bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Culture of the Isolated Terminal Nerve‐Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Neurones Derived From Adult Teleost (Dwarf Gourami, Colisa lalia) Brain For the Study of Peptide Release Mechanisms
Authors: Abe Hideki , Oka Yoshitaka
Published: March 2009

Terminal nerve (TN)‐gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones are suggested to release GnRH peptides from widely‐branched neural processes and the somatodendritic regions, depending on their firing activities. The released GnRH may exert its neuromodulatory actions on GnRH receptors located on various target neurones. The electrophysiological and morphological characteristics of TN‐GnRH neurones, which are shared with other peptidergic neurones of vertebrate brains, are thought to represent general features of neuromodulatory and/or neurosecretory neurones. To address questions concerning the ways in which the electrical activities of peptidergic (TN‐GnRH) neuronal somata affect GnRH release from different neuronal compartments, we established a primary culture system of TN‐GnRH neurones, which will facilitate simultaneous recordings of various physiological signals from different compartments of a single TN‐GnRH neurone cultured in a flat plane. The whole brain of an adult freshwater teleost, the dwarf gourami, was dissected out. The TN‐GnRH neurones were then isolated and plated on a coverslip in culture medium. The isolated TN‐GnRH neurones could be cultured for up to 2 weeks. In culture, the neurones grew both axon‐ and dendrite‐like neurites, and these processes were phenotypically similar to those found in situ. Unlike the neurones in situ, the cultured neurones had somewhat depolarised resting membrane potentials and showed no spontaneous discharge, which, however, should not be considered to comprise unhealthy culture conditions. Instead, they showed subthreshold spontaneous membrane potential oscillations and could be induced to fire in phasic or tonic patterns. In addition, stimulus‐induced exocytotic events could be demonstrated in the soma and neurites using a fluorescent dye, FM1‐43. Thus, the present isolated culture of TN‐GnRH neurones will open up a wide range of possibilities for studying cellular mechanism of exocytosis, generation of spontaneous firing activity, and neurite outgrowth in peptidergic neurones.
Effect of arch length on the functional well‐being of dentate adults
Authors: MONTERO J. , BRAVO M. , HERNÁNDEZ L. A. , DIB A.
Published: March 2009

Summary  The aim of this study was to assess the influence of arch length and the number of occlusal units on the oral functions and general satisfaction perceived by dentate adults without dentures who had all their aesthetic units intact. We performed an epidemiological study at randomly chosen health centres on populations of adults without dentures. The subjects (n = 624) were classified as complete dental arch (CDA), interrupted dental arch (IDA) or shortened dental arches (SDA), depending on the length and continuity of the dental arches. We gathered clinical data and data on functional ability and oral satisfaction, plotting them on a scale of 0–10. The individuals with a shortened dental arch were found to have longer‐lasting, more frequent and more severe functional limitations upon chewing, smiling and speaking than those with a complete or interrupted arch. The prevalance rate ratio (95% CI) of functional limitations in the SDA group was higher than in the aggregated CDA‐IDA group, the values ranging between 1.56 (1.22–12.01) as regards chewing and 2.35 (1.45–3.85) in the case of smiling. However, in general all groups were satisfied with their oral status.
Patients achieving clearance of HCV with interferon therapy recover from decreased retinol‐binding protein 4 levels
Authors: Iwasa M. , Hara N. , Miyachi H. , Tanaka H. , Takeo M. , Fujita N. , Kobayashi Y. , Kojima Y. , Kaito M. , Takei Y.
Published: March 2009

Summary.  Retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a recently identified adipokine that is elevated in the blood in several insulin‐resistant states. We investigated the association between plasma RBP4 and histological and biochemical characteristics of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), as well as changes in RBP4 levels following interferon therapy. Eighty‐one patients with CHC infected with genotype 1 received treatment with peginterferon plus ribavirin. Histological data were available for 41 out of 81 patients before treatment, and the degree of fibrosis, inflammation and steatosis was assessed. Plasma levels of RBP4 were determined in serial samples (before, at the end of treatment, and at 6 months post‐treatment). RBP4 levels were lower in CHC patients than in control subjects (34.6 ± 12.3 μg/mL vs 46.2 ± 10.5 μg/mL; P ≤ 0.001). Higher RBP4 levels were linked to lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.01), higher cholinesterase (P < 0.01), hyperlipidaemia (P < 0.01), hyperglycaemia (P < 0.05), and higher platelet (P < 0.01) count in CHC patients. Plasma RBP4 levels tended to decrease concomitantly with the grade of histological fibrosis, activity, and steatosis. RBP4 levels at baseline were not a predictor of the response to antiviral therapy in CHC patients. After peginterferon plus ribavirin therapy, only patients who had achieved clearance of hepatitis C virus had higher post‐treatment RBP4 levels. This study suggests that an association between RBP4 levels and abnormal metabolic features, and that liver function may determine RBP4 levels in CHC patents. This is further supported by the observation that RBP4 levels increased significantly after treatment only in sustained virological response (SVR) patients and reached levels comparable to those of healthy subjects.
Diversifying selection on MHC class I in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Authors: LOISEAU CLAIRE , RICHARD MURIELLE , GARNIER STÉPHANE , CHASTEL OLIVIER , JULLIARD ROMAIN , ZOOROB RIMA , SORCI GABRIELE
Published: March 2009

Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are the most polymorphic loci known in vertebrates. Two main hypotheses have been put forward to explain the maintenance of MHC diversity: pathogen‐mediated selection and MHC‐based mate choice. Host–parasite interactions can maintain MHC diversity via frequency‐dependent selection, heterozygote advantage, and diversifying selection (spatially and/or temporally heterogeneous selection). In this study, we wished to investigate the nature of selection acting on the MHC class I across spatially structured populations of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in France. To infer the nature of the selection, we compared patterns of population differentiation based on two types of molecular markers: MHC class I and microsatellites. This allowed us to test whether the observed differentiation at MHC genes merely reflects demographic and/or stochastic processes. At the global scale, diversifying selection seems to be the main factor maintaining MHC diversity in the house sparrow. We found that (i) overall population differentiation at MHC was stronger than for microsatellites, (ii) MHC marker showed significant isolation by distance. In addition, the slope of the regression of FST on geographical distance was significantly steeper for MHC than for microsatellites due to a stronger pairwise differentiation between populations located at large geographical distances. These results are in agreement with the hypothesis that spatially heterogeneous selective pressures maintain different MHC alleles at local scales, possibly resulting in local adaptation.
Heterozygosity and extra‐pair paternity: biased tests result from the use of shared markers
Authors: WETZEL DANIEL P. , WESTNEAT DAVID F.
Published: March 2009

Recent studies of extra‐pair paternity have found support for the idea that heterozygous males have an advantage in siring offspring. Most studies use DNA microsatellite loci to determine paternity and then use the same loci to estimate individual heterozygosity. However, because the likelihood of detecting extra‐pair offspring depends on the combinations of parental alleles, it is possible that biases arise from particular allele combinations. This might produce false support for the influence of heterozygosity on mating behaviour. We used a simulation model to assess how large this bias might be. We found two sources of bias. First, we found a bias in the null hypothesis of a simple statistical test commonly used to test several predictions of the heterozygosity hypothesis. The use of randomization tests could eliminate this bias. Second, we found that using the same loci for both paternity and heterozygosity can cause an increase in results supporting the heterozygosity hypothesis when no effect of heterozygosity actually exists. This bias is reduced through the use of more markers with higher levels of polymorphism and heterozygosity, but can be eliminated entirely by using a separate set of markers to determine paternity and assess heterozygosity. The two sources of bias reduce evidence favouring the heterozygosity hypothesis, but do not negate all of the studies that support it. We suggest that further studies of heterozygosity and extra‐pair paternity are important and likely to be informative, but our recommendations should be incorporated by researchers to improve the reliability of their conclusions.
Population genomics of the inbred Scandinavian wolf
Authors: HAGENBLAD JENNY , OLSSON MARIA , PARKER HEIDI G. , OSTRANDER ELAINE A. , ELLEGREN HANS
Published: March 2009

The Scandinavian wolf population represents one of the genetically most well‐characterized examples of a severely bottlenecked natural population (with only two founders), and of how the addition of new genetic material (one immigrant) can at least temporarily provide a ‘genetic rescue’. However, inbreeding depression has been observed in this population and in the absence of additional immigrants, its long‐term viability is questioned. To study the effects of inbreeding and selection on genomic diversity, we performed a genomic scan with approximately 250 microsatellite markers distributed across all autosomes and the X chromosome. We found linkage disequilibrium (LD) that extended up to distances of 50 Mb, exceeding that of most outbreeding species studied thus far. LD was particularly pronounced on the X chromosome. Overall levels of observed genomic heterozygosity did not deviate significantly from simulations based on known population history, giving no support for a general selection for heterozygotes. However, we found evidence supporting balancing selection at a number of loci and also evidence suggesting directional selection at other loci. For markers on chromosome 23, the signal of selection was particularly strong, indicating that purifying selection against deleterious alleles may have occurred even in this very small population. These data suggest that population genomics allows the exploration of the effects of neutral and non‐neutral evolution on a finer scale than what has previously been possible.
Multiple paternity and competition in sympatric congeneric reef fishes,Embiotoca jacksoniandE. lateralis
Authors: REISSER CÉLINE M. O. , BELDADE RICARDO , BERNARDI GIACOMO
Published: March 2009

The black surfperchEmbiotoca jacksoniand the striped surfperchE. lateralis(Embiotocidae, Perciformes) are livebearing temperate reef fishes that live sympatrically over a large portion of their distribution range, where they exhibit strong ecological competition. In order to assess whether mating strategies reflect competition, we investigated multiple paternity in these two species in an area of sympatry. We sampled 24 pregnant females (12 for each species) in Monterey Bay, California, used microsatellite analysis and assessed paternity with the COLONY software. While broods are relatively small (12 to 36 offspring), they were always sired by multiple fathers (2 to 9), with no correlation between the size of a brood and the number of fathers. The number of sires for each brood was not significantly different between the two species (approximately 3.5 sires per brood). We tested the deviation from stochasticity of fathered offspring for each father in one brood. Results showed a significant deviation for bothE. jacksoniandE. lateralis. However, this deviation was not found to be significant between species. The striking similarity in the dynamics of multiple paternity in these species, when sampled in sympatry, may result from several alternative scenarios, including phylogenetic inertia, reproductive behaviour, and ecological competition.
Local and systemic effects of two herbivores with different feeding mechanisms on primary metabolism of cotton leaves
Authors: SCHMIDT LILIAN , SCHURR ULRICH , RÖSE URSULA S. R.
Published: March 2009

Caterpillars and spider mites are herbivores with different feeding mechanisms. Spider mites feed on the cell content via stylets, while caterpillars, as chewing herbivores, remove larger amounts of photosynthetically active tissue. We investigated local and systemic effects of short‐term caterpillar and spider mite herbivory on cotton in terms of primary metabolism and growth processes. After short‐term caterpillar feeding, leaf growth and water content were decreased in damaged leaves. The glutamate/glutamine ratio increased and other free amino acids were also affected. In contrast, mild spider mite infestation did not affect leaf growth or amino acid composition, but led to an increase in total nitrogen and sucrose concentrations. Both herbivores induced locally increased dark respiration, suggesting an increased mobilization of storage compounds potentially available for synthesis of defensive substances, but did not affect assimilation and transpiration. Systemically induced leaves were not significantly affected by the treatments performed in this study. The results show that cotton plants do not compensate the loss of photosynthetic tissue with higher photosynthetic efficiency of the remaining tissue. However, early plant responses to different herbivores leave their signature in primary metabolism, affecting leaf growth. Changes in amino acid concentrations, total nitrogen and sucrose content may affect subsequent herbivore performance.
Hepatitis antibody profile of Royal Thai Army nursing students
Authors: Pilakasiri Chaiyaphruk , Gibbons Robert V. , Jarman Richard G. , Supyapoung Somjai , Myint Khin Saw Aye
Published: March 2009

We report on a viral hepatitis serosurvey done on 381 nursing students in Bangkok; 360 (94%) were female. The mean age was 20 (±3.6) years (range 16‐41 years); 143, 92, 86 and 59 students came from Thailand’s Central, North, Northeast and South provinces, respectively. The overall prevalence of hepatitis A, B, C and E antibody in the students was 8.9%, 10.8%, 0.5% and 11.5%, respectively. The highest seroprevalence to hepatitis A was observed in cadets from the southern region of Thailand. Seroprevalence rates to hepatitis A and B were less than in other reported studies in Thailand.
Lung function at 10 yr is not impaired by early childhood lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Håland Geir , Lødrup Carlsen Karin Cecilie , Mowinckel Petter , Munthe‐Kaas Monica Cheng , Devulapalli Chandra Sekhar , Berntsen Sveinung , Carlsen Kai‐Håkon
Published: March 2009

The causal relationship between lower respiratory tract infections (LRIs) in early life and reduced lung function later in childhood is unsettled. Therefore, we assessed whether LRIs the first 2 yr of life influenced lung function development from birth to school age. In the prospective Oslo birth cohort, ‘the Environment and Childhood Asthma (ECA) study’ lung function was measured at birth in 802 infants by tidal flow volume loops and in 664 infants by passive respiratory mechanics and half yearly questionnaires, including LRI questions, were completed until 2 yr of age. The present study includes 607 children with information about LRIs the first 2 yr of life and successfully forced expiratory flow (FEF) volume measurements at the 10‐yr follow‐up assessment. At 10 yr of age, FEF at 50% of forced vital capacity (FEF50) (mean 95% confidence interval) was reduced in children with at least one bronchiolitis (85.0, 80.6–89.5, p = 0.020) or bronchitis (86.2, 82.6–89.8, p = 0.030) or ≥3 LRIs (83.4, 78.1–88.8, p = 0.017) when compared with no LRIs (90.6, 88.8–92.5) by 2 yr of life. The effects were significant in girls only when stratifying for gender. Among girls with later bronchiolitis compliance of the respiratory system (3.64, 3.17–4.10 vs. 4.18, 3.98–4.37, p = 0.031) and the ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow to total expiratory time (tPTEF/tE) measured at birth was significantly reduced (0. 26, 0.23–0.29 vs. 0.32, 0.30–0.33, p = 0.005) when compared with children with no LRIs. Change in lung function from birth (by tPTEF/tE) to 10 yr of age was not significantly associated with LRIs the first 2 yr of life, and LRIs by 2 yr of life were not significantly associated with lung function at 10 yr of age in regression analyses including lung function at birth and other possible predictors of lung function at 10 yr. In our study, LRIs during the first 2 yr of life did not impair lung function development from birth until 10 yr of age.
The regulatory function of umbilical cord blood CD4+ CD25+ T cells stimulated with anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 and exogenous interleukin (IL)‐2 or IL‐15
Authors: Lee Chen‐Cheng , Lin Syh‐Jae , Cheng Po‐Jen , Kuo Ming‐Ling
Published: March 2009

The abundance of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells in umbilical cord blood (UCB) might contribute to the decreased severity of graft‐vs.‐host disease (GVHD) for UCB transplantation. This study aims to characterize the phenotypes and suppressive function of UCB CD4+ CD25+ T cells under the influence of anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 (CD3/CD28) and exogenous interleukin (IL)‐2 or IL‐15. Higher percentages of CD4+ CD25high and FoxP3+ cells were detected in UCB compared to their adult counterparts. IL‐15 was as effective as IL‐2 in enhancing the proliferation of CD3/CD28 stimulated UCB CD4+ CD25+ T cells. Phenotypically, IL‐2/IL‐15‐stimulated UCB CD4+ CD25+ T cells expressed higher level of CTLA‐4, GITR, membrane bound transforming growth factor‐β (mTGF‐β), and especially Foxp‐3 than controls. IL‐2/IL‐15‐stimulated UCB CD4+ CD25+ T cells also produced much higher IL‐10 and TGF‐β than controls; while IL‐2/IL‐15‐stimulated UCB CD4+ CD25− T cells showed increased TGF‐β, but not IL‐10 production. IL‐2/IL‐15‐cultured UCB CD4+ CD25+ T cells showed comparable suppressor activity on allogeneic adult CD4+ T‐cell proliferation compared to controls, partly through a contact‐dependent fashion. Taken together, IL‐2/IL‐15‐stimulated UCB CD4+ CD25+ T cells show distinct regulatory T‐cell phenotypic and functional features, and may be applied for the alleviation of GVHD severity following UCB transplantation.
Temperature effect on the predation rate of Anthocoris nemorum (Het.: Anthocoridae) on cabbage aphids (Hom.: Aphididae)
Authors: Simonsen M.‐L. R. , Enkegaard A. , Bang C. N. , Sigsgaard L.
Published: March 2009

The temperature‐dependent predation by Anthocoris nemorum L. (Het.: Anthocoridae) on second instar Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hom.: Aphididae) at constant temperatures of 12, 15 and 20°C increased linearly with temperature with a mean (±SE) consumption of 6.9 (±0.8), 9.28 (±1) and 15.9 (±0.8) respectively. The estimated lower temperature threshold for predation (T0) was 6.4°C.
Measuring foraging activity in bumblebee nests: a simple nest‐entrance trip recorder
Authors: Kevan P. G. , Cooper E. , Morse A. , Kapongo J. P. , Shipp L. , Khosla S.
Published: March 2009

We describe a new, electronic, apparatus for measuring the activity of bumblebees as they fly from and to their nests. The bee activity recorder (BAR) works on the principle that bees leaving and returning to their nest crawl through a tube equipped with infrared emitters and detectors so that when the beam is interrupted by the passage of a bee, the event is recorded as either an exit or an entry. Tests of BARs indicate that they are highly accurate, BAR counts and visual counts highly correlated with an almost one‐to‐one correspondence. We suggest that BARs can be used for recording the foraging activities of bumblebees through nest exit and entry counts in many practical and research applications.
Effect of radiation on fecundity and fertility of codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from South Africa
Authors: Blomefield T. L. , Bloem S. , Carpenter J. E.
Published: March 2009

Codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is the key pest of pome fruit in South Africa, and it’s control in apple and pear orchards relies on the application of insecticides and pheromone‐mediated mating disruption. Development of resistance to insecticides and placement of restrictions on the use of certain insecticides has made control of codling moth in South Africa increasingly problematic. The use of the sterile insect technique (SIT) as a control tactic for codling moth is under investigation as a potential addition to the current control strategy. We investigated the radiosensitivity of a laboratory strain of codling moth that was established from moths collected from commercial and organic orchards in the Western Cape, South Africa. Fecundity and fertility of this strain following radiation were consistent with values for the codling moth strain in the Canadian rearing facility in British Columbia. For both strains, the female codling moth was considerably more radiosensitive than the male. At a radiation dose of 100 Gy or higher, treated females were 100% sterile. The fertility of the South African strain was higher (86.3%) than for the Canadian strain (71.9%). This difference in fertility between the two strains was maintained when the dose of radiation was 100 Gy. However, the level of fertility was very similar between the two strains for doses ≥150 Gy. Therefore, based upon previously published work and the data from this study, an operational dose of 150 Gy is recommended for future codling moth SIT programmes in South Africa.
Beneficial effect of atorvastatin on erythropoietin responsiveness in maintenance haemodialysis patients
Authors: TSOUCHNIKAS IOANNIS , DOUNOUSI EVANGELIA , PAPAKONSTANTINOU STAMATINA , IOANNOU KYRIAKOS , KELESIDIS APOSTOLOS , KOTZADAMIS NIKOLAOS , XANTHOPOULOU KYRIAKI , TSAKIRIS DIMITRIOS
Published: March 2009

Aim:  To evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on erythropoietin responsiveness and whether this effect is mediated by C‐reactive protein (CRP) reduction in prevalent dyslipidemic, haemodialysis patients.

Methods:  We studied prospectively 33 stable, iron‐repleted haemodialysis patients with low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) ≥2.58 mmol/L, who received 20 mg atorvastatin aiming to achieve the target of LDL <2.58 mmol/L, over a period of 9 months. Twenty‐five patients completed the study, 15 men, with mean age 66.1 ± 8.2 years. The duration of haemodialysis was 56.6 ± 63.1 months and 5/25 patients were diabetics. Total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL, haemoglobin, albumin, intact parathyroid hormone, serum iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity, CRP and weekly dose of erythropoietin/body weight/haemoglobin were analysed.

Results:  Twenty of the 25 patients (80%) achieved the goal of LDL <2.58 mmol/L. There was a significant decrease in total cholesterol (5.77 ± 0.88 to 4.16 ± 0.96 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and LDL (3.59 ± 0.77 to 1.94 ± 0.77 mmol/L, P < 0.001). Haemoglobin increased from 121 ± 11 to 126 ± 7 g/L (P < 0.05), while weekly dose of erythropoietin/body weight/haemoglobin decreased significantly from 8.34 ± 3.70 to 7.87 ± 3.11 IU/kg per haemoglobin (P < 0.05). CRP decreased not significantly from 7.0 ± 6.1 to 4.5 ± 2.2 mg/L.

Conclusion:  Dyslipidemia of haemodialysis patients was treated safely and effectively with atorvastatin, but a fifth of the patients failed to achieve the therapeutic target. Statin therapy resulted in a significant increase of haemoglobin levels and improvement of erythropoietin responsiveness without a significant reduction in CRP levels, suggesting that the beneficial effect of statins on erythropoietin responsiveness may be driven by a mechanism other than CRP reduction.
Cross‐sectional audit of blood lead levels in regular outpatient haemodialysis patients dialysing in north London
Authors: DAVENPORT ANDREW , MURCUTT GARETH , WHITING STEPHEN
Published: March 2009

Aim:  Blood lead was measured and found to be high in one haemodialysis patient with atypical abdominal pain and peripheral neuropathy. This prompted an audit of blood lead concentrations in prevalent haemodialysis patients under the care of a University Teaching hospital.

Methods:  Blood lead was determined in 271 prevalent adult haemodialysis patients regularly dialysing three times a week, in five dialysis centres and/or on the home dialysis programme. All samples were carefully collected into lead‐free plastic containers, and measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

Results:  25.5% of haemodialysis patients had abnormal blood lead concentrations (>200 µg/L), compared with 59% with high‐normal values of 100–200 µg/L, and only 15.5% with normal values (<100 µg/L). Blood lead increased with haemodialysis vintage (r = 0.38, P < 0.001), the use of a single carbon filter and reverse osmosis water purification device unit (r = 0.29, P < 0.001), but reduced by urine output (r = −0.44, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Despite UK government legislation to reduce permissible lead contamination of drinking water, blood lead was increased in 84.5% of prevalent haemodialysis patients. Single reverse osmosis machines and carbon filters may not be as effective at filtering out possible lead contamination compared with large industrial reverse osmosis devices and carbon filters, and thus blood lead testing should be considered for home haemodialysis patients, particularly in those areas where monochloramines are used to sterilize domestic water supplies.
Review article: Importance of the kidney proximal tubular cells in thiazolidinedione‐mediated sodium and water uptake
Authors: PANCHAPAKESAN USHA , POLLOCK CAROL , SAAD SONIA
Published: March 2009

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone are proxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists and are widely used clinically to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fluid retention still poses a significant limitation to its use. The primary renal process underlying TZD‐associated oedema is reduced urinary sodium and water excretion. Experimental evidence suggests that this is mainly related to the effects of PPARγ agonists on the distal nephron and collecting duct. We have recently shown that PPARγ agonists upregulate sodium and water transport channels in human proximal tubule cells and that Sgk‐1 is involved. In this review, we focus on the importance of the proximal tubular cells in TZD‐mediated sodium and water uptake.
Suspected sphenoid bone osteomyelitis causing visual impairment in two dogs and one cat
Authors: Busse Claudia , Dennis Ruth , Platt Simon R.
Published: March 2009

Objective To present the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of sphenoid bone osteomyelitis.

Procedures Two dogs (English Springer Spaniel – ESS, Golden Retriever – GR) and one cat (Domestic Long Haired) were presented with a 2–14‐day history of visual deficits and reduced pupillary light reflexes. Investigations included physical, ophthalmologic and neurological examination as well as hematology, serum biochemistry, MRI of the head and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.

Results MRI changes included thickening of the sphenoid bone and a loss of normal bone marrow signal on T1W MRI. Enhancement of the sphenoid bones, ventral meninges and ventral surface of the brain was present using paramagnetic contrast medium. CSF analysis was abnormal in the two dogs with increased cellularity, neutrophilic pleocytosis, intracellular bacteria and increased total protein in one, and with lymphocytic pleocytosis in another. CSF analysis was normal in the cat.

An underlying cause for the osteomyelitis could not be identified. The use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics for 3–6 weeks combined with anti‐inflammatory medications proved effective. Full clinical recovery occurred with no relapse during the follow up time of 7 (ESS) and 4 (Domestic Long Haired) years. The GR relapsed 10 months after treatment and recovered following a second 3‐week course of broad‐spectrum antibiotics with no relapse during the following 3 years.

Conclusion Visual pathway deficits in dogs and cats may be due to sphenoid bone osteomyelitis. MRI and CSF analysis can assist diagnosing this potentially treatable condition. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of sphenoid bone osteomyelitis in these species.
Histological differences in full‐thickness vs. lamellar corneal pig‐to‐rabbit xenotransplantation
Authors: Oh Joo Youn , Kim Mee Kum , Ko Jung Hwa , Lee Hyun Ju , Park Chung‐gyu , Kim Sang Joon , Wee Won Ryang , Lee Jin Hak
Published: March 2009

To evaluate the differences in graft survival and histopathological characteristics between full‐thickness and lamellar orthotopic corneal xenotransplantation in a pig‐to‐rabbit model, we orthotopically transplanted a full‐thickness or the anterior half of a pig's cornea onto the OD of 16 rabbits. As a result, the median survival were 16.83 and 29.07 days for the full‐thickness and lamellar xenografts, respectively (P = 0.0005). Histologically, the full‐thickness corneal xenografts had massive infiltration by eosinophils, whereas the lamellar xenografts showed predominantly mononuclear infiltrates (P < 0.05). Given these preliminary findings, lamellar corneal xenografts in rabbits survived longer than the full‐thickness xenografts and each type of graft demonstrated different rejection mechanisms.
Bilateral intraocular glandular choristomas in a Thoroughbred foal
Authors: Baumgartner Wes A. , Storey Eric S. , Paulsen Daniel B.
Published: March 2009

Intraocular choristomas are rare anomalies in domestic animals and are often associated with multiple ocular malformations. A Thoroughbred foal presented for ocular abnormalities and was diagnosed with microphthalmia, corneal dermoids, severe anterior segment dysgenesis (including glandular choristomas), aphakia, retinal dysplasia, and optic nerve hypoplasia. Morphological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical comparisons were made between ocular choristomatous tissues from this foal and lacrimal gland, third eyelid gland, nasopharynx, trachea, and lacrimal sac/nasolacrimal duct from normal horses. Morphologically the choristomatous tissues (glands and epithelium lining the anterior segment) were most similar to the lacrimal sac. Histochemistry of glandular components found the glands associated with the lacrimal sac/nasolacrimal duct to be serous, as was the glandular intraocular choristomas. Our findings suggest that the origin of intraocular glandular choristomas in this case is from the lacrimal sac.
Surgical correction of periocular fat pads and entropion in a potbellied pig (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Allbaugh Rachel A. , Davidson Harriet J.
Published: March 2009

A 16‐year‐old Vietnamese potbellied pig was examined because of recurrent ocular discharge and reduced visual ability. Bilateral upper eyelid entropion and impaired vision secondary to periocular fat deposition were diagnosed. Surgical correction with excision of subdermal fat and redundant skin was performed to address both issues. Surgery restored vision and resolved ocular irritation. More than 1 year following surgical therapy the pig is visual and comfortable with no evidence of recurrent fat deposition or entropion.
Orbital abscess bacterial isolates andin vitroantimicrobial susceptibility patterns in dogs and cats
Authors: Wang Annie L. , Ledbetter Eric C. , Kern Thomas J.
Published: March 2009

Objective To determine bacterial populations,in vitroantimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and sources of microorganisms for dogs and cats with orbital abscess.

Animals studied In total, 34 dogs and 7 cats with orbital abscess participated in the study.

Procedure Medical records of dogs and cats with a clinical diagnosis of orbital abscess, confirmed by cytologic or histopathologic evaluation of orbital specimens, were reviewed from the years 1990 to 2007. Animal signalment, presumptive source of microorganisms and mechanism of orbital introduction, bacterial isolates, and aerobic bacterialin vitroantimicrobial susceptibility test results were recorded. Percentages of susceptible aerobic bacterial isolates were compared among antimicrobials.

Results Twenty dogs and five cats had positive culture results. The most frequent bacterial genera isolated from dogs wereStaphylococcus,Escherichia,Bacteroides,ClostridiumandPasteurella. The most frequent bacterial genera isolated from cats werePasteurellaandBacteroides. Aerobic bacterial isolates from dogs had the highest percentage of susceptibility to amikacin, ceftiofur, gentamicin, imipenem, ticarcillin and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. Aerobic bacterial isolates from dogs had the lowest percentage of susceptibility to ampicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin and penicillin. Antimicrobial resistance was uncommon among feline aerobic bacterial isolates. The most commonly identified routes of orbital bacteria introduction were extension from adjacent anatomical structures, penetrating exogenous trauma, and foreign bodies.

Conclusions Mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infections of the orbit occur commonly in dogs and cats. On the basis of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolates andin vitrosusceptibility testing of aerobic bacterial isolates, cephalosporins, extended‐spectrum penicillins, potentiated‐penicillins and carbapenems are recommended for initial antimicrobial therapy of orbital abscess in dogs and cats.
Infrared digital imaging of the equine anterior segment
Authors: McMullen Jr. Richard J. , Clode Alison B. , Gilger Brian C.
Published: March 2009

Ocular photographs are an increasingly important method of documenting lesions for inclusion in medical records, teaching purposes, and research. Availability of affordable high‐quality digital imaging equipment has allowed for enhanced capture of desired images because of immediate on‐camera viewing and editing. Conversion of the standard digital camera sensor to one that is sensitive to infrared light (i.e. > 760 nm < 1 mm wavelength) can be done inexpensively. In the equine eye, advantages of infrared digital photography include increased contrast of anterior segment images, identification and monitoring of pigmentary changes, and increased visualization of the anterior segment through a cloudy or edematous cornea.
Surgical correction of severe strabismus and enophthalmos secondary to zygomatic arch fracture in a dog
Authors: Konrade Kricket A. , Clode Alison B. , Michau Tammy M. , Roe Simon C. , Trumpatori Brian J. , Krug William V. , Gilger Brian C.
Published: March 2009

A grossly displaced segmental zygomatic arch fracture with marked ventro‐lateral deviation of the left globe was diagnosed in a 3‐month‐old male German Shepherd dog following a bite injury. The fracture was approached via a modified lateral orbitotomy and a fragment of the lacrimal bone removed. The rostral portion of the fracture was stabilized with a 5‐hole 2.0 dynamic compression plate bone plate. The surgical correction achieved sufficient skeletal fixation for proper anatomical reduction of the globe and excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes.
An Efficient Simulated Annealing Algorithm for Regional Wastewater System Planning
Authors: Zeferino João A. , Antunes António P. , Cunha Maria C.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Planning solutions for wastewater system problems are often sought at a local level—that is, each city develops its own solution. However, in many cases, it would be possible to find solutions that are better both from the economic and the environmental viewpoints if they were looked for at a regional level. In this article, we present an efficient simulated annealing (SA) algorithm for solving a regional wastewater system planning model. The model is aimed at determining the minimum‐cost configuration for the system that will drain the wastewater generated by the population centers of a region, while complying with all relevant regulations. In particular, the system must ensure that the wastewater discharged from each treatment plant will not exceed a given maximum amount, consistent with the water quality standards defined for the receiving water body. The SA algorithm is termed efficient because its parameters were calibrated to ensure optimum or near‐optimum solutions to the model within reasonable computing time. The calibration was performed using a particle swarm algorithm for a large set of test instances designed to replicate real‐world problems.
Maps from Space: Latvian Organic Farmers Negotiate their Place in the European Union
Authors: Aistara Guntra A.
Published: March 2009

Implementation of a new system of geographical information system (GIS) maps based on aerial photos to administer EU agri‐environmental support payments for organic farmers in Latvia in 2005 erupted into disputes over farm boundaries, cultural landscapes, good agricultural practices and regional power dynamics. Farmers whose land area had been changed along with the change in technology were deemed to be in breach of their support payment agreements and had to repay the difference, leaving many disillusioned with the EU and considering withdrawal from the organic agriculture support programme. I argue here that this case demonstrates the complexities of EU accession for new member states, revealing the unintended consequences of the implementation of European policies in post‐socialist contexts. Disputes over the organic land area reflect deeper cultural issues tied to the history of foreign domination. Furthermore, they represent a conflict surrounding ideas of space versus place. Abstract ‘maps from space’ challenge farmers' place‐based knowledge and national imaginaries of agricultural landscapes. On a broader level, this conflict reflects the tensions between the imagined ‘return to Europe’ and the reality of Europe as a political and bureaucratic space.
Implicit Sociology, Interdisciplinarity and Systems Theories in Agricultural Science
Authors: Jansen Kees
Published: March 2009

Recurring political and economic crises in agriculture lie behind policymakers' demands for more interdisciplinary, problem‐solving approaches. This article examines different systems theories in agricultural sciences that claim to adopt interdisciplinarity and to bridge a supposed gap between the natural and social sciences. It analyses the debates and differences between so‐called ‘hard systems’ and ‘soft systems’ approaches, or positivist and interpretative approaches. It aims to make the confrontation between these two approaches more legible as well as to reveal the shortcomings of each position. In particular, the implicit and unsophisticated sociology underlying the hard systems approach is a key issue. Critical realist theory is explored as an alternative to both the hard and the soft systems approach towards interdisciplinarity since it opens up space for thinking in a non‐reductionist way about multiple determinations without rejecting the value of single disciplines for uncovering the working of important causalities.
THE PRIVATE FINANCING OF NHS HOSPITALS: POLITICS, POLICY AND PRACTICE
Authors: Hellowell Mark , Pollock Allyson M.
Published: March 2009

This article outlines and critiques the main fiscal and economic rationales for the Private Finance Initiative and examines the impact of the policy on the long‐term financial viability of NHS trusts. It concludes that the PFI funding of capital investment is highly problematic. Its high costs can have a negative impact on the finances of health systems.
NEW LABOUR, PUBLIC–PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS AND RAIL TRANSPORT POLICY
Authors: Jupe Robert
Published: March 2009

The New Labour government has favoured the deployment of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) to provide investment in transport infrastructure. The results of this policy on the railways have, however, been disappointing in terms of cost and efficiency. Public transport PPPs require complex contracts underpinned by regulatory mechanisms in order to maintain performance and safety standards. Moreover, risk transfer is difficult to achieve, as essential infrastructure cannot be left to the ultimate market discipline of bankruptcy.
PPPs: THE PASSAGE OF TIME PERMITS A SOBER REFLECTION
Authors: Hodge Graeme A. , Greve Carsten
Published: March 2009

This paper argues that evaluations of public–private partnerships thus far point to contradictory results regarding their effectiveness and value‐for‐money. Despite continuing political popularity, greater care is needed to strengthen future evaluations and conduct such assessments away from the policy cheerleaders.
THE NATIONALISATION OF RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS IN ARGENTINA
Authors: Niemietz Kristian
Published: March 2009

In October 2008, the government of Argentina announced that the citizens’ privately owned retirement savings accounts (RSAs) would be nationalised. This article shows that contrary to the Kirchner government's assertions, the private savings system had great potential. Its performance may not have fully lived up to its initial expectations, but that was largely due to the adverse effects of underdeveloped securities markets, large informal sectors impeding widespread participation, intrusive investment regulation and poor implementation. Within its tight constraints, the private system worked better than the public PAYGO system.
POWER AGAINST PEOPLE: A CHRISTIAN CRITIQUE OF THE STATE
Authors: Elst Philip Vander
Published: March 2009

This article, based on the author's IEA web publication of the same name, challenges the widespread view that government is the best vehicle for achieving positive social change. Rather it argues that the over‐mighty state has always been the chief cause of oppression, poverty and war throughout the world.
ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FISCAL POLICY AS AN INSTRUMENT OF MACROECONOMIC POLICY
Authors: Arestis Philip , McCombie John
Published: March 2009

This paper demonstrates that fiscal policy is an effective and essential instrument of stabilisation macroeconomic policy. This is particularly so if it is co‐ordinated with monetary policy, especially in the current worldwide economic situation.
CONTAINING SINO‐EUROPEAN PROTECTIONISM
Authors: Erixon Fredrik , Messerlin Patrick
Published: March 2009

The trade politics of EU–China commercial relations have sharply deteriorated in the last year. Obsessed by the EU's trade deficit with China, European leaders have become shrill and confrontational in their approach. China has contained its irritation over the EU's China‐bashing, but has slowed down its trade liberalisations. The EU and China must find a new way to contain protectionist threats in their trade and investment relations.
How important is employment protection legislation for Foreign Direct Investment flows in Central and Eastern European countries?1
Authors: Leibrecht Markus , Scharler Johann
Published: March 2009

In this article we investigate empirically the importance of labour market conditions and in particular the role of employment protection legislation as determinants of bilateral Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). We find that FDI flows are significantly higher in countries with relatively low unit labour costs. We also find that employment protection legislation does not exert a statistically significant impact on FDI flows. Our results are consistent with the interpretation that transition economies attract FDI via low production costs whereas indirect costs related to the rigidity of the labour market are less relevant.
Predicting European Takeover Targets
Authors: Brar Gurvinder , Giamouridis Daniel , Liodakis Manolis
Published: March 2009

This article extends the Palepu (1986) acquisition likelihood model by incorporating measures of a technical nature, e.g. momentum, trading volume as well as a measure of market sentiment. We use the proposed model to predict takeover targets in a large sample of European and cross‐border merger and acquisition deals and validate its performance on an in‐ and out‐of‐sample basis. The robustness of the proposed model is investigated across several dimensions. In addition we explore the ability of the model to form the basis of successful takeover timing investment strategies. The results of our empirical analysis suggest that the proposed model predicts European takeover targets with relatively high accuracy and is able to determine portfolios that earn significant returns which are not explained by conventional risk factors.
Melancholy, Topography and the Search for Origin in Ingeborg Bachmann's Drei Wege Zum See
Authors: Krylova Katya
Published: March 2009

Bachmann's Drei Wege zum See is a text insistently preoccupied with questions of identity, origin and origination. Operating along a topographical structure that both frames and drives the narrative, its concern is a walking through personal and collective history in search of an elusive point of origin. This attempt is always necessarily melancholic, standing under the perennial threat of missed or failed homecomings. Using psychoanalytic conceptions of psychic topography and Walter Benjamin's conception of origin, this essay explores the intersections of memory, place and identity in Drei Wege zum See, as well as drawing on related theories of melancholy and nostalgia. The present article builds on previous explorations of identity, intertextuality and collective memory in Drei Wege zum See, shedding a new light on these through consideration of the text's psychotopographical preoccupation. I explore how an attempt to reconstruct a personal narrative with the aid of a topographical frame is one that will always resist totalisation, where reconstruction may only ever be partial, never complete. Finally, I argue that topographical melancholy is a highly productive mode of identity formation, serving to subvert and overturn falsifying constructions of personal and collective identity.
Conflicting Evidence: Hermann Kant and the Opening of the Stasi Files
Authors: Jones Sara
Published: March 2009

This article analyses the crisis of memory resulting from the historical rupture of 1989 and the opening of the Stasi files in 1992. Focusing on the GDR writer, Hermann Kant, I compare Kant's own account of his involvement with the Stasi in post‐1989 autobiography and journalism with the portrayal of these events in the files themselves. The Stasi files have been described as both an aid to memory and a form of hostile biography, and a tension can be seen in the responses of both ‘Inoffizielle Mitarbeiter’ and victims of Stasi observation between the desire to use the files to reconstruct forgotten past events and the need to reject this secondary perspective on one's life. Hermann Kant can be seen to react to this crisis of memory with a total refusal to accept the validity of the file and an assertion of the superiority of his autobiography over this second biography. Analysis of the files and autobiography in conjunction with each other points to the ambiguity and complexity of intellectual life in the GDR and the difficulty of remembering this complexity in the post‐1989 political context amidst conflicting evidence shaped by different political circumstances.