bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapalene biochemistry and the evolution of a new topical retinoid for treatment of acne
Authors: Czernielewski J , Michel S , Bouclier M , Baker M , Hensby C
Published: March 2003

The emergence of oral and topical retinoids was a major advance in the clinical management of acne vulgaris. However, the benefits of these agents were somewhat limited by the degree of side effects caused by these drugs. Over the last 15 years, researchers have sought compounds that can provide the manifold therapeutic benefits obtained with tretinoin and isotretinoin while minimizing the potential for irritation and other unwanted effects. Adapalene, a naphthoic‐acid derivative, is one result of this search, and it serves as an example of rational drug development: the formulation of a novel substance with specific pharmacological properties and clinical objectives in mind. These goals included enhancing stability, enhancing anti‐inflammatory effects, maintaining effectiveness and minimizing cutaneous irritation. This paper reviews the history of the development of adapalene, its unique physical and biochemical properties, and the pharmacological studies that demonstrate a wide range of retinoid‐receptor, genetic and anti‐inflammatory effects, all of which contribute to the therapeutic efficacy and improved tolerability of adapalene observed in the clinical use of this agent for the treatment of acne.
Endocrinological evaluation and hormonal therapy for women with difficult acne
Authors: Thiboutot DM
Published: March 2003

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin condition observed in the medical community. Convention is to treat this condition with a combination of comedolytics, anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial topical agents, or if indicated, oral antibiotics or retinoids. In addition to these therapies, hormonal therapy is potentially an option in women whose acne is not responding to conventional treatment or if signs of endocrine abnormalities are present. This paper focuses on the use of hormonal therapy in women with severe or recalcitrant acne. After a brief description of the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, and the conventional treatment modalities, indications for hormonal therapy are discussed. This is followed by an outline of a suggested endocrine evaluation, and interpretation of the evaluation test results. Various options for hormonal therapy are then described, including a further discussion of oral contraceptives (OCs) in the treatment of acne.
Case Report. Multiple etiology post‐surgery endophthalmitis
Authors: Vescia Nicoletta , Cavarischia R. , Valente A. , Fabiani M. , Melchionda C. , Mastroeni I.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  The case describes a septic endophthalmitis arisen in a convalescence period following surgery of cataract extraction. The infection was due to Staphylococcus aureus and three fungal components, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Acremonium kiliense, which were subsequently isolated. A careful and prompt laboratory investigation allowed the clinicians to adjust the antimycotic therapy and attain an excellent clinical result.
Assessment of proliferative activity of canine dermal mast cells by bromodeoxyuridine and proliferating cell nuclear antigen labelling
Authors: Ordeix Laura , Fondevila Dolors , De Mora Fernando , Fondati Alessandra , Ferrer Lluís
Published: March 2003

Cutaneous mast cells from skin biopsies of three healthy dogs and three dogs with atopic dermatitis were assessed for their proliferative potential using bromodeoxyuridine and proliferating cell nuclear antigen labelling. Mast cells isolated from the skin of two healthy dogs were also studied using bromodeoxyuridine labelling. Mast cells in skin biopsy specimens and mast cells isolated from the skin of healthy dogs did not incorporate bromodeoxyuridine. Two mast cells expressing proliferating cell nuclear antigen were seen around two superficial vessels in the dermis of one atopic dog. Epidermal cells, glandular epithelial cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells incorporated bromodeoxyuridine and showed positive staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. These results suggest that canine mature mast cells do not proliferate in the dermis.
Evaluation of an enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) for the serological diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in dogs
Authors: Lower Kimberly S. , Medleau Linda M. , Hnilica Keith , Bigler Beat
Published: March 2003

Canine scabies is a challenging disease to diagnose because sarcoptic mites are hard to find on skin scrapings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a serologic enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) as an aid in the diagnosis of canine scabies. In addition, serum samples were obtained post treatment to determine the duration and persistence of circulating scabies antibodies after resolution of natural infection. Nineteen dogs diagnosed with sarcoptic mange and 38 control dogs were tested. Sixteen scabies‐infested dogs showed positive pretreatment ELISA results (84.2% sensitivity). Thirty‐four control dogs showed negative ELISA results (89.5% specificity). In the 11 scabies dogs from which multiple post treatment serum samples were obtained, detectable antibodies were not present 1 month after treatment in four cases, but were present for 1–4.5 months post treatment in seven dogs. Our results suggest that this scabies ELISA test is useful in the diagnosis of canine scabies.
PkMADS1 is a novel MADS box gene regulating adventitious shoot induction and vegetative shoot development in Paulownia kawakamii
Authors: Prakash A. Pavan , Kumar Prakash P.
Published: March 2003

Direct regeneration of shoot buds in vitro is an important technique in plant genetic manipulation. We describe the isolation and functional characterization of a novel MADS box cDNA (PkMADS1) from Paulownia kawakamii leaf explants undergoing adventitious shoot regeneration. mRNA gel blot analysis confirmed the expression of PkMADS1 in the shoot‐forming cultures, but no signal was observed in the callus‐forming cultures. PkMADS1 transcripts were also detected in shoot apices, but not in root apices, initial leaf explants or the flower. In situ hybridization revealed that its expression was restricted to developing shoot primordia in the excised leaf cultures, suggesting a role for this gene in adventitious shoot formation. Transgenic Paulownia plants over‐expressing the PkMADS1 gene showed some changes in phenotype, such as axillary shoot formation. In the antisense transformants, shoots were stunted and had altered phyllotaxy, and, in some lines, the shoot apical meristem appeared to have been used up early during shoot development. Leaf explants from the antisense transgenic plants showed a tenfold decrease in shoot regeneration compared with explants from sense transformants or wild‐type. Our results show that PkMADS1 is a regulator of shoot morphogenesis.
FLC, a repressor of flowering, is regulated by genes in different inductive pathways
Authors: Rouse Dean T. , Sheldon Candice C. , Bagnall David J. , Peacock W. James , Dennis Elizabeth S.
Published: March 2003

The MADS‐box protein encoded by FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is a repressor of flowering. Loci in the autonomous flowering pathway control FLC levels. We show the epistatic groupings of autonomous pathway mutants fca/fy and fve/fpa, based on their effects on flowering time, are consistent with their effects on FLC transcript and protein levels. We demonstrate that synergistic increases in FLC mRNA and protein expression occur in response to interactions between the autonomous pathway mutants fca and fpa and mutants in other pathways (fe, ft, fha) that do not regulate FLC when present as single mutants. These changes in FLC levels provide the molecular basis of the interactions previously shown in genetic analyses. The interactions between genes of multiple pathways emphasize the central position of FLC in the control of floral initiation. FLC protein levels match those of its mRNA for a range of genetic, developmental and environmental variables, indicating that control of FLC is at the level of transcription or transcript stability. The autonomous and photoperiod pathways also interact at the level of SOC1. FLC acts as a repressor of SOC1, and SOC1 levels are low when FLC levels are high. In C24 plants which have moderately high FLC levels, flowering occurs without a decrease in FLC level, but the SOC1 level does increase. Thus SOC1 levels can be upregulated through the activities of other pathways, despite the repression by FLC.
Shoot‐derived auxin is essential for early lateral root emergence in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Bhalerao Rishikesh P. , Eklöf Jan , Ljung Karin , Marchant Alan , Bennett Malcolm , Sandberg Göran
Published: March 2003

Lateral root formation is profoundly affected by auxins. Here we present data which indicate that light influences the formation of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) in germinating Arabidopsis seedlings. IAA transported from the developing leaves to the root system is detectable as a short‐lived pulse in the roots and is required for the emergence of the lateral root primordia (LRP) during early seedling development. LRP emergence is inhibited by the removal of apical tissues prior to detection of the IAA pulse in the root, but this treatment has minimal effects on LRP initiation. Our results identify the first developing true leaves as the most likely source for the IAA required for the first emergence of the LRP, as removal of cotyledons has only a minor effect on LRP emergence in contrast to removal of the leaves. A basipetal IAA concentration gradient with high levels of IAA in the root tip appears to control LRP initiation, in contrast to their emergence. A significant increase in the ability of the root system to synthesize IAA is observed 10 days after germination, and this in turn is reflected in the reduced dependence of the lateral root emergence on aerial tissue‐derived auxin at this stage. We propose a model for lateral root formation during early seedling development that can be divided into two phases: (i) an LRP initiation phase dependent on a root tip‐localized IAA source, and (ii) an LRP emergence phase dependent on leaf‐derived IAA up to 10 days after germination.
Redistribution of membrane proteins between the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum in plants is reversible and not dependent on cytoskeletal networks
Authors: Saint‐Jore Claude M. , Evins Janet , Batoko Henri , Brandizzi Federica , Moore Ian , Hawes Chris
Published: March 2003

We have fused the signal anchor sequences of a rat sialyl transferase and a human galactosyl transferase along with theArabidopsishomologue of the yeast HDEL receptor (AtERD2) to the jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) and transiently expressed the chimeric genes in tobacco leaves. All constructs targeted the Golgi apparatus and co‐expression with DsRed fusions along with immunolabelling of stably transformed BY2 cells indicated that the fusion proteins located all Golgi stacks. Exposure of tissue to brefeldin A (BFA) resulted in the reversible redistribution of ST‐GFP into the endoplasmic reticulum. This effect occurred in the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor and also in the absence of microtubules or actin filaments. Likewise, reformation of Golgi stacks on removal of BFA was not dependent on either protein synthesis or the cytoskeleton. These data suggest that ER to Golgi transport in the cell types observed does not require cytoskeletal‐based mechanochemical motor systems. However, expression of an inhibitory mutant ofArabidopsisRab 1b (AtRab1b(N121I) significantly slowed down the recovery of Golgi fluorescence in BFA treated cells indicating a role for Rab1 in regulating ER to Golgi anterograde transport.
Incidence of caries in an infant population in Mostoles, Madrid. Evaluation of a preventive program after 7·5 years of follow‐up
Authors: Tapias M. A. , De Miguel G. , Jiménez‐Garcia R. , GonzáLEZ A. , Dominguez V.
Published: March 2003

Objective.

To assess the efficacy and effectiveness of a dental‐health programme after 7·5‐years of follow‐up.

Design.

The study follows a prospective cohort design without randomization.

Population and methods.

The study group cohort consisted of 547 school children, 266 girls and 281 boys, the control group was composed of 237 school children, 121 girls and 116 boys. Dental examinations were carried out using WHO criteria. Preventive measures included health education, a weekly mouth rinse using sodium fluoride (NaFl) at 0·2% concentration, fissure sealants to first permanent molars and topical application of fluoride gel. The outcomes using different indices of tooth decay and socio–demographic variables were compared between study and control groups and statistical significance determined through the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Logistic regression was used in the multivariate analysis.

Results.

There were statistically significant differences between cohorts in the indices of decay. The mean DMFT value for study group children was 1·52 and for first permanent molars (DMFM) 1·10 per child, mean DMFS was 2·09. In the control group, values were DMFT‐3·07, DMFM‐2·03 per child, DMFS‐4·33. Logistic regression showed the preventive programme to have a significant independent effect.

Conclusion.

The preventive programme had been effective and had a clear protective effect.
The distribution of stimulated saliva in children
Authors: McDonnell S. T. , Hector M. P.
Published: March 2003

Objectives.

The need for an adequate quantity of saliva to maintain oral health has been widely reported. It is not only the quantity that is important, but also how the saliva is distributed once it enters the mouth. Several studies have looked at how saliva is distributed around adult mouths. The aim of this experiment was to describe the distribution of stimulated saliva around the mouth in children.

Sample and methods.

In order to demonstrate the distribution of saliva around the mouth under stimulated conditions, 25 child subjects were asked to chew a piece of chewing gum containing 1·5 mg erythrosin for 3 min on one side of the mouth. The distribution of dye in the mouth was recorded on standardized charts.

Results.

In all cases, dye was present ipsilateral to the chewing side. In 13 cases (52%) the dye did not cross the midline and of the remaining 12 children the dye only reached the contralateral canines in four of them (16%).

Conclusions.

Evidence is presented which suggests that during unilateral chewing in children, saliva is not well distributed around the mouth and has a tendency to stay on the side of the mouth from where it was secreted (P < 0·01).
Fetal Doppler velocimetry at high altitude
Authors: Krampl E. , Lees C. , Bland J. M. , Espinoza Dorado J. , Moscoso G. , Campbell S.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

To determine impedance and velocity characteristics of the fetal circulation using Doppler ultrasound, at extremely high altitude (4300 m) in the Peruvian Andes compared to an ethnically similar population at sea level.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 196 women resident at high altitude (Cerro de Pasco, 4300 m above sea level) and 196 women resident at sea level (Lima) with normal singleton pregnancies. Pulsatility index (PI), maximum velocity (Vmax) and minimum velocity (Vmin) in the umbilical artery, the descending aorta, the middle cerebral artery and the ductus venosus were compared between the two populations using fractional polynomial regression analysis.

Results

The PI was higher at high altitude than at sea level in the umbilical artery (regression coefficient = 0.112, P < 0.001), and not significantly different in the descending aorta, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus. Vmax was lower at high altitude than at sea level in all three arterial vessels assessed; Vmin was lower in two: the umbilical artery and the descending aorta. The high‐altitude/sea‐level ratios for umbilical artery Vmax and Vmin were 0.93 and 0.82, respectively (P < 0.001 for each), the ratios for descending aorta Vmax and Vmin were 0.93 and 0.89, respectively (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively), and the regression coefficient for the middle cerebral artery Vmax was −2.844 (P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the middle cerebral artery Vmin or in the ductus venosus Vmax and Vmin.

Conclusions

Despite the lower ambient oxygen at high altitude and an increase in umbilical artery PI, the fetal circulation does not exhibit a ‘brain sparing effect’. This and the overall decrease in blood flow velocities in the fetal circulation at high altitude may be due to the increased fetal hematocrit, which will result in increased blood viscosity. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Measurement of fetal nuchal translucency thickness by three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Paul C. , Krampl E. , Skentou C. , Jurkovic D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and repeatability of nuchal translucency thickness measurement using three‐dimensional ultrasound.

Methods

Forty consecutive women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies attending for Down syndrome screening at 11–14 weeks' gestation were included in this prospective crossover trial. Nuchal translucency thickness was measured using both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional ultrasound. In each case two three‐dimensional volumes were recorded and then examined by using the technique of planar reformatted sections. The initial plane of the first volume always contained a clear image of the nuchal region (‘sagittal volume’), whilst the initial plane of the second volume was selected randomly regardless of fetal position (‘random volume’). The repeatability of nuchal translucency measurement was examined by constructing a scatter diagram of the difference between the measurements plotted against the mean of two readings.

Results

Nuchal translucency measurements could be repeated in 38/40 (95%) sagittal volumes and 24/40 (60%) random volumes. The mean difference between two‐dimensional measurements and those obtained by reslicing of sagittal three‐dimensional volumes was −0.097 mm (95% limits of agreement from −0.481 to 0.675) and 0.225 mm (95% limits of agreement from −0.369 to 0.819) when random volumes were examined.

Conclusions

Reslicing of stored three‐dimensional volumes can be used to replicate nuchal translucency measurements only when nuchal skin can also be clearly seen on two‐dimensional ultrasound. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Reproducibility of transvaginal three‐dimensional endometrial volume measurements with virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL) during ovarian stimulation
Authors: Bordes A. , Bory A. M. , Benchaïb M. , Rudigoz R. C. , Salle B.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To calculate inter‐ and intraobserver reliabilities for three‐dimensional endometrial volume measurements during in vitro fertilization using virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL™).

Patients and methods

Three‐dimensional ultrasound measurements of the endometrium using VOCAL software were performed on the day of oocyte retrieval in each of 79 consecutive patients undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Endometrial volume was calculated every 15° and every 30° by two different observers in order to determine the reproducibility of the technique.

Results

Intraobserver reliability for the 15° measurements was 0.97 for both observers; for the 30° measurements, it was 0.93 for one observer and 0.96 for the other. Interobserver reliability was 0.80 for the endometrial volumes calculated every 15° and 0.83 for the volumes calculated every 30°. The intra‐ and interobserver measurement agreement showed good reproducibility. However, the volumes calculated every 15° were more accurate because the means of differences were close to zero.

Conclusion

VOCAL provides a reproducible method for the estimation of the endometrial volume. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Depressive reactions and stress related to prenatal medicine procedures
Authors: Kowalcek I. , Mühlhoff A. , Bachmann S. , Gembruch U.
Published: March 2003

Objective

The experience of pregnancy is mainly influenced by the availability of prenatal screening procedures. Previous screening studies focus on somatic abnormalities. The psychological experience of the parents‐to‐be recedes into the background. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the emotional mood of pregnant women and their partners before and their psychological stress before and after different prenatal screening procedures (ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis).

Methods

In the study, 140 pregnant women, and, in 108 cases, their partners, were asked to complete questionnaires before and immediately after the prenatal testing. Depending on the applied prenatal procedure, the subjects were assigned to: the invasive group (amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) and the noninvasive group (ultrasound group). We used the German version of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression Scale of Hautzinger and the short questionnaire of actual situative perceived stress of Müller.

Results

Before the prenatal examination, the mean level of depression of pregnant women was the highest in the noninvasive group compared to the invasive group, although the between‐group difference was not significant. However, for their male partners, the mean level of depression was significantly different between the noninvasive and the invasive groups. Furthermore, women undergoing invasive diagnostic or noninvasive diagnostic procedures were significantly more depressed than their partners. The analysis of the actual stress ratings showed a significant reduction from the prescreening to the postscreening stress for pregnant women and their partners in both groups.

Conclusions

This study reveals that the individual experience of prenatal diagnosis is not determined by the invasiveness of the procedure. Immediate visual presentation of the fetus and confirmation of a normal test result reduce stress that has previously been induced by the prenatal test itself. This contradiction should be discussed with the parents. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
The anatomy of the umbilical, portal and hepatic venous systems in the human fetus at 14–19 weeks of gestation
Authors: Mavrides E. , Moscoso G. , Carvalho J. S. , Campbell S. , Thilaganathan B.
Published: March 2003

Background

Ultrasound imaging of the fetal ductus venosus is becoming increasingly commonplace in clinical practice. The true anatomical relationships of the fetal umbilical and portal venous systems have not been clearly defined due to paucity of published data on the relevant anatomy. This has led to confusing terminology when describing the fetal umbilical, portal and hepatic circulations. The aim of the present study was to examine and document the anatomy of the umbilical, portal and hepatic venous systems and to propose a standardized nomenclature.

Methods

This was a prospective study on 11 fetuses obtained from medical termination of pregnancies between 14 and 19 weeks of gestation. The liver was microdissected to expose the branching pattern and anatomical relations of the umbilical, portal and hepatic venous systems.

Results

A wide L‐shaped venous confluence at the terminal end of the umbilical vein, termed the portal sinus, was identified. The portal sinus was connected to the right and left hepatic lobes, by the right and left intrahepatic portal veins, respectively. The extrahepatic portal vein drained into the portal sinus just before the origin of the right intrahepatic portal vein. The ductus venosus, a branchless straight vessel, originated from the portal sinus and ascended steeply in the direction of the diaphragm. Numerous small vessels draining the liver converged into three main hepatic veins, which open into the subdiaphragmatic vestibulum.

Conclusion

Based on detailed sequential anatomical dissection and clear illustrations, the present study documents the anatomy of the umbilical, portal and hepatic venous systems. Taking into account the embryological origin of the vessels, a new anatomically appropriate and simplified nomenclature of these venous systems is proposed. In clinical practice, the consistent use of the suggested terminology would allow collection of comparable data between units and enable operators to be confident of which vessels they are sampling by Doppler ultrasound.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
A new mathematical formula for predicting long bone length in early pregnancy
Authors: Rosati P. , Guariglia L. , Capelli G.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To propose new mathematical formulae to estimate fetal long bone biometry in early pregnancy and to establish their efficacy in comparison to previously constructed mathematical formulae.

Methods

A study population of 1960 singleton euploid fetuses was referred for transvaginal ultrasound examinations between 71 and 112 days of gestation prior to genetic amniocentesis. To determine the relationship between the biparietal diameter and long bone length, a sample group of 400 randomly chosen normal fetuses was evaluated. Regression equations were derived, then tested in the remaining 1560 control fetuses and compared with previously reported mathematical formulae by other authors. Mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error and mean systematic error with their standard deviations were calculated.

Results

The relationships between femur or humerus length vs. biparietal diameter (BPD) and gestational age (GA) were, respectively: expected femur length = –16.92108 + 0.4569402 × BPD + 0.171617 × GA (P < 0.001) and expected humerus length = –16.28531 + 0.4283019 × BPD + 0.1696017 × GA (P < 0.001). The confidence intervals of the predicted values for different values of biparietal diameter and gestational age and confidence intervals for the regression coefficients, such as the distribution of the residuals, are given. All previous formulae obtained by transabdominal ultrasound demonstrated an overestimation of expected long bones measurements; this was reduced using different formulae obtained in early pregnancy. Using our mathematical formulae, the mean absolute percentage error and the mean systematic error in estimating femur and humerus length were very low (11.15% and −2.02%; 10.59% and –1.74%, respectively).

Conclusions

The new ultrasonographic morphometric models derived from transvaginal measurements in early pregnancy show a good reliability in estimating fetal long bone length. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
The development of the fetal vermis: an in‐utero sonographic evaluation
Authors: Zalel Y. , Seidman D. S. , Brand N. , Lipitz S. , Achiron R.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To establish a nomogram for fetal vermis measurements during gestation.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study of normal singleton pregnancies. Measurements of the fetal vermis width (in the axial plane) and height (in the sagittal plane) were performed by high‐resolution transabdominal ultrasonography between 18 and 38 weeks of gestation in 256 fetuses.

Results

Adequate vermis measurements were obtained in 256 fetuses. Vermian width and height as a function of gestational age and biparietal diameter were expressed by regression equations and the correlation coefficients were found to be highly statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The normal mean (±SD) for each gestational week was defined.

Conclusions

The present data offer the normal range of the vermian measurements throughout gestation. These values may allow intrauterine assessment of the development of the cerebellar vermis, as well as the posterior fossa. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
MsqTc3, a Tc3‐like transposon in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti
Authors: Shao Hongguang , Qi Yumin , Tu Zhijian
Published: March 2003

A novel transposon, MsqTc3‐Aa, has been discovered in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Evidence of its past mobility is presented. There are approximately 100 copies of MsqTc3‐Aa in A. aegypti, eight of which have been isolated and sequenced. All sequenced copies are more than 99% identical to their consensus, indicating recent mobilization. The MsqTc3‐Aa consensus contains imperfect terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) and an open reading frame (ORF) interrupted by an intron. Sequence, structural and phylogenetic analysis showed that MsqTc3‐Aa is a distant relative of Tc3, an active transposon in Caenorhabditis elegans. These results may provide useful information for the current effort to control mosquito‐borne diseases using genetic approaches.
A DNA fingerprinting procedure for ultra high‐throughput genetic analysis of insects
Authors: Schlipalius D. I. , Waldron J. , Carroll B. J. , Collins P. J. , Ebert P. R.
Published: March 2003

Existing procedures for the generation of polymorphic DNA markers are not optimal for insect studies in which the organisms are often tiny and background molecular information is often non‐existent. We have used a new high throughput DNA marker generation protocol called randomly amplified DNA fingerprints (RAF) to analyse the genetic variability in three separate strains of the stored grain pest, Rhyzopertha dominica. This protocol is quick, robust and reliable even though it requires minimal sample preparation, minute amounts of DNA and no prior molecular analysis of the organism. Arbitrarily selected oligonucleotide primers routinely produced ~50 scoreable polymorphic DNA markers, between individuals of three independent field isolates of R. dominica. Multivariate cluster analysis using forty‐nine arbitrarily selected polymorphisms generated from a single primer reliably separated individuals into three clades corresponding to their geographical origin. The resulting clades were quite distinct, with an average genetic difference of 37.5 ± 6.0% between clades and of 21.0 ± 7.1% between individuals within clades. As a prelude to future gene mapping efforts, we have also assessed the performance of RAF under conditions commonly used in gene mapping. In this analysis, fingerprints from pooled DNA samples accurately and reproducibly reflected RAF profiles obtained from individual DNA samples that had been combined to create the bulked samples.
Developmental variation in epidermal growth factor receptor size and localization in the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Lycett G. , Blass C. , Louis C.
Published: March 2003

The AGER gene encoding the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae was cloned and sequenced. It represents a canonical member of this family of tyrosine kinase proteins exhibiting many similarities to orthologues from other species, both on the level of genomic organization and protein structure. The mRNA can be detected throughout development. Western analysis with an antibody raised against the extracellular domain of the mosquito protein suggests developmental variation in protein size and location that may be involved in the function of EGFR in the mosquito.
Haploid chromosomes in molecular ecology: lessons from the human Y
Authors: Hurles Matthew E. , Jobling Mark A.
Published: March 2003

We review the potential use of haploid chromosomes in molecular ecology, using recent work on the human Y chromosome as a paradigm. Chromosomal sex‐determination systems, and hence constitutively haploid chromosomes, which escape from recombination over much of their length, have evolved multiple times in the animal kingdom. In mammals, where males are the heterogametic sex, the patrilineal Y chromosome represents a paternal counterpart to mitochondrial DNA. Work on the human Y chromosome has shown it to contain the same range of polymorphic markers as the rest of the nuclear genome and these have rendered it the most informative haplotypic system in the human genome. Examples from research on the human Y chromosome are used to illustrate the common interests of anthropologists and ecologists in investigating the genetic impact of sex‐specific behaviours and dispersals, as well as patterns of global diversity. We present some methodologies for extracting information from these uniquely informative yet under‐utilized loci.
Molecular differentiation of the Old World Culicoides imicola species complex (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae), inferred using random amplified polymorphic DNA markers
Authors: Sebastiani F. , Meiswinkel R. , Gomulski L. M. , Guglielmino C. R. , Mellor P. S. , Malacrida A. R. , Gasperi G.
Published: March 2003

Samples of seven of the 10 morphological species of midges of the Culicoides imicola complex were considered. The importance of this species complex is connected to its vectorial capacity for African horse sickness virus (AHSV) and bluetongue virus (BTV). Consequently, the risk of transmission may vary dramatically, depending upon the particular cryptic species present in a given area. The species complex is confined to the Old World and our samples were collected in Southern Africa, Madagascar and the Ivory Coast. Genomic DNA of 350 randomly sampled individual midges from 19 populations was amplified using four 20‐mer primers by the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. One hundred and ninety‐six interpretable polymorphic bands were obtained. Species‐specific RAPD profiles were defined and for five species diagnostic RAPD fragments were identified. A high degree of polymorphism was detected in the species complex, most of which was observed within populations (from 64 to 76%). Principal coordinate analysis (PCO) and cluster analysis provided an estimate of the degree of variation between and within populations and species. There was substantial concordance between the taxonomies derived from morphological and molecular data. The amount and the different distributions of genetic (RAPD) variation among the taxa can be associated to their life histories, i.e. the abundance and distribution of the larval breeding sites and their seasonality.
Wolbachiainfection shared among planthoppers (Homoptera: Delphacidae) and their endoparasite (Strepsiptera: Elenchidae): a probable case of interspecies transmission
Authors: Noda H. , Miyoshi T. , Zhang Q. , Watanabe K. , Deng K. , Hoshizaki S.
Published: March 2003

Wolbachia, a group of parasitic bacteria of arthropods, are believed to be horizontally transmitted among arthropod taxa. We present a new probable example of interspecies horizontal transmission ofWolbachiaby way of an endoparasite based on the conformity ofWolbachiagene sequences. Field samples of two rice planthoppers,Laodelphax striatellusandSogatella furciferapossessed identicalWolbachia. Among three major endoparasites of planthoppers, a strepsipteran,Elenchus japonicus, harboured the identicalWolbachiastrain, suggesting strepsipteran transmission ofWolbachiafrom one planthopper to the other. NoWolbachiawas detected in a mermithid nematodeAgamermis unka,and dryinid wasps possessed different types ofWolbachia.
Conservation genetics of the rare and endangeredLeucopogon obtectus(Ericaceae)
Authors: Zawko G. , Krauss S. L. , Dixon K. W. , Sivasithamparam K.
Published: March 2003

Leucopogon obtectusBenth. is a declared rare species found in the kwongan vegetation in Western Australia. Plants on a mineral sand mine and the rehabilitation area are subject to disturbance. Genetic diversity was examined within and among all known populations using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) for conservation. Both molecular markers revealed a high percentage (> 89%) of polymorphic markers and a high mean genetic distance among individuals (D = 0.3). Analysis of molecular variance showed that 86.7% (RAPD) and 89.7% (AFLP) of variability was partitioned among individuals within populations. Exact tests showed no significant population differentiation. The analyses indicated thatL. obtectusexhibits high levels of genetic diversity despite small population sizes. The high levels of variability among individuals and the lack of clear population differentiation suggest that this species comprises a single, genetically diverse group. Conservation and management ofL. obtectusshould concentrate on maintaining the high levels of genetic variability through mixing genotypes and promoting outcrossing.
Genetic divergence of peripherally disjunct populations of the gastropod Batillariella estuarina in the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia
Authors: Pudovskis M. S. , Johnson M. S. , Black R.
Published: March 2003

Geographically disjunct populations are unusual in marine species, but the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia, provide opporunities to study highly disjunct peripheral isolates of several species. The intertidal snail Batillariella estuarina occurs in isolated tidal ponds in the Abrolhos Islands, where it is at its northern limit, disjunct from mainland populations by 600–900 km. The species is thus disjunct both geographically and among the peripherally isolated populations in the Abrolhos Islands. Comparisons of allozymes at 11 polymorphic loci were made among populations from 10 ponds in the Abrolhos Islands and six sites from relatively continuous tidal flats at Albany, 900 km away, the nearest major set of populations. Among all 16 populations, subdivision was high (FST = 0.455). Although there were subtle differences between the geographical regions, the large majority of divergence occurred among the isolated ponds in the Abrolhos (FST = 0.441), and divergence on the tidal flats at Albany was only moderate (FST = 0.085). Characteristic of peripheral isolates, the pond populations have less polymorphism and fewer alleles than the more connected populations at Albany. Combined with evidence of genetic divergence in the gastropods Bembicium vittatum and Austrocochlea constricta, which have very similar geographical distributions to that of B. estuarina, these results indicate the potential evolutionary significance of peripherally isolated marine polpulations in the unusual habitats of the Abrolhos Islands.
Testing for recombination in a short nuclear DNA sequence of the European meadow grasshopper,Chorthippus parallelus
Authors: Ibrahim K. M. , Cooper S. J. B. , Hewitt G. M.
Published: March 2003

Single‐copy nuclear DNA sequences have high potential as a source of genetic markers for population analyses. However, the difficulties that arise when haplotypes that are the product of recombinational rearrangements are present require additional consideration. Two statistical methods for identifying potential recombinants by detecting anomalies in the distribution of variable sites along sequences were used to screen sequences from a single‐copy nuclear DNA fragment,cpnl‐1,of the European meadow grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus). Five of the 71 haplotypes in thecpnl‐1data set showed nonrandom distribution of polymorphic sites using both methods. The second method pinpointed an additional four haplotypes. Estimates of the rate of recombination in the entire data set were obtained using standard methods. It is concluded thatcpnl‐1haplotypes have been involved in recombination or gene conversion events at a rate more than twice the mutation rate. This confirms that recombination and gene conversion are significant factors in the generation of haplotype variation in nuclear gene sequences. Thecpnl‐1haplotypes identified by the tests were present only in populations that have had recent contact; the Balkan and Turkish refugial populations and their postglacial colonies to the north. This is discussed in relation to the phylogenetic inferences drawn from the same data in a previous report.
Microsatellite DNA and recent statistical methods in wildlife conservation management: applications in Alpine ibex [Capra ibex (ibex)]
Authors: Maudet C. , Miller C. , Bassano B. , Breitenmoser‐Würsten C. , Gauthier D. , Obexer‐Ruff G. , Michallet J. , Taberlet P. , Luikart G.
Published: March 2003

We evaluated the usefulness of microsatellites and recently developed statistical methods for the conservation management of fragmented and reintroduced populations, using the alpine ibex (Capra ibex) as a model species. First, we assessed the effects of past reintroduction programmes on genetic diversity and population differentiation considering different population sizes and histories. We show that genetic variability in ibex populations (HE ≈ 0.13) is among the lowest reported from microsatellites in mammal species, and that the Alpi Marittime–Mercantour population has suffered from a severe genetic bottleneck associated with its reintroduction. Second, using a computer‐simulation approach, we provide examples and rough guidelines for translocation programmes concerning the number and origin of individuals for future reintroductions and for the reinforcement of populations with low genetic variability. Finally, we use the ibex microsatellite data to assess the usefulness of several published statistical tests for detecting population bottlenecks and assigning individuals to their population of origin. This study illustrates that microsatellites allow: (i) evaluation of alternative translocation scenarios by simulating different numbers and origins of ‘migrants’; (ii) identification of bottlenecked populations (especially using the Wilcoxon signed‐ranks test); and (iii) population assignment with a high certainty (P < 0.001) of almost 100% of the individuals (or trophies or carcasses) from two distant populations (especially using stucture or whichrun software).
Genetic evidence for male biased dispersal in the red‐billed quelea Quelea quelea
Authors: Dallimer M. , Blackburn C. , Jones P. J. , Pemberton J. M.
Published: March 2003

In order to detect sex‐biased dispersal in the red‐billed quelea Quelea quelea in southern Africa, we used the assignment index technique to determine the probability that individuals originated from the population in which they were sampled. This is the first time that this multilocus genetic test has been used in a bird species and is informative despite evidence that the population under study exhibits little genetic structure. There was a pattern of male‐biased dispersal, the first example in a passerine, and the first time that evidence of a sex‐biased pattern of dispersal has been shown for queleas.
Oxygen and salinity characteristics of predator–prey distributional overlaps shown by predatory Baltic cod during spawning
Authors: Neuenfeldt S. , Beyer J. E.
Published: March 2003

In the distributional overlap volume of Baltic cod Gadus morhua and its prey, studied in the Bornholm Basin in the southern Baltic Sea, only a fraction of the sprat Sprattus sprattus population vertically overlapped with the Baltic cod population. Sprat occurred in the intermediate water, in the halocline and in the bottom water, while herring Clupea harengus and Baltic cod occurred exclusively in the halocline and in the bottom water. Only parts of the sprat population were hence accessible for Baltic cod, and only a fraction of the sprat had access to the Baltic cod eggs below the halocline. Baltic cod–clupeid overlap volumes appeared to be determined by salinity stratification and oxygenation of the bottom water. Hydrography time series were used to estimate average habitat volumes and overlap from July to September in 1958–1999. In the 1999 survey spawning Baltic cod had greater ratios of empty stomachs and lower average rations than non‐spawning Baltic cod. The average ration for Baltic cod caught within 11· 4 m from the bottom (demersal) did not differ from the average ration of Baltic cod caught in shallower waters (pelagic), because spawning and non‐spawning Baltic cod in both strata were caught at equal rates. The diet of the Baltic cod caught demersally contained more benthic invertebrates, especially Saduria entomon, but Baltic cod caught pelagically also had fresh benthic food in their stomachs, indicating vertical migration of individual fish.
Intracavernous application of diazepam: An alternative route of the seizure treatment − an experimental study in rabbits
Authors: DÜndarÖz RuŞen , DeĞim Tuncer , Sizlan Ali , YaŞar Mehmet , Denli Metin , Gökçay Erdal
Published: March 2003

Backround
: There is a general need to terminate seizures as soon as possible using anticonvulsant drugs via an intravenous (i.v.) route, but it is often difficult to achieve a secure i.v. line during the seizure, especially in children. However, it has been demonstrated that high volumes of fluid can be injected into the corpora cavernosa. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the absorption properties of diazepam (DZ) after intracavernous (i.c.) administration and whether therapeutically significant plasma concentrations can be obtained or not.

Methods
: Diazepam was administered to rabbits using both the i.v. and i.c route with a dose of 1 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected from the saphenous vein for a time period of 30 min. The levels of DZ in the blood were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and their blood profiles were obtained and compared.

Results
: The insertions of the needle using this method were successful in all cases. The average time of inserting the needle was less than 5 s. There was no statistically significant difference between the i.v. and i.c. administration with regard of the blood DZ levels. Within 48 h after the experiment, none of the animals demonstrated any evidence of infection or disability.

Conclusion
: Our results demonstrated that commercially available parenteral DZ can be absorbed rapidly by the i.c. route in rabbits. Further studies are needed on the feasibility of this method before it is evaluated in humans.
Ethical dimensions of fetal research
Authors: Chervenak Frank A. , McCullough Laurence B.
Published: March 2003

This paper provides an account of major ethical dimensions of fetal research. A balanced approach is offered on the basis of the concept of the fetus as a patient. The paper offers criteria for a balanced approach to fetal research, an account of the informed consent process and consideration of whether selection criteria should include the woman’s preferences regarding abortion.
Anorexia nervosa and culture
Authors: Simpson K. J.
Published: March 2003

Anorexia nervosa is currently considered a disorder confined to Western culture. Its recent identification in non‐Western societies and different subcultures within the Western world has provoked a theory that Western cultural ideals of slimness and beauty have infiltrated these societies. The biomedical definition of anorexia nervosa emphasizes fat‐phobia in the presentation of anorexia nervosa. However, evidence exists that suggests anorexia nevosa can exist without the Western fear of fatness and that this culturally biased view of anorexia nervosa may obscure health care professionals’ understanding of a patient’s own cultural reasons for self‐starvation, and even hinder their recovery.
Interleukin‐1α increases the cytotoxic activity of etoposide against human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Jia Shu‐Fang , Zwelling Leonard A. , McWatters Amanda , An Taeha , Kleinerman Eugene S.
Published: March 2003

The recurrence of pulmonary metastases resistant to salvage chemotherapy continues to be a major problem in osteosarcoma patients. Our goal is to identify novel combinations of biologic response modifiers plus chemotherapeutic agents that can be translated into clinical trials. Response rates of relapsed osteosarcoma patients to etoposide have been extremely low. The present investigation demonstrated that IL‐1α dramatically increased the sensitivity of MG‐63, SAOS‐2, and TE‐85 osteosarcoma cells to etoposide when the two agents were used simultaneously. The cytostatic activity of 1 μM etoposide was increased from 35 to 70%, 30 to 65%, and 4 to 90%, respectively, by 5.0 U/ml IL‐1α. Analysis using the colony‐forming assay to quantify cytotoxicity showed that the percentage of cell survival following exposure to etoposide decreased from 0.81 to 0.56, 0.55 to 0.2, and 0.4 to 0.05 when the combination treatment was used. Increased sensitivity was not seen when etoposide treatment preceded IL‐1α treatment. IL‐1α also increased the sensitivity of these cells to doxorubicin but not to cisplatin or topotecan. The mechanism of this enhanced activity is independent of p‐glycoprotein, drug‐uptake, or effects on topoisomerase II.