bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain measurement
Authors: Gracely R. H.
Published: December 2004

Increasing evidence from laboratory methods in humans and animals indicates that pain arises from, and is modulated by, a number of mechanisms. In addition, these mechanisms are not static but change as pain persists. Recent human studies have demonstrated new aspects of pain processing at all levels of the central nervous system. Studies of the influence of analgesic agents on a large number of experimental pain measures have shown a preferential effect of opioids for attenuating the central integration of prolonged stimuli while local anesthetics may be more effective for brief stimulation. Studies of NK1 antagonists in man have shown results similar to those found with animals. There is little effect on brief stimulation of Aδ and C‐fiber nociceptors, including conditions that can evoke central summation. However, these antagonists, which block the effects of substance P, are effective in more persistent states such as postsurgical pain. Persistent pain can also alter the function of the large diameter Aβ touch afferents, ranging from increased tactile sensitivity in inflammatory conditions to frank allodynia following nerve injury or focal nociceptor stimulation. Recent advances in evaluation of supraspinal pain processing in humans have demonstrated pain‐related activation using both methods that assess synchronized neural activity and methods that infer this activity in the whole brain by local changes in regional cerebral blood flow. These methods have begun to identify brain regions associated with the multiple dimensions and processing of painful stimulation and the modulation of these processes by pharmacological agents and non‐pharmacological interventions.
Fatigue. Measures and relation to pain
Authors: Kaasa S. , Loge J. H. , Knobel H. , Jordhøy M. S. , Brenne E.
Published: December 2004

Fatigue describes reduced capacity to sustain force or power output, reduced capacity to perform multiple tasks over time and simply a subjective experience of feeling exhausted, tired, weak or having lack of energy. Pain and fatigue have several components in common, such as being subjective, prevalent in most patients with cancer and caused by multiple factors of both a physical and psychological nature. In order to explore the relationship between fatigue and pain, data from five studies were used: two random samples from the Norwegian population (n=2323 and n=1965), Hodgkin’s disease survivors (n=459), palliative care patients (n=434) and patients with bone metastases (n=94). All patients had completed one or more of the following instruments: EORTC QLQ‐C30, SF‐36 and/or Fatigue Questionnaire. The level of fatigue was much higher in the two palliative care populations (54.4 and 63.2) as compared to the normal population samples (25.0). Patients with bone metastases had significantly more pain (72.0) than the patients in the palliative care trial (47.4) and norms (20.5). In the two palliative care and bone metastases populations fatigue was almost unchanged over time, while pain was reduced. In the palliative care population a high level of fatigue (80.3) and pain (57.8) was reported 0–1 month before death. The relationship between pain, fatigue and the health‐related quality of life domains should be explored in more detail, especially in follow‐up studies in order to assess possible changes over time. In addition, the validity of the existing instruments measuring fatigue should be investigated for use in patients with advanced disease and short life expectancy.
Ethical issues in palliative care
Authors: Randall F. M.
Published: December 2004

The relief of suffering is one of the aims of health care. Pain relief is a moral obligation in health care, not an optional extra. Doctors have moral obligations to strive to relieve pain, to be competent in basic pain control, and to endeavour to give patients an adequate understanding of their illness and painkillers. The most common moral problem in pain control in terminally ill patients is the conflict between the obligation to relieve suffering and the obligation to prolong life. The law prohibits intentionally causing the death of another person. Debates follow as to what constitutes an intention to cause death, and what actually constitutes a cause of death. At present, doctors are legally permitted to give sedatives and analgesics to terminally ill patients with the intention of relieving suffering, even if life is shortened. The moral principle of the ‘double effect’ relates to this and is explained. It relies on a distinction between intended and foreseen effects of treatment. Some people dispute the distinction between intended and foreseen effects and claim that the principle of double effect allows doctors who intend euthanasia to carry it out under cover of the law. This debate is explored in the article. Finally, is it ever morally justifiable to end the patient’s life on the grounds that this is the only way to end pain? Even if it is, should euthanasia be legalised? A brief comment on these issues, and the roles of law and morality, are made.
A non‐thoracic operation for a patient with single lung transplantation
Authors: Haddow G. R. , Brock‐Utne J. G.
Published: December 2004

The number of lung transplants performed annually is increasing. It is becoming more likely that these patients will present post transplantation to anesthesiologists who have little experience in dealing with the physiological, pharmacological, medical and surgical problems that these patients present. This article discusses the management of a patient presenting for surgery after lung transplantation.
Diencephalic tumours presenting as psychosis
Authors: Izci Y. , Karlidere T. , Caliskan U. , Akay K. M.
Published: December 2004

Background:

Diencephalic tumours are usually presented with the sign and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, endocrinological changes and visual disturbances. Psychiatric manifestation of such rare tumours is not well known.

Objective:

To investigate the challenges and benefits of psychiatric evaluation on the diagnosis of diencephalic tumours and to emphasize the presence of psychosis as an initial phenomenon.

Methods and results:

Two cases who presented with the characteristic symptoms of psychosis and diagnosed diencephalic tumour are reported. A detailed radiological examination confirmed such diagnosis in both cases and surgical treatment was done.

Conclusion:

First, all patients who presented with a history of unexplained behaviour change must be evaluated by psychiatrists to exclude an organic pathology. Secondly, until the diagnosis of diencephalic tumour is confirmed, the surgical management must be performed.
The folding pathway of a fast‐folding immunoglobulin domain revealed by single‐molecule mechanical experiments
Authors: Schwaiger Ingo , Schleicher Michael , Noegel Angelika A , Rief Matthias
Published: December 2004

The F‐actin crosslinker filamin from Dictyostelium discoideum (ddFLN) has a rod domain consisting of six structurally similar immunoglobulin domains. When subjected to a stretching force, domain 4 unfolds at a lower force than all the other domains in the chain. Moreover, this domain shows a stable intermediate along its mechanical unfolding pathway. We have developed a mechanical single‐molecule analogue to a double‐jump stopped‐flow experiment to investigate the folding kinetics and pathway of this domain. We show that an obligatory and productive intermediate also occurs on the folding pathway of the domain. Identical mechanical properties suggest that the unfolding and refolding intermediates are closely related. The folding process can be divided into two consecutive steps: in the first step 60 C‐terminal amino acids form an intermediate at the rate of 55 s−1; and in the second step the remaining 40 amino acids are packed on this core at the rate of 179 s−1. This division increases the overall folding rate of this domain by a factor of ten compared with all other homologous domains of ddFLN that lack the folding intermediate.
Pigs are not a reliable experimental model in the study of the haemodynamic and respiratory effects of CO2 pneumoperitoneum
Authors: Richard L. , Bures E. , Lacoste L. , Declerck A. , Carretier M. , Debaene B. , Fusciardi J.
Published: December 2004

Background: Haemodynamic and respiratory effects of a CO2 pneumoperitoneum (intra‐abdominal pressure = 12 mmHg) associated to a head‐up position(15°) were studied in 20 pigs using a Swan‐Ganz catheter and the Single Breath Test for CO2. The pneumoperitoneum induced a moderate rise in mean arterial pressure (+17%) (P<0.001) without any variation in heart rate, cardiac output and systemic vascular resistances.

Results: The following respiratory effects were observed: an increase in PaCO2 (+20%) (P<0.001), PE'CO2 (+31%) (P<0.001), expired volume of CO2 (+28%) (P<0.001), arterial to end‐tidal CO2 gradient (+80%) (P<0.001) and alveolar dead space (+40%) (P<0.001) occured. Alveolar ventilation remained stable. Finally and contrary to healthy human patient, intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation in pig induced slight haemodynamic changes and major respiratory modifications.

Conclusion: Thus, our data do not support the conclusion that the pig is a reliable experimental model for studying the pathophysiology of CO2 pneumoperitoneum‐induced changes in haemodynamic and respiratory parameters, in human patients.
The effects of platelet apheresis in total hip replacement surgery on platelet activation
Authors: Ekbäck G. , Edlund B. , Smolowicz A. , Axelsson K. , Kjellberg J. , Carlsson O. , Schött U.
Published: December 2004

Background: Autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) harvest with autotransfusion devices has been used for 10 years in cardiac surgery and recently in orthopedics as a blood saving method. The quality of the harvested platelets has not been adequately examined, in part because of methodological difficulties in studying platelet function during surgery.

Methods: Twenty patients undergoing primary total hip replacement (THR) were studied. Ten patients underwent an immediate preoperative platelet apheresis to obtain concentrated platelet rich plasma (c‐PRP). The other 10 patients not undergoing apheresis were allocated to a control group.

Platelet activation was evaluated as the population expressing P‐selectin on the surface of platelets in the c‐PRP and in blood samples collected pre‐, per‐ and postoperatively. The method used was flow cytometry.

Results and conclusions: A minor population of activated platelets was found to be circulating in the patients' blood, with a highly significant difference between patients (P = 0.005), and with a range of 1–23% in peroperative activation. PRP harvest did not significantly alter platelet activity.

The platelet apheresis procedure did not inhibit platelet function in the c‐PRP, as judged by a high proportion of platelets that could be activated in ADP stimulation experiments (mean value ± SD 86% ± 7.5%).
A controlled randomized treatment study: the effects of a cognitive remediation program on adolescents with early onset psychosis
Authors: Ueland T. , Rund B. R.
Published: December 2004

Objective: To examine if a cognitive remediation program could be a positive supplement to a psychoeducational treatment program for adolescents with early onset psychosis.

Method: Twenty‐six subjects, randomly assigned to cognitive remediation (n = 14) or control group (n = 12), were assessed on cognitive, clinical, psychosocial and behavioural measures.

Results: No significant between‐group differences in pre‐ and post‐treatment scores were found. This may be due to low statistical power. Exploratory within‐group analyses showed that the training group improved on five of the 10 cognitive, and three of the five functioning outcome measures, while the control group improved on three of the cognitive, and one functioning outcome variable.

Conclusion: Based on these results we cannot conclude that the addition of this cognitive remediation program, yields better results than psychoeducation alone. However, within‐group analyses indicate that on specific cognitive functions, as well as on some functioning outcome measures, the remediation program may have a positive effect.
Outcomes of the peer‐taught 12‐week family‐to‐family education program for severe mental illness
Authors: Dixon L. , Lucksted A. , Stewart B. , Burland J. , Brown C. H. , Postrado L. , McGuire C. , Hoffman M.
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Family‐to‐Family Education Program (FFEP) is a 12‐week course for family members of adults with serious mental illness (SMI). This study evaluates the effectiveness of FFEP for several family member outcomes.

Method:  The FFEP enrollees on a ≥3‐month waiting list were eligible; 95 consenting family members agreed to four interviews (waitlist, pre‐FFEP, post‐FFEP, and 6 months post‐FFEP) regarding subjective and objective burden, empowerment, and depression. Mixed effects ANOVA models tested hypotheses of decreased burden and increased empowerment after FFEP.

Results:  The FFEP was associated with reduced subjective burden (P < 0.01) and increased empowerment (P < 0.01) without changes in objective burden. Knowledge about SMI, understanding the mental health system, and self‐care also improved. There was no significant decay at 6‐month followup.

Conclusion:  This study provides evidence that FFEP is helpful to relatives of persons with SMI by reducing subjective burden and worry, and increasing empowerment, knowledge about SMI, understanding the mental health system, and self‐care.
Remembering Louise Vernet
Authors: Bann Stephen
Published: December 2004

This article follows the chance discovery of a ‘souvenir’ commemorating the death of the wife of the painter Paul Delaroche in 1845. It consists of an engraving of that date by Alphonse François, after Delaroche’s drawing of Louise in the form of a medallion (1843). It was dedicated to a close family friend, Héracle Fréteau de Pény, who included other mementoes of her life, including a lock of her hair, in the framed souvenir when he had put it together in 1851. Dating from the decade in which photography established itself in France, this object enacts a form of commemoration that owes nothing to the photographic image, and yet it multiplies the signs of indexicality in addition to its iconic and symbolic reference. It is argued that such a complex collection of signs, which illuminates social and cultural practices in the process of framing the original print, may provide a paradigm for asking new questions about the status of the visual print in this period and art–historical procedures more generally.
Kettil Bruun Society for Social and Epidemiological Research on Alcohol
Authors: Demers Andrée , Garretsen Henk , Room Robin , Rossow Ingeborg , Ugland Trygve
Published: December 2004

The Kettil Bruun Society for Social and Epidemiological Research on Alcohol (KBS) was established in 1987 and is an independent organization open to all scientists working on problems related to social and epidemiological research on alcohol. The aim of the Society is to promote social and epidemiological research which fosters a comparative understanding of the social aspects of alcohol use and alcohol problems. In line with this the Society also aims at promoting a spirit of international collaboration. The Kettil Bruun Society is based on individual membership and, by 2003, has 197 fully paid‐up members, representing 34 different countries over five continents. The main activities include an annual meeting as well as thematic meetings. In these meetings, discussions are emphasized by having precirculated papers and assigned discussants. The KBS also serves as a basis for organizing international collaborative projects. Project meetings or work‐shops are often organized around the annual meetings, and the projects tend to run over several years. The Society's primary influence is through the mutual influence of its members on each others’ thinking, the work of the projects that KBS sponsors and the influence its members have collectively on the development of the field.
Gastric mucosal infiltration by Helicobacter pylori favours bacterial survival after treatment
Authors: NERI M. , SUSI D. , BOVANI I. , LATERZA F. , PORRECA E. , CUCCURULLO F.
Published: December 2004

Background: Although a number of patient and bacterial factors have been identified as predictors of treatment failure in Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastritis, the causes of lack of response to treatment have not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that bacterial infiltration of the gastric mucosa might be one of the factors responsible for treatment failure in patients harbouring the bacterium.

Methods: We studied 182 patients with gastritis who underwent anti‐H. pylori treatment with different drugs. Gastric biopsies obtained at endoscopy, were examined for electron microscopic features of infiltration and damage. Patients were assigned to different treatment groups, and endoscopy, evaluation of H. pylori status and electron microscopy were repeated at least 4 weeks after the end of treatment.

Results: The overall H. pylori eradication rate was 65%. Eradication was achieved more frequently in patients without electron microscopic features of infiltration (85%), than in those patients with the bacteria deeply embedded into the gastric mucosa (45%; P<0.0001). No treatment appeared to be clearly superior for patients with the highest degree of mucosal infiltration.

Conclusions: Bacterial mucosal infiltration may facilitate the survival of H. pylori during antibacterial treatment; moreover, electron microscopy may be helpful to identify patients potentially unresponsive to anti‐H. pylori treatment.
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection with low or high dose omeprazole combined with amoxycillin and the effect of early retreatment
Authors: VAN DER HULST R. W. M. , WEEL J. F. L. , VERHEUL S. B. , KELLER J. J. , TEN KATE F. J. W. , VAN DER  ENDE A. , RAUWS E. A. J. , DANKERT J. , TYTGAT G. N. J.
Published: December 2004

Background: Cure rates of H. pylori infection, using dual therapy with omeprazole and amoxycillin, vary considerably and the efficacy of retreatment with this regimen in the case of initial failure is controversial. Therefore, we conducted a large prospective double‐blind randomized trial, studying the efficacy of low vs. high dose omeprazole in dual therapy and of early retreatment with the same regimens.

Methods: One hundred and sixty‐eight consecutive H. pylori‐positive patients, suffering from either peptic ulcer disease or functional dyspepsia, were enrolled. Group I (n=84) received omeprazole 20 mg b.d. plus amoxycillin 750 mg t.d.s., for 2 weeks. Group II (n=84) received omeprazole 40 mg t.d.s. plus amoxicillin 750 mg t.d.s., for 2 weeks.

Results: The H. pylori eradication rate was 60.2% in group I and 64.3% in group II (P=0.59). Cure of H. pylori infection was significantly better in patients with peptic ulcer disease, compared to non‐ulcer dyspeptics (P=0.016). Retreatment, given in 54 patients, was successful in 21.4% patients in group I and in 28% patients in group II (P=0.58).

Conclusions: High dose of omeprazole has no advantage compared to low dose in terms of eradication efficacy. Early retreatment with the same regimen offers limited improvement in cure rate. Presence of peptic ulcer disease influences cure rates significantly.
Viral nucleotide changes in asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers undergoing interferon treatment
Authors: HOW W. , NG W. C. , TAN M. F. , SEET B. L. , GUAN R.
Published: December 2004

Background: Interferon might induce mutation in regions of hepatitis B virus DNA that encode for immunologic target of cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Aim: To investigate the short‐term effect of steroid priming and interferon therapy on hepatitis B virus, we followed the nucleotide changes in the precore and core region of hepatitis B virus DNA in seven healthy asymptomatic carriers who underwent steroid priming followed by recombinant alpha interferon for 3 months.

Methods: Hepatitis B virus DNA from serial sera of the patients were polymerase chain reaction‐amplified, and the precore and core region directly sequenced and analysed.

Results: Analysis revealed no serial changes in the hepatitis B virus nucleotide sequence in any of the patients.

Conclusions: Steroid priming and short‐term treatment with interferon in healthy asymptomatic patients does not select for hepatitis B virus with mutations in the precore and core region.
Mast cells do not contribute to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced gastric mucosal injury in rodents
Authors: RIOUX K. P. , WALLACE J. L.
Published: December 2004

Background: By releasing pro‐ulcerogenic mediators, mast cells may contribute to the mucosal injury associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Methods: To study this, rat and mouse models of NSAID‐induced gastric damage were used in which administration of indomethacin causes haemorrhagic injury in the corpus region of the stomach, and the “re‐feeding” model in which penetrating antral ulcers are induced in the rat by naproxen. Mast cell degranulation was determined histologically and by measurement of tissue and serum levels of rat mast cell protease‐II, a mediator specific to mucosal mast cells. The effects of either increasing or decreasing the number of gastric mucosal mast cells on the susceptibility of the stomach to injury induced by indomethacin were also studied.

Results: Gastric injury induced by indomethacin was not accompanied by significant mast cell degranulation. Moreover, neither increasing nor decreasing the number of gastric mucosal mast cells had a significant effect on the susceptibility of the gastric mucosa to damage induced by indomethacin. In the re‐feeding model, prior depletion of gastric mucosal mast cells did not significantly affect the severity of antral ulceration induced by naproxen, nor the ability of prostaglandin E2 to prevent this damage. Finally, indomethacin‐induced damage was similar in severity in mice with a genetic defect resulting in the complete absence of mast cells as it was in normal, congenic littermates.

Conclusion: Mast cells do not play a significant role in the development of gastric injury induced by acute NSAID administration in the rat or mouse.
Review article: quantitative leucocyte scanning in the assessment of inflammatory bowel disease activity and its response to therapy
Authors: WELDON M. J. , LOWE C. , JOSEPH A. E. A. , MAXWELL J. D.
Published: December 2004

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms may be due not only to the effects of bowel inflammation, but also can result from many non‐inflammatory consequences of the disease. Clinical scores and health questionnaire ratings produce a global assessment which is useful in the overall evaluation of the impact of the illness on the patient, and the effect of treatment. However many studies have failed to recognize the need to separately assess changes in the degree of bowel inflammation, in addition to a global clinical response.

Radiolabelled white cell scanning using 111‐indium has been shown to provide an accurate, quantitative and non‐invasive method for assessing the degree of bowel inflammation in IBD and its response to therapy, using faecal collection or total body counts of radioactivity. More recently 99mTc hexamethyl propylene amine oxime (HMPAO) labelled white cell scanning has been introduced, which has advantages over the 111‐indium method, including reduced radiation dosimetry and enhanced image quality. 99mTc‐HMPAO scanning using three‐dimensional white cell scanning (single photon emission computerized tomography; SPECT) allows visualization of the entire bowel separate from overlying structures.

99mTc‐HMPAO white cell scanning with SPECT has now been computerized and automated to permit measurement of segmental and total bowel radiolabelled white cell infiltrate. This method could potentially provide the gold standard for objective assessment of the response of disease activity in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and merits application in clinical trials of novel therapies for IBD.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in general practice
Authors: PENSTON J. G. , MISTRY K. R.
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To determine the current management of patients with Helicobacter pylori infection in general practice with regard to the selection of patients, testing for the presence of the organism, the choice of eradication therapy and the occurrence of symptoms during follow‐up.

Design: Cross‐sectional survey involving the retrospective collection of data from patient medical records.

Setting: Five general practices in the Fife region of Scotland during June and July 1995.

Main outcome measures: The proportion of patients appropriately selected for eradication therapy and the success of treatment as assessed by remission of symptoms during follow‐up.

Results: Of 154 patients studied, 80% received eradication therapy for peptic ulcer disease, the remainder for non‐ulcer dyspepsia or gastro‐oesophageal reflux. Fifty‐six different regimens were used, the most common combination of drugs being omeprazole plus amoxycillin. H. pylori status was known in only one‐third of patients before treatment and in only 15% after treatment. More than half of patients complained of recurrent symptoms of dyspepsia during follow‐up after eradication therapy and 47% required further treatment. In terms of the selection of patients and testing for H. pylori, the overall management using eradication therapy was acceptable in less than half of patients. In particular, the management of patients with ulcer disease associated with either ulcerogenic drugs or previous complications failed to provide the essential protection against the high risk of future haemorrhage or perforation.

Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate an urgent need for improved education if therapy for the eradication of H. pylori is to be used appropriately and safely.
Diagnosis and current therapy of Wilson's disease
Authors: Ferenci P.
Published: December 2004

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder of hepatic copper metabolism resulting in liver disease and/or neuropsychiatric disease. The diagnosis of neurological disease is straightforward if the following symptoms are present: Kayser–Fleischer rings, typical neurological symptoms and low serum ceruloplasmin levels. The diagnosis is more complex in patients presenting with liver diseases. None of the commonly used parameters alone allows a diagnosis with certainty. A combination of various laboratory parameters is necessary to firmly establish the diagnosis. In the future, limited mutation analysis may play an important diagnostic role. Recently, a group of international experts has proposed a score based on a variety of tests and clinical symptoms. The validity of this score needs to be assessed prospectively. Treatment requires life‐long administration of copper chelators (d‐penicillamine, trientine). A frequently used alternative is zinc. None of these treatments has been tested by prospective randomized controlled studies. Liver transplantation is reserved for severe or treatment‐resistant cases with advanced liver disease, whilst experience with refractory neuropsychiatric disease is limited.
Anatomicohistological Characteristics of the Tubular Genital Organs of the Female Collared Peccary (Tayassu tajacu) from North‐eastern Amazon
Authors: Mayor P. , Jori F. , López‐Béjar M.
Published: December 2004

The present study examines anatomical and histological characteristics of tubular genital organs and its relationships with the reproductive state of 24 wild adult collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) females. The tunica mucosa of the uterine tube presents a pseudostratified, intermittently ciliated columnar epithelium. The epithelial secretory cells of pregnant females and females in the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle became taller than the ciliated cells and showed abundant apical secretory blebs, whereas secretory cells of females in the follicular phase showed abundant mucous secretory activity (periodic acid‐Schiff positive cells). The uterus is composed of two narrow and convoluted uterine horns, separated by the velum uteri, a small uterine body and a long and muscular cervix. The endometrial lining of both uterine horns and body is a monostratified, columnar ciliated epithelium. Pregnant females and females in luteal phase showed a more developed hyperplasia of the endometrial simple tubular glands than females in the follicular phase. The cervix presents interdigitated rows of mucosal prominences that project into the lumen, structures similar to pulvini cervicali, occluding the cervical canal. In pregnant females, the endocervical canal was filled by a viscous cervical secretion. Females in follicular phase presented a thicker vaginal epithelium than pregnant females and females in luteal phase. The present study suggests that the collared peccary female showed different histological features of the uterine tubes, uterus and vagina in accordance with the reproductive state of the females.
Morphological Aspects of In Vivo Cleavage in Myocastor coypus (coypu)
Authors: Felipe A. E. , Teruel M. T. , Cabodevila J. A. , Callejas S. S.
Published: December 2004

The objective of the present work was to characterize the in vivo cleavage stage of Myocastor coypus embryos. For this purpose a colpocytological follow‐up and controlled mating of 18 females were performed. Specimens from the beginning of the first cleavage to the acquisition of a morula appearance were considered to be in cleavage stage. Embryos in cleavage were collected between days 3 and 6 post‐coitus. Of the collected embryos, 80% presented an even number of blastomeres and the remaining 20% an odd number. Embryos from 3 to 7 cells were blastomere associations in a spherical disposition within the zona pellucida. Blastomeres were spherical or ovoid, presenting slight flattening in areas contacting with other blastomeres. Embryos of 8 and 9 cells were as a group of blastomeres slightly elongated, surrounded by a spherical zona pellucida. The percentage of peri‐vitelline space occupied by the embryonic mass ranged from 74.1 to 95.8% for all the substages. The cleavage pattern, developed in the oviduct, was of a rotational holoblastic type and asynchronic.
Distribution of the predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni Chant (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on different apple cultivars
Authors: Duso C. , Pasini M.
Published: December 2004

The effect of apple cultivar on the distribution of Amblyseius andersoni was studied in an experimental orchard where tetranychids were virtually absent and eriophyids reached low to moderate populations. Seven apple scab‐resistant cultivars, showing some differences in their leaf morphology, were compared. Each cultivar was grafted onto three different rootstocks inducing increasing vigor. The intraplant distribution of A. andersoni was also studied by monitoring predator densities on basal and apical leaves. In the first year, the colonization of different cultivars by A. andersoni showed definite patterns, sometimes associated with the abundance of the eriophyid Aculus schlechtendali. In the second experimental season, eriophyids reached negligible levels and the effect of cultivar on A. andersoni abundance was less clear. Florina and N.Y. 18 491 cultivars were colonized in both years by relatively high phytoseiid numbers, while TSR 29T219 and Priscilla showed low populations in at least one season. The results observed on the remaining cultivars were intermediate or indefinite. The role of leaf pubescence on phytoseiid colonization is discussed.
Conjugation of δ‐endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis with abamectin of Streptomyces avermitilis as a new type of biocide, GCSC‐BtA, for control of agricultural insect pests
Authors: Liu B. , Sengonca C.
Published: December 2004

Conjugation of δ‐endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis with abamectin, a toxin of Streptomyces avermitilis, was carried out to form a new type of biocide, GCSC‐BtA based on “Germany‐China Scientific Cooperation” research, for the control of agricultural insect pests. The strategy for biochemical linkage was designed by conjugating an amino group in B.t. protoxin with a carboxyl group in carboxylated abamectin under the treatment of conjugator EDC [1‐Ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide Hydrochloride)]. The formation of B.t. protoxin was processed by solubilizing B.t. crystal in 25 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) at 37 °C for 2 h. The carboxylated abamectin was formed by carboxylating the NaH‐activated abamectin with 10 mg/ml butyric anhydride at 111 °C in a water‐circumfluent condensation device for 2 h. The conjugating reaction, consisting of 5 mg/ml B.t. protoxin, 10 mg/ml carboxylated abamectin and 19.17 mg/ml EDC, was successfully conducted at room temperature for 24 h. Significant differences were found between pure abamectin, carboxylated abamectin and the conjugated BtA by means of UV‐photo absorptions recorded at wavelengths 354, 438, 518, 600 nm (P < 0.01). LT50 of the conjugated GCSC‐BtA to the 3rd instar larvae of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lep., Plutellidae) was 35.27 μg a.i./ml, about 62 % and 76 % of that caused by the B.t. protoxin and the caxboxylated abamectin, respectively. The conjugated GCSC‐BtA caused 87.14 % mortalities in larvae of P. xylostella, 93.75 % in adult Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hom., Aphididae) and 89.33 % in adult Phyllotreta vittata Fabricius (Col., Chrysomelidae) as compared to 48.33 % by the B.t. crystal only in P. xylostella. The symptoms caused by conjugated GCSC‐BtA in the 3rd instar of P. xylostella were black color in the head part and white‐yellow in the abdomen of dead larvae, which differed from the black color or the white‐yellow all along the body caused by either the B.t. crystal or the abamectin, respectively. It was concluded that the conjugated GCSC‐BtA biocide had a broader host spectrum and a faster killing speed than either the B.t. crystal or abamectin alone for the control of agricultural pests.
Contributions to the knowledge of conifer aphid fauna in Turkey and their zoogeographical distribution
Authors: Toper Kaygi̇n A. , Çanakçi̇oğlu H.
Published: December 2004

The Aphidoidea (Homoptera) has 29 species which attack coniferous trees in Turkey. The family Aphididae has 25 (Aphidinae, 1; Lachninae, 22; Mindarinae, 2) species and the Adelgidae, 4. The tribe Cinarini in Lachninae has alone 22 species most of which are important. Especially Cinara cedri Mimeur on Cedrus libani and C. pilicornis (Hartig) on Picea spp. are harmful species. Schizolachnus pineti (Fabricius) is also very important. An Eastern Palearctic species in the tribe Macrosiphini in Aphidinae, Elatobium momii (Shinji), is numerous on Abies bornmülleriana in Bursa‐Uludağ forests. Pineus orientalis (Dreyfus) in the family of Adelgidae (Chermesidae) is the most destructive in our Picea orientalis forests in Artvin area (Eastern Black‐Sea Section). 21 species out of 29 aphids on coniferous trees are of European origin; only 4 are Mediterranean, 2 Caucasus and Turkistan, one Eastern Palearctic and one of Cosmopolitan origin.
Contributions and constraints from agriculture in achievinga nutrition strategy to prevent chronic diseases
Authors: Nugent Rachel A.
Published: December 2004

Improved nutrition has potential to stem the growth in chronicdiseases seen in developed and developing countries alike. The abilityof the agricultural sector to feed a country's populationis an important factor in achieving better nutrition, particularlyamong populations that cannot buy imported food. How to address chronicdisease must be considered in the very different contexts of bothdeveloped and developing countries, as well as among wealthy andpoor sub‐populations. The limitations of agriculture in most developingcountries to satisfy the nutritional needs of the population arerevealed in the persistently high rates of under‐nutrition in the developingworld, and increases in over‐nutrition. This paper develops theargument that agriculture must change dramatically in many countriesto be able to provide the needed opportunities for improving nutritionfor reduction of chronic disease risk.
Nutrition and global prevention on non‐communicable diseases
Authors: Puska Pekka
Published: December 2004

Although much of the public health infrastructure and apparatusof international agencies has been designed to address infectiousdiseases and undernutrition, coronary heart disease is today's leading worldwide killer, one‐third of deaths are caused by cardiovasculardiseases, and 60% of all mortality is attributable to non‐communicablediseases (NCD). The bases of this epidemiological pattern are diet,tobacco and sedentarism — factors that have their rootsin social and physical environments. Over 80% of coronaryheart disease and type 2 diabetes and 33% of cancers couldbe prevented by changes in lifestyle factors, included among them,diet, weight maintenance and physical activity. Nutritional transitionis continuing in developing countries, with increased intakes ofsaturated fats and decreased consumption of dietary fibre. Examplesof campaigns to alter lifestyle risk factors for the preventionof NCD can be seen in the North Karelia Project in Finland, whichhas produced dramatic declines in age‐adjusted rates in CHD overthe past 25 years. There are multiple practical activities withina national policy framework to prevent NDC in various institutionsincluding: health services; mass media; school curricula; voluntaryassociations; and food producers, supermarkets and restaurants,along with legislation and policy, and monitoring and research.The WHO will work for NCD prevention at three levels: technicalsupport and advocacy; work through regional and national policiesin Member States; and global activities and initiatives.
Occurrence of immature Culicoides molestus (Skuse) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in relation to habitat characteristics
Authors: Cribb Bronwen W , Brei Brandon , Ridley Andrew W , Merritt David J
Published: December 2004

Abstract Analysis of beach sites on the Gold Coast, Australia, found that 14 physical and chemical habitat characteristics differed significantly between sites where numerous immatures of the canal biting midge, Culicoides molestus (Skuse), were found and sites where no midge immatures occurred. Five of the chemical factors found to reliably distinguish C. molestus habitat are major components of seawater, while another, electrical conductivity, is related to the concentration of seawater components. Calcium was the only one of the six primary components of seawater that was not a statistically significant correlate of C. molestus habitation by sand analysis. It is likely that a causative variable in occurrence of immatures is the concentration of seawater present in canals, because larvae are found where seawater component concentration is low in relation to uninhabited sites of similar appearance.
Weiria australis gen. n., sp. n., the first fully myrmecoid aleocharine staphylinid from Australia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Aenictoteratini)
Authors: Ashe James S
Published: December 2004

Abstract Weiria australis gen. n and sp. n. (type locality Western Australia, Kimberley Region, CALM Site 25/1, Synnot Ck.), a myrmecoid (ant‐like body form) aleocharine staphylinid, is described, and habitus and line illustrations are provided for its recognition. The species is tentatively placed in the tribe Aenictoteratini; similarities and differences to tribal characters shared by other members of the Aenictoteratini, and similarities and differences to other aenictoteratine genera are discussed. This is the first fully myrmecoid aleocharine, and the first member of the tribe Aenictoteratini, known from Australia. Association of Weiria gen. n. with the ant genus Aenictus Shuckard is postulated.
Host plants and relative abundance of fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Hollingsworth Robert G , Drew Richard AI , Allwood Allan J , Romig Meredith , Vagalo Maclean , Tsatsia Francis
Published: December 2004

Abstract Tephritid fruit flies were surveyed using male lure Steiner traps and by collection of host fruits over a 4‐year period (June 1994−June 1998) throughout the nine provinces of the Solomon Islands. The purpose of the survey was to determine which species were present, which were most abundant, and which commercial and non‐commercial fruits were hosts for fruit flies. A total of 1 051 493 fruit fly specimens were collected in 1726 trap collections from 117 sites. Sixty‐three per cent of trap collections were made on the island of Guadalcanal. Overall, 37 fruit fly species were recovered from trap samples, with 79% and 21% of specimens from cuelure and methyl eugenol traps, respectively. The species most common in cuelure traps were Bactrocera frauenfeldi (Schiner) (mango fly), B. moluccensis (Perkins), B. simulata (Malloch), Dacus solomonensis Malloch and B. redunca (Drew). The species most common in methyl eugenol traps were B. umbrosa (Fabricius), B. froggatti (Bezzi) and B. pepisalae (Froggatt). With the exception of B. cucurbitae (Hendel), all common species were recovered in all provinces. B. cucurbitae was the only non‐indigenous fruit fly species collected. The number of fruit fly species recovered in each island group was significantly and positively related to trapping intensity. A total of 2527 fruit samples were collected to determine host relationships for fruit flies. Tephritid fruit flies were reared from fruits of 25 of the 67 commercial plant species sampled. However, fruit‐survey data indicated that there were only four economic species in the Solomon Islands: (i) B. frauenfeldi; (ii) B. umbrosa; (iii) B. cucurbitae; and (iv) D. solomonensis. Bactrocera frauenfeldi was identified as the only generalist fruit fly species present, and many potential export crops were not hosts for any fruit fly species. These facts emphasise the importance of effective quarantine measures to prevent the accidental introduction of exotic fruit fly pests that might limit or complicate the development of an export industry for fruits and vegetables.
Aphis clerodendri Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), attendant ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and associates on Clerodendrum (Verbenaceae) in Australia
Authors: Carver Mary , Blüthgen Nico , Grimshaw Judy F , Bellis Glenn A
Published: December 2004

Abstract Aphis clerodendri Matsumura is newly recorded from Australia and is known from the Northern Territory, on islands in Torres Strait, and in rainforest in northern Queensland and New South Wales. It induces the formation of leaf pseudogalls on native species of Clerodendrum and is commonly attended by ants, which penetrate and may polydomously nest in the galls. Previously known only from eastern Asia, A. clerodendri can now be classified as native to Australia and Australasian in natural distribution. The species is also newly recorded from Papua New Guinea and Vietnam.
Feeding behaviour of Bactrocera cacuminata (Hering) (Diptera: Tephritidae) on methyl eugenol: a laboratory assay
Authors: Raghu S , Lawson Amy E
Published: December 2004

Abstract Many dacine (Diptera: Tephritidae) species are attracted to one of two chemical substances, 4‐allyl‐1,2‐dimethoxybenzene (methyl eugenol (ME)) or 4‐(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butanone (cue lure). Despite the fact that these chemicals or analogs occur naturally, their significance in the biology/ecology of the Dacinae has seldom been examined. In this study, we examine the patterns in feeding behaviour of Bactrocera cacuminata (Hering), a monophagous non‐pest fruit fly, on ME. Based on a laboratory assay, we found that males of this species fed on ME multiple times within a single day and on multiple days. The pattern of repeat feeding was not related to time since previous feeding or duration of prior feeding. Our results contrast those obtained on a similar study on a related polyphagous species (Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)). We discuss the implications of our findings with a view to explaining the functional significance of dacine response to these plant‐derived chemicals.
Site condition and predation influence a bark beetle's success: a spatially realistic approach
Authors: Gilbert Marius , Grégoire Jean‐Claude
Published: December 2004

Abstract1 Spatial pattern in abundance ofDendroctonus micanswas studied in a 600‐ha spruce stand in the Massif Central (Lozère, France). The proportion of trees attacked was measured in 38 plots and these data were used to estimate spatial pattern of attack density in the stand and to identify a transect of decreasing attack density (80% to 30%) over less than 1000 m.

2 Spatial variation in attack density was analysed in relation to (i) data on site and stand characteristics (altitude, slope, tree density, tree average height, yield class and average age) collected from 63 points in the stand and (ii) the releases of the predatorRhizophagus grandis(localization and number of beetles released).

3 The proportion of attacked trees was analysed using geostatistics and showed a strong spatial structure reflecting the spatial scale of interaction ofD. micanswith its environment. The spatial structure was modelled in order to estimate the spatial distribution of attack density at unsampled locations.

4 A linear model relating interpolated attack density to the number of predators released 6–10 years before the survey in a 300‐m radius and to the average slope over a 250‐m radius explained 67% of the observed variability. Spatial autocorrelation was taken into account in a spatial regression model.
Phylogenetic analysis of a group of palaeonemerteans (Nemertea) including two new species from Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: Sundberg Per , Gibson Ray , Olsson Urban
Published: December 2004

Sundberg, P., Gibson, R. & Olsson, U. (2003). Phylogenetic analysis of a group of palaeonemerteans (Nemertea) including two new species from Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. —Zoologica Scripta, 32, 279–296.

Based on 18S rDNA nucleotide sequences and morphological characters, we reconstruct the phylogeny for a group of palaeonemerteans estimated to be monophyletic. Two new palaeonemertean species from Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia are included in the phylogenetic analysis. The results confirm that one of the species, Cephalothrix queenslandica sp. n., is part of the Cephalothrix–Cephalotrichella–Procephalothrix group. These genera are redefined phylogenetically under the name Cephalothrix based on the cladistic analysis. The other species, Balionemertes australiensis gen. et sp. n., is placed in a new genus which forms a sister taxon to Cephalothrix. The morphology of both new species is described in detail.