bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active foreland deformation evidenced by shallow folds and faults affecting late Quaternary shelf–slope deposits (Adriatic Sea, Italy)
Authors: Ridente Domenico , Trincardi Fabio
Published: May 2006

A succession of depositional sequences, recording middle‐late Pleistocene and Holocene glacial–interglacial cycles, documents the impact of short‐term tectonic deformation on the western Adriatic margin. The western Adriatic margin is part of the Apennine foreland which was intensely, though variably, deformed during the Meso‐Cenozoic evolution of the Adriatic region from a passive margin to a foreland basin. The study area extends offshore Gargano Promontory, an uplifted sector of the Adriatic foreland, and includes three major deformation belts located along or cross‐strike to the margin: (1) the NW‐SE Gallignani‐Pelagosa ridge, (2) the WSW‐ENE Tremiti‐Pianosa high (both located north of Gargano) and (3) the W‐E to NW‐SE Gondola fault deformation belt (in the south Adriatic). Long‐term deformation along these tectonic lineaments is documented on conventional low‐frequency seismic profiles by regional folds and faults affecting Eocene–Miocene units overlain by dominantly draping Plio‐Quaternary deposits. At this scale of observation, only north of Gargano Promontory there is some evidence of Plio‐Quaternary units thinning against structural highs, thus suggesting that tectonic deformation was protracted through this interval. Based on new high‐resolution seismic data, we show that deformation along these pre‐existing tectonic structures continued during the Quaternary, affecting middle‐late Pleistocene and even Holocene units on the shelf and upper slope north and south of Gargano Promontory. These recent deformations consist of gentle folds and high‐angle faults, locally producing topographic relief that affects the stratigraphy and thickness of syn‐tectonic deposits. We interpret the small‐scale, shallow faults and gentle folds affecting middle‐late Pleistocene and Holocene deposits, north and south Gargano Promontory, as the evidence of ongoing foreland deformation along inherited regional fold and fault systems.
Benthic and pelagic food resources for zooplankton in shallow high‐latitude lakes and ponds
Authors: RAUTIO MILLA , VINCENT WARWICK F.
Published: May 2006

1. Shallow lakes and ponds are a major component of the northern landscape and often contain a high zooplankton biomass despite clear waters that are poor in phytoplankton.

2. In this study we quantified zooplankton food sources and feeding rates in the shallow waters of two contrasting high‐latitude biomes: subarctic forest tundra (Kuujjuarapik, Quebec) and high arctic polar desert (Resolute, Nunavut). Five substrate types were tested (beads, bacteria, picophytoplankton, filamentous plankton and microbial mats). Special attention was given to the role of benthos, a component that is usually poorly integrated into models of aquatic foodwebs.

3. Consistent with observations elsewhere in the circumpolar region, high concentrations of adult macrozooplankton occurred in all sites (up to 17 100 crustaceans m−3) while phytoplankton concentrations and primary productivity were low. The communities were composed of multiple species, including Daphnia middendorfiana, Hesperodiaptomus arcticus, Leptodiaptomus minutus, Artemiopsis stefanssoni and Branchinecta paludosa.

4. Detritus made 89–98% of the planktonic resource pool and bacteria contributed the highest biomass (up to 29 mg C m−3) of the planktonic food particles available to zooplankton. Benthic resources were dominated by microbial mats that grew in nutrient‐rich conditions at the base of the ponds and which dominated overall ecosystem biomass and productivity.

5. All species were flexible in their feeding but there were large, order of magnitude differences in clearance rates among taxa. These differences likely resulted from different grazing strategies among cladocerans, copepods and fairy shrimps, and possibly also from adaptation to specific food types and size ranges that occur locally in these waters.

6. The subarctic cladocerans Ceriodaphnia quadrangula and D. middendorfiana, and the arctic fairy shrimp B. paludosa were observed to graze directly on the microbial mats and the feeding experiments confirmed their assimilation of benthic substrates. The other zooplankton species showed a more pelagic feeding mode but were capable of using microbial mat filaments, thus may be indirectly linked to benthic processes via resuspension.

7. Our study indicates that the classical aquatic food web in which phytoplankton provide the sole production base for grazers does not apply to northern shallow lakes and ponds. Instead, microbial mats increase the physical complexity of these high latitude ecosystems and likely play a role in sustaining their high zooplankton biomass.
Bactericidal effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on some endodontic pathogens ex vivo
Authors: Bergmans L. , Moisiadis P. , Teughels W. , Van Meerbeek B. , Quirynen M. , Lambrechts P.
Published: May 2006

Aim  To define the role of neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers in root canal disinfection along with a minimally invasive treatment concept.

Methodology  The hypothesis was tested ex vivo that Nd:YAG laser irradiation has a bactericidal effect on endodontic pathogens inoculated in root canals. Resultant colony‐forming unit counts were associated with observations of bacterial cell structural changes using conventional scanning electron microscopy (CSEM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) on inoculated dentine surfaces, following indirect and direct Nd:YAG laser irradiation, respectively.

Results  The Nd:YAG laser irradiation (1.5 W, 15 Hz, four times for 5 s) of Enterococcus faecalis inoculated canals resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test) of the bacterial load, meaning a 99.7% kill, but no sterilization. The CSEM procedure verified that the extent of radiation damage was in line with the total amount of laser energy applied. After 2 h of incubation and three cycles of indirect laser treatment (i.e. through a 1‐mm‐thick dentine disc), no morphologically intact bacteria of Actinomyces naeslundii or Streptococcus anginosus were discernible. However, when micro‐colonies of S. anginosus and specially biofilms of E. faecalis were present after 2 days, the in situ experiment using ESEM and direct laser treatment showed that bacterial eradication was reduced in deep layers.

Conclusions  The Nd:YAG laser irradiation is not an alternative but a possible supplement to existing protocols for canal disinfection as the properties of laser light may allow a bactericidal effect beyond 1 mm of dentine. Endodontic pathogens that grow as biofilms, however, are difficult to eradicate even upon direct laser exposure.
Deformation and fracture of RaCe and K3 endodontic instruments according to the number of uses
Authors: Troian C. H. , Só M. V. R. , Figueiredo J. A. P. , Oliveira E. P. M.
Published: May 2006

Aim  To evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy, the deformation and fracture of NiTi RaCe and K3 size 25, 0.04 taper instruments.

Methodology  Ten sets of instruments from RaCe and K3 NiTi rotary systems were used to prepare 100 simulated canals in epoxy resin blocks with 20 or 40 degree curvatures beginning 8 or 12 mm from the orifice. Each instrument set was used to prepare five simulated canals using a crowndown technique. The size 25, 0.04 taper instruments were analysed by SEM when new and again after each use. Three observers scored images of the instruments after each use for distortion of the spirals (no distortion, distortion of one spiral or distortion of more than one spiral), wear (no wear, small, moderate or severe wear) and fracture (yes or no). Two‐way anova was used to analyse differences between instruments for distortion and wear; Fisher's exact test looked for differences related to fracture of instruments.

Results  No fractures occurred with K3 instruments, whereas six RaCe instruments fractured (P = 0.005). A statistically significant difference occurred between RaCe and K3 instruments in terms of distortion of spirals and surface wear (P < 0.001). Distortion of spirals and wear increased with progressive use of RaCe instruments, whereas K3 instruments remained relatively undamaged after their fifth use. The simulated canals with smaller radii of curvature were positively associated with fracture of RaCe instruments.

Conclusions  A significant difference was found between RaCe and K3 in terms of deformation and fracture of size 25, 0.04 taper instruments; K3 instruments had more favourable results.
Women's attitudes to hormone replacement therapy in the aftermath of the Women's Health Initiative study
Authors: Sveinsdóttir Herdís , Ólafsson Ragnar F.
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted in 2004 on the determinants of attitudes towards hormone replacement therapy in the aftermath of the report on the findings of the Women's Health Initiative study.

Background.  The unexpected findings of the Women's Health Initiative study, published in July 2002, showed that the risk of using combined hormones exceeded their benefits. This complicated women's decision‐making about hormone use and made it important to study the determinants of their attitudes to hormone therapy, as these are likely to influence their behaviour.

Methods.  A cross‐sectional design was conducted with a sample of 561 women drawn from the National Registry of Iceland. A self‐administered questionnaire, measuring attitudes towards hormone replacement therapy, attitudes towards menopause, extent and source of menopausal education, symptom experience, health and lifestyle and knowledge about the findings of the Women's Health Initiative, was used. The overall response rate was 56%. Attitudes to hormone replacement therapy were compared using anova, t‐tests and correlations.

Results.  Participants generally had positive attitudes. Knowledge about the Women's Health Initiative study was not associated with more negative attitudes. However, receiving the information from and discussing it with a doctor were associated with more positive attitudes. Positive attitudes towards hormone therapy were also associated with higher age, time since last menstrual period and current use of hormone replacement therapy. Negative attitudes were associated with use of natural remedies and receiving information from or discussing hormone therapy with family or friends.

Conclusion.  Research is needed to identify the dynamics of the medical interview, and the nature of input from friends, spouse and other family members. The content of these messages may be different and conflicting, for example, between doctors and family members. The nature of this conflict and conflicts of interests need to be identified in order to inform women's decision‐making. In addition, action needs to be taken in order to strengthen the advisory role of nurses.
Treatment advice in primary care: a comparative study of nurse practitioners and general practitioners
Authors: Seale Clive , Anderson Elizabeth , Kinnersley Paul
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study comparing the content of talk about treatments by nurse practitioners and general practitioners in order to understand how this might be related to satisfaction.

Background.  Studies show that satisfaction with nurse practitioner care is high when compared with that given by general practitioners. Clinical outcomes are similar. Nurse practitioners spend statistically significantly longer on consultations, and spend more time discussing treatments as well as social and emotional aspects of patients’ lives.

Methods.  Based on transcripts of audiotaped consultations, clinicians’ talk about treatment was compared across 18 matched pairs of nurse practitioner and general practitioner consultations where ‘same day’ appointments were sought. Case studies of six paired consultations were analysed in depth. The data were collected in 1998 in the United Kingdom.

Results.  A statistically significantly greater proportion of nurse practitioners’ talk concerned treatments, with talk about how to use treatments and discussion of side effects contributing most to the difference. Nurse practitioners also recommended a greater number of treatments. Qualitative comparison of case study pairs suggested that nurse practitioners demonstrated greater concern with the acceptability and cost of treatments to patients.

Conclusions.  Nurses offered more holistic care to these patients and it is likely that this, and the greater provision of information, led to the higher levels of satisfaction found by other investigators. General practitioners are more focused on gathering information directly relevant to diagnosing and treating the immediate presenting complaint. Both types of practitioner may benefit from seeing the detailed illustrations of different approaches provided.
Evidence‐based medicine and its role in ethical decision‐making
Authors: Borry Pascal , Schotsmans Paul , Dierickx Kris
Published: May 2006

The recent emergence of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) presents medical ethics with the challenge of analyzing what is the current best medical evidence in ethical decision making. This article concludes that the use of the best available, most recently published research findings is a primary moral obligation. However, this does not automatically mean that the use of these research findings will lead to better ethical decision making. Research data can be distorted by methodological failings in the design and reporting of experiments, or by technical and commercial bias. Moreover, the introduction of norms, values, principles and ethical theories can lead to other choices than those proposed by empirical research findings. Ethical decision making must be informed and legitimated by the best available medical research. Nevertheless, ethical decision making is still primarily a choice based on values and norms.
The limitations of ‘evidence‐based’ public health
Authors: Kemm John
Published: May 2006

This paper examines how the concept of the ‘evidence‐based’ approach has transferred from clinical medicine to public health and has been applied to health promotion and policy making. In policy making evidence has always been interpreted broadly to cover all types of reasoned enquiry and after some debate the same is now true for health promotion. Taking communities rather than individuals as the unit of intervention and the importance of context means that frequently randomized controlled trials are not appropriate for study of public health interventions. Further, the notion of a ‘best solution’ ignores the complexity of the decision making process. Evidence ‘enlightens’ policy makers shaping how policy problems are framed rather than providing the answer to any particular problem. There are lessons from the way that evidence‐based policy is being applied in public health that could usefully be taken back into medicine.
Evidence‐based clinical guidelines: a new system to better determine true strength of recommendation
Authors: Roddy Edward , Zhang Weiya , Doherty Michael , Arden Nigel K. , Barlow Julie , Birrell Fraser , Carr Alison , Chakravarty Kuntal , Dickson John , Hay Elaine , Hosie Gillian , Hurley Michael , Jordan Kelsey M. , McCarthy Christopher , McMurdo Marion , Mockett Simon , O’Reilly Sheila , Peat George , Pendleton Adrian , Richards Selwyn
Published: May 2006

Rationale, aims and objectives  Clinical practice guidelines often grade the ‘strength’ of their recommendations according to the robustness of the supporting research evidence. The existing methodology does not allow the strength of recommendation (SOR) to be upgraded for recommendations for which randomized controlled trials are impractical or unethical. The purpose of this study was to develop a new method of determining SOR, incorporating both research evidence and expert opinion.

Methods  A Delphi technique was employed to produce 10 recommendations for the role of exercise therapy in the management of osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. The SOR for each recommendation was determined by the traditional method, closely linked to the category of research evidence found on a systematic literature search, and on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Recommendations were grouped A‐D according to the traditional SOR allocated and the mean VAS calculated. Difference across the groups was assessed by one‐way anova variance analysis.

Results  Mean VAS scores for the traditional SOR groups A‐D and one proposition which was ‘not recommended’ showed significant linearity on one‐way anova. However, certain recommendations which, for practical reasons, could not assessed in randomized controlled trials and therefore could not be recommended strongly by the traditional methodology, were allocated a strong recommendation by VAS.

Conclusions  This new system of grading strength of SOR is less constrained than the traditional methodology and offers the advantage of allowing SOR for procedures which cannot be assessed in RCTs for practical or ethical reasons to be upgraded according to expert opinion.
Attitudes of genetic clinicians in Wales to the future development of cancer genetics services
Authors: Iredale Rachel , Elwyn Glyn , Edwards Adrian , Gray Jonathon
Published: May 2006

Rationale  Cancer genetics is one of the fastest‐growing areas of clinical genetics and it is imperative to identify how services should be organized and delivered in the future.

Methods  A qualitative study utilizing focus group methodology which explored the attitudes of clinicians working in the Medical Genetics Service for Wales to a number of possible models for future service delivery.

Results  There was no consensus for any particular model. Greater involvement of primary care practitioners is anticipated, but this requires investment in information, education and professional development initiatives. Self‐referrals were not encouraged, though the promotion of genetic literacy amongst the general population was supported, particularly in conjunction with pharmacists.

Conclusion  As demand for cancer genetics services continues to increase, some consensus about the future delivery of such services is necessary. Consultation with other stakeholder groups, especially primary care practitioners and patients, should also contribute to service planning.
Automated quantification of quantum‐dot‐labelled epidermal growth factor receptor internalization via multiscale image segmentation
Authors: KRIETE A. , PAPAZOGLOU E. , EDRISSI B. , PAIS H. , POURREZAEI K.
Published: May 2006

The ability to monitor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) internalization specifically, and cellular protein concentrations and activation states in general, has been recently improved by the use of appropriately functionalized quantum dots (QDs), as a result of the long‐lasting fluorescence, brightness and multicolour of these nanoparticles. However, important quantitative information about locational proteomics is based on the analysis of the properties of many cells and cell cultures on a per‐cell basis, rather than tracking individual events within one cell. Moreover, relative positional information is often gained from traditional staining protocols of distinct cellular compartments that are prone to noise, fading and low contrast. We apply a novel multiscale image segmentation based on region growing to classify automatically objects in fixed cell preparations and to define regional zones in all cells prior to QD concentration measures. This allows rapid quantitative description of EGFr internalization as it changes with incubation time. The capabilities realizable by simultaneous application of confocal imaging and functionalized QDs in conjunction with advanced image analysis are a prerequisite for automated and multiplexed cytomics assays.
Quantitative in situ assay of salicylic acid in tobacco leaves using a genetically modified biosensor strain of Acinetobacter sp. ADP1
Authors: Huang Wei E. , Huang Linfeng , Preston Gail M. , Naylor Martin , Carr John P. , Li Yanhong , Singer Andrew C. , Whiteley Andrew S. , Wang Hui
Published: May 2006

Salicylic acid (SA) plays important roles in plants, most notably in the induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) against pathogens. A non‐destructive in situ assay for SA would provide new insights into the functions of SA in SAR and other SA‐regulated phenomena. We assessed a genetically engineered strain of Acinetobacter sp. ADP1, which proportionally produces bioluminescence in response to salicylates including SA and methylsalicylate, as a reporter for salicylate accumulation in the apoplast of plant leaves. SA was measured quantitatively in situ in NN genotype tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Xanthi‐nc) leaves inoculated with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The biosensor revealed accumulation of apoplastic SA before the visible appearance of hypersensitive response (HR) lesions. When the biosensor was infiltrated into TMV‐inoculated leaves displaying HR lesions at 90 and 168 h post‐inoculation, salicylate accumulation was detected predominantly in tissues surrounding the lesions and in veins adjacent to HR lesions. These images are consistent with previous data demonstrating that SA accumulation occurs prior to and following the onset of visible HR lesions. We also used the biosensor to observe apoplastic SA accumulation in tobacco leaves inoculated with virulent and HR‐eliciting strains of the bacterial plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. The work demonstrates that the Acinetobacter sp. ADP1 biosensor is a useful new tool to non‐destructively assay salicylates in situ and to map their spatial distribution in plant tissues.
Sublingual immunotherapy: from biological extracts to recombinant allergens
Authors: Moingeon P.
Published: May 2006

Sublingual vaccines based on biological extracts from various natural allergen sources are effective in the treatment of respiratory allergies. These vaccines comprise a complex mixture of proteins and glycoproteins that require dedicated standardization procedures to ensure batch‐to‐batch consistency. Because of the lack of correlation between the potency of an allergen extract and the quantity of major allergen content, standardization is achieved predominantly by determining the global IgE binding capacity of the extract in vitro. New proteomic technologies can be used to further characterize the most abundant proteins present in an extract. Second‐generation sublingual vaccines based on recombinant allergens are under development. The aim is to produce molecularly defined vaccines that exhibit superior efficacy, while allowing for simplified immunization schedules. In this approach, recombinant DNA technology is used to express highly purified allergens in their native (i.e. wild‐type) conformation. The recombinant allergens are then formulated with ad hoc adjuvants and/or mucoadhesive galenic excipients so that they specifically target oral Langerhans cells and induce allergen‐specific regulatory T cells.
Sublingual immunotherapy: efficacy – methodology and outcome of clinical trials
Authors: Malling H.‐J.
Published: May 2006

Using Medline we identified 39 placebo‐controlled, double‐blind sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) studies providing symptom–medication score. These were retrospectively evaluated for evidence of clinical efficacy and quality of study presentation. Clinical efficacy was estimated according to statistical significance and graded as: unequivocal efficacy (statistically significant difference from placebo in both symptom and medication scores or the combined score), which was observed in 28% of studies, possible efficacy (significant improvement in either symptom or medication scores) seen in 33%, and no efficacy (no statistical difference between active treatment and the placebo group), as found in 38% of studies. Generally, studies were limited by the number of patients, showed a high frequency of withdrawals, a short duration of treatment, and insufficient data on randomization. The magnitude of efficacy additional to placebo treatment must be >20% in order to justify the treatment. This review concludes that future SLIT studies should be planned in accordance with international recommendations in order to be conclusive.
Sublingual immunotherapy in the treatment of adult allergic rhinitis patients
Authors: Canonica G. W. , Passalacqua G.
Published: May 2006

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) was accepted for clinical use by the medical community only 15 years after the first controlled trial published. The acceptance of SLIT has been driven by the evidence base of a large number of clinical trials confirming the efficacy and a recent meta‐analysis study. Although SLIT is self‐managed by the patient, this does not generate problems with compliance. The safety profile, assessed in clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance studies, is satisfactory with no reports of systemic adverse reactions. New data are available on the persisting, long‐lasting effect of SLIT and on the association with the prevention of asthma in paediatric patients. However, there is only indirect evidence for such persistence and duration of effect in adult patients. Key priorities for further investigation are the mechanisms of action, the efficacy in asthma, the cost/effectiveness and the identification of those patients who will achieve the maximum benefit with SLIT.
Sublingual immunotherapy in the treatment of children
Authors: Pham‐Thi N. , De Blic J. , Scheinmann P.
Published: May 2006

Children with controlled intermittent mild‐to‐moderate asthma, controlled rhinitis and a single sensitivity may be appropriate candidates for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Positive effects of SLIT may depend on initiation in early childhood and a long duration of treatment. To ensure optimum compliance, sociological, economic and familial factors should also be taken in to consideration when prescribing SLIT. Evidence from recent long‐term trials indicates that SLIT interfered with the atopic march and the allergic progression from rhinitis to asthma without any severe adverse side effects. Local immune response has been seen to be blunted with SLIT, which suggests that treatment has an immunomodulatory effect. In addition, it may also decrease the risk of new sensitizations. Ongoing developments in SLIT, particularly advances in dosing and new indications, such as food allergies, will increase the use of this treatment modality in children.
Molecular control of cold acclimation in trees
Authors: Welling Annikki , Palva E. Tapio
Published: May 2006

Frost tolerance is an acquired characteristic of plants that is induced in response to environmental cues preceding the onset of freezing temperatures and activation of a cold acclimation program. In addition to transient acclimation to low non‐freezing temperatures and enhancing survival to short frost episodes during the growth season, perennial woody plants need additionally to survive the cold winter months. Trees have evolved a complex dynamic process controlling the development of dormancy and freezing tolerance that secures accurate initiation and termination of the overwintering process. Although the phenology of overwintering has been known for decades, only recently has there been progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of dormancy and freezing tolerance development in perennial plants. Current molecular and genomic studies indicate that herbaceous annual and woody perennial plants share similar cold acclimation mechanisms. Both the signal processes controlling cold acclimation and the cold‐regulated target genes appear to be shared by herbaceous and woody plants. However, the dormancy development during overwintering brings new players in the molecular control of seasonal cold acclimation of woody perennials.
Resistance in introduced populations of a freshwater snail to native range parasites
Authors: Emblidge Fromme A. , Dybdahl M. F.
Published: May 2006

Introduced species provide an opportunity to examine responses to novel ecological conditions, in particular to the absence of co-evolved enemies. Introduced populations could evolve lower investment in resistance or could down-regulate their immune system as a plastic response to enemy absence. The response might have consequences for the success of introduced species. Assuming a trade-off between resistance and traits related to demographic success, an evolved change or reallocation from resistance could increase the chances of invasions. On the other hand, introduced populations could have increased resistance as a correlate of greater vigour and competitive ability among successful invaders [Sampling Bias hypothesis (SBH)]. These hypotheses make different predictions about investment in resistance in introduced populations. Using a New Zealand clonal snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum), we examined the resistance of three introduced genotypes (one from the US and two from Europe) to several populations of a native range parasite (Microphallus sp.). One genotype (Euro A) was resistant to all native range parasite populations, consistent with the SBH. However, two remaining genotypes (Euro C and US 1) were less susceptible to parasite populations that were allopatric to their source populations. Furthermore, resistance of one genotype (US 1) collected from the introduced range was indistinguishable from its resistance when collected from the range of the parasite. Hence, there was no evidence for decreased resistance in the absence of native enemies, which is inconsistent with hypotheses that envision reduced allocation to resistance or a trade-off between competitive ability and resistance.
Yield Responsiveness in Two‐ and Six‐Rowed Barley Grown in Contrasting Nitrogen Environments
Authors: Arisnabarreta S. , Miralles D. J.
Published: May 2006

Two‐ and six‐rowed barley with different intrinsic ability to produce tillers and kernels per ear, would differ in responsiveness to nitrogen availability with environmental improvements. Two field experiments were carried out to elucidate how nitrogen supply (N40 and N150) affects yield and its components in two‐ and six‐rowed barley. High nitrogen increased aboveground dry matter at anthesis, by improving cumulative solar radiation intercepted by the crop, determining an increased dry‐matter production at maturity without changes in harvest index. In both barley types, variations in grain yield were explained by changes in kernels per unit land area rather than by differences in the average kernel weight. However, changes in the number of kernels were due to variations in the number of ears per m2 in two‐rowed barley and the number of kernels per ear in six‐rowed barley. Ears per unit area showed a greater responsiveness in two‐ than in six‐rowed barley due to a higher nitrogen supply treatment, associated with their intrinsic higher tillering capacity, while the number of kernels per ear was more responsive in six‐ than in two‐rowed types. The fact that responses to nitrogen by the number of kernels per unit land area in two‐ and six‐rowed barley is better explained by different yield sub‐components, allows the speculation that the critical period for yield determination would differ between barley types.
Geographic variation in diapause induction and mode of diapause inheritance in Tetranychus pueraricola
Authors: Suwa Akiyuki , Gotoh Tetsuo
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Diapause induction and photoperiodic response curves were determined for 33 strains of Tetranychus pueraricola derived from kudzu vine at three constant temperatures (15, 18 and 20°C) under a short‐day condition (10 : 14 h; light : dark). Females of all but one of the strains entered diapause at all three temperatures with little variation in diapause percentages among the strains. The exception was the southernmost strain, which was found to be a non‐diapause (ND) strain. The critical photoperiod gradually decreased towards the south at a rate of about 1 h for each 5 degrees of latitude. The diapause strains (D1 and D2) exhibited 100% diapause, whereas the ND strain exhibited 0% diapause. By crossing these strains, we determined that ‘non‐diapause’ was a dominant character over ‘diapause’ and the character was controlled by simple Mendelian inheritance. To clarify why the female progeny from the crosses between the D1 and ND strains did not segregate into the diapause and non‐diapause phenotypes in a 1:1 ratio in the B1 generation, round‐robin crosses were carried out among the three strains. The results showed that the F1 generation was reproductively compatible and showed high egg hatchability with a female‐biased sex ratio. In the B1 generation, the crosses between the D1 and ND strains and between the D1 and D2 strains exhibited extremely low egg hatchability and produced mostly female progeny, whereas offspring from the crosses between the D2 and ND strains showed more than 50% hatchability for B1 eggs and a female‐biased sex ratio. Thus, the absence of segregation observed in the crosses between the D1 and ND strains appears to be due to the severe hybrid breakdown that occurred in the B1 generation.
Silkworm, Bombyx mori larvae expressed the spider silk protein through a novel Bac‐to‐Bac/BmNPV baculovirus
Authors: Miao Y.‐G. , Zhao A.‐C. , Zhang Y.‐S. , Nakagaki K. , Meng Y. , Zhao T.‐F. , Nakagaki M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  The silkworm has become an ideal multicellular eukaryotic model system for basic research. The major advantages of expressing foreign genes in silkworm larvae are the low cost of feeding, the extremely high levels of expression achievable compared with expression in cell lines and increased safety because the baculovirus is noninfectious to vertebrates. In this study, we used a recently developed Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) bacmid to express the spider flagelliform silk gene in silkworm larvae. The recombinant bacmid baculoviruses (rBacmid/BmNPV/Flag) were introduced into the first‐day larvae of the fifth instar by subcutaneous injection. The worms presented symptoms typical of NPV infection from 72 h after injection compared with control. The haemolymph was collected from the infected larvae 120 h post‐infection and the recombinant 6× His‐tagged Flag protein was purified by the Ni‐NTA spin kit under denaturing conditions with 8 m urea. A 37.0‐kDa protein was visualized both in rBacmid/BmNPV/Flag‐infected haemolymph and eluting fraction. The results showed that the Bac‐to‐Bac/BmNPV baculovirus expression system is an efficient tool to express the target gene in silkworm larvae, which takes only 7–10 days for generating recombinant baculovirus, compared with the traditional homologous recombination method, which needs at least 40 days for multiple rounds of purification and amplification of viruses.
Biology of Campoletis chlorideae (Uchida) (Hym., Ichneumonidae) developing in Bt‐treated, Bt‐resistant Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lep., Noctuidae) larvae
Authors: Zhang S.‐Y. , Xie B.‐Y. , Cui J. , Li D.‐M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Life history parameters in two generations of endoparasitoid Campoletis chlorideae (Uchida) were examined using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)‐resistant Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) larvae feeding on B. thuringiensis toxin Cry1Ac. In the laboratory, Bt toxin was fed to Bt‐resistant host larvae continuously in case of Bt treatment and only before or after the host larvae were parasitized in Bt–P and P–Bt treatments, respectively. C. chlorideae pupae developed faster in Bt treatment than non‐Bt treatment. The shortened pupal stage duration was mainly because of the feeding of host larvae on Bt‐diet before being parasitized. Body length of adult male C. chlorideae developed inside Bt‐treated Bt‐resistant (Bt–Bt) H. armigera larvae significantly decreased, especially in host larvae feeding on Bt‐diet after being parasitized. However, survival, pupal mortality and adult longevity of C. chlorideae were almost unaffected in Bt‐resistant H. armigera larvae feeding on Bt‐toxin. Furthermore, Bt‐treated host larvae had the same effect on the F1 progeny of C. chlorideae as the previous generation, and there was no significant difference between generations. This experiment suggests that there is very limited effect on the life history parameters in two generations of C. chlorideae parasitizing Bt–Bt H. armigera larvae. But both generations of C. chlorideae are affected when Bt‐resistant H. armigera larvae fed on Bt toxin for different durations.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy in nonalcoholic patients: Clinical and pathologic features of three cases and literature reviewed
Authors: Gui Qiu‐Ping , Zhao Wei‐Qin , Wang Lu‐Ning
Published: May 2006

Three cases of Wernicke’s encephalopathy in nonalcoholic patients diagnosed by postmortem examination were reported to improve the recognition of this disease. All three cases were male, ages ranged from 33 to 73 years old. All the cases had a clinical history of malnutrition but no history of chronic alcoholism. Routine autopsy and neuropathologic investigations examining the histological changes of the brain were performed. Pathological findings included recent petechial and local hemorrhages in the mamillary bodies, periventricular regions around the third and fourth ventricles and aqueduct. Under light microscopy the proliferation and dilatation of the capillaries was particularly prominent in the mamillary bodies and pericapillary hemorrhages were present in the periventricular regions. Neuronal losses were found only in the medial nucleus of the thalamus and inferior olive, myelin staining demonstrated demyelination and gliosis in those areas. The diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy was made. In combination with the reviewed literature, our cases suggest that Wernicke’s encephalopathy can occur not only in patients with alcohol abuse, but also in those who have suffered thiamine deficiency due to metabolic and nutritional disorders.
Papillary glioneuronal tumor: A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of two cases
Authors: Chen Li , Piao Yue‐Shan , Xu Qing‐Zhong , Yang Xiao‐Ping , Yang Hong , Lu De‐Hong
Published: May 2006

Papillary glioneuronal tumor (PGNT) has recently been identified as a new variant of mixed neuronal‐glial tumors. We report the clinical and pathological features of PGNT in two Chinese patients. One patient was a 35‐year‐old man who suffered from intractable seizures for 16 years. Another was a 26‐year‐old woman who presented with headache for 2 years. In both patients, magnetic resonance imaging showed well demarcated, mixed cystic and solid tumor in the temporal lobe. Histology of the excised tumors revealed a pseudopapillary architecture surrounded by a glial component and intervening areas were occupied by neuronally differentiated cells. No cortical dysplasia was found in the neighboring cortex in one of them. The glial component showed immunoreactivity with glial fibrillary acidic protein and S‐100 protein. Neuronally differentiated cells were immunolabeled by antisynaptophysin, NF, NeuN and MAP2 antibodies. Some small cells surrounding the surface of the pseudopapillae and in the compact area were immunopositive for Olig2. The MIB‐1 labeling index was <3%. The tumor did not recur within the follow‐up periods of 50 months and 13 months, and the patient with temporal lobe epilepsy became seizure‐free after surgery.
Fading of artificial hair colour and its prevention by photofilters
Authors: Locke B. , Jachowicz J.
Published: May 2006

Fading of artificial hair colour has been investigated by simulating actual usage conditions through exposure to artificial radiation in a weatherometer, with 0.35 mW (m2nm)–1 at 340 nm, for 16–48 h, and by periodical washing. Hair colour was produced by using commercial two‐part, permanent hair dyes with light auburn, medium auburn and dark auburn shades. Formulations based on red couplers, such as 4‐amino‐2‐hydroxytoluene and 1‐naphthol, as well as primary intermediates, such as 1‐hydroxyethyl‐4,5‐diamino pyrazole sulphate, were employed. Results indicate that the extent of fading, as measured by the total colour change parameter, dE, is greatest for coloured hair subjected to both irradiation and shampooing, and significantly smaller for hair undergoing only irradiation or washing. Colour loss has been also found to be dependent upon the hair type employed, with coloured natural white and bleached hair undergoing much greater change than coloured brown hair. It has been also shown that hair colour based on pyrazole intermediates displayed the deepest fading as a result of shampooing (dE 4–6 after 10 shampooings) and irradiation per shampooing (dE 14–16 after 32 h of light exposure and four shampooings). The contribution of UV light (UVB + UVA) to the artificial hair‐colour loss was found experimentally to be dependent upon the irradiation dose and varied from 63% at 16 h of irradiation time to 27% at 48 h of light exposure. The theoretical extent of photoprotection by a formulation was assessed by calculating the percentage of UV light it attenuates in the wavelength range from 290 to 400 nm. The results indicate that UVB photofilters, such as octyl methoxy cinnamate, absorb <25% of the total UV irradiation at concentrations as high as 30 mg (g hair)–1. UVA absorbers were found to be more effective, with benzophenone‐3 and benzophenone‐4 absorbing about 40% of UV at the same concentration. Corresponding experimental data were in reasonable agreement with the theoretical predictions. The data are also presented for colour protection with treatments containing two photo‐absorbers: benzophenone‐3–ZnO; benzophenone‐4–ZnO; octyl methoxy cinnamate–ZnO; and dimethylpabaimidopropyl laurdimonium tosylate‐benzophenone‐3.
Ability of moisturizers to reduce dry skin and irritation and to prevent their return
Authors: Simion F. A. , Abrutyn E. S. , Draelos Z. D.
Published: May 2006

Presented in part at the 58th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2000, and at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, December 2000 Assays of moisturizer efficacy have traditionally focused on a moisturizer's ability to alleviate dry skin. More recently, a moisturizer's ability to prevent primary irritation has been recognized. To assess and compare the ability of moisturizers to alleviate skin dryness and primary irritation, as well as prevent their return, four controlled‐application clinical (in vivo) studies were carried out: hand‐wash test, regression test, reduction in pre‐existing irritation study, and prevention‐of‐irritation studies. Overall conclusions were confirmed in a home‐use clinical (validation) study of people suffering from mild eczema. The controlled in vivo studies demonstrate that: (a) a moisturizer can alleviate skin dryness and irritation, and prevent their return; and (b) the efficacy of different moisturizers can be differentiated, based on their composition. The home‐use study results demonstrated that the most effective moisturizer identified by the controlled‐application studies was highly effective against the signs of eczema. In vivo modelling of moisturizer efficacy enables assessment and optimization of different benefits separately, while predicting the quantitative and perceived (observed) relevance of the benefits the moisturizer delivers to consumers.
Testing anticellulite products
Authors: Rona C. , Carrera M. , Berardesca E.
Published: May 2006

Synopsis

Cellulite represents the most common lipodystrophic disease. It affects more likely women than men and it usually develops in particular anatomic sites such as lateral thighs and buttocks. In these areas skin resembles ‘orange peel’ surface. The pathophysiological aspects of cellulite are still not clear. Many predisposing factors seem to influence cellulite onset, including gender, heredity, race, body weight and age. Hormones and impairment of both microvascular and lymphatic circulation are considered the most important etiological factors. The evaluation of cellulite is based principally on clinical observation, thigh circumference measurements, body mass index and thermography but for testing anticellulite products, more objective and non‐invasive methods of evaluation are requested.
Cellulite and its treatment
Authors: Rawlings A. V.
Published: May 2006

Synopsis

The presence of cellulite is an aesthetically unacceptable cosmetic problem for most post‐adolescent women. It is largely observed in the gluteal‐fermoral regions with its ‘orange‐peel’ or ‘cottage cheese’ appearance. It is not specific to overweight women although increased adipogenicity will exacerbate the condition. It is a complex problem involving the microcirculatory system and lymphatics, the extracellular matrix and the presence of excess subcutaneous fat that bulges into the dermis. It has been described as a normal condition that maximizes subcutaneous fat retention to ensure adequate caloric availability for pregnancy and lactation. Differences in the fibrous septae architecture that compartmentalize the adipose tissue have recently been reported in women with cellulite compared with men. Weight loss has been reported to improve the cellulite severity by surface topography measures although in obese subject's skin dimpling does not seem to change appreciably. However, histological analysis suggests that fat globules retract out of the dermis with weight loss. Cellulite has been treated with massage which decreases tissue oedema but it is also likely to have its effects at the cellular level by stimulating fibroblast (and keratinocyte) activity while decreasing adipocyte activity. In addition to massage, effective topical creams with a variety of agents were used to ameliorate the condition. Nevertheless, only a few studies are reported in the scientific literature. Xanthines, botanicals, fragrances and ligands for the retinoid and peroxisomal proliferator‐activated receptors appear to be giving some benefit. Reducing adipogenesis and increasing thermogenesis appear to be primary routes and also improving the microcirculation and collagen synthesis. Many agents are being investigated for weight management in the supplement industry [hydroxycitrate, epigallocatechin gallate, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), etc.] and some of these agents seem to be beneficial for the treatment of cellulite. In fact, CLA was proven to ameliorate the signs of cellulite. One product, Cellasene, containing a variety of botanicals and polyunsaturated fatty acids also appears to provide some relief from these symptoms. Although more work is needed, clearly these treatments do improve the appearance of skin in subjects with cellulite. It is quite possible, however, that synergies between both oral and topical routes may be the best intervention to ameliorate the signs and symptoms of cellulite.
Efficacy of a multifunctional plant complex in the treatment of the so‐called ‘cellulite’: clinical and instrumental evaluation
Authors: Distante F. , Bacci P. A. , Carrera M.
Published: May 2006

Synopsis

‘Cellulite’ or more correctly oedemateous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy, or local lipodystrophy, is a common aesthetic problem for many women, visually characterized by the orange peel or dimpled look of the skin, mainly on the buttocks and thighs. The cause of cellulite is still a matter of debate. It is currently considered an endocrine‐metabolic microcirculatory disorder that causes interstitial matrix alterations and structural changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue. The first step in cellulite treatment is stimulation of microcirculation and the removal of accumulated fluids and toxic elements. This can improve the interstitial matrix basal regulation, fibroblast activity and decrease interstitial oedema, with subsequent increase in lipolysis and a better oxygen and nutrition of the adipose tissue. In this paper are reported two trials aimed at evaluating clinically and instrumentally the effects of different orally administered multifunctional plant extracts‐based formulations in the treatment of cellulite compared with a placebo.