bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential polarization of immune responses by genetic cotransfer of chemokines changes the protective immunity of DNA vaccine against pseudorabies virus
Authors: Yoon Hyun A , Eo Seong Kug
Published: November 2006

Chemokines play a key role in eliciting adaptive immune responses by selectively attracting the innate cellular components to the site of antigen presentation. To evaluate the effect of the genetic adjuvant of chemokines on the adaptive immune responses induced by a plasmid DNA vaccine expressing glycorotein B (gB) of the pseudorabies virus (PrV), a PrV DNA vaccine was co‐inoculated with plasmid DNA expressing certain chemokines including CCL3 (MIP‐1α), CCL4 (MIP‐1β), CCL5 (RANTES), CXCL8 (MIP‐2), and CXCL10 (IP‐10). A co‐injection of the CCL3 plasmid DNA induced immunity that was biased to the T helper type 2 (Th2) pattern, as judged by the ratio of immunoglobulin G isotypes and the production of interleukin‐4 cytokine generated from stimulated immune T cells. However, CCL5 and CXCL10 induced immune responses of the Th1‐type, which rendered the recipients more resistant to a virulent virus infection. CXCL8 also showed enhanced humoral and cell‐mediated immunity (mixed‐type pattern) providing effective protection against a viral challenge. However, there was no change in the immune responses induced by the PrV DNA vaccine in CCL4 recipients. These results suggest that co‐injection of a chemokine, in the form of an adjuvant preparation, causes a rebalancing of the immunity, which subsequently affects the protective efficacy against a virulent virus infection.
Increased proteolysis of diphtheria toxin by human monocytes after heat shock: a subsidiary role for heat‐shock protein 70 in antigen processing
Authors: Polla Barbara S. , Gabert Françoise , Peyrusse Brigitte M.‐N. , Jacquier‐Sarlin Muriel R.
Published: November 2006

The expression of heat‐shock proteins (hsp) increases after exposure to various stresses including elevated temperatures, oxidative injury, infection and inflammation. As molecular chaperones, hsp have been shown to participate in antigen processing and presentation, in part through increasing the stability and expression of major histocompatibility complex molecules. Heat shock selectively increases human T‐cell responses to processed antigen, but does not affect T‐cell proliferation induced by non‐processed antigens. Here, we have analysed the mechanisms by which stress such as heat shock, and the ensuing hsp over‐expression affect the processing of diphtheria toxin (DT) in peripheral blood monocytes. We found that heat shock increased DT proteolysis in endosomes and lysosomes while the activities of the cathepsins B and D, classically involved in DT proteolysis, were decreased. These effects correlated with the heat‐shock‐mediated increase in hsp 70 expression observed in endosomes and lysosomes. Actinomycin D or blocking anti‐hsp 70 antibodies abolished the heat‐shock‐mediated increase in DT proteolysis. These data indicate that the increased expression of hsp 70 constitutes a subsidiary mechanism that facilitates antigen proteolysis in stressed cells. Confirming these data, presentation by formaldehyde‐fixed cells of DT proteolysates that were obtained with endosomes and lysosomes from heat‐shocked peripheral blood monocytes showed higher stimulation of T cells than those generated with endosomes and lysosomes from control peripheral blood monocytes.
What over‐the‐counter preparations are pregnant women taking? A literature review
Authors: McKenna Lisa , McIntyre Meredith
Published: November 2006

Aim.  This paper presents an overview of current literature relating to over‐the‐counter and herbal preparations use, with a focus on pregnancy.

Background.  Internationally, there has been a shift towards self‐medication through over‐the‐counter release of many prescription‐category drugs and wider acceptance and use of herbal preparations. The general community perception that these preparations are safe may lead to inappropriate use, especially during pregnancy.

Method.  A range of databases was searched to identify papers addressing ‘over‐the‐counter preparations/medications’, ‘non‐prescription medications’, ‘herbal preparations’ and ‘pregnancy’, including Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing, Allied Health Literature, Proquest and Sciencedirect. Midwifery, nursing and scientific papers published from 2000 onwards were included, along with a small number of scientific papers published from 1995 onwards, and some key textbooks to clarify the definitions.

Findings.  Pregnant women use a range of over‐the‐counter preparations, including analgesics, antihistamines, antacids and a variety of herbal preparations. However, in many cases, it is unclear whether their use is actually safe in the short‐ or long‐term for mother or baby, owing to an inadequate evidence‐base to support the use of these preparations during pregnancy.

Conclusion.  While there is extensive literature on the use of over‐the‐counter preparations generally, less is available about their use in pregnancy. Further research is needed to explore the prevalence of use and effects of these preparations in pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, and to support midwives and nurses in harm minimization through the promotion of informed risk‐avoidance behaviours.
The clinical nursing competences and their complexity in Belgian general hospitals
Authors: Defloor Tom , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie , Gobert Micheline , Darras Elisabeth , Grypdonck Mieke
Published: November 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study whose aim was to chart clinical nursing competences and their complexity in Belgian general hospitals.

Background.  Competence is an essential factor for assuring quality, safety and cost‐effective health care. As clinical competence cannot be evaluated separately from the clinical context in which decisions are made, competence is defined as functional adequacy and the capacity to integrate knowledge and skills with attitudes and values into the specific contexts of practice.

Method.  The study took place in 2003 and focused on basic care, specialized care and elder care. Head nurses of 176 departments processed 521 patient situations. Experts selected 50 situations per area. In a Delphi procedure 100 experts described the nursing competences required in each situation necessary to provide quality acceptable care. The experts determined the global complexity of each of these competences as well as the complexity of the cognitive, psychomotor and affective aspects.

Findings.  The global complexity of the various care areas was similar. Cognitive and affective aspects of competences scored higher than psychomotor aspects. Simple and average situations did not show any significant difference with regard to complexity and were less complex than difficult situations, which obtained the highest complexity score. The complexity of emergency situations did not differ from that of difficult situations.

Conclusion.  Emergency and difficult situations require more competences than offered by basic nursing education. The continuous presence of care providers with additional education is necessary for each care area to respond adequately to emergency and difficult situations. Nurses with additional academic qualifications need to be available for consultation. There are only a few possibilities of employing lower qualified staff in direct care, with the exception of support with regard to administrative tasks. Cognitive and affective aspects of the competences require particular attention during the education programme.
Exploring painful experiences: impact of emotional narratives on members of a qualitative research team
Authors: Lalor Joan G. , Begley Cecily M. , Devane Declan
Published: November 2006

Aim. This paper reports a study of the impact of emotional narratives on the well‐being of members of a qualitative research team during the conduct of sensitive research.

Background. Qualitative data are frequently collected from participants using repeated in‐depth interviews when exploring sensitive issues such as loss and grief. The research process can evoke highly emotional responses in the participant and others involved in the study. While consideration has been given to the impact of the research process on participants when a highly affective component is involved, relatively little attention has been given to research team members’ experiences.

Method. Through analysis of fieldwork records from a grounded theory study of the experiences of women who were carrying a baby with a foetal abnormality, we discuss the affective issues arising in conducting sensitive research. Data sources included two reflexive journals, written comments from two transcribers and the transcript of an interview with the research supervisor.

Findings. The core category of ‘Connecting with the data’ emerged, to which each substantive category relates. Three substantive categories –‘bearing to watch,’‘bearing to listen’ and ‘bearing to support’– emerged as independent but inter‐related aspects of the research process as experienced by the researcher, transcribers and supervisor. Methods of protecting the research team and the integrity of the study when the substantive issue is highly emotive are discussed.

Conclusion. The emotional impact of research on participants is normally considered prior to the conduct of any sensitive research, and efforts are made to protect them. The potential for researchers, transcribers and supervisors to be harmed should also be carefully considered when planning a project with significant affective elements.
Effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions for fatigue in adults with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review
Authors: Neill Jane , Belan Ingrid , Ried Karin
Published: November 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a systematic review of non‐pharmacological interventions for fatigue in adults with three common autoimmune conditions.

Background.  A considerable proportion of people with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus experience compromised quality of life due to fatigue. Recent reviews of pharmacotherapies for fatigue in these conditions remain inconclusive, and systematic evidence for effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions was unavailable. Our paper addresses this gap.

Methods.  The literature search used the key words fatigue, energy, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus. It included 19 electronic databases and libraries, three evidence‐based journals, two internet search engines, was dated 1987–2006, and limited to English. Non‐pharmacological experimental studies about fatigue comprising more than five adults were included. Meta‐analysis was not possible due to diverse interventions and outcome measures, therefore studies were analysed by types of interventions used to reduce fatigue.

Results.  Of 653 hits, 162 papers were reviewed, and 36 met the inclusion criteria. Thirty‐three primary studies reported 14 randomized controlled trials and 19 quasi‐experimental designs. Most interventions were tested with people with multiple sclerosis. Exercise, behavioural, nutritional and physiological interventions were associated with statistically significant reductions in fatigue. Aerobic exercise was effective, appropriate and feasible for reducing fatigue among adults with chronic autoimmune conditions. Electromagnetic field devices showed promise. The diversity of interventions, designs, and using 24 different instruments to measure fatigue, limited comparisons.

Conclusion.  Low impact aerobic exercise gradually increasing in intensity, duration and frequency may be an effective strategy in reducing fatigue in some adults with chronic auto‐immune conditions. However, fatigue is a variable and personal experience and a range of behavioural interventions may be required. Well‐designed studies testing these promising strategies and consensus on outcome fatigue measures are needed.
Somali and Oromo refugee women: trauma and associated factors
Authors: Robertson Cheryl Lee , Halcon Linda , Savik Kay , Johnson David , Spring Marline , Butcher James , Westermeyer Joseph , Jaranson James
Published: November 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study identifying the demographic characteristics, self‐reported trauma and torture prevalence, and association of trauma experience and health and social problems among Somali and Oromo women refugees.

Background.  Nearly all refugees have experienced losses, and many have suffered multiple traumatic experiences, including torture. Their vulnerability to isolation is exacerbated by poverty, grief, and lack of education, literacy, and skills in the language of the receiving country.

Method.  Using data from a cross‐sectional population‐based survey, conducted from July 1999 to September 2001, with 1134 Somali and Oromo refugees living in the United States of America, a sub‐sample of female participants with clearly identified parenting status (n = 458) were analysed. Measures included demographics, history of trauma and torture, scales for physical, psychological, and social problems, and a post‐traumatic stress symptom checklist.

Findings.  Results indicated high overall trauma and torture exposure, and associated physical, social and psychological problems. Women with large families reported statistically significantly higher counts of reported trauma (mean 30, P < 0·001) and torture (mean 3, P < 0·001), and more associated problems (P < 0·001) than the other two groups. Women who reported higher levels of trauma and torture were also older (P < 0·001), had more family responsibilities, had less formal education (P < 0·001) and were less likely to speak English (P < 0·001).

Conclusion.  These findings suggest a need for nurses, and especially public health nurses who work with refugee and immigrant populations in the community, to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the range of refugee women's experiences and the continuum of needs post‐migration, particularly among older women with large family responsibilities. Nurses, with their holistic framework, are ideally suited to partner with refugee women to expand their health agenda beyond the biomedical model to promote healing and reconnection with families and communities.
Phylogenetic biogeography of the leafy liverwort Herbertus (Jungermanniales, Herbertaceae) based on nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequence data: correlation between genetic variation and geographical distribution
Authors: Feldberg Kathrin , Hentschel Jörn , Wilson Rosemary , Rycroft David S. , Glenny David , Heinrichs Jochen
Published: November 2006

Aim  The cosmopolitan genus Herbertus is notorious for having a difficult taxonomy and for the fact that there is limited knowledge of species ranges and relationships. Topologies generated from variable molecular markers are used to discuss biogeographical patterns in Herbertus and to compare them with the geological history of continents and outcomes reported for other land plants.

Location  Africa, Asia, Azores, Europe, southern South America, northern South America, North America, New Zealand.

Methods  Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer and chloroplast (cp) trnL–trnF sequences of 66 accessions of Herbertus and the outgroup species Triandrophyllum subtrifidum and Mastigophora diclados were used to investigate biogeographical patterns in Herbertus. Areas of putative endemism were defined based on the distribution of species included in the analyses. Maximum parsimony analyses were undertaken to reconstruct ancestral areas and intraspecies migration routes.

Results  The analyses reveal species‐level cladograms with a correlation between genetic variation and the geographical distribution of the related accessions. The southern South American Herbertus runcinatus is sister to the remainder of the genus, which is split into two main clades. One contains the Neotropical–African Herbertus juniperoideus and the New Zealand/Tasmanian Herbertus oldfieldianus. An African accession of H. juniperoideus is nested within Neotropical accessions. The second main clade includes species that inhabit Asia, the Holarctic, Africa, and northern South America. Maximum parsimony analyses indicate that this clade arose in Asia. Herbertus sendtneri originated in Asia and subsequently colonized the Holarctic and northern South America. An Asian origin and colonization into Africa is indicated for H. dicranus.

Main conclusions  The current distribution of Herbertus cannot be explained by Gondwanan vicariance. A more feasible explanation of the range is a combination of short‐distance dispersal, rare long‐distance dispersal events (especially into regions that faced floral displacements as a result of climatic changes) extinction, recolonization, and diversification. The African Herbertus flora is a mixture of Asian and Neotropical elements. Southern South America harbours an isolated species. The molecular data indicate partial decoupling of molecular and morphological variation in Herbertus. Biogeographical patterns in Herbertus are not dissimilar to those of other groups of bryophytes, but elucidation of the geographical ranges requires a molecular approach. Some patterns could be the result of maintenance of Herbertus in the inner Tropics during glacial maxima, and dispersal into temperate regions in warm phases.
Fish species diversity among spatial scales of altered temperate rivers
Authors: Pegg Mark A. , Taylor Ronald M.
Published: November 2006

Aim  The alteration of flowing systems over the past century has led to significant changes to the processes that drive these complex environments as well as to the scales at which these processes act. Recently, efforts have begun in earnest to restore some semblance of ecosystem diversity, but there is little understanding of exactly on what spatial scale or scales biotic diversity is responding. We investigated the manner in which fish diversity is partitioned at multiple spatial scales in two rivers in the central United States.

Location  The Missouri and Illinois rivers of the central United States.

Methods  We analysed how fish diversity was partitioned within the Illinois River and Missouri River systems by sampling each river under hierarchical frameworks that allowed analysis at section (large), reach (intermediate), and site (small) scales. We tested the hypothesis that there are scale‐dependent responses of fish diversity using an additive partitioning approach.

Results  Site alpha diversity was significantly higher than expected in both the Illinois and Missouri rivers. The relative contribution of alpha diversity to total diversity at a given spatial scale increased for the Illinois River, but not for the Missouri River, in that the highest alpha diversity contribution peaked at the reach scale. Diversity patterns from both rivers suggest that diversity at the site scale plays a significant role in determining the overall diversity in these systems. However, there is a substantial contribution at larger scales that warrants consideration when attempts are being made to protect or restore diversity and other ecosystem parameters.

Main conclusions  Understanding the variation of diversity in riverine systems is crucial for providing insight not only into how biotic communities respond to scale‐dependent factors, but also into the underlying abiotic and biotic factors that generate patterns of diversity across scales. These insights, in turn, are important for ensuring that restoration and management activities are targeting the appropriate scales for remediation. A lack of understanding of this issue could have negative outcomes for the recovery of a community in a restoration scenario, as well as resulting in a low economic return on restoration investments, which could hinder future efforts.
Meta‐analysis of the effects of respiratory rehabilitation programmes on exercise capacity in accordance with programme characteristics
Authors: Oh HyunSoo , Seo WhaSook
Published: November 2006

Aims and objectives.  This study was performed to investigate the effects of respiratory rehabilitation programmes on exercise capacity in terms of the programme type, the protocol used and other programme characteristics.

Background.  As the suitable rehabilitation programmes have not been specified, diverse programmes are provided in clinics.

Design.  Meta‐analysis of the primary study results

Methods.  A computerized search through MEDLINE and CINHAL in addition to tracking down references cited in bibliographies of primarily searched studies were performed to obtain sample studies. Finally 19 research reports were examined.

Results.  The results of meta‐regression showed that the combined effect size of the programmes on exercise capacity was unaffected by forced expiratory volume (in one second), age, the duration and frequency of the programme, or study quality. In addition, the results of meta‐anova indicated that the combined effect size was not affected by (i) whether a programme was hospital based or not, (ii) whether a programme was lower‐extremity or combined low‐ and upper‐extremity exercise training, (iii) measurement time, and (iv) exercise intensity.

Conclusions.  The effects of programmes on exercise capacity were not differed in terms of the places where rehabilitation programmes were applied, programme content, measurement time, exercise target sites of body, and the duration and frequency of the programme.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results of the present study can provide objective data when constructed or applied on a respiratory rehabilitation programme in clinics.
Co‐ordination of the discharge planning process in critical care
Authors: Watts Rosemary , Pierson Jane , Gardner Heather
Published: November 2006

Aim and objectives.  This article reports on the current discharge planning beliefs in relation to the co‐ordination of the discharge planning process in the critical care environment in the health care system in the state of Victoria, Australia. As there is a paucity of previous studies examining discharge planning in critical care nursing knowledge about the phenomena is consequently limited.

Background.  The study reported here is part of a larger study exploring critical care nurses’ perceptions and understanding of the discharge planning process in the health care system in the state of Victoria, Australia. While a number of different discharge planning models are reported in the literature there is no agreement on the most effective or the most efficient model.

Design.  An exploratory descriptive research design was used for this study.

Methods.  A total of 502 Victorian critical care nurses were approached to take part in the study. A total of 218 participants completed the survey, which represented a nett response rate of 43·4%. The data from the questionnaire were entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Base 10.0. This allowed calculation of descriptive statistics and statistical analysis using chi‐square test for goodness‐of‐fit.

Results.  While just over half the participants reported that the discharge planning process in their unit was co‐ordinated by a combination of personnel that included a nurse, just under half the participants believed that this was an appropriate model. Another key finding was of those participants who worked in critical care units using primary nursing, just over half responded that the bedside nurse/primary nurse co‐ordinated the discharge planning process while just under half responded that a combination of health care team members, including a nurse, co‐ordinated the process. Overall there was little support for the designated discharge planning nurse to co‐ordinate the process.

Conclusions.  The findings presented here suggest critical care nurses need to examine who has the ultimate responsibility of co‐ordinating the critical care patient's discharge plan irrespective of the nursing model employed within the critical care ward. There is the need to ensure that when discharge planning becomes everybody's responsibility it ultimately does not become no‐one's responsibility.

Relevance to clinical practice.  If discharge planning practices are to be changed with the introduction of new discharge planning models in the critical care environment then it is important not only to know current practice but also the perceptions of critical care nurses in terms of who they believe should co‐ordinate the discharge planning process.
Adherence to drug treatment in association with how the patient perceives care and information on drugs
Authors: Ulfvarson Johanna , Bardage Carola , Wredling Regina A‐M , Von Bahr Christer , Adami Johanna
Published: November 2006

Aim.  This study was to explore concordance with drugs prescribed and the patient's self‐reported drug consumption, in relation to the older patient's perceived care and information given.

Background.  Lack of adherence to prescriptions may lead to therapeutic failure with risks for relapse, unnecessary suffering and increased costs.

Design.  A cross‐sectional study with structured interviews of 200 patients who had recently been treated in a medical ward.

Methods.  Patients’ medical records were studied to obtain information on their current use of drugs. The data were analyzed by logistic regression, adherence being the dependent response variable.

Results.  The mean age of the study group was 79 years. The number of drugs reported in the medical chart ranged from one to 17 with a mean of 6·9. The patients reported a drug consumption ranging from 0 to 24 with a mean of 7·3. When comparing the interview results with the information in the medical charts, 30% of the patients showed adherence. An association was found between adherence and self‐reported health status. Patients in the non‐adherent group reported a higher consumption of drugs. Patients felt that the opportunity to ask questions of either the responsible physicians or of the nurses was influential in decreasing risk.

Conclusion.  In this study, the patient's total drug consumption was considered. The study showed a large discrepancy between the drugs stated in the medical chart and patient's self‐reported drug consumption. The study failed to show that perceived information or educational level had an impact on the results but implicate that the quality of information influences adherence.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is of importance to recognize patients at risk for non‐adherence. Decreased health status and many drugs are the main risk factors for patients being non‐adherent, and should be recognized as such.
A review of the use of insulin protocols to maintain normoglycaemia in high dependency patients
Authors: Jane Whitehorn L
Published: November 2006

Aim.  This paper critically examines the evidence base for and issues involved in the introduction of an insulin protocol to maintain normoglycaemia in patients within a medical/surgical high dependency ward.

Background.  A growing body of evidence has linked hyperglycaemia to worsened clinical outcomes. This has led to intravenous insulin protocols becoming a new standard of care in intensive care units. However, the use and benefits of insulin protocols within high dependency units have not yet been addressed in the literature.

Methods.  The literature was examined for the 10‐year period up to January 2005. The databases searched were MEDLINE, OVID, CINHAL, the British Nursing Index, the EBSCO collection, the COCHRANE library, the Department of Health, and guidelines within the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and National Institute for Clinical Excellence using the key words insulin, protocol, hyperglycaemia, critical care, intensive care and high dependency.

Results.  The literature reports that both medical and surgical intensive care patients treated with intravenous insulin protocols to maintain normoglycaemia experienced significantly reduced mortality and morbidity. Resulting hypoglycaemic episodes were limited with no incidence of patient deterioration. A review of published intravenous insulin protocols used in intensive care settings revealed their safe and effective use in nurse to patient ratios similar to those present in high dependency units.

Conclusions.  In the light of this evidence, it would seem safe and ethically correct to enable high dependency patients to benefit from this cheap intervention. An insulin protocol tailored for the glycaemic control of high dependency patients has been suggested, although it may have to be commenced in conjunction with other fluid and nutrition protocols to safeguard the risk of hypoglycaemic events. Further research into the safety and benefit of insulin protocols in high dependency populations is required.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The stress of critical illness often leads to hyperglycaemia, which is linked to worsened clinical outcomes. Both medical and surgical intensive care patients treated with intravenous insulin protocols to maintain normoglycaemia experienced significantly reduced mortality and morbidity. This paper identifies that, to date, no research into the benefits of glycaemic control in high dependency populations has been published. The case for the introduction of insulin protocols into high dependency units is therefore examined and an insulin protocol suggested.
Review of advanced nursing practice: the international literature and developing the generic features
Authors: Mantzoukas Stefanos , Watkinson Sue
Published: November 2006

Aim. The aim of this article is to review the nursing literature on the notion of advanced nursing practice (ANP) and consequently provide clarifications on the concept of advanced nurse practitioner by developing its’ generic features.

Background. This paper commences by critically reviewing the concept of advanced nursing practice as it is portrayed within the literature. From this review, a series of contradictions emerged in terms of definitions and roles. On further analysis of the literature the core aims and goals of the ANP are revealed.

Methods. An informative and narrative systematic literature review was undertaken, using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mass of retrieved material was carefully screened and methods of data saturation were used. Consequently, the material was read, re‐read and indexed as to develop seven thematic units that formed the generic features of the ANP.

Findings. The generic features that emerged are: (i) the use of knowledge in practice, (ii) critical thinking and analytical skills, (iii) clinical judgement and decision‐making skills, (iv) professional leadership and clinical inquiry, (v) coaching and mentoring skills, (vi) research skills and (vii) changing practice.

Conclusion. Reviewing the literature on the concept of ANP, a great variety of definitions, conceptualizations and roles emerged. Nonetheless, on a closer reading, a common goal was identified, which was the attainment of practice and professional autonomy via ANP roles for enhanced practice provision. Eventually, from the reviewed literature, seven generic features of the ANP were developed, thus providing clarification to the role and the characteristics of the ANP.

Relevance to clinical practice. Clarifying the confusion surrounding advanced nursing practice and gaining an in‐depth understanding of its’ generic features would facilitate practitioners, practice educators and clinical managers to develop those skills that would allow them or their staff or students to practise at an advanced level.
Study on the function of circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the immunoactive phase of patients with chronic genotype B and C HBV infection
Authors: Wang K. , Fan X. , Fan Y. , Wang B. , Han L. , Hou Y.
Published: November 2006

Summary.  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection induces a wide range of chronic liver injury. The mechanism by which HBV evades the immune surveillance system remains obscure. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) seem to be the major endogenous interferon (IFN)‐α producers and represent one of the most important cell types in the regulation of antiviral innate immunity; however, the phenotype and function of pDCs in patients infected by HBV with different genotypes are yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the numbers and function of peripheral blood pDCs in the immune clearing phase of chronic HBV infection with genotypes B and C. Fifty‐six patients with persistent HBV infection were included in this study, with 19 age‐matched healthy subjects being used as a control group. The frequencies of pDCs were analysed by flow cytometry, and the IFN‐α produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after stimulation with cytidine phosphate guanosine (CpG) oligonucleotides for 24 h was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The genotypes of HBV were detected by polymerase chain reaction and hybridization. The results showed that the frequency and IFN‐α‐producing capacity of peripheral blood pDCs were dramatically reduced and relatively inversely correlated with the level of serum alanine aminotransferase in both groups of patients with chronic genotype B and C HBV infection. A lower reduction of IFN‐α production by CpG‐stimulated PBMCs was found in patients with genotype C than in those with genotype B in the phase of immune clearance. In conclusion, the frequency and IFN‐α‐producing capacity of peripheral blood pDCs were dramatically reduced in the immunoactive phase of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Furthermore, the lower reduction in IFN‐α production in patients with genotype C than in those with genotype B may correlate with the outcome of antiviral treatment in CHB patients and the progression of liver inflammation.
Response rates to pegylated interferon and ribavirin in HCV/HIV coinfection: a research synthesis
Authors: Shire N. J. , Welge J. A. , Sherman K. E.
Published: November 2006

Summary.  Several recent trials have determined varying rates of response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (peg‐IFN + RIB) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)/human immunodeficiency virus‐coinfected patients. We sought to identify a pooled response rate and sources of interstudy variability. A literature search was conducted to identify randomized or prospective studies evaluating response rates to peg‐IFN + RIB in coinfected patients. A Bayesian hierarchical model was used to estimate overall response rate. Between‐study variance was calculated and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Meta‐regression was employed to identify sources of between‐study variability. The literature search yielded seven studies of 146, which matched keywords and inclusion criteria. The combined patient total was 784. Individual intention‐to‐treat response rates ranged from 27.3% to 44.2%. The pooled Bayesian estimate of percent response was 33.3%. Significant interstudy heterogeneity was detected. Meta‐regression yielded no significant effects of covariates on response rate. Subanalyses by CD4+, HCV viral load and genotype yielded sustained virological response (SVR) odds ratios of 0.73 for low CD4+, 0.41 for high viral load and 0.30 for genotype 1/4. The pooled response rate is not attributable to any one study. Response is poor compared with HCV‐monoinfected patients. Interstudy variability is not satisfactorily explained by factors influencing individual response, but may be due to differences between studies unavailable for inclusion in this analysis. However, both genotype 1/4 and high HCV viral load at baseline were significantly associated with a reduction in odds of SVR in pooled subanalysis. Improved treatments are needed in coinfected patients, especially with genotype 1/4 and high viral load.
Hybridization among cryptic species of the cellar fungus Coniophora puteana (Basidiomycota)
Authors: KAUSERUD HÅVARD , SVEGÅRDEN INGEBORG BJORVAND , DECOCK CONY , HALLENBERG NILS
Published: November 2006

In this study we have analysed the genetic variation and phylogeography in a global sample of the cellar fungus Coniophora puteana, which is an important destroyer of wooden materials indoor. Multilocus genealogies of three DNA regions (beta tubulin, nrDNA ITS and translation elongation factor 1α) revealed the occurrence of three cryptic species (PS1–3) in the morphotaxon C. puteana. One of the lineages (PS3) is apparently restricted to North America while the other two (PS1–2) have wider distributions on multiple continents. Interspecific hybridization has happened between two of the lineages (PS1 and PS3) in North America. In three dikaryotic isolates, two highly divergent beta tubulin alleles coexisted, one derived from PS1 and one from PS3. Furthermore, one isolate included a recombinant ITS sequence, where ITS1 resembled the ITS1 version of PS3 while ITS2 was identical to a frequent PS1 ITS2 version. This pattern must be due to hybridization succeeded by intralocus recombination in ITS. The results further indicated that introgression has happened between subgroups appearing in PS1. We hypothesize that the observed reticulate evolution is due to previous allopatric separation followed by more recent reoccurrence in sympatry, where barriers to gene flow have not yet evolved. A complex phylogeographical structure is observed in the morphotaxon C. puteana caused by (i) cryptic speciation; (ii) the interplay between natural migration and distribution patterns and probably more recent human mediated dispersal events; and (iii) hybridization and introgression.
Linked vs. unlinked markers: multilocus microsatellite haplotype‐sharing as a tool to estimate gene flow and introgression
Authors: KOOPMAN WIM J. M. , LI YINGHUI , COART ELS , VAN DE WEG W. ERIC , VOSMAN BEN , ROLDÁN‐RUIZ ISABEL , SMULDERS MARINUS J. M.
Published: November 2006

We have explored the use of multilocus microsatellite haplotypes to study introgression from cultivated (Malus domestica) into wild apple (Malus sylvestris), and to study gene flow among remnant populations of M. sylvestris. A haplotype consisted of alleles at microsatellite loci along one chromosome. As destruction of haplotypes through recombination occurs much faster than loss of alleles due to genetic drift, the lifespan of a multilocus haplotype is much shorter than that of the underlying alleles. When different populations share the same haplotype, this may indicate recent gene flow between populations. Similarly, haplotypes shared between two species would be a strong signal for introgression. As the expected lifespan of a haplotype depends on the strength of the linkage, the length [in centiMorgans (cM)] of the haplotype shared contains information on the number of generations passed. This application of shared haplotypes is distinct from using haplotype‐sharing to detect association between markers and a certain trait. We inferred haplotypes for four to eight microsatellite loci on Linkage Group 10 of apple from genotype data using the program phase, and then identified those haplotypes shared between populations and species. Compared with a Bayesian analysis of unlinked microsatellite loci using the program structure, haplotype‐sharing detected a partially different set of putative hybrids. Cultivated haplotypes present in M. sylvestris were short (< 1.5 cM), indicating that introgression had taken place many generations ago, except for two Belgian plants that contained a haplotype of 47.1 cM, indicating recent introgression. In the estimation of gene flow, FST based on unlinked loci indicated small (0.032–0.058) but statistically significant differentiation between some populations only. However, various M. sylvestris haplotypes were shared in nearly all pairwise comparisons of populations, and their length indicated recent gene flow. Hence, all Dutch populations should be considered as one conservation unit. The added value of using sharing of multilocus microsatellite haplotypes as a source of population genetic information is discussed.
Quaternary diversification in a sexual Holarctic zooplankter, Daphnia galeata
Authors: ISHIDA SEIJI , TAYLOR DEREK J.
Published: November 2006

The effects of Quaternary glacial range partitioning on the diversification of Holarctic biota remain unclear. Glacial refugial lineages may form vicariant species, hybrid products, or merge after secondary contact. Here, we assess the effects of Quaternary glaciation on a Holarctic sexual zooplankter, Daphnia galeata, with apparently marked dispersal capacity and a widespread hybrid lineage in the New World. We collected samples of this species from 148 Holarctic lakes, analysed the nuclear and mitochondrial gene sequences, and tested predictions for hypotheses that account for the origin and spread of the New World D. galeata. We detected five nuclear phylogroups and four mitochondrial phylogroups, most of which were restricted to either the New World or the Old World. The oldest mitochondrial phylogroup was restricted to Japan. One major mitochondrial clade was distributed throughout the Holarctic, but only four haplotypes were shared among continents, and analysis of molecular variance indicated significant structure at the continental level. Haplotype sharing among continents could largely be attributed to anthropogenic introductions. Mismatch distributions, haplotype networks, phylogenetic trees, longitudinal haplotype diversity erosion and coalescence analyses are consistent with colonization from an Old World and a New World refugium. Our nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence evidence supports the hypothesis that the New World D. galeata underwent introgression with Daphnia dentifera, with dispersal being enhanced by glaciation. We conclude that Quaternary glaciation had a pronounced effect on the diversification of a Holarctic sexual zooplankter.
The rise and fall of the mountain hare (Lepus timidus) during Pleistocene glaciations: expansion and retreat with hybridization in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: MELO‐FERREIRA J. , BOURSOT P. , RANDI E. , KRYUKOV A. , SUCHENTRUNK F. , FERRAND N. , ALVES P. C.
Published: November 2006

The climatic fluctuations during glaciations have affected differently arctic and temperate species. In the northern hemisphere, cooling periods induced the expansion of many arctic species to the south, while temperate species were forced to retract in southern refugia. Consequently, in some areas the alternation of these species set the conditions for competition and eventually hybridization. Hares in the Iberian Peninsula appear to illustrate this phenomenon. Populations of Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis), brown hare (Lepus europaeus) and broom hare (Lepus castroviejoi) in Northern Iberia harbour mitochondrial haplotypes from the mountain hare (Lepus timidus), a mainly boreal and arctic species presently absent from the peninsula. To understand the history of this past introgression we analysed sequence variation and geographical distribution of mitochondrial control region and cytochromebhaplotypes ofL. timidusorigin found in 378 specimens of these four species. Among 124L. timidusfrom the Northern Palaearctic and the Alps we found substantial nucleotide diversity (2.3%) but little differentiation between populations. Based on the mismatch distribution of theL. timidussequences, this could result from an expansion at a time of temperature decrease favourable to this arctic species. The nucleotide diversity ofL. timidusmtDNA found in IberianL. granatensis,L. europaeusandL. castroviejoi(183, 70 and 1 specimens, respectively) was of the same order as that inL. timidusover its range (1.9%), suggesting repeated introgression of multiple lineages. The structure of the coalescent ofL. granatensissequences indicates that hybridization withL. timiduswas followed by expansion of the introgressed haplotypes, as expected during a replacement with competition, and occurred when temperatures started to rise, favouring the temperate species. Whether a similar scenario explains the introgression into IberianL. europaeusremains unclear but it is possible that it hybridized with already introgressedL. granatensis.
Shifting distributions and speciation: species divergence during rapid climate change
Authors: CARSTENS BRYAN C. , KNOWLES L. LACEY
Published: November 2006

Questions about how shifting distributions contribute to species diversification remain virtually without answer, even though rapid climate change during the Pleistocene clearly impacted genetic variation within many species. One factor that has prevented this question from being adequately addressed is the lack of precision associated with estimates of species divergence made from a single genetic locus and without incorporating processes that are biologically important as populations diverge. Analysis of DNA sequences from multiple variable loci in a coalescent framework that (i) corrects for gene divergence pre‐dating speciation, and (ii) derives divergence‐time estimates without making a priori assumptions about the processes underlying patterns of incomplete lineage sorting between species (i.e. allows for the possibility of gene flow during speciation), is critical to overcoming the inherent logistical and analytical difficulties of inferring the timing and mode of speciation during the dynamic Pleistocene. Estimates of species divergence that ignore these processes, use single locus data, or do both can dramatically overestimate species divergence. For example, using a coalescent approach with data from six loci, the divergence between two species of montane Melanoplus grasshoppers is estimated at between 200 000 and 300 000 years before present, far more recently than divergence estimates made using single‐locus data or without the incorporation of population‐level processes. Melanoplus grasshoppers radiated in the sky islands of the Rocky Mountains, and the analysis of divergence between these species suggests that the isolation of populations in multiple glacial refugia was an important factor in promoting speciation. Furthermore, the low estimates of gene flow between the species indicate that reproductive isolation must have evolved rapidly for the incipient species boundaries to be maintained through the subsequent glacial periods and shifts in species distributions.
Characterization of an internal slope movement structure by hydrogeophysical surveying
Authors: Jomard H. , Lebourg T. , Binet S. , Tric E. , Hernandez M.
Published: November 2006

A hydrogeophysical study was carried out by a water controlled injection within a landslide situated on an active part of the La Clapière landslide foot (Alpes Maritimes, France). Coupling of both real‐time geophysical and hydrological follow ups allowed the representation and quantification of the surface water drainage in space and time within the slipped mass. Thus, 30% of the injected water is quickly drained by a complex slipping surface meanly situated at 10‐m depth. The transit time between injection and outflow of the water allowed an overloading of about 10 m3 (i.e. 10 tons) comparable with classical rain events in the area. This weight and the associated interstitial pressures increase have not led to any movements asking for the origin of the water volumes which could induce destabilizations. This experiment enabled an accurate redefinition of the internal slope structure and the understanding of the dynamics of the slipped mass with a surface hydraulic request.