bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse Haematological Effects of Vinblastine, Prednisolone and Cimetidine Treatment: a Retrospective Study in Fourteen Dogs with Mast Cell Tumours
Authors: Trumel C. , Bourgès‐Abella N. , Touron C. , Lanore D. , Geffré A. , Diquelou A. , Guelfi J. F. , Braun J. P.
Published: July 2005

Vinblastine toxicity is poorly documented in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the haematological alterations in dogs treated with vinblastine and prednisolone. Fourteen dogs with mast cell tumours (MCT) were selected on at least one of the following criteria: lymph node infiltration, surgical margin infiltration, grade II MCTs with Ki‐67 >10%, and grade III MCTs. Starting 15 days after surgery, the dogs were given vinblastine (2 mg/m2i.v. four times weekly, then twice monthly for 2 months) and prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day p.o.). An EDTA blood sample was collected weekly for complete blood count (CBC). A total of 98 doses of vinblastine were given to the 14 dogs and 114 CBC were performed. Abnormal haematological findings were observed in 12 CBCs from five dogs, which represent a prevalence of 20% of the total CBCs performed in these animals. The most prevalent abnormal finding was thrombopenia (9/12) most often with grade I toxicity (6/9). In conclusion, the risk of occurrence of adverse haematological effects resulting from vinblastine–prednisolone treatment seems limited in dogs with MCT and it should not be overestimated.
Influence of Negative Energy Balance on the Reproductive Performance after Treatment of Cystic Ovarian Disease with Gonadotrophin‐releasing Hormone in Dairy Cows*
Authors: Hooijer G. A. , van Oijen M. A. A. J. , Frankena K. , Noordhuizen J. P. T. M.
Published: July 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a significant relation exists between the presence of a negative energy balance (NEB) in cows early in lactation and the reproductive performance after treatment with gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone of cows with clinical cystic ovarian disease. Reproductive performance after treatment was assessed from the interval between treatment and first insemination (ITFI) and the interval between treatment and conception (ITC). Based on the outcome of the daily change of milk fat yield (Δfatg) between the first and second milk recordings post‐partum, cows were considered to have passed the NEB nadir (positive Δfatg) or not (negative Δfatg). Lactations (n = 430) were divided into four groups according to the interval between calving and first milk recording (ICMR): (i) 0–9 days; (ii) 10–19 days; (iii) 20–29 days; (iv) 30–49 days. The relation between a NEB‐proxy parameter (Δfatg) and reproductive performance was determined. A significant interaction existed for groups 1 and 3 (ICMR on 0–9 and 20–29 days post‐partum respectively) with an increased and a decreased probability of being inseminated the first day after treatment (ITFI) respectively. However, no significant interaction was found between Δfatg and the groups with regard to ITC.
Factors associated with rural doctors’ intention to continue a rural career: A survey of 3072 doctors in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Masatoshi , Okayama Masanobu , Inoue Kazuo , Kajii Eiji
Published: July 2005

Objective:  To show the relationship between the personal and educational backgrounds of rural doctors and their intention to continue a rural career.

Design:  Nationwide postal survey.

Setting:  Public clinics or hospitals in municipalities that are classified as ‘rural’ by the national government.

Subjects:  A total of 4896 doctors working for 828 public clinics and hospitals.

Measurements:  A questionnaire was mailed. The questionnaire inquired about the subject's age, sex, hometown, exposure to rural practice in undergraduate education, postgraduate training, continuing medical education, current position and affiliation status with a medical school, as well as his or her intention to continue a rural career.

Results:  Response rate was 64%; 26% answered that they intended to continue a rural career. Postgraduate training in general internal medicine, general surgery, anaesthesiology, paediatrics and gastroenterology were positively related with the intention to continue a rural career (odds ratio = 2.045, 1.59, 1.30, 1.48, 1.38). Rural background, undergraduate exposure to rural practice, multispecialty‐rotation in postgraduate training and current administrative position had positive correlations with the intention to continue in logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 1.80, 2.47, 1.54, 2.17). Affiliation with a medical school department was negatively related with the intention to continue (odds ratio = 0.45).

Conclusion:  In addition to the rural background of physicians, some undergraduate and postgraduate factors were independently associated with the intention to continue a rural career.
Overseas‐trained doctors in Australia: Community integration and their intention to stay in a rural community
Authors: Han Gil‐Soo , Humphreys John S.
Published: July 2005

Objective:  The aim of this study was to identify the factors that influence foreign doctors’ community integration and examine how these affect their intention to stay in the rural community.

Design:  Qualitative study using life‐history perspective.

Setting:  Rural communities throughout Victoria.

Participants:  Fifty‐seven overseas‐trained doctors (OTDs) working throughout rural Victoria, Australia.

Main outcome measures:  Key factors of community integration influencing OTDs’ decision to stay in or leave a rural community.

Results:  Maintaining cultural and religious values, as well as relationships to their respective ethnic communities is important to OTDs. While they do not expect excessive support from the community they appreciated the cultures of welcoming or ‘embracing differences’. Supportive communication and supervisory support positively influence OTDs’ appreciation of what the rural community can offer them and how they might overcome any difficulties that they face with their rural practice and life.

Conclusion:  As well as ensuring that OTDs’ professional needs are met, the importance of a supportive environment within the clinic and community awareness of the OTDs’ needs should not be underestimated as influences on an OTD's retention in a rural community.
Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease: interrelated diseases?
Authors: QUIGLEY Eamonn M M
Published: July 2005

In the past inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were regarded as completely separate disorders. Now, with the description of inflammation, albeit low‐grade, in IBS, and of symptom overlap between IBS and celiac disease, this contention has come under question. Is there true overlap between these disorders? Despite the limitations of available data one cannot but be struck by some areas of apparent convergence: IBD and celiac disease in remission, lymphocytic colitis and microscopic inflammation in IBS, in general, and, especially, in the post‐infectious IBS category. The convergence between latent celiac disease and sub‐clinical IBD, on the one hand, and IBS, on the other, appears, based on available evidence, to be somewhat spurious and may largely relate to misdiagnosis, a phenomenon which may also explain the apparent evolution of IBS into IBD in some studies. Similarities between IBS and lymphocytic colitis are more striking and less readily dismissed; as for IBS, well documented instances of progression of lymphocytic colitis to full‐blown IBD are infrequent, suggesting a true separation between this disorder and classical IBD. Do IBS and lymphocytic colitis represent different responses to similar triggers? Will some of the ‘inflamed’ IBS subgroup be reclassified as part of the spectrum of lymphocytic colitis in the future? Will inflammation emerge as a common underlying factor in the pathogenesis of IBS? The answer to these and many questions must await further study of this fascinating area.
Gastric cancer: Worldwide burden and prevention opportunities
Authors: WINAWER Sidney J
Published: July 2005

Gastric cancer is a major worldwide problem in developing and developed countries. It contributes substantially to the economic medical resource burden and population mortality in many countries. The absolute numbers of new cases of death are expected to increase significantly over the next decades because of the enlarging and aging of the world population. The putative factors are better understood today, and control of these factors, together with screening can help prevent this cancer from becoming an increasing burden to society.
Activity‐dependent subcellular localization of NAC1
Authors: Korutla Laxman , Champtiaux Nicholas , Shen Hao‐Wei , Klugman Matthias , Kalivas Peter W. , Mackler Scott A.
Published: July 2005

The expression of the transcriptional regulator NAC1 is increased in the nucleus accumbens of rats withdrawn from cocaine self‐administration, and in vivo studies indicate that the up‐regulation is a compensatory mechanism opposing the acute effects of cocaine. Both mammalian two‐hybrid assay and punctate localization largely in the nucleus suggest NAC1 is a transcriptional regulator. However, in this report it is shown that in differentiated PC12 and Neuro2A cells, as well as in primary cortical neurons, NAC1 is diffusely expressed not only in the cell nucleus but also in cytoplasm. Blockade of spontaneous electrical activity by tetrodotoxin prevented the diffuse expression of NAC1, and depolarization with high potassium concentrations induced diffuse cellular localization in non‐differentiating cells. The use of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors and activator, as well as the systematic mutation of potential PKC phosphorylation sites in NAC1, demonstrated that phosphorylation of residue S245 by PKC is a necessary event inducing diffuse NAC1 expression outside of the nucleus. These observations indicate a potential non‐transcriptional role for NAC1 in the brain.
Multisensory responses and receptive field properties of neurons in the substantia nigra and in the caudate nucleus
Authors: Nagy Attila , Paróczy Zsuzsanna , Norita Masao , Benedek György
Published: July 2005

The basal ganglia are widely regarded as structures involved in sensorimotor co‐ordination, but little is known about the sensory background of their function. We publish here descriptions of the excitatory sensory responses and receptive field properties of the visual, auditory, somatosensory and multisensory caudate nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons. Altogether 111 caudate nucleus and 124 substantia nigra sensory neurons were recorded in halothane‐anaesthetized, immobilized, artificially ventilated cats. The sensory properties of the caudate and nigral neurons were found to be quite similar. A majority of the units were unimodal while a significant proportion of them were multisensory. The visual and the somatosensory modalities predominated for both nuclei. The sensory receptive fields were extremely large. The visual and auditory receptive fields covered the whole physically approachable sensory field and the somatosensory receptive fields covered the whole body surface of the animal. The receptive field properties of the multisensory caudate and nigral units were similar to those of the unimodal neurons. We observed no signs of retinotopical or somatotopical organization within the basal ganglia. The particular sensory receptive field properties, together with the significant number of multisensory neurons in the basal ganglia, suggest the existence of a multisensory pathway of presumably tectal origin involving the caudate nucleus and the substantia nigra that may serve for the sensory feedback of motor actions co‐ordinated by the basal ganglia.
Birth‐date‐dependent segregation of the mouse cerebral cortical neurons in reaggregation cultures
Authors: Ajioka Itsuki , Nakajima Kazunori
Published: July 2005

Cerebral cortical neurons form a six‐layered structure in which their position depends on their birth date. This developmental process requires the presence of Reelin, which is secreted by Cajal–Retzius cells in the cortical marginal zone (MZ). However, it is still unclear whether the migration from the ventricular zone (VZ) to beneath the MZ is essential for the neurons to segregate into layers. Previous transplantation studies of ferret cerebral cortical neurons suggested that their ultimate laminar fate is, at least to some extent, determined in the VZ but it is unknown how ‘laminar fate’ eventually positions cells in a specific layer. To explore the segregation properties of mouse cortical cells that have not yet arrived beneath the MZ, embryonic day (E)16 VZ and intermediate zone (IMZ) cells were dissociated and allowed to reaggregate for 1–4 days in vitro. The results suggested that the migrating neurons in the IMZ at E16 preferentially located near the centre of the aggregates, more than did the proliferative cells from the VZ. The birth‐date labelling followed by the dissociation–reaggregation culture suggested that the segregation properties of the E16 IMZ was characteristic of the E14‐born cells, which were migrating in the IMZ at E16, but they were not general properties of migrating IMZ cells. This birth‐date‐dependent segregation mechanism was also observed in the Reelin signalling‐deficient yotari cells. These findings suggest that cortical neurons acquire a birth‐date‐dependent segregation mechanism before their somas reach the MZ.
Activity of substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons during smooth pursuit eye movements in monkeys
Authors: Basso Michele A. , Pokorny Jennifer J. , Liu Ping
Published: July 2005

Nuclei within the basal ganglia (BG), in particular the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), subthalamic nucleus (STN) and caudate nucleus, are known to be involved in the generation of rapid or saccadic eye movements. Neurons in the SNr are active tonically and generally show a pause, but also increase, in discharge rate, for the appearance of visual stimuli and the generation of saccades. Recent experimental results in oculomotor regions of the brainstem reveal overlap in the neuronal pathways used for saccades and smooth pursuit, or slow tracking, eye movements. Whether the overlap of processing for saccades and pursuit extends to the oculomotor BG is unknown. In the present report, we were interested in whether the overlap between the pursuit and saccadic systems extends into the oculomotor BG. Using single‐neuron recording and electrical stimulation techniques, we tested whether neurons within the saccade portion of the BG, the SNr, could be involved in smooth pursuit eye movements. Monkeys were required to follow visual targets with either a smooth eye movement or a saccade while we recorded from SNr neurons. We report here on SNr neuronal activity that was modulated during the performance of visually guided saccades and also during the initiation and the maintenance of smooth pursuit eye movements. Importantly, the modulation of neuronal activity during pursuit was present even when catch‐up saccades were absent. The majority of SNr neurons was active tonically and their discharge ceased during pursuit, although some neurons also increased their discharge rate during smooth pursuit, similar to the behaviour reported for saccades. We also found that electrical stimulation of the SNr during the initiation of pursuit suppressed ipsiversive and, in some cases, enhanced contraversive pursuit. Our combined recording and stimulation results are consistent with the hypothesis that the overlap between the pursuit and saccadic systems extends, at least somewhat, into the BG and that the signal conveyed by the SNr can be used by the pursuit system. Like the signal for saccades, the SNr may provide a permissive disinhibition for pursuit eye movements. We hypothesize that alterations in this signal in BG diseased states such as Parkinson's may explain in part the deficits observed in smooth pursuit eye movements of these patients.
Sonic hedgehog signalling in neurons of adult ventrolateral nucleus tractus solitarius
Authors: Pascual Olivier , Traiffort Elisabeth , Baker Darren P. , Galdes Alphonse , Ruat Martial , Champagnat Jean
Published: July 2005

The transmembrane receptor Patched (Ptc) mediates the action of the diffusing factor Sonic hedgehog (Shh), which is implicated in establishing morphogenetic gradients during embryonic development. Whereas alteration of Ptc function is associated with developmental abnormalities and brain tumors, its functional activity and roles in the adult brain have yet to be elucidated. Here we describe the complementary pattern of Shh and Ptc expression in the rat dorsal vagal motor nucleus and the ventrolateral nucleus tractus solitarius (vNTS), respectively. Those two interconnected structures regulate the cardiorespiratory function during hypoxia. Bath application of a subnanomolar concentration of aminoterminal Shh protein (ShhN) to a slice preparation of the vNTS induces a rapid decrease in neuronal firing followed by a bursting activity that propagates in the neuronal network. Intracellular current injections show that bursts result from an action on the neuronal membrane electro‐responsiveness. Both inhibiting and bursting effects are blocked by the monoclonal Shh antibody 5E1 and may require the Ptc binding site of ShhN. Thus, ShhN acting on specific neuronal sites controls electrophysiological properties of differentiated neurons of the vNTS. We speculate on a retrocontrol of cardiorespiratory signals in the vNTS, by Shh generated in dorsal vagal motoneurons.
Expression of zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) and the transcription factor ZO‐1‐associated nucleic acid‐binding protein (ZONAB)–MsY3 in glial cells and colocalization at oligodendrocyte and astrocyte gap junctions in mouse brain
Authors: Penes Mihai C. , Li Xinbo , Nagy James I.
Published: July 2005

The PDZ domain‐containing protein zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) interacts with several members of the connexin (Cx) family of gap junction‐forming proteins and has been localized to gap junctions, including those containing Cx47 in oligodendrocytes. We now provide evidence for ZO‐1 expression in astrocytes in vivo and association with astrocytic connexins by confocal immunofluorescence demonstration of ZO‐1 colocalization with astrocytic Cx30 and Cx43, and by ZO‐1 coimmunoprecipitation with Cx30 and Cx43. Evidence for direct interaction of Cx30 with ZO‐1 was obtained by pull‐down assays that indicated binding of Cx30 to the second of the three PDZ domains in ZO‐1. Further, we investigated mouse Y‐box transcription factor MsY3, the canine ortholog of which has been termed ZO‐1‐associated nucleic acid‐binding protein (ZONAB) and previously reported to interact with ZO‐1. By immunofluorescence using specific antimouse ZONAB antibody, ZONAB was found to be associated with oligodendrocytes throughout mouse brain and spinal cord, and to be colocalized with oligodendrocytic Cx47 and Cx32 as well as with astrocytic Cx43. Our results extend the CNS cell types that express the multifunctional protein ZO‐1, demonstrate an additional connexin (Cx30) that directly interacts with ZO‐1, and show for the first time the association of a transcription factor (ZONAB) with ZO‐1 localized to oligodendrocyte and astrocyte gap junctions. Given previous observations that ZONAB and ZO‐1 in combination regulate gene expression, our results suggest roles of glial gap junction‐mediated anchoring of signalling molecules in a wide variety of glial homeostatic processes.
Inhibition of peripheral vanilloid TRPV1 receptors reduces noxious heat‐evoked responses of dorsal horn neurons in naïve, carrageenan‐inflamed and neuropathic rats
Authors: Jhaveri Maulik D. , Elmes Steven J. R. , Kendall David A. , Chapman Victoria
Published: July 2005

The vanilloid TRPV1 receptor, present on primary afferent fibres, is activated by noxious heat, low pH and endogenous vanilloids. Changes in the function or distribution of TRPV1 receptors may play an important role in pain induced by inflammation or neuropathy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of peripheral TRPV1 receptors in thermal nociception in rat models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here, we have determined the effects of peripheral administration of the potent TRPV1 receptor antagonist iodoresiniferatoxin (IRTX) on noxious heat (45 °C)‐evoked responses of spinal wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in naïve, carrageenan‐inflamed, sham‐operated and L5/6 spinal nerve‐ligated (SNL) anaesthetized rats in vivo. In addition, effects of peripheral administration of IRTX on mechanically evoked responses of WDR neurons were determined in sham‐operated and SNL rats. Carrageenan inflammation significantly (P < 0.05) increased the 45 °C‐evoked responses of WDR neurons. Intraplantar injection of the lower dose of IRTX (0.004 µg) inhibited (P < 0.05) 45 °C‐evoked responses of WDR neurons in carrageenan‐inflamed, but not in naïve, rats. The higher dose of IRTX (0.4 µg) significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited 45 °C‐evoked responses in both inflamed and naïve rats. In sham‐operated and SNL rats, IRTX (0.004 and 0.4 µg) significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited 45 °C‐evoked, but had no effect on mechanically evoked responses of WDR neurons. These data support the role of peripheral TRPV1 receptors in noxious thermal transmission in naïve, inflamed and neuropathic rats, and suggest that there is an increased functional contribution of peripheral TRPV1 receptors following acute inflammation.
Selective sparing of hippocampal CA3 cells following in vitro ischemia is due to selective inhibition by acidosis
Authors: Cronberg Tobias , Jensen Kimmo , Rytter Anna , Wieloch Tadeusz
Published: July 2005

A brief global ischemic insult to the brain leads to a selective degeneration of the pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region while the neurons in the neighbouring CA3 region are spared. The reason for this difference is not known. The selective vulnerability of CA1 neurons to ischemia can be reproduced in vitro in murine organotypic slice cultures, if the ion concentrations in the medium during the anoxic/aglycemic insult are similar to that in the brain extracellular fluid during ischemia in vivo. As acidosis develops during ischemia, we studied the importance of extracellular pH for selective vulnerability. We found that cell death in the CA1 and CA3 regions was equally prevented by removal of calcium from the medium or following blockade of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor by d‐2 amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic‐acid (D‐APV). On the other hand, damage to the CA3 neurons markedly decreased with decreasing pH following in vitro ischemia, while the degeneration of CA1 neurons was less pH dependent. Patch‐clamp recordings from pyramidal neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions, respectively, revealed a pronounced inhibition of NMDA‐receptor mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) at pH 6.5 that was equally pronounced in the two regions. However, when changing pH from 6.5 to 7.4 the recovery of the EPSCs was significantly slower in the CA3 region. We conclude that acidosis selectively protects CA3 pyramidal neurons during in vitro ischemia, and differentially affects the kinetics of NMDA receptor activation, which may explain the difference in vulnerability between CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons to an ischemic insult.
The role of the human posterior parietal cortex in memory‐guided saccade execution: a double‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Nyffeler Thomas , Egli Andreas , Pflugshaupt Tobias , Von Wartburg Roman , Wurtz Pascal , Mosimann Urs , Hess Christian W. , Müri René M
Published: July 2005

The present study investigated the role of the right posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in the triggering of memory‐guided saccades by means of double‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS). Shortly before saccade onset, dTMS with different interstimulus intervals (ISI; 35, 50, 65 or 80 ms) was applied. For contralateral saccades, dTMS significantly decreased saccadic latency with an ISI of 80 ms and increased saccadic gain with an ISI of 65 and 80 ms. Together with the findings of a previous study during frontal eye field (FEF) stimulation the present results demonstrate similarities and differences between both regions in the execution of memory‐guided saccades. Firstly, dTMS facilitates saccade triggering in both regions, but the timing is different. Secondly, dTMS over the PPC provokes a hypermetria of contralateral memory‐guided saccades that was not observed during FEF stimulation. The results are discussed within the context of recent neurophysiological findings in monkeys.
Institutions and Wage Determination: a Multi‐country Approach*
Authors: Nunziata Luca
Published: July 2005

We present an empirical analysis of the determinants of labour cost in OECD countries, with particular reference to the impact of labour market institutions from 1960 to 1994. We show that labour market regulations can explain a large part of the labour cost rise in OECD countries in the last few decades once we control for productivity. These results are consistent with the findings of a companion paper [Nickell, Nunziata and Ochel (2005)Economic Journal, Vol. 115, pp. 1–27] where the effects of institutions on unemployment are examined. We present also a discussion of the econometric issues related to the estimation of a macro pooled model like ours. We focus, among other things, on the hypothesis of poolability and on the cointegration properties of the model. The explanatory power of the model is finally tested by means of a series of country by country dynamic simulations.
Lichen Planus in 24 Children with Review of the Literature
Authors: Luis‐Montoya Pilar , Domínguez‐Soto Luciano , Vega‐Memije Elisa
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Lichen planus is a disease generally considered uncommon in children. Our objective was to obtain epidemiologic data retrospectively and determine the clinical characteristics of lichen planus in Mexican children seen in our dermatology department. We found 235 patients with the clinical and histologic diagnosis of lichen planus seen over a period of 22 years and 7 months. Twenty‐four (10.2%) of these patients were children (15 years of age or younger). The ratio of male to female was 1 : 1.2. The main clinical pattern was classic lichen planus (43.5%). Mucous membrane and nail involvement were uncommon. No family history of lichen planus or systemic disease was noted. In the international literature, the frequency of lichen planus varied from 2.1% to 11.2% of the pediatric population. In the majority of studies no significant gender predominance was identified. Most patients had the classic variety of lichen planus. Reported mucosal involvement was rare, except in India and Kuwait. Frequency of nail involvement ranged from 0% to 16.6%. Little evidence of systemic disease or family history was found.
Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis Associated with Tinea Versicolor in Three Siblings
Authors: Stein Jennifer A. , Shin Helen T. , Chang Mary Wu
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  We describe three teenage siblings with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis, all presenting during a 6‐month period. Two of the three patients had confirmed tinea versicolor, with positive potassium hydroxide scrapings, in association with this entity. This is the largest series of siblings with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis, and the only report describing family members having both confluent and reticulated papillomatosis and tinea versicolor. This report lends further evidence to the hypothesis that confluent and reticulated papillomatosis may be etiologically linked to tinea versicolor, and also suggests a genetic predisposition for it.
Fabry Disease: An Atypical Presentation
Authors: Choudhury Sourab , Meehan Shane , Shin Helen T.
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Fabry disease is a rare X‐linked recessive lysosomal storage disease. Patients typically have angiokeratomas distributed between the umbilicus and knees, painful crises of the hands and feet, and renal, ophthalmologic, and cardiac abnormalities. An 11‐year‐old boy presented with a 6‐year history of widespread petechial‐like lesions and painful crises of the hands and feet. On physical examination, he had numerous erythematous, nonblanching pinpoint macules and rare papules with an overlying crust. These lesions were widely distributed on his trunk, palms, and soles, while sparing the area between the umbilicus and knees. Histologic evaluation of one of these lesions found several dilated, blood‐filled vessels in the upper dermis beneath a thinned epidermis. The patient also had markedly decreased α galactosidase A levels. Although the distribution of the angiokeratomas was atypical, the clinical and histologic findings were consistent with a diagnosis of Fabry disease.
Toilet Seat Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Holme S. Alexander , Stone Natalie M. , Mills Caroline M.
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Allergic contact dermatitis to wooden toilet seats was a previously well‐recognized pattern of regional dermatitis. We report a recent occurrence in a child that highlights a possible resurgence in this presentation, associated with the increasing popularity of wooden toilet seats.
Acquired Raised Bands of Infancy: Association with Amniotic Bands
Authors: Dyer Jon A. , Chamlin Sarah
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Raised limb bands are a recently described disorder characterized by skin‐colored linear plaques typically located on the extremities of affected children. Various etiologies for their development have been proposed, including amniotic bands. We report a child with extensive raised bands of the trunk and extremities and documented amniotic bands in utero. We propose altering the name of this entity to reflect the wider potential distribution of the lesions. The presence of documented amniotic bands and other sequelae typical for the amniotic band sequence in this patient strongly implicates amniotic bands or related pathology in the formation of acquired raised bands of infancy.
Unilateral Congenital Linear Atrophoderma of the Leg
Authors: Ang Gina , Hyde Patrice M. , Lee Jason B.
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  We report an infant with depressed, hypopigmented, linear plaques of congenital onset on the lower extremity. The lesions were asymptomatic and the child was otherwise healthy. Despite the clinically obvious change in skin texture and color, histopathologic changes were subtle: a biopsy specimen showed hypopigmentation and a decrease in elastic fibers in the papillary and upper reticular dermis. Diagnoses considered included various congenital syndromes, idiopathic atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini, and especially, linear atrophoderma of Moulin. However, because of the significant clinical and histopathologic differences when compared to the aforementioned entities, our patient appears to have a unique presentation of congenital linear atrophoderma.
Septic, CD‐30 Positive Febrile Ulceronecrotic Pityriasis Lichenoides et Varioliformis Acuta
Authors: Herron Mark D. , Bohnsack John F. , Vanderhooft Sheryll L.
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  We report life‐threatening febrile ulceronecrotic pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta in an 8‐year‐old girl. Hemorrhagic‐crusted papules and plaques covered over 90% of the patient's body, leaving her susceptible to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia as well as Candida parapsilosis fungemia. Sepsis delayed definitive treatment of the underlying cutaneous disease for 2 weeks. Combined therapy with methotrexate and cyclosporin caused remission of the process. Although immunohistochemistry revealed CD‐30 positive cells, suggesting the diagnosis of lymphomatoid papulosis, the histopathology was most compatible with pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta. A partial loss of CD2 and CD5 in the predominant CD3 T‐cell lymphocytes suggested a clonal proliferation. Elevated soluble interleukin‐2 receptor levels reflected marked T‐cell activation, and the downward trend of the levels during treatment coincided with clinical regression of this inflammatory dermatosis.
Autocrine activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors contributes to Ca2+ spikes in mouse myotubes during myogenesis
Authors: Bandi Elena , Bernareggi Annalisa , Grandolfo Micaela , Mozzetta Chiara , Augusti‐Tocco Gabriella , Ruzzier Fabio , Lorenzon Paola
Published: July 2005

It is widely accepted that nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel activity controls myoblast fusion into myotubes during myogenesis. In this study we explored the possible role of nAChR channels after cell fusion in a murine cell model. Using videoimaging techniques we showed that embryonic muscle nAChR channel openings contribute to the spontaneous transients of intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and to twitches characteristic of developing myotubes before innervation. Moreover, we observed a choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity in the myotubes and we detected an acetylcholine‐like compound in the extracellular solution. Therefore, we suggest that the autocrine activation of nAChR channels gives rise to [Ca2+]i spikes and contractions. Spontaneous openings of the nAChR channels may be an alternative, although less efficient, mechanism. We report also that blocking the nAChRs causes a significant reduction in cell survival, detectable as a decreased number of myotubes in culture. This led us to hypothesize a possible functional role for the autocrine activation of the nAChRs. By triggering mechanical activity, such activation could represent a strategy to ensure the trophism of myotubes in the absence of nerves.
Functional role of Na+–HCO3− cotransport in migration of transformed renal epithelial cells
Authors: Schwab A. , Rossmann H. , Klein M. , Dieterich P. , Gassner B. , Neff C. , Stock C. , Seidler U.
Published: July 2005

Cell migration is crucial for immune defence, wound healing or formation of tumour metastases. It has been shown that the activity of the Na+–H+ exchanger (NHE1) plays an important role in cell migration. However, so far it is unknown whether Na+– HCO3− cotransport (NBC), which has similar functions in the regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) as NHE1, is also involved in cell migration. We therefore isolated NHE‐deficient Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK‐F) cells and tested whether NBC compensates for NHE in pHi and cell volume regulation as well as in migration. Intracellular pH was measured with the fluorescent pH indicator 2′7′‐bis(carboxyethyl)‐5‐carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). The expression of NBC isoforms was determined with semiquantitative PCR. Migration was monitored with time‐lapse video microscopy and quantified as the displacement of the cell centre. We found that MDCK‐F cells express the isoform NBC1 (SLCA4A gene product) at a much higher level than the isoform kNBC3 (SLCA4A8 gene product). This difference is even more pronounced in NHE‐deficient cells so that NBC1 is likely to be the major acid extruder in these cells and the major mediator of propionate‐induced cell volume increase. NHE‐deficient MDCK‐F cells migrate more slowly than normal MDCK‐F cells. NBC activity promotes migration during an acute intracellular acid load and increases migratory speed and displacement on a short timescale (< 30 min) whereas it has no effect on the long‐term behaviour of migrating MDCK‐F cells. Taken together, our results show that NBC actvity, despite many functional similarities, does not have the same importance for cell migration as NHE1 activity.
Retrograde endocannabinoid regulation of GABAergic inhibition in the rat dentate gyrus granule cell
Authors: Isokawa Masako , Alger Bradley E.
Published: July 2005

The dentate gyrus is a key input gateway for the hippocampus, and dentate function is potently regulated by GABAergic inhibition. GABAergic inhibition is plastic and modulated by many factors. Cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca+]i) is one of these factors, and its elevation inhibits GABA‐mediated transmission in the hippocampus including the dentate gyrus granule cells (DGCs). We examined whether the [Ca+]i‐dependent decrease of GABAA receptor‐mediated inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) is explained by the retrograde suppression of GABA release caused by the depolarization‐induced elevation of [Ca+]i in DGCs (DSI: depolarization‐induced suppression of inhibition). Repeated brief depolarizations or a single long depolarization inhibited spontaneous IPSCs with amplitudes over 25 pA for up to a minute, and reduced the amplitude of IPSCs evoked by direct stimulation in the molecular layer, suggesting that DGCs are susceptible to DSI. The magnitude of DSI correlated linearly with the duration of depolarization, and so did the increase of [Ca+]i. DSI was blocked by intrapipette application of BAPTA. In addition, bath application of thapsigargin and ryanodine, and intrapipette application of ryanodine and ruthenium red reduced the [Ca+]i increase caused by the DSI‐inducing depolarization, and substantially reduced the magnitude of DSI. Finally, the cannabinoid receptor agonists, CP55,942 and WIN55,212‐2, mimicked DSI and prevented further IPSC reduction by DSI. DSI was blocked by the antagonist, SR141716A. We conclude that GABAergic inhibition in DGCs is subject to endogenous cannabinoid (eCB)‐mediated retrograde regulation, and this process involves a depolarization‐initiated release of Ca+ from ryanodine‐sensitive stores. Our findings suggest eCBs probably have physiological functions in the regulation of GABAergic plasticity in the dentate gyrus.
Web-Spinning Caterpillar Stalks Snails
Authors: Rubinoff Daniel , Haines William P.
Published: July 2005

Moths and butterflies compose one of the most diverse insect orders, but they are overwhelmingly herbivorous. Less than 0.2% are specialized predators, indicating that lepidopteran feeding habits are highly constrained. We report a Hawaiian caterpillar that specializes on snails, a unique food source requiring an unusual feeding strategy. The caterpillar uses silk to restrain live prey. All caterpillars have silk glands, but none are known to use silk in this spiderlike fashion. Considering the canalization of caterpillar diets, evolution to attack and feed on snails is an anomaly. Hawaii s isolation and consequently disharmonic biota likely promote evolutionary experiments that occur nowhere else.
Extreme Reversed Sexual Dichromatism in a Bird Without Sex Role Reversal
Authors: Heinsohn Robert , Legge Sarah , Endler John A.
Published: July 2005

Brilliant plumage is typical of male birds, reflecting differential enhancement of male traits when females are the limiting sex. Brighter females are thought to evolve exclusively in response to sex role reversal. The striking reversed plumage dichromatism of
Eclectus roratus
parrots does not fit this pattern. We quantify plumage color in this species and show that very different selection pressures are acting on males and females. Male plumage reflects a compromise between the conflicting requirements for camouflage from predators while foraging and conspicuousness during display. Females are liberated from the need for camouflage but compete for rare nest hollows.
Martian Surface Paleotemperatures from Thermochronology of Meteorites
Authors: Shuster David L. , Weiss Benjamin P.
Published: July 2005

The temporal evolution of past martian surface temperatures is poorly known. We used thermochronology and published noble gas and petrographic data to constrain the temperature histories of the nakhlites and martian meteorite ALH84001. We found that the nakhlites have not been heated to more than 350°C since they formed. Our calculations also suggest that for most of the past 4 billion years, ambient near-surface temperatures on Mars are unlikely to have been much higher than the present cold (<0°C) state.
Independent Codes for Spatial and Episodic Memory in Hippocampal Neuronal Ensembles
Authors: Leutgeb Stefan , Leutgeb Jill K. , Barnes Carol A. , Moser Edvard I. , McNaughton Bruce L. , Moser May-Britt
Published: July 2005

Hippocampal neurons were recorded under conditions in which the recording chamber was varied but its location remained unchanged versus conditions in which an identical chamber was encountered in different places. Two forms of neuronal pattern separation occurred. In the variable cue-constant place condition, the firing rates of active cells varied, often over more than an order of magnitude, whereas the location of firing remained constant. In the variable place-constant cue condition, both location and rates changed, so that population vectors for a given location in the chamber were statistically independent. These independent encoding schemes may enable simultaneous representation of spatial and episodic memory information.
Host Suppression and Stability in a Parasitoid-Host System: Experimental Demonstration
Authors: Murdoch William , Briggs Cheryl J. , Swarbrick Susan
Published: July 2005

We elucidate the mechanisms causing stability and severe resource suppression in a consumer-resource system. The consumer, the parasitoid
Aphytis
, rapidly controlled an experimentally induced outbreak of the resource, California red scale, an agricultural pest, and imposed a low, stable pest equilibrium. The results are well predicted by a mechanistic, independently parameterized model. The key mechanisms are widespread in nature: an invulnerable adult stage in the resource population and rapid consumer development. Stability in this biologically nondiverse agricultural system is a property of the local interaction between these two species, not of spatial processes or of the larger ecological community.
A fossilized aroid infructescence, Albertarum pueri gen.nov. et sp.nov., of Late Cretaceous (Late Campanian) age from the Horseshoe Canyon Formation of southern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Bogner Josef , Hoffman Georgia L , Aulenback Kevin R
Published: July 2005

A fossilized aroid infructescence has been recovered from the Horseshoe Canyon Formation in southern Alberta, Canada. Its stratigraphic position places it near the end of the Campanian Stage of the Late Cretaceous Epoch, at an absolute age of approximately 72 million years before present. It is one of the few Cretaceous aroid fossils known at present, and it represents a new genus of Araceae, here named Albertarum. The infructescence is fertile to the apex, and the flowers must have been bisexual. Flowers bear remains of a long, attenuated style, surrounded by a perigone of six tepals. A fracture reveals ellipsoid seeds with a thick, ribbed testa and traces of a raphe, arranged in groups of three. The gynoecium was probably trilocular with one ovule per locule, and ovules were anatropous, probably with apicalparietal or axile placentation. Bisexual, perigoniate flowers occur in subfamilies Gymnostachydoideae, Orontioideae, Pothoideae, Monsteroideae, and Lasioideae, no genera of which have ribbed seeds, but the infructescence and stylar region of Albertarum resemble those of extant Symplocarpus (Orontioideae). The Horseshoe Canyon Formation was deposited in a delta plain setting, and like Symplocarpus, Albertarum probably grew in a wetland environment.Key words: fossil, Araceae, Symplocarpus, Albertarum, Limnobiophyllum, Mayoa.
Vegetation patterns and biodiversity of peatland plant communities surrounding mid-boreal wetland ponds in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Whitehouse Heather E , Bayley Suzanne E
Published: July 2005

Peatland plant communities surrounding small (<200 ha) boreal ponds were characterized by indicator species, water and peat chemistry, and diversity. Peatlandpond complexes are common in boreal Alberta and are found in three different landforms (clay-till plain, outwash plain, and moraine). Pond area and perimeter were larger in the clay-till plain than in other landforms, although not significantly different. Across the three landforms, cluster analysis detected five peatland communities: marshes, wet open fens, dry open fens, treed fens, and bogs. The zonation pattern of communities surrounding the ponds varied at all sites, and there was no typical pattern, except that marshes were always found closest to water. Based on the bryophyte species, most communities are considered moderate-rich fens. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling indicated communities fell along a wet-to-dry gradient and a bare-to-vegetated gradient. Water depth and temperature, peat depth, and peat C/N ratios differed between open and treed peatland communities, and pH was similar in all communities. Alpha and gamma diversity was highest in the treed fen and lowest in the marsh community in both total species and bryophyte species. The total number of plant species, some of which are considered rare, found in all communities was 139.Key words: marsh, fen, bog, classification, vegetation ecology, diversity.
Understory conifer seedling response to a gradient of root and ectomycorrhizal fungal contact
Authors: Kranabetter J M
Published: July 2005

The possible benefit of common mycorrhizal network linkages to seedling growth was tested in a low light partial-cut forest understory. Naturally regenerated western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla Raf.) and hybrid spruce (Picea glauca × Picea sitchensis [Moench] Voss) seedlings were transplanted directly into soil or within bags of different pore sizes to restrict the amounts of root and ectomycorrhizal contact. The 5-year study included "full contact" (no bag), "moderate contact" (250-µm openings), and "low contact" (4-µm openings) treatments. Height increment was lowest for full contact seedlings over most of the experiment, and highest for low contact seedlings by years 4 and 5. Full contact seedlings also had slightly lower foliar N content than moderate and low contact seedlings. There were no significant interactions in growth detected between tree species and treatments, despite the higher potential for common mycorrhizal network linkages between a western hemlock understory and canopy. Fifty-eight ectomycorrhizal fungal morphotypes were identified on the seedlings, including many with smooth mantles or with only sparse emanating hyphae, which likely reduced the potential for common mycorrhizal network linkages. These results would support the more traditional concepts of competition for scarce resources by isolated seedlings as the primary interaction for the understory of these mature forests.Key words: common mycorrhizal networks, facilitation, shade tolerance, competition.
Short-term effects of timber harvest and forest edges on ground-layer mosses and liverworts
Authors: Nelson Cara R , Halpern Charles B
Published: July 2005

Limited information exists on the effects of forest management practices on bryophytes, despite their importance to forest ecosystems. We examined short-term responses of ground-layer bryophytes to logging disturbance and creation of edges in mature Pseudotsuga forests of western Washington (USA). The abundance and richness of species were measured in four 1-ha forest aggregates (patches of intact forest) and in surrounding logged areas before and after structural retention harvests. One year after treatment, species richness, total cover, and frequency of most moss and liverwort taxa declined within harvest areas. Within forest aggregates, mosses did not show significant edge effects; however, richness and abundance of liverworts declined with proximity to the aggregate edge. Our results suggest that, over short time frames, 1-ha-sized aggregates are sufficient to maintain most common mosses through structural retention harvests but are not large enough to prevent declines or losses of liverworts. Thus, current standards for structural retention, which allow for aggregates as small as 0.2 ha, may be inadequate to retain the diversity and abundance of species found in mature, undisturbed forests.Key words: bryophyte, edge effects, forest borders, forest management, logging effects, structural retention harvest.