bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liposomal daunorubicin versus standard daunorubicin: long term follow‐up of the GIMEMA GSI 103 AMLE randomized trial in patients older than 60 years with acute myelogenous leukaemia
Authors: Latagliata Roberto , Breccia Massimo , Fazi Paola , Iacobelli Simona , Martinelli Giovanni , Di Raimondo Francesco , Sborgia Marco , Fabbiano Francesco , Pirrotta Maria Teresa , Zaccaria Alfonso , Amadori Sergio , Caramatti Cecilia , Falzetti Franca , Candoni Anna , Mattei Daniele , Morselli Monica , Alimena Giuliana , Vignetti Marco , Baccarani Michele , Mandelli Franco
Published: November 2008

This randomized phase III clinical trial explored the efficacy of DaunoXome (DNX) versus Daunorubicin (DNR) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients aged >60 years. Three hundred and one AML patients were randomized to receive DNR (45 mg/m2 days 1–3) or DNX (80 mg/m2 days 1–3) plus cytarabine (AraC; 100 mg/m2 days 1–7). Patients in complete remission (CR) received a course of the same drugs as consolidation and then were randomized for maintenance with AraC+ all trans retinoic acid or no further treatment. Among 153 patients in the DNR arm, 78 (51·0%) achieved CR, 55 (35·9%) were resistant and 20 (13·1%) died during induction. Among 148 patients in the DNX arm, 73 (49·3%) achieved CR, 47 (31·8%) were resistant and 28 (18·9%) died during induction. Univariate analysis showed no difference as to induction results. After CR, DNX showed a higher incidence of early deaths (12·5% vs. 2·6% at 6 months, P = 0·053) but a lower incidence of relapse beyond 6 months (59% vs. 78% at 24 months, P = 0·064), with a cross in overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) curves and a later advantage for DNX arm after 12 months from diagnosis. DNX seems to improve OS and DFS in the long‐term follow‐up, because of a reduction in late relapses.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization characterization of ider(20q) in myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Douet‐Guilbert N. , Laï J. L. , Basinko A. , Gueganic N. , Andrieux J. , Pollet B. , Plantier I. , Delattre C. , Crépin O. , Corm S. , Le Bris M. J. , Morel F. , De Braekeleer M.
Published: November 2008

Isochromosome of the long arm of chromosome 20 with loss of interstitial material [ider(20q)] is a variant of deletion of chromosome 20q and a rare abnormality in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We studied seven cases with an ider(20q) in MDS. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies showed all proximal breakpoints to be consistently located in 20q11.21 band whereas distal breakpoints were variable. Amplification of HCK, TNFRSF6B and DIDO1 genes included in retained regions associated with loss of tumour suppressor genes in deleted regions could explain cell tumour progression and possibly the less favourable prognosis of ider(20q) compared with del(20q).
Eichhornia crassipes control in the largest Portuguese natural freshwater lagoon1
Authors: Laranjeira C. M. , Nadais G.
Published: November 2008

Pateira de Fermentelos is one of the largest natural freshwater lagoons in the Iberian Peninsula (approximately 529 ha). It is an important and extensive humid area integrated in the Special Protection Area (SPA) Ria de Aveiro (PTZPE0004) due to its ornithological importance and habitat typology.

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a major factor threatening the environmental and ecological balance of the lagoon and associated ecosystems. In recent years, the water hyacinth has spread over more than 50% of the lagoon surface, thus contributing to the degradation of the ecological, economical and social conditions and, ultimately, the lagoon system of Ria de Aveiro. In December 2006 the Municipal Authority of Águeda, in association with other public entities, initiated the mechanical removal (using an aquatic‐harvester) of the extensive water hyacinth mats that covered the lagoon, with the intention of improving the system in a sustainable manner. Since the beginning of this action, the aquatic‐harvester has removed more than 15 500 m3 of vegetal mats from the lagoon, which, in accordance with the current legislation, has been transported to an old inactive quarry site. At present the lagoon water is free from this invasive exotic plant, hence allowing navigation and the maintenance of traditional activities such as fishing and boating. The monitoring of the lagoon water quality is in progress in several locations, to monitor the system evolution, and develop actions and research aiming for sustainable management of the Pateira.
Resource quality and stoichiometric constraints on stream ecosystem functioning
Authors: HLADYZ SALLY , GESSNER MARK O. , GILLER PAUL S. , POZO JEŚUS , WOODWARD GUY
Published: November 2008

1. Resource quality and stoichiometric imbalances in carbon : nutrient ratios between consumers and resources can influence key ecosystem processes. In many streams, this has important implications for food webs that are based largely upon the utilization of terrestrial leaf‐litter, which varies widely among litter types in its value as a food source for detritivores and as a substrate for microbial decomposers.

2. We measured breakdown rates and macroinvertebrate colonization of leaf‐litter from a range of native and exotic plants of differing resource quality and palatability to consumers [e.g. carbon : nitrogen : phosphorus (C : N : P) ratios, lignin and cellulose content], in a field experiment. We also measured C : N : P ratios of the principal leaf‐shredding invertebrates, which revealed strong stoichiometric imbalances across trophic levels: C : N and C : P ratios typically differed by at least one order of magnitude between consumers and resources, whereas N : P imbalances were less marked. Application of the threshold elemental ratio approach, which integrates animal bioenergetics and body elemental composition in examining nutrient deficiency between consumers and resources, revealed less marked C : P imbalances than those based on the simpler arithmetic differences described above.

3. Litter breakdown rates declined as nutrient imbalances widened and resource quality fell, but they were independent of whether resources were exotic or native. The principal drivers of total, microbial and invertebrate‐mediated breakdown rates were lignin : N, lignin : P and fungal biomass, respectively. However, multiple regression using orthogonal predictors yielded even more efficient models of litter breakdown, as consumers responded to more than one aspect of resource quality. For example, fungal biomass and litter C : N both influenced invertebrate‐mediated breakdown.

4. Large stoichiometric imbalances and changes in resource quality are likely to have serious consequences for stream ecosystem functioning, especially when riparian zones have been invaded by exotic plant species whose chemical composition differs markedly from that of the native flora. Consequently, the magnitude and direction of change in breakdown rates and, thus, resource depletion, will be driven to a large extent by the biochemical traits (rather than taxonomic identity per se) of the resident and invading flora.
Degradation properties and ion release characteristics of Resilon® and phosphate glass/polycaprolactone composites
Authors: Borbely P. , Gulabivala K. , Knowles J. C.
Published: November 2008

Aims  To (i) characterise the degradation pattern and ion release characteristics of bioactive glass/polycaprolactone (PCL) composites; (ii) compare the degradation behaviour of composites containing phosphate glass to that of Resilon®; and (iii) determine the potential to control the degradation of the composites by modifying the iron content of phosphate glasses.

Methodology  The degradation behaviour of the phosphate glass/PCL samples (n = 3) and that of Resilon® were determined in two aqueous solutions (buffered distilled water, Hanks Buffered Saline Solution) over a 7‐day period using weight change measurement, ion chromatography, light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results  An initial increase in weight of the samples was followed by loss. All phosphate glass/PCL composites released various amounts of iron, sodium, calcium and phosphate ions into solution. The Resilon® samples released only sodium and calcium ions. The visual methods (LM, SEM) showed distinct precipitate (calcium phosphate) formation on the surface of the phosphate glass/PCL composites but only a faint surface residue on the surface of Resilon®.

Conclusions  The degradation pattern of the composites containing phosphate glass was different from that of Resilon®. The phosphate glass/PCL composites encouraged precipitate formation on the material surface, which may be advantageous in creating a marginal and apical seal.
Effect of EDTA conditioning upon the retention of fibre posts luted with resin cements
Authors: Rasimick B. J. , Shah R. P. , Musikant B. L. , Deutsch A. S.
Published: November 2008

Aim  To determine if a final rinse with EDTA improves the short‐term in‐tooth retentive strength of adhesively luted fibre‐reinforced composite posts.

Methodology  Six different commercial fibre post systems were tested. Post spaces in extracted human anterior teeth were irrigated with either 6% NaOCl or 6% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA. Posts were luted using the manufacturer’s recommended bonding agent and luting cement. Two different sizes of post were tested for each post system. After 24 h of storage, the retentive strength of the post to the tooth (14 per group, 336 total) was tested using a pull‐out technique. Three‐way anova and the Student–Newman–Kuels test were used to test the effects of irrigation regimen, post size and post brand on the retentive strength of the fibre post.

Results  Almost every sample failed at the interface between dentine and luting cement. Irrigation method did not have any significant effect (P > 0.14) for any group other than ParaPost Fibre White (P < 0.001). The overall retention of a post appeared to be correlated to the amount of surface texture on the post; the smooth ICEPost was the least retentive brand, the textured FibreKor and the ParaPost Fibre White posts were moderately retained, and the threaded Flexi‐Post Fibre and the Flexi‐Flange Fibre posts were the most retentive brands tested. For all brands, larger diameter posts were more retentive than smaller diameter posts (P < 0.008).

Conclusions  A final rinse of EDTA did not improve the short‐term retention of fibre posts except for ParaPost Fibre White.
Influence of tooth age and root section on root dentine dye penetration
Authors: Thaler A. , Ebert J. , Petschelt A. , Pelka M.
Published: November 2008

Aim  To investigate dye permeability of root dentine according to patients’ age, root section and dye penetration time.

Methodology  A total of 96 extracted human single‐rooted teeth, assigned to four age groups (<30, 30–45, 45–60 and >60 years) were separated at the cemento–enamel junction and root canals were enlarged. The root surfaces were coated with cyanocrylate to prevent external dye penetration and centrifuged in distilled water to eliminate air. For dye penetration the root canals were filled with methylene blue 5%. After 1, 30 and 60 days eight roots per age group were cross‐sectioned in 1 mm slices. Dye penetrated areas and the complete dentine areas were digitized and measured. Differences between groups were judged with anova and LSD, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01.

Results  The root section, the patients’ age and the penetration time influenced significantly the penetrated areas (P < 0.05). After 1 and 30 days significant differences could be found only in the apical root sections between all age groups (P < 0.05). Dye penetration areas systematically decreased with increasing age and also from coronal to apical (P < 0.01).

Conclusions  Age influenced dye penetration significantly. Dye penetration also depended on the location (coronal, middle and apical) within the root canal. These findings indicate that there may be a correlation between the tooth age and permeability of root dentine, which may influence the distribution and effectiveness of drugs used for root canal disinfection.
Cytotoxic effects of halogen‐ and light‐emitting diode‐cured compomers on human pulp fibroblasts
Authors: TUNÇ EMINE ŞEN , ÖZER LEVENT , SARI ŞAZIYE , ÇETINER SERAP
Published: November 2008

Objective.  The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic effects of three different compomers (Dyract AP, Compoglass, and Hytac) cured using a halogen light‐curing unit (LCU) and a light‐emitting diode (LED) LCU on human pulp fibroblasts.

Methods.  Specimens of three compomers were added to human pulp fibroblast cultures. Cytotoxicity was evaluated over 96 h using the agar overlay method.

Results.  All three compomers tested were found to be moderately cytotoxic to human pulp fibroblasts, regardless of whether they were cured using halogen or LED LCUs. The decolorization zone of Hytac was significantly larger than those of the other compomers tested (P < 0.05). Dyract AP and Compoglass specimens showed greater decolorization when cured with LED than with halogen LCUs (P < 0.05).

Conclusion.  Compomers are potentially toxic to human pulp fibroblasts, and the type of curing unit may affect compomer toxicity.
Zinc deficiency among the elderly attending a care centre in Sharpeville, South Africa
Authors: Oldewage‐Theron W. H. , Samuel F. O. , Venter C. S.
Published: November 2008

Background The elderly are particularly prone to zinc deficiency because of nutritional and physiological vulnerabilities associated with ageing. A low socio‐economic status may further increase the risk of zinc deficiency. This cross‐sectional descriptive study assessed the zinc status of an elderly sample in the Vaal region, South Africa.

Methods The participants were 170 randomly selected elderly people attending a day care centre in Sharpeville. Twenty‐four‐hour recalls were administered for dietary intake. Weight and height were measured and venous blood samples (n = 67) were drawn to determine biochemical indices.

Results The mean age of the respondents was 71.7 years. The mean ± SD daily dietary intake for zinc was 11.0 ± 6.12 mg. Approximately half of the subjects (51.5%) did not reach two‐thirds of the recommended dietary allowance for zinc. The mean serum zinc concentration was 61.8 ± 8.5 μg dL−1(9.4 ± 1.3 μmol L−1), with 76.3% of the subjects having zinc values less than the recommended values of 70 μg dL−1(10.7 μmol L−1). Maize meal was the staple in the diet of approximately half the study population. Although South African maize meal is now fortified with zinc oxide, maize also contains high concentrations of phytate, a known inhibitor of mineral bioavailability.

Conclusions The results of the present study suggested that zinc deficiency existed in these elderly people. Further research is, however, needed to elucidate possible underlying factors so that appropriate intervention can be implemented.
Infectious aetiology of Hodgkin and non‐Hodgkin lymphomas: a review of the epidemiological evidence
Authors: Hjalgrim H. , Engels E. A.
Published: November 2008

Lymphomas constitute a heterogeneous group of malignant disorders with different clinical behaviours, pathological features and epidemiological characteristics. For some lymphoma subtypes, epidemiological evidence has long pointed to infectious aetiologies. A subset of Hodgkin lymphoma is strongly linked to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. In addition, infectious agents can directly infect and transform lymphocytes (e.g. EBV, human herpesvirus 8), induce immunosuppression (human immunodeficiency virus), or cause chronic immune stimulation (hepatitis C virus, Helicobacter pylori), all of which may play a role in the development of various non‐Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes. Here, we review the epidemiological evidence linking infections with malignant lymphoma.
Ocular toxicity and distribution of subconjunctival and intravitreal rapamycin in horses
Authors: DOUGLAS L. C. , YI N. Y. , DAVIS J. L. , SALMON J. H. , GILGER B. C.
Published: November 2008

In vitro photosensitivity of rapamycin (RAPA) and ocular toxicity and distribution of intravitreal and subconjunctival RAPA was evaluated in normal horses. RAPA (2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg) was placed in 10 mL of PBS and maintained in a water bath at 37 °C, kept in the dark or subjected to room light, and sampled for up to 3 months for RAPA levels. Six normal adult horses received either 5 mg (n = 2) or 10 mg (n = 2) of RAPA intravitreally or 10 mg (n = 2) subconjunctivally. Ophthalmic exams and electroretinography (ERG) were performed prior to injection and on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 post‐injection. Eyes were enucleated and samples were collected for RAPA concentrations and histopathology. No difference in light vs. dark RAPA concentrations was observed, suggesting a lack of RAPA phototoxicity. No evidence of ocular toxicity was noted on ophthalmic examination or histopathology. RAPA was not detected intraocularly 7 days post‐injection in eyes receiving subconjunctival RAPA, but was detected in the vitreous at 21 days post‐injection. Drug could be detected in both the aqueous and vitreous humor after intravitreal injection. Further study is needed to determine the efficacy of intravitreal RAPA.
Amplification of an alternate transporter gene suppresses the avirulent phenotype of glucose transporter null mutants in Leishmania mexicana
Authors: Feng Xiuhong , Rodriguez‐Contreras Dayana , Buffalo Cosmo , Bouwer H. G. Archie , Kruvand Elizabeth , Beverley Stephen M. , Landfear Scott M.
Published: November 2008

A glucose transporter null mutant of the parasitic protozoan Leishmania mexicana, in which three linked glucose transporter genes have been deleted by targeted gene replacement, is unable to replicate as amastigote forms within phagolysomes of mammalian host macrophages and is avirulent. Spontaneous suppressors of the null mutant have been isolated that partially restore replication of parasites within macrophages. These suppressor mutants have amplified the gene for an alternative hexose transporter, the LmGT4 permease (previously called the D2 permease), on a circular extrachromosomal element, and they overexpress LmGT4 mRNA and protein. The suppressors have also regained the ability to transport hexoses, and they have reverted other phenotypes of the null mutant exhibiting enhanced resistance to oxidative killing, heat shock and starvation for nutrients, as well as augmented levels of the storage carbohydrate β‐mannan, increased cell size and increased growth as insect stage promastigotes compared with the unsuppressed mutant. Complementation of the null mutant with the LmGT4 gene on a multicopy episomal expression vector also reverted these phenotypes, confirming that suppression results from amplification of the LmGT4 gene. These results underscore the importance of hexose transporters for the infectious stage of the parasite life cycle.
MxiC is secreted by and controls the substrate specificity of the Shigella flexneri type III secretion apparatus
Authors: Botteaux Anne , Sory Marie Paule , Biskri Latéfa , Parsot Claude , Allaoui Abdelmounaaïm
Published: November 2008

Many Gram‐negative pathogenic bacteria use a type III secretion (T3S) system to interact with cells of their hosts. Mechanisms controlling the hierarchical addressing of needle subunits, translocators and effectors to the T3S apparatus (T3SA) are still poorly understood. We investigated the function of MxiC, the member of the YopN/InvE/SepL family in the Shigella flexneri T3S system. Inactivation of mxiC led specifically to a deregulated secretion of effectors (including IpaA, IpgD, IcsB, IpgB2, OspD1 and IpaHs), but not of translocators (IpaB and IpaC) and proteins controlling the T3SA structure or activity (Spa32 and IpaD). Expression of effector‐encoding genes controlled by the activity of the T3SA and the transcription activator MxiE was increased in the mxiC mutant, as a consequence of the increased secretion of the MxiE anti‐activator OspD1. MxiC is a T3SA substrate and its ability to be secreted is required for its function. By using co‐purification assays, we found that MxiC can associate with the Spa47 ATPase, which suggests that MxiC might prevent secretion of effectors by blocking the T3SA from the inside. Although with a 10‐fold reduced efficiency compared with the wild‐type strain, the mxiC mutant was still able to enter epithelial cells.
A novel allele, HLA‐A*0128, identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Shuang C. , Shan X. , Zhang Z.
Published: November 2008

In this report, we describe the identification of a novel allele HLA‐A*0128, which was found in a registered donor from China Marrow Donor Program. The A*0128 allele differs from the A*0113 by one nucleotide substitutions in exon 2 at position 282 (G→C). The mutation results in a codon change: at codon 70 where a glutamine acid is substituted by a histidine acid.
Major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related gene A polymorphism and linkage disequilibrium with HLA‐B alleles in Euro‐Brazilians
Authors: Ribas F. , Oliveira L. A. , Petzl‐Erler M. L. , Bicalho M. G.
Published: November 2008

Major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related gene A (MICA) was identified within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I region and was located 46 kb centromeric from HLA‐B locus. It functions as a ligand for human γδ T, CD8 T and natural killer (NK) cells by binding the NKG2D receptor. The aims of the present study were to determine the distribution of MICA alleles and MICA–HLA‐B haplotypes in a sample of Euro‐Brazilians. Through the combination of three typing methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probe, PCR–sequence‐specific primer and PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism, 19 alleles were detected besides a MICA gene deletion in a sample composed by 204 unrelated Euro‐Brazilians. The most commonly observed alleles were: MICA*00801 (25.3%), MICA*00201 (17.7%) and MICA*00901 (13.7%). The GCT repeat polymorphism variant A6 was the most commonly found. The most frequent haplotype found in this study was MICA*00901‐B*51 (8.1%), followed by haplotypes MICA*00201‐B*35 (6.1%) and MICA*00801‐B*07 (6.1%). MICA*00801 truncated product, and its low affinity for NKG2D receptor may work as an inhibitor in its putative soluble form. It may also be that selective forces may favor MICA*00801 heterozygosity with NKG2D high affinity MICA alleles enabling activation and inhibition of cytotoxic activity of cells expressing the NKG2D receptor. The possibility of selective neutrality or of balancing selection still provides no explanation for MICA gene polymorphisms. Is it maintained by genetic drift or by the influence of migratory waves? Are there favored alleles while others present the same adaptive value?
Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms and serum levels in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Kamoun M. , Houman M. H. , Hamzaoui A. , Hamzaoui K.
Published: November 2008

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is important for angiogenesis and inflammation, both of which are codependent and contribute to the pathophysiology of Behçet’s disease (BD). In this report, we sought to investigate whether the selected VEGF polymorphisms [−634 C/G, +936 C/T and an 18 bp insertion/deletion (I/D) at −2549 of the VEGF promoter region] are associated with susceptibility and severity of BD in the Tunisian population. One hundred and thirty‐five Tunisian BD patients and 157 healthy controls were recruited. The VEGF gene was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction followed by digestion with restriction endonucleases. VEGF serum levels of BD patients and healthy controls were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We found no association between the VEGF polymorphisms and the susceptibility to BD. However, when data were analysed according to the presence of each symptom, we found a positive association between VEGF 18 bp I/D polymorphism and ocular involvement as well as BD severity. Indeed, among the BD patients, the frequency of the 18 bp I/I genotype was less in patients with ocular inflammation (6.1% vs 24.6%, P = 0.007) and in patients with severe BD (9.2% vs 21.4%, P = 0.0014). Moreover, the mean serum VEGF level was considerably higher in BD patients (P < 0.01) than in healthy controls. We suggest that VEGF gene polymorphisms may be involved in the development of the ocular BD as well as the severity of the disease.
Polymorphic insertions in 5 Alu loci within the major histocompatibility complex class I region and their linkage disequilibria with HLA alleles in four distinct populations in mainland China
Authors: Tian W. , Wang F. , Cai J. H. , Li L. X.
Published: November 2008

In this study, we investigated the five polymorphic Alu loci located within human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I region in 445 individuals from four distinct Chinese populations: Hunan Han, Inner Mongolia Han, Inner Mongolia Mongol and Guangdong Han populations, with an emphasis on the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between Alu insertions and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, Cw and B loci in a southern (Hunan Province) and a northern (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region) Chinese Han population. Our data showed that (a) the allele and haplotype frequencies of Alu and HLA‐A loci did not differ significantly between the two southern Chinese Han populations and showed remarkable homogeneity in the two northern Chinese populations; (b) AluyHG had the highest insertion rate and HLA‐A*02 harboring the single AluyHG insertion was most frequent among Alu insertion‐bearing haplotypes in all four populations; (c) haplotypes AluyHF insertion–HLA‐A*26, AluyHG insertion–HLA‐A*02 and AluyHJ insertion–HLA‐A*24 were in significant LD across the four groups and (d) haplotype AluyMICB insertion–HLA‐Cw*06 was in significant LD in both populations, while significant LD of haplotypes AluyMICB insertion–HLA‐B*54 and AluyMICB insertion–HLA‐B*48 was only observed in the Hunan Han population and the Inner Mongolia Han population, respectively. Haplotype HLA‐B*48‐MICA gene deletion–AluyMICB insertion was observed at a frequency of about 3.85% in the latter population. Our data, together with previous reports on several Asian‐Oceanian populations suggest the identity by descent of several common HLA‐A allelic lineages in these modern human populations. The novel population‐specific LD patterns uncovered in this study also shed new insight into HLA evolution and haplotype origin.
Decompositions of Price’s formula in an inhomogeneous population structure
Authors: TAYLOR P.
Published: November 2008

The central tool for the study of allele frequency change due to selection is the remarkably simple but powerful formula of Price [Nature227 (1970) 520]. Here, I provide what might be called a structural analysis of this formula. The formula essentially accumulates the average allele frequency change over many instances of a fitness‐determining interaction, but there are different ways of organizing this average and these lead to quite different computational algorithms. I present three of these: an analysis by population state, an analysis by recipient and an analysis by actor. A comparison of these can lead to a heightened understanding of the different factors behind selective allele frequency change. In particular, I pay attention to the effects of structural inhomogeneity on reproductive value (RV) and emphasize that Price’s formula measures RV‐weighted allele frequency change. I examine in detail a simple example as a crucial way of cementing the different theoretical pathways. My aim was to produce a simple transparent presentation and therefore I work with a simple population structure and have omitted a number of technical details that are found elsewhere.
Natural selection maximizes Fisher information
Authors: FRANK S. A.
Published: November 2008

In biology, information flows from the environment to the genome by the process of natural selection. However, it has not been clear precisely what sort of information metric properly describes natural selection. Here, I show that Fisher information arises as the intrinsic metric of natural selection and evolutionary dynamics. Maximizing the amount of Fisher information about the environment captured by the population leads to Fisher's fundamental theorem of natural selection, the most profound statement about how natural selection influences evolutionary dynamics. I also show a relation between Fisher information and Shannon information (entropy) that may help to unify the correspondence between information and dynamics. Finally, I discuss possible connections between the fundamental role of Fisher information in statistics, biology and other fields of science.
Mating Effort and Cryptic Sperm Choice in Scorpionflies: Male Investment Strategy vs. Female Control
Authors: Vermeulen Andreas , Engels Sierk , Sauer Klaus P.
Published: November 2008

In this study, we examined which sex controls sperm transfer during copulation in scorpionflies. Therefore male scorpionflies were doubly mated to females of high and low fecundity to explore whether they allocate sperm according to female quality. While mating order had no effect males transferred sperm at higher rates when mating with low‐quality instead of high‐quality females. As there is no obvious benefit from providing low‐fecundity females with more sperm, we suggest a condition‐dependent female ability to counteract sperm transfer. Therefore, we disabled females at the beginning of copulations using the insecticide Propoxur which leads to total paralysis caused by tremors. While the provoked muscle contractions led to significantly smaller numbers of sperm transferred, Propoxur treatment had no effect on males. We suggest female counteracting of sperm transfer to be adaptive by decreasing the relative amount of sperm transferred by low‐quality males and increasing the proportion of offspring sired by high‐quality males.
The Use and Transfer of Information About Predation Risk in Flocks of Wintering Finches
Authors: Roth II Timothy C. , Cox Jonathan G. , Lima Steven L.
Published: November 2008

Several studies in behavior have focused in some way on how groups of prey gather and use information about predation risk. Although asymmetries in information about risk exist among members of real groups, we know little about how such uneven information might affect individual or group antipredator decisions. Hence, we studied the use and transfer of information about the risk of predation in small flocks of wintering birds. House finches (Carpodacus mexicanus; 28 groups of three) were held in large enclosures divided into safe and risky patches. We controlled the information about risk available to each individual by conducting attacks with a model hawk that was visible to only a single (informed) bird. Repeated attacks on a single individual did not reduce the amount of feeding by other birds in that patch, although the time to resume feeding after observing a response to an attack event was somewhat longer than after a no attack event. These results suggest that informed individuals impart some information to naïve (uninformed) birds, but this effect was not strong. In fact, the frequent return of informed individuals to feeders after observing uninformed individuals feed suggests that finches relied more on public information regarding safety than their own personal information in deciding when to feed. Group patch choice appeared to be based on a majority‐rules decision, although an effect of dominance status was apparent. Our results suggest that subordinate flock members may exert a large influence over group decision‐making by acting as spatial ‘anchors’.
Self‐Grooming Response of Meadow Voles to the Odor of Opposite‐Sex Conspecifics in Relation to the Dietary Protein Content of Both Sexes
Authors: Hobbs Nicholas J. , Aven Allen M. , Ferkin Michael H.
Published: November 2008

Many animals self‐groom when they encounter the scent marks of opposite‐sex conspecifics. Self‐grooming transmits odiferous substances that contain information about the groomer’s condition, which is affected by its nutritional state. We tested the hypothesis that the amount of time that individuals self‐groom to opposite‐sex conspecifics is affected by the amount of protein in their diet and that of the scent donor. We did so by feeding meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) a diet containing 9%, 13%, or 22% dietary protein for 30 d and observing their self‐grooming behavior when they were exposed to bedding scented by an opposite‐sex conspecific (odor donor) fed one of the three diets, or fresh cotton bedding (control). The hypothesis was partially supported. We found that the protein content of the diet of male and female groomers did not affect the amount of time they self‐groomed. However, the protein content of the diet of male odor donors affected the amount of time that female voles spent self‐grooming. Female voles self‐groomed more in response to male odor donors fed a 22% protein‐content diet than to those produced by male odor donors fed either a 9% or a 13% protein‐content diet. Interestingly, the amount of time males self‐groomed was not affected by the protein content of the diet of the female odor donor. These results may, in part, be explained by the natural history of free‐living meadow voles, sex differences in costs associated with mate attraction and reproduction, and the direct or indirect benefits that females receive from males fed a diet high in protein content.
Genetic correlations between ewe reproduction and carcass and meat quality traits in Merino sheep
Authors: Safari E. , Fogarty N.M. , Hopkins D.L. , Greeff J.C. , Brien F.D. , Atkins K.D. , Mortimer S.I. , Taylor P.J. , Van Der Werf J.H.J.
Published: November 2008

Genetic correlations between reproduction traits in ewes and carcass and meat quality traits in Merino rams were obtained using restricted maximum likelihood procedures. The carcass data were from 5870 Merino rams slaughtered at approximately 18 months of age that were the progeny of 543 sires from three research resource flocks over 7 years. The carcass traits included ultrasound scan fat and eye muscle depth (EMDUS) measured on live animals, dressing percentage and carcass tissue depth (at the GR site FATGR and C site FATC), eye muscle depth, width and area and the meat quality indicator traits of muscle final pH and colour (L*, a*, b*). The reproduction data consisted of 13 464 ewe joining records for number of lambs born and weaned and 9015 records for LS. The genetic correlations between reproduction and fat measurements were negative (range −0.06 ± 0.12 to −0.37 ± 0.12), with smaller correlations for live measurement than carcass traits. There were small favourable genetic correlations between reproduction traits and muscle depth in live rams (EMDUS, 0.10 ± 0.12 to 0.20 ± 0.12), although those with carcass muscle traits were close to zero. The reproduction traits were independent of meat colour L* (relative brightness), but tended to be favourably correlated with meat colour a* (relative redness, 0.12 ± 0.17 to 0.19 ± 0.16). There was a tendency for meat final pH to have small negative favourable genetic correlations with reproduction traits (0.05 ± 0.11 to −0.17 ± 0.12). This study indicates that there is no antagonism between reproduction traits and carcass and meat quality indicator traits, with scope for joint improvement of reproduction, carcass and meat quality traits in Merino sheep.
Changes in Actin Distribution of Ram Spermatozoa under Different Experimental Conditions
Authors: Colás C , Pérez‐Pé R , Muiño‐Blanco T , Cebrián‐Pérez JÁ
Published: November 2008

Contents

The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of actin in ejaculated ram spermatozoa and the changes of localization that actin undergoes as a consequence of certainin vitro‐induced physiological states. Using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), three different patterns of staining (defined immunotypes) were established in ejaculated sperm. The three sperm immunotypes showed actin labelling in flagellum, neck and post‐acrosomal area, differing on the labelling in the acrosomal region that was complete in immunotype 1, partial (frequently concentrated in the apical area, punctuate form) in immunotype 2, and totally absent in immunotype 3. The main subpopulation in ejaculate was immunotype 1 that represented 68% of total sperm, while 21% corresponded to immunotype 2 and only 10% corresponded to immunotype 3. Selection of high‐quality sperm using a dextran/swim‐up procedure hardly influenced the proportion of each immunotype resulting in a slight increase in type 1 sperm. Cold‐shock treatment andin vitrocapacitation induced a partial loss of actin labelling in the acrosomal area, whereas the ionophore‐induced acrosomal exocytosis provoked a total loss of the acrosomal actin labelling, a phenomenon partially inhibited by phalloidin.
Re‐modelling the Piggery Breeding Unit May Affect the Farrowing Rate
Authors: Hälli O , Heinonen M , Munsterhjelm C , Valros A , Peltoniemi OAT
Published: November 2008

Contents

The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to clarify the effect of re‐modelling the breeding unit on farrowing rate. The original study population included 63 sow herds that participated in the Finnish herd surveillance system. In these herds, the breeding units were re‐modelled between 1995 and 2002. Information about the production system and other herd data for the last year before and the second year after re‐modelling were available for 47 herds. The herds had an average of 68.5 (SD 45) sows per herd. Data were collected during one farm visit per herd. Initially, all herds had individual cages in their breeding units. The piggeries had either re‐modelled their cages or switched to a group housing system with deep‐litter, solid or slatted (partly or totally) floors. Farrowing rates were gathered from the national database, and data were tested with a linear regression model. Re‐modelling did not have an effect on farrowing rate if initial reproductive performance of the herd was neglected. However, when farms were stratified according to performance prior to the beginning of study, namely into ‘farms with initially high farrowing rate’ (HF) and ‘farms with initially low farrowing rate’ (LF), the re‐modelling had a significant effect on farrowing rate. In the HF farms, re‐modelling caused a decrease in farrowing rate. Correspondingly, farrowing rate increased after remodelling in the LF farms. Farrowing rate was also influenced by mean parity of sows and by proportion of sows culled because of leg problems. This study could not show a profound impact of the design of the breeding unit on the fertility of the sow in the modern commercial production environment if the farm’s reproductive performance before re‐modelling was neglected. However, when initial performance was taken into account, re‐modelling revealed significant, although varying effects on farrowing rate.
Genetic Parameters for Semen Traits in AI Boars Estimated from Data on Individual Ejaculates
Authors: Wolf J
Published: November 2008

Contents

Semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage progressive motility, percentage of abnormal spermatozoa and total number of sperms from 215 830 ejaculates were analysed. The ejaculates were collected between 2000 and 2005 and originated from 3675 boars of different breeds and crossbred combinations from 23 AI centres of the Czech Republic. Genetic parameters were estimated using multiple‐ and single‐trait animal models. Factors included in the models were: breed or crossbred combination, year–month, age class of the boar, interval between subsequent semen collections, joint effect of AI centre and year, permanent environment and additive genetic effect of the boar. The estimated heritabilities for semen volume and sperm concentration were approximately 0.20, whereas the estimates were somewhat lower for motility, percentage of abnormal sperm and total number of sperms. High negative genetic correlations were estimated between semen volume and sperm concentration (−0.68 for dam breeds, −0.69 for sire breeds) and between motility and percentage of abnormal sperm (−0.93 for dam breeds and −0.59 for sire breeds). The correlations between both semen volume or sperm concentration and motility or percentage of abnormal sperm were mostly small and negligible. Repeatabilities of 0.43–0.46, 0.37–0.38, 0.29–0.35, 0.42–0.50 and 0.29–0.30 were estimated for semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, percentage of abnormal sperm and the total number of sperms, respectively. On the basis of the estimated genetic parameters presented here, effective selection on sperm characteristics, especially for volume and concentration, should be possible using an animal model.
Cervical Ripening and Parturition in Cows are Driven by a Cascade of Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Van Engelen E , De Groot MW , Breeveld‐Dwarkasing VNA , Everts ME , Van Der Weyden GC , Taverne MAM , Rutten VPMG
Published: November 2008

Contents

The final stages of cervical ripening and parturition resemble an inflammatory process. Although the role of cytokines in both spontaneous and experimentally induced parturitions has been described in several small laboratory animals and humans, the involvement of pro‐inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in physiologic parturition in cows has not been determined. In this study, the cytokine expression profiles were assessed in bovine cervical tissue at several stages of pregnancy and at parturition. Serial biopsy samples of the cervix were obtained from 10 cows on day 185 and day 275 of pregnancy (which was on average 5.4 days before parturition) and at parturition. Messenger RNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and the number of neutrophils and eosinophils was estimated by Luna and Sirius Red staining. At parturition, IL‐8 expression had increased 430‐fold (p < 0.001) when compared with that of the day 185 of pregnancy, large numbers of neutrophils had invaded the cervix while eosinophils remained scarce, IL‐1β had increased eightfold (p < 0.05) and IL‐6 had not changed significantly. Additionally, IL‐10 was increased by 10‐fold (p < 0.001) and TNFα decreased by 57% (p < 0.05) when compared with that of the day 185 of pregnancy. The large increase in expression of IL‐8, enabling the influx of neutrophils, is indicative of its important role in the final stage of cervical ripening and at parturition. As previous studies have shown that neutrophils excrete matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), this might contribute to softening of the cervix. In contrast, the only slightly increased levels of IL‐1, steady concentrations of IL‐6 and decreased TNFα, the potential consequences of increased IL‐10 expression, indicate that final cervical of cows in ripening at term parturition is an inflammatory process influenced by regulatory cytokines.
BENAZEPRIL, AN ANGIOTENSIN‐CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITOR, ALLEVIATES RENAL INJURY IN SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS BY INHIBITING ADVANCED GLYCATION END‐PRODUCT‐MEDIATED PATHWAYS
Authors: Liu Xue‐Ping , Pang Yue‐Jiu , Zhu Wei‐Wei , Zhao Ting‐Ting , Zheng Min , Wang Yi‐Bing , Sun Zhi‐Jian , Sun Siao‐Jing
Published: November 2008

Advanced glycation end‐products (AGE) and their receptors (RAGE) have been implicated in renal damage in diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of benazepril, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), on the formation of AGE, the expression RAGE and other associated components in the oxidative stress pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Groups of SHR were treated with or without 10 mg/kg per day benazepril for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and angiotensin (Ang) II levels were evaluated in SHR and control Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats. Renal function was investigated by determining levels of proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rat renal cortex were analysed using an H2O2‐based hydroxyl radical‐detection assay and the renal content of AGE, RAGE, NADPH oxidase p47phox, nuclear factor (NF)‐κB p65, phosphorylated (p‐) NF‐κB p65, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 was determined by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis.

Treatment with benazepril inhibited the formation of AngII, reduced SBP and alleviated renal lesions in SHR compared with both untreated SHR and control WKY rats. Benazepril treatment significantly suppressed the accumulation of AGE and expression of RAGE in the kidney of SHR. In addition, benazepril treatment reduced the upregulation of NADPH oxidase p47phox, ROS generation and NF‐κB p65, p‐NF‐κB p65, VCAM‐1 and TGF‐β1 expression in the kidney of SHR compared with both untreated SHR and control WKY rats.

The results of the present study provide new insights into the regulation by the renin–angiotensin system of AGE–RAGE, oxidative stress and nephropathy, increasing our understanding of the role of the RAS in nephropathy.
Malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma to squamous cell carcinoma involves altered expression of p53‐ and p16/Rb‐dependent cell cycle regulator proteins
Authors: Iwasa Atsuko , Oda Yoshinao , Kurihara Shuichi , Ohishi Yoshihiro , Yasunaga Masafumi , Nishimura Izumi , Takagi Emi , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Wake Norio , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi
Published: November 2008

Ovarian mature cystic teratomas (MCT) uncommonly undergo malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). While alterations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and protein have been shown, few studies have analyzed other molecular changes leading to this malignant conversion. The purpose of the present study was to investigate 21 samples of SCC arising in MCT for altered expression in known p53‐ and p16/Rb‐dependent cell cycle regulatory proteins, and the association between their expression and cellular proliferation and histological features. Overexpression of the p53 protein was observed in 14 SCC (67%), while four (19%) had point mutations in the p53 gene. Reduced expression of the p16 protein was observed in 18 SCC (86%), while p16 gene alterations (hypermethylation (29%) and point mutation (33%)) were found in 11 (52%). Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was observed between p53 and Rb overexpression (P = 0.0010), and the overexpression of both p53 and Rb was respectively significantly correlated with increased cellular proliferation. The results indicate that alterations in both the p53 and p16‐Rb pathways are associated with SCC arising in MCT.
Colonic‐type adenocarcinoma arising in a primary retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma
Authors: Cheung Wang L. , Cao Dengfeng
Published: November 2008

A 47‐year‐old woman who presented with abdominal pain was found to have a 20 cm cystic retroperitoneal mass. Pathology indicated a colonic‐type adenocarcinoma arising in a primary retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma. The adenocarcinoma was predominantly intracystic with focal superficial invasion into the cyst wall but not beyond the teratoma capsule. Immunohistochemistry showed that the adenocarcinoma cells were diffusely positive for cytokeratin 20 (CK20) and caudal‐type homeobox transcription factor‐2 (CDX2) but negative for CK7, confirming the colonic phenotype. In addition, the adenocarcinoma was seen adjacent to teratomatous colonic‐type mucosa with adenomatous change (i.e. adenoma), suggesting that it was probably arising from a colonic‐type adenoma within the teratoma. The carcinoma had a higher Ki‐67 proliferation index and had a higher percentage of cells stained for p53 than the adjacent adenomatous lesion. To the authors' knowledge this is the first documented case in which a colonic‐type adenocarcinoma was seen arising from a precursor lesion (i.e. a colonic‐type adenoma in a primary retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma) and is the second case of intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma arising in a primary retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma.