bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacillus okhensis sp. nov., a halotolerant and alkalitolerant bacterium from an Indian saltpan
Authors: Nowlan Bianca , Dodia Mital S. , Singh Satya P. , Patel B. K. C.
Published: April 2006

A strictly aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium (0.6–0.8×2–3 μm), designated strain Kh10-101T, was isolated from a saltpan (22° 15′ N, 69° 1′ E) in the vicinity of Port Okha, India. The creamish pigmented colonies of strain Kh10-101T were round, flat and translucent with irregular margins and a smooth surface. The strain possessed up to three subpolar flagella, and was motile by a corkscrew motion. The strain grew optimally at 37 °C (temperature growth range 25–40 °C) in a complex glucose-containing medium with 5 % NaCl (NaCl growth range 0–10 %) at pH 9 (pH growth range pH 7–10), indicating that it was a mesophilic halotolerant alkaliphile. The strain was sensitive to lincomycin, meticillin, cefuroxime and cephalexin, but resistant to gentamicin, tetracycline and cotrimazine. Spores were not detected and cells were heat sensitive. The isolate metabolized a range of carbohydrates and hydrolysed casein, gelatin and starch. Growth was not observed on aromatic compounds, Tween 40 or Tween 80. Nitrate was not reduced and catalase was produced. Electron microscopic examination of thin sections revealed a single thick Gram-positive cell wall. The DNA G+C content was 41±1 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain Kh10-101T was a member of the sixth rRNA group of the genus Bacillus, which includes alkalitolerant, alkaliphilic and halotolerant species. The halotolerant obligate alkaliphile Bacillus krulwichiae is the closest relative of strain Kh10-101T (96 % similarity) but a number of phenotypic differences suggest that strain Kh10-101T (=JCM 13040T=ATCC BAA-1137T) should be designated the type strain of a new species, for which the name Bacillus okhensis sp. nov. is proposed.
Actinocorallia cavernae sp. nov., isolated from a natural cave in Jeju, Korea
Authors: Lee Soon Dong
Published: April 2006

A novel actinomycete, strain N3-7T, was isolated from a natural cave in Jeju, Republic of Korea, using a dilution method and was subjected to characterization using polyphasic taxonomy. A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the organism belonged to the phylogenetic cluster of the genus Actinocorallia and was most closely related to Actinocorallia glomerata and Actinocorallia longicatena (97.6 and 97.5 % similarity, respectively). The main chemotaxonomic properties of strain N3-7T, such as the principal amino acid of the peptidoglycan, the predominant menaquinone and the polar lipid profile, supported classification in the genus Actinocorallia. The organism was readily differentiated from Actinocorallia species with validly published names on the basis of a broad range of phenotypic properties. Thus the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Actinocorallia, for which the name Actinocorallia cavernae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain N3-7T (=JCM 13278T=NRRL B-24429T).
Kribbella karoonensis sp. nov. and Kribbella swartbergensis sp. nov., isolated from soil from the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Kirby Bronwyn M. , Roes Marilize Le , Meyers Paul R.
Published: April 2006

Two novel nocardioform actinomycetes, strains Q41T and HMC25T, were isolated from soil samples collected in the Western Cape province, South Africa. Rapid genus identification revealed that the isolates belonged to the genus Kribbella (based on single-digestion restriction analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences with MboI, VspI, SphI, SnaBI, SalI and AgeI). Both isolates had ll-diaminopimelic acid and glycine in their cell-wall peptidoglycan, and contained mannose and ribose as whole-cell sugars. Strain HMC25T is able to grow at 45 °C and in the presence of NaCl (3 %), cephaloridine (10 μg ml−1) and gentamicin sulphate (10 μg ml−1). Strain Q41T grows in the presence of NaCl (2 %). Neither strain was able to grow under anaerobic conditions, whereas Kribbella flavida KACC 20248T, Kribbella jejuensis HD9T, Kribbella koreensis KACC 20250T and Kribbella sandramycini KACC 20249T exhibited weak but distinct growth under anaerobic conditions. Physiological test results and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis allowed Q41T and HMC25T to be distinguished from other members of the genus with validly published names. Strains HMC25T (=NRRL B-24426T=DSM 17345T) and Q41T (=NRRL B-24425T=DSM 17344T) therefore represent the type strains of novel species, for which the names Kribbella swartbergensis sp. nov. and Kribbella karoonensis sp. nov., respectively, are proposed.
Neutrotolerant acidophilic Streptomyces species isolated from acidic soils in China: Streptomyces guanduensis sp. nov., Streptomyces paucisporeus sp. nov., Streptomyces rubidus sp. nov. and Streptomyces yanglinensis sp. nov.
Authors: Xu Chunguang , Wang Liming , Cui Qingfeng , Huang Ying , Liu Zhiheng , Zheng Guangyu , Goodfellow Michael
Published: April 2006

The taxonomic status of six neutrotolerant acidophilic streptomycetes isolated from acidic soils in Yunnan Province, China, was established using a polyphasic approach. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics revealed that the isolates belong to the genus Streptomyces. Almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolates were determined and aligned with available corresponding sequences of representatives of the family Streptomycetaceae; phylogenetic trees were inferred using four tree-making algorithms. The isolates formed a distinct, albeit heterogeneous, subclade in the Streptomyces 16S rRNA gene tree together with the type strain of Streptomyces yeochonensis, but were readily distinguishable from the latter using DNA–DNA hybridization and phenotypic data. It was evident from the genotypic and phenotypic data that the isolates belonged to four novel Streptomyces species, for which the following names are proposed: Streptomyces guanduensis sp. nov. (type strain 701T=CGMCC 4.2022T=JCM 13274T), Streptomyces paucisporeus sp. nov. (type strain 1413T=CGMCC 4.2025T=JCM 13276T), Streptomyces rubidus sp. nov. (type strain 13c15T=CGMCC 4.2026T=JCM 13277T) and Streptomyces yanglinensis sp. nov. (type strain 1307T=CGMCC 4.2023T=JCM 13275T); isolates 317 and 913 belong to this latter species.
Psychromonas ingrahamii sp. nov., a novel gas vacuolate, psychrophilic bacterium isolated from Arctic polar sea ice
Authors: Auman Ann J. , Breezee Jennifer L. , Gosink John J. , Kämpfer Peter , Staley James T.
Published: April 2006

A gas vacuolate bacterium, designated strain 37T, was isolated from a sea ice core collected from Point Barrow, Alaska, USA. Cells of strain 37Twere large (6–14 μm in length), rod-shaped, contained gas vacuoles of two distinct morphologies, and grew well at NaCl concentrations of 1–10 % and at temperatures of −12 to 10 °C. The DNA G+C content was 40 mol%. Whole-cell fatty acid analysis showed that 16 : 1ω7ccomprised 67 % of the total fatty acid content. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that this bacterium was closely related to members of the genusPsychromonas, with highest sequence similarity (96.8 %) toPsychromonas antarctica. Phenotypic analysis differentiated strain 37TfromP. antarcticaon the basis of several characteristics, including cell morphology, growth temperature range and the ability to hydrolyse polymers. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments revealed a level of relatedness of 37 % between strain 37TandP. antarctica, providing further support that it represents a distinct species. The namePsychromonas ingrahamiisp. nov. is proposed for this novel species. The type strain is 37T(=CCUG 51855T=CIP 108865T).
Sulfobacillus thermotolerans sp. nov., a thermotolerant, chemolithotrophic bacterium
Authors: Bogdanova Tat'yana I. , Tsaplina Iraida A. , Kondrat'eva Tamara F. , Duda Vitalii I. , Suzina Natalya E. , Melamud Vitalii S. , Tourova Tat'yana P. , Karavaiko Grigorii I.
Published: April 2006

A thermotolerant, Gram-positive, aerobic, endospore-forming, acidophilic bacterium (strain Kr1T) was isolated from the pulp of a gold-containing sulfide concentrate processed at 40 °C in a gold-recovery plant (Siberia). Cells of strain Kr1T were straight to slightly curved rods, 0.8–1.2 μm in diameter and 1.5–4.5 μm in length. Strain Kr1T formed spherical and oval, refractile, subterminally located endospores. The temperature range for growth was 20–60 °C, with an optimum at 40 °C. The pH range for growth on medium containing ferrous iron was 1.2–2.4, with an optimum at pH 2.0; the pH range for growth on medium containing S0 was 2.0–5.0, with an optimum at pH 2.5. Strain Kr1T was mixotrophic, oxidizing ferrous iron, S0, tetrathionate or sulfide minerals as energy sources in the presence of 0.02 % yeast extract or other organic substrates. The G+C content of the DNA of strain Kr1T was 48.2±0.5 mol%. Strain Kr1T showed a low level of DNA–DNA reassociation with the known Sulfobacillus species (11–44 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that Kr1T formed a separate phylogenetic group with a high degree of similarity between the nucleotide sequences (98.3–99.6 %) and 100 % bootstrap support within the phylogenetic Sulfobacillus cluster. On the basis of its physiological properties and the results of phylogenetic analyses, strain Kr1T can be affiliated to a novel species of the genus Sulfobacillus, for which the name Sulfobacillus thermotolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Kr1T (=VKM B-2339T=DSM 17362T).
Echinicola pacifica gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel flexibacterium isolated from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius
Authors: Nedashkovskaya Olga I. , Kim Seung Bum , Vancanneyt Marc , Lysenko Anatoly M. , Shin Dong Sung , Park Myung Soo , Lee Kang Hyun , Jung Won Jin , Kalinovskaya Natalia I. , Mikhailov Valery V. , Bae Kyung Sook , Swings Jean
Published: April 2006

The taxonomic position of three novel marine, heterotrophic, pigmented and agarolytic bacteria with gliding motility, isolated from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius, was investigated. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strains KMM 6166, KMM 6172T and KMM 6173 are members of the phylum Bacteroidetes; their nearest neighbours were Belliella baltica and Hongiella marincola (similarities of 94.5 and 93.6 %, respectively). The DNA G+C content of the strains was 44–45 mol%. The predominant fatty acids were C15 : 0 iso, C16 : 1
ω5c, C17 : 1 iso ω9c, C17 : 0 iso 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
ω7c and/or C15 : 0 iso 2-OH). The major respiratory quinone was MK-7. Results of molecular experiments supported by phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data enabled the isolates to be classified as representatives of a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Echinicola pacifica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. Echinicola pacifica is the type species of the genus Echinicola, and its type strain is KMM 6172T (=KCTC 12368T=LMG 23350T).
Speed of onset of bronchodilator response to salbutamol inhaled via different devices in asthmatics: a bioassay based on functional antagonism
Authors: Lavorini Federico , Geri Pietro , Mariani Laura , Marmai Cecilia , Maluccio Nazzarena Maria , Pistolesi Massimo , Fontana Giovanni A.
Published: April 2006

Aims

To evaluate the speed of onset of bronchodilation following salbutamol administered via a metered‐dose inhaler with a spacer (pMDI + Volumatic) and a dry‐powder inhaler (Diskus), as well as the relative potencies of these devices in asthmatic patients with methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction.

Methods

Eighteen patients inhaled methacholine (MCh) until FEV1 decreased by 35% of control. Following administration of placebo, 200 µg salbutamol or 400 µg salbutamol through the pMDI + Volumatic or the Diskus, we calculated the time elapsed from drug administration and the appearance of a 90% increase in post‐MCh forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1 and volume‐adjusted mid‐expiratory flow (recovery times). The salbutamol doses to be delivered by the two inhalation devices to achieve similar recovery times and the relative potencies of the devices were calculated by using the 2‐by‐2 Finney parallel regression method.

Results

For all functional variables, recovery times were significantly (P < 0.01) shorter in pMDI + Volumatic than Diskus trials. The salbutamol doses to be delivered by the Diskus to achieve recovery times for FVC, FEV1 and volume‐adjusted mid‐expiratory flow similar to those obtained with 200 µg salbutamol administered via the pMDI + Volumatic were 558 (95% CI 537, 579) µg, 395 (95% CI 388, 404) µg and 404 (95% CI 393, 415) µg, respectively, and corresponded to relative potencies of 2.79 (95% CI 2.68, 2.90), 1.98 (95% CI 1.94, 2.02), and 2.02 (95% CI 1.96, 2.07).

Conclusions

Administration of salbutamol via the pMDI + Volumatic provides faster reversal of induced bronchoconstriction than via the Diskus. The salbutamol dose targeting the lungs with the pMDI + Volumatic is approximately twice that with the Diskus.
Effect of obesity and morbid obesity on the growth hormone (GH) secretion elicited by the combined GHRH + GHRP‐6 test
Authors: Kelestimur Fahrettin , Popovic Vera , Leal Alfonso , Van Dam P. Sytze , Torres Elena , Perez Mendez Luisa F. , Greenman Yona , Koppeschaar Hans P. F. , Dieguez Carlos , Casanueva Felipe F.
Published: April 2006

Objective  Obesity is characterized by low basal levels of growth hormone (GH) and impeded GH release. However, the main problem arises in the diagnosis of GH deficiency in adults, as all accepted cut‐offs in the diagnostic tests of GH reserve are no longer valid in obese subjects. In this work, the role of obesity in the GH response elicited by the GHRH + GHRP‐6 test was assessed in a large population of obese and nonobese subjects.

Patients  GHRH + GHRP‐6‐induced GH peaks were evaluated in 542 subjects. One hundred and five were healthy obese, 50 were morbid obese, and 261 were nonobese (both normal weight and overweight). One hundred and seventy‐six GH‐deficient patients (obese and nonobese) were also studied.

Results  A regression analysis of the 366 subjects with normal pituitary function indicated that adiposity had a negative effect on the elicited GH peak (r = –0·503, P < 0·0001). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that in subjects with a BMI  35, the currently accepted cut‐offs of the GHRH + GHRP‐6 test (GH peaks  20 µg/l: normal secretion; GH peaks  10 µg/l: GH deficiency), were fully operative. However, in subjects with a BMI > 35, normality was indicated by GH peaks  15 µg/l and GH deficiency by peaks  5 µg/l (1 µg/l = 2·6 mU/l).

Conclusions  This study confirms: (a) that the combined provocative test is adequate to separate normal and GH‐deficient subjects; (b) the negative effect of obesity on GH secretion; (c) that obesity accounts for 25% of the reduction of GH release; and (d) that present cut‐off values are applicable to normal weight, overweight and grade I obesity subjects, whereas in obese subjects with a BMI exceeding 35, all the normative limits of the GHRH‐GHRP +6 test must be reduced by 5 µg/l.
The relationship between four single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of the osteoprotegerin gene and aortic calcification or coronary artery disease in Koreans
Authors: Rhee Eun Jung , Oh Ki Won , Jung Chan Hee , Lee Won Young , Oh Eun Sook , Yun Eun Joo , Baek Ki Hyun , Kang Moo Il , Kim Sun Woo
Published: April 2006

Objective  Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a recently identified cytokine that acts as a decoy receptor for the receptor activator of the NF‐κB ligand (RANKL). OPG has been shown to be an important inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis and arterial calcification in animal models. OPG has been proposed as a link molecule between osteoporosis and arterial calcification, but the relationship between the OPG gene and the cardiovascular system in human populations is unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between OPG gene polymorphisms and aortic calcification or coronary artery disease in Koreans.

Design and patients  Genotyping of four polymorphisms, A163G, G209A, T245G and T950C, in the promoter region of the OPG gene was performed in 251 healthy Korean women (mean age 51·3 ± 6·9 years) and in a second study population consisting of 100 patients who underwent coronary angiography (mean age 57·0 ± 11·9 years), by allelic discrimination using the 5′ nuclease polymerase chain reaction assay. Cardiovascular risk factors and serum OPG levels were measured and aortic calcification in thoracic and abdominal aorta was examined by simple radiological methods.

Results  In the first study population, the prevalence of aortic calcification increased significantly as the subjects grew older. The frequencies of mutant alleles were significantly higher in the subjects with aortic calcification compared with those without aortic calcification in G209A and T950C polymorphisms, although these significances were lost after adjustment for age. No significant relationship was found between OPG gene polymorphisms and serum OPG levels or cardiovascular risk factors. In the second study group, there were no associations between OPG promoter genotypes and aortic calcification, serum OPG levels, or coronary artery disease.

Conclusions  We observed that the four polymorphisms in the promoter region of the OPG gene were not associated with aortic calcification or coronary artery disease in Koreans. Further studies are needed to clarify this relationship.
Estimation of the longevity of C in terrestrial detrital food webs using radiocarbon (14C): how old are diets in termites?
Authors: HYODO F. , TAYASU I. , WADA E.
Published: April 2006

We propose that diets of consumers in a food web have various ages, where age is defined as the time elapsed since carbon (C) in the diet was fixed from atmospheric CO2by primary producers. To examine the diet ages for primary consumers in a detrital food web, we measured the radiocarbon (14C) content of termites collected in Thailand in 1998 and 2004. Diet ages were estimated by comparing the14C content of samples with records of atmospheric14CO2, which doubled in the early 1960s as a result of nuclear weapons tests and decreased after the nuclear test ban treaty. For comparison, we measured the14C content of bees as primary consumers in a grazing web at the same study site. Stable carbon and nitrogen (N) isotope ratios were also analysed.

The14C contents of the same species of termites decreased during the sampling interval, indicating that they used organic matter produced after the peak in atmospheric14CO2. The diet ages were estimated to be 12–18, 7–13 and 5–9 years for the wood‐feeder (Microcerotermes crassus), the soil‐feeders (Dicuspiditermes makhamensisandTermes comis) and the fungus‐grower (Macrotermes carbonarius), respectively. One colony of soil‐feeder (T. comis), which nested in a fallen tree trunk, had exceptionally low14C content, and its diet age was estimated to be around 50 years. The two bee species had lower14C contents compared with the termites, and their diet ages were estimated to be 0 (Apis florea) and 2–4 years (Trigonasp.).

Stable C and N isotope ratios of termites showed similar patterns as previously reported, and no clear difference was observed between 1998 and 2004. Although the bees and the fungus‐growing termite had similar stable C and N isotope ratios, their diet ages differed.

Our study suggests that radiocarbon can be used to estimate the diet ages of consumers in terrestrial food webs. Diet age should provide new insight into the trophic positions of organisms in grazing and detrital food webs and the interactions between these two webs.
Ontogenetically stable hydraulic design in woody plants
Authors: WEITZ J. S. , OGLE K. , HORN H. S.
Published: April 2006

An important component of plant water transport is the design of the vascular network, including the size and shape of water‐conducting elements or xylem conduits.

For over 100 years, foresters and plant physiologists have recognized that these conduits are consistently smaller near branch tips compared with major branches and the main stem. Empirical data, however, have rarely been assembled to assess the whole‐plant hydraulic architecture of woody plants as they age and grow.

In this paper, we analyse vessels of Fraxinus americana (White Ash) within a single tree. Vessels are measured from cross‐sections that span 12 m in height and 18 years’ growth.

We show that vessel radii are determined by distance from the top of the tree, as well as by stem size, independently of tree height or age.

The qualitative form for the scaling of vessel radii agrees remarkably well with simple power laws, suggesting the existence of an ontogenetically stable hydraulic design that scales in the same manner as a tree grows in height and diameter.

We discuss the implications of the present findings for optimal theories of hydraulic design.
Effects of climate on oxygen consumption and energy intake of chromosomally divergent populations of the House Mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) from the island of Madeira (North Atlantic, Portugal)
Authors: MATHIAS M. L. , NUNES A. C. , MARQUES C. C. , AUFFRAY J.‐C. , BRITTON‐DAVIDIAN J. , GANEM G. , GÜNDÜZ I. , RAMALHINHO M. G. , SEARLE J. B. , SPEAKMAN J. R.
Published: April 2006

We explored the effects of climatic variables (mean altitude, mean daily winter temperature, mean daily summer temperature, mean annual precipitation and days of precipitation per year) on energetic parameters (food intake and resting oxygen consumption) in six Robertsonian chromosomal races and hybrid populations of House Mice (Mus musculus domesticus) collected throughout the island of Madeira in the North Atlantic.

Food energy intake and resting metabolism (oxygen consumption) were measured, in 59 non‐reproducing adult males trapped in April–September 1998 and June 1999 and maintained in captivity for at least 3 weeks prior to measurements.

Mean daily energy intake of Robertsonian mice varied between 25·3 kJ day−1 in race S. Vicente (2n = 25–27) and 34·6 kJ day−1 in race Achadas da Cruz (2n = 24–27), while in hybrids (2n = 22 × 2n = 40) it was 23·0 kJ day−1. All races exhibited low resting rates of oxygen consumption compared with the predicted basal metabolic rates expected for Muridae, between 49·2% and 66·5% of the expected values.

The main factor influencing both food energy intake and oxygen consumption was body mass, explaining 41% of the variation in food energy intake and 39% of the variation in resting oxygen consumption. Body mass was significantly related to the mean summer temperature at the sites where the mice were captured, but was unaffected by the chromosomal race or other biogeographical and climatic variables. There were no additional effects of these factors on resting oxygen consumption beyond the effect of body mass.

Once the effects of body mass were removed, food energy intake was significantly correlated with the chromosomal race. The different environmental conditions experienced by the races may have favoured the physiological adaptation of mice to different habitats.
Chemical composition and digestibility of Trifolium exposed to elevated ozone and carbon dioxide in a free‐air (FACE) fumigation system
Authors: MUNTIFERING R. B. , CHAPPELKA A. H. , LIN J. C. , KARNOSKY D. F. , SOMERS G. L.
Published: April 2006

Tropospheric ozone (O3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are significant drivers of plant growth and chemical composition. We hypothesized that exposure to elevated concentrations of O3 and CO2, singly and in combination, would modify the chemical composition of Trifolium and thus alter its digestibility and nutritive quality for ruminant herbivores.

We tested our hypothesis by collecting samples of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) and White Clover (Trifolium repens) from the understoreys of Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides)–Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) communities that had been exposed since 1998 to ambient air, elevated CO2, elevated O3 or elevated CO2 + O3 at the Aspen Free‐Air CO2 and O3 Enrichment (FACE) site located near Rhinelander, WI, USA. Foliage samples were analysed for (1) concentrations of N, total cell wall constituents, lignin and soluble phenolics; and (2) in vitro dry‐matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro cell‐wall digestibility (IVCWD) using batch cultures of ruminal micro‐organisms.

Significant air‐treatment effects were observed for lignin concentration, IVDMD and IVCWD, and between Red and White Clover for all dependent variables. No air treatment × clover species interactions were detected.

Exposure to elevated O3 resulted in increased concentration of lignin and decreased IVDMD and IVCWD compared with exposure to ambient air, and the response was similar regardless of whether plants had been coexposed to elevated CO2. Exposure to elevated CO2 alone did not affect chemical composition or in vitro digestibility, nor did it ameliorate the negative effect of elevated O3 on these determinants of nutritive quality for ruminant herbivores.

In contrast to recent reports of a protective effect of elevated CO2 against growth reduction in plants under O3 stress, our results indicate that elevated CO2 would not be expected to ameliorate the negative impact of elevated O3 on nutritive quality of Trifolium under projected future global climate scenarios.
Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) affect plant seedling recruitment and microhabitat heterogeneity
Authors: MILCU A. , SCHUMACHER J. , SCHEU S.
Published: April 2006

The effects of the anecic earthwormLumbricus terrestrisL. on plant seedling recruitment and spatial aggregation were investigated in a microcosm glasshouse experiment by varying plant seed size (small and large); functional groups (grasses, legumes, herbs); plant species diversity (1, 3, 6); and plant functional group diversity (1, 3).

Generally, earthworms buried seeds quickly irrespective of seed size and species. Secondary seed dispersal (phase II dispersal) by earthworms affected plant community composition depending mainly on seed size but less on plant functional group identity and diversity: small‐seeded species were repressed whereas large‐seeded were promoted.

Although, in general, recruitment of seedlings was less in the presence ofL. terrestris, recruited seedlings benefited from establishing in the vicinity of earthworm burrows. The strong aggregation of plants in the vicinity of earthworm burrows resulted in plant communities with a more heterogeneous small‐scale architecture. Earthworm burrows and middens acted as an important regeneration niche for emergent seedlings by reducing microsite and nutrient limitations.

In conclusion, seed dispersal, seed burial, seedling recruitment, and the spatial distribution of seedlings of plant species of different functional groups and with a wide range of seed size are strongly affected byL. terrestris, and this probably affects plant community composition.
Stress‐mediated covariance between nano‐structural architecture and ultraviolet butterfly coloration
Authors: KEMP D. J. , VUKUSIC P. , RUTOWSKI R. L.
Published: April 2006

Structural coloration is a striking component of sexual ornamentation, and may function as a signal of mate quality. Although the proximate optical mechanisms are often well defined, we know much less about the morphological basis for intraspecific variation in structural colour.

Males of the butterfly Colias eurytheme L. possess a thin‐film interference array on their dorsal wing scales that generates a bright and iridescent ultraviolet (UV) signal. This signal is used in mate choice.

Using scanning electron microscopy, we investigated the covariance between nano‐structural architecture and UV reflectance in samples that were variously subject to either nutrient stress (using a larval host‐plant manipulation), or thermal stress (using transient heat and cold shocks during the pupal period). We employed these two stressors to mimic natural stressful processes and to accentuate the variance in UV signal characteristics.

Two primary structure–reflectance relationships were apparent. First, UV brightness increased with the density of scale ridges that bear the interference reflectors. Second, the breadth of above‐wing angles for viewing the UV covaried with a measure of thin‐film angular orientation. These relationships were, however, either limited to, or stronger among, males of the nutrient stress sample.

Our results are consistent with a causal effect of developmental stress on nano‐structural architecture and henceforth UV reflectance, but also suggest that the proximate basis for signal variation may be intimately linked to the nature of prevailing stressors.
Short‐ and long‐term consequences of thermal variation in the larval environment of anurans
Authors: NIEHAUS AMANDA C. , WILSON ROBBIE S. , FRANKLIN CRAIG E.
Published: April 2006

To survive adverse or unpredictable conditions in the ontogenetic environment, many organisms retain a level of phenotypic plasticity that allows them to meet the challenges of rapidly changing conditions. Larval anurans are widely known for their ability to modify behaviour, morphology and physiological processes during development, making them an ideal model system for studies of environmental effects on phenotypic traits. Although temperature is one of the most important factors influencing the growth, development and metamorphic condition of larval anurans, many studies have failed to include ecologically relevant thermal fluctuations among their treatments.

We compared the growth and age at metamorphosis of striped marsh frogs Limnodynastes peronii raised in a diurnally fluctuating thermal regime and a stable regime of the same mean temperature. We then assessed the long‐term effects of the larval environment on the morphology and performance of post‐metamorphic frogs.

Larval L. peronii from the fluctuating treatment were significantly longer throughout development and metamorphosed about 5 days earlier. Frogs from the fluctuating group metamorphosed at a smaller mass and in poorer condition compared with the stable group, and had proportionally shorter legs.

Frogs from the fluctuating group showed greater jumping performance at metamorphosis and less degradation in performance during a 10‐week dormancy. Treatment differences in performance could not be explained by whole‐animal morphological variation, suggesting improved contractile properties of the muscles in the fluctuating group.
Respiratory symptoms as predictors of all‐cause mortality in an urban community: a 30‐year follow‐up
Authors: FROSTAD A. , SØYSETH V. , ANDERSEN A. , GULSVIK A.
Published: April 2006

Objective. We investigated the relationship between respiratory symptoms and mortality from all causes in a large Norwegian population. We also examined mortality during separate periods of follow‐up.

Design. Population‐based, prospective cohort study.

Setting and subjects. A total of 19 998 men and women were randomly selected from the general population of Oslo. They received a postal respiratory questionnaire. The response rate was 88%.

Main outcome measures. The relationship between 11 respiratory symptoms and 30 years of total mortality was investigated separately for men and women by multivariate analyses with adjustment for age, smoking habits and occupational exposure to air pollution.

Results. The relative mortality risk in comparison with asymptomatic subjects varied from 1.36 (95% confidence interval 1.25–1.48) for cough symptoms to 2.46 (2.13–2.85) for severe dyspnoea amongst men; the corresponding rates amongst women were 1.28 (1.16–1.40) and 1.52 (1.31–1.75), respectively. The relative risk of mortality in individuals with 1–3, 4–6 and 7 or more symptoms was 1.20, 1.60 and 2.53 (Pfor trend 0.000) in men and 1.14, 1.47 and 1.84 (Pfor trend 0.000) in women. Except for cough, the mortality rates associated with respiratory symptoms decreased significantly during follow‐up. The positive association between respiratory symptoms and mortality was observed in people with and without cardiopulmonary diseases.

Conclusions. Respiratory symptoms were significant predictors of mortality from all causes over 30 years, decreased during follow‐up and were still increased after 30 years.
Genetics of apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein AI and premature coronary artery disease
Authors: ZAMBON A. , BROWN B. G. , DEEB S. S. , BRUNZELL J. D.
Published: April 2006

Increased low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) predict premature coronary artery disease, as do elevated levels of apolipoprotein B or reduced levels of apolipoprotein AI. Probands were studied of families with common genetic forms of dyslipidaemia to determine if apo B or apo AI define genetic groups and if apo B or apo AI levels relate to premature coronary artery disease risk. Elevated apo B was characteristic of familial hypercholesterolaemia, familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCHL), and was seen in individuals with elevated Lp(a). Normal apo B levels were seen in familial hypertriglyceridaemia and in ‘coronary artery disease with low‐HDL cholesterol’. Apo AI levels tended to be low in FCHL and were decreased in ‘coronary disease with low‐HDL cholesterol’. In familial hypertriglyceraemia, even though HDL‐C levels were low, normal apo AI and apo B levels were seen in the absence of premature coronary artery disease. Therefore, in genetic dyslipidaemias elevated apo B levels and reduced apo AI levels (or increased apo B/AI ratio) differ and predict premature coronary artery disease.
Long‐term gene expression and metabolic control exerted by lentivirus‐transduced pancreatic islets
Authors: He Zhong , Wang Feng , Kumagai‐Braesch Makiko , Permert Johan , Holgersson Jan
Published: April 2006

He Z, Wang F, Kumagai‐Braesch M, Permert J, Holgersson J. Long‐term gene expression and metabolic control exerted by lentivirus‐transduced pancreatic islets. Xenotransplantation 2006; 13: 195–203. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2006

Abstract:  Background:  Genetic modification of non‐human islets before transplantation may provide means by which they can escape immunity and, thus, be used in a human host. To accomplish this, efficient gene transfer methods are needed. Lentiviral vectors are transgene vehicles capable of stably transducing a variety of primary, post‐mitotic cells including islets.

Methods:  We investigated whether lentiviral transduction impaired rat pancreatic islet function long term. Following transduction, the gross morphology, viability and in vitro functionality of islets were evaluated by microscopy, adenylate nucleotide and insulin secretion assays, respectively. Further, in vivo functionality of transduced islets was assessed by transplanting the islets under the kidney capsule of diabetic nude mice.

Results:  All transduced islets contained green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐positive cells. In single cell suspensions prepared from transduced islets, 33±8% (n=3) of dispersed islet cells were GFP‐positive. The ADP/ATP ratio was 0.07±0.01 for transduced islets and 0.06±0.01 for controls (normal range <0.11). No morphological changes were observed in transduced islets. Further, basal insulin secretion was comparable between the two islet groups. When transduced and non‐transduced islets were challenged with insulin secretagogues, they showed similar increases in insulin release. Transduced and non‐transduced islets were equally effective in normalizing blood glucose when transplanted into diabetic nude mice. Euglycemia was maintained for 8 weeks until the graft‐bearing kidney was removed. Intense green fluorescence was seen in removed islet grafts. Histology revealed preserved islet morphology, with abundant insulin‐producing cells, few apoptotic cells and infiltrating leukocytes in both transduced and non‐transduced grafts.

Conclusions:  Lentivirus transduction does not affect islet morphology or function. Lentiviral vectors will allow genetic modifications to be performed in islets before transplantation – modifications that can improve engraftment and/or prevent xenograft rejection.
Coxibs, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Hermann M. , Ruschitzka F.
Published: April 2006

The introduction of selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors offered the promise of similar efficacy in pain control without the gastrointestinal effects associated with non‐selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). By blocking prostacyclin formation but leaving platelet‐derived thromboxane A2 generation unopposed, there is concern that the potential gastrointestinal benefit of cyclooxygenase‐2‐selective inhibitors may come at the cost of increased thrombotic risk. However, the differential effects of coxibs on blood pressure, endothelial function, oxidative stress, tissue factor expression, vascular smooth muscle proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia indicate a distinct heterogeneity among this class of drugs. Importantly, the observation of an excess cardiovascular risk with traditional NSAIDs in randomized clinical trials, meta‐analysis and large‐scale observational studies further highlights the need to scrutinize the entire class of anti‐inflammatory drugs, including traditional NSAIDs, as rigorously as coxibs.
Adolescent and young adult cancer: a revolution in evolution?
Authors: Thomas D. M. , Seymour J. F. , O’Brien T. , Sawyer S. M. , Ashley D. M.
Published: April 2006

The optimal management of adolescent and young adult cancer has been the subject of vigorous debate in paediatric and adult cancer community for many years. This debate is rapidly coming to the boil. There is international recognition that not only is cancer in young people on the rise but also that improvements in outcomes of cancer in young people lag well behind the advances that have been achieved for both children and older adults in the past 30 years. The underlying problems appear to relate to a complex set of interactions between the health‐care system and the prevalence of cancer in this age group and the unique psychosocial and educational needs of this population. This article explores why we should be concerned about Australian health outcomes in this group and considers how best we might respond to these concerns.
Diagnosis of pulmonary embolus using ventilation/perfusion lung scintigraphy: more than 0.5 segment of ventilation/perfusion mismatch is sufficient
Authors: Howarth D. M. , Booker J. A. , Voutnis D. D.
Published: April 2006

Background: To determine the optimal diagnostic cut‐off point using a simplified criterion for the detection of pulmonary embolus (PE) and to evaluate the criterion’s utility and reporter reproducibility.

Methods: Lung scintigraphy was carried out in 924 patients for the diagnosis of PE. This group consisted of 316 men and 608 women with median age of 63 years (range 18–94 years). Ventilation imaging was carried out with Tc‐99m Technegas followed by perfusion imaging using 190 MBq Tc‐99m macroaggregated albumin. Studies were classified using a 6‐category probability criterion of incremental ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch: A, normal; B, low (minor matched V/Q defects or segmental matched V/Q defects without opacity on chest X‐ray); C, low‐moderate (a partial segment of V/Q mismatch); D, moderate (1 segment of mismatch); E, moderate‐high (1–2 segments of V/Q mismatch) and F, high probability (=2 segments of V/Q mismatch). Clinical end‐points at 3 and 6 months were death by PE or PE treated with anticoagulation therapy. Three‐reporter reproducibility was determined by kappa statistic on a subgroup of patients (53/924).

Results: A total of 122 patients (13%) had a confirmed diagnosis of PE at 3 months and no additional cases were registered at 6 months. The lung scintigraphy probability classification showed: normal 152 (16%), low 620 (67%), low‐moderate 20 (2%), moderate 28 (3%), moderate‐high 24 (3%) and high 80 (9%). The respective sensitivities and specificities, where the diagnostic cut‐offs were established at F, high; E, moderate‐high; D, moderate and C, low‐moderate probability, were F, 64 and 100%; E, 82 and 99%; D, 95 and 98% and C, 98 and 96%. The respective false‐negative cases for F, E, D and C cut‐offs were 44, 22, 7 and 3. Using the revised Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis reporting classification reporter agreement showed kappa values of 0.31–0.48. Using a simplified 2‐category (>0.5 segment of V/Q mismatch positive, all others negative) criterion resulted in a higher reporting agreement (kappa 0.74–0.83). There were only 3% of indeterminate cases if this was defined by the D category and a maximum of 8% if categories C, D and E were included.

Conclusions: Using a simplified diagnostic criterion where all studies showing >0.5 segments of V/Q mismatch are regarded as positive and all others as negative, lung scintigraphy, incorporating Tc‐99m Technegas ventilation imaging or its equivalent, can achieve a very high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of PE. Using this technique, less than 5% of scans are indeterminate. A simplified, unambiguous approach to reporting is recommended.
All troponins are not created equal
Authors: Jossi S. , Gordon S. L. , Legge M. A. , Armstrong G. P.
Published: April 2006

Troponin measurement is central to the management and risk stratification of acute coronary syndromes. Decisions are made by categorizing troponin as positive or negative. We sought to evaluate categorical agreement between four troponin assays. Sixty blood samples were analysed by three troponin I assays (Centaur, Architect and point‐of‐care i‐STAT) and one troponin T (TnT) assay (Roche Elecys). The upper reference limit was taken as the lowest value with a coefficient of variation of 10% or less. Continuous agreement between assays was good (Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.871–0.995). Categorical agreement assessed by Cohen’s kappa varied from poor (between Architect and Centaur κ = 0.37, and between TnT and Centaur κ = 0.48) to good (between Architect and i‐STAT κ = 0.68, and between TnT and i‐STAT κ = 0.68). Percentage of positive results varied almost twofold, from 37% for the Centaur to 72% for the Architect. Comparison of four troponin assays showed up to twofold variations in the proportion of positive results. This implies that either a large proportion of troponin‐positive diagnoses are missed by some assays or the assays with higher positivity are generating large numbers of false positives. Clinicians should evaluate troponin results in the clinical context and not base decisions solely on the ‘normal range’ of their local troponin assay.
Do low levels of circulating adiponectin represent a biomarker or just another risk factor for the metabolic syndrome?
Authors: Brooks Natasha L. , Moore Kelli S. , Clark Ryan D. , Perfetti Michael T. , Trent Chad M. , Combs Terry P.
Published: April 2006

The metabolic syndrome is currently defined by various combinations of insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidaemia and hypertension. The tendency for these risk factors to appear simultaneously suggests a single aetiologic basis. A low level of circulating adiponectin is associated with the appearance of each metabolic syndrome risk factor. The following review summarizes a large body of evidence that suggests a low level of circulating adiponectin represents an independent risk factor and a possible biomarker for the metabolic syndrome. An association between the metabolic syndrome and low adiponectin supports the view that the development of the metabolic syndrome may be triggered by a single underlying mechanism. Clinical studies in the future may show that a low level of circulating adiponectin is a primary biomarker for a specific cluster of metabolic syndrome risk factors rather than all the possible combinations of risk factors currently used to identify the metabolic syndrome. The significance of low circulating adiponectin in risk assessment models should ultimately be compared against insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and other metabolic syndrome risk factors presently under consideration. Adiponectin can be measured reliably in a clinical setting; circulating values of adiponectin do not fluctuate on a diurnal basis as much as insulin, glucose, triglycerides or cholesterol and only 2–4 µl of blood are currently needed for its measurement.
The addition of metformin in type 1 diabetes improves insulin sensitivity, diabetic control, body composition and patient well‐being
Authors: Moon R. J. , Bascombe L.‐A. , Holt R. I. G.
Published: April 2006

Aim:  As many overweight people with T1DM are insulin resistant, adjuvant therapy with insulin sensitising agents, such as metformin, may be beneficial. This study evaluated the effect of adjuvant metformin in T1DM on insulin sensitivity, diabetic control, body composition, quality of life (QOL) and treatment satisfaction.

Materials and Methods:  A 3‐month prospective open‐labelled pilot study of 16 patients aged 18‐40 with T1DM and body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 was performed. The patients received 500‐850 mg metformin twice daily. Insulin sensitivity, assessed by a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test [n=5], body composition, HbA1c and quality of life (QOL) were measured before and after treatment. A retrospective review of 30 patients with T1DM treated with metformin for at least 4 months was also performed. BMI, HbA1c and insulin requirements during metformin treatment was compared to pre‐metformin data, and to patients treated with insulin only.

Results:  In the pilot study, insulin sensitivity increased significantly from 0.86 ± 0.33 × 10−4/min/(µU/ml) to 1.17 ± 0.48 × 10−4/min/(µU/ml) after 3 months adjuvant therapy (p = 0.043). This was associated with a decreased insulin requirement and mean daily blood glucose. There were no significant changes in HbA1c or body composition. QOL significantly improved (p < 0.002). The retrospective review revealed an initial reduction in HbA1c (0.8 ± 1.4%, p = 0.001). This effect diminished with prolonged treatment. BMI decreased in patients remaining on metformin for a 2‐year period (0.5 ± 0.5kg/m2, p = 0.042).

Conclusion:  Adjuvant metformin can improve QOL, insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control in overweight adults with T1DM.
Topical fat reduction from the waist
Authors: Caruso M. K. , Pekarovic S. , Raum W. J. , Greenway F.
Published: April 2006

Objective:  Topical fat reduction from the thigh in women using aminophylline cream has been demonstrated, but the local fat reduction in other body areas or in men by lowering the local lipolytic threshold has not been demonstrated. This study is designed to test the hypothesis that aminophylline cream application to the waist will reduce waist circumference compared with a control.

Research methods and procedures:  Fifty men and women who are 21–65 years of age with a BMI greater than 27 kg/m2 and a waist to hip ratio ≥average were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to 0.5% aminophylline cream to the waist twice a day or no treatment to the waist. All subjects were instructed to follow a 1200 kcal balanced diet, participate in a walking program and return biweekly to encourage compliance. A theophylline level was drawn monthly, and the waist, BMI and waist to hip ratio were remeasured at 12 weeks.

Results:  At week 12, there was a significant reduction in BMI from baseline that was not different between the groups. The reduction in waist circumference was 11 ± 1.0 cm in the aminophylline cream group and 5.0 ± 0.6 cm in the control group (p < 0.001). The reduction in waist circumference was significant for both women and men, but the women lost significantly more waist girth. The waist to hip ratio, a measure of fat distribution, declined. Aminophylline levels were undetectable, and there were no adverse events.

Discussion:  Aminophylline cream offers a safe and effective method for cosmetic local fat reduction from the waist.