bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cohort study of the nature of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria clones and PIG‐A mutations in patients with aplastic anemia
Authors: Wanachiwanawin Wanchai , Siripanyaphinyo Uamporn , Piyawattanasakul Nattawan , Kinoshita Taroh
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Background: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is characterized by the clonal expansion of blood cells, which are deficient in glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored proteins (GPI‐APs). As PNH frequently occurs during the clinical course of acquired aplastic anemia (AA), it is likely that a process inducing bone marrow failure in AA is responsible for the selection of GPI‐AP deficient blood cells or PNH clone. Objective: To explore the nature and mutation of a PNH clone in AA. Methods: We performed regular repeated flow cytometric analyses of CD59 expression on peripheral blood cells from a cohort of 32 patients with AA. Mutation of phosphatidylinositol glycan class A (PIG‐A) was also studied. Results: Fifty‐one episodes of occurrences of CD59 negative granulocytes out of a total cohort 167 flow cytometric analyses (31%) were observed in 22 patients (69%). CD59 negative erythrocytes were less apparent than the granulocytes. Repeated occurrences of PNH clones were observed in 16 patients. Most of the emerging PNH clones were transient in nature. They were more frequently detected during episodes of lower white blood cell and platelet counts. Persistence and expansion of the GPI‐AP deficient blood cell populations to the level of clinical PNH were seen in only four patients (12.5%). Analysis of PIG‐A gene demonstrated eight mutations among the four patients, with two and four independent mutations in two patients. Conclusions: Our study indicates that PIG‐A mutations of hematopoietic stem cells with resultant PNH clones, are relatively common among AA patients. It also supports the hypothesis of selection of the PNH clone by a process or condition associated with or responsible for bone marrow failure in AA. However, there must be an additional factor favoring expansion or growth of the clone to the level of clinical or florid PNH.
CLLU1 expression levels predict time to initiation of therapy and overall survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Buhl Anne Mette , Jurlander Jesper , Geisler Christian Hartmann , Pedersen Lone Bredo , Andersen Mette Klarskov , Josefsson Pär , Petersen Jørgen Holm , Leffers Henrik
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Objectives: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an incurable disease with a highly variable clinical course. IgVH mutational status, chromosomal aberrations, CD38 expression and ZAP‐70 expression are prognostic markers in CLL, however, they are not exclusively confined to this disease. We recently identified a novel CLL‐specific gene (CLL upregulated gene1, CLLU1) that is exclusively upregulated in CLL cells. Here we describe our evaluation of the prognostic significance of CLLU1 in CLL. Methods: A cohort of 59 previously untreated CLL patients was studied. We determined the expression levels of two CLLU1 transcripts, cDNA1 and CDS, by quantitative RT‐PCR. The relation between CLLU1 expression and time to therapy, overall survival and presence or absence of ZAP‐70, CD38, chromosomal aberrations or IgVH mutations in the 59 patients was analyzed. Results: Analyzed as a continuous, quantitative parameter CLLU1 levels significantly predicted time from diagnosis to initiation of therapy (P ≤ 0.0003) Analyzed as a categorical parameter, by segregation of the patients into groups with cDNA1 or CDS expression above or below the median, the CLLU1 levels significantly predicted time from diagnosis to initiation of therapy (P = 0.001) and predicted overall survival with borderline significance (P ≤ 0.05). Patient stratification according to clinical stage, cytogenetics, IgVH mutational status, ZAP‐70 and CD38, demonstrated significantly increased CLLU1 expression in all investigated CLL poor risk groups. CLLU1 expression levels contributed additional prognostic information to ZAP‐70‐positive patients. Conclusions: CLLU1 is the first identified CLL specific gene. The CLLU1 mRNA expression level can predict time to initiation of treatment and survival in CLL patients.
Cefotaxime as the potential cause of transient acquired von Willebrand syndrome
Authors: Haj M. A. , Murch N. , Bowen D. J. , Sati H. I. , Beddal A. , Benton A. , Collins P.
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS) is a relatively rare bleeding disorder. It has been reported in association with myeloproliferative disorders, autoimmune diseases, plasma cell dyscrasias and certain drugs. Cefotaxime is a third generation cephalosporin widely used for surgical prophylaxis and as empirical treatment of bacterial meningitis. We report a case of a transient AvWS in association with cefotaxime therapy.
Successful unrelated cord blood transplantation in a 7‐year‐old boy with Evans syndrome refractory to immunosuppression and double autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Urban Christian , Lackner Herwig , Sovinz Petra , Benesch Martin , Schwinger Wolfgang , Dornbusch Hans Jürgen , Moser Andrea
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Evans syndrome is an autoimmunopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia with poor response to immunosuppression. A 2‐yr‐old boy with Evans syndrome showed only short‐lasting responses to immunosuppressive treatment including double autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation (SCT). Intracranial bleeding required emergency splenectomy and external ventricular drainage. Unrelated umbilical cord blood was given following conditioning with busulfan, thiotepa, etoposide and antithymocyte globulin. One year after SCT the patient shows stable blood counts without immunosuppression. This is the first child reported with Evans syndrome successfully treated by means of unrelated cord blood transplantation.
Psychosis related to methadone withdrawal
Authors: Cobo Jesús , Ramos María Mar , Peláez Trinidad , García Gemma , Marsal Frederik
Published: March 2006

We present two cases of typical psychosis related to methadone withdrawal. The two cases, appearing in the adult age, are not related to previous personal or familiar psychiatric illness and do not show the classical symptoms of methadone withdrawal. The appearance of this type of case is an experience repeated in different groups of researchers. In the line of previous investigators, we propose an alteration of neuromodulation in central opiate-dopamine system.
Large cava septi pellucidi in schizophrenic patients, alcoholics, head-traumatized, and normal individuals: morpholgical features and forensic implications. A postmortem study
Authors: Filipovic B. , Ilankovic N. , Radonjic V. , Filipovic B. , Nikolic V.
Published: March 2006

Background:

The enlarged cava septi pellucidi (CSP = 6 mm in length) have been reported as a reliable marker of an underlying neuropsychiatric disease or disorder. Differences in the dimensions of cava longer than 6 mm associated with a neuropsychiatric impairment could be of possible clinical and forensic significance.

Methods:

We obtained 479 brains from autopsied persons (310 males and 169 females, aged 22–89 years) and observed that 110 brains (75 males and 35 females) had CSP, of which the length of CSP was equal to or longer than 6 mm on 69 (49 males and 20 females) of them. These cava were classified into four groups depending on the past medical histories of the autopsied person: five without neuropsychiatric history (asymptomatic CSP), 25 schizophrenic patients, 22 alcoholics, and 17 with a past head trauma (symptomatic CSP).

Results:

The linear parameters of CSP (i.e. length, width) of the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups were measured and were statistically analyzed. Analysis revealed that the cava in the group of schizophrenic patients were significantly longer and wider.

Conclusions:

Discriminant function analysis was used to derive a mathematical formula to classify CSP into one of the groups obtained based on width measurements of the cavum.
An open trial of Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in pregnancy
Authors: Freeman Marlene P. , Hibbeln Joseph R. , Wisner Katherine L. , Watchman Marcy , Gelenberg Alan J.
Published: March 2006

Objective:

In this flexible-dose, open-label trial, we examined the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of depression during pregnancy.

Methods:

Fifteen pregnant women with major depressive episodes participated. Subjects initially received two capsules per day [0.93 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)]; the dose could be increased by one capsule per day every 2 weeks to a maximal dose of 2.8 g. Subjects were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD).

Results:

Average duration of participation in this treatment trial was 8.3 weeks (SD ± 7.1). Average final dose of EPA + DHA in this flexible dose trial was 1.9 g per day (±0.5). The mean reduction in EPDS scores was 40.9% (SD ± 21.9); the mean decrease in HRSD score was 34.1% (SD ± 27.1).

Conclusions:

This open trial provides data to support the need for randomized controlled dose-finding trials of omega-3 fatty acids in major depressive episodes during pregnancy.
A variant of Capgras syndrome with delusional conviction of inanimate doubles in a patient with grandmal epilepsy
Authors: Nejad Alireza Ghaffari , Toofani Khatereh
Published: March 2006

Background:

Capgras syndrome is the most common type of delusional misidentification syndromes. In this phenomenon, the patient believes the delusional conviction that a familiar person has been replaced by imposters. Capgras syndrome was thought to occur in psychotic and organic contexts. It has some rare variants. In one of these rare variants, the patient has the delusion of inanimate doubles. There are reports which regard the relationship between Capgras syndrome and epilepsy as a contributing factor. We present a case of grandmal epilepsy with psychotic features including delusion of inanimate doubles.

Methods:

A single case is reported.

Case history:

A 55-year-old woman with long-time history of grandmal epilepsy developed psychosis 3 months prior to her psychiatric referral. She believed that her sons replaced her possessions and furniture continuously. There was no history of previous psychiatric illness, and also there was no evidence of any other organic disorder.

Conclusion:

Previous reports showed Capgras phenomenon as a clinical presentation in epileptic patients. We show that the delusion of doubles of inanimate objects as a variant of Capgras syndrome could also be a clinical presentation in epileptic patients.
A case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis presenting as depression
Authors: Datta Soumitra Shankar , Jacob Rajesh , Kumar Sudhir , Jeyabalan Susan
Published: March 2006

Summary:

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is rare in adult patients. Clinical presentation in intial phases of SSPE may be non-specific leading to diagnostic delay. We present a 24-year-old patient with depressive syndrome of five months' duration prior to the onset of typical features of SSPE, which is a rare presentation. This patient had responded partially to Sertraline, for a brief period, before he was diagnosed to have SSPE. This case illustrates affective symptoms can be the presenting features of SSPE in adults.
Markers for depression in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: van Winkel Ruud , Leentjens Albert F. G. , Verhey Frans R. J.
Published: March 2006

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether risk factors for depression in the general population are also markers for depression in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to identify additional disease-specific markers for depression in AD.

Patients and methods:

A logistic model of five risk factors for depression in the general population was constructed using the data of 217 patients with AD, of whom 63 (29%) suffered from major depressive disorder. In a next step, five potential disease-specific markers were individually added to this model to see whether the strength and predictive power of the model would improve.

Results:

The multivariate model of five risk factors for depression in the general population was not a good model to predict depression in AD. In this multivariate approach, only ‘a history of depression’ was an independent marker for depression. The only disease-specific variable that improved the logistic model was ‘disability due to AD’. An interaction between these two markers became apparent.

Conclusions:

Of the established risk factors for depression in the general population, only ‘a history of depression’ was found to be an independent marker for depression in AD. ‘Disability due to AD’ was the only disease-related marker for depression in AD, although this marker cannot be considered specific for AD. The importance of controlling for general risk factors for depression in the search for disease-specific markers for depression in AD is stressed.
The usefulness of experience sampling in understanding the urge to move in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Pieters G. , Vansteelandt K. , Claes L. , Probst M. , Van Mechelen I. , Vandereycken W.
Published: March 2006

Background:

Physical hyperactivity has often been described in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients but up until now in-depth research has been scarce. Experience sampling methodology (ESM), a structured diary technique assessing momentary mental state at random times during the day, may be useful in studying hyperactivity in AN.

Methods:

In two single case reports, ESM was used to investigate the variation across time of the urge to move in relation to potentially relevant eliciting conditions such as positive and negative emotions, weight preoccupation and attractiveness.

Results:

Frequency distribution of the involved variables indicated substantial individual differences between patients. While both patients' tendency to be hyperactive was positively related to their weight preoccupation and negative emotions, in only one patient, the urge to move turned out to be significantly related to (the absence of) positive emotions.

Conclusions:

ESM can be useful to test whether general theories of psychopathology apply to specific patients, and it may be conceived as an individually tailored approach to self-monitoring. As such, it may guide the clinician to devise therapeutic interventions in particular patients.
Verbal fluency in Parkinson's disease: results of a 2-min fluency test
Authors: Scholtissen B. , Dijkstra J. , Reithler J. , Leentjens A. F. G.
Published: March 2006

Background:

Patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) are often reported to have an impaired performance on tests measuring executive functioning, such as fluency tasks.

Aim:

To investigate whether verbal fluency is impaired in PD patients (n = 25) compared with healthy controls (n = 15) using a 2-min semantic and phonemic verbal fluency test. A 2-min version of the fluency task was used to allow for more switches between clusters to study retrieval strategies more adequately.

Results:

No differences in performance on both semantic and phonemic fluency tasks between the PD patients and the control persons were found. Moreover, both groups appeared to use the same retrieval strategies.

Conclusion:

Patients suffering from PD appear to use the same strategies for producing words as healthy controls do. Different pathways may be involved in switching clusters during the fluency task than in other types of switching that may be impaired in PD, such as motor switching and concept-shifting.
Evaluation of event-related potentials in Klinefelter syndrome and idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism
Authors: Ulas Umit H. , Bolu Erol , Unlu-Alanoglu Ece , Kutukcu Yasar , Ozdag M. Fatih , Odabasi Zeki , Ozata Metin , Sanisoglu S. Yavuz , Vural Okay
Published: March 2006

Background:

Many studies have evaluated patients with idiopathic hypogonadothropic hypogonadotropism (IHH), but few of these studies utilize event-related potentials (P300).

Aims:

To assess the cognitive functions of hypergonadotropic vs. hypogonadotropic patients.

Settings and design:

The study group consisted of 41 untreated IHH patients, 32 untreated Klinefelter syndrome (KS) patients, and 30 healthy control subjects.

Methods and material:

In this study, the latency and amplitude of P300 was evaluated in 41 untreated IHH and 32 untreated KS patients and compared to healthy control subjects (average age: 30 years). Also evaluated were the patients' hormone levels.

Results and conclusions:

In this study, the amplitude of P300 was found to be reduced, and the latency prolonged in IHH patients in comparison to KS patients and control subjects. In KS patients, there was no difference in latency of P300, but the amplitude was reduced when compared with the control group. Cognitive dysfunction in patients with hypogonadotropism is related to androgen hormone levels. This deficiency can affect development of the central nervous system (CNS), causing defects of CNS to varying degrees during the perinatal period. Androgen deficiency is considered to exert its effects during the period of cognitive ability development, manifest in IHH patients but not KS patients.
Neurocognitive functions in pathological gambling: a comparison with alcohol dependence, Tourette syndrome and normal controls
Authors: Goudriaan Anna E. , Oosterlaan Jaap , De Beurs Edwin , Van Den Brink Wim
Published: March 2006

Aims  Neurocognitive functions in pathological gambling have relevance for the aetiology and treatment of this disorder, yet are poorly understood. This study therefore investigated neurocognitive impairments of executive functions in a group of carefully screened Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version IV (DSM‐IV‐TR) pathological gamblers. Performance was compared to a group of normal control participants. To study the specificity of these neurocognitive deficits, a substance dependence group (alcohol dependence) and an impulse control disorder group (Tourette syndrome) were included.

Design  Cross‐sectional study.

Setting  Addiction and general mental health treatment centres.

Participants  Forty‐nine pathological gamblers, 48 abstinent alcohol‐dependent patients, 46 participants with Tourette syndrome and 49 normal control participants.

Measurements  A comprehensive neuropsychological battery measuring executive functions as well as basic cognitive functions.

Findings  Both the pathological gambling and the alcohol dependent groups were characterized by diminished performance on inhibition, time estimation, cognitive flexibility and planning tasks. The Tourette syndrome group showed deficits only on inhibition tasks. Basic cognitive functions were intact in all clinical groups. Comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, antisocial personality disorder and nicotine dependence influenced the impaired functions of the clinical groups only minimally.

Conclusions  Carefully screened groups of pathological gamblers and alcohol dependents were characterized by diminished executive functioning, suggesting a dysfunction of frontal lobe circuitry in these disorders. The resemblance between the pathological gambling group and the alcohol dependence group suggests a common neurocognitive aetiology for these disorders. Psychosocial treatment of these disorders could benefit from assessing and targeting deficits in executive functions, as they probably influence the course of these disorders negatively.
Childhood predictors of drunkenness in late adolescence among males: a 10‐year population‐based follow‐up study
Authors: Niemelä Solja , Sourander Andre , Poikolainen Kari , Helenius Hans , Sillanmäki Lauri , Parkkola Kai , Piha Jorma , Kumpulainen Kirsti , Almqvist Fredrik , Moilanen Irma
Published: March 2006

Aims  To study childhood precursors of drunkenness frequency among 18‐year‐old boys in a representative, nation‐wide 10‐year follow‐up study.

Design  In 1989, a general population sample of 2946 8‐year‐old boys was collected. Three different informant sources were used: parents, teachers and the boys themselves. The follow‐up was 10 years later in 1999, when the boys were called up for their obligatory military service at age 18. Information about drunkenness frequency was obtained from 78.3% (n = 2306) of the original sample.

Setting  Finland, nation‐wide; in 1989 at schools, in 1999 at the obligatory military call‐up.

Participants  General population sample of Finnish boys born in 1981.

Measurements  At age 8, the Rutter A2 scale, Rutter B2 scale and Child Depression Inventory (CDI) were used. At age 18, self‐reported drunkenness frequency during the previous 6 months was determined.

Findings  Of the subjects, 15.0% reported never being drunk from alcohol, 74.6% reported being occasionally drunk and 10.4% reported being drunk at least once a week during the previous 6 months. After adjusting for other variables, teacher's estimate of the child's problem behaviour at age 8 predicted frequent drunkenness in late adolescence. Hyperactive problems predicted both occasional and frequent drunkenness. Conduct problems at age 8 predicted only frequent drunkenness. High teacher‐reported scores of emotional problems predicted lower occurrence of drunkenness‐orientated alcohol use.

Conclusions  The educational system has a potential role in detecting boys at risk of later risk‐taking behaviours, such as frequent drunkenness. Early interventions in children with conduct problems and hyperactivity are called for.
Risk of harm among gamblers in the general population as a function of level of participation in gambling activities
Authors: Currie Shawn R. , Hodgins David C. , Wang JianLi , El‐Guebaly Nady , Wynne Harold , Chen Sophie
Published: March 2006

Aims To examine the relationship between gambling behaviours and risk of gambling‐related harm in a nationally representative population sample.

Design Risk curves of gambling frequency and expenditure (total amount and percentage of income) were plotted against harm from gambling.

Setting Data derived from 19 012 individuals participating in the Canadian Community Health Survey—Mental Health and Well‐being cycle, a comprehensive interview‐based survey conducted by Statistics Canada in 2002.

Measurement Gambling behaviours and related harms were assessed with the Canadian Problem Gambling Index.

Findings Risk curves indicated the chances of experiencing gambling‐related harm increased steadily the more often one gambles and the more money one invests in gambling. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified the optimal limits for low‐risk participation as gambling no more than two to three times per month, spending no more than $501–1000CAN per year on gambling and investing no more than 1% of gross family income on gambling activities. Logistic regression modelling confirmed a significant increase in the risk of gambling‐related harm (odds ratios ranging from 2.0 to 7.7) when these limits were exceeded.

Conclusions Risk curves are a promising methodology for examining the relationship between gambling participation and risk of harm. The development of low‐risk gambling limits based on risk curve analysis appears to be feasible.
Declared and undeclared substance use among emergency department patients: a population‐based study
Authors: Rockett Ian R. H. , Putnam Sandra L. , Jia Haomiao , Smith Gordon S.
Published: March 2006

Aims  To estimate both self‐reported and corrected prevalences of substance use in a population‐based study of general hospital emergency department (ED) patients and predict undeclared use.

Design  A state‐wide cross‐sectional, two‐stage probability sample survey that incorporates toxicological screening.

Setting  Seven Tennessee EDs in acute care, adult, civilian, non‐psychiatric hospitals.

Participants  A total of 1502 Tennessee residents, 18 years of age and older, possessing intact cognition, able to give informed consent and not in police custody. 

Measurements  Prevalence of self‐reported current substance use by age, sex and type with correction for under‐reporting based on toxicological screening. Covariates in the multivariate analysis of undeclared use were socio‐demographics, ED visit circumstances, health‐care coverage, prior health status and treatment history and tobacco addiction.

Findings  Declared current use was highest for alcohol (females 26%, males 47%), marijuana (males 11%, females 6%) and benzodiazepines (females 10%, males 7%). After correction for under‐reporting, overall use for any of the eight targeted substances rose from 44% to 56% for females and 61% to 69% for males. Largest absolute changes involved opioids, benzodiazepines, marijuana, amphetamines and/or methamphetamine, with little change for alcohol. Patients aged 65 years and older manifested excess undeclared use relative to patients aged 18–24 years, as did patients not reporting tobacco addiction or receiving substance abuse treatment.

Conclusion  Adjustment for under‐reporting produced minimal change in the estimated prevalence of alcohol use. However, toxicological screening markedly increased estimates of other drug use, especially for the elderly, who may under‐report medication use. Screening tests are useful tools for detecting undeclared substance use.
The genetic epidemiology of cannabis use, abuse and dependence
Authors: Agrawal Arpana , Lynskey Michael T.
Published: March 2006

Aims  The genetic etiology of cannabis use, abuse and dependence has elicited significant interest from genetic epidemiologists.

Methods  Genetically informative studies, including family, twin and adoption studies that have examined the role of genetic and environmental influences on the various stages of cannabis involvement, and the genetic relationship between cannabis, licit drugs and other hard drugs, are reviewed.

Results  Findings across a number of such studies have indicated that there is a genetic basis to each stage of cannabis involvement although a proportion of the genetic factors influencing individual stages may be specific to that stage. Multivariate analyses that explore the association between cannabis and licit (alcohol and tobacco) as well as hard drugs (e.g. cocaine, opioids), using multiple methodological strategies, suggest the role of common genetic and environmental influences influencing the liability to cannabis and other drug involvement.

Conclusions  The substantial evidence for the heritability of cannabis use, abuse and dependence underscore the importance of linkage and association studies that aim to find genes of etiologic significance.
A smoking cessation intervention for the methadone‐maintained
Authors: Stein Michael D. , Weinstock Marjorie C. , Herman Debra S. , Anderson Bradley J. , Anthony Jennifer L. , Niaura Raymond
Published: March 2006

Aim  To test, in combination with the nicotine patch, the incremental efficacy of a maximal, tailored behavioral treatment over a minimal treatment for smoking cessation.

Design  Randomized clinical trial with 6‐month follow‐up.

Setting  Five methadone maintenance treatment centers in Rhode Island.

Participants  Three hundred and eighty‐three methadone‐maintained smokers.

Intervention  Participants were assigned randomly to nicotine patch (8–12 weeks) plus either (1) a baseline tailored brief motivational intervention, a quit date behavioral skills counseling session and a relapse prevention follow‐up session (Max) or (2) brief advice using the National Cancer Institute's 4 As model (Min). An intent‐to‐treat analysis with those lost to follow‐up assumed to smoke was used.

Measurements  Carbon monoxide (CO)‐confirmed 7‐day point smoking cessation prevalence at 3 and 6 months, and self‐reported numbers of cigarettes smoked per day.

Findings  Participants had a mean age of 40 years, were 53% male, 78% Caucasian, smoked 26.7 (± 12.2) cigarettes/day and had a mean methadone dose of 95.5 mg. At 3 months, 317 (83%) were reinterviewed; at 6 months, 312 (82%) were reinterviewed. The intent‐to‐treat, 7‐day point prevalence estimate of cessation was 5.2% in the Max group and 4.7% in the Min group (P = 0.81) at 6 months. In logistic models with treatment condition, age, gender, race, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and cigarettes per day as covariates, males were more likely to be abstinent at 3 months (OR 4.67; P = 0.003) and 6 months (OR 4.01; P = 0.015).

Conclusion  A tailored behavioral intervention did not increase quit rates over patch and minimal treatment. Smoking cessation rates in methadone‐maintained smokers are low, with men having greater success.
QTL analysis of body weight and conformation score in commercial broiler chickens using variance component and half‐sib analyses
Authors: Rowe S. J. , Windsor D. , Haley C. S. , Burt D. W. , Hocking P. M. , Griffin H. , Vincent J. , De Koning D. J.
Published: March 2006

The aim of the study was to investigate quantitative trait loci (QTL) in previously identified regions of chicken chromosomes 1, 4 and 5 relating to 40‐day body weights and conformation scores. Half‐sib (HS) and variance component analyses were implemented and compared using QTL Express software. Data were from a two‐generation design and consisted of 100 dam families nested in 46 sire families with trait values for 2708 offspring. Chicken chromosome 4 showed nominal significance for QTL affecting body weight and conformation, and linkage was confirmed for both traits on chromosome 5. Results varied according to method of analysis and with common parent in the HS method.
Refinement of quantitative trait loci on bovine chromosome 18 affecting health and reproduction in US Holsteins
Authors: Muncie S. A. , Cassady J. P. , Ashwell M. S.
Published: March 2006

Selection for increased milk yield is associated with decreased fertility in US Holsteins. Previously, a putative quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 18 affecting daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) was identified in one family. Our aim was to determine the validity of the QTL using additional markers and an extended pedigree. Twelve markers were genotyped in 940 descendants of the original sire in which the QTL was identified. Analysis of the extended pedigree detected significant and suggestive QTL for DPR, productive life and somatic cell score. Further analysis is underway to refine the QTL region so that positional candidate genes can be identified.
A genome scan for quantitative trait loci associated with body weight at different developmental stages in chickens
Authors: Gao Y. , Hu X. X. , Du Z. Q. , Deng X. M. , Huang Y. H. , Fei J. , Feng J. D. , Liu Z. L. , Da Y. , Li N.
Published: March 2006

A genome scan to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting body weight in chickens was conducted on 238 F2 chickens from a reciprocal cross of Silky Fowl and White Plymouth Rock using 125 microsatellite markers covering 23 autosomes and the Z chromosome. Two types of QTL were considered: static QTL (SQ) and developmental QTL (DQ). Static QTL affected the body weight from hatch to time t, and DQ affected the body weight from time t−1 to time t. Six SQ and nine DQ were detected. Of these QTL, four reached a genome‐wide significance of 5% or better, with SQ1 and DQ1 being the most significant QTL. Static QTL1 was on chromosome 1 between GCT0006 and MCW0106 and explained 4.05–9.80% of the phenotypic variation in body weights from 3 to 12 weeks of age. At 9, 10 and 11 weeks, the genome‐wide significance thresholds of SQ1 were <1%. Developmental QTL1 was located on chromosome 1 between MCW0168 and GCT0006, and explained 2.75% of the phenotypic variation for body weight from week 7 to 8 with a genome‐wide significance level <1%. The results suggest that body weight from hatch to time t and developmental growth from time t−1 to time t may involve two different sets of genes or gene actions.
Distributional patterns of jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae) in Australia
Authors: Richardson B. J. , Zabka M. , Gray M. R. , Milledge G.
Published: March 2006

Aim  To analyse observed and predicted distributional patterns of selected salticid genera in Australia and to examine these distributions in the light of the origins and attributes of the fauna. To detect and compare the locations of regional hotspots when measured using different scales.

Location  Australia.

Methods  A total of 4104 locality records for specimens of 51 genera were stored in BioLink. Maps of observed and predicted (using bioclim) distributions were prepared for each genus. The predicted distributions were combined to provide estimates of the number of genera likely to be found at each locality in the raster and for each of a set of landscape regions across Australia. The predictions were tested by comparing them with independent data sets.

Results  The Australian salticid fauna consists of radiations based on Oriental, Papuan and possibly Gondwanan forms, plus pantropical and peridomestic species. The predicted distributions of genera fall into a limited number of categories and these reflect the traditional biogeographical regions of Australia. Maximum regional diversity is predicted for central eastern Queensland, though diversity at single locations is highest further south in the New South Wales/Queensland border region. The locations of hotspots are therefore scale dependent. Patterns of distribution are not simply related to particular lifestyles. Fewer genera were predicted from inland Australia; however, recent work has shown that there are a large number of undescribed genera in the drier parts of Australia. The prediction maps allowed lists of genera potentially present in unstudied areas to be developed.

Main conclusions  (1) The current distribution of genera is predicted by their bioclimatic profiles rather than by their origins or ecology. Some Oriental genera, however, have not reached south‐western Western Australia, though bioclimatic conditions there are predicted to be suitable for them; (2) the highest diversity of genera is predicted to be in south‐eastern Queensland; (3) the results highlight the shortcomings of past fieldwork in Australia, which has concentrated on the areas with higher rainfall; (4) it seems likely that inland Australia will support a large, highly endemic, fauna adapted to the region, and ultimately perhaps 40 or more genera could be found in each region; (5) the results show the possibility of using the maps of predicted distribution of genera not only for biogeographical analyses but also for conservation management and survey purposes.
Local and regional assessments of the impacts of plant invaders on vegetation structure and soil properties of Mediterranean islands
Authors: Vilà Montserrat , Tessier Marc , Suehs Carey M. , Brundu Giuseppe , Carta Luisa , Galanidis Alexandros , Lambdon Philip , Manca Manuela , Médail Frédéric , Moragues Eva , Traveset Anna , Troumbis Andreas Y. , Hulme Philip E.
Published: March 2006

Aims Although biological invasions occur throughout the world, and some invaders are widespread in many habitats, few studies on the ecological impact of invaders have examined multiple sites. We tested how the impact of three widespread plant invaders changed depending on the identity of the species and the invaded island. We also tested whether relative species loss was lower in species‐rich communities than in species‐poor ones.

Location We conducted floristic surveys and soil analyses in eight Mediterranean Basin islands: Crete and Lesbos (Greece), Sardinia (Italy), Corsica, Bagaud and Porquerolles (France), and Mallorca and Menorca (Spain).

Methods We compared native species richness and diversity, proportion of life forms, soil percentage nitrogen, percentage organic carbon, C/N, and soil pH in nearby paired plots of 2 × 2 m: one control and one invaded by either the deciduous treeAilanthus altissima, the succulent subshrubsCarpobrotusspp. or the annual geophyteOxalis pes‐caprae, across eight Mediterranean Basin islands.

Results On average, the presence of invaders reduced species diversity,Carpobrotusspp. exhibiting the largest impact andOxalisthe least. However, the relative impact was island‐dependent, and was positively but weakly associated with the species richness of the recipient community. Therophytes were the life form that experienced the largest decrease across islands. The effects of invasion on soil properties were very variable. Total N changed (increased) only in plots invaded byAilanthus, significantly decreasing the C/N ratio. The presence of this tree increased soil pH, whereas the opposite was found in plots invaded by the other two species. Organic C increased in plots invaded byAilanthusandCarpobrotusspecies.

Main conclusions By conducting an analysis at multiple sites, we found that the three plant invaders had an impact on plant community structure not entirely concordant with changes in soil properties. The impacts depended on the identity of the species and of the invaded island, suggesting that impact of invaders is context‐specific. The impact in terms of species loss was not lower in species‐rich than in species‐poor communities.
Multi‐species richness of boreal agricultural landscapes: effects of climate, biotope, soil and geographical location
Authors: Kivinen Sonja , Luoto Miska , Kuussaari Mikko , Helenius Juha
Published: March 2006

Aim To assess the relative importance of climate, biotope and soil variables as well as geographical location for the species richness of plants, butterflies, day‐active macromoths and wild bees in boreal agricultural landscapes.

Location A total of 68 agricultural landscapes located in southern Finland.

Methods Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyse the effects of environmental (climate, biotope and soil) and spatial (latitude and longitude) variables on species richness of four taxa in 136 study squares of 0.25 km2. Using partial regression, the variation in species richness was decomposed into the purely environmental fraction; the spatially structured environmental fraction; and the purely spatial fraction, including variables retained in cubic trend surface regression.

Results Species richness of all taxa was positively correlated with temperature. Species richness of plants and butterflies was also positively correlated with the heterogeneity of landscape. The extent of low‐intensity agricultural land and forest had a positive effect, and the extent of cultivated field a negative effect on the species richness of these taxa. The effect of soil characteristics on the number of observed species was negligible for all taxa. The greatest part of the explained variation for all taxa was accounted for by the pure effect of geographical location. To a somewhat lesser extent, the species richness of plants, butterflies and bees was also related to the effects of spatially structured environmental variables, and the species richness of macromoths to the effects of environmental variables.

Main conclusions Multi‐species richness of boreal agricultural landscapes at the scale of 0.25 km2was associated with the heterogeneity of the local landscape. However, large‐scale geographical variation in species richness was also observed, which indicates the importance of climate and geographical location for the taxa studied. These results highlight the fact that, even on a landscape scale, geographical factors should be taken into account in biodiversity studies. Heterogeneous agricultural landscapes, including forest and non‐crop biotopes, should be preserved or restored to maintain biodiversity.
Broad‐scale patterns of body size in squamate reptiles of Europe and North America
Authors: Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Á. , Rodríguez Miguel Á. , Hawkins Bradford A.
Published: March 2006

Aim  To document geographical interspecific patterns of body size of European and North American squamate reptile assemblages and explore the relationship between body size patterns and environmental gradients.

Location  North America and western Europe.

Methods  We processed distribution maps for native species of squamate reptiles to document interspecific spatial variation of body size at a grain size of 110 × 110 km. We also examined seven environmental variables linked to four hypotheses possibly influencing body size gradients. We used simple and multiple regression, evaluated using information theory, to identify the set of models best supported by the data.

Results  Europe is characterized by clear latitudinal trends in body size, whereas geographical variation in body size in North America is complex. There is a consistent association of mean body size with measures of ambient energy in both regions, although lizards increase in size northwards whereas snakes show the opposite pattern. Our best models accounted for almost 60% of the variation in body size of lizards and snakes within Europe, but the proportions of variance explained in North America were less than 20%.

Main conclusions  Although body size influences the energy balance of thermoregulating ectotherms, inconsistent biogeographical patterns and contrasting associations with energy in lizards and snakes suggest that no single mechanism can explain variation of reptile body size in the northern temperate zone.
A new algorithm to calculate the nestedness temperature of presence–absence matrices
Authors: Rodríguez‐Gironés Miguel A. , Santamaría Luis
Published: March 2006

Aim  The nestedness temperature of presence–absence matrices is currently calculated with the nestedness temperature calculator (NTC). In the algorithm implemented by the NTC: (1) the line of perfect order is not uniquely defined, (2) rows and columns are reordered in such a way that the packed matrix is not the one with the lowest temperature, and (3) the null model used to determine the probabilities of finding random matrices with the same or lower temperature is not adequate for most applications. We develop a new algorithm, BINMATNEST (binary matrix nestedness temperature calculator), that overcomes these difficulties.

Methods  BINMATNEST implements a line of perfect order that is uniquely defined, uses genetic algorithms to determine the reordering of rows and columns that leads to minimum matrix temperature, and provides three alternative null models to calculate the statistical significance of matrix temperature.

Results  The NTC performs poorly when the input matrix has checkerboard patterns. The more efficient packing of BINMATNEST translates into matrix temperatures that are lower than those computed with the NTC. The null model implemented in the NTC is associated with a large frequency of type I error, while the other null models implemented in BINMATNEST (null models 2 and 3) are conservative. Overall, null model 3 provides the best performance. The nestedness temperature of a matrix is affected by its size and fill, but the probability that such a temperature is obtained by chance is not. BINMATNEST reorders the input matrix in such a way that, if fragment size/isolation plays a role in determining community structure, there will be a significant rank correlation between the size/isolation of the fragments and the way that they are ordered in the packed matrix.

Main conclusions  The nestedness temperature of presence–absence matrices should not be calculated with the NTC. The algorithm implemented by BINMATNEST is more robust, allowing for across‐study comparisons of the extent to which the nestedness of communities departs from randomness. The sequence in which BINMATNEST reorders habitat fragments provides information about the causal role of immigration and extinction in shaping the community under study.
The other face of Lyell: historical biogeography in his Principles of geology
Authors: Alfredo Bueno‐Hernández A. , Llorente‐Bousquets Jorge E.
Published: March 2006

Although some excellent articles about Lyell's work have been published, they do not explicitly deal with Lyell's biogeographical conceptions. The purpose of this paper is to analyse Lyell's biogeographical model in terms of its own internal structure. Lyell tried to explain the distribution of organisms by appealing to a real cause (climate). However, he was aware that environmental conditions were clearly insufficient to explain the existence of biogeographical regions. Lyell's adherence to ecological determinism generated strong tensions within his biogeographical model. He shifted from granting a secondary weight to dispersal to assigning it a major role. By doing so, Lyell was led into an evident contradiction. A permanent tension in Lyell's ideas was generated by the prevalent explanatory pattern of his time. The explanatory model based on laws did not produce satisfactory results in biology because it did not deal with historical processes. We may conclude that the knowledge of organic distribution interested Lyell as long as it could be explained by the uniformitarian principles of his geological system. The importance of the second volume of the Principles of geology lies in its ample and systematic argumentation about the geographical distribution of organisms. Lyell established, independently from any theory about organic change, the first version of dispersalist biogeography.
Probing the Sagittarius stream with blue horizontal branch stars
Authors: Clewley L. , Jarvis Matt J.
Published: March 2006

We present two-degree field spectroscopic observations of a sample of 96 A-type stars selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 3 (SDSS DR3). Our aim is to identify blue horizontal branch (BHB) stars in order to measure the kinematic properties of the tidal tails of the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy. We confine our attention to the 44 classifiable stars with spectra of signal-to-noise ratio >15 Å−1. Classification produces a sample of 29 BHB stars at distances of 5–47 kpc from the Sun. We split our sample into three bins based on their distance. We find 10 of the 12 stars at 14–25 kpc appear to have coherent, smoothly varying radial velocities which are plausibly associated with old debris in the Sagittarius tidal stream. Further observations along the orbit and at greater distances are required to trace the full extent of this structure on the sky. Three of our BHB stars in the direction of the globular cluster Palomar (Pal) 5 appear to be in an overdensity but are in the foreground of Pal 5. More observations are required around this overdensity to establish any relation to Pal 5 and/or the Sgr stream. We emphasize observations of BHB stars have unlimited potential for providing accurate velocity and distance information in old distant halo streams and globular clusters alike. The next-generation multi-object spectrographs provide an excellent opportunity to accurately trace the full extent of such structures.
Functional effect of haemoglobin polymorphism on the haematological pattern of Gentile di Puglia sheep
Authors: Pieragostini E. , Rubino G. , Bramante G. , Rullo R. , Petazzi F. , Caroli A.
Published: March 2006

The relationship between haemoglobin polymorphism and haematological pattern were studied in Gentile di Puglia, the Apulia Merino native breed. In a sample of 292 individuals, on five different farms, α‐ and β‐globin genetic polymorphism was investigated. A remarkable polymorphism was detected especially at α‐globin gene where the variations concerned both the quality of the gene product and gene expression. Triplicated and quadruplicated α‐globin genes were observed in 8.6% and 1.2% of the α‐haplotypes respectively. At β‐globin (HBB) locus, predominance of HBBB allele was found in all flocks, while HBBA overall frequency was around 11.2%. Moreover, the effect of genotypes at globin systems on haematological data was evaluated on 289 animals. A significant effect was detected for HBB locus on haematocrit (HCT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), with decreasing HCT and MCV for decreasing number of HBBA alleles in the genotype. The opposite trend was observed for mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. The advances presented by this paper give reasons for inferring that BB genotypes can be expected to be more resilient to climatic stress and to local parasites.