bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The malathion‐specific resistance gene confers a sperm competition advantage in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: ARNAUD L. , HAUBRUGE E. , GAGE M. J. G.
Published: November 2005

Genes for insecticide resistance are usually traded against other fitness traits. However, in Tribolium castaneum, the opposite effect occurs under malathion‐specific resistance: susceptible individuals show reduced reproductive success compared with resistant lines.

To determine the mechanisms within this unusual relationship, we explored male fertilization success after sperm competition between homozygotes of two isogenic lines that were only either resistant or susceptible to malathion. We also measured key male reproductive traits known to influence sperm competition and reproductive success.

Malathion‐resistant males were superior sperm competitors than susceptible ones, which explains the rapid proliferation of the resistant genotype. This reproductive advantage was associated with increased ejaculate sperm number and sperm length for males carrying the resistance gene. Conversely, susceptible males have absolutely and relatively larger testis size.

Resistance to malathion is conferred by an increase in activity of a qualitatively variant detoxifying carboxylesterase enzyme compared to the ‘original’ enzyme composition in susceptible populations. Carboxylesterases also play important and conserved roles in sperm development, maturation and possibly fertilization in different taxa.

Our findings reveal a potential pleiotropic link between a single gene that codes for both insecticide resistance and influences key male reproductive traits through the regulation of carboxylesterase production.
Increase in the constitutive innate humoral immune system in Leach's Storm‐Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) chicks is negatively correlated with growth rate
Authors: MAUCK R. A. , MATSON K. D. , PHILIPSBORN J. , RICKLEFS R. E.
Published: November 2005

Using a simple technique for assessing constitutive innate immune function recently adapted for use in wild populations, we characterize changes in avian immune system development by repeated measurements of individuals over the period of nestling growth in a wild population of Leach's Storm‐Petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa).

We measured levels of natural antibodies (NAb) during the early, middle and late phases of storm‐petrel development and related these levels and NAb rate of change to mass and wing length growth. We used natural variation in nestling growth to assess the influence of nutritional status on the development of innate immunity.

NAb levels increased over the first 50 days of chick development; however, rate of increase was inversely proportional to wing growth.

Initial titre levels were inversely proportional to rate of change in NAb levels over the first 50 days of immune development. This suggests that individuals with low initial NAb levels accelerate immune development to reach adult levels, whereas individuals with high initial levels do not.

As in previous studies, our results demonstrate an inverse relationship between growth rate and development of components of the avian immune system. While such a relationship is consistent with the idea that immune function development involves trade‐offs, the processes involved are more complex than simple energy allocation.
Critical analysis of root : shoot ratios in terrestrial biomes
Authors: MOKANY KAREL , RAISON R. JOHN , PROKUSHKIN ANATOLY S.
Published: November 2005

One of the most common descriptors of the relationship between root and shoot biomass is the root : shoot ratio, which has become a core method for estimating root biomass from the more easily measured shoot biomass. Previous reviews have examined root : shoot ratio data, but have only considered particular vegetation types and have not always critically reviewed the data used. Reliable root : shoot ratios are needed for a wide range of vegetation types in order to improve the accuracy of root biomass estimates, including those required for estimating the effects of land management and land use change in National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.

This study reviewed root : shoot ratios in terrestrial biomes. A key facet of our analysis was a critical methodological review, through which unreliable data were identified and omitted on the basis of specific criteria. Of the 786 root : shoot ratio observations collated, 62% were omitted because of inadequate or unverifiable root sampling methods. When only the reliable data were examined, root : shoot ratios were found to be negatively related to shoot biomass, mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, forest stand age, and forest stand height.

Although a single allometric equation derived in this study reliably predicted root biomass from shoot biomass for forests and woodlands, in general, the use of vegetation‐specific root : shoot ratios were found to be a more accurate method for predicting root biomass. When the root : shoot ratio data collated here were applied to an analysis of the global carbon budget, there was a 50% increase in estimated global root carbon stock, and a 12% increase in estimated total carbon stock of terrestrial vegetation. The use of the vegetation‐specific root : shoot ratios presented in this study is likely to substantially improve the accuracy of root biomass estimates for purposes such as carbon accounting and for studies of ecosystem dynamics.
Acclimation of Russian forests to recent changes in climate
Authors: LAPENIS ANDREI , SHVIDENKO ANATOLY , SHEPASCHENKO DMITRY , NILSSON STEN , AIYYER ANANTHA
Published: November 2005

Assessments made over the past few decades have suggested that boreal forests may act as a sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, the fate of the newly accumulated carbon in the living forest biomass is not well understood, and the estimates of carbon sinks vary greatly from one assessment to another. Analysis of remote sensing data has indicated that the carbon sinks in the Russian forests are larger than what has been estimated from forest inventories. In this study, we show that over the past four decades, the allometric relationships among various plant parts have changed in the Russian forests. To this end, we employ two approaches: (1) analysis of the database, which contains 3196 sample plots; and (2) application of developed models to forest inventory data. Within the forests as a whole, when assessed at the continental scale, we detect a pronounced increase in the share of green parts (leaves and needles). However, there is a large geographical variation. The shift has been largest within the European Russia, where summer temperatures and precipitation have increased. In the Northern Taiga of Siberia, where the climate has become warmer but drier, the fraction of the green parts has decreased while the fractions of aboveground wood and roots have increased. These changes are consistent with experiments and mathematical models that predict a shift of carbon allocation to transpiring foliage with increasing temperature and lower allocation with increasing soil drought. In light of this, our results are a possible demonstration of the acclimation of trees to ongoing warming and changes in the surface water balance. Independent of the nature of the observed changes in allometric ratios, the increase in the share of green parts may have caused a misinterpretation of the satellite data and a systematic overestimation by remote sensing methods of the carbon sink for living biomass of the Russian forest.
Projected changes in mineral soil carbon of European croplands and grasslands, 1990–2080
Authors: SMITH JO , SMITH PETE , WATTENBACH MARTIN , ZAEHLE SÖNKE , HIEDERER ROLAND , JONES ROBERT J.A. , MONTANARELLA LUCA , ROUNSEVELL MARK D.A. , REGINSTER ISABELLE , EWERT FRANK
Published: November 2005

We present the most comprehensive pan‐European assessment of future changes in cropland and grassland soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks to date, using a dedicated process‐based SOC model and state‐of‐the‐art databases of soil, climate change, land‐use change and technology change. Soil carbon change was calculated using the Rothamsted carbon model on a European 10 × 10′ grid using climate data from four global climate models implementing four Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emissions scenarios (SRES). Changes in net primary production (NPP) were calculated by the Lund–Potsdam–Jena model. Land‐use change scenarios, interpreted from the narratives of the IPCC SRES story lines, were used to project changes in cropland and grassland areas. Projections for 1990–2080 are presented for mineral soil only.

Climate effects (soil temperature and moisture) will tend to speed decomposition and cause soil carbon stocks to decrease, whereas increases in carbon input because of increasing NPP will slow the loss. Technological improvement may further increase carbon inputs to the soil. Changes in cropland and grassland areas will further affect the total soil carbon stock of European croplands and grasslands. While climate change will be a key driver of change in soil carbon over the 21st Century, changes in technology and land‐use change are estimated to have very significant effects.

When incorporating all factors, cropland and grassland soils show a small increase in soil carbon on a per area basis under future climate (1–7 t C ha−1 for cropland and 3–6 t C ha−1 for grassland), but when the greatly decreasing area of cropland and grassland are accounted for, total European cropland stocks decline in all scenarios, and grassland stocks decline in all but one scenario. Different trends are seen in different regions. For Europe (the EU25 plus Norway and Switzerland), the cropland SOC stock decreases from 11 Pg in 1990 by 4–6 Pg (39–54%) by 2080, and the grassland SOC stock increases from 6 Pg in 1990 to 1.5 Pg (25%) under the B1 scenario, but decreases to 1–3 Pg (20–44%) under the other scenarios. Uncertainty associated with the land‐use and technology scenarios remains unquantified, but worst‐case quantified uncertainties are 22.5% for croplands and 16% for grasslands, equivalent to potential errors of 2.5 and 1 Pg SOC, respectively. This is equivalent to 42–63% of the predicted SOC stock change for croplands and 33–100% of the predicted SOC stock change for grasslands. Implications for accounting for SOC changes under the Kyoto Protocol are discussed.
Identification of a novel protein, CRR7, required for the stabilization of the chloroplast NAD(P)H dehydrogenase complex in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kamruzzaman Munshi M. , Kobayashi Yoshichika , Shikanai Toshiharu
Published: November 2005

An Arabidopsis thaliana mutant, crr7 (chlororespiratory reduction), was isolated using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging to detect reduced activity in NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH). The chloroplast NDH complex is considered to have originated from cyanobacteria in which the NDH complex is involved in respiration, photosystem I (PSI) cyclic electron transport and CO2 uptake. In higher plants the NDH complex functions in PSI cyclic electron transport within the chloroplast. Despite exhaustive biochemical approaches, the entire subunit composition of the NDH complex is unclear in both cyanobacteria and chloroplasts. In crr7 accumulation of the NDH complex was specifically impaired. In vivo analysis of electron transport supported the specific loss of the NDH complex in crr7. CRR7 (At5g39210) encodes a protein of 156 amino acids, including a putative plastid target signal, and does not contain any known motifs. In contrast to CRR2 and CRR4, involved in the expression of chloroplast ndh genes, CRR7 is conserved in cyanobacterial genomes. Although CRR7 did not contain any transmembrane domains, it localized to the membrane fraction of the chloroplast. CRR7 was unstable in the crr2‐2 mutant background, in which the expression of ndhB was impaired. These results strongly suggest that CRR7 is a novel subunit of the chloroplast NDH complex.
Factors influencing factor VIII activity in frozen plasma
Authors: Swärd‐Nilsson A.‐M. , Persson P.‐O. , Johnson U. , Lethagen S.
Published: November 2005

Backgrounds and Objectives  Fresh frozen human plasma is an important raw material in the production of coagulation factor concentrates used in patients with haemorrhagic disorders. The aim of the study was to determine how the handling of plasma influences the recovery of coagulation factor VIII activity (FVIII:C), i.e. the influence of time between donation and freezing, of the freezing time and of the ice front velocity. We also studied a tentative eutectic point in human plasma.

Materials and Methods  Aliquots of plasma from 12 different donors were kept at room temperature for 2, 4 and 6 h before start of freezing. We achieved fast freezing with a freezer that blows cooled air at a high velocity on the plasma containers. Freezing times were 0·5, 1, 4 and 24 h. Temperature was registered continuously during freezing. Plasma and NaCl solutions were frozen slowly to investigate the eutectic point.

Results  Storage at room temperature for 6 h caused a small but statistically significant decrease in FVIII:C. Slow freezing with programmed freezing times of 4 and 24 h caused a more pronounced drop in FVIII:C as compared to that of 30 and 60 min. We found no eutectic point in plasma or in plasma with addition of 2 % (w/v) NaCl.

Conclusion  For an optimal yield of FVIII, freezing should start within 4 h after plasma donation. We propose the use of the term ‘ice front velocity’ instead of ‘freezing speed’, taking into consideration that the volume and shape of plasma containers may differ. We found only a marginal loss of FVIII:C when the ice front velocity was 26 mm/h or faster, but a significant loss when it was 9 mm/h or slower. We recommend freezing times of 60 min or shorter. We were not able to demonstrate any eutectic point in human plasma. We therefore recommend that the term eutectic point should not be used as a reference temperature in guidelines on plasma handling.
Up to 21‐day banked red blood cells collected by apheresis and stored for 14 days after automated wash at different times of storage
Authors: Grabmer C. , Holmberg J. , Popovsky M. , Amann E. , Schönitzer D. , Falaize S. , Hanske H. , Pages E. , Nussbaumer W.
Published: November 2005

Background and Objectives  A closed‐system technology (ACP‐215, Haemonetics, Braintree, MA) enables automated washing and extended storage of frozen red blood cells (RBC). This technology was applied to wash banked RBC for removal of undesirable protein and metabolites before transfusion. We studied protein and metabolite depletion as well as RBC metabolism and viability up to 14 days postwash with regard to various pre‐storage times.

Materials and Methods  Thirty RBC units were collected by means of apheresis and subdivided into three arms based on prewash storage time period (6 days/group 1, 14 days/group 2, 21 days/group 3). Wash efficacy (protein depletion, IgA), RBC metabolism (pH, lactate, potassium, haemolysis) and cell viability (ATP) were analysed immediately and 14 days after washing.

Results  Total protein and IgA postwash were lowered by automated wash in all groups and uniformly met EC guidelines. Potassium (mmol/l) was below 1·2 mmol/l postwash and significantly below prewash values in all groups, even after 14 days of storage (prewash vs. postwash; P < 0·05). RBCs washed after 14 and 21 days, respectively, showed significantly lower pH values and lower ATP content than RBCs washed after only 6 days of storage. Haemolysis rate remained significantly below 0·8%, the maximum level recommended by the EC guidelines, immediately and 14 days after washing in all units.

Conclusion  Our data confirm that RBC units banked up to 21 days can be effectively protein‐ and potassium‐depleted with the ACP‐215 independent from prewash storage time. With respect to high ATP levels and pH, postwash storage of 2 weeks should be limited to units not older than 7 days before wash. This new washing technology ensures better standardization in washed RBC and provides blood centres with a logistical alternative to 24‐h washed RBC products.
The Role of First Line of Defence Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Cellulitis in Broiler Chickens: Skin Structural, Physiological and Cellular Response Factors
Authors: Olkowski A. A. , Wojnarowicz C. , Chirino‐Trejo M. , Wurtz B. M. , Kumor L.
Published: November 2005

The present study examined several basic attributes of first‐line defence mechanisms in the skin as potential factors that may explain the susceptibility of broiler chickens to cellulitis. The variables including structural characteristics of the skin, physicochemical properties and cellular responses to the challenge with pathogens were compared between two categories of chickens, a strain of fast‐growing commercial broiler chickens (susceptible to cellulitis) and leghorn chickens (resistant to cellulitis). There were substantial differences between leghorns and broilers with regard to physiological characteristics of the skin. Broiler skin was more amenable to injury and the wound‐healing process was slow. Compared with leghorns, the lesions resulting from sub‐dermal challenge in broilers were more severe and disseminated over a larger area. Mobilization of phagocytic cells (heterophils and macrophages) in leghorns was brisk even in the areas distant from the site of infection, whereas only few heterophils were recruited in the skin of broilers. The functional competence of heterophils in broilers was inferior when compared with leghorns. Based on the present finding, the predisposition of broilers to cellulitis appears to be primarily associated with the inferior first line of defence of their skin. Broilers in commercial situations may be at higher risk to succumb to even minor infection and eventually develop cellulitis because: (1) structural weaknesses of the skin may predispose broilers to skin injury and thus the risk of skin infection by pathogens is increased; (2) broiler skin surface is more likely to provide a conducive environment for colonization of Escherichia coli; (3) in the event of infection, poor recruitment of phagocytic cells to the site of infection may readily lead to widespread colonization of the tissue by pathogens causing cellulitis and (4) poor functional quality of the phagocytic cells that are mobilized compromise the ability of the host to contain the spread of infection.
Abundance of mRNA of Growth Hormone Receptor and Insulin‐Like Growth Factors‐1 and ‐2 in Duodenal and Colonic Biopsies of Dogs with Chronic Enteropathies*
Authors: Spichiger A. C. , Allenspach K. , Ontsouka E. , Gaschen F. , Morel C. , Blum J. W. , Sauter S. N.
Published: November 2005

Repair processes of the inflamed intestine are very important for dissolution of chronic enteropathies (CE). Therefore, we examined the mRNA abundance of growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin‐like growth factors (IGF)‐1 and ‐2 in duodenal and colonic biopsies of dogs with CE such as food‐responsive diarrhoea (FRD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) before and after treatment as compared with each other and healthy dogs. A clinical score (Canine IBD Activity Index = CIBDAI) was applied to judge the severity of CE. Biopsies of duodenum and colon from client‐owned dogs with CE were sampled before (FRDbef,n = 5; IBDbef,n = 5) and after treatment (FRDaft,n = 5; IBDaft,n = 5). Intestinal control samples were available from a homogenous control population (n = 15; C). Intestinal samples were homogenized, total RNA was extracted, reverse transcribed and analysed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction to measure mRNA levels of GHR, IGF‐1 and IGF‐2. Results were normalized with glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase as housekeeping gene. The CIBDAI decreased during the treatment period in FRD and IBD (P < 0.01). In duodenum, GHR mRNA levels were higher in all groups than in C (P < 0.001). Duodenal IGF‐1 mRNA levels in FRDaftand IBDafttended to be higher than in C (P < 0.1). The IGF‐2 mRNA abundance in FRDaftwas higher than in C (P < 0.05) in duodenum. In colon, mRNA levels of IGF‐1 in IBDaftwere higher than in FRDaft(P < 0.05) and levels differed between IBDaftand C (P < 0.05). In conclusion, mRNA levels of GHR, IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 in the gastrointestinal tract were increased during CE when compared with gastrointestinally healthy dogs. The data suggest that GHR, IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 are involved in gastrointestinal repair processes.
The Occurrence of Nymphal Stage of Linguatula serrata in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): Nymphal Morphometry and Lymph Node Pathology
Authors: Sivakumar P. , Sankar M. , Nambi P. A. , Praveena P. E. , Singh N.
Published: November 2005

The mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of buffaloes (n = 100) were examined for the presence of parasitic infection. The nymphal stage of Linguatula serrata was observed in two buffaloes. A single white‐coloured nymph with transversely striated spines on a segmented body, two pairs of oral suckers and hooks was observed in the MLN. The morphometrics of the nymphs were studied. The affected lymph nodes were grossly enlarged with cyst and showed pathological lesions of fibroblastic reaction with a mild underlying inflammatory zone.
Computed and conventional chest radiography: A comparison of image quality and radiation dose
Authors: Ramli K , Abdullah BJJ , Ng K‐H , Mahmud R , Hussain AF
Published: November 2005

The aim of this study was to compare the image quality and entrance skin dose (ESD) for film‐screen and computed chest radiography. Analysis of the image quality and dose on chest radiography was carried out on a conventional X‐ray unit using film‐screen, storage phosphor plates and selenium drum direct chest radiography. For each receptor, ESD was measured in 60 patients using thermoluminescent dosemeters. Images were printed on 35 × 43 cm films. Image quality was assessed subjectively by evaluation of anatomic features and estimation of the image quality, following the guidelines established by the protocols of the Commission of the European Communities. There was no statistically significant difference noted between the computed and conventional images (Wilcoxon rank sum test, P > 0.05). Imaging of the mediastinum and peripheral lung structures were better visualized with the storage phosphor and selenium drum technique than with the film‐screen combination. The patients’ mean ESD for chest radiography using the storage phosphor, film‐screen combination and selenium drum was 0.20, 0.20 and 0.25 mGy, respectively, with no statistically significant difference with P > 0.05 (χ2 tests).
Clinical characteristics of children with snakebite poisioning and management of complications in the pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Ozay Gonca , Bosnak Mehmet , Ece Aydin , Davutoglu Mehmet , Dikici Bunyamin , Gurkan Fuat , Bosnak Vuslat , Haspolat Kenan
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: Venomous snakebite is an emergency condition with high morbidity and mortality in childhood. Nearly all venomous snakes in Turkey are members of the Viperidae family and show poisonous local and hematotoxic effects.

Methods
: A total of 77 children (mean age 9.9 ± 2.9 years; age range 3–14 years) with venomous snakebites were investigated. General characteristics of the children, species of the snakes, localization of the bite, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment approaches, complications and prognosis were evaluated.

Results
: The male to female ratio was 1.4. Ninety‐one per cent of cases were from rural areas. Most of the bites were seen in May and June. Mean duration between snakebites and admissions to our department was 13 ± 6.5 h. According to a clinical grading score, 57.1% of patients presented to us as grade II. Mean leukocyte count, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine phosphokinase and protrombin time levels were above the normal ranges and mean activated partial tromboplastin time was below the normal range. Platelet counts inversely correlated with the grading score and duration of hospitalization. The most common complication that occurred during the treatment was tissue necrosis (13%). The mean hospital stay time was 6.3 ± 6 days. Three children with disseminated intravascular coagulation died. Fasciotomies were performed to seven (9.1%) children due to compartment syndrome. Of 10 children with tissue necrosis, three (3.9%) had finger amputation and seven (9.1%) had toe amputation. Higher grading score on admission, platelet count below 120 000/mm3, AST over 50 IU/L and existence of evident ecchymosis were found as significant risk factors for development of serious complications by logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions
: Snakebite poisoning is an emergency medical condition that is particularly important in childhood. The envenomations are still considerable public health problems with a high morbidity and mortality in rural areas of Turkey.
The efficacy of two different lipid‐based amphotericin B in neonatal Candida septicemia
Authors: Cetin Hasan , Yalaz Mehmet , Akisu Mete , Hilmioglu Suleyha , Metin Dilek , Kultursay Nilgun
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: Fungal sepsis is becoming more frequent in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and has a high mortality rate due to the invasive nature of the disease and to the insufficiency of low doses and high incidence of renal problems with effective doses of amphotericin B. New generation lipid formulated amphotericin B preparations may be more efficient because they are less toxic to be applied in target doses. However, there is limited experience in neonates and preterm infants.

Methods
: The charts of 917 patients admitted to NICU between 2001 and 2003 were reviewed and the data of 21 patients with systemic Candida infection, requiring different amphotericin B therapy, were analyzed.

Results
: Infants with fungal septicemia were treated with amphotericin B lipid complex (Abelcet®)(n = 10) and liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome®)(n = 9) for a mean duration of 21 and 18 days. The mean gestational age of the patients was 30.9 ± 4.2 weeks and mean birth weight was 1536 ± 714 g. Two patients in the Abelcet® group and one patient in the AmBisome® group died during therapy. Fungal eradication was achieved in 16 surviving infants and mean eradication time was 8.1 ± 2.6 days and mean duration of therapy was 19.2 ± 4.1 days. Mortality rates related to treatment failure were similar being 20% in the Abelcet® group and 11% in the AmBisome® group. No patient showed severe side‐effects from the antifungal therapy; the incidence of minimal side‐effects were similar in both groups and they were elevated serum transaminase levels in six patients, increased serum creatinine in one patient and hypokalemia in one patient.

Conclusion
: Both preparations have the same benefits for the treatment of neonatal fungal sepsis and they can be used safely in neonates including very low birth weight infants. However, the clinician must keep in mind the cost of treatment.
Foreign body aspiration in children
Authors: Midulla Fabio , Guidi Roberto , Barbato Angelo , Capocaccia Paolo , Forenza Nicola , Marseglia Gianluigi , Pifferi Massimo , Moretti Corrado , Bonci Enea , De Benedictis Fernando Maria
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: The aim was to investigate the role of physical and radiological findings before bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration (FBA).

Methods
: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records for 82 patients (mean age 26.4 ± 21.4 months, range 9 months to 13.5 years; 49 males) with a history suggestive of foreign body aspiration.

Results
: The presence of a foreign body in the airways was confirmed in 70 children (85.4%) (mean age 25 ± 14.1 months, 45 boys). Of the 70 children, 63 patients (90%) were under 3 years of age, with a peak incidence during the second year. Of the 70 foreign bodies retrieved, 46 (60%) were vegetable and 35 (76%) of these were nuts. In 42% of the patients the foreign body was located in the right bronchial tree. The most frequent physical findings observed in our patients were persistent cough (75%), localized decreased breath sound (62.8%) and localized wheezing (30%). The clinical triad (concomitant cough, localized wheezing and decreased breath sound) was present in 11 patients (15.7%). All clinical findings had a high positive predictive value with poor sensitivity. In 11 patients (20%) chest X‐rays were normal. Five foreign bodies (9.1%) were radiopaque. The most frequent radiological findings observed were localized air trapping (43.6%), followed by atelectasis (40%). The diagnostic sensitivity was 80% and the specificity 33% for the presence of a single positive radiological finding.

Conclusions
: Our study confirmed that clinical symptoms and radiological findings before bronchoscopy have a low diagnostic value in children with a history of FBA.
Vitamin D status of mothers and their neonates in Kuwait
Authors: Molla Abdul Majid , Al Badawi Mona , Hammoud Majeda Sabri , Molla Ayesha Majid , Shukkur Mumtaz , Thalib Lukman , Eliwa Mahmoud S.
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: There has been a resurgence of nutritional rickets in children in many developing countries and some of the developed countries. Children between 6 and 18 months old are commonly affected. In order to find out the association between vitamin D and rickets we studied the vitamin D status of the neonates and their mothers in Kuwait.

Methods
: Two hundred and fourteen full‐term pregnant mothers and their neonates were selected from two hospitals in Kuwait. All mothers had normal vaginal delivery. On the day of delivery 2.5 mL of maternal blood and 2.5 mL of cord blood samples were withdrawn. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was determined in duplicate by radioimmunoassay using an Incstar kit. Quality control analyses were done using several between and within run experiments.

Results
: A total of 128 mother–neonate pairs were selected from the Al‐Adan hospital and 86 from the Maternity Hospital. The mean age and parity of the mothers were similar in both hospitals. The mean (± SD) 25OHD levels of the mothers and the neonates in the Adan hospital were 13.3 (6.5) ng/mL and 8.2 (6.5) ng/mL, respectively. The corresponding values in the Maternity Hospital were 17.6 (12.4) and 8.1 (7.3) ng/mL for the mothers and the neonate, respectively. Serum 25OHD of the mothers and their newborn infants were highly correlated (r = 0.790, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
: Results demonstrate that 40% of the mothers and 60% of the neonates are vitamin D deficient on the day of delivery. The vitamin D of the mothers and neonates are highly correlated (r = 0.790, P < 0.001).
Oxidative stress in infants born to preeclamptic mothers
Authors: Tastekin Ayhan , Ors Rahmi , Demircan Berna , Saricam Zeki , Ingec Metin , Akcay Fatih
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: Oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. An increase in lipid peroxidation products and a decrease in antioxidant activity in preeclamptic women have been reported in many papers. The objective of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress in infants born to preeclamptic mothers.

Methods
: Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in cord plasma of infants born to preeclamptic (n = 18) or normotensive (n = 9) mothers.

Results
: Gestational age was similar in both groups. The mean birth weight was significantly lower in the preeclamptic group (P = 0.007). Maternal age, primigravidity, antenatal steroid use, premature rupture of the membranes, clinical chorioamnionitis and adverse neonatal outcomes including sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal mortality did not differ between groups. Cesarean delivery was significantly higher in the preeclamptic group. There was no significant difference in cord plasma levels of MDA and GSH, and activity of GPx between the preeclamptic and control groups. SOD was found to be increased in preeclamptic group (P = 0.03).

Conclusions
: We concluded that although cord plasma MDA levels were similar in both the preeclamptic and control groups, increased SOD activity might be an indicator of increased oxidative stress in infants born to preeclamptic mothers.
Facilitation of Nothofagus antarctica (Fagaceae) seedlings by the prostrate shrub Empetrum rubrum (Empetraceae) on glacial moraines in Patagonia
Authors: HENRÍQUEZ JUAN MARCOS , LUSK CHRISTOPHER H.
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Although positive interactions among plants are believed to be common in primary succession, they have rarely been demonstrated on glacial moraines. In Patagonia, the prostrate shrub Empetrum rubrum is dominant in early succession in recently deglaciated valleys, eventually being replaced by the small tree Nothofagus antarctica. This study experimentally evaluates the effects of E. rubrum shrubs on density, biomass, growth and survival of N. antarctica seedlings. The initial density of the seedlings was significantly higher under the canopy of Empetrum than in open areas. A removal experiment was performed to evaluate the influence of Empetrum on survival and growth of seedlings that germinated naturally beneath the canopy of this species. The shrub cover was removed from half of a sample of randomly selected seedlings, and left intact above the remainder. One year later, seedlings with an intact cover of E. rubrum showed significantly higher survival, growth and leaf number than seedlings which had been exposed. The results suggest that the presence of E. rubrum facilitates the establishment of N. antarctica in post‐glacial succession, mainly as a result of more favourable microclimatic conditions under the shrub canopy.
Correlates of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in children, adolescents and young adults in north India: a multisite collaborative case‐control study
Authors: Vikram N. K. , Tandon N. , Misra A. , Srivastava M. C. , Pandey R. M. , Mithal A. , Sharma S. , Ajmani A. , Madhu S. V. , Batra C. M. , Gupta N.
Published: November 2005

Aims  In this study we describe the clinical, anthropometric and biochemical characteristics of patients with early onset Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (< 30 years of age) and compare them with healthy, non‐diabetic individuals.

Methods  In this multisite collaborative study, 51 patients with T2DM (40 male, 11 female) and 69 non‐diabetic individuals of similar age and gender distribution (controls) as the cases (46 male and 23 female) were investigated. The following parameters were measured; anthropometry [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist–hip ratio (WHR) and skin‐fold thickness at four sites], percentage body fat (%BF) and lipid profile.

Results  The mean (sd) age of diagnosis of T2DM was 21.4 (6.1) years. A significantly higher number of cases had a history of T2DM in first‐degree relatives as compared with controls (82.3 vs. 23.2%, P < 0.001). The mean values and the prevalence of abnormal values of measures of generalized obesity (BMI and %BF) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference and WHR) were significantly higher in cases as compared with controls. Hypertriglyceridaemia [OR (95% CI): 4.6 (1.1–20.0)], high WHR [7.9 (2.5–24.4)] and family history of T2DM [7.3 (2.3–23.0)] were independently associated with T2DM. Age and gender adjusted odds ratios of T2DM were 23.3 (5.2–103.6), 37.7 (9.0–158.5) and 86.4 (17.0–438.5), respectively, with the following set of risk factors; hypertriglyceridaemia and high WHR, hypertriglyceridaemia and family history of T2DM, and high WHR and family history of T2DM. Finally, the presence of all three risk factors increased the odds of T2DM to 112.1 (10.8–1164.7).

Conclusions  Early identification of the simple clinical, anthropometric and biochemical parameters which are strongly associated with early onset T2DM in young Asian Indians may be useful for primary prevention.
A sentential subject asymmetry in English and its implications for complement selection
Authors: Alrenga Peter
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  In this article, I defend a particular solution to a long‐standing problem concerning the syntactic behavior of the verb seem—namely, its failure to take a sentential subject (*That the Giants lost the World Series seems). I show that this restriction follows straightforwardly if, following Koster (1978), sentential subjects are analyzed as topic phrases linked to a phonetically null DP in Spec,IP. I further suggest that this DP is an argument (not an expletive) and that it eventually undergoes A′‐movement, making sentential subject constructions a species of the null operator constructions discussed in Chomsky 1977. The analysis is supported by (i) active/passive asymmetries involving sentential subjects, (ii) agreement phenomena, (iii) restrictions on A′‐movement across sentential subjects, (iv) parallels between sentential subject and CP‐topicalization constructions, and (v) the distribution of embedded sentential subjects. The analysis also correctly predicts certain facts concerning the co‐occurrence of seem and sentential subjects in raising constructions. An interesting consequence of the analysis is that some form of idiosyncratic selection for DP complementation must be available within the lexicon, contrary to what has been suggested elsewhere.
Stability, correlates, and outcome of adolescent suicidal risk
Authors: Steinhausen Hans‐Christoph , Bösiger Ruth , Metzke Christa Winkler
Published: November 2005

Background:  The goal of this study was to investigate the stability and correlates of adolescent suicidal risk across adolescence.

Methods:  Suicidal risk was studied longitudinally in N = 593 subjects in 1994, 1997, and 2001 at mean ages of 13, 16, and 20 years. Three partly overlapping suicidal risk groups were compared to three control groups matched by age and gender regarding behavioural and emotional problems, number and impact of life events, coping capacities, self‐related cognitions, and the size and efficiency of the social network. Psychiatric diagnoses were obtained in young adulthood.

Results:  The group stability of suicidal risk was 43% from time 1 to time 2 and 18% from time 1 to time 3. Intra‐individual stability of suicidal risks across adolescence was significantly higher than expected. At all three times of assessment, there was a clear excess of abnormal psychosocial findings in the suicidal risk groups as compared to the matched controls. Substance abuse disorders, depressive disorders, phobias and any psychiatric disorders in young adulthood were predicted by suicidal risk in preadolescence irrespective of behavioural and emotional disorders.

Conclusions:  Suicidal risk individuals are remarkably stable across adolescence and show a very consistent pattern of associated behavioural and emotional problems and psychosocial variables across time from preadolescence to young adulthood. They also display an increased risk for some mental disorders in young adulthood.
c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase mediates interleukin‐1β‐induced inhibition of lacrimal gland secretion
Authors: Zoukhri Driss , Macari Elizabeth , Choi Sun H. , Kublin Claire L.
Published: November 2005

Sjögren's syndrome, an inflammatory disease affecting the lacrimal and salivary glands, is the leading cause of aqueous tear‐deficient type of dry eye. We previously showed that interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) protein is up regulated in the lacrimal gland of a murine model of Sjögren's syndrome and that exogenous addition of this cytokine inhibits neurotransmitter release and lacrimal gland protein secretion. In the present study we investigated the role of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) in IL‐1β‐mediated inhibition of lacrimal gland secretion and tear production.In vitro, IL‐1β induced a time‐dependent activation of JNK with a maximum 7.5‐fold at 30 min. SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, inhibited, in a concentration‐dependent manner, IL‐1β‐induced activation of JNK with a maximum of 87% at 10−4 m.In vivo, IL‐1β stimulated JNK and the expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). IL‐1β inhibited high KCl and adrenergic agonist induced protein secretion by 85% and 66%, respectively. SP600125 alleviated the inhibitory effect of IL‐1β on KCl‐ and agonist‐induced protein secretion by 79% and 47%, respectively, and completely blocked the expression of iNOS. Treatment for 7 days with SP600125 increased tear production in a murine model of Sjögren's syndrome dry eye. We conclude that JNK plays a pivotal role in IL‐1β‐mediated inhibition of lacrimal gland secretion and subsequent dry eye.
Analysis of transmembrane domain mutants is consistent with sequential cleavage of Notch by γ‐secretase
Authors: Chandu Dilip , Huppert Stacey S. , Kopan Raphael
Published: November 2005

γ‐Secretase is a lipid‐embedded, intramembrane‐cleaving aspartyl protease that cleaves its substrates twice within their transmembrane domains (TMD): once near the cytosolic leaflet (at S3/ɛ) and again in the middle of the TMD (at S4/γ). To address whether this unusual process occurs in two independent or interdependent steps, we investigated how mutations at the S3/ɛ site in Notch1‐based substrates impact proteolysis. We demonstrate that such mutations greatly inhibit not only γ‐secretase‐mediated cleavage at S3 but also at S4, independent of their impact on NICD stability. These results, together with our previous observations, suggest that hydrolysis at the center of the Notch transmembrane domain (S4/γ) is dependent on the S3/ɛ cleavage. Notch (and perhaps all γ‐secretase substrates) may be cleaved by sequential proteolysis starting at S3.
Transient changes in nucleus accumbens amino acid concentrations correlate with individual responsivity to the predator fox odor 2,5‐dihydro‐2,4,5‐trimethylthiazoline
Authors: Venton B. Jill , Robinson Terry E. , Kennedy Robert T.
Published: November 2005

Predator odors elicit fear and defensive behavioral responses in rats, but a wide range of individual responsivity exists. The aim of this study was to examine whether individual differences in behavioral responsivity correlate with differences in amino acid neurotransmission to a predator fox odor, 2,5‐dihydro‐2,4,5‐trimethylthiazoline (TMT). We investigated the time course of behaviorally evoked amino acid neurotransmitter changes in the nucleus accumbens using on‐line microdialysis coupled to capillary electrophoresis with 14‐s temporal resolution. One subset of animals (high responders) showed a large, biphasic increase in amino acids, such as glutamate and GABA, which lasted about 3 min. These neurochemical changes were highly correlated with increases in locomotion and burrowing, but lagged behind the behavioral changes by 2 min. A second subset of rats (low responders) showed neither behavioral activation nor changes in amino acid neurotransmission. As a positive control, rats were subjected to tail pinch, which evoked transient changes in amino acids in all animals. Cocaine (2 mg/kg, i.v.) increased locomotion but not amino acid levels. This work demonstrates that rapid and transient increases in amino acid neurotransmitters correlate with behavioral reactivity to salient stimuli.
Evidence that serotonin reuptake modulators increase the density of serotonin innervation in the forebrain
Authors: Zhou Lijun , Huang Kai‐Xing , Kecojevic Alexsandar , Welsh Annie M. , Koliatsos Vassilis E.
Published: November 2005

The mechanism of action of commonly used antidepressants remains an issue of debate. In the experiments reported here we studied the effects of three representative compounds, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine, the selective serotonin reuptake enhancer tianeptine and the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desipramine on the structure of central serotonin pathways after a 4‐week administration. We found that the serotonin modulators fluoxetine and tianeptine, but not desipramine, increase the density of 5‐HT and serotonin transporter (SERT)‐immunoreactive axons in the neocortical layer IV and certain forebrain limbic areas, such as piriform cortex and the shell region of nucleus accumbens. These changes were noted in the absence of a significant effect of serotonin antidepressants on the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH‐2), i.e. the rate‐limiting enzyme for 5‐HT biosynthesis and of SERT at the mRNA level. In addition, we found that anterogradely filled terminal axons from injections of biotinylated dextran amine into the dorsal raphe showed significantly more branching in animals treated with fluoxetine compared with animals treated with liposyn vehicle. Our findings suggest that antidepressants may exert very selective structural effects on their cognate monoamine systems in normal animals and raise the possibility that neurotrophic mechanisms may play a role in their clinical efficacy.
The Effects of Frame of Reference on Responses to Questions About Sexual Assault Victimization and Perpetration
Authors: Abbey Antonia , Parkhill Michele R. , Koss Mary P.
Published: November 2005

Self-reports of sexual assault are affected by a variety of factors including the number of questions, question phrasing, and context. Participants (307 women, 166 men) were randomly assigned to one of two forms of a questionnaire. One form had the tactics used to obtain forced sex as the initial frame of reference, whereas the other form had the type of sex that was forced as the initial frame of reference. Seventy-five percent of the women who received the tactics-first version reported that they had at least one victimization experience since the age of 14, as compared to 62% of the women who received the type-of-sex-first version. Sixty-nine percent of the men who received the tactics-first version reported that they had at least one perpetration experience since the age of 14, as compared to 36% of the men who received the type-of-sex-first version. These findings have implications for how questionnaires should be designed to maximize reporting of sexual assault incidents.
The Perceived Importance of Developmental Relationships on Women Undergraduates' Pursuit of Science
Authors: Downing Roberta A. , Crosby Faye J. , Blake-Beard Stacy
Published: November 2005

Using a survey of women science majors, we tested the assumption that women mentors and other women guides help women students pursue the sciences. The survey explicitly distinguished among three types of guides: mentors (who provide psychosocial support), sponsors (who provide instrumental support), and role models (who act as examples) encountered before and during college. We found that over 90% of the women had a guide of one type or another, that mentors were most influential to women's pursuit of science, and that guides during college were more influential than guides prior to college. Participants reported having more female than male guides overall, but that some of the most influential guides were men.