bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predation by great skuas at a large Shetland seabird colony
Authors: VOTIER STEPHEN C. , BEARHOP STUART , RATCLIFFE NORMAN , PHILLIPS RICHARD A. , FURNESS ROBERT W.
Published: December 2004

Skuas are top predators in marine ecosystems and may have detrimental effects on seabird communities they prey upon. However, predation rates are poorly understood and poorly quantified. Using a bio‐energetics model we estimate seabird predation by great skuas, Stercorarius skua, at a large UK colony (Hermaness, Shetland). We investigate the influence of dietary specialization and fishery management on predation and explore the effect of experimental removal of specialist bird predators.

Great skuas at Hermaness required 491·5 × 106 kJ and 546·6 × 106 kJ of energy in each of two breeding seasons. Breeding skuas fell into one of two groups: a small proportion (5%) of specialist bird predators or the vast majority (95%) that fed opportunistically on birds or specialized on fishery discards. During 1999, great skuas consumed ≈80 000 kg of fish, which increased to over 90 000 kg in 2001. About 13 000 seabirds were consumed by great skuas each year, with 26–29% being consumed by specialist bird predators.

Although it is difficult to assess, great skuas appear to be having a negative impact on seabird populations. Altering model inputs to test differing scenarios revealed that reductions in fishery discards would result in increased seabird predation rates. However, proposed changes in fishery management over the period of the study did not reduce discarding rates, which instead increased.

Synthesis and applications. The use of a bioenergetics model reveals that great skua predation may negatively affect seabird populations. Availability of fishery discards is an important factor influencing seabird predation rates, but predicting the effect of changes in fishery management may be difficult in the short term. Specialist bird predators consume large quantities of seabird prey, but this is less significant at the population level. Although experimental removal of specialist bird predators may reduce predation at a minimal loss of skuas, it is unclear whether conspecifics may replace them and retain high rates of predation.
Conservation of European hares Lepus europaeus in Britain: is increasing habitat heterogeneity in farmland the answer?
Authors: SMITH REBECCA K. , JENNINGS NANCY VAUGHAN , ROBINSON ANTHONY , HARRIS STEPHEN
Published: December 2004

Agricultural intensification has had dramatic effects on farmland biodiversity and has caused declines in many taxa. Habitat changes are thought to be the main cause of the decline in numbers of European hares, Lepus europaeus, throughout Europe. In Britain there is greater potential to increase hare numbers in pastural landscapes than in arable landscape. Hares in pasture have lower population densities, poorer body condition and participate less in breeding than in arable habitats. We aimed to investigate habitat selection and home range size in a mainly pastural area in order to reveal why the habitat is suboptimal, and how it could be managed to benefit the species.

A seasonal radio‐tracking study was used to determine the importance of heterogeneity at the between‐ and within‐habitat scales. Habitat selection by active and resting hares was quantified. Selection was investigated by categorizing habitats by type, and by structure in terms of vegetation height.

Mean home range size was 34 ha. Winter and spring ranges were larger than summer and autumn ranges. Hares selected fallow land and pasture grazed by cattle in preference to arable crops throughout the year, except during the winter when crops were suitable as forage. Pasture grazed by sheep was avoided in all seasons but winter. Heterogeneity at the between‐habitat scale was less important to hares than heterogeneity at the within‐habitat scale in the pastural landscape studied.

Hares selected habitats with taller vegetation during the spring and summer. Many of the habitats selected were heterogeneous in structure mainly due to cattle grazing, and hares avoided short homogeneous vegetation in all seasons. Hares are more likely to be limited by habitat in terms of cover than food in these landscapes.

Synthesis and applications. Increasing habitat heterogeneity at the farm scale may benefit hares, especially in highly homogeneous, intensively managed landscapes. However, managers of pastural farmland should aim to increase habitat heterogeneity at the within‐habitat (or within‐field) scale in particular, to provide better cover throughout the year. Agri‐environment schemes should target the regeneration of heterogeneity in pastural landscapes, by encouraging changes such as an increase in fallow land and a reduction in livestock density. Such shifts in management are likely to benefit both hares and farmland biodiversity in general.
Irritant threshold and histological response of epidermis to irritant application
Authors: Smith H. R. , Orchard G. E. , Calonje E. , Basketter D. A. , McFadden J. P.
Published: December 2004

Individuals vary in their ability to react to irritants, which can be demonstrated for sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) using the irritant threshold (IT) test. We aimed to study whether the histological and immunohistochemical features of the skin following SLS exposure varied with subject's IT. 8 subjects were recruited. Their IT was measured. Biopsies were taken after 2 hr and 4 hr of occlusion with 20% SLS and control. The specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and for Langerhans cells. At 4‐hr, low‐threshold subjects developed changes to a greater extent than high‐threshold subjects. The relationship of histological reaction to IT could be related to a differential pro‐inflammatory cytokine response in subjects. Low IT has been previously associated with a tumour necrosis factor alpha promoter region polymorphism.
Baboon syndrome resulting from systemic drugs: is there strife between SDRIFE and allergic contact dermatitis syndrome?
Authors: Häusermann P. , Harr Th. , Bircher A. J.
Published: December 2004

The term ‘baboon syndrome’ (BS) was introduced 20 years ago to classify patients in whom a specific skin eruption resembling the red gluteal area of baboons occurred after systemic exposure to contact allergens. Thereafter, similar eruptions have been reported after systemic exposure to beta‐lactam antibiotics and other drugs. In addition to the presentation of 2 of our own cases, we have reviewed and characterized the main clinical and histological aspects of published reports of drug‐related baboon syndrome (DRBS) and compared the primary clinical signs from such cases to those found in other distinct drug eruptions. Of approximately 100 published baboon syndrome cases, 50 were identified as drug‐induced. Of these, 8 were representatives of systemically induced contact dermatitis (SCD), and 42 were examples of drug eruptions elicited by systemic administration of either oral or intravenous drugs. The main clinical findings included a sharply defined symmetrical erythema of the gluteal area and in the flexural or intertriginous folds without any systemic symptoms and signs. 14 of 42 cases were elicited by amoxicillin, 30 of the 42 patients were male, and latency periods were between a few hours and a few days after exposure. DRBS is a rare, prognostically benign and often underdiagnosed drug eruption with distinct clinical features. The term baboon syndrome, however, does not reflect the complete range of symptoms and signs and is ethically and culturally problematic. Moreover, baboon syndrome is historically often equated with a mercury‐induced exanthem in patients with previous contact sensitization. Symmetrical drug‐related intertriginous and flexural exanthema, or SDRIFE, specifically refers to the distinctive clinical pattern of this drug eruption, and the following diagnostic criteria are proposed: 1) exposure to a systemically administered drug either at the first or repeated dose (excluding contact allergens); 2) sharply demarcated erythema of the gluteal/perianal area and/or V‐shaped erythema of the inguinal/perigenital area; 3) involvement of at least one other intertriginous/flexural localization; 4) symmetry of affected areas; and 5) absence of systemic symptoms and signs.
The prognosis of occupational contact dermatitis in 2004
Authors: Cahill Jennifer , Keegel Tessa , Nixon Rosemary
Published: December 2004

The prognosis of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) takes into account the extent of healing, effect on quality of life and employment, and financial costs for both the individual and the wider community. We reviewed 15 studies published between 1958 and 2002, reporting the complete clearance of dermatitis (range of 18–72%). 9 of the 15 studies reported a clearance rate of between 18 and 40%. Improvement was reported as an outcome in 3 studies between 1991 and 2002 (range of 70–84%). A number of common variables were identified as of possible influence. These include age, sex, atopy, patient knowledge, disease aetiology, duration of symptoms and job change; clinical, financial and social issues are also described. All of these factors need to be considered when managing a patient with OCD. Improved patient knowledge and early diagnosis may be associated with improved prognosis, whereas job change does not make a significant difference. Some patients will develop persistent post‐occupational dermatitis, which has important implications for prognosis and workers' compensation. Only a small proportion of eligible patients receive workers' compensation, even though financially supported healing time soon after diagnosis may result in an improved prognosis.
Persistent post‐occupational dermatitis
Authors: Sajjachareonpong Praneet , Cahill Jennifer , Keegel Tessa , Saunders Helen , Nixon Rosemary
Published: December 2004

Wall and Gebauer (Contact Dermatitis 1991: 24: 241–243) first described persistent post‐occupational dermatitis (PPOD) as ongoing dermatitis for which there is no obvious present cause, precipitated by prior occupational contact dermatitis (OCD). We propose that individuals exhibiting PPOD lose the capacity for resolution of their condition upon removal from exposure to causative agents and subsequently develop persistent dermatitis, which can be continual or intermittent. Accordingly, we suggest modification of criterion 6 of the OCD criteria developed by Mathias (J Am Acad Dermatol 1989: 20: 842–848): ‘Removal from exposure initially leads to improvement of dermatitis, however, over time there may be incomplete or no improvement, despite removal from exposures at work’. To satisfy the definition of PPOD, individuals must meet at least 4 of the 7 criteria, including the altered criterion 6. We present 6 cases of PPOD exemplifying these scenarios, which met the altered Mathias criteria. In some cases, subsequent failure to recognize the initial work relatedness of their skin conditions resulted in the termination of workers' compensation benefits. This situation is particularly relevant in the Australian context. The diagnosis of PPOD needs to be considered in all individuals with work‐initiated dermatitis who present with ongoing endogenous‐like eczema.
Evidence‐Based Medicine, Heterogeneity of Treatment Effects, and the Trouble with Averages
Authors: KRAVITZ RICHARD L. , DUAN NAIHUA , BRASLOW JOEL
Published: December 2004

Evidence‐based medicine is the application of scientific evidence to clinical practice. This article discusses the difficulties of applying global evidence (“average effects” measured as population means) to local problems (individual patients or groups who might depart from the population average). It argues that the benefit or harm of most treatments in clinical trials can be misleading and fail to reveal the potentially complex mixture of substantial benefits for some, little benefit for many, and harm for a few. Heterogeneity of treatment effects reflects patient diversity in risk of disease, responsiveness to treatment, vulnerability to adverse effects, and utility for different outcomes. Recognizing these factors, researchers can design studies that better characterize who will benefit from medical treatments, and clinicians and policymakers can make better use of the results.
American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology Section Editor: Stephen Ash: Cutting Balloon Angioplasty for Resistant Venous Anastomotic Stenoses
Authors: Sreenarasimhaiah Vijay P. , Margassery Suresh K. , Martin Kevin J. , Bander Steven J.
Published: December 2004

Conventional angioplasty of stenoses at the venous anastomosis has been demonstrated to be an important endovascular adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy of clotted arteriovenous dialysis grafts. In some cases, however, severe venous anastomosis stenosis is resistant to angioplasty. Cutting balloon angioplasty may have an advantageous role in these difficult situations in order to avoid surgical revision. In this series of 350 patients receiving percutaneous, endovascular declotting procedures, 9 patients had high‐grade venous anastomotic stenoses (opening less than 2 mm) that could not be remedied with either conventional or high‐pressure noncompliant peripheral angioplasty balloons. These nine patients had the lesions opened with the use of 4 mm × 10 mm cutting balloons and placement of self‐expanding nitinol stents at the venous anastomosis during the same angiography procedure. Patients were followed for patency and functionality of the graft. In all cases, immediate technical success occurred. Among these patients, the vessels have remained patent for as long as 20 months of follow‐up and grafts have remained functional. Cutting balloon angioplasty may have a potential therapeutic role in resistant venous anastomotic stenoses.
POOR NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND INFLAMMATION: Ultrapure Dialysate
Authors: Ward Richard A.
Published: December 2004

To prevent pyrogenic reactions during hemodialysis, it is recommended that bacteria and endotoxin in dialysate not exceed 100–200 colony forming units (CFU)/ml and 0.25–2 endotoxin units (EU)/ml, respectively. While these limits are adequate to prevent acute pyrogenic reactions, data are accumulating to suggest they may not prevent stimulation of chronic inflammation in hemodialysis patients. Fragments of endotoxin and other bacterial products capable of stimulating immune cells cross low‐flux and high‐flux membranes in vitro. In clinical studies, use of ultrapure dialysate (bacteria < 0.1 CFU/ml and endotoxin < 0.03 EU/ml) is associated with lower concentrations of inflammatory markers and acute phase reactants than are observed with dialysate meeting current quality recommendations. Moreover, observational studies suggest a link between clinical outcomes and dialysate purity. Treatment of patients with ultrapure dialysate is reported to improve nutritional status, increase responsiveness to erythropoietin, slow the decline in residual renal function, lessen cardiovascular morbidity, and decrease the incidence of β2‐microglobulin amyloidosis. To date, however, none of these studies has shown a cause‐and‐effect relationship between dialysate purity and outcome. Further, there are no data defining the concentration dependence of outcomes on dialysate purity and the relative importance of dialysate purity as a trigger of inflammation remains unclear. While the technology exists to routinely provide ultrapure dialysate, controlled clinical trials are still needed to answer the question of whether or not introducing ultrapure dialysate into routine clinical practice represents an efficient use of limited resources in terms of decreasing inflammation and improving outcomes in hemodialysis patients.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: risk factors, pathophysiology, and treatment
Authors: Ananth Jambur , Aduri Kamala , Parameswaran Sharath , Gunatilake Sarath
Published: December 2004

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is associated with the administration of antipsychotic agents and other drugs such asl-dopa, antidepressants, and antihistaminic agents. Unexpected changes in mental status, new-onset catatonia, episodic tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, dysarthria, dysphagia, diaphoresis, sialorrhea, incontinence, low-grade temperature elevations, and rigidity should arouse suspicion. Several lines of evidence provide support for the involvement of dopamine. Most of the drugs implicated in NMS are D2dopamine receptor antagonists. Central noradrenergic activity is also possibly related to the disorder, as sympathetic hyperactivity is associated with the active phase of NMS. Currently, the definitive role of GABA deficiency in NMS is yet to be established. Differential diagnosis should include malignant hyperthermia, lethal catatonia, lithium toxicity, serotonin syndrome, and heat stroke. A high degree of suspicion and the discontinuation of antipsychotic agents even if the diagnosis is not established are essential for the safety of the patient. Treatment of NMS should be individualized and be based empirically on the character, duration, and severity of the clinical signs and symptoms noted. The initial step in the treatment of NMS is the removal of the offending agent. Full-blown NMS is a serious condition and requires immediate supportive, nutritive, and electrolyte therapies. The administration of drugs that can improve NMS, such as IV dantrolene and/or oral bromocriptine, may also be taken into consideration, based on the severity and nature of the NMS.
Olanzapine metabolism by CYP1A2/CYP2D6 and hyperglycaemia
Authors: Iwahashi Kazuhiko
Published: December 2004

The relationship between olanzapine metabolism by CYP1A2/CYP2D6 and hyperglycaemia was investigated. The higher blood olanzapine concentration may be effected by the abnormal metabolism, but not always caused by hyperglycaemia.
Nutrients Released by Gastric Epithelial Cells Enhance Helicobacter pylori Growth
Authors: Van Amsterdam Karin , Van Der Ende Arie
Published: December 2004

Background.  Helicobacter pylori survives and proliferates in the human gastric mucosa. In this niche, H. pylori adheres to the gastric epithelial cells near the tight junctions. In vitro, H. pylori proliferated well in tissue‐culture medium near gastric epithelial cells. However, in the absence of epithelial cells, growth of H. pylori could only be established in tissue‐culture medium when, prior to the experiment, it was preincubated near gastric epithelial cells. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether diffusion of nutrients derived from epithelial cells was required for H. pylori growth in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's minimal essential medium (DMEM) cell culture medium.

Materials and Methods.  Cell culture conditions essential for H. pylori growth in vitro were determined with gastric epithelial HM02 cells.

Results.  Deprivation of iron in cell‐culture‐conditioned DMEM resulted in a growth arrest of H. pylori. However, near gastric epithelial cells, growth of H. pylori was resistant to iron deprivation. Evidently, when residing close to epithelial cells, H. pylori was able to fulfil its iron requirements, even when the DMEM was deprived of iron. Nevertheless, supplementation with iron alone did not restore H. pylori growth in DMEM, hence other nutrients were deficient as well in the absence of epithelial cells. Growth of H. pylori in DMEM was restored when hypoxanthine, l‐alanine and l‐proline were added to the DMEM.

Conclusions  Diffusion of (precursors of) these nutrients from the gastric epithelial cells is essential for H. pylori growth in vitro. We hypothesize that in vivo, H. pylori favors colonization near the tight junctions, to gain maximal access to the nutrient(s) released by gastric epithelial cells.
Organ‐Specific Autoantibodies in Children with Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Guariso Graziella , Brotto Francesca , Basso Daniela , Alaggio Rita , Betterle Corrado
Published: December 2004

Background.  We compared the prevalence of organ‐specific autoantibodies in a group of Helicobacter pylori infected children and a group of uninfected children and investigated the relationship between the presence of relevant autoantibodies and the status of the target organs.

Patients and Methods.  One hundred and twenty‐four children with dyspepsia (54 boys, 70 girls; mean age 10.5 years; range 4–19) underwent gastroscopy: 56 had H. pylori infection (31 girls, 25 boys), while 68 (37 girls and 31 boys), were H. pylori‐negative. All sera were tested for the presence of: parietal cell autoantibodies (PCA), intrinsic factor autoantibodies (IFA), microsomial autoantibodies, thyroglobulin autoantibodies, islet cell autoantibodies, glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies, adrenal cortex autoantibodies, steroid‐producing cell autoantibodies; gastrin, pepsinogen A, pepsinogen C and anti‐H. pylori antibodies. The histological features and the ureA and cagA genes were also considered.

Results.  The frequency of organ‐specific autoantibodies was higher in patients with H. pylori infection than in uninfected patients (χ2‐test p < .0001). Specifically gastric autoantibodies were significantly higher: seven of the 56 H. pylori‐positive children were PCA‐positive and one was IFA‐positive (χ2‐test p = .0004). The presence of autoantibodies was not associated with any clinical or biohumoral signs of disease.

Conclusions.  Our study detected a relationship between H. pylori infection in childhood and the presence of organ‐specific autoantibodies unassociated with any clinical or biohumoral signs of disease. Helicobacter pylori infection in childhood could trigger the onset of clinical autoimmune gastritis, and/or other clinical autoimmune diseases.
Resolution of Gastrointestinal Protein Loss after Helicobacter pylori Eradication in a Patient with Hypertrophic Lymphocytic Gastritis
Authors: Madisch Ahmed , Aust Daniela , Morgner Andrea , Grossmann Dana , Schmelz Renate , Kropp Joachim , Ehninger Gerhard , Baretton Gustavo , Miehlke Stephan
Published: December 2004

Background.  Lymphocytic gastritis is a rare condition found in approximately 1% of dyspeptic patients. An association with Helicobacter pylori infection has been described. Hypertrophic lymphocytic gastritis is a rare cause of gastrointestinal protein loss. Here, we describe a patient with hypertrophic lymphocytic gastritis, in whom gastrointestinal protein loss resolved completely following H. pylori eradication.

Case Report.  A 38‐year old obese man without gastrointestinal symptoms showed a markedly decreased serum protein (53 g/l, normal 66–85 g/l), a decreased serum albumin (33 g/l, normal 35–52 g/l) and decreased serum immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M levels. A renal cause for protein loss was excluded, liver function was normal. Endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract revealed enlarged rigid gastric folds, and an H. pylori‐associated lymphocytic gastritis. 99mTc‐labelled albumin scintigraphy showed an increased activity in the upper left abdomen compatible with protein secretion in the stomach, and tracer pooling in the upper small bowel. Push enteroscopy with histology demonstrated a normal upper small bowel. Two months after eradication therapy, cure of H. pylori infection was documented and serum protein (71 g/l) and albumin (41 g/l) had returned to normal, while lymphocytic gastritis was still present. One year after eradication therapy endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract and histology and laboratory values were normal.

Conclusion.  Protein‐losing gastropathy caused by H. pylori‐associated hypertrophic lymphocytic gastritis can be cured solely by H. pylori eradication therapy.
Colonization of growing fruit by the armored scales Lepidosaphes beckii, Parlatoria pergandii and Aonidiella aurantii (Hom., Diaspididae)
Authors: Rodrigo Ma E. , Garcia‐Marí F. , Rodríguez‐Reina J. M. , Olmeda T.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  The process of invasion of the fruit surface by three species of armored scale insects [Lepidosaphes beckii (Newman), Parlatoria pergandii Comstock and Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell)], was studied in citrus orchards in València, Spain. Three periods of intense crawler migration were detected annually for L. beckii and P. pergandii. Abundance of crawlers increased throughout the year and they moved outwards in the tree canopy. The fruit was continuously invaded during the period of fruit growth, starting at a very early stage of fruit development, by crawlers of the first generation of all the three species. Differences in fruit invasion and settling behaviour were found between the three species. First‐generation crawlers tended to settle under the fruit calyx in L. beckii and P. pergandii, and on the exposed fruit surface in A. aurantii. During the second generation, most A. aurantii scales originated from reproducing females already settled on the fruit, whereas in L. beckii and P. pergandii new scales came preferentially from other tree substrates or from females settled under the fruit calyx. These findings suggest changes to optimize the timing of chemical sprays for controlling the scales.
Testing of selected insecticides to assess the viability of the integrated pest management of the Eucalyptus snout‐beetle Gonipterus scutellatus in north‐west Spain
Authors: Santolamazza‐Carbone S. , Fernández de Ana‐Magán F. J.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  We investigated, by means of topical, residual and field assays, the toxicity of four insecticides (Bacillus thuringiensis, azadirachtin, flufenoxuron and ethofenprox) to adult, larvae and eggs of the Eucalyptus snout‐beetle Gonipterus scutellatus and their side‐effects on the adults of the solitary egg parasitoid Anaphes nitens, its natural enemy. In the topical toxicity experiment, both flufenoxuron and ethofenprox severely affected G. scutellatus, causing 100% adult mortality after 7 days, and 75 and 100% larval mortality, respectively. Ethofenprox also caused 93% larval pre‐eclosion mortality and 100% parasitoid mortality. In the residual experiment, azadirachtin acted as an effective larvicide when ingested (73% mortality after 7 days). Ethofenprox showed the highest toxicity, with 100% mortality of adults and larvae of G. scutellatus after 24 h. On the day 7 of observation, flufenoxuron resulted in 93% adult mortality and 100% larval mortality. After contact with residuals, only ethofenprox and flufenoxuron had adversely affected A. nitens (98% mortality after 48 h). Bacillus thuringiensis exhibited only a slight activity against the pest or the parasitoid. The field experiment was carried out on three localities, with a preliminary sampling, and three samplings after the applications of the products, on days 7, 14 and 30. We evaluated the parasitism rate, parasitoid sex ratio, parasitoid pre‐eclosion mortality, the abundance of G. scutellatus adults, larvae and egg capsules, the pre‐eclosion mortality rate of weevil eggs and larvae and the foliar damage. Only fluenoxuron and ethofenprox reduced the pest population and the foliar damages, but ethofenprox also significantly decreased the rate of parasitism (17%) after 7 days. Given our experimental results, we suggest that flufenoxuron and azadirachtin could be used in association with the natural enemy.
Impact of insecticides on the haemogram of Rhynocoris kumarii Ambrose and Livingstone (Hem., Reduviidae)
Authors: Edward George P. J. , Ambrose D. P.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  The haemogram of Rhynocoris kumarii Ambrose and Livingstone comprises prohaemocytes, plasmatocytes, granular haemocytes, cystocytes and oenocytoids. The impact of five insecticides, viz. monocrotophos, dimethoate, methylparathion, quinalphos and endosulfan on the total haemocyte count (THC) and differential haemocyte counts (DHC) was studied. All of the insecticides except endosulfan initially reduced both prohaemocytes and plasmatocytes, increased the granular haemocytes, altered the percentage of cystocytes and oenocytoids and increased the total haemocyte count (THC). On the contrary, endosulfan initially increased the prohaemocytes and plasmatocytes, decreased the granular haemocytes and also the THC. The highest impact on the DHC and THC was caused by methylparathion and monocrotophos and the least impact by endosulfan. Hence, endosulfan is considered as the safest insecticide followed by dimethoate and quinalphos among these five insecticides to use with R. kumarii.
Resistance of the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lep., Tortricidae) to pesticides in Israel
Authors: Reuveny H. , Cohen E.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Resistance of the codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lep., Tortricidae) to the organophosphorus compound (OP) azinphosmethyl was observed in apple orchards in Israel. The level of resistance varied with the pest control strategy. Compared with a sensitive laboratory population, the resistance level was highest in insects from the preventative pest control strategy, intermediate in integrated pest management (IPM) orchards, and relatively low in the organic orchards. The level of azinphosmethyl resistance in larvae (but not in adults) exposed for 17 generations in the laboratory to a pesticide‐free diet was reduced by 50%. Codling moth larvae resistant to azinphosmethyl were also resistant to various insect growth regulators (IGRs). The IGRs include three chitin synthesis inhibitors (diflubenzuron, novaluron and teflubenzuron), two juvenile hormone mimics (pyriproxyfen and fenoxycarb) and one ecdysone agonist (methoxyfenozide). Codling moth resistant to azinphosmethyl was tolerant to methoxyfenozide and novaluron without previous history of application in apple orchards, indicating the possibility of cross‐resistance. According to this study, managing resistance programs in apple orchards should be based on IPM principles with minimum use of conventional neuroactive pesticides.
Role of surface chemicals in egg cannibalism and intraguild predation by neonates of two aphidophagous ladybirds, Propylea dissecta and Coccinella transversalis
Authors: Omkar  , Pervez A. , Gupta A. K.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  The role of surface chemicals in egg cannibalism and intraguild predation by neonates of two aphidophagous ladybirds, Propylea dissecta and Coccinella transversalis were examined. Neonates of both species prefer to eat non‐sibling conspecific eggs than heterospecific eggs, with higher preference in P. dissecta. Surface chemicals appear to play a major role for the preference of conspecific eggs, as the ladybird behaviour was reversed when these chemicals were interchanged. The surface chemicals present on the eggs possibly act as feeding stimulants to conspecific neonates but not for heterospecific neonates. Egg clustering enhances the effect of surface chemical and stimulate non‐sibling egg cannibalism and appears to reduce intraguild predation. Egg clustering is advantageous to ladybirds, as it can stimulate non‐sibling cannibalism by neonates. It appears that aggregation of chemicals present on the conspecific egg surface possibly attracts the hungry conspecific neonate, providing the first meal for its survival, while protecting against heterospecific predators. Neonates of both ladybirds were reluctant to eat heterospecific eggs.
The biology of Agriotes sordidus Illiger (Col., Elateridae)
Authors: Furlan L.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  This paper describes the life cycle, including adult behaviour, oviposition, larval and pupal development rate of Agriotes sordidus Illiger. Each larva passed through up to eight to 13 instars. The larval size range of each instar was defined. Larvae need live vegetable tissues to survive and grow, otherwise most die within 40 days. Resistance to starvation increases with the age of the larvae (last instars can survive up to 1 year without food at 20°C). Each instar passes through three phases: mandible hardening and darkening, feeding, pre‐moulting. The intense feeding (damaging plants) phase lasted <25% of the whole development time. They are poliphagous and the rate of larval development does not vary with host‐plant type (maize, alfalfa). Provided sufficient soil moisture and food are present, larval development rate strongly depends on soil temperature. The duration of each instar increased with the age of the larvae. No larval growth was observed below 9°C. Under laboratory conditions the average heat sum (above a base of 9°C) required for development from egg to adult was about 3900 DD. Similar results were found in the rearing cages and in the open field. At the latitudes of the regions where this study was carried out (northern Italy, Veneto between 45°34′00′′N and 45°42′00′′N and central‐south Italy, Molise, between 41°49′720′′N and 41°56′501′′N) the 6th instar (which normally is the first one passing 10 mm in length) is attained by September of the same oviposition year. Pupae can be found between the end of May and September mostly in the upper soil layer. Their transformation into adults took about 16 days at 25°C. Larvae of different stages overwintered by burrowing deep into the soil. Vertical migrations during the year are described: they depend mostly on soil temperatures from October to early spring. The adults overwintered and laid eggs in the subsequent spring. At lower latitudes or in warm seasons most of the population completed its life cycle (from egg to egg) in 24 months over three calendar years. At more northern latitudes, part (sometimes most) of the population completed the whole life cycle in about 36 months over four calendar years.
Egg–larval opiine parasitoids (Hym., Braconidae) of tephritid fruit fly pests do not attack the flowerhead‐feeder Trupanea dubautiae (Dipt., Tephritidae)
Authors: Wang X. G. , Bokonon‐Ganta A. H. , Ramadan M. M. , Messing R. H.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  We investigated the potential impact of three opiine tephritid fruit fly parasitoids: Fopius arisanus (Sonan), Fopius caudatus (Szépligeti) and Fopius ceratitivorus Wharton, on the non‐target native Hawaiian tephritid, Trupanea dubautiae (Bryan), infesting flowerheads of the endemic Asteraceae shrub Dubautia raillardioides Hillebrand. The three species are the only known opiine fruit fly parasitoids that attack host eggs (but occasionally attack first instars). F. arisanus, which originated in southeast Asia, is now widely established in Hawaii and elsewhere in the world, while the other two are African species currently in quarantine in Hawaii. In the laboratory, field‐collected flowerheads of D. raillardioides containing T. dubautiae eggs and first instar larvae were exposed to naïve female wasps of each of the three Fopius species in the absence (no‐choice test) or presence (choice test) of papaya fruit infested with eggs of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), the parasitoids’ normal host. All three Fopius species visited the papaya fruit much more often than the flowerheads, and displayed normal ovipositional responses (probing and stinging) on the fruit in the choice test. None of the three parasitoid species showed ovipositional responses to flowerheads in either choice or no‐choice tests. As a result, not a single T. dubautiae egg or larva was attacked by any of the three parasitoids, indicating that these parasitoids of pest tephritids are unable to recognize the microhabitats of flowerhead‐feeding tephritids. The results suggest minimal risk of non‐target impact in these biological control agents.
Scab Response and Deoxynivalenol Accumulation in Spring Wheat Kernels of Different Geographical Origins Following Inoculation with Fusarium culmorum
Authors: Wiśniewska H. , Perkowski J. , Kaczmarek Z.
Published: December 2004

Twelve Polish spring wheat cultivars and 18 spring wheat accessions (nursery name 4th SRSN, CIMMYT) Mexico, were examined over a period of 3 years for components of resistance against Fusarium head blight (scab) by using the highly pathogenic, eoxynivalenol (DON)‐producing isolate of fungus. Resistant wheat cultivars served as controls. The mean disease score (on a scale from 0–5) ranged from 0.6 to 2.2 for the CIMMYT lines and from 0.9 to 3.1 for Polish cultivars. Only in three CIMMYT lines the mean kernel weight per head corresponded to the observed in resistant cultivars. Two of these lines and an additional one had low disease scores as well as low DON accumulation. Univariate and multivariate analysis of variance showed significant differences between years and wheat accessions for all the traits. No correlation was observed between DON accumulation and both disease score of head and percentage of Fusarium damaged kernels (%FDK) in both CIMMYT and Polish spring accessions. This points to at least three different components of resistance: resistance to pathogen spread, to kernel colonization and to toxin accumulation.
Role of Viral Movement and Coat Proteins and RNA in Phloem‐dependent Movement and Phloem Unloading of Tobamoviruses
Authors: Sareila O. , Hohkuri M. , Wahlroos T. , Susi P.
Published: December 2004

The role of virus‐encoded proteins and viral RNA in phloem‐dependent movement and phloem unloading was investigated using temperature‐sensitive (ts) tobamoviruses. Phloem‐dependent movement of ts‐tobamoviruses was not prevented by the non‐permissive temperature; only a slight, temporal effect on systemic movement of Tobacco mosaic virus Ni2519 (TMV‐Ni2519), which encodes a ts‐movement protein (ts‐MP) and ts‐origin‐of‐assembly (ts‐OAS), was detected. Intact viral coat protein (CP) was not essential in the phloem‐unloading step using a modified differential temperature treatment (mDTT), in which the lower inoculated part of a plant was maintained at the permissive temperature and the upper part at the non‐permissive temperature. Grafted plants with wild‐type rootstocks and MP transgenic scions (MP expressed under transcriptional control of the CaMV 35S promoter) supported phloem unloading of Tomato mosaic virus Ls1 (encoding ts‐MP) but not that of TMV‐Ni2519 when subjected to mDTT. However, TMV‐Ni2519 was still capable of being translocated within the vascular system at the temperature at which the MP was non‐functional but could not unload from the vascular tissue. These data suggest that functionality of MP and CP is not essential for phloem‐dependent movement and phloem unloading of tobamoviruses, and also indicate that viral RNA participates in the subsequent (cell–cell) movement of tobamoviruses after phloem unloading.
Detection of Phomopsis vaccinii on Blueberry and Cranberry in Europe by Direct Tissue Blot Immunoassay and Plate‐Trapped Antigen ELISA
Authors: Gabler J. , Kačergius A. , Jovaišienė Z.
Published: December 2004

Upright dieback, caused by Phomopsis vaccinii Shear (teleomorph Diaporthe vaccinii Shear), is an economically important disease that could threaten blueberry and cranberry production. Diagnosis of the disease by traditional phytopathological methods is difficult. We report the successful detection of P. vaccinii by direct tissue blot immunoassay (DTBIA) and plate‐trapped antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (PTA‐ELISA). The infected samples obtained from Lithuania are the findings reported on the fungus in Europe.
Airway protection with the ProSealTM laryngeal mask airway in a child
Authors: KELLER CHRISTIAN , BRIMACOMBE JOSEPH , VON GOEDECKE ACHIM , LIRK PHILIPP
Published: December 2004

We describe a case where a size 2 ProSealTM laryngeal mask airway successfully channelled regurgitated fluid away from the respiratory tract in a 5‐year‐old child following an inguinal hernia repair.
A Christmas tree in the larynx
Authors: PHILIP JENNY , BRESNIHAN MARY , CHAMBERS NEIL
Published: December 2004

A 2 year‐old boy presented with acute upper airway obstruction following a 15‐month history of noisy breathing and hoarseness. An urgent laryngotracheal bronchoscopy was performed following inhalational induction of anesthesia. Using a fiberoptic bronchoscope, visualization of the larynx through a laryngeal mask airway revealed a flat plastic Christmas tree embedded within granulomatous cords causing almost complete obstruction and requiring tracheostomy prior to extraction. Twelve days later, the tracheostomy was successfully decannulated with the child's voice beginning to normalize. The family remembered the decoration from Christmas celebrations 2 years prior and recalled a coughing episode that predated the onset of hoarseness.
Public accountability: Effectiveness, equity, ethics
Authors: Cameron Wayne
Published: December 2004

This article tests a wide range of government activities against requirements for public accountability. The article explores the incentives for ethical behaviour by public officials; the need for more outcome focused performance indicators, tensions between parliamentary and managerial accountability; the standards of accountability applied to public providers of services can be applied to private providers; the utility of spelling out service requirements in advance; the impacts on accountability of the convergence of the public and private sectors; the need, where responsibility for programs is collaborative, for a clear governance framework, tensions between representative and participative democracy, and trends towards more participative and collaborative leadership.
Integrated leadership system in the Australian Public Service
Authors: Podger Andrew , Simic Anne , Halton Jane , Shergold Peter , Maher Tina
Published: December 2004

On 16 July 2004 the Australian Public Service Commission launched a new approach to leadership capability development for the public service. This approach, the Integrated Leadership System (ILS), is described as innovative and unique by the four speakers who make up this presentation—including Andrew Podger (AO), Public Service Commissioner, Jane Halton, Secretary of Health and Ageing, Anne Simic, Head of People, Qantas, and Dr Peter Shergold, Head of the Public Service and Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Value adding with functional meals*
Authors: Rodgers Svetlana
Published: December 2004

Functional foods represent a value adding opportunity for both the food manufacturing and food service sectors. Advances in bio‐technology, micro‐encapsulation, ingredient synthesis/extraction/purification, nonthermal processing and predictive modelling support the design of ‘healthy’ foods. Food service operators need to increase their technological and marketing sophistication: knowledge of the available range of functional ingredients, their physiological benefits and effects on product quality; legislative requirements; marketing trends and consumer communication techniques. The main advantages of food services in delivering ‘functional meals’ are the fresh image of the products, the possibility of their frequent consumption and the direct contact with customers during service.
Surgical site infection – a European perspective of incidence and economic burden
Authors: Leaper David J , Van Goor Harry , Reilly Jacqueline , Petrosillo Nicola , Geiss Heinrich K , Torres Antonio J , Berger Anne
Published: December 2004

This retrospective review of reported surgical site infection (SSI) rates in Europe was undertaken to obtain an estimated scale of the problem and the associated economic burden. Preliminary literature searches revealed incomplete datasets when applying the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System criteria. Following an expanded literature search, studies were selected according to the number of parameters reported, from those identified as critical for accurate determination of SSI rates. Forty‐eight studies were analysed. None of the reviewed studies recorded all the data necessary to enable a comparative assessment of the SSI rate to be undertaken. The estimated range from selected studies analysed varied widely from 1·5–20% – a consequence of inconsistencies in data collection methods, surveillance criteria and wide variations in the surgical procedures investigated – often unspecified. SSIs contribute greatly to the economic costs of surgical procedures – estimated range: €1·47–19·1 billion. The analysis suggests that the true rate of SSIs, currently unknown, is likely to have been previously under‐reported. Consequently, the associated economic burden is also likely to be underestimated. A significant improvement in study design, data collection, analysis and reporting will be necessary to ensure that SSI baseline rates are more accurately assessed to enable the evaluation of future cost‐effective measures.
Stochastic linearization of nonlinear point dissipative systems
Authors: Reneke James A.
Published: December 2004

Stochastic linearization produces a linear system with the same
covariance kernel as the original nonlinear system. The method
passes from factorization of finite‐dimensional covariance
kernels through convergence results to the final input/output
operator representation of the linear system.
The bHLH genesGL3andEGL3participate in an intercellular regulatory circuit that controls cell patterning in theArabidopsisroot epidermis
Authors: Bernhardt Christine , Zhao Mingzhe , Gonzalez Antonio , Lloyd Alan , Schiefelbein John
Published: December 2004

The specification of the hair and non-hair cells in the Arabidopsis root epidermis provides a useful model for the study of cell fate determination in plants. A network of putative transcriptional regulators, including the related bHLH proteins GLABRA3 (GL3) and ENHANCER OF GLABRA3 (EGL3), is known to influence the patterning of these cell types. Here, we analyze the expression and regulation of GL3 and EGL3 during root epidermis development. Although they are thought to act in both the hair and non-hair cell types, we surprisingly found that GL3 and EGL3 gene expression and RNA accumulation occurs preferentially in the developing hair cells. By analyzing the expression of GL3::GUS and EGL3::GUS reporter fusions in various mutant and overexpression lines, we discovered that the expression of both genes is negatively regulated by WER, GL3 and EGL3 in the developing non-hair cells,and positively regulated by the CPC and TRY proteins in the developing hair cells. Further, the analysis of a GL3-YFP translational fusion, expressed under the GL3 promoter, indicates that the GL3 protein moves from the hair cells to the non-hair cells. These results suggest that GL3/EGL3 accumulation in the N cells is dependent on specification of the hair cell fate, which itself is known to be influenced (via CPC-mediated lateral inhibition) by the non-hair cells. This bi-directional signaling mechanism defines a new regulatory circuit of intercellular communication to specify the epidermal cell types.
Representations of Nature on the Mongolian Steppe: An Investigation of Scientific Knowledge Construction
Authors: Williams Dee Mack
Published: December 2004

Extensive land degradation across the Mongolian steppe has prompted a variety of multinational and multidisciplinary research projects over recent years. The situation provides an important opportunity to investigate and illuminate some of the international, national, and local dimensions of scientific practice that critically condition the production of environmental knowledge. In this article I juxtapose the competing knowledge bases and assumptions of various relevant groups (including natural vs. social scientists, nationalist Chinese vs. ethnic Mongolians, and urban intellectuals vs. indigenous herders) to develop the argument that multiple ideological and institutional boundaries work together to circumscribe scientific inquiry and data collection. The situated construction of knowledge undermines prospects for improving incremental objectivity and impedes more comprehensive understanding of serious environmental problems. [Chinese grasslands, land degradation, indigenous knowledge, sociology of science, interdisciplinary research]