bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in mortalities and hospital admissions associated with holidays and respiratory illness: implications for medical services
Authors: Keatinge W. R. , Donaldson G. C.
Published: May 2005

Rationale and objectives  To see whether net mortalities increase during and after reductions in medical services, either at average weekends, or at Christmas when pressure from illness is unusually high.

Methods  (1) Paired t‐tests to compare mean daily deaths and hospital admissions during and after weekends (Saturday–Tuesday) with means for the week, in south‐east England; (2) Linear regressions to see whether trends of daily deaths change when admissions are reduced at Christmas.

Results  Neither mean daily all‐cause, respiratory or ischaemic heart deaths exceeded weekly averages during weekends, or during Saturday–Monday or Saturday–Tuesday, despite falls in daily elective and daily emergency hospital admissions at weekends that averaged 61–72% and 14–22%, respectively. During 19–24 December, daily deaths were above annual means, respiratory deaths by 49% (29, 1–58), but elective admissions fell and although emergency admissions tended to rise, total admissions rose only for respiratory disease, and only by 33% (376, −47 to 799). On Christmas Day (25 December), even emergency admissions fell sharply below previous trends, respiratory emergency admissions by 18% (P < 0.01). Respiratory deaths alone then immediately increased (P < 0.01) above trend, by 5.9% (5.8 deaths/day) on 26 December and by 12.9% (12.9) on 27 December.

Conclusions  No adverse effect on mortality was apparent within 2 days from reduction in medical services at weekends. However, respiratory deaths accelerated sharply after reduction in elective and emergency admissions at Christmas, when rates of infection and mortality from respiratory disease were high. Implications for medical services during respiratory epidemics are discussed.
Thymic Transcription of Neurohypophysial and Insulin‐Related Genes: Impact Upon T‐Cell Differentiation and Self‐Tolerance
Authors: Hansenne I.
Published: May 2005

The thymus is the unique lymphoid organ responsible for the generation of a diverse repertoire of T lymphocytes that are competent against non self‐antigens while being tolerant to self‐antigens. A vast repertoire of neuroendocrine‐related genes is transcribed in the nonlymphoid cellular compartment of the thymus (thymic epithelial cells, dendritic cells and macrophages). The precursors encoded by these genes engage two types of interactions with developing T cells (thymocytes). First, they are not processed in a classical neuroendocrine way but as the source of self‐antigens that are presented to pre‐T cells by the major histocompatibility complex proteins of the thymus. This presentation could be responsible for the establishment of central T‐cell self‐tolerance to neuroendocrine functions. Second, they also deliver signal ligands that are able to bind to neuroendocrine‐type receptors expressed by thymocytes. This interaction activates several types of intracellular signalling pathways implicated in the developmental process of T lymphocytes. Several experimental arguments support a role for thymic dysfunction as a crucial factor in the development of organ‐specific autoimmune endocrinopathies, such as ‘idiopathic’ central diabetes insipidus and type 1 diabetes mellitus. The rational use of tolerogenic neuroendocrine self‐antigens for the prevention/treatment of autoimmune endocrinopathies is currently under investigation.
Involvement of 5‐HT2C Receptors in the Regulation of Food Intake in Siberian Hamsters
Authors: Schuhler S. , Clark A. , Joseph W. , Patel A. , Lehnen K. , Stratford E. , Horan T. L. , Fone K. C. F. , Ebling F. J. P.
Published: May 2005

The Siberian hamster provides a physiological model for understanding the hypothalamic control of energy metabolism as it undergoes annual photoperiod‐regulated cycles of body weight (i.e. fattening in summer, and catabolism of fat stores in winter). As a first step to investigate whether enhanced serotonergic (5‐HT) tone might underlie the catabolic processes in short days, we investigated whether serotonergic stimulation can produce catabolic actions in fat hamsters housed in long days. Acute treatment with the serotonin reuptake inhibitor (+/–) fenfluramine (8 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a prolonged, dose‐dependent reduction in food intake in both photoperiods. Behavioural observations and radiotelemetry analyses revealed that this anorectic effect of fenfluramine was associated with short‐term increases in locomotor activity and in core body temperature. In a subsequent series of studies, hamsters were pretreated with the 5‐HT2C receptor antagonist SB242084 (4 mg/kg, i.p.). This 5‐HT2C receptor antagonist completely blocked the anorectic actions of fenfluramine, but did not decrease the hyperthermia or hyperlocomotion induced by fenfluramine; thus, the anorectic actions of fenfluramine probably reflect actions via the 5‐HT2C receptor. Consistent with these observations, treatment of hamsters with the 5‐HT2C receptor agonist VER 3323 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or the 5‐HT1B/2C receptor agonist mCPP (3 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced food intake. The response to manipulation of serotonergic pathways was not affected by the ambient photoperiod in any of these studies. We conclude that the anorectic actions of fenfluramine are not an indirect consequence of serotonergic actions on arousal pathways, and that its actions on feeding in the Siberian hamster are most likely to be mediated by the 5‐HT2C receptor.
Expression of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide Type 1 Receptor (PAC1R) in the Ewe Hypothalamus: Distribution and Colocalization with Tyrosine Hydroxylase‐Immunoreactive Neurones
Authors: Anderson S. T. , Kusters D. H. L. , Clarke I. J. , Pow D. V. , Curlewis J. D.
Published: May 2005

We have examined the distribution of the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide type I receptor (PAC1R) in the ewe hypothalamus by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. PAC1R mRNA was highly expressed in the mediobasal hypothalamus of the ewe, particularly in the arcuate nucleus and ventromedial hypothalamus, compared to other hypothalamic regions. Similar results were obtained from immunohistochemistry using a specific PAC1R antibody. Intense immunolabelling was observed in the arcuate nucleus, external zone of the median eminence and ventromedial hypothalamus. Only relatively weak immunolabelling was observed in other hypothalamic regions, including the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus. In the ewe, PACAP acts via the arcuate nucleus to suppress prolactin secretion. Therefore we examined whether PAC1R was present on the tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurones in this nucleus. Dual immunofluorescence labelling for PAC1R and tyrosine hydroxylase revealed that 21.2 ± 1.7% of dopaminergic neurones in the arcuate nucleus (A12 cell group) also stained for PAC1R. By contrast, other hypothalamic dopaminergic cell groups (A11, A13, A14 and A15) exhibited little (< 3%) or no colocalization. Overall, our results indicate that, in the ewe hypothalamus, PAC1R is most concentrated in the arcuate nucleus, where it is localized on a substantial proportion of dopaminergic neurones. These observations, together with previous in vivo studies, suggest that PACAP could act directly on TIDA neurones via PAC1R to increase dopamine release and consequently inhibit prolactin secretion in the sheep.
Functional Development of the Zebrafish Pineal Gland: Light‐Induced Expression of Period2 is Required for Onset of the Circadian Clock
Authors: Ziv L. , Levkovitz S. , Toyama R. , Falcon J. , Gothilf Y.
Published: May 2005

In zebrafish, the pineal gland is a photoreceptive organ that contains an intrinsic circadian oscillator and exhibits rhythmic arylalkylamine‐N‐acetyltransferase (zfaanat2) mRNA expression. In the present study, we investigated the role of light and of a clock gene, zperiod2 (zper2), in the development of this rhythm. Analysis of zfaanat2 mRNA expression in the pineal gland of 3‐day‐old zebrafish embryos after exposure to different photoperiodic regimes indicated that light is required for proper development of the circadian clock‐controlled rhythmic expression of zfaanat2, and that a 1‐h light pulse is sufficient to initiate this rhythm. Analysis of zper2 mRNA expression in zebrafish embryos exposed to different photoperiodic regimes indicated that zper2 expression is transiently up‐regulated by light but is not regulated by the circadian oscillator. To establish the association between light‐induced zper2 expression and light‐induced clock‐controlled zfaanat2 rhythm, zPer2 knock‐down experiments were performed. The zfaanat2 mRNA rhythm, induced by a 1‐h light pulse, was abolished in zPer2 knock‐down embryos. These experiments indicated that light‐induced zper2 expression is crucial for establishment of the clock‐controlled zfaanat2 rhythm in the zebrafish pineal gland.
UVB phototherapy and skin cancer risk: a review of the literature
Authors: Lee Ernest , Koo John , Berger Tim
Published: May 2005

Background  UVB phototherapy is a common treatment modality for psoriasis and other skin diseases. Although UVB has been in use for many decades, many clinicians are hesitant to use this type of phototherapy because of concern over increasing the skin cancer risk. Over the past 20 years, numerous studies have been published examining this issue, but a consensus or analysis of the skin cancer risk is required for the dermatologist to make an educated risk–benefit analysis.

Objective  To assess the risk of skin cancer associated with UVB phototherapy.

Methods  All prospective or retrospective studies were identified in MEDLINE from 1966 to June 2002. Bibliographies were searched to identify any additional studies examining this issue. All studies that attempted to quantify or qualify any additional skin cancer risk from UVB phototherapy were included. Study selection was performed by two independent reviewers.

Results  Eleven studies (10 of which concerned psoriasis patients), involving approximately 3400 participants, were included. Of note, three of the studies involved the same cohort: members of the 16‐center US Psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) Follow‐up Study. Other than the most recent Finnish study, all studies eventually showed no increased skin cancer risk with UVB phototherapy. One of the PUVA cohort studies examined genital skin cancers, and found an increased rate of genital tumors associated with UVB phototherapy, although this study has not been duplicated.

Conclusion  The evidence suggests that UVB phototherapy remains a very safe treatment modality.
Basaloid follicular hamartoma
Authors: El‐Darouti Mohammad A. , Marzouk Salonas A. , Abdel‐Halim Mona R. E. , Zidan Anoud Z. , Fawzy Marwa M.
Published: May 2005

Basaloid follicular hamartoma (BFH) is a unique benign follicular hamartoma characterized by variable clinical presentations, identical histologic features and possible associations with numerous disorders.

Basaloid follicular hamartoma may be hereditary or acquired. Hereditary cases may be either generalized or unilateral nevoid. Although the generalized forms are usually associated with systemic manifestations, such as myasthenia gravis,2 it may occasionally present without internal disorders. On the other hand, the acquired forms of BFH may present in the form of localized or solitary forms.

Herein we present four cases of BFH, one of them (first case) represents a unique form of the generalized variant of BFH, showing no associated internal disorders.
Scar sarcoidosis after hyaluronic acid injection
Authors: Dal Sacco D. , Cozzani E. , Parodi Aurora , Rebora A.
Published: May 2005

A 54‐year‐old woman presented with a 5‐month history of tender nodules in both nasolabial folds that had developed 4 months after the injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) (Restylane®) for wrinkles. The patient was treated with 1.5 mg/day betamethasone for 6 days and her lesions disappeared within 1 week. About 8 days after stopping therapy, however, new nodules developed at the same site, on previously healthy buttocks, and on old scars.

On examination, nodules of about 0.5–1 cm in size were palpable at the nasolabial folds, and red nodules were present on the buttocks (Fig. 1) and on two old scars. Laboratory tests disclosed an increased protein C reaction (7.9 mg/L; normal value, < 5 mg/L) and acetyl‐converting enzyme test (14.5 U/L; normal value, < 9 U/L). A chest X‐ray was normal. Lung function tests showed a decreased lung CO diffusion, and chest axial tomography disclosed fibrosis, increased parenchyma density, and calcifications, findings suggestive of a diagnosis of lung sarcoidosis. An X‐ray of the hands showed some bone cysts. Interestingly, two granulomatous lesions were observed at the sites of venipuncture.

Red nodule at the glutei

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Histology of a gluteal lesion biopsy showed a deep granuloma with epithelioid and Langhans cells in the absence of necrobiosis. Sarcoidosis was diagnosed and the patient was given 50 mg/day prednisone with clear clinical improvement of cutaneous lesions in about 6 months. Decreased parenchyma density was also observed by chest axial tomography.
Acrokeratoelastoidosis
Authors: Tsai Salina , Kageyama Nicole , Warthan Mandy , Cockerell Clay J.
Published: May 2005

A 45‐year‐old white woman presented with several years’ history of firm, shiny papules on the lateral hands with slight extension to the dorsal fingers. The lesions first appeared between the index fingers and thumbs on both hands. They gradually increased in number, coalescing into plaques and affecting the junction between the palmar and dorsal skin. The patient did not have involvement of her feet. She had been diagnosed previously with chronic eczema that had failed to respond to multiple topical medications. In addition, the patient's sister had similar lesions on both hands. The patient denied any symptoms of hyperhidrosis, excessive sun exposure, or trauma. The plaques were asymptomatic, but were cosmetically unappealing to the patient.

On physical examination, small, firm, skin‐colored, hyperkeratotic papules, coalescing into plaques, were located on the junction between the palmar and dorsal skin on both lateral margins of the thumb and on the radial side of the index finger (Fig. 1). There were no lesions on the feet.

Small, firm, skin‐colored, hyperkeratotic papules, coalescing into plaques, seen on the right medial hand show the characteristic changes of acrokeratoelastoidosis

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A biopsy taken from a papule on the patient's left hand was consistent histologically with acrokeratoelastoidosis. The biopsy showed marked degeneration of collagen in the dermis with solar elastosis and some smudging of the papillary dermal collagen (Fig. 2).

Hematoxylin and eosin stain from a biopsy of the right medial hand shows marked degeneration of collagen in the dermis with solar elastosis and some smudging of the papillary dermal collagen (× 4)

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She was treated with clobetasone cream to the affected areas on the hands. After 6 weeks of treatment, she reported no significant improvement.
Tinea capitis mimicking dissecting cellulitis: a distinct variant
Authors: Twersky Joy M. , Sheth Anita P.
Published: May 2005

Background  Tinea capitis is a common scalp dermatosis with several clinical patterns. Only two patients with a presentation of tinea capitis mimicking dissecting cellulitis have been described in the English literature.

Observation  We report a patient with tinea capitis mimicking dissecting cellulitis who did not respond to griseofulvin therapy at 16 mg/kg/day but eventually cleared after a protracted course of higher dose griseofulvin.

Conclusion  Recognition of a dissecting cellulitis‐like pattern of tinea capitis will increase clinical suspicion and avoid inappropriate management of a recalcitrant “dissecting cellulitis” in favor of prompt antifungal therapy of appropriate dosage and duration for patients with this unusual variant of tinea capitis.
Skin diseases highlighting essential global public health priorities
Authors: Morrone Aldo , Toma Luigi , Franco Gennaro
Published: May 2005

Which are the essential global public health activities that should be carried out in order to attain the largest impact on poverty reduction and health improvement in the world? Since its foundation in 2001 the Human Mobile Population Committee (HMPC) has continued to devote its efforts to finding answers to this question, with a particular focus on the skin diseases of the Human Mobile Population (HMP) and other groups of disadvantaged people.

In this article we present the model of socio‐sanitary activity in the field of Migration, Poverty and Health of the Department of Preventive Medicine of Migration, Tourism and Tropical Dermatology (Dept.) at San Gallicano Institute – Research Institute for Hospitalization and Treatment (IRCCS) – in Rome (Italy).

The activities of this dermatological centre are in the spirit of the HMPC's aims and we are of the opinion that this model is not only ethically valid, but also practically and economically convenient, and that there is evidence that our experience is worth repeating, in as many situations as possible, in the interest of public health.
Effect of topical corticosteroid application frequency on histamine‐induced wheals
Authors: Narasimha Sharma K. , Srinivas C. R. , Mathew Anil C.
Published: May 2005

Background  Very few studies have been conducted to assess the effect of corticosteroid application frequency to attain maximum benefit with minimum side‐effects.

Objectives  Compare the efficacy of twice‐daily, once‐daily and alternate‐day applications of clobetasol propionate (0.05%) and compare whether an initial once‐daily application followed by a subsequent alternate‐day application is as effective as a once‐daily application.

Methods  The ability of corticosteroids to suppress histamine‐induced wheals on human skin was used as a human bioassay model. Of the 26 subjects included, 21 completed the 1st phase. In the 2nd phase, 11 subjects were included and all completed the study.

Four sites were chosen on the left forearm. Clobetasol propionate (0.05%) was applied twice daily, once daily, and on alternate days, and on the control site a color, texture and odour‐matched vehicle was applied. Prick test with histamine was carried out after 10 days. In the 2nd phase, clobetasol propionate (0.05%) was applied once daily for 14 days and compared with the initial once daily for 7 days and the subsequent alternate‐day application for 7 days. Prick test was carried out after 14 days.

Results  The once‐daily application of clobetasol propionate (0.05%) was as effective as the twice‐daily application, but the alternate‐day application was less effective than the once‐daily application (P < 0.01). Also, the initial‐daily and subsequent alternate‐day applications were not as effective as the continuous once‐daily application (P < 0.05).

Conclusion  A once‐daily application of clobetasol propionate (0.05%) is likely to provide the required therapeutic effect.
Successful treatment of malignant melanoma in situ with topical 5% imiquimod cream
Authors: Ray Carolyn M. , Kluk Michael , Grin Caron M. , Grant‐Kels Jane M.
Published: May 2005

Background  Current treatment recommendations for malignant melanoma in situ include surgical excision with at least 0.5 cm margins. On the head or neck, obtaining adequate surgical margins for melanoma can be challenging and often disfiguring. In addition, some elderly patients may not be good surgical candidates and may request less aggressive interventions.

Methods  We report herein three cases of malignant melanoma in situ on the face treated with topical imiquimod cream.

Results  Complete regression of malignant melanoma in situ was observed on treatment with 5% topical imiquimod cream. The varied treatment regimens, rationale for using imiquimod rather than performing surgery, and the possible mechanisms of action are discussed.

Conclusions  Topical imiquimod can be used successfully for the treatment of malignant melanoma in situ on the face.
Fracture systems in granite pavements of the eastern Pilbara Craton, Western Australia: indicators of neotectonic activity?
Authors: CLARK D. J. , BODORKOS S.
Published: May 2005

Continental Australia is characterised by high levels of seismic activity in comparison with intracratonic areas worldwide. However, the link between earthquake events and earthquake‐related geomorphology in Australia remains poorly understood for all except the largest events, because landscape impact unambiguously attributable to seismic activity is difficult to recognise. In this context, we describe several unusual fracture systems of possible tectonic origin that transect granite pavements in the Archaean eastern Pilbara Craton of Western Australia. Occurring at four localities (Gallery Hill, North Shaw, Mulgandinnah Hill and Muccan) separated by up to 150 km, the fracture systems typically range up to 100 m in length and 20 m in width, locally offset pavement surfaces by up to 15 cm vertically, and expose uniformly fresh‐looking rock. At one locality (Muccan), the fractures cross‐cut two out of three generations of aboriginal petroglyphs etched into the pavement surface, which suggests that fracture formation occurred both recently and rapidly. All four localities are characterised by extensional structures (tension fractures and dilated joints) striking 020–040°, and three preserve compressional structures (steeply dipping reverse faults at Gallery Hill and North Shaw; A‐tent crestal fractures at Mulgandinnah Hill) trending 100–135°. The strongly correlated alignments of the fracture systems militate against a purely weathering‐controlled origin, and the observed pattern is compatible with fracture formation in a single East Pilbara‐wide stress field, dominated by pure shear and characterised by northeast–southwest‐ to north‐northeast–south‐southwest‐directed horizontal compression. This orientation is consistent with that derived by spatial averaging of existing stress orientation data from northwest Australia. These preliminary results have exciting implications for the inexpensive field‐based determination of regional stress orientation, and for the use of granitic landforms in probabilistic seismic hazard assessment and the identification of earthquake‐prone areas.
SHRIMP U–Pb detrital zircon ages from Proterozoic and Early Palaeozoic sandstones and their bearing on the early geological evolution of Tasmania
Authors: BLACK L. P. , CALVER C. R. , SEYMOUR D. B. , REED A.
Published: May 2005

Detrital zircons from 13 Late Mesoproterozoic to Early Neoproterozoic sandstones and two Palaeozoic sandstones from Tasmania were dated in order to improve constraints on depositional ages, to test correlation between Proterozoic inliers, and to characterise source regions. These include successions considered to be the oldest presently exposed in Tasmania. Typical features of the age distributions of the Proterozoic rocks are prominent data concentrations at 1800–1650 Ma and 1450–1400 Ma, and a minor spread of Archaean ages. Statistical testing of the similarity of the age profiles shows that widespread quartzarenaceous samples from the Detention Subgroup, Needles Quartzite and from the Tyennan region are strongly similar, consistent with broad correlation. Relatively large differences are seen between the Detention Subgroup and the conformable, stratigraphically higher Jacob Quartzite, which contains an additional spread of 1300–1000 Ma zircons suggestive of a Grenvillian source. Age profiles of the quartzarenites and quartzwacke turbidites (Oonah Formation and correlatives) cannot be readily differentiated. The Oonah Formation likewise includes samples with and without Grenvillian ages, and there is no 750 Ma zircon population that would be expected if the turbidites were genetically related to the Wickham Orogeny. The simplest interpretation is that the quartzarenites (Rocky Cape Group and correlatives) and the turbidites (Oonah Formation and correlates) are lateral equivalents, although a younger (post‐Wickham Orogeny) age for the Oonah Formation cannot be discounted. A maximum age of ca 1000 Ma is inferred for the Oonah Formation, Rocky Cape Group and correlatives. A minimum age of ca 750 Ma is provided by the basal age of the overlying Togari Group and correlatives. In a metasediment from western King Island, the youngest detrital zircons are ca 1350 Ma, allowing a pre‐Grenvillian depositional age as suggested by previous dating of metamorphic monazite. However, the age profile of this sample is not dissimilar to the other Tasmanian successions that are inferred to be 1000–750 Ma. The Wings Sandstone, of southern Tasmania, contains an unusual profile dominated by Grenvillian ages, consistent with an allochthonous origin. Basement ages that broadly match the age spectra of the Tasmanian Proterozoic sediments are found in southwestern Laurentia, consistent with mutual proximity in Rodinia reconstructions. The Palaeozoic sandstones, from the turbiditic Mathinna Supergroup of northeastern Tasmania, have zircon age profiles typical of the Lachlan Fold Belt, with a predominant latest Neoproterozoic–Early Cambrian component and a lesser, broad Proterozoic data concentration at ca 1000 Ma. Western Tasmania was not a significant part of the source area for these rocks.
Floral biology of Eriope blanchetii (Lamiaceae) in coastal sand dunes of NE Brazil
Authors: DA SILVA FABIANA O. , VIANA BLANDINA F. , JACOBI CLAUDIA M.
Published: May 2005

Abstract  The floral biology of the sand dune shrub Eriope blanchetii (Benth) Harley was investigated in a wild population located within an environment protection area near Salvador, NE Brazil. Inflorescence and flower development were monitored, and the reproductive biology was assessed. Inflorescences are terminal panicles, each bearing from one to 38 small, zygomorphic flowers. The duration of an inflorescence is about 2 months, with few new flowers each day. The rewards to visitors are pollen and nectar, the latter being produced in small quantities at the corolla base, near the stylopodium. Three sequential phases of flower development were identified, based on colour changes, pollen and nectar availability, and stigmatic receptivity. Anthesis takes place throughout the day within each plant, and flowers are strongly protandrous. Flowers are short‐lived, with individual variations of 7–30 h until corolla abscission. This variation is probably associated to a post‐pollinating response, which reduces the length of the female phase and could be advantageous for the economy of nectar production and for increased efficient pollination of the remaining flowers on a plant. The results of the pollination tests (apomixis, spontaneous and manual autogamy, manual cross‐pollination, and control) reinforced the role of pollinators for the reproductive success of E. blanchetii, given that the production of fruits from spontaneous pollination is unlikely to be resulting from protandry and given the morphological floral features. Taken together, the morphological and physiological aspects of E. blanchetii floral biology favour cross‐pollination, and it is likely that most of the fruits in nature are produced by outcrossing.
Arthropod community structure along a latitudinal gradient: Implications for future impacts of climate change
Authors: ANDREW NIGEL R. , HUGHES LESLEY
Published: May 2005

Abstract  The structure of free‐living arthropod communities on the foliage of Acacia falcata was assessed along an extensive latitudinal gradient in eastern Australia. We hypothesized that abundance and biomass of arthropods within feeding groups would increase from temperate latitudes towards the tropics. We also hypothesized that the ratio of carnivores to herbivores would be consistent along the latitudinal gradient. Three sites at each of four latitudes, spanning 9° and 1150 km (Batemans Bay, Sydney, Grafton, Gympie in Australia), were sampled every season for 2 years, using pyrethrum knockdown. Abundance and biomass (based on dry weight) of arthropods within eight feeding groups were measured. The relative size of the feeding groups, and the ratio of carnivores to herbivores were then compared among latitudes and seasons. We found no consistent north to south (tropical to temperate) change in feeding group structure in terms of abundance. A weak latitudinal trend was evident for predator biomass, consisting of a reduction from north to south, but no significant trends in biomass for other feeding groups were found. Relative abundance and relative biomass of both carnivores and herbivores, as well as the ratio of carnivores to herbivores were consistent among latitudes. Finally, we compared a subset of these data to arthropod communities found on congeneric host species at individual sites along the latitudinal gradient. Overall, 68% of comparisons showed no significant differences in abundance or biomass within different feeding groups between host plants and among latitudes. We conclude that arthropod communities show consistencies among latitudes and between congeneric host species, in terms of feeding group and trophic structure. These results have implications for predicting the impacts of future climate change on arthropod communities.
Intensity of pre‐dispersal seed predation in the invasive legume Leucaena leucocephala is limited by the duration of pod retention
Authors: RAGHU S. , WILTSHIRE C. , DHILEEPAN K.
Published: May 2005

Abstract  The intensity of seed predation the invasive tropical legume Leucaena leucocephala by the bruchid Acanthoscelides macropthalmus was investigated in south‐eastern Queensland, Australia. The number of seeds damaged by A. macropthalmus as a proportion of total seeds available was found to increase the longer the pods remained on the tree. Seed predation ranged from a mean of 10.75% of seeds on pods that remained on the plant for 1 month and increased to 53.54% for pods that remained of the plant for 4 months. The low bruchid populations at high pod densities results in ‘predator satiation’. However, pods dehisce over time and the proportion of pods available over time to the bruchid correspondingly declines. By the time bruchid densities build up, most pods have dehisced and the seeds consequently escape predation. As a result the number of seeds lost to bruchid damage increases only marginally over time. Despite the levels of seed predation observed over the course of the study, the number of seeds in the soil seedbank almost doubled over time increasing from 8.5 seeds m−3 to 15.5 seeds m−3 over a 4‐month period. Levels of seed predation and addition of seeds to the soil seedbank were not correlated. The taxonomic (subspecies) status and apparency of host plants as measured by plant and patch traits (average plant height, density of podding plants and patch size) did not influence levels of seed predation. Pre‐dispersal seed predation studies need to take into account the pod/seed retention behaviour of the plant. The ability of the bruchid to regulate the invasiveness of Leucaena through influencing its demography is likely to be diminished if the insect populations cannot increase rapidly enough to use the seeds before pod dehiscence.
Effects of salinity on the establishment and early growth of Prosopis argentina and Prosopis alpataco seedlings in two contrasting soils: Implications for their ecological success
Authors: VILLAGRA PABLO EUGENIO , CAVAGNARO JUAN BRUNO
Published: May 2005

Abstract  In arid zones, water availability is the most important factor limiting seedling establishment and plant distribution. However, within a region with a defined water regime, the physical and chemical properties of the soil could be the cause of the spatial pattern of plant communities. Prosopis argentina Burk. and Prosopis alpataco Phil. are sympatric at a regional scale but at the local scale they occupy clearly differentiated edaphic niches. Prosopis argentina reaches its ecological optimum in the sandy soils of active dunes, whereas P. alpataco achieves it in heavy, clayish, saline and periodically flooded soils. We studied the effect of salinity, and its interaction with soil type, on the establishment and early growth of these species in order to evaluate their adaptive mechanisms, and to analyse how this was related to the ecological success of these species. Salinity affected emergence and early growth of P. argentina and P. alpataco seedlings differently. Higher salinity led to decreased height, total biomass and shoot and root biomass of plants in both species but the effect was stronger in P. argentina than in P. alpataco, and greater in clayish than in sandy soils. These results would indicate that exclusion of P. argentina from clayish and saline soils would occur during emergence and the first stages of seedling establishment as a consequence of salinity. In P. alpataco other edaphic limitations, like texture or fertility in sandy soils, appear to be always more important. The osmotic effect evidenced by decreasing water and osmotic potentials of plants under saline conditions may be associated with growth reduction in both P. argentina and P. alpataco. However, this factor cannot explain differences in growth between species under salinity. The higher contents of Ca++ and K+, and the lower contents of Na+ in P. alpataco suggest that the greater tolerance of this species depends on its ability to regulate and control absorption and transport of ions.
Human sperm motility in a microgravity environment
Authors: IKEUCHI TAKAHITO , SASAKI SHOICHI , UMEMOTO YUKIHIRO , KUBOTA YASUE , KUBOTA HIROKI , KANEKO TOMOYOSHI , KOHRI KENJIRO
Published: May 2005

Background and Aims: We carried out clinostat and parabolic flight experiments to examine the effects of a microgravity (µG) environment on human sperm motility.

Methods: Semen samples were obtained manually from 18 healthy men (aged 27.4 ± 5.4 years) who had given their informed consent. In clinostat experiments, samples that were left stationary were used as a stationary control. Samples rotated vertically and horizontally were used as a rotation control and a clinostat rotation, respectively. In parabolic flight experiments using a jet plane, sperm motility was compared for each parameter at µG, 1G and 2G. The state of 1G during the flight was used as a control. Sperm motility was determined using an automatic motility analyzer HT‐M2030 in a microgravity environment.

Results: All parameters of sperm motility tended to be lower in clinostat rotation compared with rotation control at both low‐speed and high‐speed, but the differences were not statistically significant. In parabolic flight, sperm motility and parameters of linear movement were decreased (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between µG and 2G, but sperm motility was significantly decreased at µG than at 1G.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that sperm motility is reduced under µG. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 161–168)
Y chromosome and new concept of azoospermia factor
Authors: KOH EITETSU , CHOI JIN , NAMIKI MIKIO
Published: May 2005

The completion of a draft sequence of the entire human genome in 2001 was followed by a complete sequencing of the Y chromosome in 2003. It is now possible to refer to a physical map of the Y chromosome. The Y chromosome can be classified into X‐transposed, X‐degenerate and ampliconic sequences depending on the origins of its sequences. In particular, the ampliconic sequences are complexes of massive palindrome structures in which sequences having higher than 99.9% homology are present symmetrically. Interestingly, palindromic repeats may undergo frequent gene conversion associated with intrachromosomal recombination and play an important role in the maintenance of the genetic materials of the Y chromosome. The azoospermia factor (AZF) region of the ampliconic region is the most probable candidate for spermatogenesis, and forms a palindrome structure. Thus, there is a limit in the detection of microdeletion using conventional sequence‐tagged sites based on polymerase chain reaction because of their structure. It is now necessary to update the AZF concept. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 123–128)
Diagnosis and treatment of immunologically infertile males with antisperm antibodies
Authors: SHIBAHARA HIROAKI , SHIRAISHI YASUKO , SUZUKI MITSUAKI
Published: May 2005

The presence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) can reduce fecundity in both males and females. The present review describes a strategy, established by investigations of the diverse inhibitory effects of ASA on fertility, for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of infertile males with ASA. For infertile males with ASA, diagnosis using the direct‐immunobead test (D‐IBT), the postcoital test (PCT) and the hemizona assay (HZA) should be carried out as the basis for decision‐making. If the patient with ASA has an abnormal hemizona index, it seems reasonable to advise selecting intracytoplasmic sperm injection‐embryo transfer (ICSI‐ET) as a primary treatment. However, it has been shown that some immunologically infertile males with normal fertilizing ability established pregnancy by timed intercourse (TI) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). In such patients with ASA having normal hemizona index, TI or IUI can be selected based on the PCT result. Therefore, the treatment strategy for males with ASA is similar to that for infertile males with oligozoospermia or asthenozoospermia.

In conclusion, it should be emphasized that a diversity of ASA exists and their effects on fertility in infertile males. Although there is an argument that routine testing for ASA in males is not always necessary, one should be aware that in some cases of failed IUI or IVF, ICSI is selected afterward because of the diagnosis of ASA. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 133–141)
Neurochemical characterization of the cerebellar‐recipient motor thalamic territory in the macaque monkey
Authors: Calzavara Roberta , Zappalà Agata , Rozzi Stefano , Matelli Massimo , Luppino Giuseppe
Published: May 2005

The immunoarchitectonics of the macaque motor thalamus was analysed to look for a possible neurochemical characterization of thalamic territories, which were not definable cytoarchitectonically, associated with different functional pathways. Thalamic sections from 15 macaque monkeys were processed for visualization of calbindin (CB), parvalbumin (PV), calretinin (CR) and SMI‐32 immunoreactivity (ir). PV‐, CR‐ and SMI‐32ir distributions did not show any clear correlation with known functional subdivisions. In contrast, CBir distribution reliably defined two markedly distinct motor thalamic territories, one characterized by high cell and neuropil CBir (CB‐positive territory), the other by very low cell and neuropil CBir (CB‐negative territory). These two neurochemically distinct compartments, the CB‐negative and the CB‐positive territories, appear to correspond to the cerebellar‐ and basal ganglia‐recipient territories, respectively. To verify the possible correspondence of the CB‐negative territory with the cerebellar‐recipient sector of the motor thalamus, we compared the distribution of cerebello‐thalamic projections with the distribution of CBir in two monkeys. The distribution of cerebellar afferent terminals was similar to that reported from previous reports and in line with the notion that in the motor thalamus the cerebellar‐recipient territory does not respect cytoarchitectonic boundaries. Comparison with CB immunoarchitecture showed very close correspondence in the motor thalamus between the distribution of the anterograde labeling and the CB‐negative territory, suggesting that the CB‐negative territory represents the architectonic counterpart of the cerebellar‐recipient territory. CB immunostaining may therefore represent a helpful tool for describing the association between thalamocortical projections and the basal ganglia or the cerebellar loops and for establishing possible homologies between the motor thalamus of non‐human primates and humans.
Cocaine dependence and attention switching within and between verbal and visuospatial working memory
Authors: Kübler A. , Murphy K. , Garavan H.
Published: May 2005

Many studies have shown the negative effects of cocaine on neuropsychological and cognitive performance in drug‐dependent individuals, but little is known about the underlying neuroanatomy of these dysfunctions. The present study addressed attention switching between items held in working memory (WM) with a task in which subjects were required to store and update two items held in verbal or visuospatial WM. Attention‐switching frequency varied between trials, thereby allowing us to isolate the switching component of task performance. Behavioural data revealed that cocaine addicts performed worse than healthy controls in all tasks. On the visuospatial task addicts performed at chance levels revealing particular impairment in visuospatial WM. On the verbal task, in which controls and users could be matched for performance, we identified attenuated responses in prefrontal and cingulate cortices and in striatal regions, while other areas such as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex did not differ between healthy controls and users. The results reveal that addiction may be accompanied by specific rather than ubiquitous hypoactivation in prefrontal and subcortical areas and suggest a compromised ability in users to control their attention to their thoughts as might be particularly relevant when required to switch away from drug‐related thoughts, and thus the dysfunction in attention switching may contribute to the maintenance of addiction.
Rapid categorization of achromatic natural scenes: how robust at very low contrasts?
Authors: Macé Marc J.‐M. , Thorpe Simon J. , Fabre‐Thorpe Michèle
Published: May 2005

The human visual system is remarkably good at categorizing objects even in challenging visual conditions. Here we specifically assessed the robustness of the visual system in the face of large contrast variations in a high‐level categorization task using natural images. Human subjects performed a go/no‐go animal/nonanimal categorization task with briefly flashed grey level images. Performance was analysed for a large range of contrast conditions randomly presented to the subjects and varying from normal to 3% of initial contrast. Accuracy was very robust and subjects were performing well above chance level (≈ 70% correct) with only 10–12% of initial contrast. Accuracy decreased with contrast reduction but reached chance level only in the most extreme condition (3% of initial contrast). Conversely, the maximal increase in mean reaction time was ≈ 60 ms (at 8% of initial contrast); it then remained stable with further contrast reductions. Associated ERPs recorded on correct target and distractor trials showed a clear differential effect whose amplitude and peak latency were correlated respectively with task accuracy and mean reaction times. These data show the strong robustness of the visual system in object categorization at very low contrast. They suggest that magnocellular information could play a role in ventral stream visual functions such as object recognition. Performance may rely on early object representations which lack the details provided subsequently by the parvocellular system but contain enough information to reach decision in the categorization task.
Lens injury stimulates adult mouse retinal ganglion cell axon regeneration via both macrophage‐ and lens‐derived factors
Authors: Lorber Barbara , Berry Martin , Logan Ann
Published: May 2005

In the present study the effects of lens injury on retinal ganglion cell axon/neurite re‐growth were investigated in adult mice. In vivo, lens injury promoted successful regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons past the optic nerve lesion site, concomitant with the invasion of macrophages into the eye and the presence of activated retinal astrocytes/Müller cells. In vitro, retinal ganglion cells from lens‐lesioned mice grew significantly longer neurites than those from intact mice, which correlated with the presence of enhanced numbers of activated retinal astrocytes/Müller cells. Co‐culture of retinal ganglion cells from intact mice with macrophage‐rich lesioned lens/vitreous body led to increased neurite lengths compared with co‐culture with macrophage‐free intact lens/vitreous body, pointing to a neurotrophic effect of macrophages. Furthermore, retinal ganglion cells from mice that had no lens injury but had received intravitreal Zymosan injections to stimulate macrophage invasion into the eye grew significantly longer neurites compared with controls, as did retinal ganglion cells from intact mice co‐cultured with macrophage‐rich vitreous body from Zymosan‐treated mice. The intact lens, but not the intact vitreous body, exerted a neurotrophic effect on retinal ganglion cell neurite outgrowth, suggesting that lens‐derived neurotrophic factor(s) conspire with those derived from macrophages in lens injury‐stimulated axon regeneration. Together, these results show that lens injury promotes retinal ganglion cell axon regeneration/neurite outgrowth in adult mice, an observation with important implications for axon regeneration studies in transgenic mouse models.
Estrogen induces a rapid increase in galanin levels in female rat hippocampal formation − possibly a nongenomic/indirect effect
Authors: Hilke Susanne , Theodorsson Annette , Fetissov Serguei , Åman Katarina , Holm Lovisa , Hökfelt Tomas , Theodorsson Elvar
Published: May 2005

Administration of 17β‐estradiol to ovariectomized rats increased the concentrations of galanin‐like immunoreactivity (LI) in the hippocampal formation by 215% (P < 0.001) within 1 h. An increase of 125% (P < 0.05) was observed in the same brain region in the proestrous phase of a normal estrous cycle. Tamoxifen® did not block the 17β‐estradiol‐induced increase in the concentration of galanin‐LI but resulted in a 62% decrease in the hypothalamus within 1 h. In vivo microdialysis in the dorsal hippocampal formation showed a decrease of extracellular galanin‐LI (P < 0.001) 1−2 h after treatment with 17β‐estradiol, indicating a decreased release of galanin. For comparision, we studied the concentrations of neuropeptide Y, which were not influenced significantly in any of the regions studied. Taken together our results suggest that 17β‐estradiol inhibits galanin release, presumably from noradrenergic nerve terminals, and primarily via a nongenomic/indirect action, not necessarily involving the classical nuclear receptors ER‐α or ER‐β. These rapid estrogen‐induced changes in galanin release could influence transmitter signalling and plasticity in the hippocampal formation.