bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogeographical history of cuckoo‐shrikes (Aves: Passeriformes): transoceanic colonization of Africa from Australo‐Papua
Authors: Jønsson Knud A. , Bowie Rauri C. K. , Nylander Johan A. A. , Christidis Les , Norman Janette A. , Fjeldså Jon
Published: June 2010

Aim  Cuckoo‐shrikes and allies (Campephagidae) form a radiation of birds widely distributed in the Indo‐Pacific and Africa. Recent studies on the group have been hampered by poor taxon sampling, causing inferences about systematics and biogeography to be rather speculative. With improved taxon sampling and analyses within an explicit spatiotemporal framework, we elucidate biogeographical patterns of dispersal and diversification within this diverse clade of passerine birds.

Location  Africa, Asia, Australo‐Papua, the Pacific, the Philippines and Wallacea.

Methods  We use model‐based phylogenetic methods (MrBayes and garli) to construct a phylogenetic hypothesis of the core Campephagidae (Campephagidae with the exclusion of Pericrocotus). The phylogeny is used to assess the biogeographical history of the group with a newly developed Bayesian approach to dispersal–vicariance analysis (Bayes‐diva). We also made use of a partitioned beast analysis, with several calibration points taken from island ages, passerine mitochondrial substitution rates and secondary calibration points for passerine birds, to assess the timing of diversification and dispersal.

Results  We present a robust molecular phylogeny that includes all genera and 84% of the species within the core Campephagidae. Furthermore, we estimate divergence dates and ancestral area relationships. We demonstrate that Campephagidae originated in Australo‐Papua with a single lineage (Pericrocotus) dispersing to Asia early. Later, there was further extensive transoceanic dispersal from Australo‐Papua to Africa involving lineages within the core Campephagidae radiation.

Main conclusions  The phylogenetic relationships, along with the results of the ancestral area analysis and the timing of dispersal events, support a transoceanic dispersal scenario from Australo‐Papua to Africa by the core Campephagidae. The sister group to core Campephagidae, Pericrocotus, dispersed to mainland Asia in the late Oligocene. Asia remained uncolonized by the core Campephagidae until the Pliocene. Transoceanic dispersal is by no means an unknown phenomenon, but our results represent a convincing case of colonization over a significant water gap of thousands of kilometres from Australo‐Papua to Africa.
Hard and soft allopatry: physically and ecologically mediated modes of geographic speciation
Authors: Pyron R. Alexander , Burbrink Frank T.
Published: June 2010

Aim  Three common patterns have emerged in comparative phylogeographic analyses at many barriers: (1) a potential geographic pseudocongruence of lineage divergences; (2) a disconnect between the inference of temporally clustered, relatively recent timing for observed speciation events, and dates spanning a broader, apparently random time‐scale; and (3) an apparent prevalence of speciation with recent or continuing gene flow. It is unclear if there is a unifying explanation for these phenomena. We argue that the interaction between geographic barriers to dispersal and ecological limits on the distribution of species can explain these patterns. We suggest that these patterns can be explained by the presence of a continuum between two underlying processes, here termed ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ allopatric divergence, which result from the interplay between organismal ecology and the physioecological nature of geographic barriers.

Location  Examples from North America.

Methods  We examine comparative phylogeographic divergences in 18 groups of terrestrial vertebrates at two major biogeographic features in North America – the Mississippi River Embayment and the Cochise Filter Barrier – to test predictions made by this hypothesis.

Results  We find support for the two distinct processes of hard and soft allopatry, and note several examples exhibiting characteristics of both. Hard allopatry is caused by physical barriers promoting divergence as a function of consistent geographic isolation. Soft allopatry is caused by ecological processes that isolate populations geographically in allopatric refugia through niche conservatism, or across ecological transition zones through niche divergence, but which may be periodic or inconsistent through time.

Main conclusions  Viewing geographic speciation as a continuum between hard and soft allopatry can explain all three patterns as a consequence of the physical and ecological mechanisms that isolate populations, and provides an alternative perspective on the impact of ecological factors and physical barriers on lineage formation.
Creation and validation of the PERFECT: a critical incident tool for evaluating change in the practices of health professionals
Authors: Menon Anita , Cafaro Teresa , Loncaric Daniela , Moore James , Vivona Amanda , Wynands Elizabeth , Korner‐Bitensky Nicol
Published: June 2010

Rationale  The critical incident technique provides a means to better understand the reasons behind clinicians' practices and changes in practice. No standardized tool exists to elicit information using this technique.

Objectives  To create and validate a standardized tool that explores change and reasons for change in professional practice.

Method  Item generation was based on expert consultation and a review of the clinical practice and knowledge translation literature. The draft tool was pilot‐tested with a convenience sample of 10 rehabilitation clinicians to receive feedback on its content, clarity, optimal cueing, omissions and ease of recall of critical incidents.

Results  The tool was progressively refined and validated according to feedback from both the clinicians and expert reviewers. The final version of the tool includes 33 questions designed to elicit information on change and reasons for change in four areas: problem identification, assessment, treatment and referral practices. In addition, it elicits information on factors that facilitate or hinder change in practice. Cues are included when necessary to clarify questions and facilitate responses. Regarding ease of recall, all clinicians confirmed that beginning with a 6‐month recall of practice change and working back to 1 year was a facilitator. All clinicians mentioned that the tool encouraged them to reflect about changes they made in their practice or lack thereof.

Conclusion  The newly created standardized critical incident tool, named the PERFECT (Professional Evaluation & Reflection on Change Tool) provides an opportunity for widespread applicability to explore change, reasons for change, as well as facilitators and barriers to change in the practices of health professionals.
Androgens Selectively Protect Against Apoptosis in Hippocampal Neurones
Authors: Nguyen T. V. , Jayaraman A. , Quaglino A. , Pike C. J.
Published: June 2010

Androgens can protect neurones from injury, although androgen neuroprotection is not well characterised in terms of either specificity or mechanism. In the present study, we compared the ability of androgens to protect neurones against a panel of insults, empirically determined to induce cell death by apoptotic or non‐apoptotic mechanisms. Three criteria defining but not inclusive of apoptosis are: protection by caspase inhibition, protection by protein synthesis inhibition and the presence of pyknotic nuclei. According to these criteria, β‐amyloid, staurosporine, and Apoptosis Activator II induced cell death involving apoptosis, whereas hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), iron, calcium ionophore and 3‐nitropropionic acid induced cell death featuring non‐apoptotic characteristics. Pretreatment of hippocampal neurones with testosterone or dihydrotestosterone attenuated cell death induced by β‐amyloid, staurosporine and Apoptosis Activator II, but none of the other insults. The anti‐oxidant Trolox did not reduce cell death induced by β‐amyloid, staurosporine and Apoptosis Activator II, but did protect against H2O2 and iron. Similarly, a supra‐physiological concentration of oestrogen reduced cell death induced by H2O2 and iron, an effect not observed with androgens. We also show that activation of oestrogen pathways was not necessary for androgen neuroprotection. These data suggest that androgens directly activate a neuroprotective mechanism specific to inhibition of cell death involving apoptosis. Determining the specificity of androgen neuroprotection may enable the development of androgen compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones (GSM 900 and WCDMA/UMTS) on the macrostructure of sleep
Authors: DANKER‐HOPFE HEIDI , DORN HANS , BAHR ACHIM , ANDERER PETER , SAUTER CORNELIA
Published: June 2010

In the present double‐blind, randomized, sham‐controlled cross‐over study, possible effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) 900 and Wideband Code‐Division Multiple Access (WCDMA)/Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) cell‐phones on the macrostructure of sleep were investigated in a laboratory environment. An adaptation night, which served as screening night for sleep disorders and as an adjustment night to the laboratory environment, was followed by 9 study nights (separated by a 2‐week interval) in which subjects were exposed to three exposure conditions (sham, GSM 900 and WCDMA/UMTS). The sample comprised 30 healthy male subjects within the age range 18–30 years (mean ± standard deviation: 25.3 ± 2.6 years). A cell‐phone usage at maximum radio frequency (RF) output power was simulated and the transmitted power was adjusted in order to approach, but not to exceed, the specific absorption rate (SAR) limits of the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for general public exposure (SAR10g = 2.0 W kg−1). In this study, possible effects of long‐term (8 h) continuous RF exposure on the central nervous system were analysed during sleep, because sleep is a state in which many confounding intrinsic and extrinsic factors (e.g. motivation, personality, attitude) are eliminated or controlled. Thirteen of 177 variables characterizing the initiation and maintenance of sleep in the GSM 900 and three in the WCDMA exposure condition differed from the sham condition. The few significant results are not indicative of a negative impact on sleep architecture. From the present results there is no evidence for a sleep‐disturbing effect of GSM 900 and WCDMA exposure.
Population differentiation of sessile oak at the altitudinal front of migration in the French Pyrenees
Authors: ALBERTO F. , NIORT J. , DERORY J. , LEPAIS O. , VITALIS R. , GALOP D. , KREMER A.
Published: June 2010

To assess the effects of altitude on the level and structure of genetic diversity, a genetic survey was conducted in 12 populations of sessile oak (Quercus petraea) located between 130 and 1660 m in two parallel valleys on the northern side of the Pyrenees Mountains. Genetic diversity was monitored at 16 nuclear microsatellite loci and 5 chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers. The cpDNA survey suggested that extant populations in both valleys shared the same source populations from the plain. There was no visible trend of nuclear genetic diversity along altitude, even if indirect estimates of effective population sizes revealed a consistent reduction at higher altitudes. Population differentiation, although low, was mostly present among populations of the same valleys and reached similar levels than differentiation across the range of distribution of sessile oak. Contribution to the overall differentiation in the valleys was mostly due to the genetic divergence of the highest populations and the altitudinal variation of allelic frequencies at a few loci. Bayesian inference of migration between groups of populations showed that gene flow is preferentially unidirectional from lower altitudes in one valley to other groups of populations. Finally, we found evidence of clonal reproduction in high altitude populations. The introgression ofQuercus roburandQuercus pubescenswas also more frequent at the altitudinal margin suggesting that this mechanism may have contributed to the present migration and adaptation ofQ. petraeaand may also facilitate its future upslope shift in the context of climate change.
Prolonged protection of the new inhaled corticosteroid fluticasone furoate against AMP hyperresponsiveness in patients with asthma
Authors: Van Den Berge M. , Luijk B. , Bareille P. , Dallow N. , Postma D. S. , Lammers J. ‐W. J.
Published: June 2010

To cite this article: van den Berge M, Luijk B, Bareille P, Dallow N, Postma DS, Lammers J‐WJ. Prolonged protection of the new inhaled corticosteroid fluticasone furoate against AMP hyperresponsiveness in patients with asthma. Allergy 2010; 65: 1531–1535.

Introduction:  Single‐dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) induce direct anti‐inflammatory effects in asthma thereby improving airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). A novel enhanced‐affinity ICS, fluticasone furoate (FF), demonstrated a prolonged duration of action in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and duration of action of a single dose of FF by studying protection against AHR to adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) and effects on exhaled nitric oxide (eNO).

Methods:  A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 6‐way crossover study (FFA10026) was performed in 24 patients with allergic asthma (mean age 32.8 years, FEV1 ≥ 70% predicted and PC20 AMP ≤ 50 mg/ml). Each subject received a single dose of FF 1000 μg, fluticasone proprionate (FP) 1000 μg, or placebo at 2 (FF only), 14 or 26 h prior to AMP challenge and eNO measurement.

Results:  FF significantly improved PC20 AMP compared to placebo, the difference in doubling concentrations being 2.18 (95% confidence interval: 1.13–3.23), 1.54 (0.48–2.59), and 1.30 (0.26–2.34) at 2, 14 and 26 h. FP improved PC20 AMP significantly at 14 h compared to placebo, but not at the 26‐hour time point, the difference in doubling concentrations being 1.72 (0.70–2.75) and 0.33 (−0.69–1.34). There was no significant effect on eNO after either FF or FP at all time points. FF was well tolerated and there were no serious adverse events.

Conclusion:  The new inhaled corticosteroid FF, but not FP, demonstrates prolonged protection up to 26 h against AHR to AMP in asthma patients.
TSLP polymorphisms are associated with asthma in a sex‐specific fashion
Authors: Hunninghake G. M. , Soto‐Quirós M. E. , Avila L. , Kim H. P. , Lasky‐Su J. , Rafaels N. , Ruczinski I. , Beaty T. H. , Mathias R. A. , Barnes K. C. , Wilk J. B. , O’Connor G. T. , James Gauderman W. , Vora H. , Baurley J. W. , Gilliland F. , Liang C. , Sylvia J. S. , Klanderman B. J. , Sharma S. S. , Himes B. E. , Bossley C. J. , Israel E. , Raby B. A. , Bush A. , Choi A. M. , Weiss S. T. , Celedón J. C.
Published: June 2010

To cite this article: Hunninghake GM, Soto‐Quirós ME, Avila L, Kim HP, Lasky‐Su J, Rafaels N, Ruczinski I, Beaty TH, Mathias RA, Barnes KC, Wilk JB, O’Connor GT, James Gauderman W, Vora H, Baurley JW, Gilliland F, Liang C, Sylvia JS, Klanderman BJ, Sharma SS, Himes BE, Bossley CJ, Israel E, Raby BA, Bush A, Choi AM, Weiss ST, Celedón JC. TSLP polymorphisms are associated with asthma in a sex‐specific fashion. Allergy 2010; 65: 1566–1575.

Background:  Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) have been associated with IgE (in girls) and asthma (in general). We sought to determine whether TSLP SNPs are associated with asthma in a sex‐specific fashion.

Methods:  We conducted regular and sex‐stratified analyses of association between SNPs in TSLP and asthma in families of children with asthma in Costa Rica. Significant findings were replicated in whites and African‐American participants in the Childhood Asthma Management Program, in African‐Americans in the Genomic Research on Asthma in the African Diaspora study, in whites and Hispanics in the Children’s Health Study, and in whites in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS).

Main Results:  Two SNPs in TSLP (rs1837253 and rs2289276) were significantly associated with a reduced risk of asthma in combined analyses of all cohorts (P values of 2 × 10−5 and 1 × 10−5, respectively). In a sex‐stratified analysis, the T allele of rs1837253 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of asthma in males only (P = 3 × 10−6). Alternately, the T allele of rs2289276 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of asthma in females only (P = 2 × 10−4). Findings for rs2289276 were consistent in all cohorts except the FHS.

Conclusions:  TSLP variants are associated with asthma in a sex‐specific fashion.
Projections of the effects of climate change on allergic asthma: the contribution of aerobiology
Authors: Cecchi L. , D’Amato G. , Ayres J. G. , Galan C. , Forastiere F. , Forsberg B. , Gerritsen J. , Nunes C. , Behrendt H. , Akdis C. , Dahl R. , Annesi‐Maesano I.
Published: June 2010

To cite this article: Cecchi L, D’Amato G, Ayres JG, Galan C, Forastiere F, Forsberg B, Gerritsen J, Nunes C, Behrendt H, Akdis C, Dahl R, Annesi‐Maesano I. Projections of the effects of climate change on allergic asthma: the contribution of aerobiology. Allergy 2010; 65: 1073–1081.

Climate change is unequivocal and represents a possible threat for patients affected by allergic conditions. It has already had an impact on living organisms, including plants and fungi with current scenarios projecting further effects by the end of the century. Over the last three decades, studies have shown changes in production, dispersion and allergen content of pollen and spores, which may be region‐ and species‐specific. In addition, these changes may have been influenced by urban air pollutants interacting directly with pollen. Data suggest an increasing effect of aeroallergens on allergic patients over this period, which may also imply a greater likelihood of the development of an allergic respiratory disease in sensitized subjects and exacerbation of symptomatic patients. There are a number of limitations that make predictions uncertain, and further and specifically designed studies are needed to clarify current effects and future scenarios. We recommend: More stress on pollen/spore exposure in the diagnosis and treatment guidelines of respiratory and allergic diseases; collection of aerobiological data in a structured way at the European level; creation, promotion and support of multidisciplinary research teams in this area; lobbying the European Union and other funders to finance this research.
The evolution of host‐specific variation in cuckoo eggshell strength
Authors: SPOTTISWOODE C. N.
Published: June 2010

Cuckoo eggs are renowned for their mimicry of different host species, leading to the evolution of host‐specific races (or ‘gentes’) defined by egg colour and pattern. This study aims to test the prediction that another property of parasitic eggs, namely shell strength, might also have experienced divergent selection within cuckoo species. Host races of the common cuckooCuculus canorusencountering stronger host rejection have thicker‐shelled eggs than those parasitising less discriminating species, as expected if egg strengthening discourages host rejection. Moreover, in the diederik cuckooChrysococcyx caprius, eggshell thickness was correlated across cuckoo gentes and host species, as expected if eggshell strength has been involved in coevolutionary interactions. This is the first report of host‐specific differences in cuckoo egg properties other than colour and pattern and lends correlational support to the hypothesis that the strong eggshells of brood parasites are an adaptation to reduce host rejection.
Modular genetic architecture of floral morphology inNicotiana: quantitative genetic and comparative phenotypic approaches to floral integration
Authors: BISSELL E. K. , DIGGLE P. K.
Published: June 2010

Animal‐pollinated flowers are complex structures that may require a precise configuration of floral organs for proper function. As such, they represent an excellent system with which we can examine the role of phenotypic integration and modularity in morphological evolution. We use complementary quantitative genetic and comparative phenotypic approaches to examine correlations among floral characters inNicotiana alata,N. forgetianaand their artificial fourth‐generation hybrids. Flowers of both species share basic patterns of genetic and phenotypic correlations characterized by at least two integrated character suites that are relatively independent of each other and are not disrupted by four generations of recombination in hybrids. We conclude that these integrated character suites represent phenotypic modules that are the product of a modular genetic architecture. Intrafloral modularity may have been critical for rapid specialization of these species to different pollinators.
A pilot study to investigate the scope for an inpatient smoking cessation programme
Authors: George J. , Taylor S. , Hong T. , Leung S. , Nguyen J.
Published: June 2010

Background: Many Australian hospitals have recently introduced smoke‐free policies.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the smoking habits of hospital inpatients and to investigate the scope for an inpatient smoking cessation programme.

Methods: A cross‐sectional survey of adult inpatients of a tertiary‐referral hospital who were smoking just before admission. The questionnaire contained items on general demographics, views on quitting, past quit attempts and validated scales – Fagerström test of nicotine dependence, Biener's contemplation ladder and Velicer's smoking decisional balance.

Results: Participants' (n= 125) median age was 53 years and had smoked for 35.0 ± 17.2 years. The majority were male (n= 84; 67.2%) and 45 (36.3%) lived with someone who smoked. Participants self‐reported 4.5 ± 7.3 past attempts to quit. Only 61 (49.6%) said that their health professionals ever discussed options to assist quitting. Forty‐nine (39.2%) reported accessing smoking areas during their hospital stay. Participants scored 4.5 ± 2.5 on the Fagerström test. Forty‐two (33.8%) ranked themselves very high (9 or 10) on the contemplation ladder. The mean difference between the Velicer's subscales –‘cons’ (α= 0.81) and ‘pros’ (α= 0.80) was 3.2 ± 10.6 in favour of quitting. Fifty‐four (43.9%) participants were interested in starting smoking cessation therapy during their hospital stay. Nicotine patches (31; 25.4%) were the preferred dosage forms to assist quitting followed by oral tablets (23; 18.9%) and chewing gum (20; 16.4%).

Conclusions: Our findings could guide the design of inpatient smoking cessation interventions. Greater efforts from health professionals are essential for informing people about smoking cessation options, promoting their uptake, potentially resulting in higher quit rates.
A 5‐year follow up of patients discharged with non‐specific abdominal pain: out of sight, out of mind?
Authors: Banz V. M. , Sperisen O. , de Moya M. , Zimmermann H. , Candinas D. , Mougiakakou S. G. , Exadaktylos A. K.
Published: June 2010

Background/Aim: Acute non‐specific abdominal pain (NSAP) is prevalent in 6–25% of the general population and is a common cause of admission to the emergency department (ED). Despite involvement of substantial financial and human resources, there are few data on long‐term outcome after initial diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate long‐term outcome of patients initially admitted with NSAP to an ED.

Methods: The study involves a 5‐year follow‐up analysis of prospectively collected data on 104 patients admitted to our ED in 2003 with NSAP. Primary end‐point was clinical outcome 5 years after initial ED admission. Predictive risk factors were assessed using a multivariate regression model.

Results: 29 patients (28%) had recurring NSAP 5 years after initial ED admission, 76% of these patients received (multiple) diagnostic examinations and 13% eventually required diagnostic (or therapeutic) surgery. Although approximately half of patients with recurring NSAP eventually received a definite diagnosis, 30% still suffered from recurrent abdominal pain. Using regression analysis, no single factor in our dataset could be identified as a predictor for NSAP persistence.

Conclusion: The long‐term impact for patients initially admitted to our ED with acute NSAP is significant – 28% of patients continue to suffer from recurring NSAP after 5 years. NSAP therefore remains, despite more advanced diagnostic tools, a true and, as yet, unsolved problem.
REVIEW: Management of gout: beyond allopurinol
Authors: McGill N. W.
Published: June 2010

The basic concepts of the pathogenesis and management of gout have not altered for many years. Monosodium urate monohydrate crystals drive the disease and identification of these crystals is required for certain diagnosis. In contrast, our understanding of the mediators of gouty inflammation, the appropriate target serum urate concentration during treatment, the drugs available and the best ways to use those drugs have all advanced in recent years and will be the focus of this review.
Circadian rhythms and their development in children: implications for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in anesthesia
Authors: Potts Amanda L. , Cheeseman James F. , Warman Guy R.
Published: June 2010

The influence of time‐of‐day on the action and toxicity of drugs may be an important factor in the design of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies, and the interpretation of data resulting from these studies. Time‐of‐day can have a profound influence on the action of drugs. In some settings (e.g. cancer chemotherapy), the timing of drug administration has been utilized to maximize therapeutic effect and minimize toxicity. Time‐of‐day variation in the action of anesthetic drugs has been clearly demonstrated in adults. For example, local anesthetic action is longest during the afternoon, and neuromuscular blockade by rocuronium lasts one‐third longer in the morning than the afternoon. Circadian rhythms develop over the first months and years of life. Robust rhythms in hormone production (e.g. melatonin and cortisol) are seen at approximately 3 months of age, but it remains unclear as to when daily rhythms in drug PK and PD first appear. Here, we review the evidence for time‐of‐day effects in anesthetic drugs in adults and children and outline the potential influence this has on pediatric anesthesia.
Clinicopathological outcomes after radical cystectomy for clinical T2 urothelial carcinoma: further evidence to support the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Canter Daniel , Long Christopher , Kutikov Alexander , Plimack Elizabeth , Saad Ismail , Oblaczynski Megan , Zhu Fang , Viterbo Rosalia , Chen David Y.T. , Uzzo Robert G. , Greenberg Richard E. , Boorjian Stephen A.
Published: June 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Systemic chemotherapy for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer is underutilized. Currently, debate centers on whether patients should be given neoadjuvant chemotherapy or be given chemotherapy after surgery, depending on the pathology of the specimen. In this paper, we found that greater than 73% of patients had evidence of bladder cancer that was locally advanced, a criteria that would designate these patients for adjuvant chemotherapy. Using this evidence and the knowledge that neoadjuvant chemotherapy confers a survival advantage, we argue that neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be the standard of care.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinicopathological outcomes for patients with clinical T2 (cT2) urothelial carcinoma treated with radical cystectomy (RC) without neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified 212 patients with cT2 tumours who underwent RC at our institution without NC. Pathological assessment of RC specimens was correlated with clinical stage. The impact of various clinicopathological factors on the outcome of patients with cT2 disease was analysed.

RESULTS

In total, 153/212 (73.2%) patients with cT2 bladder cancer had either pT3/T4 or pN+ tumours at RC. Moreover, only 58/153 (37.9%) of these patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow‐up was 28 (months 0.6–107.5) (range). The 5‐year recurrence‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was 56.5% and 59.5%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, increasing age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04; P= 0.04), advanced pathological stage (HR 1.83; P= 0.02), and positive lymph nodes (HR 3.72; P= 0.001) were adversely associated with CSS, while receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy was protective of disease‐specific mortality (HR 0.45; P= 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Pathological upstaging is prevalent and survival remains modest in patients with cT2 tumours treated with RC without NC. Unfortunately, only 40% of patients that had locally advanced and/or regionally metastatic disease received adjuvant treatment. These data further support the value of NC for patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, even in those with apparent clinically organ‐confined tumours.
Anti‐SLAPP Legislation and Environmental Protection in the USA: An Overview of Direct and Indirect Effects
Authors: Norman Catherine S.
Published: June 2010

Anti‐SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) protections lead to changes in the dynamic and complex interactions between private citizens, environmental regulators and polluting entities. Direct impacts are legally significant, but if our interest is in environmental and enforcement outcomes, indirect effects are likely to be more important. Changes in perceived legal and regulatory threats impact the choices of many parties who are never involved in an actual SLAPP suit. This paper describes the expected direction and type of interactions when anti‐SLAPP protections are enacted and discuss the conclusions that follow from research to date.
From the Streets to the Courtroom: The Legacies of Quebec's anti‐SLAPP Movement
Authors: Landry Normand
Published: June 2010

Years of social mobilization and sustained political lobbying led to the recent adoption of anti‐SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) legislation in Quebec. While this achievement was largely seen as a victory by the organizations that led the campaign towards the enactment of anti‐SLAPP measures, many questions remain about the level of protection offered by the new law to citizens of the province. This article aims to address these questions and will be divided into three parts. The first section will briefly contextualize Quebec's new legislation within the larger Canadian framework. The second section will explore the social and political processes that led to the enactment of the legislation. Finally, we will examine the provisions of Bill 9 in order to determine whether it provides an appropriate response to SLAPP suits.
The Failure of Defamation Law to Safeguard against SLAPPs in Ontario
Authors: Nadarajah Ramani , Griffin Renee
Published: June 2010

The authors examine the failure of the law of defamation in Canada to reflect changed realities with respect to public participation in decision‐making processes and the impact that this has had on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) in the Ontario context. They examine the enhancement of the public's substantive and procedural rights to participate in environmental decision‐making processes reflected in legislation at the international, federal and provincial levels. They argue that SLAPPs threaten to reverse these shifts in norms in the development of public policy. The authors review anti‐SLAPP legislation as well as the evolution of defamation law in Canada and other jurisdictions and conclude by offering some law reform recommendations for Ontario.
Libel Cases and Public Debate – Some Reflections on whether Europe Should be Concerned about SLAPPs
Authors: Donson Fiona
Published: June 2010

In recent years, Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) have become well‐recognized as challenging free speech and public participation in the USA, Canada and Australia. However, in Europe SLAPPs remain largely unrecognized with little consideration of their use and impact. This paper argues that SLAPPs are used in Europe and have been neglected for a number of reasons. In order to examine the European SLAPP situation, this paper focuses on libel law in England and Wales. It considers the debate on free speech that has flowed out of libel cases and concludes by reflecting on what advantages might flow from a refocusing of that debate that includes a recognition of SLAPPs.
The Long Way to the Copenhagen Accord: Climate Change Negotiations in 2009
Authors: Massai Leonardo
Published: June 2010

The Copenhagen Summit did not conclude the 2 years negotiation process initiated in Bali in 2007. Ten official meetings among parties were not sufficient to reach a conclusion on the future of the international climate change regime after 2012. This paper summarizes the main issues addressed by the parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol tracks in the course of 2009, the longest year ever for climate change negotiations, and tries to explain the reasons behind the Summit's failures. Furthermore, an overview of the main points of the Copenhagen Accord is provided together with its implications and relation with the UNFCCC process.
Economic burden of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis is substantial
Authors: Kimball AB , Guérin A , Tsaneva M , Yu AP , Wu EQ , Gupta SR , Bao Y , Mulani PM
Published: June 2010

Background  Psoriasis is frequently associated with comorbidities.

Objective  To estimate the incremental economic burden associated with comorbidities in patients with psoriasis, accounting for psoriasis severity.

Methods  Patients continuously enrolled ≥ 6 months after a randomly selected psoriasis diagnosis date were selected from the Ingenix Impact National Managed Care Database (1999–2004). Comorbidities identified during the 6‐month study included: psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, cerebrovascular diseases and peripheral vascular disease. Resource utilization and costs during the 6‐month follow‐up period were compared for patients with ≥ 1 comorbidity vs. those without and for patients with a specific comorbidity vs. those without. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for resource utilization using negative binomial and logistic regression models, respectively. Adjusted incremental costs associated with comorbidities were reported using general linear models with log‐link and gamma distributions or two‐part models. Models controlled for age, sex and psoriasis severity.

Results  A total of 114 512 patients were included; 51% had ≥ 1 comorbidity. Hyperlipidemia (27%) and hypertension (25%) were most prevalent. Patients with comorbidities were more likely to experience urgent care [OR (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 1.58 (1.51–1.65)] than patients without comorbidities. They also had significantly greater hospitalization rates [IRR (95% CI) = 2.27 (2.13–2.42)] and outpatient visits [IRR (95% CI) = 1.53 (1.52–1.55)]. Compared with patients who did not have comorbidities, patients with comorbidities incurred $2184 (P < 0.001) greater total costs.

Conclusion  Comorbidities present a significant economic burden in patients with psoriasis.
Influence of the leptin G‐2548A polymorphism on leptin levels and anthropometric measurements in healthy Spanish adolescents‡
Authors: Riestra Pia , Garcia‐Anguita Alicia , Viturro Enrique , Schoppen Stefanie , De Oya Manuel , Garcés Carmen
Published: June 2010

Polymorphisms in the leptin gene (LEP) have been associated with leptin levels and obesity in some studies in adults though this link has scarcely been investigated in children. In our study, we examined the relationship of the LEP G‐2548A polymorphism with leptin levels, anthropometric variables and body composition in a population‐based sample of pubescent children. Our study included 880 healthy schoolchildren (419 males and 461 females), 12–16 years of age. Plasma leptin levels were determined by ELISA. The LEP polymorphism was determined by allelic discrimination TaqMan® assay. Male carriers of the AA genotype had significantly lower plasma leptin levels than GA (p < 0.008) and GG (p < 0.001) carriers and significantly lower mean hip circumference (HC) values than GG carriers (p = 0.04). In girls, leptin levels were also lower in A‐allele carriers than in GG carriers, and BMI and HC were significantly lower in AA carriers as compared with GG carriers. In addition, the frequency of the A allele was significantly lower (χ2: 4.58, p = 0.032) in the OW‐obese than in the NW group. In conclusion, the LEP G‐2548A polymorphism is associated with variations in leptin levels, BMI and HC in Spanish pubertal children, and evidence suggests a link between the G allele and presence of overweight in girls.
Univariate and Bivariate Linkage Analysis Identifies Pleiotropic Loci Underlying Lipid Levels and Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Authors: Hasstedt Sandra J. , Hanis Craig L. , Elbein Steven C. ,   the American Diabetes Association GENNID Study Group
Published: June 2010

Dyslipidemia frequently co‐occurs with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and with obesity. To investigate whether the co‐occurrence is due to pleiotropic genes, we performed univariate linkage analysis of lipid levels and bivariate linkage analysis of pairs of lipid levels and of lipid levels paired with T2D, body mass index (BMI), and waist‐hip ratio (WHR) in the African American subset of the Genetics of NIDDM (GENNID) sample. We obtained significant evidence for a pleiotropic low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C)–T2D locus on chromosome 1 at 16–19 megabases (MB) (bivariate lod = 4.41), as well as a non‐pleiotropic triglyceride (TG) locus on chromosome 20 at 28–34 MB (univariate lod = 3.57). In addition, near‐significant evidence supported TG–T2D loci on chromosome 2 at 81–101 MB (bivariate lod = 4.23) and 232–239 MB (bivariate lod = 4.27) and on chromosome 7 at 147–151 MB (univariate lod = 3.08 for TG with P = 0.041 supporting pleiotropy with T2D), as well as an LDL‐C–BMI locus on chromosome 3 at 137–147 MB (bivariate lod score = 4.25). These findings provide evidence that at least some of the co‐occurrence of dyslipidemia with T2D and obesity is due to common underlying genes.
Seasonal reproduction in the female spiny mouse from South Africa
Authors: Medger K. , Chimimba C. T. , Bennett N. C.
Published: June 2010

Many mammal species reproduce seasonally because of annual fluctuations in temperature, rainfall and photoperiod in often nutritionally challenging habitats. The reproductive biology of many small southern African mammals is largely unknown and in critical need of study. We investigated the breeding pattern of the female spiny mouse (Acomys spinosissimus) from South Africa. We examined the ovarian development, follicular growth, circulating plasma progesterone concentrations and the reproductive status of wild‐caught adult female spiny mice sampled over a 12‐month period while also correcting for body mass and age. From these data, we conclude that female A. spinosissimus breed seasonally. The main breeding season of the spiny mouse is between September and January, with plasma progesterone concentrations being elevated, ovarian volume and primary, secondary, tertiary and Graafian follicle numbers as well as the corpora body number being the highest and pregnancies occurring during this period. Females were reproductively inactive from February through to August. The breeding season coincides with the onset of the rainy season in the habitat, which starts around September and ends in April. Rainfall, in association with an increase in primary productivity and hence higher food availability, might be the most important factor shaping reproduction in the female spiny mouse.
Retailoring docosahexaenoic acid‐containing phospholipid species during impaired neurogenesis following omega‐3 α‐linolenic acid deprivation
Authors: Brand Annette , Crawford Michael A. , Yavin Ephraim
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1393–1404.

Diminished levels of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3), the major fatty acid (FA) synthesized from α‐linolenic acid (18:3n‐3), have been implicated in functional impairment in the developing and adult brain. We have now examined the changes in phospholipid (PL) molecular species in the developing postnatal cortex, a region recently shown to be affected by a robust aberration in neuronal cell migration, after maternal diet α‐linolenic acid deprivation (Yavin et al. (2009)Neuroscience162(4),1011). The frontal cortex PL composition of 1‐ to 4‐week‐old rats was analyzed by gas chromatography and electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry. Changes in the cortical PL molecular species profile by dietary means appear very specific as 22:6n‐3 was exclusively substituted by docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n‐6). However, molecular species were conserved with respect to the combination of specific polar head groups (i.e. ethanolamine and serine) in sn‐3 and defined saturated/mono‐unsaturated FA in sn‐1 position even when the sn‐2 FA moiety underwent diet‐induced changes. Our results suggest that substitution of docosahexaenoic acid by docosapentaenoic acid is tightly regulated presumably to maintain a proper biophysical characteristic of membrane PL molecular species. The importance of this conservation may underscore the possible biochemical consequences of this substitution in regulating certain functions in the developing brain.
p90RSK activation contributes to cerebral ischemic damage via phosphorylation of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1
Authors: Manhas Namratta , Shi Yejie , Taunton Jack , Sun Dandan
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1476–1486.

Excessive activation of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE‐1) plays a role in cerebral ischemic injury. The current study investigated whether NHE‐1 protein in ischemic brains is regulated by extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/90‐kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) signaling pathways. A transient focal ischemia in mice was induced by a 60‐min‐occlusion of the middle cerebral artery followed by reperfusion for 3, 10, or 60 min (Rp). Expression of phosphorylated ERK 1/2 was significantly elevated in the ipsilateral hemispheres at 3–10 min Rp and reduced by 60 min Rp. An increase in phosphorylation of p90RSK, a known NHE‐1 kinase, was also detected at 3–10 min Rp, which was accompanied with a transient elevation of NHE‐1 phosphorylation (p‐NHE‐1). Stimulation of p90RSK in ischemic neurons was downstream of ERK activation because inhibition of MEK1 (MAP kinase/ERK kinase) with its inhibitor U0126 blocked phosphorylation of p90RSK. Moreover, direct inhibition of p90RSK by its selective inhibitor fluoromethyl ketone not only reduced p‐NHE‐1 expression but also ischemic infarct volume. Taken together, our study revealed that reperfusion triggers a transient stimulation of the ERK/p90RSK pathway. p90RSK activation contributes to cerebral ischemic damage in part via activation of NHE‐1 protein.
BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH: Native and introduced fish species richness in Mediterranean streams: the role of multiple landscape influences
Authors: Filipe Ana F. , Filomena Magalhães M. , Collares‐Pereira Maria João
Published: June 2010

Aim  To examine the role of multiple landscape factors on the species richness patterns of native and introduced freshwater fish.

Location  Mediterranean streams, south‐western Iberian Peninsula, Europe (c. 87,000 km2).

Methods  We used a dataset of fish occurrences from 436 stream sites. We quantified the incremental explanatory power of multiple landscape factors in native, introduced, and overall local species richness using regression analysis. First, we related variation in local species richness across river basins to regional species richness (here, the basin species pool), area and factors of climate and topography. Second, we related within‐river basin local species richness to site’s climate and topography, and spatial structure derived from Principal Coordinates of Neighbour Matrices approach, after testing for species richness spatial autocorrelation; predicted local richness was mapped.

Results  Patterns of local species richness across river basins were strongly associated with regional species richness for overall, native and introduced species; annual rainfall showed a significant incremental contribution to variation in introduced species richness only. Within river basins, environmental factors were associated with local richness for the three species groups, though their contributions to the total explained variation were inferior to those of spatial factors; rainfall seasonality and stream slope were the most consistent environmental correlates for all species groups, while the influence of spatial factors was most prevalent for native species.

Main conclusions  Landscape factors operating among and within river basins seem to play a relevant role in shaping local species richness of both native and introduced species, and may be contingent on basin‐specific contexts. Nevertheless, local factors, such as habitat characteristics and biotic interactions and human‐induced disturbances may also be at play. Multiscale approaches incorporating a multitude of factors are strongly encouraged to facilitate a deeper understanding of the biodiversity patterns of Mediterranean streams, and to promote more effective conservation and management strategies.
Effect of plant neutrophil elastase inhibitor on leucocyte migration, adhesion and cytokine release in inflammatory conditions
Authors: Oliveira C , Navarro‐Xavier RA , Anjos‐Vallota EA , Martins JO , Silveira VLF , Gonçalves LRC , Araújo MS , Motta G , Sannomiya P , Oliva MLV
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The serine and cysteine peptidase inhibitor, BbCI, isolated from Bauhinia bauhinioides seeds, is similar to the classical plant Kunitz inhibitor, STI, but lacks disulphide bridges and methionine residues. BbCI blocks activity of the serine peptidases, elastase (Kiapp 5.3 nM) and cathepsin G (Kiapp 160.0 nM), and the cysteine peptidase cathepsin L (Kiapp 0.2 nM). These three peptidases play important roles in the inflammatory process.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We measured the effects of BbCI on paw oedema and on leucocyte accumulation in pleurisy, both induced by carrageenan. Leucocyte–endothelial cell interactions in scrotal microvasculature in Wistar rats were investigated using intravital microscopy. Cytokine levels in pleural exudate and serum were measured by elisa.

KEY RESULTS Pretreatment of the animals with BbCI (2.5 mg·kg−1), 30 min before carrageenan‐induced inflammation, effectively reduced paw oedema and bradykinin release, neutrophil migration into the pleural cavity. The number of rolling, adhered and migrated leucocytes at the spermatic fascia microcirculation following carrageenan injection into the scrotum were reduced by BbCI pretreatment. Furthermore, levels of the rat chemokine cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemo‐attractant‐1 were significantly reduced in both pleural exudates and serum from animals pretreated with BbCI. Levels of interleukin‐1β or tumour necrosis factor‐α, however, did not change.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Taken together, our data suggest that the anti‐inflammatory properties of BbCI may be useful in investigations of other pathological processes in which human neutrophil elastase, cathepsin G and cathepsin L play important roles.
Adaptive Approaches to Biosecurity Governance
Authors: Cook David C. , Liu Shuang , Murphy Brendan , Lonsdale W. Mark
Published: June 2010

This article discusses institutional changes that may facilitate an adaptive approach to biosecurity risk management where governance is viewed as a multidisciplinary, interactive experiment acknowledging uncertainty. Using the principles of adaptive governance, evolved from institutional theory, we explore how the concepts of lateral information flows, incentive alignment, and policy experimentation might shape Australia's invasive species defense mechanisms. We suggest design principles for biosecurity policies emphasizing overlapping complementary response capabilities and the sharing of invasive species risks via a polycentric system of governance.