bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization of pheromone receptors in the tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens
Authors: Wang G. , Vásquez G. M. , Schal C. , Zwiebel L. J. , Gould F.
Published: October 2010

Functional analyses of candidate Heliothis virescens pheromone odorant receptors (HvORs) were conducted using heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes. HvOR6 was found to be highly tuned to Z9‐14:Ald, while HvOR13, HvOR14 and HvOR16 showed specificity for Z11‐16:Ald, Z11‐16:OAc and Z11‐16:OH, respectively. HvOR15, which had been considered a candidate receptor for Z9‐14:Ald did not respond to any of the pheromone compounds tested, nor to 50 other general odorants. Thus, while HvOR15 is specifically expressed in H. virescens male antennae, its role in pheromone reception remains unknown. Based on our results and previous research we can now assign pheromone receptors in H. virescens males to each of the critical H. virescens agonistic pheromone compounds and two antagonistic compounds produced by heterospecific females.
Conventional progesterone receptors (PR) B and PRA are expressed in human spermatozoa and may be involved in the pathophysiology of varicocoele: a role for progesterone in metabolism
Authors: De Amicis F. , Guido C. , Perrotta I. , Avena P. , Panza S. , Andò S. , Aquila S.
Published: October 2010

The physiological roles of intracellular progesterone (PRG) receptors (PRs) have been studied intensively in female mammals, while their functions in male are scarce. Conventional PRs were evidenced in our study by Western blotting, concomitantly in healthy spermatozoa and in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic samples without and with varicocoele. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of the PRs on the membrane as well as in the nucleus, mitochondria and flagellum. A reduced expression of the PRs was observed only in varicocoele spermatozoa. Responses to PRG treatment on cholesterol efflux, tyrosine phosphorylation, src and Akt activities, acrosin activity and acrosome reaction in varicocoele spermatozoa were reduced or absent. To further investigate PRG significance in human male gamete, we focused its action on lipid and glucose metabolism. The evaluation of the triglycerides content, lipase and acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase activities suggests that PRG through the PRs exerts a lipolytic effect on human spermatozoa. An increase in glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity was also obtained, evidencing a role for PRG on glucose metabolism. In ‘varicocoele’ spermatozoa, the PRG did not induce energy consumption. The action of PRs on sperm metabolism is a novel finding that renews the importance of PRG in male fertility. Our results showed that varicocoele may lead to male factor infertility by a mechanism involving a decreased PR expression in human spermatozoa that evidences a detrimental effect on spermatozoa at the molecular level, going beyond the abnormal sperm morphology described to date.
Nursing and healthcare students’ experiences and use of e‐learning in higher education
Authors: Moule Pam , Ward Rod , Lockyer Lesley
Published: October 2010

moule p., ward r. & lockyer l. (2010) Nursing and healthcare students’ experiences and use of e‐learning in higher education. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(12), 2785–2795.

Aim.  This paper presents research on nursing and healthcare students’ experiences and use of e‐learning.

Background.  The inception of e‐learning in higher education is supported by a policy background and technological developments, yet little is known of student experience and use in the United Kingdom.

Methods.  Conducted in 2007 and 2008, this study employed a mixed methods approach. An initial quantitative questionnaire was completed by 25 Higher Education Institutions and nine case study sites were visited. In the sites 41 students took part in focus groups and 35 staff were interviewed.

Findings.  Twenty‐four Higher Education Institutions used a virtual learning environment and all respondents used e‐learning to enable access to course materials and web‐based learning resources. Three main themes were identified from student interviews, ‘Pedagogic use’; ‘Factors inhibiting use’ and ‘Facilitating factors to engagement’. Student’s main engagement with e‐learning was at an instructivist level and as a support to existing face‐to‐face modes of delivery. Student use of Web 2.0 was limited, although a number were using social software at home. Limited computer access, computing skills, technical issues and poor peer commitment affected use. Motivation and relevance to the course and practice, in addition to an appreciation of the potential for student‐centred and flexible learning, facilitated use.

Conclusion.  There is scope to broaden the use of e‐learning that would engage students in the social construction of knowledge. In addition, experiences of e‐learning use could be improved if factors adversely affecting engagement were addressed.
The nature and impact of collaboration and integrated service delivery for pregnant women, children and families
Authors: Schmied Virginia , Mills Annie , Kruske Sue , Kemp Lynn , Fowler Cathrine , Homer Caroline
Published: October 2010

Aim.  This paper explores the impact of models of integrated services for pregnant women, children and families and the nature of collaboration between midwives, child and family health nurses and general practitioners.

Background.  Increasingly, maternity and child health services are establishing integrated service models to meet the needs of pregnant women, children and families particularly those vulnerable to poor outcomes. Little is known about the nature of collaboration between professionals or the impact of service integration across universal health services.

Design.  Discursive paper.

Methods.  A literature search was conducted using a range of databases and combinations of relevant keywords to identify papers reporting the process, and/or outcomes of collaboration and integrated models of care.

Results.  There is limited literature describing models of collaboration or reporting outcomes. Several whole‐of‐government and community‐based integrated service models have been trialled with varying success. Effective communication mechanisms and professional relationships and boundaries are key concerns. Liaison positions, multidisciplinary teams and service co‐location have been adopted to communicate information, facilitate transition of care from one service or professional to another and to build working relationships.

Conclusions.  Currently, collaboration between universal health services predominantly reflects initiatives to move services from the level of coexistence to models of cooperation and coordination.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Integrated service models are changing the way professionals are working. Collaboration requires knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of colleagues and skill in communicating effectively with a diverse range of professionals to establish care pathways with referral and feedback mechanisms that generate collegial respect and trust.
Investigating factors associated with functional constipation of primary school children in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Chan Yuk Ling
Published: October 2010

Aim.  To examine what factors were associated with functional constipation amongst primary school students.

Background.  Constipation in school‐age children has also been brought to the attention of health care researchers because this requires long‐term therapy. The prognosis of functional constipation is vague because it has many causative factors. In fact, the focus on constipation in the health care system is always placed on medical management, rather than prevention.

Design.  A descriptive survey.

Method.  The survey was conducted on March 2008 at one primary school in Hong Kong; 383 children who are studying in primary 3–5 aged from 8–10 completed a questionnaire. Three main outcome variables were employed in the study: demographic, constipation assessment scale and dietary and environmental factors.

Results.  There were 7·3% students with functional constipation. Students who were age ∼10 (p < 0·001), with a total daily fluid intake (200 ml/cup) of 3–4 cups (p < 0·001) or +5 cups (p < 0·001) and preference for eating fruit and vegetables (p < 0·001) were less likely to have functional constipation.

Conclusion.  The findings should aid paediatric health care professionals and parents to gain a more profound understanding of the nature and prevention of functional constipation. To help primary school students and their parents to cope with functional constipation, greater familiarity with its prevalence and the characteristics of its contributory factors is needed. It is hoped that this could providing a better understanding and awareness of this issue and that it will encourage setting up strategies to decrease the morbidity and diminish the negative consequences of functional constipation for primary school students.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses can act as advocators for primary school students, parents and school teachers in understanding and preventing functional constipation.
GYNOTEL: telephone advice to gynaecological surgical patients after discharge
Authors: Caljouw Monique AA , Hogendorf‐Burgers Marja EHJ
Published: October 2010

Aims and objectives.  To investigate in surgical gynaecological patients the types of health problems arising or persisting up to six weeks after discharge and the effectiveness of telephone advice.

Background.  The decreasing length of hospital stay has increased the need for specific instructions about the postdischarge period. Telephone advice could be a valuable tool to address this problem. To our knowledge, postdischarge health problems and the value of telephone advice have not been investigated among gynaecological patients.

Design.  Randomised controlled trial.

Methods.  Gynaecological patients expected to stay in the ward longer than 24 hour were invited to participate. A pilot study showed that wound healing, pain, mobility, urination, defecation and vaginal bleeding were the most common health problems postdischarge. Based on that information, guidelines were formulated that were used by trained nurses to give telephone advice to the intervention group (n = 235), in addition to the usual care. The control group of gynaecological patients (n = 233) received usual care only.

Results.  Of all 468 participants, about 50% were operated for general gynaecology. At discharge, wound pain (56%), mobility problems (54%) and constipation (27%) were the most frequently mentioned problems in both groups. Participants who completely followed the advice with regard to wound healing (p = 0·02), pain (p = 0·01), vaginal bleeding (p = 0·03) and mobility (p = 0·04) experienced greater improvement than participants who did not follow, or only partly followed, the advice.

Conclusions.  The telephone advice appears to make a significant contribution to help gynaecological surgical patients to solve or reduce their postdischarge health problems.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The positive effect of such advice can be interpreted as an improvement in the quality of life of the postoperative gynaecological patient.
Concurrent analysis: towards generalisable qualitative research
Authors: Snowden Austyn , Martin Colin R
Published: October 2010

Aims and objectives.  This study develops an original method of qualitative analysis coherent with its interpretivist principles. The objective is to increase the likelihood of achieving generalisability and so improve the chance of the findings being translated into practice.

Background.  Good qualitative research depends on coherent analysis of different types of data. The limitations of existing methodologies are first discussed to justify the need for a novel approach. To illustrate this approach, primary evidence is presented using the new methodology. The primary evidence consists of a constructivist grounded theory of how mental health nurses with prescribing authority integrate prescribing into practice. This theory is built concurrently from interviews, reflective accounts and case study data from the literature.

Design.  Concurrent analysis.

Method.  Ten research articles and 13 semi‐structured interviews were sampled purposively and then theoretically and analysed concurrently using constructivist grounded theory.

Results.  A theory of the process of becoming competent in mental health nurse prescribing was generated through this process. This theory was validated by 32 practising mental health nurse prescribers as an accurate representation of their experience.

Conclusions.  The methodology generated a coherent and generalisable theory. It is therefore claimed that concurrent analysis engenders consistent and iterative treatment of different sources of qualitative data in a manageable manner. This process supports facilitation of the highest standard of qualitative research.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Concurrent analysis removes the artificial delineation of relevant literature from other forms of constructed data. This gives researchers clear direction to treat qualitative data consistently raising the chances of generalisability of the findings. Raising the generalisability of qualitative research will increase its chances of informing clinical practice.
Contemporary cosmetic surgery: the potential risks and relevance for practice
Authors: Gilmartin Jo
Published: October 2010

Aims and objectives.  To examine and critique the risks of cosmetic surgery and consider implications for practice.

Background.  Cosmetic surgery is a growing industry with a significant global phenomenon. Feminists have been critical of aesthetic surgery practice, offering a range of representations in regard to ‘identity’, ‘normality’, ‘cultural and social pressures’, ‘agency’ and ‘self‐enhancement’. Discourses around minimising risk information acknowledge deficits in not supplying patients with full risk information. The results are usually devastating and lead to serious health complications that incisively diminish well‐being for patients and increase health costs.

Design.  Critical review.

Method.  This paper represents a critical review of risks associated with cosmetic surgery. A Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System online (Medline) and British Nursing Index (BNI) search with relevant key words were undertaken and selected exemplary articles and research describing and/or evaluating cosmetic surgery risk. Only papers in the English language from 1982–2009 were reviewed. The papers examined were mainly empirical studies; some opinion papers, policy documents, textbooks and websites were examined too.

Conclusion.  The literature revealed that several factors influence consumer risks including regulation vagaries, medicalisation processes, fear of ageing discrimination, wanting to avoid ethnic prejudice and media pressure. Government strategies in the United Kingdom (UK) have attempted to improve clinical standards; however, little attempt has been made globally to raise institutional and professional awareness of the huge impact of cultural and social pressures on consumers.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Avoiding shattering complications by improving the provision of risk information for patients is a worthwhile goal. Therefore, health professionals need to consider consumer rights and autonomy more carefully, facilitate rigorous screening and develop knowledge in regard to relational autonomy and alternative interventions.
FtsK – a bacterial cell division checkpoint?
Authors: Grainge Ian
Published: October 2010

FtsK is a multifunctional, multidomain protein that acts to co‐ordinate chromosome unlinking, segregation and cell division. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, the report by Dubarry et al. reveals new insight into the surprisingly complex relationship between the different activities of FtsK. The new study makes extensive use of fusion proteins to highlight the role of the FtsK ‘linker’ domain in helping to co‐ordinate these processes. This, taken together with previous studies, suggests that FtsK is intimately involved in septum constriction, physically contacting several other divisome proteins. Further, it is attractive to speculate that FtsK can regulate the late stages of septation to act as a checkpoint to ensure DNA is fully cleared from the septum before it is allowed to close, as well as being the driving force to unlink the chromosomes and segregate the DNA away from the septum.
Molecular recognition determinants for type IV secretion of diverse families of conjugative relaxases
Authors: Lang Silvia , Gruber Karl , Mihajlovic Sanja , Arnold Roland , Gruber Christian J. , Steinlechner Sonja , Jehl Marc‐Andre , Rattei Thomas , Fröhlich Kai‐Uwe , Zechner Ellen L.
Published: October 2010

In preparation for transfer conjugative type IV secretion systems (T4SS) produce a nucleoprotein adduct containing a relaxase enzyme covalently linked to the 5′ end of single‐stranded plasmid DNA. The bound relaxase is expected to present features necessary for selective recognition by the type IV coupling protein (T4CP), which controls substrate entry to the envelope spanning secretion machinery. We prove that the IncF plasmid R1 relaxase TraI is translocated to the recipient cells. Using a Cre recombinase assay (CRAfT) we mapped two internally positioned translocation signals (TS) on F‐like TraI proteins that independently mediate efficient recognition and secretion. Tertiary structure predictions for the TS matched best helicase RecD2 from Deinococcus radiodurans. The TS is widely conserved in MOBF and MOBQ families of relaxases. Structure/function relationships within the TS were identified by mutation. A key residue in specific recognition by T4CP TraD was revealed by a fidelity switch phenotype for an F to plasmid R1 exchange L626H mutation. Finally, we show that physical linkage of the relaxase catalytic domain to a TraI TS is necessary for efficient conjugative transfer.
Review: Leucocyte–endothelial cell crosstalk at the blood–brain barrier: A prerequisite for successful immune cell entry to the brain
Authors: Greenwood J. , Heasman S. J. , Alvarez J. I. , Prat A. , Lyck R. , Engelhardt B.
Published: October 2010

J. Greenwood, S. J. Heasman, J. I. Alvarez, A. Prat, R. Lyck and B. Engelhardt (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 24–39 Leucocyte–endothelial cell crosstalk at the blood–brain barrier: A prerequisite for successful immune cell entry to the brain

Leucocyte migration into the central nervous system is a key stage in the development of multiple sclerosis. While much has been learnt regarding the sequential steps of leucocyte capture, adhesion and migration across the vasculature, the molecular basis of leucocyte extravasation is only just being unravelled. It is now recognized that bidirectional crosstalk between the immune cell and endothelium is an essential element in mediating diapedesis during both normal immune surveillance and under inflammatory conditions. The induction of various signalling networks, through engagement of cell surface molecules such as integrins on the leucocyte and immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules on the endothelial cell, play a major role in determining the pattern and route of leucocyte emigration. In this review we discuss the extent of our knowledge regarding leucocyte migration across the blood–brain barrier and in particular the endothelial cell signalling pathways contributing to this process.
Glycinebetaine protects plants against abiotic stress: mechanisms and biotechnological applications
Authors: CHEN TONY H. H. , MURATA NORIO
Published: October 2010

Various compatible solutes enable plants to tolerate abiotic stress, and glycinebetaine (GB) is one of the most‐studied among such solutes. Early research on GB focused on the maintenance of cellular osmotic potential in plant cells. Subsequent genetically engineered synthesis of GB‐biosynthetic enzymes and studies of transgenic plants demonstrated that accumulation of GB increases tolerance of plants to various abiotic stresses at all stages of their life cycle. Such GB‐accumulating plants exhibit various advantageous traits, such as enlarged fruits and flowers and/or increased seed number under non‐stress conditions. However, levels of GB in transgenic GB‐accumulating plants are relatively low being, generally, in the millimolar range. Nonetheless, these low levels of GB confer considerable tolerance to various stresses, without necessarily contributing significantly to cellular osmotic potential. Moreover, low levels of GB, applied exogenously or generated by transgenes for GB biosynthesis, can induce the expression of certain stress‐responsive genes, including those for enzymes that scavenge reactive oxygen species. Thus, transgenic approaches that increase tolerance to abiotic stress have enhanced our understanding of mechanisms that protect plants against such stress.
Mannan‐Binding Lectin (MBL) and MBL‐Associated Serine Protease 2 (MASP‐2) Genotypes in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ytting H. , Christensen I. J. , Steffensen R. , Alsner J. , Thiel S. , Jensenius J. C. , Hansen U. , Nielsen H. J.
Published: October 2010

Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) and MBL‐associated serine protease 2 (MASP‐2) are key factors of the lectin pathway of complement activation. Polymorphisms of the MBL2 and MASP‐2 genes affect serum levels of MBL and MASP‐2. In patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), the MBL and MASP‐2 serum levels are increased and high MASP‐2 levels are associated with recurrence and poor survival, whereas low MBL levels predict post‐operative pneumonia. It is not known whether these associations are genetically based. In this study, the MBL and MASP‐2 genotypes are investigated in 593 patients with CRC and 348 healthy controls. The potential association between genetic profile and infections, recurrence and survival is evaluated. Four single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MBL2 were analysed using TaqMan assays, with characterization of MBL2 wildtype A, variants B, C and D and alleles H/L, Y/X and P/Q. The SNP D120G for MASP‐2 was determined. Serum levels of MBL and MASP‐2 were measured. The MBL2 and MASP‐2 genotype distribution was similar among patients with CRC and healthy controls and MBL2 genotype significantly associated with MBL concentration in serum (P < 0.0001). No significant association between MBL2/MASP‐2 genotype and post‐operative infectious complications (P = 0.33 and 0.22), recurrent cancer or survival (P = 0.74 and P = 0.61 respectively) was found. Thus, the increased serum levels of MBL and MASP‐2 found in patients with CRC are not explained for by genetic profiles. In contrast to what has been demonstrated for serum levels of MBL and MASP‐2, the genotypes do not predict disease course of the CRC patients.
Natural Cytotoxicity of NC‐2+ Cells Against the Growth and Metastasis of WEHI‐164 Fibrosarcoma
Authors: Shirzad H. , Burton R. C. , Smart Y. C. , Rafieian‐kopaei M. , Shirzad M.
Published: October 2010

We have previously reported a new receptor (NC‐2) for natural cytotoxicity (NC) on murine leucocytes, identified by monoclonal antibody D9 (mAb D9). Pretreatment of mouse spleen cells with different concentrations of mAb D9 in vitro blocked NC against WEHI‐164, whereas natural killing (NK) activity against YAC‐1 was unaffected. This paper reports the immune surveillance against the growth of WEHI‐164 tumour cells in mice by NC‐2+ Cells. The kinetics of in vivo reduction in NC activity were investigated by treating BALB/c and (CBA × C57BL/6) F1 mice with a single injection of 40 μg of mAb D9 and monitoring splenic NC activity by 51Cr‐release assay at intervals from 24 h to 3 weeks. Control mice were injected with OKT8 irrelevant antibody. Results showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in splenic NC activity within 24 h which persisted for up to 1 week. Similar results were also obtained when (CBA × C57BL/6) F1 mice were employed (P < 0.001). In vivo tumour studies were undertaken to investigate the role of NC‐2+ cells in surveillance against tumour growth and metastasis of the WEHI‐164 fibrosarcoma. When syngeneic BALB/c mice were injected with 40 μg of mAb D9 and then challenged with 5 × 105 WEHI‐164 cells, results showed significantly increased growth rate of the transplanted WEHI‐164 fibrosarcoma and tumour nodules in the lungs of animals, when compared to control mice with normal NC activity. Our data support an innate surveillance in metastasis and growth of WEHI‐164 fibrosarcoma in mice.
Enhanced resolution of interstitial fibrosis in pediatric renal allograft biopsies using image analysis of trichrome stain
Authors: Birk Patricia E. , Gill John S. , Blydt‐Hansen Tom D. , Gibson Ian W.
Published: October 2010

Birk PE, Gill JS, Blydt‐Hansen TD, Gibson IW. Enhanced resolution of interstitial fibrosis in pediatric renal allograft biopsies using image analysis of trichrome stain. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14: 925–930. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The Banff classification is ill suited to detect subtle histologic progression in renal allografts. We present image analysis methodology to precisely quantify IF in pediatric renal allograft biopsies routinely stained with MT. The mean area %IF was determined in 105 pediatric renal allograft biopsies. Associations between %IF or Banff ci scores and estimated GFR were determined using GEE modeling. Logistic regression was used to estimate IF progression. Percent IF (mean ± s.d.) was 6.83% ± 3.94, 10.39 ± 5.23%, and 20.53 ± 8.74 in patients with ci0, ci1, and ci2, respectively. The difference in %IF between biopsies with ci0, ci1, and ci2 was not proportionately incremental: compared to ci2, ci0 had 67% less IF (p < 0.0001), while ci1 had 48% less IF (p < 0.0001). AR had no impact on the precision of %IF measurements. Each 0.5% decrement in %IF was associated with a 1 mL/min per 1.73 m2 increase in GFR (p < 0.004). Histologic progression was demonstrated by increasing %IF values (p < 0.0001) and could be estimated by IF = 2.61 × (months) + 6.43. This readily adaptable methodology may be used for the longitudinal assessment of IF in pediatric protocol renal allograft biopsies.
PLUTO First report
Authors: Otte Jean‐Bernard , Meyers Rebecka
Published: October 2010

Otte J‐B, Meyers R. PLUTO First report. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14: 830–835. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The PLUTO is a registry developed by an international collaboration of the Liver Tumors Strategy Group (SIOPEL) of the SIOP. Although the number of patients collected in PLUTO to date is too small to add any analytic power to the existing literature, this new registry has great promise. It has been created to clarify issues regarding the role of liver transplantation in the treatment of children with unresectable liver tumors. By reviewing the results to date, we hope we can motivate more centers to participate, enroll patients, complete data entry, and boost the potential impact of the collaborative effort. To achieve this goal, a large number of patients are needed, which requires an intensified international collaboration. Pediatric oncologists, pediatric surgical oncologists, and pediatric liver transplant surgeons are all encouraged to participate and contribute. This is a preliminary glimpse of what we hope to be a series of interim reports over the next decade from the steering committee to help guide therapy in this very challenging group of children.
Tackling the spectrum of transition: What can be done in pediatric settings?
Authors: Annunziato Rachel A. , Shemesh Eyal
Published: October 2010

Annunziato RA, Shemesh E. Tackling the spectrum of transition: What can be done in pediatric settings? Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14: 820–822. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Transition to adulthood is a complicated process for children with special health care needs. During adolescence, patients must begin to assume responsibility for their medical care as family member’s transition health care management from caregivers to patients. At some specific point, patients will also transfer out of pediatrics to adult‐oriented services. We present a compilation of manuscripts that describe, study, and offer solutions for these two related challenges as faced by pediatric transplant recipients.
Prevalence of leucocyte antibodies in the Dutch donor population
Authors: Middelburg R.A. , Porcelijn L. , Lardy N. , Briët E. , Vrielink H.
Published: October 2010

Introduction  Donor leucocyte antibodies have been associated with transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) and can be present in allo‐exposed donors. Donor deferral policies aiming at excluding allo‐exposed donors are increasingly implemented worldwide. We aimed at assessing the prevalence of leucocyte antibodies in different subgroups of allo‐exposed donors in the Dutch donor population.

Methods  Consecutive donors were enrolled during routine whole blood donation. Donors filled out a questionnaire on allo‐exposure history. Blood samples were tested for human leucocyte antigens (HLA) (LifeScreen Deluxe and the Lifecodes LSA I/II assays) and granulocyte‐reactive (GIFT, GAT, and MAIGA) antibodies.

Results  Six thousand and thirty‐four consecutive donors (60% men) were included. A total of 2·5% reported a history of blood transfusions, and 51% (of female donors) reported a history of pregnancy. In never allo‐exposed donors, the prevalence of granulocyte‐reactive antibodies was 2·0% (95% CI: 1·6–2·4), and for HLA antibodies, it was 7·0% (95% CI: 6·3–7·8). In previously pregnant donors, the prevalence of granulocyte‐reactive antibodies was increased to 3·0% (95% CI: 2·0–4·0), and for HLA antibodies, it was increased to 33% (95% CI: 30–36). Prevalence of leucocyte antibodies of all types depended on transfusion history, number of pregnancies, time since last pregnancy, and pregnancy outcome.

Conclusions  Fourteen percent of Dutch blood donors are allo‐immunized against HLA or granulocyte antigens. Deferral of all self‐reported allo‐exposed donors will decrease this prevalence to 9%. Deferral of all female donors and transfused male donors will result in a similar prevalence among remaining donors but approximately twice as many deferrals.
Latitudinal variation in the aerial/aquatic ratio of oxygen consumption of a supratidal high rocky‐shore crab
Authors: Lardies Marco A. , Muñoz José Luis , Paschke Kurt A. , Bozinovic Francisco
Published: October 2010

The colonisation of the terrestrial environment by crustaceans is more apparent in tropical latitudes because of the high diversity of semi‐terrestrial and terrestrial crabs. However, in temperate regions there are also great numbers of crustaceans that inhabit ecological niches at the water–air interface. Grapsidae crabs (Decopoda) are especially important in studies of water‐to‐land transition as the family contains species occupying the intertidal and adjacent regions. A way to evaluate the ability of intertidal invertebrates to breathe air is to measure the aerial/aquatic oxygen consumption ratio. The objective of this study was to test the effect of thermal variation on the aquatic and aerial metabolism. We selected as study model the decopoda crab Cyclograpsus cinereus Dana and utilised five populations of the species spread over 2000 km along the Chilean coast. To determine the compensation capacity in respiration with respect to latitude, we evaluated metabolic rate at the same temperature in a common garden design in the laboratory, to examine the extent to which variation in crab physiology is environmentally determined. Whereas in our study, mb (body mass) varied significantly with latitude, the difference in mass‐independent metabolism both in air and water persisted, indicating that observed differences in MR (Metabolic Rate) were not an effect of differences in body size. We demonstrated that C. cinereus is able to breath oxygen from air and water as expected for an amphibious crab. Almost all the studied populations of C. cinereus show a aerial/aquatic metabolism ratio near 1. The pattern found indicates an increase in metabolic rate, both aerial and aquatic, in low latitudes and therefore does not support the latitudinal compensation hypothesis for temperate habitats. Finally, these kinds of studies are required to make the necessary link between ecological physiology and macroecology and to help develop a global understanding of organismal function in marine systems.
Spatial patterns of epifaunal communities in San Francisco Bay eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds
Authors: Carr Lindsey A. , Boyer Katharyn E. , Brooks Andrew J.
Published: October 2010

Epifaunal invertebrate species, such as amphipods and isopods, have been shown to play key but varying roles in the functioning of seagrass habitats. In this study, we characterized patterns in the poorly known epifaunal communities in eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds in San Francisco Bay as a first step in understanding the individual and collective importance of these species, while testing predictions on spatial patterns derived from previous studies in other regions. Surveys conducted at five beds across multiple time periods (April, June, August and October 2007) showed that San Francisco Bay eelgrass beds varied strongly in epifaunal community composition, total, and relative abundance, and that abundance differed markedly among time periods. In contrast to findings by others, morphologically complex flowering shoots frequently harbored greater numbers of epifauna (>2× and up to 10× more individuals) than vegetative shoots, but not different species assemblages. Similar to previous studies, several abiotic factors did not explain patterns in distribution and abundance among beds. The proportion of introduced species was very high (>90% of all individuals), a finding unique among seagrass epifaunal studies to date. Defining numerical patterns in epifaunal communities will inform related efforts to understand effects of epifaunal species and assemblages on eelgrass growth dynamics, seed production, and higher order trophic interactions over space and time.
Steroidogenesis and the Influence of MAPK Activity During In Vitro Maturation of Porcine Cumulus Oocyte Complexes
Authors: Ebeling S , Töpfer D , Meinecke B
Published: October 2010

Contents

The aim of this study was to investigate steroidogenesis within porcine cumulus oocyte complexes during in vitro maturation and to examine the possible influence of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Porcine cumulus oocyte complexes were matured in vitro with and without the MAPK kinase inhibitor U0126 for 0, 5, 26 and 46 h. The 17β‐estradiol and progesterone concentration in the culture medium were then determined. In addition, the mRNA levels of StAR, Cyp11A1, 3β‐HSD and Cyp19A1 in cumulus cells were analysed by RT‐PCR. Using an immunoblot, the MAPK phosphorylation in cumulus cells and oocytes was examined. During the first 26 h of in vitro maturation, 17β‐estradiol secretion was predominant, whereas, after a culture period of 46 h, the progesterone secretion decreased conspicuously. Under the influence of U0126, the secretion of 17β‐estradiol increased progressively during the complete maturation period, while progesterone secretion was completely inhibited. The mRNA levels of StAR and Cyp11A1 were not altered by U0126; however, corresponding to the hormone secretion, the gene expression of Cyp19A1 was up‐regulated and the expression of 3β‐HSD down‐regulated. The results suggested an influence of the MAPK on steroidogenesis in cumulus cells comparable to a luteinization factor. Hormone synthesis in cumulus cells during oocyte maturation seems to be regulated by altering expression of Cyp19A1 and 3β‐HSD.
Influence of Cysteine in Conjunction with Growth Factors on the Development of In Vitro‐Produced Bovine Embryos
Authors: Lott WM , Anchamparuthy VM , McGilliard ML , Mullarky IK , Gwazdauskas FC
Published: October 2010

Contents

Cysteine supplementation to in vitro maturation (IVM) media of bovine oocytes increases cellular glutathione production. Beneficial effects of growth factors for improving the rate of blastocyst development have been reported, but combined effects are unknown. This study was conducted to determine the additive effect of cysteine with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and/or insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) on embryo development. Bovine oocytes from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured in TCM‐199 (control), with or without the addition of 0.6 mm cysteine (C) at 0 or 12 h of maturation. After in vitro fertilization, embryos were allocated to culture treatments containing synthetic oviductal fluid medium. Culture treatments included fetal calf serum (FCS, 4%) alone; IGF‐I (100 ng/ml); EGF (10 ng/ml); and IGF‐I + EGF (100 + 10 ng/ml). Although rates for blastocysts development were not different among treatments, an increased proportion of embryos attaining morula formation was achieved when cysteine was added to the maturation media (12 h C IGF‐I + EGF, 41.4%; 0 h C EGF, 40.0%) as compared to control (FCS: 34.6%). When cysteine treatments were combined, percent cleavage was greater for IGF‐I + EGF (70.8%) compared to FCS (61.2%). The abundance of mRNA from the apoptotic genes, Bax and Bcl‐2, and the oxidative stress genes, copper (Cu)‐zinc (Zn) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and manganese (Mn) SOD in embryos was assessed. No treatment effect was observed on the expression of these genes. In conclusion, supplementation of cysteine during IVM of oocytes, in conjunction with growth factors could effectively be used as a replacement for FCS.
Gene expression analysis of the emergence of epileptiform activity after focal injection of kainic acid into mouse hippocampus
Authors: Motti Dario , Le Duigou Caroline , Eugène Emmanuel , Chemaly Nicole , Wittner Lucia , Lazarevic Dejan , Krmac Helena , Marstrand Troels , Valen Eivind , Sanges Remo , Stupka Elia , Sandelin Albin , Cherubini Enrico , Gustincich Stefano , Miles Richard
Published: October 2010

We report gene profiling data on genomic processes underlying the progression towards recurrent seizures after injection of kainic acid (KA) into the mouse hippocampus. Focal injection enabled us to separate the effects of proepileptic stimuli initiated by KA injection. Both the injected and contralateral hippocampus participated in the status epilepticus. However, neuronal death induced by KA treatment was restricted to the injected hippocampus, although there was some contralateral axonal degeneration. We profiled gene expression changes in dorsal and ventral regions of both the injected and contralateral hippocampus. Changes were detected in the expression of 1526 transcripts in samples from three time‐points: (i) during the KA‐induced status epilepticus, (ii) at 2 weeks, before recurrent seizures emerged, and (iii) at 6 months after seizures emerged. Grouping genes with similar spatio‐temporal changes revealed an early transcriptional response, strong immune, cell death and growth responses at 2 weeks and an activation of immune and extracellular matrix genes persisting at 6 months. Immunostaining for proteins coded by genes identified from array studies provided evidence for gliogenesis and suggested that the proteoglycan biglycan is synthesized by astrocytes and contributes to a glial scar. Gene changes at 6 months after KA injection were largely restricted to tissue from the injection site. This suggests that either recurrent seizures might depend on maintained processes including immune responses and changes in extracellular matrix proteins near the injection site or alternatively might result from processes, such as growth, distant from the injection site and terminated while seizures are maintained.
Cortical‐evoked potentials reflect speech‐in‐noise perception in children
Authors: Anderson Samira , Chandrasekaran Bharath , Yi Han‐Gyol , Kraus Nina
Published: October 2010

Children are known to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of noise on speech perception, and it is commonly acknowledged that failure of central auditory processes can lead to these difficulties with speech‐in‐noise (SIN) perception. However, little is known about the mechanistic relationship between central processes and the perception of SIN. Our aims were twofold: to examine the effects of noise on the central encoding of speech through measurement of cortical event‐related potentials and to examine the relationship between cortical processing and behavioral indices of SIN perception. We recorded cortical responses to the speech syllable [da] in quiet and multi‐talker babble noise in 32 children with a broad range of SIN perception. Outcomes suggest inordinate effects of noise on auditory function in the bottom SIN perceivers compared with the top perceivers. The cortical amplitudes in the top SIN group remained stable between conditions, whereas amplitudes increased significantly in the bottom SIN group, suggesting a developmental central processing impairment in the bottom perceivers that may contribute to difficulties in encoding and perceiving speech in challenging listening environments.
In vitro and in vivo expression of virulence genes in Vibrio isolates belonging to the Harveyi clade in relation to their virulence towards gnotobiotic brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana)
Authors: Ruwandeepika H. A. Darshanee , Defoirdt Tom , Bhowmick Patit Paban , Karunasagar Indrani , Karunasagar Iddya , Bossier Peter
Published: October 2010

Vibrios belonging to the Harveyi clade are pathogenic marine bacteria affecting both vertebrates and invertebrates, thereby causing a severe threat to the aquaculture industry. In this study, the expression of haemolysin, metalloprotease, serine protease, the quorum sensing master regulator LuxR and the virulence regulator ToxR in different Harveyi clade isolates was measured with reverse transcriptase real‐time PCR with specific primers. There was relatively low variation in the in vitro expression levels of the quorum sensing master regulator luxR (sevenfold), whereas for the other genes, the difference in expression between the isolates showing lowest and highest expression levels was over 25‐fold. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between expression levels of toxR and luxR and between the expression levels of these regulators and the protease genes. The expression levels of luxR, toxR and haemolysin were negatively correlated with the survival of brine shrimp larvae challenged with the isolates. Finally, a non‐virulent, a moderately virulent and a strongly virulent isolate were selected to study in vivo expression of the virulence genes during infection of gnotobiotic brine shrimp larvae. The in vivo gene expression study showed a clear difference in virulence gene expression between both virulent isolates and the non‐virulent isolate.
Cryptic diversity and species assignment of large lantern sharks of the Etmopterus spinax clade from the Southern Hemisphere (Squaliformes, Etmopteridae)
Authors: Straube Nicolas , Kriwet Jürgen , Schliewen Ulrich Kurt
Published: October 2010

Straube, N., Kriwet, J. & Schliewen, U. K. (2010). Cryptic diversity and species assignment of large lantern sharks of the Etmopterus spinax clade from the Southern Hemisphere (Squaliformes, Etmopteridae). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 61–75.

Many species of the speciose deep‐sea shark family Etmopteridae (lantern sharks) are a regular by‐catch component of deepwater trawl and longline commercial fisheries. As for many elasmobranchs, the low fecundity, late sexual maturation and extreme longevity of the lantern sharks increase their susceptibility to overfishing. However, the taxonomic uncertainty within etmopterids and the poorly known patterns of dispersal of these shark species hampers the establishment of reasonable monitoring efforts. Here, we present the first molecular approach to clarify the taxonomy and distribution of a morphologically uniform group of lantern sharks comprising Etmopterus granulosus and closely related congeners by using nucleotide sequence data from the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I gene and amplified fragment length polymorphisms. Samples were collected from several locations in the Southern Hemisphere, where the species occur. Our analyses reveal a high level of cryptic diversity. E. granulosus is not endemic to Chile, but instead has a widespread distribution in the Southern Hemisphere being synonymous to New Zealand Etmopterus baxteri. Conversely, specimens previously assigned to E. baxteri from off South Africa apparently represent a distinct species. Our results provide the basis for the re‐description of E. granulosus and E. baxteri which will help in the establishment of useful monitoring and management strategies.
Phylogeny and biogeography of tropical carnivorous land‐snails (Pulmonata: Streptaxoidea) with particular reference to East Africa and the Indian Ocean
Authors: Rowson Ben , Tattersfield Peter , Symondson William O. C.
Published: October 2010

Rowson, B., Tattersfield, P. & Symondson, W. O. C. (2010). Phylogeny and biogeography of tropical carnivorous land‐snails (Pulmonata: Streptaxoidea) with particular reference to East Africa and the Indian Ocean. —Zoologica Scripta,40, 85–98.

A phylogeny is presented for the speciose, near pan‐tropical, carnivorous achatinoid land‐snail superfamily Streptaxoidea inferred from DNA sequences (two nuclear and two mitochondrial regions) from 114 taxa from Africa, the Indian Ocean, Asia, South America and Europe. In all analyses, Streptaxidae are monophyletic, while the (two to six) previously recognised subfamilies are polyphyletic, as are several genus‐level taxa including the most speciose genusGulella, necessitating major taxonomic review. The Asian Diapheridae are sister to Streptaxidae, which forms several well‐supported clades originating in a persistent basal polytomy. Divergence dating estimates, historical biogeography, and the fossil context suggest a Cretaceous origin of these families, but suggest Gondwanan vicariance predated most radiation. The basal polytomy dates to the Paleogene and may correspond to a rapid radiation in Africa. There is evidence for multiple Cenozoic dispersals followed by radiation, including at least two from Africa to South America, at least two from Africa to Asia and at least two from Africa to Madagascar, indicating Cenozoic turnover in tropical snail faunas. The endemic Seychelles and Mascarene streptaxid faunas each are composites of early Cenozoic lineages and more recent dispersals from Africa, with no direct evidence for an Asian origin as currently proposed. Peak streptaxid diversity in East Africa is explained by Neogene speciation among a large number of coexisting ancient lineages, a phenomenon most pronounced in the Eastern Arc‐Coastal Forests centre of endemism. This includes Miocene diversification inGulella, a primarily East and South‐East African group which remains strikingly diverse even after unrelated ‘Gulella’species are reclassified.