bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of radiolabelled Par j 1 administered intranasally to allergic and healthy subjects
Authors: Passalacqua G. , Altrinetti V. , Mariani G. , Falagiani P. , Mistrello G. , Brizzolara R. , Canonica G. W. , Bagnasco M.
Published: July 2005

Background
Local nasal immunotherapy is accepted as an alternative to the injection route for allergic rhinitis. Despite this, little is known about the kinetics of the allergen after nasal delivery in allergic subjects.

Objective
We aimed at assessing the biodistribution of 123I‐radiolabelled Par j 1 in Parietaria‐allergic subjects, in comparison with healthy volunteers.

Methods
Purified Par j 1 was radiolabelled with 123I and sprayed into the nostrils of three control subjects and three Parietaria‐allergic volunteers. Dynamic and static scintigraphic images of the head were recorded at serial times and blood samples were obtained to measure the plasma radioactivity, and to assess the presence of circulating radiolabelled species by gel chromatography.

Results
In Parietaria‐sensitized subjects, the radiolabelled allergen was rapidly cleared from the nasal cavity and transported to pharynx, and little local persistence was seen. This differed from healthy subjects where nasal clearance of the tracer was slower and nasal radioactivity persisted up to 24 h. The increase in plasma radioactivity paralleled swallowing of the allergen in both groups, and plasma chromatographic profile did not differ between allergic and healthy volunteers.

Conclusions
Sensitization to the allergen affects its local biodistribution. Gastrointestinal absorption is relevant also for the intranasal route.
Antitumour activity mediated by CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes against MHC class II‐negative mouse hepatocellular carcinoma induced by dendritic cell vaccine and interleukin‐12
Authors: Homma Sadamu , Komita Hideo , Sagawa Yukiko , Ohno Tsuneya , Toda Gotaro
Published: July 2005

When BALA/c mice with BNL hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were treated with dendritic cells fused with BNL cells (DC/BNL) and recombinant murine interleukin (IL)‐12, tumour development was significantly suppressed, whereas treatment with either DC/BNL or IL‐12 alone did not show a tumour‐suppressive effect. Antitumour activity induced by DC/BNL + IL‐12 was abrogated by depletion of CD4+ T cells, but not by depletion of CD8+ T cells or natural killer cells. Splenic CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells from DC/BNL‐treated mice showed cytotoxic activity against BNL cells after 3 days of incubation with DC/BNL, although BNL cells do not express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules even after treatment with interferon (INF)‐γ. Furthermore, CD4+ T cells killed syngeneic‐irrelevant CT26 cells and even allogeneic Hepa1‐6 cells. This cytotoxicity was blocked by concanamycin A, but not by an anti‐Fas ligand (FasL) monoclonal antibody, indicating that cytotoxic activity was mediated by perforin. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that abundant CD4+ T cells and MHC class II‐positive macrophages, but not CD8+ T cells, had infiltrated tumour tissue in mice treated with DC/BNL + IL‐12. Flow cytometric analysis of tumour‐infiltrating cells in mice treated with DC/BNL + IL‐12 showed increases in CD4+ T cells and MHC class II+ CD11b+ cells but not in CD8+ T cells or MHC class I+ CD11b+ cells. Our results suggest that, in BNL‐bearing mice treated with DC/BNL + IL‐12, tumour macrophages activated by INF‐γ produced by IL‐12‐stimulated T cells might present BNL tumour antigens and activate DC/BNL‐primed CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in a MHC class II‐dependent manner, leading to perforin‐mediated bystander killing of neighbouring MHC class II‐negative tumour cells.
Autoreactivity to self H‐2Kb peptides in TAP1–/– mice. Intravenous administration of H‐2Kb class I‐derived peptides induces long‐term survival of grafts from C57BL/6 donors
Authors: Marrero Idania , Benvenutti Luiz Alberto , Kalil Jorge , Coelho Verônica
Published: July 2005

We and others have previously shown that TAP1–/– mice (H‐2b) reject grafts from donors without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) disparity that express wild‐type levels of H‐2b class I molecules (C57BL/6, TAP1+/+ mice). In this same model, we also showed that subcutaneous priming of TAP1–/– mice with synthetic peptides derived from the H‐2Kb molecule accelerated graft rejection and that in vivo depletion of CD4+ T cells induced a significant prolongation of graft survival, suggesting an important role for CD4 T cells. We hypothesize that, in this model, rejection is triggered by the recognition of class I molecules or derived peptides, in an inflammatory microenvironment, by a functionally altered autoreactive T‐cell repertoire that escapes the control of peripheral regulatory mechanisms. In the present study, we analysed the cellular autoreactivity induced by synthetic peptides derived from the H‐2Kb sequence in naive and TAP1–/– mice transplanted with C57BL/6 grafts, and investigated whether intravenous modulation of autoreactivity to these peptides induced transplantation tolerance. We showed that TAP1–/– mice have peripheral autoreactive T cells that recognize H‐2Kb peptides. A significant amplification of proliferation against these peptides was detected in TAP1–/– mice that rejected grafts, indicating that the inflammatory context of transplantation induced peripheral expansion of these autoreactive T cells. Furthermore, intravenous injection of H‐2Kb‐derived peptides significantly prolonged graft survival in some animals. In these mice (> 100 days graft survival), we observed intragraft inhibition of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐10 expression, suggesting that these cytokines have an active role during the rejection. In conclusion, our present data indicate that inflammatory autoreactive T cells directed against H‐2Kb peptides can be inhibited in the periphery to prolong graft survival in TAP1–/– mice.
Age, gender and litter‐related variation in T‐lymphocyte cytokine production in young pigs
Authors: De Groot Johanna , Kruijt Leo , Scholten Jan Willem , Boersma Wim J. A. , Buist Willem G. , Engel Bas , Van Reenen Cornelis G.
Published: July 2005

The capacity of farm animals to produce cytokines could be an important determinant of robustness and health. From research in rodents and humans it appears that the production and the balance of T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2)‐type cytokines influences susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases. It is known that pigs show a large variation in many immune response parameters. So far the extent of individual variation in the production of Th1‐ and Th2‐type cytokines in commercial outbred pigs has not been reported. In the current experiment we determined mRNA expression, as well as protein production of cytokines in 32 pigs from eight litters. From each litter two male and two female pigs were tested at 2, 5 and 8 weeks of age. Two Th1‐type cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐2 and interferon (IFN)‐gamma, and two Th2‐type cytokines, IL‐4 and IL‐10, were measured after phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)‐stimulation of blood mononuclear cells. Cytokine production and the Th1/Th2‐ratio were highly variable. The variation in cytokine protein production was moderately consistent across ages, i.e. pigs that produced high levels of cytokine at 2 weeks of age tended to do so as well at 5 and 8 weeks of age. Cytokine production tended to increase with age, and gilts and boars differed in their IL‐2/IL‐4 ratio. Unexpectedly, age, gender and litter effects often differed for mRNA and protein production data. We hypothesize that cytokine production is a consistent trait in pigs, especially at the protein production level. Future investigations in more animals and across a wider age range are necessary.
CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells from human thymus and cord blood suppress antigen‐specific T cell responses
Authors: Wing Kajsa , Larsson Pia , Sandström Kerstin , Lundin Samuel B. , Suri‐Payer Elisabeth , Rudin Anna
Published: July 2005

Activation of self‐reactive T cells in healthy adults is prevented by the presence of autoantigen‐specific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (CD25+ Treg). To explore the functional development of autoantigen‐reactive CD25+ Treg in humans we investigated if thymic CD25+ Treg from children aged 2 months to 11 years and cord blood CD25+ Treg are able to suppress proliferation and cytokine production induced by specific antigens. While CD4+CD25− thymocytes proliferated in response to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), tetanus toxoid and beta‐lactoglobulin, suppression of proliferation was not detected after the addition of thymic CD25+ Treg. However, CD25+ Treg inhibited interferon (IFN)‐γ production induced by MOG, which indicates that MOG‐reactive CD25+ Treg are present in the thymus. In contrast, cord blood CD25+ Treg suppressed both proliferation and cytokine production induced by MOG. Both cord blood and thymic CD25+ Treg expressed FOXP3 mRNA. However, FOXP3 expression was lower in cord blood than in thymic CD25+ T cells. Further characterization of cord blood CD25+ T cells revealed that FOXP3 was highly expressed by CD25+CD45RA+ cells while CD25+CD45RA− cells contained twofold less FOXP3, which may explain the lower expression level of FOXP3 in cord blood CD25+ T cells compared to thymic CD25+ T cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that low numbers of MOG‐reactive functional CD25+ Treg are present in normal thymus, but that the suppressive ability of the cells is broader in cord blood. This suggests that the CD25+ Treg may be further matured in the periphery after being exported from the thymus.
Molecular characterization and chromosomal mapping of porcine adipose differentiation‐related protein (ADRP)
Authors: Kim T.H. , Choi B.H. , Chang G.W. , Lee K.T. , Lee H.Y. , Lee J.H. , Kim K.S. , Park C.K. , Moran C.
Published: July 2005

ADRPplays an important role in regulating lipid storage in various cells. We investigated theADRPgene as a candidate gene for intramuscular fat deposition and marbling traits in pigs. A full‐length transcript of porcineADRPwas cloned by RT‐PCR and RACE. The porcineADRPcDNA (1848 bp) contains a 1377‐bp open reading frame, encoding a deduced protein of 459 amino acids, which has amino acid sequence identities of 89, 89, 82 and 81% with cattle, human, mouse and ratADRPgenes respectively. The genomic structure and sequence of the porcineADRPwere also analysed using a BAC clone of a Korean native pig. PigADRPcomprises eight exons spanning approximately 13 kb and is located on chromosome 1 q2.3‐q2.7 between microsatellite markersSW2185andSW974. Several sequence variations were detected from nine different pig breeds. The biological role of this gene and the mapping localization indicated that the porcineADRPis a possible candidate gene for fat deposition and marbling traits.
Analysis of properdin (BF) genotypes associated with litter size in a commercial pig cross population
Authors: Buske B. , Brunsch C. , Zeller K. , Reinecke P. , Brockmann G.
Published: July 2005

Properdin (BF) was investigated as a candidate gene influencing litter size in a commercial pig cross population. The BF gene was chosen because of its integral role in influencing uterine epithelium growth and because several quantitative trait loci (QTL) with impact on reproductive traits have been detected near the centromere of porcine chromosome 7. A total of 123 F2 (Large White × Landrace) × Leicoma sows were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method. The sows were divided into two extreme performance groups, one with a high litter size (n = 61, ≥14.3 piglets per litter) and the other with a low litter size (n = 62, ≤11.3 piglets per litter). Although genotype and allele frequencies were uneven with 2.4% (AA), 16.3% (AB), 81.3% (BB) and 0.11 (A): 0.89 (B), the allele A was the unfavourable one, leading to less offspring. With regard to the level of significance at p < 0.05, the total number of born (TNB) and number of born alive (NBA) piglets were associated with BF genotypes. The genotype AA led to 10.55 TNB and 10.00 NBA, whereas the genotype BB led to 13.19 TNB and 12.11 NBA. The genotype AB was intermediate. In future, a systematic mating test is necessary in order to obtain more balanced genotype frequencies. Furthermore, it should be taken into consideration that the investigated polymorphism is located in an intronic region and the causative mutation is not clear yet.
Childhood vitiligo: A prospective hospital‐based study
Authors: Al‐Mutairi Nawaf , Kumar Sharma Ashok , Al‐Sheltawy Mazen , Nour‐Eldin Osama
Published: July 2005

Eighty‐eight consecutive children presenting with vitiligo to a hospital dermatology clinic in a 1‐year period were assessed clinically, and for autoimmune and endocrine disorders. Vitiligo started between 8 and 12 years of age in 51% of our patients. A positive family history was obtained in 27.3% of the patients. Vitiligo vulgaris was the most common clinical type seen. Three patients, though clinically asymptomatic, showed antithyroid antibodies. Our results are compared with those published previously on the subject.
Fixed drug eruption with interferon‐β‐1b
Authors: Tai Yee J , Tam Mei
Published: July 2005

A 32‐year‐old woman with multiple sclerosis who developed non‐injection‐site‐related fixed drug eruption with interferon‐β‐1b. Erythematous plaques started appearing 1 month after the drug was introduced, and increased in number following each administration. The histopathology of a skin biopsy was consistent with fixed drug eruption. The drug was subsequently ceased, with resolution of the rash 6 weeks later.
Borderline lepromatous leprosy presenting as a single cutaneous plaque
Authors: Armour Katherine S , Scolyer Richard A , Barnetson Ross StC
Published: July 2005

A 38‐year‐old Indonesian man presented with a single anaesthetic plaque on his right forearm and no other sensory changes. His clinical presentation was consistent with tuberculoid leprosy, but histopathology of a skin biopsy from the lesion showed borderline lepromatous disease. The patient was treated with multidrug therapy for multibacillary disease. Seven months after initiation of treatment his solitary skin anaesthetic plaque became tumid, and he developed multiple small plaques on his arms, legs and face, without evident neuritis. He was clearly in a reversal reaction (type 1), which slowly resolved with treatment of prednisone.
Erythroplasia of Queyrat treated with topical methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy
Authors: Lee Michael R , Ryman William
Published: July 2005

An 82‐year‐old man presented with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the glans penis arising in erythroplasia of Queyrat. He underwent Mohs’ micrographic surgery for the invasive carcinoma. Seven weeks later, the residual erythroplasia of Queyrat was treated using photodynamic therapy. Methyl aminolevulinate cream was applied to the glans of the penis under occlusion for 3 hours and then, after local anaesthesia, irradiated with a 630‐nm red‐light‐emitting diode lamp at a dose of 37 J/cm2 for 8 min. The patient experienced some mild swelling, redness and pain, which subsided over the following 5 days. Eighteen weeks after photodynamic therapy, there had been no recurrence of the lesion, when the patient died from an unrelated cause.
Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome treated with acitretin
Authors: Lee Michael R , Wong Li‐Chuen F , Fischer Gayle O
Published: July 2005

A 7‐year‐old boy born to consanguineous parents had suffered from palmoplantar keratoderma and chronic gingivitis since the age of 3 months. He was diagnosed with Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome. Genetic testing confirmed that he was homozygous with a point mutation in exon 6 of the cathepsin C gene. One year after initiating treatment with acitretin 10 mg oral daily and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole, the patient's skin remains almost lesion‐free, and he has new teeth that erupted during treatment and are free of periodontal disease.
Regulation of Wnt gene expression
Authors: Tian Qi , Jin Hong , Cui Yanzhen , Guo Changsheng , Lu Xiang
Published: July 2005

Members of the Wnt gene family play important roles in the regulation of a number of basic developmental processes. Because Wnt is such a potent morphogen, its expression must be controlled tightly and precisely. While many review papers focused on Wnt signaling downstream of the receptor, this review addresses regulations of Wnt itself on several levels, including the transcriptional level, RNA splicing, the post‐transcriptional level, the translational level, and the post‐translational level. It is these multiple, precise and tight regulations that guarantee that Wnts function correctly both temporally and spatially.
Profile of major congenital malformations at Nizwa Hospital, Oman: 10‐year review
Authors: Sawardekar Kiran P
Published: July 2005

Objective:  The objective of this study was to establish the profile of major congenital malformations at Nizwa Hospital, which is a major hospital in the Al‐Dakhliya region of Oman.

Methods:  All births with birthweight more than 500 g were prospectively studied from January 1993 through December 2002 for a period of 10 years. A congenital anomaly register was maintained in the special care baby unit (SCBU) and details of each case were recorded after parents' interviews, clinical evaluation and relevant radiological and laboratory investigations. The major malformations were classified as multiple or single‐system abnormalities as well as genetic or non‐genetic disorders.

Results:  Of the 21 988 births during the study period, 541 babies (24.6 per 1000 births) had major malformations. Of the 541 babies, 158 (29.2%) had multiple malformations and 335 (61.9%) had involvement of a single system. In 48 (8.9%) babies a complete evaluation was not possible. Of the cases with multiple abnormalities, 57 had recognized syndromes, of which 28 (49.1%) were autosomal recessive disorders. Seventy (12.9%) cases had chromosomal abnormalities. The most common systems involved in neonates with single‐system malformations were the gastrointestinal system (100 cases), the central nervous system (79 cases) and the cardiovascular system (63 cases). Although the consanguinity rate of 53.1% among Omani births almost matched with the regional average of 52.7%, it was 76% among those with major malformations. Also, there was an increased clustering of multiple abnormalities and rare recessive disorders in cases with closely related parents and grandparents. The birth prevalence of major malformations was 14.6 per 1000 in non‐Omani births as compared to 25.2 in Omani births (P < 0.05). Genetic factors could be implicated in 343 (63.4%) cases and 130 (37.9%) of these were potentially preventable.

Conclusion:  Genetic disorders account for a significant proportion of congenital malformations in Oman.
Scope for improving congenital cataract blindness prevention by screening of infants (red reflex screening) in a New Zealand setting
Authors: Fry Mark , Wilson Graham A
Published: July 2005

Objective: To assess the coverage and quality of routine red reflex screening in a single region and to consider the results in the context of the current New Zealand guidelines.

Methods: All the health practitioners partaking in routine Well Child – Tamariki Ora checks in the Nelson–Tasman region were asked to complete a simple one‐page questionnaire on red reflex screening.

Results: Out of 127 providers potentially involved in routine infant examinations, the response rate was 92%. Red reflex screening was not being performed at the appropriate routine infant check with an ophthalmoscope by 16% (10/61) of the general practitioners and 29% (10/35) of the midwives. Eighteen per cent of the doctors and 47% of the midwives did not understand why red reflex screening was important or what was being looked for.

Conclusions: There is substantial scope for improving the coverage and quality of red reflex screening in this region to meet national guidelines. The importance and technique of examining the red reflex should be stressed in the training of both doctors and midwives who are lead maternity carers in New Zealand.
Fate of the unligated vertical vein after repair of supracardiac anomalous pulmonary venous connection
Authors: Cheung YF , Lun KS , Chau Adolphus KT , Chiu Clement SW
Published: July 2005

Objective: To determine the fate of the unligated vertical vein after repair of isolated supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).

Methods: We reviewed the outcome of 28 patients who were diagnosed to have isolated supracardiac TAPVC and determined the fate of the unligated vertical vein.

Results: Of the 28 patients, four died before surgery. The remaining 24 patients underwent surgical correction of TAPVC with (n = 5) or without (n = 19) ligation of vertical vein at a median age of 20 days (range: 1–574 days). There were no significant differences in age, weight, presence of pulmonary venous obstruction, need for preoperative inotropic and ventilatory support, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, postoperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis and requirement of peritoneal dialysis between patients with and those without vertical vein ligation. The in‐hospital surgical mortality was 50% (12/24), with 83% (10/12) of deaths occurring before 1990. Patients who died after surgery were significantly younger (median age: 5.5 days vs 37 days, P = 0.005), lighter (3.3 ± 0.5 kg vs 3.9 ± 0.6 kg, P = 0.016), more likely to have pulmonary venous obstruction preoperatively (75% vs 12%, P = 0.039) and have undergone surgery before 1990 (83% vs 33%, P = 0.036). The 12 survivors were followed up for a median of 4.7 years (range: 2.3–18.1 years), 10 of whom had their vertical vein unligated. The vertical vein remained patent in five (50%) patients, while stenosis of pulmonary venous anastomosis was only present in one patient. Of these five patients, three had subsequently undergone surgical ligation of the vertical vein to eliminate a large left‐to‐right shunt.

Conclusions: Patency of the unligated vertical vein is common after the repair of supracardiac TAPVC, even in the absence of pulmonary venous obstruction. The degree of left‐to‐right shunt through the patent vertical vein may be so significant as to warrant surgical ligation.
Clinical significance of polymicrobial bacteremia in newborns
Authors: Gupta Piyush , Kumhar Ghanshyam D , Kaur Geetinder , Ramachandran VG
Published: July 2005

Objective:  To identify whether polymicrobial bacteremia in newborns is associated with any predisposing factors, distinguishing clinical features, or higher mortality.

Methods:  Results of blood cultures obtained over a period of 1 year from neonates admitted to the paediatric ward and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care hospital were retrospectively analysed. The study group included all cases with polymicrobial bacteremia (isolation of two or more organisms). Controls (double the number of study cases) were randomly selected from the monomicrobial group. Case records of included cases were retrieved and scrutinized.

Results:  Of 770 positive cultures during the study period, 52 (6.8%) cultures were positive for more than one organism. Complete case records were retrieved for 40 polymicrobial and 78 monomicrobial cases. The two groups were comparable for maternal and neonatal parameters including: maternal and obstetric complications; period of gestation; mode of delivery; birthweight and perinatal asphyxia; clinical symptomatology; invasive therapeutic interventions; and mortality.

Conclusions:  Isolation of more than one organism from the blood culture of a suspected septic newborn is not rare. It does not always represent a true invasion by multiple organisms. Polymicrobial isolation per se should not be the criterion for hastily changing the therapeutic decisions.
When parents refuse consent to treatment for children and young persons
Authors: Pinnock Ralph , Crosthwaite Jan
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  One of the most difficult ethical dilemmas in paediatric practice is parental refusal to consent to life‐saving treatment for their children. The ethical principles in such situations are complex. Although the ‘best interests’ of the child are of primary concern, these must be understood widely, as including all and not just medical interests. Though ultimately the courts must decide on a course of action where refusal is continued, we believe that in non‐emergency cases consultation with a properly constituted multidisciplinary group will be of assistance. A national group of this kind has been recommended for New Zealand. This will ensure that all aspects of the cases are considered and can lessen the sense of ‘parent versus medical profession’ opposition. If this does not lead to a resolution, the opinion of the courts may be of assistance. Following a brief discussion of important ethical considerations, this article outlines a suggested constitution for an advisory committee and a set of guidelines for clinicians faced with parental refusal of treatment for their children.
Advanced tubal pregnancy at 30 weeks
Authors: Koçak Idris , Daǧdemir Aynur , Yilmaz Mustafa Şadi , Üstün Cazip
Published: July 2005

A case of advanced tubal pregnancy at 30 weeks is described. The placenta was implanted on the salpinx. Most tubal pregnancies become symptomatic within the first 12 weeks. A small number of tubal pregnancies have progressed beyond this. We present this unusual case of a 30‐week tubal pregnancy situated in the proximal half of the tube that created a diagnostic dilemma.
Landscape perspectives on agricultural intensification and biodiversity – ecosystem service management
Authors: Tscharntke Teja , Klein Alexandra M. , Kruess Andreas , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Thies Carsten
Published: July 2005

Understanding the negative and positive effects of agricultural land use for the conservation of biodiversity, and its relation to ecosystem services, needs a landscape perspective. Agriculture can contribute to the conservation of high‐diversity systems, which may provide important ecosystem services such as pollination and biological control via complementarity and sampling effects. Land‐use management is often focused on few species and local processes, but in dynamic, agricultural landscapes, only a diversity of insurance species may guarantee resilience (the capacity to reorganize after disturbance). Interacting species experience their surrounding landscape at different spatial scales, which influences trophic interactions. Structurally complex landscapes enhance local diversity in agroecosystems, which may compensate for local high‐intensity management. Organisms with high‐dispersal abilities appear to drive these biodiversity patterns and ecosystem services, because of their recolonization ability and larger resources experienced. Agri‐environment schemes (incentives for farmers to benefit the environment) need to broaden their perspective and to take the different responses to schemes in simple (high impact) and complex (low impact) agricultural landscapes into account. In simple landscapes, local allocation of habitat is more important than in complex landscapes, which are in total at risk. However, little knowledge of the relative importance of local and landscape management for biodiversity and its relation to ecosystem services make reliable recommendations difficult.
Ecological and community‐wide character displacement: the next generation
Authors: Dayan Tamar , Simberloff Daniel
Published: July 2005

Ecological character displacement, mostly seen as increased differences of size in sympatry between closely‐related or similar species, is a focal hypothesis assuming that species too similar to one another could not coexist without diverging, owing to interspecific competition. Thus, ecological character displacement and community‐wide character displacement (overdispersion in size of potential competitors within ecological guilds) were at the heart of the debate regarding the role of competition in structuring ecological communities. The debate has focused on the evidence presented in earlier studies and generated a new generation of rigorous, critical studies of communities. Character displacement research in the past two decades provides sound statistical support for the hypothesis in a wide variety of taxa, albeit with a phylogenetically skewed representation. A growing number of studies are strongly based in functional morphology, and some also demonstrate actual morphologically related resource partitioning. Phylogenetic models and experimental work have added to the scope and depth of earlier research, as have theoretical studies. However, many challenging ecological and evolutionary issues, regarding both selective forces (at the inter‐ and intraspecific level) and resultant patterns, remain to be addressed. Ecological character displacement and community‐wide character displacement are here to stay as the focus of much exciting research.
Vertical distribution of structure and function of the methanogenic archaeal community in Lake Dagow sediment
Authors: Chan On Chim , Claus Peter , Casper Peter , Ulrich Andreas , Lueders Tillmann , Conrad Ralf
Published: July 2005

Detailed studies on the relation of structure and function of microbial communities in a sediment depth profile scarcely exist. We determined as functional aspect the vertical distribution of the acetotrophic and hydrogenotrophic CH4 production activity by measuring production rates and stable 13C/12C‐isotopic signatures of CH4 in the profundal sediment of Lake Dagow. The structural aspect was determined by the composition of the methanogenic community by quantifying the abundance of different archaeal groups using ‘real‐time’ polymerase chain reaction and analysis of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP). Methane production rates in the surface sediment (0–3 cm depth) were higher in August than in May, but strongly decreased with depth (down to 20 cm). The δ13C of the produced CH4 and CO2 indicated an increase in isotopic fractionation with sediment depth. The relative contribution of hydrogenotrophic to total methanogenesis, which was calculated from the isotopic signatures, increased with depth from about 22% to 38%. Total numbers of microorganisms were higher in August than in May, but strongly decreased with depth. The increase of microorganisms from May to August mainly resulted from Bacteria. The Archaea, on the other hand, exhibited a rather constant abundance, but also decreased with depth from about 1 × 108 copies of the archaeal 16S rRNA gene per gram of dry sediment  at  the  surface  to  4 × 107 copies  per  gram at 15–20 cm depth. T‐RFLP analysis combined with phylogenetic analysis of cloned sequences of the archaeal 16S rRNA genes showed that the methanogenic community consisted mainly of Methanomicrobiales and Methanosaetaceae. The relative abundance of Methanosaetaceae decreased with depth, whereas that of Methanomicrobiales slightly increased. Hence, the vertical distribution of the functional characteristics (CH4 production from acetate versus H2/CO2) was reflected in the structure of the community consisting of acetotrophic (Methanosaetaceae) versus hydrogenotrophic (Methanomicrobiales) phenotypes.
Adaptive responses to antimicrobial agents in biofilms
Authors: Szomolay Barbara , Klapper Isaac , Dockery Jack , Stewart Phil S.
Published: July 2005

Bacterial biofilms demonstrate adaptive resistance in response to antimicrobial stress more effectively than corresponding planktonic populations. We propose here that, in biofilms, reaction‐diffusion limited penetration may result in only low levels of antimicrobial exposure to deeper regions of the biofilm. Sheltered cells are then able to enter an adapted resistant state if the local time scale for adaptation is faster than that for disinfection. This mechanism is not available to a planktonic population. A mathematical model is presented to illustrate. Results indicate that, for a sufficiently thick biofilm, cells in the biofilm implement adaptive responses more effectively than do freely suspended cells. Effective disinfection requires applied biocide concentration that increases quadratically or exponentially with biofilm thickness.
Keratoconjunctival effects of diabetes mellitus in dogs
Authors: Cullen Cheryl L. , Ihle Sherri L. , Webb Aubrey A. , McCarville Carole
Published: July 2005

Objectives To compare Schirmer tear test (STT) values, corneal sensitivity, tear film break up times (TFBUTs), and tear glucose concentrations in relation to conjunctival microflora, and conjunctival cytologic and histologic findings among diabetic cataractous, nondiabetic cataractous, and nondiabetic noncataractous dogs.

Procedures Fifteen dogs in each category underwent neuro‐ophthalmic examination; aerobic, anaerobic and fungal conjunctival cultures; assessment of corneal touch threshold (CTT), STT, tear glucose, TFBUT; and conjunctival cytology and histology (in certain cases only). Degree of cataract and uveitis were critically graded. Glycemic control was estimated using serum fructosamine and glycosylated hemoglobin.

Results STT values were significantly lower in diabetic cataractous than nondiabetic noncataractous dogs. CTT of diabetic cataractous dogs was significantly lower than that of nondiabetic noncataractous dogs. Mean TFBUTs were significantly less in diabetic cataractous dogs than nondiabetic cataractous and nondiabetic noncataractous dogs.

Tear glucose concentrations were significantly higher in diabetic cataractous dogs than nondiabetic cataractous and nondiabetic noncataractous dogs. Conjunctival microbial isolates did not differ among groups. There were no significant differences in degree of cataract or uveitis between diabetic cataractous and nondiabetic cataractous groups. There was mild submucosal inflammatory infiltrate in conjunctival specimens from diabetic dogs. Conjunctival epithelial dysplasia and/or squamous metaplasia was/were detected in conjunctival biopsies of 5/7 diabetic dogs. Reductions in conjunctival goblet cell (GC) densities were noted in 4/7 diabetic dogs; there were no significant differences in mean GC densities among the three groups.

Conclusions Diabetic cataractous dogs have significantly altered keratoconjunctival characteristics compared to nondiabetic cataractous and nondiabetic noncataractous dogs.
Effect of topical 0.02% tacrolimus aqueous suspension on tear production in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Authors: Berdoulay Andrew , English Robert V. , Nadelstein Brad
Published: July 2005

Objective To investigate the effect of 0.02% tacrolimus in aqueous suspension on tear production in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).

Animals studied One hundred five dogs diagnosed with KCS [Schirmer tear test (STT) ≤ 10 mm/min and clinical signs of dry eye]. Eyes with marginally decreased STT (11 ≤ 15 mm/min) and clinical signs of dry eye were also evaluated.

Procedure The investigation was conducted in two parts: an initial efficacy study and a subsequent double blinded controlled study. In the efficacy study, the effect of topical tacrolimus (formerly FK‐506) on tear production in dogs with primary KCS was evaluated. Dogs were divided into four categories: 1) 59 eyes (38 dogs) naïve to tear stimulation therapy with initial STT ≤ 10 mm/min; 2) 28 eyes (21 dogs) naïve to tear stimulation therapy with initial STT 11 ≤ 15 mm/min; 3) 30 eyes (15 dogs) maintained successfully on CsA therapy; 4) 47 eyes (24 dogs) unresponsive to CsA therapy. STT and clinical signs were evaluated prior to and after 6 to 8 weeks of twice daily tacrolimus administration. Tacrolimus was substituted for CsA therapy in categories 3 and 4. The controlled study compared the effect of topical tacrolimus in aqueous suspension to administration of the aqueous carrier alone on tear production in 20 dogs with primary KCS.

Results In the efficacy study, STT increased by 5 mm/min in 84.7%, 25.0%, 26.7% and 51.1% of eyes in categories 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively after tacrolimus administration. Eighty‐three percent of eyes with extremely low initial STT (≤ 2 mm/min), increased 5 mm/min after tacrolimus. In the controlled study, STT increased by 5 mm/min in 7/10 dogs (14/20 eyes) that received tacrolimus and in none of the 10 dogs that received aqueous carrier alone. Dogs receiving just the aqueous carrier were subsequently treated with tacrolimus, and STT increased 5 mm/min in 9 dogs (18/20 eyes) after administration.

Conclusions Twice daily administration of 0.02% tacrolimus in aqueous suspension effectively increased tear production in dogs with KCS. Topical tacrolimus is a promising alternative to topical CsA for treatment of KCS and may be beneficial in patients with less than optimal response to topical CsA.
Immunohistochemical identification of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in phacoclastic uveitis in four rabbits
Authors: Giordano C. , Weigt A. , Vercelli A. , Rondena M. , Grilli G. , Giudice C.
Published: July 2005

Purpose  Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidium with a wide range of mammalian hosts. In rabbits it can be responsible for cataract and lens‐induced uveitis (LIU). The aim of this study was to provide specific immunohistochemical demonstration and localization of E. cuniculi within the eye, in rabbits with LIU.

Material and methods  Four rabbits were presented with a white mass in the eye and iris discoloration. Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed and a presumptive diagnosis of LIU was made in all cases. Initial therapy with a topical steroid, atropine and systemic enrofloxacin was instituted while serologic (IFA or ICA tests) and cytologic lab results were pending. The final outcome in all cases was enucleation. Routine histology and immunohistochemistry (ABC method) with an antiserum anti‐Encephalitozoon cuniculi were performed.

Results  Indirect immunofluorescence performed on one rabbit serum expressed a titer of 1 : 32; carbon immunoassay on the serum of the other three rabbits expressed a titer of 1 : 5120 in one, and a titer of 1 : 2560 in the other two cases. Histologically, an intraocular, locally extensive pyogranulomatous infiltration that partially filled the posterior chamber, encasing a wide anterior lens capsule break, was detected in all cases. Immunohistochemically, spores reacting with anti‐Encephalitozoon cuniculi antiserum were present in all specimens, occasionally within macrophages and lens epithelial cells.

Conclusion  Detection of E. cuniculi in rabbits with phacoclastic uveitis has been investigated in the past with different methods. Based on our results, we suggest that immunohistochemistry should be regarded as a useful tool both for specific demonstration of E. cuniculi and for its localization within tissues.
Malignant B‐cell lymphoma of the Harder's gland in a rabbit
Authors: Volopich Sabine , Gruber Andrea , Hassan Jasmin , Hittmair Katharina M. , Schwendenwein Ilse , Nell Barbara
Published: July 2005

A 22‐month‐old, female rabbit was presented with a 1‐day history of acute unilateral exophthalmos. Ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) of the orbit revealed an orbital mass. Retrobulbar lymphoma was diagnosed following fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Thoracic radiographs were normal, and ultrasonography of the abdomen showed focal hypoechoic thickening of the bowel wall and hypoechoic enlarged lymph nodes. The rabbit was euthanized and histopathology identified the retrobulbar mass as B‐cell malignant lymphoma of the Harder's gland. Mesenteric lymph nodes, caecum, and both kidneys were also affected. This is the first documented case of malignant lymphoma of the Harder's gland in a rabbit.
Diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder using fluorescence endoscopy
Authors: Zaak Dirk , Karl Alexander , Knüchel Ruth , Stepp Herbert , Hartmann Arndt , Reich Oliver , Bachmann Alexander , Siebels Michael , Popken Gralf , Stief Christian
Published: July 2005

Bladder cancer is a frequent disease and represents the second most common genitourinary neoplasm. Although many aspects of the management of superficial bladder cancer are now well established, significant challenges remain, which influences patient outcome. Early detection and treatment of recurrent disease is required to optimize bladder preservation, reduce patient morbidity, and increase quality of life and survival. Fluorescence endoscopy, often referred to as ‘photodynamic diagnosis’ (PDD), with intravesical application of photosensitizing agents, has been developed to enhance the early detection of bladder cancer. There is growing evidence that PDD using 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (ALA), hexyl‐ALA ester or hypericin enhances the detection of bladder cancer, particularly of high‐grade flat lesions. Furthermore, transurethral resection of bladder tumour under fluorescence guidance reduces the risk of recurrent tumours. However, the impact on the progression of disease remains unclear and must be investigated in prospective randomized trials.
The course of neuropsychological functions in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder from late childhood to early adolescence
Authors: Drechsler Renate , Brandeis Daniel , Földényi Monika , Imhof Katrin , Steinhausen Hans‐Christoph
Published: July 2005

Objective:  The aim of this follow‐up study was to investigate the course of performance in attentional tasks in children with ADHD and normal controls in late childhood and preadolescence over short periods of time. The development of two dimensions of attention was compared: alertness/arousal and inhibitory control.

Method:  Children with ADHD (N = 28) and normal controls (N = 25) were examined at three times: at baseline (age mean = 10.8 years, SD = 1.5), after one year (age mean = 12.0 years, SD = 1.6), and after 2.6 years (age mean = 13.3 years, SD = 1.6). They performed two tasks of a computerized battery for attentional performance: Alertness – a test of simple reaction time to visual stimuli contrasting a condition with and without auditory warning signal, and Incompatibility – a test of spatial interference/inhibitory control. Clinical diagnosis according to DSM‐III‐R criteria was established at time 1 and time 3 by structured diagnostic interviews.

Results:  In the Alertness task significant group differences regarding increased reaction time variability in ADHD, but not for reaction time itself, were found at time 1 and more pronounced at time 2. At time 3 group differences had disappeared. In the Incompatibility task group differences in number of errors were not observed at time 1, whereas children with ADHD made significantly more errors at time 2 and less pronounced at time 3. The degree of clinical symptom remission after 2.6 years was not related to changes in neuropsychological performance.

Conclusion:  When measuring attentional functions, the selection of an appropriate time window seems to be essential for the detection of group differences between ADHD children and controls, because group differences are most pronounced before adolescence. The different developmental course of selective components of attention should be taken into account.
Empathy in boys with disruptive behavior disorders
Authors: de Wied Minet , Goudena Paul P. , Matthys Walter
Published: July 2005

Background:  The present study examined empathy in 8‐ to 12‐year‐old clinically referred boys with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) (n = 25) and age‐matched normal controls (n = 24).

Method:  Situational empathy was assessed by children's emotional and cognitive responses to six empathy‐inducing vignettes (displaying sadness, anger or happiness). Dispositional affective empathy was measured by a self‐report questionnaire for children.

Results:  In line with predictions, results revealed deficits in dispositional and situational empathy among DBD boys, and inverse relationships between both empathy measures and parent‐reports of aggressive/disruptive behavior among all children. The study also explored whether DBD boys are less responsive to just any emotion, or to specific emotions. Compared to normal controls, DBD boys responded less empathically to sadness and anger, but equally empathically to happiness. In addition, while DBD boys responded less empathically than the normal controls to each and every sadness vignette, they did not show equally low levels of empathic responses to all sadness vignettes.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that situational factors may be involved in DBD boys’ reduced responsiveness to another person's sadness.
An application of integer programming to playoff elimination in football championships
Authors: Ribeiro Celso C. , Urrutia Sebastián
Published: July 2005

Football is the most followed and practiced sport in Brazil, with a major economic importance. Thousands of jobs depend directly on the activity of the football teams. The Brazilian national football championship is followed by millions of people, who attend the games in the stadiums, follow radio and TV transmissions, and check newspapers, radio, TV, and, more recently, the Internet in search of information about the performance and chances of their favorite teams. Teams which do not qualify for the playoffs lose a lot of money and are even forced to dismantle their structure. We comment and compare the complexity of playoff elimination in football and baseball championships. We present two integer‐programming models which are able to detect in advance when a team has already qualified for or been eliminated from the playoffs. Results from these models can be used not only to guide teams and fans, but are also very useful to identify and correct wrong statements made by the press and team administrators. The application and the use of both models in the context of the 2002 edition of the Brazilian national football championship are discussed.
The use of minor setups within production cycles to improve product quality and yield
Authors: Khouja Moutaz
Published: July 2005

Inventory models linking lot size and product quality assume that the proportion of defectives per lot increases as the lot size increases. Such models give optimal lot sizes smaller than those obtained when quality is ignored. These models do not consider the possibility of adjusting the process within a production cycle. This adjustment does not involve performing all activities of a full setup and incurs only a fraction of a full setup cost and time. In this paper, we reformulate some inventory models which take into account the negative relationship between lot size and quality and the possibility of performing minor setups, which may or may not require stopping the process, during a production cycle. We derive closed‐form expressions for the optimal lot sizes and number of minor setups within each cycle. The analysis is performed for both zero operating time cost and non‐zero operating time cost. The models show that using minor setups to improve yield leads to larger lot sizes between major setups. We illustrate the models with numerical examples.
A valuation model for cut diamonds
Authors: Cardoso Margarida G. M. S. , Chambel Luis
Published: July 2005

Cut diamonds are hard to value given the number and type of properties used in price construction. This project aims to develop a valuation model for cut diamonds based on data published on the Internet. Regression trees (Classification and Regression Trees and Chi‐Square Automatic Interaction Detection) and neural networks (using backpropagation) are used for this purpose. The proposed approaches have a complementary role in the application. Neural networks have a better performance in prediction, accounting for around 96% of cut diamond unit prices variation. The role of regression trees is fundamental in interpretability, helping to understand the contribution of predictors in pricing. The models' results may prove to have some advantages over the Rapaport price lists (an industry‐wide adopted price indicator).