bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adoptively transferred effector cells derived from naïve rather than central memory CD8+T cells mediate superior antitumor immunity
Authors: Hinrichs Christian S. , Borman Zachary A. , Cassard Lydie , Gattinoni Luca , Spolski Rosanne , Yu Zhiya , Sanchez-Perez Luis , Muranski Pawel , Kern Steven J. , Logun Carol , Palmer Douglas C. , Ji Yun , Reger Robert N. , Leonard Warren J. , Danner Robert L. , Rosenberg Steven A. , Restifo Nicholas P.
Published: September 2009

Effector cells derived from central memory CD8+T cells were reported to engraft and survive better than those derived from effector memory populations, suggesting that they are superior for use in adoptive immunotherapy studies. However, previous studies did not evaluate the relative efficacy of effector cells derived from naïve T cells. We sought to investigate the efficacy of tumor-specific effector cells derived from naïve or central memory T-cell subsets using transgenic or retrovirally transduced T cells engineered to express a tumor-specific T-cell receptor. We found that naïve, rather than central memory T cells, gave rise to an effector population that mediated superior antitumor immunity upon adoptive transfer. Effector cells developed from naïve T cells lost the expression of CD62L more rapidly than those derived from central memory T cells, but did not acquire the expression of KLRG-1, a marker for terminal differentiation and replicative senescence. Consistent with this KLRG-1−phenotype, naïve-derived cells were capable of a greater proliferative burst and had enhanced cytokine production after adoptive transfer. These results indicate that insertion of genes that confer antitumor specificity into naïve rather than central memory CD8+T cells may allow superior efficacy upon adoptive transfer.
Molecular analysis of a mutant Anticarsia gemmatalis multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AgMNPV) shows an interruption of an inhibitor of apoptosis gene (iap‐3) by a new class‐II piggyBac‐related insect transposon
Authors: Carpes M. P. , Nunes J. F. , Sampaio T. L. , Castro M. E. B. , Zanotto P. M. A. , Ribeiro B. M.
Published: September 2009

A new piggyBac–related transposable element (TE) was found in the genome of a mutant Anticarsia gemmatalis multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus interrupting an inhibitor of apoptosis gene. This mutant virus induces apoptosis upon infection of an Anticarsia gemmatalis cell line, but not in a Trichoplusia ni cell line. The sequence of the new TE (which was named IDT for iap disruptor transposon) has 2531 bp with two DNA sequences flanking a putative Transposase (Tpase) ORF of 1719 bp coding for a protein with 572 amino acids. These structural features are similar to the piggyBac TE, also reported for the first time in the genome of a baculovirus. We have also isolated variants of this new TE from different lepidopteran insect cells and compared their Tpase sequences.
Biological Flora of the British Isles: Urtica dioica L.
Authors: Taylor Kenneth
Published: September 2009

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Urtica dioica that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation.

 Urtica dioica is a tall, usually dioecious, rhizomatous, perennial herb with numerous stinging hairs, probably native in fens and semi‐natural ancient woodlands, but widely naturalized in a range of habitats and abundant throughout the British Isles. British material is mainly ssp. dioica which also extends throughout Europe, and locally ssp. galeopsifolia (without stinging hairs) which is also found in western, central and eastern Europe.

 Urtica dioica is a moderately shade‐tolerant species, which occurs on most moist or damp, weakly acid or weakly basic, richly fertile soils.

 A highly competitive ruderal species, Urtica dioica often forms monospecific stands which are not infrequently the product of a single individual that has spread by means of horizontal rhizomes.

 Urtica dioica has frequently been described as a nitrophile, but there are many soils in which the supply of inorganic nitrogen is adequate for growth. However, there are other soils in which growth is checked with symptoms of severe phosphorus deficiency unless soluble phosphate is added to the soil. This is especially so in the long‐established deciduous woodlands, and where there has been no addition of fertilizers to the soil. The growth responses of U. dioica to the availability, source and utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus have been examined experimentally in some detail.

 Urtica dioica with its stems and leaves densely covered with stinging hairs, which release potential pain‐inducing toxins when brushing contact is made with them, is rarely eaten by cattle and rabbits, but is palatable to some species of snail. It is the food plant of the larvae of a number of attractive butterflies and other phytophagous insects.

 Male clones of U. dioica flower in advance of female clones. The pollen grains are extremely small. It is usually wind‐pollinated, but occasionally insect‐pollinated.

 The low seed mass of U. dioica enables the production of vast numbers of seeds. Few of the seeds germinate in the period immediately following dispersal, and the species maintains a seed bank that changes little in size with season and is large in relation to annual seed production.
Efficiency of selection, as measured by single nucleotide polymorphism variation, is dependent on inbreeding rate inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: DEMONTIS DITTE , PERTOLDI CINO , LOESCHCKE VOLKER , MIKKELSEN KARINA , AXELSSON TOMAS , KRISTENSEN TORSTEN NYGAARD
Published: September 2009

It is often hypothesized that slow inbreeding causes less inbreeding depression than fast inbreeding at the same absolute level of inbreeding. Possible explanations for this phenomenon include the more efficient purging of deleterious alleles and more efficient selection for heterozygote individuals during slow, when compared with fast, inbreeding. We studied the impact of inbreeding rate on the loss of heterozygosity and on morphological traits inDrosophila melanogaster. We analysed five noninbred control lines, 10 fast inbred lines and 10 slow inbred lines; the inbred lines all had an expected inbreeding coefficient of approximately 0.25. Forty single nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA coding regions were genotyped, and we measured the size and shape of wings and counted the number of sternopleural bristles on the genotyped individuals. We found a significantly higher level of genetic variation in the slow inbred lines than in the fast inbred lines. This higher genetic variation was resulting from a large contribution from a few loci and a smaller effect from several loci. We attributed the increased heterozygosity in the slow inbred lines to the favouring of heterozygous individuals over homozygous individuals by natural selection, either by associative over‐dominance or balancing selection, or a combination of both. Furthermore, we found a significant polynomial correlation between genetic variance and wing size and shape in the fast inbred lines. This was caused by a greater number of homozygous individuals among the fast inbred lines with small, narrow wings, which indicated inbreeding depression. Our results demonstrated that the same amount of inbreeding can have different effects on genetic variance depending on the inbreeding rate, with slow inbreeding leading to higher genetic variance than fast inbreeding. These results increase our understanding of the genetic basis of the common observation that slow inbred lines express less inbreeding depression than fast inbred lines. In addition, this has more general implications for the importance of selection in maintaining genetic variation.
Malaria preventive measures, health care seeking behaviour and malaria burden in different epidemiological settings in Sudan
Authors: Mustafa H. S. , Malik E. M. , Tuok H. T. , Mohamed A. A. , Julla A. I. , Bassili A.
Published: September 2009

Objectives  To provide information about preventive measures and treatment seeking behaviour as well as an estimate of the malaria burden in different epidemiological settings for effective monitoring and evaluation of the ongoing efforts.

Methods  Cross‐sectional survey carried out in four areas representing different levels of transmission to explore the use of preventive measures, care‐seeking behaviour and accessibility in addition to point prevalence was followed by a follow‐up phase in which the health workers registered and reported all fever cases including malaria. The relation between the reported malaria incidence, the product of symptomatic/asymptomatic ratio and the prevalence of confirmed malaria cases was used to develop the equation that could predict the true malaria incidence.

Results  Thousand households and 3628 individuals were surveyed. The presence of any net varied between 6.6% and 40%; the percentage of people who reportedly slept under mosquito nets in the previous night varied between 35 and 80. Prompt use of medications ranged between 14 and 48% with a delay of more than 24 h noticed in different areas. The mean number of individuals per household who reported use of anti‐malarial drugs in the last 2 weeks ranged between 0.6 (SD = 0.92) and 1.2 (SD = 1.1), with variable cost per treatment and affordability. The prevalence of asymptomatic parasitaemia, fever and confirmed malaria at time of the survey differed by area. The incidence of malaria during the follow‐up period was estimated to be 8.5, 178.6, 23.7 and 10.3 episodes per 1000 population in Malakal, Elrank, Elhosh and El Matama, respectively. Based on this, a prediction equation was developed.

Conclusion  We found suboptimal health care seeking behaviour, coverage and use of preventive measures with a high malaria burden. We developed a model for future estimation of malaria episodes.
Allelopathy of the moss Hypnum plumaeforme by the production of momilactone A and B
Authors: KATO‐NOGUCHI H , KOBAYASHI K , SHIGEMORI H
Published: September 2009

Extract of soil under colonies of Hypnum plumaeforme inhibited the growth of roots and shoots of cress, lettuce, lucerne, ryegrass, timothy, Digitaria sanguinalis and Echinochloa crus‐galli. Increasing the extract concentration increased the inhibition, which suggest that the soil may contain growth inhibitory substances and possess allelopathic potential. The extract of the soil under H. plumaeforme was purified and two main inhibitory substances were isolated and determined by MS and 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectral data as momilactone A and B. Momilactone A and B inhibited hypocotyls and roots of cress seedlings at concentrations >10 and 1 μm respectively. The endogenous concentration of momilactone A and B in H. plumaeforme was 58.7 and 23.4 μg g−1 dry weight respectively and the concentration of momilactone A and B in MS growth medium of H. plumaeforme was 4.3 and 6.4 μg g−1 dry weight of H. plumaeforme, respectively. These results suggest that momilactone A and B were probably secreted into the medium during the incubation and momilactone A and B found in the soil under H. plumaeforme may have been released by the moss. Therefore, growth inhibitory activity of the soil under H. plumaeforme may be caused by momilactone A and B, which may act as allelopathic agents of H. plumaeforme.
Mutational spectrum of CDKL5 in early‐onset encephalopathies: a study of a large collection of French patients and review of the literature
Authors: Nemos C , Lambert L , Giuliano F , Doray B , Roubertie A , Goldenberg A , Delobel B , Layet V , N’guyen MA , Saunier A , Verneau F , Jonveaux P , Philippe C
Published: September 2009

The CDKL5 gene has been implicated in the molecular etiology of early‐onset intractable seizures with infantile spasms (IS), severe hypotonia and atypical Rett syndrome (RTT) features. So far, 48 deleterious alleles have been reported in the literature. We screened the CDKL5 gene in a cohort of 177 patients with early‐onset seizures, including 30 men and 10 girls with Aicardi syndrome. The screening was negative for all men as well as for women with Aicardi syndrome, excluding the CDKL5 gene as a candidate for this neurodevelopmental disorder. We report 11 additional de novo mutations in CDKL5 in female patients. For the first time, the MLPA approach allowed the identification of a partial deletion encompassing the promoter and the first two exons of CDKL5. The 10‐point mutations consist of five missenses (with recurrent amino acid changes at p.Ala40 and p.Arg178), four splicing variants and a 1‐base pair duplication. We present a review of all mutated alleles published in the literature. In our study, the overall frequency of mutations in CDKL5 in women with early‐onset seizures is around 8.6%, a result comparable with previous reports. Noteworthy, the CDKL5 mutation rate is high (28%) in women with early‐onset seizures and IS.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis
Authors: Geraedts JPM , De Wert GMWR
Published: September 2009

Pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is generally defined as the testing of pre‐implantation stage embryos or oocytes for genetic defects. It has been developed for couples whose potential offspring are at risk of severe Mendelian disorders, structural chromosome abnormalities or mitochondrial disorders. Pre‐implantation embryo diagnosis requires in vitro fertilization, embryo biopsy and either using fluorescent in situ hybridization or polymerase chain reaction at the single cell level. Therefore, it is a complex procedure which requires much experience. Aneuploidy screening to improve medically assisted reproduction (in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a variant type of PGD. The past, present and future of this development are strongly related to the natural occurrence of chromosomal mosaicism in the pre‐implantation embryo. PGD should be included in each reproductive health care programme. It is recognized as an important alternative to pre‐natal diagnosis. However, diagnosis from a single cell remains a technically challenging procedure, and the risk of misdiagnosis cannot be eliminated. An ethical discussion of the question of whether PGD is acceptable at all–the ‘desirability question’–is a rearguard action. Discussion must primarily focus on the conditions of exercising due caution in and the dynamics of PGD.
Long‐term Low Radiation Decreases Leaf Photosynthesis, Photochemical Efficiency and Grain Yield in Winter Wheat
Authors: Mu H. , Jiang D. , Wollenweber B. , Dai T. , Jing Q. , Cao W.
Published: September 2009

Low radiation reduces wheat grain yield in tree‐crop intercropping systems in the major wheat planting area of China. Here, two winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L) cultivars, Yangmai 158 (shading tolerant) and Yangmai 11 (shading sensitive), were shaded from jointing to maturity to evaluate the impact of low radiation on crop growth, photosynthesis and yield. Grain yield losses and leaf area index (LAI) reduction were less than the reduction in solar radiation under both shading treatment in both cultivars. Compared with the control (S0), grain yield only reduced 6.4 % and 9.9 % under 22 % shading treatment (S1), while 16.2 % and 25.8 % under 33 % shading (S2) in Yangmai 158 and Yangmai 11 respectively. The reduction in LAI was 6.0 % and 9.2 % (S1), and 18.2 % and 22.2 % (S2) in Yangmai 158 and Yangmai 11 respectively. However, decline in canopy apparent photosynthetic rate (CAP) was 15.0–22.9 % (S1) and 29.5–49.6 % (S2), which was consistent with the reduction in radiation. The reduction in LAI was partially compensated by increases in the fraction of the top and bottom leaf area to the total leaf area, which facilitated to intercept more solar radiation by the canopy. The decrease in photosynthetic rate (Pn) of flag leaf was partially compensated by the increase in Pn of the third leaf from the top. In addition, an inconsistency between the low Pn and the high Chl content in flag leaf was observed at 30 DAA. This could be explained that more excitation energy was dispersed via the non‐photochemical approaches in the photosystem II (PSII) of flag leaf after long‐term shading.
The Key Physiological Response to Alkali Stress by the Alkali‐Resistant Halophyte Puccinellia tenuiflora is the Accumulation of Large Quantities of Organic Acids and into the Rhyzosphere
Authors: Guo L. Q. , Shi D. C. , Wang D. L.
Published: September 2009

Eight‐week‐old seedlings of Puccinellia tenuiflora were stressed by exposure to 1 : 1 molar ratio mixtures either of the two neutral salts NaCl and Na2SO4 or of the two alkali salts, NaHCO3 and Na2CO3. To identify the physiological mechanisms involved in this plant’s resistance to alkali stress, the relative growth rates, the quantities and compositions of organic acids accumulated and secreted through the roots into the rhyzosphere, the concentrations of inorganic ions, proline and other solutes accumulating in the shoots were measured. The results show that the organic acid constituents in the shoots and roots were much the same. These were predominantly malic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid and succinic acid. The total concentration of organic acids in the shoots increased strongly with increasing alkali stress. However, these either did not increase or they decreased slightly with increasing salt stress. Of the four organic acids, the concentration difference between salt‐ and alkali‐stressed plants was most striking for citric acid. This became the dominant organic acid component under alkali stress. Results show that proline is the main organic osmolyte, whereas the contribution of betaine to osmotic adjustment is insignificant under either salt or alkali stress. The main organic acid accumulated was not only an important organic osmotic regulator, but also an important negative charge contributor, playing important roles in ionic balance and pH adjustment. The concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl− and of organic acid were 80.7% of all solutes under salt stress. The concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl− and of organic acid were 85.4% of all solutes under alkali stresses. The ionic balance was disrupted by the strong increase in Na+ content under alkali stress. This perhaps explains why large amounts of the organic acids were accumulated. The organic acid concentration in the roots was lower than in the shoots. The roots secreted citric acid into the rhyzosphere only under alkali stress, secretion of the other organic acids was not detected. Therefore, citric acid secreted from the roots probably plays an important role in pH adjustment in the rhyzosphere of P. tenuiflora.
Effects of the suspension feeding musselMytilus trossuluson a brackish water macroalgal and associated invertebrate community
Authors: Kotta Jonne , Herkül Kristjan , Kotta Ilmar , Orav‐Kotta Helen , Lauringson Velda
Published: September 2009

The importance of suspension‐feeding mussels is particularly apparent in benthic communities; however, the role of this feeding strategy on the development of macroalgal and associated invertebrate communities is in general poorly known. The effect of suspension‐feeding musselsMytilus trossuluson benthic communities was studied in anin situfactorial field experiment in the Northern Baltic Sea over one ice‐free season. The experiment was performed under different regimes of wave exposure (low and moderate) and on different sedimentary habitats (soft bottom with high organic content, soft bottom with low organic content, and hard bottom). In general the presence of mussels was associated with increased biomass of filamentous algae, herbivores and deposit feeders and decreased biomass of charophytes. The effect ofM. trossulusinteracted with the effect of exposure and substrate. Stronger responses were observed in moderately exposed than in sheltered areas. The presence ofM. trossulusaffected charophytes and deposit feeders on sand with low content of organic matter and filamentous algae on pebbles but not on other substrate types. The magnitude of the effects varied between months. The results suggest that (i) even in dynamic coastal systems the biodeposits and excretions of mussels are at least partly assimilated locally and are not flushed away to the open sea, (ii) the accumulation of faecal material induced elevated growth of deposit feeders, (iii) mussels enhanced the growth of ephemeral macroalgae and reduced the growth of perennial macroalgae, and (iv) together with increasing benthic primary production, mussels indirectly increase the production of herbivores.
Effects of experimental small‐scale cockle (Cerastoderma eduleL.) fishing on ecosystem function
Authors: Cesar Christopher P. , Frid Chris L. J.
Published: September 2009

The cockleCerastoderma eduleL. occurs at commercially exploited densities within both species‐poor and species‐rich assemblages, dominating the faunal biomass and potentially acting as a key contributor to a number of ecological functions. The questions considered were: Is the delivery of ecological functions affected by the removal ofC. edule? Does the biodiversity of the affected assemblage affect the extent to which it is altered? To explore these questions, adult cockles were removed from experimental plots at two shores in the North‐West of England: a species‐poor shore at Warton Sands, Morecambe Bay, and a more diverse shore at Thurstaston, Dee estuary. Impacts on the functioning of the systems were determined during a 4‐month study in summer 2007 by direct measurements of benthic primary production, organic matter content and sediment granulometry, and by indirect analyses using Biological Traits Analysis. Removal of adult cockles led to significant changes in faunal assemblage composition and in the distribution of biological traits, with increased biodiversity and an increased prevalence of traits relating to opportunistic taxa observed following the removal ofC. edule. These changes occurred at both study sites and hence were independent of the initial biodiversity of the assemblages. Sediment granulometry was significantly affected; however, surface chlorophyll and organic matter were not affected. This implies a minimal impact on these functions and a high degree of functional redundancy within the macrofauna. The implications of these findings and future areas of research are discussed.
Altering intertidal sediment topography: effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
Authors: Jones Diane , Frid Chris L. J.
Published: September 2009

Sedimentary marine systems are often highly productive and perform important nutrient regeneration functions as they efficiently decompose organic material. In recent years the role of habitat effects and of species composition in ecosystem functioning has become of interest. Estuarine environments are frequently subject to considerable anthropogenic pressures whilst supporting a variety of habitats ranging from well sorted soft muds through biogenically stable sediments to highly mobile coarse sands. There is therefore considerable spatial complexity in habitat type and faunal composition. This study set out to observe the effects of altering the topographical habitat features of an estuarine mudflat on a range of porewater nutrient concentrations (NH4+, NO3−, NO2−, PO43−and SiO) collected from four depths (3, 5, 9, and 12 cm) and on faunal composition. Two treatments (Shelled Nets and Net Controls) were used to alter the topography from simple mud to a mussel shell crumble and were compared to un‐manipulated Control areas. Sediment granulometry and organic matter content analyses alongside biological traits analysis of the fauna were also conducted.

Differences were observed in porewater nutrient concentrations between the Control and both netted treatments at 5 cm depth only; the species diversity and abundance were also different in the netted treatments compared to the Controls, although no difference between the two manipulated treatments were observed. The changes in faunal composition were attributed solely to the altered topography and the observed nutrient changes were attributed to the faunal alteration rather than the topographical manipulation.
Recent innovations in marine biology
Authors: Boero Ferdinando
Published: September 2009

Modern ecology arose from natural history when Vito Volterra analysed Umberto D’Ancona’s time series of Adriatic fisheries, formulating the famous equations describing the linked fluctuations of a predator–prey system. The shift from simple observation to careful sampling design, and hypothesis building and testing, often with manipulative approaches, is probably the most relevant innovation in ecology, leading from descriptive to experimental studies, with the use of powerful analytical tools to extract data (from satellites to molecular analyses) and to treat them, and modelling efforts leading to predictions. However, the historical component, time, is paramount in environmental systems: short‐term experiments must cope with the long term if we want to understand change. Chaos theory showed that complex systems are inherently unpredictable: equational, predictive science is only feasible over the short term and for a small number of variables. Ecology is characterized by a high number of variables (e.g. species) interacting over wide temporal and spatial scales. The greatest recent conceptual innovation, thus, is to have realized that natural history is important, and that the understanding of complexity calls for humility. This is not a return to the past, because now we can give proper value to statistical approaches aimed at formalizing the description and the understanding of the natural world in a rigorous way. Predictions can only be weak, linked to the identification of the attractors of chaotic systems, and are aimed more at depicting scenarios than at forecasting the future with precision. Ecology was originally split into two branches: autecology (ecology of species) and synecology (ecology of species assemblages, communities, ecosystems). The two approaches are almost synonymous with the two fashionable concepts of today: ‘biodiversity’ and ‘ecosystem functioning’. A great challenge is to put the two together and work at multiple temporal and spatial scales. This requires the identification of all variables (i.e. species and their ecology: biodiversity, or autoecology) and of all connections among them and with the physical world (i.e. ecosystem functioning, or synecology). Marine ecosystems are the least impacted by human pressures, compared to terrestrial ones, and are thus the best arena to understand the structure and function of the natural world, allowing for comparison between areas with and areas without human impact.
Reproductive biology of Symphodus mediterraneus (Teleostei, Labridae) in the Azores
Authors: Raposeiro Pedro M. V. M. , Azevedo José Manuel N.
Published: September 2009

A description of the colour patterns, reproductive behaviour, spawning season and size at first maturity is given for an Atlantic population of Symphodus mediterraneus, based on underwater observations and animals collected by spear‐fishing and photographed. Gonad histology was used to determine the sex and maturity stages. Size at first maturation was estimated as the length at which 50% of the individuals are mature. General appearance was a brown or brownish‐red body, with a series of large brown transverse stripes, a conspicuous yellow‐ringed black spot on the base of the pectoral fins and a black spot on the caudal peduncle. Terminal males could be distinguished from females by the blue tones on the extremities of the median fins and on the throat. Differences from the colour pattern of the Mediterranean population are noted. This is probably a gonochoric species: the larger males are territorial, building algal nests and defending them from conspecific males and from other microbenthic carnivorous fishes; the smaller mature males did not show sneaking or satellite behaviour. Reproduction takes place in late spring and summer, after the spring productivity peak, suggesting that the feeding biology of the adults may be the main determinant factor of the timing of spawning. Total length at first maturity is 12.1 cm for males and 9.6 cm for females.
The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the benthic community in a coastal Baltic lagoon: another example of enhancement?
Authors: Radziejewska Teresa , Fenske Christiane , Wawrzyniak‐Wydrowska Brygida , Riel Philip , Woźniczka Adam , Gruszka Piotr
Published: September 2009

The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), a sessile suspension feeder, has been known to enhance the benthos in the sediment around mussel beds and druses. The enhancement is mainly due to biodepositing activity of the mussel and the resultant organic enrichment of the sediment. In addition, mussel beds increase habitat complexity. In June 2007, we studied the distribution of D. polymorpha beds and their effects on the benthos in Kleines Haff, the western part of the Szczecin Lagoon, a Southern Baltic coastal water body. We expected that: (i) the sediment near a Dreissena bed will support meio‐ and macrobenthic assemblages more abundant than those living away from the bed, and (ii) the meio‐ and macrobenthic assemblages close to the Dreissena bed will show a stronger dominance of the taxa relying on the organic enrichment (nematodes among the meiofauna; oligochaetes and chironomids among the macrobenthos). Meiobenthos was sampled at two localities, one (MB4) featuring D. polymorpha druses and the other (MB5) supporting a distinct zebra mussel bed. The two localities differed in their meiobenthic communities: whereas no difference in abundance and composition was observed between the sets of samples collected at MB4, MB5 showed a distinctly more abundant meiobenthos in the uppermost sediment layer near the zebra mussel bed, but the overall abundance was lower than that away from the bed. We conclude that the meiobenthic response to the presence of D. polymorpha was, at least in part, mediated by site‐specificity of sediment characteristics. Macrozoobenthos was sampled at four stations in the vicinity of MB5 and around another Dreissena locality (MB10), and was also identified in the sediment samples collected for the meiobenthos. The macrobenthic abundance was higher by a factor of 2.4 (sandy sediment) to 4.9 (silty bottom) near the Dreissena beds than away from them. Irrespective of their situation relative to Dreissena aggregations, both meio‐ and macrobenthos were dominated by the taxa associated with organic enrichment. The macrobenthos associated with Dreissena beds included Gammarus tigrinus, a non‐indigenous amphipod, whereas another non‐native species, the polychaete Marenzelleria neglecta, was present in the macrobenthos of sandy sediments of the area.
A multidisciplinary study of the Cape Peloro brackish area (Messina, Italy): characterisation of trophic conditions, microbial abundances and activities
Authors: Leonardi Marcella , Azzaro Filippo , Azzaro Maurizio , Caruso Gabriella , Mancuso Monique , Monticelli Luis Salvador , Maimone Giovana , La Ferla Rosabruna , Raffa Francesco , Zaccone Renata
Published: September 2009

In the framework of the VECTOR DIVCOST Project, a 2‐year investigation was started in 2006, with the aim of testing the sensibility of microbial parameters to environmental changes and of assessing whether they can provide information about functional changes in the carbon cycle. The investigation was performed in the surface waters of two small brackish ponds (Ganzirri and Faro), located in the Cape Peloro transitional area (Sicily, Italy). The seasonal changes in both the microbial compartment [bacterioplankton, vibrios, exoenzymatic hydrolysis of proteins and polysaccharides, bacterial secondary production (HBP) and community respiration] and the trophic state of suspended matter [total suspended matter (TSM), particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate organic nitrogen (PON), C/N] were analysed in relation to the hydrological characteristics [temperature, salinity, oxygen, fluorescence, NH4, NO2, NO3, PO4]. Despite marked differences in the nutritional input and the diversification in both carbon budget and trophic level, the two ponds show similar trends in many of the investigated factors, hardly influenced by seasonal variations. Temporally coupled trends were observed for some parameters (enzyme activities, vibrios abundances, respiratory activity), whereas others (POC, PON, heterotrophic bacterial production, bacterioplankton) showed a seasonal shift between the two lakes. The different behaviour found for the some biotic parameters suggests that their response to environmental conditions may be modulated differently between the two lakes, which, despite their spatial proximity and reciprocal connection, do not always show contemporaneous functional processes.
Equipping patients for a time of helplessness: An educational intervention
Authors: Holliday Simon
Published: September 2009

Objectives:  Quantify rates of awareness about, and ownership of, End‐of‐Life Planning (ELP) instruments. Examine whether this rate is increased by brief education during routine team care. Measure the time required by this exercise.

Design:  Quality Improvement Activity.

Setting:  General Practice on Mid‐North Coast, New South Wales.

Participants:  Forty‐two consecutive, consenting elderly patients undertaking a Home Health Assessment.

Main outcome measures:  This study assessed rates of ELP instruments at baseline, at 2 weeks, at 2 months and at 2 years following the provision and discussion of a fact sheet while measuring the clinicians' time required.

Results:  This education exercise increased the number of patients with ELP instruments from one to ten (24%). On average it took 5.6 min of nursing time and 3.9 min for the GP.

Conclusions:  Brief education during Home Health Assessments may empower patients to prepare for a scenario where they lost competency to make fully informed decisions. This may alleviate patient's fears about causing problems between those close to them and having treatments against their wishes.
Mediating and moderating effects of work–home interference upon farm stresses and psychological distress
Authors: McShane Connar Jo , Quirk Frances
Published: September 2009

Objective:  This study investigated whether work–home (WHI) or home–work interference (HWI) explained or affected the strength of the relationship between farmers' stresses and reported psychological distress.

Design:  Distribution of questionnaire package; included Work–Home Conflict Scale, Farm Stress Survey, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Participants recruited via advertising in newsletters and newspapers, and distribution through businesses and meetings.

Participants:  The majority of farmers (N = 51, male = 45, female = 5) were recruited from the one district. Farmers were individuals who identified their occupation as a farm owner, farm manager, or farm hand.

Main outcome measures:  It was predicted farmers would report higher levels of WHI than HWI; time, a determinant of interference, would mediate the relationship between farmers' stresses and psychological distress; WHI and HWI would moderate farmers' stresses and their psychological distress; overall reported level of psychological distress would be in normal to mild range because of positive general economic conditions.

Results:  Farmers reported significantly higher levels of WHI than HWI (M = 3.21, M = 2.76, P < 0.001 respectively). WHI and time‐based WHI mediated farmers' stresses and psychological distress, particularly anxiety. WHI, time and strain, determinants of WHI mediated personal finances and subcomponents of psychological distress (stress, anxiety, depression). Time‐based HWI mediated personal finances and stress. No moderating effects were found for WHI (r  = −0.02, P = 0.882) or HWI (r = 0.15, P = 0.306).

Conclusions:  Farmers of this specific sample presented a unique work–home interface. Limitations include the small sample size, recruitment methods, and culturally irrelevant measures as well as only assessing work‐related stresses. Future research should aim to develop measures appropriate for farmers of Australia.
Correlates of comorbid mental disorders in a regional community‐based sample
Authors: Heathcote Katharine E. , Kelly Brian , Earnest Arul , Beard John R.
Published: September 2009

Objective:  The common coexistence of psychiatric disorders has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the disability associated with mental illness. Identifying indicators to the development of coexisting disorders has potential clinical implications. This study aimed to investigate the correlates and impact of coexisting disorders in a rural setting.

Design:  Cross‐sectional analyses of data from a cohort interviewed in two phases.

Setting:  A regional community sample in Northern New South Wales, Australia.

Participants:  A total of 1407 participants were interviewed and 968 were re‐interviewed at follow up.

Main outcome measures:  Multinomial logistic regression modelling compared subjects with multiple psychiatric disorders with those with a single disorder for sociodemographic characteristics, measures of personal and social vulnerability, psychological distress, functional disabilities and help‐seeking behaviours.

Results:  Participants with coexisting disorders were more likely to be male, report a history of severe childhood assault and had higher levels of neuroticism, psychological distress and help‐seeking behaviour.

Conclusions:  The findings suggest the role of early developmental factors on the complexity and severity of adult mental illness in a rural setting and the significant clinical consequences of comorbidity.
Linkage, coordination and integration: Evidence from rural palliative care
Authors: Masso Malcolm , Owen Alan
Published: September 2009

Objective:  Review the findings from the evaluations of three rural palliative care programs.

Design:  Review by the authors of the original material from each evaluation. The conceptual framework for the review was provided by the work of Leutz, including his distinction between linkage, coordination and full integration.

Setting:  Community‐based palliative care in rural Australia.

Interventions:  Fifteen projects across all six states of Australia that focused on integration between general practitioners and other community‐based health providers.

Results:  The projects set out to improve networking and collaboration between providers; improve coordination and integration of care for patients; reduce duplication of services; and achieve a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to palliative care. The most common interventions were establishment of formal governance structures, provision of education programs, case conferencing, dissemination of information, development of formal arrangements, development of protocols and use of common clinical assessment tools. The terms ‘integration’ and ‘coordination’ were used frequently but without clear definitions. Coordination required someone specifically designated to do the coordinating, usually a nurse. Formal arrangements to improve linkage and coordination were difficult to maintain. The main mechanism to achieve full integration was the development of common clinical information systems.

Conclusions:  The ‘laws’ proposed by Leutz and the concepts of linkage, coordination and full integration provide a useful framework to understand the barriers to integrating GPs and other health providers. It is important to be clear on what level of integration is required. Improving links might be sufficient (and realistic), rather than striving for full integration.
Excellence in regional stroke care: An evaluation of the implementation of a stroke care unit in regional Australia
Authors: McCann Leanne , Groot Patrick , Charnley Chris , Gardner Anne
Published: September 2009

Objective:  To assess the effectiveness of a formalised stroke service in a regional hospital.

Design:  A pretest post‐test design.

Setting:  An acute stroke unit in a regional health service.

Participants:  Overall sample comprised 80 patients with 36 (45.0%) men. Forty patients (19 men, 21 women) comprised pre‐intervention group and 40 (17 men, 23 women) post‐intervention group.

Interventions:  Establishment of an acute stroke unit.

Main outcome measure(s):  Increased frequency in meeting key performance indicators for acute stroke care as recommended by National Stroke Foundation.

Results:  On discharge, fewer survivors in the pre‐intervention group were independent (n = 5) and returned home (n = 9) than the post‐intervention group (n = 13) for both independent and returned home. More survivors in the pre‐intervention group were discharged to aged care or inpatient rehab (n = 22) than the post‐intervention group (n = 12). Within required time frames, the frequency of CT scans (χ2 (1, 80) = 4.1, P < 0.05), swallow assessments (χ2 (1, 80) = 9.0, P < 0.01), occupational therapy assessments (χ2 (1, 80) = 14.5, P < 0.0001), multidisciplinary meetings involving patient and family (χ2 (1, 80) = 19.9, P < 0.0001) and self‐management plans (χ2 (1, 80) = 10.9, P < 0.05) all increased significantly.

Conclusions:  Our evaluation demonstrated that introduction of formalised stroke care to a regional hospital resulted in improved compliance with key performance indicators and better patient outcomes. Thus evidence‐based specialised stroke care can be offered with confidence in regional populations.
The epidemiology of hepatitis C in Australia: Notifications, treatment uptake and liver transplantations, 1997–2006
Authors: Gidding Heather F , Topp Libby , Middleton Melanie , Robinson Kate , Hellard Margaret , McCaughan Geoffrey , Maher Lisa , Kaldor John M , Dore Gregory J , Law Matthew G
Published: September 2009

Background and Aim:  Regular monitoring of hepatitis C (HCV)‐related surveillance data is essential to inform and evaluate strategies to reduce the expanding HCV burden. The aim of this study was to examine trends in the epidemiology and treatment of HCV in Australia.

Methods:  We reviewed data about HCV notifications, treatment of HCV infection through the Highly Specialised Drugs (s100) Program, and liver transplants (Australia and New Zealand Liver Transplant Registry) for the period 1997–2006.

Results:  HCV case notification rates declined by almost 50% between 1999 and 2006, with the greatest reductions between 2001 and 2002 and amongst young adults. For newly acquired HCV cases, 89% were Australian‐born and 90% reported injecting drug use as a risk factor for infection. Overall, 30% of liver transplant recipients had HCV‐related cirrhosis, but the number and proportion of HCV diagnoses increased between 1997 and 2006. HCV treatment also increased over the review period. However, only 1.4% of the 202 400 people estimated to be living with chronic HCV at the end of 2006 received treatment that year.

Conclusion:  The decline in HCV notifications is consistent with a decline in HCV incidence in Australia. However, the burden of advanced HCV disease continues to expand. To reduce this burden, treatment uptake needs to increase. Consistent and sensitive surveillance mechanisms are required to detect newly acquired cases together with an expansion of surveillance for chronic HCV infections.
Biliary drainage, photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma with jaundice
Authors: Fuks David , Bartoli Eric , Delcenserie Richard , Yzet Thierry , Celice Pierre , Sabbagh Charles , Chatelain Denis , Joly Jean‐Paul , Cheron Nathalie , Dupas Jean‐Louis , Regimbeau Jean‐Marc
Published: September 2009

Background and Aim:  The combination of photodynamic therapy and biliary stenting seems to be beneficial in the palliative treatment of unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. We aimed to assess the accuracy of photodynamic therapy in a single centre.

Methods:  Fourteen selected patients, with jaundice related to unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, underwent photodynamic therapy and biliary stenting (with or without chemotherapy). Photofrin was injected intravenously (2 mg/kg) 2 days before intraluminal photoactivation. In case of malignant progression, photodynamic therapy was repeated. The outcome parameters were overall survival and quality of life.

Results:  There were eight men and six women (median age: 67 [42–81]). Unresectability was related to a low Karnofski index (n = 2), peritoneal carcinomatosis (n = 4), vascular involvement (n = 3), invasion of the hepatoduodenal ligament (n = 2) and an under‐sized liver remnant (n = 3). Biliary stenting was efficient (≥ 50% total bilirubin) in 78.5% of cases. Eight patients developed cholangitis. The mean number of photodynamic therapy procedures was two (1–4). Six (43%) patients needed ≥ 2 procedures. No severe toxicity was noted. Photodynamic therapy improved the Karnofski index in 64% of cases. Six (42.8%) patients received concomitant chemotherapy (gemcitabine). The median survival time was 13.8 [0.7–29.2] months. The 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month survival rates were 85%, 77% and 77%, respectively.

Conclusion:  These results confirm the beneficial effect of biliary drainage, photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma in selected patients with jaundice.
Effect of miRNA‐10b in regulating cellular steatosis level by targeting PPAR‐α expression, a novel mechanism for the pathogenesis of NAFLD
Authors: Zheng Lin , Lv Guo‐cai , Sheng Jifang , Yang Yi‐da
Published: September 2009

Background and Aim: Accumulating evidence supports the effects of miRNA in lipid metabolism, providing a potential linkage between certain miRNA and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the miRNA expression pattern in a steatotic L02 cell model and explore the function of certain miRNA target pairs.

Methods: The cell model was established by culturing L02 cells with a high concentration of free fatty acid. Micro‐array and stem‐loop reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) were utilized to detect dysregulated miRNA, whereas computational algorithms were used for target prediction. Real time RT–PCR, Western blot, luciferase activity measurement, and other techniques were employed for target verification.

Results: Seventeen upregulated and 15 downregulated miRNA were found in steatotic L02 cells, while miRNA‐10b was proven to regulate the steatosis level. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α) was also found to participate in steatosis, as its protein level was decreased in steatotic L02 cells and its overexpression by transfection into the PPAR‐α–pcDNA 3.1 vector could partially alleviate steatosis. We further found that PPAR‐α is the direct target of miRNA‐10b as it showed significantly changed protein expression, but a relatively unchanged mRNA level in steatotic L02 cells transfected with pre‐miRNA‐10b and anti‐miRNA‐10b. Moreover, the action of miRNA‐10b on PPAR‐α depends on the presence of a single miRNA‐10b binding site, as the activity of a luciferase reporter carrying the mutant PPAR‐α 3′‐untranslated region was not reduced by the expression of miRNA‐10b.

Conclusion: The established miRNA profile of the steatotic L02 cell model and the novel effect of miRNA‐10b in regulating hepatocyte steatosis may provide a new explanation of the pathogenesis of NAFLD.