bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter‐population dispersal by adult stoneflies detected by stable isotope enrichment
Authors: Briers Robert A. , Gee John H. R. , Cariss Helen M. , Geoghegan Rory
Published: March 2004

1. Dispersal of adult stream insects may be of considerable importance in regional population dynamics and colonisation of new sites, but quantifying the rate and extent of dispersal is difficult.

2. We used stable isotope (15N) enrichment to mark more than 1.5 million larval stoneflies (Leuctra inermis) before they emerged from an upland stream in the Plynlimon area of mid‐Wales, in order to determine directly the rate and pattern of inter‐site dispersal.

3. A small number of isotopically enriched adult stoneflies were captured in samples taken at adjacent streams between 800 m and 1.1 km away from the source population, including a headwater of a different river system.

4. The distribution of marked individuals suggested that wind influences dispersal direction in the uplands, but the low number of captures limits our ability to draw firm conclusions.

5. This is the first direct demonstration of dispersal of insects between streams. The dispersal distances recorded were significantly greater than those suggested by previous direct studies, but much more consistent with indirect studies based on genetic differentiation of populations.
Impact of fish predation on cladoceran body weight distribution and zooplankton grazing in lakes during winter
Authors: Jeppesen Erik , Jensen Jens Peder , Søndergaard Martin , Fenger‐Grøn Morten , Bramm Mette E. , Sandby Kjeld , Møller Poul Hald , Rasmussen Helle Utoft
Published: March 2004

1. It is well accepted that fish, if abundant, can have a major impact on the zooplankton community structure during summer, which, particularly in eutrophic lakes, may cascade to phytoplankton and ultimately influence water clarity. Fish predation affects mean size of cladocerans and the zooplankton grazing pressure on phytoplankton. Little is, however, known about the role of fish during winter.

2. We analysed data from 34 lakes studied for 8–9 years divided into three seasons: summer, autumn/spring and winter, and four lake classes: all lakes, shallow lakes without submerged plants, shallow lakes with submerged plants and deep lakes. We recorded how body weight of Daphnia and then cladocerans varied among the three seasons. For all lake types there was a significant positive correlation in the mean body weight of Daphnia and all cladocerans between the different seasons, and only in lakes with macrophytes did the slope differ significantly from one (winter versus summer for Daphnia).

3. These results suggest that the fish predation pressure during autumn/spring and winter is as high as during summer, and maybe even higher during winter in macrophyte‐rich lakes. It could be argued that the winter zooplankton community structure resembles that of the summer community because of low specimen turnover during winter mediated by low fecundity, which, in turn, reflects food shortage, low temperatures and low winter hatching from resting eggs. However, we found frequent major changes in mean body weight of Daphnia and cladocerans in three fish‐biomanipulated lakes during the winter season.

4. The seasonal pattern of zooplankton : phytoplankton biomass ratio showed no correlation between summer and winter for shallow lakes with abundant vegetation or for deep lakes. For the shallow lakes, the ratio was substantially higher during summer than in winter and autumn/spring, suggesting a higher zooplankton grazing potential during summer, while the ratio was often higher in winter in deep lakes. Direct and indirect effects of macrophytes, and internal P loading and mixing, all varying over the season, might weaken the fish signal on this ratio.

5. Overall, our data indicate that release of fish predation may have strong cascading effects on zooplankton grazing on phytoplankton and water clarity in temperate, coastal situated eutrophic lakes, not only during summer but also during winter.
Latest Miocene and Pleistocene ages of faulting, determined by 40Ar/39Ar single‐crystal dating of airfall tuff and silicic extrusives of the Erciyes Basin, central Turkey: evidence for intraplate deformation related to the tectonic escape of Anatolia
Authors: Jaffey Noah , Robertson Alastair , Pringle Malcolm
Published: March 2004

The Ericiyes Basin is a trans‐tensional basin situated 20 km north of the regional Ecemiş Fault Zone. Recently it has been hypothesized that faulting within the Erciyes Basin links with the Ecemiş Fault Zone further south as part of a regional Central Anatolian Fault Zone. New 40Ar/39Ar dating of volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks adjacent to faults, both along the margins and in the centre of the Erciyes Basin, constrains the timing of basin inception and later faulting. Extensional faulting occurred along the eastern and western margins of the basin during the Early Messinian (latest Miocene). Sinistral and minor normal faulting were active along the axis of the basin during the early Pleistocene. These fault timings are similar to those inferred for the Ecemiş Fault Zone further south, and support the hypothesis that faulting within the Erciyes Basin and the Ecemiş Fault Zone are indeed linked.
Stable isotope evidence for magmatic fluid input during large‐scale Na–Ca alteration in the Cloncurry Fe oxide Cu–Au district, NW Queensland, Australia
Authors: Mark Geordie , Foster Damien R. W. , Pollard Peter J. , Williams Patrick J. , Tolman Justin , Darvall Michael , Blake Kevin L.
Published: March 2004

Sodic–calcic alteration is common in mineralized hydrothermal systems, yet the relative importance of igneous vs. basinal fluid sources remains controversial. One of the most extensive volumes of sodic–calcic rocks occurs near Cloncurry, NW Queensland, and was formed by overlapping hydrothermal systems that were active synchronously with emplacement of mid‐crustal batholithic granitoids (c. 1.55–1.50 Ga). Altered rocks contain albite–oligoclase, actinolite, diopside, titanite and magnetite. Alteration was localized by: (A) composite veins and breccias containing crystallized magma intimately intergrown with hydrothermal precipitates; (B) intrusions that host setting A veins and breccias; and (C) extensive breccia and vein systems linked to regional fault systems. Isotope analyses of actinolites in settings A and B indicate calculated δ18OH2O (+8.2 to +10.6‰) and variably depleted δDH2O (−130 to −54‰) compared with typical magmatic fluids, whereas those from setting C typically indicate calculated δ18OH2O (+8.0 to +12.8‰) and δDH2O (−29 to −99‰). The lowest δDH2O values are interpreted as representing residual fluids after significant (> 90%) open‐system magmatic degassing. Overall the stable isotope, field, geochronological and geobarometric data suggest that these sodic–calcic alteration systems were formed by the episodic incursion of magmatic fluids that underwent minor isotopic modification as a result of varying degrees of interaction with country rocks.
SHRIMP U–Pb zircon dating of quartz‐bearing eclogite from the Sanbagawa Belt, south‐west Japan: implications for metamorphic evolution of subducted protolith
Authors: Okamoto Kazuaki , Shinjoe Hironao , Katayama Ikuo , Terada Kentaro , Sano Yuji , Johnson Simon
Published: March 2004

In order to decipher the origin of eclogite in the high‐P/T Sanbagawa metamorphic belt, SHRIMP U–Pb ages of zircons from quartz‐bearing eclogite and associated quartz‐rich rock (metasandstone) were determined. One zircon core of the quartz‐rich rock yields an extremely old provenance age of 1899 ± 79 Ma, suggesting that the core is of detrital origin. Eight other core ages are in the 148–134 Ma range, and are older than the estimated age for trench sedimentation as indicated by the youngest radiolarian fossil age of 139–135 Ma from the Sanbagawa schists. Ages of metamorphic zircon rims (132–112 Ma) from the quartz‐rich rock are consistent with metamorphic zircon ages from the quartz‐bearing eclogite, indicating that eclogite facies metamorphism peaked at 120–110 Ma. These new data are consistent with both the Iratsu eclogite body and surrounding highest‐grade Sanbagawa schists undergoing coeval subduction‐zone metamorphism, and subsequent re‐equilibration under epidote amphibolite facies conditions during exhumation.
Dating of coal fires in Xinjiang, north‐west China
Authors: Zhang Xiangmin , Kroonenberg Salomon B. , De Boer Cor B.
Published: March 2004

Coal fires in China consume vast amounts of fuel and cause serious environmental problems. Most of these coal fires are related to mining activity. However, naturally produced palaeo coal fires in Xinjiang, north‐west China, have been recognized via burnt rocks. The burnt rocks in the study area are found at different river terraces underlying unburnt alluvial and river terrace deposits. Several age groups of coal fires have been identified based on the positions of burnt rocks at river terraces and the relationship between the burnt rocks and the terrace deposits. These palaeo coal fires are: (1) Pliocene – Early Quaternary in age at 200 m above present river terrace deposits; (2) Middle Pleistocene in age, at > 90 m; (3) Late Pleistocene, at 90–70 m; (4) Holocene; (5) burnt rocks relating to active coal fires. Palaeomagnetic data of the burnt rocks from different terraces give normal remanent magnetization and help further to constrain the ages of the coal fires.
Palaeoproterozoic arc magmatism and collision in Liaodong Peninsula (north‐east China)
Authors: Faure Michel , Lin Wei , Monié Patrick , Bruguier Olivier
Published: March 2004

In the north‐eastern part of the North China Block, a mafic magmatic belt consisting of mafic–ultramafic rocks and marine sedimentary rocks crops out between the northern Archean Anshan Block and a southern Palaeoproterozoic Block. 40Ar/39Ar amphibole ages around 1.9 Ga from gabbros, and trace element analyses of gabbros, pyroxenite and shale show that these rocks formed along a Palaeoproterozoic active continental margin. The mafic magmatic belt is interpreted as an arc developed above a south‐directed subduction zone, which was subsequently overthrust to the north upon the Anshan Archean Block. This study provides a new example agreeing with increasing evidence supporting plate mobility and thrust tectonics during the Palaeoproterozoic. These new insights must be considered with regard to the formation of the North China Block by magmatic accretion and tectonic collision.
Seroprevalence of Sarcosystis spp. in Cattle and Buffaloes from the Wet and Dry Zones of Sri Lanka: a Preliminary Study
Authors: Kalubowila D. G. W. , Udagama‐Randeniya P. V. , Perera N. A. N. D. , Rajapakse R. P. V. J
Published: March 2004

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection of antibodies to Sarcosystis infection in cattle and buffaloes. Crude antigens derived from cystozoites of Sarcosystis cruzi and antibodies from the sera of naturally infected cattle and buffaloes were used. The assay was validated by determination of the specificity, sensitivity and negative and positive predictive values. Using ELISA, a sero‐epidemiological survey for sarcosystosis was carried out in cattle (n = 215) and buffaloes (n = 123) from the wet and dry zones of Sri Lanka. The prevalence of infection in cattle was 69.3%. Prevalence of the infection collectively in both cattle and buffaloes in the dry zone was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that in the wet zone. The number of sero‐positive cattle and buffaloes in the dry zone was significantly higher than that in the wet zone (P < 0.05). Buffaloes in the dry and wet zones showed a greater prevalence of infection (P < 0.05) than cattle.
An Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for Detection of Marek's Disease Virus‐Specific Antibodies and its Application in an Experimental Vaccine Trial
Authors: Zelnik V. , Harlin O. , Fehler F. , Kaspers B. , Göbel T. W. , Nair V. K. , Osterrieder N.
Published: March 2004

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of Marek's disease virus (MDV)‐specific antibodies was developed. Chicken embryo cells (CEC) or chicken kidney cells (CKC) were infected with MDV vaccine strain CVI988/Rispens, and infected‐cell lysates were prepared at day 5 post‐infection by freeze‐thawing. Uninfected‐cell lysates served as negative controls. Sera were used at a 1 : 100 dilution and were added in parallel to wells containing the infected and uninfected cell lysates. The optical densities at 492 nm (OD492 nm) were measured after detection of bound chicken antibodies with anti‐chicken IgG peroxidase conjugate and colour reactions using o‐phenylenediamine (OPD) as a substrate. The best results concerning the signal‐to‐noise ratio were obtained by using CKC cells rather than CEC for antigen preparation. The OD492 nm of plasma or serum samples with infected CKC was <0.02 when samples of unvaccinated and unchallenged maternal antibody‐negative white leghorn chickens were tested. Sera and plasma samples of positive control birds exhibited OD492 nm of <0.01 when tested with uninfected CKC. The assay was used to monitor a trial that compared experimental BAC DNA vaccines and a commercial vaccine. Sustained seroconversion and antibody titers that were constantly rising until day 84 after vaccination (71 days after challenge) was observed only when chickens did not develop Marek's disease. In contrast, chickens developing the disease mounted marginal and short‐lived antibody titers only. We conclude that the developed ELISA may be a valuable tool for the evaluation of the efficacy of MDV vaccination under experimental but possibly also under field conditions.
Non‐O157 Shiga Toxin‐producingEscherichia coliIsolated from Diarrhoeic Calves in Argentina
Authors: Mercado E. C. , Gioffré A. , Rodríguez S. M. , Cataldi A. , Irino K. , Elizondo A. M. , Cipolla A. L. , Romano M. I. , Malena R. , Méndez M. A.
Published: March 2004

Faecal samples from 76 diarrhoeic calves belonging to 36 farms located in the Pampas plain, Argentina, were examined for Shiga toxin‐producingEscherichia coli(STEC). A total of 15 STEC strains were isolated from 12 (15.8%) calves which came from six different farms. Allstxpositive strains assayed by PCR were also positives in the Vero cell cytotoxicity test. The majority (60.0%) of the STEC strains carried thestx1gene. Twelve (80.0%) of the STEC isolates which belonged to serotypes O5:H‐ (n = 4), O26:H11 (n = 4), O26:H‐ (n = 1), O111:H‐ (n = 2), and O123:H38 (n = 1) were also enterohaemolysin (EHly) positive and carried the gene encoding for intimin (eae). All thestxpositive strains were negative for thebfpAgene. Localized adherence to HEp‐2 cells were observed in 83.3% of theeae+ STEC strains. STEC belonging to serotype O5:H‐ showed atypical biochemical properties, including urease production. Urease was also produced by two strains belonging to serotypes O153:H? and non‐typeable, respectively. Resistance to three or more antibiotics was observed in 12 (80.0%) of the STEC isolates. Most of the serotypes of STEC recovered in this survey carried virulence traits that are associated with increased human and bovine pathogenicity. The present study shows that highly virulent STEC strains are being shed by diarrhoeic calves from farms located in a high incidence area of human STEC infections.
Prognostic value of apoptosis and apoptosis‐associated proteins in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Jia Lin , Esguerra Renelson L. , Tang Xiaofei , Yin Hongfang , Sakamoto Kei , Okada Norihiko , Takagi Minoru
Published: March 2004

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the level of apoptosis and expressions of p53, mdm2 and bcl‐2 proteins in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) to determine potential relationships among apoptosis, apoptosis‐associated proteins and clinical cumulative survival. Thirty‐nine formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded cases, cribriform (17), tubular (13) and solid (9), were studied by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis detection and analysis were determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick‐end labeling (TUNEL). There was an inverse significance between the apoptotic index (AI) and bcl‐2 expression (P = 0.018), whereas no correlation was found between the AI and either p53 or mdm2 expression (P = 0.416 and P = 0.456). Co‐expression of p53 and mdm2 was found in 22 cases (P = 0.037). Patients with p53‐positive tumors had a worse prognosis than those with p53‐negative tumors (P = 0.014). Patients with a high AI had a better cumulative survival than patients with a low AI (P = 0.038). The present study suggests that p53 expression and AI can be useful as prognostic values; bcl‐2 protein plays a role in the down‐regulation of apoptosis and is also potentially useful as a prognostic parameter in salivary gland ACC.
Participation of the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor in Thy‐1 nephritis
Authors: Mitani Osamu , Katoh Masahiro , Shigematsu Hidekazu
Published: March 2004

What influence would be shown in Thy‐1 glomerulonephritis when the synthetic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor SI‐27 is administered? Five groups of 80 male Wistar rats were studied: healthy group; treated healthy group; nephritic group; pretreated nephritic group; and post‐treated nephritic group. SI‐27 treatment of nephritic animals was initiated either 2 days before or 2 days after anti‐Thy‐1.1 antibody injection. On days 7, 14, 26 and 42 after disease induction, we examined renal histology, extracellular matrix (ECM) constituent, and MMP activity. SI‐27 treated Thy‐1 groups resulted in significant reduction of glomerular cells including α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) positive mesangial cells and suppressed expression of type IV collagen at 7 days. Moreover, type I collagen was also decreased by SI‐27 at 42 days. However, glomerular cell numbers did not show any significant changes at 14, 26 and 42 days. In gelatin zymography, the gelatinolytic band for MMP‐9 was expressed in SI‐27 treated Thy‐1 nephritis groups, although it was not expressed in the nephritic group at day 7. However, the expression of MMP‐9 was no longer seen at 14, 26 and 42 days. The bands for an active form of MMP‐2 were expressed throughout the experimental period in the Thy‐1 nephritic groups. These results suggest that MMP plays an important role in the development of Thy‐1 nephritis, and even if the synthetic MMP inhibitor intercepts the initial increase of glomerular cells and matrices, it does not inhibit recovery to normal glomerular capillary structures in Thy‐1 nephritis.
Dumbbell‐shaped leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava with foci of rhabdoid changes and osteoclast‐type giant cells
Authors: Nikaido Takashi , Endo Yasuhiko , Nimura Satoshi , Ishikura Hiroshi , Ushigome Shinichiro
Published: March 2004

An inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor was incidentally found in a 67‐year‐old Japanese man. The resected tumor was lobulated and multinodular, measuring 14.0 × 6.5 × 7.0 cm, showing a dumbbell‐shaped appearance with a central constriction. The tumor showed both intra‐ and extra‐luminal growth. The tumor was primarily composed of well‐differentiated leiomyosarcoma. Spindle tumor cells in the well‐differentiated area were positive for vimentin, muscle actin, α‐smooth muscle actin, and desmin. Foci of rhabdoid cells and osteoclast‐type multinucleated giant cells were also found. Rhabdoid cells ultrastructurally had paranuclear aggregates or whorls of intermediate filaments that were positive for vimentin, low molecular weight cytokeratin, and desmin. Osteoclast‐type multinucleated giant cells were positive for only CD68 antigen, suggesting a reactive histiocytic lineage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of IVC leiomyosarcoma accompanied by both rhabdoid tumor cells and osteoclast‐type reactive multinucleated giant cells. These unusual features should be kept in mind in the diagnosis of dumbbell‐shaped retroperitoneal tumors that involve the IVC.
Multicentric papillary renal cell carcinoma associated with renal adenomatosis
Authors: Kiyoshima Keijiro , Oda Yoshinao , Nakamura Toshihiko , Migita Toshiro , Okumura Koji , Naito Seiji , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi
Published: March 2004

A case of multicentric papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) associated with renal adenomatosis in the bilateral kidneys is reported. Bilateral multiple renal cysts in a 46‐year‐old man were pointed out incidentally by ultrasonography. Some of the left renal lesions were considered to be RCC, and left radical nephrectomy was performed accordingly. The left kidney was occupied by numerous solid nodules, which ranged from yellow to tan in color, and some of the large ones had foci of hemorrhage and necrosis. Microscopically, most of the tumors showed papillary RCC associated with renal adenoma, while others consisted only of adenomas. Ten months later, multiple lesions of the right kidney, which were initially considered to be multiple cysts, were found to have become enlarged and some of them were diagnosed as RCC. Thus, right radical nephrectomy was also performed, and these tumors showed the same features as the left renal tumors. The patient's familial history was not remarkable. The kidneys revealed various histological features, ranging from dysplastic to adenoma or carcinoma, including transitional or overlapping features between them. The findings suggest an adenoma‐carcinoma sequence in papillary RCC. It is worth considering such entities.
Outpatient upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: large, prospective study of the morbidity and mortality rate at a single endoscopy unit in England
Authors: Abbas Syed Z , Shaw Steve , Campbell Diane , George David K , Lowes John R , Teague Robin H
Published: March 2004

Background:  There are few prospective studies that look at the standards of the practice of esophago‐gastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and its associated morbidity.

Patients and methods:  Data were recorded prospectively for 1287 consecutive day‐case diagnostic EGD procedures. Thirty days later, 1155 of 1287 patients were successfully contacted.

Results:  The standards of care, as per various national recommendations, were met. Seven hundred and fifty‐four patients (401/572 [70%] men; 353/715 [49%] women; P = 0.001) chose pharyngeal anesthesis (PA) as premedication. Two women had general anesthesia. There were no immediate clinical complications. Thirty days later, 119/1155 (10%) patients who were contacted reported a problem, one requiring hospital admission. Fifty‐one of 119 had EGD performed under midazolam sedation (MS). Twenty‐five of 119 patients required consultation with a health‐care professional. No death occurred. Seventy‐nine percent of patients contacted who underwent their procedure with PA compared with 95% who had MS, said they would prefer the same premedication if EGD was required again in the future (P = 0.001). In subjects who had PA, 25% of women and 12% of men said they would prefer MS if EGD were required again (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:  Diagnostic EGD is a safe procedure, but carries a small complication rate. Patients’ gender, age, or patients’ preference for sedation or endoscopist did not affect the morbidity rate. Although the majority, particularly men, chose to have EGD performed unsedated, a significant number, particularly women, would prefer MS if EGD was required again.
Efficacy and long‐term outcome of laparoscopic microwave coagulation or radiofrequency ablation therapy for surface‐type hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tsuji Kunihiko , Nishimori Hiroyuki , Sakurai Yasuo , Mitsui Shinya , Miyamoto Noriyuki , Matsunaga Takahiro , Kang Jong‐Hon , Maguchi Hiroyuki , Maekubo Hiroshi
Published: March 2004

Background:  Microwave or radiofrequency ablation therapy has been widely perfomed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Whereas ablation therapy is effective treatment, it cannot be perfomed easily, as is evident in several reports of severe complications. We treated surface‐type HCC under laparoscopy in avoidance of complications from March 1996. In the present study, we examined the efficacy and long‐term outcome of laparoscopic ablation therapy.

Patients and Methods:  The patients were 47 cases (58 lesions) of HCC treated by laparoscopic ablation therapy under general anesthesia in our Center from March 1996 until March 2003.

Results:  The surface‐type HCC to which the therapy was applicable accounted for approximately 15% of all cases. The overall 5‐year survival rate was 62%. Hepatic reserve and rate of intrahepatic recurrences in the remnant liver after curative treatment were the limiting factors on the survival rate. There was no serious complication in the treatment. It was well tolerated and brought about good quality of life.

Conclusion:  Laparoscopic ablation therapy was considered to be an easy and effective approach, and its utility was also recognized in the avoidance of the problems of percutaneous treatment, such as bleeding or damage to the adjacent organs.
Relationship between the shape and the patency of Santorini's accessory pancreatic duct revealed by a balloon endoscopic retrograde pancreatography compression study
Authors: Takehara Naoyuki , Shimura Hideo , Miyazaki Ryo , Sasaki Takamitsu , Maeshiro Kensei , Ikeda Seiyo
Published: March 2004

Background:  Pancreatic juice flows into the duodenum via two pancreatic ducts including Wirsung's duct (main pancreatic duct) and Santorini's duct (accessory pancreatic duct). In contrast to Wirsung's duct, the precise anatomy and functions of Santorini's duct are still obscure.

Methods:  We clinically examined the shape and the patency of Santorini's duct using a balloon endoscopic retrograde pancreatography compression study (balloon ERP‐CS) and analyzed 178 cases out of a total of 683 of balloon ERP‐CS cases according to our criteria.

Results:  We found the total patency ratio of Santorini's duct to be 78.1% (139 of 178 cases). The shape of Santorini's duct, as examined by balloon ERP‐CS, was classified into four types. The most common types were the Rod type (44%) and the Spindle type (25%). The Branch type comprised 22%. The most rare type was the Cystic type (9%). The Rod type and Spindle type showed a high patency ratio (more than 95%), but the Cystic type and Branch type showed lower levels (36 and 31%, respectively).

Conclusions:  Most cases with a poor flow of Santorini's duct were observed, especially in the Cystic and Branch types. In such cases, Santorini's duct could not function as a safety valve when a Wirsung's obstruction occurred in association with stones, tumors or edema in the papilla of Vater.
Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: report of a case and literature review on clinical differentiating factors from gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Wang Derong , Yamakawa Tatsuo , Fukuda Naoto , Maruno Kaname , Ushigome Shin‐ichiro , Ishiyama Junji , Murata Nobuo
Published: March 2004

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare, benign, destructive inflammatory disease of the gallbladder that is assumed to be a variant of chronic cholecystitis. We herein present a rare case of XGC, which simulates gallbladder carcinoma with extensive involvement of the liver, omentum and the biliary trees. At surgery, total cholecystectomy with partial hepatectomy of the gallbladder bed and excision of adjacent xanthogranulomatous tissue was performed, but bilio‐enteric anastomosis for biliary decompression, which was the procedure preoperatively planned, was impossible to indicate because the common bile duct could not be clearly exposed by its infiltration showing mass formation. Therefore, retrograde transhepatic biliary drainage was eventually indicated for subsequent endoscopic therapy using stent placement to deal with the biliary structure caused by XGC. The patient has been leading a normal life after stent placement in the biliary tract for 6 months duration without any symptoms suggesting biliary stricture. In conclusion, XGC can simulate gallbladder cancer in its clinical presentation, radiological findings and even gross operative features. It is important to make preoperative ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytological diagnosis or intraoperative pathological diagnosis in order to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary therapy. Cholecystectomy, excision of adjacent xanthogranulomatous tissue, which often includes partial hepatic resection, are still the best management of XGC.
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum with recurrent gastric hemorrhage managed by endoscopic mechanical hemostasis
Authors: Nishiyama Hitoshi , Mizuta Yohei , Isomoto Hajime , Kadokawa Yoshiko , Kanazawa Yusei , Takeshima Fuminao , Omagari Katsuhisa , Fukuda Yasuhiro , Murata Ikuo , Kohno Shigeru
Published: March 2004

A 24‐year‐old‐woman was admitted to our hospital for further examination of recurrent upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage. The characteristic xanthomatous papular rash, retinal angioid streaks, and stenosis of cardiac coronary artery confirmed the diagnosis of pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed vascular dilation in the gastric body to fornix. The vessel showing conspicuous dilation covered with the discolored mucosa was suspected as the source of the bleeding. The vessel was identified as a dilated vein located in the submucosa by endoscopic ultrasonography and pulsed‐wave Doppler ultrasonography. Abdominal angiography demonstrated aneurysmal dilation in the splenic artery, but not in the gastric artery. Endoscopic band ligation was chosen as an initial treatment for the prevention of recurrent bleeding. The procedure seemed to be successful, but rebleeding occurred on the next day, which was again treated with hemostatic clipping. There have been no further episodes of gastrointestinal hemorrhage during the 15‐month follow up.
Wireless capsule endoscopy for diagnosis of small intestinal lesions
Authors: Raj Melvin , Goh Khean‐Lee , Chua Chin‐Jou , Tan Yan‐Mei
Published: March 2004

Background:  Capsule endoscopy represents a new and highly innovative method of visualizing the small intestine. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the practicality, usefulness and diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy in a group of patients with suspected small intestinal disease.

Methods:  Eleven patients underwent capsule endoscopy using the M2A Capsule Endoscope™ (Given Imaging, Yogneam, Israel). The indications for the procedure were: obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in seven patients, evaluation of Crohn's disease in three patients and unexplained abdominal pain and weight loss in one patient.

Results:  Abnormalities were detected in six of 11 patients overall. Detection of abnormalities was highest among patients with obscure GI bleeding where active bleeding and/or the source of bleeding was identified in five of the seven (71.4%) patients. One of the three patients with Crohn's disease had an ileal ulcer detected, while the remaining patient with unexplained weight loss and pain had a normal examination.

Conclusion:  We have found in our preliminary experience that capsule endoscopy is a useful and practical procedure to perform especially for evaluation of obscure GI bleeding.
Chronic ischemic lesions of the colon caused by phlebosclerosis of ileocolic mesenteric vein
Authors: Nishimura Genichi , Nagai Noboru , Ninomiya Itasu , Kitagawa Hirohisa , Fujimura Takashi , Kayahara Masato , Ohta Tetsuo , Miwa Koichi , Nonomura Akio
Published: March 2004

Phlebosclerosis of the mesenteric vein is a rare cause of intestinal ischemia. We report a case of chronic ischemic lesions of the colon caused by phlebosclerosis accompanied by marked venous calcification. A 77‐year‐old Japanese man with intestinal obstruction was admitted to Kanazawa University Hospital. Barium enema examination demonstrated narrowing in the right colon, while colonoscopy showed dark purple‐colored edematous mucosa and erosions from the cecum to the transverse colon. Computed tomography disclosed a substantially thickened colonic wall with intramural calcification and a calcified mesenteric vein in the right colon. As abdominal pain persisted, despite treatment with total parenteral nutrition for 3 months, a right hemicolectomy was performed. The pathological findings of the resected specimen were marked fibrous thickening of the submucosal layer, and fibrous thickening of the venous wall accompanied by hyalinization and calcification. These features indicated chronic ischemic lesion caused by phlebosclerosis.
Asymptomatic colonic anisakiasis identified during colonoscopy
Authors: Chinda Daisuke , Muramoto Kazunori , Shimoyama Tadashi , Sasaki Hiromi , Nara Hideyasu , Munakata Akihiro
Published: March 2004

A 66‐year‐old‐man had received colonoscopy periodically as a follow up since endoscopic polypectomy of the colon in February 1997. In March 2001, periodic colonoscopy revealed a worm penetrating the mucosa of the sigmoid colon. This worm was caught with biopsy forceps, and it was identified parasitologically as an Anisakis simplex larva (Anisakis larva type I). However, the patient had no complaint before or after the examination. The patient ingested lavage solution, including polyethylene glycol for the preparation of colonoscopy. Therefore, Anisakis larvae might be flushed quickly to the distal colon by an oral colon‐wash without penetration of worms into the gastric or intestinal mucosa. In the present paper, we report on asymptomatic colonic anisakiasis treated successfully by endoscopic removal of the worm. In some cases, penetration of the worm causes cramp of the colon or immediate mucosal huge edematous change and results in intestinal obstruction. Colonoscopic removal of the worm would be most effective and safe if possible.
Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy: A safe method for accurate diagnosis
Authors: Okubo Kenji , Yamao Kenji , Sawaki Akira , Tajika Masahiro , Kawai Hiroki , Katsurahara Masaki , Isaka Toshihumi , Imaoka Hiroshi , Okamoto Yasuyuki , Suto Reiko
Published: March 2004

Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (EUS FNAB) is a relatively new technique for obtaining specimens with excellent imaging power. The convex type of echoendoscope used with EUS FNAB provides images perpendicular to the endoscope, which differ from those of popular radial echoendoscopes and, hence, require different usage techniques. Color flow imaging is used to avoid the vessels in and around the mass during puncturing. EUS FNAB for submucosal tumors is sometimes difficult because the needle slips easily, and the gastrointestinal wall tends to be stretched when pushing the needle, which can be solved by making a dimple on the wall before puncturing. Lesions of the pancreas head, especially those at the uncus, and lymph nodes near the superior mesenteric artery are also difficult because of their distance from the endoscope and the resultant bending of the needle. Tissue sampling is more successful when the angle between the endoscope and the needle is kept at just less than 45 degrees, as this helps to transmit the hand force to the needle effectively. The complication rate of EUS FNAB is reportedly 1–2%, and so the technique is considered a safe modality, except for cystic lesions of the pancreas. Recent histological evidence is needed before applying medical therapies, such as chemoradiation and surgery, especially when imaging modalities alone cannot supply the evidence of malignancy; hence increasing importance of EUS FNAB is expected.
Biogeographical variation in community response to root allelochemistry: novel weapons and exotic invasion
Authors: Vivanco Jorge M. , Bais Harsh P. , Stermitz Frank R. , Thelen Giles C. , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: March 2004

Centaurea diffusa is one of the most destructive invasive weeds in the western USA and allelopathy appears to contribute to its invasiveness (Callaway & Aschehoug 2000). Here we identify a chemical from the root exudates of C. diffusa, 8‐hydroxyquinoline, not previously reported as a natural product, and find that it varies biogeographically in its natural concentration and its effect as an allelochemical. 8‐Hydroxyquinoline is at least three times more concentrated in C. diffusa‐invaded North American soils than in this weed's native Eurasian soils and has stronger phytotoxic effects on grass species from North America than on grass species from Eurasia. Furthermore, experimental communities built from North American plant species are far more susceptible to invasion by C. diffusa than communities built from Eurasian species, regardless of the biogeographical origin of the soil biota. Sterilization of North American soils suppressed C. diffusa more than sterilization of Eurasian soils, indicating that North American soil biota may also promote invasion by C. diffusa. Eurasian plants and soil microbes may have evolved natural resistance to 8‐hydroxyquinoline while North American plants have not, suggesting a remarkable potential for evolutionary compatibility and homeostasis among plants within natural communities and a mechanism by which exotic weeds destroy these communities.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as support systems for seedling establishment in grassland
Authors: Van Der Heijden Marcel G. A.
Published: March 2004

Recruitment of new seedlings into the vegetation is essential for maintaining species rich plant communities. Hence it is of pivotal importance to understand factors determining seedling recruitment. Here it is tested whether arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) promote seedling recruitment in perennial grassland communities. Seeds of four plant species (two grasses and two forbs) were added to patches within 1‐year old grassland microcosms that were inoculated with different AMF taxa or to control microcosms that were not inoculated. The seedlings grew larger and obtained more phosphorus when AMF were present. Moreover, the seedlings obtained different amounts of phosphorus in microcosms inoculated with different AMF taxa. The results indicate that AMF promote seedling establishment by integrating emerging seedlings into extensive hyphal networks and by supplying nutrients to the seedlings. AMF, thus, act as a symbiotic support system that promotes seedling establishment and reduces recruitment limitation in grassland.
AsexualNeotyphodiumendophytes in a native grass reduce competitive abilities
Authors: Faeth Stanley H. , Helander Marjo L. , Saikkonen Kari T.
Published: March 2004

Asexual, vertically transmitted endophytes are well known for increasing competitive abilities of agronomic grasses, but little is known about endophyte–host interactions in native grasses. We tested whether the asexualNeotyphodiumendophyte enhances competitive abilities in a native grass, Arizona fescue, in a field experiment pairing naturally infected (E+) and uninfected (E−) plants, and in a greenhouse experiment pairing E+ and E− (experimentally removed) plants, under varying levels of soil water and nutrients. In the field experiment, E− plants had greater vegetative, but not reproductive, growth than E+ plants. In the greenhouse experiment, where plant genotype was strictly controlled, E− plants consistently outperformed their E+ counterparts in terms of root and shoot biomass. Thus,Neotyphodiuminfection decreases host fitness via reduced competitive properties, at least in the short term. These findings contrast starkly with most endophyte studies involving introduced, agronomic grasses where infection increases competitive abilities, and the interaction is viewed as highly mutualistic.
Carbon input to soil may decrease soil carbon content
Authors: Fontaine Sébastien , Bardoux Gérard , Abbadie Luc , Mariotti André
Published: March 2004

It is commonly predicted that the intensity of primary production and soil carbon (C) content are positively linked. Paradoxically, many long‐term field observations show that although plant litter is incorporated to soil in large quantities, soil C content does not necessarily increase. These results suggest that a negative relationship between C input and soil C conservation exists. Here, we demonstrate in controlled conditions that the supply of fresh C may accelerate the decomposition of soil C and induce a negative C balance. We show that soil C losses increase when soil microbes are nutrient limited. Results highlight the need for a better understanding of microbial mechanisms involved in the complex relationship between C input and soil C sequestration. We conclude that energy available to soil microbes and microbial competition are important determinants of soil C decomposition.
Two‐phase species–time relationships in North American land birds
Authors: White Ethan P.
Published: March 2004

The species–time relationship (STR) is a macroecological pattern describing the increase in the observed species richness with the length of time censused. Understanding STRs is important for understanding the ecological processes underlying temporal turnover and species richness. However, accurate characterization of the STR has been hampered by the influence of sampling. I analysed STRs for 521 breeding bird survey communities. I used a model of sampling effects to demonstrate that the increase in richness was not due exclusively to sampling. I estimated the time scale at which ecological processes became dominant over sampling effects using a two‐phase model combining a sampling phase and either a power function or logarithmic ecological phase. These two‐phase models performed significantly better than sampling alone and better than simple power and logarithmic functions. Most community dynamics were dominated by ecological processes over scales <5 years. This technique provides an example of a rigorous, quantitative approach to separating sampling from ecological processes.
Reduced competitive ability in an invasive plant
Authors: Bossdorf Oliver , Prati Daniel , Auge Harald , Schmid Bernhard
Published: March 2004

One explanation for successful plant invaders is that they evolved to be more competitive. An intuitive prediction of this Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability (EICA) hypothesis never previously tested is that invasive populations should outcompete their native ‘ancestors’ in a common environment. We tested this idea in a diallel competition experiment with Alliaria petiolata where offspring from native and invasive populations were grown alone or in all pairwise combinations. While without competition, there were no differences between native and invasive populations, native populations outperformed invasive ones when competing against each other. Our results contradict the EICA hypothesis and we conclude that it does not not hold for Alliaria petiolata. Instead, we formulate a new ERCA (Evolutionary Reduced Competitive Ability) hypothesis: if there is less competition in the invasive range and competitive ability involves traits that have a fitness cost, then selection might act against it, thereby reducing intraspecific interactions too.
Influence of ambient light on the evolution of colour signals: comparative analysis of a Neotropical rainforest bird community
Authors: Gomez Doris , Théry Marc
Published: March 2004

Rainforests offer two contrasted light environments: a bright canopy rich in blue and UV and a dark understorey, rich in green and orange. Therefore, natural selection for crypsis should favour dark brown signals in understorey and bright green signals in canopy, whereas sexual selection for conspicuousness should favour bright yellow‐red signals in understorey and dark blue and UV signals in canopy. Using spectrometry and comparative analyses, we examined the relationship between ambient light and colour signals in a bird community of French Guiana. It appears that brightness and hue are mostly naturally selected, while UV content of plumage is more likely sexually selected. At each height, both sexes present similar coloration but males display more conspicuous sexually selected patterns than females. These results show that ambient light drives the evolution of colour signals at community scale, and should be considered when studying signalling in other communities and light‐contrasted ecosystems.
Millennial‐scale dynamics of staghorn coral in Discovery Bay, Jamaica
Authors: Wapnick Cheryl M. , Precht William F. , Aronson Richard B.
Published: March 2004

Populations of the staghorn coral, Acropora cervicornis, collapsed throughout the Caribbean region from the late 1970s through the 1990s. We tested the hypothesis that this recent, multidecadal interruption in coral growth was a novel event in the late Holocene. Eight cores, extracted from a lagoonal reef in Discovery Bay, Jamaica dated to 440–1260 CalBP and consisted almost entirely of A. cervicornis rubble. The A. cervicornis in the cores showed significantly less internal bioerosion than A. cervicornis from modern death assemblages in Discovery Bay, indicating generally shorter post‐mortem exposure at the sediment–water interface in the past. A. cervicornis grew continuously and was buried rapidly during the millennium preceding the 1980s, with the exception of a possible hiatus in growth and burial at some point 300–600 years ago. In the 1980s, a combination of perturbations, which included overfishing and (possibly) other forms of human interference, caused an unprecedented disruption in the growth and burial of staghorn coral populations in Discovery Bay.
Indian Citizenship and the Discourse of Hygiene/Disease in Nineteenth‐Century Peru
Authors: Wilson Fiona
Published: March 2004

Citizenship had become conflated with ‘race’ in late nineteenth century Latin America partly on account of the new language of biological science. This article focuses on the contest between rights of belonging and rights of citizenship as played out in a provincial town in Andean Peru during the late nineteenth century. In particular, it explores how by drawing on a discourse of hygiene/disease a provincial elite was able to restrict access to public space in the town and thus deny ‘Indians’ the possibility of participating as citizens in urban political life.
Rethinking Race, Gender and Citizenship: Black West Indian Women in Costa Rica, c. 1920–1940
Authors: Foote Nicola
Published: March 2004

This article brings Afro‐Caribbean women to the fore of a discussion of Costa Rican citizenship. It explores the relationship between ideologies of gender, imageries of black womanhood, and the dialectic of citizenship and exclusion. It examines how the efforts of the black elite to achieve citizenship through assimilation generated inter‐class tension which centred on ideas of female morality. It explores the absence of political platforms for poor black women excluded by such strategies and argues that while Costa Rican feminists succeeded in challenging the ideological system of gender they failed to challenge issues of race and class.
Client‐ship and Citizenship in Latin America
Authors: Taylor Lucy
Published: March 2004

This article explores the development of political relationships between people and politicians since around 1820 in Latin America. In particular, it develops the idea of client‐ship as a form of political agency and contrasts it to citizenship, linking both to ‘natural’ and ‘historical’ interpretations of inequality. The piece claims that client‐ship has dominated political relations and that its twin tools of charisma and votes‐for‐goods allows it to thrive today in the form of neo‐populism. In contrast, citizenship has been thwarted by the efforts of parties which control political agency by imposing norms of intellectual superiority and hierarchies of disdain. Throughout, I argue that issues of race, gender and class are central to political relationships which are the cultural terrain of power, and conclude that parties must begin to take citizens – and citizenship – seriously if they wish to avert a crisis of democracy.