bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of temperature and elevation on habitat use by a rare mountain butterfly: implications for species responses to climate change
Authors: ASHTON SARAH , GUTIÉRREZ DAVID , WILSON ROBERT J.
Published: February 2009

Abstract 1. The present study used the mountain specialist butterfly Parnassius apollo as a model system to investigate how climate change may alter habitat requirements for species at their warm range margins.

2. Larval habitat use was recorded in six P. apollo populations over a 700 m elevation gradient in the Sierra de Guadarrama (central Spain). Larvae used four potential host species (Sedum spp.) growing in open areas amongst shrubs.

3. Parnassius apollo host‐plant and habitat use changed as elevation increased: the primary host shifted from Sedum amplexicaule to Sedum brevifolium, and larvae selected more open microhabitats (increased bare ground and dead vegetation, reduced vegetation height and shrub cover), suggesting that hotter microhabitats are used in cooler environments.

4. Larval microhabitat selection was significantly related to ambient temperature. At temperatures lower than 27 °C, larvae occupied open microhabitats that were warmer than ambient temperature, versus more shaded microhabitats that were cooler than ambient conditions when temperature was higher than 27 °C.

5. Elevational changes in phenology influenced the temperatures experienced by larvae, and could affect local host‐plant favourability.

6. Habitat heterogeneity appears to play an important role in P. apollo larval thermoregulation, and may become increasingly important in buffering populations of this and other insect species against climatic variation.
Structure and vertical stratification of plant galler–parasitoid food webs in two tropical forests
Authors: PANIAGUA MIGUEL R. , MEDIANERO ENRIQUE , LEWIS OWEN T.
Published: February 2009

Abstract1. Networks of feeding interactions among insect herbivores and natural enemies such as parasitoids, describe the structure of these assemblages and may be critically linked to their dynamics and stability. The present paper describes the first quantitative study of parasitoids associated with gall‐inducing insect assemblages in the tropics, and the first investigation of vertical stratification in quantitative food web structure.

2. Galls and associated parasitoids were sampled in the understorey and canopy of Parque Natural Metropolitano in the Pacific forest, and in the understorey of San Lorenzo Protected Area in the Caribbean forest of Panama. Quantitative host–parasitoid food webs were constructed for each assemblage, including 34 gall maker species, 28 host plants, and 57 parasitoid species.

3. Species richness was higher in the understorey for parasitoids, but higher in the canopy for gall makers. There was an almost complete turnover in gall maker and parasitoid assemblage composition between strata, and the few parasitoid species shared between strata were associated with the same host species.

4. Most parasitoid species were host specific, and the few polyphagous parasitoid species were restricted to the understorey.

5. These results suggest that, in contrast to better‐studied leaf miner–parasitoid assemblages, the influence of apparent competition mediated by shared parasitoids as a structuring factor is likely to be minimal in the understorey and practically absent in the canopy, increasing the potential for coexistence of parasitoid species.

6. High parasitoid beta diversity and high host specificity, particularly in the poorly studied canopy, indicate that tropical forests may be even more species rich in hymenopteran parasitoids than previously suspected.
Does the periodical cicada, Magicicada septendecim, prefer to oviposit on native or exotic plant species?
Authors: BROWN WILLIAM P. , ZUEFLE MARION E.
Published: February 2009

Abstract 1. In 2004, Brood X of the periodical cicada (Magicicada spp.) emerged in Delaware. Extensive suburban development and concomitant planting of exotic species has occurred since the previous emergence of Brood X in 1987.

2. Exotic species could suffer extensive damage during years of cicada emergences if they are preferred for oviposition. Alternately, a shortage of suitable plant hosts may negatively affect remaining cicada populations.

3. We determined if the periodical cicada, Magicicada septendecim, preferred to oviposit on native or exotic woody plant species. Potential hosts were divided into three groups and planted in a randomised design near a likely source of cicadas. The first group, Natives, included 15 species native to Delaware. The second group, Non‐natives, included 15 exotic species that had a native congener represented in the Native group. The final group, Aliens, included 13 exotic species that did not have a native congener.

4. Based on observations of 428 plants, cicadas were more likely to oviposit on Natives or Non‐natives, which did not differ from each other in this measure, than on Aliens. Non‐natives had more oviposition holes per metre than Natives, which had more holes per metre than Aliens. The likelihood of stem flagging was lowest on Alien species; the percentage of the total plant that flagged was greatest for Natives. Plant morphology also influenced host preference and likelihood of flagging.

5. Taking plant morphology into consideration, we speculate that the evolutionary history between periodical cicadas and potential hosts is an important component of host preference.
Categorization of grazing systems to aid the development of land use policy in Aragon, Spain
Authors: Barrantes O. , Ferrer C. , Reiné R. , Broca A.
Published: February 2009

Ruminant livestock depends primarily on forage and grazing resources from both natural pastures and from cultivated land. Low‐input large‐scale grazing systems constitute a substantial part of what is termed High Nature Value farmland in Europe. Developing a typology of categories of livestock systems within a region is an important step in understanding land uses that involve ruminant livestock systems and their use of feed resources, and in appraising policy options. This study developed a typology based on the municipalities of the region of Aragon in the north‐east of Spain on the basis of the feed resources for ruminant livestock. A clustering analysis was applied to the following three types of criteria: (i) crop types; (ii) vegetation types of uncultivated land and (iii) stocking rate of dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep and goats. A total of thirty‐nine variables were used. The cluster methodology allowed relatively homogeneous groups of municipalities, termed territories, with differentiating characteristics to be obtained. A Geographic Information System was applied to locate spatially the territories. From the twelve territories identified, it was concluded that there was a low use of natural pastures and high use of resources of cultivated origin in livestock systems in Aragon.
Comparison of the performance of dairy cows offered kale, swedes and perennial ryegrass herbage in situ and perennial ryegrass silage fed indoors in late pregnancy during winter in Ireland
Authors: Keogh B. , French P. , McGrath T. , Storey T. , Mulligan F. J.
Published: February 2009

The effects on the performance of dairy cows offered kale, swedes, and perennial ryegrass in situ and perennial ryegrass silage fed indoors to dairy cows pre‐partum during winter in Ireland was examined. Eighty‐eight spring‐calving dairy cows were randomly assigned to one of four offered treatments; (i) 8 kg of dry matter (DM) of kale leaf and stem + 4 kg DM of perennial ryegrass silage (treatment K), (ii) 8 kg DM of the root and leaf of swedes + 4 kg DM of perennial ryegrass silage (treatment S), (iii) 12 kg DM of perennial ryegrass herbage (treatment G) offered in situ and (iv) perennial ryegrass silage offered ad libitum indoors (treatment ID). Cows on treatments K, S and ID had a greater (P < 0·001) increase in body condition score (0·20, 0·14 and 0·50 units respectively) pre‐partum than cows on treatment G which lost 0·22 units. Pre‐partum treatment had no effect on variables of milk production in the following lactation. In the first 100 d of lactation, cows on treatment G pre‐partum had a lower milk fat concentration (35·6 g kg−1) compared with cows on treatments S and ID (38·3 and 39·3 g kg−1 respectively). There was no effect of treatment on the intervals between parturition and first insemination (mean 74·6 d) and conception (mean 96·1 d). The results suggest that offering kale and swedes to dairy cows pre‐partum resulted in a similar lactation performance to dairy cows grazing a perennial ryegrass sward or offered perennial ryegrass silage indoors.
Characterizing and predicting plant phenology in species‐rich grasslands
Authors: Ansquer P. , Al Haj Khaled R. , Cruz P. , Theau J.‐P. , Therond O. , Duru M.
Published: February 2009

The use of plant phenology for determining the timing of management practices is poorly understood in species‐rich grasslands. The objectives were to assess the effect of management practices on the dates at which phenological stages occur and to compare different methods of calculating the growing degree‐days in order to predict them. Dates at which phenological stages of plant species occurred were recorded and plant strategy for resource capture and use was assessed through measurements of the dry matter content of leaves in two experiments in regions with contrasting climatic conditions. In Experiment 1, conducted near Toulouse, France, a set of 31 species was sown in pure stands at two levels of N availability. In Experiment 2, a network of 18 permanent grasslands, located in the French Pyrenees, was studied. In both experiments, the dry matter content of leaves, and flowering and ripening times, were measured. In Experiment 1, the dates on which a given phenological stage occurred were correlated with one another, and the grass species showed a significant ranking of dry weight of leaves for these dates. In Experiment 2, the difference between average flowering times of plant communities was shown to be around 40 d and resulted more from the species composition of the plant community than from their sensitivity to management practices. Plant communities were significantly ranked by dry weight of leaves for their flowering time. The minimum and maximum base temperatures which minimized the growing degree‐days between the two locations were 0 and 25°C, respectively, and the most appropriate date from which to start to accumulate temperatures was found to be 1 February.
How does grazing intensity influence the diversity of plants and insects in a species‐rich upland grassland on basalt soils?
Authors: Dumont B. , Farruggia A. , Garel J.‐P. , Bachelard P. , Boitier E. , Frain M.
Published: February 2009

The effect of stocking rate on the species richness, abundance and functional diversity of vascular plants, butterflies and grasshoppers was examined in a semi‐natural upland pasture in central France. Over a 5‐year period, 3·6‐ha plots were continuously grazed by Charolais heifers at 1·4 (High stocking rate), 1·0 (Intermediate) and 0·6 (Low) livestock units (LU) ha−1. To evaluate botanical diversity, percentage cover of all plant species was estimated in late July in ten fixed 1 m × 1 m quadrats per plot. Butterflies were counted on three occasions between late June and early August along three fixed 50‐m‐long transects per plot using the ‘Pollard walk’, with grasshoppers being recorded on two occasions along the same transects. Diversity patterns of the three taxa were affected by stocking rate. For plants, species abundance changed more than species number. Abundance of forbs became higher under the Low compared with the High stocking rate. Stress‐tolerant grasses were also more abundant in plots grazed at the Low stocking rate, while an opposite trend was observed for competitive grasses. Butterflies consistently responded to alterations in vegetation composition, especially to the dynamics of nectar plants. The species richness of grasshoppers also increased in plots at the Low stocking rate. The Low and Intermediate stocking rates were suitable for providing a high diversity of the three taxonomic groups. The results suggested that at least butterfly diversity would peak in vegetation taller than that of vascular plants.
Dynamics of the CD8 T‐cell response following yellow fever virus 17D immunization
Authors: Co Mary Dawn T. , Kilpatrick Elizabeth D. , Rothman Alan L.
Published: February 2009

Management of yellow fever is focused on the prevention of illness by the use of the yellow fever virus (YFV) 17D vaccine. The role of neutralizing antibodies in protection is generally accepted with YFV‐specific T cells likely contributing to the control of viral replication. We studied CD8+ T‐cell responses to four defined human leucocyte antigen‐B35‐restricted epitopes in YFV vaccine recipients as a model of the kinetics of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte responses to an acute human viral infection. Multiple features of these epitope‐specific responses were analysed after vaccination including magnitude, cytokine production, phenotype and T‐cell receptor repertoire. Peak peptide‐specific interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) responses of almost 1% of CD8+ T cells were seen as early as 2 weeks post‐vaccination; however, dominant responses varied between donors. Peptide‐specific responses were still detectable at 54 months post‐vaccination. Tetramer‐positive cells, at high frequencies, were detected as early as 7–9 days, before detectable IFN‐γ‐producing cells, suggesting a defect in the functional capacity of some antigen‐specific cells early post‐vaccination. The predominant memory phenotype of the tetramer‐positive population was a differentiated effector (CD45RA+ CCR7− CD62L−) phenotype. The T‐cell receptor Vβ analysis revealed a diverse oligoclonal repertoire in tetramer‐positive T‐cell populations in two individuals. These characteristics of the YFV‐specific T‐cell response could contribute to vaccine effectiveness.
Within and between population variation in disease resistance in cyclic populations of western tent caterpillars: a test of the disease defence hypothesis
Authors: Cory Jenny S. , Myers Judith H.
Published: February 2009

Epizootics of nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) are an obvious component of the population fluctuations of several species of temperate forest Lepidoptera, including the western tent caterpillar, Malacosoma californicum pluviale (Dyer). An observed relationship between epizootics and the subsequent reduction in fecundity of populations led to the formulation of the disease defence hypothesis. This hypothesis predicts that viral epizootics in peak populations select for more resistant moths and that their reduced fecundity in declining populations reflects a cost of disease resistance.

To test the disease defence hypothesis, we carried out bioassays to measure the variation in larval resistance to NPV infection for families of western tent caterpillars from four spatially distinct populations over 3 years of peak and declining host densities.

Each female moth lays a single egg mass and larvae are gregarious and remain together through development. We found that the resistance to disease of larvae within families was not related to the number of eggs in the mass from which they hatched (the fecundity of their mother).

Disease resistance of larvae varied among populations and over time in a manner consistent with selection for resistance. One population that had not experienced a strong viral epizootic during the last population decline was more susceptible to infection in the first year of the study. Larvae from a second population that experienced an early epizootic became significantly more resistant. The resistance of two other populations increased slightly before the viral epizootic occurred in the field however, and thus could not be explained by selection.

As population densities declined from peak density, the background mortality of larvae increased and the fecundity of moths decreased. This indicates a general deterioration in the quality of field populations of tent caterpillars associated with the declining populations.

Although some evidence suggests that viral epizootics can select for increased resistance of field populations of tent caterpillars, the general deterioration in quality, elevated background mortality, and the reduced fecundity after the epizootic are stronger influences on the population decline. These are possibly related to sublethal viral infection.
Predicting global habitat suitability for stony corals on seamounts
Authors: Tittensor Derek P. , Baco Amy R. , Brewin Paul E. , Clark Malcolm R. , Consalvey Mireille , Hall‐Spencer Jason , Rowden Ashley A. , Schlacher Thomas , Stocks Karen I. , Rogers Alex D.
Published: February 2009

Aim  Globally, species distribution patterns in the deep sea are poorly resolved, with spatial coverage being sparse for most taxa and true absence data missing. Increasing human impacts on deep‐sea ecosystems mean that reaching a better understanding of such patterns is becoming more urgent. Cold‐water stony corals (Order Scleractinia) form structurally complex habitats (dense thickets or reefs) that can support a diversity of other associated fauna. Despite their widely accepted ecological importance, records of scleractinian corals on seamounts are patchy and simply not available for most of the global ocean. The objective of this paper is to model the global distribution of suitable habitat for stony corals on seamounts.

Location  Seamounts worldwide.

Methods  We compiled a database containing all accessible records of scleractinian corals on seamounts. Two modelling approaches developed for presence‐only data were used to predict global habitat suitability for seamount scleractinians: maximum entropy modelling (Maxent) and environmental niche factor analysis (ENFA). We generated habitat‐suitability maps and used a cross‐validation process with a threshold‐independent metric to evaluate the performance of the models.

Results  Both models performed well in cross‐validation, although the Maxent method consistently outperformed ENFA. Highly suitable habitat for seamount stony corals was predicted to occur at most modelled depths in the North Atlantic, and in a circumglobal strip in the Southern Hemisphere between 20° and 50° S and shallower than around 1500 m. Seamount summits in most other regions appeared much less likely to provide suitable habitat, except for small near‐surface patches. The patterns of habitat suitability largely reflect current biogeographical knowledge. Environmental variables positively associated with high predicted habitat suitability included the aragonite saturation state, and oxygen saturation and concentration. By contrast, low levels of dissolved inorganic carbon, nitrate, phosphate and silicate were associated with high predicted suitability. High correlation among variables made assessing individual drivers difficult.

Main conclusions  Our models predict environmental conditions likely to play a role in determining large‐scale scleractinian coral distributions on seamounts, and provide a baseline scenario on a global scale. These results present a first‐order hypothesis that can be tested by further sampling. Given the high vulnerability of cold‐water corals to human impacts, such predictions are crucial tools in developing worldwide conservation and management strategies for seamount ecosystems.
Chronic hepatitis B: early viral suppression and long‐term outcomes of therapy with oral nucleos(t)ides
Authors: Nguyen M. H. , Keeffe E. B.
Published: February 2009

Summary.  Chronic hepatitis B is a serious health problem worldwide with a substantial minority of patients experiencing premature death due to end‐stage liver disease and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Antiviral therapy may help prevent complications of chronic hepatitis B, and seven agents are currently approved in many countries. Of these agents, five are nucleos(t)ide analogs that all have a risk of antiviral drug resistance with long‐term use. Efforts have been made in the recent years to prevent or to reduce the risk of viral resistance in patients treated with oral nucleos(t)ides as the majority of these patients will require therapy for 3–5 years or longer. One approach is to identify patients who would most likely develop antiviral resistance on long‐term therapy using predictors obtainable early in the course of treatment, when intervention with new or additional therapy can be instituted. The most important predictors of treatment outcomes are serum HBV DNA levels at baseline and during the first 6 months of therapy. The purpose of this synopsis is to review the recent literature regarding the importance of serum HBV DNA levels in association with treatment outcomes in chronic hepatitis B, particularly the association of complete viral suppression early in the course of oral therapy with long‐term treatment outcomes, particularly the incidence of antiviral drug resistance.
Low weight predicts neutropenia and peginterferon alfa‐2a dose reductions during treatment for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Rotman Y. , Katz L. , Cohen M. , Cohen‐Ezra O. , Manhaim V. , Braun M. , Ben‐Ari Z. , Tur‐Kaspa R.
Published: February 2009

Summary.  Treatment‐induced neutropenia frequently complicates the treatment course of patients treated with pegylated interferon alfa and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. We investigated the effect of weight on the risk for dose reductions caused by neutropenia in patients treated with a weight‐independent dose of peginterferon alfa‐2a. We retrospectively analysed single centre data for 172 patients enrolled in a multi‐centre, open‐label trial of peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Low body weight was significantly associated with dose reductions due to neutropenia. Patients weighing less than 62 kg had a 35% risk for significant neutropenia as opposed to a 12% risk for heavier patients (P = 0.001), and this side‐effect occurred earlier during treatment. Low weight was an independent risk factor by multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 0.956/kg). The risk for treatment‐induced neutropenia was associated with body surface area more than with the body mass index. In conclusion, a low pre‐treatment weight strongly predicts the need for peginterferon alfa‐2a dose reductions. This apparently reflects overall body size more than body fat content. It is prudent to frequently monitor blood counts for smaller‐sized patients, especially during the first weeks of treatment.
Cell‐free supernatants of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 modulate human colonic motility: evidence from an in vitro organ bath study
Authors: Bär F. , Von Koschitzky H. , Roblick U. , Bruch H. P. , Schulze L. , Sonnenborn U. , Böttner M. , Wedel T.
Published: February 2009

Abstract  Clinical studies have shown that probiotics influence gastrointestinal motility, e.g. Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) (Mutaflor®) proved to be at least as efficacious as lactulose and more potent than placebo in constipated patients. As the underlying mechanisms are not clarified, the effects of EcN culture supernatants on human colonic motility were assessed in vitro. Human colonic circular smooth muscle strips (n = 94, 17 patients) were isometrically examined in an organ bath and exposed to different concentrations of EcN supernatants. Contractility responses were recorded under (i) native conditions, (ii) electrical field stimulation (EFS), (iii) non‐adrenergic non‐cholinergic conditions, and (iv) enteric nerve blockade by tetrodotoxin (TTX). As concentrations of acetic acid were increased in EcN supernatants, contractility responses to acetic acid were additionally tested. EcN supernatants significantly increased the maximal tension forces both at low and high concentrations. Neither blockade of both adrenergic and cholinergic nerves nor application of TTX abolished these effects. EFS‐induced contractility responses were not altered after exposure to EcN supernatants. Acetic acid elicited effects comparable to EcN supernatants only under TTX conditions. EcN supernatants modulate in vitro contractility of the human colon. As neither partial nor TTX blockade of enteric nerves abolished these effects, EcN supernatants appear to enhance colonic contractility by direct stimulation of smooth muscle cells. Active metabolites may include other substances than acetic acid, as acetic acid only partially resembled the effects elicited by EcN supernatants. The data provide a rationale for therapeutical application of probiotics in gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Purinergic contribution to small intestinal afferent hypersensitivity in a murine model of postinfectious bowel disease
Authors: Rong W. , Keating C. , Sun B. , Dong L. , Grundy D.
Published: February 2009

Abstract  Increased sensitivity of the afferent innervation of the gastrointestinal tract reportedly underlies symptoms of discomfort and pain in functional bowel disorders. The present investigation aimed to examine whether the purinergic P2X2 and P2X3 receptor subunits contribute to the mechanosensitivity of small intestinal afferents in normal mice and in a murine model of postinfectious gut dysfunction. Mesenteric afferent nerve activity was recorded in a mouse jejunum preparation maintained in vitro. As has been shown previously, ramp distension of the jejunal segment evoked biphasic afferent discharge, reflecting activation of low and high threshold fibres. The average pressure–afferent response curve in mice deficient in both P2X2 and P2X3 subunits (n = 14) was not significantly different from that of the wild‐type control preparations (n = 13). Application of pyridoxal 5‐phosphate 6‐azophenyl‐2 ,4‐disulphonic acid (PPADS) (30 μmol L−1), a P2X and P2Y antagonist, or 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol–adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (10 μmol L−1), an antagonist selective for homomeric P2X3 and heteromeric P2X2/3 receptors, had no effect on the averaged pressure–afferent response curve in wild‐type animals. In Trichinella spiralis‐infected mice, the magnitude of mesenteric afferent responses to jejunal distension was greater at day 21 and day 56 postinfection compared with the sham control preparations demonstrating the development of afferent hypersensitivity. PPADS had no significant effect upon mechanically evoked afferent discharge rates in sham treated preparations (n = 5), but significantly inhibited afferent sensitivity to jejunal distension in preparations from mice at day 21 (n = 6) and day 56 (n = 7) postinfection. These results suggest that purinergic mechanisms play no role in mechanosensory transduction in the normal small intestine but contribute significantly to postinfectious mechano‐hypersensitivity.
Deliberate self‐harm and suicide by pesticide ingestion in the Sundarban region, India
Authors: Banerjee Sohini , Chowdhury Arabinda Narayan , Schelling Esther , Brahma Arabinda , Biswas Mrinal Kanti , Weiss Mitchell G.
Published: February 2009

Objective  To examine the clinical epidemiology, including case fatality and determinants of self‐harm in six island blocks of the Sundarban region of West Bengal, India.

Methods  We examined the clinical records of 1277 patients admitted for deliberate self‐harm (DSH) to the six island hospitals from 1999 to 2001.

Results  77.7% of the patients survived their attempt, 11.9% died and for 10.4% the outcome was not recorded. Women accounted for 65.2% of the DSH admissions and 67.1% of the deaths. Pesticides were the most commonly used means (88.7%). The case fatality of self‐harm reported in these hospitals ranged from 6.0% to 50.0% (mean 13.3%; CI, 11.3–15.3). The age group 55–64 years was at highest risk of death, the age group 15–24 years at lowest risk. Higher lethality of pesticide ingestion compared to other methods was suggestive but not significant. Case fatality within the region varied but was high compared to industrialized nations. Case records and management of DSH were poor.

Conclusion  Effective DSH prevention in the Sundarban region would require better surveillance at clinical facilities and an intersectoral approach, linking the agricultural interests of pesticide safety and mental health interests for preventing DSH.
Characterization of glucosinolate—myrosinase system in developing salt cress Thellungiella halophila
Authors: Pang Qiuying , Chen Sixue , Li Lixin , Yan Xiufeng
Published: February 2009

Glucosinolates are specialized plant metabolites derived from amino acids. They can be hydrolyzed by myrosinases into different degradation products, which have a variety of biological activities. In this study, the compositions and contents of glucosinolates in salt cress (Thellungiella halophila) at different developmental stages were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS). Myrosinase activities were also measured. Seven glucosinolates were identified in T. halophila throughout its life cycle. The glucosinolate profiles varied significantly among different tissues. The roots at stage 4 contained the highest concentrations of total, aromatic and indole glucosinolates among all tissues. Whereas roots, flowers and siliques contained all seven glucosinolates, seeds contained only four aliphatic glucosinolates. During development, the concentrations also displayed significant changes. From seeds to cotyledons and from stage 4 roots to stage 5 roots, there were dramatic declines of glucosinolates, which correlated well with changes in myrosinase activities. In other tissues, myrosinase activity alone could not explain the glucosinolate concentration changes. Certain tissues of T. halophila contained Arabidopsis myrosinase TGG1 and TGG2 orthologs. The molecular basis and functional significance of our findings are discussed here.
Nitric oxide, actin reorganization and vacuoles change are involved in PEG 6000‐induced stomatal closure inVicia faba
Authors: Huang Ai‐Xia , She Xiao‐Ping , Cao Bin , Zhang Bei , Mu Juan , Zhang Shao‐Jie
Published: February 2009

Water deficit and the resulting osmotic stress affect stomatal movement. There are two types of signals, hydraulic and chemical signals, involving in the regulation of stomatal behavior responses to osmotic stress. Compared with the chemical signals, little has been known about the hydraulic signals and the corresponding signal transduction network and regulatory mechanisms. Here, using an epidermal‐strip bioassay and laser‐scanning confocal microscopy, we provide evidence that nitric oxide (NO) generation inVicia fabaguard cells can be induced by hydraulic signals. We used polyethylene glycol (PEG) 600 to simulate hypertonic conditions. This hydraulic signal led to stomatal closure and rapid promotion of NO production in guard cells. The effects were decreased by NO scavenger 2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5, 5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide (c‐PTIO) and NO synthase (Enzyme Commission 1.14.13.39) inhibitor NG‐nitro‐l‐Arg‐methyl ester (l‐NAME). These results indicate that PEG 6000 induces stomatal closure by promoting NO production. Cytochalasin B (CB) inhibited stomatal closure induced by PEG 6000 but did not prevent the increase of endogenous NO levels, indicating that microfilaments polymerization participate in stomatal closure induced by PEG 6000, and may act downstream of NO signaling. In addition, big vacuoles split into many small vacuoles were observed in response to PEG 6000 and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) treatment, and CB inhibited these changes of vacuoles, the stomatal closure was also been inhibited. Collectively, these results suggest that the stomatal closure induced by PEG 6000 may be intimately associated with NO levels, reorganization of actin filaments and the changes of vacuoles, showing a crude outline of guard‐cells signaling process in response to hydraulic signals.
l‐Ascorbate biosynthesis in peach: cloning of six l‐galactose pathway‐related genes and their expression during peach fruit development
Authors: Imai Tsuyoshi , Ban Yusuke , Terakami Shingo , Yamamoto Toshiya , Moriguchi Takaya
Published: February 2009

The l‐ascorbate (AsA) content and the expression of six l‐galactose pathway‐related genes were analyzed in peach flesh during fruit development. Fluctuation of AsA during peach fruit development was divided into four phases based on the overall total AsA (T‐AsA) content per fruit: AsA I, 0–36 days after full bloom (DAFB); AsA II, 37–65 DAFB; AsA III, 66–92 DAFB and AsA IV, 93–112 DAFB. Phase AsA III was a lag phase for AsA accumulation, but did not coincide with the lag phase for fruit development. The T‐AsA concentration was highest at the early stage until 21 DAFB [2–3μmol per gram of fresh weight (g−1 FW)], and decreased to 1/4 and 1/15 of this value at 50 and 92 DAFB, respectively. T‐AsA then remained at 0.15–0.20μmol g−1 FW until harvest at 112 DAFB. More than 90% of the T‐AsA was in the reduced form until 21 DAFB. The proportion of reduced form of AsA then decreased concomitantly with the decrease in AsA concentration. To determine the main pathway of AsA biosynthesis and the AsA biosynthetic capacity of peach flesh, several precursors were incubated with immature whole fruit (59 DAFB). The AsA concentration increased markedly with l‐galactono‐1,4‐lactone or l‐galactose (Gal), but d‐galacturonate and l‐gulono‐1,4‐lactone failed to increase AsA, indicating dominance of the Gal pathway and potent AsA biosynthetic capabilities in immature peach flesh. The expression of genes involved in the last six steps of the Gal pathway was measured during fruit development. The genes studied included GDP‐d‐mannose pyrophosphorylase (GMPH), GDP‐ d‐mannose‐3′,5′‐epimerase (GME), GDP‐ l‐galactose guanylyltransferase (GGGT), l‐galactose‐1‐phosphate phosphatase (GPP), l‐galactose‐1‐dehydrogenase (GDH) and l‐galactono‐1,4‐lactone dehydrogenase (GLDH). GMPH, GME and GGGT had similar expression patterns that peaked at 43 DAFB. GPP, GDH and GLDH also had similar expression patterns that peaked twice at 21 and 91 DAFB, although the expression of GDH was quite low. High level of T‐AsA concentration was roughly correlated with the level of gene expression in the early period of fruit development (AsA I), whereas no such relationships were apparent in the other periods (e.g. AsA III and IV). On the basis of these findings, we discuss the regulation of AsA biosynthesis in peach fruit.
Magnitude of nighttime transpiration does not affect plant growth or nutrition in well‐watered Arabidopsis
Authors: Christman Mairgareth A. , Donovan Lisa A. , Richards James H.
Published: February 2009

Significant water loss occurs throughout the night via partially open stomata in many C3 and C4 plant species. Although apparently wasteful in terms of water use, nighttime transpiration (Enight) is hypothesized to benefit plants by enhancing nutrient supply. We tested the hypothesis that plants with greater Enight would have improved plant nutrient status and greater fitness, estimated as pre‐bolting biomass, for Arabidopsis thaliana. Two very different levels of Enight were generated in plants by exposing them to high vs low nighttime leaf‐to‐air vapor pressure deficits (VPDleaf) in controlled environment chambers. An assessment of responses of nighttime leaf conductance (gnight) to VPDleaf indicated that Enight differed by at least 80% between the treatments. This large difference in Enight, imposed over the entire vegetative growth phase of Arabidopsis, had no effect on leaf nutrient content (N, Ca, K) or pre‐bolting rosette biomass. The lack of response to differences in Enight held true for both a high and a low nitrogen (N) treatment, even though the low N treatment decreased leaf N and biomass by 40–60%. The N treatment had no effect on gnight. Thus, higher Enight did not provide a nutrient or growth benefit to Arabidopsis, even when the plants were N‐limited.
Effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on acute necrotizing pancreatitis: Results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xue Ping , Deng Li‐Hui , Zhang Zhao‐Da , Yang Xiao‐Nan , Wan Mei‐Hua , Song Bing , Xia Qing
Published: February 2009

Background and Aims:  This study addresses whether antibiotic prophylaxis is beneficial for acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Methods:  This randomized, controlled trial enrolled 276 patients with severe acute pancreatitis. There were 56 patients with 30% or more necrosis proved by contrast‐enhanced computerized tomography who were eligible for randomization: 29 in the study group and 27 in the control group, who received i.v. imipenem–cilastatin (3 × 500 mg/day) within 72 h of the onset of symptoms for 7–14 days, and no antibiotic prophylaxis, respectively. The primary end‐point was the incidence of infectious complication. The secondary end‐points were mortality, the incidence of necrosectomy for infected necrosis, the incidence of organ complication and hospital courses.

Results:  Characteristics of baseline data were similar in the two groups. No significant differences were found in the incidence of infected pancreatic necrosis (37% vs 27.6%), mortality (10.3% vs 14.8%) and the incidence of operative necrosectomy (29.6% vs 34.6%) between the study group and the control group (P > 0.05). The incidence of extrapancreatic infections, organ complications and hospital courses between the groups were also not significantly different. However, a significantly increased incidence of fungal infection was observed in the study group versus the control group (36.1% vs 14.2%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  There was no benefit in the outcomes when antibiotic prophylaxis was routinely used in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis.
Interventional endoscopic ultrasonography
Authors: Yamao Kenji , Bhatia Vikram , Mizuno Nobumasa , Sawaki Akira , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Irisawa Atsushi
Published: February 2009

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the combination of endoscopy and intraluminal ultrasonography. This allows use of a high frequency transducer, which, due to the short distance to the target lesion, enables ultrasonographic images of high resolution to be obtained. Endoscopic ultrasonography is now a widely accepted modality for the diagnosis of pancreatobiliary diseases. It can be used to determine the depth of invasion of gastrointestinal malignancies, and often for visualizing lesions more precisely than other imaging modalities. The most important early limitation of EUS was the lack of specificity in the differentiation between benign and malignant changes. In 1992, EUS‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) of lesions in the pancreas head has been made possible using a curved linear array echoendoscope. Since then, many researchers have expanded the indication of EUS‐FNA to various kinds of lesions and also for a variety of therapeutic purposes. In this review, we particularly focus on the present and future roles of interventional EUS, including EUS‐FNA and therapeutic EUS.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asia pacific region
Authors: Yuen Man‐Fung , Hou Jin‐Lin , Chutaputti Anuchit
Published: February 2009

Primary liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant disease worldwide. It is among the top three causes of cancer death in the Asia Pacific region because of the high prevalence of its main etiological agents, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. In this region, the incidence of HCC has been static over recent decades. Older age is a major risk factor; the incidence increasing sharply after age 40 years. There is a male predilection, with male to female ratio of 3:1, except in elderly Japanese with equal sex incidence or female predominance. In most Asia‐Pacific countries, chronic HBV infection accounts for 75–80% of cases; Japan, Singapore and Australia/New Zealand are exceptions because of higher prevalence of HCV infection. In spite of advances in surgery, liver transplantation and newer pharmaco/biological therapies, the survival rate has improved only slightly over recent decades, and this could be attributable to earlier diagnosis (‘lead‐time bias’). The majority of patients present with advanced diseases, hence reducing the chance of curative treatment. The importance of HCC may decrease in two to three decades when the prevalence of chronic HBV infection decreases as a result of the universal HBV vaccination programs implemented in late 1980s in most Asia‐Pacific countries, and because of reduced incidence of medical transmission of HCV. However, transmission of HCV by injection drug use, and rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes, both independent risk factors for HCC, may partly offset this decline.
Efficacy of adalimumab for the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Clinical Setting
Authors: Trinder Matthew W. , Lawrance Ian C.
Published: February 2009

Background:  Anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐alpha medications are effective in Crohn's Disease (CD) and efficacious in ulcerative colitis (UC). Adalimumab has been available through the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme since August 2008, but clinical experience for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Australia is limited.

Aims:  To determine adalimumab efficacy for IBD in the Australian setting.

Methods:  Crohn's disease or UC/IBD unclassified (UC/IBDU) patients received adalimumab after failure of disease control with conventional therapies or loss of control by infliximab. Response/remission at 8 and 12 weeks were determined by the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Colitis Activity Index (CAI). All patients received 160 mg (week 0), 80 mg (week 2), followed by 40 mg every‐other‐week (eow). Patients with a limited response at 8 weeks were considered for weekly adalimumab.

Results:  Of 38 CD patients 86.8% (33/38) had active luminal and 23.7% (9/38) fistulising disease at inclusion. Response occurred in 81.8% and 84.4% of luminal CD at 8 and 12 weeks, while 54.5% and 63.6% remitted respectively. 77.8% of fistulising CD responded and 55.6% remitted at 12 weeks. Fifteen CD patients had previously lost response to infliximab, and 86.7% of these responded and 53.3% remitted at 12 weeks. Of the seven UC/IBDU patients 43% and 14% responded, while 29% and 0% remitted at 8 and 12 weeks.

Conclusion:  In CD, adalimumab is as, if not more, effective in the clinical setting than in the trials, and is effective in patients with an attenuated response to infliximab. Its efficacy is not as good in UC, but this requires further clarification.
Consistency of Response to Sumatriptan/Naproxen Sodium in a Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: Lipton RB , Dodick DW , Adelman JU , Kaniecki RG , Lener SE , White JD , Nelsen AC
Published: February 2009

Two identical randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover studies were conducted to evaluate consistency of response to sumatriptan/naproxen sodium 85/500 mg (S/NS) over four attacks in adults with migraine. Patients were instructed to treat within 1 h of pain onset while pain was mild. Co-primary end-points were pain-free response at 2 h (2hPF) and 24-h sustained pain-free response (24hSPF) calculated as percentages of all attacks. In Study 1, 570 patients treated 1693 attacks with S/NS and 424 with placebo. In Study 2, 565 patients treated 1678 attacks with S/NS and 422 with placebo. Compared with placebo, S/NS conferred higher 2hPF rates (Study 1: S/NS 52%, placebo 25%; Study 2: S/NS 50%, placebo 20%; both P < 0.001) and higher 24hSPF rates (Study 1: S/NS 37%, placebo 17%; Study 2: S/NS 34%, placebo 12%; both P < 0.001). 2hPF was reported in at least two of the first three S/NS-treated attacks in 55.0% of patients in Study 1 and 52.1% of patients in Study 2. 24hSPF was reported in at least two of the first three S/NS-treated attacks in 35.7% of patients in Study 1 and 32.6% of patients in Study 2. The incidences of any adverse event and of specific adverse events were low and generally similar between S/NS and placebo.
Thein vivoEffect of VIP, PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 and mRNA Expression of Their Receptors in Rat Middle Meningeal Artery
Authors: Boni LJ , Ploug KB , Olesen I , Jansen-Olesen I , Gupta S
Published: February 2009

The parasympathetic nervous system is probably involved in migraine pathogenesis. Its activation releases a mixture of signalling molecules including vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), which subsequently stimulate VPAC1, VPAC2and PAC1receptors. The objective of the present study was to investigate the in vivo effect of VIP, PACAP-27, PACAP-38, the selective VPAC1agonist ([Lys15, Arg16, Leu27]-VIP(1–7)-GRF(8–27)) and a PAC1agonist, maxadilan on rat middle meningeal artery (MMA) diameter using the closed cranial window model. Selective antagonists were used for further characterization of the responses. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction experiments were also conducted to determine expression of mRNA of PACAP receptors in the MMA. The results showed that VIP, PACAP-38, PACAP-27 and the VPAC1specific agonist evoked significant dilations with the rank order of potency; VIP = PACAP-38 > PACAP-27 = [Lys15, Arg16, Leu27]-VIP(1–7)-GRF(8–27). Significant inhibition of dilation was only observed for the VPAC1antagonist PG97–269 on PACAP-38-induced dilation of MMA. The VPAC2antagonist PG99–465 and PAC1antagonist PACAP(6–38) did not significantly block VIP- or PACAP-induced dilation. Expression of mRNA of all three receptors was detected in the MMA. In conclusion, the VPAC1receptor seems to be predominant in mediating MMA dilation. A selective VPAC1antagonist may be a candidate molecule in the treatment of migraine headache.
Consumer quest for embeddedness: a case study of the Brantford Farmers' Market
Authors: Feagan Robert B. , Morris David
Published: February 2009

Farmers' markets (FMs) in the US, Canada and Britain are often held as one key response to the unsustainability of conventional food production systems, as they provide consumers with a potentially more comprehensive valuation venue for their food purchases. This paper categorizes and examines the range of consumer motivations at the Brantford FM in Ontario, Canada using the concept of embeddedness. Though not a simple concept, embeddedness proves useful for framing non‐economic values sought by consumers at FMs in a way that helps to build our understanding of the context‐specific quality of patron motivations at FMs. In the study, values of social embeddedness (social interaction, knowledge of vendors, etc.) and spatial embeddedness (food freshness, supporting the ‘local’, etc.) emerge as core sets of consumer motivations at this FM, while natural embeddedness values (organic production, ‘food‐miles’ concerns, etc.) are less strongly held. This case study helps advance that specific sets of embedded values are expressed at FMs – consumer motivations partly reflect their historic and situated contexts, while contributing to our understanding of the importance of the embeddedness concept to alternative food system arguments for change.
Convergence in global markets and consumer behaviour
Authors: Mitry Darryl J. , Smith David E.
Published: February 2009

Consumer behavioural scientists such as economists and marketing researchers are interested in the degree to which global convergence is occurring with respect to various consumer behaviour dimensions, particularly the extent that consumption patterns in products appear to evolve and become more similar across different parts of the world. With increasing internationalization and cultural cross‐fertilization, the traditional societies of the world are converging in many ways. The strategic marketing of flavoured alcoholic beverages is a particularly interesting example of this evolutionary process to convergence. Consumers in countries of different cultural originations are developing preferences for the same products and show increasing sign of converging around global product identity. This article presents the results of a study analysing the evolutionary process.