bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is coexistence mediated by microhabitat segregation? An in‐depth exploration of a fish invasion
Authors: Gjelland K. Ø. , Bøhn T. , Amundsen P.‐A
Published: August 2010

Vendace Coregonus albula has invaded the subarctic Pasvik hydrosystem, northern Norway and Russia, after being translocated from its native Finnish range into Lake Inari (Finland), upstream of Pasvik. The development of the invader and the effects on two native lake communities in the upstream and downstream part of the hydrosystem, respectively, have been monitored since 1991. In the upstream lake location, the invader relegated the native whitefish Coregonus lavaretus from the pelagic habitat within a few years. An expected similar development in the downstream location was, however, not observed. Data are presented on the diet and microhabitat use (vertical pelagic zone) for three types of replicated situation: (1) the invader v. the native species, (2) upstream v. downstream lakes and (3) early and late invasion stages, to explore the outcome of the competitive interactions. The use of different microhabitats available within the deeper pelagic zone in the downstream location was observed to have delayed the negative effects on native whitefish, possibly enabling a persistent coexistence between the two species in the pelagic zone of this lake.
Life‐history traits of introduced Iberian pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus relative to native populations. Can differences explain colonization success?
Authors: Fox M. G. , Vila‐Gispert A. , Copp G. H.
Published: August 2010

To assess the colonization success of pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus on the Iberian Peninsula, life‐history attributes of pumpkinseed populations from Spanish water bodies were compared to populations in the northern and southern parts of its native range, as well as to those of English water bodies where introduced populations have shown minimal natural range expansion. Discriminate function analysis using five population characteristics [mean age at maturity, mean total length (LT) at maturity, gonado‐somatic index (IG), mean LT at age 2 years as an indication of juvenile growth rate and relative body condition] strongly differentiated populations from the four regional study areas. Spanish populations were early maturing, showed moderate juvenile growth rate and LT at maturity and high IG relative to the other population groups. Spanish populations matured significantly earlier than Canadian and English populations, but not southern U.S.A. populations. Spanish populations, however, had a significantly higher IG than southern U.S.A. populations, suggesting greater reproductive output. Considering these differences in the context of the Winemiller and Rose triangular life‐history strategy model, the pumpkinseed exhibits ‘equilibrium’ life‐history traits that have made other non‐native fishes successful invaders in areas where habitat alteration has resulted in more predictable discharge regimes and water levels. Populations in Iberia, however, appear to have achieved their success by adopting a more ‘opportunistic’ life‐history strategy than their native counterparts. High levels of life‐history plasticity appear to contribute to the success of this species on the Iberian Peninsula.
Understanding the establishment success of non‐indigenous fishes: lessons from population genetics
Authors: Hänfling B.
Published: August 2010

During the last 10 years, an increasing number of studies have explored evolutionary aspects of biological invasions. It is becoming increasingly clear that evolutionary processes play an important role during the establishment of non‐native species. Genetic drift during the colonization process followed by strong selection imposed through a change in biotic conditions and co‐evolutionary disequilibrium set the conditions for rapid evolutionary change in introduced populations. Different hypotheses, which have been proposed to explain how evolutionary and genetic processes, can facilitate invasiveness are explored and their relevance for fish invasions is discussed. Empirical evidence increasingly suggests that admixture after multiple introductions, hybridization between native and non‐native species and enemy release can all catalyse the evolution of invasiveness. A number of studies also suggest that genetic bottlenecks might represent less of genetic paradox than previously thought. Much of the theoretical developments and empirical evidence concerning the importance of evolution during biological invasions has been provided from studies on invasive plants. Despite their prominence, fish invasions have received little attention from evolutionary biologists. Recent advances in population genetic analysis such as non‐equilibrium methods and genomic techniques such as microarray technology provide suitable tools to address such issues.
Hypoxia tolerance of two centrarchid sunfishes and an introduced cichlid from karstic Everglades wetlands of southern Florida, U.S.A.
Authors: Schofield P. J. , Loftus W. F. , Brown M. E.
Published: August 2010

In this study, the hypoxia tolerance of three Everglades fishes, two native centrarchids (Lepomis gulosus and Lepomis marginatus) and a recently introduced cichlid (Hemichromis letourneuxi), were documented. Aquatic surface respiration (ASR) thresholds were lowest for H. letourneuxi, followed by L. gulosus, then L. marginatus. The ASR thresholds for L. marginatus were within ranges reported for small, freshwater tropical fishes, while those for L. gulosus were similar to swamp‐adapted fishes. For H. letourneuxi, ASR thresholds were some of the lowest reported. All three species showed excellent tolerance of low dissolved oxygen levels when allowed access to the surface. When denied surface access, L. marginatus lost equilibrium at a higher oxygen tension than the other species. Overall, although all species easily tolerated hypoxia, H. letourneuxi appeared to be best equipped to deal with hypoxia, followed by L. gulosus, then L. marginatus. Hemichromis letourneuxi also exhibited more aggressive behaviours than the centrarchids. These results suggest that hypoxia is not likely to prevent H. letourneuxi from exploiting the seasonally inundated wetlands of south Florida while expanding its range there.
Two cases of non‐hybrid melanoma formation in Xiphophorus nezahualcoyotl Rauchenberger, Kallmann & Morizot
Authors: Fernandez A. A. , Bowser P. R.
Published: August 2010

Gross and histological evidence is presented to document two novel and distinct cases of non‐hybrid melanomas in wild caught northern mountain swordtails Xiphophorus nezahualcoyotl. During initiation one showed increases in melanin expression from a micromelanophore pattern associated with the sword (sword stripes), and the other showed melanin enhancement associated with the spotted‐side macromelanophore pattern on the flanks of the fish. Both cases have spindle cell type melanomas located in the epidermis, dermis, adipose tissue and underlying muscle in several locations on each fish.
Effect of digestion on the δ13C and δ15N of fish‐gut contents
Authors: Guelinckx J. , Dehairs F. , Ollevier F.
Published: August 2010

Gut contents of sand goby Pomatoschistus minutus showed higher C and N isotope values than the food before consumption. This enrichment was more pronounced in the hindgut than in the foregut, probably because of preferential assimilation of 12C and 14N along the gastro‐intestinal tract. The results indicated that the shift towards higher values in the alimentary canal occurs in the first 2 h after feeding.
Site fidelity of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L. as deduced from telemetry and stable isotope studies
Authors: Bergstad O. A. , Jørgensen T. , Knutsen J. A. , Berge J. A.
Published: August 2010

A study was performed to test the hypothesis that Atlantic cod Gadus morhua captured within fjords do not migrate across the sill into outer fjord segments or coastal waters. An 18 month long telemetry experiment, corroborated by recapture patterns, showed that 40% of the tagged fish crossed the sill. The majority of the fish that crossed the sill, however, returned after short excursions of only a few days. Many fish remained stationary at or near the release location, and migrations up the fjord into brackish water appeared more frequent than migration out of the fjord. The stable isotope analyses showed significant differences between the inner and the outer fjord segments, and this was seen for both adults and juveniles. This suggests that the Atlantic cod in the two areas have different diets and probably utilize different foraging ranges. Thus, both the isotope studies and the telemetry experiment suggest limited cross‐sill migration and rather high site fidelity. Marketing restrictions only apply to fish caught in the fjord proper, not the comparatively clean outer fjord system beyond the sill. Based on this study of migratory tendencies, it is concluded that contamination levels in Atlantic cod in both the Frierfjord proper and the outer fjords probably result from local exposure and appear little affected by inter‐fjord migration.
Linking ecology with parasite diversity in Neotropical fishes
Authors: Luque J. L. , Poulin R.
Published: August 2010

A comparative analysis was performed to seek large‐scale patterns in the relationships between a set of fish species traits (body size, type of environment, trophic level, schooling behaviour, depth range, mean habitat temperature, geographical range, ability to enter brackish waters and capability of migration) and the diversity of their metazoan parasite assemblages among 651 Neotropical fish species. Two measurements of parasite diversity are used: the species richness and the taxonomic distinctness of a fish’s parasite assemblage, including all metazoan parasites, ectoparasites only, or endoparasites only. The results showed that, on this scale, the average taxonomic distinctness of parasite assemblages was clearly more sensitive to the influence of host traits than parasite species richness. Differences in the taxonomic diversification of the parasite assemblages of different fish species were mainly related to the fish’s environment (higher values in benthic–demersal species), trophic level (positive correlation with increasing level), temperature (positive correlation with temperature in marine ectoparasites, negative in endoparasites; positive for all groups of parasites in freshwater fishes) and oceanic distribution (higher values in fish species from the Pacific Ocean than those of the Atlantic). The results suggest that, among Neotropical fish species, only certain key host traits have influenced the processes causing the taxonomic diversification of parasite assemblages.
Lack of glucose and hsp70 responses in haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus (L.) subjected to handling and heat shock
Authors: Afonso L. O. B. , Hosoya S. , Osborne J. , Gamperl A. K. , Johnson S.
Published: August 2010

Juvenile haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus (c. 39 g) were exposed to either a handling stressor (1 min out of water) or heat shock (increase from 10 to 15° C for 1 h), and plasma cortisol, plasma glucose and gill hsp70 levels were determined before, and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post‐stress. The pattern of cortisol increase was similar following both stressors, with levels increasing by 25‐fold at 1 h post‐stress, but returning to pre‐stress levels (2–5 ng ml−1) by 3 h. In contrast, neither handling nor heat shock caused an increase in plasma glucose levels. Although gill hsp70 was detected, presumably constitutive levels, in both control and heat shocked groups, there were not significant changes in gill hsp70 levels after exposure to heat shock. The lack of glucose and hsp70 responses to these typical stressors is consistent with previous studies on Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, and suggests that the stress physiology of Gadidae differs from the ‘typical’ teleost.
Distribution, growth, diet and foraging behaviour of the yellow‐fin notothen Patagonotothen guntheri (Norman) on the Shag Rocks shelf (Southern Ocean)
Authors: Collins M. A. , Shreeve R. S. , Fielding S. , Thurston M. H.
Published: August 2010

The distribution, total length (LT) frequency and diet of Patagonotothen guntheri are described from 14 bottom trawl surveys conducted on the Shag Rocks and South Georgia shelves in the austral summers from 1986 to 2006. Patagonotothen guntheri (80–265 mm LT) were caught on the Shag Rocks shelf from depths of 111 to 470 m, but no specimens were caught on the South Georgia shelf. Multiple cohorts were present during each survey and LT‐frequency analysis of these cohorts suggests that growth was slow (von Bertalanffy K = 0·133). Evidence from stomach contents and acoustic data (2005 and 2006) showed that P. guntheri is primarily a pelagic feeder, migrating from the sea floor towards the surface to feed during daylight. The diet of smaller fish (<140 mm) was dominated by copepods, predominantly Rhincalanus gigas, whilst larger fish principally consumed the pelagic hyperiid amphipod, Themisto gaudichaudii and Antarctic krill Euphausia superba. Some larger fish also took benthic prey.
Autotransgenic and allotransgenic manipulation of growth traits in fish for aquaculture: a review
Authors: Nam Y. K. , Maclean N. , Hwang G. , Kim D. S.
Published: August 2010

It is noteworthy that the use of transgene elements homologous to both the structural gene and promoter region sequences are more effective than heterologous ones for growth hormone (GH) transgenesis in farmed fish species. The generation of autotransgenic fish carrying the GH‐transgene construct (of which elements originate from the same species only) has been given considerable attention as a potential means to produce a desirable fish strain acquiring significantly improved growth phenotype. Currently, several growth‐enhanced autotransgenic lines including mud loach, carp and tilapia, have been developed or are ongoing for aquacultural purpose. This review considers the generation, development and prospects of autotransgenic manipulation of fish growth, comparing the growth performance of currently available autotransgenic fish strains with those of relevant fast‐growing allotransgenic fishes.
Validity of suspected alcohol and drug violations in aviation employees
Authors: Li Guohua , Brady Joanne E. , DiMaggio Charles , Baker Susan P. , Rebok George W.
Published: August 2010

Aims  In the United States, transportation employees who are suspected of using alcohol and drugs are subject to reasonable‐cause testing. This study aims to assess the validity of suspected alcohol and drug violations in aviation employees.

Methods  Using reasonable‐cause testing and random testing data from the Federal Aviation Administration for the years 1995–2005, we calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of suspected alcohol and drug violations. The true status of violations was based on testing results, with an alcohol violation being defined as a blood alcohol concentration of ≥0.04 mg/dl and a drug violation as a test positive for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, phencyclidine or opiates.

Results  During the 11‐year study period, a total of 2284 alcohol tests and 2015 drug tests were performed under the reasonable‐cause testing program. The PPV was 37.7% [95% confidence interval (CI), 35.7–39.7%] for suspected alcohol violations and 12.6% (95% CI, 11.2–14.1%) for suspected drug violations. Random testing revealed an overall prevalence of 0.09% for alcohol violations and 0.6% for drug violations. The LR+ was 653.6 (95% CI, 581.7–734.3) for suspected alcohol violations and 22.5 (95% CI, 19.6–25.7) for suspected drug violations.

Conclusion  The discriminative power of reasonable‐cause testing suggests that, despite its limited positive predictive value, physical and behavioral observation represents an efficient screening method for detecting alcohol and drug violations. The limited positive predictive value of reasonable‐cause testing in aviation employees is due in part to the very low prevalence of alcohol and drug violations.
Risk factors for drug dependence among out‐patients on opioid therapy in a large US health‐care system
Authors: Boscarino Joseph A. , Rukstalis Margaret , Hoffman Stuart N. , Han John J. , Erlich Porat M. , Gerhard Glenn S. , Stewart Walter F.
Published: August 2010

Aims  Our study sought to assess the prevalence of and risk factors for opioid drug dependence among out‐patients on long‐term opioid therapy in a large health‐care system.

Methods  Using electronic health records, we identified out‐patients receiving 4+ physician orders for opioid therapy in the past 12 months for non‐cancer pain within a large US health‐care system. We completed diagnostic interviews with 705 of these patients to identify opioid use disorders and assess risk factors.

Results  Preliminary analyses suggested that current opioid dependence might be as high as 26% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 22.0–29.9] among the patients studied. Logistic regressions indicated that current dependence was associated with variables often in the medical record, including age <65 [odds ratio (OR) = 2.33, P = 0.001], opioid abuse history (OR = 3.81, P < 0.001), high dependence severity (OR = 1.85, P = 0.001), major depression (OR = 1.29, P = 0.022) and psychotropic medication use (OR = 1.73, P = 0.006). Four variables combined (age, depression, psychotropic medications and pain impairment) predicted increased risk for current dependence, compared to those without these factors (OR = 8.01, P < 0.001). Knowing that the patient also had a history of severe dependence and opioid abuse increased this risk substantially (OR = 56.36, P < 0.001).

Conclusion  Opioid misuse and dependence among prescription opioid patients in the United States may be higher than expected. A small number of factors, many documented in the medical record, predicted opioid dependence among the out‐patients studied. These preliminary findings should be useful in future research efforts.
Clinical trial: the microbiological and immunological effects of synbiotic consumption – a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study in active Crohn’s disease
Authors: Steed H. , Macfarlane G. T. , Blackett K. L. , Bahrami B. , Reynolds N. , Walsh S. V. , Cummings J. H. , Macfarlane S.
Published: August 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 872–883

Background  Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory illness in which the immune response against gut microorganisms is believed to drive an abnormal immune response. Consequently, modification of mucosal bacterial communities, and the immune effects they elicit, might be used to modify the disease state.

Aim  To investigate the effects of synbiotic consumption on disease processes in patients with Crohn's disease.

Methods  A randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial was conducted involving 35 patients with active Crohn's disease, using a synbiotic comprising Bifidobacterium longum and Synergy 1. Clinical status was scored and rectal biopsies were collected at the start, and at 3‐ and 6‐month intervals. Transcription levels of immune markers and mucosal bacterial 16S rRNA gene copy numbers were quantified using real‐time PCR.

Results  Significant improvements in clinical outcomes occurred with synbiotic consumption, with reductions in both Crohn's disease activity indices (P = 0.020) and histological scores (P = 0.018). The synbiotic had little effect on mucosal IL‐18, INF‐γ and IL‐1β; however, significant reductions occurred in TNF‐α expression in synbiotic patients at 3 months (P = 0.041), although not at 6 months. Mucosal bifidobacteria proliferated in synbiotic patients.

Conclusion  Synbiotic consumption was effective in improving clinical symptoms in patients with active Crohn's disease.
The effects of methylnaltrexone alone and in combination with acutely administered codeine on gastrointestinal and colonic transit in health
Authors: Wong B. S. , Rao A. S. , Camilleri M. , Manabe N. , McKinzie S. , Busciglio I. , Burton D. D. , Ryks M. , Zinsmeister A. R.
Published: August 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 884–893

Background  The short‐term effects of methylnaltrexone (MNTX), a peripherally acting μ‐opioid receptor antagonist, on gastrointestinal and colonic transit remain unclear.

Aim  To compare the effects of placebo, codeine, subcutaneous (s.c.) MNTX and codeine with s.c. MNTX on gastrointestinal and colonic transit of solids in healthy humans.

Methods  In a randomized, parallel‐group, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of 48 healthy volunteers, effects of 6 consecutive days of placebo [s.c. and p.o. (orally), n = 8], codeine (p.o. 30 mg q.d.s., n = 8), MNTX (s.c. 0.30 mg/kg, n = 16) and combined MNTX and codeine (same doses and routes, n = 16) on gastrointestinal and colonic transit were assessed. A validated scintigraphic method was used to measure transit during the last 48 h of treatment. Bowel function was estimated during treatment as well as 1 week preceding treatment using standard diaries. Analysis of covariance was used to assess treatment effects.

Results  Codeine delayed colonic transit [geometric centre at 24 h (P = 0.04) and ascending colon t1/2 (P = 0.02)] and reduced stool frequency (P = 0.002), but had no effect on stool form. MNTX did not affect transit, stool frequency or stool form, either alone or with codeine (P > 0.3). No drug interaction effects were detected (P > 0.15).

Conclusion  Methylnaltrexone does not alter gastrointestinal or colonic transit and does not reverse acute codeine‐associated delayed gut transit in health.
Plasma cell leukaemia and other aggressive plasma cell malignancies
Authors: Sher Taimur , Miller Kena C. , Deeb George , Lee Kelvin , Chanan‐Khan Asher
Published: August 2010

Extramedullary plasma cell cancers, such as plasma cell leukaemia (PCL) and multiple extramedullary plasmacytomas (MEP) are very aggressive malignancies. These can be primary (de‐novo) or secondary due to progressive prior multiple myeloma (MM). Recent reports suggest an increase in incidence of these disorders. Compared to MM, organ invasion is common in PCL, while soft tissue tumors involving the head, neck or paraspinal area are common sites for MEP. Markers of poor prognosis are frequently observed in these extramedullary forms of plasma cell cancers, and survival is significantly inferior compared to patients with MM. Conventional chemotherapeutic and radiotherapy approaches have been employed with variable results. Even high dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue has not been able to demonstrate consistent improvement in survival outcome. Although not specifically evaluated, novel anti‐plasma cell agents, such as the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, and immunomodulatory drugs, such as lenalidomide, appear to be active against these aggressive cancers. Clinical and translational research directed at improved understanding of disease biology and development of novel therapeutics is urgently needed.
Unique populations of lung mast cells are required for antigen‐mediated bronchoconstriction
Authors: Cyphert J. M. , Kovarova M. , Koller B. H.
Published: August 2010

Cite this as: J. M. Cyphert, M. Kovarova and B. H. Koller, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 260–269.

Background
Studies in both human and mouse indicate that mediators released by mast cells can lead to bronchoconstriction, and thus these are important effector cells in lifethreatening anaphylaxis. Much of our understanding of the various functions of mast cells emanates from the study of mice lacking these cells, particularly mice carrying mutations in the tyrosine kinase gene Kit. Definitive evidence for the role of mast cells in the altered immune response requires the demonstration that this response can be normalized by reconstitution of the mice with cultured bone marrow‐derived mast cells (BMMCs). While many mast cell niches can be restored with BMMCs, this has not been demonstrated for mast cells present in the airways of the lung, cells poised to mediate bronchoconstriction during allergic responses.

Objective
To determine if mast cell‐deficient KitWsh/Wsh reconstituted lines are an appropriate model for the study of the role of these cells in bronchoconstriction associated with allergic responses.

Methods
KitWsh/Wsh mice were reconstituted with either whole bone marrow (WBM) or BMMCs and responses to IgE‐mediated mast cell activation were determined; including systemic hypothermia, mediator release, and bronchoconstriction in anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated animals.

Results
Engraftment of KitWsh/Wsh mice with WBM and BMMCs results in reconstitution of the central airways with mast cells. While the treatment of the two groups of animals resulted in systemic changes when challenged with IgE/Ag in a model of passive anaphylaxis, bronchoconstriction was observed only in KitWsh/Wsh animals, which had received a bone marrow transplant.

Conclusions
While BMMCs can populate the lung, they cannot restore IgE/Ag‐mediated bronchoconstriction to mast cell‐deficient animals. This suggests that the mast cell population, which mediates this function, may be unique, and to fill this niche in the lung cells must undergo a specific developmental programme, one that is no longer available to cultured mast cells.
Environmental epigenetics and allergic diseases: recent advances
Authors: Kuriakose J. S. , Miller R. L.
Published: August 2010

Significant strides in the understanding of the role of epigenetic regulation in asthma and allergy using both epidemiological approaches as well as experimental ones have been made. This review focuses on new research within the last 2 years. These include advances in determining how environmental agents implicated in airway disease can induce epigenetic changes, how epigenetic regulation can influence T helper cell differentiation and T regulatory cell production, and new discoveries of epigenetic regulation associated with clinical outcomes.

Cite this as: J. S. Kuriakose and R. L. Miller, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1602–1610.
Evaluation of pituitary function after traumatic brain injury in childhood
Authors: Khadr Sophie N. , Crofton Patricia M. , Jones Patricia A. , Wardhaugh Barbara , Roach Jennifer , Drake Amanda J. , Minns Robert A. , Kelnar Christopher J. H.
Published: August 2010

Objectives  Post‐traumatic hypopituitarism is well described amongst adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors. We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of pituitary dysfunction after head injury in childhood.

Design  Retrospective exploratory study. Patients: 33 survivors of accidental head injury (27 boys). Mean (range) age at study was 13·4 years (5·4–21·7 years) and median (range) interval since injury 4·3 years (1·4–7·8 years). Functional outcome at study: 15 good recovery, 16 moderate disability, two severe disability.

Measurements  Early morning urine osmolality and basal hormone evaluation were followed by the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and insulin tolerance (n = 25) or glucagon tests (if previous seizures, n = 8). Subjects were not primed. Head injury details were extracted from patient records.

Results  No subject had short stature (mean height SD score +0·50, range −1·57 to +3·00). Suboptimal GH responses (<5 μg/l) occurred in six peri‐pubertal boys (one with slow growth on follow‐up) and one postpubertal adolescent (peak GH 3·2 μg/l). Median peak cortisol responses to insulin tolerance or glucagon tests were 538 and 562 nm. Nine of twenty‐five and two of eight subjects had suboptimal responses, respectively, two with high basal cortisol levels. None required routine glucocorticoid replacement. In three, steroid cover was recommended for moderate/severe illness or injury. One boy was prolactin deficient. Other basal endocrine results and GnRH‐stimulated LH and FSH were appropriate for age, sex and pubertal stage. Abnormal endocrine findings were unrelated to the severity or other characteristics of TBI or functional outcome.

Conclusions  No clinically significant endocrinopathy was identified amongst survivors of accidental childhood TBI, although minor pituitary hormone abnormalities were observed.
Metabolic and target organ outcomes after total pancreatectomy: Mayo Clinic experience and meta‐analysis of the literature
Authors: Parsaik Ajay K. , Murad Mohammad Hassan , Sathananthan Airani , Moorthy Vetriselvi , Erwin Patricia J. , Chari Suresh , Carter Rickey E. , Farnell Michael B. , Vege S. S. , Sarr Michael G. , Kudva Yogish C.
Published: August 2010

Introduction  Total pancreatectomy (TP) has been associated with substantial metabolic abnormalities and poor glycaemic control limiting its use. Because data reported to date are limited, we evaluated outcomes related to the diabetes mellitus obligated by TP.

Methods  A case series study of all patients who underwent TP from 01/01/1985 to 12/31/2006 at Mayo Clinic was conducted. TP cases were summarized according to perioperative procedures, mortality and morbidity after TP. To complement this retrospective examination, a survey was developed to measure DM treatment modality, target organ failure and complications in patients alive in 2007. We performed a meta‐analysis to compare our results with similar previous studies and provide overall estimates of outcomes.

Results  A total of 141 cases were studied (97 malignant diseases, 44 benign diseases). The median survival was much less for malignant pathology (2·2 vs 8·7 years, Log rank P = 0·0009). In 2007, there were 59 patients that were presumed alive and 47 (80%) responded to the survey. Mean HbA1c at last follow‐up was 7·5% with 89% of respondents on a complex insulin programme (mean daily insulin requirement 35 ± 13 units). Episodic hypoglycaemia was experienced by 37 (79%); 15 (41%) experienced severe hypoglycaemia. In contrast, diabetic ketoacidosis developed in only 2 (4%). Target organ complications and chronic diarrhoea developed in 13 patients (28%) each.

Conclusion  The primary factor determining survival after TP is the aetiology necessitating TP, i.e. pancreatic malignancy. Most respondents used complex insulin programmes, but hypoglycaemia continues to be a problem.
Cervical cancer screening in Mediterranean countries: implications for the future
Authors: Syrjänen K. , Di Bonito L. , Gonçalves L. , Murjal L. , Santamaria M. , Mahovlic V. , Karakitsos P. , Önal B. , Schmitt F. C.
Published: August 2010

K. Syrjänen, L. Di Bonito, L. Gonçalves, L. Murjal, M. Santamaria, V. Mahovlic, P. Karakitsos, B. Önal and F. C. SchmittCervical cancer screening in Mediterranean countries: implications for the future

Prompted by feedback from the 34th European Congress of Cytology (ECC), the practice of including a special symposium in the programme was continued in the 35th ECC in Lisbon (2009) by arranging a satellite symposium entitled ‘Cervical Cancer Screening in the Mediterranean Countries’. Because of the importance to the future of this discipline, it was felt appropriate to summarize the highlights of this symposium here. Cervical cancer prevention strategies in the countries participating in the symposium (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey) appear to be highly variable. As yet, none of these countries can demonstrate a fully implemented national screening programme, but all are in different phases of designing and/or setting up such a programme, which is important. At present, the time‐honoured concept of cervical cancer prevention by Pap smear screening is under review, because prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines demonstrate a potential to prevent the vast majority (albeit not all) of cases of cervical cancer in the foreseeable future. Cervical cancer screening is still needed in this emerging era of HPV vaccination, but clearly the existing screening strategies must be modified to provide a cost‐effective combination of vaccination and screening. If the currently evaluated new screening strategies, such as HPV testing followed by cytology triage, become a reality, there is the likelihood that the Pap test will have only a secondary role, subordinate to HPV testing. Supporters of this scenario claim that Pap test performance will deteriorate in vaccinated populations. Reduced positive predictive value (PPV), due to lower disease prevalence, is inevitable, however, and this would also affect HPV tests. Any decline in sensitivity and specificity depends on human performance, and as such is avoidable by taking appropriate preventive measures. As clinical cytologists, we should focus attention on minimizing the risk to the Pap test of falling sensitivity because of unfamiliarity with abnormal cells, and also of reduced specificity if the fear of missing significant disease leads to overcalling of benign abnormalities.
Endocrine autoimmune disease: genetics become complex
Authors: Wiebolt Janneke , Koeleman Bobby P. C. , Van Haeften Timon W.
Published: August 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (12): 1144–1155

The endocrine system is a frequent target in pathogenic autoimmune responses. Type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease are the prevailing examples. When several diseases cluster together in one individual, the phenomenon is called autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. Progress has been made in understanding the genetic factors involved in endocrine autoimmune diseases. Studies on monogenic autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, immunodysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X‐linked and primary immune deficiencies helped uncover the role of key regulators in the preservation of immune tolerance. Alleles of the major histocompatibility complex have been known to contribute to the susceptibility to most forms of autoimmunity for more than 3 decades. Furthermore, sequencing studies revealed three non‐major histocompatibility complex loci and some disease specific loci, which control T lymphocyte activation or signalling. Recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have enabled acceleration in the identification of novel (non‐HLA) loci and hence other relevant immune response pathways. Interestingly, several loci are shared between autoimmune diseases, and surprisingly some work in opposite direction. This means that the same allele which predisposes to a certain autoimmune disease can be protective in another. Well powered GWAS in type 1 diabetes has led to the uncovering of a significant number of risk variants with modest effect. These studies showed that the innate immune system may also play a role in addition to the adaptive immune system. It is anticipated that next generation sequencing techniques will uncover other (rare) variants. For other autoimmune disease (such as autoimmune thyroid disease) GWAS are clearly needed.
Responses of N2O fluxes to temperature, water table and N deposition in a northern boreal fen
Authors: Lohila A. , Aurela M. , Hatakka J. , Pihlatie M. , Minkkinen K. , Penttilä T. , Laurila T.
Published: August 2010

Nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes were measured fortnightly to monthly with manual chambers in 2004–2008 and hourly with automatic chambers during the snow‐free seasons of 2007 and 2008 in a sedge fen in northern Finland. The fluxes were generally low, varying from −45 to 37 µg N2O–N m−2 hour−1 (negative fluxes indicating uptake of N2O from the atmosphere into the soil) and showing large spatial and temporal variation. Slightly higher emissions were observed in winter than in summer. On an annual scale, the fen acted as a N2O source. The annual balances showed a clear decreasing trend from 1.1 kg N ha−1 year−1 (= 12.2 µg N m−2 hour−1) in 2004 to zero balances in 2007 and 2008. Two potential reasons for the decreasing mean flux were (i) a decreasing atmospheric N deposition during the snow‐free season, and (ii) a rising water‐table level (WTL), which restricts the availability of oxygen in the peat and therefore favours the formation of molecular nitrogen (N2) instead of N2O by the denitrifying microbes. The measurements conducted with the automatic chambers during the snow‐free season showed a positive exponential relationship between the N2O flux and the temperature in 2008, but not in 2007. Similarly, a unimodal relationship with the WTL was found in 2008, with maximum fluxes observed when the WTL was about 4 cm above the fen surface. No diurnal variation in N2O fluxes measured by automatic chambers was found. The fluxes measured by the manual or automatic chambers were similar in magnitude, but different in their temporal pattern. The daily N2O concentration at a depth of 0.15 m in the peat was always lower than the ambient atmospheric concentration, indicating that at this depth the atmospheric N2O was consumed. Together with the observed negative flux rates this suggests that microbial N2 production is a significant part of the N cycle in this fen.
Comparison of N2O and CH4 fluxes from Pannonian natural ecosystems
Authors: Czóbel S. , Horváth L. , Szirmai O. , Balogh J. , Pintér K. , Németh Z. , ÜRmös Zs. , Grosz B. , Tuba Z.
Published: August 2010

Static chamber measurements of nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) fluxes were made from five characteristic vegetation types, representing three different natural ecosystems (grasslands, deciduous forest and wetlands) in the Pannonian basin, Hungary. The main objective of the study was to determine the drivers of average seasonal, annual and interannual N2O and CH4 fluxes in these different ecosystems to enable more accurate predictions of responses to future climatic conditions. Investigations into the response of net N2O and CH4 emission rates to soil temperature and soil water content were carried out over a 2‐year period. Both N2O and CH4 fluxes covered a wide range. Yearly average N2O emissions ranged from 4.38 mg N m−2 year−1 for wetland poplar forest to 242 mg N m−2 year−1 for mountain oak forest. Yearly average soil fluxes of CH4 varied from oxidation, −106 mg CH4 m−2 year−1, for loess grassland to an emission of 129 mg CH4 m−2 year−1 for a wetland Glyceria stand. Multiple regression analyses showed that N2O fluxes from the Pannonian grasslands and oak forest were more dependent than CH4 fluxes on the key soil variables water content and temperature. The largest seasonal mean N2O emission, 319 mg N m−2 year−1, from a mountain oak forest, was observed in summer, and the largest seasonal mean CH4 emission, equivalent to an annual rate of 423 mg CH4 m−2 year−1, from a wetland Glyceria stand, was found in the spring of the wet year.
The role of macroinvertebrates and fish in regulating the provision by macrophytes of refugia for zooplankton in a warm temperate shallow lake
Authors: GONZÁLEZ SAGRARIO MARÍA de los ÁNGELES , BALSEIRO ESTEBAN
Published: August 2010

1. The zooplankton often undergoes diel horizontal migration (DHM) from the open water to the littoral of shallow lakes, thus avoiding predators in the former. This behaviour has functional impacts within the lake, as it enhances zooplankton survival, increases their control of phytoplankton and tends to stabilise the clear water state. However, most of the evidence supporting this migration pattern comes from cold north temperate lakes, and more evidence from tropical and subtropical areas, as well as from southern temperate areas, is needed.

2. We conducted a field study of the diel horizontal and vertical migration of zooplankton, and the horizontal distribution of potential predatory macroinvertebrates and fish, over two consecutive days in the summer in a temperate lake in the southern hemisphere. We took zooplankton samples at two depths, at three sampling stations (inside beds of aquatic macrophytes, at their edge and in open water) along three transects running from the centre of a bed of Ceratophyllum demersum to open water. At each sampling station, we also took samples of macroinvertebrates and fish and measured physical and chemical environmental variables.

3. Zooplankton (pelagic cladocerans, calanoid copepods and rotifers) avoided the shore, probably because of the greater risk from predators there. Larger and more vulnerable cladocerans, such as Diaphanosoma brachyurum and Moina micrura, were two to four times more abundant in open water than at the edge of or inside beds of macrophytes, respectively, by both day and night. Less vulnerable zooplankton [i.e. of medium body size (Ceriodaphnia dubia) or with the ability to swim fast (calanoid copepods)] were distributed evenly between open water and the edge of the plant beds. Small zooplankton, Bosmina huaronensis and pelagic rotifers, showed an even distribution among the three sampling stations. Accordingly, no DHM of zooplankton occurred, although larger organisms migrated vertically inside C. demersum stands.

4. Macrophytes contained high densities of predatory macroinvertebrates and fish. The predator assemblage, composed of large‐bodied macroinvertebrates (including odonates and shrimps) and small littoral fish, was permanently associated with submerged macrophytes. None of these groups moved outside the plant beds or changed their population structure (fish) over the diel cycle.

5. Submerged macrophyte beds do not represent a refuge for zooplankton in lakes where predators are numerous among the plants, implying a weaker top‐down control of phytoplankton biomass by zooplankton and, consequently, a more turbid lake. The effectiveness of macrophytes as a refuge for zooplankton depends on the associated assemblage of predatory macroinvertebrates and fish among the plants.
MBSJ MCC Young Scientist Award 2009 REVIEW: Structural basis of protein disulfide bond generation in the cell
Authors: Inaba Kenji
Published: August 2010

The formation of protein disulfide bonds is an oxidative reaction that is crucial for the folding and maturation of many secreted and membrane proteins. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells possess various disulfide oxidoreductases and redox‐active cofactors to accelerate this oxidative reaction in a correct manner. Crystal or solution structures have been solved for some of the oxidoreductases in the past 10 years, leading to remarkable progress in the field of thiol‐based redox cell biology. Consequently, structural and mechanistic similarities in the disulfide bond formation pathways have been uncovered. This review highlights the molecular basis of the elaborate oxidative systems operating in the Escherichia coli periplasm, the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and the mitochondrial intermembrane space. The accumulated knowledge provides important insights into how protein and redox homeostasis are maintained in the cell.
Interaction of integrin α6β4 with ErbB3 and implication in heregulin‐induced ErbB3/ErbB2‐mediated DNA synthesis
Authors: Kawano Satoshi , Mizutani Kiyohito , Miyata Muneaki , Ikeda Wataru , Takai Yoshimi
Published: August 2010

Integrin α6β4 is abundantly expressed in normal epithelial cells and forms hemidesmosomes, one of cell–extracellular matrix junctions. In many types of cancer cells, integrin α6β4 is up‐regulated, laminin, an integrin α6β4‐binding extracellular matrix protein, is cleaved, and hemidesmosomes are disrupted, eventually causing an enhancement of cancer cell movement and a facilitation of their invasion. It was previously shown that integrin α6β4 interacts with ErbB1 and ErbB2 and enhances cell proliferation and motility. Here we show that integrin α6β4 interacts with ErbB3 but not with ErbB1, ErbB2 or ErbB4, and enhances the heregulin‐induced, ErbB3/ErbB2 heterodimer‐mediated DNA synthesis, but not cell motility, in A549 cells.
Modelling microseismicity of a producing reservoir from coupled fluid‐flow and geomechanical simulation
Authors: Angus D.A. , Kendall J.‐M. , Fisher Q.J. , Segura J.M. , Skachkov S. , Crook A.J.L. , Dutko M.
Published: August 2010

In this paper, we investigate production induced microseismicity based on modelling material failure from coupled fluid‐flow and geomechanical simulation. The model is a graben style reservoir characterized by two normal faults subdividing a sandstone reservoir into three compartments. The results are analysed in terms of spatial and temporal variations in distribution of material failure. We observe that material failure and hence potentially microseismicity is sensitive to not only fault movement but also fluid movement across faults. For sealing faults, failure is confined to the volume in and around the well compartment, with shear failure localized along the boundaries of the compartment and shear‐enhanced compaction failure widespread throughout the reservoir compartment. For non‐sealing faults, failure is observed within and surrounding all three reservoir compartments as well as a significant distribution located near the surface of the overburden. All shear‐enhanced compaction failures are localized within the reservoir compartments. Fault movement leads to an increase in shear‐enhanced compaction events within the reservoir as well as shear events located within the side‐burden adjacent to the fault. We also evaluate the associated moment tensor mechanisms to estimate the pseudo scalar seismic moment of failure based on the assumption that failure is not aseismic. The shear‐enhanced compaction events display a relatively normal and tight pseudo scalar seismic moment distribution centred about 106 Pa, whereas the shear events have pseudo scalar seismic moments that vary over three orders of magnitude. Overall, the results from the study indicate that it may be possible to identify compartment boundaries based on the results of microseismic monitoring.
Semi‐natural grassland biomass for combustion: influence of botanical composition, harvest date and site conditions on fuel composition
Authors: Tonn B. , Thumm U. , Claupein W.
Published: August 2010

Bioenergy generation by combustion is an alternative utilization of biomass from semi‐natural grasslands no longer needed for forage production. Variability of fuel composition affects the suitability of grassland herbage for combustion, in terms of ash‐related problems and harmful emissions of N, S and Cl compounds. A field experiment was established at six semi‐natural grassland sites in southwest Germany to investigate the importance of botanical composition, harvest date and site effects in influencing fuel composition. The first growth at each site was harvested at five dates from June to October. Concentrations of N, S, K, Ca, Mg and ash were lower in grasses than forbs. Between June and October, K concentrations decreased and Ca concentrations increased in grasses and forbs. Ash concentration increased only in grasses, while yields remained stable. Considerable site effects were also found, particularly for K and Cl. The findings are discussed in relation to knowledge of combustion technology. Fuel composition of the investigated grassland biomass was less suitable for combustion than that of perennial energy grasses, but comparable to that of cereal straw. Most critical parameters were high N concentrations, cause of NOx emissions, and high ash, K and Cl concentrations, responsible for particle emissions, fouling and corrosion. Although combustion of semi‐natural grassland biomass for small‐scale residential boilers cannot be recommended currently, results of this study suggest that utilization in medium‐scale combustion units may offer realistic perspectives, creating synergies between bioenergy production and biodiversity conservation.
Update on tumours of the adrenal cortex, phaeochromocytoma and extra‐adrenal paraganglioma
Authors: McNicol Anne Marie
Published: August 2010

McNicol A M (2011) Histopathology 58, 155–168 Update on tumours of the adrenal cortex, phaeochromocytoma and extra‐adrenal paraganglioma

This review covers aspects of adrenal cortical tumours, phaeochromocytoma and extra‐adrenal paragangliomas. Relevant clinical and epidemiological information is included. It is now known that about 30% of paragangliomas occur in a familial setting and these new aspects of the genetic background are presented. The main diagnostic problem in both groups of tumours is the recognition of malignant potential. The uses and limitations of multifactorial histological assessment in diagnosis and prognosis are discussed. Finally, data on the molecular changes associated with tumorigenesis and tumour progression are highlighted, and how this information may contribute in future to diagnosis and prognosis.