bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A long‐term effect of caries‐related factors in initially caries‐free children
Authors: COGULU DILSAH , ERSIN NAZAN KOCATAS , UZEL ATAC , ERONAT NESRIN , AKSIT SADIK
Published: July 2007

Aim.  The aim of this study was to examine the rate and pattern of early childhood caries development in caries‐free children based on their dental plaque accumulations, salivary Streptococcus mutans levels, maternal sharing, oral hygiene, and feeding attitudes at baseline and at 24‐month follow‐up period.

Design.  A total of 92 children, aged between 15 to 35 months, comprised the study group. The children's dental examinations were first carried out at baseline, and 56 of them were re‐examined 24 months later to determine the changes in dental status. The mothers were also interviewed at each examination based on a prepared questionnaire.

Results.  The prevalence of caries incidence was 45% at 24‐month evaluation period among initially caries‐free children. The new caries formation was mostly observed on occlusal and aproximal surfaces of maxillary molars (28% and 26%) followed by mesial, distal and buccal surfaces of anterior teeth, respectively. Significant correlations between dental caries formation and maternal sharing, S. mutans levels, and plaque scores were found.

Conclusion.  The results indicated that early S. mutans colonization, high plaque accumulation, and maternal sharing were important factors on a child's caries development.
Reaction of children to dental injection with 27‐ or 30‐gauge needles
Authors: RAM DIANA , HERMIDA B LAURA , AMIR ERICA
Published: July 2007

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to assess children's reaction while receiving dental local anaesthesia with a 27‐ and a 30‐gauge needle and to record their sensation.

Methods.  Ninety‐five children (43 boys and 52 girls) participated in this study. A random crossover design was used so that each child served as his or her own control, receiving each treatment on the opposite sides of the same arch (right vs. left). Each patient received an injection either with a 27‐ or 30‐gauge needle during the first visit and during the second visit with the other needle. Objective and subjective evaluation were performed.

Results.  Children's reactions to maxillary buccal infiltration either with a 27‐ or 30‐gauge needle were similar. Significantly more children cried while receiving mandibular block injection with a 27‐gauge needle than they did when receiving the injection with a 30‐gauge needle (P = 0.002). According to subjective evaluation, most children rated both injections as a positive, nonpainful experience.

Conclusions.  Mandibular block is less unpleasant, and children cry less when administered with a 30‐gauge needle than they do when it is delivered with a 27‐gauge needle. No difference in crying during injection is observed when maxillary infiltration is provided with 27‐ or 30‐gauge needles.
Assessments of habitat preferences and quality depend on spatial scale and metrics of fitness
Authors: CHALFOUN ANNA D. , MARTIN THOMAS E.
Published: July 2007

Identifying the habitat features that influence habitat selection and enhance fitness is critical for effective management. Ecological theory predicts that habitat choices should be adaptive, such that fitness is enhanced in preferred habitats. However, studies often report mismatches between habitat preferences and fitness consequences across a wide variety of taxa based on a single spatial scale and/or a single fitness component.

We examined whether habitat preferences of a declining shrub steppe songbird, the Brewer's sparrowSpizella breweri, were adaptive when multiple reproductive fitness components and spatial scales (landscape, territory and nest patch) were considered.

We found that birds settled earlier and in higher densities, together suggesting preference, in landscapes with greater shrub cover and height. Yet nest success was not higher in these landscapes; nest success was primarily determined by nest predation rates. Thus landscape preferences did not match nest predation risk. Instead, nestling mass and the number of nesting attempts per pair increased in preferred landscapes, raising the possibility that landscapes were chosen on the basis of food availability rather than safe nest sites.

At smaller spatial scales (territory and nest patch), birds preferred different habitat features (i.e. density of potential nest shrubs) that reduced nest predation risk and allowed greater season‐long reproductive success.

Synthesis and applications.Habitat preferences reflect the integration of multiple environmental factors across multiple spatial scales, and individuals may have more than one option for optimizing fitness via habitat selection strategies. Assessments of habitat quality for management prescriptions should ideally include analysis of diverse fitness consequences across multiple ecologically relevant spatial scales.
Effects of selection cutting on the abundance and fertility of indicator lichens Lobaria pulmonaria and Lobaria quercizans
Authors: Edman Mattias , Eriksson Anna‐Maria , Villard Marc‐André
Published: July 2007

Although selection cutting is probably less harmful to forest ecosystems than clear cutting, its effects on biodiversity remain largely unexplored. We investigated the previously unstudied effects of selection cutting on the abundance and fertility of two dominating species of epiphytic lichens, Lobaria pulmonaria and Lobaria quercizans, in a northern hardwood forest of New Brunswick, Canada.

Twenty‐eight forest stands were selected representing two contrasting silvicultural treatments: fairly recent selection cuts (5–9 years) and ‘uncut’ stands that had been subjected to low‐intensity single‐tree cutting at least 35 years ago. Within each stand, we quantified the abundance and fertility of lichens on 36 trees together with selected forest stand variables.

Although both species had survived harvesting, the abundance of L. quercizans and L. pulmonaria was four and five times higher, respectively, in uncut stands than in selection cuts. The most important predictive factors for lichen abundance at the stand level were total basal area and canopy closure, which were much lower in selection cuts. Furthermore, the abundance of both species at the tree level was significantly correlated with tree size.

Most interestingly, fertile L. quercizans and L. pulmonaria were, respectively, five and 26 times more frequent in uncut stands. In addition, for L. pulmonaria the fertility frequency was only 3% in selection cuts, compared with 37% in uncut stands. The fertility of both lichen species was strongly correlated with their abundance at the tree level.

Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that selection cutting has a strong impact on the abundance and fertility of these two Lobaria species, and that studies ignoring fertility may underestimate the negative effects of forestry on lichens. To reduce the negative effects we have three recommendations. (i) Large trees from old seral stages should be retained during selection cuts. (ii) The cutting cycle should be extended and the basal area removed should be reduced. These actions would improve the microclimate, increase the amount of suitable habitat and prolong the time window for lichen colonization in selection cuts. (iii) Some mature deciduous forest stands should be protected at the regional scale. This would promote the long‐term persistence of large, sexually reproductive lichen populations and concurrently benefit all species tightly linked with mature hardwood forests.
Efforts going to the dogs? Evaluating attempts to re‐introduce endangered wild dogs in South Africa
Authors: Gusset Markus , Ryan Sadie J. , Hofmeyr Markus , Van Dyk Gus , Davies‐Mostert Harriet T. , Graf Jan A. , Owen Cailey , Szykman Micaela , Macdonald David W. , Monfort Steven L. , Wildt David E. , Maddock Anthony H. , Mills M. Gus L. , Slotow Rob , Somers Michael J.
Published: July 2007

We evaluated one of the most extensive efforts to date to re‐introduce an endangered species: attempts to establish an actively managed meta‐population of African wild dogs Lycaon pictus in South Africa.

 Using an information‐theoretic approach, known‐fate modelling in program mark was employed to estimate the survival of re‐introduced wild dogs and their offspring, and to model covariate effects relative to survival. Multiple a priori hypotheses on correlates of re‐introduction success were tested (collated from extensive individual experiences) using different re‐introduction attempts as natural quasi experiments.

Survival analyses revealed that the determinants of re‐introduction success can be reduced to two factors relevant for management, suggesting that wild dog re‐introductions should be attempted with socially integrated animals that are released into securely fenced areas, unless measures are implemented to mitigate human‐related mortalities outside protected areas.

Synthesis and application. This study illustrates that monitoring and evaluation of conservation efforts, complimented with expert knowledge, forms the foundation of informed decision‐making to underpin management recommendations with scientific evidence, particularly if the proposed actions are controversial.
Delivering feedback on learning organization characteristics – using a Learning Practice Inventory
Authors: Kelly Diane R. , Lough Murray , Rushmer Rosemary , Wilkinson Joyce E. , Greig Gail , Davies Huw T. O.
Published: July 2007

Rationale, aims and objectives  Learning is recognized to be at the heart of the quality improvement process in the National Health Service (NHS). However, the challenge will be how to ensure that learning becomes embedded within the NHS culture. The aim of this study is to identify a robust feedback process and format in which practices could receive data on their responses to a Learning Practice Inventory (a diagnostic instrument designed to identify a practice’s capacity for collective learning and change).

Method  Five practices volunteered to test the instrument, and it was distributed to all members of the primary care team. A process was worked through to identify different formats for presenting scores within and between practices. The preferred method of data presentation was sought, and an evaluation gathered information on the preferred form of feedback, the usefulness of the data, the clarity of the questions and the level of interest in receiving further information.

Results  Eighty‐five staff from five practices completed the questionnaire, and 61 individuals completed the evaluation forms. In most cases, there was a spread of scores by staff within practices and across the scale of 1–10. Medians were clustered at the learning practice end for all five practices. However, despite this skew, there were sometimes quite large differences between practices in their median scores.

Conclusion  Our study suggests that a robust feedback process on collective capacity for learning and change can be identified that is useful and feasible. A key implication is that some form of educational support is required, and this work will take place as part of an ongoing programme of research by the authors.
PPARs and their metabolic modulation: new mechanisms for transcriptional regulation?
Authors: Ahmed W. , Ziouzenkova O. , Brown J. , Devchand P. , Francis S. , Kadakia M. , Kanda T. , Orasanu G. , Sharlach M. , Zandbergen F. , Plutzky J.
Published: July 2007

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) as ligand‐activated nuclear receptors involved in the transcriptional regulation of lipid metabolism, energy balance, inflammation, and atherosclerosis are at the intersection of key pathways involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Synthetic PPAR agonists like fibrates (PPAR‐α) and thiazolidinediones (PPAR‐γ) are in therapeutic use to treat dyslipidaemia and diabetes. Despite strong encouraging in vitro, animal model, and human surrogate marker studies with these agents, recent prospective clinical cardiovascular trials have yielded mixed results, perhaps explained by concomitant drug use, study design, or a lack of efficacy of these agents on cardiovascular disease (independent of their current metabolic indications). The use of PPAR agents has also been limited by untoward effects. An alternative strategy to PPAR therapeutics is better understanding PPAR biology, the nature of natural PPAR agonists, and how these molecules are generated. Such insight might also provide valuable information about pathways that protect against the metabolic problems for which PPAR agents are currently indicated. This approach underscores the important distinction between the effects of synthetic PPAR agonists and the unequivocal biologic role of PPARs as key transcriptional regulators of metabolic and inflammatory pathways relevant to diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Relationship between Candida and nocturnal denture wear: quantitative study
Authors: COMPAGNONI M. A. , SOUZA R. F. , MARRA J. , PERO A. C. , BARBOSA D. B.
Published: July 2007

summary  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Candida and denture wear during the night. Twenty‐four edentulous volunteers were randomly divided into two groups. Group I (GI, n = 11) was composed of volunteers who wore their complete dentures day and night and Group II (GII, n = 13) was composed of volunteers who wore their complete dentures only during the day. Three examination periods were performed for both groups. In GI, the first examination (A) was carried out after overnight denture wearing. Subsequent examinations were conducted after one (B) and seven nights (C) without denture use during sleep. In GII, the first (A) was done without previous use during sleep, and the following were carried out after one (B) and seven nights (C) of overnight denture wearing. Total unstimulated saliva was collected in a sterile container and cultured in duplicate inside Petri dishes. The values of colony forming units (CFU mL–1 ± s.d.) were obtained: GI A – 10·1 × 103 ± 1·2 × 104, B – 2·0 × 103 ± 2·6 × 103, and C – 2·6 × 103 ± 5·9 × 103 and GII: A – 0·4 × 103 ± 0·6 × 103, B – 9·4 × 103 ± 17·7 × 103 and C – 6·3 × 103 ± 15·3 × 103. The mean counts for Candida sp. were expressed as log (CFU + 1) mL−1 and statistical significance of differences among groups was tested by anova (α = 0·05). Multiple comparisons were performed according to Bonferroni test and indicated significant differences between A–B and A–C, but not between B and C for both groups. It was concluded that there is a significant relationship between continuous denture wear and Candida sp.
The PilA protein of non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae plays a role in biofilm formation, adherence to epithelial cells and colonization of the mammalian upper respiratory tract
Authors: Jurcisek Joseph A. , Bookwalter James E. , Baker Beth D. , Fernandez Soledad , Novotny Laura A. , Munson Robert S. , Bakaletz Lauren O.
Published: July 2007

We recently described the expression of type IV pili (Tfp) by non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI), a common respiratory tract pathogen. Prior to that report, Tfp were not thought to be produced by NTHI as they are not observed on NTHI when grown on chocolate agar or other commonly used growth media. To further characterize growth conditions permissive for the expression of NTHI Tfp, as well as determine their role in colonization and virulence, we transformed an NTHI otitis media isolate with a reporter plasmid containing the lux gene cluster driven by the pilA promoter. Transcription from the pilA promoter was demonstrated under a variety of in vitro growth conditions and, importantly, by ex vivo imaging of luciferase‐producing NTHI in infected chinchillas. Luciferase‐producing NTHI were also identified within a biofilm formed by NTHI in vivo. We further demonstrated a role for NTHI PilA in adherence to human respiratory epithelial cells, in colonization of the chinchilla respiratory tract as well as a requirement for PilA in biofilm development, both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our data demonstrate that NTHI express PilA in vivo, and that PilA plays an important role in the pathogenesis of an upper respiratory tract infection induced by NTHI.
Acute but not chronic macrophage recruitment in filarial infections in mice is dependent on C‐C chemokine ligand 2
Authors: RAMESH M. , PACIORKOWSKI N. , DASH Y. , SHULTZ L. , RAJAN T. V.
Published: July 2007

summary

Macrophages play an important role in the formation of granulomas and the clearance of Brugia pahangi infections in mice. However, the factors responsible for the recruitment of these cells to the site of infection are not known. In this study we examined the role of the C‐C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2; also known as macrophage chemotactic factor – MCP1) in macrophage recruitment in intraperitoneal infections with B. pahangi. We observed that CCL2 was expressed by peritoneal exudate cells and was present in the sera of wild‐type mice. Serum levels of CCL2 peaked twice during the immune response, once during the early, acute phase and again during the late, chronic phase. To further elucidate the role of this chemokine in the anti‐filarial immune response, we compared CCL2 deficient (CCL2−/–) mice to wild‐type mice. We observed that macrophage recruitment was impaired only during the acute phase in the former. While macrophage recruitment was unaffected during the chronic phase, increased accumulation of B and T lymphocytes was seen in these mice. We further report that larval clearance and the in vitro adhesion of PECs to larvae were unimpaired in these mice.
Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection down‐regulates eotaxin concentration and CCR3 expression on lung eosinophils in murine allergic pulmonary inflammation
Authors: RZEPECKA J. , DONSKOW‐SCHMELTER K. , DOLIGALSKA M.
Published: July 2007

There is growing evidence that helminth infections might suppress allergic responses by mechanisms potentially involving regulatory T lymphocytes, cytokines, helminth molecules and polyclonal IgE. Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection in mice is associated with reduced local and systemic immune responses, thus providing an excellent model to study the mechanisms of immune regulation. In this research, we examined the way that nematode infection modulates the influx of eosinophils into the airways of asthmatic mice. We observed a reduction in the total number and percentage of lung eosinophils that coincided with decreased levels of eotaxin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lower expression of the CCR3 receptor on eosinophils and impaired chemotaxis of these cells toward eotaxin. We conclude that allergen‐induced immune response was down‐regulated as production of Th1 (IFN‐γ)‐, Th2 (IL‐4, IL‐5)‐ and Treg (IL‐10)‐related cytokines as well as IL‐6 and TNF‐α was diminished upon nematode infection. We postulate that attenuation of allergic inflammation during H. polygyrus infection is a consequence of the dichotomy of the immune response in the face of concurrent antigenic challenge.
Immune response to Haemonchus contortus infection in susceptible (INRA 401) and resistant (Barbados Black Belly) breeds of lambs
Authors: TEREFE G. , LACROUX C. , ANDREOLETTI O. , GRISEZ C. , PREVOT F. , BERGEAUD J. P. , PENICAUD J. , ROUILLON V. , GRUNER L. , BRUNEL J. C. , FRANCOIS D. , BOUIX J. , DORCHIES P. , JACQUIET P.
Published: July 2007

The immune responses to Haemonchus contortus were compared in studies in resistant Barbados Black Belly (BBB) and susceptible INRA 401 (INRA) breeds of lambs. The cytokine patterns indicated a Th2‐biased response in both breeds. A more persistent and elevated Th2 cytokine mRNA transcription and blood eosinophilia were noted in the BBB lambs. However, at days 4 and 30 post‐infection, abomasal recruitment of eosinophils and mast cells were similar between the two breeds. Following primary infections, the BBB demonstrated a substantially lower faecal egg count compared to the INRA lambs. Furthermore, worm counts at 4 and 30 days post‐infection, and adult female worm size and in utero egg counts 30 days after the first infection were significantly lower in the BBB than in the INRA breed. In the INRA breed, re‐infection caused a significant reduction in most parasitological parameters compared with those observed after the primary infection. A similar response was not observed in the BBB sheep. In conclusion, while the major driving force in the response to H. contortus infection is a Th2‐biased immunity in which the BBB showed its maximal performance during the primary infection, the INRA breed performed better after re‐infection compared to its response to first exposure.
Movement of aphid‐transmitted Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) within and between sugarcane plants
Authors: Lehrer A. T. , Schenck S. , Yan S.‐L. , Komor E.
Published: July 2007

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) is distributed worldwide and has been shown to be the cause of the disease sugarcane yellow leaf syndrome (YLS). This study was an investigation of the transmission and spread of ScYLV in Hawaii. Several aphids are known to transmit the virus, but investigation of infestation and transmission efficiency showed Melanaphis sacchari to be the only vector important for field spread of the disease. The initial multiplication of ScYLV in a virus‐free plant occurred exclusively in very young sink tissues. When a single leaf was inoculated on a plant, that leaf and all older leaves remained virus‐free, based on tissue‐blot immunoassay, whereas meristems and all subsequently formed new leaves became infected. Therefore, only after those leaves which had already developed before inoculation had been shed, did the complete plant contain ScYLV. Spread of the viral infection to neighbouring plants in the plantation fields via aphids was relatively slow and in the range of a few metres per year. No indication of long‐distance transfer could be seen. This indicates that it may be possible to produce and use virus‐free seed cane for planting of high‐yielding but YLS‐susceptible cultivars.
Partial characterization of phytoplasmas associated with lettuce and wild lettuce phyllodies in Iran
Authors: Salehi M. , Izadpanah K. , Nejat N. , Siampour M.
Published: July 2007

Phytoplasmas associated with lettuce phyllody (LP) and wild lettuce phyllody (WLP) in southern Iran were partially characterized by molecular analyses and host‐range studies. Agents of both diseases were transmitted by Neoaliturus fenestratus, a leafhopper colonizing lettuce and wild lettuce, to lettuce, wild lettuce, sowthistle and periwinkle, but not to safflower, sunflower, calendula and sesame. Both phytoplasmas induced bud proliferation, virescence, phyllody and witches’ broom in infected plants. Total DNA extracted from infected lettuce and wild lettuce or from vector tissues was subjected to PCR using phytoplasma‐specific primer pair P1/P7 or nested PCR using P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2. PCR product of nested PCR (1·2 kbp) was subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RFLP analysis of nested PCR product identified the LP, WLP and N. fenestratus‐associated phytoplasmas as members of the pigeon pea witches’ broom group, 16SrIX. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence also clustered LP and WLP phytoplasmas with other known members of the 16SrIX group. While no significant differences could be detected between LP and WLP phytoplasmas, both isolates differed from Lebanese wild lettuce phyllody in molecular properties.
Sexual conflict does not drive reproductive isolation in experimental populations of Drosophila pseudoobscura
Authors: BACIGALUPE L. D. , CRUDGINGTON H. S. , HUNTER F. , MOORE A. J. , SNOOK R. R.
Published: July 2007

Sexual conflict has been predicted to drive reproductive isolation by generating arbitrary but rapid coevolutionary changes in reproductive traits among allopatric populations. A testable prediction of this proposal is that allopatric populations experiencing different levels of sexual conflict should exhibit different levels of reproductive isolation. We tested this prediction using experimentally evolved populations of the promiscuous Drosophila pseudoobscura. We manipulated sexual conflict by enforcing either monogamy, maintaining natural levels of promiscuity, or elevating promiscuity. Within each treatment, we carried out sympatric and allopatric crosses using replicated populations and examined pre‐zygotic (number of mating pairs, mating speed and copulation duration) and post‐zygotic (hybrid inviability and sterility) indicators of reproductive isolation. After 50 generations of selection, none of the measures conformed to predictions of sexual conflict driving reproductive isolation. Our results cannot be explained by lack of genetic variation or weak selection and suggest that sexual conflict may not be a widespread engine of speciation.
Body size evolution in South American Liolaemus lizards of the boulengeri clade: a contrasting reassessment
Authors: PINCHEIRA‐DONOSO D. , TREGENZA T. , HODGSON D. J.
Published: July 2007

Bergmann's rule predicts larger body sizes in species living in higher latitudes and altitudes. This rule appears to be valid for endotherms, but its relevance to ectotherm vertebrates has largely been debated. In squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes), only one study, based on Liolaemus species of the boulengeri clade, has provided phylogenetic evidence in favour of Bergmann's clines. We reassessed this model in the same lizard clade, using a more representative measure of species body size and including a larger number of taxa in the sample. We found no evidence to support Bergmann's rule in this lineage. However, these non‐significant results appear to be explained only by the inclusion of further species rather than by a different estimation of body size. Analyses conducted on the 16 species included in the previous study always revealed significant relationships between body size and latitude–altitude, whereas, the enlarged sample always rejected the pattern predicted by Bergmann's rule.
Not All Signals are Equal: Male Brown Anole Lizards (Anolis sagrei) Selectively Decrease Pushup Frequency Following a Simulated Predatory Attack
Authors: Simon Valerie B.
Published: July 2007

The use of conspicuous communication signals often increases a signaler's risk of predation. Many species communicate with a repertoire of signals that may differ in their conspicuousness to predators. Few studies have examined the ability of prey to selectively decrease the use of individual signals in their displays under heightened predation risk. Here, I examined the behavior of male brown anole lizards (Anolis sagrei) in response to a simulated predatory attack from a model kestrel. This species communicates with three major visual signal types, the head‐bob, pushup, and dewlap extension, which vary in their motion and spectral characteristics. I predicted that lizards would decrease frequencies of the dewlap extension and pushup following the attack, but not the head‐bob. Males modulated their use of individual signals by decreasing pushup rates, but not head‐bob rates. Decreases in dewlap frequency were marginally significant. One explanation for these results is that lizards decrease frequencies of signal types based partly on their conspicuousness. The energetic cost of each signal type may be an equally important factor that determines the signaler's response to predators, particularly if a predatory attack is perceived as imminent.
Effects of azadirachtin and of simpler epoxy‐alcohols on survival and behaviour of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Charbonneau C. , Côté R. , Charpentier G.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Investigations into the toxicity of three simpler molecules based on the epoxy‐alcohol fragment of azadirachtin have revealed insecticidal activity on the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. larvae. The simpler epoxy‐alcohols doses giving 50% mortalities (LD50) for G. mellonella larvae were in the increasing order from glycidol (0.022 mg/g), 4,5‐epoxy‐2‐pentanol (0.068 mg/g) and finally, glycerol diglycidyl ether (0.147 mg/g). The three epoxy‐alcohols exhibited higher insecticidal activity when compared with the commercial neem product for which the dose giving 50% mortalities was 10.6 mg/g and to azadirachtin that killed the larvae only by injection (dose of 0.20 mg/g of larvae body weight). Our results confirm the importance of the epoxy‐alcohol junction between the two parts of the azadirachtin molecule for the biological activity. Other effects of the epoxy‐alcohols tested were blackening of larvae and morphological deformities of some adults hatching. In future, the molecules should be complexified (degree of ramification, length of chain and presence of bulky ramified substituent) to obtain an insecticide as toxic for insects only and environmentally safe as azadirachtin but more stable, and their physiological activities on insect's tissues and cells should be studied.
Effect of rotational use of insecticides on pyrethroids resistance in Helicoverpa armigera (Lep.: Noctuidae)
Authors: Razaq M. , Suhail A. , Arif M. J. , Aslam M. , Sayyed A. H.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  To investigate fluctuation in susceptibility to insecticides in the field, natural populations of Helicoverpa armigera were collected from the same field in the region of Multan, Pakistan in 2002 and 2003. The populations were examined against pyrethroids (viz. cypermethrin, esfenvalerate and fenpropathrin) and new insecticides (viz. spinosad, abamectin and indoxacarb). In 2002, the resistance ratio (RR) of cypermethrin and esfenvalerate was significantly higher than fenpropahrin compared with susceptible population. The susceptibility to cypermethrin, esfenvalerate and fenpropathrin increased significantly in 2003; however, the RR for cypermethrin was about half the RR (38) of esfenvalerate (101) and fenpropathrin (89). The toxicity of spinosad, abamectin and indoxacarb was identical in both years. In the field experiments, abamectin was more effective than other compounds tested whereas fenpropathrin, cypermethrin and esfenvalerate had similar toxicity. These results might have important implications in resistance management and suggest that the rotational use of spinosad, abamectin and indoxacarb could help to avoid the development of multiple resistant in H. armigera.
Outbreaks of Tetanus in Beef Cattle and Sheep in Brazil Associated with Disophenol Injection
Authors: Driemeier D. , Schild A. L. , Fernandes J. C. T. , Colodel E. M. , Corrêa A. M. R. , Cruz C. E. F. , Barros C. S. L.
Published: July 2007

Outbreaks of tetanus, in which 297 beef cattle and 50 sheep were affected and died, were associated with the injection of a Clostridium tetani‐contaminated anthelmintic (disophenol). The disease was observed on five farms in Rio Grande Sul, Brazil.
Intensively Kept Pigs Pre‐disposed to Chlamydial Associated Conjunctivitis
Authors: Becker A. , Lutz‐Wohlgroth L. , Brugnera E. , Lu Z. H. , Zimmermann D. R. , Grimm F. , Grosse Beilage E. , Kaps S. , Spiess B. , Pospischil A. , Vaughan L.
Published: July 2007

In the present study, ocular chlamydial infections in pigs that originate from two different farming systems were investigated. In particular, the aim was to test pigs with and without clinical ocular symptoms for the presence ofChlamydiaceaeand for linked infections withAcanthamoebaespp. possibly acting as vectors for Chlamydia or Chlamydia‐like organisms. In a total of 181 pigs, 102 from Germany (GER), representing the intensively kept animals and 79 from Switzerland (CH), which were kept extensively, were screened for the presence of different pathogens by PCR, including a newChlamydiaceae‐specific intergenic spacer rRNA gene PCR. Additionally, results of clinical examination and cytology were compared between the symptomatic and asymptomatic pigs of the two groups. Ocular symptomatic pigs showed a high prevalence ofChlamydia suisin both groups: CH 79%, GER 90%. Only 23% asymptomatic pigs from CH, but 88% asymptomatic pigs from GER were positive forC. suisby PCR. DNA ofChlamydia‐like organismswere detected in 19% CH, but only in 2% GER pigs, whereas only 4% CH and 1% GER pigs were also positive forAcanthamoebaespp. A co‐infection ofAcanthamoebaespp. andC. suiswas present in only 3% of the CH but 28% of the GER pigs. In general, the intensively kept pigs in our study seemed to be pre‐disposed to ocular chlamydial infection and associated conjunctivitis. Infections with Chlamydia‐like organisms alone and in combination withAcanthamoebaeplayed no role for clinical findings within the tested pig groups, whereas a co‐infection of Acanthamoebae andC. suiswas able to cause serious ocular manifestations in half of the cases of intensively kept pigs being positive for these microorganisms.
Unique gliadin patterns in Chinese winter wheat cultivars
Authors: Wu F. , Han Z. X. , Liu Y. , Pan Z. F. , Deng G. B. , Yu M. Q.
Published: July 2007

Cultivated Chinese wheat germplasm has been a valuable genetic resource in international plant breeding. Patterns of gliadin among cultivated Chinese accessions are unknown, despite the proven value and potential novelty. The objective of this work was to analyse the diversity within improved Chinese wheat germplasm. The electrophoretic banding patterns of gliadin in winter wheat cultivars and advanced lines were determined by acid‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. For 148 leading commercial cultivars and promising advanced lines used in this study, 48 patterns were identified, 29 corresponding to ω‐gliadin, nine to γ‐gliadin, five to β‐gliadin and five to α‐gliadin. The most frequent patterns were A6 in ω; B in γ; B in β and A in the region of α. A total of 116 band types appeared in the 148 samples: 94 accessions had unique gliadin types, and 22 gliadin, types while not unique, were found in 54 accessions. The gliadin patterns of Chinese wheat cultivars and lines greatly differed from the patterns of wheat lines from other countries. Three patterns, E, J, H, M, N and O in the ω‐zone had not been reported previously. Three wheat zones of China, the Northern Winter Wheat Region, the Yellow and Huai Valley River valleys Winter Wheat Region and the Southwestern Winter Wheat Region, showed different frequencies in their gliadin patterns. This information can be used to monitor genetic diversity with Chinese wheat germplasm.
Ca2+ STORES REGULATE RYANODINE RECEPTOR Ca2+ RELEASE CHANNELS VIA LUMINAL AND CYTOSOLIC Ca2+ SITES
Authors: Laver Derek R
Published: July 2007

In muscle, intracellular calcium concentration, hence skeletal muscle force and cardiac output, is regulated by uptake and release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The ryanodine receptor (RyR) forms the calcium release channel in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

The free [Ca2+] in the sarcoplasmic reticulum regulates the excitability of this store by stimulating the Ca2+ release channels in its membrane. This process involves Ca2+‐sensing mechanisms on both the luminal and cytoplasmic sides of the RyR. In the cardiac RyR, these have been shown to be a luminal Ca2+ activation site (L‐site; 60 µmol/L affinity), a cytoplasmic activation site (A‐site; 0.9 µmol/L affinity) and a cytoplasmic Ca2+ inactivation site (I2‐site; 1.2 µmol/L affinity).

Cardiac RyR activation by luminal Ca2+ occurs by a multistep process dubbed ‘luminal‐triggered Ca2+ feed‐through’. Binding of Ca2+ to the L‐site initiates brief (1 msec) openings at a rate of up to 10 /s. Once the pore is open, luminal Ca2+ has access to the A‐site (producing up to 30‐fold prolongation of openings) and to the I2‐site (causing inactivation at high levels of Ca2+ feed‐through).

The present paper reviews the evidence for the principal aspects of the ‘luminal‐triggered Ca2+ feed‐through’ model, the properties of the various Ca2+‐dependent gating mechanisms and their likely role in controlling sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release in cardiac muscle.

The model makes the following important predictions: (i) there will be a close link between luminal and cytoplasmic regulation of RyRs and any cofactor that prolongs channel openings triggered by cytoplasmic Ca2+ will also promote RyR activation by luminal Ca2+; (ii) luminal Mg2+ (1 mmol/L) is essential for the control of SR excitability in cardiac muscle by luminal Ca2+; and (iii) the different RyR isoforms in skeletal and cardiac muscle will be controlled quite differently by the luminal milieu. For example, Mg2+ in the SR lumen (approximately 1 mmol/L) can strongly inhibit RyR2 by competing with Ca2+ for the L‐site, whereas RyR1 is not affected by luminal Mg2+.
Endothelin‐1 level in epithelial lining fluid of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: NAKANO Yasushi , TASAKA Sadatomo , SAITO Fumitake , YAMADA Wakako , SHIRAISHI Yoshiki , OGAWA Yuko , KOH Hidefumi , HASEGAWA Naoki , FUJISHIMA Seitaro , HASHIMOTO Satoru , ISHIZAKA Akitoshi
Published: July 2007

Background and objectives:  Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by endothelial cells, has been implicated in the dysfunction of various organs. To determine the role of ET‐1 in acute lung injury (ALI) and ARDS, ET‐1 levels were measured in epithelial lining fluid (ELF) and plasma obtained from patients with ALI/ARDS.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study of patients with ALI/ARDS in the intensive care unit of two university hospitals was performed. Patients with ALI/ARDS underwent bronchoscopic microsampling to collect ELF on the day of onset of the disease. Patients who underwent bronchoscopy to examine a small peripheral pulmonary nodule served as controls.

Results:  In the 23 patients with ALI/ARDS, the ET‐1 level in ELF was significantly greater than that in plasma (P < 0.001). In contrast, ET‐1 was not detectable in the ELF from six of the seven control subjects. The albumin concentration of ELF, used as a marker of endothelial and epithelial permeability, correlated with the ET‐1 level in ELF (P < 0.001). The oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) was also correlated with ET‐1 concentration in ELF (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  In patients with ALI/ARDS, ET‐1 is produced mainly in the lung and is associated not only with pulmonary vasoconstriction but also the development of permeability oedema, leading to the impairment of oxygenation.
When should home mechanical ventilation be started in patients with different neuromuscular disorders?
Authors: DREHER Michael , RAUTER Isabelle , STORRE Jan H. , GEISELER Jens , WINDISCH Wolfram
Published: July 2007

Background and objectives:  Current international consensus guidelines identify a number of indicators for the establishment of home mechanical ventilation (HMV) for patients with neuromuscular diseases but do not address the possible clinical differences between each of the underlying disorders. This study assessed the differences in the physiological parameters of patients with neuromuscular disease commenced on HMV for the treatment of symptomatic chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Methods:  Patients commenced on HMV for the treatment of symptomatic chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure over a 9‐year period were studied. Physiological parameters at the time of referral for HMV, impact of HMV and survival were analysed.

Results:  The study recruited 66 patients with neuromuscular disease. Thirty‐one patients had rapidly progressive disease: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, n = 19), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD, n = 12) and 35 patients had slowly progressive disease. Mean FVC at HMV onset was 40.3 ± 17.5% predicted in all patients, but was >50% predicted in eight patients (12%). ALS patients were more hypercapnic (P = 0.03) and more hypoxaemic (P < 0.001), but had better FEV1 at HMV onset, compared with DMD patients (P = 0.005). Maximal inspiratory mouth occlusion pressure (PImax) was 3.0 ± 1.6 kPa in all patients, but values were lower compared with international consensus guidelines (5.88 kPa). Median survival in DMD, slowly progressive diseases and ALS was 132, 82 and 16 months, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Blood gases and lung function parameters vary substantially between patients with differing underlying neuromuscular disorders when commenced on HMV for the treatment of symptomatic chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. In contrast, PImax is equally reduced in all patients and more severely reduced compared with consensus guidelines. The specific underlying neuromuscular disease has a major impact on outcome. Specific selection criteria are needed for the use of HMV in the different diseases that comprise neuromuscular disorders.
Clinical analysis of sarcoidosis presenting with heterochronic cardiac involvement
Authors: MIWA Seiichi , SUDA Takafumi , MORITA Sumihito , INUI Naoki , SATO Jun , CHIDA Kingo
Published: July 2007

Background and objectives:  A variety of markers, such as serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme (sACE) and CXR have been used to evaluate the disease activity and progression of sarcoidosis. There are patients who have developed cardiac involvement several years after the initial diagnosis despite stable or decreased disease activity. This study clarified the clinical characteristics of those patients.

Methods:  A total of 141 consecutive patients treated for sarcoidosis were studied. Heterochronic cardiac sarcoidosis was defined as the sudden onset of cardiac manifestations more than 2 years after the initial diagnosis despite stable lung disease and normal sACE levels.

Results:  Of the patients studied four showed heterochronic cardiac involvement. These patients were all middle‐aged women (mean age, 50.5 years) with multiple organ involvement. The time period from the initial diagnosis of sarcoidosis to the onset of cardiac involvement ranged from 3 to 8 years, with a mean duration of 5.2 years. All patients showed fatal conduction abnormalities.

Conclusions:  Middle‐aged women with multiple organ involvement of sarcoidosis are at risk of developing cardiac sarcoidosis.
Clinical manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease: East and West differences
Authors: WANG Yu Fang , ZHANG Hu , OUYANG Qin
Published: July 2007

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is very common in developed countries, while it is relatively uncommon in Asian countries. However, the incidence of IBD has been increasing in some Asian countries in recent years. Most cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) in Asia are of the chronic relapsing type, run a milder course, and the fulminant type is rarely seen. There is no difference in clinical manifestations between Asian and developed countries. The incidence of Crohn's Disease (CD) is mainly in males in Asia, while it is mainly in females in developed countries. The clinical manifestations of CD are similar between both sets of countries. In China there are less fistulae and perianal diseases, and extraintestinal manifestations of CD are uncommon. In China, 5.6% of patients with UC have a family history, which is lower than 10–20% in developed countries. NOD2/CARD15 variants in the locus of 16q112 (IBD1) are significantly associated with the susceptibility of CD in developed countries, but NOD2/CARD15 variants have not been found in Asian CD patients.
Expression of p53, p16 and cyclooxygenase‐2 in esophageal cancer with tissue microarray
Authors: LIU You Shi , YU Chao Hui , LI Lan , ZHANG Bao Feng , FANG Jing , ZHOU Qiong , HU Ying , LI You Ming , Jun GAO Hen
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to obtain a comprehensive survey on the expression of p53, p16 and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in esophageal cancer progression and their clinical significance.

METHODS:  A tissue microarray containing 86 specimens from esophageal cancer and 40 specimens from adjacent non‐cancer tissue was constructed to survey the expression of p53, p16 and COX‐2 by immunohistochemistry. The influence of each biomarker on the histotype of esophageal lesion was assessed by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS:  The expression of p53 and COX‐2 was significantly higher in tumorous tissue than in non‐tumorous tissue. As to p16, no significant difference was detected between tumorous and non‐tumorous tissue. A significant correlation was observed among p53, COX‐2 and p16 expression. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors of a tumorous histotype were the positive expression of p53 (odds ratio [OR] = 18.214) or COX‐2 (OR = 42.703), and no reciprocal relationship to neoplastic progression was recognized with p53, p16 and COX‐2.

CONCLUSIONS:  p53 and COX‐2 were independent predictors in esophageal carcinogenesis. Esophageal tissue with a positive expression of p53 or COX‐2 was more likely to develop esophageal cancer.
Cushing’s syndrome in a clinic population with diabetes
Authors: Newsome S. , Chen K. , Hoang J. , Wilson J. D. , Potter J. M. , Hickman P. E.
Published: July 2007

Background: A recent report has suggested that occult Cushing’s syndrome (CS) may be present in a significant number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine whether any patients in our clinic population with diabetes had this condition.

Methods: One hundred and seventy‐one consecutive overweight attendees at the diabetic clinic were enrolled in a study to assess the presence of occult CS. The initial screen was with the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test and follow‐up testing, where indicated was with a 24 h collection for urine‐free cortisol.

Results: Thirty‐one of 171 patients had a positive result from the overnight dexamethasone suppression test. Follow‐up testing with 24 h urine‐free cortisol reduced the number of patients with positive results to 3. Two of these were shown to have alcoholic pseudo‐CS. The third patient has had several high urine‐free cortisol results, in the presence of normal scans of pituitary and adrenals. He has no stigmata of CS and is being observed.

Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, there would appear to be little value in screening type 2 diabetics for CS, in the absence of clinical suspicion.
Current management of acute coronary syndromes in Australia: observations from the acute coronary syndromes prospective audit
Authors: Chew D. P. , Amerena J. , Coverdale S. , Rankin J. , Astley C. , Brieger D.
Published: July 2007

Background: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) management is now well informed by guidelines extrapolated from clinical trials. However, most of these data have been acquired outside the local context. We sought to describe the current patterns of ACS care in Australia.

Methods: The Acute Coronary Syndrome Prospective Audit study is a prospective multi‐centre registry of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), high‐risk non‐ST‐segment elevation ACS (NSTEACS‐HR) and intermediate‐risk non‐ST‐segment elevation ACS (NSTEACS‐IR) patients, involving 39 metropolitan, regional and rural sites. Data included hospital characteristics, geographic and demographic factors, risk stratification, in‐hospital management including invasive services, and clinical outcomes.

Results: A cohort of 3402 patients was enrolled; the median age was 65.5 years. Female and non‐metropolitan patients comprised 35.5% and 23.9% of the population, respectively. At enrolment, 756 (22.2%) were STEMI patients, 1948 (57.3%) were high‐risk NSTEACS patients and 698 (20.5%) were intermediate‐risk NSTEACS patients. Evidence‐based therapies and invasive management use were highest among suspected STEMI patients compared with other strata (angiography: STEMI 89%, NSTEACS‐HR 54%, NSTEACS‐IR 34%, P < 0.001) (percutaneous coronary intervention: STEMI 68.1%, NSTEACS‐HR 22.2%, NSTEACS‐IR 8.1%, P < 0.001). In hospital mortality was low (STEMI 4.0%, NSTEACS‐HR 1.8%, NSTEACS‐IR 0.1%, P < 0.001), as was recurrent MI (STEMI 2.4%, NSTEACS‐HR: 2.8%, NSTEACS‐IR 1.2%, P = 0.052).

Conclusion: There appears to be an ‘evidence‐practice gap’ in the management of ACS, but this is not matched by an increased risk of in‐hospital clinical events. Objective evaluation of local clinical care is a key initial step in developing quality improvement initiatives and this study provides a basis for the improvement in ACS management in Australia.