bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the nominate subspecies of the common crossbillLoxia c. curvirostrapolytypic? II. Differentiation among vocal types in functional traits
Authors: Edelaar Pim , Van Eerde Kees , Terpstra Kees
Published: February 2008

Vocally differentiated common crossbillLoxia curvirostrapopulations (‘vocal types’) in North America show a high degree of morphological and ecological specialization coupled with significant genetic differentiation and appreciable levels of assortative mating in sympatry. Similar vocally differentiated common crossbill vocal types have recently also been uncovered in Europe. These vocal types frequently overlap in space and time, and preliminary data indicate strong assortatively mating in sympatry. These observations suggest that the European nominate subspecies also consists of several independent evolutionary lineages, but so far morphological and ecological support for this view has been lacking. Bill morphology of crossbills is tightly linked to resource use, and we earlier showed that average morphology (of birds of unknown vocal type) indeed differed among years, consistent with the possibility that vocal types are morphologically differentiated if the proportion of each type caught varies among years. Here we test specifically for morphological differences between birds assigned to vocal type, at two sites and during two independent influxes. Differentiation between the two vocal types studied is highly significant, with the same pattern uncovered at each site and for each influx. Of eight traits investigated, in both univariate and multivariate analyses, the trait that differs most between the two types is the ecologically important bill depth. The difference in average bill depth between these two European vocal types (0.26 mm) is equivalent to the difference between some ecologically specialised North American vocal types. These results provide further evidence that the nominate subspecies of the common crossbill consists of several ecologically distinct populations, if not cryptic species.
Bromide as marker for drug adherence in hypertensive patients
Authors: Braam Richard L. , Van Uum Stan H. M. , Lenders Jacques W. M. , Thien Theo
Published: February 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Insufficient drug adherence is an important reason for inadequate blood pressure control.

• Currently, methods that measure drug adherence objectively are lacking. Objective methods are needed to help improve blood pressure control and outcome in hypertensive patients.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Potassium bromide added to antihypertensive drugs can be used to monitor drug adherence in individual patients.

• However, although this method is objective, it is rather time‐, cost‐ and work‐consuming.

AIMS Adherence to antihypertensive medication is essential for adequate long‐term control of blood pressure (BP). This study investigated different methods of measuring adherence in hypertensive patients.

METHODS Patients were included if BP was insufficiently controlled on monotherapy. After a placebo period patients were treated with trandolapril 2 mg/verapamil SR 180 mg (TV). BP was determined using a mercury sphygmomanometer and ambulatory BP monitoring. Adherence was measured by capsule counting, electronic registration of pill‐box openings and by measuring serum bromide concentrations. Potassium bromide was added to each TV capsule.

RESULTS Thirty patients participated in the study. Treatment with TV significantly lowered office BP and ambulatory BP.

Results for electronic monitoring and adherence based on bromide measurements were comparable. Adherence was slightly higher when assessed by capsule counting.

CONCLUSIONS Measuring serum bromide concentrations may be suitable for assessment of adherence to drug therapy giving comparable results to electronic monitoring. Using capsule counting, electronic monitoring and measurement of bromide concentrations, nonadherent patients were identified.
Serotonin transporter polymorphism and bleeding time during SSRI therapy
Authors: Hougardy Dahlia M. C. , Egberts Toine C. G. , Van Der Graaf Fedde , Brenninkmeijer Vincent J. , Derijks Luc J. J.
Published: February 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• From case reports it has become clear that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can cause bleeding disorders.

• The causative mechanism is as yet unknown.

• Several publications have described the relationship between the serotonin transporter genotype and the prevalence of certain diseases such as depression, but few have focused on the relationship with side‐effects of antidepressive drugs such as SSRIs.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This study suggests that the association between SSRI therapy and prolonged bleeding time may not be related to the polymorphism of the serotonin transporter (5‐HTTLPR) investigated.

AIMS Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine, are associated with an increased risk of bleeding disorders, probably due to decreased platelet serotonin levels. Polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTT) may influence the risk of SSRI‐induced bleedings. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and to what extent the serotonin transporter polymorphism increases the bleeding time in paroxetine users.

METHODS A prospective study, using routinely collected hospital and pharmacy data, was conducted among 43 patients between 18 and 70 years old and on >4 weeks of paroxetine therapy. The genotype for the serotonin transporter (5‐HTTLPR), trough paroxetine levels, platelet function analyser (PFA)‐closure time (collagen/epinephrine) and a complete blood count were assessed.

RESULTS No significant difference was seen between the SS, SL, LL genotypes of the serotonin transporter and the PFA‐closure time. None of the covariates had a significant influence on the association between the serotonin transporter polymorphism and the PFA‐closure time. Age and von Willebrand factor showed the largest contribution, but not significant. No difference was seen between the PFA‐closure time and the frequency of bruising and spontaneous bleedings between patients with at least one S allele and with the LL genotype.

CONCLUSION Our prospective study does not support the assumption that paroxetine can cause a prolonged PFA‐closure time during paroxetine therapy due to a serotonin transporter polymorphism. Old age, use of platelet inhibitors and a history of gastrointestinal bleeding remain the focus for SSRI‐induced bleeding complications.
Interleukin‐13 acts as an apoptotic effector on lung epithelial cells and induces pro‐fibrotic gene expression in lung fibroblasts
Authors: Borowski A. , Kuepper M. , Horn U. , Knüpfer U. , Zissel G. , Höhne K. , Luttmann W. , Krause S. , Virchow J. C. , Friedrich K.
Published: February 2008

Background
IL‐13 promotes acute allergic asthma and is discussed to play a role in late asthmatic features such as fibrotic processes and airway remodelling. The contributions of IL‐13‐mediated mechanisms to subepithelial events related to fibrosis are not yet settled.

Objective
We investigated the impact of IL‐13 on lung epithelial cells as apoptotic effector and on lung fibroblasts as inducer of pro‐fibrotic gene expression.

Methods
Using the two lung epithelial cell lines A549 and BEAS‐2B as well as primary lung epithelial cells, we investigated the capability of IL‐13 to induce apoptosis by both flow‐cytometry and ELISA. The ability of IL‐13 to increase the expression of pro‐fibrotic genes and to exert influence on the expression of its own receptor was investigated by real‐time quantitative PCR measurement of mRNAs encoding collagen I, collagen III, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and the IL‐13 receptor α1 (IL‐13Rα1) chain in human primary lung fibroblasts. The specificity of IL‐13‐mediated cellular responses was confirmed by means of an inhibitory monoclonal antibody directed to the IL‐13 receptor.

Results
IL‐13 induces apoptosis in lung epithelial cell lines as well as in primary lung epithelial cells. Furthermore, IL‐13 increases the expression of mRNA for α‐SMA and collagen III, but not for bFGF in human primary lung fibroblasts. The susceptibility of lung fibroblasts to IL‐13‐induced up‐regulation of pro‐fibrotic genes is associated with the regulation of IL‐13 receptor expression. IL‐13‐dependent fibrosis‐associated effects could be inhibited by antibody‐mediated blockade of the IL‐13Rα1 subunit.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate a function of IL‐13 as a mediator in fibrotic processes leading to loss of functional airway tissue in asthma. They also highlight the therapeutic potential of specifically targeting the interaction between IL‐13 and its receptor.
Effect of gamma‐sterilization and autoclaving on soil organic matter structure as studied by solid state NMR, UV and fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Berns A. E. , Philipp H. , Narres H.‐D. , Burauel P. , Vereecken H. , Tappe W.
Published: February 2008

Sterilized soil is often used, for example in degradation studies, sorption experiments, microbiological tests and plant test systems, to distinguish between microbial processes and abiotic reactions. The most commonly used technique for sterilization is autoclaving of the soil. Another technique is irradiation with high‐level gamma radiation (γ‐radiation). One major drawback of sterilization procedures is the possible alteration of the structure of soil components, for example the organic matter. A change in the chemical structure of the soil organic matter can cause different reactions in the above‐mentioned experiments and hence interfere with the aim of clearly distinguishing between biotic and abiotic processes. Two soils (Gleyic Cambisol and Orthic Luvisol) were sterilized by two γ‐irradiation procedures (4 kGy hour−1 for 9 hours and 1.3 kGy hour−1 for 27 hours) and repeated autoclaving at 121°C. Gentle physical aggregate fractionation of the sterilized soils revealed a decrease in the aggregation of the soil, which was reflected in an increase of the clay fraction. Subsequent analysis of the aqueous phase revealed much more dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the γ‐sterilized and autoclaved soils than in the untreated soils. Ultraviolet (UV) and fluorescence spectra of the DOM showed a decrease in the aromaticity and polycondensation of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC). 13C cross‐polarization/magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐CP/MAS NMR) spectra of the unfractionated soils and their respective soil fractions before and after sterilization showed that the most important change occurred in the carbohydrate and N‐alkyl region, the main components of microorganisms. In general, the impact of the sterilization method was stronger for autoclaving. The γ‐sterilized soils and fractions displayed both fewer and smaller changes in the soil organic matter.
Klondike Gold
Authors: Waltham Tony
Published: February 2008

In 1896, the world's greatest gold rush descended on the Klondike, in northern Canada. The hardships endured on the journey there and then in hand‐mining the frozen ground are the stuff of legends. But the ‘mother lode’ was never found, and only recently have the origins of the gold been recognized. After the madness and the extravagance of the initial rush, mining methods evolved, and there are miners still working the Klondike today.
Shrub effects on herbs and grasses in semi‐natural grasslands: positive, negative or neutral relationships?
Authors: Pihlgren A. , Lennartsson T.
Published: February 2008

The present study investigated how the abundance and sexual reproduction of herbs and grasses relates to the presence of shrubs of Rosa dumalis in three semi‐natural pastures in Sweden. Shrubs may affect grassland plants negatively by competition, positively by serving as grazing refuge, or neutrally. At different distances from shrubs of R. dumalis, data were collected on plant abundance, frequency of reproductive shoots, vegetation height and litter depth. In one grassland, data were collected on seedling density and frequency of reproductive shoots in the presence and absence of grazing. The shrubs functioned as grazing refuges with taller vegetation, deeper litter and higher probability of reproduction by plants. The overall number of plant species remained the same at all distances from shrubs. Most species showed a neutral relationship with shrubs. Proportionately, 0·08–0·26 of the species showed a negative pattern to shrubs and 0·14–0·30 a positive pattern. Seedling density was negatively correlated with litter depth and peaked at 60–90 cm from shrubs. Establishment of seedlings of small‐seeded species was negatively related to shrubs probably because of thicker litter layer close to shrubs. The observed patterns were compared with different functional traits, such as Ellenberg values, plant height, growth form and Raunkiaer life form. Plant height from data in the literature was the trait that best explained the relationship of plant species to shrubs because tall species were more common in proximity to shrubs. It was concluded that shrubs increase the heterogeneity in grasslands and that intensive shrub‐clearing may negatively affect biodiversity.
Carrier testing in haemophilia A and B: adult carriers’ and their partners’ experiences and their views on the testing of young females
Authors: DUNN N. F. , MILLER R. , GRIFFIOEN A. , LEE C. A.
Published: February 2008

Summary.  This is a descriptive study, which aims to report adult carriers’ and their husbands/partners’ experiences of carrier diagnosis and their views as to how these issues should be handled for the next generation. Following an initial pilot, 105 carriers and husbands/partners responded to a postal questionnaire. Most of the adult carriers had been tested because either they or their parents wanted to know their carrier status or they had a son diagnosed with haemophilia. The respondents agreed that the main reasons for testing young potential carriers should be either a family history of severe haemophilia or that the young person or her parents wanted to know her status. Forty per cent (35/87) believed the earliest age for carrier testing should be 0–9 years, 44% (38/87) 10–15 years and 16% (14/87) ≥16 years. Respondents aged 18–39 years were more likely to be in favour of testing <2 years. If parents and teenagers disagreed, the majority of parents thought that a test should not be forced, consent refused or results withheld. Genetic counselling provides an important opportunity for parents, who want a very early genetic test, to explore their motivations and balance their desire to prepare and protect their daughter with her right to decide as a teenager.
Jordan’s and other ecogeographical rules, and the vertebral number in fishes
Authors: McDowall R. M.
Published: February 2008

Aim  To explore variation in the number of vertebrae in fishes in the context of Jordan’s rule and other ecogeographical rules.

Location  Global.

Methods  The study is based on literature review.

Results  The number of vertebrae varies very widely across the diversity of fishes. Jordan’s rule states that vertebral number increases with latitude, and this is widely attributed to ambient temperatures during ontogeny of individual fishes. However, the number of vertebrae may depend on both the ontogenetic environment and inheritance. Diverse other aspects of fish development and ecology are suggested as influencing vertebral number, including fish size, phyletic position, body shape and swimming mode.

Main conclusions  The number of different factors that influence the number of vertebrae in fishes makes for highly complex patterns of variation, and means that unravelling causes is difficult. The question needs to be addressed at the population/species/species group scale; moreover, the lack of discrimination between environmental and inherited causes of variation adds to the complexity.
Modern vegetation–pollen–climate relationships for the Pampa grasslands of Argentina
Authors: Tonello Marcela Sandra , Prieto Aldo Raúl
Published: February 2008

Aim  To analyse the relationships between potential natural vegetation, pollen and climate in order to improve the interpretation of fossil pollen records and provide the background for future quantitative palaeoclimatic reconstructions.

Location  Pampa grasslands of Argentina, between 33–41° S and 56–67° W.

Methods  Modern pollen data were obtained from a pollen data base developed by the Grupo de Investigación de Paleoecología y Palinología, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina (143 surface samples and 17 pollen types). Analysis of pollen and climate data involved multivariate statistics (cluster analysis and principal components analysis), scatter diagrams, Pearson’s correlation and isopoll mapping.

Results  Vegetation patterns at regional scales (grasslands and xerophytic woodlands) and local scales (edaphic communities) were identified by cluster analysis of pollen surface samples. The main climatic variables that appear to constrain the vegetation distribution and abundance of taxa are mean annual precipitation, annual effective precipitation and summer temperature. Individual pollen types such as Chenopodiaceae, Apiaceae, Cyperaceae, Prosopis, Schinus, Condalia microphylla and other xerophytic taxa are good indicators of moisture regime. Many pollen types are significantly correlated with summer temperature. The modern vegetation–pollen–climate relationships vary in a broadly predictable manner, supporting the contention that fossil pollen assemblages can be related to particular climatic characteristics.

Main conclusions  An expanded suite of modern analogues facilitated new insights into vegetation–pollen–climate relationships at the regional scale in Pampa grasslands. Relationships between individual pollen types and climate are appraised at a regional scale and new modern analogues are presented. The results provide the basis for improved vegetation and climate reconstruction from fossil records of the study area.
Review: evaluating information systems in nursing
Authors: Oroviogoicoechea Cristina , Elliott Barbara , Watson Roger
Published: February 2008

Aims.  To review existing nursing research on inpatient hospitals’ information technology (IT) systems in order to explore new approaches for evaluation research on nursing informatics to guide further design and implementation of effective IT systems.

Background.  There has been an increase in the use of IT and information systems in nursing in recent years. However, there has been little evaluation of these systems and little guidance on how they might be evaluated.

Methods.  A literature review was conducted between 1995 and 2005 inclusive using CINAHL and Medline and the search terms ‘nursing information systems’, ‘clinical information systems’, ‘hospital information systems’, ‘documentation’, ‘nursing records’, ‘charting’.

Results.  Research in nursing information systems was analysed and some deficiencies and contradictory results were identified which impede a comprehensive understanding of effective implementation. There is a need for IT systems to be understood from a wider perspective that includes aspects related to the context where they are implemented.

Conclusions.  Social and organizational aspects need to be considered in evaluation studies and realistic evaluation can provide a framework for the evaluation of information systems in nursing.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The rapid introduction of IT systems for clinical practice urges evaluation of already implemented systems examining how and in what circumstances they work to guide effective further development and implementation of IT systems to enhance clinical practice. Evaluation involves more factors than just involving technologies such as changing attitudes, cultures and healthcare practices. Realistic evaluation could provide configurations of context‐mechanism‐outcomes that explain the underlying relationships to understand why and how a programme or intervention works.
Prevalence and incidence of urinary incontinence of Swiss nursing home residents at admission and after six, 12 and 24 months
Authors: Saxer Susi , Halfens Ruud J G , De Bie Rob A , Dassen Theo
Published: February 2008

Aims and objectives.  To study the prevalence and incidence of urinary incontinence in a Swiss nursing home population at admission and at six, 12, 18 and 24 months after admission.

Background.  No prevalence data for urinary incontinence in people older than 65 years living in nursing homes are available in Switzerland and other German‐speaking parts of Europe. Prevalence of urinary incontinence elsewhere varies between 49% and 77%.

Methods.  This is a secondary analysis of the data of the minimum data set of the Resident Assessment Instrument 2.0 in which 2719 residents were assessed. Prevalence rates and incidence were calculated at admission and at six, 12, 18 and 24 months after admission. Special focus was placed on sex‐ and age‐related differences.

Results.  Prevalence of urinary incontinence was 51·5% (men 51·4%, women 51·5%) and was found to rise with increasing age. At the time of admission, 37% (men 43%, women 34%) were urinary incontinent. The prevalence increased from admission to 24 months after admission.

Conclusion.  The high prevalence rates indicate the relevance of the problem for residents and caregivers alike. Early identification of individuals likely to become incontinent is crucial in the development of interventions and the prevention of urinary incontinence in this vulnerable population.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The study provides valuable data about the extent of the problem of urinary incontinence in nursing homes.
A symbiotic mutant of Sinorhizobium meliloti reveals a novel genetic pathway involving succinoglycan biosynthetic functions
Authors: Griffitts Joel S. , Long Sharon R.
Published: February 2008

A large‐scale screen for symbiotic mutants was carried out using the model root nodulating bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti. Several mutations in the previously uncharacterized gene msbA2 were isolated. msbA2 encodes a member of the ATP‐binding cassette exporter family. This protein family is known to export a wide variety of compounds from bacterial cells. S. meliloti MsbA2 is required for the invasion of nodule tissue, with msbA2 mutant cells stimulating nodule primordium morphogenesis, but failing to invade plant tissue beyond the epidermal cell layer. msbA2 mutants do not exhibit any of the free‐living traits often found to correlate with symbiotic defects, suggesting that MsbA2 may take part in a specifically symbiotic function. In strains that overproduce the symbiotic signalling polysaccharide succinoglycan, loss of MsbA2 function is extremely deleterious. This synthetic lethal phenotype can be suppressed by disrupting the succinoglycan biosynthetic genes exoY or exoA. It can also be suppressed by disrupting putative glycosyltransferase‐encoding genes found upstream of msbA2. Finally, the symbiotic phenotype of a msbA2 null mutant is suppressed by secondary mutations in these upstream transferase genes, indicating that the msbA2 mutant phenotype may be caused by an inhibitory accumulation of a novel polysaccharide that is synthesized from succinoglycan precursors.
Neuroactive steroids and fatigue severity in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C
Authors: Ahboucha S. , Butterworth R. F. , Pomier‐layrargues G. , Vincent C. , Hassoun Z. , Baker G. B.
Published: February 2008

Abstract  Fatigue is one of the most common non‐specific symptoms associated with several disease states including liver diseases. Recently, it was reported that levels of progesterone metabolites such as allopregnanolone (3α,5α‐tetrahydroprogesterone; 3α,5α‐THP) and isopregnanolone (3β,5α‐THP) were increased in plasma of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. We hypothesize that THP metabolites might be associated with fatigue commonly observed in chronic liver diseases. We evaluated fatigue scores and plasma levels of five progesterone metabolites in 16 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), 12 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and 11 age‐matched controls. The fatigue impact scale (FIS) ratio was significantly increased (P < 0.01) in patients with PBC and CHC compared to controls. Plasma levels of 3α,5α‐THP and pregnanolone (3α,5β‐THP) were significantly increased in PBC and CHC patients. The other progesterone metabolites, i.e. 3β,5α‐THP, 3β,5β‐THP and 3α,5α‐tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone were either undetectable or detected only in some patients. Plasma levels of 3α,5α‐THP and 3α,5β‐THP were found to be significantly higher in patients with fatigue (P < 0.05), while those of patients without fatigue were not significantly different from controls. Both 3α,5α‐THP and 3α,5β‐THP are positive allosteric modulators of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABA‐A) receptor and readily cross the blood–brain barrier. The present preliminary findings suggest that increased inhibition through GABA‐A receptors due to the accumulation of neuroinhibitory steroids may represent an important pathophysiological mechanism of fatigue in chronic liver diseases.
Failure of ES‐62 to inhibit T‐helper type 1 responses to other filarial nematode antigens
Authors: AL‐RIYAMI L. , EGAN C. A. , BRADLEY J. E. , LUSTIGMAN S. , HARNETT W.
Published: February 2008

ES‐62 is a secreted protein of filarial nematodes that possesses multiple immunomodulatory activities. A full characterization of these activities awaits elucidation but to date it has been shown that ES‐62 can inhibit pro‐inflammatory/Th1 immune responses and in some studies, it has been found to actively support Th2 development. As an active filarial nematode infection is associated with a Th2‐like immunological phenotype, this study investigated whether ES‐62 was likely to be responsible for, or at least contribute to, this phenotype. Specifically, we determined ES‐62's effect on the immune response to two other filarial nematode antigens, chosen for their ability to promote Th1 responses. The two antigens were recombinant Onchocerca volvulus‐Fatty acid And Retinol‐binding‐1 (rOv‐FAR‐1) and recombinant Onchocerca volvulus‐Activation associated Secreted Protein‐1 (Ov‐ASP‐1). Overall the results show that in spite of its previously characterized immunomodulatory properties, ES‐62 was unable to modulate/reverse the Th1 immune responses induced by the two Onchocerca antigens. Therefore, in this study no support is provided for the idea that ES‐62 might be a major player in facilitating the overall immunological phenotype in filariasis and reasons for this somewhat surprising outcome are discussed.
Heterosis in the freezing tolerance, and sugar and flavonoid contents of crosses between Arabidopsis thaliana accessions of widely varying freezing tolerance
Authors: KORN MARINA , PETEREK SILKE , MOCK HANS‐PETER , HEYER ARND G. , HINCHA DIRK K.
Published: February 2008

Heterosis is defined as the increased vigour of hybrids in comparison to their parents. We investigated 24 F1 hybrid lines of Arabidopsis thaliana generated by reciprocally crossing either C24 or Col with six other parental accessions (Can, Co, Cvi, Ler, Rsch, Te) that differ widely in their freezing tolerance. The crosses differed in the degree of heterosis for freezing tolerance, both in the non‐acclimated state and after a 14 d cold acclimation period. Crosses with C24 showed more heterosis than crosses with Col, and heterosis was stronger in acclimated than in non‐acclimated plants. Leaf content of soluble sugars and proline showed more deviation from mid‐parent values in crosses involving C24 than in those involving Col, and deviations were larger in acclimated than in non‐acclimated plants. There were significant correlations between the content of different sugars and leaf freezing tolerance, as well as between heterosis effects in freezing tolerance and sugar content. Flavonoid content and composition varied between accessions, and between non‐acclimated and acclimated plants. In the crosses, large deviations from the mid‐parent values in the contents of different flavonols occurred, and there were strikingly strong correlations between both flavonol content and freezing tolerance, and between heterosis effects in freezing tolerance and flavonol content.
Population structure and mating system of Ascochyta rabiei in Tunisia: evidence for the recent introduction of mating type 2
Authors: Rhaiem A. , Chérif M. , Peever T. L. , Dyer P. S.
Published: February 2008

The population structure of Ascochyta rabiei (teleomorph: Didymella rabiei) in Tunisia was estimated among five populations sampled from the main chickpea growing regions using simple sequence repeat markers (SSR) and a mating type (MAT) marker. Mating type 2 isolates (MAT1‐2) had reduced genetic and genotypic diversity relative to mating type 1 isolates (MAT1‐1). This result, coupled with previous observations of lower overall frequency and restricted geographical distribution of MAT1‐2 in Tunisia, and recent (2001) observation of the sexual stage, support the hypothesis of a recent introduction of MAT1‐2. Despite the presence of both mating types in Nabeul, Kef and Jendouba, the hypothesis of random mating was rejected in these locations with multilocus gametic disequilibrium tests. Highly significant genetic differentiation (θ = 0·32, GST = 0·28, P < 0·001) was detected among populations and genetic distance and cluster analyses based on pooled allele frequencies revealed that populations from Nabeul and Kef were distinct from those in Beja, Bizerte and Jendouba. More than 70% of total gene diversity (HT = 0·55) detected was attributable to variation within populations compared to 28% among populations. This result, coupled with the occurrence of private alleles in each population, suggests that gene flow is currently limited among populations, even those separated by short geographic distances. The presence of two main genetic clusters was confirmed using Bayesian model‐based population structure analyses of multilocus genotypes (MLGs) without regard to geographic origin of samples. The presence of MAT1‐2 isolates in both clusters suggests at least two independent introductions of MAT1‐2 into Tunisia that are likely to be the result of importation and planting of infected chickpea seeds.
Functional divergence of the duplicated AtKIN14a and AtKIN14b genes: critical roles in Arabidopsis meiosis and gametophyte development
Authors: Quan Li , Xiao Rong , Li Wuxing , Oh Sung‐Aeong , Kong Hongzhi , Ambrose J. Christian , Malcos Jennelle L. , Cyr Richard , Twell David , Ma Hong
Published: February 2008

Gene duplication is important for gene family evolution, allowing for functional divergence and innovation. In flowering plants, duplicated genes are widely observed, and functional redundancy of closely related duplicates has been reported, but few cases of functional divergence of close duplicates have been described. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis AtKIN14a and AtKIN14b genes encoding highly similar kinesins are two of the most closely related Arabidopsis paralogs, which were formed by a duplication event that occurred after the split of Arabidopsis and poplar. In addition, AtKIN14a and AtKIN14b exhibit varying degrees of coding sequence divergence. Further genetic studies of plants carrying atkin14a and/or atkin14b mutations indicate that, although these two genes have similar functions, there is clear evidence for functional divergence. Although both genes are important for male and female meiosis, AtKIN14a plays a more critical role in male meiosis than AtKIN14b. Moreover, either one of these two genes is necessary and sufficient for gametophyte development, indicating that they are redundant for this function. Therefore, AtKIN14a and AtKIN14b together play important roles in controlling plant reproductive development. Our results suggest that the AtKIN14a and AtKIN14b genes have retained similar functions in gametophyte development and female meiosis, but have evolved partially distinct functions in male meiosis, with AtKIN14a playing a more substantive role.
Evidence‐based criteria for the care and selection of blood donors, with some comments on the relationship to blood supply, and emphasis on the management of donation‐induced iron depletion
Authors: Boulton F.
Published: February 2008

summary Blood Services, which, in the UK, spend over 0·5% of the NHS budget, are generally subject to quality, regulatory, economic and political authority. As only persons in good health should give blood, Services have refined donor selection criteria and aim to base them on evidence; but they also have to balance the number of donations collected with product demand. Applying selection criteria inevitably leads to deferrals, which donors experience very negatively. Compared with successful donors, even temporary deferrals reduce return rates significantly, especially of first attenders. In order to encourage donor return and sustain supplies, selection criteria should be optimal. However, a major tool for managing patients – evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) – cannot apply to donor selection, so criteria have to be defined by alternatives, such as clinical studies, epidemiology and even what experts deem to be pathophysiologically feasible. The recommended volume of blood taken from each donor at each attendance (450 mL, which was based on old studies) was increased because of greater processing losses (buffy‐coat derived platelets, leucofiltration etc.). Although faint rates and donation‐induced iron depletion are reduced by lowering bleeding volume and bleeding less frequently, other optimizing strategies including iron supplementation have been trialled and could be enhanced by more RCTs. Better but more complex indicators of donor iron status than one‐off Hb thresholds are possible. Regulators and decision‐makers must encourage more studies. This review does not consider aphaeresis donors of blood components other than red cells in detail, or the prevention of transfusion‐transmitted infections.
Characterization of oral lactobacilli as potential probiotics for oral health
Authors: Kõll P. , Mändar R. , Marcotte H. , Leibur E. , Mikelsaar M. , Hammarström L.
Published: February 2008

Introduction:  Intestinal lactobacilli have been successfully used as probiotics to treat gastrointestinal disorders, but only limited data are available for the probiotic properties of oral lactobacilli to combat oral diseases. We aimed to characterize oral lactobacilli for their potential probiotic properties according to the international guidelines for the evaluation of probiotics, and to select potential probiotic strains for oral health.

Methods:  The study included 67 salivary and subgingival lactobacilli of 10 species, isolated from healthy humans. All strains were identified using amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis, tested for antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens, tolerance of low pH and bile content. Thereafter, the lysozyme tolerance and antibiotic susceptibility of 22 potential probiotic strains were assessed.

Results:  The majority of strains suppressed the growth of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Streptococcus mutans, but none inhibited Candida albicans. The lowest pH tolerated by lactobacilli following 4 h of incubation was pH 2.5, but none of the strains grew at this pH. All strains tolerated a high concentration of lysozyme (10 mg/ml) and half of the strains tolerated a high concentration of human bile [5% volume/volume (V/V)]. Four Lactobacillus plantarum and two Lactobacillus oris strains expressed resistance to tetracycline and/or doxycycline.

Conclusions:  Strains of L. plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus expressed both high antimicrobial activity and high tolerance of environmental stress. The absence of transferable antibiotic‐resistance genes in L. plantarum strains remains to be confirmed. These results suggest a potential for oral lactobacilli to be used as probiotics for oral health.
Danon disease with typical early‐onset cardiomyopathy in a male: Focus on a novel LAMP‐2 mutation
Authors: Bui Yen K. , Renella Pierangelo , Martinez‐Agosto Julian A. , Verity Anthony , Madikians Andranik , Alejos Juan C.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  We report a case of a 16‐yr‐old male with Danon disease caused by a novel mutation in the LAMP‐2 gene. Mutations in the LAMP‐2 gene result in the absence of LAMP‐2 on immunohistochemical staining of muscle tissue, thus defining Danon disease, a rare X‐linked myopathy. It is characterized clinically by HCM or left ventricular hypertrophy, a WPW pattern on ECG, variable degrees of muscular weakness (skeletal myopathy), mental retardation, and retinal changes. The patient presented with severe skeletal muscular weakness and respiratory failure. He also had a history of two OHTs, the first one for severe HCM and the second for allograft rejection. The patient’s myopathy was initially presumed to be exclusively related to steroid‐induced “critical care myopathy.” However, further evaluation with a thigh muscle biopsy revealed autophagic vacuoles with sarcolemnal features suggestive of a lysosomal storage disorder. DNA analysis ultimately identified a previously unreported hemizygous IVS6+3_+6delGAGT splice site deletion mutation in the LAMP‐2 gene located within the 5′ splice site of intron 6, consistent with Danon disease.
Variation of anti‐Fas antibodies in different lots of intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Reipert B. M. , Stellamor M. T. , Poell M. , Ilas J. , Sasgary M. , Reipert S. , Zimmermann K. , Ehrlich H. , Schwarz H. P.
Published: February 2008

Background and Objectives  Previous studies have presented evidence that human immunoglobulin G preparations for intravenous use contain antibodies directed against the death receptor Fas (CD95). The function of these antibodies was described as either antagonistic or agonistic; therefore, inhibiting or stimulating Fas‐dependent apoptosis. Based on these reports, we asked whether the proportion of antagonistic and agonistic anti‐Fas activities differs between different lots of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Variations between lots would open the possibility to preselect suitable lots of IVIG for different therapeutic purposes.

Materials and Methods  Eleven lots of IVIG were tested for their ability to induce or inhibit Fas‐dependent apoptosis. The biological significance of anti‐Fas antibodies was confirmed by including anti‐Fas antibodies purified from IVIG and IVIG depleted of anti‐Fas antibodies in the study.

Results  All 11 lots inhibited FasL‐induced apoptosis. In addition, five lots stimulated apoptosis in the absence of FasL. Depletion of anti‐Fas antibodies from IVIG abolished the capacity of IVIG to inhibit FasL‐induced apoptosis, but reduced the ability to induce apoptosis only slightly.

Conclusion  The inhibition of FasL‐induced apoptosis by IVIG is because of the presence of antagonistic anti‐Fas antibodies. The activity of these antibodies differs considerably between different lots. On the other hand, the induction of apoptosis by IVIG is probably because of the concerted action of a range of different antibodies. The variation in the proportion of stimulating and inhibiting anti‐Fas activities between different lots of IVIG opens the possibility to preselect suitable lots for different therapeutic purposes.
Dose‐Dependent Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Changes After Oral Methylphenidate Administration in Rat Heart Tissue
Authors: Take G. , Bahcelioglu M. , Oktem H. , Tunc E. , Gözil R. , Erdogan D. , Calguner E. , Helvacıoglu F. , Giray S. G. , Elmas C.
Published: February 2008

Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin, is a piperidine derivative and is the drug most often used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, one of the most common behavioural disorders of children and young adults. Our aims were to investigate dose‐dependent immunohistochemical D2 expression and ultrastructural changes of the rat heart tissue, and to demonstrate possible toxicity of the long‐term and high dose use of the methylphenidate. In this study, 27 female pre‐pubertal Wistar albino rats, divided into three different dose groups (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) and their control groups, were used. They were treated orally with methylphenidate dissolved in saline solution for 5 days/week during 3 months. At the end of the third month, after perfusion fixation, left ventricle of cardiac tissue was removed. Paraffin, semi‐thin and thin sections were collected and immunohistochemical, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated Dig‐dUTP nick end labelling assay and ultrastructural studies were performed. In conclusion, we believe that Ritalin is dose‐related affecting dopaminergic system to increase heart rhythm and contraction. Thus, this drug may cause degenerative ultrastructural changes in mitochondrial path.
Spectral Overlap in Songs and Temporal Avoidance in a Peruvian Bird Assemblage
Authors: Planqué Robert , Slabbekoorn Hans
Published: February 2008

Acoustic signals are very important in communication among conspecifics for many animals, especially in relatively dark, densely foliated habitat such as tropical rainforest. However, as many species all have to use the same acoustic space, this may lead to interference and masking. Songs will function efficiently in attracting mates or defending territories depending on the level of spectral and temporal overlap with songs of other species in the local community. As signal efficiency has direct fitness consequences, organisms may have evolved a strategy to avoid competition for acoustic space. We hypothesize that, as a consequence, species in a complex rainforest community may show spectral segregation or temporal avoidance: singing at a different frequency or at a different time. As doing both is superfluous and acoustic space is limited, we expect a negative correlation between spectral and temporal overlap. We tested this hypothesis in recordings of 20 vocally dominant bird species from 14 families in a Peruvian rainforest. Using pair‐wise comparisons between bird species, we found one significant correlation between spectral overlap and temporal overlap. All others were non‐significant. However, we did find that, at frequencies more often used by multiple bird species, there was significantly less overlap than expected if all species were just singing randomly ignorant of each other’s songs. Our analyses indicate that short‐term auditory feedback mechanisms may also operate in the biodiverse environments of the tropics and may explain part of the community dynamics of acoustic signalling in the rainforest.
Early Developmental Conditions and Male Attractiveness in Zebra Finches
Authors: Naguib Marc , Heim Claudia , Gil Diego
Published: February 2008

Traits used in mate choice are often costly to produce or maintain, and thus can reflect an individual’s current condition. Mate choice, however, might not only be influenced by the current condition of a potential partner, but also by the condition it had experienced during its early development which can have strong and long‐lasting effects on various traits. Here we studied the effects of different early developmental conditions, imposed by brood size manipulations (small, medium and large broods), on male attractiveness as measured by female choice experiments in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). In three different experiments, we allowed females to choose between males that had been raised in different experimental brood sizes. In none of the experiments, females showed a significant preference for males which had experienced better developmental conditions, i.e. were raised in the relatively smaller experimental broods. Song rate was higher in males coming from small than large broods, but females did not prefer males that sang more. These results suggest that sexual attractiveness either was not affected by our experimental treatment or that males subsequently had compensated in their overall attractiveness for negative effects of early developmental conditions.
The Meaning of Jolts by Fish Clients of Cleaning Gobies
Authors: Soares Marta C. , Bshary Redouan , Cardoso Sónia C. , Côté Isabelle M.
Published: February 2008

Cooperative interactions offer the inherent possibility of cheating by each of the interacting partners. A key challenge to behavioural observers is to recognize these conflicts, and find means to measure reliably cheating in natural interactions. CleanerfishLabroides dimidiatuscheat by taking scales and mucus from their fish clients and such dishonest cleaning has been previously recognized in the form of whole‐body jolts by clients in response to cleaner mouth contact. In this study, we test whether jolts may be a general client response to cheating by cleaners. We experimentally varied the ectoparasite loads of yellowtail damselfish (Microspathodon chrysurus), a common client of the cleaning gobyElacantinus evelynae, and compared the rates of jolts on parasitized and deparasitized clients. As predicted if jolts represent cleaner cheating, deparasitized clients jolted more often than parasitized clients, and overall jolt rates increased over time as client parasite load was presumably reduced by cleaning activity. Yellowtail damselfish in the wild jolted significantly less frequently than those in captivity, which is consistent with a loss of ectoparasites during capture. Our results suggest that jolts by clients of cleaning gobies are not related to the removal of ectoparasites. Client jolts may therefore be a generally accurate measure of cheating by cleanerfish.
The Effect of Within‐Flock Spatial Position on the Use of Social Foraging Tactics in Free‐Living Tree Sparrows
Authors: Mónus Ferenc , Barta Zoltán
Published: February 2008

The benefit of producer (searches for own food) or scrounger (exploits the others’ food discoveries) foraging tactic in a group of socially feeding animals may depend on where the individual searches for food within the group. Scrounging may be more advantageous in the centre of the group, having more individuals around to join, while producing may be more beneficial at the edges, where more unexplored food patches may be found. This study shows within‐flock position correlates with foraging tactic use of feeding birds in socially foraging tree sparrows, Passer montanus. Sparrows staying closer to the centre of the flock found their food patches more frequently by joining (i.e. use more frequently the scrounging tactic) than those staying toward the edges. To our knowledge this is the first field study demonstrating the relationship between spatial position and foraging tactic use. We investigated this relationship under different perceived predation hazard, and found that under elevated risk of predation, central individuals may increase their use of joining more than individuals on the periphery of the flock. Moreover, we show that extremely specialized use of searching tactics may be very infrequent in tree sparrows. As both within‐flock position and search tactic use can be altered very quickly and without leaving the flock, individuals may easily alter them in order to adjust their behaviour.