bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Illuminating the evolutionary history of liverworts (Marchantiophyta)—towards a natural classification
Authors: He‐Nygrén Xiaolan , Juslén Aino , Ahonen Inkeri , Glenny David , Piippo Sinikka
Published: January 2006

The phylogenetic relationships of liverworts were reconstructed using the sequence data of four genome regions including rbcL, rps4 and trnL‐F of the chloroplast and 26S large subunit ribosomal rRNA gene of the nucleus, and 90 characters of morphological, ultrastructural and developmental aspects. The taxa sampled consisted of 159 species including 135 liverworts (108 genera, 54 families and 29 suborders), 13 mosses, two hornworts, seven vascular plants and two charophyte algae. Analyses based on maximum parsimony using both direct optimization (POY) and static alignment (NONA), as well as Bayesian inference (MrBayes) were done. All the data sets were analyzed simultaneously. Our study confirms that liverworts compose a monophyletic group which consists of three classes. The class Treubiopsida including both Treubia and Haplomitrium is resolved as the earliest diverging liverwort lineage. Blasia and the complex thalloids are assigned to the Marchantiopsida, under which Blasiidae and Marchantiidae are divided. Marchantiidae include Sphaerocarpales and Marchantiales. The simple thalloid and leafy liverworts form the Jungermanniopsida, which is further divided to subclasses Pelliidae subclassis nov., Metzgeriidae and Jungermanniidae. Metzgeriidae here is defined to include only Metzgeriaceae, Aneuraceae and Vandiemeniaceae, and is the sister group to the leafy liverworts. The leafy liverworts Jungermanniidae include the orders Pleuroziales, Porellales and Jungermanniales. It is assumed that the Porellales and the Jungermanniales have split early, at least in the Jurassic period. In the Porellales, the diversification rate may have remained relatively constant for long periods of time but speeding up only recently within some of the families, associated with an explosive radiation of angiosperms. The Jungermanniales are most probably a recently diversified group which has attained the greatest profusion of structure and the most remarkable diversity of leaf development and protective devices for maturing sporophytes. A detailed classification scheme for liverworts is presented.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2006.
The role of allergen challenge chambers in the evaluation of anti‐allergic medication: an international consensus paper
Authors: Day J. H. , Horak F. , Briscoe M. P. , Canonica G. W. , Fineman S. M. , Krug N. , Leynadier F. , Lieberman P. , Quirce S. , Takenaka H. , Van Cauwenberge P.
Published: January 2006

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition with quality of life and economic implications for those affected. Numerous studies have attempted to evaluate treatments for rhinitis, seeking clinically meaningful efficacy and safety results to enable evidence‐based treatment decisions. Traditional studies of medications for AR are hampered by many confounding environmental factors as well as suboptimal medication compliance. They are also an unsuitable setting for determination of precise pharmacodynamic properties of medications, including onset and duration of action. Allergen challenge chambers (ACCs) were developed to provide predetermined, controlled allergen levels and to limit variables inherent in traditional studies. An ACC hosts a number of allergen‐sensitive subjects who may receive either medication or placebo in a closed environment regulated for temperature, humidity and other variables. Subjects' allergic responses are monitored using subjective and objective assessments throughout the study, and the resultant information contributes significantly to the clinical profile of a medication. This consensus paper provides an in‐depth review of the role of ACCs as a means to evaluate treatments in AR, and concludes that ACC trials fulfil an important supportive role in the assessment of anti‐allergic medication.
Characterization of T cell epitopes in αs1‐casein in cow's milk allergic, atopic and non‐atopic children
Authors: Ruiter B. , Trégoat V. , M'Rabet L. , Garssen J. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. F. M. , Knol E. F. , van Hoffen E.
Published: January 2006

Background
One to two percent of infants suffer from IgE‐mediated allergic reactions against cow's milk proteins. Most children develop clinical tolerance, but approximately 15% are still allergic by the age of 10 years. Little is known about the T cell epitopes in individual cow's milk protein in relation to allergy and tolerance.

Objective
To identify T cell epitopes in αs1‐casein, the most abundant milk protein, and to investigate T cell responses toward these epitopes in allergic, atopic and non‐atopic children.

Methods
Allergen‐specific T cell lines (TCLs) were derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 11 cow's milk allergic, nine atopic and nine non‐atopic children. T cell responses were measured to αs1‐casein and to overlapping peptides (18‐mers), spanning the αs1‐casein molecule. Proliferation was determined by incorporation of 3H‐thymidine, and cytokine production (IL‐10, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ) was measured by ELISA.

Results
Four main regions (amino acid (AA) residues 43–66, 73–96, 91–114 and 127–180) in the αs1‐casein molecule were immunogenic to T cells, among which the AA residues 133–156 spanned the immunodominant part. Only subtle differences were found in peptide recognition between the subject groups. Some of the peptides induced slightly Th1‐ or Th2‐skewed cytokine responses. The increased levels of IL‐10 in response to αs1‐casein observed in TCLs from atopic children appeared not to be linked to recognition of specific IL‐10‐inducing epitopes.

Conclusions
The immunodominant sequence in αs1‐casein is spanned by AA residues 133–156. Tolerance towards αs1‐casein in atopic children may be mediated by an overall induction of IL‐10 and not by recognition of certain T cell epitopes. The identified T cell epitopes in children with cow's milk allergy may be useful targets in developing peptide immunotherapy.
Lived experiences of family caregivers of mentally ill relatives
Authors: Chang Kam Hock , Horrocks Stephen
Published: January 2006

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to report a study conducted to explore the meanings of the lived experiences that Chinese family caregivers in Malaysia ascribed to the care they provided to relatives with severe and persistent mental illness.

Background.  In the past, many researchers have used quantitative approaches to explore the experiences of family caregivers of relatives with severe and persistent mental illness. However, the results of these studies have been far from conclusive because of serious methodological flaws. In addition, a large majority of these studies were conducted in western cultures, and it has been difficult to transfer the results to family caregivers in oriental cultures.

Method.  The philosophy of Martin Heidegger underpinned the study. Qualitative data were collected mainly through in‐depth interviews with 19 criterion‐selected Chinese family caregivers of relatives with severe and persistent mental illness in 2002.

Findings.  We present the emergent themes reflecting the meaning structures of managing, enduring, and surviving the day‐to‐day experiences of the Chinese family caregivers. The impact of the stigma of the relatives’ mental illness on family caregivers and families is pervasive and strong. As a result, family caregivers tried to avoid talking about their relative's mental illness with extended family or friends in order to protect their families from ‘losing face’. In addition, most family caregivers believed that adopting positive behaviours and attitudes helped them cope with caregiving.

Conclusion.  Mental health nurses need to help Chinese family caregivers to cope with the stresses and stigmas of their relatives’ mental illnesses through psychosocial education or family intervention, and to provide them with culturally‐congruent care. They should also educate the public about mental health and ill health through health promotion and education.
Family physician/nurse practitioner: stories of collaboration
Authors: Bailey Patricia , Jones Linda , Way Daniel
Published: January 2006

Aims.  This paper presents the experiences of nurse practitioners and family physicians working in collaborative practice at four Canadian rural primary care agencies. It focuses on the qualitative segment of a larger study examining the impact of an educational intervention on interprofessional practice.

Background.  Growing awareness of the importance of health promotion and disease prevention, the increased complexity of community‐based care, and the need to use scarce human healthcare resources, especially family physicians, far more efficiently and effectively, have resulted in increased emphasis on primary healthcare renewal in Canada. Key to primary healthcare renewal is care delivery through interdisciplinary teams that include nurse practitioners.

Methods.  Narrative analysis, a form of interpretive analysis that respects the integrity of the stories told by participants, was chosen as the strategy to examine the narrative data gathered in two sets of interviews with the nurse practitioners and family physicians. The study was undertaken during 2000.

Results.  Thirteen family physicians and five nurse practitioners with diverse educational backgrounds and varied experience with collaboration participated in the qualitative component of the study. A number of issues related to working in a shared practice were identified in nurse practitioner and family physician interviews across the research sites. The themes identified in participants’ stories included issues related to the scope of practice, emphasizing the importance of role clarity and trust, the ideological difference regarding disease prevention and health promotion, differences in perceptions about the operation of collaborative practice, and the understanding that collaborative relationships evolve.

Conclusions.  The placement of nurse practitioners and family physicians in a common clinical practice without some form of orientation process does not produce collaborative practice. Educational strategies related to role expectations are necessary to facilitate the development of care delivery partnerships characterized by interdependent practice.
Conflict within nursing work environments: concept analysis
Authors: Almost Joan
Published: January 2006

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to examine the concept of conflict in nursing work environments using the evolutionary approach to concept analysis.

Background.  In nursing work environments, conflict among nurses is becoming a significant issue resulting in job dissatisfaction, absenteeism, and turnover. Although discussed frequently in the nursing literature, nursing research has focused predominantly on conflict management without first understanding the elements, causes and effects of conflict.

Methods.  A literature search was conducted using CINAHL, Proquest, PsychINFO, Social Sciences Index and MEDLINE databases and the keywords conflict and work environment. Articles over the last 25 years from each of these databases were examined to identify major themes, areas of agreement and disagreement across disciplines, changes in the concept over time, and emerging trends.

Findings.  Conflict is a multidimensional construct with both detrimental and beneficial effects. Most definitions agree that conflict is a process involving two or more people, where a person perceives the opposition of the other. Antecedents stem from individual characteristics, interpersonal factors, and organizational factors. Individual effects, interpersonal relationships, and organizational effects are the main consequences of conflict. A theoretical model of the antecedents and consequences is presented, with implications for further development.

Conclusions.  A more thorough understanding of the sources and outcomes of conflict within nursing work environments would enable the prevention of conflict. If properly understood and managed, conflict can also lead to positive outcomes for nurses and healthcare organizations.
Growth during the first 6 months of life in infants using formula enriched with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: double‐blind, randomized trial
Authors: Vendt N. , Grünberg H. , Tuure T. , Malminiemi O. , Wuolijoki E. , Tillmann V. , Sepp E. , Korpela R.
Published: January 2006

Background  Probiotic bacteria have beneficial effects on the immune system and gastrointestinal tract, but the impacts of their long‐term consumption on health and growth in early infancy are not well documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)‐enriched formula on growth and faecal microflora during the first 6 months of life in normal healthy infants.

Materials and methods  One hundred and twenty healthy infants (up to 2 months) received LGG‐supplemented formula or regular formula in a double‐blind, randomized manner until the age of 6 months. Weight, length and head circumference were measured monthly and transformed into standard deviation scores (SDS). Faecal samples were obtained from a random sample of infants (n = 25) at entry and at the end of the study.

Results  One hundred and five infants (51 in the LGG group) completed the study. Children receiving LGG‐supplemented formula grew better: their changes in their length and weight SDS (ΔSDS) at the end of the study were significantly higher than those receiving regular formula (0.44 ± 0.37 versus 0.07 ± 0.06, P < 0.01 and 0.44 ± 0.19 versus 0.07 ± 0.06, P < 0.005, respectively). The LGG group had a significant, higher defecation frequency 9.1 ± 2.6 versus 8.0 ± 2.8 (P < 0.05). More frequent colonization with lactobacilli was found in the LGG group, 91% versus 76% (P < 0.05) at the end of the study.

Conclusions  Infants fed with LGG‐enriched formula grew better than those fed with regular formula. Further studies are necessary to clarify the mechanism of LGG in infant growth.
Home enteral feeding audit 1 year post‐initiation
Authors: Evans S. , Holden C. , MacDonald A.
Published: January 2006

Objective  To determine the practical problems that families of children on home enteral tube feeds (HETF) experience in the first year post‐hospital discharge.

Methods  Thirty parents/carers of children (0–16 years) completed a multiple choice/short answer questionnaire by interview 12 months after discharge from hospital. Issues addressed included: home delivery of feed and equipment; pump usage; tube changes; and overnight feeding.

Results  The main problems identified were: sleep disturbance (75%); frequent tube dislodgement (46%); tube blockages (41%); inability of some home delivery companies (HDC) to provide all the paediatric special feeds required (43%); and pump inaccuracy (23%).

Conclusions  Children on long‐term HETF and their families experience significant problems with sleep disturbance, tube dislodgement and tube blockage. In addition, accuracy of pumps and obtaining feed and equipment was a source of stress. Dietitians and community nurses urgently need to explore solutions to the common problems associated with overnight feeding. Furthermore, regular home reviews are necessary in long‐term HETF to continue to identify and minimize problems.
Fatal nonocclusive mesenteric ischaemia: population‐based incidence and risk factors
Authors: ACOSTA S. , ÖGREN M. , STERNBY N.‐H. , BERGQVIST D. , BJÖRCK M.
Published: January 2006

Objectives.  To estimate the incidence and extension of visceral organ infarction, and to evaluate potential causes, in patients with autopsy‐verified nonocclusive mesenteric ischaemia (NOMI) and transmural intestinal infarction.

Setting.  In Malmö, Sweden, the autopsy rate between 1970 and 1982 was 87%, creating possibilities for a population‐based study.

Design.  Amongst 23 446 clinical autopsies, 997 cases were coded for intestinal ischaemia in a database. In addition, 7569 forensic autopsy protocols were analysed. In a nested case–control study within the clinical autopsy cohort, four NOMI‐free controls, matched for gender, age at death and year of death, were identified for each fatal NOMI case to evaluate risk factors.

Results.  The overall incidence of autopsy‐verified fatal NOMI was 2.0/100 000 person‐years, increasing with age up to 40/100 000 person‐years in octogenarians. Patients with stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA; n = 25) were older (P = 0.002) than those without (n = 37), and had more often a concomitant stenosis of the coeliac trunk (P < 0.001). Synchronous infarction in the liver, spleen or kidney occurred in one‐fifth of all patients. Fatal cardiac failure [OR 2.9 (1.7–5.2)], history of atrial fibrillation [OR 2.2 (1.2–4.0)] and recent surgery [OR 3.4 (1.6–6.9)] were risk factors for fatal NOMI.

Conclusions.  Fatal heart failure was the leading cause of intestinal hypoperfusion, although stenosis of the SMA and coeliac trunk, atrial fibrillation and recent surgery contributed significantly. Collaboration across specialties seems to be of utmost importance to improve the prognosis.
Association of core promoter/precore mutations and viral load in e antigen‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Huang Y.‐H. , Wu J.‐C. , Chang T.‐T. , Sheen I.‐J. , Huo T.‐I. , Lee P.‐C. , Su C.‐W. , Lee S.‐D.
Published: January 2006

Summary.  Apart from core promoter A1762T/G1764A and precore G1896A mutations, other hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants are detected in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of those mutants on clinical manifestation and viral loads of genotypes B and C HBV. Seventy‐nine HBeAg‐negative CHB patients with hepatitis flare were enrolled in this study and their HBV precore/core region were sequenced. Serial biochemical profiles and viral loads were assessed and compared. Fifty‐three patients (67%) were infected by genotype B HBV and 26 (33%) were infected by genotype C HBV. The clinical manifestation and HBV viral loads were comparable between the two groups. However, genotype B was significantly associated with precore G1896A mutation (92.5%), and more mutations within nucleotide 1809–1817 were detected in patients infected by genotype B as compared with those infected by genotype C (18.9%vs 3.8%). Most of the cases had mutations at the −2, −3 or −5 position from the precore AUG initiation codon. Triple core promoter mutations C1753T/A1762T/G1764A appeared to be linked to genotype C rather than genotype B HBV (19.2%vs 1.9%; P = 0.013). In multivariate analysis, the presence of either triple core promoter 1753/1762/1764 mutation or nucleotide 1809–1817 mutation was the only factor associated with lower HBV viral load (<70 Meq/mL) (odds ratio = 9.01; 95% CI 1.11–71.43; P = 0.04). In conclusion, minor HBV variants with mutations in the core promoter and precore region were detectable in genotypes B and C. Such HBV variants are genotype specific and related to viraemia levels.
Characteristics of HCV positive subjects referring to hospitals in Italy: a multicentre prevalence study on 6 999 cases
Authors: Stroffolini T. , Sagnelli E. , Mariano A. , Craxí A. , Almasio P. ,   Italian Hospitals Collaborating Group
Published: January 2006

Summary.  In 2001, 6 999 anti‐HCV positive subjects referred to 79 Italian hospital in a 6 months enrolment period were evaluated. Of them, 5 632 (80.5%) tested anti‐HCV positive alone, 1 163 (16.6%) reported also an excessive alcohol intake, and 204 (2.9%) were also HBsAg positive. Normal biochemistry was observed in 7.8% of cases, chronic hepatitis in 67.9% of cases, liver cirrhosis in 18.9% of cases, and hepatocellular carcinoma in 3.6% cases. HCV positive subjects with excessive alcohol intake were statistically significantly younger, of male sex, and having more severe liver disease than those without excessive alcohol intake. Adjusting for the confounding effect of age and sex by multiple logistic regression analysis, HCV positive chronic hepatitis cases drinking more than four alcoholic drinks daily were 2.2‐fold (CI 95% = 1.3–4.0) more likely to progress to liver cirrhosis than teetotallers. These findings indicate that nearly a quarter of HCV positive subjects referred to hospitals in Italy have a severe liver disease causing a remarkable impact on the national health system. Excessive alcohol intake in HCV chronic hepatitis cases increases the risk of progression to liver cirrhosis.
Multicentre study of hepatitis B virus genotypes in France: correlation with liver fibrosis and hepatitis B e antigen status
Authors: Halfon P. , Bourlière M. , Pol S. , Benhamou Y. , Ouzan D. , Rotily M. , Khiri H. , Renou C. , Pénaranda G. , Saadoun D. , Thibault V. , Serpaggi J. , Varastet M. , Tainturier M.‐H. , Poynard T. , Cacoub P.
Published: January 2006

Summary.  The clinical significance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes is still under debate. The aims of this study were to assess the distribution of HBV genotypes in France and to identify the associations between HBV genotypes and patient demographics, severity of liver disease and HBeAg status in patients referred to tertiary care centres. This was a French, multicentre, retrospective study on 262 patients with chronic HBV infection. HBV genotypes were determined using INNO‐LiPA. Liver fibrosis damage was evaluated by histological analysis of biopsy samples. Patients were mainly male (74%), of Caucasian (65%), Asian (17%) or African (18%) ethnicity and 36% were HBeAg positive. All A–G genotypes were found, the most frequent being genotypes D (27%) and A (24%), followed by E (13%) and C (12%), and B (7%). Mixed genotypes were detected in 16% of the cases. Genotype A was associated with sexual contact (P < 0.001) and genotype D with transfusion (P < 0.001) and HBe antibody positivity (P = 0.03).The distribution of HBV genotypes differed with regard to the ethnicity, and may reflect migration patterns. Genotypes A and D were the most frequent in France. Genotype A was associated with HBeAg positivity and genotype D with HBe antibody positivity. In our European patients, we find no clear association between a given HBV genotype and liver disease severity.
The WAG1 and WAG2 protein kinases negatively regulate root waving in Arabidopsis
Authors: Santner Aaron A. , Watson John C.
Published: January 2006

The WAG1 and WAG2 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana encode protein‐serine/threonine kinases that are closely related to PINOID. In order to determine what roles WAG1 and WAG2 play in seedling development, we used a reverse genetics approach to study the wag1, wag2 and wag1/wag2 mutant phenotypes for clues. Although the wag mutants do not contain detectable amounts of the corresponding mRNA, they are wild type in most respects. However, wag1/wag2 double mutants exhibit a pronounced wavy root phenotype when grown vertically on agar plates, a phenotype observed in wild‐type plants only on plates inclined to angles less than 90°. The wag1 and wag2 mutants also demonstrate enhanced root waving, but to a lesser extent. Moreover, the double mutant roots are more resistant to the effects of N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid on the inhibition of root curling, raising the possibility that transport of auxin is affected in the wag mutants. Promoter fusions to the gusA reporter gene demonstrate that the WAG promoters are most active in root tips, consistent with the observed phenotypes in the wag mutants.
Behavioural Correlations May Cause Partial Support for the Risk Allocation Hypothesis in Damselfly Larvae
Authors: Slos Stefanie , Stoks Robby
Published: January 2006

Prey animals are often confronted with situations that differ in predation risk. According to the risk allocation hypothesis, prey animals should adaptively allocate antipredator behaviour in accordance with the magnitude and frequency of those risk situations. According to the first prediction prey animals should increase foraging in the safe situations and decrease foraging in the dangerous situations as these situations become relatively more dangerous. The second prediction is that with increased time spent in the dangerous situations, progressively more foraging effort is shown in both the dangerous and safe situations, especially in the safer ones. Prey animals may, however, show maladaptive behaviour due to behavioural correlations across risk situations. Here we test for the first time both predictions generated by the risk allocation hypothesis while considering behavioural correlations. We reared larvae of the damselfly Ischnura elegans, from the egg stage, under five rearing risk conditions: (i) in isolation, (ii) in the presence of conspecific larvae, (iii) in the presence of one fish, (iv) in the presence of two fish, and (v) in the presence of two fish for 50% of the time. For each rearing risk condition, we scored their behaviour in the absence and in the presence of fish. In accordance with the first prediction, in the absence of a predator, larvae reared under increasing risk conditions increased their level of foraging. In accordance with the second prediction, in the absence of a predator, larvae that were more frequently exposed to fish during rearing, increased foraging. However, opposite to the predictions from the risk allocation hypothesis, foraging increased both with increasing rearing risk, and with increased predator exposure frequency. The observed positive behavioural correlation of foraging activity across test situations with and without fish, may generate the combination of adaptive patterns in the absence of fish and the maladaptive patterns in the presence of fish. Former studies of the risk allocation hypothesis also found, at best, mixed support, and we hypothesize that behavioural correlations across risk situations, if present, will likely cause partial deviations from model predictions.
The Spines of the Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, as an Anti‐Predator Adaptation: an Experimental Study
Authors: Bosher Bishop T. , Newton Scott H. , Fine Michael L.
Published: January 2006

Although experimental evidence is lacking, the stout pectoral spine of catfishes has been interpreted as a defensive adaptation. The spine can be rigidly locked and abducted to produce stridulation sounds, which have been hypothesized to serve a warning function. We studied spine function in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) as a deterrent to predation by largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) by presenting individuals with pairs of catfish, one with its pectoral spines clipped and the other intact. The number of initial attacks on clipped and intact fish was similar, suggesting that bass do not recognize the spine visually. Bass showed evidence of learning across trials, striking clipped fish fewer times and consuming them. Conversely, intact fish were attacked more than clipped ones because intact fish were repeatedly disgorged and attacked again, suggesting that bass become sensitized to the spine. Ingestion times were longer for intact than clipped fish, and fewer intact fish were eaten. Eighty‐eight percent of intact fish survived in the mouth of a bass one or more times. Catfish did not stridulate or use their spines to deter initial attacks, refuting the warning hypothesis. Locking and stridulation motions, only observed when catfish were held inside the mouth of a bass, did not deter subsequent attacks indicating that neither the spine nor stridulation carry a warning function. It is possible, therefore, that stridulation sounds function as a distress call. The spine functions against a gape‐limited predator by increasing the difficulty of ingestion but not capture.
Plant volatiles moderate response to aggregation pheromone in Colorado potato beetle
Authors: Dickens J. C.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  The orientation of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, to a male‐produced aggregation pheromone, (S)‐3,7‐dimethyl‐2‐oxo‐oct‐6‐ene‐1,3‐diol, a three‐component plant attractant blend [comprised of (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate + (±)‐linalool + methyl salicylate], and other potato volatiles (nonanal and 2‐phenylethanol) were tested. All compounds were previously shown to be active in coupled gas chromatography/electroantennogram experiments. Both the three‐component plant attractant blend and 2‐phenylethanol were attractive to adult beetles. While male beetles oriented preferentially to both plant attractants vs. a control, females showed little preference. Combining the plant attractants with the pheromone resulted in sexually dimorphic responses similar to those seen with either plant attractant alone. Addition of nonanal abolished the sexually dimorphic response to the pheromone + 2‐phenylethanol blend; the new three‐component blend was attractive to both sexes. In both laboratory bioassays and field experiments, a combination of the pheromone + the three‐component plant attractant was preferred over the plant attractant alone. Thus, it seems likely that combinations of pheromone + plant volatiles may be the most efficacious for field use.
Susceptibility of source plants to Sugarcane Fiji disease virus influences the acquisition and transmission of the virus by the planthopper vector Perkinsiella saccharicida
Authors: Dhileepan K. , Croft B. J. , Ridley A. W. , James A. P. , Raghu S.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Fiji leaf gall (FLG) caused by Sugarcane Fiji disease virus (SCFDV) is transmitted by the planthopper Perkinsiella saccharicida. FLG is managed through the identification and exploitation of plant resistance. The glasshouse‐based resistance screening produced inconsistent transmission results and the factors responsible for that are not known. A series of glasshouse trials conducted over a 2‐year period was compared to identify the factors responsible for the erratic transmission results. SCFDV transmission was greater when the virus was acquired by the vector from a cultivar that was susceptible to the virus than when the virus was acquired from a resistant cultivar. Virus acquisition by the vector was also greater when the vector was exposed to the susceptible cultivars than when exposed to the resistant cultivar. Results suggest that the variation in transmission levels is due to variation in susceptibility of sugarcane cultivars to SCFDV used for virus acquisition by the vector.
Antixenosis mechanism of resistance in pigeonpea to the pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Kumari D. A. , Reddy D. J. , Sharma H. C.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  The noctuid pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, is one of the most important pests of pigeonpea, and plant resistance is an important component for minimizing the extent of losses caused by this pest. To develop insect‐resistant cultivars, it is important to understand the contributions of different components of resistance, and therefore, we studied the antixenosis mechanism of resistance to H. armigera in a diverse array of pigeonpea genotypes under no‐choice, dual‐choice, and multi‐choice conditions. Antixenosis for oviposition was observed in case of ICPL 187‐1, ICP 7203‐1, ICPL 88039, T 21, ICPL 84060, and ICPL 332 under no‐choice, dual‐choice and multi‐choice conditions. However, the number of eggs laid on ICPL 88039, T 21 and ICP 7203‐1 did not differ significantly from those on ICPL 87 under dual‐choice conditions. The susceptible check, ICPL 87 was highly preferred for oviposition. The genotypes ICP 7203‐1, ICPL 187‐1, T 21, ICPL 332, and ICPL 84060 can be used as sources of non‐preference mechanism of resistance in pigeonpea improvement programs to breed for resistance to H. armigera.
Behavioural responses of workers towards worker‐produced male larvae and queen‐produced worker larvae in Acromyrmex subterraneus brunneus Forel, 1911 (Hym., Formicidae)
Authors: Camargo R. S. , Lopes J. F. S. , Forti L. C.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Leaf‐cutting ant workers care for larvae with an elaborate behavioural repertoire to satisfy the needs of the offspring. In order to investigate worker discrimination ability in the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex subterraneus brunneus, we compared the behavioural responses of workers towards worker‐produced male larvae and queen‐produced worker larvae, including the following behavioural acts: licking the larval body, transporting larvae, feeding larvae with hyphae, scraping larval mouth parts, ingesting faecal fluid excreted by the larva, and inserting hyphae of the symbiontic fungus on the larval body. We verified that workers behaved differently depending on larval origin, i.e. licking the larval body, transporting larvae and inserting hyphae of the symbiontic fungus on the larval body. Observed differences denote the ability of workers in discriminating among larvae, probably because of their different individual needs.
Spatial complexity and the fitness of the kissing bug, Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Sulbaran J. E. , Chaves L. F.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Rhodnius prolixus Stål (Reduviidae: Rhodninii) is one of the most important vectors of Chagas disease. As a result of its medical importance, several life history studies have been carried out, but in general with a restricted demographical scope, without assessing the potential tradeoffs in the life history of this insect. In this study, individuals of R. prolixus were kept in two spatially different habitats and several fitness components were measured. The results show that life expectancy in adults is negatively correlated with gross fecundity, indicating a cost of reproduction. Life expectancy is shorter for males and longer for individuals of the same sex in the more complex habitat, where the fitness is lower compared with that of the simpler habitat.
Radical retropubic prostatectomy through a minimal incision with portless endoscopy: Our initial experience
Authors: KIYOKAWA HIDEO , KATO HARUAKI
Published: January 2006

Abstract  Twenty‐one patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent minilaparotomy radical retropubic prostatectomy through a single 5‐cm midline or Pfannenstiel incision. A 30° laparoscope was usually positioned around the edge of the incision to facilitate the procedure. The mean operating time was 255 min. The mean blood loss was 859 mL, and no patient required an allogenic blood transfusion. Postoperative pain was noticeably reduced, especially in the Pfannenstiel incision group. Endoscope‐assisted minilaparotomy did not involve a learning curve, and could be useful for most urologic surgeons as minimally invasive surgery.
Obstruction of the ileal ureter by mesenteric vessels occurring 5 years after total ureteral substitution for bilateral ureteral stenosis due to systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: KOBAYASHI KAZUHIRO , OBARA KENJI , WATANABE RYUSUKE , HARA NOBORU , KATAGIRI AKIYOSHI , TAKAHASHI KOTA
Published: January 2006

Abstract  We previously reported a case of bilateral ureteral stenosis accompanied by systemic lupus erythematosus, which was successfully managed by total ureteral reconstruction using a segment of the ileum. Herein, we describe an unusual complication in the same patient, which we experienced 5 years after the ileal–ureteral substitution. Left‐sided back pain repeated together with transient obstruction of the ileal ureter interposed between the right and left renal pelvis. Consequently, exploratory laparotomy revealed that left colic vessels oppressed and caused obstruction, and the obstructed ileal ureter was released by reconstitution of these vessels instead of re‐anastomosis of the ileal ureter. Left hydronephrosis and related back pain disappeared postoperatively. The number of patients with an indication of ileal–ureteral substitution is increasing for various disorders, and thus, the present report gives additional suggestions for the follow up of patients with ileal ureter.
Retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy using radiofrequency ablation
Authors: UCHIDA ATSUSHI , MIYAJIMA AKIRA , HORIGUCHI AKIO , IDE HIROKI , HATAKEYAMA NAOKI , YOSHIMURA ICHIRO
Published: January 2006

Abstract  Two patients with renal tumors underwent retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy. The renal tumors were initially treated with radiofrequency ablation. This method allowed tumor excision to be achieved without clamping the renal pedicle. Residual renal function was well maintained as determined by enhanced computed tomography scanning and measurement of the serum creatinine level. There were no complications such as vascular damage or collecting system injury. The pathological diagnosis was clear cell carcinoma (pT1) in Patient 1 and was not determined in Patient 2 because of entire ablation. No recurrence has been observed after 3 years and 2 years of follow up, respectively. Radiofrequency ablation was useful for control of local bleeding during retroperitonaoscopic partial nephrectomy.
Gastric diverticulum preoperatively diagnosed as one of two left adrenal adenomas
Authors: ARAKI AKIHIRO , SHINOHARA MITSURU , YAMAKAWA JUN , TANAKA MASAHIKO , NATSUI SHINSUKE , IZUMI YOSUKE
Published: January 2006

Abstract  A 47‐year‐old man was diagnosed with primary aldosteronism due to two left adrenal adenomas, suggested on computed tomography (CT) to be located at the upper and lower adrenal portion. However, adosterol scintigraphy revealed negligible uptake at the upper portion of the left adrenal. Laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed, but macroscopic examination of the specimen revealed only one adrenal tumor. Continued surgical exploration detected another mass between the spleen and the stomach, which was demonstrated to be continuous with the stomach and was eventually diagnosed as a gastric diverticulum. Postoperatively, aldosteronism resolved and repeat CT revealed staining of the adrenal pseudotumor when oral contrast was administered. Since organs located near the adrenals can simulate adrenal tumors, caution must be exercised in interpreting suprarenal masses on CT. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of concurrent pseudotumor and true tumor of the ipsilateral adrenal.
Diagnosis and management of colovesical fistulae; six‐year experience of 90 consecutive cases
Authors: Garcea G. , Majid I. , Sutton C. D. , Pattenden C. J. , Thomas W. M.
Published: January 2006

Introduction  Colovesical fistulae are well‐recognized but relatively uncommon presentation to colorectal surgery. As a result, few centres have sufficient experience in the investigation and surgical treatment of colovesical fistulae to develop clear protocols in its management.

Methods  This study examines the diagnostic and treatment pathways of 90 consecutive patients with colovesical fistulae presenting to a single surgeon, over a six‐year period. Using the findings from this study and previously published data, the authors suggest tentative guidelines for the diagnosis and management of such patients.

Results  Pneumaturia and faecaluria were present in 90.1% of all cases. The diagnosis of colovesical fistula is predominately a clinical one, however, cystoscopy was the most accurate test to detect fistulae (46.2%) followed by barium enema (20.1%). Barium enema was the most sensitive test to detect stricture formation (70.6%). Colonic endoscopy was the most reliable means of excluding a colonic malignancy. The most common pathology was diverticular disease (72.2%), colonic carcinoma (15.3%) and Crohn's disease (9.7%). Left sided colonic resections were undertaken in 73.6% of patients, right hemicolectomy in 4.2% and defunctioning loop colostomies in 18.5%. Of the left sided resections, primary anastomosis was achieved in 92% of cases (n = 48) with one postoperative leak and no mortality.

Discussion  Resection and primary anastomosis should be the treatment of choice for colovesical fistulae, with an acceptable risk of anastomotic leak and mortality. Barium enema, colonic endoscopy and CT should be routine in the investigation of colovesical fistulae.
Evidences of the gender‐related differences in cardiac repolarization and the underlying mechanisms in different animal species and human
Authors: Cheng Jianhua
Published: January 2006

Clinical and experimental studies have shown that gender differences exist in cardiac repolarization in various animal species and human, as is evidenced by significantly longer QT, JT intervals and action potential duration in females than in males due to a reduced repolarization reserve in females. The latter is shown by the relatively greater increase in ventricular repolarization and higher incidence of torsades de pointes (TdP) in preparations from females by drugs blocking repolarizing K+currents. These results can be modulated by gonadectomy, suggesting that gonadal steroids are important determinants of gender difference in repolarization. In human subjects, QT and JT intervals are longer in women, whereas QT dispersion and Tp‐e interval (the interval from the peak to the end of T wave) are longer in men. At slow heart rates greater prolongation in QT and increase in transmural repolarization heterogeneity (i.e. increase in Tp‐e) may predispose to TdP tachycardias in women. In healthy postmenopausal women, hormone replacement therapy with estrogen alone usually produced a prolongation of QT interval, while estrogen plus progesterone had no significant effects on QT interval but reduced QT dispersion. Along with these, there are still conflicting data reported. Further work is needed before the elucidation of the basis of gender differences in ventricular repolarization.
Stem cell factor expression, mast cells and inflammation in asthma
Authors: Da Silva Carla A. , Reber Laurent , Frossard Nelly
Published: January 2006

The Kit ligand SCF or stem cell factor (SCF) is a multipotent growth factor, acting as an important growth factor for human mast cells. SCF induces chemotaxis and survival of the mast cell, as well as proliferation and differentiation of immature mast cells from CD34+ progenitors. Additionally, SCF enhances antigen‐induced degranulation of human lung‐derived mast cells, and induces a mast cell hyperplasia after subcutaneous administration. SCF expression increases in the airways of asthmatic patients, and this is reversed after treatment with glucocorticoids. A role for SCF may thus be hypothesized in diseases associated with a local increase in the number and/or activation of mast cells, as occurring in the airways in asthma. SCF will be reviewed as a potential therapeutic target in asthma, to control the regulation of mast cell number and activation. We here report the main pathways of SCF synthesis and signalling, and its potential role on airway function and asthma.
Early pharmacological preconditioning by erythropoietin mediated by inducible NOS and mitochondrial ATP‐dependent potassium channels in the rat heart
Authors: Joyeux‐Faure M. , Ramond A. , Béguin P.C. , Belaïdi E. , Godin‐Ribuot D. , Ribuot C.
Published: January 2006

Administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is known to induce protection against cardiac ischaemia injury improving functional recovery and reducing apoptosis. But the underlying mechanisms are not elucidated. We determined the role of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) as well as ATP‐dependent (KATP) and calcium‐activated (KCa) potassium channels in the early cardioprotection induced by rhEPO. Wistar male rats were divided into two experimental groups treated by rhEPO (5000 IU/kg, i.p.) or saline (control group). One hour later, rats were anaesthetized, hearts isolated, retrogradely perfused and submitted to a 30‐min no‐flow global ischaemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion sequence. Cardiac functional recovery (left ventricular developed pressure, LVDP) was significantly higher in the group treated by rhEPO (LVDP at 30 min reperfusion: 71.7 ± 2.3 mmHg) compared with the control group (57.4 ± 5.8 mmHg). We observed the same significant effect on its derivative (dP/dt). The rhEPO‐induced improvement in ventricular function was abolished by perfusion prior to ischaemia with either N‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME, a nonspecific NOS inhibitor) or N‐(3‐(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine (1400W, a specific inducible NOS inhibitor) or 5‐hydroxydecanoic acid (5HD, a mitochondrial KATP channel blocker) but not with paxilline (a KCa channel inhibitor). Thus, in vivo rhEPO administration provides early preconditioning against ischaemic injury in the isolated perfused rat heart that is dependent on iNOS and mitochondrial KATP channels.
Initial results from a long‐term, multi‐site field study of the effects on soil fertility and microbial activity of sludge cakes containing heavy metals
Authors: Gibbs P. A. , Chambers B. J. , Chaudri A. M. , McGrath S. P. , Carlton‐Smith C. H. , Bacon J. R. , Campbell C. D. , Aitken M. N.
Published: January 2006

In a long‐term study of the effects on soil fertility and microbial activity of heavy metals contained in sewage sludges, metal‐rich sludge cakes each with high Zn, Cu or Cd concentrations were applied annually for 4 years (1994–1997) to nine sites throughout Britain. These sites were selected to represent agricultural soils with a range of physical and chemical properties, typical of those likely to be amended with sewage sludge. The aim was to establish individual total Zn (approx. 60–450 mg kg−1), total Cu (approx. 15–200 mg kg−1) and total Cd (approx. 0.2–4 mg kg−1) metal dose–response treatments at each site. Sludges with low metal concentrations were added to all treatments to achieve as constant an addition of organic matter as possible. Across the nine sites, soil pH was the single most important factor controlling Zn (P < 0.001; r2 = 92%) and Cd extracted with 1 m NH4NO3 (P < 0.001; r2 = 72%), and total iron content the most important factor controlling Cu extracted with 1 m NH4NO3 (P < 0.001; r2 = 64%). There were also positive relationships (P < 0.001) between soil organic carbon (C) concentrations and soil biomass C and respiration rates across the nine sites. Oxidation of sludge C following land application resulted in approximately 45% of the digested sludge cake C and approximately 64% of the ‘raw’ sludge cake C being lost by the end of the 4‐year application period. The sludge cake applications generally increased soil microbial biomass C and soil respiration rates, whilst most probable numbers of clover Rhizobium were generally unchanged. Overall, there was no evidence that the metal applications were damaging soil microbial activity in the short term after the cessation of sludge cake addition.
PETROGRAPHIC AND STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSES OF LATE CLASSIC ULÚA MARBLE VASES AND POTENTIAL SOURCES*
Authors: LUKE C. , TYKOT R. H. , SCOTT R. W.
Published: January 2006

Ulúa marble vases from the Ulúa Valley of northwestern Honduras are a hallmark luxury good from Late Classic (ad600–900) Mesoamerica. Archaeological and stylistic data point to centralized production at one site, Travesía. This paper analyses stable isotope and petrographic data from the vases and three potential procurement areas. The results indicate that the vases were produced from one primary source with one, potentially two, secondary sources. Procurement patterns most probably corresponded to contemporary communication routes. The results clearly indicate that a multi‐method approach is necessary for sourcing marble from Honduras.
A SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION ON THE PROVENANCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF A BLACK‐FIGURE AMPHORA ATTRIBUTED TO THE PRIAM GROUP*
Authors: MIRTI P. , PERARDI A. , GULMINI M. , PREACCO M. C.
Published: January 2006

The restoration of a Greek black‐figure amphora provided an opportunity to study the provenance and production technology of the vase. The composition of the ceramic body, determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP–OES), matches that of Attic products. Investigation by X‐ray diffraction and reflectance spectroscopy suggests a maximum firing temperature around 900°C and a body re‐oxidation temperature around 800°C, respectively. The morphology and composition of black, red and dark red surface areas were studied by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray energy‐dispersive analysis; the black areas show the features of a typical well‐vitrified black gloss, while the red areas were most probably obtained by simple burnishing of the body; the dark red additions, on the other hand, are the likely result of a partial re‐oxidation of a clay–ochre mixture.