bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brown seaweed‐ (TascoTM) treated conserved forage enhances antioxidant status and immune function in heat‐stressed wether lambs
Authors: Saker K. E. , Fike J. H. , Veit H. , Ward D. L.
Published: November 2004

Twenty‐seven wether lambs were utilized to evaluate select innate immunity and oxidative stress in response to diet and heat stress. Dietary treatments were: (i) control (tall fescue) hay = no TascoTM (tradename for the extract of the brown seaweed, Ascophyllum nodosum, Acadian Sealants Ltd, Nova Scotia, Canada); (ii) pre‐harvest Tasco‐Forage‐treated hay and (iii) control hay + post‐harvest Tasco‐EX. Tasco‐Forage and Tasco‐EX are two forms of the TascoTM extract that are either applied to foliage or used for direct feeding, respectively. All lambs were supplemented with soyabean meal and trace mineralized salt. Heat stress was applied for 10 days with measurements obtained at days 0, 4 and 10. A heat × treatment interaction indicated hay with Tasco enhanced monocyte oxidative burst through short duration (p < 0.05) and long duration (p < 0.10) heat stress. Phagocytic activity was influenced by days of heat stress (p < 0.001) and treatment (p = 0.02) with post‐harvest TascoTM lambs exhibiting the greatest immune enhancement (p < 0.05). Red and white blood cell glutathione peroxidase increased by heat stress day 10 in Tasco lambs. Superoxide dismutase activity was increased and lipid hydroperoxide metabolites minimized (p < 0.01) through long duration heat stress in the pre‐harvest Tasco group. Tasco treatment of tall fescue hay prior to harvest appears to provide residual effects on animal antioxidant availability in short‐duration heat stress. Tasco supplementation to post‐harvest fescue hay enhances immune function and protects against prolonged heat‐induced oxidative stress.
Do cats need arachidonic acid in the diet for reproduction?
Authors: Morris J. G.
Published: November 2004

A brief review of the status of arachidonic acid as an essential dietary nutrient for cats is presented. The reproductive performance of male and female cats given a purified diet containing only partially hydrogenated vegetable oil as the fat source from weaning was investigated. Male kittens did not require a supplemental source of arachidonate for normal body weight gain and successful reproduction. Female kittens given the same diet also appeared to grow normally, came into oestrus and conceived, but produced only a limited number of viable litters. Subsequent supplementation of these queens with arachidonic acid did not result in the birth of viable kittens. It is suggested that completion of a normal pregnancy by queens given a diet based on partially hydrogenated oil for protracted periods may require fatty acids in addition to arachidonate.
Susceptibility of immature and adult stages of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hom., Aleyrodidae) to selected insecticides
Authors: Wang K.‐Y. , Kong X.‐B. , Jiang X.‐Y. , Yi M.‐Q. , Liu T.‐X.
Published: November 2004

Susceptibility of eggs, nymphs and adults of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hom., Aleyrodidae), to six insecticides, abamectin, buprofezin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, fenpropathrin and profenofos, was determined in the laboratory. All insecticides were most toxic to the 6‐day‐old eggs and the first instar nymphs, and decreased with successive stages. Of the three ages of the eggs, all insecticides were significantly more toxic to the older eggs (6‐day old) than to the young (2‐day old) and mid‐aged eggs (4‐day old). Abamectin was most toxic to eggs and nymphs, followed by imidacloprid, acetamiprid, buprofezin, fenpropathrin, and profenofos. Susceptibilities of the three stages of the fourth instar nymphs to the six insecticides varied greatly, and the first stage (17‐day old) was most susceptible, followed by the second stage (20‐day old), and the third stage (21‐day old). Imidacloprid was the most toxic insecticide to T. vaporariorum adults, followed by acetamiprid, buprofezin, abamectin, fenpropathrin and profenofos. The results from this study can not only serve as baselines for resistance monitoring programmes, but also have significant implications for development T. vaporariorum management programmes, including accurate timing of the applications of insecticides that target the most susceptible late egg and early nymphal stages.
Identification of a single dominant allele for resistance to blackleg in Brassica napus‘Surpass 400’
Authors: Li C.‐X. , Cowling W. A.
Published: November 2004

The inheritance of resistance to blackleg (caused by Leptosphaeria maculans) was examined in the F1 and F2 of a cross between highly resistant canola ‘Surpass 400’ and susceptible ‘Westar’ in the field. Blackleg‐infected canola straw was collected from the field and scattered among plants to increase disease development with the aid of natural rainfall. Disease severity on seedlings was assessed as the average number of lesions on leaves 1 and 2, and on adult plants as the percentage necrosis on a cross‐section of stems immediately above the crown. All ‘Westar’ plants were susceptible (S) and all ‘Surpass 400’ and F1 plants were resistant (R) at both growth stages. Disease severity on F2 plants segregated 3 : 1 (R : S) as expected for a single dominant resistance allele in both the seedling and adult plant stages. There was a high proportion (91.1%) of matching reactions (R‐R and S‐S) between seedling and adult plants. ‘Surpass 400’ is the source of a single dominant allele for blackleg resistance in Brassica napus that is expressed strongly in both seedlings and adult plants.
Dwarfing effect associated with the threshability gene Q on wheat chromosome 5A
Authors: Kato K. , Sonokawa R. , Miura H. , Sawada S.
Published: November 2004

A dwarfing effect of the 44.1 cM chromosomal region between the threshability gene Q and Xfba068 on the long arm of hexaploid wheat chromosome 5A has been reported. To clarify whether Q or its adjacent region is responsible for regulating culm elongation, two precise genetic stocks of near‐isogenic lines (NIL), a single chromosome substitution line, ‘Chinese Spring’ (CS; ‘Cappelle‐Desprez’ 5A) (NIL‐Q) and a single chromosome recombinant substitution line (NIL‐q) were used. The target segment of NIL‐q included the q allele and QEet.ocs‐5A.1, an earlinessper se gene, from spelt wheat in the CS genetic background. They were grown under 16‐h day length with and/ or without vernalization treatment. Being independent of heading date, NIL‐Q showed shorter elongation in lower internodes and decreased internode differentiation in comparison with NIL‐q. The culm‐length reduction associated with Q was confirmed in the recombinant F5 population derived from the cross between NIL‐Q and NIL‐q. Vernalization promotion had a tendency to reduce this dwarfing effect.
Cytogenetic analysis of translocations in cotton
Authors: Sanamyan M. F. , Rakhmatullina E. M.
Published: November 2004

In order to create cotton translocation lines, 191 translocations were recovered as heterozygotes following combined treatment of seeds by colchicine and γ‐rays, irradiation of seeds by thermal neutrons and c‐irradiation of pollen. Cytogenetic analysis showed that chromosome translocations involving two chromosomes arose more often (180) than those involving three chromosomes (11). The heterozygous translocations were characterized by different formation and frequencies of the multivalents at metaphase I of meiosis. Only 104 translocations were characterized by a multivalent frequency of more than 0.25 per cell. Most of the translocations (156) exhibited a high meiotic index, but 11 were characterized by a decreasing meiotic index and by an increase in the percentage of tetrads with micronuclei. The pollen fertility of translocations differed significantly and varied from high fertility to pollen sterility. The high frequency of abortive pollen grains was typical for about one half of translocations studied. The translocations were made homozygous and as a result, 12 new reciprocal homozygous translocation lines were obtained in cotton.
Development of novel chromosome doubling strategies for wheat × maize system of wheat haploid production
Authors: Sood S. , Dhawan R. , Singh K. , Bains N. S.
Published: November 2004

Two chromosome doubling strategies were evaluated for producing wheat doubled haploids from wheat x maize crosses: (i) in vitro colchicine application to haploid embryos and (ii) colchicine treatment through postpollination tiller injections. In the in vitro approach the haploid embryos were rescued on medium containing colchicine (at concentrations of 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5%) and moved to a colchicine‐free regeneration medium 48 h later. Embryos exposed to 0.5% colchicine had 91.67% of their regenerated plants showing chromosome doubling. In the tiller injection approach, different concentrations (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0%) of colchicine solution, which also contained 2,4‐D (100 ppm), were injected into the uppermost inter‐node of crossed tillers 48 and 72 h after pollination. The chromosome doubling efficiency varied from 33 to 100%, with 1% treatment being the most effective. No chimeras of doubled/haploid sectors were observed in the case of the tiller injection treatment and all the florets showed seed set in the doubled plants. Stomatal guard cell length provided rapid, early‐stage and unambiguous analysis of ploidy level on the basis of 10 guard cell observations per plant.
Ribosomal DNA spacer‐length polymorphisms in three samples of wild and cultivated barleys and their relevance to the origin of cultivated barley
Authors: Li X. , Xu C. , Zhang Q.
Published: November 2004

This study was conducted to provide additional data for evaluating two important issues surrounding the origin of cultivated barley: (i) the level of genetic diversity of the two‐rowed wild barley from Tibet, and (ii) the distribution of rDNA allele 104 in wild and cultivated barleys in the Occidental region. A total of 198 accessions consisting of three distinct samples were used: 82 entries of two‐rowed wild barley from Tibet, 57 accessions of two‐rowed wild barley from 8 countries with a broad range of representation of two‐rowed wild barley in the world, and 59 landrace accessions from four countries representing a part of the barley‐growing areas in the Middle East. These were assayed for rDNA spacer‐length variants (slvs). In all, 27 rDNA space length pheno types were detected, from which 10 slvs were identified as alleles at the two rDNA loci. The two‐rowed wild barley samples from Tibet had the lowest level of genetic variation as evaluated by rDNA polymorphism. Together with results of previous studies, the two wild forms (two‐rowed and six‐rowed) from Tibet could not account for the large genetic diversity observed in the cultivated barley of this region, suggesting that Tibet is unlikely a centre of origin for cultivated barley. In samples from the Occidental region, allele 104 of Rm2 was very rare in wild barley, but occurred at the highest frequency in cultivated barley, while the reverse is the case for allele 107, which is consistent with previous results. The implications of such a contrasting distribution of these rDNA alleles between wild and cultivated barleys in the origin and evolution of cultivated barley were discussed.
Mucosal adjuvants and delivery systems for protein‐, DNA‐ and RNA‐based vaccines
Authors: Vajdy Michael , Srivastava Indresh , Polo John , Donnelly John , O'Hagan Derek , Singh Manmohan
Published: November 2004

Almost all vaccinations today are delivered through parenteral routes. Mucosal vaccination offers several benefits over parenteral routes of vaccination, including ease of administration, the possibility of self‐administration, elimination of the chance of injection with infected needles, and induction of mucosal as well as systemic immunity. However, mucosal vaccines have to overcome several formidable barriers in the form of significant dilution and dispersion; competition with a myriad of various live replicating bacteria, viruses, inert food and dust particles; enzymatic degradation; and low pH before reaching the target immune cells. It has long been known that vaccination through mucosal membranes requires potent adjuvants to enhance immunogenicity, as well as delivery systems to decrease the rate of dilution and degradation and to target the vaccine to the site of immune function. This review is a summary of current approaches to mucosal vaccination, and it primarily focuses on adjuvants as immunopotentiators and vaccine delivery systems for mucosal vaccines based on protein, DNA or RNA. In this context, we define adjuvants as protein or oligonucleotides with immunopotentiating properties co‐administered with pathogen‐derived antigens, and vaccine delivery systems as chemical formulations that are more inert and have less immunomodulatory effects than adjuvants, and that protect and deliver the vaccine through the site of administration. Although vaccines can be quite diverse in their composition, including inactivated virus, virus‐like particles and inactivated bacteria (which are inert), protein‐like vaccines, and non‐replicating viral vectors such as poxvirus and adenovirus (which can serve as DNA delivery systems), this review will focus primarily on recombinant protein antigens, plasmid DNA, and alphavirus‐based replicon RNA vaccines and delivery systems. This review is not an exhaustive list of all available protein, DNA and RNA vaccines, with related adjuvants and delivery systems, but rather is an attempt to highlight many of the currently available approaches in immunopotentiation of mucosal vaccines.
On the molecular mechanism of somatic hypermutation of rearranged immunoglobulin genes
Authors: Franklin Andrew , Blanden Robert V
Published: November 2004

Somatic hypermutation (SHM) diversifies the genes that encode immunoglobulin variable regions in antigen‐activated germinal centre B lymphocytes. Available evidence strongly suggests that DNA deamination potentiates phase I SHM and subsequently triggers phase II SHM. A concise review of this evidence is followed by a detailed critique of two possible models which suggest that polymerase‐η potentiates phase II SHM via either its DNA‐dependent or its RNA‐dependent DNA synthetic activity. Quantitative analysis, in the context of extant data that define the features of SHM, favours the RNA‐dependent mechanism.
Inulin‐derived adjuvants efficiently promote both Th1 and Th2 immune responses
Authors: Silva Diego G , Cooper Peter D , Petrovsky Nikolai
Published: November 2004

There has been a recent resurgence of interest into new and improved vaccine adjuvants. This interest has been stimulated by the need for new vaccines to combat problematic pathogens such as SARS and HIV, and to counter potential bioterrorist attacks. A major bottleneck in vaccine development is the low immunogenicity of purified subunit or recombinant proteins, creating the need for safe human adjuvants with high potency. A major problem in the search for the ideal adjuvant is that adjuvants that promote cell‐mediated (Th1) immunity (e.g. Freund's complete adjuvant) generally have unacceptable local or systemic toxicity that precludes their use in human vaccines. There is a need for a safe, non‐toxic adjuvant that is able to stimulate both cell‐mediated and humoral immunity. Inulin‐derived adjuvants that principally stimulate the innate immune system through their ability to activate the alternative complement pathway have proven ability to induce both cellular and humoral immunity. With their excellent tolerability, long shelf‐life, low cost and easy manufacture, they offer great potential for use in a broad range of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. Based on successful animal studies in a broad range of species, human trials are about to get underway to validate the use of inulin‐based adjuvants in prophylactic vaccines against hepatitis B, malaria and other pathogens. If such trials are successful, then it is possible that inulin‐derived adjuvants will one day replace alum as the adjuvant of choice in most human prophylactic vaccines.
Novel adjuvant based on a proteoliposome‐derived cochleate structure containing native lipopolysaccharide as a pathogen‐associated molecular pattern
Authors: Pérez Oliver , Bracho Gustavo , Lastre Miriam , Mora Nestor , Del Campo Judith , Gil Danay , Zayas Caridad , Acevedo Reinaldo , González Domingo , López José A , Taboada Carlos , Solis Rosa L
Published: November 2004

Proteoliposomes (PL) from Neisseria meningitidis B have been widely used as a core antigen for antimeningococcal vaccination. PL contain major outer membrane proteins, LPS and phospholipids, and they induce a strong Th1 immune response, but they have low stability in solution. Attending to the need for new vaccine adjuvants, we developed a highly stable cochleate structure (CS) from PL using a technology that allows easy incorporation of new antigens. We explored the ability of PLCS to activate the immune system and its possible application as an adjuvant for parenteral and mucosal routes. Our results showed that PLCS were able to upregulate the expression of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules on human dendritic cells, as well as being able to stimulate the production of soluble mediators of a Th1 response, such as IL‐12 and nitric oxide. High levels of anti‐PL IgG were detected in serum after i.m. or mucosal (oral and nasal) administration, but also anti‐PL secretory IgA was produced in saliva following nasal delivery. The immune response polarization to a Th1 pattern was confirmed by the induction of IgG2a antibodies, positive delayed type hypersensitivity reactions, and IFN‐γ production by splenocytes from immunized mice. The adjuvant potential was explored using PLCS containing ovalbumin (Ova). PLCS‐Ova was able to elicit a substantial increase in anti‐Ova IgG compared with Ova alone. In addition, a significant reduction in lesion size was observed in mice immunized with Leishmania major antigens in PLCS after challenge with virulent protozoa, suggesting at least partial modulation of the Th2 environment induced by this parasite. In conclusion, our results support the use of PLCS as a potent Th1 adjuvant for parenteral and mucosal vaccines.
Cytokines as adjuvants for avian vaccines
Authors: Asif Manija , Jenkins Kristie A , Hilton Louise S , Kimpton Wayne G , Bean Andrew GD , Lowenthal John W
Published: November 2004

The worldwide trend towards a reduced reliance on in‐feed antibiotics has increased the pressure to develop alternative strategies to manage infectious diseases in poultry. With this in mind, there is a great emphasis on vaccine use and the enhancement of existing vaccines to provide long‐term protection. Currently existing adjuvants for poultry can have deleterious side‐effects, such as inflammation, resulting in the down‐grading of meat quality and a subsequent reduction in profits. Therefore, to enhance the use of vaccination, alternative adjuvants must be developed. The use of recombinant cytokines as adjuvants in poultry is attracting considerable attention, and their potential role as such has been addressed by several studies. The recent identification of a number of chicken cytokine genes has provided the possibility to study their effectiveness in enhancing the immune response during infection and vaccination. This review focuses on the recent studies involving the assessment of cytokines as vaccine adjuvants.
Jordanian pregnant women's expectations of their first childbirth experience
Authors: Oweis Arwa , Abushaikha Lubna
Published: November 2004

Limited numbers of studies have addressed Jordanian women's overall views and expectations of their first childbirth experience. A descriptive design using a convenience sample of 77 primigravid women was included in the analyses out of the total sample of 99 women. Participants responded to two valid and reliable questionnaires developed for the purpose of the study: the Expectations of Childbirth Experience questionnaire and the Expectations of Nursing Support During Labor and Birth questionnaire. The majority of primigravid women in this study expected a negative first childbirth experience. Findings indicated that the majority of women expected their overall childbirth experience to be frightening, very long, too difficult and painful. The expectations of a negative childbirth experience could be explained by limited labour preparation and advice given to women. Findings also indicated that women expected inadequate nursing and midwifery support during childbirth. Health‐care providers should emphasize the importance of childbirth preparation and improving the quality of intranatal care to help in changing negative childbirth expectations and experiences of Jordanian women.
Positive outcomes for survivors of haematological malignancies from a spiritual perspective
Authors: McGrath Pam
Published: November 2004

The findings indicate that there are many potentially positive outcomes, couched in terms of a spiritual journey, to be gained from the experience of serious illness for survivors who are well supported and obtain successful results from treatment. The work is from a qualitative programme exploring the notion of spirituality. The data are from the thematic analysis of verbatim transcriptions of audio‐taped, in‐depth, open‐ended interviews with 12 survivors of haematological malignancies. The results indicate increased confidence and assertiveness, less dependence on the approval of others, greater ability to assert personal needs, increased awareness of body needs, being less judgmental and more compassionate. The positive outcomes also included the gift of extra life, the desire to live life to the fullest, a stronger sense of family togetherness, an awareness of reliable friends and family members, increased respect from others, changes in work values and an overall improvement in quality of life.
Triple combination of thymalfasin, peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C who have failed prior interferon and ribavirin treatment: 24‐week interim results of a pilot study
Authors: POO JORGE LUIS , SÁNCHEZ‐AVILA F , KERSHENOBICH D , GARCÍA‐SAMPER X , GONGORA J , URIBE M
Published: November 2004

Abstract  Despite steady progress in antiviral treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), many patients still have detectable serum HCV RNA levels by the end of interferon‐based treatment and are known as virological non‐responders. Re‐treatment of these patients not responding to previous therapy remains challenging. Studies of the dynamics of the HCV population show a marked decline in new cases since 1996; however, the relative proportion of non‐responders is expected to increase over time and, similarly, the number of patients eligible for first‐line treatment is expected to decrease. The current standard of care for treatment involves the use of pegylated interferons in combination with ribavirin. However, many difficult‐to‐treat groups still have low response rates. Newer combinations are being investigated to optimize chances of attaining a sustained response in these groups: one such triple therapy regimen is peginterferon alfa‐2a, ribavirin and thymalfasin, which was given to 23 previously non‐responder patients. Viral response was 60.8% at week 12 and 47.8% at week 24. These preliminary results encourage further evaluation of this promising combination.

© 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Glomerular crescents are responsible for chronic graft dysfunction in post‐transplant IgA nephropathy
Authors: Jeong Hyeon Joo , Kim Yu Seun , Kwon Ki Hwan , Kim Soon Il , Kim Myoung Soo , Choi Kyu Hun , Lee Ho Yung , Han Dae Suk , Park Kiil
Published: November 2004

Information is limited regarding the histological features related to chronic graft dysfunction and failure in patients with IgA nephropathy developing after renal transplantation. The prevalence and significance of glomerular crescents in post‐transplant IgAN including recurrent, de novo and transmitted forms (TxIgAN), were studied. Renal morphology was evaluated in 71 patients of TxIgAN, obtained at more than 6 months post‐transplant, and compared with regard to the presence (C‐TxIgAN) or absence (N‐TxIgAN) of glomerular crescents. Crescents were demonstrated in 12 samples of 10 patients (14.1%). The percentages of crescents were from 4.8% to 83.3% (median, 28.6%) in each sample. Ten samples of C‐TxIgAN had cellular to fibrocellular crescents, and four of these were associated with diffuse mesangial proliferation. Serum creatinine levels and the frequency of nephrotic range proteinuria at the time of biopsy and the degree of interstitial inflammation were significantly different in the two groups. Graft survival after allograft biopsies was significantly lower in C‐TxIgAN (P = 0.0017). Chronic rejection was a major cause of graft loss in N‐TxIgAN (31.8%), whereas TxIgAN was the major cause in C‐TxIgAN (66.7%). In conclusion, the current study suggests that glomerular crescents are not rare and that they are responsible for chronic graft dysfunction in TxIgAN patients.
Hepatic cytotoxic T‐cell infiltrates in patients with peripheral T‐cell proliferative diseases/lymphomas: Clinicopathological and molecular analysis
Authors: Mitarnun Winyou , Saechan Vannarat , Suwiwat Supaporn , Pradutkanchana Jintana , Takao Satomi , Ishida Takafumi
Published: November 2004

Seventy patients with various types of peripheral T‐cell proliferative disease/lymphoma who manifested with prolonged fever, weight loss, anemia, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and/or lactate dehydrogenase were evaluated. Histopathological examination of the livers revealed T‐cell infiltration into the hepatic sinusoids and portal tracts. The morphology of the infiltrated T cells varied from mature small lymphocytes to malignant lymphoid cells. The liver pathology was classified into four groups on the basis of cellular atypia. Group A and group B showed mature lymphoid cell infiltration; however, only group B had multiple large areas of hepatocellular necrosis. Group C showed atypical lymphoid cell infiltration and in group D malignant lymphoid cell infiltrates were demonstrated. The majority of the antigenic phenotypes of these T‐cell infiltrates were CD3+, CD4–, CD8+, CD20–, CD45RO+, CD56–, CD57–, TIA‐1+ and βF1–. Epstein–Barr virus RNA in the nuclei of the infiltrated T cells was recorded in 38.6% of the patients and was more common in groups C and D. Patients in groups B, C and D had a very poor prognosis, median survival was only 1 month, whereas median survival in group A patients was 36 months. Chemotherapy was not effective in improving survival.  Monoclonal  band/s  of  T‐cell  receptors  (TCR) β and/or γ gene rearrangements were detected in 88.6% of patients, and DNA‐sequence analysis showed high identity to the human TCR germline gene.
Multiple granulomatous inflammation in the minor salivary glands: A proposed new entity, allergic granulomatous sialadenitis
Authors: Irié Tarou , Maeda Yukiko , Aida Tadateru , Sumitani Kaname , Nagumo Masao , Tachikawa Tetsuhiko
Published: November 2004

We report a patient who presented with multiple small submucosal nodules with granulomatous inflammation in the minor salivary glands of the oral cavity. A 43‐year‐old woman presented with a 1‐week history of multiple small submucosal nodules in her oral cavity after having taken medicine for abdominal pain. The patient did not have a history of fever, rectal bleeding, skin lesions or arthritis, but did have a history of drug allergy and bronchial asthma. Histopathological examination of the submucosal nodules showed sialadenitis with marked infiltration of lymphocytes, eosinophilic cells, macrophages and Langhans‐type or foreign‐body‐type multinucleate giant cells. The macrophages tended to be aggregated and appeared to have caused immature granuloma formation without caseous necrosis. Degranulated eosinophilic cells were numerous. Sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, tuberculosis and atypical mycobacterial infection were not identified by medical examination. Three weeks after discontinuing the medication the patient was seen again at a follow‐up visit. Multiple submucosal small nodules and other symptoms were not evident at that time. This case report may represent a new entity of salivary gland disease that we tentatively refer to as ‘allergic granulomatous sialadenitis’.
Extremely well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia: A unique case with columnar cells and laminated stones
Authors: Nokubi Mitsuhiro , Kawanowa Kaori , Kawata Hirotoshi , Hanatsuka Kazunobu , Hosoya Yoshinori
Published: November 2004

Extremely well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma (EWDA) is an unusual  gastric  cancer  that  is  histologically  too  bland  to be diagnosed as malignant neoplasm, particularly using biopsy. EWDA may be a gastric counterpart of ‘adenoma malignum’ or minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (MDA) in the uterine cervix; however, the clinicopathological features of EWDA remain less apparent than those of MDA. A 60‐year‐old male was complaining of dysphagia. He had been made aware of a small submucosal tumor in the cardia 2 years before the onset of this symptom. Endoscopic ultrasonographic examination revealed a large cardiac tumor consisting of thickened layers, as observed in Borrmann type IV. Three mucosal biopsies suggested only benign changes  including  adenoma  and  hyperplastic  polyps.  At the fourth biopsy, cytologically bland columnar cells were located in the submucosa along with stromal fibrosis and laminated stones. The possibility that non‐neoplastic aberrant pancreas with lithiasis formed the tumor was denied at laparotomy by a frozen section that revealed benign‐looking glands invading the diaphragm. Immunohistochemically the cancer glands were positive for CA19‐9 and human gastric mucin, but not for p53 or MUC2. To our knowledge, this is a previously unknown combination of EWDA and psammomatous calcification in the stomach.
Antibacterial therapy of hospital‐acquired pneumonia
Authors:   The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections
Published: November 2004

Antibacterial therapy of hospital‐acquired pneumonia

The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections. Respirology 2004; 9: S16–S24
Strategies for non‐responders
Authors:   The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections
Published: November 2004

Strategies for non‐responders

The committee for The Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines in management of respiratory infections. Respirology 2004; 9: S43–S47
Insect growth regulator cross‐resistance studies in field‐ and laboratory‐selected strains of the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Levot Garry , Sales Narelle
Published: November 2004

Abstract Resistance to diflubenzuron in the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, has rendered this insecticide incapable of preventing flystrike in sheep from a few districts in eastern Australia. Wool producers affected by this situation must find suitable alternatives to protect their flocks. Results of laboratory bioassays against one population demonstrated that, despite extremely high diflubenzuron resistance (Resistance Factor >791), it had only very low (2x) tolerance of cyromazine and dicyclanil. It is unlikely that this level of tolerance would have any practical impact on field control with either insecticide. Consequently, wool producers in districts where diflubenzuron‐resistant flies are common can rotate insecticide treatment to either of these compounds to prevent flystrike in their flocks. However, unlike the highly diflubenzuron‐resistant field strain, a laboratory strain selected for resistance to diflubenzuron (Resistance Factor = 617) was 10 times more resistant to dicyclanil than a susceptible strain but, like the field strain, was only two times more tolerant of cyromazine. Conversely, a field‐derived strain selected in the laboratory for cyromazine resistance was 20 times more resistant to dicyclanil and 362 times more resistant to diflubenzuron than the reference susceptible strain.
Molecular identification of Chironomus spp. (Diptera) for biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Sharley David J , Pettigrove Vincent , Parsons Yvonne M
Published: November 2004

Abstract  Chironomidae larvae often represent a major component of the benthic fauna in inland water bodies and are used frequently as bioindicators of ecosystem health. The genus Chironomus is a recognised indicator of organic enrichment and has been used extensively in the northern hemisphere and New Zealand in ecotoxicological studies. However, similar use of Chironomus in Australia is limited due to the presence of cryptic species that restrict the collection of information on species‐specific responses to environmental stress. To address the problems associated with species identification, we have used PCR‐RFLP of the mitochondrial COI gene to develop DNA profiles for nine common Australian Chironomus species. Species‐specific haplotypes were identified using reference taxa previously identified by cytological analysis, and verified with field specimens collected from seven wetlands around Melbourne. This research provides an effective tool for species identification of this ubiquitous and often abundant genus that will provide the basis of obtaining species‐specific information to inform on the health of aquatic ecosystems.
First record of Aulacidae (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea) from New Caledonia with descriptions of three new species of Aulacus Jurine
Authors: Jennings John T , Austin Andrew D , Stevens Nicholas B
Published: November 2004

Abstract The parasitoid wasp family Aulacidae is recorded for the first time from New Caledonia, and three new species are described: Aulacus burwelli, A. coracinus, and A. emineo. Although recorded from just a few specimens, these species appear to be restricted to the moist evergreen rainforest areas of the main island of Grande Terre. They appear unrelated to Australian members of the family, based on a number of characters associated with the forewing venation and hind coxal morphology, as well as size and colour. A key to distinguish the species is presented, as well as information on their distribution and possible relationships.
Adaptive management: a synthesis of current understanding and effective application
Authors: Schreiber E. Sabine G. , Bearlin Andrew R. , Nicol Simon J. , Todd Charles R.
Published: November 2004

Summary  Adaptive management (AM) remains a commonly cited, yet frequently misunderstood, management approach. The aim of AM is to improve environmental management through ‘learning by doing’ and understand the impact of incomplete knowledge, but AM more commonly consists of ad hoc changes in managing environmental resources in the absence of adequate planning and monitoring. Here, we trace and review the development of AM, the central roles of consultation, collaboration and of monitoring, and of quantitative models and simulations. We identify a series of formalized, structured steps included in one AM cycle and review how current AM programs build upon such cycles. We conclude that the best AM outcomes require rigorous and formalized approaches to planning, collaboration, modelling and evaluation. Finally, simulating potential outcomes of an AM cycle in the presence of existing uncertainty can help to identify management strategies that are most likely to succeed in relation to clearly articulated goals.
Use of seagrass wrack in restoring disturbed Australian saltmarshes
Authors: Chapman M. G. , Roberts D. E.
Published: November 2004

Summary  Saltmarshes are threatened in many parts of the world, considered wastelands rather than valued as wetlands. This is particularly true in urbanized parts of Australia. Approximately 85% of saltmarsh has been lost or severely damaged in the Tuggerah Lakes of the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Wrack (rotting vegetation) can promote diversity of saltmarshes, by shading soil and reducing physical stress and/or by providing nutrients to nutrient‐poor soil. In many parts of the world, wrack derives from the saltmarsh plants. On the shores of the Tuggerah Lakes, large amounts of seagrass wrack (with varying amounts of macro‐algae), are stranded along the shoreline and in the remaining saltmarshes. This is perceived to reduce public amenity and have no ecological value. Thus, the local council is under pressure to remove wrack. This experimental study examined the influence of wrack on cover and diversity of saltmarsh and provided preliminary data on changes to organic matter and benthos in the sediment. On average, there was a rapid increase in biomass of the dominant plant, Sarcocornia quinqueflora, in experimental areas where wrack was added, although the response was patchy, but there was no change in diversity over 22 months. There were limited changes to benthos, but no changes to nutrients in the sediment in wracked compared to unwracked treatments. Nevertheless, increased biomass in dominant species may reduce physical stress for other smaller saltmarsh plants. This study is part of a programme examining the interaction between the persistence and growth of saltmarshes and recycling of wrack in the lakes. The ultimate aim is to develop ecologically and economically sound plans of management for an increasingly urbanized area of the NSW coast.
An adjustable medial orbital wall suture for third nerve palsy
Authors: Mora Justin
Published: November 2004

A 16‐year‐old girl presented with a large‐angle exotropia due to congenital third nerve palsy. She had undergone recession/resection surgery as a child. A nasal transposition of the superior oblique and the lateral rectus produced some improvement but the result was still cosmetically unacceptable. Subsequent surgery to permanently secure the globe to the medial orbital wall using an intraoperatively adjustable nonabsorbable traction suture produced a satisfactory outcome.
Comparative study on the safety and efficacy of different cycloplegic agents in children with darkly pigmented irides
Authors: Fan Dorothy SP , Rao Srinivas K , Ng Joan SK , Yu Christopher BO , Lam Dennis SC
Published: November 2004

Background: The ideal cycloplegic drug that is safe, effective and convenient in children is not yet available. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of three cycloplegic regimens in hyperopic children with pigmented irides. The responses to cycloplegia in different age groups and presence of strabismus were also compared.

Methods: Tropicamide 0.5% and phenylephrine 0.5% (regimen I), tropicamide 1.0% and cyclopentolate 1.0% (regimen II), and atropine 1.0% (regimen III) were evaluated in 25 children using a crossover study design. Cycloplegic refractions were assessed.

Results: The mean age of the children was 5.7 ± 2.0 years (range 2.5–10.8 years). Six (24.0%) of them had strabismus. The spherical equivalent (SE) refraction for regimens I, II and III were +5.11 ± 2.04 D, +5.29 ± 1.89 D and +5.71 ± 1.90 D, respectively, and were significant different from the manifest SE (+3.95 ± 2.17 D) (P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between regimen I and II in children without strabismus (P = 0.258) or aged older than 5 years (P > 0.050).

Conclusion: In older children, regimen I was as effective as regimen II and can be used to avoid cyclopentolate toxicity.
Effect of volume used in sub‐Tenon's anaesthesia on efficacy and intraocular pressure: a randomized clinical trial of 3 mL versus 5 mL
Authors: Patton Niall , Malik Tahira Y , Aslam Tariq M , Vallance James H
Published: November 2004

Purpose: To compare the effect of volume used in sub‐Tenon's anaesthesia on efficacy and intraocular pressure (IOP).

Methods: A prospective, randomised clinical trial was conducted on 52 eyes of 52 consecutive patients undergoing sub‐Tenon's anaesthetic for cataract surgery. Eyes were randomly assigned to either 3 mL or 5 mL volume of anaesthetic solution (0.5% bupivacaine/2% lidocaine in a 50:50 mixture). The main outcome measures were akinesia 5 min post‐administration of anaesthetic, changes in IOP immediately after and 5 min after anaesthetic administration, and patient pain perception during procedure.

Results: The level of kinesia was greater in the 3 mL group (n = 25) compared to the 5 mL group (n = 27) (P = 0.001, Mann–Whitney U‐test). There was no significant difference in pain perception between the two groups (P = 0.464, student t‐test). Although there was great variation in IOP changes following sub‐Tenon's anaesthetic, there was a trend for a larger rise in mean IOP immediately after anaesthetic administration in the 5 mL group (mean ± SD +5.6 ± 4.2 mmHg) compared to the 3 mL group (+4.3 ± 3.8 mmHg), but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.25, student t‐test).

Conclusions: A 5 mL volume of anaesthetic provides akinesia superior to a 3 mL volume in sub‐Tenon's anaesthesia for cataract surgery.
Autologous platelets for macular hole surgery: the Sussex Eye Hospital experience
Authors: Vote Brendan J , Membrey W Luke , Casswell Anthony G
Published: November 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the anatomical and visual outcomes of patients managed by macular hole surgery with adjunctive use of autologous platelets at Sussex Eye Hospital, UK.

Methods: A retrospective non‐comparative consecutive interventional case series was conducted. Standard macular hole vitrectomy surgery was combined with autologous platelets. No other adjuncts were used, nor internal limiting membrane peeling performed. The main outcome measure was anatomical closure of the macular hole. Secondary outcome measures included: visual outcome (best postoperative best corrected visual acuity [BCVA] and final BCVA), hole reopening and/or re‐operation, complications, and time to and influence of cataract surgery.

Results: Seventy eyes of 65 patients underwent macular hole surgery with vitrectomy and autologous platelets. There were 14 stage 2 holes, 52 stage 3 holes and four stage 4 holes. Mean follow up was 29 months (range 1.5−78 months). Primary anatomical success (hole closure) was 95.7% (n = 67); however, six (8.5%) holes reopened at a mean of 12.7 months (range 3.6−36.3 months) after their initial surgery. Final surgical success was 98.5% (65/66) in those eyes of patients electing re‐operation procedures. Seventy‐seven per cent (n = 54) of patients obtained 2 or more lines of visual acuity improvement at final follow up with a mean improvement of 4 lines (range −3 to +12 lines). Forty per cent (n = 28) achieved final BCVA of 6/12 or better, which improved to 51% (n = 36) if best postoperative BCVA was considered.

Conclusions: Adjunctive use of autologous platelets at the time of macular hole surgery yields good surgical and visual results, without significant complications, and should remain a considered option in the surgical management of macular holes. Improved macular hole closure with autologous platelets (compared with vitrectomy alone) has previously been demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial. Visual outcome benefit of platelets remains to be investigated by randomized controlled trial and any planned trials should include an autologous platelets intervention arm along with visual acuity as a primary outcome measure.
Public versus private patient priorities and satisfaction in cataract surgery
Authors: Pager Chet K , McCluskey Peter J
Published: November 2004

Background: Despite strong stereotypes of differences, few studies have compared private and public patient priorities and satisfaction, and none in the context of cataract surgery. The objective of this study was to compare samples of private and public patients undergoing day‐stay cataract surgery.

Methods: Forty‐two public patients and 39 private patients were asked to rate the importance of 13 domains that prior research has shown to influence patient satisfaction. Patients were also asked about their waiting time, amount of information they received, and current and expected VF‐14 functional ability. One month after surgery, patients recorded their satisfaction with each of the 13 domains.

Results: Public patients waited ninefold longer for surgery and had lower preoperative visual function. Nonetheless both groups expected, and achieved, the same level of postoperative outcome. Although 90% of private patients were satisfied with the information they received regarding the surgery, 45% of public patients wanted more. There were significant differences in priorities between private and public patients. After surgery, public patients were less satisfied than private patients, although when accounting for the importance as well as satisfaction of each factor, the level of satisfaction between groups was not different.

Conclusions: The dearth of information received by public patients raises important questions whether their surgery decision was sufficiently individualized or adequately consented. Patient satisfaction is an important health outcome, and understanding both the domains of satisfaction, as well as their relative importance to patients, is necessary to improve the overall quality of patient care.
Calcification of intraocular hydrogel lens: evidence of dystrophic calcification
Authors: Yong Jim LC , Lertsumitkul Somsak , Killingsworth Murray C , Filipic Marijan
Published: November 2004

Purpose: To report and describe the surface calcification of three cases of implanted intraocular hydrogel lens.

Methods: Three surgically extracted hydrogel intraocular lenses were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy as well as by energy dispersion X‐ray microanalysis.

Results: The lens surfaces were covered by granular deposits of calcium phosphate, clearly delineated by von Kossa and alizarin stains for calcium. Transmission electron microscopy showed the deposits to be located within the superficial lens material to a depth of 7 µm and to be associated with what appear to be traces of cellular material including basement membrane and plasmalemma. To the authors’ knowledge there has been only one other transmission electron microscopic study. Energy dispersion X‐ray microanalysis showed the deposits to contain calcium and phosphorous in all cases.

Conclusions: This study confirms and extends the previous reports of five cases of calcification of hydrogel intraocular lenses. The exact mechanism of calcification remains obscure but evidence suggesting cell‐mediated dystrophic calcification of the lens surface is presented. Further study is required to monitor the incidence and development of this phenomenon.
Clinical Case Notes
Authors: Garrott Helen , O'Day Justin
Published: November 2004

Snowflake degeneration of intraocular lenses is a recently recognized late postoperative complication of cataract surgery. All known cases reported to date in the literature have involved polymethyl metha­crylate (PMMA) lens optic material. Reported herein is an atypical variant of snowflake degeneration of a PMMA posterior chamber intraocular lens in an 81‐year‐old woman, 7 years post implantation. The aetiology of the atypical late opacification of the intraocular lens is this case is unclear, and no clinical risk factors appear to have been identified.
Clinical Case Notes
Authors: Ooi Kenneth G‐J , Nabili Shahriar , Thompson Kirsteen J , Gavin Michael P
Published: November 2004

Anterior and posterior visual pathway disturbances have been reported post‐coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Acute angle‐closure glaucoma after general anaesthesia has also been well described in the literature. To date, however, there are only two cases of angle closure caused by tonic pupils. The case is reported herein of bilateral subacute angle‐closure glaucoma that occurred following coronary artery bypass graft surgery in association with tonic pupils.