bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The aetiology of spinal deformity in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.: influence of different commercial diets on the incidence and severity of the preclinical condition in salmon parr under two contrasting husbandry regimes
Authors: Sullivan M , Reid S W J , Ternent H , Manchester N J , Roberts R J , Stone D A J , Hardy R W
Published: November 2007

A large‐scale trial of the effect of different commercial diets on the incidence of preclinical spinal deformation, as assessed by radiography, and the influence of two contrasting rearing systems was carried out. Two sets of three populations of Atlantic salmon, each of 20 000 first feeding fry of identical hatchery origin, created from equal numbers of eggs from 15 different families, were reared under commercial conditions on two different farms. Three commercial (closed formula) extruded fish meal‐based diets were used in this study (diets A, B & C). Each diet was fed to one population of 20 000 fish at each site. Fish were fed a percentage of their body weight per day, with feeding rates set at commercial levels, based on water temperature, day length and fish biomass. Additional hand feeding was used to ensure satiation in all tanks. Fish in each tank were bulk‐weighed and counted at the beginning and at 2‐week intervals throughout the study. The fish were grown for 30 weeks. In addition, phosphorus (P) digestibility was evaluated by in‐feed absorption testing in rainbow trout. The morphology of the radiographic lesions conformed to those described previously. Statistical analysis using multivariate regression analysis showed that date of sampling, site and diet were all statistically significant (P < 0.001) on univariable analysis. Farm A had significantly more affected fish than farm B (P < 0.001), which may have been attributable to variation in dissolved oxygen levels. The available dietary P levels were low in each diet. The number of fish affected in the group of fish being fed diet B was significantly lower than in the groups being fed diets A or C (P < 0.001). It appears most likely that the occurrence of preclinical radiographically apparent defects in parr which are believed to lead to the condition known as ‘spinal deformity’ is predominantly caused by a deficiency of available dietary P in first‐feeding fry. The availability of dietary P may also vary considerably between diets formulated using different ingredients. Phytate‐P associated with plant ingredients may affect the availability of P as well as other essential dietary nutrients. Additionally, diets for the production of salmonids in fresh water are currently formulated to keep P effluent to a minimum compatible with healthy spinal development. These various factors combine to make it crucial that small Atlantic salmon, especially first‐feeding fry, are provided with carefully formulated diets fortified to an adequate level with a high quality source of available P.
A global perspective on changes in the burden of caries and periodontitis: implications for dentistry*
Authors: BAELUM V. , VAN PALENSTEIN HELDERMAN W. , HUGOSON A. , YEE R. , FEJERSKOV O.
Published: November 2007

Summary  The structure and contents of most oral health care systems and the contents of dental curricula reflect a deep‐rooted tradition for attempting to cure oral diseases by refined technological means. However, better oral health conditions for the world’s populations necessitate the application of up‐to‐date scientific knowledge to control the major oral diseases. This review points out that not only should the structure and contents of oral health care delivery systems be based on state‐of‐the‐art knowledge about the biology of the oral diseases; they must also take into account the trends for change in caries and periodontal diseases within and between populations, and acknowledge the impact of changes in treatment philosophies for these trends. The oral disease profiles for populations in low‐ and high‐income countries are briefly described, and it is concluded that the rapidly changing disease profiles observed in high‐income countries necessitate re‐thinking of the future role and organization of dentistry in such countries. The priorities for low‐ and middle‐income countries must be to avoid repeating the mistakes made in the high‐income countries. Instead, these societies might take advantage of setting priorities based on a population‐based common risk factor approach. If such an approach is adopted, the training of personnel with oral health care competence must be rethought. The authors suggest three different cadres of dental care providers to be considered for an approach that allows health care planners in different populations around the world to prioritize appropriate oral health care with due respect for the socio‐economic conditions prevailing.
Inhibitory motor control in apneic and insomniac patients: a stop task study
Authors: SAGASPE PATRICIA , PHILIP PIERRE , SCHWARTZ SOPHIE
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to assess with a stop task the inhibitory motor control efficiency – a major component of executive control functions – in patients suffering from sleep disorders. Twenty‐two patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) (mean age 46 ± 9 years; mean apnea–hypopnea index, AHI = 30 ± 20) and 13 patients with psychophysiological insomnia (mean age 47 ± 12 years) were compared with individually matched healthy controls. Sleep disturbances in the patient populations were clinically and polysomnographically diagnosed. The stop task has a frequent visual ‘Go’ stimulus to set up a response tendency and a less frequent auditory ‘Stop’ signal to withhold the planned or prepotent response. The stop signal reaction time (SSRT) reflects the time to internally suppress the ongoing response. SSRT was slower for the apneic patients than for their respective controls (248 ± 107 versus 171 ± 115 ms, anova, P < 0.05) but not for the insomniac patients compared with their controls (235 ± 112 versus 194 ± 109 ms, NS). Moreover, in apneic patients, slower SSRT was associated with lower nocturnal oxygen saturation (r = −0.477, P < 0.05). By contrast, neither apneics nor insomniacs differed from their matched controls for reaction times on Go trials. To conclude, unlike insomniacs, OSAS patients present an impaired inhibitory motor control, an executive function which is required in many common everyday life situations. Inhibitory motor control relies on the integrity of the inferior prefrontal cortex, which could be affected by nocturnal oxyhemoglobin desaturation in apneic patients.
Diagnosis of sleep‐disordered breathing in patients with chronic heart failure: evaluation of a portable limited sleep study system
Authors: SMITH LINDSAY A. , CHONG DENNIS W. S. , VENNELLE MARJORIE , DENVIR MARTIN A. , NEWBY DAVID E. , DOUGLAS NEIL J.
Published: November 2007

Sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) is common in chronic heart failure (CHF), affects disease progression and presents a potential therapeutic target. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that there would be good agreement in diagnostic outcome between home limited sleep studies and in‐laboratory polysomnography (PSG) in the identification of SDB in patients with CHF. We performed synchronous in‐laboratory Embletta and PSG, and home Embletta studies, prospectively in 20 consecutive patients with stable symptomatic CHF (ejection fraction 33 ± 12%) on optimal medical therapy. Sleep efficiency was poor at 57 ± 21%. Unlike synchronous in‐laboratory Embletta (kappa coefficient 0.63, P < 0.01), home Embletta showed poor agreement with PSG (kappa coefficient 0.27, P = 0.06). Positive and negative predictive values for home Embletta in detecting SDB were 83% and 57% respectively. In this relatively small study, agreement in diagnostic outcome between home Embletta and PSG, and negative predictive value for the home Embletta, were poor. We explore possible explanations for this, both technical and situational, which should be taken into consideration when considering potential screening or diagnostic tools for SDB in patients with CHF.
Prolonged‐release melatonin improves sleep quality and morning alertness in insomnia patients aged 55 years and older and has no withdrawal effects
Authors: LEMOINE PATRICK , NIR TALI , LAUDON MOSHE , ZISAPEL NAVA
Published: November 2007

Melatonin, secreted nocturnally by the pineal gland, is an endogenous sleep regulator. Impaired melatonin production and complaints on poor quality of sleep are common among the elderly. Non‐restorative sleep (perceived poor quality of sleep) and subsequently poor daytime functioning are increasingly recognized as a leading syndrome in the diagnostic and therapeutic process of insomnia complaints. The effects of 3‐weeks prolonged‐release melatonin 2 mg (PR‐melatonin) versus placebo treatment were assessed in a multi‐center randomized placebo‐controlled study in 170 primary insomnia outpatients aged ≥55 years. Improvements in quality of sleep (QOS) the night before and morning alertness (BFW) were assessed using the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire and changes in sleep quality (QON) reported on five categorical unit scales. Rebound insomnia and withdrawal effects following discontinuation were also evaluated. PR‐melatonin significantly improved QOS (−22.5 versus −16.5 mm, P = 0.047), QON (0.89 versus 0.46 units; P = 0.003) and BFW (−15.7 versus −6.8 mm; P = 0.002) compared with placebo. The improvements in QOS and BFW were strongly correlated (Rval = 0.77, P < 0.001) suggesting a beneficial treatment effect on the restorative value of sleep. These results were confirmed in a subgroup of patients with a greater symptom severity. There was no evidence of rebound insomnia or withdrawal effects following treatment discontinuation. The incidence of adverse events was low and most side‐effects were judged to be of minor severity. PR‐melatonin is the first drug shown to significantly improve quality of sleep and morning alertness in primary insomnia patients aged 55 years and older‐suggesting more restorative sleep, and without withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
Structural equation modeling of sleep apnea, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction in children
Authors: WATERS KAREN A. , MAST BENJAMIN T. , VELLA SILVANO , DE LA EVA ROLAND , O'BRIEN LOUISE M. , BAILEY SHERRYN , TAM CHARMAINE S. , WONG MELANIE , BAUR LOUISE A.
Published: November 2007

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), often concomitant with obesity, increases the risk for the metabolic syndrome. One mechanism that may participate in this association is upregulation of inflammatory pathways. We used structural equation modeling to assess the interrelations between childhood obesity, OSA, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. One hundred and eighty‐four children (127 boys, mean age: 8.5 ± 4.1years) had height and weight measured, underwent overnight polysomnography and had fasting blood taken. The blood was analyzed for insulin, glucose, lipids, leptin, and cytokines [interferon (IFN)‐γ, granulocyte macrophage–colony stimulating factor, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, tumor necrosis factor‐α]. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate associations between the outcomes of interest including hypoxia, arousal (related to respiratory and spontaneous), obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammatory markers. Two cytokine factors and one metabolic factor were derived for the SEM. These factors provided good fit in the structural equation model (χ2/df = 2.855; comparative fit index = 0.90, root mean squared error of approximation = 0.10) and all factor loadings were significantly different from zero (P ≤ 0.01). Overall, our results indicate that while obesity (as measured by body mass index z‐score) has a major influence on the metabolic dysfunction associated with OSA, arousal indices, and cytokine markers may also influence this association. Our results support the hypothesis that OSA is a contributor to the mechanisms that link sleep, systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, and show that the interrelations may begin in childhood.
Post‐CPAP sleepiness – a specific syndrome?
Authors: STRADLING JOHN R. , SMITH DEBBIE , CROSBY JOY
Published: November 2007

Following treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), some patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) remain sleepy despite effective CPAP and attention to other diagnoses that can provoke sleepiness. It is unclear if this residual sleepiness is an irreversible result of their previous OSA and merits consideration for pharmacological treatment or simply because of the many and varied causes of sleepiness normally found in the community. We have measured levels of sleepiness, using the Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS), in 572 patients on CPAP and compared them with a control group of 525 subjects from a community survey, which would have included the usual lifestyle reasons for sleepiness as well as any undiagnosed sleep disorders. There was no difference in the percentage of patients with an ESS >10 in the CPAP group compared with the controls (16.1 versus 14.3, P = 0.54). Thus, although there clearly are sleepy patients within the CPAP group, the prevalence is no higher than in the community. We question whether so‐called ‘post‐CPAP sleepiness’ should be regarded as any more abnormal and worthy of treatment than a ‘normal’ population. Post‐CPAP sleepiness as a specific disorder may not exist.
When sleep is perceived as wakefulness: an experimental study on state perception during physiological sleep
Authors: WEIGAND DOREEN , MICHAEL LARS , SCHULZ HARTMUT
Published: November 2007

While electrophysiologically measured sleep and perception of sleep generally concur, various studies have shown this is not always the case. The objective of the present study was to assess the perception of actual state during sleep by the technique of planned awakenings and interviewing subjects on the preawakening state. Sixty‐eight (43 females, 25 males) young (mean age: 24.1, SD 5.1 years) normal sleeping subjects were deliberately awakened out of consolidated sleep, either stage 2 (S2), or REM sleep, during the first night in a non‐clinical sleep laboratory. While the preawakening state was experienced as sleep in 48 cases (70.6%), it was experienced as wakefulness in 20 cases (29.4%). The percentage of awake judgements was somewhat, but not significantly, higher for awakenings out of S2 (38.2%), to REM sleep (20.6%). The proportion of mismatches between electrophysiologically defined sleep and state judgements was time‐dependent with more awake judgements for REM sleep in the second half of the sleep period (41.7%) than in the first one (17.4%). Those subjects who made an awake judgement more frequently had a feeling of being aware of the situation and their surroundings than those who made a sleep judgement (80% versus 33%). Awareness during sleep may be a cognitive style, which favours mismatches between state perception and electrophysiologically defined sleep. Sleep periods with concordant or discordant state judgements did not differ in electrophysiologically defined sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, or sleep state distribution.
Association of Type D personality to perceived side effects and adherence in CPAP‐treated patients with OSAS
Authors: BROSTRÖM ANDERS , STRÖMBERG ANNA , MÅRTENSSON JAN , ULANDER MARTIN , HARDER LENA , SVANBORG EVA
Published: November 2007

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), but side effects are common and long‐term adherence low. The Type D (distressed) personality is defined as a combination of negative affectivity and social inhibition. The association of Type D personality with adherence has not been studied in CPAP‐treated patients with OSAS. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of Type D personality in OSAS patients with CPAP treatment longer than 6 months and the association with self‐reported side effects and adherence. A cross‐sectional descriptive design was used. A total of 247 OSAS patients with a mean use of CPAP treatment for 55 months (6–182 months) were included. Data collection was achieved by two questionnaires; the Type D scale 14 (DS14) (Type D personality), SECI (side effects of CPAP), as well as from medical records (clinical variables and objective adherence to CPAP treatment). Type D personality occurred in 30% of the patients with OSAS and significantly (P < 0.05–0.001) increased the perceived frequency and severity of a broad range of side effects. The objective adherence was significantly lower (P < 0.001) for OSAS patients with Type D compared to OSAS patients without Type D, both with regard to a mean use of 4 h per night and 85% of the self‐rated sleep time per night. The additional effect of a Type D personality on perceived side effects and adherence to CPAP treatment found in this study could be used by healthcare personnel when evaluating patients waiting for treatment.
Pharmacokinetics of tramadol and o‐desmethyltramadol in goats after intravenous and oral administration
Authors: DE SOUSA A. B. , SANTOS A. C. D. , SCHRAMM S. G. , PORTA V. , GÓRNIAK S. L. , FLORIO J. C. , DE SOUZA SPINOSA H.
Published: November 2007

The aim of this trial was to implement a method to obtain a tool for analyses of tramadol and the main metabolite, o‐desmethyltramadol (M1), in goat's plasma, and to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of these substances following intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) administration in female goats. The pharmacokinetics of tramadol and M1 were examined following i.v. or p.o. tramadol administration to six female goats (2 mg/kg). Average retention time was 5.13 min for tramadol and 2.42 min for M1. The calculated parameters for half‐life, volume of distribution and total body clearance were 0.94 ± 0.34 h, 2.48 ± 0.58 L/kg and 2.18 ± 0.23 L/kg/h following 2 mg/kg tramadol HCl administered intravenously. The systemic availability was 36.9 ± 9.1% and half‐life 2.67 ± 0.54 h following tramadol 2 mg/kg p.o. M1 had a half‐life of 2.89 ± 0.43 h following i.v. administration of tramadol. Following p.o., M1 was not detectable.
Lack of host‐dependent genetic structure in ectoparasites ofCalonectrisshearwaters
Authors: GÓMEZ‐DÍAZ E. , GONZÁLEZ‐SOLÍS J. , PEINADO M. A. , PAGE R. D. M.
Published: November 2007

We compared patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) differentiation in three host‐specific lice (Halipeurus abnormis,Austromenopon echinatumandSaemundssonia peusi) and one generalist flea (Xenopsylla gratiosa), parasitizing 22 colonies of Cory's and Cape Verde shearwater (Calonectris). The shearwater hosts show distinct phylogeographic structure corresponding to the three taxaCalonectris d. diomedea,C. d. borealis, andC. edwardsii. The host‐specific lice appeared undifferentiated among the threeCalonectristaxa, whereas the more generalist flea displayed significant levels of population differentiation. Neither genetic distances among host populations, nor their spatial distribution explained the patterns of genetic variability observed in the ectoparasites. The lack of differentiation among lice is unexpected, given that previous work has found evidence of cospeciation between procellariiform seabirds and their lice, and lice typically have an elevated rate of mtDNA evolution with respect to their hosts. Our results suggest that either rates of evolution in seabird lice are not always as high as previously thought, or that the magnitude of movement of lice between seabird hosts has been substantially underestimated.
How many symbionts are provided by mothers, acquired by offspring, and needed for successful vertical transmission in an obligate insect–bacterium mutualism?
Authors: HOSOKAWA TAKAHIRO , KIKUCHI YOSHITOMO , FUKATSU TAKEMA
Published: November 2007

Vertical symbiont transmission is among the most pivotal processes for maintenance of symbiotic associations. However, it is poorly understood whether and how the levels of resource allocation and investment upon vertical transmission are regulated. The stinkbug Megacopta punctatissima is obligatorily associated with the gut symbiotic bacterium ‘Candidatus Ishikawaella capsulata’, whose transmission is mediated by a unique mechanism called ‘symbiont capsule’. We investigated the population dynamics of the symbiont during vertical transmission in the host–symbiont mutualism. The stinkbug mothers produced one capsule for around 3.6 eggs irrespective of clutch size, suggesting a strict maternal control over symbiont supply for the offspring. However, experimental manipulation of egg/capsule ratios revealed that one capsule is sufficient for symbiont transmission to six nymphs. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses demonstrated that a capsule contains 1.2 × 108 symbionts, a newborn nymph possesses 2 × 107 symbionts from a capsule, and thus one capsule certainly contains a sufficient amount of symbiont cells for six nymphs. These results indicated that the stinkbug mothers produce 1.7 times more symbiont capsules than needed. The newborn nymphs consistently harboured around 2 × 107 symbionts, also suggesting a nymphal control over symbiont transmission. The threshold symbiont titre minimally needed for successful vertical transmission was estimated to be 1.9 × 106 symbionts, which is only 1/10 of the actual symbiont titre detected in a newborn nymph. These results illuminate several ecological factors that may be relevant to parental and offspring controls over symbiotic resource allocation through host insect generations.
Integrating individual behaviour and landscape genetics: the population structure of timber rattlesnake hibernacula
Authors: CLARK RULON W. , BROWN WILLIAM S. , STECHERT RANDY , ZAMUDIO KELLY R.
Published: November 2007

Individuals of many species show high levels of fidelity to natal populations, often due to reliance on patchily distributed habitat features. In many of these species, the negative impacts of inbreeding are mitigated through specialized behaviours such as seasonal mating dispersal. Quantifying population structure for species with these characteristics can potentially elucidate social and environmental factors that interact to affect mating behaviour and population connectivity. In the northern part of their range, timber rattlesnakes are communal hibernators with high natal philopatry. Individuals generally recruit to the same hibernaculum as their mother and remain faithful to that hibernaculum throughout their lives. We examined the genetic structure ofCrotalus horridushibernacula in the northeastern USA using microsatellite loci. Sampled hibernacula exhibited only modest levels of differentiation, indicating a significant level of gene flow among them. We found no significant correlation between genetic differentiation and geographical distance, but did find significant positive correlation between genetic differentiation and a cost‐based distance metric adjusted to include the amount of potential basking habitat between hibernacula. Therefore, thermoregulation sites may increase gene flow by increasing the potential for contact among individuals from different populations. Parentage analyses confirmed high levels of philopatry of both sexes to their maternal hibernaculum; however, approximately one‐third of paternity assignments involved individuals between hibernacula, confirming that gene flow among hibernacula occurs largely through seasonal male mating dispersal. Our results underscore the importance of integrating individual‐level behaviours and landscape features with studies of fine‐scale population genetics in species with high fidelity to patchily distributed habitats.
Segmental characteristics of oesophageal peristalsis in paediatric patients
Authors: Staiano A. , Boccia G. , Miele E. , Clouse R. E.
Published: November 2007

Abstract  High‐resolution manometry (HRM) in adults identifies a sequential chain of pressure segments that together form normal oesophageal peristalsis. HRM was performed in 40 neonates, infants/toddlers and children (age 1 day–14 years) to see if a similar segmental pattern could be identified in paediatric subjects. A chain of three pressure segments was found with inter‐segmental troughs at 27.4 ± 1.1%, 62.6 ± 1.3% and 94.9 ± 0.8% oesophageal length. The first and second pressure troughs were similarly distributed along the oesophagus across age groups; the third was 7.6–8.9% oesophageal length further from the lower oesophageal sphincter in neonates (P < 0.05 compared with other age groups). There were no significant differences in trough locations between subjects with or without oesophageal disease, controlling for age. Consistent presence of all three segments was less common in neonates, primarily because of fewer swallows demonstrating the first (proximal) and third (distal) segments compared with children. HRM in paediatric patients demonstrates, from neonates to children, the distinctive chain of pressure events that also characterizes oesophageal peristalsis in adults. The segmental character to oesophageal peristalsis should be taken into consideration in manometric investigation of all age groups – for example, in testing pharmacological responses and evaluating clearance mechanisms.
The effect of short‐term, low‐dose tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressant treatment on satiation, postnutrient load gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric emptying: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Choung R. S. , Cremonini F. , Thapa P. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Talley N. J.
Published: November 2007

Abstract  Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for patients with functional dyspepsia. However, the effect of tricyclic antidepressants on satiation and gastric emptying remains unclear, and there are no data for tetracyclic compounds. To compare the effects of nortriptyline (maximum dose: 50 mg daily) and mirtazapine (30 mg daily) vs placebo on gastric emptying, gastric satiation and postprandial symptoms after a nutrient load in healthy volunteers. Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study evaluated gastric function before and after 14 days of nortriptyline (n = 13), mirtazapine (n = 13), or placebo (n = 14) in healthy volunteers. Validated methods were used to study gastric emptying (13C‐octanoate) and satiation postnutrient drink test. The three arms were comparable with regard to age, gender, body mass index and hospital anxiety/depression scale. There were no statistically significant effects of mirtazapine or nortriptyline on gastric emptying compared to placebo (P = 0.34). Maximum tolerated volume was similar on drug and placebo (P = 0.56). Aggregate symptom score 30 min postmaximum tolerated volume after nutrient drink challenge on placebo was 132 (±21), vs 165 (±21) on mirtazapine, and 126 (±21) on nortriptyline 50 mg respectively (P = 0.28). Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressant agents do not appear to have significant effects on gastric motor or satiation postnutrient challenge in healthy individuals at the doses tested.
Post‐eruptive development of the Ukinrek East Maar since its eruption in 1977 A.D. in the periglacial area of south‐west Alaska
Authors: PIRRUNG MICHAEL , BÜCHEL GEORG , LORENZ VOLKER , TREUTLER HANNS‐CHRISTIAN
Published: November 2007

Maar eruptions form small initially steep‐walled basins that contain important archives for the climatic and palaeoenvironmental history in continental areas. The two Ukinrek Maars in south‐western Alaska erupted between 30 March and 9 April 1977 and are the best‐documented maars that have erupted in historical time. This study presents a preliminary analysis of geomorphology, hydrology, magnetic susceptibility, geochemistry and sedimentology data of a field study in August 2004. These results, photographs and topographic surveys are combined for reconstructing the post‐eruptive evolution of Ukinrek East Maar. Within less than 30 years the initially polygonal shape of the crater with nearly vertical crater walls has developed into an almost elliptic form with slopes of 35° inclination on debris fans between a few escarpments. The water table and the crater floor have risen significantly and the crater diameter:depth ratio increased from 3·4 to 5·7, whereas the average height of the crater rim remained almost constant. The main sub‐aerial resedimentation process is formation of rock falls, rock slumps and scree resulting in debris flows and turbidites within the lake that is ice‐covered throughout about half of the year. Distal lake sediments consist of laminated minerogenic clayey‐sandy silts that document frequent turbidity currents. From the linear sedimentation rate of only ca 5 mm year−1 in 17 cm long cores it may be concluded that the largest portion of the crater sediments formed within the first few months of the maar history, however, this has to be confirmed by future studies.
Control of Vespula germanica (Hym. Vespidae) populations using toxic baits: bait attractiveness and pesticide efficacy
Authors: Sackmann P. , Corley J. C.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Our aim was to test a set of baits and pesticides for the control of yellowjacket populations in NW Patagonia (Argentina), through field trials. We tested the attractiveness of protein (fresh and freeze‐dried beef) and carbohydrate (corn syrup and honey) baits (alone and mixed) and three pesticides commonly employed to control terrestrial domestic arthropods (hydramethylnon 2%, permethrin 0.3% and chlorpyrifos 0.25%). Our results show that beef proved to be the most attractive bait tested, for Vespula germanica wasps in NW Patagonia. Honey and corn syrup alone or mixed with beef did not attract foraging wasps as did beef‐only baits throughout the wasp season. Additionally, we show that the attractiveness of lyophilized beef baits is similar to that of fresh beef. The efficacy of the insecticides tested was limited. In fact, only baiting with hydramethylnon 2% reduced wasp populations (54%) and this occurred after 72 h since poisoning. However, given the potential of insects to develop resistance to a consistent use of a single product (e.g. fipronil 0.1%), the use of hydramethylnon may allow the alternating of insecticides in specific situations. The information provided here contributes to the existent knowledge on baits and insecticides for the control of yellowjackets using toxic baits.
Oviposition and feeding preference of Acrolepiopsis assectella Zell. (Lep., Acrolepiidae)
Authors: Allison J. , Jenner W. , Cappuccino N. , Mason P. G.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  The leek moth, Acrolepiopsisassectella (Zell.), is a recently discovered exotic species in eastern Ontario and western Quebec. This Allium spp. (Asparagales, Alliaceae) specialist can cause up to 40% crop damage. A no‐choice experiment was used to determine the relationship between oviposition behaviour and larval survival of the leek moth as the phylogenetic distance from the preferred host Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum L. increased. Results indicate that oviposition preference and larval survival of the leek moth declined as the phylogenetic distance from the preferred host increased. These results support the conclusion that the leek moth is a specialist feeder on closely related Allium spp. although the strength of this preference may decline as the motivation to oviposit increases. This may indicate that the leek moth is able to use closely related novel hosts as temporary refuges if the preferred host plant is unavailable.
Variation of pre‐ovipositional period in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, collected in tropical, subtropical and temperate Asia
Authors: Wada T. , Ito K. , Takahashi A. , Tang J.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  We investigated the pre‐ovipositional period of Nilaparvata lugens originating from tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of East and Southeast Asia using laboratory experiments to compare the migration capability of the populations. Macropter females collected in 1992 from Japan and subtropical North Vietnam had a longer immature period than those from tropical Indochina Peninsula, i.e. the day of the first oviposition after eclosion was about 3 days later in the former populations. Populations collected in 1993 and 1994 from Japan, Central and South China, and North Vietnam also had a longer immature period than that of the tropical Malaysian population. Thus, a general trend was demonstrated that macropters originating in temperate and subtropical East Asia had a longer pre‐ovipositional period, which is presumably beneficial for pre‐reproductive long‐distance migration. This finding supports a current hypothesis for the migration system of N. lugens existing in East Asia, which has maintained the capability of long‐distance migration throughout years in spite of the disadvantage of prolonged oviposition for multiplication.
Host plant effects on the functional response ofNeoseiulus cucumeristo onion thrips larvae
Authors: Madadi H. , Enkegaard A. , Brodsgaard H. F. , Kharrazi‐Pakdel A. , Mohaghegh J. , Ashouri A.
Published: November 2007

Abstract: The performance of herbivores, natural enemies and their interactions may be affected directly or indirectly by host plant traits, e.g. the physical plant characteristics may influence the search pattern and the functional response of predators. We studied the functional response of adult females of the predatory miteNeoseiulus cucumeristo first instar larvae ofThrips tabacion three host plants (sweet pepper, eggplant and cucumber). The 24‐h leaf disc experiments conducted at 25 ± 1°C, 60 ± 10% relative humidity and 16 : 8 h (light : dark) showed thatN. cucumerisexhibited a type II functional response on all host plants. The following search rates and handling times were estimated from fitting the data to the disc equation 0.043/h and 1.798 h (cucumber); 0.048/h and 1.030 h (sweet pepper) and 0.0441/h and 2.294 h (eggplant) giving an estimated maximum predation of 13.35, 23.31 and 10.46 larvae per day respectively. The data from sweet pepper could also be described by the random predator equation (a′: 0.051/h;Th: 0.472 h). The host plant species interacted significantly with prey density on the functional response ofN. cucumeriswith the relative differences in the number of thrips eaten on each host plant increasing with density. It is suggested that it is mainly the difference in trichome density between the three host plants that is responsible for the observed differences in the functional response ofN. cucumeris. These results emphasize the importance of the host plant characteristics on the performance of natural enemies and for optimizing their use in biological control of pests.
Single host trees in a closed forest canopy matrix: a highly fragmented landscape?
Authors: Müller J. , Goßner M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Whether trees represent habitat islands and therefore are influenced by similar biogeographic processes as ‘real’ islands is controversial. For trees in highly fragmented landscapes the impacts of spatial isolation on arthropod communities have already been demonstrated. However, we have almost no evidence that in large forests the arthropod communities on single trees in a closed canopy matrix are influenced by similar processes. In the present study the influence of spatial isolation on the specialized oak crown fauna was analysed in a large broadleaved forest area in northern Bavaria, Germany. The dependence of specialists on the proportion of oaks in the surrounding forest was investigated by using flight interception traps (67 on oak, 19 on beech). As target species, saproxylic and herbivorous Coleoptera and Heteroptera were sampled. The following two hypotheses were tested: (1) The proportion of oak specialists differs for oaks in beech forests and oaks in oak forests. (2) The proportion of oak specialists increases with the proportion of oaks in the surrounding forest. For all species groups, the proportion of oak specialists was higher in oak crowns than in beech crowns. Herbivorous beetles and true bugs showed a higher proportion of specialists in oak forests than on single oaks in beech forests. The proportion of herbivorous oak specialists increased significantly with increasing numbers of adjacent oak trees, while saproxylic Coleoptera showed no relationship to oak density. For herbivorous Coleoptera a threshold of higher proportion occurred where >30% oak was present, and for Heteroptera a first threshold was identified at values >70% and a second at >30%. This indicates that larger habitat patches within a closed forest canopy matrix support larger populations of herbivorous oak specialists. Hence, similar effects of spatial isolation might occur in a closed forest as have already been shown for highly fragmented open landscapes.
Brain melatonin content and polyethism in adult workers of Apis mellifera and Apis cerana (Hym., Apidae)
Authors: Yang L. , Qin Y. , Li X. , Song D. , Qi M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Radioimmunoassay showed that melatonin, N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine, was synthesized in the brain of workers of Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola, and related to the polyethism of the workers. Statistically significant differences were found in melatonin levels between workers at different ages and between workers performing different tasks. The level in foragers was higher than that in young nurses. The highest melatonin level was found in 21‐day‐old adult workers (213.15 pg per worker head) and the lowest level in 1‐day‐old adult workers (6.08 pg per worker head); and the highest level in pollen‐collecting workers (404.13 pg per worker head) and the lowest in nurse workers (13.10 pg per worker head). Apis cerana cerana Fabricius showed a similar pattern, but the nectar foragers had the highest melatonin levels. The melatonin level also showed a daily rhythm. In 30‐day‐old adult workers there were two peaks, at 7:00 and 19:00 hours, and three troughs at 15:00, 21:00 and 1:00 hours respectively.
Performance of transgenic spring wheat plants and effects on non‐target organisms under glasshouse and semi‐field conditions
Authors: Romeis J. , Waldburger M. , Streckeisen Ph. , Hogervorst P. A. M. , Keller B. , Winzeler M. , Bigler F.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  A convertible glasshouse was established to study annual transgenic plants under near‐field environmental conditions while simultaneously ensuring a high level of biological containment. This system can provide a useful step in the assessment of transgenic plants prior to open‐field experiments. Two transgenic wheat lines (cv. Bobwhite) were investigated and compared with their corresponding non‐transformed wildtypes with respect to plant performance, expression of the transgenic trait and interactions with antagonists. The first line expressed snowdrop lectin [Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA)] for enhanced resistance to aphids, and the second one overexpressed the endogenous Lr10 gene to enhance resistance to leaf rust. Interestingly, 1000‐kernel weight of Lr10‐transgenic plants was significantly reduced, indicating that the overexpression of the Lr10 gene caused a significant fitness cost for the plant. GNA‐transgenic plants expressed the lectin at levels too low to affect the target aphids. A detached leaf bioassay with Lr10‐transgenic plants revealed an increased resistance to leaf rust. No differences in the performance of aphids or cereal leaf beetles on transgenic and non‐transformed plants were recorded in the convertible glasshouse and in complementary glasshouse studies. Similarly, infection levels with powdery mildew did not differ between transgenic and non‐transformed plants but Bobwhite plants were significantly more infected when compared with conventional Swiss spring wheat cultivars. Overall, the assessment revealed that for the plants investigated here, their genetic background had a stronger impact on the performance of a plant and its interactions with insect herbivores and pathogens than the expression of the transgene.
Genetic variation and heritability of forage yield in Mediterranean tall fescue
Authors: Piano E. , Annicchiarico P. , Romani M. , Pecetti L.
Published: November 2007

The genetic control of tall fescue forage yield has been poorly investigated. Full‐sib families from diallel crosses of Mediterranean germplasm were evaluated for forage yield over 34 months in a Mediterranean environment with severe drought stress (diallel 1, with 20 parents) and over 16 months under irrigation in a heated greenhouse simulating the Mediterranean temperature pattern (diallel 2, with 15 parents). Genetic parameters were estimated for fresh biomass in diallel 1 and dry‐matter yield in diallel 2. Additive genetic variance was always larger than non‐additive (dominance) variance. Narrow‐sense heritability was fairly high (h2 = 0.61) in diallel 1 and moderate (h2 = 0.45) in diallel 2. Predicted yield gains from one selection cycle were larger in the former diallel (23.9%) than in the latter (10.5%), suggesting that gains can be enhanced by selection under severe drought stress and over a time span sufficient to allow the variation in persistence to fully emerge. General combining ability effects of eight parents that were common to both diallel crosses were highly correlated (r = 0.94) across the contrasting evaluation environments. The extent and consistency of additive genetic effects across environments suggest that rapid improvement of forage yield is possible.
Development of a PCR marker tightly linked to mollis, the gene that controls seed dormancy in Lupinus angustifolius L.
Authors: Boersma J. G. , Buirchell B. J. , Sivasithamparam K. , Yang H.
Published: November 2007

Wild plants of Lupinus angustifolius avoid extinction in a drought year by production of seeds with coats that are impermeable to water, preventing germination of a large percentage of the seed in any given year. Domesticated cultivars of this species carry the recessive gene mollis, making the seed coat permeable to water and, in turn promoting good crop establishment in the year of sowing. A dominant microsatellite‐anchored fragment length polymorphism candidate marker was identified as being tightly linked to mollis in a population of recombinant inbred lines derived from domesticated and wild‐type parents. The candidate marker was excised from the gel, amplified by PCR, sequenced and extended beyond the SSR end of the original MseI‐SSR fragment. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms were found within this extended sequence. Specific primers were designed to create a marker 209 bp long. PCR products of these primers run on a single strand conformation polymorphism gel resolved in a co‐dominant fashion. This marker will be used in marker‐assisted selection for mollis when introgressing wild material into lupin breeding programmes.
Transplacental metabolic alkalosis
Authors: Schimert Patrik , Bernet‐Buettiker Vera , Rutishauser Christoph , Schams Mohammed , Frey Bernhard
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  We present a newborn with hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis due to severe metabolic alkalosis of his mother. Hypoventilation as a leading symptom resolved quickly with treatment but may be life‐threatening if not detected. In this case, the mother had a probable eating disorder. Little is known about transplacentally acquired electrolyte disorders in this setting. In the absence of symptoms, most of the cases might be undetected. The usual neonatal outcome of anorexia and/or bulimia nervosa in pregnancy is a lower birthweight and a lower risk for instrumental delivery.
Isolated thrombocytopenia in children: Thinking beyond idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and Leukaemia
Authors: Kottayam Radhakrishnan , Rozenberg Gillian , Brighton Tim , Cohn Richard J
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  The commonest cause of isolated thrombocytopenia in an otherwise well child is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The inherited thrombocytopenias such as Bernard–Soulier syndrome are rare but often misdiagnosed as ITP owing to a similar clinical presentation. We describe a child with Bernard–Soulier syndrome who presented with isolated thrombocytopenia, mimicking ITP. Features which help to differentiate these two conditions are discussed with a brief literature review.
Functional neuroanatomy of the human pre‐Bötzinger complex with particular reference to sudden unexplained perinatal and infant death
Authors: Lavezzi Anna M. , Matturri Luigi
Published: November 2007

The authors are the first to identify in man the pre‐Bötzinger complex, a structure of the brainstem critical for respiratory rhythmogenesis, previously investigated only in rats. The evaluation of the neurokinin 1 receptors and somatostatin immunoreactivity in a total of 63 brains from 25 fetuses, nine newborns and 29 infants, allowed to delineate the anatomic structure and the boundaries of this human neural center in a restricted area of the ventrolateral medulla at the obex level, ventral to the semicompact ambiguus nucleus. The neurons of the pre‐Bötzinger complex were roundish in fetuses before 30 gestational weeks and lengthened after birth, embedded in a dendritic system belonging to the reticular formation. Besides, structural and/or functional alterations of the pre‐Bötzinger complex were present in a high percentage of sudden deaths (47%), prevalent in late fetal deaths. In particular, different developmental defects (hypoplasia with a decreased neuronal number and/or dendritic hypodevelopment of the reticular formation, abnormal neuronal morphology, immunonegativity of neurotransmitters, and agenesis) were found. The authors suggest that the pre‐Bötzinger complex contains a variety of neurons not only involved in respiratory rhythm generation, but more extensively, essential to the control of all vital functions. Sudden death and in particular sudden unexpected fetal death could therefore be ascribed to a selective process when developmental alterations of the pre‐Bötzinger complex arise.
The effect of rheumatoid arthritis on personal income in Australia
Authors: Shanahan E. M. , Smith M. D. , Roberts‐Thomson L. , Esterman A. , Ahern M. J.
Published: November 2007

Background:  The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on the personal income of a cohort of individuals with RA in Australia.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study of a sample of 497 working age people with RA in Adelaide, South Australia was carried out.

Results:  The average personal income of an individual with RA in our cohort in 2003–2004 was $A22 400 compared with the Australian mean annual income of $A38 000. When standardized, the income of our cohort was 66% that of the average income of the Australian population. Overall one‐third of the RA cohort relied principally on the social security system for their income and more than 75% of the cohort estimated they had lost greater than $A10 000 per annum in personal income as a result of their disease. Individuals with RA who were not working had annual incomes on average of more than $A20 000 less than those who continued to work.

Conclusion:  The personal income loss associated with RA in Australia is of enormous significance. It reduces a large population of individuals to relative financial poverty and potentially limits their access to a range of services including private health services.
Stress, Energy, and Immunity
Authors: Segerstrom Suzanne C.
Published: November 2007

A common perspective on stress-related changes in the human immune system is that such changes are potentially harmful, especially those occurring during chronic stress. In contrast, an ecological perspective views the immune system as an energetically costly system that may or may not have priority over other uses of that energy. From this perspective, the immune system may have energy made available for it via reduction of other activities, may change in energetically conservative ways when the protection it confers needs to be balanced with the energetic demands of other activities such as fight or flight, or may be suppressed when other activities are more important than immunity for total well-being. This last type of change can explain why aspects of psychosocial health such as optimism relate to worse immunity under some circumstances and suggests that both benefits and costs of immunosuppression during stress should be considered in research on human stress and immunity.