bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term reliability and observer comparisons in the radiographic diagnosis of periapical disease
Authors: Molven O. , Halse A. , Fristad I.
Published: March 2003

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the long‐term diagnostic consistency of two examiners, an endodontist and a radiologist, and to make comparisons with findings recorded by an observer with more recent scientific and clinical experience in endodontics.

Methodology Three groups, each consisting of 20 full mouth series of intraoral radiographs, with 79, 93 and 85 endodontically‐treated roots, respectively, were successively evaluated for periapical disease. Evaluations were at first performed separately by the three observers. Disagreement and difficult, borderline cases were subjected to joint evaluation. Intra‐ and interexaminer comparisons were made. For two of the observers the observations were compared with findings recorded several years before for the same cases in the same radiographs.

Results The intra‐ and interobserver long‐term reliability of the two original examiners resulted in 83% overall agreement, the kappa values were 0.54, 0.57 and 0.53. Comparisons between all three observers disclosed 82%, 85% and 86% agreement and kappa values 0.55, 0.58 and 0.60. The joint evaluations and decisions did not indicate a dominating influence from any of the observers.

Conclusions The long‐term reliability of the two original observers was judged as being satisfactory. All three observers judged the overall disease status of the material in the same way. The joint discussions of selected cases might reduce observer variation to an acceptable level, avoid a number of false recordings and increase the reliability and validity of the findings.
Neoproterozoic high‐pressure/low‐temperature metamorphic rocks in the Avalon terrane, southern New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: White C. E. , Barr S. M. , Jamieson R. A. , Reynolds P. H.
Published: March 2003

High‐P/low‐T metamorphic rocks of the Hammondvale metamorphic suite (HMS) are exposed in an area of 10 km2 on the NW margin of the Caledonian (Avalon) terrane in southern New Brunswick, Canada. The HMS is in faulted contact on the SE with c. 560–550 Ma volcanic and sedimentary rocks and co‐magmatic plutonic units of the Caledonian terrane. The HMS consists of albite‐ and garnet‐porphyroblastic mica schist, with minor marble, calc‐silicate rocks and quartzite. Pressure and temperature estimates from metamorphic assemblages in the mica schist and calc‐silicate rocks using TWQ indicate that peak pressure conditions were 12.4 kbar at 430 °C. Peak temperature conditions were 580 °C at 9.0 kbar. 40Ar/39Ar muscovite ages from three samples range up to 618–615 Ma, a minimum age for high‐P/low‐T metamorphism in this unit. These ages indicate that the HMS is related to the c. 625–600 Ma subduction‐generated volcanic and plutonic units exposed to the SE in the Caledonian terrane. The ages are also similar to those obtained from detrital muscovite in a Neoproterozoic‐Cambrian sedimentary sequence in the Caledonian terrane, suggesting that the HMS was exposed by latest Neoproterozoic time and supplied detritus to the sedimentary units. The HMS is interpreted to represent a fragment of an accretionary complex, similar to the Sanbagawa Belt in Japan. It confirms the presence of a major cryptic suture between the Avalon terrane sensu stricto and the now‐adjacent Brookville terrane.
A distributed learning model for Freshwater Ecology practical classes
Authors: Chan B.K.K. , Hodgkiss I.J. , Chan R.Y.P.
Published: March 2003

Abstract This paper describes a case study where a distributed learning model was used to enhance the traditional teaching of a freshwater ecology practical class by providing students with a student‐centred constructivist environment. Prior to the practical session, a website was created and students were encouraged to think about the morphological adaptations of stream organisms. They were then divided into groups and taken to a real stream to collect specimens and bring them back to the laboratory for further examination and discussion. After the practical, each student group was required to produce a web page concerning the adaptations of the stream organisms to answer a set of online tutorial questions, and to participate in web‐based discussion. Feedback by questionnaire showed that the great majority of students enjoyed working with the website and found the content very useful. More than half of the students preferred this type of web‐assisted, student‐centred practical to conventional practicals, while about a third showed no special preference between the two approaches.
Development rates of two Xenopsylla flea species in relation to air temperature and humidity
Authors: Krasnov B. R. , Khokhlova I. S. , Fielden L. J. , Burdelova N. V.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. The rate of development of immature fleas, Xenopsylla conformis Wagner and Xenopsylla ramesis Rothschild (Siphonaptera: Xenopsyllidae) was studied in the laboratory at 25°C and 28°C with 40, 55, 75 and 92% relative humidity (RH). These fleas are separately associated with the host jird Meriones crassus Sundevall in different microhabitats of the Ramon erosion cirque, Negev Highlands, Israel. This study of basic climatic factors in relation to flea bionomics provides the basis for ecological investigations to interpret reasons for paratopic local distributions of these two species of congeneric fleas on the same host. Both air temperature and RH were positively correlated with duration of egg and larval stages in both species. Change of humidity between egg and larval environments did not affect duration of larval development at any temperature. At each temperature and RH, the eggs and larvae of X. ramesis did not differ between males and females in the duration of their development, whereas female eggs and larvae of X. conformis usually developed significantly faster than those of males. For both species, male pupae developed slower than female pupae at the same air temperature and RH. Air temperature, but not RH, affected the duration of pupal development. At each humidity, duration of the pupal stage was significantly longer at 25°C than at 28°C: 15.3 ± 1.7 vs. 11.7 ± 1.2 days in X. conformis; 14.1 ± 2.0 vs. 11.5 ± 1.7 days in X. ramesis, with a significantly shorter pupal period of the latter species at 25°C. These limited interspecific bionomic contrasts in relation to basic climatic factors appear insufficient to explain the differential habitat distributions of X. conformis and X. ramesis
SCAR markers and multiplex PCR‐based identification of isomorphic species in the Anopheles dirus complex in Southeast Asia
Authors: Manguin S. , Kengne P. , Sonnier L. , Harbach R. E. , Baimai V. , Trung H. D. , Coosemans M.
Published: March 2003

Abstract The Anopheles dirus Peyton & Harrison complex of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) comprises seven known species, including important malaria vectors in Southeast Asia. Specific identification of each species of the complex, which cannot be distinguished using morphological characters, is crucial for understanding vector ecology and implementing effective control measures. Derived from individual random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR) were analysed for the design of specific paired‐primers. Combination of six SCAR primers resulted in the development of a simple, robust, single multiplex PCR able to identify three important malaria vectors among the four most common species (A, B, C, D) of the complex: species A from several Southeast Asian countries, species B from Perlis, Malaysia, and species C and D from Thailand.
Depletion of endogenous oligodendrocyte progenitors rather than increased availability of survival factors is a likely explanation for enhanced survival of transplanted oligodendrocyte progenitors in X‐irradiated compared to normal CNS
Authors: Hinks G. L. , Chari D. M. , T. O'Leary M. , Zhao C. , Keirstead H. S. , Blakemore W. F. , Franklin R. J. M.
Published: March 2003

Oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPs) survive and migrate following transplantation into adult rat central nervous system (CNS) exposed to high levels of X‐irradiation but fail to do so if they are transplanted into normal adult rat CNS. In the context of developing OP transplantation as a potential therapy for repairing demyelinating diseases it is clearly of some importance to understand what changes have occurred in X‐irradiated CNS that permit OP survival. This study addressed two alternative hypotheses. Firstly, X‐irradiation causes an increase in the availability of OP survival factors, allowing the CNS to support a greater number of progenitors. Secondly, X‐irradiation depletes the endogenous OP population thereby providing vacant niches that can be occupied by transplanted OPs. In situ hybridization was used to examine whether X‐irradiation causes an increase in mRNA expression of five known OP survival factors, CNTF, IGF‐I, PDGF‐A, NT‐3 and GGF‐2. The levels of expression of these factors at 4 and 10 days following exposure of the adult rat spinal cord to X‐irradiation remain the same as the expression levels in normal tissue. Using intravenous injection of horseradish peroxidase, no evidence was found of X‐irradiation‐induced change in blood–brain barrier permeability that might have exposed X‐irradiated tissue to serum‐derived survival factors. However, in support of the second hypothesis, a profound X‐irradiation‐induced decrease in the number of OPs was noted. These data suggest that the increased survival of transplanted OPs in X‐irradiated CNS is not a result of the increases in the availability of the OP survival factors examined in this study but rather the depletion of endogenous OPs creating ‘space’ for transplanted OPs to integrate into the host tissue.
Replicative Mcm2 protein as a novel proliferation marker in oligodendrogliomas and its relationship to Ki67 labelling index, histological grade and prognosis
Authors: Wharton S. B. , Chan K. K. , Anderson J. R. , Stoeber K. , Williams G. H.
Published: March 2003

The grading and prognostic assessment of oligodendrogliomas is severely constrained and there remains a need for improved diagnosis. Recently, we have identified the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) family of proteins as a novel class of proliferation markers. Mcm2 is a protein which forms part of the prereplicative complex. It is necessary for this complex to be assembled at origins of future DNA replication during the G1 phase to allow genome replication in the subsequent S phase. Our aim was to determine whether analysis of Mcm2 protein expression in oligodendrogliomas is of diagnostic value. Immunohistochemical staining for Mcm2 was performed on an archival series of 32 oligodendrogliomas. These tumours have been previously characterized for Ki67, mitotic labelling index and outcome. Cells showing expression of Mcm2 were quantified as a percentage to provide an Mcm2 labelling index. We have demonstrated a good correlation between Mcm2 and Ki67 labelling indices (r = 0.76, P < 0.01) but immunohistochemistry for Mcm2 consistently identified a higher proportion of cells. Mcm2 labelling index was higher in grade III than grade II tumours (P < 0.001). Cases with a high Mcm2 labelling index showed a poorer prognosis than those with a low index (P = 0.497) in univariate analysis, but with wide variation in this small series. Demonstration of Mcm2 expression is of value to demonstrate the proliferative fraction of tumours and is likely to be of prognostic value. Its study in a larger series is therefore warranted.
Systematics of Schistopterini (Diptera: Tephritidae: Tephritinae), with descriptions of new genera and species
Authors: Freidberg Amnon
Published: March 2003

Abstract. The systematics of tribe Schistopterini (Diptera: Tephritidae) is reviewed and discussed, and a key is given to the fourteen current genera, of which four are new. A cladogram of the type species of the genera plus all other species of one of the new genera (Microtreta) is presented, supporting the monophyly of Microtreta.

The new genera include Calloptera (type species Rhabdochaeta asteria Hendel), Microtreta (type species Microtreta fini, sp.n.), Melanopterella (type species Rhabdochaeta nigra Bezzi) and Schistotephritis (type species Camaromyia acrophthalma Bezzi). Microtreta is treated comprehensively; its constituents, deemingi, fini, frontale, jeffreyi and longicornis (all new species), are described from East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Host plants, all of genus Vernonia (Asteraceae), are recorded for the four East African species. Characters of immature stages are described for M. longicornis. Eighteen new combinations are made.
A Program to Prevent Iron Poisoning Using Public Health Nurses in a County Health Department
Authors: Broderick Molly , Dodd‐Butera Teresa , Wahl Patricia
Published: March 2003

Despite 50 years of educational and legislative efforts aimed at increasing public awareness of the toxicity of iron, it remains a leading cause of poisoning death in children. The purpose of this study was to educate public health nurses (PHNs) on the prevention of iron poisoning utilizing, a “Train the Trainer” design. Educational programs were based on cognitive and behavioral approaches and consisted of a pretest, lecture, posttest, and evaluation. In addition, a follow‐up survey was conducted at 8‐months posttraining in order to determine the application of iron poison‐prevention principles. Prior to the program, 71% of the PHNs were unable to identify iron as a leading household poison. Sixty percent reported storage habits of medication that predispose children to poisoning. The overall score on the pretest was 56% compared with the mean posttest score of 96%. Of the 45 respondents to the follow‐up survey, 87% had used the program information to educate patients on the dangers of iron poisoning. This iron poison prevention program provided a successful educational program for PHNs that was then applied to patient education.
Mucosal immunity: Some historical perspective on host‐pathogen interactions and implications for mucosal vaccines
Authors: Ogra Pearay L
Published: March 2003

Historical perspectives are defined as synthesis of determining forces as inferred from past events. However, in reality, any historical overview is often fraught with biases underlying the inferences of the historian. History continues to be rewritten on the basis of emerging new facts or biases, and what is often perceived as authentic recorded past may not always be factual. As a result, such perspectives are often criticized for either ignoring or highlighting major or minor events or contributions, respectively, in the recorded history. While recognizing the outstanding contributions of many recent or contemporary investigators, this report is a modest effort to pay tribute largely to our earlier scientific ancestors. This reviewer accepts full responsibility for any errors in facts of past history and any perceived bias in the inclusion or exclusion of some important investigators and their contributions in the recent history of this still evolving field of human biology.

During the past century, exciting new information of immense scientific and public health impact has become available concerning the external mucosal surfaces, their role in the modulation of mammalian immune responses, and their usefulness as delivery sites for immunization against infectious diseases and other environmental macromolecules. This presentation will briefly review some of the historical aspects of the evolution of the current concepts of mucosal immunity and their implications to the development of vaccines specifically designed to capitalize on the mucosal immunologic repertoire.
Genetic exchange between Treponema denticola and Streptococcus gordonii in biofilms
Authors: Wang B. Y. , Chi B. , Kuramitsu H. K.
Published: March 2003

Some gram‐positive oral bacteria such as Streptococcus gordonii are naturally transformable. We investigated the possibility of genetic exchange among oral bacteria using an erythromycin‐resistant (Ermr) shuttle plasmid, pKMR4PE, as an indicator. S. gordonii Challis cells were co‐cultivated with purified pKMR4PE or with Trepomena denticola harboring pKMR4PE either in broth or in artificial biofilms. Transformation of S. gordonii occurred both in broth and in biofilms with pKMR4PE or T. denticola harboring pKMR4PE as donor sources. These results provide direct experimental evidence that gene transfer can occur from T. denticola to S. gordonii.
Inhibitory effects of whole and parotid saliva on immunomodulators
Authors: Wozniak K. L. , Arribas A. , Leigh J. E. , Fidel P. L.
Published: March 2003

Based on the presence of cytokines in whole saliva and their association with resistance and susceptibility to infectious disease, the present study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of a large panel of cytokines and chemokines in saliva. Despite the endogenous presence of Th1/Th2 and pro‐inflammatory cytokines and several chemokines in whole and parotid saliva of most individuals tested, the detection of known concentrations of several recombinant cytokines and chemokines was inhibited immediately following their addition to each type of saliva. In contrast, purified immunoglobulins were unaffected by either whole or parotid saliva. Further studies revealed that the inhibition of immunoreactivity involved sequestration of the majority of cytokines affected and degradation of chemokines. These results suggest that absolute concentrations of cytokines/chemokines may not be fully detectable in saliva. Therefore, the diagnostic value of any cytokine/chemokine is questionable and should be evaluated independently as such.
Histological changes in the pituitary gland and adenomas following radiotherapy
Authors: Nishioka Hiroshi , Hirano Asao , Haraoka Jo , Nakajima Nobuyuki
Published: March 2003

To elucidate histological changes in the pituitary gland and adenomas following radiotherapy, two irradiated pituitary glands and seven irradiated non‐functioning adenomas were studied. The latter included four cases with conventional radiation (CR) and three cases with radiosurgery: two with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) and one with stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy (SRT). The specimens were obtained 10 months to 10 years (mean 58 months) after the radiotherapy. Irradiated pituitary glands showed diffuse fibrosis in the adenohypophysis, whereas irradiated adenomas showed either mild or no fibrosis in five CR/SRT cases and diffuse thick hyaline deposits in two GKR cases. No necrosis was observed. Stellate‐shaped S‐100 protein‐positive cells were greater in number in the irradiated pituitary glands than in the normal glands. Pituitary cells with dense granular reactivity for mitochondrial protein, cytochrome oxidase, and Mn‐SOD, mimicking oncocytes, were greater in number in the irradiated adenohypophysis but did not show any change in cell size. Many irradiated pituitary cells and some irradiated adenoma cells were densely positive with anticytokeratin 1,5,10,14 antibody whereas non‐irradiated counterparts were negative. In adenomas, MIB‐1 labeling index remained unchanged after the radiation. The results may indicate that radiation‐induced fibrosis was associated with an increased number of folliculo‐stellate cells, mitochondrial dysfunction, and squamous metaplasia. These findings were prominent in irradiated pituitary cells and may participate in delayed pituitary hypofunction following radiotherapy. In irradiated adenoma cells, similar findings were observed but diffuse fibrosis was absent. The histological changes were more intensive in adenomas following GKR than those following CR.
Butenafine hydrochloride (Mentax®) cream for the treatment of hyperkeratotic type tinea pedis and its transfer into the horny layer, with or without concomitant application of 20% urea ointment (Keratinamin®)
Authors: Tanuma H. , Doi M. , Ohta Y. , Abe M. , Kume H. , Mukai H. , Katsuoka K.
Published: March 2003

Summary. Forty‐five patients were divided into two groups: group I, 23 patients, treated with butenafine hydrochloride (Mentax®) cream alone, and group II, 22 patients, treated with butenafine hydrochloride and 20% urea ointment (Keratinamin®) to evaluate the usefulness of the treatments. We also measured the transfer of these drugs to the horny layer in some patients. The clinical improvement rate of dermatological symptoms (marked improvement+ improvement) was 91.3% in group I, 100% in group II, with therapeutic effects evident earlier in group II than in group I. The mycological eradication rate was found to be 47.4% in group I, 50.0% in group II after 4 weeks of treatment, and 81.8 and 87.5% at 12 weeks thereafter, respectively, with no adverse reactions found. The clinical utility rate (markedly useful+useful) was 91.3% in group I and 86.4% in group II. These results demonstrate that application of butenafine hydrochloride alone was extremely effective for the treatment of hyperkeratotic‐type tinea pedis and that combination application with urea ointment resulted in an earlier improvement of dermatological symptoms. The concentration of butenafine in the horny layer from healthy volunteers reached a steady state in both groups I and II at 2 weeks after the application, with a lower concentration found in group II (about 70 ng mg−1) than in group I (about 100 ng mg−1). Although some variations in concentration were found in case by case, patients in whom the treatment was determined to be ‘markedly effective and effective’ showed the increase in concentration of the drug in the lesional horny layer to be directly proportional to the number of days of treatment, with a lower concentration found in group II than in group I. This trend was also seen in healthy volunteers.
Two cases of dermatophytic pseudomycetoma in the dog: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Abramo Francesca , Vercelli Antonella , Mancianti Francesca
Published: March 2003

Two cases of canine dermatophytic pseudomycetoma resulting in subcutaneous nodules resembling those previously reported in Persian cats are described. Culture performed from one nodule yielded dark yellow colonies consistent withMicrosporum canis. Immunohistochemistry, using rabbit anti‐M. canis, demonstrated specific binding to fungal elements in paraffin sections. The specificity of the antiserum was further tested by an agar gel immunodiffusion assay using a soluble extract from a feline isolate ofM. canisas antigen. The antiserum did not cross‐react with anAspergillus fumigatusantigen. These are the first two reported cases of canine dermatophytic pseudomycetoma and immunohistochemical staining supported the diagnosis.
A complex and mobile structure forms a distinct subregion within the continuous vacuolar membrane in young cotyledons of Arabidopsis
Authors: Saito Chieko , Ueda Takashi , Abe Hiroshi , Wada Yoh , Kuroiwa Tsuneyoshi , Hisada Akiko , Furuya Masaki , Nakano Akihiko
Published: March 2003

The plant vacuole is a multifunctional organelle which is essential for growth and development. To visualize the dynamics of plant vacuolar membranes, γ‐TIP (tonoplast intrinsic protein) was fused to GFP and expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana. The marker molecule was targeted to the vacuolar membranes in most tissues, as expected. In rapidly expanding cells, some additional spherical structures were often observed within the lumen of vacuoles, which emitted strong fluorescence. To confirm their normal presence, we examined wild‐type Arabidopsis cotyledons by transmission electron microscopy. The metal‐contact rapid‐freezing method revealed that the vacuolar lumen of epidermal cells contained many cytoplasmic projections, which often formed spherical structures (1–3 µm diameter) consisting of double membranes. Thus we concluded that these structures are authentic and named them ‘bulbs’. Three‐dimensional reconstruction from serial electron microscopic images demonstrates that bulbs are very intricately folded, but are continuous with the limiting vacuolar membrane. The fluorescence intensity of bulbs is about threefold higher than that of vacuolar membrane. GFP‐AtRab75c, another marker of the vacuole, did not give fluorescent signals of bulbs in transgenic plants, but the existence of bulbs was still confirmed by electron microscopy. These results suggest that bulbs define a subregion in the continuous vacuolar membrane, where some proteins are concentrated and others segregated.
Structural requirements for Arabidopsisβ1,2‐xylosyltransferase activity and targeting to the Golgi
Authors: Pagny S. , Bouissonnie F. , Sarkar M. , Follet‐Gueye M.L. , Driouich A. , Schachter H. , Faye L. , Gomord V.
Published: March 2003

Characterization of a β1,2‐xylosyltransferase from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtXylT) was carried out by expression in Sf9 insect cells using a baculovirus vector system. Serial deletions at both the N‐ and C‐terminal ends proved that integrity of a large domain located between amino acid 31 and the C‐terminal lumenal region is required for AtXylT activity expression. The influence of N‐glycosylation on AtXylT activity has been evaluated using either tunicamycin or mutagenesis of potential N‐glycosylation sites. AtXylT is glycosylated on two of its three potential N‐glycosylation sites (Asn51, Asn301, Asn478) and the occupancy of at least one of these two sites (Asn51 and Asn301) is necessary for AtXylT stability and activity. Contribution of the N‐terminal part of AtXylT in targeting and intracellular distribution of this protein was studied by expression of variably truncated, GFP‐tagged AtXylT forms in tobacco cells using confocal and electron microscopy. These studies have shown that the transmembrane domain of AtXylT and its short flanking amino acid sequences are sufficient to specifically localize a reporter protein to the medial Golgi cisternae in tobacco cells. This study is the first detailed characterization of a plant glycosyltransferase at the molecular level.
Doppler ultrasound measurements in the central circulation of anesthetized fetal sheep during obstruction of umbilical–placental blood flow
Authors: Tchirikov M. , Hecher K. , Deprest J. , Zikulnig L. , Devlieger R. , Schröder H. J.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To establish by Doppler ultrasound the effects of acute blockage of umbilical cord vessels on the fetal central circulation.

Design

Experimental study in anesthetized pregnant sheep.

Methods

In 11 anesthetized pregnant sheep (0.66 of gestation), Doppler velocity profiles and/or venous flow rates were recorded in the ductus venosus, the fetal aorta, the umbilical arteries and the umbilical vein. This involved three phases. In Phase 1, the abdominal wall was closed (n = 9); Phase 2 was during fetoscopy after laparotomy (n = 8); Phase 3 was after coagulation of one of the umbilical arteries (n = 10). As an additional intervention in six fetuses, the umbilical cord was clamped for 5–15 s while blood flow velocity changes in the ductus venosus were observed.

Results

There were no significant differences between Doppler recordings in Phases 1 and 2. During Phase 3, the pulsatiltiy index of the aorta and of the coagulated umbilical artery increased significantly. The umbilical vein blood flow rate was significantly reduced from a median of 408 (range, 243–575) mL/min/kg in Phase 1 to a median of 173 (range, 107–426) mL/min/kg in Phase 3, but the blood flow rate in the ductus venosus (median, 94; range, 56–148 mL/min/kg vs. median, 92; range, 33–237 mL/min/kg) remained unchanged. The ductus venosus/umbilical vein ratio increased from a median of 0.22 (range, 0.13–0.41) to 0.56 (range, 0.17–0.97) (P < 0.05). Compression of the cord (5–15 s) immediately reduced the time averaged maximum velocity in the ductus venosus from a mean of 51 (standard deviation, 11) cm/s to 20 (standard deviation, 6) cm/s (P < 0.001) without significant changes of the velocity profile. However, the pulsatiltiy index increased from a mean of 0.55 (standard deviation, 0.19) to 1.89 (standard deviation, 0.73) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Central venous flows in anesthetized fetal sheep are unaffected by laparotomy and hysterotomy. Obliteration of one umbilical artery increases the ductus venosus/umbilical vein volume flow (mL/min/kg) ratio. Compression of the umbilical cord shifts down blood flow velocity profiles in the ductus venosus, and the pulsatiltiy index thus increases.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Freehand three‐dimensional Doppler demonstration of monochorionic vascular anastomoses in vivo: a preliminary report
Authors: Welsh A. W. , Taylor M. J. O. , Cosgrove D. , Fisk N. M.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

To demonstrate the three‐dimensional vascular anatomy of monochorionic placental anastomoses in vivo, both arterioarterial and arteriovenous.

Design

Two‐dimensional placental mapping techniques were used to locate arterioarterial and arteriovenous anastomoses. A freehand sweep was performed across the anastomotic site, and multiple images were stored to disk, at 17 Hz. These were then segmented to show only color information (vascular flow) using purpose‐designed software (CQ analysis) and the files reconstructed into a three‐dimensional volume, for multidirectional viewing and movie generation.

Results

Both arterioarterial and arteriovenous anastomoses could be visualized in detail. Reconstruction of a dual volume of gray‐scale and segmented color images allowed recreation of the vascular anatomy within the placental substance, as well as retention of the original directional flow information.

Conclusions

Detailed anastomotic anatomy can be demonstrated three dimensionally in vivo. Given the increasing evidence implicating various anastomotic configurations in pathological intertwin transfusion, this technique may prove useful in the antenatal assessment and treatment of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Comparison between two‐ and three‐dimensional ultrasound measurements of nuchal translucency
Authors: Clementschitsch G. , Hasenöhrl G. , Schaffer H. , Steiner H.
Published: March 2003

Objective

Fetal nuchal translucency measurement has been introduced as a screening test for the calculation of risk of chromosomal abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to investigate: (1) the feasibility of obtaining nuchal translucency measurements using three‐dimensional ultrasound; (2) whether three‐dimensional ultrasound could improve and facilitate the required repeated measurements of nuchal translucency; (3) the correlation between two‐ and three‐dimensional nuchal translucency measurement values.

Subjects and methods

Between September 1999 and May 2000, in a prospective cohort study, 229 unselected pregnant women with a mean age of 34.6 (range, 20–46) years were examined. The mean fetal crown–rump length was 64.3 (range, 45–84) mm. Nuchal translucency thickness was measured first by two‐ and then by three‐dimensional ultrasound in two planes (three‐dimensional mid‐sagittal and three‐dimensional transverse). An attempt was made to repeat each nuchal translucency measurement three times (totalling nine measurements per patient) and the means of the two‐ and three‐dimensional measurements were compared. The majority (95%) of the measurements were made transabdominally and 5% were made transvaginally. The time limit for each examination was 20 min.

Results

With the two‐dimensional method, nuchal translucency could be measured in 96.8% of cases. Of these, three measurements could be obtained in 51.7%, two in 23.2% and only one in 25.1%. The three‐dimensional examination was successful in 98.6% of cases. Of these, three measurements could be obtained in 60%, two in 22.8% and one in 17.2%. Transvaginally, all examinations were successful. The main reason for the failure of two‐dimensional ultrasound was the fetal position, which in some cases precluded the distinction between fetal skin and amnion or the uterine wall. Using two‐dimensional ultrasound, 6.3% of the cases of measurement failure were due to an inability to differentiate clearly between fetal skin and amnion, whilst the equivalent value for the three‐dimensional method was only 3.3%. For the three‐dimensional technique, fetal movement was the main reason for failure. The mean time for both methods was similar (9 min and 10 min for two‐ and three‐dimensional ultrasound, respectively) and the correlation between the measurements obtained by the two‐ and three‐dimensional techniques was very high (r = 0.97).

Conclusion

The number of fetuses in which nuchal translucency could be measured tended to be higher with three‐dimensional ultrasound, although the difference was not statistically significant. The possibility of rotating a stored volume and inspecting it in three orthogonal planes makes three‐dimensional ultrasound a useful tool for nuchal translucency measurements, especially in doubtful cases. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Diagnosis and management of fetal cardiac anomalies: 10 years of experience at a single institution
Authors: Perolo A. , Prandstraller D. , Ghi T. , Gargiulo G. , Leone O. , Bovicelli L. , Pilu G.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of fetal echocardiography and the outcome of cardiac malformations diagnosed in utero.

Design

A retrospective study.

Methods

The archives of our ultrasound laboratory were searched for fetal cardiac abnormalities in the period 1991–2001.

Results

Diagnosis of a fetal cardiac anomaly was made in 339 pregnancies at a mean gestational age of 26.2 weeks. Pathology or a detailed postnatal follow‐up was available in 260 cases, and the prenatal diagnosis was accurate in 236 cases (91%). Discrepancies included nine false positive diagnoses (six ventricular septal defects and three coarctation of the aorta) and 15 cases in which a cardiac anomaly different from the one suspected in utero was documented. Of the 142 fetuses with isolated cardiac malformations (no extracardiac anomalies, normal chromosomes) that were delivered in our center, 114 were alive (80.2%) at a mean follow‐up of 38 months (range, 1–120 months). In this group of patients, conotruncal anomalies and univentricular lesions were the most frequent types of anomaly, and had a survival rate of 87% and 57%, respectively. Hypoplastic left heart was the most frequent isolated congenital heart defect in infants that were delivered (19 cases) and it was associated with a survival rate of 37%.

Conclusion

In expert hands, fetal echocardiography is highly accurate. The long‐term prognosis of cardiac lesions diagnosed in utero is similar to that reported in series of infants diagnosed after birth. The only exception is hypoplastic left heart in which the survival rate is much lower than expected from postnatal studies.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Maternal pain and anxiety in genetic amniocentesis: expectation versus reality
Authors: Ferber A. , Onyeije C. I. , Zelop C. M. , O'Reilly‐Green C. , Divon M. Y.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To investigate maternal perceptions of both pain and anxiety before and after genetic amniocentesis.

Study design

This prospective study of midtrimester, singleton pregnancies was conducted between March 2000 and July 2000. Study variables included patient demographics, medical and obstetric histories, indication for amniocentesis and a description of the source of information used by the patient regarding the procedure and technical degree of difficulty. Maternal pain and anxiety associated with performing amniocentesis were subjectively quantified with the use of the visual analog scale (VAS). Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon signed rank test, anova, and simple and stepwise regression analyses.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐three women participated in the study. Perception of pain before amniocentesis was significantly higher compared to that expressed immediately after the procedure, with a mean VAS score of 3.7 ± 2.5 vs. 2.1 ± 2.0 (P < 0.0001). Similarly, perception of anxiety was significantly greater prior to the procedure, with a mean VAS score of 4.6 ± 2.8 vs. 2.8 ± 2.4 after the amniocentesis (P < 0.0001). Perceptions of pain and anxiety were significantly and positively correlated to each other both before and after the procedure (P < 0.0001). History of a prior amniocentesis was the only variable associated with reducing expected pain and anxiety (negative correlation, P < 0.001), whereas the technical degree of difficulty was the only significant variable impacting on the actual pain and anxiety (positive correlation, P < 0.005).

Conclusions

Preamniocentesis counseling should emphasize the fact that, for most women, the actual pain and anxiety experienced during the procedure are significantly lower than expected. In fact, on a scale of 0–10, the mean level of pain was only 2.1, with a slightly higher mean level of anxiety. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Early sonographic detection of a ‘human tail’: a case report
Authors: Efrat Z. , Perri T. , Meizner I. , Chen R. , Ben‐Rafael Z. , Dekel A.
Published: March 2003

We report on a newborn in whom an echogenic protrusion arising in the caudal region was detected at 12 weeks' gestation. Subsequent ultrasound examinations at weeks 15 and 22 failed to demonstrate this finding. After birth, the infant was found to have a pilonidal sinus. The pilonidal sinus may represent a remnant of the embryonic appendage (‘human tail’) that usually disappears by the end of the 8th week of gestation. This case might support the theory of congenital pilonidal sinus origin. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Phylogenetic relationships among fruit flies, Bactrocera (Diptera, Tephritidae), based on the mitochondrial rDNA sequences
Authors: Muraji M. , Nakahara S.
Published: March 2003

Nucleotide sequences of a 1.6 kb long portion of the mitochondrial DNA containing the majority of the 16S rRNA gene, the tRNAval gene, and the 5′ half‐region of the 12S rRNA gene were determined for forty‐eight individuals of nineteen Bactrocera species and one other tephritid taxon, Anastrepha ludens. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using the consistently aligned 1.5 kb long sequences, excluding seventeen portions that could not be aligned unambiguously and were aligned inconsistently among analyses using different programs and parameters. Results of phylogenetic analyses were highly congruent among distance, unweighted parsimony, and weighted parsimony methods in terms of topology of resulting trees. Bootstrap analyses supported many of the phylogenetic relationships resolved by these analyses. Although aligned sequences showed apparent biases in nucleotide content and substitutions that differed among sites within the stem/loop structure of rRNA molecules, compensation for such factors did not greatly affect the topology. The results are discussed in relation to the taxonomic positions of species used in this study and in relation to the phylogenetic and diagnostic utility of the mitochondrial rDNA fragment.
Frequency and distribution of t‐haplotypes in the Southeast Asian house mouse (Mus musculus castaneus) in Taiwan
Authors: Huang S.‐W. , Ardlie K. G. , Yu H.‐T.
Published: March 2003

t‐haplotypes are a meiotic drive system found on the 17th chromosome of the house mouse (Mus musculus). They can be found in wild populations of all four genetically differentiated subspecies. The drive phenomenon is male‐specific, such that heterozygous males (+/t) show non‐Mendelian transmission and transmit the t‐chromosome to > 90% of their offspring. So far the most comprehensive studies on the frequencies of t‐haplotypes in natural populations have been on just one of the subspecies (M. musculus domesticus). We applied molecular methods to accurately screen t‐haplotypes in a large number of populations of a second subspecies (M. musculus castaneus) distributed in Taiwan. We found that the overall t‐haplotype frequency is low in M. m. castaneus (0.108), and the chromosomes are patchily distributed among its populations, closely resembling the situation found in M. m. domesticus. Further, we found the frequencies of t‐haplotypes in our sample did not differ in relation to the sex or age of mice. This resemblance in the frequency and distribution among populations of the two distinct subspecies suggests that similar general mechanisms might be responsible for the low frequencies in both subspecies.
Identification of interspecific hybrids by amplified fragment length polymorphism: the case of sturgeon
Authors: Congiu L. , Dupanloup I. , Patarnello T. , Fontana F. , Rossi R. , Arlati G. , Zane L.
Published: March 2003

The identification of interspecific hybrids represents an important issue for conservation biology and trade controls. In Italy, the commercial demand for sturgeon is rapidly increasing and interspecific hybrids represent a relevant part of aquacultural production. In this study we tested the suitability of the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique for sturgeon hybrid detection. Multilocus AFLP profiles were analysed by cluster analysis and assignment tests based on observed and simulated samples. Our results show that this approach can easily identify sturgeon hybrids, encouraging its application not only in sturgeon but also in other systematic groups.
Genetic differentiation and phylogeography of gulls in the Larus cachinnans–fuscus group (Aves: Charadriiformes)
Authors: Liebers D. , Helbig A. J. , De Knijff P.
Published: March 2003

We studied mitochondrial genetic differentiation among nine taxa of large gulls of the Larus cachinnans–fuscus group, which form part of the circumpolar Herring Gull complex. Our primary interest was to see if there were unrecognized gene flow barriers, to what extent mitochondrial genetic population structure conformed to current taxonomic boundaries, and what it might reveal about possible differences in population history. Sequences (430 nucleotides) of the hypervariable control region I (HVR‐I) were obtained from 580 individuals and proved highly informative within this recently diverged group of birds. Contrary to current classification, a basal split was revealed between an Atlantic–Mediterranean clade (atlantis, michahellis, armenicus) and a NW Palearctic–Central Asian clade (cachinnans, barabensis, mongolicus, fuscus‐group). There was almost no mitochondrial gene flow between these two groups, although they are in geographical contact in two areas (eastern North Atlantic, Black Sea). Within each of the two major groups, there was strong phylogeographic structure with gene flow barriers between some neighbouring taxa (e.g. cachinanns vs. barabensis), but also a case of poor genetic differentiation between phenotypically distinct forms (barabensis vs. heuglini). At the subspecies level, current taxonomy corresponded well to molecular genetic structure: over 80% of the molecular genetic variance was partitioned among six (groups of) taxa. This is in sharp contrast to previous studies using allozymes and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, which seemed to indicate extensive nuclear gene flow. Within‐taxon haplotype phylogenies and mismatch distributions revealed contrasting demographic histories: cachinnans (Ponto–Caspian region) and atlantis (NE Atlantic) represent ancient lineages with large long‐term population sizes, inland forms stem from very recent colonization events (barabensis, mongolicus) or passed through a population bottleneck (armenicus).
Field‐based measurements of oxygen uptake and swimming performance with adult Pacific salmon using a mobile respirometer swim tunnel
Authors: Farrell A. P. , Lee C. G. , Tierney K. , Hodaly A. , Clutterham S. , Healey M. , Hinch S. , Lotto A.
Published: March 2003

Novel field measurements of critical swimming speed (Ucrit) and oxygen uptake ( Mo2) in three species of adult Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. up to 3·5 kg in body mass were made using two newly designed, mobile Brett‐type swim tunnel respirometers sited at a number of field locations in British Columbia, Canada. Measurements of Ucrit, which ranged from 1· 68 to 2·17 body lengths s−1, and maximum Mo2, which ranged from 8·74 to 12·63 mg O2 kg−1 min−1 depending on the species and field location, were judged to be of similar quality when compared with available data for laboratory‐based studies. Therefore high quality respirometry studies were possible in the field using adult wild swimming salmonids. In addition, the recovery of wild adult Pacific salmon from the exhaustive Ucrit swim test was sufficiently rapid that swimming performance could be repeated with <1 h of recovery time between the termination of the initial swim test and the start of the second test. Moreover, this repeat swimming performance was possible without routine Mo2 being reestablished. This result suggests that wild adult salmon are capable of carrying a moderate excess post‐exercise oxygen consumption without adversely affecting Ucrit, maximum Mo2 or swimming economy. Such capabilities may be extremely important for timely migratory passages when salmonids face repetitive hydraulic challenges on their upstream migration.
Post‐stocking survival of 0+ year pike in ponds as a function of water transparency, habitat complexity, prey availability and size heterogeneity
Authors: Skov C. , Jacobsen L. , Berg S.
Published: March 2003

Survival of 0+ year pike Esox lucius (20–31 mm LT) was evaluated over the first week following stocking in ponds (16 m2) depending on water transparencies (low and high), habitat complexity (low and high) and food availability (zooplankton). A multiple regression analysis showed that survival, essentially as a result of cannibalism, decreased with increasing size heterogeneity of pike, and the decrease was steeper when no food was available. Survival was equal in clear water and water containing copper chlorophyllin (chlorophyll), and slightly higher in complex than in simple habitats, but only when alternative prey availability was low. Conversely, growth in water containing chlorophyll was slightly faster than in clear water. This suggests that initial size heterogeneity is the prevailing factor controlling mortality when stocking 0+ year pike almost irrespective of the stocking environment.
The effects of food consumption rate, body size and temperature on net food conversion efficiency in saithe and whiting
Authors: Andersen N. G. , Riis‐Vestergaard J.
Published: March 2003

Net food conversion efficiency κ was estimated from growth experiments on saithe Pollachius virens and whiting Merlangius merlangus that were fed natural prey at a range of ration levels including satiation rations. The conversion efficiency, which specifies the net energy fraction of ingested energy C, was described appropriately by a simple power function of food consumption rate as κ = 0·272C 0·18 and κ = 0·426C 0·11 for saithe and whiting. This functional relationship was supported by the patterns of accretion of lipids and proteins in saithe. No significant effects of temperature and body size on κ was, however, demonstrated in this study except for the indirect influence using feeding levels (rations expressed relatively to satiation rations) in bioenergetics models.