bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents: international perspective on epidemiology and phenomenology
Authors: Soutullo César A , Chang Kiki D , Díez‐Suárez Azucena , Figueroa‐Quintana Ana , Escamilla‐Canales Inmaculada , Rapado‐Castro Marta , Ortuño Felipe
Published: December 2005

Objective:  There is considerable skepticism outside the US over the prevalence of pediatric bipolar disorder (BD). We wished to evaluate the epidemiology of BD in children and adolescents in non‐US samples.

Method:  We reviewed studies on the prevalence of BD in children and adolescents in international samples. We also describe our sample of 27 children with BD at the University of Navarra.

Results:  There are important and frequently overlooked differences in the definition of BD between the International Classification of Diseases 10th edition (ICD‐10) and DSM‐IV and methodological differences in epidemiological studies that may partially explain international differences in prevalence of pediatric BD. The prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorder in young adults in Switzerland is 11%. In Holland the 6‐month prevalence of mania in adolescents was 1.9% and of hypomania 0.9%. Only 1.2% of hospitalized youth (<15 years) in Denmark and 1.7% of adolescents in Finland had BD. In our clinic, the prevalence of DSM‐IV BD in children 5–18 years old is 4%, and of any mood disorders 27%. There are also data from Brazil, India and Turkey with varying results.

Conclusion:  Relative lack of data, ICD‐10 and DSM‐IV differences in diagnostic criteria, different levels of recognition of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry as a true specialty in Europe, clinician bias against BD, an overdiagnosis of the disorder in USA and/or a true higher prevalence of pediatric BD in USA may explain these results. US–International differences may be a methodological artifact and research is needed in this field.
Declarative memory impairment in pediatric bipolar disorder
Authors: Glahn David C , Bearden Carrie E , Caetano Sheila , Fonseca Manoela , Najt Pablo , Hunter Kristina , Pliszka Steve R , Olvera Rene L , Soares Jair C
Published: December 2005

Objectives:  Impaired verbal declarative memory has been proposed as a trait marker for adult bipolar disorder. However, similar impairments in juvenile‐onset bipolar disorder have not been yet documented. Here, we assessed declarative memory in a large sample of clinically well‐characterized children with bipolar disorder.

Methods:  Forty‐one children and adolescents with bipolar disorder [21 bipolar I disorder (BP‐I), 10 bipolar II disorder (BP‐II), and 10 bipolar disorder, not otherwise specified (BP‐NOS)] and 17 demographically matched healthy participants completed a standardized learning and memory test.

Results:  BP‐I children recalled and recognized significantly fewer words than healthy subjects, whereas children with BP‐II and BP‐NOS did not differ from controls. However, individuals with BP‐NOS made more perseverative errors and intrusions than the other groups. Severity of mood symptomatology was not associated with memory performance in any bipolar subtype.

Conclusions:  Findings suggest that declarative memory impairments in juvenile BP‐I are similar to those seen in the adult form of the illness. These impairments do not appear to be secondary to clinical state; rather, they may reflect trait‐related impairments. Distinct performance patterns in BP‐I, BP‐II, and BP‐NOS suggest that the broadly defined phenotype is significantly heterogeneous, and may not be informative for pathogenetic investigations of bipolar disorder.
Population size, female fecundity, and sex ratio variation in gynodioecious Plantago maritima
Authors: Nilsson Emil , Ågren Jon
Published: December 2005

Theory predicts that the sex ratio of gynodioecious populations (in which hermaphrodites and females coexist) will be affected by the relative female fitness of females and hermaphrodites, and by founder events and genetic drift in small populations. We documented the sex ratio and size of 104 populations of the gynodioecious, perennial herb Plantago maritima in four archipelagos in eastern Sweden and western Finland (from latitude 53 to 64 °N). The sex ratio varied significantly both among and within archipelagos (range 0–70% females, median 6.3% females). The frequency of females was highest in the northernmost archipelago and lowest in the southernmost archipelago. As predicted, females were more frequently missing from small than from large populations, and the variance in sex ratio increased with decreasing population size. The relative fecundity of female plants (mean seed output per female/mean seed output per hermaphrodite) ranged from 0.43 to 2.16 (median 1.01, n = 12 populations). Among the 12 populations sampled for seed production (four in each of three archipelagos), the frequency of females was positively related to relative fecundity of females and negatively related to population size. The results suggest that the local sex ratio is influenced both by the relative fecundity of females and hermaphrodites and by stochastic processes in small populations.
Ornament evolution in dragon lizards: multiple gains and widespread losses reveal a complex history of evolutionary change
Authors: Ord T. J. , Stuart-fox D.
Published: December 2005

The expression in females of ornaments thought to be the target of sexual selection in males is a long-standing puzzle. Two main hypotheses are proposed to account for the existence of conspicuous ornaments in both sexes (mutual ornamentation): genetic correlation between the sexes and sexual selection on females as well as males. We examined the pattern of ornament gains and losses in 240 species of dragon lizards (Agamidae) in order to elucidate the relative contribution of these two factors in the evolution of mutual ornamentation. In addition, we tested whether the type of shelter used by lizards to avoid predators predicts the evolutionary loss or constraint of ornament expression. We found evidence that the origin of female ornaments is broadly consistent with the predictions of the genetic correlation hypothesis. Ornaments appear congruently in both sexes with some lineages subsequently evolving male biased sexual dimorphism, apparently through the process of natural selection for reduced ornamentation in females. Nevertheless, ornaments have also frequently evolved in both sexes independently. This suggests that genetic correlations are potentially weak for several lineages and sexual selection on females is responsible for at least some evolutionary change in this group. Unexpectedly, we found that the evolutionary loss of some ornaments is concentrated more in males than females and this trend cannot be fully explained by our measures of natural selection.
No sympatric speciation here: multiple data sources show that the antMyrmica microrubrais not a separate species but an alternate reproductive morph ofMyrmica rubra
Authors: Steiner F. M. , Schlick-steiner B. C. , Konrad H. , Moder K. , Christian E. , Seifert B. , Crozier R. H. , Stauffer C. , Buschinger A.
Published: December 2005

No aspect of speciation is as controversial as the view that new species can evolve sympatrically, among populations in close physical contact. Social parasitism has been suggested to yield necessary disruptive selection for sympatric speciation. Recently, mitochondrial DNA phylogeography has shown that the ant Myrmica microrubra is closely related to its host, Myrmica rubra, leading to the suggestion that sympatric speciation has occurred. We investigated the relationships between the two ant forms using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences, microsatellite genotyping and morphometrics. Molecular phylogenetic and population structure analyses showed that M. microrubra does not evolve separately to its host but rather shares a gene pool with it. Probability analysis showed that mitochondrial DNA data previously adduced in favour of sympatric speciation do not in fact do so. Morphometrically, M. microrubra is most readily interpreted as a miniature queen form of M. rubra, not a separate species. Myrmica microrubra is not an example of speciation. The large (typical M. rubra) and small (M. microrubra) queen forms are alternative reproductive strategies of the same species. Myrmica microrubraSeifert 1993 is consequently synonymized here with M. rubra Linnaeus, 1758.
Polychaete distribution patterns revisited: an historical explanation
Authors: Glasby Christopher J.
Published: December 2005

Brooks Parsimony Analysis (BPA) was used to determine the patterns of relationships among areas (and their polychaete species), and whether or not they were caused by vicariance events. Ten clades representing 195 species and 24 global marine areas of endemism were analysed. Phylogenetic and distributional data were sourced from the literature. BPA yielded two minimal‐length area cladograms differing only in the placement of the South‐west Atlantic. Both area cladograms indicated three large‐scale area groups (=realms) related as follows: (Austral, (Boreal, Pantropical)), which correspond to the same three realms, albeit differently related, for terrestrial taxa. Within the Pantropical realm areas were grouped into east and west Tethyan subrealms and within the Boreal realm Atlantic and Pacific subrealms were found. This result is largely concordant with earth history under Plate Tectonics theory and indicates that vicariance has been influential in shaping the present‐day distribution of polychaetes. A model describing the hypothesised sequence of major vicariance events since the Late Jurassic (150 Ma) is illustrated. The existence of three marine biogeographic realms suggests that, for shallow water polychaetes at least, systematic studies would be more effectively conducted at the realm scale rather than global or regional scales.
Seasonal variations of the Spionida (Palpata: Canalipalpata) in the sublittoral zone of the Gulf of California
Authors: Hernández‐Alcántara Pablo , Solís‐Weiss Vivianne
Published: December 2005

The aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal and spatial variations of the Spionida, one of the most abundant and diverse polychaete groups in the Gulf of California. A total of 6527 organisms from 39 stations taken during the winter‐spring and summer periods were identified. The number of species was similar in winter‐spring and summer (29–30), but abundance was significantly higher during the winter‐spring season (4791 versus 1736 in summer). The overall highest density values were recorded in the central‐eastern region (33.45–164.66 org./0.1 m2) where some of the areas with the highest species richness were found (12–16 species). A similar pattern was observed during summer, but with lower values of density. Paraprionospio pinnata, the key species, contributed with 16.24% to the total average dissimilarity between seasons and defined most assemblages of species. It was mainly distributed at stations deeper than 64 m in the eastern shores. The density and composition of species change spatially as a response to changes in depth and sand percent; seasonally, the temperature influenced the variation in the faunal distribution.
Fauchaldonuphis, a new genus for the enigmatic polychaete Diopatra paradoxaQuatrefages, 1866
Authors: Paxton Hannelore
Published: December 2005

A new genus, Fauchaldonuphis, is erected for the enigmatic polychaete Diopatra paradoxade Quatrefages, 1866 from the Mozambique Channel. It is characterized by the possession of long anterior chaetigers and parapodia, with long protrusile distally spinous capillary chaetae and bidentate hooks. Embryos being brooded in the parental tube are described. The relationships of Fauchaldonuphis with other genera of Onuphidae based on larval and adult characters are discussed.
Golgi apparatus of the motor neurons in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in mice models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Fujita Yukio , Okamoto Koichi
Published: December 2005

We examined the Golgi apparatus (GA) of motor neurons of patients with ALS and in mice models of ALS by immunohistological method using antiserum against MG160 and against components of the trans‐Golgi network (TGN46). The GA of half of the remaining spinal cord motor neurons of patients with sporadic ALS showed fragmentation, where the GA were dispersed or fragmented into numerous small, isolated elements. The GA of Betz cells in sporadic ALS were fragmented similar to that of anterior horn cells, and the GA of spinal cord motor neurons of those with familial ALS and of those with ALS with basophilic inclusions were fragmented or diminished. The GA in the majority of the motor neurons contained Bunina bodies, basophilic inclusions and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)‐positive aggregates were fragmented. The motor neurons in transgenic mice expressing G93A mutation of the SOD1 gene showed the fragmentation of the GA months before the onset of paralysis. These findings suggest that the fragmentation of GA may be related to the neuronal degeneration in patients with ALS.
Pathology of pure hippocampal sclerosis in a patient with dementia and Hodgkin's disease: the Ophelia syndrome
Authors: Shinohara Toshiya , Kojima Hideaki , Nakamura Nishio , Ogata Akihiko , Betsuyaku Tomoko , Suzuki Akihiko , Maki Youichi , Nagashima Kazuo
Published: December 2005

An archive autopsy case of a 50‐year‐old man who died of Hodgkin's lymphoma had a 4‐year, 4‐month history of dementia. After radiochemotherapy, the lymphoma subsided except for involvement of the spleen, but the dementia remained. Neuropathological examination revealed that the pathology was confined to the hippocampus, both hippocampi showing sclerosis without inflammation. Neurons of sector cornu ammonis (CA) 1 were completely lost whereas moderate neuron loss was also observed in sectors CA3 and 4, and the dentate gyrus. Neurons of sector CA2 were relatively well preserved and the subiculum was intact. There was no evidence of global hypoxia, or of neurodegenerative disorders with pathological changes affecting the hippocampus. Although there was a long preneoplastic history, and no inflammatory changes were found at autopsy, the present case of hippocampal sclerosis could be included in the category of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma or the Ophelia syndrome.
Disseminated intraparenchymal microgranulomas in the brainstem in central nervous system sarcoidosis
Authors: Nishie Makoto , Mori Fumiaki , Suzuki Chieko , Ogawa Masaya , Kurahashi Kozo , Kaimori Mitsuomi , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: December 2005

We report a 70‐year‐old woman with sarcoidosis and multiple cranial nerve palsy. The patient suffered from dysarthria, dysphagia and weakness of the upper and lower extremities and died of sepsis. No abnormalities were noted in brain MRI. At autopsy, numerous epithelioid granulomas with Langhans giant cells were present in the bilateral lungs, including the hilar lymph nodes. The brain had a normal external appearance. Histologically, there were brainstem parenchymal lesions consisting of many microgranulomas, lymphocytic infiltration, activated microglias and astrocytosis. Perivascular lympocytic cuffing was also seen. Neither granulomas nor lymphocytic infiltration were seen in the leptomeninges. The present case was considered to be a peculiar type of neurosarcoidosis, that is, “sarcoid brainstem encephalitis”.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography management of common bile duct stones in a surgical unit
Authors: Chen Chung‐Ming , Tay Khoon‐Hean , Hoe Michael N. , Salleh Ibrahim , Lim Swee Ho
Published: December 2005

Background:  Choledocholithiasis, if left untreated, can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The management of such a problem has progressed tremendously but controversy still exists as to ideal management, laparoscopic exploration or endoscopic retrograde pancreatography with sphincterotomy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in a surgical unit.

Methods:  We performed a retrospective review on 336 patients who underwent ERCP between 1997−2000.

Results:  We achieved a successful cannulation rate of 98% and stone clearance rate exceeding 90%. Morbidity has been minimal and there was no mortality in our study.

Conclusion:  We conclude that ERCP is an effective and safe surgical alternative for the management of choledocholithiasis.
Lantana invasion: An overview
Authors: SHARMA GYAN P. , RAGHUBANSHI AKHILESH S. , SINGH JAMUNA S.
Published: December 2005

We review the key features of Lantana (Lantana camara L.), an invasive plant species considered to be among the world's 10 worst weeds. Lantana occurs in diverse habitats and on a variety of soil types, and its spread is encouraged by animal activities and by human disturbances, such as cultivation, road construction, and changes in fire regimes. Lantana is morphologically distinct in the different regions of its invasive range compared to those regions in its native range. The biological attributes contributing to the success of Lantana as an invader species include: fitness homeostasis, phenotypic plasticity, dispersal benefits from destructive foraging activities, widespread geographic range, vegetative reproduction, fire tolerance, better competitive ability compared to native flora, and allelopathy. Mechanical, chemical and biological options for the eradication and control of Lantana are available. It is emphasized that ecosystem‐level consequences of Lantana invasion, particularly on the biodiversity of native flora, are little understood and studies are needed to fulfill this knowledge gap.
Differential responses to NMDA receptor activation in rat hippocampal interneurons and pyramidal cells may underlie enhanced pyramidal cell vulnerability
Authors: Avignone E. , Frenguelli B. G. , Irving A. J.
Published: December 2005

Hippocampal interneurons are generally more resistant than pyramidal cells to excitotoxic insults. Because NMDA receptors play a crucial role in neurodegeneration, we have compared the response to exogenous NMDA in CA1 pyramidal cells and interneurons of the stratum oriens using combined whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording and ratiometric Ca2+ imaging. In voltage‐clamp, current‐clamp or in nominally Mg2+‐free medium, NMDA (10 µm; 3–5 min exposure in the presence of tetrodotoxin) induced a markedly larger inward current and Ca2+ rise in pyramidal cells than in interneurons. Pyramidal cells also showed a more pronounced voltage dependence in their response to NMDA. We hypothesized that this enhanced response to NMDA receptor activation in pyramidal cells could underlie their increased vulnerability to excitotoxicity. Using loss of dye as an indicator of degenerative membrane disruption, interneurons tolerated continuous exposure to a high concentration of NMDA (30 µm) for longer periods than pyramidal cells. This acute neurodegeneration in pyramidal cells was independent of intracellular Ca2+, because high intracellular BAPTA (20 mm) did not prolong survival time. Thus, a plausible explanation for the enhanced sensitivity of pyramidal neurons to excitotoxic insults associated with cerebral ischemia is their greater response to NMDA receptor activation, which may reflect differences in NMDA receptor expression and/or subunit composition.
Olfactory receptors on the cockroach antenna signal odour ON and odour OFF by excitation
Authors: Tichy Harald , Hinterwirth Armin , Gingl Ewald
Published: December 2005

A morphologically identifiable type of olfactory sensillum on the antenna of the American cockroach contains a pair of ON and OFF cells that responds oppositely to changes in the concentration of fruit odours. The odour of lemon oil was used to study the accuracy with which these cells can discriminate between rapid step‐like, ramp‐like and oscillating changes in odour concentration. The discharge rates of both cells are not only affected by the actual concentration at particular instants in time (instantaneous concentration) but also by the rate at which concentration changes. The impulse frequency of the fruit odour ON cell is high when odour concentration is high, but higher still when odour concentration is also rising. Conversely, the impulse frequency of the fruit odour OFF cell is high when odour concentration is low and higher still when odour concentration is also falling. Thus, the effect of odour concentration on the responses of both cells is reinforced by the rate of change. Sensitivity to the rate of concentration change becomes greater when the rate is low. Because of the high sensitivity to low rates of change, these cells are optimized to detect fluctuations in fruit odour concentration. Whereas the ON cell signals the arrival and presence of fruit odour, the OFF cell detects its termination and absence. These cells provide excitatory responses for both increase and decrease in fruit odour concentration and may therefore reinforce contrast information.
Electrophysiological and behavioural characterization of gustatory responses to antennal ‘bitter’ taste in honeybees
Authors: De Brito Sanchez Maria Gabriela , Giurfa Martin , De Paula Mota Theo Rolla , Gauthier Monique
Published: December 2005

We combined behavioural and electrophysiological experiments to study whether bitter taste is perceived at the antennal level in honeybees, Apis mellifera. Our behavioural studies showed that neither quinine nor salicin delivered at one antenna at different concentrations induced a retraction of the proboscis once it was extended in response to 1 m sucrose solution delivered to the opposite antenna. Bees that extended massively their proboscis to 1 m sucrose responded only partially when stimulated with a mixture of 1 m sucrose and 100 mm quinine. The mixture of 1 m sucrose and 100 mm salicin had no such suppressive effect. No behavioural suppression was found for mixtures of salt solution and either bitter substance. Electrophysiological recordings of taste sensillae at the antennal tip revealed sensillae that responded specifically either to sucrose or salt solutions, but none responded to the bitter substances quinine and salicin at the different concentrations tested. The electrophysiological responses of sensillae to 15 mm sucrose solution were inhibited by a mixture of 15 mm sucrose and 0.1 mm quinine, but not by a mixture of 15 mm sucrose and 0.1 mm salicin. The responses of sensillae to 50 mm NaCl were reduced by a mixture of 50 mm NaCl and 1 mm quinine but not by a mixture of 50 mm NaCl and 1 mm salicin. We concluded that no receptor cells for the bitter substances tested, exist at the level of the antennal tip of the honeybee and that antennal bitter taste is not represented as a separate perceptual quality.
Differential expression of calcineurin A subunit mRNA isoforms during rat hippocampal and cerebellar development
Authors: Eastwood Sharon L. , Salih Tom , Harrison Paul J.
Published: December 2005

Calcineurin (protein phosphatase 2B) is a calcium‐dependent serine‐threonine phosphatase. It has diverse roles and is centrally involved in synaptic plasticity. The catalytic A subunit of calcineurin has three isoforms, α, β and γ. Their expression and ontogeny in the brain has not been systematically investigated; such data become important with a report that PPP3CC, the gene encoding calcineurin Aγ, is a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia, and the finding that its expression is decreased in the disorder. We used in situ hybridization histochemistry to measure the relative transcript abundance of calcineurin Aγ and the other catalytic isoforms, Aα and Aβ, during development of the Sprague–Dawley rat hippocampus and cerebellum. All three isoforms are present in both regions at all time points [embryonic day 19 (E19) to postnatal day 42 (P42)] and undergo developmental regulation, but differ in their ontogenic profile. Calcineurin Aα and Aβ mRNAs increased from E19 through to adulthood, whereas Aγ mRNA was most highly expressed during early developmental stages. Calcineurin Aα and Aβ mRNAs positively correlated with synaptophysin mRNA (a synaptic marker), whilst Aγ mRNA was either unrelated to, or negatively correlated, with this transcript. These data confirm that all three calcineurin A subunits are expressed in the rodent brain, and indicate that calcineurin Aγ may have different roles than Aα and Aβ. The data also suggest a potential importance of calcineurin Aγ in neurodevelopment, and in the genetically influenced neurodevelopmental disturbance that is thought to underlie schizophrenia.
Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 activity in experimental brain contusions aggravates injury outcome and leads to early increased neuronal and glial degeneration
Authors: Sköld Mattias K. , Risling Mårten , Holmin Staffan
Published: December 2005

Angiogenesis following traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may be of importance for post‐traumatic reparative processes and the development of secondary injuries. We have previously shown expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major regulator of endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis and vascular permeability, and VEGF receptors (VEGFR1 and 2) after TBI in rat. In the present work we tried to further elucidate the role of VEGF after TBI by performing specific VEGFR2 activity inhibition. In rats subjected to VEGFR2 blockage we report an increased haemorrhagic area (P < 0.05), early increase in serum levels of neural injury marker neuron‐specific enolase (P < 0.05) and glial injury marker S100β (P < 0.05), and increased numbers of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate‐biotin nick end labelling‐ (TUNEL‐) and FluoroJade B‐ (P < 0.05) positive cells, all increases preceding the known VEGF/VEGFR vascular response in brain trauma. An increase in lesion area, as measured by decreased microtubuli‐associated protein 2 expression (P < 0.05) and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein reactivity (P < 0.05), could also be demonstrated. In addition, vascular density, as measured by von Willebrandt factor‐positive cells, was decreased (P < 0.05). No differences in post‐traumatic inflammatory response, as measured by stainings for macrophages, granulocytes and intracellular adhesion molecules, were shown between the groups. Taken together, our findings point towards VEGF/VEGFR2 up‐regulation after TBI as being an important endogenous cytoprotective mechanism in TBI. The possible importance of VEGF on the vascular, neuronal and glial compartments of the neurovascular unit after TBI is discussed.
Spinal cord compression and dorsal root injury cause up‐regulation of activating transcription factor‐3 in large‐diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Huang W. L. , Robson D. , Liu M. C. , King V. R. , Averill S. , Shortland P. J. , Priestley J. V.
Published: December 2005

Spinal cord injury causes damage to ascending and descending tracts, as well as to local circuits, but relatively little is known about the effect of such injury on sensory neurons located within adjoining ganglia. We have therefore used immunocytochemistry for activating transcription factor‐3 (ATF3), a sensitive marker of axonal damage, in order to examine the effects of spinal cord injury in rats on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. A 50‐g static compression injury applied to the dorsal surface of the T12 thoracic spinal cord led to an up‐regulation of ATF3 that was maximal at 1 day and affected 12–14% of DRG neurons in ganglia caudal to the injury (T13–L3). A similar response was seen after a T12 hemisection that transected the dorsal columns except that compression injury, but not hemisection, also evoked ATF3 expression in ganglia just rostral to the injury (T10, T11). ATF3 was up‐regulated exclusively in DRG neurons that were of large diameter and immunoreactive for heavy neurofilament. Small‐diameter cells, including the population that binds the lectin Grifffonia simplicifolia IB4, did not express ATF3 immunoreactivity. A similar pattern of ATF3 expression was induced by dorsal rhizotomy. The data show for the first time that ATF3 is up‐regulated after spinal cord and dorsal root injury, but that this up‐regulation is confined to the large‐diameter cell population.
Molecular analysis of microbial communities identified in different developmental stages of Ixodes scapularis ticks from Westchester and Dutchess Counties, New York
Authors: Moreno Claudia X. , Moy Fred , Daniels Thomas J. , Godfrey Henry P. , Cabello Felipe C.
Published: December 2005

Ixodes scapularis ticks play an important role in the transmission of a wide variety of pathogens between various mammalian species, including humans. Pathogens transmitted by ticks include Borrelia, Anaplasma and Babesia. Although ticks may harbour both pathogenic and non‐pathogenic microflora, little is known about how the diversity of the microflora within ticks may influence the transmission of pathogens. To begin addressing this question, we examined the composition of bacterial communities present in Ixodes scapularis collected from Westchester and Dutchess Counties, New York State, at different developmental and nutritional stages. Genetic fingerprints of bacterial populations were generated by temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE) separation of individual polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments, followed by DNA sequence analysis for bacterial identification. The fingerprints of the TTGE bands were grouped into five clusters. The most abundant DNA sequence found in all the samples was Rickettsia, followed by Pseudomonas and Borrelia. Ralstonia, Anaplasma, Enterobacterias, Moraxella, Rhodococcus and uncultured proteobacterium were present as well. We also determined the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi by PCR and DNA sequence analysis. Statistical analyses indicated significant variations in the bacterial communities depending on tick developmental stage and degree of engorgement. We suggest that these two elements affect microbial diversity within the tick and may in turn influence pathogen transmission to humans and animals after tick bite.
Characterization and quantification of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria in eutrophic coastal marine sediments using polyphasic molecular approaches and immunofluorescence staining
Authors: Urakawa Hidetoshi , Kurata Shinya , Fujiwara Taketomo , Kuroiwa Daisuke , Maki Hideaki , Kawabata Sumiko , Hiwatari Takehiko , Ando Haruo , Kawai Toshio , Watanabe Masataka , Kohata Kunio
Published: December 2005

Tokyo Bay, a eutrophic bay in Japan, receives nutrients from wastewater plants and other urban diffuse sources via river input. A transect was conducted along a line from the Arakawa River into Tokyo Bay to investigate the ecological relationship between the river outflow and the distribution, abundance and population structure of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Five surficial marine sediments were collected and analysed with polyphasic approaches. Heterogeneity and genetic diversity of β‐AOB populations were examined using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of 16S rRNA and amoA genes. A shift of the microbial community was detected in samples along the transect. Both 16S rRNA and amoA genes generated polymorphisms in the restriction profiles that were distinguishable at each sampling site. Two 16S rRNA gene libraries were constructed using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method to determine the major ammonia oxidizers maintaining high cellular rRNA content. Two major groups were observed in the Nitrosomonas lineage; no Nitrosospira were detected. The effort to isolate novel AOB was successful; the isolate dominated in the gene libraries. For quantitative analysis, a real‐time PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene was developed. The population sizes of β‐AOB ranged from 1.6 × 107 to 3.0 × 108 cells g−1 in dry sediments, which corresponded to 0.1–1.1% of the total bacterial population. An immunofluorescence staining using anti‐hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) antibody was also tested to obtain complementary data. The population sizes of ammonia oxidizers ranged between 2.4 × 108 and 1.2 × 109 cells g−1 of dry sediments, which corresponded to 1.2–4.3% of the total bacterial fraction. Ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria cell numbers deduced by the two methods were correlated (R = 0.79, P < 0.01). In both methods, the number  of   AOB   increased   with   the   distance   from   the river mouth; ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria were most numerous at B30, where the ammonium concentration in the porewater was markedly lower and the nitrite concentration was slightly higher than nearby sites. These results reveal spatial distribution and shifts in the population structure of AOB corresponding to nutrients and organic inputs from the river run‐off and phytoplankton bloom.
The influence of abdomino‐peranal (intersphincteric) resection of lower third rectal carcinoma on the rates of sphincter preservation and locoregional recurrence
Authors: Hohenberger W. , Merkel S. , Matzel K. , Bittorf B. , Papadopoulos T. , Göhl J.
Published: December 2005

Objective  The most extended form of rectal resection, representing the very last option for sphincter preservation is abdomino‐peranal intersphincteric resection for tumours of the lower third which otherwise would not be resectable with preservation of the sphincter by an abdominal approach alone.

Patients and methods  The data of 476 patients with a carcinoma in the lower third of the rectum who underwent primary treatment for stage I‐III disease by low anterior resection, abdomino‐peranal (intersphincteric) resection or abdominoperineal excision between 1985 and 2001 were analysed. The time periods 1985–94 and 1995–2001 were compared.

Results  The rate of intersphincteric resections increased from 3% in 1985–94 to 27% in 1995–2001 while abdominoperineal excisions decreased. Postoperative complication rate was not increased in intersphincteric resections (25%) while postoperative mortality did not differ between the operative procedures. The overall 5‐year‐rate of locoregional recurrence decreased from 18% to 16%. In intersphincteric resections 14.2% of the patients treated with radiochemotherapy developed locoregional recurrence, while this rate was 46.5% (7/18) if adjuvant treatment was not administered (P = 0.0200). The cancer‐related 5‐year survival rate was not altered by intersphincteric resection.

Conclusion  In carcinomas of the lower third of the rectum, the application of abdomino‐peranal intersphincteric resection can reduce the need for rectal excision by 20%. Neo‐/adjuvant radiochemotherapy is required to reduce locoregional recurrence to an acceptable level.
Intragranular pH rapidly modulates exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells
Authors: Camacho Marcial , Machado José D. , Montesinos Mónica S. , Criado Manuel , Borges Ricardo
Published: December 2005

Several drugs produce rapid changes in the kinetics of exocytosis of catecholamines, as measured at the single event level with amperometry. This study is intended to unveil whether the mechanism(s) responsible for these effects involve changes in the intravesicular pH. Cell incubation with bafilomycin A1, a blocker of the vesicular proton pump, caused both a deceleration in the kinetics of exocytosis and a reduction in the catecholamine content of vesicle. These effects were also observed upon reduction of proton gradient by nigericin or NH4Cl. pH measurements using fluorescent probes (acridine orange, quinacrine or enhanced green fluorescent protein–synaptobrevin) showed a strong correlation between vesicular pH and the kinetics of exocytosis. Hence, all maneuvers tested that decelerated exocytosis also alkalinized secretory vesicles and vice versa. On the other hand, calcium entry caused a transient acidification of granules. We therefore propose that the regulation of vesicular pH is, at least partially, a necessary step in the modulation of the kinetics of exocytosis and quantal size operated by some cell signals.
The novel β‐secretase inhibitor KMI‐429 reduces amyloid β peptide production in amyloid precursor protein transgenic and wild‐type mice
Authors: Asai Masashi , Hattori Chinatsu , Iwata Nobuhisa , Saido Takaomi C. , Sasagawa Noboru , Szabó Beáta , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Maruyama Kei , Tanuma Sei‐ichi , Kiso Yoshiaki , Ishiura Shoichi
Published: December 2005

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The major component of the plaques, amyloid β peptide (Aβ), is generated from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β‐ and γ‐secretase‐mediated cleavage. Because β‐secretase/beta‐site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) knockout mice produce much less Aβ and grow normally, a β‐secretase inhibitor is thought to be one of the most attractive targets for the development of therapeutic interventions for AD without apparent side‐effects. Here, we report the in vivo inhibitory effects of a novel β‐secretase inhibitor, KMI‐429, a transition‐state mimic, which effectively inhibits β‐secretase activity in cultured cells in a dose‐dependent manner. We injected KMI‐429 into the hippocampus of APP transgenic mice. KMI‐429 significantly reduced Aβ production in vivo in the soluble fraction compared with vehicle, but the level of Aβ in the insoluble fraction was unaffected. In contrast, an intrahippocampal injection of KMI‐429 in wild‐type mice remarkably reduced Aβ production in both the soluble and insoluble fractions. Our results indicate that the β‐secretase inhibitor KMI‐429 is a promising candidate for the treatment of AD.
Nine new polymorphic microsatellite loci for the amplification of archived otolith DNA of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L.
Authors: JAKOBSDÓTTIR KLARA BJÖRG , JÖRUNDSDÓTTIR þÓRA DÖGG , SKÍRNISDÓTTIR SIGURLAUG , HJÖRLEIFSDÓTTIR SIGRÍÐUR , HREGGVIÐSSON GUÐMUNDUR Ó. , DANÍELSDÓTTIR ANNA KRISTÍN , PAMPOULIE CHRISTOPHE
Published: December 2005

Nine out of 22 microsatellite primers tested were successfully amplified on three samples of cod Gadus morhua L. (two contemporary and one archived otolith samples). All loci were polymorphic (5–23 alleles/locus). The average observed heterozygosity across loci and samples was 0.625, ranging from 0.294 to 0.895 at each locus. All loci were under Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, except PGmo56 that showed significant excess of heterozygotes in all studied samples. The isolated loci were suitable for degraded DNA and therefore useful for conducting a long‐term temporal study with DNA obtained from archived otoliths of cod.
Porphyroblast rotation during crenulation cleavage development: an example from the aureole of the Mooselookmeguntic pluton, Maine, USA
Authors: JOHNSON S. E. , DUPEE M. E. , GUIDOTTI C. V.
Published: December 2005

In the low‐pressure, high‐temperature metamorphic rocks of western Maine, USA, staurolite porphyroblasts grew at c. 400 Ma, very late during the regional orogenesis. These porphyroblasts, which preserve straight inclusion trails with small thin‐section‐scale variation in pitch, were subsequently involved in the strain and metamorphic aureole of the c. 370 Ma Mooselookmeguntic pluton. The aureole shows a progressive fabric intensity gradient from effectively zero emplacement‐related deformation at the outer edge of the aureole ∼2900 m (map distance) from the pluton margin to the development of a pervasive emplacement‐related foliation adjacent to the pluton. The development of this pervasive foliation spanned all stages of crenulation cleavage development, which are preserved at different distances from the pluton. The spread of inclusion‐trail pitches in the staurolite porphyroblasts, as measured in two‐dimensional (2‐D) thin sections, increases nonlinearly from ∼16° to 75° with increasing strain in the aureole. These data provide clear evidence for rotation of the staurolite porphyroblasts relative to one another and to the developing crenulation cleavage. The data spread is qualitatively modelled for both pure and simple shear, and both solutions match the data reasonably well. The spread of inclusion‐trail orientations (40–75°) in the moderately to highly strained rocks is similar to the spread reported in several previous studies. We consider it likely that the sample‐scale spread in these previous studies is also the result of porphyroblast rotation relative to one another. However, the average inclusion‐trail orientation for a single sample may, in at least some instances, reflect the original orientation of the overgrown foliation.
Benzodiazepine Use and Physical Disability in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Gray Shelly L. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Hanlon Joseph T. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Blough David K. , Leveille Suzanne G. , Artz Margaret B. , Guralnik Jack M. , Buchner Dave M.
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether benzodiazepine use is associated with incident disability in mobility and activities of daily living (ADLs) in older individuals.

DESIGN: A prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Four sites of the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly.

PARTICIPANTS: This study included 9,093 subjects (aged ≥65) who were not disabled in mobility or ADLs at baseline.

MEASUREMENTS: Mobility disability was defined as inability to walk half a mile or climb one flight of stairs. ADL disability was defined as inability to perform one or more basic ADLs (bathing, eating, dressing, transferring from a bed to a chair, using the toilet, or walking across a small room). Trained interviewers assessed outcomes annually.

RESULTS: At baseline, 5.5% of subjects reported benzodiazepine use. In multivariable models, benzodiazepine users were 1.23 times as likely as nonusers (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.09–1.39) to develop mobility disability and 1.28 times as likely (95% CI=1.09–1.52) to develop ADL disability. Risk for incident mobility was increased with short‐ (hazard ratio (HR)=1.27, 95% CI=1.08–1.50) and long‐acting benzodiazepines (HR=1.20, 95% CI=1.03–1.39) and no use. Risk for ADL disability was greater with short‐ (HR=1.58, 95% CI=1.25–2.01) but not long‐acting (HR=1.11, 95% CI=0.89–1.39) agents than for no use.

CONCLUSION: Older adults taking benzodiazepines have a greater risk for incident mobility and ADL disability. Use of short‐acting agents does not appear to confer any safety benefits over long‐acting agents.
Global Sleep Satisfaction of Older People: The Jerusalem Cohort Study
Authors: Jacobs Jeremy M. , Cohen Aaron , Hammerman‐Rozenberg Robert , Stessman Jochanan
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVES: To describe the nature of global sleep satisfaction (GSS) of older people and the factors associated with it.

DESIGN: A 7‐year follow‐up of an age‐homogenous cohort.

SETTING: Community based.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred ninety subjects aged 70 at baseline and 77 at follow‐up.

MEASUREMENTS: Self‐reported sleep domains and a comprehensive assessment of health variables, including psychosocial, physical, and functional factors, at ages 70 and 77.

RESULTS: GSS was found to be poor in 25% of subjects at ages 70 and 77, with an estimated average annual remission rate of 7% and an annual incidence of 2.4%. Poor GSS at ages 70 and 77 was significantly associated with difficulty falling asleep, awakening feeling tired, two or more nocturnal awakenings, and taking sleeping tablets. Significant cross‐sectional associations were found at age 70 and 77 between poor GSS and poor self‐rated health, general fatigue, depression, dependence in one or more activities of daily living, and low level of physical activity. In a regression analysis, risk factors at age 70 for subsequent poor GSS were loneliness, depression, poor self‐rated health, economic difficulties, back pain, obesity, and prior poor GSS. The only significant long‐term association was between poor GSS and poor self‐rated health. GSS did not influence mortality data.

CONCLUSION: Poor GSS in older people is common and chronic. Its chief determinants are loneliness, depression, poor self‐rated health, economic difficulties, back pain, and obesity. It predicts poor self‐rated health but not increased mortality.
A method to study sustained antimicrobial activity of rinse and dentifrice components on biofilm viability in vivo
Authors: Van Der Mei H. C. , White D. J. , Atema‐Smit J. , Van De Belt‐Gritter E. , Busscher H. J.
Published: December 2005

Aim: To develop an improved method for quantitative assessment of antimicrobial efficacy and substantivity of mouth rinses and dentifrices on in vivo treated plaque.

Material and Methods: Nine‐ and 72‐h‐old plaques were formed in volunteers carrying out standardized hygiene using NaF‐containing dentifrice. Plaques were collected before (baseline) in vivo treatment with dentifrices or chlorhexidine mouth rinse, immediately post‐treatment and after 1 or 6 h, dispersed in demineralized water and stained with live/dead stain after which bacteria were enumerated. Dispersed baseline plaques were treated with dentifrices or chlorhexidine to determine antimicrobial efficacy against planktonic bacteria.

Results: Baseline plaques revealed 56–41% viable organisms in 9‐ and 72‐h‐old plaques, respectively. Treatment of planktonic (dispersed baseline plaque) bacteria resulted in 1–4% viable organisms. Chlorhexidine mouth rinse and dentifrices produced strong immediate antimicrobial effects, but after 1 or 6 h, the proportion of viable organisms in 9‐h‐old plaques rebounded significantly with only chlorhexidine mouth rinse retaining significant efficacy. Seventy‐two‐hour‐old plaques were less susceptible to antimicrobials, although dentifrices appeared more effective after 6 h than initially, whereas efficacy of chlorhexidine rinse continued to drop with time post‐treatment.

Conclusions: The proposed method holds promise for assessment of both immediate and retained antimicrobial actions of oral treatments against dental plaque in vivo.
Microbial colonization patterns predict the outcomes of surgical treatment of intrabony defects
Authors: Heitz‐Mayfield Lisa , Tonetti Maurizio S. , Cortellini Pierpaolo , Lang Niklaus P. ,   on behalf of European Research Group on Periodontology (ERGOPERIO)
Published: December 2005

Aim: To explore the impact of bacterial load and microbial colonization patterns on the clinical outcomes of periodontal surgery at deep intrabony defects.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty‐two patients with advanced chronic periodontitis and at least one intrabony defect of >3 mm were recruited in 10 centres. Before recruitment, the infection control phase of periodontal therapy was completed. After surgical access and debridement, the regenerative material was applied in the test subjects, and omitted in the controls. At baseline and 1 year following the interventions, clinical attachment levels (CAL), pocket probing depths (PPD), recession (REC), full‐mouth plaque scores and full‐mouth bleeding scores were assessed. Microbial colonization of the defect‐associated pocket was assessed using a DNA–DNA checkerboard analysis.

Results: Total bacterial load and counts of red complex bacteria were negatively associated with CAL gains 1 year following treatment. The probability of achieving above median CAL gains (>3 mm) was significantly decreased by higher total bacterial counts, higher red complex and T. forsythensis counts immediately before surgery.

Conclusions: Presence of high bacterial load and specific periodontal pathogen complexes in deep periodontal pockets associated with intrabony defects had a significant negative impact on the 1 year outcome of surgical/regenerative treatment.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Fetus: Physicists', Technologists' and Radiologists' Perspectives
Authors: Morris J. , Whitby E. , Paley M.
Published: December 2005

In utero magnetic resonance imaging has expanded from a research tool into everyday practise for many centres worldwide. This is predominantly for central nervous system abnormalities, but research is continuing on it's role in other body systems. The technique is dependent on radiographers, radiologists and physicists working together to optimise the sequences and reduce the time taken. Experience is essential on all aspects including the interpretation of the images. There is no doubt that it is a useful adjuvant to antenatal ultrasound in certain clinical situations. For optimal use a multidisciplinary team approach with detailed case discussion is essential.