bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple novel astrovirus species in human stool
Authors: Kapoor A. , Li L. , Victoria J. , Oderinde B. , Mason C. , Pandey P. , Zaidi S. Z. , Delwart E.
Published: November 2009

Diarrhoea remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries where numerous cases remain without identified aetiology. Astroviruses are a recently identified cause of animal gastroenteritis which currently includes two species suspected of causing human diarrhoea. Using pan-astrovirus RT-PCR, we analysed human stool samples from different continents for astrovirus-related RNA sequences. We identified variants of the two known human astrovirus species plus, based on genetic distance criteria, three novel astrovirus species all distantly related to mink and ovine astroviruses, which we provisionally named HMOAstV species A–C. The complete genome of species A displayed all the conserved characteristics of mammalian astroviruses. Each of the now three groups of astroviruses found in human stool (HAstV, AstV-MLB and HMOAstV) were more closely related to animal astroviruses than to each other, indicating that human astroviruses may periodically emerge from zoonotic transmissions. Based on the pathogenic impact of their closest phylogenetic relatives in animals, further investigations of the role of HMOAstV, so far detected in Nigeria, Nepal and Pakistan, in human gastroenteritis are warranted.
A full-length infectious clone of beet soil-borne virus indicates the dispensability of the RNA-2 for virus survival in planta and symptom expression on Chenopodium quinoa leaves
Authors: Crutzen François , Mehrvar Mohsen , Gilmer David , Bragard Claude
Published: November 2009

For a better understanding of the functionality and pathogenicity of beet soil-borne virus (BSBV), full-length cDNA clones have been constructed for the three genomic RNAs. With the aim of assessing their effectiveness and relative contribution to the virus housekeeping functions, transcripts were inoculated onChenopodium quinoaandBeta macrocarpaleaves using five genome combinations. Both RNAs-1 (putative replicase) and -3 (putative movement proteins) proved to be essential for virus replicationin plantaand symptom production onC. quinoa, whereas RNA-2 (putative coat protein, CP, and a read-through domain, RT) was not. No symptoms were recorded onB. macrocarpa, but viral RNAs were detected. In both host plants, the 19 kDa CP was detected by Western blotting as well as a 115 kDa protein corresponding to the CP–RT.
Effects of DICER-like proteins 2, 3 and 4 on cucumber mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus infections in salicylic acid-treated plants
Authors: Lewsey Mathew G. , Carr John P.
Published: November 2009

Salicylic acid (SA)-mediated resistance and RNA silencing are both important plant antiviral defence mechanisms. To investigate overlap between these resistance phenomena, we examined the ability of mutant Arabidopsis thaliana plants lacking DICER-like (DCL) endoribonucleases 2, 3 and 4 to exhibit SA-induced defence. We found that in dcl2/3/4 triple mutant plants, treatment with exogenous SA stimulated resistance to two positive-sense RNA viruses: cucumber mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus. We conclude that DCLs 2, 3 and 4, which are the predominant DCL endoribonucleases involved in silencing of positive-sense RNA viruses, are not required for effective SA-induced resistance to these viruses. However, the findings do not exclude RNA silencing from making a contribution to SA-mediated resistance in wild-type plants.
Bovine papillomavirus type 1 oncoprotein E5 inhibits equine MHC class I and interacts with equine MHC I heavy chain
Authors: Marchetti Barbara , Gault Elisabeth A. , Cortese Marc S. , Yuan ZhengQiang , Ellis Shirley A. , Nasir Lubna , Campo M. Saveria
Published: November 2009

Bovine papillomavirus type 1 is one of the aetiological agents of equine sarcoids. The viral major oncoprotein E5 is expressed in virtually all sarcoids, sarcoid cell lines and in vitro-transformed equine fibroblasts. To ascertain whether E5 behaves in equine cells as it does in bovine cells, we introduced the E5 open reading frame into fetal equine fibroblasts (EqPalF). As observed in primary bovine fibroblasts (BoPalF), E5 by itself could not immortalize EqPalF and an immortalizing gene, such as human telomerase (hTERT/hT), was required for the cells to survive selection. The EqPalF-hT-1E5 cells were morphologically transformed, elongated with many pseudopodia and capable of forming foci. Equine major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) was inhibited in these cells at least at two levels: transcription of MHC I heavy chain was inhibited and the MHC I complex was retained in the Golgi apparatus and prevented from reaching the cell surface. We conclude that, as in bovine cells and tumours, E5 is a player in the transformation of equine cells and the induction of sarcoids, and a potential major cause of MHC I downregulation and hence poor immune clearance of tumour cells.
Minor structural protein VP2 in rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus downregulates the expression of the viral capsid protein VP60
Authors: Chen Liu , Liu Guangqing , Ni Zheng , Yu Bin , Yun Tao , Song Yi , Hua Jionggang , Li Shuangmao , Chen Jianping
Published: November 2009

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) has two structural proteins: the major capsid protein VP60 and the minor capsid protein VP2. VP2 is speculated to play an important role in the virus life cycle. To investigate the effect of VP2 on VP60 expression, three types of experiment (baculovirus–insect cell system, mammalian–luciferase assay system and in vitro coupled transcription/translation system) were used to express VP60 alone or co-expressed with VP2. Both forms of VP60 were able to form virus-like particles in insect cells. Western blot analysis and dual-luciferase assays demonstrated that the presence of VP2 results in downregulation of the expression of VP60 in vivo. Real-time RT-PCR of mRNA levels showed that downregulation of VP60 occurs at the transcriptional level. The ability of the viral minor structural protein VP2 to regulate capsid protein levels may contribute to effective virus infection.
Strong interferon-inducing capacity of a highly virulent variant of influenza A virus strain PR8 with deletions in the NS1 gene
Authors: Kochs Georg , Martínez-Sobrido Luis , Lienenklaus Stefan , Weiss Siegfried , García-Sastre Adolfo , Staeheli Peter
Published: November 2009

Influenza viruses lacking the interferon (IFN)-antagonistic non-structural NS1 protein are strongly attenuated. Here, we show that mutants of a highly virulent variant of A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) carrying either a complete deletion or C-terminal truncations of NS1 were far more potent inducers of IFN in infected mice than NS1 mutants derived from standard A/PR/8/34. Efficient induction of IFN correlated with successful initial virus replication in mouse lungs, indicating that the IFN response is boosted by enhanced viral activity. As the new NS1 mutants can be handled in standard biosafety laboratories, they represent convenient novel tools for studying virus-induced IFN expression in vivo.
Review article: metoclopramide and tardive dyskinesia
Authors: RAO A. S. , CAMILLERI M.
Published: November 2009

Background Metoclopramide is a dopamine receptor antagonist which has been used for treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms over the last thirty years. In 2009, the FDA issued a black box warning regarding long‐term or high‐dose use of this medication because of the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia.

Aims To review the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic properties of metoclopramide, the risk of metoclopramide‐induced tardive dyskinesia, potential mechanisms that may alter and to summarize the clinical context for appropriate use of the drug.

Methods We conducted a PubMed search using the following key words and combined searches: metoclopramide, neuroleptics, tardive dyskinesia, incidence, prevalence, dopamine, receptors, pharmacokinetic, pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism, cytochrome P450, p‐glycoprotein, risk factors, gastroparesis, outcome, natural history.

Results Available data show that risk of tardive dyskinesia from metoclopramide use is likely to be <1%, much less than the estimated 1–10% risk previously suggested in national guidelines. Tardive dyskinesia may represent an idiosyncratic response to metoclopramide; pharmacogenetics affect pharmacokinetic and dopamine receptor pharmacodynamics in response to neuroleptic agents that cause similar neurological complications.

Conclusion Community prevalence and pharmacogenetic mechanisms involved in metoclopramide‐induced tardive dyskinesia require further study to define the benefit‐risk ratio more clearly.
The cost‐effectiveness of macrogol 3350 compared to lactulose in the treatment of adults suffering from chronic constipation in the UK
Authors: TAYLOR R. R. , GUEST J. F.
Published: November 2009

Background  It is unknown whether macrogol 3350 (Movicol) affords the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) a cost‐effective addition to the current range of laxatives.

Aim  To estimate the cost‐effectiveness of macrogol 3350 compared with lactulose in the treatment of chronic constipation, from the perspective of the UK’s NHS.

Methods  A decision model depicting the management of chronic constipation was constructed using clinical outcomes and resource use values derived from patients suffering from chronic constipation in The Health Independent Network (THIN) database. The model was used to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of a GP prescribing macrogol 3350 instead of lactulose to treat adults ≥18 years of age suffering from chronic constipation.

Results  Sixty‐eight percent of patients given macrogol 3350 were successfully treated within 6 months after starting treatment compared to 60% of patients given lactulose.Patients’ health status at 6 months was estimated to be 0.458 and 0.454 quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) in the macrogol 3350 and lactulose groups respectively. The total 6‐monthly NHS cost of initially treating patients with macrogol 3350 or lactulose was estimated to be £420 (US $688) and £419 (US $686) respectively. Hence, the cost per QALY gained with macrogol 3350 was estimated to be £250 (US $410).

Conclusion  Macrogol 3350 affords the NHS a cost‐effective addition to the range of laxatives available for this potentially resource‐intensive condition.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 302–312
The role of iodine in hypersensitivity reactions to radio contrast media
Authors: Scherer K. , Harr T. , Bach S. , Bircher A. J.
Published: November 2009

Introduction
Hypersensitivity reactions to iodinated radio contrast media (RCM) are either immediate‐type (IT) or delayed reactions (DT). In IT, the pathomechanism is unclear. In DT, delayed positive patch (PT) and intradermal tests (IDT) and RCM‐specific T cells suggest a T cell‐mediated mechanism. In both, the role of iodine has not been clarified; however, patients are often labelled as ‘iodine allergic’. Occasionally, positive skin tests to iodine‐containing drugs are observed.

Objective
We investigated the presence of hypersensitivity to iodine in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to RCM.

Methods
Nineteen patients with a history of IT (n=9) or DT (n=10) to RCM were investigated. Skin prick tests, IDT and PT with several RCM and iodine formulations were carried out. All underwent oral provocation with Lugol's solution (LS). Two patients each with iodine mumps, contact dermatitis to iodized antiseptics and chronic idiopathic urticaria served as control or proof of concept.

Results
In the IT group, skin tests were positive in three out of nine patients to one RCM. One patient with negative skin tests reacted twice to oral iodine with urticaria. In the DT group, sensitization to one or several RCM was identified in 10 out of 10 patients. In seven out of 10 patients, additional sensitizations to the iodine formulations were found. Two patients developed a mild exanthema after oral provocation with LS.

Conclusion
We have previously demonstrated in patients with iodine mumps that an oral challenge with LS is a valid means to elicit hypersensitivity reactions to iodine. In 19 patients, we showed that iodine is rarely the eliciting agent in hypersensitivity reactions to RCM. Only one patient with a late urticaria to an RCM with a late urticaria to LS and two patients with DT and broad sensitization to all RCM tested reacted to LS with an exanthema. In most cases, more likely the RCM molecules and not iodine are the eliciting compounds.

Cite this as: K. Scherer, T. Harr, S. Bach and A. J. Bircher, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 468–475.
IL‐33: a tissue derived cytokine pathway involved in allergic inflammation and asthma
Authors: Smith D. E.
Published: November 2009

Besides classic T cell‐derived T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines such as IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13, tissue‐produced cytokines such as thymic stromal lymphopoietin, IL‐25 and IL‐33 are now recognized as important contributors to allergic inflammation. IL‐33 is produced by various tissue dwelling cells and broadly enhances allergic inflammation through its effects on hematopoietic cell types. The environmental or endogenous triggers that provoke IL‐33 cellular release may be associated with infection, inflammation or tissue damage. This review summarizes the wide range of documented IL‐33 activities on human cellular mediators of inflammation as well as genetic evidence that IL‐33 contributes to disease. Finally, there will be a discussion of still unanswered questions regarding the mechanisms by which cytokine activity is generated and IL‐33's relationship with other Th2‐associated cytokines.

Cite this as: D. E. Smith, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 200–208.
Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy restores human dendritic cell innate immune function
Authors: Tversky J. R. , Bieneman A. P. , Chichester K. L. , Hamilton R. G. , Schroeder J. T.
Published: November 2009

Background
We recently reported that human blood dendritic cells from allergic subjects have impaired IFN‐α production following toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9)‐dependent innate immune stimulation. It is not known how subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) affects dendritic cell immune responses.

Objective
The aim of this study is to determine how SCIT affects human dendritic cell function.

Methods
Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) were isolated from the blood of seven dust mite allergic subjects at baseline and upon reaching a standard SCIT maintenance dose that included dust mite and other aeroallergens. Cells were stimulated with various adaptive and innate immune receptor stimuli, or media alone for 20 h with secreted cytokine levels determined by ELISA. A portion of the cells were used to measure intracellular signalling proteins by flow cytometry. Humoral immune responses were measured from plasma.

Results
SCIT resulted in a threefold increase in PBMC production of IFN‐α in response to CpG at 100 nm (P=0.015) and at 500 nm (P=0.015), n=7. The predominant cell type known to produce IFN‐α in response to CpG (CpG ODN‐2216) and other TLR9 agonists is the pDC. As expected, a robust innate immune response from isolated pDCs was re‐established among allergic subjects undergoing SCIT resulting in a fivefold increase in IFN‐α production in response to CpG at 500 nm (P=0.046), n=7. In contrast, IL‐6 production was unaffected by SCIT (P=0.468). Consistent with published reports, IgG4 blocking antibody increased 10‐fold with SCIT (P=0.031), n=7. There was no significant increase in the frequency of pDCs or the expression of TLR9 that would account for the rise in IFN‐α production.

Conclusions
Allergen immunotherapy increases dendritic cell TLR9‐mediated innate immune function, which has previously been shown to be impaired at baseline in allergic subjects.

Cite this as: J. R. Tversky, A. P. Bieneman, K. L. Chichester, R. G. Hamilton and J. T. Schroeder, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 94–102.
Reticulohistiocytosis: different dermatoscopic faces and a good response to methotrexate treatment
Authors: Kaçar N. , Tasli L. , Argenziano G. , Demirkan N.
Published: November 2009

The reticulohistiocytoses are a rare group of non-Langerhans cell histiocytic disorders. Recently, dermatoscopic features have been reported for some of the xanthomatous disorders. We report a case of diffuse cutaneous reticulohistiocytosis with 29 reticulohistiocytomas. On dermatoscopy of these lesions, we saw three typical features: a homogeneous pattern with various shades of yellow (defined previously as a ‘setting-sun’ pattern), brown reticular structures, and central white scar-like patches and streaks. The setting-sun pattern was most commonly seen in combination with brown reticular structures. In four lesions, brown reticular structures surrounded a central white scar-like patch resembling that of a dermatofibroma. However, the presence of the setting-sun pattern in the background gave a different hue to that of the peripheral network seen in a dermatofibroma. A marked clinical improvement was associated with 6 months of systemic methotrexate treatment. Dermatoscopy may aid in the diagnosis of xanthomatous diseases. For this patient, methotrexate was beneficial.
Vessel density assessed by endoglin expression in breast carcinomas with different expression profiles
Authors: Lopes Nair , Sousa Bárbara , Vieira Daniella , Milanezi Fernanda , Schmitt Fernando
Published: November 2009

Aims:  To evaluate the relationship between microvessel density assessed by endoglin expression and the molecular subtypes of human invasive breast carcinomas and whether there is evidence to indicate that angiogenesis could be a putative target for therapy in specific subsets of breast cancer.

Methods and results:  We studied a series of 161 breast carcinomas, but information was available on only 142 tumours. We correlated endoglin expression with distinct breast carcinoma subgroups classified according to immunohistochemical profiling. Additionally, we compared it with other biomarkers for the aggressive basal‐like subset and with available histopathological data. Although the basal‐like subtype has higher microvessel density, there are no significant differences with the other molecular subtypes of breast cancer.

Conclusions:  This study found no significant differences in tumour vascularity in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer.
Renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma: a study of six cases and a meta‐analytic study. Development of criteria for screening the entity with prognostic significance
Authors: Faraji Hamidreza , Nguyen Bich N , Mai Kien T
Published: November 2009

Aims:  Renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) is only described in case reports or in multi‐institutional small series. The aim was to report cases seen at our institution and to perform a meta‐analysis based on a literature review.

Methods and results:  Six EAML cases seen at our institution were reviewed and a meta‐analysis performed using cases retrieved from a literature review. There were a total of 69 cases for review. The male:female ratio was 1:3. In the absence of areas of typical AML, useful features in distinguishing EAML from epithelial renal neoplasms include: extreme degree of cytological atypia, histiocytoid appearance, presence of melanocytic pigments, solid architecture with the absence of frequent areas of alveolar pattern, tubulo‐papillary formation and scarring. A fatal outcome, distant or lymph node metastasis, venous invasion and local recurrence were considered as adverse events and occurred in 40% of cases over a period of follow‐up of 3–60 months (mean 22.5 ± 18 months). Tumours with an unfavourable outcome showing marked cytological atypia and extensive tumour necrosis were larger (135 ± 43 mm) than those with a favourable outcome (79 ± 50 mm) (P < 0.002), and predominantly occurred in men.

Conclusions:  Renal neoplasms with certain unusual features should be investigated immunohistochemically to rule out the possibility of EAML. The frequency of adverse outcome is lower in EAML than in renal cell carcinoma.
Systematic assessment of the prognostic impact of membranous CD44v6 protein expression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zlobec Inti , Günthert Ursula , Tornillo Luigi , Iezzi Giandomenica , Baumhoer Daniel , Terracciano Luigi , Lugli Alessandro
Published: November 2009

Aims:  To assess systematically the membranous expression of CD44v6 in colorectal cancer by immunohistochemistry to determine its prognostic impact, the differential expression between primary and metastatic tumours and expression differences between the tumour centre and invasive front.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemistry was performed for CD44v6 on two tissue microarrays. The first included 1279 colorectal tumours with full clinicopathological data. The second consisted of 50 matched primary and metastatic tumours sampled from the tumour centre and the invasive margin. A scoring system was tested by multiple observers. Receiver–operating characteristic curve analysis was used for cut‐off point determination. Loss of membranous CD44v6 was associated with pT stage (P = 0.016; sensitivity 85.8%, specificity 20.1%), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.015; sensitivity 52.8%, specificity 55%), an infiltrating tumour margin (P < 0.001; sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 40%) and adverse prognosis (P = 0.011; hazard ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.7, 0.9), but was not an independent prognostic factor on multivariable analysis. Loss of expression occurred at the invasive front in both primary and metastatic lesions (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  This study outlines an approach to help standardize the immunohistochemical evaluation of CD44v6 and similar markers in colorectal cancer and highlights a significant role for loss of membranous CD44v6 expression in colorectal cancer progression and prognosis.
Hierarchical modelling and estimation of abundance and population trends in metapopulation designs
Authors: Kéry Marc , Andrew Royle J.
Published: November 2009

1. Population assessment in changing environments is challenging because factors governing abundance may also affect detectability and thus bias observed counts. We describe a hierarchical modelling framework for estimating abundance corrected for detectability in metapopulation designs, where observations of ’individuals’ (e.g. territories) are replicated in spaceandtime. We consider two classes of models; first, we regard the data as independent binomial counts and model abundance and detectability based on a product‐binomial likelihood. Secondly, we use the more complex detection–non‐detection data for each territory to form encounter history frequencies, and analyse the resulting multinomial/Poisson hierarchical model. Importantly, we extend both models to directly estimate population trends over multiple years. Our models correct for any time trends in detectability when assessing population trends in abundance.

2. We illustrate both models for a farmland and a woodland bird species, skylarkAlauda arvensisand willow titParus montanus, by applying them to Swiss BBS data, where 268 1 km2quadrats were surveyed two to three times during 1999–2003. We fit binomial and multinomial mixture models where log(abundance) depended on year, elevation, forest cover and transect route length, and logit(detection) on year, season and search effort.

3. Parameter estimates were very similar between models with confidence intervals overlapping for most parameters. Trend estimates were similar for skylark (−0.074 ± 0.041 vs. −0.047 ± 0.019) and willow tit (0.044 ± 0.046 vs. 0.047 ± 0.018). As expected, the multinomial model gave more precise estimates, but also yielded lower abundance estimates for the skylark. This may be due to effects of territory misclassification (lumping error), which do not affect the binomial model.

4. Both models appear useful for estimating abundance and population trends free from distortions by detectability in metapopulation designs with temporally replicated observations. The ability to obtain estimates of abundance and population trends that are unbiased with respect to any time trends in detectability ought to be a strong motivation for the collection of replicate observation data.
Managing wildlife populations with uncertainty: cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo
Authors: Smith G. C. , Parrott D. , Robertson P. A.
Published: November 2009

Managing wildlife populations for conservation, control or harvesting involves uncertainty. Nevertheless, decisions need to be made based on the available evidence. The two main sources of uncertainty in population modelling are parameter estimates and structural uncertainty. Structural uncertainty in models is not included as often as parameter uncertainty.

We present an approach where parameter and structural uncertainty (strength of density dependence) is included within a model, using the over‐wintering English population of cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo L. Because of the damage caused to inland fishery interests by cormorants, there was a change in UK government policy in autumn 2004, increasing the numbers of birds that can be shot under licence.

A stochastic Monte Carlo annual population model was produced to examine the effect of changes to the numbers of birds shot each year. Indices of annual population size were converted to population estimates and used to determine annual growth rates and strength of density dependence.

There is strong evidence for density dependence in the data, which suggests the population is currently slightly above carrying capacity, with a mean growth rate of 4–6% per annum. The 1300 birds shot under licence in 2004/05 represent about 4·5% of the English population, and if this level of culling continues, the population would be expected to decline by 9% by 2007, compared to the long‐term average. The a priori preferred model, which included all uncertainty, gave predictions for 2004/05 and 2005/06 in close agreement with field data.

The model was used to produce short‐term population projections, with the understanding that Adaptive Resource Management (ARM) will be adopted to iteratively update the parameters and model each year, feeding back into the numbers of available licences.

Synthesis and applications. We recommend the approach used in this study of including parameter and structural uncertainty within a single model, where possible, with the proportion of iterations that utilize a particular structure dependent on the weight of evidence for that structure. This will produce results with wider confidence intervals, but ensures that the evidence for any particular model is not over‐interpreted.
Assessing the impact of culling on population size in the presence of uncertain density dependence: lessons from a great cormorant population
Authors: Green Rhys E.
Published: November 2009

In applied population ecology, simulation models are often used to predict the likely consequences of different management options and to inform policy. This study examines a recent population modelling study used to support a decision by the UK Government to increase the legal cull of great cormorantsPhalacrocorax carboin England.

The main models used in the study rely heavily upon estimates of the strength of density dependence obtained solely from analysis of a time series of population counts. Previous literature has questioned the validity of estimates of density dependence based upon time‐series population data.

It is shown, by means of simulations, that an important component of the cormorant population models, the strength of density dependence, cannot be estimated reliably from the available time series without allowing for count error. Proper allowance for the effect of count error is not thought to be feasible in this case.

It is further shown, by means of simulations, that projections from population models which assume density independence lead to considerably larger uncertainty in the future population trajectory than was recognized in the cormorant study. This is because of failure to allow for the possibility of density‐independent trends over time in population growth rate.

Synthesis and applications. The study examined did not provide a sound basis for decisions about population management. Negative density dependence tends to reduce the impact upon population size of a given culling regime, and because its strength is usually overestimated by the methods used, culled populations will tend to decline more rapidly than expected and possibly continue to decline without stabilizing at a lower level.
Adapting landscapes to climate change: examples of climate‐proof ecosystem networks and priority adaptation zones
Authors: Vos Claire C. , Berry Pam , Opdam Paul , Baveco Hans , Nijhof Bianca , O’Hanley Jesse , Bell Claire , Kuipers H.
Published: November 2009

Climate change has been inducing range shifts for many species as they follow their suitable climate space and further shifts are projected. Whether species will be able to colonize regions where climate conditions become suitable, so‐called ‘new climate space’, depends on species traits and habitat fragmentation.

By combining bioclimate envelope models with dispersal models, we identified areas where the spatial cohesion of the ecosystem pattern is expected to be insufficient to allow colonization of new climate space.

For each of three ecosystem types, three species were selected that showed a shift in suitable climate space and differed in habitat fragmentation sensitivity.

For the 2020 and 2050 time slices, the amount of climatically suitable habitat in northwest Europe diminished for all studied species. Additionally, significant portions of new suitable habitat could not be colonized because of isolation. Together, this will result in a decline in the amount of suitable habitat protected in Natura 2000 sites.

We develop several adaptation strategies to combat this problem: (i) link isolated habitat that is within a new suitable climate zone to the nearest climate‐proof network; (ii) increase colonizing capacity in the overlap zone, the part of a network that remains suitable in successive time frames; (iii) optimize sustainable networks in climate refugia, the part of a species’ range where the climate remains stable.

Synthesis and applications. Following the method described in this study, we can identify those sites across Europe where ecosystem patterns are not cohesive enough to accommodate species’ responses to climate change. The best locations for climate corridors where improving connectivity is most urgent and potential gain is highest can then be pinpointed.
Functional microbial diversity in regenerating cutover peatlands responds to vegetation succession
Authors: Artz Rebekka R. E. , Chapman Stephen J. , Siegenthaler Andy , Mitchell Edward A. D. , Buttler Alexandre , Bortoluzzi Estelle , Gilbert Daniel , Yli‐Petays Mika , Vasander Harri , Francez André‐Jean
Published: November 2009

While establishment of vegetation is the most visual indicator of regeneration on cutover peatland, the reinstatement of belowground functions is less well understood. Vegetation succession results in differences in peat quality in terms of C availability. The respiratory response of the soil microbial community to ecologically relevant substrates (community‐level physiological profile, CLPP) such as those found in rhizosphere exudates and litter hydrolysates, is thought to reflect the activity and functional diversity of the soil microbial community, especially those involved in turnover of soluble photosynthate‐derived C.

The relationship between CLPP and typical regeneration stages was investigated at five European peatlands, each with up to five sites representing a gradient of natural regeneration stages. We aimed to determine whether unaided revegetation consistently affected soil microbial CLPP, which environmental factors explained variation in CLPP on the scale of individual peatlands, and if these factors were consistent across different peatlands.

Within each peatland, a decomposition index based on diagnostic bands in Fourier transform‐infrared spectra indicated that regeneration had generally started from a common base and that the influence of vegetation on the decomposition index declined with depth. In parallel, differences in vegetation cover between regeneration stages resulted in significantly different CLPP, but this effect decreased rapidly with soil depth. The magnitudes of the effect of vegetation succession versus soil depth appeared to be linked with the age range of the regeneration gradients. Hence, the effect of vegetation on CLPP is effectively diluted due to the remaining organic matter. Specific plant species described significant proportions of CLPP variability but these species were not consistent across peatland types. The effects of soil depth appeared to be peatland‐specific.

Synthesis and applications. Together, the results indicate significant responses of the microbial community to vegetation succession, with the strength of the effect probably dependent on quantities of labile C allocation to the soil microbial community. Therefore, particularly in the early stages of regeneration of cutover peatlands, CLPP could provide vital information about the relative importance of different plant functional types on potential rates of labile C turnover.
Historical changes in the distributions of invasive and endemic marine invertebrates are contrary to global warming predictions: the effects of decadal climate oscillations
Authors: Hilbish Thomas J. , Brannock Pamela M. , Jones Karlie R. , Smith Allison B. , Bullock Brooke N. , Wethey David S.
Published: November 2009

Aim  We tested whether a hybrid zone that has formed between an endemic and an invasive species of marine mussel has shifted poleward as expected under a general hypothesis of global warming or has responded instead to decadal climate oscillations.

Location  We sampled 15 locations on the coast of California, USA, that span the distributions of the two species of marine mussels and their hybrids.

Methods  Mussels were sampled in 2005–08 and analysed at three nuclear gene loci using methods identical to those used in a study a decade earlier in order to document the genetic architecture of this system. Change in the system was determined by comparing the frequency of species‐specific alleles and multi‐locus genotypes over the intervening decade. Climate variation over the same period was examined by comparing the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), upwelling indices and sea surface temperature (SST) during and prior to the study period.

Results  Contrary to the general expectations of global warming we show that the highly invasive warm‐water mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the hybrid zone formed with the endemic species Mytilus trossulus has rapidly contracted southwards. Mytilus galloprovincialis declined in abundance over the northern third of its geographic range (c. 540 km) and has become rare or absent across the northern 200 km of the range it previously colonized during its initial invasion. The distribution of the native species M. trossulus has remained unchanged over the same time period.

Main conclusions  The large‐scale range shift in the warm‐water invasive species M. galloprovincialis and the hybrid zone it forms with M. trossulus has been exceptionally rapid and is in the opposite direction to that predicted by the global warming hypotheses. This shift, however, is consistent with decadal climate variation associated with the ENSO and the PDO. Since the biogeography of this system was first described in 1999, the PDO has shifted from a warm phase, dominated by frequent and large El Niño events, to a cold‐phase period, with minimal ENSO activity. Thus recent decadal climate variation can oppose global trends in average temperature and this study illustrates the need to integrate the effects of climate change across multiple time‐scales.
Factors of importance to the development of pressure ulcers in the care trajectory: perceptions of hospital and community care nurses
Authors: Athlin Elsy , Idvall Ewa , Jernfält Margareth , Johansson Inger
Published: November 2009

Aim.  The study aimed at describing contributing factors for the progression or regression of pressure ulcers in the care trajectory as they were understood by nurses working in hospitals or community care.

Background.  The development of pressure ulcers is considered to be connected with early prevention and awareness among nurses and some studies have indicated that the care trajectory may be a weak point.

Design.  The study was carried out with a qualitative design.

Method.  Fifteen nurses from two Swedish hospitals and 15 nurses from community care were interviewed during 2005. Qualitative content analysis was used to make an understanding of patterns possible.

Findings.  Three main categories arose, showing that pressure ulcers were considered to be affected in the care trajectory by factors related to the individual patient, to the healthcare personnel and to the healthcare structure. Hospital and community care nurses mostly had corresponding perceptions of these factors.

Conclusion.  The study both confirmed previous findings and added new knowledge about factors that may affect pressure ulcer in the trajectory of care. The informants’ views of nurses’ responsibilities and their attitudes towards the care of pressure ulcers could, along with their views on the organisation of care, increase the understanding of the occurrence of pressure ulcers. The need for development and clarification of the organisation and responsibility of pressure ulcer care in the care trajectory was stressed.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The study highlighted attitudes and values among registered nurses, as well as to how to preserve their commitment and increase their knowledge concerning prevention of pressure ulcers.
What are the career planning and development practices for nurses in hospitals? Is there a difference between private and public hospitals?
Authors: Sonmez Betul , Yildirim Aytolan
Published: November 2009

Aim.  The aim was to determine the opinions of nurse managers about career planning and development for nurses in hospitals.

Background.  Career planning and development are defined as an important and necessary tool in the development of nurses as professionals and in retaining nurses in a facility.

Design.  A descriptive survey.

Method.  The research population comprised nurse managers in 200+ bed hospitals on the European side of Istanbul province (n = 668). The entire population was targeted and 373 nurse managers were included in the study (55·8% return rate). Data were collected with a 32‐item survey form that had three sections to determine the nurse managers’ demographic characteristics, the career development practices at the facility where they worked, the nurse managers’ responsibilities for career development and their expected competencies and recommendations.

Findings.  The findings of this study suggest that the most common technique used for nurses for career development was education programs, the career development practices of private hospitals were more developed than public hospitals and the nurse managers’ perceptions about career development were different according to their management level, age group and educational level (p < 0·05).

Result.  Although different practices were found in public and private hospitals in Turkey there were no effective career development practices identified and the nurse managers did not have agreement on the subject of career development.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Hospitals which provide opportunity for horizontal and vertical promotion and have clear development policies will be successful hospitals which are prefered by high quality nurses. This study draws attention to the importance of career planning in nursing and the need for nurse managers to take an active role in career planning and development.
Nanomedicine based approaches for the delivery of siRNA in cancer
Authors: Ozpolat B. , Sood A. K. , Lopez‐Berestein G.
Published: November 2009

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology holds great promise as a therapeutic intervention for targeted gene silencing in cancer and other diseases. However, in vivo systemic delivery of siRNA‐based therapeutics to tumour tissues/cells remains a challenge. The major limitations against the use of siRNA as a therapeutic tool are its degradation by serum nucleases, poor cellular uptake and rapid renal clearance following systemic administration. Several siRNA‐based loco‐regional therapeutics are already in clinical trials. Further development of siRNAs for anti‐cancer therapy depends on the development of safe and effective nanocarriers for systemic administration. To overcome these hurdles, nuclease‐resistant chemically modified siRNAs and variety of synthetic and natural biodegradable lipids and polymers have been developed to systemically deliver siRNA with different efficacy and safety profiles. Cationic liposomes have emerged as one of the most attractive carriers because of their ability to form complexes with negatively charged siRNA and high in vitro transfection efficiency. However, their effectiveness as potential therapeutic carriers is limited by potential for pulmonary toxicity. Recently, our laboratories described the use of neutral 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphatidylcholine based nanoliposomes in murine tumour models. We found this approach to be safe and 10‐ and 30‐fold more effective than cationic liposomes and naked siRNA, respectively, for systemic delivery of siRNA into tumour tissues. Here, we review potential approaches for systemic delivery of siRNA for cancer therapy.
Pathogens as potential selective agents in the wild
Authors: DIONNE MÉLANIE
Published: November 2009

Pathogens are considered a serious threat to which wild populations must adapt, most particularly under conditions of rapid environmental change. One way host adaptation has been studied is through genetic population structure at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a complex of adaptive genes involved in pathogen resistance in vertebrates. However, while associations between specific pathogens and MHC alleles or diversity have been documented from laboratory studies, the interaction between hosts and pathogens in the wild is more complex. As such, identifying selective agents and understanding underlying co‐evolutionary mechanisms remains a major challenge. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Evans & Neff (2009) characterized spatial and temporal variation in the bacterial parasite community infecting Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) fry from five populations in British Columbia, Canada. They used a 16S rDNA sequencing‐based approach to examine the prevalence of bacterial infection in kidney and looked for associations with MHC class I and II genetic variability. The authors found a high diversity of bacteria infecting fry, albeit at low prevalence. It was reasoned that spatial variability in infection rate and bacterial community phylogenetic similarity found across populations may represent differential pathogen‐mediated selection pressures. The study revealed some evidence of heterozygote advantage at MHC class II, but not class I, and preliminary associations between specific MHC alleles and bacterial infections were uncovered. This research adds an interesting perspective to the debate on host–pathogen co‐evolutionary mechanisms and emphasizes the importance of considering the complexity of pathogen communities in studies of host local adaptation.
Spatiotemporal mating pattern variation in a wind‐pollinated Mediterranean shrub
Authors: ALBALADEJO RAFAEL G. , GONZÁLEZ‐MARTÍNEZ SANTIAGO C. , HEUERTZ MYRIAM , VENDRAMIN GIOVANNI G. , APARICIO ABELARDO
Published: November 2009

Spatiotemporal variation in mating patterns is poorly known in wind‐pollinated plant species. Here, we analysed mating patterns of the wind‐pollinated dioecious shrub Pistacia lentiscus by genotyping 904 seeds from 30 mother plants with eight microsatellite markers in a high‐density population in two consecutive flowering seasons. We found significant differences in some mating system estimates between years, particularly in the levels of correlated paternity. Overall, within‐mothers correlated paternity was higher in 2007 than in 2006 (rpWM = 0.085 and 0.030), which translated into an effective number of fathers (Nep) of 11.8 and 33.6 respectively. Using a smoothing interpolation technique, we show that the effective pollen cloud was spatially structured in patches of high‐ and low‐genetic diversity, which do not remain constant from year to year. In 2006, the among‐mothers correlated paternity (rpAM) showed no trend with distance, suggesting no restriction of pollen dispersal. However, in 2007, rpAM was greater than zero at short distances, revealing the existence of small‐scale patterns of pollen dispersal. The fact that the studied seasons were climatically homogeneous during the flowering time suggested that the observed differences might be ascribed to between‐year phenological variation of individuals in the studied population or other (unknown) factors. Numerical simulations, based on the real data set, indicated that the clumping of males and decreasing plant density, which is related to different types of pollen limitation, greatly increase correlated mating in this wind‐pollinated species, which is of relevance under the frame of the continuous anthropogenic habitat disturbance suffered by Mediterranean ecosystems.
A rapid and non‐destructive screenable marker, FAST, for identifying transformed seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shimada Takashi L. , Shimada Tomoo , Hara‐Nishimura Ikuko
Published: November 2009

The creation of transgenic plants has contributed extensively to the advancement of plant science. Establishing homozygous transgenic lines is time‐consuming and laborious, and using antibiotics or herbicides to select transformed plants may adversely affect the growth of some transgenic plants. Here we describe a novel technology, which we have named FAST (fluorescence‐accumulating seed technology), that overcomes these difficulties. Although this technology was designed for use in Arabidopsis thaliana, it may be adapted for use in other plants. The technology is based on the expression of a fluorescent co‐dominant screenable marker FAST, under the control of a seed‐specific promoter, on the oil body membrane. The FAST marker harbors a fusion gene encoding either GFP or RFP with an oil body membrane protein that is prominent in seeds. The marker protein was only expressed in a specific organ (i.e. in dry seeds) and at a specific time (i.e. during dormancy), which are desirable features of selectable and/or screenable markers. This technique provides an immediate and non‐destructive method for identifying transformed dry seeds. It identified the heterozygous transformed seeds among the T1 population and the homozygous seeds among the T2 population with a false‐discovery rate of <1%. The FAST marker reduces the length of time required to produce homozygous transgenic lines from 7.5 to 4 months. Furthermore, it does not require sterilization, clean‐bench protocols or the handling of large numbers of plants. This technology should greatly facilitate the generation of transgenic Arabidopsis plants.