bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Niche‐based modelling as a tool for predicting the risk of alien plant invasions at a global scale
Authors: THUILLER WILFRIED , RICHARDSON DAVID M. , PYŠEK PETR , MIDGLEY GUY F. , HUGHES GREG O. , ROUGET MATHIEU
Published: November 2005

Predicting the probability of successful establishment of plant species by matching climatic variables has considerable potential for incorporation in early warning systems for the management of biological invasions. We select South Africa as a model source area of invasions worldwide because it is an important exporter of plant species to other parts of the world because of the huge international demand for indigenous flora from this biodiversity hotspot. We first mapped the five ecoregions that occur both in South Africa and other parts of the world, but the very coarse definition of the ecoregions led to unreliable results in terms of predicting invasible areas. We then determined the bioclimatic features of South Africa's major terrestrial biomes and projected the potential distribution of analogous areas throughout the world. This approach is much more powerful, but depends strongly on how particular biomes are defined in donor countries. Finally, we developed bioclimatic niche models for 96 plant taxa (species and subspecies) endemic to South Africa and invasive elsewhere, and projected these globally after successfully evaluating model projections specifically for three well‐known invasive species (Carpobrotus edulis, Senecio glastifolius, Vellereophyton dealbatum) in different target areas. Cumulative probabilities of climatic suitability show that high‐risk regions are spatially limited globally but that these closely match hotspots of plant biodiversity. These probabilities are significantly correlated with the number of recorded invasive species from South Africa in natural areas, emphasizing the pivotal role of climate in defining invasion potential. Accounting for potential transfer vectors (trade and tourism) significantly adds to the explanatory power of climate suitability as an index of invasibility.

The close match that we found between the climatic component of the ecological habitat suitability and the current pattern of occurrence of South Africa alien species in other parts of the world is encouraging. If species' distribution data in the donor country are available, climatic niche modelling offers a powerful tool for efficient and unbiased first‐step screening. Given that eradication of an established invasive species is extremely difficult and expensive, areas identified as potential new sites should be monitored and quarantine measures should be adopted.
Partitioning sources of soil‐respired CO2 and their seasonal variation using a unique radiocarbon tracer
Authors: CISNEROS‐DOZAL LUZ MARIA , TRUMBORE SUSAN , HANSON PAUL J.
Published: November 2005

Soil respiration is derived from heterotrophic (decomposition of soil organic matter) and autotrophic (root/rhizosphere respiration) sources, but there is considerable uncertainty about what factors control variations in their relative contributions in space and time. We took advantage of a unique whole‐ecosystem radiocarbon label in a temperate forest to partition soil respiration into three sources: (1) recently photosynthesized carbon (C), which dominates root and rhizosphere respiration; (2) leaf litter decomposition and (3) decomposition of root litter and soil organic matter >1–2 years old.

Heterotrophic sources and specifically leaf litter decomposition were large contributors to total soil respiration during the growing season. Relative contributions from leaf litter decomposition ranged from a low of ∼1±3% of total soil respiration (6± 3 mg C m−2 h−1) when leaf litter was extremely dry, to a high of 42±16% (96± 38 mg C m−2 h−1). Total soil respiration fluxes varied with the strength of the leaf litter decomposition source, indicating that moisture‐dependent changes in litter decomposition drive variability in total soil respiration fluxes. In the surface mineral soil layer, decomposition of C fixed in the original labeling event (3–5 years earlier) dominated the isotopic signature of heterotrophic respiration.

Root/rhizosphere respiration accounted for 16±10% to 64±22% of total soil respiration, with highest relative contributions coinciding with low overall soil respiration fluxes. In contrast to leaf litter decomposition, root respiration fluxes did not exhibit marked temporal variation ranging from 34±14 to 40±16 mg C m−2 h−1 at different times in the growing season with a single exception (88±35 mg C m−2 h−1). Radiocarbon signatures of root respired CO2 changed markedly between early and late spring (March vs. May), suggesting a switch from stored nonstructural carbohydrate sources to more recent photosynthetic products.
Climatic and ecological determinants of leaf lifespan in polar forests of the high CO2 Cretaceous ‘greenhouse’ world
Authors: BRENTNALL S. J. , BEERLING D. J. , OSBORNE C. P. , HARLAND M. , FRANCIS J. E. , VALDES P. J. , WITTIG V. E.
Published: November 2005

Polar forests once extended across the high‐latitude landmasses during ice‐free ‘greenhouse’ intervals in Earth history. In the Cretaceous ‘greenhouse’ world, Arctic conifer forests were considered predominantly deciduous, while those on Antarctica contained a significantly greater proportion of evergreens. To investigate the causes of this distinctive biogeographical pattern, we developed a coupled model of conifer growth, soil biogeochemistry and forest dynamics. Our approach emphasized general relationships between leaf lifespan (LL) and function, and incorporated the feedback of LL on soil nutrient status. The model was forced with a mid‐Cretaceous ‘greenhouse’ climate simulated by the Hadley Centre GCM. Simulated polar forests contained mixtures of dominant LLs, which reproduced observed biogeographical patterns of deciduous, mixed and evergreen biomes. It emerged that disturbance by fire was a critical factor. Frequent fires in simulated Arctic ecosystems promoted the dominance of trees with short LLs that were characterized by the rapid growth and colonization rates typical of today's boreal pioneer species. In Antarctica, however, infrequent fires allowed trees with longer LLs to dominate because they attained greater height, despite slower growth rates. A direct test of the approach was successfully achieved by comparing modelled LLs with quantitative estimates using Cretaceous fossil woods from Svalbard in the European Arctic and Alexander Island, Antarctica. Observations and the model both revealed mixed Arctic and evergreen Antarctic communities with peak dominance of trees with the same LLs. Our study represents a significant departure from the long‐held belief that leaf habit was an adaptation to warm, dark winter climates, and highlights a previously unrecognized role for disturbance (in whatever guise) in polar forest ecology.
Soil organic carbon changes in landscape units of Belgium between 1960 and 2000 with reference to 1990
Authors: LETTENS SUZANNA , VAN ORSHOVEN JOS , VAN WESEMAEL BAS , MUYS BART , PERRIN DOMINIQUE
Published: November 2005

The present study quantifies changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in Belgium between 1960, 1990 and 2000 for 289 spatially explicit land units with unique soil association and land‐use type, termed landscape units (LSU). The SOC stocks are derived from multiple nonstandardized sets of field measurements up to a depth of 30 cm.

Approximately half of the LSU show an increase in SOC between 1960 and 2000. The significant increases occur mainly in soils of grassland LSU in northern Belgium. Significant decreases are observed on loamy cropland soils. Although the largest SOC gains are observed for LSU under forest (22 t C ha−1 for coniferous and 29 t C ha−1 for broadleaf and mixed forest in the upper 30 cm of soil), significant changes are rare because of large variability. Because the number of available measurements is very high for agricultural land, most significant changes occur under cropland and grassland, but the corresponding average SOC change is smaller than for forests (9 t C ha−1 increase for grassland and 1 t C ha−1 decrease for cropland).

The 1990 data for agricultural LSU show that the SOC changes between 1960 and 2000 are not linear. Most agricultural LSU show a higher SOC stock in 1990 than in 2000, especially in northern Belgium. The observed temporal and spatial patterns can be explained by a change in manure application intensity.

SOC stock changes caused by land‐use change are estimated. The SOC change over time is derived from observed differences between SOC stocks in space. Because SOC stocks are continuously influenced by a number of external factors, mainly land‐use history and current land management and climate, this approach gives only an approximate estimate whose validity is limited to these conditions.
Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide increases soil carbon
Authors: JASTROW JULIE D. , MICHAEL MILLER R. , MATAMALA ROSER , NORBY RICHARD J. , BOUTTON THOMAS W. , RICE CHARLES W. , OWENSBY CLENTON E.
Published: November 2005

The general lack of significant changes in mineral soil C stocks during CO2‐enrichment experiments has cast doubt on predictions that increased soil C can partially offset rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Here, we show, through meta‐analysis techniques, that these experiments collectively exhibited a 5.6% increase in soil C over 2–9 years, at a median rate of 19 g C m−2 yr−1. We also measured C accrual in deciduous forest and grassland soils, at rates exceeding 40 g C m−2 yr−1 for 5–8 years, because both systems responded to CO2 enrichment with large increases in root production. Even though native C stocks were relatively large, over half of the accrued C at both sites was incorporated into microaggregates, which protect C and increase its longevity. Our data, in combination with the meta‐analysis, demonstrate the potential for mineral soils in diverse temperate ecosystems to store additional C in response to CO2 enrichment.
HER‐2/neu gene amplification in ovarian tumours: a comprehensive immunohistochemical and FISH analysis on tissue microarrays
Authors: Mayr D , Kanitz V , Amann G , Engel J , Burges A , Löhrs U , Diebold J
Published: November 2005

Aims : Data on HER‐2/neu overexpression, its correlation to prognosis and the success of treatment with Herceptin® in ovarian carcinomas are scarce and contradictory. Therefore we assessed HER‐2/neu expression and amplification in a large series of ovarian tumours by using tissue microarrays (TMAs).

Methods and results : Two TMAs containing 173 invasive carcinomas, 36 borderline tumours, 20 granulosa cell tumours, 14 carcinosarcomas, 11 benign cystadenoms and eight other pelvic tumours were constructed to assess HER‐2/neu gene amplification by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry was successful in 94.3%; 81.8% were HercepTestTM negative, 11.3% were scored as 1+, 4.1% as 2+ and 2.8% as 3+, including 3.1% of invasive carcinomas, 2.8% of borderline tumours and 7.7% of carcinosarcomas; 83.6% could be analysed successfully by FISH revealing no aberration in 75.8%, low amplification in 2.7% and high amplification in 3.7% of the cases. In 17.8% monosomy, trisomy, polysomy or deletion could be detected. All cases with high‐level amplification had 2+ or 3+ scores on immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions : TMA is a feasible tool to study a large number of ovarian cases. Correlation between immunohistochemistry and FISH was excellent. HER‐2/neu overexpression or gene amplification does not correlate with histological tumour type, stage, grade or prognosis.
The general picture of supportive health environments for persons with intellectual disabilities among 121 disability welfare institutions in Taiwan
Authors: Lin J.‐D. , Yen C.‐F. , Loh C.‐H. , Chwo M.‐J. , Lee J.‐T. , Wu J.‐L. , Chu C. M. , Tang C.‐C.
Published: November 2005

Background  Little information is available on the provision of supportive health environments for persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) in institutions. The aim of this study was to present an overview of supportive environments for health in institutions in Taiwan.

Methods  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted to examine the perceptions of 121 Taiwanese Institutional Directors on their setting's implementation of supportive healthy physical, social, and economic environments.

Results  Analyses showed that first‐aid kits (97.5%) and medicine cabinets (85.5%) were the most common health facilities in institutions. Seventy‐three per cent of institutions had set up specific areas to be used for rehabilitation practice, while only 43.1% thought their rehabilitation equipment/devices adequate for their real needs. Eighty‐eight per cent of institutions implemented health promotion plans for people with ID, while 76.6% had appropriated specific health promotion plans. Sixty‐three institutions (52.1%) reported employment of skilled nurses to serve people with ID, and these institutions showed statistically significant differences in implementation of each health facility.

Conclusions  The present paper is the first to analyze supportive environments for health in disability institutions in Taiwan. An important focus of future research will be the extension of the present findings to consider the appropriateness of each area of supportive environments for improving the quality of institutional care for people with ID.
Quantitative analysis of keratin filament networks in scanning electron microscopy images of cancer cells
Authors: BEIL M. , BRAXMEIER H. , FLEISCHER F. , SCHMIDT V. , WALTHER P.
Published: November 2005

The keratin filament network is an important part of the cytoskeleton. It is involved in the regulation of shape and viscoelasticity of epithelial cells. The morphology of keratin networks depends on post‐translational modifications of keratin monomers. In‐vitro studies indicated that network characteristics, such as filament crosslink density, determines the biophysical properties of the filament network. This report presents a quantitative method for the morphological analysis of keratin filament networks. Visualization of filaments was based on prefixation extraction of epithelial cells and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images were processed by a skeletonization algorithm to obtain a graph structure that represents individual filaments as well as their connections. This method was applied to investigate the effects of transforming growth factor α (TGFα) on the morphology of keratin networks in pancreatic cancer cells. TGFα contributes to pancreatic cancer progression and activates signalling pathways phosphorylating keratin monomers. Using this new method, a significant alteration to the keratin network morphology could be detected in response to TGFα.
Atomic force microscopic analysis of hydrogen peroxide bleached kraft northern black spruce fibres
Authors: POGGI M. A. , MANCOSKY D. G. , BOTTOMLEY L. A. , LUCIA L. A.
Published: November 2005

Hydrogen peroxide is a potent, relatively inexpensive oxidant that chemically degrades chromophoric components in pulps and textiles. Oxidation of cellulose is a byproduct of this process step that decreases the tensile strength of individual fibres. The residence time of pulp in the bleaching reactor must be optimized to achieve the desired brightness and minimizing fibre degradation. To evaluate the impact of peroxide bleaching at the microfibrillar level, a single black spruce tree was chosen and kraft pulped. Peroxide bleaching was conducted via benchtop polyethylene bag bleaching in a temperature‐controlled waterbath. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) topographical images acquired before and after the bleaching step show dramatic changes in fibre structure consistent with delignification and defects in the surface topography. This was further verified by X‐ray work at Brookhaven National Laboratory, NY, U.S.A.
Acute Effects of Aldosterone on the Autonomic Nervous System and the Baroreflex Function in Healthy Humans
Authors: Heindl S. , Holzschneider J. , Hinz A. , Sayk F. , Fehm H. L. , Dodt C.
Published: November 2005

Aldosterone has been reported to impair the baroreflex response in animal models. The present study aimed to investigate the acute effects of aldosterone on the autonomic nervous system and the baroreflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and heart rate in healthy humans. Nine healthy subjects were examined in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study design, receiving either i.v. aldosterone (100 µg) or placebo on the experimental day. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured at rest, whereas blood pressure, heart rate and MSNA (assessed by microneurography from the peroneal nerve) were monitored both at rest and during baroreflex tests. Baroreceptor stimulation and deactivation was induced by i.v. infusion of incremental doses of phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside. HRV indices at rest were specifically changed by aldosterone with a significant increase in standard deviation of RR intervals and total power, and a trend towards increased time domain parameters indicating parasympathetic predominance in heart rate regulation. Basal MSNA, blood pressure and heart rate remained unaffected by aldosterone administration. Sodium nitroprusside decreased diastolic blood pressure and increased MSNA as well as heart rate in both the aldosterone and placebo experiments. However, the tachycardic response to arterial baroreceptor deactivation was more pronounced in the aldosterone experiments. By contrast, baroreflex control of MSNA and heart rate during phenylephrine infusion was not affected by aldosterone. Thus, our study demonstrates that, in healthy humans, aldosterone tends to increase cardiac vagal activity and enhances the heart rate response to nitroprusside whereas MSNA remains unaffected.
Pinealectomy Reduces Optic Nerve But Not Intergeniculate Leaflet Input to the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus at Night
Authors: González J. A. , Dyball R. E. J.
Published: November 2005

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus regulates circadian rhythms in mammals. It receives, among others, direct inputs from the retina and from the thalamic intergeniculate leaflet (IGL). The former sends photic signals to the SCN, whereas the latter probably integrates photic and nonphotic information. To characterise these inputs in vivo, extracellular single‐unit recordings were made from the SCN of rats under urethane anaesthesia during electrical stimulation of the optic nerve (OptN) or the IGL region. Cell responses were evaluated by creating peri‐stimulus time histograms. Because humoral signals such as melatonin might modulate the activity of the SCN in addition to neural inputs, recordings were also made using pinealectomised (Px) rats to test for a possible role of this hormone in regulating inputs to the SCN. A significantly greater number of cells responded to IGL (60 of 90, 67%) than to OptN (35 of 75, 47%) stimulation in intact animals (χ2 = 5.905, P = 0.015). The same was true when Px animals were tested (IGL, 82 of 131, 63%; OptN, 31 of 111, 28%; χ2 = 27.637, P < 0.001). In intact animals, the proportion of cells responsive to IGL stimulation during the day and during the night was not significantly different from the proportion responsive in Px animals. The same was true for OptN stimulation during the day. However, during the night, the proportion of cells responsive to OptN stimulation in intact animals was significantly greater than the proportion responsive in Px animals (χ2 = 7.127, P = 0.008). Our findings suggest that a lack of melatonin modulates OptN but not IGL inputs to the SCN.
Experiences of female general practice registrars: Are rural attachments encouraging them to stay?
Authors: Charles Donnetta M. , Ward Alison M. , Lopez Derrick G.
Published: November 2005

Objective:  To establish whether a six‐month rural attachment influenced female GP registrars’ future plans to work in a rural area. Secondary aims include establishing the adequacy of postgraduate training in preparing the registrars for the attachment, opinions regarding rural practice and suggestions to improve the attachment.

Design:  A six‐page questionnaire was sent to eligible participants via state branches of General Practice Education Australia.

Subjects:  Female GP registrars who undertook a six‐month rural attachment during 2002.

Main outcome measure:  Whether the six‐month rural attachment influenced female registrars to practise in the country.

Results:  The rural attachment was a positive experience for 82% of participants. One‐third were more likely, as a result of the attachment, to practise rurally in the future. In total, 14% were influenced against working rurally as a result of the attachment. Those who had previously resided or studied in a rural area were more likely to plan to work rurally. Level of vocational preparation was adequate for the majority with notable deficits in obstetrics and gynaecological procedural skills. Main negatives associated with the attachment included working long hours and social isolation. Recommendations for change focused on amending these issues along with improved child‐care facilities and improved remuneration.

Conclusion:  The rural attachment is a predominantly positive experience for female registrars with the exception of professional and personal hardships associated with relocating to rural practice. The attachment dissuades only a small proportion of its female counterparts, which is promising considering the increasing role of female practitioners in the workforce.
Incidence of disability in housebound elderly people in a rural community in Japan
Authors: Kawamura Keiko , Watanabe Misuzu , Watanabe Takemasa , Tanimoto Yoshimi , Matsuura Takamaro , Kono Koichi
Published: November 2005

Background:  Although being housebound is acknowledged conceptually as a risk factor for disability and social isolation, there has been little epidemiologic research on housebound status. This study aimed to explore whether being housebound is a risk factor for disability and whether a low level of social contact increases that risk in elderly persons.

Methods:  A questionnaire pertaining to demographic characteristics was administered to 2932 community‐dwelling elderly persons (aged 65 years and older) in October 2000. There were 2459 responses, and 2180 respondents were independently performing activities of daily living. Of these, 2046 were followed up until March 2003. These 2046 people became the subjects of our analysis. At the end of the follow‐up period, the 2046 subjects were assessed for disability.

Results:  Overall, 7.5% of the subjects were housebound at baseline, and about half of these were able to leave the house unassisted, seldom did so but had social contact. At the end of the follow‐up period, 12.7% of subjects were identified as disabled. The incidence of disability was higher in housebound than in non‐housebound subjects aged less than 85 years but did not differ significantly among subjects aged more than 85 years. Levels of disability were higher in all housebound subjects groups than in non‐housebound subjects. Subjects without social contact exhibited a higher incidence of disability than others, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:  Being housebound appears to be a risk factor for disability in community‐dwelling individuals aged 65–85 years who are living independently, but a low level of social contact was not proved to be an additional risk factor for disability among housebound elderly persons.
Assessment of diastolic function in elderly patients with aortic stenosis. Evaluation of flow propagation velocity using color M‐mode Doppler technique
Authors: Nobuoka Sachihiko , Suzuki Kengo , Imai Yukiko , Adachi Hisanobu , Shibamoto Masaaki , Yoshida Akihiro , Miyake Fumihiko , Nakamura Toshio
Published: November 2005

Background:  The purpose of this study was to assess the left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in elderly patients with aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods:  The subjects included 11 consecutive elderly patients with AS (AS group), and 17 elderly patients with hypertensive LV hypertrophy (HT group), all were more than 70 years of age. Echocardiographic and Doppler examinations were performed, and the data was analyzed to determine the LV end‐diastolic dimension (LVDd), the LV mass index (LVMI), fractional fiber shortening (FS), the aortic valve resistance (AVR), peak aortic flow velocity (peak V), and the maximal early diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E). The flow propagation velocity (FPV) was measured during early LV filling phase using a color M‐mode Doppler method. Then, (i) FPV/E were compared between the two groups; and (ii) correlations between FPV/E and LVMI, LVDd, AVR, and FS/peak V were assessed in the AS group.

Results:  FPV/E was significantly lower in the AS group than in the HT group (P < 0.01). There were significant negative correlations between FPV/E and LVMI (r =−0.728, P < 0.001), and FPV/E and LVDd (r =−0.642, P < 0.01) in the AS group. There were no significant correlations between FPV/E and AVR, and FPV/E and FS/peak V.

Conclusion:  We considered that in elderly patients with AS, diastolic dysfunction was more severe than that of hypertensive heart disease even if the LV hypertrophy is equivalent, and diastolic dysfunction was more severe in cases having a larger LVDd and a larger LVMI, and could not be related to hemodynamic severity of AS.
Effects of group work programs on community‐dwelling elderly people with age‐associated cognitive decline and/or mild depressive moods: A Kahoku Longitudinal Aging Study
Authors: Okumiya Kiyohito , Morita Yukari , Nishinaga Masanori , Osaki Yasushi , Doi Yoshinori , Ishine Masayuki , Wada Taizo , Ozawa Toshio , Matsubayashi Kozo
Published: November 2005

Background:  Age‐associated cognitive decline (AACD) is a predictor of dementia and highly prevalent among elderly people. Many elderly people with AACD also suffer from depressive moods. We studied, the effect of group work programs on the cognitive function and quality of life (QOL) of community‐dwelling elderly people with AACD and/or mild depressive moods.

Methods:  Thirty‐six subjects, with a mean age of 79.8 years, were included in this study. Twenty‐one suffered from both AACD and mild depressive moods, nine suffered from mild depressive moods and six from AACD. Subjects were required to participate in a number of group work programs, such as music therapy, handicrafts and so on. They were assigned to one of two groups, and each participated in two 4‐month sessions. In the first session, group 1 participated in the group work programs, while group 2 did not (control). In the second session, group 2 participated while group 1 did not. The effect of group work on elderly people with AACD (n = 27) and depressive moods (n = 31), was evaluated separately.

Results:  Improvement was observed in depressive moods and QOL (visual analogue scale of family relation, friendship and happiness, life satisfaction index) in subjects with cognitive impairment and depressive moods. The effect on cognitive function was shown only in elderly individuals suffering from depressive moods. The improvement in depressive moods and QOL seemed to be accompanied by an improvement in cognitive function but did not continue after completion of the group work program.

Conclusion:  Group work was shown to improve depressive moods, QOL and cognitive function; however, long‐term effects require further examination.
Lithium therapy and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker levels in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Maruyama Masahiro , Ishizawa Kota , Tomita Naoki , Nemoto Miyako , Yasuda Hiroyasu , Ebihara Satoru , Ohrui Takashi , Seki Takashi , Iwasaki Koh , Okamura Nobuyuki , Higuchi Makoto , Yoshida Hiroshi , Kudo Yukitsuka , Arai Hiroyuki , Sasaki Hidetada
Published: November 2005

Recent studies suggest that lithium may retard pathological deterioration by inhibiting aberrant phosphorylation of tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we describe three cases of AD who were treated with lithium for agitation. However, there was no obvious improvement either in global cognition, agitation or cerebrospinal fluid markers that were thought to reflect Alzheimer's pathology. Increased dosages of lithium were not tolerated by the patients because of adverse effects. It is likely that AD patients do not benefit from lithium therapy as an alternative choice of treatment.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment for community‐dwelling elderly in Asia compared with those in Japan: VI. Maubin in Myanmar
Authors: Wada Taizo , Okumiya Kiyohito , Suzuki Kentaro , Roriz‐Cruz Matheus , Ishine Masayuki , Sakagami Teiji , Kita Toru , Matsubayashi Kozo
Published: November 2005

Background:  The objective of the present study is to compare the findings of comprehensive geriatric assessments of community‐dwelling elderly in Maubin township, Myanmar with those in Japan.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional, study was undertaken of community‐dwelling people aged 60 years and over who were living in downtown Maubin and two rural villages near Maubin city, and 411 people aged 65 years and over who were living in Sonobe, Kyoto, Japan. They were examined using a common comprehensive geriatric assessment tool, which included interviews regarding activities of daily living (ADL), medical and social history, quality of life (QOL) and the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale. Anthropometric, neurobehavioral and blood chemical examinations were also conducted. Using anova and Post Hoc Scheffe's F‐test, findings from the three groups were compared.

Results:  Scores of basic ADL, instrumental self‐maintenance, intellectual activities, social roles, QOL, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence, body mass index, total cholesterol levels, blood hemoglobin levels and HDL levels were lower in Myanmar's elderly subjects than in Japanese ones. There was no significant difference in prevalence of depression. Mean blood pressure measurements and rates of subjects with systolic pressure > 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure > 90 mmHg and prevalence of stroke were higher in downtown Maubin than in Japan. The atherogenic index was higher in Myanmar's elderly than in Japanese.

Conclusion:  In Myanmar subjects had lower ADL and QOL scores than Japanese elderly. Of particular note is the higher prevalence of anemia and subjects with history of stroke in Myanmar than in Japan. Further study is needed to detect the cause of high prevalence of stroke in Myanmar.
Combinational Western and oriental medicine therapies for geriatric syndrome
Authors: Iwasaki K , Seki T , Arai H , Sasaki H
Published: November 2005

Oriental medicines often assist patients who cannot be treated with Western medicines. Although the exact mechanisms of oriental medicines are not known, their clinical usefulness has been proven in various diseases, including geriatric syndrome. In this review we explain progress in oriental medicine and how oriental medicines are effective in treating geriatric syndrome.
Distribution of acetylcholinesterase and cholineacetyl‐transferase activities in the human pulmonary vessels of younger and older adults
Authors: Cavallotti Carlo , D’Andrea Vito , Cavallotti Chiara , Cameroni Mauro
Published: November 2005

Background:  Age‐related changes were studied in younger and older humans, by staining of acetylcholinesterase and cholineacetyl‐transferase activities on autopsy samples of pulmonary vessels (arteries, veins and micro‐vessels).

Methods:  Samples of human pulmonary vessels were harvested and exposed to the enzymatic staining for acetylcholinesterase and cholineacetyltransferase, two enzymes linked to the metabolism of acetylcholine. The morphological data were subjected to the quantitative analysis of images and to the statistical analysis of data.

Results:  Both acetylcholinesterase and cholineacetyl‐transferase activities are localized in the pulmonary vessels of younger and older humans. Staining of these two enzymes shows strong age‐related changes. Structures resembling cholinergic nerve fibers are located in pulmonary vessels both in the extra‐parenchymal and intraparenchymal branches, organized in two plexuses. The quantitative analysis of images and the statistical analysis of data demonstrate that the cholinergic innervation of pulmonary vessels (especially the extra‐parenchymal branches) strongly decreases with age.

Conclusion:  Our opinion is that the extra and intrapulmonary branches of the artery and veins of the human lung are provided with cholinergic nerve fibers, which could control the afferent pathways of the pulmonary vascular tree. These cholinergic nerve fibers are particularly sensitive to age‐related changes.
Dependency ratios: Useful policy‐making tools?
Authors: Bartram Lisa , Roe Brenda
Published: November 2005

Dependency ratios are derived from the proportion of so‐called dependents in a society in comparison to the workforce. With an ever‐increasingly aging society, governments need some form of projected measurements in order to plan for future spending. A dependency ratio is one tool that is employed for this purpose. However, there are many flaws in the use of this equation in terms of the assumptions made regarding the workforce, what is considered to be productivity, as well as changing economic outlooks over time. Older people are assumed to be a heterogonous group and are certainly considered to be dependent once the age of 65 is reached in many countries. With people living longer and maintaining better health into old age, it may be time to reconsider the use of dependency ratios. This paper discusses the problems with the current definition and uses of this demographic measurement.
Incidence of adverse drug reactions in geriatric units of university hospitals
Authors: Arai Hidenori , Akishita Masahiro , Teramoto Shinji , Arai Hiroyuki , Mizukami Katsuyoshi , Morimoto Shigeto , Toba Kenji
Published: November 2005

Background:  Adverse drug reactions (ADR) in elderly people are often attributed to functional decline and polypharmacy.

Methods:  In this study, a multi‐institutional retrospective survey was undertaken to investigate the current status of ADR in geriatric units of university hospitals. The inpatient databases from 2000 to 2002 for five university hospitals were studied, and a total of 1289 patients were analyzed.

Results:  The incidence of ADR, as determined by attending physicians, was 9.2% on average, but varied from 6.3 to 15.8% among the institutions. Factors significantly related to ADR were the number of diagnoses, the number of geriatric syndromes, the number of prescribed drugs, an increase of two or more drugs during hospitalization, longer hospital stay, emergency admission, depression and apathy.

Conclusion:  These results are mostly consistent with previous reports and provide important information on drug treatment in elderly people.
Cognitive function among physically independent very old people in an urban Japanese community
Authors: Iwasa Hajime , Gondo Yasuyuki , Furuna Taketo , Kobayashi Erika , Inagaki Hiroki , Sugiura Miho , Masui Yukie , Abe Tsutomu , Imuta Hiromi , Homma Akira , Suzuki Takao
Published: November 2005

Background:  A study was conducted to clarify the characteristics of cognitive function among physically independent very old people dwelling in an urban community in Japan.

Methods:  Five hundred and thirteen old‐old (aged 75–84 years) and 168 oldest‐old (aged 85–100 years) adults participated. We carried out the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) for measuring cognitive functions in the elderly. Age‐related differences in the total score and subscale scores of the MMSE were analyzed by sex using ancova, controlling for education, vision and hearing problems.

Results:  Mean MMSE scores for old‐old and oldest‐old men were 27.5 and 25.9, respectively, and those for old‐old and oldest‐old women were 27.8 and 25.0, respectively. Age‐related differences in the MMSE total score between the old‐old and oldest‐old were observed in both sexes, suggesting that overall cognitive functions continue to decline over time in very old age. Age‐related differences between the old‐old and oldest‐old in items measuring, registration, calculation and delayed recall were observed in both sexes, and also in those assessing time orientation, place orientation, delayed recognition, writing sentences, and copying figures were observed in women.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that the faculties are those most sensitive to normal aging among very old individuals. There were no age group differences in five items: reverse spelling, naming objects, repeating a sentence, listening and obeying, and reading and obeying.
Effect of time standing up on orthostatic blood pressure change in the elderly: The J‐SHIPP Study
Authors: Tabara Yasuharu , Kohara Katsuhiko , Azechi Toshie , Ohnishi Michie , Ueki Shouzoh , Yano Hiromitsu , Nakura June , Miki Tetsuro
Published: November 2005

Background:  Orthostatic dysregulation of blood pressure (BP) has been shown to be associated with an increased incidence of future cardiovascular disease, stroke and even mortality. To make a meaningful assessment of this association, we evaluated the effect of time elapsed after standing on any change in orthostatic BP.

Methods:  This study concerns 237 community‐dwelling elderly people free from any history or symptoms of cardiovascular disease and not on medication. Basal BP was determined by averaging two determinations of supine BP measured with an automatic oscillometric BP recorder after resting for more than 10 min. Orthostatic change in BP was determined at 1 min and 3 min intervals after standing up.

Results:  The orthostatic change in systolic BP (ΔSBP) had a Gaussian distribution with a pivot at 1.2 ± 14 mmHg. The prevalence of subjects showing more than a 10% decrease in SBP at the 1‐min interval was 14.3% (34 subjects). At the 3‐min interval, 11 of them showed ΔSBP within ± 10%. However, another 17 subjects (7.2%) were newly diagnosed as having orthostatic hypotensive disorder. Similarly, 17.3% (41 cases) of subjects showed more than a 10% increase in ΔSBP at the 1‐min interval. Among them, 22 (9.3%) subjects showed ΔSBP within ± 10% at the 3‐min interval. However, another 20 (8.4%) subjects were newly diagnosed as having orthostatic hypertensive disorder.

Conclusion:  These results suggests that orthostatic dysregulation of BP could be evaluated by measuring at 1‐min interval. However, if abnormal variation of BP was not observed, repeated measurement at 3 min would be necessary.
Creation of the ideal society for long life: Some challenges in Japan
Authors: Igata Akihiro
Published: November 2005

Japan has become the country with the longest life expectancy. This is one of the biggest changes ever experienced. Faced with this situation, we are now obliged to create the new future society. Since much international attention has been focused on our efforts, recent moves in Japan towards research‐based gerontology, the newly introduced long‐term care insurance system, changes in the conception of death of aged people, and other various aspects were presented. Among these areas, the National Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology was inaugurated in Ohbu, Aich, in March 2004, and will contribute a lot for the peace and happiness of elderly and aged people in Japan. The new long term care insurance was introduced in 2000, with good reputation. The idea of death with dignity is widely accepted among elderly people, and its legalization is expected in near future. In any event, we are obliged to create the ideal future society and this will be achieved by our efforts, through ‘trial and error’.
An investigation into the potential for activity‐dependent regeneration of the rubrospinal tract after spinal cord injury
Authors: Harvey Philip J. , Grochmal Joey , Tetzlaff Wolfram , Gordon Tessa , Bennett David J.
Published: November 2005

We tested whether regeneration of transected rubrospinal tract (RST) axons is facilitated by a prolonged electrical stimulation of these axons. A peripheral nerve was grafted to the transected RST at the cervical level (C4/5) of adult rats, providing a permissive environment for regeneration of rubrospinal axons. Direct antidromic stimulation of the RST was applied immediately after grafting through a microwire inserted just rostral to the RST lesion, using a 1‐h 20‐Hz supramaximal stimulation protocol. Stimulation caused no direct damage to rubrospinal axons, and was sufficient to recruit the entire rubrospinal tract. In control animals that had a nerve graft and implanted microwire with no stimulation, there were 42.7 ± 10.2 rubrospinal neurons regenerated into the graft at 8 weeks, as assessed by retrograde labelling. In test animals that were stimulated there were 28.2 ± 7.4 backlabelled neurons, not significantly different from control, indicating that this stimulation did not improve the regenerative capacity of rubrospinal neurons. Furthermore, reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and/or growth‐associated protein‐43 (GAP‐43) expression in rubrospinal neurons revealed no significant difference between stimulated and unstimulated groups at 48 h after injury, with either 1 or 8 h of stimulation. In summary, direct stimulation of the injured RST axons for the periods tested does not increase expression of GAP‐43 and BDNF, and ultimately does not promote regeneration of these central nervous system axons.
Single‐unit responses of serotonergic medullary raphe neurons to cardiovascular challenges in freely moving cats
Authors: Martin‐Cora Francisco J. , Fornal Casimir A. , Jacobs Barry L.
Published: November 2005

Single‐unit activity of serotonergic neurons in the nuclei raphe obscurus (NRO) and raphe pallidus (NRP) were recorded in conjunction with heart rate in freely moving cats in response to systemic administration of vasoactive drugs and to graded haemorrhage. Bolus administration of phenylephrine hydrochloride and sodium nitroprusside (20 µg/kg, i.v.) produced a marked, transient reflex bradycardia (−42 b.p.m.) and tachycardia (+60 b.p.m.), respectively. The activity of NRO/NRP serotonergic neurons remained unchanged after phenylephrine and nitroprusside administration. The administration of hydralazine (1 mg/kg, i.v.), a long‐acting vasodilator, produced sustained tachycardia (+60 b.p.m.), which was not accompanied by changes in neuronal activity, despite prolonged reflex activation of the sympathetic nervous system. The initial withdrawal of up to 15% of total blood volume increased heart rate (+12 b.p.m.), whereas the removal of 22.5% of total blood decreased heart rate (−44 b.p.m.). The activity of NRO/NRP serotonergic neurons remained unaltered throughout graded haemorrhage trials, despite the changes in sympathetic outflow. Thus, serotonergic NRO and NRP neurons appear to be insensitive to alterations in blood pressure and baroreceptor activity, and this lack of responsiveness does not support a specific role for these cells in cardiovascular regulation. Furthermore, these neurons do not appear to be involved in physiological mechanisms underlying alterations in autonomic outflow invoked by hypertension and hypotension. Taken within the context of our previous work, the present data suggest that medullary serotonergic neurons may modulate autonomic outflow, but only in relation to their primary role in motor control.
Seasonal, El Niño and longer term changes in flower and seed production in a moist tropical forest
Authors: Wright S. J. , Calderón Osvaldo
Published: November 2005

It has recently been reported that humid tropical forests are changing rapidly in response to global anthropogenic change and that these forests experience greater tree mortality and even fire during droughts associated with El Niño events. The former reports are controversial largely because a single method has been used – repeated censuses of tree plots. The latter reports focus on recent extreme El Niño events. Here, we show that flower and seed production both increase during El Niño events in an old‐growth tropical forest in Panama. Flower production, but not seed production, has also increased over the past 18 years. The sustained increase in flower production was greater for 33 liana species than for 48 tree species. These results indicate that moderate El Niño events favour seed production, document long‐term increases in flower production for the first time, and corroborate long‐term increases in the importance of lianas using independent methods. Changes in levels of solar irradiance might contribute to all three patterns.
Changes in the community structure and activity of betaproteobacterial ammonia‐oxidizing sediment bacteria along a freshwater–marine gradient
Authors: Freitag Thomas E. , Chang Lisa , Prosser James I.
Published: November 2005

To determine whether the distribution of estuarine ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was influenced by salinity, the community structure of betaproteobacterial ammonia oxidizers (AOB) was characterized along a salinity gradient in sediments of the Ythan estuary, on the east coast of Scotland, UK, by denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), cloning and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments. Ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria communities at sampling sites with strongest marine influence were dominated by Nitrosospira cluster 1‐like sequences and those with strongest freshwater influence were dominated by Nitrosomonas oligotropha‐like sequences. Nitrosomonas sp. Nm143 was the prevailing sequence type in communities at intermediate brackish sites. Diversity indices of AOB communities were similar at marine‐ and freshwater‐influenced sites and did not indicate lower species diversity at intermediate brackish sites. The presence of sequences highly similar to the halophilic Nitrosomonas marina and the freshwater strain Nitrosomonas oligotropha at identical sampling sites indicates that AOB communities in the estuary are adapted to a range of salinities, while individual strains may be active at different salinities. Ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria communities that were dominated by Nitrosospira cluster 1 sequence types, for which no cultured representative exists, were subjected to stable isotope probing (SIP) with 13C‐HCO3–, to label the nucleic acids of active autotrophic nitrifiers. Analysis of 13C‐associated 16S rRNA gene fragments, following CsCl density centrifugation, by cloning and DGGE indicated sequences highly similar to the AOB Nitrosomonas sp. Nm143 and Nitrosomonas cryotolerans and to the nitrite oxidizer Nitrospira marina. No sequence with similarity to the Nitrosospira cluster 1 clade was recovered during SIP analysis. The potential role of Nitrosospira cluster 1 in autotrophic ammonia oxidation therefore remains uncertain.
A new green fluorescent protein‐based bacterial biosensor for analysing phenanthrene fluxes
Authors: Tecon Robin , Wells Mona , Van Der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: November 2005

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)‐degrading strain Burkholderia sp. RP007 served as host strain for the design of a bacterial biosensor for the detection of phenanthrene. RP007 was transformed with a reporter plasmid containing a transcriptional fusion between the phnS putative promoter/operator region and the gene encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP). The resulting bacterial biosensor –Burkholderia sp. strain RP037 – produced significant amounts of GFP after batch incubation in the presence of phenanthrene crystals. Co‐incubation with acetate did not disturb the phenanthrene‐specific response but resulted in a homogenously responding population of cells. Active metabolism was required for induction with phenanthrene. The magnitude of GFP induction was influenced by physical parameters affecting the phenanthrene flux to the cells, such as the contact surface area between solid phenanthrene and the aqueous phase, addition of surfactant, and slow phenanthrene release from Model Polymer Release System beads or from a water‐immiscible oil. These results strongly suggest that the bacterial biosensor can sense different phenanthrene fluxes while maintaining phenanthrene metabolism, thus acting as a genuine sensor for phenanthrene bioavailability. A relationship between GFP production and phenanthrene mass transfer is proposed.