater risk of exposure to CS spray and its unintended effects than many assailants.
Extraction of haptens from solid products and their delivery to the skin, exemplified by dithiocarbamates from rubber gloves
Authors: Bergendorff O. , Persson C. , Hansson C.
Published: June 2005

Allergic contact dermatitis is often caused by solid products such as rubber gloves. Patch testing with the product as is often gives negative results. Extraction of the haptens into an organic solvent is commonly performed to achieve a more correct investigation. The technique used for extraction of haptens from solid materials is only sporadically described. In this study, we investigated and optimized the yields of dithiocarbamates obtained by extraction from rubber gloves. The influence of solvent, extraction time and the procedures for extraction are evaluated. The delivery of zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate from the patch test preparation to the skin is determined.
10 years' experience of patch testing with a shoe series in 230 patients: which allergens are important?
Authors: Holden Catherine R. , Gawkrodger David J.
Published: June 2005

Over a 10‐year period, 230 patients with foot dermatitis were patch tested to a shoe series of allergens. About 54 (23%) had relevant allergic positive reactions to one or more allergens. The commonest relevant allergens groups were, in order, chromate, medicaments, rubber chemicals, dyes and cosmetic constituents, with the most frequent individual allergens being chromate (4%), neomycin (3%), rubber chemicals (>3%), paraphenylenediamine (2%) and tixocortyl pivolate (2%). Some allergens previously thought to be important, e.g. certain plastic and adhesive chemicals, did not show any positives over the period of study. In addition, para‐tertiary butyl phenol formaldehyde resin was a relatively unimportant allergen in this series. The main practical points to emerge from this study are that, in patients with foot dermatitis, chromate is still the principal allergen, and that medicament and cosmetic allergens may be prominent.
Prospective gene expression analysis accurately subtypes acute leukaemia in children and establishes a commonality between hyperdiploidy and t(12;21) in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: van Delft Frederik W. , Bellotti Tony , Luo Zhiyuan , Jones Louise K. , Patel Naina , Yiannikouris Olga , Hill Alex S. , Hubank Mike , Kempski Helena , Fletcher Danielle , Chaplin Tracy , Foot Nicola , Young Bryan D. , Hann Ian M. , Gammerman Alex , Saha Vaskar
Published: June 2005

We have prospectively analysed and correlated the gene expression profiles of children presenting with acute leukaemia to the Royal London and Great Ormond Street Hospitals with morphological diagnosis, immunophenotype and karyotype. Total RNA extracted from freshly sorted blast cells was obtained from 84 lymphoblastic [acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)], 20 myeloid [acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)] and three unclassified acute leukaemias and hybridised to the high density Affymetrix U133A oligonucleotide array. Analysis of variance and significance analysis of microarrays was used to identify discriminatory genes. A novel 50‐gene set accurately identified all patients with ALL and AML and predicted for a diagnosis of AML in three patients with unclassified acute leukaemia. A unique gene set was derived for each of eight subtypes of acute leukaemia within our data set. A common profile for children with ALL with an ETV6–RUNX1 fusion, amplification or deletion of ETV6, amplification of RUNX1 or hyperdiploidy with an additional chromosome 21 was identified. This suggests that these rearrangements share a commonality in biological pathways that maintains the leukaemic state. The gene TERF2 was most highly expressed in this group of patients. Our analyses demonstrate that not only is microarray analysis the single most effective tool for the diagnosis of acute leukaemias of childhood but it has the ability to identify unique biological pathways. To further evaluate its prognostic value it needs to be incorporated into the routine diagnostic analysis for large‐scale clinical trials in childhood acute leukaemias.
FLT3 inhibition in t(4;11)+ adult acute lymphoid leukaemia
Authors: Torelli Giovanni F. , Guarini Anna , Porzia Alessandra , Chiaretti Sabina , Tatarelli Caterina , Diverio Daniela , Maggio Roberta , Vitale Antonella , Ritz Jerome , Foa Robin
Published: June 2005

The present study was designed to investigate, in t(4;11)+ adult lymphoid leukaemia (ALL) blast cells, the pathogenetic role of the FLT3 protein, its level of mRNA and protein expression, the degree of constitutive phosphorylation, the possible presence of mutations of the sequence, the capacity of signal transduction and the potential therapeutic role of specific inhibitors. We evaluated nine adult ALL patients carrying this translocation. The increasedFLT3mRNA levels, determined by oligonucleotide microarray analysis, was in agreement with the increased protein expression evaluated by Western blot. The protein was constitutively phosphorylated in all cases analysed. Polymerase chain reaction detected no internal tandem duplication or point mutations. The signal transduction apparatus, after stimulation with the specific ligand, was preserved. We then investigated the effect of specific FLT3 inhibition on signal transduction and survival. The PKC412 inhibitor specifically inhibited ligand‐induced phosphorylation; the same inhibitor reduced the survival of leukaemic cells when compared with untreated cells. These data indicate that the FLT3 protein might play a role in this subgroup of ALL with a particularly poor prognosis. Specific inhibition of the kinase receptor must be hypothesised as an innovative therapeutic tool for t(4;11)+ ALL patients.
Severe and prolonged myeloid haematopoietic toxicity with myelodysplastic features following alemtuzumab therapy in patients with peripheral T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Gibbs Simon D. J. , Westerman David A. , McCormack Christopher , Seymour John F. , Miles Prince H.
Published: June 2005

Alemtuzumab is effective therapy for B‐ and T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) but is associated with prolonged lymphopenia. Myeloid haematological toxicities are less well described, especially in T‐cell disorders, and are usually transient. We report myeloid toxicities in a phase II trial of alemtuzumab for T‐cell LPD. Five of 11 patients treated developed severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Three cases had prolonged cytopenias (32–88+ weeks), including two with severe marrow hypoplasia. We observed three incidences of trilineage morphological myelodysplasia, two with new clonal cytogenetic abnormalities. Alemtuzumab can be associated with prolonged severe multilineage cytopenias, marrow hypoplasia and myelodysplasia in T‐cell LPD.
Outcome after first relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia – lessons from the United Kingdom R2 trial
Authors: Roy Anindita , Cargill Anna , Love S. , Moorman Anthony V. , Stoneham Sara , Lim Anita , Darbyshire Phil J. , Lancaster Donna , Hann Ian , Eden Tim , Saha Vaskar
Published: June 2005

A retrospective analysis of children with first relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), treated on the UKALL R2 protocol at four different hospitals, between June 1995 and December 2002 was performed. Of the 150 children 139 (93%) achieved a second complete remission. The overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) for the whole group was 56% and 47% respectively. The duration of first complete remission and immunophenotype, but not sites of relapse, were predictive for survival. Using the Berlin–Frankfürt–Münster risk stratification for relapsed ALL, the OS and EFS for standard, intermediate (IR) and high risk (HR) groups were 92% and 92%, 64% and 51%, and 14% and 15%, respectively; P < 0·0001 for both OS and EFS. In the IR group, those with a very early isolated central nervous system relapse also had a significantly worse outcome (P = 0·0001). Given the poor outcome of a second relapse, clear strategies are required to identify those in the IR group who will most benefit from stem cell transplantation (SCT). A higher proportion (16%) of induction failures in the HR group suggest the need for novel agents during this phase of treatment, but SCT was associated with a lower relapse rate and better outcome than those treated with chemotherapy alone.
Engraftment of NOD/SCID/γcnull mice with multilineage neoplastic cells from patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia
Authors: Nakamura Yoichi , Ito Masafumi , Yamamoto Tomoko , Yan Xu Y. , Yagasaki Hiroshi , Kamachi Yoshiro , Kudo Kazuko , Kojima Seiji
Published: June 2005

Several lines of evidence indicate the clonal nature of juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML), involving myeloid, erythroid, megakaryocyte and B‐lymphoid lineages. However, it is unclear whether the T‐lymphocyte lineage is involved. We demonstrated that cells from six patients with JMML repopulated in non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient/γcnull mice and differentiated into granulocytes, monocytes, erythrocytes, B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. The percentage of human CD45 antigen‐positive cells ranged from 41% to 73% in the murine bone marrow 12 weeks after transplantation. To examine the involvement of lymphocyte subpopulations, we purified human CD3+, CD19+ and CD56+ cells from murine bone marrow cells transplanted from a patient with monosomy 7. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed the clonal marker in 96–100% of purified CD3+, CD19+ and CD56+ subpopulations. These findings support the concept that JMML originates in transplantable multilineage haematopoietic stem cells. This novel murine xenotransplant model should be useful for investigating the nature of stem cells and testing new therapies for patients with JMML.
Large B‐cell lymphoma with Hodgkin's features
Authors: García J F , Mollejo M , Fraga M , Forteza J , Muniesa J A , Pérez‐Guillermo M , Pérez‐Seoane C , Rivera T , Ortega P , Piris M A
Published: June 2005

Aims : To describe the features of a series of nine cases of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) showing morphological and immunophenotypic features that are intermediate with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL).

Methods and results : Most cases (6/9) presented as mediastinal tumours affecting young males, while the other three cases arose in extramediastinal locations. Histopathologically, tumours showed diffuse large cell areas in a polymorphous background, with pleomorphic cytology and the common presence of Hodgkin's and Reed–Sternberg cells. Immunophenotypically, tumours shared features of DLBCL and classical HL, with expression of CD30, CD15 (6/9), and a full B‐cell profile including CD45RB, CD20, CD79a and OCT2. Epstein–Barr virus–latent membrane protein expression was found in 2/9 cases. The majority of tumours had immunohistochemical features consistent with activation of the NF‐κB pathway, including nuclear location of the c‐REL/p65 subunit, overexpression of phosphorylated IκBα, and overexpression of NF‐κB targets. Finally, 2/9 cases showed 3q27 (BCL6) rearrangement, and 1/9 had p53 gene mutations, both of which are rarely detected in classical HL.

Conclusions : These findings suggest that DLBCLs with HL features constitute a distinctive subgroup of aggressive lymphomas whose neoplastic growth and peculiar characteristics could be facilitated by a particular microenvironment found in the mediastinum.
IL‐6, its receptors and its relationship with bcl‐2 and bax proteins in infiltrating and in situ human breast carcinoma
Authors: Garcia‐Tuñón I , Ricote M , Ruiz A , Fraile B , Paniagua R , Royuela M
Published: June 2005

Aims : To characterize the expression pattern of IL‐6 and its receptors (IL‐6Rα and gp130), to relate this pattern to bcl‐2 and bax expression and to elucidate the effects on the proliferation/apoptosis equilibrium in benign conditions and in situ and infiltrating breast cancer.

Methods and results : The immunoexpression of IL‐6 and its receptors (IL‐6Rα and gp130), and their relationship with bcl‐2 and bax proteins, were studied in in situ and infiltrating tumours and in benign breast lesions by means of Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The percentages of samples positive for IL‐6, bcl‐2 and bax and their immunoreaction densities were higher in in situ carcinomas and infiltrating tumours than in benign lesions; although in in situ lesions were not so high as in infiltrating tumours, except for bax, whose immunoexpression was as weak as in benign conditions, resulting in a bcl‐2/bax ratio higher than in infiltrating tumours.

Conclusions : The high expression of IL‐6 and its receptors in tumours might be related to the enhanced cell proliferation occurring in breast cancer. IL‐6 could act by increasing bcl‐2 expression and thus altering the proliferation/apoptosis balance toward neoplastic cell proliferation. The increased bax immunoreactivity observed only in infiltrating tumours, which was not so high as the increase in bcl‐2 immunoreactivity, might be interpreted as an attempt to hinder cell proliferation.
MHC immunoevasins: protecting the pathogen reservoir in infection
Authors: De Lerma Barbaro A. , Frumento G. , Procopio F.A. , Accolla R.S.
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  Alteration of antigen recognition by T cells as result of insufficient major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐dependent antigen‐presenting function has been observed in many cases of infections, particularly in in vitro systems. To hide themselves from an efficient immune response, pathogens may act on MHC‐related functions at three levels: (i) by limiting the number of potential antigens that can be presented to naïve T cells; (ii) by synthesizing proteins which directly affect MHC cell‐surface expression; and (iii) by altering the normal intracellular pathway of peptide loading on MHC. Here, we review examples of pathogens' action on each single step of MHC function and we suggest that the result of these often synergistic actions is both a limitation of the priming of naïve T cells and, more importantly, a protection of the pathogen's reservoir from the attack of primed T cells. The above mechanisms may also generate a skewing effect on immune effector mechanisms, which helps preserving the reservoir of infection from sterilization by the immune system.
Four new HLA class I alleles in Cauacasoids*
Authors: Alonso‐Nieto M. , García‐Sánchez F. , Lillo R. , Balas A. , Blanco L. , Aviles‐Egea M.J. , Zarapuz L. , Vicario J.L.
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  Four new HLA classical class I alleles in the three loci are described in Caucasian individuals. A*3012 was first suspected by an abnormal serologic pattern that would be explained by the single amino acid substitution at the A30‐specific Ser17. B*270505 differs from B*270502 in a silent substitution at an up to now constant position in the B locus. B*3541 encodes for a new Cys at position 118 that has not been encountered in neither human nor primate alleles. Cw*0716 seems to be originated by a large‐scale interallelic recombination event between Cw*0701/*0706/*0718 and Cw*020202, giving rise to a new antigen‐binding cleft conformation.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A allele HLA‐A*2451 in a Chinese donor*
Authors: Li J.‐P. , Liu X.‐Z. , Gao H.‐F. , Liu X. , Chen Y. , Li X.‐F. , Zhe Q. , Gao J.‐B. , Zhang X. , Lv Y.‐Z. , Yang L.‐Y. , Huang X.‐Y. , Yu Y.‐Y. , Yu F.‐Q. , Chi L.‐P.
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  A novel human leucocyte antigen‐A (HLA‐A) allele, A*2451, has been identified during routine sequence‐specific oligonucleotide typing and sequence‐based typing of a sample from a registered donor of the Chinese Marrow Donor Program. The A*2451 allele differs from the closest matching allele A*2415 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 3, nt 363 G→A, resulting in an amino acid change from M ATG to I ATA at codon 121.
Bone marrow donor routine HLA typing identified a novel B*55 allele, B*5517, confirmed by allele‐specific DNA cycle sequencing
Authors: Witter K. , Volgger A. , Zahn R. , Scholz S. , Sala M. , Albert E.D.
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  In this article, we report the identification of a new human leukocyte antigen‐B allele in a sample that was tested in our routine typing for volunteer bone marrow donors. This novel allele officially designed B*5517 was found in a male donor of Bavarian Caucasoid origin (Laboratory code 150113). The search for unrelated bone marrow donors was initiated by the Aktion Knochenmark‐spende Bayern. In comparison with the common B*5501 allele, B*5517 differs at three nucleotide positions all located in exon 3, at position 379 (C→G), 419 (T→A), and 420 (A→C), resulting in two amino acid substitutions at codons 127 and 140. The amino acid 127, leucine, is changed to valine, and the amino acid 140, also a leucine, is replaced by tyrosine in B*5517.
An outbreak of Pichia ohmeri infection in the paediatric intensive care unit: case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Otag Feza , Kuyucu Necdet , Erturan Zayre , Sen Sebahat , Emekdas Gurol , Sugita Takashi
Published: June 2005

Since the first report in 1998, 10 cases of Pichia ohmeri infection have been reported in the literature. Here we present two new cases of P. ohmeri infection in the paediatric age group. The first case was an 8‐month‐old male infant, who was admitted with fever, convulsions and altered consciousness. Conservative therapy was started with a presumptive diagnosis of encephalitis. The patient failed to respond to the given treatments and died on the 21st day of hospitalisation. The second case was a 10‐year‐old male with B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. He was hospitalised with neutropenic fever. He was discharged after 3 weeks of therapy. In both cases P. ohmeri was identified in blood samples. Growing evidence indicates that P. ohmeri should be added to the lengthening list of opportunistic fungal pathogens that can cause infection in all ages, including infants, and particularly in those who are immunocompromised.