bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of CD40, CD44, bcl‐2 antigens and rate of cell proliferation on fine needle aspirates from metastatic melanoma
Authors: SVIATOHA V. , RUNDGREN Å. , TANI E. , HANSSON J. , KLEINA R. , SKOOG L.
Published: March 2003

Expression of CD40, CD44, bcl‐2 antigens and rate of cell proliferation on fine needle aspirates from metastatic melanoma

The clinical behaviour of melanoma is often unpredictable using clinical and histological criteria. Tumour cell markers related to cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, cell–cell interactions and cell proliferation might improve the possibility of predicting the clinical course of melanoma.

The aim of the present study was to refine prognostic criteria by an immunocytochemical investigation of CD44, CD40, bcl‐2 antigens and cell proliferation in tumour cells aspirated from metastases of malignant melanoma.

CD40 is a cell surface receptor shown to be expressed by lymphomas as well as carcinomas, and is thought to play a central role in the process of tumour progression. CD44 is a transmembrane glycoprotein, which is involved in growth signal transmission of importance in the binding of tumour cells to endothelium, cell migration and enhancement of cell motility, which makes it of interest to study in relation to the metastasizing capacity of tumours. The bcl‐2 protein is active in the process of programmed cell death (apoptosis) as an antiapoptotic agent and its expression may reflect tumour progression.

Mean/median percentages of tumour cell positivity were 8.5/3.0 for CD40, 76.1/86.3 for CD44 and 7.4/3.3 for bcl‐2. A significant correlation was observed between expression of apoptosis‐associated bcl‐2 antigen and overall survival (r=0.33). The CD44 positive cell fraction was higher in patients with short overall survival than those with long survival but this difference was not statistically significant. The expression of CD40 did not correlate with overall survival. The mean/median proliferation fraction assessed by MIB‐1 monoclonal antibody was 25.8/23.9 and showed a significant correlation with survival after diagnosis of melanoma metastasis (r=0.32).

Lack of bcl‐2 expression and a high proportion of tumour cells expressing Ki‐67 antigen are predictors of poor prognosis that are independent of the traditionally accepted Breslow's thickness of the primary melanomas.
Fine needle aspiration in nodular fasciitis of the face
Authors: MATUSIK JANUSZ , WIBERG AGNE , SLOBODA JURAJ , ANDERSSON OLLE
Published: March 2003

Fine needle aspiration in nodular fasciitis of the face

Nodular fasciitis (NF) appears typically as a rapidly growing solitary mass which is most commonly located on the extremities, followed by the trunk and then the head and neck. NF is often suitable for fine needle aspiration (FNA), but few reports of NF diagnosed cytologically have been published. The purpose of this paper is to describe FNA cytology in three cases of nodular fasciitis. All three cases were located on the face.
External quality assessment in gynaecological cytology: The Trent Region experience
Authors: SLATER D. N. , HEWER E. M. , MELLING S. E. , RICE S.
Published: March 2003

A Department of Health Executive Letter stated in 1998 that the principal function of external quality assessment (EQA) is educational. Subsequently, in England, it has no longer been acceptable to assess performance in gynaecological cytology by proficiency testing.

This paper describes the EQA scheme in gynaecological cytology that has been run by the Trent Regional Gynaecological Pathology Quality Assurance Group for the NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) since 1998. It conforms as closely as possible to the recommendations published by the Department of Health Working Group on Histopathology EQA Accreditation, and replaced the national proficiency testing protocol.

The educational value of the scheme is derived predominantly from a numerical score which provides confidential and quantitative feedback to all participants. Personal performance monitoring occurs as a secondary function. For primary screeners and checkers, this is based purely on the distinction between negative, inadequate and abnormal smears. For pathologists, personal performance monitoring also includes grading of abnormalities.

The EQA has been designed so that all professional groups participate in a manner that closely mimics normal practice. Only slides that have achieved an 80% consensus amongst participants are used in the EQA.

Substandard performance has been defined as those participants with scores falling below the 2.5%ile.

The paper describes the EQA in detail and illustrates its use by means of the second round results.

The EQA protocol developed within Trent and described in this paper has contributed to proposals contained in the current national EQA in gynaecological cytology for the NHSCSP. In particular this paper highlights the effectiveness of the scoring system contained within the Trent and National EQA protocols.
Borderline nuclear change; can a subgroup be identified which is suspicious of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, i.e. CIN 2 or worse?
Authors: Edwards J. M. , Hermansen P. J. , Hillier V. F. , Howat A. J.
Published: March 2003

Borderline nuclear change; can a subgroup be identified which is suspicious of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, i.e. CIN 2 or worse?

Only 10% of first borderline smears are associated with a histological high‐grade (HG) abnormality, i.e. CIN 2,3, invasive malignancy or glandular neoplasia on subsequent investigation. The advantages of highlighting this subgroup are obvious but is this possible? From 1996 and 1997, 242 borderline smears with histological follow‐up were examined by two independent experienced observers (observer 1 and 2) without prior knowledge of further investigation results. For each smear a profile of nuclear details was produced, also noting the type of cell mainly affected by the process; then the observers were asked to assess the degree of worry of HG disease for each smear i.e. whether the smear fell into group 1 borderline changes indicative of low‐grade (normal, inflammatory, CIN1/HPV) disease (BL/LG) or group 2 difficult borderline smear, HG disease (CIN 2,3, invasive neoplasia or glandular neoplasia) cannot be excluded (BL/HG). Observer 1 selected a group of BL/HG with a PPV for HG disease of 38%, with observer 2 having a PPV of 50%; this compared with the overall laboratory HG disease PPV for borderline smears of 14%. Both observers found the most useful criterion to be the increase in nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio. Our results show that it is possible to separate a small group of borderline smears which should be classified as ‘borderline/high grade lesion difficult to exclude’ (BL/HG). Both observers had some success in arriving at this classification although their method of selecting out this group was quite different.
Evaluation of liquid‐based cytology in cervical screening of high‐risk populations: a split study of colposcopy and genito‐urinary medicine populations
Authors: RING M. , BOLGER N. , O'DONNELL M. , MALKIN A. , BERMINGHAM N. , AKPAN E. , MULCAHY F. , TURNER M. J. , GRIFFIN M. , O'LEARY J. J.
Published: March 2003

A split study evaluated the ThinPrep® PapTest™ (TP; Cytyc Corp., Boxborough, MA) compared with current methodologies of cervical cytology in two high‐risk cohorts. One thousand, three hundred cases from a colposcopy clinic and a genito‐urinary medicine outpatient clinic were examined. The TP reported increased detection of all grades of dyskaryosis (mild, moderate and severe; + 4.5%) and a decrease in borderline and unsuitable cases (− 4.9%). Four cases of high‐grade dyskaryosis (moderate or severe) were detected only using the TP, while an additional four cases classified as high‐grade dyskaryosis with the TP were reported as borderline by our conventional methods. The split‐study finding of increased sensitivity with the TP provides for improved clinical management of patients in our high‐risk cohorts.
Detection of bladder cancer by multitarget multicolour FISH: comparative analysis on archival cytology and paraffin‐embedded tissue
Authors: Mezzelani A. , Dagrada G. , Alasio L. , Sozzi G. , Pilotti S.
Published: March 2003

Detection of bladder cancer by multitarget multicolour FISH: comparative analysis on archival cytology and paraffin‐embedded tissue

We have evaluated the possibility of using the same specimen for both cytological diagnosis and multitarget multicolour FISH (MtMcFISH) analysis in order to determine whether the routinely processed specimens used for diagnosis were also suitable for this ancillary procedure. For this purpose 18 positive samples (11 voided urine and seven bladder washings) were selected, together with a representative section of the corresponding immediately previous or subsequent histological specimens. Two negative cytology slides were added as negative controls. FISH analysis revealed a normal pattern for each probe in the two negative controls and an abnormal pattern in the 18 positive cases. In the latter the same FISH alterations were found in the cytology samples and in the corresponding histological sections, and superimposable cytological/histological features were observed in two cases where two different histology samples were analyzed. The results clearly show that MtMcFISH may be successfully applied to destained routinely processed cytology slides.
Influence of ground cover on spider populations in a table grape vineyard
Authors: COSTELLO MICHAEL J. , DAANE KENT M.
Published: March 2003

1. Cover crops and/or resident ground vegetation have been used in California vineyards to increase the number of predators and decrease the number of pestiferous herbivores. The most common resident predators in vineyards are spiders (Araneae). Several observational studies suggest that the addition of cover crops results in an increase in spider density and a decrease in insect pest densities.

2. To test experimentally the effects of cover crops and/or resident ground vegetation (hereafter collectively referred to as ground cover) on spider populations, a 3‐year study was undertaken in a commercial vineyard. Large, replicated plots were established with and without ground cover during the growing season. Spider species diversity was analysed on the vines and on the ground cover.

3. On the vines, there was no significant difference in spider species richness or the total number of spiders in plots with and without ground cover. There were differences in the relative abundance of two spiders between treatments, with one species (Trachelas pacificus [Chamberlin & Ivie]) more abundant in plots with ground cover and another (Hololena nedra Chamberlin & Ivie) more common on vines in plots with no ground cover. Annual variation in spider abundance was greater than variation due to ground cover treatment.

4. On the ground cover, the spider species diversity was considerably different from that found on the vines above, suggesting that there is little movement of spiders between the ground cover and the vines. Enhancement of T. pacificus populations on vines with ground covers may be a result of prey species movement between the ground cover and the vines. Spider abundance was sparse on the bare ground.

5. The maintenance of ground cover increased spider species diversity in the vineyard as a whole (vine and ground cover). However, the relatively small changes in spider abundance on the vines indicate there are limitations in the use of ground covers for pest management with respect to generalist predators.
Life cycle of the cereal aphid Sitobion avenae F.: polymorphism and comparison of life history traits associated with sexuality
Authors: DEDRYVER  , LE GALLIC  , GAUTHIER  , SIMON
Published: March 2003

1. Clones of Sitobion avenae from the west of France exhibited four types of responses in growth chambers to short days and low temperatures: in addition to permanently parthenogenetic clones (anholocyclic) and clones producing both males and parthenogenetic females (androcyclic), lineages producing both mating females and males were categorized into holocyclic and intermediate types, the latter investing into both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction.

2. Holocyclic, intermediate and androcyclic clones were tested outdoors for sexual production in autumn and results were consistent with those obtained in growth chambers. Eggs from holocyclic and intermediate clone selfings were laid and hatched for most crosses.

3. Reciprocal crosses within and between life cycle variants showed no effect of the type of cross on the number of eggs laid per mating female, their hatching success, or the survival and fecundity of the parthenogenetic females born from eggs (fundatrices).

4. Eggs from intermediate × intermediate crosses hatched 20 days earlier than those involving at least one holocyclic parent. It is suggested that this short diapausing time gives a selective advantage to intermediate clones in oceanic climates, which could compensate for their lower sexual production in autumn.

5. Selfed offspring showed inbreeding depression, which seems to be common in non host‐alternating aphids.

6. Mating with androcyclic males affects percentage (lower) and time (longer) of egg hatching, but not the other investigated traits.

7. The significance of intragenotypic strategy mixing in androcyclic and intermediate clones is discussed as an overall adaptation to the uncertainty of winter climate in oceanic zones.
Pupal parasitoid attack influences the relative fitness of Drosophila that have encapsulated larval parasitoids
Authors: FELLOWES M. D. E. , MASNATTA P. , KRAAIJEVELD A. R. , GODFRAY H. C. J.
Published: March 2003

1. The evolution of host resistance to parasitoid attack will be constrained by two factors: the costs of the ability to defend against attack, and the costs of surviving actual attack. These factors have been investigated using Drosophila melanogaster and its parasitoids as a model system. The costs of defensive ability are expressed as a trade‐off with larval competitive ability, whereas the costs of actual defence are exhibited in terms of reduced adult fecundity and size.

2. The costs of actual defence may be ameliorated by the host‐choice decisions made by Pachycrepoideus vindemiae, a pupal parasitoid. If larvae that have successfully encapsulated a parasitoid develop into poorer quality hosts, then these may be rejected by ovipositing pupal parasitoids.

3. Pupae developing from larvae that have encapsulated the parasitoid Asobara tabida are smaller and have relatively thinner puparia. Thinner puparia are likely to be associated with a reduction in mechanical strength and possibly with a decrease in desiccation tolerance.

4. Pachycrepoideus vindemiae that develop in capsule‐bearing pupae are smaller than those that emerge from previously unattacked hosts. This supports the prediction that ovipositing female P. vindemiae should avoid attacking capsule‐bearing hosts. However, in choice experiments with 1‐day‐old pupae, P. vindemiae females oviposited preferentially in hosts containing a capsule, whereas there was no preference found with 4‐day‐old hosts. This appears to be a maladaptive host choice decision, as the female pupal parasitoids are preferentially attacking hosts that will result in a reduction of their own fitness.

5. The increased likelihood of attack by a pupal parasitoid is another cost of actual defence against larval parasitoid attack.
Limits to the abundance of rare species: an experimental test with a tree aphid
Authors: Hopkins Graham W. , Thacker Jonathan I. , Dixon Anthony F. G.
Published: March 2003

Abstract.1. The birch (Betula)‐feeding aphid, Monaphis antennata, is always found at low densities on individual hosts and has low local abundance, but another birch‐feeding aphid, Euceraphis betulae, is often found at high densities on individual hosts and has high local abundance.

2. This work attempts to establish whether the interaction between M. antennata and its host or the behaviour of individuals limits its densities.

3. Both species were reared on saplings, and population sizes were monitored for 6 weeks. Two levels of host quality were used and feeding space was kept constant throughout the experiment. Adults were prevented from leaving the saplings by clipping their wings, and predators were excluded.

4. On plants of similar host quality, both species achieved similar population sizes.

5. It is concluded that resource availability or the interactions between individuals are unlikely to be important causes of rarity.
Effects of origin and experience on patterns of host acceptance by the opiine parasitoid Diachasmimorpha tryoni
Authors: Duan J. J. , Messing R. H.
Published: March 2003

1. Patterns of host acceptance by Diachasmimorpha tryoni (Ashmead), a parasitoid of tephritid flies, were evaluated in relation to host–substrate complex, wasp origin, and wasp experience.

2. Naive female D. tryoni originating both from the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and the lantana gall fly Eutreta xanthochaeta Aldrich probed medfly‐infested coffee fruit two to six times more often than E. xanthochaeta‐inhabited lantana galls. No significant differences were detected between the two groups of parasitoids in patterns of probing response to medfly‐infested coffee fruit or to E. xanthochaeta galls.

3. An 18‐h pretest exposure to medfly‐infested coffee fruit or E. xanthochaeta‐inhabited galls affected the probing response of D. tryoni to E. xanthochaeta galls significantly, but did not affect the probing response to medfly‐infested coffee fruit. Diachasmimorpha tryoni exposed to E. xanthochaeta galls probed E. xanthochaeta galls two to three times more often than naive wasps, and seven to 11 times more than wasps exposed to medfly‐infested coffee fruit. Regardless of the prior exposure treatments, a high proportion (75–100%) of the test parasitoids probed medfly‐infested coffee fruit.

4. Parasitoid acceptance of less‐preferred hosts or host–substrate complexes may be more amenable to conditioning through prior experience (i.e. learning) than preferred host–substrate complexes. The relevance of these findings to host range expansion of parasitoids used in fruit fly biological control is discussed.
Reproductive diapause and the bacterial symbiosis in the sycamore aphid Drepanosiphum platanoidis
Authors: Douglas A. E.
Published: March 2003

1. Parthenogenetic adults of the sycamore aphid Drepanosiphum platanoidis exhibited reproductive diapause for 4–6 weeks in the summer.

2. The diapausing aphids had small gonads (accounting for just 13% of the total aphid protein content) bearing small (< 0.5 mm long) and developmentally immature embryos. There was no evidence of embryo resorption.

3. The diapausing aphids had significantly depressed essential amino acid content and elevated glutamine content, relative to reproductively active D. platanoidis.

4. The reproductive characteristics and amino acid titres of the diapausing aphids resemble those of aphids lacking functional symbiotic bacteria. Uncoupling of maternal and embryo growth and suppression of bacterial function are proposed as key elements in the diapause of D. platanoidis.
Effectively vertical transmission of aDrosophila‐parasitic nematode: mechanism and consequences
Authors: Jaenike John
Published: March 2003

1. Long‐term control of insects by parasites is possible only if the parasite populations persist. Because parasite transmission rate depends on host density, parasite populations may go extinct during periods of low host density. Vertical transmission of parasites, however, is independent of host density and may therefore provide a demographic bridge through times when their insect hosts are rare.

2. The nematodeHowardula aoronymphium, which parasitises mycophagous species ofDrosophila, can experience both horizontal and effectively vertical transmission, relative rates of which depend, in theory at least, on the density of hosts at breeding sites.

3. A nine‐generation experiment was carried out in which nematodes were transmitted either exclusively vertically or primarily horizontally. This experiment revealed that these parasites can persist and exhibit positive population growth even when there is only vertical transmission.

4. Assays at the end of the experiment revealed that the vertically transmitted nematodes had suffered no inbreeding depression and that they were similar to the horizontally transmitted nematodes in terms of virulence, infectivity, within‐host growth rate, and fecundity. Thus, vertical transmission ofH. aoronymphiumdid not appear to compromise the ability of these parasites to controlDrosophilapopulations.
Genetic and social structure of the queen size dimorphic ant Leptothorax cf. andrei
Authors: Rüppell O. , Heinze J. , Hölldobler B.
Published: March 2003

1. The study of queen polymorphisms can provide insight into the evolution of alternative life histories in ants. In this paper, results of morphological, social and genetic investigations of the newly discovered queen size dimorphism in Leptothorax cf. andrei are presented.

2. Queens had a bimodal size distribution, and were classified as large (macrogynes) or small (microgynes) queens. Despite their small size, microgynes had a fully developed external flight apparatus and a functional reproductive tract.

3. Queen morphology was not correlated with colony social structure, and the relatedness among nestmate queens was high, indicating secondary polygyny by re‐adoption of related queens (daughters) into existing colonies.

4. The distribution of microsatellite alleles indicated that there is a genetic separation between macro‐ and micro‐gynes but the two morphs belong to the same species.

5. The results support the hypothesis that microgyny in Leptothorax has not evolved as a specialisation to inter‐ or intra‐specific social parasitism but rather is an adaptation to alternative dispersal behaviour.
Effects of prey quantity and quality on predatory wasps
Authors: Stamp N. E.
Published: March 2003

1. The simultaneous effects of prey quantity and prey quality on fitness correlates of the predatory wasp Polistes fuscatus were examined in a glasshouse study. Prey quantity was manipulated by providing prey in excess (high quantity) or one‐third of that (low quantity). Prey quality was manipulated by providing either palatable (Manduca sexta) caterpillars or unpalatable (Junonia coenia) caterpillars.

2. The effect of prey quality on wasp production depended on prey quantity. Nests given unpalatable prey produced few wasps whereas nests given palatable prey increased wasp production with increased prey.

3. The low production of nests given unpalatable prey reflected the low acceptability of those prey. The wasps preferred the palatable prey and learned to reject the unpalatable prey. With no choice of prey, they took only enough unpalatable prey to develop a small nest or colony.

4. A diet of unpalatable prey also resulted in smaller wasps and reduced the proportion of males produced, from about 40% to just 8–14%, depending on the year.
Tigers eating tigers: evidence of intraguild predation operating in an assemblage of tiger beetles
Authors: Hoback W. Wyatt , Higley Leon G. , Stanley David W.
Published: March 2003

1. Co‐occurrence of closely related predators in a prey‐limited habitat appears to contradict the principle of competitive exclusion, however it may be explained through indirect effects, niche shifts, and intraguild predation.

2. The interactions between sympatric tiger beetle Cicindela species were examined. Cicindela circumpicta is the largest of three species (C. circumpicta, C. togata, C. fulgida) found in saline habitats throughout central North America. The temporal occurrence of these species overlaps, as does their spatial occurrence on exposed salt flats of saline marshes. During field observations, exoskeletal remains of C. togata were found at the study site in Nebraska, U.S.A.

3. In laboratory trials, male C. circumpicta ate C. togata in 38% of trials and female C. circumpicta ate C. togata in 50% of trials (n = 24).

4. In the field, potential prey, consisting mainly of small flies, was found mostly in shaded conditions but tiger beetles differed significantly in shade use, with C. circumpicta spending 70% of the time in the shade compared with ≈ 20% for C. togata. Differential habitat use was not explained by maximum temperature tolerances, which did not differ between the species.

5. Laboratory trials established that both tiger beetle species consumed small prey (apterous Drosophila) but C. togata was more efficient at capturing winged Drosophila.

6. Foraging efficiency, as measured by the time taken for a C. togata to capture three prey items, decreased significantly in the presence of other tiger beetles, especially C. circumpicta.

7. These results are an indication that intraguild predation and induced changes in foraging behaviour operate in the ecology of adult tiger beetles.
Contrasting frequencies of parasitism and host mortality among phorid and conopid parasitoids of bumble‐bees
Authors: Otterstatter Michael C. , Whidden Troy L. , Owen Robin E.
Published: March 2003

Abstract 1. Phorid (Diptera, Phoridae) and conopid (Diptera, Conopidae) parasitism among four North American bumble‐bee (Hymenoptera, Apidae) species was investigated. Male bumble‐bees experienced a significantly higher incidence of parasitism by the phorid, Apocephalus borealis Brues, and a significantly lower incidence of parasitism by the conopid, Physocephala texana Williston, than did workers.

2. The incidence of parasitism by A. borealis and P. texana varied between bumble‐bee sexes and species in patterns that did not reflect differences in relative host abundance. Differences in foraging behaviour between bumble‐bee workers and males, as well as between species, may explain these results.

3. Bumble‐bee workers and males parasitised by A. borealis had significantly shorter lifespans than unparasitised bees. Based on previous estimates of bumble‐bee mortality, A. borealis parasitism may reduce worker lifespans by up to 70%. In contrast, the mortality rate of bees parasitised by P. texana was not significantly different from that of unparasitised bees.

4. These results contrast with previous work highlighting the importance of conopid parasitism to bumble‐bee populations, and suggest that phorid parasitism may impose greater costs to bumble‐bees than does conopid parasitism in local populations.
A trade‐off between diapause duration and fitness in female parasitoids
Authors: Ellers Jacintha , Van Alphen Jacques J. M.
Published: March 2003

Abstract 1. Diapause allows insects to cope with adverse weather conditions but also poses substantial fitness costs, e.g. through reduced survival of the diapausing stage or sublethal effects in the following season.

2. The energetic costs of diapause in females of the parasitoid Asobara tabida Nees (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were assessed using experimental manipulation of diapause duration.

3. An increase in diapause length not only led to higher mortality among diapausing pupae but also caused a significant decrease in egg load, fat reserves, and dry weight of the emerging adult females.

4. Only larvae with sufficient resources were able to survive the entire diapause period and there was a trade‐off between the metabolic costs of diapause and adult fitness components.

5. In contrast, the size (tibia length) of emerging females increased with increasing diapause duration. It is proposed that this may be due to a genetic correlation between larval dry weight and adult size, so that selection for heavier larvae would result in larger adults even when resources are limited.

6. Ultimately, the evolution of diapause duration and its consequences for adult performance will depend on the costs of overwintering and the ecological conditions in the habitat.
Geographical variation in host–ant specificity of the parasitic butterfly Maculinea alcon in Denmark
Authors: Als Thomas Damm , Nash David R. , Boomsma Jacobus J.
Published: March 2003

Abstract  1. Maculinea alcon uses three different species of Myrmica host ants along a north–south gradient in Europe. Based on this geographical variation in host ant use, Elmes et al. (1994) suggested that M. alcon might consist of three or more cryptic species or host races, each using a single and different host‐ant species.

2. Population‐specific differences in allozyme genotypes of M. alcon in Denmark (Gadeberg & Boomsma, 1997) have suggested that genetically differentiated forms may occur in a gradient across Denmark, possibly in relation to the use of different host ants.

3. It was found that two host‐ant species are indeed used as hosts in Denmark, but not in a clear‐cut north–south gradient. Furthermore, specificity was not complete for many M. alcon populations. Of five populations investigated in detail, one used primarily M. rubra as a host, another exclusively used M. ruginodis, while the other three populations used both ant species. No population in Denmark used M. scabrinodis as a host, although this species was present in the habitat and is known to be a host in central and southern Europe.

4. In terms of number of parasites per nest and number of nests parasitised, M. rubra seems to be a more suitable host in populations where two host species are used simultaneously. Host‐ant species has an influence on caterpillar size but this varies geographically. Analyses of pupae did not, however, show size differences between M. alcon raised in M. rubra and M. ruginodis nests.

5. The geographical mosaic of host specificity and demography of M. alcon in Denmark probably reflects the co‐evolution of M. alcon with two alternative host species. This system therefore provides an interesting opportunity for studying details of the evolution of parasite specificity and the dynamics of host‐race formation.
Thermal ecology of western tent caterpillars Malacosoma californicum pluviale and infection by nucleopolyhedrovirus
Authors: Frid Leonardo , Myers Judith H.
Published: March 2003

Abstract 1. Western tent caterpillars hatch in the early spring when temperatures are cool and variable. They compensate for sub‐optimal air temperatures by basking in the sun.

2. Tent caterpillars have cyclic population dynamics and infection by nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) often occurs in populations at high density.

3. To determine whether climatic variation might influence viral infection, the environmental determinants of larval body temperature and the effects of temperature on growth and development rates and larval susceptibility to NPV were examined.

4. In the field, larval body temperature was determined by ambient temperature, irradiance, and larval stage. The relationship between larval body temperature and ambient temperature was curvilinear, a property consistent with, but not necessarily limited to, behaviourally thermoregulating organisms.

5. Larvae were reared at seven temperatures between 18 and 36 °C. Larval growth and development increased linearly with temperature to 30 °C, increased at a lower rate to 33 °C, then decreased to 36 °C. Pupal weights were highest for larvae reared between 27 and 30 °C.

6. The pathogenicity (LD50) of NPV was not influenced by temperature, but the time to death of infected larvae declined asymptotically as temperature increased.

7. Taking into account larval growth, the theoretical yield of the virus increased significantly between 18 and 21 °C then decreased slightly as temperatures increased to 36 °C.

8. Control and infected larvae showed no difference in temperature preference on a thermal gradient. The modes of temperature preference were similar to those for optimal growth and asymptotic body temperatures measured in the field on sunny days.

9. Warmer temperatures attained by basking may increase the number of infection cycles in sunny springs but do not protect larvae from viral infection.
Plant volatiles in the sexual communication of Melolontha hippocastani: response towards time‐dependent bouquets and novel function of (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol as a sexual kairomone
Authors: Ruther Joachim , Reinecke Andreas , Hilker Monika
Published: March 2003

1. Swarming males of Melolontha hippocastani are known to locate females that stay feeding within the host trees by orienting towards damage‐induced plant volatiles (green leaf volatiles) and a sex pheromone. Thus, volatiles emitted by freshly damaged leaves might indicate to a male the presence of currently feeding females.

2. The hypothesis was studied that volatiles from freshly damaged leaves are more attractive to males than volatiles from old damaged leaves. The odour bouquets of damaged leaves from three plant species that have been shown to attract male M. hippocastani in the field were analysed 10 min (fresh damage) and 1.5 h (old damage) after damaging, using coupled gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed clear differences between the bouquets: the bouquet of freshly damaged leaves of all species consisted of typical leaf aldehydes, i.e. hexanal, (Z)‐3‐hexenal, (Z)‐2‐hexenal, (E)‐2‐hexenal, the leaf alcohol (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, and the corresponding acetate. One and a half hours after damage, aldehydes had almost vanished and (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol and (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate predominated; however males of M. hippocastani were equally attracted to traps baited with volatiles from old and freshly damaged leaves in field experiments. When traps were baited with synthetic volatile mixtures mimicking the bouquets of old and freshly damaged leaves, M. hippocastani males even preferred the old damage mixture.

3. Experiments addressing the role of individual green leaf volatiles revealed that only (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol was highly attractive while the other compounds tested individually were behaviourally inactive, however all tested compounds elicited comparable electrophysiological responses on male M. hippocastani antennae.

4. In analogy to the term aggregation kairomone used for feeding‐induced plant volatiles that attract both sexes of an insect, the term sexual kairomone is suggested to describe the novel function of (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol in the sexual communication of M. hippocastani.
Seasonal changes in leaf nutritional quality influence grass miner performance
Authors: Scheirs J. , Bruyn L. De , Verhagen R.
Published: March 2003

Summary

1. The plant phenological age hypothesis predicts that phytophagous insects should prefer and perform better on phenologically young plants than on old plants because plant nutritional quality decreases with plant phenological age. This hypothesis was tested under field and laboratory conditions with the grass miner Chromatomyia milii on the free‐growth species Holcus lanatus.

2. The field experiment was conducted at four sample sites in Belgium where nutritional quality of H. lanatus leaves and performance of C. milii were monitored throughout the growth season. Foliar nutritional quality was highest early in the season due to high levels of proteins and soluble carbohydrates and low levels of lignin. Offspring performance (pupal size) decreased with plant phenological age, due at least partially to the decreasing foliar nutritional quality.

3. In the laboratory experiment, preference and performance of C. milii were determined on three different age classes of H. lanatus. Multiple‐choice experiments demonstrated that oviposition preference did not differ among age classes. Offspring survival decreased with plant phenological age, while pupal size did not differ among age classes. The relationship between foliar nutritional quality and plant phenological age was equivocal and did not correspond to the predictions of the plant phenological age hypothesis.

4. The results of the field experiment were consistent with the idea that the phenological age hypothesis holds in free‐growth species. The laboratory experiment gave only little support to the plant phenological age hypothesis. Possible causes for the differences between field and laboratory experiments are discussed.
Do hypotheses from short‐term studies hold in the long‐term? An empirical test
Authors: Hellmann Jessica J. , Weiss Stuart B. , Mclaughlin John F. , Boggs Carol L. , Ehrlich Paul R. , Launer Alan E. , Murphy Dennis D.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. 1. A sequence of population estimates for two now‐extinct populations of Euphydryas editha bayensis is presented. After removing biased sampling days, estimates of demographic parameters from the long‐term data were used to test five hypotheses built from studies of shorter duration. Such tests of short‐term conclusions are rare.

2. The long‐term demographic parameters include sex ratio, mortality, dispersal, mean flight date, and duration of flight season. The two populations differed with respect to sex ratio and mean flight date, and sexes differed with respect to mortality and dispersal.

3. Three of the five hypotheses were supported directly or indirectly by patterns in the parameters. These hypotheses predict that dynamics are asynchronous over the long term, that larval mortality, not adult abundance and mortality, is the primary determinant of changes in population size, and that topography mediates larval mortality.

4. Two hypotheses were not supported or supported only in part. Flight phenology differed between the study populations as predicted, but flight order was opposite that expected from the topographic composition of each habitat. Variability in sex ratio and the occurrence of female‐biased ratios in the habitat of one of the populations also suggest that previous observations of sex ratio are not generalisable.

5. Populations were extremely volatile over the study period. Removal of biased sampling days did not change basic trends or fluctuations in the data. This volatility suggests that E. editha populations residing in similar habitats may risk immediate extinction.
Immunological relatedness of the protective mechanisms against tuberculosis and cancer
Authors: Cocito  , Maes
Published: March 2003

Background

Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG), an attenuated strain of tuberculous bacillus, is the source of vaccines providing unclear and variable protection against tuberculosis (TB) and cancer. Thermostable macromolecular antigens (TMAs) are major mycobacterial complexes immunodominant in disease. A60 (TMA complex of BCG) protects mice against TB development, via T lymphocyte (TL)‐mediated macrophage (MΦ) activation, halting intracellular mycobacterial replication. In most A60‐primed mice, cytolytic TLs and MΦ infiltrate cancer tissue, resulting in 80–100% rejection. Adoptive TL transfer is indispensable for MΦ‐dependent tumour cell inactivation via oxygen and nitrogen radicals. Neoplasm development induces immune anergy with depletion of A60‐specific TL and activated MΦ. A60 protects mice against TB and cancer by inducing the synthesis of three lymphokines: interleukin 2 (IL‐2), interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). Tumour cells prevent A60‐dependent synthesis of these lymphokines in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

These data provide some clues to immune surveillance and tumour escape mechanisms, as well as to the antituberculous and antineoplastic BCG action.
Regulation of gp330/megalin expression by vitamins A and D
Authors: Liu  , Yu  , Carling  , Juhlin  , Rastad  , Ridefelt  , Åkerström  , Hellman
Published: March 2003

Background

A membrane‐bound 550‐kD Ca2+‐binding glycoprotein belonging to the low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor superfamily has recently been identified as a putative calcium‐sensing molecule. This molecule, known as gp330/megalin, is among several tissues present in the proximal tubule, parathyroid and placental cytotrophoblasts, in which a Ca2+‐sensing function has been demonstrated.

Methods

Regulation of mRNA and protein expression of gp330/megalin were studied in a recently established cell line derived from rat kidney proximal tubule cells (IRPTCs), in human JEG‐3 cells and in the mouse embryonal carcinoma cell line F9.

Results

In IRPTCs, quantification of mRNA and protein expression demonstrated two‐ to five‐fold increases after addition of 10−6 mol L−1 all‐trans‐retinoic acid, 9‐cis‐retinoic acid or 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, alone or in combination. Similarly, an increase in gp330/megalin mRNA expression was seen in JEG‐3 cells cultured with vitamin D and retinoids, as well as when F9 cells were differentiated by incubation with retinoic acid and cAMP. The IRPTCs were immortalized by viral infection with the SV40 genome preceded by a temperature‐sensitive promoter. Thus, by culture of the cells at 41°C, SV40 genome transcription is inhibited and the IRPTC phenotype is reversed towards non‐infected proximal tubule cells. At 41°C, gp330/megalin mRNA expression was significantly increased compared with cells incubated at 34°C.

Conclusion

The results indicate a correlation between exposure to retinoic acid or vitamin D or induction of cell differentiation (by retinoic acid/cAMP in F9 cells or inhibition of SV40 transcription in IRPTCs) and an increase in gp330/megalin protein and mRNA expression.
Effects of anti‐C5a monoclonal antibodies on oxygen use in a porcine model of severe sgifis
Authors: Mohr  , Höpken  , Oppermann  , Mathes  , Goldmann  , Siever  , Götze  , Burchardi
Published: March 2003

Methods

We analysed the effects of complement depletion and of C5a inhibition on haemodynamic parameters, oxygen delivery (DO2), oxygen consumption (VO2), oxygen extraction ratio (OER) and blood lactate levels after live bacteria infusion in pigs.

Results

In the first series of experiments, animals were decomplemented by cobra venom factor (CVF, 125 μg kg−1) and challenged with 1.3 × 109Escherichia coli kg−1. In a second series, animals were treated with neutralizing anti‐C5a monoclonal antibodies (mAb) T13/9 before infusion of an increased E. coli dosage (1 × 1010 E. coli kg−1). Administration of Gram‐negative bacteria resulted in hypotension, tachycardia, pulmonary hypertension and decreased cardiac output typical for severe sgifis. These alterations were more pronounced in animals challenged with a higher bacteria concentration (1 × 1010 E. coli kg−1, n = 5) than with a lower dosage (1.3 × 109E. coli kg−1, n = 4). Complement depletion by CVF injection 24 h before E. coli infusion (n = 4), or anti‐C5a mAb T13/9 administration (n = 4) had no effect on the changes in haemodynamic parameters and in DO2 associated with E. coli challenge. Application of either 1.3 × 109 or 1 × 1010 E. coli kg−1resulted in a marked decrease in VO2 and an increase in blood lactate levels, whereas the OER did not change throughout the experiment. In contrast, pretreatment with CVF 24 h before low‐dose E. coli (1.3 × 109 kg−1) administration resulted in a significant increase in VO2 (P < 0.05) and in OER (P < 0.05) compared with untreated septic animals (n = 4). No hyperlactaemia occurred in complement‐depleted septic animals compared with complement‐sufficient animals (P < 0.05). Animals challenged with a high E. coli dose (1 × 101 kg−1) and treated with anti‐C5a mAbs showed a pronounced increase in VO2 and OER (P < 0.05) accompanied by an attenuated increase in lactate levels (P < 0.05) compared with untreated septic animals.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate an improved oxygen use after complement depletion in this model of severe Gram‐negative sgifis. Furthermore, a similar effect was seen after specifically neutralizing C5a by mAbs, indicating a role of C5a in the underlying mechanism.
Oral guar gum treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis and pruritus in pregnant women: effects on serum cholestanol and other non‐cholesterol sterols
Authors: Gylling  , Riikonen  , Nikkilä  , Savonius  , Miettinen
Published: March 2003

Background

Our aim was to investigate whether intestinal binding of bile acids by guar gum, a dietary fibre, relieves cholestasis and pruritus in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Methods

Forty‐eight pregnant women with cholestasis and pruritus were randomized double‐blind to guar gum and placebo until the time of delivery, and 20 healthy pregnant women were used as control subjects. The pruritus score and serum bile acids, lipids and non‐cholesterol sterols were measured at baseline, at least 2 weeks after treatment, just before delivery and up to 4 weeks after delivery.

Results

The increase in serum bile acids and worsening of pruritus were prevented by guar gum in relation to placebo (P < 0.05). Serum cholesterol was unchanged, but increased cholesterol precursor sterol values suggested that cholesterol synthesis was increased by guar gum. Serum cholestanol proportion, an indicator of cholestasis, was related to pruritus but was unaffected by guar gum.

Conclusion

We conclude that in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and pruritus, guar gum treatment is beneficial in relieving pruritus, even although indicators of cholestasis are only partially reduced.
Effects of parathyroid hormone and serum calcium on the phenotype and function of mononuclear cells in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Kotzmann  , Köller  , Abela  , Clodi  , Riedl  , Graninger  , Niederle  , Luger
Published: March 2003

Background

Several studies have demonstrated specific influence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on immune parameters, especially on T‐ and B‐cell function, migration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs) and antibody synthesis, in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and chronic renal failure and recently also in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT).

Methods

We therefore examined 12 patients with pHPT before and 6 months after parathyroidectomy (PTX) and nine sex‐ and age‐matched control subjects to determine the impact of PTH and serum calcium concentrations on several immune parameters, including (a) serum concentrations of immunoglobulins, (b) immunophenotype of peripheral blood lymphocytes, (c) phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)‐induced lymphocyte proliferation and (d) monocytic surface marker expression.

Results

Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) were unaffected by elevated serum PTH and calcium levels. T lymphocytes (CD3), B lymphocytes (CD19), NK cells (CD16/56) and monocytes (CD16) revealed a normal distribution and were not different before and after PTX in patients with pHPT when compared with the control group. CD4+ T‐helper lymphocytes were significantly elevated pre‐ and post‐operatively in patients with pHPT. The lymphocyte proliferation response to PHA in the highest concentration (12.5 μg L−1) tested was significantly suppressed in patients with pHPT preoperatively when compared with the patients post‐operatively and the control group. In addition, both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes showed a lower expression of activation markers, interleukin 2 (IL‐2) receptor (CD25) and transferrin receptor (CD71), which could be partially restored 6 months after PTX, but did not reach normal values.

Conclusion

In summary, in contrast to the findings in patients with secondary HPT, pHPT appears to be associated with less alterations of immune functions. Chronically elevated serum PTH and calcium concentrations in patients with pHPT induce a higher percentage of CD4+ helper T lymphocytes and a suppressed lymphocyte response to PHA as well as a reduced expression of activation markers on peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Relevance of erythrocyte Na+/Li+ countertransport measurement in essential hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetic nephropathy: a critical review
Authors: Van Norren  , Thien  , Berden  , Elving  , De Pont
Published: March 2003

In this review the usefulness of the measurement of erythrocyte Na+/Li+ countertransport (Na+/Li+ CT) activity is evaluated. In particular, the association between enhanced erythrocyte Na+/Li+ CT activity and essential hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and diabetic nephropathy is discussed. The conclusion of this review is that elevated erythrocyte Na+/Li+ CT activity is associated with essential hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. A relationship between Na+/Li+ CT activity and diabetic nephropathy is less evident. Despite a significant link of Na+/Li+ CT activity with hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, the diagnostic significance of Na+/Li+ CT activity is low. This is due to the large overlap between the results of control subjects and patients. The factors that contribute to this broad range are discussed in detail.