bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidural clonidine, bupivacaine and methadone as the sole analgesic agent after thoracotomy for lung resection*
Authors: Matot Idit , Drenger Benjamin , Weissman Charles , Shauli Aharona , Gozal Yaacov
Published: August 2004

Thoracic epidural analgesia can effectively relieve post‐thoracotomy pain but may also adversely affect pulmonary function. This randomised, prospective study compared the effects on pulmonary function of three different epidural analgesics (clonidine, bupivacaine and methadone). Forty‐seven patients undergoing thoracotomy were treated postoperatively for 72 h with one of the study drugs. Doses were titrated to maintain visual analogue pain scale values below 4 out of 10. Throughout the postoperative period, reductions of up to 70% of the pre‐operative value were observed in forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rate. Patients who received clonidine showed significantly faster recovery rates of forced expiratory variables compared to other patients, and by the third postoperative day significantly higher spirometry values (10–15%) were recorded in this group. As clonidine was the most effective drug in terms of preservation of pre‐operative lung function, it may be clinically advantageous in post‐thoracotomy patients.
Left lateral vs. supine, wedged position for development of block after combined spinal‐epidural anaesthesia for Caesarean section*
Authors: Lewis N. L. , Ritchie E. L. , Downer J. P. , Nel M. R.
Published: August 2004

This prospective, randomised controlled trial compared a spinal block developing in the left lateral position (LL), after siting a combined spinal‐epidural for Caesarean section with the woman sitting – using intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine and fentanyl – with a block developing in the supine, wedged position (SW). The median (IQR) block onset times for loss of cold sensation to T4 bilaterally for LL and SW women were 15 (13–19) and 12 (10.8–14) min, respectively (p = 0.004). Unilateral blocks did not occur in the left lateral group. There were no other significant differences between groups, except the median [range] 1‐min Apgar scores, which were 9 [8–10] and 9 [6–9] in the LL and SW groups, respectively (p = 0.04). In summary, the LL position is associated with a relatively slower block onset, but produces a spinal block with similar characteristics to that obtained in the SW position.
Accidental tenfold overdose of propofol in a 6‐month old infant undergoing elective craniosynostosis repair*
Authors: Patermann B. , Buzello S. , Dück M. , Paul M. , Kampe S.
Published: August 2004

We report a 6‐month‐old male infant undergoing elective craniosynostosis repair who accidentally received a tenfold dose of propofol over a 4‐h operative period. Myocardial dysfunction was observed after nearly 3 h of infusion; this could not solely be explained by the propofol overdose.
A randomised controlled trial of paediatric conscious sedation for dental treatment using intravenous midazolam combined with inhaled nitrous oxide or nitrous oxide/sevoflurane
Authors: Averley P. A. , Girdler N. M. , Bond S. , Steen N. , Steele J.
Published: August 2004

Failure of dental treatment due to anxiety is a common problem in children. The aim of this study was to establish whether the use of a combination of intravenous midazolam with inhalation agents (nitrous oxide alone or in combination with sevoflurane) was any more likely to result in successful completion of treatment than midazolam alone. A further aim was to evaluate the clinical viability of these techniques as an alternative to general anaesthesia. In total, 697 children too anxious for management with relative analgesia and requiring invasive dental procedure for which a general anaesthetic would usually be required, were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups given the following interventions: group 1 – a combination of inhaled medical air and titrated intravenous midazolam, group 2 – a combination of inhaled 40% nitrous oxide in oxygen and titrated intravenous midazolam, and group 3 – a combination of an inhaled mixture of sevoflurane 0.3% and nitrous oxide 40% in oxygen with titrated intravenous midazolam. The primary outcome measure was successful completion of the intended dental treatment with a co‐operative child responsive to verbal commands. In group 1, 54% (94/174 children) successfully completed treatment. In group 2, 80% (204/256 children) and in group 3, 93% (249/267 children) completed treatment. This difference was significant at the 1% level. Intravenous midazolam, especially in combination with inhaled nitrous oxide or sevoflurane and nitrous oxide, are effective techniques, with the combination of midazolam and sevoflurane the one most likely to result in successful treatment.
Expression, by functional proteomics, of spontaneous tolerance in rat orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Pan Tai‐Long , Wang Pei‐Wen , Huang Chao‐Chen , Goto Shigeru , Chen Chao‐Long
Published: August 2004

Orthotopic liver transplants (OLT) performed in certain combinations of donor and recipient rat strains, such as DA (RT1a) to PVG (RT1c), without immunosuppressive drugs could completely overcome major histocompatibility complex barriers. Although other organs transplanted in a similar fashion within the same combination have been promptly rejected, 60 day post‐OLT serum (POD 60) has been proven competent in rapidly reversing the established rejection in animal models. In order to understand the functional role of tolerogenic serum proteins and their involvement with immune response regulation, a comprehensive analysis surveying global changes in complex OLT systems by proteomic techniques was applied. The results display the varying protein expressions in sera extracted from naïve and transplanted animals on POD 60 with regard to immunosuppression. Among these proteins, haptoglobin (Hp) which is related to inhibition of T‐cell proliferation was found to be up‐regulated following OLT. In addition, the transcriptional expression level and intracellular localization of Hp correlated with the immune events. Hp also exhibited a strong in vitro immunosuppressive effect on the mixed lymphocyte reaction. In conclusion, the presence of Hp may play an important role in modulating the spontaneous tolerance of liver transplantation. Furthermore, the serum proteome map could provide guidance with respect to discovering potential protein targets in OLT tolerance and eventually prolong hepatic allograft survival in the future.
Allergen‐independent immunostimulatory sequence oligodeoxynucleotide therapy attenuates experimental allergic rhinitis
Authors: Rhee Chae‐Seo , Libet Lev , Chisholm Dugald , Takabayashi Kenji , Baird Stephen , Bigby Timothy D. , Lee Chul Hee , Horner Anthony A. , Raz Eyal
Published: August 2004

While effective for the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms, currently available medications do not reverse allergen specific hypersensitivities. Therefore, pharmacotherapeutics are not curative and their daily use is often required for years. These investigations were conducted to determine whether immunostimulatory sequence oligodeoxynucleotide (ISS‐ODN) delivery protects previously sensitized mice from AR hypersensitivity responses and modulates their allergen specific immune profiles. Mice were first sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and alum, twenty‐four hr before beginning a series of seven daily intranasal (i.n.) allergen challenges, subsets of mice received a single i.n. or intradermal (i.d.) dose of ISS‐ODN or control oligodeoxynucleotide (C‐ODN), a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of dexamethasone (DXM), or no intervention. Mice receiving i.d. or i.n. ISS‐ODN were found to have attenuated immediate and late phase effector cell responses to i.n. OVA challenge. Specifically, ISS‐ODN treated mice had less histamine and cysteinyl leukotriene release and eosinophilic inflammation in their nasal passages than mice treated with C‐ODN. In addition, splenocytes from ISS‐ODN but not C‐ODN treated mice displayed attenuated OVA‐specific interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 but increased interferon‐γ responses. Finally, ISS‐ODN was generally a more effective treatment than DXM, both in blunting AR hypersensitivity responses and in shifting T helper 2 Th2‐biased immune parameters towards Th1 dominance. As ISS‐ODN delivery rapidly attenuated effector cell responses in this AR model in an allergen independent manner, the present results suggest that therapy with ISS‐ODN alone may be an effective alternative to corticosteroid medications for the clinical management of AR.
Immune regulatory effect of pHSP65 DNA therapy in pulmonary tuberculosis: activation of CD8+ cells, interferon‐γ recovery and reduction of lung injury
Authors: Bonato V. L. D. , Gonçalves E. D. C. , Soares E. G. , Júnior R. R. Santos , Sartori A. , Coelho‐Castelo A. A. M. , Silva C. L.
Published: August 2004

A DNA vaccine based on the heat‐shock protein 65 Mycobacterium leprae gene (pHSP65) presented a prophylactic and therapeutic effect in an experimental model of tuberculosis. In this paper, we addressed the question of which protective mechanisms are activated in Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐infected mice after immune therapy with pHSP65. We evaluated activation of the cellular immune response in the lungs of infected mice 30 days after infection (initiation of immune therapy) and in those of uninfected mice. After 70 days (end of immune therapy), the immune responses of infected untreated mice, infected pHSP65‐treated mice and infected pCDNA3‐treated mice were also evaluated. Our results show that the most significant effect of pHSP65 was the stimulation of CD8+ lung cell activation, interferon‐γ recovery and reduction of lung injury. There was also partial restoration of the production of tumour necrosis factor‐α. Treatment with pcDNA3 vector also induced an immune stimulatory effect. However, only infected pHSP65‐treated mice were able to produce significant levels of interferon‐γ and to restrict the growth of bacilli.
Enhancement of the synthetic ligand‐mediated function of liver NK1.1Ag+ T cells in mice by interleukin‐12 pretreatment
Authors: Habu Yoshiko , Uchida Takefumi , Inui Takuo , Nakashima Hiroyuki , Fukasawa Masashi , Seki Shuhji
Published: August 2004

We previously reported that mouse NK1.1 Ag+ T (NKT) cells activated by interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) act as anti‐tumour/anti‐metastatic effectors. However, IL‐12 reportedly induces a rapid disappearance of liver NKT cells by activation‐induced apoptosis. In the present study, however, we show that injection of IL‐12 into mice merely down‐regulates the NK1.1 expression of liver NKT cells and Vβ8+ intermediate T‐cell receptor cells and CD1d/α‐galactosylceramide (α‐GalCer)‐tetramer reactive cells in the liver remained and did not decrease. Furthermore, when IL‐12‐pretreated (24 hr before) mice were injected with α‐GalCer, not only serum interferon‐γ but also serum IL‐4 concentrations increased several‐fold in comparison to the control α‐GalCer‐injected mice. However, IL‐12 pretreatment markedly up‐regulated serum ALT levels and Fas‐ligand expression on NKT cells after α‐GalCer injection in middle‐aged mice only. Consistently, the liver mononuclear cells (MNC) from IL‐12‐pretreated mice stimulated with α‐GalCer in vitro produced much greater amounts of interferon‐γ and IL‐4, and also showed a more potent cytotoxicity against tumour targets than those from mice pretreated with phosphate‐buffered saline. Liver MNC from middle‐aged mice, but not from young mice pretreated with IL‐12, also showed increased cytotoxicity following in vitroα‐GalCer stimulation against cultured hepatocytes. Furthermore, IL‐12 treatment of middle‐aged mice enhanced tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 mRNA expression in liver Vβ8+ T cells, and in vitro experiments also revealed that IL‐12 pretreatment of liver MNC from middle‐aged mice enhanced their tumour necrosis factor‐α production after α‐GalCer stimulation. Synthetic ligand‐mediated functions of NKT cells, including IL‐4 production, are thus enhanced by IL‐12 pretreatment.
Lipid‐associated membrane proteins of Mycoplasma fermentans and M. penetrans activate human immunodeficiency virus long‐terminal repeats through Toll‐like receptors
Authors: Shimizu Takashi , Kida Yutaka , Kuwano Koichi
Published: August 2004

Mycoplasmas are known to enhance human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication, and mycoplasma‐derived lipid extracts have been reported to activate nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) through Toll‐like receptors (TLRs). In this study, we examined the involvement of TLRs in the activation of HIV long‐terminal repeats (LTR) by mycoplasma and their active components responsible for the TLR activation. Lipid‐associated membrane proteins (LAMPs) from two species of mycoplasma (Mycoplasma fermentans and M. penetrans) that are associated with acquired immune‐deficiency syndrome (AIDS), were found to activate HIV LTRs in a human monocytic cell line, THP‐1. NF‐κB deletion from the LTR resulted in inhibition of the activation. The LTR activation by M. fermentans LAMPs was inhibited by a dominant negative (DN) construct of TLR1 and TLR6, whereas HIV LTR activation by M. penetrans LAMPs was inhibited by DN TLR1, but not by DN TLR6. These results indicate that the activation of HIV LTRs by M. fermentans and M. penetrans LAMPs is dependent on NF‐κB, and that the activation of HIV LTR by M. fermentans LAMPs is mediated through TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6. In contrast, the LTR activation by M. penetrans LAMPs is carried out through TLR1 and TLR2, but not TLR6. Subsequently, the active component of M. penetrans and M. fermentans LAMPs was purified by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Interestingly, the purified lipoprotein of M. penetrans LAMPs (LPMp) was able to activate NF‐κB through TLR1 and TLR2. On the other hand, the activation of NF‐κB by purified lipoprotein of M. fermentans LAMPs (LPMf) was mediated through TLR2 and TLR6, but not TLR1.
Differential cytokine mRNA expression in heterophils isolated from Salmonella‐resistant and ‐susceptible chickens
Authors: Swaggerty Christina L. , Kogut Michael H. , Ferro Pamela J. , Rothwell Lisa , Pevzner Igal Y. , Kaiser Pete
Published: August 2004

We recently showed that increased in vitro heterophil functional efficiency translates to increased in vivo resistance to a systemic Salmonella enteritidis (SE) infection utilizing a parental pair of broiler chickens (lines A and B) and the F1 reciprocal crosses (C and D). Heterophils produce cytokines and modulate acute protection against Salmonella in young poultry. Therefore, we hypothesize that heterophils from SE‐resistant chickens (A and D) have the ability to produce an up‐regulated pro‐inflammatory cytokine response compared to that of heterophils from SE‐susceptible chickens (B and C). In this study, heterophils were isolated from day‐old chickens and treated with either RPMI‐1640 (as the control), or phagocytic agonists (SE, or SE opsonized with either normal chicken serum or immune serum against SE) and cytokine mRNA expression assessed using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Heterophils from SE‐resistant chickens (A and D) had significantly higher levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokine (interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐18) mRNA expression upon treatment with all agonists compared to heterophils from SE‐susceptible lines (B and C). Further, heterophils from SE‐resistant chickens had significantly decreased mRNA expression levels of transforming growth factor‐β4, an anti‐inflammatory cytokine, when compared to heterophils from SE‐susceptible chickens. These data indicate cytokine gene expression in heterophils may be a useful parameter in determining resistance to Salmonella, as indicated by our previous in vivo SE studies. Therefore, heterophil functional efficiency and cytokine production may be useful biomarkers for poultry breeders to consider when developing new immunocompetent lines of birds.
Mutant forms of tumour necrosis factor receptor I that occur in TNF‐receptor‐associated periodic syndrome retain signalling functions but show abnormal behaviour
Authors: Todd Ian , Radford Paul M. , Draper‐Morgan Kelly‐Ann , McIntosh Richard , Bainbridge Susan , Dickinson Peter , Jamhawi Lama , Sansaridis Marios , Huggins Mary L. , Tighe Patrick J. , Powell Richard J.
Published: August 2004

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐receptor‐associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disorder involving autosomal‐dominant missense mutations in TNF receptor superfamily 1A (TNFRSF1A) ectodomains. To elucidate the molecular effects of TRAPS‐related mutations, we transfected HEK‐293 cells to produce lines stably expressing high levels of either wild‐type (WT) or single mutant recombinant forms of TNFRSF1A. Mutants with single amino acid substitutions in the first cysteine‐rich domain (CRD1) were produced both as full‐length receptor proteins and as truncated forms lacking the cytoplasmic signalling domain (Δsig). High‐level expression of either WT or mutant full‐length TNFRSF1A spontaneously induced apoptosis and interleukin‐8 production, indicating that the mutations in CRD1 did not abrogate signalling. Consistent with this, WT and mutant full‐length TNFRSF1A formed cytoplasmic aggregates that co‐localized with ubiquitin and chaperones, and with the signal transducer TRADD, but not with the inhibitor, silencer of death domain (SODD). Furthermore, as expected, WT and mutant Δsig forms of TNFRSF1A did not induce apoptosis or interleukin‐8 production. However, whereas the WT full‐length TNFRSF1A was expressed both in the cytoplasm and on the cell surface, the mutant receptors showed strong cytoplasmic expression but reduced cell‐surface expression. The WT and mutant Δsig forms of TNFRSF1A were all expressed at the cell surface, but a proportion of the mutant receptors were also retained in the cytoplasm and co‐localized with BiP. Furthermore, the mutant forms of surface‐expressed Δsig TNFRSF1A were defective in binding TNF‐α. We conclude that TRAPS‐related CRD1 mutants of TNFRSF1A possess signalling properties associated with the cytoplasmic death domain, but other behavioural features of the mutant receptors are abnormal, including intracellular trafficking and TNF binding.
Engagement of the CD137 (4‐1BB) costimulatory molecule inhibits and reverses the autoimmune process in collagen‐induced arthritis and establishes lasting disease resistance
Authors: Foell Juergen L. , Diez‐Mendiondo Belkis I. , Diez Oliver H. , Holzer Ursula , Ruck Peter , Bapat Abhijit S. , Hoffmann Michael K. , Mittler Robert S. , Dannecker Guenther E.
Published: August 2004

Agonistic antibodies against CD137 act as costimulators in the activation of CD8 T cells. They enhance the immune response against syngeneic tumour grafts and suppress T cell‐dependent humoral immune responses in vivo. The present study was undertaken to determine whether suppression of antibody production by anti‐CD137 mAb affects the development of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). Male DBA/1J mice were immunized with bovine collagen II (CII) and treated with an agonistic anti‐CD137 mAb or an isotype‐matched control mAb. Mice were assessed regularly for macro‐ and microscopic signs of arthritis and for the appearance of collagen‐specific antibody production. Interferon (IFN)‐γ determination, FACS analysis of splenocytes and histopathological joint examinations were performed after the animals were killed. Administration of anti‐CD137 mAb at the time of collagen immunization blocked the development of disease and inhibited the humoral immune response against CII. Agonistic anti‐CD137 mAb exhibited therapeutic efficacy even after the immune response to CII had succeeded and the disease became apparent. Furthermore, it induced a protective memory in the animals, enabling resistance to subsequent challenges with the pathogenic antigen. Our results suggest a key role for CD137 in the pathogenesis of CIA. This model provides insights into immunoregulatory conditions that control the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
The macrophage and the apoptotic cell: an innate immune interaction viewed simplistically?
Authors: Gregory Christopher D. , Devitt Andrew
Published: August 2004

Macrophages play important roles in the clearance of dying and dead cells. Typically, and perhaps simplistically, they are viewed as the professional phagocytes of apoptotic cells. Clearance by macrophages of cells undergoing apoptosis is a non‐phlogistic phenomenon which is often associated with actively anti‐inflammatory phagocyte responses. By contrast, macrophage responses to necrotic cells, including secondarily necrotic cells derived from uncleared apoptotic cells, are perceived as proinflammatory. Indeed, persistence of apoptotic cells as a result of defective apoptotic‐cell clearance has been found to be associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Here we review the mechanisms by which macrophages interact with, and respond to, apoptotic cells. We suggest that macrophages are especially important in clearing cells at sites of histologically visible, high‐rate apoptosis and that, otherwise, apoptotic cells are removed largely by non‐macrophage neighbours. We challenge the view that necrotic cells, including persistent apoptotic cells are, of necessity, proinflammatory and immunostimulatory and suggest that, under appropriate circumstances, persistent apoptotic cells can provide a prolonged anti‐inflammatory stimulus.
Bigfoot: a new family of MITE elements characterized from theMedicagogenus
Authors: Charrier Bénédicte , Foucher Fabrice , Kondorosi Eva , D’Aubenton‐Carafa Yves , Thermes Claude , Kondorosi Adam , Ratet Pascal
Published: August 2004

We have characterized from the legume plant Medicagoa new family of miniature inverted‐repeat transposable elements (MITE), called the Bigfoot transposable elements. Two of these insertion elements are present only in a single allele of two different M. sativagenes. Using a PCR strategy we have isolated 19 other Bigfoot elements from the M. sativa and M. truncatula genomes. They differ from the previously characterized MITEs by their sequence, a target site of 9 bp and a partially clustered genomic distribution. In addition, we show that they exhibit a significantly stable secondary structure. These elements may represent up to 0.1% of the genome of the outcrossing Medicago sativa but are present at a reduced copy number in the genome of the autogamous M. truncatula plant, revealing major differences in the genome organization of these two plants.
Genetic architecture of population differences in oviposition behaviour of the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Fox C. W. , Stillwell R. C. , Amarillo-S A. R. , Czesak M. E. , Messina F. J.
Published: August 2004

Few studies have examined the genetic architecture of population differences in behaviour and its implications for population differentiation and adaptation. Even fewer have examined whether differences in genetic architecture depend on the environment in which organisms are reared or tested. We examined the genetic basis of differences in oviposition preference and egg dispersion between Asian (SI) and African (BF) populations of the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. We reared and tested females on each of two host legumes (cowpea and mung bean). The two populations differed in mean oviposition preference (BF females preferred cowpea seeds more strongly than did SI females) and egg dispersion (SI females distributed eggs more uniformly among seeds than did BF females). Observations of hybrid and backcross individuals indicated that only the population difference in oviposition preference could be explained by complete additivity, whereas substantial dominance and epistasis contributed to the differences in egg dispersion. Both rearing host and test host affected the relative magnitude of population differences in egg dispersion and the composite genetic effects. Our results thus demonstrate that the relative influence of epistasis and dominance on the behaviour of hybrids depends on the behaviour measured and that different aspects of insect oviposition are under different genetic control. In addition, the observed effect of rearing host and oviposition host on the relative importance of dominance and epistasis indicates that the genetic basis of population differences depends on the environment in which genes are expressed.
Genetic assimilation can occur in the absence of selection for the assimilating phenotype, suggesting a role for the canalization heuristic
Authors: Masel J.
Published: August 2004

Genetic assimilation occurs when an acquired trait loses dependency on its environmental trigger and becomes an inherited trait. According to the standard quantitative genetic model for genetic assimilation, the trait is determined by the contributions of multiple genes. Trait expression occurs at a lower threshold with the trigger. Selection for the trait in the presence of the trigger increases the frequency of the trait-determining alleles. Eventually these alleles become frequent enough to breach the higher threshold for expression in the absence of the trigger. This loss of dependence on the trigger signifies genetic assimilation. Here I show that genetic assimilation can occur in the absence of selection for the trait in an evolutionary simulation of a gene network model. This contradicts the prediction of the standard quantitative genetic model, but is consistent with an explanation in terms of the canalization heuristic.
Carotenoid-based bill colour as an indicator of immunocompetence and sperm performance in male mallards
Authors: Peters A. , Denk A. G. , Delhey K. , Kempenaers B.
Published: August 2004

Female mate choice is often based on exaggerated sexual traits, signals of male qualities that females cannot assess directly. Two such key qualities are male immune and/or sexual competence, whereby honesty in signalling could be maintained by physiological trade-offs. Carotenoid-based ornaments likely constitute such honest signals, as there is direct competition for (limited) carotenoids between ornament deposition and anti-oxidant support of immune or sperm functioning. Using spectrometry, we assessed the potential signalling function of the yellow, carotenoid-based colour of the bill of male mallards, a target of female mate choice. Here we demonstrate that bill reflectance varied with plasma carotenoid level, indicating antioxidant reserves. Moreover, lower relative UV reflectance during autumn pairing predicted immune responsiveness and correlated positively with sperm velocity during breeding, a trait that affects fertility. Our data provide support for current theories that females could use carotenoid-based sexual signals to detect immune vigour and fertilizing ability of prospective mates.
Regional variation in the spatial scale of selection at MPI* and GPI* in the acorn barnacle Semibalanus balanoides (Crustacea)
Authors: Véliz D. , Bourget E. , Bernatchez L.
Published: August 2004

Elucidating the ecological processes by which adaptive genetic polymorphism is maintained in heterogeneous environments requires knowledge on the spatial scale at which alternate habitats affect genotype-specific fitness. The general objective of this study was to document patterns of temporal and spatial variation of genetic polymorphism in the acorn barnacle (Semibalanus balanoides) at MPI* and GPI* allozyme loci. A total of 7261 barnacles were sampled in the intertidal at various locations north and south of the Miramichi estuary, New Brunswick, Canada. The results of this study supported the hypothesis that both MPI* and GPI* are under the effect of strong directional selection south of the Miramichi, whereas neutrality cannot be ruled out at sampling sites located north of the estuary. Comparisons between this study and previous ones also question the generality of current hypotheses regarding ecological processes that are responsible for maintaining polymorphism at MPI* and GPI* in the acorn barnacle.
Stabilizing natural selection on the early expression of a secondary sexual trait in a passerine bird
Authors: Gregoire A. , Preault M. , Cezilly F. , Wood M. J. , Pradel R. , Faivre B.
Published: August 2004

Natural selection is a central tenet of evolutionary theory, yet the estimation of the direction and intensity of selection remains problematic. Here, we assess the strength of selection on the early expression of a secondary sexual ornament, bill colour, in male European blackbirds (Turdus merula) using 5 years of capture-mark-recapture (CMR) data. The best-fitting model consisted of a quadratic relationship between survival rate and bill colour, indicating stabilizing natural selection on the early expression of a secondary sexual trait. There was no evidence for sexual selection acting on bill colour in the first year. We suggest that the consideration of early selection and the adoption of refined statistical methods may reveal patterns of selection in the wild that have, as yet, remained undetected.
Genotypic vs. condition effects on parasite-driven rare advantage
Authors: Dybdahl M. F. , Krist A. C.
Published: August 2004

Models and empirical studies of coevolution assume host resistance and parasite infectivity are genetically based. However, nongenetic physiological or environmental influences could alter host susceptibility even when the relationship is genetically based. In this experiment we examined the influence of host genotype, host condition at the time of infection (age and reproductive status), and their interaction on resistance of the freshwater snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum) to its dominant trematode parasite (Microphallus sp.). We used a laboratory infection experiment of a clonal snail population to determine the susceptibility of juveniles, brooding adult females, and nonbrooding adult females. We found a significant effect of both life-history state and clonal genotype on the prevalence of infection. However, the relative susceptibility of different clonal genotypes was not altered by condition; genotypes that were rare in the natural population were less infected than those that were common for each life-history state. These results suggest that although host condition affects susceptibility, it does not disrupt the specificity of the match between parasites and common clonal genotypes. Hence these findings support the Red Queen hypothesis for the maintenance of sex under genetically based host–parasite interactions.
Differential rates of morphological divergence in birds
Authors: Bokma F.
Published: August 2004

There are more small-bodied bird species than there are large-bodied, even on a logarithmic scale. In birds this pattern, which is also found in other higher taxa, appears not to be due to neutral evolution. It has often been suggested that the skew of body size frequency distributions is the result of a relationship between body size and the net rate of speciation, but phylogenetic analyses so far have rejected the hypothesis that small-bodied species are subject to higher net rates of speciation. On the contrary, we show that there exists a relationship between body size and its own evolutionary variability: avian families of small body size show less interspecific variation in body size than large-bodied families of similar age and species richness.
Angular pregnancy
Authors: Tarim Ebru , Ulusan Serife , Kilicdag Esra , Yildirim Tulin , Bagis Tayfun , Kuscu Esra
Published: August 2004

Angular pregnancy, a type of cornual pregnancy, is a rare obstetric complication that can be life‐threatening. In this situation, the embryo is implanted in the lateral angle of the uterine cavity, medial to the uterotubal junction and round ligament. Angular pregnancy must be distinguished from interstitial pregnancy, in which the embryo is implanted lateral to the round ligament. The report presented here describes a case of angular pregnancy that was diagnosed by endovaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Laparoscopy can be useful for guiding dilatation and curettage in angular pregnancies, and may circumvent the need for invasive surgery or hysterectomy.
Ovarian thecoma associated in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Okada Ikuko , Nakagawa Shoko , Takemura Yuriko , Takenobu Takashi , Matsuoka Tatsunari , Mandai Hiroyuki , Takemura Tadashi
Published: August 2004

Ovarian thecoma is a relatively rare tumor which occurs before and after menopause. It is extremely rare that pregnancy is complicated with thecoma. Diagnosis of ovarian tumors during pregnancy is highly problematic due to difficulties in obtaining clinical manifestations, and treatment of these tumors poses an even greater challenge. Our patient was found to have estrogen‐producing thecoma accompanied by accumulation of ascites in an early phase of pregnancy. The patient underwent abdominal surgery to remove the tumor on the 13th week of gestation. This resulted in disappearance of the ascites and a favorable clinical course. Diagnosis and treatment of ovarian thecoma occurring during pregnancy are discussed with relevant references.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection and correlation with cervical lesions in Japanese women
Authors: Ishi Kazuhisa , Suzuki Fujihiko , Yamasaki Shigetaka , Suto Hiroko , Kina Katsunari , Nojima Michio , Yoshida Koyo
Published: August 2004

Purpose:  To investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in patients attending a gynecologic outpatient department, and to correlate the infection status with the presence or absence of uterine cervical lesions and the grades assessed by cytological or histological examinations.

Methods:  Five hundred and seventy‐two subjects were studied. In all subjects, HPV detection by the hybrid capture method and a cervical cytological examination were performed

Results:  The HPV‐positive rate in subjects with normal cytology was 12.3%. The detection rate was high (21.7%) in subjects aged in the twenties and low in the forties, and HPV was not detected in subjects aged in the sixties and seventies. When HPV‐positive rates were examined according to cytological or histological grades, the rates were higher in subjects with abnormal cytology (P < 0.01) or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or squamous cell carcinoma compared with those with normal cytology.

Conclusion:  Diagnosis of HPV infection is also important for the prediction of progression to CIN and cervical cancer.
Accuracy of frozen section in the diagnosis of malignant ovarian tumor
Authors: Boriboonhirunsarn Dittakarn , Sermboon Athita
Published: August 2004

Aim:  To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section for histopathologic diagnosis of ovarian tumors.

Methods:  A total of 147 surgically removed ovarian tumors were studied. Each ovarian tumor sample was evaluated for histopathologic diagnosis using both frozen and paraffin sections. Interpretation was separate and blinded between each technique. Accuracy, diagnostic values and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by comparing the results from both techniques, using paraffin section as a gold standard.

Results:  Overall accuracy of frozen section was 89.8% (95% CI 83.4–94.0). Sensitivity was 90.4% (95% CI 78.2–96.4) for malignant, 33.3% (95% CI 6.0–75.9) for borderline, and 93.3% (95% CI 85.4–97.2) for benign tumors. The predictive value was 100% (95% CI 90.6–100) for malignant, 20% (95% CI 3.5–55.8) for borderline, and 92.2% (95% CI 84.1–96.5) for benign tumors. Most false negatives occurred in mucinous and borderline tumors. No benign tumor was misdiagnosed as malignant by frozen section. Accuracy and negative predictive value were significantly lower in epithelial rather than germ and other cell types. Excellent agreement with regard to histologic cell type was observed (Kappa 0.81).

Conclusion:  Frozen section appears to be an accurate technique for the histopathologic diagnosis of ovarian tumors. Some limitations were observed among borderline and mucinous tumors; this emphasizes the great value of frozen section in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors.
Cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles
Authors: Jee Byung Chul , Ku Seung Yup , Suh Chang Suk , Choi Young Min , Kim Jung Gu , Moon Shin Yong , Kim Seok Hyun
Published: August 2004

Aim:  We investigated the cumulative probability of ongoing pregnancy in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.

Methods:  During a period of 6 years, 519 ICSI cycles were performed in 260 infertile couples at the Seoul National University Hospital. The cumulative rate of ongoing pregnancy (≥12 weeks of gestation) was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:  The cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate was 54.9% after six consecutive cycles of ICSI. The age of the female had a significant impact; after five consecutive cycles, cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate was 61.8% in ≤30 years of age, 51.7% in 31–35, and 15.3% in ≥36. There was no significant difference in the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate between groups with severe male factor and previous unexplained low fertilization rate (≤20%). Among the severe male factor group, cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate was not different according to the methods of sperm retrieval (surgically retrieved or ejaculated).

Conclusion:  Intracytoplasmic sperm injection could be applied successfully both to severe male factor and patients with previous unexplained low fertilization rate. The origin of spermatozoa does not affect ICSI outcome in terms of cumulative probability of ongoing pregnancy.
Strategies to increase folate/folic acid intake in women: an overview
Authors: Buttriss J.
Published: August 2004

Summary  Supplementation with folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) and may also be associated with other health benefits in relation to cancer and vascular disease. There is strong support around the world for public health policies that encourage increased folic acid intake by women of childbearing age, especially daily intake of supplemental folic acid, to reduce the incidence of NTDs. Campaigns promoting the use of folic acid supplements are useful but many women remain unaware and many pregnancies are unplanned. They have therefore had a limited impact in the primary target group, namely women around the time of conception and in the early weeks of pregnancy. Studies suggest that only about 30% of women aged 18–45 years use folic acid periconceptionally, and among younger, less educated and poorer women, use is even less. It is estimated that the majority of women who take folic acid don’t start until they know they are pregnant, and so miss the critical window (first 12 weeks) for the prevention of NTDs. It is therefore important that routes other than supplementation are considered. A European Union‐funded programme of work, ‘Folate: from food to functionality and optimal health’ (FolateFuncHealth, QLRT1‐1999‐00576 & QLRT‐2001‐2740), has contributed to this work and the findings were presented at a conference in Warsaw in 2004.
The European Nutrigenomics Organisation – linking genomics, nutrition and health research
Authors: Astley S. B. , Elliott R. M.
Published: August 2004

Summary  We are exposed to a complex mixture of food compounds in the womb and eat a composite mixture of foods throughout life. Our taste changes as we grow and mature, and we become influenced by external factors such as holidays and advertising by the food industry. Intricate biochemical processes extract energy and other useful components, enabling us to grow and live and keep our bodies and minds functioning effectively. There are, however, many food compounds that have biological effects within our bodies, and diet and disease are intimately associated. To address the fractured nature of nutrigenomic research, leading centres in nutritional research from across Europe have put together a Network of Excellence, the European Nutrigenomics Organisation (NuGO): linking genomics, nutrition and health research. Led by Dr Ben van Ommen of the Dutch Centre for Human Nutrigenomics, NuGO has been awarded €17.3 million over a period of 6 years. The project has been over a year in preparation and currently has 22 partners from 10 EU member states.
Change in nutrient intake between adolescence and adulthood: a 21‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Craigie A. M. , Mathers J. C. , Rugg‐Gunn A. J. , Adamson A. J.
Published: August 2004

Summary The period between adolescence and adulthood is a time of great change, mentally, physically and socially. Such changes can have a profound impact on nutrient intake. Yet whilst some short‐term studies have attempted to assess dietary change during adolescence, few have considered how diet changes over the longer term, spanning the transition between adolescence and adulthood. This article describes the findings of the first British study to assess the change in macronutrient and micronutrient intake from early adolescence into adulthood. The study sample comprised 202 participants of a dietary survey carried out on Northumberland 12 years olds in 1979–80 who were followed up at 33 years old. At both time‐points dietary intake was measured using two 3‐day food diaries with follow‐up interviews to record estimated portion size. The most notable findings were that between 12 and 33 years old, for both males and females, % food energy intakes of fat, total sugars and carbohydrate had fallen and protein intakes had risen, whilst absolute intakes of unavailable carbohydrate and all micronutrients considered (vitamin C, iron, calcium, vitamin D), with the exception of retinol equivalents, had increased. These changes in intake were generally consistent in direction between males and females. In conclusion, nutrient intake undergoes considerable change between adolescence and adulthood and, in most respects, this is in a direction in line with dietary recommendations. This does not imply that efforts should not be made to improve childhood and adolescent diet given the importance of diet on health in adolescence and later in life and evidence that dietary intake is, to some extent, established at an early age.
The use of very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids to ameliorate metabolic syndrome: transgenic plants as an alternative sustainable source to fish oils
Authors: Graham I. A. , Cirpus P. , Rein D. , Napier J. A.
Published: August 2004

Summary  Awareness of the increased prevalence of heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes has resulted in research being focused on simple and robust approaches to their prevention. One rationale for dealing with these potentially major public health problems is via a better understanding of the contribution of diet to progression towards these diseased states. As a response to these concerns, major research efforts in this area have been funded under the auspices of the European Union. In particular, studies are aimed at providing the scientific basis for improving health through diet, with a focus on understanding how polyunsaturated fish oils can be a positive (i.e. protective) component of diet against metabolic syndrome (the descriptor for progression towards diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes). This review will consider the health implications of the rise in metabolic syndrome, as well as new approaches to the provision of beneficial polyunsaturated oils.
The impact of fortified foods on total dietary consumption in Europe
Authors: Godfrey D. , Tennant D. , Davidson J.
Published: August 2004

Summary  Foods can have nutrients added to restore those lost during preparation, to allow for substitution by different foods (for example the low level fortification of table margarine with vitamins A and D to replace these vitamins which are normally in butter but not in unfortified margarine), or to provide enriched foods. The objective of this study was to estimate the proportion of the total food consumed that is fortified in selected European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK). The data on per capita consumption of 44 food and drink categories was collated from commercial sources and surveys in France and the UK. The percentage of each food category which is fortified has been estimated. Data indicate that overall about 75% of food and drink consumed in European diets is rarely or never fortified. Fortified foods rarely contribute more than 3% of the total diet on a per capita basis, an exception being in countries where it is mandatory to fortify staple food (e.g. as in the case of flour in the UK). High level consumers of fortified foods are unlikely to obtain more than 10% of their diet in a fortified form.
From ‘Rogue’ to ‘Failed’ States? The Fallacy of Short-termism
Authors: Bilgin Pinar , Morton Adam David
Published: August 2004

This article deals with the growing policymaking interest in the condition of ‘failed states’ and the calls for increased intervention as a means of coping with international terrorism. It starts by highlighting the inordinate attention initially granted to the threat posed by ‘rogue states’ to the neglect of ‘failed states’. Generally, it is argued that the prevalence of such notions has to be related to a persistence of Cold War discourse on statehood that revolves around binary oppositions of ‘failed’ versus ‘successful’ states. Specifically, the purveyors of this discourse are practitioners who focus on the supposed symptoms of state failure (international terrorism) rather than the conditions that permit such failure to occur. Here, an alternative approach to ‘state failure’ is advocated that is more cognisant of the realms of political economy and security constraining and enabling developing states and appreciative of different processes of state formation and modes of social organisation.
Knowledge and Acknowledgement: ‘Epistemic Injustice’ as a Problem of Recognition
Authors: McConkey Jane
Published: August 2004

‘Epistemic injustice’ concerns the process of credibility conferral upon knowledge claimants. The contention is that individuals belonging to marginalised or underprivileged groups may suffer from a lack of credibility when they deserve to be counted as credible knowers. Although this may appear to be a problem confined to epistemology, it also resonates with debates in justice theory over questions of ‘recognition’. This is demonstrated by linking epistemic injustice to cultural forms of oppression, in this case ‘cultural imperialism’.
Commercialisation or Citizenship?
Authors: Prabhakar Rajiv
Published: August 2004

In a recent pamphlet for the Fabian Society, Colin Crouch criticises the use of commercial techniques such as choice within public services. He does this because he says that commercialisation undermines citizenship. In this article, I question Crouch's claim by arguing that careful use of some commercial methods, in particular choice, might actually promote the sort of participative citizenship that he endorses. This discussion has a bearing on an important set of contemporary policy debates.
Associative Obligation and Law's Authority
Authors: Utz Stephen
Published: August 2004

Abstract.  Most attempts to explicate the authority of law dismiss the possible analogy of such authority with the less pretentious authority of parents, professional bodies, academic faculties, and other similar groups. This article explores that analogy, drawing on discussions of related themes by Ronald Dworkin and others. If agents are sometimes bound without their consent by such limited authority, the authority of law, though broader, may have similar features. Law's claim to peremptory obedience would fail, but the more modest account could still satisfy some long recognized desiderata.
Civil Disobedience and Test Cases
Authors: Falcón y Tella María José
Published: August 2004

Abstract.  This paper aims to approach the subject of civil disobedience from the triple perspective of the ethical, the legal, and the political. The novelty of our focus resides in the priority given to the legal aspect of civil disobedience, especially to the possible legal justification of civil disobedience, a perspective that is generally overlooked in analysing the phenomenon. This is where the Achilles heel is to be found, though it may provide unexploited insights into the issue from which significant conclusions can be drawn.