bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How might an exotic fish disrupt spawning success in a sympatric native species?
Authors: Doupé Robert G. , Schaffer Jason , Knott Matthew J. , Burrows Damien W.
Published: May 2009

Little is known of the underlying behavioural mechanisms that allow invasive species to gain an ecological foothold in novel environments. We tested how the exotic Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) might affect spawning success in groups of the native Australian eastern rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida splendida) under experimental tank conditions using the presence of either an isolated O. mossambicus male or a small breeding group of O. mossambicus males and females. Both egg production and the proportion of eggs fertilised in M. s. splendida were significantly reduced by over 70% and 30%, respectively, in the presence of O. mossambicus breeding groups, but were not significantly affected by the presence of only a single O. mossambicus male. These results suggest that the reproductive activities of O. mossambicus may severely disrupt the spawning success of this native rainbowfish and indicates that the ecological impacts of O. mossambicus might be far more serious than is currently thought.
Corrigendum to: Soil indicators and their use by farmers in the Billabong Catchment, southern New South Wales
Authors: Kelly B. , Allan C. , Wilson B. P.
Published: May 2009

'Soil health' programs and projects in Australia's agricultural districts are designed to influence farmers' management behaviours, usually to produce better outcomes for production, conservation, and sustainability. These programs usually examine soil management practices from a soil science perspective, but how soils are understood by farmers, and how that understanding informs their farm management decisions, is poorly documented. The research presented in this paper sought to better understand how dryland farmers in the Billabong catchment of southern New South Wales use soil indicators to inform their management decisions. Thematic content analysis of transcripts of semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with farmers suggest several themes that have implications for soil scientists and other professionals wishing to promote soil health in the dryland farming regions of south-eastern Australia. In particular, all soil indicators, including those related to soil 'health', need to relate to some clear, practical use to farmers if they are to be used in farm decision making. This research highlights a reliance of the participants of this research on agronomists. Reliance on agronomists for soil management decisions may result in increasing loss of connectivity between farmers and their land. If this reflects a wider trend, soil health projects may need to consider where best to direct their capacity-building activities, and/or how to re-empower individual farmers.
Accumulation of soil carbon under zero tillage cropping and perennial vegetation on the Liverpool Plains, eastern Australia
Authors: Young R. R. , Wilson B. , Harden S. , Bernardi A.
Published: May 2009

Australian agriculture contributes an estimated 16% of all national greenhouse gas emissions, and considerable attention is now focused on management approaches that reduce net emissions. One area of potential is the modification of cropping practices to increase soil carbon storage.
Here, we report short–medium term changes in soil carbon under zero tillage cropping systems and perennial vegetation, both in a replicated field experiment and on nearby farmers’ paddocks, on carbon-depleted Black Vertosols in the upper Liverpool Plains catchment.
Soil organic carbon stocks (CS) remained unchanged under both zero tillage long fallow wheat–sorghum rotations and zero tillage continuous winter cereal in a replicated field experiment from 1994 to 2000. There was some evidence of accumulation of CS under intensive (>1 crop/year) zero tillage response cropping. There was significant accumulation of CS (~0.35 Mg/ha.year) under 3 types of perennial pasture, despite removal of aerial biomass with each harvest. Significant accumulation was detected in the 0–0.1, 0.1–0.2, and 0.2–0.4 m depth increments under lucerne and the top 2 increments under mixed pastures of lucerne and phalaris and of C3 and C4 perennial grasses. Average annual rainfall for the period of observations was 772 mm, greater than the 40-year average of 680 mm. A comparison of major attributes of cropping systems and perennial pastures showed no association between aerial biomass production and accumulation rates of CS but a positive correlation between the residence times of established plants and accumulation rates of CS. CS also remained unchanged (1998/2000–07) under zero tillage cropping on nearby farms, irrespective of paddock history before 1998/2000 (zero tillage cropping, traditional cropping, or ~10 years of sown perennial pasture).
These results are consistent with previous work in Queensland and central western New South Wales suggesting that the climate (warm, semi-arid temperate, semi-arid subtropical) of much of the inland cropping country in eastern Australia is not conducive to accumulation of soil carbon under continuous cropping, although they do suggest that CS may accumulate under several years of healthy perennial pastures in rotation with zero tillage cropping.
Adsorption characteristics of tetracycline by two soils: assessing role of soil organic matter
Authors: Bao Yanyu , Zhou Qixing , Wang Yingying
Published: May 2009

The adsorption characteristics of tetracycline by 2 soils including a clay-rich soil (cinnamon soil) and an iron oxide-rich soil (red soil) were investigated as a function of soil organic matter (SOM). SOM is the main adsorbent for tetracycline in the soil environment. The results indicated that the adsorption kinetics of tetracycline by the different soils with or without organic matter was described by the Elovich equation and the exponent equation. The adsorption of tetracycline on red soil was quite rapid and equilibrium could be reached after 5 h. In contrast, the concentration of tetracycline in cinnamon soil reached equilibrium after 11 h. The difference in equilibrium time in cinnamon soil and red soil was caused by their dominant components for adsorption, including clays, organic matter, and Al/Fe hydrous oxides. It took longer for the penetration of tetracycline into the interlayers between clays and organic matter in cinnamon soil, but tetracycline needed less time for adsorption through surface complexation on oxide surfaces of red soil. Removing SOM from soil markedly shortened the equilibrium time (7 h) of adsorption and reduced the equilibrium concentration (Cs) in cinnamon soil, but not in red soil, because of different dominant components for adsorption in the 2 natural soils. In natural and SOM-free soils, >98% of tetracycline in solution could be sorbed. The adsorption of tetracycline on natural and SOM-free soils was well described by Freundlich adsorption isotherms. Batch adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption of tetracycline on natural red soil was stronger than that on natural cinnamon soil. Adsorption capacity (KF) decreased with an increase in SOM removed from soil, which is attributed to the effect of tetracycline sorbed by SOM in different soils. However, SOM affected the adsorption intensity (n) of different soils diversely; there was a decrease for red soil and an increase for cinnamon soil. In particular, red soil with high Al/Fe hydrous oxides had higher adsorption affinities than cinnamon soil.
Estimating topsoil SOC sequestration in croplands of eastern China from 1980 to 2000
Authors: Sun Wenjuan , Huang Yao , Zhang Wen , Yu Yongqiang
Published: May 2009

Cropland may play a significant role in mitigating climate change by sequestering atmospheric CO2. To evaluate the extent of carbon sequestration, an examination of the changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) is essential. We compiled data from 50 published papers that reported changes in the SOC in eastern China over an area of 17.9 Mha. These data covered 76% of the total cropland in this area, with >8500 soil sample measurements. Changes in SOC density (ΔDoc
) in cultivated layers (Ap horizon) were estimated on the basis of the administrative regions and soil usage (paddy and upland soils), respectively. Linear relationships between ΔDoc
in topsoil (Ap and P horizons, P horizon refers to the sub-cultivated layer) and in the Ap horizon were established to estimate the changes in topsoil organic carbon density. Changes in the SOC stock were determined from the acreage-weighted ΔDoc
. Results indicated that the topsoil organic carbon density of croplands in eastern China increased by 5.78 t C/ha between 1980 and 2000, ranging from 4.24 to 7.49 t C/ha. The SOC stock increased by 75.4–134.1 Tg with an average of 103.5 Tg. Paddy soils, comprising 51.7% of the cropland area, accounted for ~70% of the total increase. The SOC increase in the Ap horizon accounted for ~88% (upland soils) and 71% (paddy soils) of that in the topsoil, respectively. The increase in SOC may be attributed to an increased biomass (e.g. residue retainment) input into soils due to increased crop net primary production.
Carbon stocks of a Rhodic Ferralsol under no-tillage in Southern Brazil: spatial variability at a farm scale
Authors: Machado P. L. O. A. , Bernardi A. C. C. , Valencia L. I. Ortiz , Meirelles M. S. P. , Silva C. A. , Gimenez L. M. , Molin J. P. , Madari B. E.
Published: May 2009

The objective of this study was to determine, at a farm level, the spatial variability of organic carbon stock (CS) at different depths on a field of 1 soil type in long-term (13-year) crop production under no-tillage. The crop rotation comprised soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] alternating with maize (Zea mays L.) in the summer season. For the winter season, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was cropped in rotation with black oat (Avena sativa L.), a cover crop. The 12.5-ha field was sampled at a density of 6.25 samples/ha. Within the coarse grid, 2 dense grids with 20-, 10-, and 5-m spacing were established. Soil samples were collected at all grid nodes and analysed for soil organic carbon and bulk density. The CS at 0–0.05, 0.05–0.10, and 0.10–0.20 m was corrected for equal soil mass. Geostatistics was used for the estimation of spatial distribution of CS at 3 soil depths. We found that CS variation was low to medium (CV 6.7–19.4%). The variograms of CS at all depths were best fitted by spherical models and showed ranges of 120 m, except at 0–0.05 m (range 109 m). At 0–0.20 m depth, CS was 15.2–24.5 t/ha (CV 8.2%, range 120 m). The use of geostatistics reveals a powerful tool for the spatial estimation of CS at depth of a Rhodic Ferralsol under no-tillage, and demonstrated CS variation on a 12.5-ha area, even though soil and crop management were the same for >10 years.
Copper, zinc, and nickel in soil solution affected by biosolids amendment and soil management
Authors: Yuan Guodong
Published: May 2009

Soil plots on a pasture were amended with biosolids spiked with copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), or zinc (Zn), resulting in maximum concentrations of 181 mg Cu, 58 mg Ni, and 296 mg Zn/kg in soil. Soil solutions from the plots were obtained by centrifugation for chemical analyses, and free metal ion activities (Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+) were computed from the Windermere Humic Aqueous Model (WHAM). In the 3 years after biosolids amendment, the concentrations and activities of Cu, Ni, and Zn in soil solution increased with their amounts in biosolids. Copper and Ni concentrations in soil solution were higher than their critical concentrations recently reported in the literature. While Cu in soil solution was dominated by Cu-humic complexes, Ni2+ and Zn2+ were the majority species of the metals. Liming the soil plots to increase pH from 5.5 to ~7 greatly reduced the concentrations of the trace metals, particularly Zn; Cu2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ were decreased by orders of magnitude 2–3, 2, and 1, respectively. Metal concentrations and activities fluctuated in the next 2 years as soil pH changed slightly and then after the use of elemental sulfur to acidify soil to pH ~6.5. Eight years after application of biosolids and through soil pH adjustment by lime and sulfur, Cu2+ and Zn2+ were very close to, and Ni2+ was a few times higher than, their corresponding baseline values. Maintaining a near neutral pH thus would be the key to keeping bioavailable metal concentrations low in a soil with an organic carbon content of 23.8 g/kg.
CO2-induced ion and fluid transport in human retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Adijanto Jeffrey , Banzon Tina , Jalickee Stephen , Wang Nam S. , Miller Sheldon S.
Published: May 2009

In the intact eye, the transition from light to dark alters pH, [Ca2+], and [K] in the subretinal space (SRS) separating the photoreceptor outer segments and the apical membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In addition to these changes, oxygen consumption in the retina increases with a concomitant release of CO2 and H2O into the SRS. The RPE maintains SRS pH and volume homeostasis by transporting these metabolic byproducts to the choroidal blood supply. In vitro, we mimicked the transition from light to dark by increasing apical bath CO2 from 5 to 13%; this maneuver decreased cell pH from 7.37 ± 0.05 to 7.14 ± 0.06 (n = 13). Our analysis of native and cultured fetal human RPE shows that the apical membrane is significantly more permeable (≈10-fold; n = 7) to CO2 than the basolateral membrane, perhaps due to its larger exposed surface area. The limited CO2 diffusion at the basolateral membrane promotes carbonic anhydrase–mediated HCO3 transport by a basolateral membrane Na/nHCO3 cotransporter. The activity of this transporter was increased by elevating apical bath CO2 and was reduced by dorzolamide. Increasing apical bath CO2 also increased intracellular Na from 15.7 ± 3.3 to 24.0 ± 5.3 mM (n = 6; P < 0.05) by increasing apical membrane Na uptake. The CO2-induced acidification also inhibited the basolateral membrane Cl/HCO3 exchanger and increased net steady-state fluid absorption from 2.8 ± 1.6 to 6.7 ± 2.3 µl × cm−2 × hr−1 (n = 5; P < 0.05). The present experiments show how the RPE can accommodate the increased retinal production of CO2 and H2O in the dark, thus preventing acidosis in the SRS. This homeostatic process would preserve the close anatomical relationship between photoreceptor outer segments and RPE in the dark and light, thus protecting the health of the photoreceptors.
Characterization of a QTL region affecting clinical mastitis and protein yield on BTA6
Authors: Nilsen H. , Olsen H. G. , Hayes B. , Nome T. , Sehested E. , Svendsen M. , Meuwissen T. H. E. , Lien S.
Published: May 2009

Quantitative trait loci affecting clinical mastitis were detected and fine mapped to a narrow region on bovine chromosome 6 in the Norwegian Red cattle population. The region includes the casein gene cluster and several candidate genes thought to influence clinical mastitis. The most significant results were found for SNPs within the Mucin 7 gene. This gene encodes an antimicrobial peptide and constitutes part of the first line of defence for the mucosal immune system. Detection of long haplotypes extending several Mb may indicate that artificial selection has influenced the haplotype structures in the region. A search for selection sweeps supports this observation and coincides with association results found both by single SNP and haplotype analyses. Our analyses identified haplotypes carrying quantitative trait loci alleles associated with high protein yield and simultaneously fewer incidences of clinical mastitis. The fact that such haplotypes are found in relative high frequencies in Norwegian Red may reflect the combined breeding goal that is characterized by selection for both milk production and disease resistance. The identification of these haplotypes raises the possibility of overcoming the unfavourable genetic correlation between these traits through haplotype‐assisted selection.
Quantitative trait loci associated with fatness in a broiler–layer cross
Authors: Campos R. L. R. , Nones K. , Ledur M. C. , Moura A. S. A. M. T. , Pinto L. F. B. , Ambo M. , Boschiero C. , Ruy D. C. , Baron E. E. , Ninov K. , Altenhofen C. A. B. , Silva R. A. M. S. , Rosário M. F. , Burt D. W. , Coutinho L. L.
Published: May 2009

An F2 population established by crossing a broiler male line and a layer line was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat percentage and serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Two genetic models, the line‐cross and the half‐sib, were applied in the QTL analysis, both using the regression interval method. Three significant QTL and four suggestive QTL were mapped in the line‐cross analysis and four significant and four suggestive QTL were mapped in the half‐sib analysis. A total of five QTL were mapped for abdominal fat weight, six for abdominal fat percentage and four for triglyceride concentration in both analyses. New QTL associated with serum triglyceride concentration were mapped on GGA5, GGA23 and GG27. QTL mapped between markers LEI0029 and ADL0371 on GGA3 for abdominal fat percentage and abdominal fat weight and a suggestive QTL on GGA12 for abdominal fat percentage showed significant parent‐of‐origin effects. Some QTL mapped here match QTL regions mapped in previous studies using different populations, suggesting good candidate regions for fine‐mapping and candidate gene searches.
Mapping quantitative trait loci regulating chicken body composition traits
Authors: Gao Y. , Du Z. Q. , Wei W. H. , Yu X. J. , Deng X. M. , Feng C. G. , Fei J. , Feng J. D. , Li N. , Hu X. X.
Published: May 2009

Genome scans were conducted on an F2 resource population derived from intercross of the White Plymouth Rock with the Silkies Fowl to detect QTL affecting chicken body composition traits. The population was genotyped with 129 microsatellite markers and phenotyped for 12 body composition traits on 238 F2 individuals from 15 full‐sib families. In total, 21 genome‐wide QTL were found to be responsible for 11 traits, including two newly studied traits of proventriculus weight and shank girth. Three QTL were genome‐wide significant: at 499 cm on GGA1 (explained 3.6% of phenotypic variance, P < 0.01) and 51 cm on GGA5 (explained 3.3% of phenotypic variance, P < 0.05) for the shank & claw weight and 502 cm on GGA1 (explained 1.4% of phenotypic variance, P < 0.05) for wing weight. The QTL on GGA1 seemed to have pleiotropic effects, also affecting gizzard weight at 490 cm, shank girth at 489 cm and intestine length at 481 cm. It is suggested that further efforts be made to understand the possible pleiotropic effects of the QTL on GGA1 and that on GGA5 for two shank‐related traits.
A splice site single nucleotide polymorphism of the fatty acid binding protein 4 gene appears to be associated with intramuscular fat deposition in longissimus muscle in Australian cattle
Authors: Barendse W. , Bunch R. J. , Thomas M. B. , Harrison B. E.
Published: May 2009

Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a candidate gene affecting fatness traits of mammals. However, its association with fatness traits in cattle and other livestock species is not consistent from one study to another. Here, we sequenced the coding sequence of FABP4 looking for non‐synonymous variants. We identified a splice site mutation between the third exon and the third intron of bovine FABP4. We genotyped this SNP, FABP4:g.2502C>G, in 1409 cattle with intramuscular fat measurements from seven breeds. The average allele frequency of the C allele was 0.66 with a range of 0.45 to 0.85. A regression on the number of G alleles shows a statistically significant effect of α = 0.11, P = 0.044. This appears to confirm an association between IMF and variation at FABP4, with an effect of 0.3% of the variation in our sample when using this SNP.
Identification of chromosomal regions associated with growth and carcass traits in an F3 full sib intercross line originating from a cross of chicken lines divergently selected on body weight
Authors: Terčič D. , Holcman A. , Dovč P. , Morrice D. R. , Burt D. W. , Hocking P. M. , Horvat S.
Published: May 2009

An F3 resource population originating from a cross between two divergently selected lines for high (D+ line) or low (D− line) body weight at 8‐weeks of age (BW55) was generated and used for Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapping. From an initial cross of two founder F0 animals from D(+) and D(−) lines, progeny were randomly intercrossed over two generations following a full sib intercross line (FSIL) design. One hundred and seventy‐five genome‐wide polymorphic markers were employed in the DNA pooling and selective genotyping of F3 to identify markers with significant effects on BW55. Fifty‐three markers on GGA2, 5 and 11 were then genotyped in the whole F3 population of 503 birds, where interval mapping with GridQTL software was employed. Eighteen QTL for body weight, carcass traits and some internal organ weights were identified. On GGA2, a comparison between 2‐QTL vs. 1‐QTL analysis revealed two separate QTL regions for body, feet, breast muscle and carcass weight. Given co‐localization of QTL for some highly correlated traits, we concluded that there were 11 distinct QTL mapped. Four QTL localized to already mapped QTL from other studies, but seven QTL have not been previously reported and are hence novel and unique to our selection line. This study provides a low resolution QTL map for various traits and establishes a genetic resource for future fine‐mapping and positional cloning in the advanced FSIL generations.
Effects of leptin Arg25Cys on peripheral mononuclear cell counts and antibody response to vaccination in beef cattle
Authors: Asiamah P. A. , Bechtel D. G. , Waldner C. , Buchanan F. C.
Published: May 2009

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the leptin gene that results in Arg25Cys has been associated with beef carcass quality and milk composition in dairy cattle. However, leptin (LEP) also plays a role in immune performance and hence it was important to determine whether selection based on this SNP would negatively affect immune cell numbers or antibody production. LEP c.73C>T was assessed for effects on immune cell counts and antibody titres in 27 beef cattle herds (n = 556). A commercial rabies vaccine had been administered to these animals. Prior to being vaccinated, counts of several important mononuclear cells (total and activated B lymphocytes, total and activated T helper and T cytotoxic, WC1 T lymphocytes and monocytes) as well as baseline serum antibody titres were determined for each animal. On day 21, antibody titres were measured and a booster vaccine was administered. Finally on day 42, antibody titres and mononuclear cell types were again counted. Counts of six different cell types were significantly associated with the LEP genotype; however, no consistent patterns were observed between LEP genotype (TT, CT or CC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations. Significant differences in the production of rabies antibodies in response to vaccination were observed relative to LEP genotype. Our results suggest that selection for either the C or T allele would not detrimentally impact on the measured indicators of immune function in beef cattle.
Expanded safety experience with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Chen Christine , Reece Donna E. , Siegel David , Niesvizky Ruben , Boccia Ralph V. , Stadtmauer Edward A. , Abonour Rafat , Richardson Paul , Matous Jeffrey , Kumar Shaji , Bahlis Nizar J. , Alsina Melissa , Vescio Robert , Coutre Steven E. , Pietronigro Dennis , Knight Robert D. , Zeldis Jerome B. , Rajkumar Vincent
Published: May 2009

Lenalidomide gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) in combination with dexamethasone in June 2006. In April 2005, the FDA and patient advocacy groups requested an expanded access programme to both provide lenalidomide to patients likely to benefit and obtain additional safety information. Relapsed/refractory MM patients received lenalidomide 25 mg/d (days 1–21) and dexamethasone 40 mg/d (days 1–4, 9–12, and 17–20 of cycles 1–4; days 1–4 only from cycle 5 onwards), in 4‐week cycles until disease progression, study drug discontinuation, or lenalidomide approval. Of the 1438 patients enrolled, ∼60% were male, median age was 64 years, and 61·7% had Durie‐Salmon stage III disease. Median time on study was 15·4 weeks (range: 0·1–49·1) and median dose was 25 mg. The most common adverse events (AEs) were haematological (49%), gastrointestinal (59%), and fatigue (55%). The most common grade ≥3 AEs were haematological (45%), fatigue (10%), and pneumonia (7%). The most common serious AEs were pneumonia (8%), pyrexia (4%), and deep‐vein thrombosis (3%). Primary cause of death was disease progression (10%). Safety data confirmed known AEs of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory MM.
Distribution of NPM1‐ALK and X‐ALK fusion transcripts in paediatric anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a molecular–histological correlation
Authors: Damm‐Welk Christine , Klapper Wolfram , Oschlies Ilske , Gesk Stefan , Röttgers Silja , Bradtke Jutta , Siebert Reiner , Reiter Alfred , Woessmann Willi
Published: May 2009

Anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) in children express anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion genes, most commonly NPM1‐ALK. The distribution of X‐ALK among 66 childhood ALCLs was analysed. One ALCL was ALK‐negative. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction detected NPM1‐ALK in 58 tumours, all showing nuclear and cytoplasmic ALK staining. The remaining seven ALCL stained for ALK in the cytoplasm only: two expressed TPM3‐ALK, one ATIC‐ALK, one MYH9‐ALK; three no TPM3‐, TFG‐, ATIC‐, CLTC‐ or MYH9‐ALK. Almost 90% of paediatric ALK‐positive ALCLs express NPM1‐ALK. There was complete concordance between ALK staining pattern and the presence of a typical/variant ALK fusion partner.
The same annual dose of 292000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) on either daily or four monthly basis for elderly women: 1‐year comparative study of the effects on serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations and renal function
Authors: Pekkarinen Tuula , Välimäki Ville‐Valtteri , Aarum Stiina , Turpeinen Ursula , Hämäläinen Esa , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Välimäki Matti J
Published: May 2009

Objective  Daily dosing of vitamin D supplements may be difficult among older people. Infrequent administration of ‘megadoses’ controlled by health care personnel may overcome adherence problem. We compared the efficacy and safety of two oral dosages (800 IU daily or 97333 IU four monthly) of vitamin D3 resulting in the equal annual dose of 292000 IU.

Design  Randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy parallel group comparison.

Patients  Forty women aged 69·3–78·8 years.

Interventions  Vitamin D3 400 IU twice daily (D group) or vitamin D3 oil 97333 IU every 4 months (4 M group) for 1 year. All received 1 g of calcium daily.

Measurements  Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] in relation to the target levels of 50–75 nmol/l, PTH, serum type I procollagen aminoterminal propeptide (PINP), serum and urine calcium, renal function.

Results  A quantity of 25OHD3 increased more in D group than in 4 M group (P < 0·0001). All participants in D group and 67% in 4 M group had 25(OH)D3 above 50 nmol/l at 12 months; the target level of 75 nmol/l was reached by 47% and 28% respectively. PTH did not show any seasonal perturbation in either group. PINP declined and urinary calcium rose similarly in the study groups over time (P < 0·0001). Renal function did not worsen in either group.

Conclusions  In terms of serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations, 800 IU daily was more efficient than a 97333 IU every 4 months. However, to increase adherence, the latter is still worth developing. Both treatments increased urinary excretion of calcium, but did not worsen renal function.
Insulin sensitivity and secretion in children and adolescents with hypothalamic obesity following treatment for craniopharyngioma
Authors: Simoneau‐Roy Judith , O’Gorman Clodagh , Pencharz Paul , Adeli Khosrow , Daneman Denis , Hamilton Jill
Published: May 2009

Background  Craniopharyngioma (CP), a tumour occurring in the hypothalamic–pituitary area, results in morbid obesity in 25–60% of affected children. It has been suggested that abnormalities of insulin secretion and/or insulin action due to hypothalamic injury may be associated with weight gain and the metabolic syndrome in this population.

Aim  To evaluate: (i) insulin secretion (IS) and insulin sensitivity (Si); (ii) features of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and (iii) factors involved in risk for diabetes and heart disease in obese youth treated for CP.

Methods  Obese subjects treated for CP were compared to BMI‐matched control subjects. All subjects underwent anthropometric, blood pressure, resting energy expenditure and body fat assessment. Cholesterol and inflammatory markers, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and frequent sampling intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT), with calculation of IS and Si, were performed.

Results  Fifteen CP subjects and 15 controls (C) were studied. There were no differences between CP and C for age, gender, BMI or pubertal status. MS was present in 10/15 CP and 3/15 C (P = 0·03), including impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in 6/15 CP and 0/15 C (P = 0·02). Measures of IS, including first and second phase IS, and insulin area‐under‐the‐curve (AUCins) during OGTT, were significantly higher in CP. Si, measured by frequent sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (Si‐FSIGT), was significantly lower in CP subjects (0·96 ± 0·34 vs. 1·67 ± 0·7; P = 0·01). AUCins was negatively correlated with Si‐FSIGT (r = −0·62; P = 0·003).

Conclusion  Children with CP and hypothalamic obesity have more features of MS, increased IS and IGT prevalence and lower Si compared with BMI‐matched controls.
Initial thyroid status and cardiovascular risk factors: The EPIC‐Norfolk prospective population study
Authors: Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Titan Silvia M. , Wiersinga Wilmar M. , Chatterjee Krishna , Basart Dick C.G. , Luben Robert , Wareham Nicholas J. , Khaw Kay‐Tee
Published: May 2009

Context  Thyroid status affects several aspects of cardiovascular risk profile, including lipid levels and blood pressure. Whether thyroid status affects the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and all‐cause mortality remains controversial.

Design  The EPIC‐Norfolk prospective population study. Mean follow‐up was 10·6 years.

Patients  Study participants were 11 554 men and women aged 45–79 years, who were living in Norfolk, UK.

Measurements  Baseline cardiovascular risk factors were recorded and concentrations of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) were measured in baseline samples. Regression analyses were performed to assess the association between thyroid hormone levels and cardiovascular risk factors. A proportional hazards model was used to estimate the risk of CHD and all‐cause mortality by baseline thyroid status. No information was available on thyroid treatment during follow‐up.

Results  Thyroid abnormalities were common, particularly among women. Thyroid abnormalities were associated with an altered cardiovascular risk profile. Even within the normal range, thyroid hormone levels, TSH more strongly than FT4, were associated with lipid levels and blood pressure among both men and women. We did not observe a significant association between subclinical thyroid abnormalities and risk of CHD or all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions  Despite the association between thyroid hormone levels and cardiovascular risk factors, thyroid status was not statistically significantly associated with the risk of future CHD or all‐cause mortality in this large cohort.
Thrombin generation in haemophilia A patients with factor VIII inhibitors after infusion of recombinant factor VIIa
Authors: Eichinger S. , Lubsczyk B. , Kollars M. , Traby L. , Zwiauer K. , Gleiss A. , Quehenberger P. , Kyrle P. A.
Published: May 2009

Background  Development of factor VIII inhibitors is a serious complication in haemophilia A patients. Recombinant factor VIIa (rVIIa) is clinically effective, but its effects on haemostatic system need still to be fully elucidated.

Material and methods  In an open controlled study, we measured thrombin generation (peak thrombin) in venous blood and prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 (F1 + 2) and d‐dimer in venous and in shed blood in five haemophilia A patients with inhibitors before and after rVIIa infusion. A total of five healthy individuals who did not receive rVIIa served as controls.

Results  At baseline, patients had lower mean (min‐max) peak thrombin levels than controls [0·12 (0·0–0·6) vs. 186·9 (116·0–254·4) nM, P = 0·001]. After infusion, peak thrombin levels increased in average to 40·7 (28·3–51·6) nM, which translates into 80·2% (95% CI 65·4–88·6%) lower levels compared to that of controls. Mean (min‐max) F1 + 2 levels in venous blood did not differ significantly between patients and controls [160·7 (89·8–331·3) vs. 160·8 (104·4–242·3) pmol L−1], but increased in average (min‐max) by 39·4% (14·1–58·5%) after infusion. In blood emerging from incisions made to determine the bleeding (shed blood), F1 + 2 levels were lower in patients than controls [1383·3 (906·4–2044·6) vs. 2981·7 (1610·0–4539·6) pmol L−1; P = 0·04], but were not affected by rVIIa; d‐dimer levels were significantly higher in haemophiliacs than in controls and remained unchanged after infusion.

Conclusions  Haemophilia A patients with factor VIII inhibitors have low thrombin generation. After rVIIa, the extent of coagulation activation as measured by levels of F1 + 2 is increased, but thrombin generation is restored to only 20%. Peak thrombin levels could reflect the effects of rVIIa on coagulation mechanisms, and their relevance with regard to the clinical coagulation defect of haemophilia A patients with factor VIII inhibitors might be evaluated.
First isolation of Tenacibaculum maritimum from wedge sole, Dicologoglossa cuneata (Moreau)
Authors: López J R , Núñez S , Magariños B , Castro N , Navas J I , De La Herran R , Toranzo A E
Published: May 2009

The first isolation of Tenacibaculum maritimum from wedge sole, Dicologoglossa cuneata, is reported. The pathogen was recovered from ulcers of cultured fish, from three different outbreaks. The six isolates obtained were biochemically and serologically characterized and diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers and partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolates constituted a homogeneous phenotypic group; however, they belong to two of the different serotypes described within this species. A virulence evaluation of the isolates using Wedge sole fry was also performed.
Voluntary dehydration among elementary school children residing in a hot arid environment
Authors: Bar‐David Y. , Urkin J. , Landau D. , Bar‐David Z. , Pilpel D.
Published: May 2009

Background:  Voluntary dehydration is a condition where humans do not drink appropriately in the presence of an adequate fluid supply. This may adversely affect their physical and intellectual performance. The present study aimed to describe the prevalence of voluntary dehydration among elementary school children of different ethnicities and countries of birth.

Methods:  Four hundred and twenty‐nine elementary school children, aged 8–10 years, from four subpopulations (Israeli‐born Jewish and Bedouin‐Arab children, and immigrant children who recently arrived to Israel from Eastern Europe and from Ethiopia) were studied. The level of dehydration was determined by noontime urine osmolality, from samples taken over 1 week in mid‐summer. Urine osmolality <500 mOsmol kg−1 H2O was considered to be an appropriate level of hydration.

Results:  Mean urine osmolality was 862 ± 211 mOsmol kg−1 H2O. Osmolality above 800 mOsmol kg−1 H2O was detected in 67.5% of the urine samples; among these, 25% were above 1000 mOsmol kg−1 H2O. The most dehydrated group was that of Israeli‐born Jewish children, whereas the Bedouin‐Arab children were the least dehydrated.

Conclusions:  A high proportion of children who reside in a hot and arid environment were found to be in a state of moderate to severe dehydration. Bedouin ethnicity was associated with better hydration, whereas Israeli‐born Jews were most severely dehydrated. Educational intervention programmes promoting water intake should start in early childhood and continue throughout life.
Uric acid and risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and congestive heart failure in 417 734 men and women in the Apolipoprotein MOrtality RISk study (AMORIS)
Authors: Holme I. , Aastveit A. H. , Hammar N. , Jungner I. , Walldius G.
Published: May 2009

Objectives.  Few studies have simultaneously analysed the influence of elevated serum uric acid (UA) on acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke (IS, HS) and congestive heart failure (CHF) in large healthy populations. We, here, examine UA as a risk factor for AMI, stroke and CHF by age and gender in the Apolipoprotein MOrtality RISk (AMORIS) Study.

Design.  Prospective study (11.8 years, range 7–17) of fatal and nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, stroke and CHF through linkage with Swedish hospital discharge and mortality registers.

Settings.  Measurements of uric acid in 417 734 men and women from health check‐ups in Stockholm area.

Results.  There was a gradual increase in risk of AMI, stroke and CHF by increasing UA levels. Women had a stronger relationship between UA and both AMI and IS than men. Predictions of AMI were at least as powerful in the elderly as in the young, but not so for IS. Associations were markedly attenuated when adjusted for total cholesterol, triglycerides, hospital hypertension and diabetes status. The association between UA and HS was U‐shaped in both genders. CHF was more strongly related to UA than AMI and stroke and less affected by the adjustment factors.

Conclusions.  Already moderate levels of UA appear to be associated with an increased incidence of AMI, stroke and CHF in middle‐aged subjects without prior cardiovascular disease. These associations seem to increase gradually from lower to higher levels of UA. UA may be an important complementary indicator of cardiovascular risk in the general population.
Cognate Site Identifier analysis reveals novel binding properties of the Sex Inducer homeodomain proteins of Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Stanton Brynne C. , Giles Steven S. , Kruzel Emilia K. , Warren Christopher L. , Ansari Aseem Z. , Hull Christina M.
Published: May 2009

Homeodomain proteins function in fungi to specify cell types and control sexual development. In the meningoencephalitis‐causing fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, sexual development leads to the production of spores (suspected infectious particles). Sexual development is controlled by the homeodomain transcription factors Sxi1α and Sxi2a, but the mechanism by which they act is unknown. To understand how the Sxi proteins regulate development, we characterized their binding properties in vitro, showing that Sxi2a does not require a partner to bind DNA with high affinity. We then utilized a novel approach, Cognate Site Identifier (CSI) arrays, to define a comprehensive DNA‐binding profile for Sxi2a, revealing a consensus sequence distinct from those of other fungal homeodomain proteins. Finally, we show that the homeodomains of both Sxi proteins are required for sexual development, a departure from related fungi. Our findings support a model in which Sxi1α and Sxi2a control sexual development in a homeodomain‐dependent manner by binding to DNA sequences that differ from those defined in previously established fungal paradigms.
Gene expression in the dimorphic sperm cells of Plumbago zeylanica: transcript profiling, diversity, and relationship to cell type
Authors: Gou Xiaoping , Yuan Tong , Wei Xiaoping , Russell Scott D.
Published: May 2009

Plumbago zeylanica produces cytoplasmically dimorphic sperm cells that target the egg and central cell during fertilization. In mature pollen, the larger sperm cell contains numerous mitochondria, is associated with the vegetative nucleus (Svn), and fuses preferentially with the central cell, forming endosperm. The other, plastid‐enriched sperm cell (Sua) fuses with the egg cell, forming the zygote and embryo. Sperm expressed genes were investigated using ESTs produced from each sperm type; differential expression was validated through suppression subtractive hybridization, custom microarrays, real‐time RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization. The expression profiles of dimorphic sperm cells reflect a diverse and broad complement of genes, including high proportions of conserved and unknown genes, as well as distinct patterns of expression. A number of genes were highly up‐regulated in the male germ line, including some genes that were differentially expressed in either the Sua or the Svn. Differentially up‐regulated genes in the egg‐targeted Sua showed increased expression in transcription and translation categories, whereas the central cell‐targeted Svn displayed expanded expression in the hormone biosynthesis category. Interestingly, the up‐regulated genes expressed in the sperm cells appeared to reflect the expected post‐fusion profiles of the future embryo and endosperm. As sperm cytoplasm is known to be transmitted during fertilization in this plant, sperm‐contributed mRNAs are probably transported during fertilization, which could influence early embryo and endosperm development.
Modulation of 1O2‐mediated retrograde signaling by the PLEIOTROPIC RESPONSE LOCUS 1 (PRL1) protein, a central integrator of stress and energy signaling
Authors: Baruah Aiswarya , Šimková Klára , Hincha Dirk K. , Apel Klaus , Laloi Christophe
Published: May 2009

Shortly after the release of singlet oxygen (1O2) in chloroplasts, changes in nuclear gene expression occur in the conditional flu mutant of Arabidopsis that reveal a rapid transfer of signals from the plastid to the nucleus. Extensive genetic screens aimed at identifying constituents involved in 1O2‐mediated plastid‐to‐nucleus signaling have failed to identify extraplastidic signaling components. This finding suggests that 1O2‐mediated signals are not translocated to the nucleus via a single linear pathway, but rather through a signaling network that is difficult to block by single mutations. The complexity of this signaling network has been tackled by mutagenizing a transgenic flu line expressing the luciferase reporter gene under the control of the promoter of a 1O2‐responsive AAA‐ATPase gene (At3g28580) and isolating second site mutants that constitutively express the reporter gene at a high level. One of the mutants was shown by map‐based cloning and sequencing to contain a single amino acid change in the PLEIOTROPIC RESPONSE LOCUS 1 (PRL1) protein. PRL1 suppresses the expression of AAA‐ATPase and other 1O2‐responsive genes. PRL1 seems to play a major role in modulating responses of plants to environmental changes by interconnecting 1O2‐mediated retrograde signaling with other signaling pathways.
Occurrence of parent‐reported food hypersensitivities and food allergies among children aged 1–4 yr
Authors: Pyrhönen Kaisa , Näyhä Simo , Kaila Minna , Hiltunen Liisa , Läärä Esa
Published: May 2009

Food allergies (FAs) and hypersensitivities (FHSs) have rarely been studied in large unselected child populations. This population‐based cross‐sectional survey estimated the occurrence of FHS as perceived by parents and that of FA diagnosed by a physician among children aged 1–4 yr in south‐eastern Finland. Before the scheduled annual follow‐up visit to the local child health clinic, the parents of children who were born between 1 April, 2001 and 31 March, 2005, and living in the Province of South Karelia (data from Finnish Population Register) were mailed a questionnaire containing items on the child’s background, physician‐diagnosed FAs and FHSs perceived by the parents. The questionnaires were returned during the visit. Three thousand three hundred and eight (69%) out of the 4779 questionnaires were returned. The lifetime prevalence of physician‐diagnosed FAs was 9%. In an additional 21%, FHSs were perceived by the parents only. In a further 19% at least one food item had been eliminated from the diet without any perception of symptoms, this proportion having a downward trend by age. Physician‐diagnosed FAs were more common in boys than in girls. Cow’s milk was the most commonly reported cause of food‐associated symptoms (13% of all children). One‐third of the children aged 1–4 yr suffered from food‐associated symptoms, and in an additional fifth at least one food item had been eliminated from their diet, implying that every other child had possibly been subjected to some form of elimination diet.
The diagnosis of IgE‐mediated food allergy in childhood
Authors: Du Toit G. , Santos A. , Roberts G. , Fox A. T. , Smith P. , Lack G.
Published: May 2009

IgE‐mediated food allergy is a common condition in childhood and a recognized public health concern. An accurate diagnosis of food allergy facilitates the avoidance of the allergen – and cross‐reactive allergens – and allows for safe dietary expansion. The diagnosis of food allergy relies on a combination of rigorous history, physical examination, allergy tests [skin prick tests (SPT) and/or serum‐specific IgE] and oral food challenges. Diagnostic cut‐off values for SPT and specific IgE results have improved the diagnosis of food allergy and thereby reduced the need to perform oral food challenges. This clinical case series seeks to highlight a contemporary approach to the diagnosis of food allergy in children strategies.
Could herbicide used to control alien weeds be harming threatened New Zealand spiders?
Authors: Evans A. M. , McCaw J. , Beggs W.
Published: May 2009

The endangered spider Latrodectus katipo Powell, 1871 (Theridiidae) is restricted to coastal habitats around New Zealand, which are being invaded by lupins Lupinus aboreus Sims. We tested the effect of twoherbicides used to control lupins, Grazon® (triclopyr) and Versatill® (clopyralid) and the surfactant Boost® (dimethicone copolyol) on the survival of an exotic surrogate spider species Steotoda capensis (Theridiidae). The herbicides were tested at half and full application rates and caused no significant increase in mortality 7 days after treatment under laboratory conditions. However, the surfactant resulted in significantly higher spider mortality (c. 35%) compared with the other treatments. Recommendations were made to limit the use of surfactant when applying herbicide in situations where threatened invertebrate species may be present.