bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific effects of denaturation, hydrolysis and exposure to Lactococcus lactis on bovine β‐lactoglobulin transepithelial transport, antigenicity and allergenicity
Authors: Bernasconi E. , Fritsché R. , Corthésy B.
Published: May 2006

Background
Food allergy in developed countries represents a growing concern as reflected by epidemiological studies, indicating that up to 4% of the overall population is affected. Reduction of symptoms takes place following eviction or processing of some allergens. However, it cannot be predicted which structural changes will be associated with significant effects on the allergenicity.

Objective
To determine how various treatments of bovine β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) used as a model antigen alters its immunoreactivity and transepithelial transport, and whether this correlates with reduced allergenicity using an in vitro basophil activation assay.

Methods
BLG was subjected to reduction/alkylation, trypsin digestion or exposed to Lactococcus lactis. The remaining immunoreactivity toward IgG raised against native BLG was assessed by ELISA. Transepithelial transport of BLG and derivatives was examined using polarized Caco‐2 cell monolayers mimicking the intestinal epithelium. Selective passage of tryptic peptides was determined using colchicine and cytochalasin D. Basophil activation was measured following stimulation with BLG and derivatives.

Results
Reduction/alkylation, trypsin digestion or incubation with L. lactis was associated with decreased BLG recognition by IgG antibodies raised against the native protein. All treatments also resulted in a more efficient transepithelial transport of BLG. BLG crossed the Caco‐2 monolayer through passage across the cell, whereas tryptic peptides followed both the para‐ and transcellular routes. With the exception of denaturation by reduction/alkylation, cross‐linking of IgE antibodies by BLG derivatives led to lower basophil degranulation.

Conclusion
In vitro dissection of antigenicity and allergenicity may be a valid and convenient alternative to evaluate the effects of biotechnological processing on dietary proteins. In addition, it can help to define the molecular and cellular mechanisms that will provide improved means of diagnosis and possibly therapy of food‐allergic disorders.
A critical assessment of allergen component‐based in vitro diagnosis in cherry allergy across Europe
Authors: Reuter A. , Lidholm J. , Andersson K. , Östling J. , Lundberg M. , Scheurer S. , Enrique E. , Cistero‐Bahima A. , Miguel‐Moncin M. San , Ballmer‐Weber B. K. , Vieths Stefan
Published: May 2006

Background
Food allergy to cherry occurs throughout Europe, typically with restricted oral reactions in the central and northern parts but with frequent systemic reactions in the Mediterranean region. Previous studies have demonstrated insufficient sensitivity of commercially available cherry extract reagents in the diagnosis of cherry allergy.

Objective
To assess the diagnostic performance of specific IgE tests based on recombinant cherry allergens in comparison with an extract‐based assay and to skin prick test (SPT). A secondary objective was to analyse the frequency of systemic reactions in cherry‐allergic subjects across Europe, including the largest population of LTP‐sensitized subjects from central Europe studied to date.

Methods
A total of 186 subjects from central Europe and Spain were studied. Serum IgE was analysed with ImmunoCAP tests carrying rPru av 1, 3 and 4, combined and separately, and cherry extract.

Results
Among the central European cherry allergics, the mix of rPru av 1, 3 and 4 had a sensitivity of 95%, compared with 65% for cherry extract, and the IgE binding capacity of the recombinant mix was considerably higher. The sensitivity of the two tests was more comparable in the Spanish population, 95% and 86%, respectively. The recombinant allergen ImmunoCAP equalled SPT in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Consistent with previous reports, major geographic differences in sensitization pattern and prevalence of systemic reactions were found. A significantly higher rate of systemic reactions was found in Spanish patients sensitized to Pru av 3 whereas German patients sensitized to LTP only had oral allergy syndrome.

Conclusions
The recombinant cherry allergen ImmunoCAP is a highly sensitive diagnostic tool, clearly superior to any diagnostic method based on cherry extract. Three cherry allergens are sufficient for detecting sensitization in 95% of cherry‐allergic subjects. Systemic reactions are common in LTP‐sensitized individuals but seem to require at least one additional causative factor.
Plasticity in leaf traits of 38 tropical tree species in response to light; relationships with light demand and adult stature
Authors: ROZENDAAL D. M. A. , HURTADO V. H. , POORTER L.
Published: May 2006

The sun–shade acclimation and plasticity of 16 functional leaf traits of 38 tropical tree species were studied in relation to their light demand, maximum adult stature and ontogenetic changes in crown exposure.

Species differed significantly in all leaf traits, which explained a large part of the observed variation (average R2 = 0·72). Light had a significant effect on 12 traits and species showed a similar proportional response to light, indicating that the species ranking in trait performance is largely maintained in different light environments.

Specific leaf area, leaf nutrient content and chlorophyll : nitrogen ratio showed the largest plasticity to irradiance. These traits are important for maximizing growth in different light conditions because they are closely linked to the photosynthetic capacity and carbon balance of the plant.

Plasticity is generally thought to be greatest for pioneer species that occupy early successional habitats with a large variation in irradiance. This hypothesis was rejected because short‐lived pioneers showed the lowest plasticity to irradiance.

An alternative hypothesis states that plasticity is largest for tall species that experience large ontogenetic changes in irradiance during their life cycle. Yet plasticity was barely related to adult stature or ontogenetic changes in crown exposure. Short‐lived pioneers that experience consistently high light levels did have low plasticity, but shade‐tolerant species that experience consistently low light levels had high plasticity.

Tropical rainforest species show a large variation in plasticity. Plasticity is a compromise between many factors and constraints, and all of these may explain the observed patterns to some extent.
Maternal effects in Wood Ducks: incubation temperature influences incubation period and neonate phenotype
Authors: HEPP G. R. , KENNAMER R. A. , JOHNSON M. H.
Published: May 2006

Maternal effects often explain a significant amount of variation in offspring phenotype, and can be important in the evolution of life histories. Incubation of eggs is an important maternal effect, and optimal growth and development of avian embryos takes place within a narrow range of incubation temperatures, but the effect of incubation microclimate on neonate phenotype remains relatively unexplored in birds.

In this study of Wood Ducks (Aix sponsaLinnaeus) we examined effects of incubation temperature on the length of incubation period and neonate quality. We monitored nest temperatures and incubation periods of naturally incubated Wood Duck nests and found a strong inverse relationship between incubation period and average nest temperature.

Next, we collected three unincubated eggs from each of 48 nests, and randomly assigned eggs from each nest to one of three incubation temperatures (34·6, 36·0 and 37·4 °C). Experimental incubation temperatures overlapped average nest temperatures of naturally incubated Wood Duck nests.

Hatching success varied with incubation temperature and was lowest for eggs incubated at the lowest temperature. Incubation period of experimental eggs decreased with increasing temperature but was not affected by fresh egg mass.

Wood Duck embryos catabolized an estimated 34–38% of egg lipids and 25–33% of egg protein during incubation. Percentage change of lipids increased with decreasing incubation temperature, but not significantly. Embryos incubated at lower temperatures used a greater percentage of protein than embryos incubated at higher temperatures.

In analyses using fresh egg mass as the covariate, we found that wet and dry mass of ducklings increased with increasing incubation temperature. Decreases in lipid content of Wood Duck neonates with decreasing incubation temperature were not significant, but eggs incubated at low temperatures produced ducklings that had reduced protein mass and that were structurally larger than ducklings from eggs incubated at high temperatures.

Our study illustrates the importance of incubation temperature on the development of Wood Duck embryos. Decisions made by incubating parents that influence egg temperature can modify incubation period and offspring phenotype. Investigations of incubation as a reproductive cost should consider how parental decisions influence both parents and offspring.
Identification and management of women with inherited bleeding disorders: a survey of obstetricians and gynaecologists in the United Kingdom
Authors: CHI C. , SHILTAGH N. , KINGMAN C. E. C. , ECONOMIDES D. L. , LEE C. A. , KADIR R. A.
Published: May 2006

Summary.  A mail survey of members and fellows of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists was carried out to determine current practices of obstetricians and gynaecologists in the United Kingdom in the management of women with inherited bleeding disorders. In total, 3929 questionnaires were sent, 707 returned and analysis was limited to 545 valid questionnaires. In the past 5 years, 91% have managed women with inherited bleeding disorders. The majority (83%) considered inherited bleeding disorders to be under diagnosed in obstetrics and gynaecology. More than 80% considered the prevalence of von Willebrand's disease (VWD) to be <0.2% in the general population and <1% in women with menorrhagia and no gynaecological pathology, although the reported prevalence is 1% and 5–25% respectively. Twelve percent of the respondents would arrange testing for VWD when reviewing an 18‐year‐old with menorrhagia and no pelvic pathology, while only 2% would do the same for a 35‐year‐old with the same presentation. Twenty‐one percent thought elective caesarean section is indicated in all fetuses known to be at risk of being affected by haemophilia. Eighty‐four percent considered vacuum extraction unsafe in these cases, but 76% would consider the use of low forceps. In conclusion, obstetricians and gynaecologists underestimate inherited bleeding disorders as an underlying cause for menorrhagia. Increased awareness and management guidelines are essential in minimizing haemorrhagic complications and improving quality of care of these women.
Dependence on p38 MAPK signalling in the up‐regulation ofTLR2,TLR4andTLR9gene expression inTrichomonas vaginalis‐treated HeLa cells
Authors: Chang Jae‐Ho , Park Ju‐Youn , Kim Soo‐Ki
Published: May 2006

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize conserved pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) synthesized by micro‐organisms. Despite the essential requirement for TLRs in prokaryotic infection, the pattern and regulation ofTLRgene expression byTrichomonas vaginalisin the mucocutaneous barrier are still unknown. Our hypothesis is thatT. vaginalis‐infected epithelial cells are major effector cells in the skin barrier. These cells function as a central regulator ofTLRgene expression, thus accelerating the process of barrier dysfunction via increased release of chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines. To test this hypothesis, RT‐PCR was performed onTLRs, interleukin (IL)‐8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Stimulation of HeLa cells byT. vaginaliswas observed to up‐regulateTLR2,4and9mRNA expression as well as that ofIL‐8andTNF‐α. To further clarify the molecular mechanism of barrier devastation triggered by these up‐regulatory stimuli, we examined the profiles of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation in HeLa cells using specific inhibitors. Interestingly, pretreatment of HeLa cells with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 demonstrated inhibition ofT. vaginalis‐induced up‐regulation ofTLR2,4, and9mRNA expression. By contrast, inhibition of ERK or NF‐κB activation failed to blockT. vaginalis‐induced up‐regulation ofTLR9mRNA expression orTLR2andTLR4mRNA expression, respectively. In addition, pretreatment with SB203580 reduced epithelium‐derived IL‐8 and TNF‐α release evoked byT. vaginalis. Our results show thatT. vaginalisinfection of the mucocutaneous barrier could up‐regulateTLR2,4and9gene expression via the p38 MAPK signalling pathway in epithelial cells; this process then leads to modulation of p38 MAPK‐dependent IL‐8 and TNF‐α release from the epithelium.
Lyme borreliosis reinfection: might it be explained by a gender difference in immune response?
Authors: Jarefors Sara , Bennet Louise , You Elin , Forsberg Pia , Ekerfelt Christina , Berglund Johan , Ernerudh Jan
Published: May 2006

Lyme borreliosis is a tick‐borne disease often manifesting as a circular skin lesion. This cutaneous form of the disease is known as erythema migrans. In a 5‐year follow‐up study in southern Sweden, 31 of 708 individuals initially diagnosed with erythema migrans and treated with antibiotics were found to be reinfected with Borrelia burgdorferi. Although men and women were tick‐bitten to the same extent, 27 of the 31 reinfected individuals were women, all of whom were over 44 years of age. The aim of this study was to determine whether this discrepancy in gender distribution could be a result of differences in immunological response. Twenty single‐infected and 21 reinfected women and 18 single‐infected and three reinfected men were included in the study. None of the participants showed any sign of an ongoing B. burgdorferi infection, and thus the habitual response was captured. Lymphocytes were separated from blood and stimulated with antigens. The secretion of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, interferon (IFN)‐γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot‐forming cell assay (ELISPOT) or Immulite. No difference was detected in cytokine secretion between single‐infected and reinfected individuals. We also compared the immunological response in men and women, regardless of the number of B. burgdorferi infections. Women displayed a significantly higher spontaneous secretion of all cytokines measured. The ratios of IL‐4:IFN‐γ and IL‐10:TNF‐α were significantly higher in women. Gender differences in immune reactivity might in part explain the higher incidence of reinfection in women. The higher IL‐4:IFN‐γ and IL‐10:TNF‐α ratios seen in women indicate that postmenopausal women have T helper type 2 (Th2)‐directed reactivity with impaired inflammatory responses which might inhibit the elimination of spirochetes.
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen‐4‐dependent down‐modulation of costimulatory molecules on dendritic cells in CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T‐cell‐mediated suppression
Authors: Oderup Cecilia , Cederbom Lukas , Makowska Anna , Cilio Corrado M. , Ivars Fredrik
Published: May 2006

We have previously demonstrated that CD4+ CD25+ natural regulatory T cells (Treg cells) induce down‐modulation of CD80 and CD86 (B7) molecules on dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. In this report we show that the extent of down‐modulation is functionally significant because Treg‐cell conditioned DCs induced poor T‐cell proliferation responses. Further, we report that down‐modulation was induced rapidly and was inhibited by blocking cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4), which is constitutively expressed by the Treg cells. Even though Treg cells have previously been reported to kill antigen‐presenting cells, the down‐modulation was not due to selective killing of DCs expressing high level of the costimulatory molecules. We propose that Treg cells down‐modulate B7‐molecules on DCs in a CTLA‐4‐dependent way, thereby enhancing suppression of T‐cell activity.
Tumoristatic effects of anti‐CD40 mAb‐activated macrophages involve nitric oxide and tumour necrosis factor‐α
Authors: Lum Hillary D. , Buhtoiarov Ilia N. , Schmidt Brian E. , Berke Gideon , Paulnock Donna M. , Sondel Paul M. , Rakhmilevich Alexander L.
Published: May 2006

Effector cells of the innate immune system have diverse functions that can result in tumour inhibition or tumour progression. Activation of macrophages by CD40 ligation has been shown to induce antitumour effects in vitro and in vivo. Here we investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) as mediators in the tumoristatic effects of murine peritoneal macrophages activated with agonistic anti‐CD40 monoclonal antibody (αCD40) alone and following further stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that macrophages activated in vivo by αCD40 exhibited tumoristatic activity in vitro against B16 melanoma cells; the tumoristatic effect correlated with the level of NO production and was enhanced by LPS. Use of the NO inhibitor l‐nitro‐arginine‐methyl esterase (L‐NAME) and evaluation of macrophages from inducible NO synthase (iNOS)‐knockout (KO) mice following αCD40 activation showed reduced tumoristatic activity. CD40 ligation enhanced expression of TNF‐α. Macrophage tumoristatic activity following αCD40 treatment was reduced by TNF‐α mAb or use of macrophages from TNF‐α‐KO mice. However, further stimulation of αCD40‐activated macrophages with LPS resulted in strong tumoristatic activity that was much less dependent on NO or TNF‐α. Taken together, these results suggest that NO and TNF‐α are involved in, but not solely responsible for, the antitumour effects of macrophages after activation by CD40 ligation.
Urban amphibian assemblages as metacommunities
Authors: PARRIS KIRSTEN M.
Published: May 2006

Urban ecosystems are expanding throughout the world, and urban ecology is attracting increasing research interest. Some authors have questioned the value of existing ecological theories for understanding the processes and consequences of urbanization.

In order to assess the applicability of metacommunity theory to urban systems, I evaluated three assumptions that underlie the theory – the effect of patch area, the effect of patch isolation, and species–environment relations – using data on assemblages of pond‐breeding amphibians in the Greater Melbourne area of Australia. I also assessed the relative impact of habitat fragmentation, habitat isolation, and changes to habitat quality on these assemblages.

Poisson regression modelling provided support for an important increase in species richness with patch area (pond size) and a decrease in species richness with increasing patch isolation, as measured by surrounding road cover. Holding all other variables constant, species richness was predicted to be 2·8–5·5 times higher at the largest pond than at the smallest, while the most isolated pond was predicted to have 12–19% of the species richness of the least isolated pond. Thus, the data were consistent with the first two assumptions of metacommunity theory evaluated.

The quality of habitat at a pond was also important, with a predicted 44–56% decrease in the number of species detected at ponds with a surrounding vertical wall compared with those with a gently sloping bank. This demonstrates that environmental differences between habitat patches were also influencing amphibian assemblages, providing support for the species‐sorting and/or mass‐effect perspectives of metacommunity theory.

Without management intervention, urbanization may lead to a reduction in the number of amphibian species persisting in urban ponds, particularly where increasing isolation of ponds by roads and associated infrastructure reduces the probability of re‐colonization following local extinction.
Climate change may account for the decline in British ring ouzels Turdus torquatus
Authors: BEALE COLIN M. , BURFIELD IAN J. , SIM INNES M. W. , REBECCA GRAHAM W. , PEARCE‐HIGGINS JAMES W. , GRANT MURRAY C.
Published: May 2006

Climate change is already affecting biodiversity, but the number of species for which reliable models relate weather and climate to demographic parameters is low.

We modelled the effect of temperature and rainfall on the breeding success and territory occupancy of ring ouzels Turdus torquatus (L.) in northern Britain, using data from a range of study areas, including one where there was a long‐term decline in ring ouzel abundance.

Timing of breeding was significantly related to meteorological variables affecting birds in the early spring, though there was no evidence that laying dates had advanced. Breeding success was not significantly related to weather variables; instead, over 90% of annual variation in this parameter could be explained by density dependence.

Annual change in territory occupancy was linked to rainfall and temperature the preceding summer, after the main breeding season and to rainfall in the wintering grounds 24 months previously, coincident with the period of juniper Juniperus sp. (L.) flowering. High temperature in late summer, intermediate levels of late summer rainfall, and high spring rainfall in Morocco 24 months previously all had negative impacts on territory occupancy the following year.

All three weather variables have changed over recent decades, with a significant increase in summer temperature, a significant decrease in summer rainfall, and a nonsignificant decline in Moroccan spring rainfall. A model based on these trends alone predicted an annual decline in occupancy of 3·6% (compared with an observed decline of 1·2%), and suggested that increased summer temperatures may underlie declines in the British ring ouzel population.

Changes in summer temperature after the main breeding period could affect the survival rates of adult and/or juvenile birds. An improved understanding of the post‐breeding ecology of ring ouzels is required to elucidate the mechanisms and causes of this relationship. Such knowledge might allow management aimed at buffering the impacts of climate change on ring ouzels.
Warm, windy winters drive cod north and homing of spawners keeps them there
Authors: RINDORF ANNA , LEWY PETER
Published: May 2006

Climatic and anthropogenic effects often interact leading to unexpected results. For example, climate may lead to a change in the spatial distribution of a fish stock and thereby its vulnerability to exploitation. The North Sea cod stock is currently under pressure from both environmental change and human exploitation. This stock has experienced a series of poor recruitments since the late 1990s and, concomitant with the decrease in abundance, the distribution of cod has changed. While it has been suggested that the change in distribution can be linked to increasing temperatures and fishing pressure, there is little evidence for this hypothesis.

Using winter and summer survey catches, we investigated whether a directional shift in the distribution of cod has taken place over the years 1983–2003. We then examined whether the change could be linked to climatic conditions, fishing mortality, stock size or limited directional movement of cod. Using the derived models, we investigated whether fishing has increased the sensitivity of the cod population to climate‐induced distribution changes.

A series of winters characterized by high temperatures and southerly winds during the egg and larval phases of cod led to a northward shift in the distribution of juvenile North Sea cod the following year. A concomitant northern shift of mature fish around the time of spawning was linked directly to a tendency for northerly distributed juveniles to remain northerly throughout their life. This shift of the spawners further augmented that of the new recruits.

Although fishing mortality on a North Sea scale was not directly correlated with the displacement of any of the age groups, fishing has severely decreased the number of fish in older age groups. This increased the sensitivity of the distribution of the cod stock to climatic changes.

Synthesis and applications. The centre of gravity of North Sea cod has moved north as a result of the effect of a series of warm, windy winters on the distribution of recently settled cod. The shift was followed by a northwards shift in the distribution of older age groups. Unless a series of cold and calm years combined with a reduced mortality in the southern areas allows a southern spawning population to rebuild, the cod stock is unlikely to return to its previous area of distribution. Furthermore, protecting adult cod mainly in northern areas is unlikely to result in improved recruitment to the southern North Sea.
Making better biogeographical predictions of species’ distributions
Authors: GUISAN ANTOINE , LEHMANN ANTHONY , FERRIER SIMON , AUSTIN MIKE , OVERTON JACOB MC. C. , ASPINALL RICHARD , HASTIE TREVOR
Published: May 2006

Biogeographical models of species’ distributions are essential tools for assessing impacts of changing environmental conditions on natural communities and ecosystems. Practitioners need more reliable predictions to integrate into conservation planning (e.g. reserve design and management).

Most models still largely ignore or inappropriately take into account important features of species’ distributions, such as spatial autocorrelation, dispersal and migration, biotic and environmental interactions. Whether distributions of natural communities or ecosystems are better modelled by assembling individual species’ predictions in a bottom‐up approach or modelled as collective entities is another important issue. An international workshop was organized to address these issues.

We discuss more specifically six issues in a methodological framework for generalized regression: (i) links with ecological theory; (ii) optimal use of existing data and artificially generated data; (iii) incorporating spatial context; (iv) integrating ecological and environmental interactions; (v) assessing prediction errors and uncertainties; and (vi) predicting distributions of communities or collective properties of biodiversity.

Synthesis and applications. Better predictions of the effects of impacts on biological communities and ecosystems can emerge only from more robust species’ distribution models and better documentation of the uncertainty associated with these models. An improved understanding of causes of species’ distributions, especially at their range limits, as well as of ecological assembly rules and ecosystem functioning, is necessary if further progress is to be made. A better collaborative effort between theoretical and functional ecologists, ecological modellers and statisticians is required to reach these goals.
The impact of harvesting on a formerly endangered tropical bird: insights from life‐history theory
Authors: NICOLL MALCOLM A. C. , JONES CARL G. , NORRIS KEN
Published: May 2006

Life‐history theory assumes that trade‐offs exist between an individual's life‐history components, such that an increased allocation of a resource to one fitness trait might be expected to result in a cost for a conflicting fitness trait. Recent evidence from experimental manipulations of wild individuals supports this assumption.

The management of many bird populations involves harvesting for both commercial and conservation purposes. One frequently harvested life‐history stage is the egg, but the consequences of repeated egg harvesting for the individual and the long‐term dynamics of the population remain poorly understood.

We used a well‐documented restored population of the Mauritius kestrel Falco punctatus as a model system to explore the consequences of egg harvesting (and associated management practices) for an individual within the context of life‐history theory.

Our analysis indicated that management practices enhanced both the size and number of clutches laid by managed females, and improved mid‐life male and female adult survival relative to unmanaged adult kestrels.

Although management resulted in an increased effort in egg production, it reduced parental effort during incubation and the rearing of offspring, which could account for these observed changes.

Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates how a commonly applied harvesting strategy, when examined within the context of life‐history theory, can identify improvements in particular fitness traits that might alleviate some of the perceived negative impact of harvesting on the long‐term dynamics of a managed population.
Grassland‐breeding waders: identifying key habitat requirements for management
Authors: SMART JENNIFER , GILL JENNIFER A. , SUTHERLAND WILLIAM J. , WATKINSON ANDREW R.
Published: May 2006

Habitat loss and degradation of wetland ecosystems, principally through large‐scale drainage and conversion to arable farmland, have been implicated in the widespread, dramatic declines of breeding waders across Europe. Managing the remaining wetlands to reverse these declines will require a detailed understanding of their habitat requirements.

In the UK, grazing marshes are key components of the remaining wetlands in both coastal and inland sites, and the structure of grazing marsh habitat can differ between these locations. Redshank Tringa totanus is a declining wader species that breeds in both marsh types. We quantified the habitat features that influence redshank selection of breeding and nest site locations, across coastal and inland marshes, in eastern England.

On both marsh types, breeding location and breeding densities within fields were positively related to the lengths of pool edge and all wet features, respectively. Nest site location was principally influenced by vegetation characteristics, with soil penetrability also important on inland sites but proximity to wet features and vegetation type at the nest important on coastal sites. Hatching probability was higher when the surrounding soils were more penetrable.

Synthesis and applications. The wet features of critical importance for breeding redshank are common on coastal marshes and can be deliberately established on inland sites. Coastal marshes are often rare and frequently threatened by dynamic coastal processes, whereas inland marshes are more abundant but largely unsuitable for breeding waders at present. These analyses highlight the scope for improving the management of inland marshes for breeding redshank. As habitat suitable for breeding redshank frequently supports a range of other wader species, this information can also direct management efforts to improve breeding wader populations in the wider countryside.
Using selective food plants to maximize biological control of vineyard pests
Authors: BEGUM MAHMUDA , GURR GEOFF M. , WRATTEN STEVE D. , HEDBERG PETER R. , NICOL HELEN I.
Published: May 2006

Habitat manipulation is important for enhancing biological control of arthropod pests, but identification of selective food plants that benefit only natural enemies is required in order to avoid inadvertently exacerbating pest damage.

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to identify potential ground‐cover plant species that would improve performance of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma carverae when mass released in vineyards to control the leafroller pest Epiphyas postvittana. Further experiments determined which plants increased immature survival and adult longevity of E. postvittana and a field experiment investigated field enhancement of biological control.

Greenhouse survival of T. carverae was greater in the presence of flowering shoots of Lobularia maritima than with flowering shoots of either Brassica juncea or Coriandrum sativum, or with shoots of any species from which flowers had been removed or a control with no shoots. Similar experiments with Fagopyrum esculentum and Borage officinalis showed survival was higher in the presence of shoots with flowers than in without‐flower and control treatments.

Daily fecundity of T. carverae was greater in the presence of flowering shoots of L. maritima than F. esculentum and with treatments without flowers. There was no significant enhancement of fecundity with Brassica juncea and Borage officinalis flowers.

Adult longevity of male and female E. postvittana was as long in the presence of Borage officinalis and F. esculentum flowers as when fed a honey‐based artificial diet but longevity was significantly lower than in the artificial diet treatment when caged with C. sativum and L. maritima, irrespective of whether flowers were present or not.

Larval development of E. postvittana on intact potted plants was lower on C. sativum and L. maritima than on Brassica juncea, Borage officinalis, F. esculentum and Trifolium repens (a known host of E. postvittana).

In the first and second 48‐h periods after release of T. carverae in a field experiment, parasitism was significantly higher in pooled treatments with flowers (C. sativum, F. esculentum and L. maritima) than in pooled treatments without flowers (conventional ground‐cover or bare earth).

Lobularia maritima provided clear benefit to T. carverae but was not used by adult and larval E. postvittana.

Synthesis and applications. Lobularia maritima is recommended as the selective food plant best suited to this system and its use beneath vines offers the additional advantage of suppressing weeds, so avoiding the need for herbicide applications and mechanical control.
12 Effects of synchronized intestinal electrical stimulation on small intestinal motility in dogs
Authors: YIN J , CHEN JDZ
Published: May 2006

Our previous studies showed that synchronized gastric electrical stimulation enhanced antral contractions, accelerated gastric emptying in dogs. It has never been reported whether synchronized electrical stimulation could improve small intestinal motility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of synchronized intestinal electrical stimulation (SIES) on small bowel motility in both fasting and fed states in dogs.

Methods:  Five healthy female dogs (18–24 kg) were equipped with a duodenal cannula for the measurement of small bowel motility using manometry. Two pairs of bipolar electrodes were implanted on the small intestinal serosa with an interval of 25 cm; the first one was 10 cm beyond the pylorus and used for stimulation. The experiment was consisted of four sessions in each dog with a randomized order. In the fasting state, 20 min after occurrence of phase III, SIES was initiated and maintained for 45 min, small bowel motility was recorded during the entire experiment, and no stimulation was performed in the control session. In other two sessions, dogs were fed with solid meal at the beginning of the experiment; glucagon (0.1 mg kg­1) was injected 20 min after feeding, SIES was initiated at the same time for 20 min followed by 20 min recovery period. The stimulus was composed of train of pulses with on‐time of 0.5 s, frequency of 20 Hz, pulse width of 2 ms and amplitude of 4 mA.

Results:  1). In the fasting state, SIES induced small intestinal contractions during phase I. The motility index was 5.2 ± 0.6 in the control session and significantly increased to 10.3 ± 0.7 with SIES (P = 0.003). 2). In the fed state, glucagon substantially and significantly inhibited small intestinal motility. The motility index was 11.3 ± 0.7 after feeding and reduced to 3.4 ± 0.5 with glucagon injection (P < 0.001). SIES significantly enhanced glucagon‐induced small intestinal postprandial hypomotility. The motility index was 3.4 ± 0.5 in the control session and increased to 6.0 ± 0.3 with the presence of SIES (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:  Intestinal electrical stimulation synchronized with intestinal slow waves induces intestinal contractions during phase I and enhanced small intestinal postprandial hypomotility induced by glucagon. SIES may have the therapeutic potential for treating small intestinal motility disorders. (Supported by a grant from American Diabetes Association).
13 Role of local progenitors in the sustenance of networks of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the murine stomach
Authors: L?RINCZ A , REDELMAN D , HORVÁTH VJ , BARDSLEY MR , CHEN H , ÖRDÖG T
Published: May 2006

Depletion of ICC networks and consequent changes in electrical slow wave activity and neuromuscular neurotransmission play important roles in diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis. We have shown that reduced insulin/IGF‐I signaling and consequent decrease in stem cell factor (SCF) production underlie the ICC depletion of diabetic gastroparesis. It is, however, unclear whether the ICC loss is caused primarily by the accelerated attrition of mature cells or their impaired regeneration. In this study we identified local ICC progenitors and studied their role in the sustenance of gastric ICC networks. We investigated the expression of CD34, a putative marker for ICC precursors, and receptors for SCF (Kit), insulin, and IGF‐I in murine gastric muscles by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. In freshly dissected tissues, CD34 was not detected in KitBright ICC but a small population of KitLow cells expressed high levels of CD34. These cells were oval‐shaped, had no processes, and occurred in small clusters on the serosal and submucosal surfaces of the gastric musculature and in the myenteric region. Unlike mature ICC, they expressed insulin and IGF‐I receptors. KitLowCD34+ cells were undetectable and Kit+ ICC were profoundly reduced in gastric muscles cultured in the absence of growth factors for up to 85 days. Soluble SCF added to the culture media for 32–85 days rescued KitLowCD34+ cells and caused their growth into densely packed clusters in the myenteric region or thick chords containing bipolar cells within the muscle layers. These cells had elevated Kit and reduced CD34 expression. Cultures treated in a similar manner with IGF‐I to stimulate both soluble and membrane‐bound SCF were dominated by normal, Kit+CD34– ICC networks. IGF‐I treatments were only effective when initiated within the first 2–4 weeks of culturing, although mature, Kit+ ICC were able to survive longer. In adult H‐2Kb‐tsA58 mice harbouring the temperature‐sensitive large tumour antigen encoded by a mutant strain of simian virus 40, stimulating cell proliferation by culturing at 33°C prevented the decline of gastric ICC even in the absence of exogenous growth factors. We conclude that maintenance of gastric ICC probably involves their regeneration from rare KitLowCD34+ precursors that depend on a nearly uninterrupted supply of insulin or IGF‐I. While the development of these cells into ICC can be initiated with soluble SCF, their expansion and conversion into mature, CD34– ICC also requires membrane‐bound SCF. Supported by NIH Grants DK58185 and RR16464.
16 Central and peripheral effects of gastric electrical stimulation: Do we need a new generation device?
Authors: ZHANG J , TANG M , CHEN JDZ
Published: May 2006

Background:  Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) using the commercially available implantable device has been applied for treating obesity with controversial outcomes. It is known that all commercially available devices are designed for nerve or cardiac stimulation and the width of stimulation pulse is limited to below 1 ms. since the stomach is composed of smooth muscles, one wonders whether a wider pulse is needed for GES. The aim of this study was to compare the peripheral and central effects of GES with a pulse width currently used in clinical trials and a wider pulse in rats.

Methods:  GES with 2 sets of parameters (GES­0.3 ms: parameters used in clinical trials for obesity: 6 mA, 0.3 ms, 40 Hz, 2 s‐on, 3 s‐off; GES­3 ms: same as GES­0.3 ms except increased pulse width of 3 ms) was applied via a pair of gastric serosal electrodes. Exp.1 was performed 8 fasting rats. A barostat balloon was inserted to the proximal stomach for assessing gastric volume at baseline and during GES. Exp.2 was designed to record neuronal responses to GES in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of anesthetized rats (N = 58). Exp.3 Oxytocin (OT) antiserum were used for immunohistochemical staining. Brain sections were obtained from 5 stimulated rats (GES for 2 hrs) and 5 control rats.

Results:  1). GES­3 ms but not GES­0.3 ms reduced gastric tone. The gastric volume was increased from 0.38 ± 0.07 ml to 0.49 ± 0.07 (P < 0.05) with GES­3 ms. 2). In the PVN, 104 GD‐R neurons were tested with GES, more neurons were responsive to GES­3 ms than GES­0.3 ms (91.4% vs. 79.0%, P = 0.029); 3). The number of OT immunoreactive (OT‐IR) neurons was significantly increased in PVN and supraoptic nucleus with GES; however, a significantly higher increase was noted with GES­3 ms than GES­0.3 ms (42.59 ± 13.43 vs. 31.1 ± 2.2, P = 0.003).

Conclusions:  The peripheral and central effects of GES are dependent on stimulation pulse width. GES with wider pulses are more effective both peripherally and centrally. Accordingly, there may be a need for a new generation device capable of generating wider pulses.
18 Poor correlation between electrogastrography and antroduodenal manometry in patients with motility disorders
Authors: ABID S , LINDBERG G
Published: May 2006

Background:  Antroduodenal manometry (ADM) records lumen‐occluding contractions of the gastric antrum, while electrogastrography (EGG) measures gastric myoelectric activity using cutaneous electrodes placed on the abdominal wall. Under physiological conditions there is a temporal correlation between myoelectric slow waves and contractile activity of the antrum. It is unclear if there is also a spatial correlation between electric and contractile activity.

Aim of the study:  To determine the relationships between electrical activity measured by EGG and antral contractile activity measured by ADM.

Material and methods:  This is a retrospective analysis of patients with various motility disorders of the gut subjected to simultaneous ADM and EGG recording. A single bipolar channel measured the EGG and ADM was done using either 6 or 8 channels. EGG parameters analysed were: (i) percentage of time with a dominant frequency (DF) in normogastric (2–4 cpm), tachygastric (4–10 cpm) and bradygastric (0.5–2 cpm) frequency bands; (ii) EGG power attributed to the three frequency bands (normogastria, tachygastria and bradygastria); (iii) the ratio of postprandial to fasting power of the DF; (iv) the overall DF; (v) variability of the dominant frequency (DFIC) and (vi) variability of the dominant power (DPIC). The ADM parameters measured were: mean frequency and amplitude of contractions and the motility index. Data from one hour before and the first hour after a test meal were compared.

Results:  A total of 151 patients, 125 (83%) females, mean age 45 ± 14 years, were analysed. There were 52 patients with irritable bowel syndrome, 26 patients with slow transit constipation, 22 patients with enteric dysmotility, 11 patients with chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction and 13 patients with gastroparesis or functional dyspepsia, three patients with previous gastric surgery and 24 patients with other motility disorders of the gut. We found no relation between any of the 21 EGG parameters and eight ADM parameters. Comparison between EGG response to meal ingestion (ratio between postprandial and fasting power) and ADM response to meal ingestion (ratio between postprandial and fasting motility index) revealed no correlation (r = 0.06, p = 0.44).

Conclusions:  No spatial correlation was observed between EGG and ADM in this series of patients with motility disorders. EGG and ADM give different kinds of information.
2 Endoscopic temporary gastric electrical stimulation – results of 140 consecutive patients
Authors: ABELL TL , MINOCHA A , GARRETSON R , ABIDI N
Published: May 2006

Introduction:  Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is now an accepted therapy for drug refractory gastroparesis, but requires surgical device implantation. We recently described techniques for placement of temporary GES electrodes via PEG tube or endoscope (GIE 2005: 61:455–461). We now report on a larger series of consecutive patients referred for endoscopic temporary stimulation.

Patients:  140 consecutive patients, 29 male, 114 female, mean age 41 years, with the diagnosis of diabetes (DM, n = 44), post‐surgical (PS, n = 14) or idiopathic disorders (ID, n = 82) were evaluated. We investigated those patients who were successfully implanted, and those who completed a full evaluation of symptoms and gastric emptying tests.

Methods:  All patients underwent baseline assessment of Symptoms (SX, as Nausea = N, Vomiting = V, Total GI Sx = TSS) and measurements of Gastric emptying (GET) and again after a minimum of 3 days of GES with standard parameters (GIE, above). Patients were reported by descriptive statistics and by t‐tests for symptoms and emptying.

Results:  139 (99%) of patients were successfully implanted and 125 (88%) of patients completed at least 3 days of therapy. Of thepatients who completed a full evaluation, there were significant improvements in symptoms and improvements in gastric emptying for some patients: particularly PS and DM (See table).

Conclusion:  Temporary endoscopic gastric electrical stimulation is feasable and reproducible in a large numbers of patients. The availability of this technique, combined with an emerging technology of gastrointestinal electrical stimulation techniques, gives endoscopists the ability to screen patients before implantation of permanent devices. The availability of endoscopic implanted electrical stimulation offers other potential therapeutic uses, including dyspepsia, post‐surgical disorders and obesity.

Category
B
T
B
T
B
T
B/ T

Measure
N
N
V
v
TSS
TSS
4 Hr/ 4 Hr

All
3.4
0.9
2.5
0.6
15.2
5.1
20.7 20.6

DM
3.2
0.7
2.6
0.3
14.3
3.2
23.4 20.5

ID
3.2
0.8
2.2
0.6
14.7
4.7
12.9 13.1

PS
3.2
0.2
2.6
0.2
14.1
2.1
28.3 15.8

P

<0.0001

<0.0001

<0.0001