bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population ecology of the nectar-feeding squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) in remnant forest in subtropical Australia
Authors: Sharpe David J. , Goldingay Ross L.
Published: April 2010

Context. Nectar is a temporally variable food resource. However, because few studies describe the population dynamics of nectar-feeding non-flying mammals, it is unclear how such populations are influenced by resource availability. Aims. We investigated the population ecology of the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) in remnant forest in Brisbane, Australia, where nectar was a dominant food item. Methods. We used 36 tree-mounted traps to census a squirrel glider population inhabiting a 47-ha urban remnant over a 4-year period. Key results. A total of 201 gliders was captured 705 times in 3729 trap-nights (19% trap success). Population density peaked in the first year at ~1.6 individuals ha–1, and declined down to ~0.5 individuals ha–1 by the final year. This change in population density appeared to be mediated by annual variation in flowering intensity. Births occurred from March to November, peaking between April and July. All females >1 year old bred in each year of the study, with a mean litter size of 1.7 (n = 122). The overall natality rate was 1.9, indicating that females occasionally bred twice per year. The sex ratio was at parity in the pouch and in the trappable population. Gliders first entered the trappable population at 4 months of age, and persisted for a mean of 32 months. The maximum longevity was at least 6 years. Conclusions. The demographic characteristics of this squirrel glider population within remnant forest surrounded by urban development were similar to those reported elsewhere. Variation in nectar availability appears to have a substantial influence on the dynamics of squirrel glider populations. Implications. The substantial variation in population size driven by food availability raises concerns regarding the viability of small populations of nectarivorous non-flying mammals inhabiting remnant habitat.
Monitoring indicates rapid and severe decline of native small mammals in Kakadu National Park, northern Australia
Authors: Woinarski J. C. Z. , Armstrong M. , Brennan K. , Fisher A. , Griffiths A. D. , Hill B. , Milne D. J. , Palmer C. , Ward S. , Watson M. , Winderlich S. , Young S.
Published: April 2010

Context. Australia has a lamentable history of mammal extinctions. Until recently, the mammal fauna of northern Australia was presumed to have been spared such loss, and to be relatively intact and stable. However, several recent studies have suggested that this mammal fauna may be undergoing some decline, so a targeted monitoring program was established in northern Australia’s largest and best-resourced conservation reserve.
Aims. The present study aims to detect change in the native small-mammal fauna of Kakadu National Park, in the monsoonal tropics of northern Australia, over the period of 1996–2009, through an extensive monitoring program, and to consider factors that may have contributed to any observed change.
Methods. The small-mammal fauna was sampled in a consistent manner across a set of plots established to represent the environmental variation and fire regimes of Kakadu. Fifteen plots were sampled three times, 121 plots sampled twice and 39 plots once. Resampling was typically at 5-yearly intervals. Analysis used regression (of abundance against date), and Wilcoxon matched-pairs tests to assess change. For resampled plots, change in abundance of mammals was related to fire frequency in the between-sampling period.
Key results. A total of 25 small mammal species was recorded. Plot-level species richness and total abundance decreased significantly, by 54% and 71%, respectively, over the course of the study. The abundance of 10 species declined significantly, whereas no species increased in abundance significantly. The number of ‘empty’ plots increased from 13% in 1996 to 55% in 2009. For 136 plots sampled in 2001–04 and again in 2007–09, species richness declined by 65% and the total number of individuals declined by 75%. Across plots, the extent of decline increased with increasing frequency of fire. The most marked declines were for northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus, fawn antechinus, Antechinus bellus, northern brown bandicoot, Isoodon macrourus, common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, and pale field-rat, Rattus tunneyi.
Conclusions. The native mammal fauna of Kakadu National Park is in rapid and severe decline. The cause(s) of this decline are not entirely clear, and may vary among species. The most plausible causes are too frequent fire, predation by feral cats and invasion by cane toads (affecting particularly one native mammal species).
Implications. The present study has demonstrated a major decline in a key conservation reserve, suggesting that the mammal fauna of northern Australia may now be undergoing a decline comparable to the losses previously occurring elsewhere in Australia. These results suggest that there is a major and urgent conservation imperative to more precisely identify, and more effectively manage, the threats to this mammal fauna.
Brain sensitivity to print emerges when children learn letter–speech sound correspondences
Authors: Brem Silvia , Bach Silvia , Kucian Karin , Kujala Janne V. , Guttorm Tomi K. , Martin Ernst , Lyytinen Heikki , Brandeis Daniel , Richardson Ulla
Published: April 2010

The acquisition of reading skills is a major landmark process in a human's cognitive development. On the neural level, a new functional network develops during this time, as children typically learn to associate the well-known sounds of their spoken language with unfamiliar characters in alphabetic languages and finally access the meaning of written words, allowing for later reading. A critical component of the mature reading network located in the left occipito-temporal cortex, termed the “visual word-form system” (VWFS), exhibits print-sensitive activation in readers. When and how the sensitivity of the VWFS to print comes about remains an open question. In this study, we demonstrate the initiation of occipito-temporal cortex sensitivity to print using functional MRI (fMRI) (
n
= 16) and event-related potentials (ERP) (
n
= 32) in a controlled, longitudinal training study. Print sensitivity of fast (<250 ms) processes in posterior occipito-temporal brain regions accompanied basic associative learning of letter–speech sound correspondences in young (mean age 6.4 ± 0.08 y) nonreading kindergarten children, as shown by concordant ERP and fMRI results. The occipito-temporal print sensitivity thus is established during the earliest phase of reading acquisition in childhood, suggesting that a crucial part of the later reading network first adopts a role in mapping print and sound.
Differential olivo-cerebellar cortical control of rebound activity in the cerebellar nuclei
Authors: Hoebeek Freek E. , Witter Laurens , Ruigrok Tom J. H. , De Zeeuw Chris I.
Published: April 2010

The output of the cerebellar cortex is controlled by two main inputs, (i.e., the climbing fiber and mossy fiber-parallel fiber pathway) and activations of these inputs elicit characteristic effects in its Purkinje cells: that is, the so-called complex spikes and simple spikes. Target neurons of the Purkinje cells in the cerebellar nuclei show rebound firing, which has been implicated in the processing and storage of motor coordination signals. Yet, it is not known to what extent these rebound phenomena depend on different modes of Purkinje cell activation. Using extracellular as well as patch-clamp recordings, we show here in both anesthetized and awake rodents that simple and complex spike-like train stimuli to the cerebellar cortex, as well as direct activation of the inferior olive, all result in rebound increases of the firing frequencies of cerebellar nuclei neurons for up to 250 ms, whereas single-pulse stimuli to the cerebellar cortex predominantly elicit well-timed spiking activity without changing the firing frequency of cerebellar nuclei neurons. We conclude that the rebound phenomenon offers a rich and powerful mechanism for cerebellar nuclei neurons, which should allow them to differentially process the climbing fiber and mossy fiber inputs in a physiologically operating cerebellum.
Conservation and divergence of methylation patterning in plants and animals
Authors: Feng Suhua , Cokus Shawn J. , Zhang Xiaoyu , Chen Pao-Yang , Bostick Magnolia , Goll Mary G. , Hetzel Jonathan , Jain Jayati , Strauss Steven H. , Halpern Marnie E. , Ukomadu Chinweike , Sadler Kirsten C. , Pradhan Sriharsa , Pellegrini Matteo , Jacobsen Steven E.
Published: April 2010

Cytosine DNA methylation is a heritable epigenetic mark present in many eukaryotic organisms. Although DNA methylation likely has a conserved role in gene silencing, the levels and patterns of DNA methylation appear to vary drastically among different organisms. Here we used shotgun genomic bisulfite sequencing (BS-Seq) to compare DNA methylation in eight diverse plant and animal genomes. We found that patterns of methylation are very similar in flowering plants with methylated cytosines detected in all sequence contexts, whereas CG methylation predominates in animals. Vertebrates have methylation throughout the genome except for CpG islands. Gene body methylation is conserved with clear preference for exons in most organisms. Furthermore, genes appear to be the major target of methylation in Ciona and honey bee. Among the eight organisms, the green alga Chlamydomonas has the most unusual pattern of methylation, having non-CG methylation enriched in exons of genes rather than in repeats and transposons. In addition, the Dnmt1 cofactor Uhrf1 has a conserved function in maintaining CG methylation in both transposons and gene bodies in the mouse, Arabidopsis, and zebrafish genomes.
Occurrence of Skin and Environmental Contamination with Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusbefore Results of Polymerase Chain Reaction at Hospital Admission Become Available
Authors: Chang Shelley , Sethi Ajay K. , Stiefel Usha , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: April 2010

Background.

Active surveillance to detect patients colonized with methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is increasingly practiced in healthcare settings. However, inpatients may already become sources of transmission before appropriate precautions are implemented.

Objective.

To examine the frequency of MRSA contamination of commonly touched skin and environmental surfaces before patient carriage status became known.

Methods.

We conducted a 6-week prospective study of patients who were identified by use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at hospital admission as having nasal MRSA colonization. Skin and environmental contamination was assessed within hours of completion of PCR screening.

Results.

There were 116 patients identified by PCR screening as having nasal MRSA colonization during the period from mid-April to May 2008, of whom 83 (72%) were enrolled in our study. Overall, MRSA was detected on the skin of 38 (51%) of 74 patients and in the environment of 37 (45%) of 83 patients Of 83 environmental culture samples, 63 (76%) were obtained within 7 hours after PSR results became available, and 73 (88%) were obtained before wards were notified of PCR Results. Of the 83 MRSA-colonized patients, 15 (18%) had contaminated their environment 25 hours after admission, and 29 (35%) had contaminated their environment 33 hours after admission. Thirty-two (39%) of the 83 patients had roommates, 13 (41%) of whom contaminated their environment. The median interval from admission to PCR result was 20 hours, and the median interval from PCR result to notification was 23 hours. An increased quantity of MRSA cultured from a nasal sample was significantly associated with contamination.

Conclusions.

Before any contact precautions can be implemented, newly identified MRSA carriers frequently have contaminated their environment with MRSA and have contamination of commonly examined skin sites. In hospitals that perform active surveillance, strategies are needed to minimize delays in screening or to preemptively identify patients at high risk for disseminating MRSA.
A hidden Markov support vector machine framework incorporating profile geometry learning for identifying microbial RNA in tiling array data
Authors: Yu Wen-Han , Høvik Hedda , Chen Tsute
Published: April 2010

Motivation: RNA expression signals detected by high-density genomic tiling microarrays contain comprehensive transcriptomic information of the target organism. Current methods for determining the RNA transcription units are still computation intense and lack the discriminative power. This article describes an efficient and accurate methodology to reveal complicated transcriptional architecture, including small regulatory RNAs, in microbial transcriptome profiles.

Results: Normalized microarray data were first subject to support vector regression to estimate the profile tendency by reducing noise interruption. A hybrid supervised machine learning algorithm, hidden Markov support vector machines, was then used to classify the underlying state of each probe to ‘expression’ or ‘silence’ with the assumption that the consecutive state sequence was a heterogeneous Markov chain. For model construction, we introduced a profile geometry learning method to construct the feature vectors, which considered both intensity profiles and changes of intensities over the probe spacing. Also, a robust strategy was used to dynamically evaluate and select the training set based only on prior computer gene annotation. The algorithm performed better than other methods in accuracy on simulated data, especially for small expressed regions with lower (<1) SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), hence more sensitive for detecting small RNAs.

Availability and implementation: Detail implementation steps of the algorithm and the complete result of the transcriptome analysis for a microbial genome Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 can be viewed at http://bioinformatics.forsyth.org/mtd

Contact:  tchen@forsyth.org
The prognostic importance of lung function in patients admitted with heart failure
Authors: Iversen Kasper Karmark , Kjaergaard Jesper , Akkan Dilek , Kober Lars , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Hassager Christian , Vestbo Jorgen , Kjoller Erik ,   ECHOS Lung Function Study Group
Published: April 2010

Aims

The purpose of the present study was to determine the prognostic importance for all‐cause mortality of lung function variables obtained by spirometry in an unselected group of patients admitted with heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

This was a prospective prognostic study performed as part of the EchoCardiography and Heart Outcome Study (ECHOS). This analysis included 532 patients admitted with a clinical diagnosis of HF. All patients underwent spirometry and echocardiography and the diagnosis of HF was made according to established criteria. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was 65% of the predicted value [95% confidence interval (CI) 63–67%], mean forced vital capacity (FVC) was 71% of predicted (95% CI 69–72%), and FEV1/FVC was 0.72 (95% CI 0.71–0.73). FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC were all significant prognostic factors for all‐cause mortality in univariate analyses. In a multivariate analysis, FEV1 had independent prognostic value (hazard ratio 0.86 per 10% change, P < 0.001) after adjusting for demographic variables, known risk factors, ejection fraction, and self‐reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusion

Pulmonary function provides significant prognostic information for all‐cause mortality in patients admitted with HF. Spirometry therefore seems to be worth considering for all patients admitted with HF in order to identify patients at high risk.
A Longitudinal Study to Identify Laboratory Predictors of Liver Disease Outcome in Alagille Syndrome
Authors: Kamath Binita M , Munoz Pedro S , Bab Natalie , Baker Alastair , Chen Zhongxue , Spinner Nancy B , Piccoli David A
Published: April 2010

Objectives:

Liver disease in Alagille syndrome (AGS) is highly variable, ranging from biochemical abnormalities only to end‐stage disease. It is not possible to predict whether a child with cholestasis will have improvement or progression of liver disease. This poses a challenge to the clinician in terms of timing therapies. The study aim was to identify laboratory markers present in children younger than 5 years that could predict the ultimate outcome of liver disease in AGS.

Methods:

A retrospective review of laboratory data from 33 subjects with AGS was performed. Patients older than 10 years of age were stratified into mild (22) and severe (11) hepatic outcome groups. Nonparametric analysis was performed on longitudinal data from birth to 5 years to determine association with hepatic outcome. JAGGED1 mutational analysis was performed on available samples.

Results:

The following variables were statistically different between severe and mild outcome groups: total bilirubin (TB, P = 0.0001), conjugated bilirubin (CB, P = 0.0066), and cholesterol (P = 0.0022). Further analysis revealed cutoff values that differentiated between severe and mild outcomes; TB 6.5 mg/dL (111 μmol/L), CB 4.5 mg/dL (77 μmol/L), and cholesterol 520 mg/dL (13.5 mmol/L). Genetic analysis of JAGGED1 mutations did not reveal genotype‐phenotype correlation.

Conclusions:

TB >6.5 mg/dL, CB >4.5 mg/dL, and cholesterol >520 mg/dL in children younger than 5 years of age are likely to be associated with severe liver disease in later life. These data represent cutoff values below which a child is likely to have a benign outcome and above which more aggressive therapy may be warranted, and can thus be used to guide management.
Administration of capsule-selective endosialidase E minimizes upregulation of organ gene expression induced by experimental systemic infection with Escherichia coli K1
Authors: Zelmer Andrea , Martin Melissa J. , Gundogdu Ozan , Birchenough George , Lever Rebecca , Wren Brendan W. , Luzio J. Paul , Taylor Peter W.
Published: April 2010

Many neurotropic strains ofEscherichia colicause potentially lethal bacteraemia and meningitis in newborn infants by virtue of their capacity to elaborate the protective polysialic acid (polySia) K1 capsule. Recombinant capsule depolymerase, endosialidase E (endoE), selectively removes polySia from the bacterial surface; when administered intraperitoneally to infected neonatal rats, the enzyme interrupts the transit ofE. coliK1 from gut to brain via the blood circulation and prevents death from systemic infection. We now show that experimentalE. coliK1 infection is accompanied by extensive modulation of host gene expression in the liver, spleen and brain tissues of neonatal rats. Bacterial invasion of the brain resulted in a threefold or greater upregulation of approximately 400 genes, a large number of which were associated with the induction of inflammation and the immune and stress responses: these included genes encoding C–X–C and C–C chemokines, lipocalins, cytokines, apolipoproteins and enzymes involved in the synthesis of low-molecular-mass inflammatory mediators. Administration of a single dose of endoE, 24 h after initiation of systemic infection, markedly reduced, but did not completely abrogate, these changes in gene expression, suggesting that attenuation ofE. coliK1 virulence by removal of the polySia capsule may minimize the attendant inflammatory processes that contribute to poor outcome in these severe systemic infections.
Genome-wide transcriptome analyses of the ‘Knallgas’ bacterium Ralstonia eutropha H16 with regard to polyhydroxyalkanoate metabolism
Authors: Peplinski Katja , Ehrenreich Armin , Döring Christina , Bömeke Mechthild , Reinecke Frank , Hutmacher Carmen , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: April 2010

Ralstonia eutrophaH16 is probably the best-studied ‘Knallgas’ bacterium and producer of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). Genome-wide transcriptome analyses were employed to detect genes that are differentially transcribed during PHB biosynthesis. For this purpose, four transcriptomes from different growth phases of the wild-type H16 and of the two PHB-negative mutants PHB−4 and ΔphaC1were compared: (i) cells from the exponential growth phase with cells that were in transition to stationary growth phase, and (ii) cells from the transition phase with cells from the stationary growth phase ofR. eutrophaH16, as well as (iii) cells from the transition phase ofR. eutrophaH16 with those from the transition phase ofR. eutrophaPHB−4 and (iv) cells from the transition phase ofR. eutrophaΔphaC1with those from the transition phase ofR. eutrophaPHB−4. Among a large number of genes exhibiting significant changes in transcription level, several genes within the functional class of lipid metabolism were detected. In strain H16,phaP3,accC2,fabZ,fabGand H16_A3307 exhibited a decreased transcription level in the stationary growth phase compared with the transition phase, whereasphaP1, H16_A3311,phaZ2andphaZ6were found to be induced in the stationary growth phase. Compared with PHB−4, we found thatphaA, phaB1,paaH1, H16_A3307,phaP3,accC2andfabGwere induced in the wild-type, andphaP1,phaP4,phaZ2andphaZ6exhibited an elevated transcription level in PHB−4. In strain ΔphaC1,phaAandphaB1were highly induced compared with PHB−4. Additionally, the results of this study suggest that mutant strain PHB−4 is defective in PHB biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism. A significant downregulation of the twocbboperons in mutant strain PHB−4 was observed. The putative polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthasephaC2identified in strain H16 was further investigated by several functional analyses. Mutant PHB−4 could be phenotypically complemented by expression ofphaC2from a plasmid; on the other hand, in the mutant H16ΔphaC1, no PHA production was observed. PhaC2 activity could not be detected in any experiment.
The respiratory chain is the cell's Achilles' heel during UVA inactivation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Bosshard Franziska , Bucheli Margarete , Meur Yves , Egli Thomas
Published: April 2010

Solar disinfection (SODIS) is used as an effective and inexpensive tool to improve the microbiological quality of drinking water in developing countries where no other means are available. Solar UVA light is the agent that inactivates bacteria during the treatment. Damage to bacterial membranes plays a crucial role in the inactivation process. This study showed that even slightly irradiated cells (after less than 1 h of simulated sunlight) were strongly affected in their ability to maintain essential parts of their energy metabolism, in particular of the respiratory chain (activities of NADH oxidase, succinate oxidase and lactate oxidase were measured). The cells' potential to generate ATP was also strongly inhibited. Many essential enzymes of carbon metabolism (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase) and defence against oxidative stress (catalases and glutathione-disulfide reductase) were reduced in their activity during SODIS. The work suggests that damage to membrane enzymes is a likely cause of membrane dysfunction (loss of membrane potential and increased membrane permeability) during UVA irradiation. In this study, the first targets on the way to cell death were found to be the respiratory chain and F1F0ATPase.
The mitochondrial genome of the pathogenic yeast Candida subhashii: GC-rich linear DNA with a protein covalently attached to the 5′ termini
Authors: Fricova Dominika , Valach Matus , Farkas Zoltan , Pfeiffer Ilona , Kucsera Judit , Tomaska Lubomir , Nosek Jozef
Published: April 2010

As a part of our initiative aimed at a large-scale comparative analysis of fungal mitochondrial genomes, we determined the complete DNA sequence of the mitochondrial genome of the yeast Candida subhashii and found that it exhibits a number of peculiar features. First, the mitochondrial genome is represented by linear dsDNA molecules of uniform length (29 795 bp), with an unusually high content of guanine and cytosine residues (52.7 %). Second, the coding sequences lack introns; thus, the genome has a relatively compact organization. Third, the termini of the linear molecules consist of long inverted repeats and seem to contain a protein covalently bound to terminal nucleotides at the 5′ ends. This architecture resembles the telomeres in a number of linear viral and plasmid DNA genomes classified as invertrons, in which the terminal proteins serve as specific primers for the initiation of DNA synthesis. Finally, although the mitochondrial genome of C. subhashii contains essentially the same set of genes as other closely related pathogenic Candida species, we identified additional ORFs encoding two homologues of the family B protein-priming DNA polymerases and an unknown protein. The terminal structures and the genes for DNA polymerases are reminiscent of linear mitochondrial plasmids, indicating that this genome architecture might have emerged from fortuitous recombination between an ancestral, presumably circular, mitochondrial genome and an invertron-like element.
The SEPALLATA-Like Gene OsMADS34 Is Required for Rice Inflorescence and Spikelet Development
Authors: Gao Xingchun , Liang Wanqi , Yin Changsong , Ji Shenmin , Wang Hongmei , Su Xiao , Guo Chunce , Kong Hongzhi , Xue Hongwei , Zhang Dabing
Published: April 2010

Grass plants develop distinct inflorescences and spikelets that determine grain yields. However, the mechanisms underlying the specification of inflorescences and spikelets in grasses remain largely unknown. Here, we report the biological role of one SEPALLATA (SEP)-like gene, OsMADS34, in controlling the development of inflorescences and spikelets in rice (Oryza sativa). OsMADS34 encodes a MADS box protein containing a short carboxyl terminus without transcriptional activation activity in yeast cells. We demonstrate the ubiquitous expression of OsMADS34 in roots, leaves, and primordia of inflorescence and spikelet organs. Compared with the wild type, osmads34 mutants developed altered inflorescence morphology, with an increased number of primary branches and a decreased number of secondary branches. In addition, osmads34 mutants displayed a decreased spikelet number and altered spikelet morphology, with lemma/leaf-like elongated sterile lemmas. Moreover, analysis of the double mutant osmads34  osmads1 suggests that OsMADS34 specifies the identities of floral organs, including the lemma/palea, lodicules, stamens, and carpel, in combination with another rice SEP-like gene, OsMADS1. Collectively, our study suggests that the origin and diversification of OsMADS34 and OsMADS1 contribute to the origin of distinct grass inflorescences and spikelets.
A global view of livestock biodiversity and conservation – GLOBALDIV
Authors: Ajmone‐Marsan P. ,   The GLOBALDIV Consortium
Published: April 2010

GLOBALDIV – A global view of livestock biodiversity and conservation – is a three‐ year project funded by the European Commission in the framework of the AGRI GEN RES initiative. It is formed by a core group of partners who participated in past EU or continental scale projects on Farm Animal Genetic Resources characterization and conservation. It also involves a much larger number of experts that are actively contributing to the success of the iniziative. The project aims at improving the conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture in EU and beyond, complementing and promoting work undertaken in the Member States at the Community level and facilitating co‐ordination of international undertakings on genetic resources in agriculture.
Climate change and the characterization, breeding and conservation of animal genetic resources
Authors: Hoffmann Irene
Published: April 2010

Livestock production both contributes to and is affected by climate change. In addition to the physiological effects of higher temperatures on individual animals, the consequences of climate change are likely to include increased risk that geographically restricted rare breed populations will be badly affected by disturbances. Indirect effects may be felt via ecosystem changes that alter the distribution of animal diseases or affect the supply of feed. Breeding goals may have to be adjusted to account for higher temperatures, lower quality diets and greater disease challenge. Species and breeds that are well adapted to such conditions may become more widely used. Climate change mitigation strategies, in combination with ever increasing demand for food, may also have an impact on breed and species utilization, driving a shift towards monogastrics and breeds that are efficient converters of feed into meat, milk and eggs. This may lead to the neglect of the adaptation potential of local breeds in developing countries. Given the potential for significant future changes in production conditions and in the objectives of livestock production, it is essential that the value provided by animal genetic diversity is secured. This requires better characterization of breeds, production environments and associated knowledge; the compilation of more complete breed inventories; improved mechanisms to monitor and respond to threats to genetic diversity; more effective in situ and ex situ conservation measures; genetic improvement programmes targeting adaptive traits in high‐output and performance traits in locally adapted breeds; increased support for developing countries in their management of animal genetic resources; and wider access to genetic resources and associated knowledge.
Objectives, criteria and methods for using molecular genetic data in priority setting for conservation of animal genetic resources
Authors: Boettcher P. J. , Tixier‐Boichard M. , Toro M.A. , Simianer H. , Eding H. , Gandini G. , Joost S. , Garcia D. , Colli L. , Ajmone‐Marsan P. ,   and the GLOBALDIV Consortium
Published: April 2010

The genetic diversity of the world’s livestock populations is decreasing, both within and across breeds. A wide variety of factors has contributed to the loss, replacement or genetic dilution of many local breeds. Genetic variability within the more common commercial breeds has been greatly decreased by selectively intense breeding programmes. Conservation of livestock genetic variability is thus important, especially when considering possible future changes in production environments. The world has more than 7500 livestock breeds and conservation of all of them is not feasible. Therefore, prioritization is needed. The objective of this article is to review the state of the art in approaches for prioritization of breeds for conservation, particularly those approaches that consider molecular genetic information, and to identify any shortcomings that may restrict their application. The Weitzman method was among the first and most well‐known approaches for utilization of molecular genetic information in conservation prioritization. This approach balances diversity and extinction probability to yield an objective measure of conservation potential. However, this approach was designed for decision making across species and measures diversity as distinctiveness. For livestock, prioritization will most commonly be performed among breeds within species, so alternatives that measure diversity as co‐ancestry (i.e. also within‐breed variability) have been proposed. Although these methods are technically sound, their application has generally been limited to research studies; most existing conservation programmes have effectively primarily based decisions on extinction risk. The development of user‐friendly software incorporating these approaches may increase their rate of utilization.
Celalettin Muhtar Ozden (1865–1947): his life, works and contributions to the study of dermatophytes
Authors: Sehiralti Mine , Dinc Gulten
Published: April 2010

Background  Most of the distinctive studies concerning dermatophyte infections were carried out at the end of the 19th century. One of the contributors of these studies was the Turkish dermatologist Dr. Celalettin Muhtar Ozden. The aim of this study was to introduce his life, works, and contributions to dermatology.

Methods  Dr. Ozden's original works and published memories about him were evaluated.

Results  After graduating from the Military Medical School he was sent to Paris to carry out his studies on skin and syphilitic diseases in 1889 by the School. During his practice in Dr. A. Fournier's dermatological clinic at St. Louis Hospital (1889–1892), he diagnosed cases of trichophytosis that affects hands and feet. He published his findings collectively, in which, he presented information regarding the distinctive diagnosis and treatment of the disease, through a series of 25 cases, 18 of which were observed by himself in 1892. After returning to his homeland, Dr. Ozden trained many medical students through the last years of the Ottoman Empire to the first years of the Republic of Turkey.

Conclusion  His publication dated 1892 is characterized by being the first detailed work on dermatophyte infections affecting hands and feet. Today, he is well known by dermatologists in Turkey and his name has been immortalized through the term, the ‘Celal Muhtar's disease.’ It is important that this famous Turkish physician should keep his rightful place in the medical history of the world as well.
Long‐term outcome of pediatric renal transplantation: a single center experience
Authors: Abe Toyofumi , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Kakuta Yoichi , Okumi Masayoshi , Imamura Ryoichi , Isaka Yoshitaka , Takahara Shiro , Kokado Yukito , Okuyama Akihiko
Published: April 2010

Abe T, Ichimaru N, Kakuta Y, Okumi M, Imamura R, Isaka Y, Takahara S, Kokado Y, Okuyama A. Long‐term outcome of pediatric renal transplantation: a single center experience. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 388–394. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Renal transplantation is the optimal treatment for pediatric end‐stage renal disease. We examined 51 children <20 yr old who underwent a total of 52 living‐donor renal transplantations at Osaka University Hospital between 1972 and 2004. The mean age at transplantation was 13.7 (3–19 yr). The mean duration of follow‐up was 16.5 yr. The five‐, 10‐, and 20‐yr patient survival rates following renal transplantation were 94%, 90%, and 87%, respectively. The five‐, 10‐, and 20‐yr graft survival rates were 76%, 65%, and 48%, respectively. A double‐drug regimen was used before 1987; this was replaced by a triple‐drug regimen including a calcineurin inhibitor in 1988. The five‐, 10‐, and 20‐yr graft survival rates after 1988 (89%, 80%, and 60%, respectively) were higher than those before 1987. Growth was examined among patients <15 yr old at the time of surgery, and height standard deviation (SD) scores (Z‐scores) were analyzed in 14 patients who displayed favorable renal function after transplantation. At the time of transplantation, mean SD score (SDS) was −2.39, and mean final adult SDS was −1.79. Rates of patient and graft survival after renal transplantation were mostly favorable. Future goals must include overcoming chronic rejection and establishing a steroid discontinuation protocol to improve growth.
Monitoring of minimal residual disease by quantitative WT1 gene expression following reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Candoni Anna , Toffoletti Eleonora , Gallina Roberto , Simeone Erica , Chiozzotto Marianna , Volpetti Stefano , Fanin Renato
Published: April 2010

Candoni A, Toffoletti E, Gallina R, Simeone E, Chiozzotto M, Volpetti S, Fanin R. Monitoring of minimal residual disease by quantitative WT1 gene expression following reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 308–316. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  WT1 is well‐known to be a panleukemic marker that is expressed in 90% of acute myeloid leukemias (AML). Quantification of WT gene expression in bone marrow (BM) samples may be useful as a marker of minimal residual disease (MRD) during and after treatment for early prediction of relapse. We evaluated the validity of this AML‐MRD marker after reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). The quantitative assessment of WT1 expression by real‐time quantitative PCR (RQ‐PCR) was measured in 25 patients (pts) with AML at diagnosis, at the time of RIC‐SCT and after transplant at precise time points. All pts showed high WT1 levels at diagnosis with a mean of 4895 (SD 4462) and a median of 3679 (range 454–16 853) copies WT1/104 ABL. At transplant, 18/25 pts (72%) were in complete cytologic remission (CcR) and 7/25 (28%) had refractory AML. At the pre‐SCT evaluation, BM samples from pts transplanted in CcR showed significantly lower WT1 expression levels compared to the samples from pts with refractory AML (p = 0.002). Median follow‐up after RIC‐SCT was 18 months (range 2–54). On 18 pts transplanted in CcR, those (17/18) who maintained CcR after RIC‐SCT displayed a WT1 copy number persistently low during all the follow‐up period. In patients who received RIC‐SCT with active disease obtaining a sustained CcR after transplant (3/25), WT1 levels decreased to normal range in the first two months after RIC‐SCT and remained low through the entire study period. All pts who relapsed after RIC‐SCT (4/25) had a high WT1 copy number before the cytologic relapse. In 50% of these cases, an increase in WT1 expression was documented before molecular chimerism decreasing. With this experience, taking into account the limited number of pts, we confirmed a concordance between WT1 expression levels (measured by RQ‐PCR at precise and sequential time points) and status of AML before and after RIC‐SCT and we found a concordance between WT1 expression levels and hematopoietic chimerism status. Our data suggest that, in the RIC‐SCT setting, the sequential and quantitative analysis of WT1 may be useful as a leukemia marker for monitoring MRD and as a predictor of overt AML cytologic relapse.
Expanded human cord blood‐derived endothelial progenitor cells salvage infarcted myocardium in rats with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hu Cheng‐Heng , Li Zhi‐Ming , Du Zhi‐Min , Zhang Ai‐Xia , Rana Jamal S , Liu Dong‐Hong , Yang Da‐Ya , Wu Gui‐Fu
Published: April 2010

1. Cell transplantation has promise as a therapeutic option for restoring impaired heart function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the optimal cell type to use remains controversial. We investigated the therapeutic efficacy and feasibility of intramyocardial transplantation of human umbilical cord blood‐derived endothelial progenitor cells (hUCB‐EPC) in rats with AMI.

2. The Wistar rats myocardial infarction model was established by ligating the left anterior descending artery. The labelled hUCB‐EPC were transplanted through intramyocardial injection. Left ventricular function was assessed using a pressure‐volume catheter and echocardiogram. Anti‐VIII immunohistochemistry staining was used to reflect the degree of angiogenesis in peri‐infarcted areas by calculating the average capillary density. The fibrosis degree of infarcted myocardium was analysed by Masson staining and the collagen volume fraction was calculated.

3. The labelled donor endothelial progenitor cells were detected in the new microvessels in host myocardium by double‐positive staining with CM‐Dil and FITC‐UEA‐l. An increase in left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, left ventricular end‐systolic pressure, first derivative of left ventricular pressure (+dP/dtmax and −dP/dtmax), as well as a decrease in the left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure in rats with cell therapy indicated a significant improvement in global heart function. The cell therapy group had increased microvessel formation and a decreased degree of myocardial fibrosis compared to the control group. Moreover, the degree of myocardial fibrosis was less than that of the control group.

4. The improved global heart function and decreased cardiac fibrosis in rats with AMI implies the potential benefit of hUCB‐EPC transplantation.
Role of endothelin in the effects of isoprenaline on potassium currents and calsequestrin 2 expression in the heart
Authors: Li Na , Jia Nan , Dai De‐Zai , Hu Chen , Dai Yin
Published: April 2010

1. Activation of β‐receptors may modulate potassium channels and calcium handling proteins and serve as a basis for arrhythmogenesis. We determined whether an endothelin (ET) receptor antagonist CPU0213 could relieve the isoprenaline‐(ISO) induced changes in IKr and IKs and calsequestrin 2 (CASQ2) in the heart.

2. In isolated ventricular myocytes, the IKr and IKs currents and expression for CASQ2, FKBP12.6, SERCA2a and ETAR were measured in the presence of ISO and either propranolol or CPU0213.

3. In the presence of ISO, IKr and IKs currents were significantly exaggerated and FKBP12.6, SERCA2a and CASQ2 were downregulated together with upregulation of ETAR in the myocardium. Interestingly, endothelin‐1 was also effective in downregulating the expression of CASQ2. These changes were partially relieved by either CPU0213 or propranolol.

4. IKr and IKs currents can be separated into exaggerated/induced and basic components in the presence of ISO. The former, induced by ISO, is pathological and sensitive to either CPU0213 or propranolol.

5. Exaggerated IKr and IKs and downregulated CASQ2 by ISO are relevant to stress‐related events in which the ET pathway is actively involved. By suppressing the ISO‐exaggerated IKr and IKs and normalizing the expression of CASQ2, endothelin receptor antagonism is likely promising in dealing with stress‐related cardiac arrhythmias.
Involvement of nonselective cation channels in the depolarisation initiating vasomotion
Authors: Wölfle Stephanie E , Navarro‐Gonzalez Manuel F , Grayson T Hilton , Stricker Christian , Hill Caryl E
Published: April 2010

1. Coordinated oscillations in diameter occur spontaneously in cerebral vessels and depend on the opening of voltage dependent calcium channels. However, the mechanism that induces the initial depolarisation has remained elusive. We investigated the involvement of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels, which encode nonselective cation channels passing Na+ and Ca2+ currents, by measuring changes in diameter, intracellular Ca2+ and membrane potential in branches of juvenile rat basilar arteries.

2. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ abolished vasomotion and relaxed arteries, but paradoxically produced depolarisation.

3. Decrease in temperature to 24°C or inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) abolished vasomotion, hyperpolarised and relaxed arteries and decreased intracellular Ca2+.

4. Reduction in the driving force for Na+ through decrease in extracellular Na+ produced similar effects and prevented the depolarisation elicited by removal of extracellular Ca2+.

5. Nonselective TRP channel blockers, SKF96365 and gadolinium, mimicked the effects of inhibition of the PLC pathway.

6. Depolarisation of vessels in which TRP channels were blocked with SKF96365 reinstated vascular tone and vasomotion.

7. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed TRPC1 as the predominantly expressed TRPC subtype.

8. Incubation with a function blocking TRPC1 antibody delayed the onset of vasomotion.

9. We conclude that nonselective cation channels contribute to vasoconstriction and vasomotion of cerebral vessels by providing an Na+‐induced depolarisation that activates voltage dependent calcium channels. Our antibody data suggest the involvement of TRPC1 channels that might provide a target for treatment of therapy‐refractory vasospasm.
Survey of management of neonatal haemolytic jaundice in Australasia
Authors: Malhotra Atul , Carse Elizabeth
Published: April 2010

Background:  Haemolytic jaundice is an important entity in neonatal clinical practice. Because of the decrease in rhesus isoimmunisation since the advent of anti‐D immunoglobulin and improved antenatal management strategies, its management in the neonatal period has become less intensive and exchange transfusions rarely performed.

Aim:  We planned to review the practice of Australasian perinatal units in light of recent advances and recommendations.

Methods:  An electronic survey was sent to the directors of all 25 tertiary‐level perinatal units across Australasia. The questionnaire comprised 20 questions dealing with the management of haemolytic jaundice.

Results:  Twenty out of the 25 neonatal units responded. Most were aware of the recent American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, but only eight (40%) based their practice on it. Fifty per cent of neonatal units had written protocols to manage such infants, but almost all had written guidelines for performing exchange transfusions. Seven (35%) units started prophylactic phototherapy; however, the criteria used for early exchange were variable, most related to cord haemoglobin or rate of rise of bilirubin. Few units used high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin in haemolytic jaundice. Average exchange rates (based on the last 2 years) were 3.5/year (0–10).

Conclusion:  Variable practice was noted across the Australasian units. Written protocols form the backbone of management of jaundice in such babies. The use of intravenous immunoglobulin is minimal, and the information available on its use needs to be critically appraised.
A 6‐year prospective surveillance of healthcare‐associated infections in a neonatal intensive care unit from southern part of Turkey
Authors: Yapicioglu Hacer , Satar Mehmet , Ozcan Kenan , Narli Nejat , Ozlu Ferda , Sertdemir Yasar , Tasova Yesim
Published: April 2010

Aim:  To report the incidence of healthcare‐associated infections (HAIs), site of infection and bacterial epidemiology in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a university hospital in Adana, Turkey, between 2001 and 2006.

Methods:  During these years, HAIs were collected by an active surveillance system.

Results:  Five hundred one of 2832 infants hospitalised more than 72 h had 1124 HAI. The HAI incidence and incidence density ranged between 14.1 and 29.7 infections/100 patients, and 10.9–17.3 infections/1000 patient days within the study period; 61.5% of HAIs were ventilator‐associated infections; 26.2% were bloodstream infections; 3.5% were urinary tract infections; 3.5% were necrotising enterocolitis (Stages II and III) and 1.4% was meningitis. The most frequent pathogens were gram‐negative pathogens (75.6% of all infections) followed by gram‐positive micro‐organisms (21.4%) and Candida species (3.0%). Birthweight, gestational age and Apgar scores were lower and overall mortality rate (32.9% vs. 19.7%) and number of inpatient days were higher in patients with HAIs (for all P < 0.001) when compared with those who did not have HAIs. Furthermore, HAI rate was inversely related to birthweight (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  In this study, the overall infection rate is high compared with developed countries and predominant micro‐organisms are gram‐negative enteric rods. These results strongly suggest the need for improving measures for prevention and control of HAIs in this hospital.