bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does farmer connectivity influence livestock genetic structure? A case‐study in a Vietnamese goat population
Authors: BERTHOULY C. , DO NGOC D. , THÉVENON S. , BOUCHEL D. , NHU VAN T. , DANES C. , GROSBOIS V. , HOANG THANH H. , VU CHI C. , MAILLARD J.‐C.
Published: September 2009

Assessing how genes flow across populations is a key component of conservation genetics. Gene flow in a natural population depends on ecological traits and the local environment, whereas for a livestock population, gene flow is driven by human activities. Spatial organization, relationships between farmers and their husbandry practices will define the farmer’s network and so determine farmer connectivity. It is thus assumed that farmer connectivity will affect the genetic structure of their livestock. To test this hypothesis, goats reared by four different ethnic groups in a Vietnamese province were genotyped using 16 microsatellites. A Bayesian approach and spatial multivariate analysis (spatial principal component analysis, sPCA) were used to identify subpopulations and spatial organization. Ethnic group frequencies, husbandry practices and altitude were used to create cost maps that were implemented in a least‐cost path approach. Genetic diversity in the Vietnamese goat population was low (0.508) compared to other local Asian breeds. Using a Bayesian approach, three clusters were identified. sPCA confirmed these three clusters and also that the genetic structure showed a significant spatial pattern. The least‐cost path analysis showed that genetic differentiation was significantly correlated (0.131–0.207) to ethnic frequencies and husbandry practices. In brief, the spatial pattern observed in the goat population was the result of complex gene flow governed by the spatial distribution of ethnic groups, ethnicity and husbandry practices. In this study, we clearly linked the livestock genetic pattern to farmer connectivity and showed the importance of taking into account spatial information in genetic studies.
Sibship reconstruction demonstrates the extremely low effective population size of striped bass Morone saxatilis in the Santee–Cooper system, South Carolina, USA
Authors: LIU JIN‐XIAN , ELY BERT
Published: September 2009

For organisms with great fecundity and high mortality in early life stages, such as shellfish or fishes, the need to match reproductive activity with environmental conditions conducive to spawning, fertilization, larval development and recruitment may result in extreme variance in reproductive success among individuals. The main objective of this study was to investigate evidence of large variance in the reproductive success of the striped bass Morone saxatilis in the Santee–Cooper system, South Carolina, USA. Seven microsatellite loci were analysed in 603 recruits representing three yearly cohorts from 1992 to 1994, and a group analysis was performed to identify full‐sib families. Large variance in reproductive success was detected, with a few large, full‐sib families contributing disproportionately to each of the cohorts. The severity of sweepstakes reproductive success varied among cohorts depending on environmentally imposed mortality. Estimations of the effective number of breeders in these long‐lived fish ranged from 24 in 1992 to 44 in 1994. Furthermore, the estimated genetic effective population size (Ne = 93) is approximately four orders of magnitude lower than estimates of adult census size (N = 362 000). Furthermore, the presence of large full‐sib families indicates that striped bass engage in pair mating in the wild. Heterogeneity in genetic composition was also observed among cohorts, suggesting that genetically different adults contribute to different cohorts and that chance rather than fitness variation determines reproductive success.
Will the 13C‐octanoic acid breath test ever replace scintigraphy as the gold standard to assess gastric emptying?
Authors: Verbeke K.
Published: September 2009

Abstract  The applicability of the 13C‐octanoic acid breath test for the assessment of gastric emptying is discussed. In the current issue of this journal, Keller and her colleagues described the application of different mathematical models for analysis of the 13C‐octanoic acid test in a very large patient population.
The EASTR Study: indications for transfusion and estimates of transfusion recipient numbers in hospitals supplied by the National Blood Service
Authors: Wells A. W. , Llewelyn C. A. , Casbard A. , Johnson A. J. , Amin M. , Ballard S. , Buck J. , Malfroy M. , Murphy M. F. , Williamson L. M.
Published: September 2009

summary.

This study provides data on National Blood Service (NBS) red blood cell (RBC, n = 9142), platelet (PLT, n = 4232) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP, n = 3584) recipients independently sampled by monthly quota from 29 representative hospitals over 12 months in 2001–2002. Hospitals were stratified by size according to total yearly RBC issues. Transfusion indications were chosen from diagnostic and procedural codes, and recipients grouped into Epidemiology and Survival of Transfusion Recipients Case‐mix Groups (E‐CMGs). The main E‐CMGs were digestive [19% of RBC recipients; including 5% gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds and 3% colorectal surgery], musculoskeletal (15%; 12% hip and knee replacement), haematology (13%) and obstetrics and gynaecology (10%). Renal failure, fractured neck of femur, cardiac artery by‐pass grafting (CABG) and paediatrics, each accounted for 3–4% recipients. FFP recipients: the main E‐CMGs were digestive (21% of FFP recipients; including 7% GI bleeds and 3% colorectal surgery), hepatobiliary (15%; 7% liver disease and 2% liver transplant), cardiac (12%) and paediatrics (9%) The renal, paediatrics, vascular and haematology E‐CMGs each had 6–7% of recipients. PLT recipients: the main E‐CMGs were haematology (27% of PLT recipients; including 9% lymphoma and 8% acute leukaemia), cardiac (17%), paediatrics (13%), hepatobiliary (10%) and digestive (9%). Back‐weighting gave national estimates of 433 000 RBC, 57 500 FFP and 41 500 PLT recipients/year in England and North Wales, median age 69, 64 and 59 years, respectively. Digestive and hepatobiliary indications emerged as the top reason for transfusion in RBC and FFP recipients, and was also a frequent indication in PLT recipients.
A study of blood loss from phlebotomy in renal medical inpatients
Authors: Pabla L. , Watkins E. , Doughty H. A.
Published: September 2009

The objective of the study was to assess phlebotomy loss in renal medical in‐patients in order to minimise an iatrogenic cause of anaemia. Phlebotomy has been shown to be a significant cause of iatrogenic blood loss in critical care. However, there has been limited research in patients with renal disease, at risk from anaemia. A prospective observational study was conducted of 70 consecutive patients admitted to an acute renal medicine ward in a tertiary care hospital over a period of four months. Inclusion criteria included adult patients with acute or chronic renal failure. Patients actively bleeding were excluded. Blood loss due to phlebotomy was determined from the patient's computerised records. The mean patient age was 61.5 ± 16.5 years; the mean length of hospital stay was 23.1 ± 19.8 days. The mean admission Hb was 9.8 ± 2.0 g dL−1 and 9.5 ± 1.5 g dL−1 on discharge. The total mean blood loss from phlebotomy during hospitalisation was 215.8 ± 166 mL with a mean weekly blood loss of 55.7 ± 11.23 mL. Losses were highest in the first week (mean of 76.8 mL), declining in subsequent weeks. Samples were taken for biochemistry (38%), FBC (36%), transfusion (13%) and others (13%). 46% of patients were transfused (mean 4.8 ± 3.6 units). Blood loss was lower than in previous studies conducted in intensive care and general medicine but clinical staff should be aware of the cumulative blood loss from phlebotomy. Losses should be managed by optimising the frequency and volume of blood drawn for diagnostic laboratory tests.
Toxicity of first‐line drugs for treatment of tuberculosis in children: review
Authors: Frydenberg Alexis R. , Graham Stephen M.
Published: September 2009

Objective To determine the frequency and manifestations of adverse events associated with recommended first‐line anti‐TB drugs in children.

Method Literature review.

Results Overall, children tolerate anti‐TB drugs very well when using currently recommended dosages. Serious adverse events are rare and even mild symptoms such as nausea or vomiting are uncommon. There are occasional case reports of severe hepatotoxicity.

Conclusions Surveillance and reporting of adverse events will need to be improved when recommended dosages of the main first‐line anti‐TB therapy for children are increased. Co‐morbidities such as HIV infection and severe malnutrition may affect the incidence and complicate the management of possible adverse events to anti‐TB therapy.
Longevity of seeds of four annual grass and two dicotyledon weed species as related to placement in the soil and straw disposal technique
Authors: JENSEN P K
Published: September 2009

Persistence of seeds of the four winter annual grass species, Alopecurus myosuroides, Bromus sterilis, Bromus hordeaceus and Vulpia myuros, were studied under field conditions. The studies also included the two dicotyledon species, Tripleurospermum inodorum and Galium aparine. Seed samples were stored in the field at different depths in the plough layer for a year. Following germination, seedling emergence was taken as an indicator of field persistence. In a supplementary investigation, seed samples were placed on the soil surface or buried at 2 cm for a month and then tested for viability. Persistence of the two Bromus species was very short, irrespective of depth and duration of burial. Persistence of the other species was positively correlated with incorporation of seeds to a few centimetres depth. Increasing the depth of incorporation below 2 cm had a variable influence on persistence. Persistence of seeds placed directly on the soil surface was short, whether they were left there for a year or a month. Whether seeds at the soil surface were left uncovered or covered with chopped straw had limited influence on seed persistence. However, straw cover significantly increased persistence of A. myosuroides seeds and there was the same tendency with T. inodorum.
How widespread is Parthenium hysterophorus and its biological control agent Zygogramma bicolorata in South Asia?
Authors: DHILEEPAN K , WILMOT SENARATNE K A D
Published: September 2009

Parthenium hysterophorus is a weed of global significance causing severe economic, environmental, human and animal health problems in Asia, Africa, Australia and the Pacific. In South Asia, P. hysterophorus occurs in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. A host‐specific leaf‐feeding beetle Zygogramma bicolorata from México was introduced into India in 1984, as a biological control agent for P. hysterophorus. In this study, a GIS‐based distribution map of P. hysterophorus and its biological control agent Z. bicolorata in South Asia based on meta‐analysis is presented. The map highlights the limited published information on P. hysterophorus incidence in many of the states and territories in India, as well as in neighbouring Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan. Incidence of Z. bicolorata was recorded as three distinct clusters, covering many states in India. In Pakistan, Z. bicolorata was recorded in the Punjab region bordering India. A CLIMEX model based on the current distribution of Z. bicolorata in India suggests that the geographic range of this agent in India and Pakistan can extend to other P. hysterophorus‐infested areas in the region. The CLIMEX model also suggests that all of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and parts of Nepal are climatically suitable for Z. bicolorata.
Identifying key components of weed beet management using sensitivity analyses of the GeneSys‐Beet model in GM sugar beet
Authors: TRICAULT Y , DARMENCY H , COLBACH N
Published: September 2009

Genetically‐modified (GM) sugar beet varieties tolerant to non‐selective herbicides would be useful for managing weed beet, an annual form of Beta vulgaris impossible to eliminate with herbicides in sugar beet. However, it is highly probable that the herbicide‐tolerance transgene would be transmitted to the weed through pollen flow. It is therefore essential to study how weed beet. particularly Herbicide‐Tolerant (HT) populations, develop in cropping systems and how to optimise crop succession and management for controlling these weeds. As multiple interactions and long‐term effects make field experiments impractical, we carried out a simulation study with a deterministic and mechanistic model, GeneSys‐Beet, which quantifies weed beet dynamics and gene flow in cropping systems with interactions with climate, soil structure and hydro‐thermal conditions. The sensitivity analysis consisted of 250 000 random combinations of input variables to rank cropping system components according to their effect on both total and GM weed beet infestations. Frequency of sugar beet crops, crop succession, manual and mechanical weeding and tillage were identified as the most important variables. Several cultivation techniques must be combined to efficiently control weed beet. Our recommendations are complex, but a delayed return of sugar beet in the rotation. Harvest should be followed as soon as possible by a shallow tilling; tillage should always be as shallow and as early as possible, except before sugar beet where mouldboard ploughing is advisable. If possible, sowing dates should be delayed. Sugar beet should be weeded mechanically and/or manually, aiming at late and efficient, rather than early or frequent operations. Herbicides should be applied whenever possible and target all weed beet stages and genotypes. Set‐aside must be cut as frequently and as late as possible.
Natural killer T cells expressing IFN‐γ and IL‐4 in lesional skin of atopic eczema
Authors: Simon D. , Kozlowski E. , Simon H.‐U.
Published: September 2009

Background:  The inflammation of atopic eczema (AE) is orchestrated not only by T cells predominantly but also B cells, eosinophils and dendritic cells. Recently, a role of invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells has been reported in bronchial asthma and allergy. Natural killer T cells express a restricted repertoire of T‐cell receptor α/β and produce interferon (IFN)‐γ and/or interleukin (IL)‐4 upon activation.

Aim of the study:  To determine the presence of NKT cells in lesional AE skin in comparison with other eczematous disorders and to analyse their cytokine expression.

Methods:  Immunofluorescence stainings were carried out using antibodies recognizing NKT cells, CD3+ and CD4+ cells, IFN‐γ and IL‐4.

Results:  Natural killer T cells have been detected in small numbers in the majority of AE specimens as well as in atopy patch test (APT) reactions, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). In AE, the proportion of NKT cells among CD3+ cells was approximately 5%. NKT cells expressed both IFN‐γ and IL‐4 in AE, APT and ACD but predominantly IFN‐γ in ICD.

Conclusion:  Natural killer T cells are part of the inflammatory infiltrate of AE as well as APT, ACD and ICD, suggesting a pathogenic role of NKT cells in eczematous skin disorders. The pattern of IFN‐γ and IL‐4 cytokine expression by NKT cells varied depending on the type of eczematous disease.
Allergic rhinitis: prevalence and possible risk factors in a Gulf Arab population
Authors: Alsowaidi S. , Abdulle A. , Shehab A. , Zuberbier T. , Bernsen R.
Published: September 2009

To cite this article: Alsowaidi S, Abdulle A, Shehab A, Zuberbier T, Bernsen R. Allergic rhinitis: prevalence and possible risk factors in a Gulf Arab population. Allergy 2010; 65: 208–212 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398‐9995.2009.02123.x.

Background:  Epidemiological studies mainly from Europe, the USA and Asia indicate a high prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in modern societies. However, little is known about AR among the heterogeneous population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of AR and its independent risk factors in Al‐Ain City, UAE.

Methods:  We used a validated, self‐administered questionnaire modified from the ISAAC study to collect data from a two stage randomly selected sample of 10 000 school children. Overall, 7550 subjects (aged 13 years and above, siblings, and their parents) responded. We assessed the prevalence of AR (both crude and standardized prevalence of previous 12 months) as well as the independent relationship of AR with age, gender, education, nationality and family history by means of logistic regression.

Results:  The response rate was 76%. A total of 6543 subjects (median age 30 years) were included in the final analysis. Self‐reported prevalence of AR (having symptoms in the past 12 months) was 36%, while adjusted values for sex/age yielded a prevalence of 32%. Regression analysis revealed that AR was independently associated with family history, Arab origin, younger age, female gender and higher education.

Conclusions:  The relatively high prevalence of AR found in this study may be attributable to modernization and genetic factors. Further studies on the impact of rapid environmental and cultural changes on AR in the Arab countries are needed and currently planned in conjunction with GA2LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network).
Gene expression using microarrays in transplant recipients at risk of EBV lymphoproliferation after organ transplantation: Preliminary proof‐of‐concept
Authors: Allen Upton , Barton Michelle , Beyene Joseph , Hu Pingzhao , Khodai‐Booran Nasser , Hébert Diane , Dipchand Anne , Ng Vicky , Solomon Melinda , Grant David , Fecteau Annie , Ngan Bo , Read Stanley , Zielenska Maria , Weitzman Sheila
Published: September 2009

Abstract: We hypothesized that aspects of the virus–host interaction could be measured to help predict progression to EBV–PTLD. We examined the spectrum of host genes differentially expressed and any relevant clustering in children at risk of EBV lymphoproliferation after organ transplantation. We compared the genes expressed among patients with different levels of viral loads. Gene expression was measured by microarray analysis of RNA from CD19+ B lymphocytes using the Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 GeneChip. Among 27 samples from 26 transplant recipients, the viral load categories were: low or undetectable loads (LU), n = 14; high or intermediate loads (HI), n = 13. There were seven healthy EBV‐seropositive (P) and ‐seronegative controls (N). Median time of post‐transplantation was 0.5 yr (range 0.1–3.8). We identified 24–54 differentially expressed genes in each of four comparisons of HI vs. P, LU vs. P, HI vs. LU, and P vs. N. We identified patterns of 563 gene expressions, creating five clusters aligned with levels of viral load. PTLD occurred in four of five clusters. In summary, we demonstrated varying degrees of alignment between levels of VL and gene clusters. Analyses for differential expression of genes showed genes that could be implicated in the pathogenesis of EBV–PTLD.
Relapsing cytomegalovirus infection in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Shanahan A. , Malani P.N. , Kaul D.R.
Published: September 2009

Abstract:: Efforts to prevent relapsed cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients present clinical challenges. Historically, SOT recipients treated with short courses of ganciclovir, without documented clearance of viremia, had relapse rates of 23–33%. Current treatment often includes much longer courses of valganciclovir, and persistence of viremia at the end of treatment is rare. We sought to determine the rate and risk factors for relapse under those treatment conditions. Records of 1760 SOT recipients from January 2003 to June 2007 were reviewed; 105 cases of CMV viremia were identified. Relapse occurred in 20/105 (19%); 50% had end‐organ disease at the time of relapse. Most patients received approximately 3 months of valganciclovir. Clearance of viremia was documented in 19/20 patients with relapse. Multivariable analysis identified receipt of a thoracic organ and diabetes mellitus as risk factors for relapse. Despite long treatment courses with valganciclovir and documented clearance of viremia, CMV relapse remains common among SOT recipients. Better understanding of the epidemiology of CMV among SOT recipients and validation of risk factors for disease relapse should be the focus of future prospective trials. Such trials should include different treatment durations and extended monitoring for relapse.
Central venous oxygen saturation for the diagnosis of low cardiac output in septic shock patients
Authors: PERNER A. , HAASE N. , WIIS J. , WHITE J. O. , DELANEY A.
Published: September 2009

Background: Simple diagnostic tests are needed to screen septic patients for low cardiac output because intervention is recommended in these patients. We assessed the diagnostic value of central venous oxygen saturation in the superior vena cava (ScvO2) for detecting low cardiac output in patients with septic shock.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study in three general intensive care units (ICUs) of adult patients with septic shock, who were to have a catheter inserted for thermodilution measurement of cardiac index (CITD). Paired measurements of CITD and central venous oximetry values were obtained when the clinician first measured CITD.

Results: We included 56 patients with septic shock and a mean sequential organ failure assessment score of 12 (range 3–20). Baseline CITD was 3.5 l/min/m2 (1.0–6.2) and ScvO2 of 70% (33–87). The best cut‐off of ScvO2 for CITD>2.5 l/min/m2 (n=42) was a value ≥64% with positive and negative predictive values of 91% (95% confidence interval 79–98) and 91% (59–100), respectively. The diagnostic values were not improved by using instead central venous O2 tension or the difference between arterial and central venous O2 saturation.

Conclusions: This prospective, observational study found that a ScvO2 measurement of ≥64% indicated CITD>2.5 l/min/m2 in ICU patients with septic shock.
Single stimulation of the posterior cord is superior to dual nerve stimulation in a coracoid block
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ J. , TABOADA M. , OLIVEIRA J. , ULLOA B. , BÁRCENA M. , ÁLVAREZ J.
Published: September 2009

Background: Both multiple injection and single posterior cord injection techniques are associated with extensive anesthesia of the upper limb after an infraclavicular coracoid block (ICB). The main objective of this study was to directly compare the efficacy of both techniques in terms of the rates of completely anesthetizing cutaneous nerves below the elbow.

Methods: Seventy patients undergoing surgery at or below the elbow were randomly assigned to receive an ICB after the elicitation of either a single radial nerve‐type response (Radial group) or of two different main nerve‐type responses of the upper limb, except for the radial nerve (Dual group). Forty milliliters of 1.5% mepivacaine was given in a single or a dual dose, according to group assignment. The sensory block was assessed in each of the cutaneous nerves at 10, 20 and 30 min. Block performance times and the rates of complete anesthesia below the elbow were also noted.

Results: Higher rates of sensory block of the radial nerve were found in the Radial group at 10, 20 and 30 min (P<0.05). The rates of sensory block of the ulnar nerve at 30 min were 97% and 75% in the Radial and in the Dual groups, respectively (P<0.05). The rate of complete anesthesia below the elbow was also higher in the Radial group at 30 min (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Injection of a local anesthetic after a single stimulation of the radial nerve fibers produced more extensive anesthesia than using a dual stimulation technique under the conditions of our study.
Effects of xenon on ischemic spinal cord injury in rabbits: a comparison with propofol
Authors: YAMAMOTO Y. , KAWAGUCHI M. , KURITA N. , KAKIMOTO M. , INOUE S. , FURUYA H.
Published: September 2009

Background: Xenon has been shown to reduce cellular injury after cerebral ischemia. However, the neuroprotective effects of xenon on ischemic spinal cord are unknown. The authors compared the effects of xenon and propofol on spinal cord injury following spinal cord ischemia in rabbits.

Methods: Thirty‐two male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In the xenon and propofol group, 70% of xenon and 0.8 mg/kg/min of propofol were administered 30 min before an aortic occlusion and maintained until the end of the procedure. The aortic occlusion was performed for 15 min. In the sham group, the aorta was not occluded. After an assessment of the hind limb motor function using the Tarlov score (0=paraplegia, 4=normal) at 48 h after reperfusion, gray and white matter injuries were evaluated based on the number of normal neurons in the anterior spinal cord and the percentage areas of vacuolation in the white matter, respectively.

Results: In the xenon and propofol groups, the Tarlov score and the number of normal neurons were significantly lower than those in the sham group, whereas the percentage areas of vacuolation were similar among the three groups. There were no significant differences in Tarlov scores and the number of normal neurons between the xenon and the propofol groups.

Conclusion: The results indicated that 70% of xenon has no additional neuroprotective effects on ischemic spinal cord injury in rabbits compared with propofol.
Surface vs. aortic flush cooling during cardiac arrest in pigs
Authors: SCHRATTER A. , WEIHS W. , JANATA A. , BAYEGAN K. , HOLZER M. , STERZ F. , BEHRINGER W.
Published: September 2009

Background: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of earlier induction of hypothermia already during the ‘no‐flow’ period of cardiac arrest with non‐invasive surface cooling or invasive aortic flush cooling.

Methods: This was a prospective randomized experimental study that included 14 pigs, Large White breed (30–38 kg), with ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest plus blanket surface and an invasive cold saline flush cooling. The endpoint was a decline in brain temperature (Tbr) at 35 min after cardiac arrest.

Results: With surface cooling, Tbr decreased from 38.7±0.2 °C to 37.4±0.8 °C (P=0.02) and with invasive cooling Tbr decreased from 38.8±0.13 °C to 19.0±2.8 °C within 216±23 s (P=0.02) and increased back to 33.0±0.6 °C at 35 min of cardiac arrest (P=0.02 vs. Tbr at 15 min, P=0.002 vs. Tbr at 35 min in the surface cooling groups).

Conclusion: Invasive cooling by aortic flush with cold saline rapidly induces deep cerebral hypothermia, whereas non‐invasive surface cooling only marginally decreases brain temperature.
Long distance dispersal and the fate of a gene from the colonization front
Authors: FAYARD J. , KLEIN E. K. , LEFÈVRE F.
Published: September 2009

There is an increasing recognition that long distance dispersal (LDD) plays a key role in establishing spatial genetic structure during colonization. Recent works, focused on short distance dispersal, demonstrated that a neutral mutation arising at the colonization front can either ‘surf’ with the wave front and reach high frequencies or stay near its place of origin at low frequencies. Here, we examine how LDD, and more generally the shape of the dispersal kernel, modifies this phenomenon and how the width of the colonization corridor affects the fate of the mutation. We demonstrate that when LDD events are more frequent, the ‘surfing phenomenon’ is less frequent, probably because any alleles can get far ahead from the colonization front and preclude the invasion by others alleles, thus leading to an attenuation of the diversity loss. We also demonstrate that the width of the colonization corridor influences the fate of the mutation, wide spaces decreasing the probability of invasion. Overall, the genetic structure of diversity resulted not only from LDD but also particularly from the shape of the dispersal kernel.
Sperm competition and brain size evolution in mammals
Authors: LEMAÎTRE J.‐F. , RAMM S. A. , BARTON R. A. , STOCKLEY P.
Published: September 2009

The ‘expensive tissue hypothesis’ predicts a size trade‐off between the brain and other energetically costly organs. A specific version of this hypothesis, the ‘expensive sexual tissue hypothesis’, argues that selection for larger testes under sperm competition constrains brain size evolution. We show here that there is no general evolutionary trade‐off between brain and testis mass in mammals. The predicted negative relationship between these traits is not found for rodents, ungulates, primates, carnivores, or across combined mammalian orders, and neither does total brain mass vary according to the level of sperm competition as determined by mating system classifications. Although we are able to confirm previous reports of a negative relationship between brain and testis mass in echolocating bats, our results suggest that mating system may be a better predictor of brain size in this group. We conclude that the expensive sexual tissue hypothesis accounts for little or none of the variance in brain size in mammals, and suggest that a broader framework is required to understand the costs of brain size evolution and how these are met.
Shared and unique features of morphological differentiation between predator regimes inGambusia caymanensis
Authors: LANGERHANS R. B. , MAKOWICZ A. M.
Published: September 2009

When multiple groups of organisms experience similar environmental gradients, their patterns of differentiation might exhibit both shared and unique features. Here, we investigated the relative importance of three factors in generating body shape variation in a livebearing fish,Gambusia caymanensis, inhabiting the Cayman Islands: (i) shared patterns of divergent selection between predator regimes (presence/absence of piscivorous fish) driving replicated morphological differentiation, (ii) historical island effects yielding different morphologies across the three islands and (iii) unique effects of predation on morphological differentiation within each island. Shared effects of predation proved much more important than historical or unique effects. Populations coexisting with piscivorous fish exhibited larger caudal regions and smaller heads than conspecifics found in the absence of predatory fish. These results matcha prioripredictions, and mirror recent findings in a number of fish species, suggesting predation might often drive predictable morphological trends in disparate fishes. However, interestingly, the sexes achieved this morphological pattern through different means: head depth, caudal peduncle length and depth in males; head length, caudal peduncle depth in females. InG. caymanensis, we quantitatively confirmed that predation intensity represents a primary driver of body shape differentiation.
Habitat manipulation in potato affects Colorado potato beetle dispersal
Authors: Szendrei Z. , Kramer M. , Weber D. C.
Published: September 2009

Increased habitat complexity in agricultural fields can alter the movement of pests into or within a field. Using a mark–release–recapture method with Colorado potato beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say)], we compared the tenure time and dispersal of marked insects released within experimental potato fields to those released at the field borders in three trials in summer 2006. Plots within fields had rye, vetch or no plant residues. Movement of marked Colorado potato beetles into the tilled plots was significantly higher than into vetch or rye cover treatments. The abundance of naturally occurring beetles in the three cover treatments followed the general patterns of the number of marked immigrants over all releases. Marked beetles released inside the potato field tended to move along the release row rather than across rows; this pattern was stronger for the tilled treatment than for the two mulch cover treatments. Marked beetles disappeared from within the potato fields differently, depending on the cover crop treatment, but the patterns were not consistent over the season. Incorporation of dispersal patterns into pest management strategies should improve methods of pest population regulation, especially for the initial colonization of fields.
Immotile Short‐Tail Sperm Defect in Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) Breed Bulls
Authors: Siqueira JB , Pinho RO , Guimarães SEF , Miranda Neto T , Guimarães JD
Published: September 2009

Content

This case study reported the presence of short tail sperm defect in the semen of three Nelore breed bulls. The sperm presented 0% of motility in the three animals evaluated and a total of 70%, 61% and 34% of pathologies of the intermediate piece of the tail respectively for animals 1, 2 and 3. It was identified that animals 2 and 3 had high degree of inbreeding, although no relationship was found with animal 1. Animal 2 was the only one that presented inbreeding coefficient (6.25%). His half‐sib (animal 3) and animal 1, from the same herd, had shown no inbreeding, showing that inheritance is not the only determinant factor for its incidence on Nelore males.
Pregnancy‐Associated Glycoprotein and Progesterone Concentrations during Pregnancy Failure in Bedouin Goat from the Southwest of Algeria
Authors: Charallah S , Amirat Z , Sulon J , Khammar F , Beckers JF
Published: September 2009

Contents

Thirteen female Bedouin goats living in arid land of Algeria Sahara desert were used in this study. These goats were pregnant but they sustained an abortion because of unidentified causes. None of the goats showed any signs of general disease. Plasma concentrations of caprine pregnancy‐associated glycoproteins (cPAGs) and progesterone (P4) were determined during pregnancy using radioimmunoassay. The cPAGs concentration was undetectable (<0.8 ng/ml) throughout the first 2 weeks of gestation. From week 3 after mating, cPAGs concentration was detectable with significant individual variations (p < 0.05) reaching a maximum secretion (436.1 ng/ml). Throughout gestation, cPAGs concentration remained relatively constant but decreased few days before abortion, on an average of 9.2 ± 1.2 days (n = 11), except for two females where the concentrations decreased later (1–2 days before abortion). One or two peaks of cPAGs concentrations (in 4/13 and in 9/13 females, respectively) have been measured few weeks before abortion (77–124 days after mating), when a decline of cPAGs was detected. The P4 concentration increased after mating, and was high from the first week till the end of pregnancy. The P4 concentration (9.1 ± 0.9 ng/ml) decreased rapidly (<0.5 ng/ml) after 4 ± 0.7 days (n = 6) or 9.4 ± 1.6 days (n = 7) before abortion. A positive relationship (p < 0.01) was found between P4 and cPAGs concentrations during gestation. Results indicate that cPAGs and P4 measurements can be used for monitoring gestation and for abortion prediction.
Impact of climate on the vertical water column structure of Lajes Reservoir (Brazil): A tropical reservoir case
Authors: Branco Christina W.C. , Kozlowsky‐Suzuki Betina , Sousa‐Filho Izidro F. , Guarino Alcides W.S. , Rocha Rinaldo J.
Published: September 2009

Ribeirão das Lajes Reservoir was constructed in 1905 for energy production, and is now used as a domestic water supply for about 1 million people. The reservoir was considered as being general monomictic, exhibiting water column mixing in the winter. Water column mixing, however, did not occur in the deepest parts of the reservoir in the warm year of 2005. Nevertheless, the long stratification period leads to an anoxic, nutrient‐rich hypolimnion that exhibits poor water quality in the deepest part. The meteorological events of cold front passages in the reservoir region were not able to disrupt the water column stability, or affect its water quality for domestic supply. Maintenance of thermal stratification over most of the year was likely because of the low influence of wind, long water retention time, and the input of cold water from the tributary and from rain directly draining into the metalimnion.
Effect of retinoic acid on renal development in newborn mice treated with an angiogenesis inhibitor
Authors: Lee Soo Jeong , Cho Su Jin , Ju Sun Young , Ryu Kyung‐Ha , Sung Soon Hee , Park Eun Ae
Published: September 2009

Background:  A mouse model of impaired renal development was developed and the effect of retinoic acid (RA) was investigated in this animal model.

Methods:  An angiogenesis inhibitor (SU1498) was injected s.c. into day 3 C57BL/6 newborn mice to create a model of arrested renal development. RA (2 mg/kg) was injected i.p. for 10 days. Morphometry and immunohistochemistry were done.

Results:  Mice injected with SU1498 demonstrated deranged renal development in tubular structure and glomerular tuft area. Cortical thickness and area of glomerular tuft were significantly decreased after vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, and were significantly restored by RA. The length of capillary loops/glomerulus, the number of podocytes/glomerulus, and density of peritubular capillaries on CD31 immunostaining were significantly decreased by VEGF blocking and recovered by RA.

Conclusions:  VEGF plays a major role in renal development, and RA reverses the inhibited development caused by an angiogenesis inhibitor.
Interlimb coordination differentiates Brazilian children from two socioeconomic settings
Authors: Bobbio Tatiana G. , Gabbard Carl , Gonçalves Vanda G. , Filho Antonio A. B. , Morcillo André M.
Published: September 2009

Background:  The aim of the present study was to test the notion that Brazilian children entering private school have a motor function advantage over those entering their first year in public school.

Methods:  Four hundred and two children from the two cultural settings were examined for motor function in the first and 10th month of school (first grade). Participants were assessed based on age‐level standards and by total score for all items for children 3 to 7 years of age.

Results:  The private school group outperformed their public setting peers on the first and second assessment; both groups improved over the school year. The most interesting outcome was the type of motor task that most clearly differentiated the groups: activities requiring gross motor (interlimb) coordination.

Conclusion:  Among the recommendations given, it is suggested that motor skill activities, especially those involving interlimb coordination, be included with any type of motor programming for young children.
Effect of the rho‐kinase inhibitor hydroxyfasudil on bladder overactivity: An experimental rat model
Authors: Masago Toshihiko , Watanabe Takeshi , Saito Motoaki , Kinoshita Yukako , Sato Keisuke , Miyagawa Ikuo
Published: September 2009

Objectives:  To investigate the effects of the rho‐kinase inhibitor hydroxyfasudil on bladder overactivity in cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced cystitis.

Methods:  Female Sprague–Dawley rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of CYP (200 mg/kg). Four days later, bladder function was evaluated by: (i) monitoring micturition behavior in metabolic cages between hydroxyfasudil‐ and vehicle‐treated animals; (ii) measuring changes in continuous cystometrograms in response to intravenous hydroxyfasudil under anesthesia; and (iii) conducting a functional study examining the effect of hydroxyfasudil on the concentration‐response curves to carbachol in bladder tissue strips.

Results:  Intraperitoneal injection of hydroxyfasudil (10 mg/kg) significantly increased both the average and maximal voided volumes. Hydroxyfasudil significantly decreased the maximal detrusor pressure, whereas the intercontraction interval was not significantly affected. After administration of 0.1, 0.3, 1, and 3 µM hydroxyfasudil, the maximal contraction of the concentration‐response curves to carbachol was significantly reduced to 74.5 ± 4.2%, 55.2 ± 5.6%, 29.4 ± 5.6%, and 21.6 ± 8.2% of the control values, respectively.

Conclusions:  The present findings indicate that hydroxyfasudil might be a new treatment option for CYP‐induced detrusor overactivity.
A comprehensive theory of the human person from philosophy and nursing
Authors: Green Catherine
Published: September 2009

This article explores a problem of the articulation of an adequate account of the human person in both philosophical and nursing theory. It follows the lead of philosopher Norris Clarke in suggesting that there has been a significant division in the way philosophers have looked at the human person and goes on to suggest that this division is paralleled in prominent nursing theories. The paper reviews and argues for the synthesis of two contemporary philosophic theories of the person that arise from the traditional philosophical division, and uses Clarke's account to show the ontological need for such a synthesis if we are to have a more adequate account of the human person. Next, accounts of the person identified in a number of the prominent theories of nursing are briefly reviewed revealing the vast complexity of the person encountered in nursing practice. It is suggested that each new theory of nursing is founded, at least in part, on the need to account for attributes of the person missing from prior nursing theories. It will be seen that the synthesized account of the person argued for here more adequately accounts for the various attributes identified in these nursing accounts and it is hoped that this synthesized account will serve as a somewhat more complete basis for a continued exploration of the persons encountered in nursing practice in its many and varied manifestations.
The issue of life: Aristotle in nursing perspective
Authors: Elstad Ingunn , Torjuul Kirsti
Published: September 2009

This paper explores the issue of life and its relevance to nursing, through Aristotle's philosophy and an Aristotelian interpretation of Nightingale's Notes on Nursing. Life as process and becoming has ontological status in Aristotle's philosophy and this dynamism is particularly relevant for nursing. The paper presents aspects of Aristotle's philosophy of life: his account of life as inherent powers of the individual, his analysis of change and time, and his understanding of sickness and health as qualitative states of living beings. It is shown how the Greek medical‐philosophical tradition, continued by Galenic medicine and hygiene into modern time, influenced Nightingale's nursing. Individuals' life‐maintaining metabolic relations to their surroundings are investigated through Aristotle and modern philosophy of biology and through Nightingale's nursing emphasis on the patient's relation to her or his immediate surroundings. It is argued that Nightingale's concern is really the processes of individual life, which in sickness necessitate temporally continuous nursing observation. Humans' radical dependency on their surroundings is actualized as interpersonal interdependency. The paper argues that the end of nursing care, the telos for which sake it is practised, is inherent in the individual course of the patients' life. When life processes are affected by sickness, infirmity, medical interventions or mental suffering, individuals need competent help to live – and to live as well as possible. It is suggested that the special responsibility of nursing is to facilitate, relieve and protect individual life continuously during such times.
Augmenting the Cartesian medical discourse with an understanding of the person's lifeworld, lived body, life story and social identity
Authors: Sunvisson Helena , Habermann Barbara , Weiss Sara , Benner Patricia
Published: September 2009

Using three paradigm cases of persons living with Parkinson's Disease (PD) the authors make a case for augmenting and enriching a Cartesian medical account of the pathophysiology of PD with an enriched understanding of the lived body experience of PD, the lived implications of PD for a particular person's concerns and coping with the illness. Linking and adding a thick description of the lived experience of PD can enrich caregiving imagination and attunement to the patient's possibilities, concerns and constraints. The work of Merleau‐Ponty is used to articulate the middle terms of the lived experience of dwelling in a lifeworld. Examining lived experience of embodied intentionality, skilled bodily capacities as highlighted in Merleau‐Ponty's non‐mechanistic physiology opens new therapeutic, coping and caregiving possibilities. Matching temporal rhythms can decrease the stress of being assisted with activities of daily living. For example, caregivers and patients alike can be taught strategies for extending their lived bodily capacities by altering rhythms, by shifting hyperactivity to different parts of the body and other strategies that change the perceptual experience associated with walking in different environment. A medical account of the pathophysiology of PD is nessessary and useful, but not sufficient for designing caregiving in ways that enrich and extend the existential skills of dwelling of persons with PD. The dominance of mechanistic physiology makes caregivers assume that it is the ‘real discourse’ about the disease, causing researchers and caregivers alike to overlook the equally real lived experience of the patient which requires different descriptive discourses and different sources of understanding. Lack of dialogue between the two discourses is tragic for patients because caregivers need both in order to provide attuned, effective caregiving.
Three versions of an ethics of care
Authors: Edwards Steven D.
Published: September 2009

The ethics of care still appeals to many in spite of penetrating criticisms of it which have been presented over the past 15 years or so. This paper tries to offer an explanation for this, and then to critically engage with three versions of an ethics of care. The explanation consists firstly in the close affinities between nursing and care. The three versions identified below are by Gilligan (1982), a second by Tronto (1993), and a third by Gastmans (2006), see also Little (1998). Each version is described and then subjected to criticism. It is concluded that where the ethics of care is presented in a distinctive way, it is at its least plausible; where it is stated in more plausible forms, it is not sufficiently distinct from nor superior to at least one other common approach to nursing ethics, namely the much‐maligned ‘four principles’ approach. What is added by this paper to what is already known: as the article tries to explain, in spite of its being subjected to sustained criticism the ethics of care retains its appeal to many scholars. The paper tries to explain why, partly by distinguishing three different versions of an ethics of care. It is also shown that all three versions are beset with problems the least serious of which is distinctiveness from other approaches to moral problems in health care.
Filling N‐Sided Regions by Quad Meshes for Subdivision Surfaces
Authors: Nasri A. , Sabin M. , Yasseen Z.
Published: September 2009

Given an n‐sided region bounded by a loop of n polylines, we present a general algorithm to fill such a region by a quad mesh suitable for a subdivision scheme. Typically, the approach consists of two phases: the topological phase and the geometrical phase. In the first part, the connectivity of the mesh is based on determining a partitioning of the region into rectangular subregions across which regular grid could be constructed. The geometrical phase generalizes discrete Coon's patches to position the vertices in the 3D space. The generated mesh could be taken as input to any quad‐based subdivision scheme, such as that of Catmull–Clark or Doo–Sabin to generate the corresponding limit surface. The goal of the algorithm is to generate smooth meshes with minimum number and less valence of extraordinary vertices deemed undesirable in such subdivision schemes.