bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemokines CXCL10 and CCL2: differential involvement in intrathecal inflammation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sørensen T. L. , Sellebjerg F. , Jensen C. V. , Strieter R. M. , Ransohoff R. M.
Published: March 2003

Studies of chemokines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with active multiple sclerosis (MS) have indicated that specific chemokines may have important roles in disease pathogenesis. We previously reported that CSF concentrations of CXCL10 (previously known as IP‐10) were elevated in MS patients in relapse, whilst levels of CCL2 (MCP‐1) were reduced. Here, we report a serial analysis of CSF CXCL10 and CCL2 concentrations in 22 patients with attacks of MS or acute optic neuritis (ON) treated with methylprednisolone, and 26 patients treated with placebo in two randomized controlled trials. Chemokine concentrations were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in CSF obtained at baseline and after 3 weeks, and were compared with other measures of intrathecal inflammation. At baseline CSF concentrations of CCL2 were significantly lower in the patient group than in controls. The levels of CXCL10 were higher in the patient group than in controls but two outliers in the control group also had high CSF concentrations of CXCL10. The CSF concentrations of CXCL10 did not change over time or after treatment. The CSF concentration of CXCL10 was positively correlated with the CSF leukocyte count, the CSF concentration of neopterin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9, and intrathecal IgG and IgM synthesis. The concentration of CCL2 increased between baseline for 3 weeks in both groups, more distinctly so in patients treated with methylprednisolone. CCL2 correlated negatively with MMP‐9 and IgG synthesis levels. CXCL10 may be involved in the maintenance of intrathecal inflammation whereas CCL2 correlates negatively with measures of inflammation, suggesting differential involvement of CXCL10 and CCL2 in CNS inflammation.
Dementia and cognitive impairment three months after stroke
Authors: Madureira S. , Guerreiro M. , Ferro J. M.
Published: March 2003

To investigate the cognitive capacities of a cohort of ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke survivors and to identify the clinical determinants of post‐stroke cognitive impairment, we evaluated 237 patients admitted to a Stroke Unit (mean age 59; SD=12.7). Three months after stroke, patients were submitted to a neuropsychological evaluation that included the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), a complementary battery to assess specific cognitive domains, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Blessed Dementia Scale (BDS). Disturbed performance on at least one domain was detected on 131 (55%) patients: 27% had cognitive deficits other than memory, 7% had focal memory deficit, 9% had memory and other cognitive deficits and 6% had dementia. Dementia was associated with female gender (P=0.01), older age (P=0.01) and lower education level (P=0.04). Patients with memory deficits were older (P=0.01) with lower educational level (P=0.08) and more left sided lesions (P=0.02) than patients without memory deficits. In this middle aged stroke survivors cognitive impairment was common 3 months after stroke, while dementia was infrequent.
The epidemiology and treatment of Bell’s palsy in the UK
Authors: Rowlands S. , Hooper R. , Hughes R. , Burney P.
Published: March 2003

The study consisted of a survey of all new cases of Bell’s palsy occurring between 1992 and 1996 in practices contributing data to the UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD). Data were extracted on age, sex, date of episode of Bell’s palsy, household number, episodes of herpes simplex, treatment prescribed and referral to relevant hospital departments. A total of 2473 cases of Bell’s palsy were identified. The overall incidence for the study period was 20.2 per 100 000 person years of follow‐up (95% CI 19.4–21.0). Incidence increased with age. There was no difference in incidence according to sex or season but there were significant changes over time: incidence was higher in the first year of the study period than in subsequent years. There was no clustering of cases in households and no evidence of any tendency for herpes simplex infections to precede Bell’s palsy. About 36% of cases were treated with oral steroids and 19% of episodes resulted in hospital referral. In conclusion, Bell’s palsy is seen mainly in a primary care setting. The majority of cases are treated expectantly without drugs. Lack of household clustering and lack of a tendency of herpes simplex infections to precede Bell’s palsy do not support a viral aetiology.
The effect of stage of Parkinson’s disease at the onset of levodopa therapy on development of motor complications
Authors: Kostić V. S. , Marinković J. , Svetel M. , Stefanova E. , Przedborski S.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the stage of Parkinson’s disease (PD) (according to the Hoehn and Yahr staging system) would affect the length of time between the introduction of levodopa therapy and appearance of levodopa‐associated motor complications. Forty patients with clinically definite PD were studied. In all, clinical and therapeutic data were collected from the time of diagnosis to the time of levodopa‐associated motor complications (i.e. dyskinesia, motor fluctuations). In 17 patients, levodopa could be started in Hoehn and Yahr stage I (H&Y‐I; 16.2 months after the onset of PD), whilst in 13 patients levodopa could be started in H&Y‐II (19.6 months after the onset of the disease) and in 10 in H&Y‐III (45.1 months after the onset of PD). Cox proportional hazard regression model shows that the PD patients in whom the initial levodopa treatment was introduced at stage III develop both dyskinesias and motor fluctuations significantly earlier than the patients whose levodopa started in stage I and II of PD. The median interval to develop dyskinesias was 66, 72 and 24 months for patients in whom levodopa was introduced in stage I, II and III, respectively. These values were 64, 55 and 14 months for motor fluctuations. These findings add to the clinical arguments that favour an essential role of severity of PD at levodopa initiation as a risk factor for the development of levodopa‐associated motor complications.
Median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials in migraine
Authors: Ozkul Y. , Uckardes A.
Published: March 2003

In visual evoked potential studies, habituation during stimulus repetition with the same stimulus at a constant intensity has been found to be abnormal in migraineurs between attacks. The purpose of this study was to investigate habituation of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and the effects of migraine on them. Eighty‐five subjects were included in the study: 30 healthy volunteers (HVs) and 55 migraineurs [30 with migraine without aura (MO), 25 with migraine with aura (MA)]. During continuous stimulation at 3 Hz, four blocks of 100 responses were sequentially averaged of Erb's point (N9), cervical (N13), and cortical (N20) median nerve SEPs. Mean amplitude changes in the second, third and fourth blocks are expressed as percentages of the first block. There was habituation to N13 and N20 in the second, third and fourth blocks in HVs. In the migraine groups, there was no habituation; on the contrary, potentiation was found. This potentiation was statistically significant only in the second blocks for N13 (MO P=0.007, MA P=0.01 versus HVs). However, in both migraineur groups, the rate of N20 potentiations was statistically significant versus that in HVs for all blocks (all P < 0.05). It is concluded that whilst physiological habituation occurs in HVs for cervical and cortical SEPs, in migraine patients there is an interictal deficit of habituation of this sensory modality.
Multiple MAG peptides are recognized by circulating T and B lymphocytes in polyneuropathy and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Andersson M. , Yu M. , Söderström M. , Weerth S. , Baig S. , Linington C. , Solders G. , Link H.
Published: March 2003

Abnormal immune responses to myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG), a component of myelin of the central and peripheral nervous system, have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and certain types of inflammatory polyneuropathy. To identify possible immunodominant MAG peptides in neuroinflammation, we examined T and B cell responses to five selected synthetic MAG peptides and myelin proteins in 21 patients with non‐inflammatory polyneuropathy, 26 patients with MS, 10 optic neuritis patients and 17 healthy subjects. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot‐forming cell assays were adopted, allowing the detection and enumeration of individual antigen responsive T and B cells in body fluids. Patients with polyneuropathy as well as those with MS had elevated levels of T and B cells recognizing MAG and its peptides. Any of the five MAG peptides under study functioned as immunodominant T and/or B cell epitope in individual subjects. None of the MAG peptides elicited a specific disease‐associated T or B cell response. The enhanced T and B cell response to myelin components like MAG may play some role in initiation and/or progression of these diseases, but they could also represent secondary responses associated with myelin damage and indicate tolerization rather than autoaggressive immunity.
Reversible leukoencephalopathy in cerebral amyloid angiopathy presenting as subacute dementia
Authors: Sarazin M. , Amarenco P. , Mikol J. , Dimitri D. , Lot G. , Bousser M. G.
Published: March 2003

This report concerns a 71‐year‐old woman who had rapid progressive dementia along with myocloni and increased blood pressure. Cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans showed bilateral widespread white matter changes with mass effect. A brain biopsy revealed an amyloid angiopathy in leptomeningeal as well as cerebral cortex arteries. After 2 months of antihypertensive treatment, a dramatic improvement of cognitive functions and a spectacular regression of leukoencephalopathy were observed. We suggest that hypertensive encephalopathy may worsen or reveal cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
The Mureş–Uzhgorod–Debrecen study: a comparison of hospital stroke services in Central‐Eastern Europe
Authors: Szatmári S. , Pascu I. , Mihálka L. , Mulesa S.V. , Fekete I. , Fülesdi B. , Csiba L. , Zselyuk G. , Szász J. , Gebefügi J. , Nicolescu S. , Vǎsieşiu D. , Smolanka V.I. , Bereczki D.
Published: March 2003

Stroke mortality is extremely high in Central‐Eastern European countries. The high rate of risk factors and differences in health care services might be among the factors resulting in high stroke morbidity and mortality in this region. As only few prospectively collected information are available from this region, we decided to evaluate some characteristics of stroke services in neurological departments of a Romanian, a Ukrainian and a Hungarian city in the framework of the Mureş–Uzhgorod–Debrecen comparative epidemiological study. We registered demographic data, the absence or presence of the most important risk factors, and clinical signs on admission and at discharge. We recorded the application of various diagnostic methods, stroke treatment and recommendations for secondary prevention. Follow‐up is planned after 30 days and after 1 year. The paper summarizes the methodology of this prospective epidemiological study of stroke patients hospitalized in neurological departments in Târgu Mureş, Uzhgorod and Debrecen, three Central‐Eastern European cities in Romania, Ukraine and Hungary, respectively.
Does caffeine intake protect from Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Maia L. , De Mendonça A.
Published: March 2003

Caffeine is the most widely consumed behaviourally active substance in the western world. Neuroprotective effects of caffeine in low doses, chronically administered, have been shown in different experimental models. If caffeine intake could protect against neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD), then higher levels of caffeine consumption in normal subjects as compared with AD patients should be detectable in the presumably long period before diagnosis when insidious pathogenic changes are taking place. A case–control study was used: cases were 54 patients with probable AD fulfilling the National Institute of Neurologic and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the AD and Related Disorders Association criteria, in a Dementia Clinics setting. Controls were 54 accompanying persons, cognitively normal, matched for age (±3 years) and sex. Patients with AD had an average daily caffeine intake of 73.9 ± 97.9 mg during the 20 years that preceded diagnosis of AD, whereas the controls had an average daily caffeine intake of 198.7 ± 135.7 mg during the corresponding 20 years of their lifetimes (P < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed ranks test). Using a logistic regression model, caffeine exposure during this period was found to be significantly inversely associated with AD (odds ratio=0.40, 95% confidence interval=0.25–0.67), whereas hypertension, diabetes, stroke, head trauma, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, non‐steroid anti‐inflammatory drugs, vitamin E, gastric disorders, heart disease, education and family history of dementia were not statistically significantly associated with AD. Caffeine intake was associated with a significantly lower risk for AD, independently of other possible confounding variables. These results, if confirmed with future prospective studies, may have a major impact on the prevention of AD.
‘Gender gap’ in multiple sclerosis: magnetic resonance imaging evidence
Authors: Pozzilli C. , Tomassini V. , Marinelli F. , Paolillo A. , Gasperini C. , Bastianello S.
Published: March 2003

The authors evaluated the gender difference in the magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of the lesions occurring in the brain of 413 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Men had fewer contrast‐enhancing lesions (P = 0.01), but a higher proportion of lesions evolving into ‘black holes’ (P = 0.001), when compared with women. Thus, our data indicate that men with MS are prone to develop less inflammatory, but more destructive lesions than women. This study results provides support for a modulation of the MS pathological changes by gender.
Familial Parkinson's disease: a community‐based study
Authors: Kurz M. , Alves G. , Aarsland D. , Larsen J. P.
Published: March 2003

Genetic factors seem to be important in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). It is however, still controversial whether these factors also are reflected in a familial aggregation of PD. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of PD patients with a positive PD family history compared with two control groups. The included 245 PD patients were examined by neurologists and information was obtained through a semi‐structured interview. The patients and the control groups were examined for the frequency of PD and dementia in their families. The 245 patients with PD were included in this study. A positive PD‐family history could be obtained in 53 (21.6%) patients. The frequency was three‐ and four‐fold increased as compared with the control groups (P < 0.001). Age at onset of disease was not different among patients with and without PD in the family. The frequency of dementia did not differ in the family of individuals with and without PD (P > 0.1). As a conclusion our study of PD in a community based population supports previous reports of a three‐ to fourfold increased risk for PD in the families of patients with the disease. Our results indicate that the familial aggregation of the disease is independent of the age of the proband.
Prolactinomas, dopamine agonists and headache: two case reports
Authors: Levy M. J. , Matharu M. S. , Goadsby P. J.
Published: March 2003

Headache is a common problem in patients with pituitary tumours. Small pituitary lesions can cause debilitating headache, suggesting that the size of the pituitary tumour may not be the only causal factor in pituitary‐related headache. We present two cases of prolactinoma‐associated headache. The first case has a clinical diagnosis of short‐lasting unilateral headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT). The second case has a clinical diagnosis of hemicrania continua and idiopathic stabbing headache. In each case, the administration of dopamine agonists has led to an exacerbation of symptoms. We review the relevant literature to understand the pathophysiological implications of these cases.
Depression and anxiety disorders associated with headache frequency. The Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study
Authors: Zwart J.‐A. , Dyb G. , Hagen K. , Ødegård K. J. , Dahl A. A. , Bovim G. , Stovner L. J.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this large cross‐sectional population‐based study was to examine the association between migraine, non‐migrainous headache and headache frequency with depression, and anxiety disorders. From 1995 to 1997, all 92 566 inhabitants aged 20 years and above in Nord‐Trøndelag County in Norway were invited to participate in the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (‘Helseundersøkelsen i Nord‐Trøndelag’ = HUNT‐2). A total of 64 560 participated, whereof 51 383 subjects (80%) completed a headache questionnaire that was included. Of these 51 383 individuals, 47 257 (92%) completed the depression subscale items and 43 478 (85%), the anxiety subscale items of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Associations were assessed in multivariate analyses, estimating prevalence odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Depression and anxiety disorders as measured by HADS, were significantly associated with migraine (OR = 2.7, 95% CI 2.3–3.2; OR = 3.2, 95% CI 2.8–3.6) and non‐migrainous headache (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 2.0–2.5; OR = 2.7, 95% CI 2.4–3.0) when compared with headache‐free individuals. The association was stronger for anxiety disorders than for depression. The ORs for depression and anxiety disorders amongst both migraine and non‐migrainous sufferers increased with increasing headache frequency. Depression and anxiety disorders are associated with both migraine and non‐migrainous headache, and this association seems more dependent on headache frequency than diagnostic category.
Early predictors of post‐concussion symptoms in patients with mild head injury
Authors: Savola O. , Hillbom M.
Published: March 2003

A small proportion of patients with mild head injury (MHI) develop post‐concussion symptoms (PCSs). We searched simple measures for the early detection of patients who are probable to develop PCSs. We recorded signs and symptoms, history of previous diseases, medications, and lifestyle factors and measured serum protein S‐100B on admission in a series of 172 consecutive MHI patients admitted into the emergency room of a general hospital. A modified Rivermead Post‐Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire was used to identify the patients with and without PCSs 1 month after the injury. We identified 37 patients with MHI who developed PCSs (22%). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) after adjustment for possible confounding variables were calculated by logistic regression. Independent early risk factors for PCSs in the MHI patients were skull fracture (OR 8.0, 95% CI 2.6–24.6), serum protein S‐100B ≥ 0.50 μg/l (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.6–18.6), dizziness (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2–8.0), and headache (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0–6.5). Serum protein S‐100B proved to be a specific, but not sensitive predictor of PCSs. The presence of skull fracture, elevated serum protein S‐100B, dizziness, and headache may help the emergency room physician to identify patients at risk of PCSs and to refer them for further examination and follow‐up.
Dopamine agonists and neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Schapira A. H. V.
Published: March 2003

Dopamine agonists are effective in reversing the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). They have also shown that they can delay or prevent the onset of motor complications associated with levodopa use. Recent attention has focused on the possible role for dopamine agonists in neuroprotection. Numerous studies have demonstrated that a variety of dopamine agonists can protect dopaminergic neuronal function in several toxin model systems. Pramipexole in particular has shown efficacy in reducing toxicity to MPTP, MPP, rotenone and 6‐hydroxydopamine. Recent studies in early PD using imaging parameters as a surrogate marker of dopaminergic neuronal integrity have shown that pramipexole and ropinirole can apparently retard the rate of cell loss. These observations are of considerable interest, but additional studies are required to confirm a neuroprotective function for these dopamine agonists.
EEG Spectral Analysis in Migraine Without Aura Attacks
Authors: de Tommaso M , Sciruicchio V , Guido M , Sasanelli G , Specchio LM , Puca FM
Published: March 2003

In 16 patients suffering from migraine without aura, we examined quantitative EEG and steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) at 27 Hz stimulation during the critical phase of migraine and in attack-free periods. The main spontaneous EEG abnormalities found during the critical phase were the slowing and asymmetry of the dominant frequency in the alpha range. The amplitude of the SSVEP F1 component was significantly reduced during the attack phase compared with the intercritical phase; in the latter condition the visual reactivity to 27 Hz stimulus was increased over almost the entire scalp compared with normal subjects. The EEG abnormalities confirm a fluctuating modification of alpha activity during the migraine attack, probably related to a functional disorder. The suppression of visual reactivity during the migraine attack could be related to a phenomenon of neuronal depolarization such as spreading depression, occurring in a situation of central neuronal increased excitability predisposing to migraine attacks.
Interpreting the communication of people with profound and multiple learning difficulties
Authors: Porter Jill , Ouvry Carol , Morgan Maggie , Downs Caroline
Published: March 2003

The present paper highlights some of the issues involved in interpreting the communication behaviours of people with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLDs). Both inference and intention can play an important role in the communication process, and this raises a number of difficulties and dangers where one of the communication partners is not in a position to correct misunderstandings. The present authors discuss the importance of validating communication and pose a number of key questions to ask those who are most significant in the life of a person with PMLDs. A case study is provided that illustrates a number of these issues.
Diagnosis and drugs: help or hindrance when people with learning disabilities have psychological problems?
Authors: Stenfert Kroese Biza , Dewhurst Damian , Holmes Guy
Published: March 2003

A wide range of prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders in people with learning disabilities has been reported, and as yet, there appears to be no general consensus on how to improve the process of diagnosis in order to achieve better agreement. Distinguishing behavioural disturbance from psychiatric disorders is clearly problematic, and empirical and conceptual issues concerning the nature of these disorders brings into question the validity and reliability of psychiatric diagnosis in people with learning disabilities. Concern has been widely expressed about the high frequency with which psychotropic medication is prescribed to this client group. The present paper reviews some of the recent literature, and questions whether psychiatric diagnosis and the use of psychotropic medication are sufficiently evidence‐based to be justified practice.
Patient information leaflets for people with learning disabilities who take psychiatric medication
Authors: Strydom A. , Forster M. , Wilkie B. M. , Edwards C. , Hall I. S.
Published: March 2003

European Community directives require that patient information leaflets should be supplied with all dispensed medications. The present authors could not identify suitable leaflets for people with learning disabilities and set out to produce leaflets on psychiatric medications. This paper describes the design process, which involved service users throughout the development of draft leaflets. A service‐user questionnaire (21 participants) identified gaps in medication knowledge and information sources. People had difficulties in reading and understanding medication labels and manufacturers' inserts, and overwhelmingly requested a readable leaflet about their medication. They also had limited access to information resources. These results informed a draft leaflet design. Consultation with users prompted a number of changes. A larger leaflet with pictures rather than symbols was preferred, and words and concepts needed adjustment. The present authors conclude that service‐user consultation during development of resources enables the content to focus on the needs of users. Word, concept and symbol comprehension should not be assumed, but tested. Further resources need to be developed.
Through the eye of the Cyclops: evaluating a multi‐sensory intervention programme for people with complex disabilities
Authors: Mitchell Jillian R. , Van Der Gaag Anna
Published: March 2003

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of Odyssey Now (ON), a multi‐sensory programme designed for use with people with learning disabilities. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to assess levels of interaction and engagement in two individuals with severe/profound learning disabilities. Increases in interaction and engagement were observed during the ON sessions. Both individuals interacted more with their environments during these sessions than they did during other, ‘routine’ activities. Staff also observed positive changes in the participants over time. These results suggest that the ON programme does have observable benefits for individuals with severe/profound learning disabilities. The methods used in the present study appear to be sensitive to subtle changes in communication which are often difficult to measure. Replication of this methodology on a larger scale would be beneficial, not only in terms of evaluating this programme, but also in determining the effectiveness of other programmes for individuals with severe/profound learning disabilities.
A parent training programme for chronic food refusal: a case study
Authors: Brown J. F. , Spencer Kate , Swift Stella
Published: March 2003

The present paper describes the successful implementation of a training programme for the parents of a child with moderate learning difficulties presenting with chronic food refusal and provides an example of how professionals can work with families to manage clinical problems in the home. The parents were taught to use the Premack principle to motivate their child in the consumption of previously refused foods. A multiple baseline design across three foods demonstrated the efficacy of the programme and the dietary changes were maintained at the 3‐month follow‐up.
An exploration of the role of the community nurse, learning disability, in England
Authors: Mobbs Caroline , Hadley Samantha , Wittering Rosemary , Bailey Nicola M.
Published: March 2003

Community learning disability nursing has been faced with considerable changes over recent years. In the early part of the 1990s, some commentators believed that it was a specialism in decline. The aim of the present study was to describe the way in which community nurses, learning disabilities (CNLDs), work within National Health Service (NHS) trusts in England, the other professionals whom they relate to, the client group whom they serve, their qualifications and their working practices. A postal questionnaire enquiring about these themes was returned by CNLD managers from 136 out of the 170 NHS trusts which were identified (81%).
Parents with learning disabilities: a study of gender and cultural perspectives in East London
Authors: O'Hara Jean , Martin Hemmie
Published: March 2003

The rights of people with learning disabilities to marry and have a family is at the heart of the Government's new strategy (Valuing People), yet there are few integrated and co‐ordinated services to meet their needs. All too often, learning disability is the sole reason why children are removed from their biological parents. Whilst there is a small but growing literature on the quality and extent of the social supports available, little attention has been paid to culture and gender. This study analyses data on parents who came into contact with the specialist community learning disability health team in East London over a 5‐year period in respect of culture, gender and outcomes.
Origin of deep saline groundwaters in the Vienne granitic rocks (France): constraints inferred from boron and strontium isotopes
Authors: Casanova J. , Négrel PH. , Kloppmann W. , Aranyossy J. F.
Published: March 2003

As part of a preliminary geological characterization programme to assess the feasibility of an underground laboratory in granitic rock, a series of 17 deep boreholes (maximum depth, 900 m) was drilled by ANDRA in the Vienne district, France. A salinity gradient was demonstrated in the granitic waters with concentrations varying from approximately 1 g L−1 at 150 m depth at the top of the basement (beneath the sedimentary cover) to 10 g L−1 in the deeper part (from 400 to 600 m depth). Sr and B isotope ratios were measured in order to better understand the origin of the salinity and to evaluate the degree of water–rock interaction in the system. The results obtained were compared to those of mineral spring waters emerging from the granitic basement in the Massif Central. Evidence in support of a significant marine contribution include: (i) the Cl–Br investigations agree with a marine origin for the saline groundwaters without evolution from seawater; (ii) the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of the Vienne deep groundwaters (0.7078–0.7084) is in agreement with a palaeo‐seawater isotopic signature; (iii) measured δ11B values for the deepest brine samples are enriched in 11B (up to 36.1‰) relative to the granitic springs. The combined use of δ11B, Cl, B, Br, Sr contents and 87Sr/86Sr ratios makes it possible to define and quantify a mixing model between marine and crustal end‐members in order to explain the origin of the deep saline groundwaters in the Vienne granitic rocks.
Numerical models of petroleum migration via buoyancy‐driven porosity waves in viscously deformable sediments
Authors: Appold M. S. , Nunn J. A.
Published: March 2003

The apparent ability of petroleum to migrate rapidly through low permeability sediments in sedimentary basins has led to many questions about the manner of its transport. One possible explanation is suggested from observations of the compaction of viscously deformable porous media. These systems have been found in some cases to give rise to regions of locally elevated liquid fraction, in the form of fluid‐filled porosity waves that can ascend at rates much greater than that of the background flow. Previous research on the phenomenon has focused on its implications for magma transport, but recognition of the fact that the compaction of viscous porous media can take place in sedimentary basins has suggested the possibility that porosity waves could similarly be important for hydrocarbon transport. The purpose of the present study was to test this hypothesis by quantifying the transport that would occur as the result of porosity waves initiated during the conversion of kerogen to petroleum.

A one‐dimensional numerical model was constructed solving equations for the mechanics of viscous compaction and for the kinetics of reactions describing the formation of petroleum from kerogen. The results showed that porosity waves would develop readily in viscously deformable regions of sedimentary basins, but would not necessarily provide enhanced transport over that of the background flow regime. In order for the waves to achieve this enhanced transport, they must develop high amplitudes, i.e. high porosities relative to the background porous medium. To achieve the high wave amplitudes, the background porosity must be very low in absolute terms. In addition, high kerogen contents are needed in the source layer, and the source layer needs to be buried rapidly to a high temperature region of the oil window. Considerable uncertainty exists as to the value of the matrix shear viscosity of sediments in basins. However, the wave volumetric transport capacity was not found to be significantly altered as a result of variations in the value of this parameter. The physical form of the waves was strongly altered by the matrix shear viscosity, with higher values leading to lower amplitudes and generation frequency, but higher wavelengths. Thus the waves become less recognizable physically at higher values of the matrix shear viscosity. As the waves ascend to higher stratigraphic levels, where the porosity is higher, they gradually lose their physical definition and become absorbed into the background.
Effect of cooking method and variety on the sensory quality of rice
Authors: Crowhurst Daniel G. , Creed Philip G.
Published: March 2003

This study aimed to determine the effects of different cooking methods on white, milled rice. Two methods were evaluated (the Excess, or American method, and the Pilaf method, also known as the Oriental, or calculated‐water method), which are commonly used, both domestically and in the catering industry. The effects of the two cooking methods were assessed on four varieties of rice, American Long Grain, American Long Grain Easy Cook, Basmati, and Thai Jasmine rice. The study used sensory evaluation techniques and terminology previously used in the field of rice research. The aim of the study was to assess potential differences in sensory attributes and overall acceptability. Affective testing techniques (hedonic and relative‐to‐ideal scales) were used to measure consumer preference. A consumer questionnaire also investigated the effects of rice eating, buying and cooking behaviour on the preferred cooking method. The subjects taking part in the study were taken from a typical student population at Bournemouth University. In general, the Pilaf method resulted in rice products that were stickier, firmer and drier in texture, with a more acceptable flavour. Overall acceptability and preference for the Pilaf method was higher, except in the case of Basmati rice. Models of acceptability accounted for up to half the variation so sensory attributes could not be used to predict the acceptability of rice products reliably.
The effects of rainforest canopy loss on arboreal dung beetles in Borneo: implications for the measurement of biodiversity in derived tropical ecosystems
Authors: Davis Andrew J. , Sutton Stephen L.
Published: March 2003

We examine the effect of selective timber extraction, and corresponding forest canopy loss, on arboreal dung beetles in the tropical rainforests of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Changes in vertical distribution of beetles are measured through differences in the abundance of beetles in ground‐based pitfall traps in primary, logged and plantation forest. Previous research has demonstrated that arboreal dung beetles are not generally collected in pitfall traps in primary forest, but are present in large numbers above the ground in canopy vegetation: the presence of arboreal beetles in pitfalls in areas of reduced or modified canopy cover may therefore reflect a response to the absence or modification of their usual habitat, and the proliferation of these beetles nearer to the ground. In this paper, statistically significant differences are found in the abundance of beetles in ground pitfall traps from logged forest compared to primary forest. Results show that virtually no arboreal dung beetles are recorded in primary forest traps, with an increased abundance of arboreal dung beetles in traps from logged and plantation forest, with 1.72% of the total number of arboreal beetles recorded from primary forest, 22.32% from logged forest, and 75.96% from plantation forest. The presence of arboreal dung beetles in plantations demonstrates that arboreal dung beetles can survive outside their normal habitat, and we relate these observations to adaptations to upper rainforest canopy conditions, and proliferation of these microclimatic conditions in man‐made habitats. Results are also discussed in terms of their relevance to the measurement of species richness and diversity in logged and other derived ecosystems, where mixing of the ground‐based and arboreal faunas occurs.
Ecological diversity and resilience of Mediterranean vegetation to disturbance
Authors: Lavorel Sandra
Published: March 2003

In the Mediterranean region, plant communities are highly diverse with high total and local species richness, and a high spatial heterogeneity. They are also highly resilient to disturbance, which has been related to their evolutionary history of disturbance, and conceptually, although without formal proof, to their high ecological diversity. These ideas take on a new importance in the context of global change. In order to predict potential effects of future land use change, mechanisms underlying the resilience of ecosystems need to be understood. However, a review of the recent literature shows that confusion abounds as to the nature and measurement of resilience. In this paper we present a brief conceptual and methodological clarification and propose avenues for the analysis of mechanisms underlying the relationships between diversity and resilience, using Mediterranean ecosystems as an example.

In Mediterranean ecosystems, rapid recovery from fire, soil disturbance and grazing has been attributed to two complementary causes. Firstly, disturbances often modify species relative abundances rather than composition, and recovery only involves the return to initial abundances. Secondly, life histories of dominant life forms in Mediterranean communities include efficient regeneration strategies that allow for recovery from dormant seeds or buds. In this paper, I use experimental results obtained in abandoned agricultural fields of southern France to investigate the mechanisms underlying the resilience of Mediterranean herbaceous communities to soil disturbance. These suggest that ecological diversity contributes to resilience in at least three ways.1.Post‐disturbance dynamics involve shifts in abundances of response groups to disturbance.2.Within response groups, processes of lottery competition account for the dynamic maintenance of numerous species.3.At the landscape scale, the fine grained distribution of communities at different successional stages allows for patch dynamics to operate with dispersal of species between patches.

Further progress in the understanding of the relationships between ecological diversity and resilience of Mediterranean ecosystems can be achieved along two main avenues. Firstly, resilience of experimentally manipulated communities with differing levels of diversity needs to be assessed. Secondly, comparisons of those experiments across mediterranean‐climate regions with different evolutionary disturbance histories need to be coordinated.
Intraspecific abundance–occupancy relationships: case studies of six bird species in Britain
Authors: Gaston Kevin J. , Blackburn Tim M. , Gregory Richard D.
Published: March 2003

Although acknowledged to be common, intraspecific relationships between local abundance and site occupancy have been examined in detail for few species. Here we report such analyses for six widespread species of breeding birds in Britain, using data from the Common Birds Census. These exhibit a range of temporal trends, including different combinations of increase and decrease in abundance and occupancy. Overall, two species have a statistically significant positive abundance–occupancy relationship on farmland but no relationship in woodland (collared dove, tree sparrow), one a significant positive relationship on farmland and in woodland (magpie), two a significant positive relationship on farmland and a negative one in woodland (redstart, song thrush), and one a significant negative abundance–occupancy relationship on farmland but no relationship in woodland (sparrowhawk). The population dynamics associated with these patterns are used to discern their underlying mechanisms.
Charles S. Elton and the dissociation of invasion ecology from the rest of ecology
Authors: Davis Mark A. , Thompson Ken , Grime J. Philip
Published: March 2003

Despite several decades of research, the field of invasion ecology has not been very successful in developing reliable generalizations regarding the mechanisms and predictability of invasions. In this essay, we argue that one impediment in the field’s development has been that the field of invasion ecology has largely dissociated itself from other subdisciplines of ecology, particularly succession ecology. Taking an historical approach, we suggest that this dissociation began with Charles S. Elton, the generally acknowledged father of invasion biology. We argue further that, despite periodic calls to end what some have regarded as a spurious distinction between native colonizers and introduced invaders, invasion ecology has continued to pursue its own generalizations with limited success. We suggest this dissociation may be exacerbated further by incentives produced by the realities of publishing and securing funding for research and also by the use of electronic search engines to identify related articles. We offer several examples of how invasion ecology has benefited from research on succession and regeneration conducted on native species and conclude that the field of invasion ecology would do well to do more of this type of communication and collaboration among subdisciplines.
Prediction of bird community composition based on point‐occurrence data and inferential algorithms: a valuable tool in biodiversity assessments
Authors: Feria A. T. Patricia , Peterson A. Townsend
Published: March 2003

Local biological communities are made up of species, each of which has its own particular relationship with the environment. To the extent that these autecological niches limit species’ distributions, and by extension community composition, models of species’ ecological niches can predict species composition at particular sites, or at least provide a null hypothesis of potential species composition in the absence of effects of species interactions. We developed distributional predictions (ecological niche models) for 89 species occurring in dry tropical forest in the Balsas Basin of south‐western Mexico using an interpolation technique, and predicted the species likely to occur at 8 sites across the region. Onsite field inventory data were then used to test the community predictions, all of which were statistically significant. These results suggest that inventory efforts can be made more efficient by development beforehand of hypotheses that focus onsite collecting and inventory.
Generalized avian dispersal syndrome contributes to Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum, Euphorbiaceae) invasiveness
Authors: Renne Ian J. , Barrow Wylie C. , Johnson Randall Lori A. , Bridges William C.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Plants possessing generalized dispersal syndromes are likely to be more invasive than those relying on specialist dispersal agents. To address this issue on a local and regional scale, avian seed dispersal of the invasive alien Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb.) was assessed in forests and spoil areas of South Carolina and along forest edges in Louisiana during the 1997–99 fruiting seasons. Tallow trees in these floristically distinct habitats had a few common and many casual visitors, and considerable species overlap among habitats was found. However, bird species differed in the importance of dispersing and dropping seeds among habitats. Important dispersal agents common to forests and spoil areas of South Carolina included Northern Flicker, American Robin and Red‐winged Blackbird, whereas Red‐bellied Woodpecker and European Starling were important in the former and latter habitat, respectively. In Louisiana, Red‐bellied Woodpecker, American Robin, Northern Cardinal and Eastern Bluebird dispersed many seeds. Nearly all species foraging on seeds were winter residents. Estimated numbers of seeds dispersed and dropped were higher in spoil areas of South Carolina than in Louisiana because of higher numbers of individuals per visit, higher seed consumption and seed dropping rates, and longer foraging durations. Within South Carolina, more seeds were dispersed and dropped in spoil areas than in forests because of higher numbers of birds per visit. These findings show that among habitats, tallow tree attracts diverse but variable coteries of dispersal agents that are qualitatively similar in seed usage patterns. We suggest that its generalized dispersal syndrome contributes to effective seed dispersal by many bird species throughout its range. Effects of differential avian use among locales may include changes in local bird communities, and differing tallow tree demographics and invasion patterns.
Climatic stress, food availability and human activity as determinants of endemism patterns in the Mediterranean region: the case of dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Verdú José R. , Galante Eduardo
Published: March 2003

Abstract. A study to assess the influence of abiotic (climatic conditions) and biotic factors (food resources, habitat preference and human activity) on endemism patterns of dung beetles in the Mediterranean region was conducted in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. The Thermicity Index (It), the Mediterraneity Index (Im3) and the Aridity Index (Ia) were used to assess the influence of abiotic factors. Relative rabbit density (DR), the proportion of landscape used historically for grazing by sheep and goats and the nature of the food resource were used to assess the influence of biotic factors. Relative endemism (EN) of dung beetle assemblages was positively and significantly related with all of the factors considered. However, the Aridity and Mediterraneity Indices are the best predictors of EN. The predicted endemism (EN = 0.017 Ia + 0.004 Im3 + 0.422) was highly positively and significantly related with the observed endemism. Dung beetle assemblages with the highest relative endemism were observed in the south‐eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. This distribution corresponded to the highest Aridity and Mediterraneity. In contrast, dung beetle assemblages with lower endemism were located in more humid and temperate areas. Assemblages of dung beetles with the highest endemism comprise many species adapted to aridity and the exploitation of dry dung pellets. Conservation of traditional grazing activity by pellet‐dropping sheep and goats might benefit the maintenance of dung beetle biodiversity in Mediterranean ecosystems.
Ultraviolet radiation, toxic chemicals and amphibian population declines
Authors: Blaustein Andrew R. , Romansic John M. , Kiesecker Joseph M. , Hatch Audrey C.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. As part of an overall ‘biodiversity crisis’, many amphibian populations are in decline throughout the world. Numerous factors have contributed to these declines, including habitat destruction, pathogens, increasing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, introduced non‐native species and contaminants. In this paper we review the contribution of increasing UV radiation and environmental contamination to the global decline of amphibian populations. Both UV radiation and environmental contaminants can affect amphibians at all life stages. Exposure to UV radiation and to certain contaminants can kill amphibians and induce sublethal affects in embryos, larvae and adults. Moreover, UV radiation and contaminants may interact with one another synergistically. Synergistic interactions of UV radiation with contaminants can enhance the detrimental effects of the contaminant and UV radiation.