bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AIDS Policy and Pharmaceutical Patents: Brazil's Strategy to Safeguard Public Health
Authors: Cohen Jillian Clare , Lybecker Kristina M.
Published: February 2005

Developing nations are challenged to strike a balance between their patent obligations as members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and their drug pricing strategies. The Brazilian approach to pharmaceutical price negotiations has been strikingly effective. Describing the context of the Brazilian pharmaceutical sector, their public health system and the Brazilian AIDS policy, this paper examines the Brazilian strategy vis‐à‐vis the international pharmaceutical manufacturers to explore why their tactics were successful and the potential for wider application by other developing countries.
The Determinants of EU Processing Trade
Authors: Egger Hartmut , Egger Peter
Published: February 2005

This paper assesses the determinants of European outward and inward processing trade. Thereby, it distinguishes between size, relative factor endowment, (other) cost factors and infrastructure variables. Using a large panel of bilateral processing trade flows of the EU12 countries at the aggregate level over the period 1988–1999, we find that infrastructure variables, relative factor endowments and other cost variables are important determinants for the EU's outward processing trade. Costs also play a key role for the EU's inward processing trade.
Mild depression in young adults with cerebral infarction at long‐term follow‐up: A population‐based study
Authors: Naess H. , Nyland H. I. , Thomassen L. , Aarseth J. , Myhr K.‐M.
Published: February 2005

We sought to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for post‐stroke depression (PSD) at long‐term follow‐up in young adults aged 15–49 years with first‐ever cerebral infarction in a population‐based study. Scores on Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were obtained at follow‐up (mean time 6.0 years after the stroke) and analysed in subgroups. MADRS scores were obtained in 196 of 209 surviving patients. PSD (MADRS ≥ 7) was detected in 56 patients (28.6%). None had severe PSD. Alcoholism (P = 0.006), depressive symptoms any time before the index stroke (P = 0.016), and severe neurological deficits on admission for the index stroke (P = 0.043) were independently associated with PSD. PSD seems milder in young ischaemic stroke patients compared with older patients. Alcoholism, depression any time before the index stroke, and severity of neurological deficits on admission for the stroke increased the risk of developing PSD in the long run.
Ludo van Bogaert (1897–1989) and the Bunge Institute
Authors: Baeck E.
Published: February 2005

Ludo van Bogaert (1897–1989) was one of the most distinguished neuroscientists of the 20th century. He enjoyed worldwide recognition for his 753 publications, his countless lectures at Belgian and foreign universities and at international congresses, and his training of more than 300 specialists from all over the world in the Bunge Institute and the Born–Bunge Foundation. Finally, in 1957 he became the founder and president – during two terms of 4 years – of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN). His lifework finally merged in the University Institution Antwerp (UIA) – since 2003 University of Antwerp (UA) – and his memory also lives on by the generous donations of his library to the Royal Library Albert I at Brussels and his Rik Wouters’ collection to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts at Antwerp.
The practice of obtaining approval from medical research ethics committees: a comparison within 12 European countries for a descriptive study on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: Rikkert M. G. M. Olde , Lauque S. , Frölich L. , Vellas B. , Dekkers W.
Published: February 2005

Across Europe the protection of research subjects with dementia has to meet a variety of national legislation and ethical codes. This research project compared how in different EU countries one single descriptive multinational study on dementia treatment strategies was evaluated by medical ethical committees and how the issues of informed consent and capacity to consent were dealt with. The study that was evaluated is the ICTUS study, which studies the impact of treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChE‐I) on Europeans with mildly or moderately severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). Participating centres in all 12 countries that take part in the study received a questionnaire with items on the process of approval by the ethical committee and the informed consent procedure. From the 29 centres we received 21 completed questionnaires (response rate of 72%). There were great differences in valuation of the study, varying from the judgement that the ICTUS study was ‘no experimental study’ to the judgement that it was a phase IV drug trial. All centres got approval, after 3–90 days. Informed consent was addressed very differently by the researchers. There was no formal informed consent procedure required by the ethical committees. The data from this survey suggest that there should be more consensus across the EU about which studies or interventions do and which do not require approval of an ethics committee. Procedures for the assessment of informed consent in dementia research should be harmonized by central national or European bodies.
The effects of interferon‐β on interleukin‐10 in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Ersoy E. , Kuş C. N. S. , Şener U. , Çoker I. , Zorlu Y.
Published: February 2005

The incidence of the neuropathological lesions and the severity of the clinical symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) are correlated with the amount of the transferred autoreactive T cells. The balance between the T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine phenotypes may affect the activity of the disease in MS patients. Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is a cytokine secreted by Th2 cells. Thus, it has been thought that inducing IL‐10 may have therapeutic effects in the treatment of MS patients. In this study, in order determine whether different types of prophylaxis change the secretion of IL‐10, we measured the levels of IL‐10 in relapsing‐remitting type multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients receiving interferon‐β 1b (IFN‐β 1b) or azathioprine (AZA). Our study consisted of RRMS patients (n = 45) and healthy subjects (n = 15) as control group. Patients were categorized into three groups as those receiving either IFN‐β 1b or AZA and those not receiving prophylaxis. Each group was compared with the control group. Serum IL‐10 levels were determined using ELISA method. IL‐10 levels of those receiving IFN‐β 1b were found to be significantly higher than that of other groups. These results support that the ability of inducing anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 plays a role in the clinical advantage of IFN‐β 1b in MS treatment.
Hematology and coagulation parameters predict outcome in Taiwanese patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Fang H.‐Y. , Lin C.‐Y. , Ko W.‐J.
Published: February 2005

Volume of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, peripheral edema around the hematoma, and hydrocephalus are good predictors of mortality in patients with spontaneous ICH from western countries. However, the significance of hematologic and biochemical parameters associated with spontaneous ICH has not been extensively studied. This study was designed to determine prognostic factors for spontaneous ICH in Taiwanese patients. We prospectively studied 109 consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH admitted to Changhua Christian Medical Center. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. Mean age was 62.3 years. There were 63 men (58%) and 46 women (42%). Differences in GCS score, ICH score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score between the survival and non‐survival groups were statistically significant. Laboratory data were statistically different using multivariate analysis for platelet count, prothrombin time, and white cell count. This is the first study providing information on predictors of spontaneous ICH mortality in Taiwanese patients. The prothrombin time and platelet count on the first day were good early predictors of mortality. This finding in ethnically Chinese patients appears to be different from the profile for patients from western countries.
The course of cervical dystonia and patient satisfaction with long‐term botulinum toxin A treatment
Authors: Skogseid I. M. , Kerty E.
Published: February 2005

In 78 patients with idiopathic cervical dystonia (CD), we studied the course of the disease and the patients’ satisfaction with long‐term botulinum toxin A (BTX) treatment (median 5.5 years, range 1.5–10). On a seven‐point scale ranging from excellent to worsening, the effect of treatment was scored as excellent or good by 52% of patients and moderate by 33%. The independent scores of the treating neurologists were excellent or good in 65% and moderate in 27%, respectively, and correlated well with the patients’ scores. The ‘Global Burden of Disease’, as expressed on Visual Analog Scales (VAS, 0–10) before and at evaluation of treatment, was reduced by a median of 4 in individual patients. By combining these outcome measures, 67% of the patients were characterized as having a good effect, and 33% an unsatisfactory effect. This outcome (good or unsatisfactory effect) was independent of the severity of head deviation or complexity pattern of CD prior to treatment, the delay from onset to start of BTX treatment, or the number of treatments. The complexity pattern remained stable during treatment in 64% of the patients, became less complex in 19%, whereas 17% of the patients developed more complex patterns.
IL‐10 promoter haplotype influence on interferon treatment response in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wergeland S. , Beiske A. , Nyland H. , Hovdal H. , Jensen D. , Larsen J. P. , Marøy T. H. , Smievoll A.‐I. , Vedeler C. A. , Myhr K.‐M.
Published: February 2005

The level of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) expression is related to polymorphisms ‐1082 (G/A), ‐819 (T/C) and ‐592 (A/C) in the promoter region of the IL‐10 gene, which constitute three haplotypes, GCC, ATA, and ACC. The ATA (a non‐GCC) haplotype, which is associated with low IL‐10 expression, has been shown to improve interferon (IFN) treatment response in hepatitis C. We analysed the distribution of IL‐10 promoter haplotype combinations to determine whether they could influence initial IFN treatment response in 63 patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The patients were grouped into non‐GCC or GCC haplotypes, and the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disease activity was compared in the two groups. During the first 6 months of treatment, MS patients with non‐GCC haplotypes experienced fewer new MRI T1‐contrast enhancing lesions [0.77 ± 0.36 (SEM)] than patients with the GCC haplotype (2.45 ± 0.57) (P = 0.05, Mann‐Whitney U test). No differences were detected on clinical disease activity. The results suggest an influence of IL‐10 promoter polymorphisms on IFN treatment response in MS.
Guard cell metabolism and CO2 sensing
Authors: Vavasseur Alain , Raghavendra Agepati S.
Published: February 2005

In this review we concentrate on guard cell metabolism and CO2 sensing. Although a matter of some controversy, it is generally accepted that the Calvin cycle plays a minor role in stomatal movements. Recent data emphasise the importance of guard cell starch degradation and of carbon import from the guard cell apoplast in promoting and maintaining stomatal opening. Chloroplast maltose and glucose transporters appear to be crucial to the export of carbon from both guard and mesophyll cells. The way guard cells sense CO2 remains an unresolved question. However, a better understanding of the cellular events downstream from CO2 sensing is emerging. We now recognise that there are common as well as unique steps in abscisic acid (ABA) and CO2 signalling pathways. For example, while ABA and CO2 both trigger increases in cytoplasmic free calcium, unlike ABA, CO2 does not promote a cytoplasmic pH change. Future advances in this area are likely to result from the increased use of techniques and resources, such as, reverse genetics, novel mutants, confocal imaging, and microarray analyses of the guard cell transcriptome.

Contents

Summary
665

Abbreviations
665

I.
Introduction
666

II.
Guard cell metabolism
666

III.
Guard cell CO2 sensing
672

IV.
Prospects in guard cell metabolism and CO2 sensing
676

Acknowledgements
677

References
677
Legume nodule senescence: roles for redox and hormone signalling in the orchestration of the natural aging process
Authors: Puppo Alain , Groten Karin , Bastian Fabiola , Carzaniga Raffaella , Soussi Mariam , Lucas M. Mercedes , De Felipe Maria Rosario , Harrison Judith , Vanacker Hélène , Foyer Christine H.
Published: February 2005

Research on legume nodule development has contributed greatly to our current understanding of plant–microbe interactions. However, the factors that orchestrate root nodule senescence have received relatively little attention. Accumulating evidence suggests that redox signals contribute to the establishment of symbiosis and senescence. Although degenerative in nature, nodule senescence is an active process programmed in development in which reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants, hormones and proteinases have key roles. Nodules have high levels of the redox buffers, ascorbate and glutathione, which are important in the nodulation process and in senescence. These metabolites decline with N‐fixation as the nodule ages but the resultant decrease in redox buffering capacity does not necessarily lead to enhanced ROS or oxidative stress. We propose models by which ROS and antioxidants interact with hormones such as abscisic acid in the orchestration of nodule senescence.

Contents

Summary
683

I.
Introduction
684

II.
The characteristics of legume nodule senescence
685

III.
Redox homeostasis and programmed cell death
688

IV.
Antioxidants and programmed cell death during the senescence process
692

V.
Perspectives for manipulating nodule senescence
695

VI.
Conclusions and perspectives
696

Acknowledgements
697

References
697
Infection: friend or foe in the development of allergic disorders?
Authors: Von Mutius E.
Published: February 2005

There is still a controversial debate as to the potential contribution of the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ to the development of childhood asthma and allergies. Viral infections have for long time been recognized as potent triggers of asthma exacerbations. Whether viral infections also induce the development of new cases of asthma remains unclear, particularly for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. Other infections have been proposed to have protective effects on the development of asthma and allergies such as Hepatitis A, Helicobacter pylori or Toxoplasma. The available evidence is reviewed in the following paragraphs. To date there is no indication that immunizations of all kinds may exert a negative or positive effect on the incidence of asthma and allergies. In turn, the finding that children in farming environments exposed to a variety of microbial compounds have substantially lower rates of respiratory allergies strongly supports the ‘hygiene hypothesis’.
Cysteinyl leukotrienes: biosynthesis and receptors
Authors: Lam B. , Kanaoka Y. , Boyce J. , Austen K. F.
Published: February 2005

LTC4 synthase (LTC4S) catalyzes the conjugation of LTA4 with glutathione to form LTC4, the parent compound of the cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs). LTC4S is an 18kD membrane protein that belongs to MAPEG superfamily. Mutational analysis of LTC4S indicates that Arg‐51 and Tyr‐93 are critical in enzyme catalysis. LTC4S expression is upregulated by IL‐4 in both the human and the mouse in vitro derived‐mast cells. The cysLTs exert their biological activities through binding to their G‐protein coupled receptors, CysLT1 and CysLT2. Targeted disruption of mouse LTC4S gene and of the mouse CysLT1 gene markedly reduced the plasma leakage induced by innate or by adaptive immune inflammatory responses.
Genetic insights into mast cell chymase and tryptase function
Authors: Caughey G. H.
Published: February 2005

As the major secreted proteins of degranulating mast cells, chymases and tryptases have long been suspected to be perpetrators of pathology in asthma and other forms of allergic disease. Indeed, the preponderance of evidence now suggests that these enzymes, collectively, are guilty. However, confusion remains over which are most culpable and which of them produce what kinds of pathology. This confusion has several causes, including daunting, nonsystematic nomenclatures, unexplained multiplicities of closely related genes in animal models of allergic disease, uncertainty over which genes deserve to be labelled ‘pseudo’, perplexing allelic relationships and, until recently, a shortage of data correlating enzyme structure with function. Fortunately, recent developments bring these elements into sharper focus. This brief review summarizes some of these developments and discusses how they help to identify the enzymes likely to be important in allergic disease.
Membrane and soluble pattern recognition receptors: the unique functions of the long pentraxin PTX3
Authors: Mantovani A. , Garlanda C. , Otero K. , Peri G. , Vecchi A. , Bottazzi B.
Published: February 2005

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), the first long pentraxin identified, is characterized by a C‐terminal pentraxin like domain, showing sequence similarity to C‐reactive protein and serum amyloid P component, coupled with a N‐terminal unrelated portion. PTX3 is made by diverse cell types, including endothelial cells, macrophages and dendritic cells, in response to proinflammatory signals such as interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor and lipopolysaccharide. It binds different ligands, including Clq, apoptotic cells and microbial mojcties. PTX3 levels are <2 ng/mL in normal subjects but increase in a number of pathological conditions such as autoimmune, infectious and degenerative disorders. Evidence from clinical studies and genetically modified animals suggests that PTX3 plays a role in inflammatory reactions as well as in the regulation of innate resistance to pathogens and female fertility. The results obtained so far indicate that PTX3 is a soluble pattern recognition receptor which plays a non redundant role in female fertility and resistance against selected pathogens.
Formylpeptide receptors and their potential roles in inflammatory airway diseases*
Authors: Le Y. , Zhou Y. , Tao H. , Wang J. M.
Published: February 2005

Leucocytes accumulate at sites of inflammation and microbial infection in direct response to locally produced chemotactic factors, most of which signal through specific G protein‐coupled receptors. N‐formylpeptides were the first chemotactic factors to be structurally defined. These peptides may originate from either mitochondrial proteins of ruptured host cells or invading pathogens, which suggested that formylpeptide receptors FPR and its variant FPRL1 (FPR‐like 1) are involved mainly in host defence against bacterial infection and in the clearance of damaged cells. However, recent observations imply that FPR and FPRL1 may play more complex roles in pathophysiological conditions as a large number of structurally diverse pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory ligands associated with diseases have been discovered. While more rigorous research is required to fully understand the biological significance of formylpeptide receptors, the available evidence supports their potential as targets for the development of therapeutics.
First‐ and second‐generation H1 antihistamines: from the molecular basis of their interaction with HERG K+ channels to physiological and pathophysiological implication
Authors: Taglialatela M. , Castaldo P. , Pannaccione A. , Secondo A. , Cataldi M. , Boscia F. , Annunziato L.
Published: February 2005

The present article reports on the recent findings addressing the molecular basis for some rare but serious cardiovascular side‐effects exerted by some non‐sedating H1‐blocking antihistamines. These latest developments, which have allowed fundamental insights into the role played by a specific class of potassium channels, the so‐called human ether‐a‐gogo‐related gene (HERG) channels, in the regulation of cardiac action potential duration and rhythm regulation, have also opened new areas of investigation into its participation in neuronal and endocrine (adenohypophyseal, chromaffin, and pancreatic) cells functioning.
Strategies for early prevention of allergic disorders
Authors: Wahn U. , Nickel R. , Illi S. , Lau S. , Grüber C. , Hamelmann E.
Published: February 2005

Several studies have indicated, that non‐genetic risk as well as protective factors, which appeared to be modifiable, are influencing the “atopic march”. Based on these findings intervention studies in experimental animals have led to encouraging results. It will be the challenge of the future to develop save and effective strategies for preventive intervention in early infancy in order to avoid allergic sensitization reduce the incidence of atopic manifestation in early childhood.
Immunotherapy for allergic disease: a four‐decade investigation
Authors: Creticos Peter S. , Lichtenstein Lawrence M.
Published: February 2005

This paper describes the early work done with allergen immunotherapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Furthermore, it cites the mechanistic studies that help define the therapeutic effect of specific allergen immunotherapy. It next explores various experimental approaches that have been investigated to improve the therapeutic response to allergen immunotherapy. Finally, it highlights the recent work with a novel approach in which immunostimulatory DNA is coupled to an allergen in an attempt to further improve the immunogenicity and to attenuate the allergenicity of the therapeutic construct.
Eosinophils in repair and remodelling
Authors: Kay A. B. , Flood‐Page P. , Menzies‐Gow A. , Robinson D. , Phipps S.
Published: February 2005

Several studies in man suggest a role for the eosinophil in repair in remodelling. Skin biopsies taken at time intervals after allergen injection into human skin indicate that the formation of myofibroblast‐like cells and activation of fibroblasts, as shown by tenascin and procollagen‐1 production, may be partly under the control of infiltrating TGF‐β1+/IL‐13+ eosinophils. Studies involving the infusion of an anti‐IL‐5 monoclonal antibody to atopic subjects indicate that eosinophils are unlikely to be essential for the redness, swelling and induration characteristic of late‐phase allergic response but may play a role in repair/remodelling processes as shown by inhibition of tenascin deposition. Selective reduction of eosinophils by anti‐IL‐5 was also associated with a significant reduction in the up‐regulated expression of ECM proteins in the reticular basement membrane of asthmatics. Furthermore, this reduction in the expression of matrix proteins occurred over a relatively short time period and despite only partial eosinophil depletion. Taken together these data provide direct evidence of a causal association between eosinophils and ECM protein deposition in mild atopic asthma.
The paradoxical relationship between animal dander, exposure, sensitization and asthma: is there a hierarchy of inhalant allergens?
Authors: Platts‐Mills T. A. E. , Erwin E. A. , Perzanowski M. , Woodfolk J.
Published: February 2005

Although sensitization to allergens is undoubtedly dependent on exposure, there is now extensive evidence that high exposure to cat allergens does not consistently increase the prevalence of sensitization. Investigating this paradoxical effect of high exposure provides an opportunity to understand the mechanisms of control of allergic disease. The evidence suggests that the T cell response to specific peptides in Fel d 1 is important to the development of tolerance. In addition, it is possible that the “tolerant” response to cat allergens is sufficient to explain why the prevalence and severity of allergic disease (particularly asthma) is lower in those countries where (because of the absence of dust mites) cats are the dominant source of indoor allergens.
Unique social structure ofProbolomyrmex longinodus
Authors: KIKUCHI Tomonori , TSUJI Kazuki
Published: February 2005

Colonies ofProbolomyrmex longinoduscollected in Yonaguni Island, the Ryukyus, Japan contained several dealate queens, only one of which was inseminated and reproduced. All queens and workers had only one ovariole per ovary.
Abundance of inflorescence tissue feeders on three willow species
Authors: NOZAWA Akiyoshi , INARI Naoki
Published: February 2005

We report the relative abundance of inflorescence tissue feeders among three willow species (Salix integra, S. miyabeana and S. sachalinensis) with reference to the plant sexes. We found that (i) a total of 270 individuals belonging to six species and two orders were recorded from willow inflorescences; (ii) the abundance of Xanthia caterpillars differed across willow species and sexes; (iii) the abundance of weevil larvae differed across willow species; (iv) Gypsonoma bifasciata abundance was affected by sex and inflorescence size; and (v) Nemophora raddei was collected from a single female S. miyabeana tree. Although nitrogen content of inflorescences is not likely to affect the herbivory pattern of inflorescence tissue feeders, inflorescence size is likely to affect the abundance of Gypsonoma caterpillars.
Influence of urbanization on ant distribution in parks of Tokyo and Chiba City, Japan II. Analysis of species
Authors: YAMAGUCHI Takeshi
Published: February 2005

To study the influence of urbanization on the distribution of ant species, I compared the occurrence of several ant species in urban parks of different areas and ages in Tokyo and Chiba City, Japan. Analysis of the presence or absence of 42 species revealed that the probability of occurrence in a park was significantly associated with park area for 15 species (35.7%), with park age for five (11.9%), and with region for seven (16.7%). It is likely that different species respond differently to urbanization. Species sensitive to urbanization could be good bioindicators of urban environments. Furthermore, to estimate the influence of the modification of underground environments, Messor aciculatus was selected, because this species nests in an almost vertical shaft with many chambers, to a depth of up to 4 m. The probability of occurrence of the species in a park tended to be lower in reclaimed land and banked land than in other landforms. This fact suggests that M. aciculatus could be a bioindicator of underground modification.
Social wasps and bees captured in carrion traps in a rainforest in Brazil
Authors: SILVEIRA Orlando Tobias , ESPOSITO Maria Cristina , SANTOS José Nazareno dos , GEMAQUE Francisco Espíndola
Published: February 2005

Information is presented on social wasps and bees caught in carrion traps in ‘terra firme’ rainforest in Caxiuanã, PA, Brazil. Six species of epiponine wasps were captured. Angiopolybia pallens was the most frequent species, being caught in approximately 43.5% of the trials, followed by Angiopolybia paraensis (15.8%), Agelaia fulvofasciata (5.6%) and Agelaia angulata (3.3%). Agelaia pallipes and Agelaia cajennensis both had only a single individual captured. Twelve species of social bees were captured. The genera Trigona, Partamona and Melipona had similar numbers of species, but frequencies varied considerably. One individual of Apis mellifera was captured.
Demography of the Okinawan eusocial waspRopalidia fasciata(Hymenoptera: Vespidae) I. Survival rate of individuals and colonies, and yearly fluctuations in colony density
Authors: ITÔ Yosiaki , KASUYA Eiiti
Published: February 2005

We conducted a series of demographic studies of the primitively eusocial waspRopalidia fasciatain Okinawa, a subtropical part of Japan, and found the following. The colony cycle of this wasp is annual, spanning from April to November or even December; this is longer than the colony cycles of other temperate polistine wasps so far reported. The survival rate of the marked foundresses was 40% to June, dropping to 1.4% by September. These survival rates are similar to other subtropical and tropical species. Most females that emerged in November were probably second generation adults (progeny of the original foundresses), which would participate in founding nests in the following spring. These facts indicate thatR. fasciatain Okinawa is at least partially bivoltine. Survival of a nest to September was 10–20%; however, because a failed nest is often rebuilt, survival of the colony to September was as high as 50%. The mean number of new foundresses produced per foundress was 7.5, and their overwintering survival was 16%. Hence, a single foundress produced, on average, 1.2 progeny foundresses to the following year. Density dependence was shown in the rate at which the progeny foundresses were produced. These results explain the remarkable stability of nest densities from year to year in the area. The above results reveal thatR. fasciatain Okinawa shares many demographic characteristics with other primitively eusocial wasps, particularly year‐to‐year stability of nest density and a long colony cycle.
Dynamics of eupyrene and apyrene sperm storage in ovipositing females of the swallowtail butterfly Papilio xuthus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
Authors: WATANABE Mamoru , HACHISUKA Ayako
Published: February 2005

A male swallowtail butterfly, Papilio xuthus, transfers both eupyrene and apyrene sperm during copulation, both of which migrate to the spermatheca via the spermatophore in the bursa copulatrix of the female. Because the spermatheca seems to remain constant in size during the female lifespan, the excess sperm migration may cause the spermatheca to overflow. Approximately 9000 eupyrene and 265 000 apyrene spermatozoa were transferred during a single copulation, and approximately 1000 eupyrene and 1100 apyrene spermatozoa successfully arrived in the spermatheca. The number of both types of spermatozoon decreased in the spermatheca after the onset of oviposition, and no eupyrene spermatozoa were found by 7 days after copulation, partly due to insemination. The spermathecal gland leading from the distal end of the spermatheca was gradually filled by eupyrene spermatozoa. Although the function of the gland remains unclear, the final destination of the sperm is likely to be the gland.
First record of the genusBuchananiellaReuter (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) from Japan, with description of a new species
Authors: YAMADA Kazutaka , HIROWATARI Toshiya
Published: February 2005

Two species of the anthocorid genusBuchananiellaReuter are recorded from Japan for the first time.Buchananiella leptocephalasp. nov. is described here based on specimens from Honshu and the Ryukyus.Buchananiella crassicornisCarayon, hitherto known from the Ivory Coast and India, was found in the Ryukyus.
Taxonomic status of the grasshopper Podisma tyatiensis and reproductive isolation between P. tyatiensis and Podisma sapporensis
Authors: BUGROV Alexander G. , WARCHAŁOWSKA‐ŚLIWA Elżbieta , AKIMOTO Shin‐ichi
Published: February 2005

The grasshopper Podisma tyatiensis, which is distributed only at the summit of Mount Tyatya on Kunashiri Island, the Kuril Islands, is closely related to Podisma sapporensis, which has a broad distribution range on the islands of northern Japan and the Russian Far East (Hokkaido, Sakhalin and Kunashiri). The present study examined the taxonomic status of P. tyatiensis by crossing P. tyatiensis males with P. sapporensis females from Sakhalin. More than 90% of eggs from intrapopulation crosses developed to at least the last embryonic stage, whereas only 64% of eggs from the interpopulation crosses developed into that embryonic stage. Cytogenetic observations of prediapause embryos showed that the interpopulation crosses always led to the production of unfertilized eggs, and that all of the developing embryos had the maternal genome only. A mixture of haploid and diploid cells of maternal origin was found in most of those embryos. This result shows that unfertilized eggs produced by P. sapporensis females from Sakhalin developed parthenogenetically to at least the embryonic stage before hatching. The present crossing experiments revealed a high level of incompatibility between the genomes of the Sakhalin population and the Tyatya population, and confirmed the full species status of P. tyatiensis.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Dolophilodes subgenus Dolophilodes (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) of Japan
Authors: KUHARA Naotoshi
Published: February 2005

Japanese species of the genus Dolophilodes subgenus Dolophilodes are revised taxonomically. Seven described species are recognized: D. japonicus (Banks), D. shinboensis (Kobayashi), D. auriculatus Martynov, D. nomugiensis (Kobayashi), D. babai (Kobayashi), D. iroensis (Kobayashi) and D. commatus (Kobayashi). In addition, two new species, D. angustatus and D. dilatatus, are described. Males of all nine species and females of all but D. babai are described and illustrated. The subgenus Hisaura Kobayashi is synonymized under the subgenus Dolophilodes. Three synonymies of species proposed are Wormaldia triangulata Kobayashi under D. nomugiensis, D. kunashirensis Ivanov under D. iroensis and Sortosa kaishoensis Kobayashi under D. commatus.
Practical Rapid, Minimally Invasive, Reliable Nonendoscopic Method to Obtain Helicobacter pylori for Culture
Authors: Graham David Y. , Kudo Mayumi , Reddy Rita , Opekun Antone R.
Published: February 2005

Background.  Helicobacter pylori culture typically requires endoscopy.

Aim.  To develop a minimally invasive rapid and reliable method to obtain H. pylori cultures.

Methods.  An extendable oro‐gastric brush, contained within a plastic over‐tube, was constructed (Baylor Brush, US Endoscopy). After topical oral anesthesia, the 5‐mm diameter brush assembly was swallowed. The brush was extended in the stomach and the mucosa was brushed three or four times. The brush was then retracted into the protective sleeve and withdrawn from the patient. The brush was either cultured directly or placed in cysteine transport medium with 20% glycerol which was then sampled immediately or after freezing at −70°C.

Results.  Twenty‐five adult H. pylori‐infected subjects (13 male, 12 female) were studied. Helicobacter pylori recovery rate was 100% (11 of 11) when cultured immediately or after storage in transport medium at −70°C for 1 or 2 weeks or after storage at 4°C for 24 hours (four of four) or 72 hours (four of four) before being cultured. Freezing on dry ice and air shipment did not reduce recovery.

Conclusion.  Rapid, reliable, nonendoscopic culture of gastric mucus is a practical method to obtain culture of H. pylori for clinical or research purposes. The method is amenable to being performed in a doctor's office or in the field.
Comparison of Two Management Strategies for Helicobacter pylori Treatment: Clinical Study and Cost‐effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Marko Dritana , Calvet Xavier , Ducons Julio , Guardiola Jordi , Tito Llucia , Bory Felipe ,   the GRESCA (Group for Eradication Studies from Catalonia and Aragón)
Published: February 2005

Background.  First‐line proton pump inhibitor‐based triple and quadruple therapies for Helicobacter pylori eradication present similar levels of efficacy. Cross‐over treatment (quadruple following triple failure, and triple following quadruple failure) seems the most sensible approach to treatment failures, but the two strategies –‘quadruple first’ versus ‘triple first’– have not been previously compared. The aims of our study were to assess the usefulness and the cost‐effectiveness of the two treatment strategies.

Material and methods.  Forty‐nine out of 344 patients included in a previous study comparing triple therapy – 7 days of omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin twice a day – with quadruple therapy – 7 days of omeprazole twice a day, plus tetracycline, metronidazole and bismuth subcitrate three times a day – failed initial treatment and were assigned to cross‐over therapy. Cure was determined by urea breath test. A decision analysis was performed to compare the two eradication strategies.

Results.  Intention to treat cure rates were 46% (10/22 patients; 95% CI 24–68%) for second‐line triple therapy and 63% (17/27 patients; 95% CI 42–81%) for second‐line quadruple therapy. Per protocol cure rates were 71% and 85%, respectively. Intention to treat cure rates were 87% (95% CI 81–92%) for the ‘triple first’ versus 86% (95% CI 80–91%) for the ‘quadruple first’ strategy (p = .87). The ‘quadruple first’ strategy was more cost‐effective. The incremental cost of ‘triple first’ strategy per person was 19 € in the low‐cost area and 65 US$ in the high‐cost area.

Conclusions.  The effectiveness of ‘triple first’ and ‘quadruple first’ strategies is similar, although the latter seems slightly more cost‐effective.
Effects of Antioxidant Vitamin Supplements on Helicobacter pylori‐induced Gastritis in Mongolian Gerbils
Authors: Sun Yi‐Qian , Girgensone Ilze , Leanderson Per , Petersson Fredrik , Borch Kurt
Published: February 2005

Background.  Epidemiological studies show that high intake of food‐bound vitamin C and E reduces the risk of gastric cancer. Whether dietary supplementation with antioxidant micronutrients interferes with Helicobacter pylori infection and associated diseases is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate if dietary vitamin C or E supplementation influences the progression of gastritis, gastric mucosal nitrosative and oxidative protein damage, gastric mucosal lipid peroxidation, or gastric mucosal oxidative DNA damage in H. pylori‐infected Mongolian gerbils.

Materials and methods.  Gerbils were divided into four groups: H. pylori‐infected animals fed with vitamin C‐ or vitamin E‐supplemented food, and infected and uninfected animals given standard rodent food. Subgroups of animals were killed at different time‐points until 52 weeks postinfection. Concentrations of 3‐nitrotyrosine and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) in the gastric mucosa were determined with an immunodot blot and a fluorometric method, respectively. Mucosal concentrations of carbonyl carbons on proteins and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Gastritis was scored semiquantitatively.

Results.  Vitamin supplements had no effect on the colonization with H. pylori. Vitamin C as well as vitamin E supplements reduced mucosal 3‐nitrotyrosine concentrations to normal levels in infected animals. Vitamin E supplements decreased mucosal protein carbonyls and TBARS in short‐term gastritis. In addition, vitamin C supplements caused attenuated mucosal oxidative DNA damage and milder mucosal inflammation in short‐term gastritis.

Conclusion.  Vitamin C or vitamin E supplementation leads to some short‐term protective effects on H. pylori‐induced gastritis in Mongolian gerbils. These effects seem to subside over time when the infection persists.
Gastroduodenal Lesions and Helicobacter pylori Infection in Dyspeptic Patients With and Without Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Nardone Gerardo , Rocco Alba , Fiorillo Maria , Del Pezzo Mariassunta , Autiero Giovanni , Cuomo Rosario , Sarnelli Giovanni , Lambiase Antonietta , Budillon Gabriele , Cianciaruso Bruno
Published: February 2005

Background.  Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) often have dyspeptic symptoms and may develop peptic disease or digestive disorders leading to severe gastrointestinal complications. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of peptic lesions and Helicobacter pylori infection, and the severity of dyspeptic symptoms, in dyspeptic patients with and without CRF. Our secondary aim was to investigate whether uremic status may affect the diagnostic efficiency of the [13]C‐urea breath test ([13]C‐UBT).

Patients and Methods.  We consecutively enrolled in the study 50 dyspeptic patients with chronic kidney failure (mean age 52 ± 5 years), of whom 11 were on hemodialysis treatment (HD), and 93 subjects (mean age 54 ± 7 years) with chronic dyspepsia and normal renal function (NRF). All patients completed an oriented and validated questionnaire scoring the severity of nine dyspeptic symptoms (i.e. epigastric pain, epigastric burning, postprandial fullness, early satiety, bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting) and underwent upper endoscopy with multiple bioptic sampling for rapid urease test and histological examination, [13]C‐UBT and HpSA test.

Results.  The prevalences of peptic lesions and H. pylori infection and mean symptom score were 74%, 52% and 3.5 ± 3, respectively, in dyspeptic patients with CRF and 18%, 36% and 8 ± 5, respectively, in dyspeptic patients with NRF. The diagnostic accuracy of [13]C‐UBT with respect to histological diagnosis was 94% and 97% for dyspeptic patients with and without renal failure, respectively.

Conclusions.  1, A high frequency of peptic lesions and low symptom scores were observed in uremic patients in spite of H. pylori infection; 2, uremic status did not affect the diagnostic accuracy of [13]C‐UBT.
A Novel Enterohepatic Helicobacter Species ‘Helicobacter mastomyrinus’ Isolated from the Liver and Intestine of Rodents
Authors: Shen Zeli , Xu Shilu , Dewhirst Floyd E. , Paster Bruce J. , Pena Jeremy A. , Modlin Irvin M. , Kidd Mark , Fox James G.
Published: February 2005

Background.  A number of novel Helicobacter species have been isolated from both animals and humans. Many of these helicobacters colonize the lower gastrointestinal tract and hepatobiliary tract and are associated with diseases.

Methods.  A spiral‐shaped bacterium, with bipolar single‐sheathed flagella, was isolated from the liver and cecum of mastomys (the African rodent, Mastomys natalenis), from the feces and ceca of normal mice, and also from the cecum of a mouse with proctitis. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and fluorophore‐enhanced repetitive element polymerase chain reaction (FERP or rep‐PCR) analysis were used to classify the organism.

Results.  The bacterium grew at 37 and 42°C under microaerobic conditions, rapidly hydrolyzed urea, and was catalase and oxidase positive. It did not reduce nitrate to nitrite, and was resistant to cephalothin and nalidixic acid. Like many other enterohepatic Helicobacter species, this organism expressed cytolethal distending toxin and causes cell distention.

Conclusions.  The organism was classified as a novel Helicobacter species for which we propose the name ‘Helicobacter mastomyrinus’. Although ‘H. mastomyrinus’, like Helicobacter hepaticus and Helicobacter bilis, colonizes the liver of rodents, the pathogenic potential of this novel helicobacter is unknown.
Template DNA Ratio can Affect Detection by Genus‐Specific PCR–Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis of Bacteria Present at Low Abundance in Mixed Populations
Authors: Zhang Li , Danon Stephen , Grehan Martin , Lee Adrian , Mitchell Hazel
Published: February 2005

The detection of Helicobacter species by genus‐specific polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) was compared with that by species‐specific PCR in murine intestinal samples. Results suggest that, in samples containing multiple Helicobacter species, genus‐specific PCR‐DGGE may fail to detect all Helicobacter species present and that this relates to the initial template DNA ratio.
The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Helicobacter pylori Induced Cyclooxygenase 2 Expression and Prostaglandin E2 Production by Gastric Epithelial Cells in vitro
Authors: Smith Geoff V. , Farthing Michael J. G.
Published: February 2005

Background.  Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) is induced by the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) on the gastric mucosa as part of the inflammatory response; this results in the synthesis of prostaglandins that amplify the local inflammatory response. The presence of H. pylori inhibits the secretion of ascorbate into the gastric lumen. Interestingly, ascorbate inhibits the growth of H. pylori and low dietary levels are associated with an increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. We therefore investigated the effect of ascorbate on H. pylori mediated COX‐2 induction and prostaglandin production in vitro.

Methods.  H. pylori was cocultured with gastric epithelial cells in the presence of ascorbate at physiological concentrations. The expression of COX‐2 was assessed by Western blotting and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was assessed by ELISA.

Results.  Ascorbate inhibited gastric cell PGE2 synthesis but not in COX‐2 expression in response to H. pylori. In the absence of the organism, ascorbate also reduced PGE2 expression in cells that constitutively express COX‐2, again with no reduction of COX‐2 protein expression.

Conclusions.  Physiological concentrations of ascorbate inhibit PGE2 but not COX‐2 expression in response to H. pylori in gastric epithelial cells.
Experimental deformation of partially melted granite revisited: implications for the continental crust
Authors: ROSENBERG C. L. , HANDY M. R.
Published: February 2005

A review and reinterpretation of previous experimental data on the deformation of partially melted crustal rocks reveals that the relationship of aggregate strength to melt fraction is non‐linear, even if plotted on a linear ordinate and abscissa. At melt fractions, Φ < 0.07, the dependence of aggregate strength on Φ is significantly greater than at Φ > 0.07. This melt fraction (Φ = 0.07) marks the transition from a significant increase in the proportion of melt‐bearing grain boundaries up to this point to a minor increase thereafter. Therefore, we suggest that it is the increase of melt‐interconnectivity that causes the dramatic strength drop between the solidus and a melt fraction of 0.07. We term this drop the ‘melt connectivity transition’ (MCT). A second, less‐pronounced strength drop occurs at higher melt fractions and corresponds to the breakdown of the solid (crystal) framework. This is the ‘solid‐to‐liquid transition’ (SLT), corresponding to the well known ‘rheologically critical melt percentage’. Although the strength drop at the SLT is about four orders of magnitude, the absolute value of this drop is small compared with the absolute strength of the unmelted aggregate, rendering the SLT invisible in a linear aggregate strength v. melt‐fraction diagram. On the other hand, the more important MCT has been overlooked in previous work because experimental data usually are plotted in logarithmic strength v. melt‐fraction diagrams, obscuring large strength drops at high absolute strength values. We propose that crustal‐scale localization of deformation effectively coincides with the onset of melting, pre‐empting attainment of the SLT in most geological settings. The SLT may be restricted to controlling flow localization within magmatic bodies, especially where melt accumulates.