bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet and endogenous carbohydrases in the temperate marine herbivorous fish Kyphosus sydneyanus
Authors: Moran D. , Clements K. D.
Published: April 2005

Stomach content analysis showed that Kyphosus sydneyanus collected by spearing from coastal reefs near Leigh, north‐east New Zealand, is herbivorous throughout its post‐settlement life. All size classes collected consumed a wide range of macroalgae, predominantly the phaeophytes Carpophyllum maschalocarpum and Ecklonia radiata, and the rhodophytes Gigartina macrocarpa and Caulacanthus ustulatus. Multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant function analysis showed an ontogenetic diet shift, with gut contents dominated by rhodophytes and chlorophytes in juveniles and by phaeophytes in adults. No significant seasonal variation in diet was apparent for any size class. Amylase and amylopectinase activity was highest in the smaller size classes. Laminarinase activity was relatively low throughout all size classes, and did not correlate with the ontogenetic increase in phaeophyte consumption. The activity of endogenous enzymes hydrolysing starch broadly correlated with rhodophyte consumption in adult specimens of three other species of marine herbivorous fishes: Odax pullus, Girella tricuspidata and Parma alboscapularis; laminarin hydrolysis, however, was negatively correlated with phaeophyte consumption. Overall, the diet and enzyme results suggest that juvenile K. sydneyanus rely mainly on the endogenous digestion of rhodophytes and chlorophytes, while exogenous (microbial) digestion is used to digest the phaeophyte‐dominated diet of adults.
An eco‐morphological explanation of individual variability in the shape of the fish otolith: comparison of the otolith of Hoplostethus atlanticus with other species by depth
Authors: Gauldie R. W. , Crampton J. S.
Published: April 2005

Variation in otolith shape (otolith polymorphism) in Hoplostethus atlanticus, Hoplostethus mediterraneus, Paratrichichthys trailli, Pagrus major and Trachurus murphyi, quantified using principal components analysis based on Fourier transform decompositions of outlines of otolith shape, was particularly high among the samples of H. atlanticus from the North Atlantic, New Zealand, Australia and Namibia. The scatter was uniform, however, and did not show any significant differences among regions. The implication drawn from the high variability in otolith shape of H. atlanticus was that otolith shape polymorphism was maintained by some form of balancing selection across many small local environments which may result in k‐selection with consequent poor response by H. atlanticus to maximum sustainable yield harvesting strategies. The variation in otolith shape defined by the otolith morphospace of the five species that were measured, showed a decreasing trend in scatter (i.e. decreasing complexity of shape) proceeding from the species with the deepest habitat (H. atlanticus) to the most shallow (T. murphyi).
In situ estimates of gut evacuation and its dependence on temperature in five cyprinids
Authors: Specziàr A.
Published: April 2005

Gut evacuation and its dependence on the temperature in bream Abramis brama, silver bream Blicca bjoerkna, roach Rutilus rutilus, gibel Carassius aurtaus gibelio and carp Cyprinus carpio, held in mesh cages in Lake Balaton, was best fitted by an exponential model in 18 of 36 trials, while in 14 and four trials, a linear and a square‐root model, respectively, gave a better fit. Adjusted r2 values, however, often did not differ markedly between the three models. The shape parameter, B, was 0.36 for carp and ranged from 0.81 to 1.24 for the other four cyprinids, according to the general evacuation model expanded with the temperature variable, and fitted to whole data sets. Relationships between the food evacuation rates obtained from the exponential models and the temperature were described by exponential functions for bream, silver bream, roach and gibel.
An in situ estimate of food consumption of five cyprinid species in Lake Balaton
Authors: Specziár A.
Published: April 2005

Daily rations of five cyprinid species, bream Abramis brama, silver bream Blicca bjoerkna, roach Rutilus rutilus, gibel Carassius auratus gibelio and carp Cyprinus carpio, in Lake Balaton, a large shallow lake, estimated by the Eggers model differed from that of the Elliott – Persson model by only − 4.3 to +7.3% (the differences were insignificant). Daily rations varied within the range of 0.23–0.69 in bream, 0.55–3.61 in silver bream, 0.69–4.65 in roach, 0.38–3.16 in gibel and 0.50–9.74 g dry 100 g wet fish mass−1 day −1 in carp at temperatures ranging from 8.7–25.8% C. Daily ration was related exponentially with temperature in silver bream, roach, gibel and carp. For bream, a significant relationship was obtained only when a daily ration value was excluded from the analysis. Annual rations were assessed using the relationships between the daily ration estimates from the Elliott—Persson model and water temperature, and the long‐term averages of the monthly water temperature data. From these estimates the bream population consumed 104%, silver bream 424%, roach 487%, gibel 363% and carp 913% dry mass of food of its wet biomass annually.
Regional, interannual and size‐related variation of age 0 year walleye pollock whole body energy content around the Pribilof Islands, Bering Sea
Authors: Ciannelli L. , Paul A. J. , Brodeur R. D.
Published: April 2005

Mean whole energy content (Ewb) of age 0 year walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma was 19.928 KJ g−1 dry mass in 3943 fish collected from different habitats around the Pribilof Islands frontal structure, south‐east Bering Sea, during September 1994–1996 and 1999. It varied, however, with habitat type. Fish residing offshore had higher Ewb than fish residing inshore of the frontal regions. Age 0 year walleye Pollock Ewb changed in a non‐linear fashion with fish size, with larger juveniles typically having higher Ewb. Size thresholds were identified at which the relationship between age 0 year walleye pollock Ewb and LS changed. One such threshold was found at 46 mm where Ewb reached a local minimum. Another threshold was found at 80 mm beyond which Ewb tended to remain constant with size. Overall mass‐length and Ewb‐length residuals were highly correlated with each other (r=0.73, P≪0.0001). The slope of the regression, however, was higher for smaller fish. Possible mechanisms are proposed to explain the observed ontogenetic variation in nutritional status and the role of age 0 year walleye pollock late summer Ewb on survival over their first critical winter of life.
A seasonal analysis of the nutritional condition of deep‐sea macrourid fishes in the north‐east Pacific
Authors: Drazen J. C.
Published: April 2005

Of three common macrourids Coryphaenoides armatus and Coryphaenoides yaquinae were collected from 1995 to 1998 at an abyssal station, c. 220 km west of Point Conception, California in the north‐east Pacific (4100 m depth). Coryphaenoides acrolepis was collected from 1997 to 1998 in the San Diego Trough (1200 m depth). Energy storage in all three species was primarily in the liver, which was up to 56% lipid (wet mass) and up to 96% triglyceride. No seasonal variation in nutritional condition was found for C. armatus or C. yaquinae. There was, however, a significant increase in muscle water content and liver lipid content and a significant decline in muscle lactate dehydrogenase activity for C. armatus between 1996 and 1998. Potential mechanisms for these interannual shifts are proposed. No seasonal variation in parameters was found for C. acrolepis but a small seasonal periodicity in feeding activity may have existed. The seasonal deposition of phytodetritus in the deep sea is of little or no consequence to these fishes.
Life‐history variation within a three‐spined stickleback population in the Camargue
Authors: Poizat G. , Rosecchi E. , Crivelli A. J.
Published: April 2005

Among individuals of female three‐spined sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus from a population in the Camargue, southern France, studied in 12 successive years, adult LT ranged from 31–64 mm, clutch size ranged from 33–660 eggs, and mean egg diameter per clutch ranged from 1.15–1.67 mm. Because the population was strictly annual, inter‐annual variation corresponded to variation among generations having experienced different environmental conditions. Body mass varied significantly among years, suggesting an effect of varying environmental conditions. Gonad mass and clutch size increased with body mass, but mean egg diameter was not correlated to body mass. Body mass‐adjusted gonad mass, interpreted as reproductive effort per clutch, did not vary significantly among years, suggesting that this trait was not influenced by environmental conditions. Body mass‐adjusted clutch size and egg size varied significantly among years. Inter‐annual variation in body length at breeding, clutch size and egg size was of the same order of magnitude as inter‐population variation reported by other authors for this species. During the breeding season, reproductive effort and clutch size tended to increase. Egg size tended to decrease during the breeding season but this seasonal pattern varied among years. Observed life‐history variation is discussed both in terms of its evolutionary significance and methodological implications in the study of life‐history variation among populations.
Introduction of the European minnow into a subalpine lake: habitat use and long‐term changes in population dynamics
Authors: Museth J. , Borgstrøm R. , Brittain J. E. , Herberg I. , Naalsund C.
Published: April 2005

Minnows Phoxinus phoxinus, studied 30 years after the first record of the species in the subalpine Lake Øvre Heimdalsvatn, Norway, ≥55 mm LT, were estimated to have densities of c. 4.7 kg ha−1 (120 000 fish) in June 1999 and 2.1 kg ha−1 (63 000 fish) in June 2000. The population was characterized by low individual growth, delayed age of maturity and lived longer when compared to values reported in a previous study in the early phase of its establishment, and other values reported in the literature. Most minnows reached sexual maturity at 4–5 years and >55 mm LT. Although the estimated annual survival of minnows >55 mm was low (S=0.2), ages up to 13 years were recorded. Despite a moderate increase in the population size during the last 20 years, the present reduction in individual growth, followed by delayed age of maturity, suggested the existence of density‐dependent effects on the population dynamics of the minnows. The minnows were restricted to the littoral zone and near bottom areas. A vertical or horizontal expansion in habitat use was probably prevented by the presence of piscivorous brown trout Salmo trutta.
The role of chlorpheniramine in inhibitory avoidance in Danio vevio
Authors: Serra É. L. , Medalha C. C. , Bueno R. O. , Mattioli R.
Published: April 2005

The action of chlorpheniramine in learning and memory in Danio rerio suggested that 1 mg kg−1 produced an amnesiac effect in inhibitory avoidance in this species.
Suitability criteria for spawning habitat of riverine European grayling
Authors: Nykänen M. , Huusko A.
Published: April 2005

Generalized suitability curves, developed for the spawning habitat of grayling Thymallus thymallus by combining new preference data with information available in the literature, provided optimal ranges for dominant substratum size, water depth and mean water velocity. These were 16–32 mm, 30–40 cm, and 50–60 cm s−1, respectively.
Intraspecific allometry of haematological parameters in Basilichthys australis
Authors: Nespolo R. F. , Rosenmann M.
Published: April 2005

Allometry of haematological parameters (haematocrit, erythrocyte number, mean cell volume and haemoglobin concentration) of Basilichthys australis, suggested that small individuals and juveniles had larger red blood cells, less haemoglobin per volume of blood, and more diluted plasma than large and mature animals.
Physiological effects of dominance hierarchies: laboratory artefacts or natural phenomena?
Authors: Sloman K. A. , Armstrong J. D.
Published: April 2005

Studies of fish behaviour have demonstrated the existence of social interactions that result in dominance hierarchies. In environments in which resources, such as food, shelter and mates, are limited, social competition results in some fish becoming dominant and occupying the most profitable positions. This behaviour has been observed in natural environments and also in many laboratory‐based experiments. When two fish have been confined in a small tank, one of them usually has exhibited behaviour that suggests it is dominant over the other submissive animal. Physiological consequences of social interaction can be seen in both dominants and subordinates but are more extreme in the subordinate. However, this scenario is without doubt an artificial situation. Fewer experiments have been conducted using laboratory experiments that are more socially and physically complex than those experienced by dyads in tanks. In simple fluvial tanks, through which water is recirculated, the physiological responses of fish to social competition have generally been qualitatively similar to those recorded among dyads. However, when environmental disturbances, complex resource distributions, increase in water flushing, presence of predators and competing species of fish have been included in experimen‐tal designs, there have been fewer, diminished or no physiological dierences between dominant and subordinate fish. There have been very few studies of physiology in relation to dominance in natural habitats, and those that have been conducted suggest that under some circumstances hierarchies may cause less intense physiological responses than have been suggested based on results of laboratory studies in simple environments. Possible reasons for these variations are discussed. The need is identified for a well structured experimental approach to the investi‐gation of the causes and consequences of hierarchies if the ecology of wild fish is to be modelled eectively based on physiological processes. It is also suggested that the further development and application of techniques for monitoring physiologies of fish in the wild is important.
Effects of sediment eluates and extracts from differently polluted small rivers on zebrafish embryos and larvae
Authors: Strmac M. , Oberemm A. , Braunbeck T.
Published: April 2005

The effects on newly fertilized eggs, embryos and larvae of zebrafish Danio rerio following exposure to sediment samples from the more heavily contaminated River Körsch, southern Germany, occurred earlier and were more prominent than in samples from the less contaminated Krähenbach. Dose‐ and time‐related effects following exposure to Körsch sediment eluates and extracts included: (1) hatching failure and subsequent death of larvae exposed to undiluted aqueous sediment eluates and reduced hatching rates at sediment extract concentrations 0·0125%; (2) increased mortality after exposure to 25 and 50% dilutions of aqueous sediment eluates, and dilutions of 0·00625% sediment extracts; (3) reduction of heart beat frequency for 50% dilutions of sediment eluates and concentrations of 0·025% extracts; (4) increased frequency of heart and yolk sac oedema after exposure to 0·0125% sediment extracts. Since adverse effects of sediment extracts observed in zebrafish laboratory tests correlated with reproductive failure in natural populations of brown trout Salmo trutta f. fario in the severely polluted River Körsch, early life stages tests with zebrafish appear to be a suitable tool to assess the contamination rate of natural sediments.
Glycoconjugates in the otolithic membrane of herring larvae: a possible framework for encoding the life history recorder in fishes
Authors: Tytler P. , Fox C. J. , Folkvord A.
Published: April 2005

Glycoconjugates in the inner ear of herring Clupea harengus larvae, investigated by laser confocal and electron microscopy, were located mainly in the gelatinous layer of the otolithic membranes, forming a collar around the proximal surfaces of the otoliths. The site of secretion was located on the surface of the sensory macula, from which a colonnade of glycoconjugate streamers projected through the subcupular region to connect with the gelatinous layer of each otolith. An electron dense component of the outer gelatinous layers, shown by TEM to be closely associated with the sensory kinocilia, suggested that they provided a basis for the streamers and offered a potential role in directing the path of secretion. It is hypothesized that this highly structured glycoconjugate framework could provide a mechanism for localizing and containing ionic and protein gradients previously detected in this vicinity and which are considered to have a key role in driving the differential growth and mineralization of the otoliths.
Gastric evacuation in mackerel: the effects of meal size, prey type and temperature
Authors: Temming A. , Bøhle B. , Skagen D. W. , Knudsen F. R.
Published: April 2005

Gastric evacuation experiments, performed with groups of Atlantic mackerel Scomber scombrus and three different prey species: sprat Sprattus sprattus, sandeel Ammodytes marinus and krill Meganectyphanes norwegicus, revealed a strong temperature effect on gastric evacuation (Q10=4.l) and a curvilinear evacuation with a shape intermediate between the square root and the exponential model. From the experiments with krill, where no internal tagging was possible, the medians and upper quartiles of the stomach content distributions were analysed instead of individual data. From these experiments the evacuation rate of krill was 60% higher than that of sandeel. An additional simulation study confirmed that the use of medians results in more accurate estimates of the evacuation rates when compared to the arithmetic means.
Peroxide‐triggered erythrocytes haemolysis as a model for the study of oxidative damage in marine fishes
Authors: Janssens B. J. , Le Gall R. , Rees J.‐F.
Published: April 2005

The haemolysis of sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax red blood cells (RBC) was initiated by tert‐butyl‐hydroperoxide (t‐BHP). The onset of the haemolytic process was accelerated by increasing t‐BHP concentration. This process was preceded by a drop in the RBC glutathione content followed by the production of lipid peroxidation products. Also t‐BHP induced DNA fragmentation in RBC nuclei as measured by COMET assay. The addition of the antioxidant Trolox C® dose‐dependently delayed the onset of both lipid peroxidation and haemolysis, and protected GSH stores against t‐BHP‐induced depletion. DNA fragmentation was also pre‐vented by Trolox C®. These results indicate that t‐BHP induces haemolysis in sea bass RBC through the induction of oxidative stress. Such a simple model could prove useful for both fundamental and applied studies on marine fish antioxidant mechanisms.
Morphology and fine structure of the heart of the burbot, a cold stenothermal fish
Authors: Tiitu V. , Vornamen M.
Published: April 2005

The ventricle of the burbot Lota lota heart comprised 0·148 ± 0·006% of the body mass which is nearly two‐fold heavier than the relative ventricular mass (MV) of other similarly sized teleosts. The shape of the ventricle is pyramidal and the wall is exclusively composed of spongious muscle without a distinct compact layer. The atrium forms 0·017 ± 0·002% of the body mass. Length, width, sarcolemmal surface area and volume of enzymatically isolated myocytes from burbot ventricle were 147·2 ± 10·2 μm, 6·3 ± 0·4 μm, 2440·8 · 251·5 μm2 and 2356·8 ± 316·6 μm3, respectively. The myofibrils were peripherally located and their volume density was remarkably high: 65 ± 2 and 68 ± 3% in ventricle and atrium, respectively (P>0·05). Although not particularly conspicuous, some nonjunctional and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was present in both atrial and ventricular myocytes. The SR formed peripheral couplings with the sarcolemma and the junctional clefts were frequently occupied by foot processes. These findings suggest that cold‐adaptation is achieved by cardiac enlargement, high volume density of myofibrils and well‐developed peripheral couplings in the SR in the heart of stenothermal burbot.
Alternative male mating tactics in Gobius niger
Authors: Mazzoldi C. , Rasotto M. B.
Published: April 2005

In the field, parental males of the black goby Gobius niger were always >9 cm LT, showed a conspicuous elongation of the first dorsal fin, and were darkly coloured. Larger parental males did not occupy larger nests or obtain more eggs, suggesting that over a threshold size reproductive success was not correlated with male size. The mating system was polygynous with different egg clutches simultaneously present in a nest. Smaller sexually mature males were observed around and inside nests in which spawning was occurring. These opportunistic males ranged in body size between 6 to 8 cm LT. In contrast to parental males, they did not show an exaggeration of the first dorsal fin and were cryptically coloured, thus resembling small females in their external morphology. Aquarium experiments confirmed that smaller males perform a sneaking behaviour, releasing sperm when parental males spawn. As a consequence, it is possible to define three male types: type I are small, without an elongated dorsal fin and adopt a sneaking mating tactic; type III are large, have a pronounced elongation of the dorsal fin and perform parental behaviour; type II are intermediate both in size and elongation of the first dorsal fin and behave as either as sneakers or, possibly, as parental males according to nest availability and male competition.
Male traits associated with alternative reproductive tactics in Gobius niger
Authors: Rasotto M. B. , Mazzoldi C.
Published: April 2005

Male black goby Gobius niger, adopting parental or sneaking tactics, differed in secondary sex traits (elongation of the 4th ray of the first dorsal fin and black nuptial colouration) thus allowing the classification of wild‐caught males. Parental males were larger and older than sneaker males, suggesting that the mating tactic is an expression of an ontogenetic gradient. Males adopting alternative tactics differed also in primary sex traits, including their testes and their two pairs of accessory structures: the seminal vesicles and mesorchial glands. Sneaker males had a higher investment in testes, while parental males showed larger seminal vesicles and more developed mesorchial glands. Histological analyses also showed that seminal vesicles from parental males presented some functional differences from those of sneakers. In the former these organs were devoted solely to mucin secretion, while in the latter they stored sperm and had a lower activity of secretion. Seminal vesicle features influenced ejaculate (sperm trail) characteristics and performance. Parental male trails were richer in mucins, but poorer in sperm than trails deposited by sneakers. As a consequence, while sneakers produced trails that released a large amount of immediately active sperm, trails laid by parental males released less sperm more constantly over a long time.
Parasites, male‐male competition and female mate choice in the sand goby
Authors: Barber I.
Published: April 2005

Male sand goby Pomatoschistus minutus dominance in competition over nest sites was associated with higher body condition but not with the intensity of infection with any individual parasite of six different species, nor with an overall index combining relative levels of infection by all parasites. Body condition was not related to the intensity of infection with any individual parasite nor with the index of total relative parasite load. In trials in which females spawned, they showed a tendency to choose dominant over subordinate males as mates, but did not consistently choose less parasitized males. Variation in the relative size of the dorsal fins of males was detected, and this related to numbers of the ectoparasitic monogenean Gyrodactylus sp., suggesting that at least some infections have phenotypic effects that could allow females to detect and avoid the most heavily infected males.
Diel variations in carbonate incorporation into otoliths in goldfish
Authors: Tohse H. , Mugiya Y.
Published: April 2005

When D‐[14C‐U]‐glucose was administered intraperitoneally into goldfish Carassius amatus at 20° C and 12L: 12D (dark period 1800–0600 hours) at 0600, 1200, 1800, 2400 and 0600 hours on the following day, glucose was metabolized to release 14CO2 and then it was incorporated into otoliths as carbonate. The rate of metabolic activity, judging from the ratio of inorganic to organic radiocarbon in plasma, was low during the dark period. Carbon incorporation into otoliths was also minimized during 1800–2400 h. When fish were exposed to ambient water containing NaH14CO3, plasma radioactivity was lowest during 1800–2400 hours, during which time carbon incorporation into otoliths was lowest. Plasma total CO2 levels markedly increased during the dark period. These results clearly indicate that carbonate formation in otoliths has a diel variation with a nadir lasting 6 h from 1800 to 2400 hours under the photoperiod used.
The three‐spined stickleback as an environmental sentinel: effects of stressors on whole‐body physiological indices
Authors: Pottinger T. G. , Carrick T. R. , Yeomans W. E.
Published: April 2005

Indicators of a generalized stress response (changes in cortisol, glucose, RNA: DNA ratio and total protein) when measured in whole‐body preparations of individual three‐spined sticklebacksGasterosteus aculeatusdisplayed significant alterations in response to acute (hours) and chronic (days) disturbances and food withdrawal. In addition, changes in alkali‐labile phosphorous, a specific biomarker of exposure to oestrogenic contaminants, could be detected in whole‐body preparations of oestrogen‐exposed three‐spined sticklebacks confirming that the measurement of biomarkers normally assessed in a specific tissue can be equally possible in whole fish.
Artificial dietary regime may impair subsequent foraging behaviour of hatchery‐reared turbot released into the natural environment
Authors: Ellis T. , Hughes R. N. , Howell B. R.
Published: April 2005

When offered a size range of shrimp Crangon crangon, fewer naïve reared turbot Scophthalmus maximus fed than did wild fish, and those that fed took smaller prey. Analysis of feeding behaviour indicated differences between wild and naïve reared fish in the motivation to feed on novel prey and in prey recognition and capture efficiency. Feeding efficiency and motivation increased with experience and reared fish achieved the feeding rate of wild fish within the 9 days of the experiment. The ‘creep’ style of approach to shrimp was innate to naïve reared turbot. A comparative feeding experiment confirmed that experienced reared fish ate more prey than naïve reared fish. Naïve reared turbot selected pellets and attacked stones preferentially to shrimp, in contrast to wild and experienced reared fish, which selected shrimp. Stones were attacked due to the memory of pellet‐like visual characteristics and this behaviour persisted in some reared fish for at least 6 weeks, illustrating a cost of memory in which changing environmental conditions cause previously learnt information to become misleading. The experimental data also demonstrated that differences may arise in the prey and feeding behaviour of wild and naïve reared fish, but that such differences diminish with experience.
Reproductive biology of Psammobatis extenta
Authors: Braccini J. M. , Chiaramonte G.E.
Published: April 2005

Psammobatis extenta collected from the commercial bottom trawl fishery operating in Puerto Quequén, Argentina, between 2000 and 2001, had a sex ratio of 1:1 (535 specimens). Both the largest male and female measured 313 mm total length (LT). The relationship between total body mass and LT was significantly different between sexes; mature females weighed more than mature males for a given LT. The size at which 50% of males were sexually mature was 262 mm LT (83·6% of the maximum size), whereas 50% of females were mature at 249 mm LT (80·0% of the maximum size). The gonadosomatic index in mature males and females was slightly higher during summer, but did not show significant variation over the sampling period. The hepatosomatic index of males and females was higher during the autumn and winter and followed a distinct seasonal pattern. Evidence suggested a continuous reproductive cycle during the year, with a maximum number of females carrying egg‐cases in summer.
First record of the paedomorphic goby Schindleria praematura, Easter Island, South Pacific
Authors: Landaeta M. F. , Veas R. , Castro L. R.
Published: April 2005

Thirty‐five larvae and adults of the paedomophic goby Schindleria praematura were collected around Easter Island, during November 1999. Mean abundance from the five stations where they were caught (n=26) was 10.2 ± 6.1 individuals 1000 m−3. They occurred only in shallow areas. Oocyte counts ranged from 70 to 110. Otolith examination suggests that adults appear to live no longer than 3 months.
Phylogenetic relationships within the genus Pimephales as inferred from ND4 and ND4L nucleotide sequences
Authors: Bielawski J. P. , Brault A. , Gold J. R.
Published: April 2005

In phylogenetic analyses, conducted on the ND4L gene and part of the ND4 gene from species of the genus Pimephales, maximum parsimony yielded four trees, with the strict consensus providing no resolution of relationships among species. Maximum likelihood and minimum evolution methods yielded identical tree topologies, which differed from previous hypotheses of relationships for these species. If this topology is correct, it implies independent evolution of morphological characters, possibly associated with convergent trophic specialization.
mtDNA sequence data supports an Asian ancestry and single introduction of the common carp into the Danube Basin
Authors: Froufe E. , Magyary I. , Lehoczky I. , Weiss S.
Published: April 2005

Common carp Cyprinus carpio (n=24) from the upper Danube (wild or feral forms, scaleless varieties) as well as Japanese koi shared the identical mtDNA haplotype (565 bp). In contrast, Amur River carp (n=5) exhibited unique haplotypes, 1–12 bp divergent from the Danubian one. These results support an Asian origin and single introduction or domestication event leading to the present diversity of common carp in Europe, as well as the ornamental Japanese koi.
Risk factors for coronary heart disease among inpatients who have mild intellectual disability and mental illness
Authors: Merriman S. , Haw C. , Kirk J. , Stubbs J.
Published: April 2005

Background  Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK. The aim of this study was to screen inpatients with mild or borderline intellectual disability, many of whom also have mental illness, for risk factors for CHD.

Methods  Cross sectional survey. Participants were interviewed, measured and had blood samples taken.

Results  Of the 53 participants, 20 (37.7%) were overweight and 18 (34.0%) obese. The mean body mass index (BMI) of those participants prescribed regular antipsychotics was higher than those who were not. Nine (20.9%) had waist circumference measurements placing them at increased risk of CHD and 21 (48.8%) were at substantially increased risk. Twenty‐eight (52.8%) were current smokers. Of the 49 participants who had their blood pressure measured, 3 (6.1%) had readings above the reference range. Of the 19 participants who had random blood tests, one (5.3%) had an elevated cholesterol level.

Conclusions  In this population there was a high prevalence of two risk factors for CHD (obesity and smoking), requiring ongoing monitoring and long‐term measures to reduce risk.
Expressive and receptive vocabulary in children with Williams and Down syndromes
Authors: Ypsilanti A. , Grouios G. , Alevriadou A. , Tsapkini K.
Published: April 2005

Background Williams (WS) and Down syndromes (DS) are two genetic disorders that involve intellectual disability (ID) and have been extensively studied over the past decades because of the unique linguistic profiles they exhibit. Recent investigations seek to explore the fractionation of linguistic components within the cognitive system using genetically based neurodevelopmental disorders such as WS and DS and to identify different profiles of linguistic function in these two groups of individuals.

Method The ‘expressive vocabulary’, ‘receptive vocabulary’, ‘word opposites’ and ‘word definitions’ subtests (Level 1) of the Test of Word Knowledge (TOWK) were used to assess lexical skills in six children with WS and five children with DS.

Results Our findings indicate that the two syndromes exhibit substantial differences on linguistic tasks with individuals with WS performing at a higher level compared to those with DS and producing atypical responses in word definitions. The pattern of errors for each syndrome is qualitatively different suggesting that their underlying linguistic mechanisms are distinctive even though ID is similar.

Conclusions This study supports the differential outcome of two chromosomal disorders with similar ID. It also argues in favour of the large within group variability of the two syndromes that is not related to mental age but rather to different underlying mechanisms supporting language. These findings are discussed in the light of the current evidence concerning linguistic knowledge of neurodevelopmental and genetic disorders.
Social skills in children with intellectual disabilities with and without autism
Authors: De Bildt A. , Serra M. , Luteijn E. , Kraijer D. , Sytema S. , Minderaa R.
Published: April 2005

Background  Social skills were studied in 363 children with mild intellectual disabilities (ID) and 147 with moderate ID with and without autism (age 4 through 18). The objective was to investigate the value of the Children's Social Behaviour Questionnaire (CSBQ), as a measure of subtle social skills, added to a measure of basic social skills with the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS), in identifying children with ID with or without autism.

Method  Children with mild and moderate ID, with and without autistic symptomatology were compared on basic social skills, measured with the Communication and Socialization domains of the VABS, and subtle social skills, measured with the CSBQ.

Results  Measuring basic social skills is not sufficient in differentiating between levels of ID. Communicative skills and subtle social skills, that concern overlooking activities or situations and fear of changes in the existing situation, seem to play a far greater role. Additionally, with respect to identifying autistic symptomatology, basic social skills do not contribute, as opposed to communicative skills and the tendency to withdraw from others.

Conclusions  The results implicate that the CSBQ not only has specific value as a measure of subtle social skills to identify pervasive developmental disorders, but that the instrument also has a specific contribution to differentiating between the two levels of ID. Furthermore, our outcomes imply a slight difference between limitations in subtle social skills as mentioned by the AAMR (American Association on Mental Retardation 2002) and limitations in subtle social skills as seen in milder forms of pervasive developmental disorders. Clinical and theoretical implications will be discussed.
Assessment of anger coping skills in individuals with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Willner P. , Brace N. , Phillips J.
Published: April 2005

Recent controlled studies have supported the effectiveness of anger management training for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). This report describes an evaluation instrument designed to assess their usage of specific anger coping skills. The Profile of Anger Coping Skills (PACS) is designed for completion by a staff member or carer. Three situations are first elicited in which a client frequently displays anger. The respondent then rates each situation for the extent to which the client deploys each of eight behavioural and cognitive coping skills. In a preliminary reliability study, 20 users of a day service for people with IDs were rated independently by two staff members, with one of them completing the assessment on two separate occasions: the PACS showed good test–retest reliability and lower, but still acceptable, interrater reliability. The PACS was subsequently used, in a different day service, as part of the assessment pack administered before and after a 12‐week anger management group, with a parallel assessment of an untreated control group. The treated group showed substantial decreases in measures of anger, which were maintained at 6‐month follow‐up. Increases in PACS‐rated anger coping skills were also seen in all participants in the anger management group, but not in the control group. There were differences in the extent to which different coping skills were acquired by the treated group, and there were also individual differences in the profile of specific skills acquired. It is concluded that the PACS is a reliable instrument for assessing anger coping skills, particularly when used repeatedly with the same informant. It provides information that is useful for both individual care planning and the design of future anger management programmes.
Person Focused Training: a model for delivering positive behavioural supports to people with challenging behaviours
Authors: McClean B. , Dench C. , Grey I. , Shanahan S. , Fitzsimons E. , Hendler J. , Corrigan M.
Published: April 2005

Background  Person Focused Training is introduced as a model of service delivery for people with severe challenging behaviours. It is defined as training and supporting staff to conduct functional assessments and to design and implement positive behavioural support for specific individuals with challenging behaviours.

Method  Longitudinal outcome data are presented from 138 behaviour support plans developed by staff over a seven year period were analysed to determine reductions in frequency of challenging behaviours. Degree of behaviour change was determined across topography of behaviour, gender, age, level of disability, location of residence and role of course participant.

Results  Results indicate that the implementation by staff of behaviour support plans are associated with significant improvement in 77% of cases at an average follow‐up of 22 months after implementation of support plans. Only location of residence was identified as related to reduction in challenging behaviours with large residential centres being associated with lower rates of behavioural improvement.

Conclusions  It is argued that Person Focused training may represent an alternative to existing models of supporting individuals with challenging behaviours. The implications of front‐line staff designing and implementing behaviour support plans for the organisation of services and the role of the clinical psychologist are considered.
A measure of subjective burden for dementia care: the Caregiving Difficulty Scale – Intellectual Disability
Authors: McCallion P. , McCarron M. , Force L. T.
Published: April 2005

Background  It has been suggested in the literature on family caregiving for persons with Alzheimer's dementia (AD) that levels of objective and subjective burden among carers often predict institutionalization of the persons with AD. There is a paucity of measures to assess whether perceived burden among formal caregivers may also predict movement to more restrictive settings for persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) and AD. This study focused upon the development of a measure of subjective burden, The Caregiving Difficulty Scale – Intellectual Disability (CDS‐ID) as a first step in addressing this measurement deficit.

Methods  An existing caregiver subjective burden scale, the Caregiving Hassles Scale (CHS) was adapted for use with 203 staff caregivers of persons with ID and AD. Preliminary testing of existing CHS items and proposed new items was carried out in two countries, Ireland and the USA. Confirmatory factor analysis with the existing items and exploratory factor analysis with existing and proposed new items for the scale was used to establish the content and test the psychometric properties of a revised scale, the CDS‐ID

Results  On the existing CHS items, staff carers appeared to experience greater subjective burden than has been reported for family caregivers. However, the psychometric properties of the CHS found with this population were poor. Factor analysis produced a revised scale, the CDS‐ID with three subscales with Cronbach alphas ranging from 0.75 to 0.93 and 38 items overall.

Conclusions  This new scale when used with objective burden and other scales offers an opportunity to more systematically measure the difficulties staff experience when caring for persons with ID who present with symptoms of AD.
Theory of mind deficits in children with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Cornish K. , Burack J. A. , Rahman A. , Munir F. , Russo N. , Grant C.
Published: April 2005

Background  Given the consistent findings of theory of mind deficits in children with autism, it would be extremely beneficial to examine the profile of theory of mind abilities in other clinical groups such as fragile X syndrome (FXS) and Down syndrome (DS).

Aim  The aim of the present study was to assess whether boys with FXS are impaired in simple social situations that require them to understand their own and others’ mental states – in essence: do they have a ‘theory of mind’?

Method  Well‐standardized tasks of theory of mind, the location change false belief task and the appearance–reality tasks were employed to examine whether any impairment might be specific to the FXS or part of a more generalized developmental deficit.

Results  The results suggest that children with FXS do have impairment in theory of mind that is comparable to the deficit reported in other groups with learning disabilities such as DS. However, closer inspection of the impairment between these groups revealed qualitative differences in error types (realist vs. phenomenist), suggestive of atypical development that goes beyond general cognitive delay.

Conclusion  The findings are discussed in terms of the teasing apart of different components of social cognition in order to identify syndrome‐specific deficiencies and proficiencies.
Reflection on SARS precautions in a severe intellectual disabilities hospital in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong S. Y. , Lim W. W. C. , Que T. L. , Au D. M. Y.
Published: April 2005

Background  Hong Kong went through a battle with a new respiratory disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), from March to June 2003. All clinical settings, including rehabilitative and infirmary setting, have actively involved in fighting against the infection. The intent of this paper was to reflect on the SARS precautionary measures that had been taken in a severe intellectual disabilities hospital in Hong Kong.

Methods  A review on six SARS precautionary measures were conducted. They were assessment of risk, formulation of operational guidelines, implementation of infection control measures, education and training of staff, conducting audits and carrying out environmental improvement work.

Results  Patients were at risk of getting infected from carers, visitors, volunteers, and staff and patients of general hospitals. A SARS Quarantine Unit, isolation ward, was opened to isolate patients who might have had close contact with SARS patients during a stay in a general hospital or when they returned from home leave. Undoubtedly, both staff and relatives participated in preventing the patients from being infected. No day leave and home leave was reported and the number of hospitalization in general hospital was decreased during the critical period. Three infection control audits were conducted and improvement work was carried out subsequently.

Conclusion  The practice of grouping within a standard isolation room is recommended to continue in the future. Moreover, intensive infection control training for all staff is of highest importance to safeguard the health of both staff and patient.
Resistance index in benign prostatic hyperplasia using power doppler imaging and clinical outcomes after transurethral vaporization of the prostate
Authors: TSURU NOBUO , KURITA YUTAKA , SUZUKI KAZUO , FUJITA KIMIO
Published: April 2005

Abstract  Background:  Using power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS), we investigate the change of resistance index (RI) before and after transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients.

Methods:  In all, 49 patients underwent transrectal PDUS before receiving TUVP, three were excluded because of cancer and three could not be followed up. The remaining 43 were enrolled in the present study. Patients were assessed before and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, giving a mean duration of follow‐up of 9.1 months. International prostate symptom scores (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) scores, postvoiding residual urine volumes (PVR) and maximum urinary flow rates (Qmax) were evaluated and total prostatic volume (TPV) and RI were measured using PDUS.

Results:  Resistance index ranged from 0.64 to 0.91. The postoperative parameters except for RI, such as TPV, PVR, IPSS and QOL scores improved significantly at the follow‐up assessment after surgery. The elevated RI decreased significantly 1, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Resistance index significantly decreased after TUVP and IPSS and other urodymamics parameters improved.

Conclusions:  The present study suggested that RI could evaluate the severity of BPH and the degree of intraprostatic pressure or bladder outlet obstruction.
The long‐term voiding function and sexual function after pelvic nerve‐sparing radical surgery for rectal cancer
Authors: AMEDA KANAME , KAKIZAKI HIDEHIRO , KOYANAGI TOMOHIKO , HIRAKAWA KAZUSHI , KUSUMI TAKAYA , HOSOKAWA MASAO
Published: April 2005

Abstract  Background:  The aim of the present study is to symptomatically analyze the extent to which pelvic nerve‐sparing radical surgery for rectal cancer impacts on long‐term voiding and male sexual function.

Methods:  A self‐administered questionnaire was mailed to 68 patients who underwent pelvic nerve‐sparing radical surgery for invasive rectal cancer with 52 responses (28 men and 24 women; 27 complete and 25 incomplete preservation; response rate 76.5%). Each patient was asked to record if there had been any changes in lower urinary tract symptoms after surgery. Sexual function was also investigated in men.

Results:  Of the 52 patients, 48 (92%) maintained voluntary voiding without catheterization in the long term. Clean intermittent self‐catheterization was performed in only four patients with incomplete preservation because of persistent voiding dysfunction. Subjectively, approximately 60% of the patients remained unchanged in lower urinary tract symptoms after surgery. The satisfaction rate regarding the current voiding status was significantly higher in women than in men (83% versus 61%, P = 0.0294), but was not significantly different between those with complete (76%) and incomplete preservation (64%). Despite the acceptable urinary status, 88% of men had some deterioration in the erectile function, regardless of the types of surgical procedures. Overall, 64% of men were unsatisfied with the current sexual function.

Conclusions:  Pelvic nerve‐sparing radical surgery for rectal cancer preserved the long‐term voiding function in the majority of patients. In completely preserved patients and in women, symptomatic outcomes were more satisfactory. Postoperative erectile dysfunction was found to be a serious problem, even in complete nerve‐sparing procedure.