bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in the IGF‐1 gene is associated with lymphocyte subset counts in neonates: The Generation R Study
Authors: Duijts Liesbeth , Bakker‐Jonges Liesbeth E. , Mook‐Kanamori Dennis O. , Labout Joost A. M. , Hofman Albert , Van Duijn Cornelia M. , Van Dongen Jacques J. M. , Hooijkaas Herbert , Moll Henriëtte A. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V.
Published: May 2008

Objective  IGF‐1 stimulates growth, development and function of lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to examine whether functional variants of the IGF‐1 gene are associated with absolute lymphocyte subset counts in neonates.

Study design and measurements  This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a prospective cohort study from foetal life onwards. A polymorphism in the IGF‐1 promoter region was genotyped in cord blood DNA. Lymphocytes (T, B and NK) and T lymphocyte subsets (helper, cytotoxic, naïve and memory) in cord blood were immunophenotyped in 380 neonates by six‐colour flow cytometry.

Results  In total, 39% of the neonates were homozygous for the 192‐bp allele (wild‐type), 48% were heterozygous and 13% were noncarrier. No differences in absolute lymphocyte and T lymphocyte subset counts were observed between the 192‐bp allele heterozygous and homozygous groups. In noncarriers, we found 15% lower T lymphocyte (P = 0·03), 22% lower B lymphocyte (P = 0·04) and 10% lower NK lymphocyte counts (P = 0·36) than in the 192‐bp allele homozygous group. Analyses of T lymphocyte subsets showed 16% lower helper T lymphocyte counts (P = 0·01) in noncarriers. No significant differences were found for cytotoxic, naïve and memory T lymphocyte counts. All associations were adjusted for gravidity, mode of delivery, gestational age, birth weight, gender and 1‐ and 5‐ min Apgar scores.

Conclusions  Our study showed associations between this IGF‐1 promoter region polymorphism and absolute lymphocyte subset counts in neonates. These results should be regarded as hypothesis generating until they have been replicated in other studies.
Polymorphisms of ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 are associated with phenotypes of type 2 diabetes in Koreans
Authors: Kim Jin Taek , Kim Yeonjung , Cho Young Min , Koo Bo Kyung , Lee Eun Kyung , Shin Hyoung Doo , Jang Hak Chul , Choi Jung Won , Oh Bermseok , Park Kyong Soo
Published: May 2008

Objective  Adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) are considered as candidate genes for type 2 diabetes because they mediate the metabolic effects of adiponectin on target tissues. We investigated whether common polymorphisms of ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 are associated with type 2 diabetes or its related phenotypes in Koreans.

Design and patients  By sequencing of the DNA samples from 24 unrelated Korean subjects, we selected seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from ADIPOR1 and four SNPs from ADIPOR2 for genotyping in 757 type 2 diabetic patients and 644 nondiabetic subjects.

Results  None of the SNPs were associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, g.−7309A>G (rs75172865) in ADIPOR1 was associated with lower insulin resistance, measured by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Thereafter, we transfected three different human cell lines with plasmids harbouring g.−7309A>G and found that this variant reduced the promoter activity of ADIPOR1. In ADIPOR2, g.−63442G (novel SNP) and g.33447T (rs1044471) were associated with smaller waist circumference.

Conclusions  None of the SNPs in either ADIPOR1 or ADIPOR2 were associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes in Koreans. However, the altered activity of the ADIPOR1 promoter was associated with insulin resistance and SNPs of ADIPOR2 were associated with waist circumference.
The artisanal fishery fleet of the lower Amazon
Authors: ISAAC V. J. , DA SILVA C. O. , RUFFINO M. L.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  The present study analyses temporal trends in the characteristics of the artisanal fleet landing at ports in the city of Santarém (lower Amazon) from 1993 to 2003. A total of 2714 boats visited the city, accounting for more than 76 000 landings. Of these, 1952 were fishing boats; the others were buyer boats, specialised in the purchase of fish in rural areas for resale in Santarém. The activity involves more than 13 000 fishermen. Fishing boats are made of wood, are on average 11 m long and powered by a 20 hp outboard motor. Boats operate with an average of six to seven fishermen, spending 6 days per trip and catching between 300 and 800 kg of fish. Most variability in yield can be explained by the ice consumed (70%), the number of fishermen trip−1 (19%), fuel consumed (4%) and days spent fishing (3%). The yield changed according to the size, origin and type of boat. Fishing boats coming from more distant locations, in the state of Amazonas, performed better than those from Santarém. Total yield declined slightly during the study period. Mean age of fishing boats and fishing power is increasing. Consumption of ice and fuel by trip, number of fishermen trip−1 and mean days fishing showed positive trends. Financial subsidies from governmental agencies are criticised. Fleet performance and management options are discussed.
Reducing fish losses to cormorants using artificial fish refuges: an experimental study
Authors: RUSSELL I. , PARROTT D. , IVES M. , GOLDSMITH D. , FOX S. , CLIFTON‐DEY D. , PRICKETT A. , DREW T.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  The hypothesis that the introduction of artificial refuges might provide protection for fish and reduce the level of cormorant predation was tested in two, paired‐pond, cross‐over trials during the winters of 2003 and 2004, using a ‘refuge’ pond and an adjacent equivalently stocked ‘control’ pond. There were 77% fewer cormorant visits to the refuge pond than the control pond, on average. There was also a 67% fall in the mean mass of fish consumed per cormorant visit and 79% less fish mass lost in the refuge pond. The results are discussed in the context of interactions between cormorants and fish and the potential use of the tool in fisheries management.
Scale stocking checks to differentiate between hatchery‐reared and wild mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus
Authors: TAYLOR M. D. , PIOLA R. F.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  Scales from hatchery‐reared, stocked and wild mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus (Temminck and Schlegel) captured in the Georges River, and a library of mulloway scales from coastal New South Wales, were examined for the presence of scale checks. Checks specific for hatchery‐reared fish were present in 100% of recaptured hatchery‐reared mulloway; the origin of which was confirmed by the presence of a chemical mark in the otolith or fin spine. Up to 7% of wild mulloway were incorrectly classified as hatchery‐reared on the basis of these checks. An abrupt reduction in salinity from 35 to 5 and 6 days starvation successfully induced checks in the scales of hatchery‐reared mulloway. The marking efficiency for stocking checks was comparable to that obtained using oxytetracycline hydrochloride, and supports the short‐term use of scale stocking checks to evaluate mulloway stock enhancement programmes in Australia.
Rehabilitation of brown trout, Salmo trutta, habitat damaged by riparian grazing in an English chalkstream
Authors: SUMMERS D. W. , GILES N. , STUBBING D. N.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  Rehabilitation trials involving riparian fencing and limited pool excavation were conducted on the River Piddle and Devil’s Brook, Dorset, England, which had been degraded by intensive riparian grazing. In one trial, based on two short (94 and 99 m) treated sections and two control sections, brown trout, Salmo trutta L., numbers were monitored from 1994 (pre‐treatment) to 2000. In a second trial from 1996 (pre‐treatment) until 2000, trout numbers were monitored in 900 m and 1400 m treated sections. After rehabilitation, juvenile trout numbers increased in the two short sections (Trial 1) but fell in one of the long sections. Adult numbers also increased markedly in the two short‐treated sections relative to the controls and they increased markedly in one of the long sections despite a reduction in juveniles. Marking of trout in the short sections showed that they selected the rehabilitated habitat in preference to the control habitat and that immigration was the main source of adult trout, as it must also have been in the 1400 m section. While the results indicate that improvements can be made to adult trout habitat, more research is required on the impact on juvenile production before the impact of such work on the true population can be established.
Lock gates improve passage of small‐bodied fish and crustaceans in a low gradient vertical‐slot fishway
Authors: STUART I. G. , BAUMGARTNER L. J. , ZAMPATTI B. P.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  A modified ‘lock’ mode of operation was trialled within a low‐slope (3.1%) vertical‐slot fishway to improve passage of small‐bodied (<60 mm long) native fishes in the Murray River, Australia. Significantly greater numbers of three small‐bodied native fish and two crustacean species ascended the fishway during lock operation than during standard operation. Up to 9700 small‐bodied fish and crustaceans exited during the lock operation in a single 2‐h replicate. A deficiency of the temporary lock conditions was that large‐bodied fish and their young‐of‐the‐year (>50 mm long) did not ascend during the study. Considerable experimental work is required at other sites and at higher fishway slopes before widespread retro‐fitting of lock gates. Nevertheless, these results highlight new options for potentially improving the ecological performance of existing pool‐type fishways and new facilities.
Non‐commercial invertebrate discards in an experimental trammel net fishery
Authors: GONÇALVES J. M. S. , BENTES L. , COELHO R. , MONTEIRO P. , RIBEIRO J. , CORREIA C. , LINO P. G. , ERZINI K.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  Non‐commercial invertebrate discards in an experimental trammel net fishery were studied in relation to selectivity of the gear, depth, soak time and season. Forty experimental fishing trials were carried out over a 1‐year period with six combinations of small mesh (100, 120 and 140 mm) inner and large mesh (600 and 800 mm) outer panels. On average, 43.8 ± 12.2 (SD) (individuals 1000 m−1 of net) of non‐commercial invertebrates were discarded, accounting for 48% and 65% of the total catch and total discards by numbers, respectively. Within non‐commercial invertebrates discards, the six most abundant species by number were Phallusia mammillata (Cuvier) (27.5%), Cymbium olla (L.) (13.0%), Sphaerechinus granularis (Lamarck) (11.3%), Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck) (10.9%), Astropartus mediterraneus (Risso) (8.2%) and Astropecten aranciacus (L.) (8.1%); Echinoderms (43.1%) particularly important. The highest and lowest discard ratios were found in autumn and winter, respectively. Discards generally decreased with depth, varied considerably in relation to soak time and were not related to mesh size combinations. Trammel nets seem to be the most important gear in terms of ecological impacts on benthic invertebrates compared with other coastal fishing gears and at the depths studied (15–60 m).
Effects of the culturally‐sensitive comprehensive sex education programme among Thai secondary school students
Authors: Thato R. , Jenkins R.A. , Dusitsin N.
Published: May 2008

Title. Effects of the culturally‐sensitive comprehensive sex education programme among Thai secondary school students.

Aim. This paper reports on a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally‐sensitive comprehensive sex education programme among Thai secondary school students.

Background. Increasing number of adolescents in Thailand have been engaging in premarital sex. No theory‐based, abstinence‐oriented models of sex education have been evaluated in this population.

Method. A quasi‐experimental study was conducted in 2006–2007. Outcome measures included sexual behaviour, condom use, intention to refuse sex, intention to use condoms, and knowledge regarding sexually transmitted infections/human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and pregnancy.

Findings. Students in the experimental group had lower levels of reported sexual intercourse at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups, compared with those in control group (P < 0·01). Students participating in the programme had significantly greater intention to refuse sex in the future across time than controls (P < 0·05). Sexually active adolescents participating in the programme reported significantly lower frequencies of sexual intercourse across time than controls (P < 0·01). However, the programme did not influence consistent condom use (P > 0·05), although the intervention was associated with increased intention to use condoms (P < 0·01). Knowledge about sexually transmitted infections/human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and pregnancy among students in the intervention group was significantly greater than that of the controls (P < 0·05).

Conclusion. School nurses can play a major role by applying this kind of sex education programme. For nurse researchers, it would be useful to extend this research by considering alternative ways to foster condom use in the non‐commercial partnerships that have become common among adolescents.
Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire: reliability and factor structure with Master’s in Nursing graduates
Authors: Drennan Jonathan
Published: May 2008

Title.  Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire: reliability and factor structure with Master’s in Nursing graduates.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to measure the psychometric properties of the Postgraduate Experience Questionnaire when used to evaluate the research experience of graduates who had completed Master’s in Nursing programmes.

Background.  Evidence of standards and outcomes of Master's in Nursing programmes is lacking, despite their continuing growth worldwide. The Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire was introduced to evaluate the research experience of graduates. The instrument is a multidimensional measure of graduate students’ experiences of research and research supervision. Six constructs that comprise the research experience of graduates are measured: the supervision process, academic climate, goals and expectations, infrastructure, skill development and the dissertation examination process.

Method.  A cross‐sectional postal survey of graduates from coursework Master’s in Nursing programmes in Ireland was undertaken in 2006. The response rate was 71%. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used to test construct validity, while internal consistency measures were used to test reliability.

Results.  Factor analysis identified a six‐factor solution, as hypothesized by the instrument’s developers. According to oblique rotation and confirmatory factor analysis, the majority of scales that comprise the instrument were relatively robust. Internal consistency measures identified that the six scales were reliable.

Conclusion.  The construct validity of Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire when psychometrically evaluated with coursework master’s graduates differed slightly from the factor structure reported in the literature for the original scale. However, overall, adequate estimates of reliability and validity were found when the instrument was used to evaluate the research experience of graduates who complete a supervised dissertation as part of their degree.
Removal of oral secretion prior to position change can reduce the incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia for adult ICU patients: a clinical controlled trial study
Authors: Chao Yann‐Fen C , Chen Yin‐Yin , Wang Kai‐Wei Katherine , Lee Ru‐Pin , Tsai Hweifar
Published: May 2008

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of oral secretion on aspiration and reducing ventilator‐associated pneumonia.

Background.  Ventilator‐associated pneumonia is a serious hospital‐acquired infection with reported incidence rate of 12·2% and mortality rate of 29·3%. Oral secretion is purported as a media which brings the oropharyngeal pathogens down to the respiratory track.

Methods.  Two‐group comparison study design was adopted. Subjects were recruited from an adult general intensive care unit of a medical centre in Taipei city. Patients in the study group received suction of oral secretion before each positional care, in contrast with patients in the control group who received routine care.

Results.  Ventilator‐associated pneumonia was found in 24 of 159 (15·1%) patients in the control group and in five of 102 (4·9%) patients in the study group with a reduction of risk ratio of 0·32 (95% CI 0·11–0·92). Eight of the 24 ventilator‐associated pneumonia patients died in the control group; however, none of those ventilator‐associated pneumonia patients died in the study group. The increased chance of survival was 1·50 (95% CI 1·13–1·99). The length of stay in ICU and duration of mechanical ventilation were reduced in the study group. In consideration of cost, the cost of tubes used to remove oral secretion is much less than the one used to do continuous subglottal suction.

Conclusion.  Removal of oral secretion is effective in reducing the incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia with minimum cost intervention.

Relevance to Clinical Practice.  This study provides evidence that removal of oral secretion prior to position change is cost effective to reduce the incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia. As such intervention is an easy task, routine removal of oral secretion is recommended as the standard of daily nursing care of patients on ventilator.
HIV prevention for people with serious mental illness: a survey of mental health workers’ attitudes, knowledge and practice
Authors: Hughes Elizabeth , Gray Richard
Published: May 2008

Aim.  The aim of this survey was to investigate the attitudes, knowledge and reported practice (capabilities) of mental health workers concerning humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases in people with serious mental illness.

Background.  People with serious mental illness are at increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Mental health workers have a key role to play in promoting sexual health in this population, but it is unclear how they perceive their role in this work and whether they have the capabilities to deliver sexual health promotion.

Design.  Cross sectional survey.

Methods.  A questionnaire was devised and distributed to 650 mental health workers working in a London (UK) NHS mental health service.

Results.  A response rate of 44% was achieved. Overall, workers reported positive attitudes to sexual health promotion and were knowledgeable about risk behaviours and risk factors for HIV infection. Adherence to glove wearing was good. However, participants’ knowledge about HIV/AIDS in people with schizophrenia was poor and most reported they were not engaged in sexual health promotion activities with people with serious mental illness. Glove wearing was predicted by those who had drug and alcohol training and clinical experience and knowledge of risk factors was predicted by previous health promotion training. No other demographic factors predicted any of the other subscales.

Conclusion.  Mental health workers require training to provide skills for health promotion regarding sexual health and HIV in people with serious mental health problems. In addition, there needs to be more research on risk behaviours.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The development of effective interventions to reduce this behaviour.
A theory to guide families and carers of people who are at risk of suicide
Authors: Sun Fan‐Ko , Long Ann
Published: May 2008

Aims.  The aim of this study was to explore family members’ and ex‐patients’ perceptions of caring for people who had previously attempted suicide.

Background.  Suicide is a major public health problem in Taiwan. Official figures demonstrate that suicide was one of the top 10 causes of death in the last eight years, with 18·8 per 100,000 people taking their own lives in 2005. The Taiwanese Government has set targets to reduce this rate. All members of the population play a role in the prevention of suicide, including families and carers of those at risk. Evidence is sparse on the role that families take in caring for members who have been discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt.

Methods.  Grounded theory using one‐to‐one tape‐recorded interviews were conducted with patients who had just been discharged from hospitals following a suicide attempt (n = 15) and family members (n = 15). Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding.

Results.  The core category that emerged was ‘Impending burnout’, depicting family members’ experience of caring for people who had attempted suicide. Other key categories linked to and embraced within this core category were: on guard day and night, maintaining activities of daily living and creating a nurturing environment.

Conclusion.  Families and carers could use the emergent theory as a guide to caring for people at risk of suicide. Psychiatric nurses could use the theory as a framework to educate family members on enhancing the quality of care provided to this group of people. The theory could go some way towards reducing suicidal attempts and decreasing re‐hospitalisation rates.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The finding indicated that family members experienced difficulties when caring for those who had previously attempted suicide. Consequently, nurses have a pivotal role in educating families and carers on preventive strategies before suicidal patients are discharged from hospitals.
Occurrence of Mycobacterium spp. in ornamental fish in Italy
Authors: Zanoni R G , Florio D , Fioravanti M L , Rossi M , Prearo M
Published: May 2008

The occurrence of Mycobacterium spp. in freshwater and marine ornamental fish was studied in Italy from June 2002 to May 2005. Two surveys were carried out, one of aquarium fish sent to the Laboratory for diagnosis, and the other of prevalence of infection by mycobacteria in ornamental fish imported into Italy. Bacterial isolation was carried out from the spleen, kidney and liver, and the isolates were subsequently identified by biochemical tests. In the first survey, 387 fish were examined and Mycobacterium spp. were isolated from 181 (46.8%) fish. In the second survey 127 batches of ornamental fish from different countries were examined. Mycobacterium spp. were isolated from 38 (29.9%) batches. The following species were found: M. fortuitum, M. peregrinum, M. chelonae, M. abscessus, M. marinum, M. gordonae, M. nonchromogenicum and M. interjectum. There was a high prevalence of infection independent of the presence of macroscopic lesions. Mycobacterium fortuitum and M. chelonae were more prevalent than M. marinum in the samples examined.
Proliferation of kuchijirosho causative agent in a fugu‐derived cell line
Authors: Hashimoto E , Miyadai T , Ohtani M , Kitamura S‐I , Oh M‐J
Published: May 2008

Kuchijirosho is a fatal disease of commercially cultured fugu, Takifugu rubripes. The transmissible nature of kuchijirosho strongly suggests that an infectious pathogen is the causative agent. Because it is filtrable, the agent is thought to be a virus; however, it has not yet been identified. The lack of a permissive cell line for the putative kuchijirosho‐causing agent (KCA) has hindered research on the identification of this pathogen. We inoculated brain extract prepared from kuchijirosho‐affected fugu onto an established fugu cell line, fugu eye, and observed that cytopathic effect appeared 7 days after inoculation. Injection of the culture medium of infected fugu eye cells into fugu resulted in the onset of kuchijirosho, indicating that fugu eye cells are able to proliferate KCA. An infectious fraction separated by sodium iottalamate density gradient centrifugation showed a density of 1.15 g mL−1 equivalent to that of KCA derived from affected fugu brain. To determine whether the genome of KCA is RNA or DNA based, nucleotide synthesis inhibitors were applied to inoculated fugu eye cell line to influence the production of KCA. 5‐Fluorouracil but not IUdR showed a concentration‐dependent inhibition of KCA yield. These results suggest that KCA is an RNA virus.
Drug resistance mechanism of the fish‐pathogenic bacterium Lactococcus garvieae
Authors: Maki T , Hirono I , Kondo H , Aoki T
Published: May 2008

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 15 chemotherapeutic agents were tested against 146 Lactococcus garvieae strains isolated from 1999 to 2006 in Japan. The agents used included chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin (EM), enoxacin, fleroxacin, florfenicol, kanamycin, lincomycin (LCM), norfloxacin, oxolinic acid, orbifloxacin, ofloxacin, benzylpenicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline (TC). Of the tested strains, 46 showed high levels of resistance to EM, LCM and TC. Twelve of these strains were detected to be carrying transferable R‐plasmids using a conjugation experiment and, using Southern hybridization, were shown to have the same structure as the R‐plasmid. The remaining 34 resistant strains had a similar DNA structure to that of the R‐plasmid as confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers designed from sites in the transferable R‐plasmid. The EM and TC resistance genes were classified into the ermB and tetS groups using PCR. We also detected gyrA and/or parC mutants that are highly resistant to old and new generation quinolones. This study revealed that transferable R‐plasmids encoding EM, LCM and TC are widely distributed and are conserved regardless of the area and/or time of collection.
Glargine and protamine zinc insulin have a longer duration of action and result in lower mean daily glucose concentrations than lente insulin in healthy cats
Authors: MARSHALL R. D. , RAND J. S. , MORTON J. M.
Published: May 2008

The pharmacological effects of glargine, protamine zinc (PZI), and lente insulins were evaluated in nine healthy cats. A 3‐way crossover study was performed and plasma concentrations of insulin and glucose were determined for 24 h after a single subcutaneous injection of each insulin at 3‐day intervals.

Time to onset of action did not differ between insulins. Mean time to first nadir glucose was longer for glargine (14 h) relative to PZI (4 h) and lente (5 h). PZI was biphasic in action with nadirs at 4 and 14 h with the second nadir occurring at a similar time to glargine. Nadir glucose did not differ significantly between insulin types. The duration of action was similar for glargine and PZI and was longer than that for lente insulin. Mean daily glucose after glargine and PZI were also similar and were lower than after lente insulin.

Time to reach peak insulin did not differ between insulin types. Time to return to baseline insulin level for PZI was longer than glargine but did not differ significantly from lente.

In conclusion, healthy cats injected subcutaneously with glargine, compared to those injected with lente insulin, have a later glucose nadir and longer duration of action. Glargine and PZI had similar durations of action in study cats but a larger study is required to obtain precise comparisons of duration of action.
Comparing direct vs. indirect estimates of gene flow within a population of a scattered tree species
Authors: ODDOU‐MURATORIO SYLVIE , KLEIN ETIENNE K
Published: May 2008

The comparison between historical estimates of gene flow, using variance in allelic frequencies, and contemporary estimates of gene flow, using parentage assignment, is expected to provide insights into ecological and evolutionary processes at work within and among populations. Genetic variation at six microsatellite loci was used to quantify genetic structure in the insect‐pollinated, animal‐dispersed, low‐density tree Sorbus torminalis L. Crantz, and to derive historical estimates of gene flow. The neighbourhood size and root‐mean‐squared dispersal distance inferred from seedling genotypes (Nb = 70 individuals, σe = 417 m) were similar to those inferred from adult genotypes (Nb = 114 individuals, σe = 472 m). We also used parentage analyses and a neighbourhood model approach after an evaluation of the statistical properties of this method on simulated data. From our data, we estimated even contributions of seed‐ and pollen‐mediated dispersal to the genetic composition of established seedlings, with both fat‐tailed pollen and seed dispersal kernels, and slightly higher mean distance of pollen dispersal (248 m) as compared to seed dispersal (135 m). The resulting contemporary estimate of gene dispersal distance (σc = 211 m) was ∼twofold smaller than the historical estimates. Besides different assumptions and statistical nuances of both approaches, this discrepancy is likely to reflect a recent restriction in the scale of gene flow which requires manager's attention in a context of increasing forest fragmentation.
Complex patterns of genetic and phenotypic divergence in an island bird and the consequences for delimiting conservation units
Authors: PHILLIMORE A. B. , OWENS I. P. F. , BLACK R. A. , CHITTOCK J. , BURKE T. , CLEGG S. M.
Published: May 2008

Substantial phenotypic and genetic variation is often found below the species level and this may be useful in quantifying biodiversity and predicting future diversification. However, relatively few studies have tested whether different aspects of intraspecific variation show congruent patterns across populations. Here, we quantify several aspects of divergence between 13 insular populations of an island endemic bird, the Vanuatu white‐eye (Zosterops flavifrons). The components of divergence studied are mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), nuclear DNA microsatellites and morphology. These different aspects of divergence present subtly different scenarios. For instance, an mtDNA phylogenetic tree reveals a potential cryptic species on the most southerly island in Vanuatu and considerable divergence between at least two other major phylogroups. Microsatellite loci suggest that population genetic divergence between insular populations, both between and within phylogroups, is substantial, a result that is consistent with a low level of interisland gene flow. Finally, most populations were found to be strongly morphologically divergent, but no single population was morphologically diagnosable from all others. Taken together, our results show that, although many measures of divergence are concordant in this system, the number of divergent units identified varies widely depending on the characters considered and approach used. A continuum of divergence and a degree of discordance between different characters are both to be expected under simple models of evolution, but they present problems in terms of delimiting conservation units.
Depressive symptoms during pregnancy in relation to fish consumption and intake of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Sontrop Jessica , Avison William R. , Evers Susan E. , Speechley Kathy N. , Campbell M. Karen
Published: May 2008

An inverse association between depression and the n‐3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), primarily obtained from fish consumption, is observed in both observational and experimental research and is biologically plausible. Study objectives were to examine whether prenatal depressive symptoms were associated with lower intakes of fish or EPA+DHA. Pregnant women (n = 2394) completed a telephone interview between 10 and 22 weeks' gestation in London, Ontario, 2002–05. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression Scale (CES‐D). Intakes of fish and EPA+DHA were measured using a validated food‐frequency questionnaire. Sequential multiple regression was used to examine associations of depressive symptoms with intake of fish and EPA+DHA, respectively, while controlling for sociodemographic, health and lifestyle variables.

The mean CES‐D score was 9.9 (SD 8.0). Intake of EPA+DHA was dichotomised at the median value of 85 mg/day. Fish consumption and intake of EPA+DHA were not associated with prenatal depressive symptoms after adjustment for confounders; however, depressive symptoms were significantly higher for lower intakes of EPA+DHA among current smokers and women of single/separated/divorced marital status. The adjusted difference in CES‐D scores between intake categories of EPA+DHA was −2.4 [95% CI −4.2, −0.4] for current smokers and −2.8 [95% CI −5.2, −0.4] for women of single marital status. Although pregnant women may be at risk for low concentrations of EPA and DHA, an association between low intakes of EPA+DHA and increased depressive symptoms was only observed among current smokers and women of single marital status.
The predicted impact of immunosuppression upon population age–intensity profiles for schistosomiasis
Authors: MITCHELL K. M. , MUTAPI F. , WOOLHOUSE M. E. J.
Published: May 2008

The slow development of acquired immunity is thought to be responsible for the characteristic convex age–intensity curve seen in human schistosome infection, which peaks earlier in more heavily infected populations (this is described as a peak shift). Schistosomes are able to suppress protective host responses, and it is hypothesized that this suppression is responsible for the delayed development of protective responses. A deterministic mathematical model is used to describe levels of infection and immunity in an endemic population, incorporating protective immune responses which either reduce adult worm burden or reduce superinfection. Suppression, related to current worm burden, is also included and acts against one or both protective responses. If suppression acts against the entire protective response, it is able to delay the development of protective immunity, and the peak shift is predicted to be reversed at higher infection intensities, with removal of the peaks altogether at the highest levels of infection and/or suppression. If only the anti‐adult worm protective immune response is vulnerable to suppression, while the anti‐reinfection response remains intact, then suppression does not remove the peak in the age–intensity curve. These findings are discussed in the light of existing field and experimental data.
Influence of environmental pH modulation on efficiency of apoplastic PR proteins during Fusarium culmorum– wheat seedling interaction
Authors: Aleandri M. P. , Magro P. , Chilosi G.
Published: May 2008

Variation of apoplastic pH by Fusarium culmorum and its influence on the production, activity and isoenzymes patterns of the pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins β1,3‐glucanase, chitinase and peroxidase enzymes were detected in apoplastic fluids (AFs) from infected wheat seedlings. The time course in the 24–48 h interval post infection was characterized by an increase in activity and isoenzymatic differential induction of the selected PR proteins and by a concomitant rise of apoplastic pH. Chitinase attained maximum activity at pH 8·0 in the case of inoculated seedlings. Optimal β1,3‐glucanase activity in the pH range 6·0–8·0, was observed at pH 7·0. Peroxidase was strongly affected by pH, with enzyme activity having a maximum rate at pH 6·0 and thereafter rapidly declining at higher pH. Maximum peroxidase activity paralleled the appearance of the complete isoenzymatic pattern. In order to investigate the biological role of PR proteins in AFs, the in vitro antifungal activity was evaluated. In the interval 0–6 h, pH of macroconidia suspensions rose up to 7·2. AFs revealed inhibitory activity against germinating macroconidia of F. culmorum by decreasing the germination efficiency of macroconidia apical compartments, while this effect was compensated by an increased germination capacity of middle compartments. Present results suggest that during infection of wheat seedlings by F. culmorum the pH modulation favours host colonization by enhancing the activity of pectin lyase, and simultaneously inhibits the capacity of the host to oppose the pathogen by interfering with peroxidases which represent an important component of the defence arsenal.
Effect of null mutations in the AbNIK1 gene on saprophytic and parasitic fitness of Alternaria brassicicola isolates highly resistant to dicarboximide fungicides
Authors: Iacomi‐Vasilescu B. , Bataille‐Simoneau N. , Campion C. , Dongo A. , Laurent E. , Serandat I. , Hamon B. , Simoneau P.
Published: May 2008

Alternaria brassicicola field isolates highly resistant to dicarboximide fungicides (DCF) and carrying non‐sense codons or micro‐deletions in the AbNIK1 gene encoding a group III histidine kinase were characterized at the protein level using specific antibodies. These isolates, as well as laboratory mutants expressing the same resistant phenotype, were shown to correspond to null mutants. The fitness of these isolates was compared to that of wild‐type isolates by measuring i) mycelial growth, ii) sporulation and iii) conidial germination under standard conditions. None of these factors were affected in the resistant isolates. Mycelial growth was also measured under stress conditions. Unlike suboptimal incubation temperatures or exposure to the superoxide ion generator menadione, osmotic stress generated by high sorbitol concentrations in the culture medium significantly affected the growth of AbNIK1‐null mutants compared to wild‐types. The effects of these mutations on parasitic fitness were estimated under both controlled and field conditions after inoculation of radish with individual isolates, to measure their aggressiveness, or with mixed conidial suspensions, to measure their competitive ability against wild‐type isolates. These tests on radish seedlings revealed that DCF‐resistant isolates were still aggressive. Despite this, the data obtained in the competition experiments showed that the loss of the ability to synthesize AbNIK1p in A. brassicicola DCF‐resistant mutants was linked to a severe decrease in their competitiveness.
Dietary Gluten Reduces the Number of Intestinal Regulatory T Cells in Mice
Authors: Ejsing‐Duun M. , Josephsen J. , Aasted B. , Buschard K. , Hansen A. K.
Published: May 2008

It is well established that gluten‐free diet reduces the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice, though the mechanism is not known. However, regulatory T cells (Treg) are likely to play an important role. Also, it is known that dietary gluten induces an intestinal increase in the bacterium Lactococcus garvieae, but the importance of this phenomenon for T1D development is doubtful. Our hypothesis is that gluten is responsible for mediating its effect on T1D through the influence on Treg development independent of gluten‐induced Lactococci. Four groups of female NOD and BALB/c mice of 3 week old were fed either a gluten‐free diet or a standard diet. Lactococcus garvieae or saline water was administered per oral to one of each dietary group. Spleen and Peyer′s patches were sampled from BALB/c mice for flow cytometric monitoring of IL‐10 and Treg. NOD mice were diagnosed diabetic with blood glucose level >12 mmol/l. Dietary gluten significantly decreased the occurrence of Tregs by 10–15% (P < 0.05) in mice compared with those fed a standard diet. These results and the diabetes incidence were independent of the gluten‐induced bacterial factor Lactococci. The prevalence of Treg was 5‐ to 10‐fold more abundant in the Peyer′s patches than in the spleen (P < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary gluten has a significant negative quantitative impact on the generation of Treg in mice, independent of gluten‐induced Lactococcus garvieae, and Treg are far more abundant in Peyer′s patches than in the spleen.
Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Activity of Methanolic Extract of Piper betel
Authors: Kanjwani D. G. , Marathe T. P. , Chiplunkar S. V. , Sathaye S. S.
Published: May 2008

Abstract Many of the disorders today are based on the imbalances of immunological processes. This necessitates the search for newer and safer immunomodulators. Thus, the objective of the present study was to explore the immunomodulatory activity of the methanolic extract of Piper betel L. (MPb) (Family: Piperaceae). The MPb consists of mixture of phenols, flavonoids, tannins and polysaccharides. Both in vitro as well as in vivo evaluation was carried out. The effects of MPb on lymphocyte proliferation, interferon‐γ receptors and the production of nitric oxide were measured in vitro. Further, the extract at different dose levels was studied in vivo for the humoral and cellular immune responses on mice immunized with sheep red blood cells. P. betel significantly suppressed phytohaemagglutinin stimulated peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. The decrease in antibody titre and increased suppression of inflammation suggests possible immunosuppressive effect of extract on cellular and humoral response in mice. Thus, the MPb could be explored extensively as a therapeutic agent to treat various immune disorders including autoimmune disorders.
Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases: Antibodies Against Transglutaminase, Peptidylarginine Deiminase and Protein‐bound Citrulline in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bodil Roth E. , Theander E. , Londos E. , Sandberg‐Wollheim M. , Larsson Å. , Sjöberg K. , Stenberg P.
Published: May 2008

Coeliac disease (CD) is becoming a model for understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. In CD, antibodies against transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and specific residues of gliadins have been identified. A similar situation is seen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with both anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and auto‐antibodies against the citrullinating enzyme, peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD). Previously, we have suggested that a complex between an enzyme and its modified substrate constitutes the neoantigen in autoimmune diseases. Our hypothesis is challenged by findings in patients of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) who do not express ACPA, but who have been reported to carry anti‐PAD. The aims of our investigation were to reproduce the study claiming the presence of anti‐PAD in pSS and screen for ACPA and antibodies against TG2 and PAD in pSS (n = 78), multiple sclerosis (MS) (n = 85) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 79) using ELISA. With blood donors (n = 100) as controls, no increased occurrence of autoantibodies was found among the patient groups tested. Contrary to what has been published previously, patients with pSS do not express anti‐PAD. The hypothesis of a complex between an enzyme and its modified substrate constituting the neoantigen in autoimmune diseases is still valid. The prevalence of anti‐PAD, anti‐TG2 and ACPA is comparatively restricted. PAD and TG2 do not seem to be involved directly in autoimmune mechanisms in pSS, MS or AD.
Monoclonal antibodies to high‐incidence Kell epitopes: characterization and application in automated screening of donor samples
Authors: Inglis G. , Fraser R. H. , McTaggart S. , Sheridan R. , Forrest A. H. , Mitchell R.
Published: May 2008

SUMMARY. Monoclonal antibodies, LM313/706 and LM357/828, recognize high‐frequency epitopes which are absent on red cells of Ko phenotype. Both antibodies have proved suitable for automated screening of blood donor samples, with 5 ml of each culture supernatant sufficient to screen 3,000 donor samples. In a screen of 45,545 samples, LM313/706 revealed 11 samples (1: 3686) of Kp(a + b‐) phenotype. Thirty‐seven samples of K + k‐ phenotype were identified in 15,235 samples screened with LM357/828 antibody (0.24%). The epitope recognized by LM313/706 was inactivated by 2mm DTT suggesting a possible association with the Jsa/Jsb antigen structure. The expression of the k‐like epitope detected by LM357/828 antibody was found to be influenced by pH change.
Electrokinetic properties of human cryopreserved platelets
Authors: Bateson E. A. J. , Crook M. A. , Brozovic B. , Crawford N.
Published: May 2008

SUMMARY. A method for the cryopreservation of human platelets with glycerol/glucose is described which was a simplified modification of the method of Dayian and Pert (1979). The effect of cryoinjury of the platelet surface membrane was investigated by studying the surface electrokinetic properties of the platelet. A significant increase in platelet electrophoretic mobility was found after cryopreservation. The fresh platelets had a mean electrophoretic mobility of 1.04 ± 0.05 μm s‐1 V‐1 cm‐1 and cryopreserved platelets 1.18 ± 0.05 μm s‐1 V‐1 cm‐1, P < 0.05. However, the total platelet sialic acid of fresh platelets was 62.5 ± 5.6 nmol 10‐9 platelets compared to 47.2 ± 4.6 nmol 10‐9 platelets after cryopreservation, P < 0.001. Similarly, the neuraminidase‐labile sialic acid was 26.4 ± 4.3 nmol 10‐9 platelets for fresh platelets and 17.6 ± 4.0 nmol 10‐9 platelets after cryopreservation, P < 0.001.

Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with Western blotting, we showed a reduction in the platelet glycoprotein Gp Ib after cryopreservation, this was confirmed by using crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Electron microscopy revealed a significant change in platelet morphology after the cryopreservation procedure with disruption of the platelet membrane and also platelet shape change. These features may explain the changes in platelet electrokinetic properties.
Failure of the revised pre‐donation guidelines to prevent people with a history of high‐risk behaviour from donating blood
Authors: Neal K. R. , Jones D. A. , James V.
Published: May 2008

SUMMARY. We have evaluated the effectiveness of the alteration in the literature aimed at the self‐exclusion of blood donors with a history of high‐risk behaviour. Since the introduction of anti‐HCV screening on 1 September 1991 all HCV‐positive donors in the Trent Region have been invited for interview by Blood Transfusion medical staff to ascertain risk factors for HCV infection. We have compared the 5‐month periods before (1 September, 1992 to 31 January, 1993) and after (1 February, 1993 to 30 June, 1993) the introduction of the amended literature on 1 February, 1993. No differences between the two time periods were noted for the prevalence rate of HCV infection amongst new or repeat donors, or history of risk factors or specific exclusion criteria. The new literature is failing to exclude people with a history of high‐risk behaviour from donating blood and further study of this problem is urgently required.
Two‐years' experience with a Canadian hospital‐based autologous blood donor programme
Authors: Pinkerton P. H.
Published: May 2008

SUMMARY. Two years' experience with a hospital‐based autologous blood donor programme is described. Of 511 patients enrolled, 86% underwent surgery without use of allogeneic blood, and 19% of collected units were not used. For six common procedures, a ‘target’ autologous blood schedule of 2 or 3 units (depending on the procedure) was set. If an extra unit for each of 407 patients had been collected (i.e. 3 or 4), an additional 20 patients would have been protected from exposure to allogeneic blood at a cost of 387 unnecessary collections. The difference between the mean haemoglobin (Hb) concentration at entry to the programme and the mean pre‐operative Hb concentration was not clinically important and only 25 of 511 patients were deferred on account of anaemia after one or more donations. The autologous blood used represents 3.8% of the units of blood or packed red blood cells transfused during the 2 years of study. Adverse (vasovagal) reactions were infrequent (2.2%) in spite of liberal acceptance criteria.