bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placement of coiled catheters into the paravertebral space*
Authors: Luyet C. , Meyer C. , Herrmann G. , Hatch G. M. , Ross S. , Eichenberger U.
Published: February 2012

There are conflicting results with regard to the use of catheter‐based techniques for continuous paravertebral block. Local anaesthetic spread within the paravertebral space is limited and the clinical effect is often variable. Discrepancies between needle tip position and final catheter position can also be problematic. The aim of this proof‐of‐concept study was to assess the reliability of placing a newly developed coiled catheter in human cadavers. Sixty Tuohy needles and coiled catheters were placed under ultrasound guidance, three on each side of the thoracic vertebral column in 10 human cadavers. Computed tomography was used to assess needle tip and catheter tip locations. No catheter was misplaced into the epidural, pleural or prevertebral spaces. The mean (SD) distance between catheter tips and needle tips was 8.2 (4.9) mm. The median (IQR [range]) caudo‐cephalad spread of contrast dye injectate through a subset of 20 catheters was 4 (4–5[3–8]) thoracic segments. All catheters were removed without incident. Precise paravertebral catheter placement can be achieved using ultrasound‐guided placement of a coiled catheter.
Genetic markers on BTA14 predictive for residual feed intake in beef steers and their effects on carcass and meat quality traits
Authors: Lindholm‐Perry A. K. , Kuehn L. A. , Snelling W. M. , Smith T. P. L. , Ferrell C. L. , Jenkins T. G. , Andy King D. , Shackelford S. D. , Wheeler T. L. , Freetly H. C.
Published: February 2012

With the high cost of feed for animal production, genetic selection for animals that metabolize feed more efficiently could result in substantial cost savings for cattle producers. The purpose of this study was to identify DNA markers predictive for differences among cattle for traits associated with feed efficiency. Crossbred steers were fed a high‐corn diet for 140 days and average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and residual feed intake (RFI) phenotypes were obtained. A region on chromosome 14 was previously associated with RFI in this population of animals. To develop markers with the highest utility for predicting an animal's genetic potential for RFI, we genotyped additional markers within this chromosomal region. These polymorphisms were genotyped on the same animals (n = 1066) and tested for association with ADFI, ADG and RFI. Six markers within this region were associated with RFI (P ≤ 0.05). After conservative correction for multiple testing, one marker at 25.09 Mb remained significant (P = 0.02) and is responsible for 3.6% of the RFI phenotypic variation in this population of animals. Several of these markers were also significant for ADG, although none were significant after correction. Marker alleles with positive effects on ADG corresponded to lower RFI, suggesting an effect increasing growth without increasing feed intake. All markers were also assessed for their effects on meat quality and carcass traits. All of the markers associated with RFI were associated with adjusted fat thickness (AFT, P ≤ 0.009) and three were also associated with hot carcass weight (HCW, P ≤ 0.003). Marker alleles associated with lower RFI were also associated with reduced AFT, and if they were associated for HCW, the effect was an increase in weight. These markers may be useful as prediction tools for animals that utilize feed more efficiently; however, validation with additional populations of cattle is required.
Mapping and fine mapping of quantitative trait loci for the number of vertebrae in a White Duroc × Chinese Erhualian intercross resource population
Authors: Ren D. R. , Ren J. , Ruan G. F. , Guo Y. M. , Wu L. H. , Yang G. C. , Zhou L. H. , Li L. , Zhang Z. Y. , Huang L. S.
Published: February 2012

The number of vertebrae is associated with body size and meat production in pigs. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the number of vertebrae, phenotypic values were measured in 1029 individuals from a White Duroc × Chinese Erhualian intercross F2 population. A whole genome scan was performed with 194 microsatellite markers in the F2 population. Four genome‐wide significant QTL and eight chromosome‐wide significant QTL for the number of vertebrae were identified on pig chromosomes (SSC) 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 and 12. The most significant QTL was detected on SSC7 with a confidence interval of 1 cM, explaining 42.32% of the phenotypic variance in the thoracic vertebral number. The significant QTL on SSC1, 2 and 7 confirmed previous reports. A panel of 276 animals representing seven Western and Chinese breeds was genotyped with 34 microsatellite markers in the SSC7 QTL region. No obvious selective sweep effect was observed in the tested breeds, indicating that intensive selection for enlarged body size in Western commercial breeds did not wipe out the genetic variability in the QTL region. The Q alleles for increased vertebral number originated from both Chinese Erhualian and White Duroc founder animals. A haplotype block of approximately 900 kb was found to be shared by all Q‐bearing chromosomes of F1 sires except for one distinct Q chromosome. The critical region harbours the newly reported VRTN gene associated with vertebral number. Further investigations are required to confirm whether VRTN or two other positional candidate genes, PROX2 and FOS, cause the QTL effect.
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma with an interfollicular pattern of proliferation shows a favourable prognosis: a study of the Osaka Lymphoma Study Group
Authors: Wada Naoki , Zaki Mona A A , Kohara Masaharu , Ogawa Hiroyasu , Sugiyama Haruo , Nomura Shosaku , Matsumura Itaru , Hino Masayuki , Kanakura Yuzuru , Inagaki Hiroshi , Morii Eiichi , Aozasa Katsuyuki
Published: February 2012

Wada N, Zaki M A A, Kohara M, Ogawa H, Sugiyama H, Nomura S, Matsumura I, Hino M, Kanakura Y, Inagaki H, Morii E & Aozasa K  (2012) Histopathology 60, 924–932  

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma with an interfollicular pattern of proliferation shows a favourable prognosis: a study of the Osaka Lymphoma Study Group

Aims:  ]Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occasionally shows an interfollicular pattern of proliferation (DLBCL‐IF) preserving lymphoid follicles. In this study, clinicopathological findings in 31 cases of DLBCL‐IF were analysed.

Methods and results:  The study group comprised 20 males and 11 females, with ages ranging from 41 to 87 (median 69) years. The primary site was lymph node in 25 cases, and unknown in six due to advanced stage at diagnosis. Eight cases were clinical Stage I, 10 were Stage II, four Stage III, and nine Stage IV. A polymorphous pattern of proliferation containing large B cells and inflammatory cells was found in about 60% of cases. The overall survival rate of the DLBCL‐IF patients was better than that of a DLBCL control group (log‐rank test; P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that an interfollicular pattern of proliferation showed marginal significance for favourable prognosis (P = 0.069). Immunohistochemical double staining with antibodies for HLA‐DR/CD68 (markers for M1‐tumour‐associated macrophage [M1‐TAM]) or CD163/CD68 (M2‐TAM) revealed that all DLBCL‐IF patients with a low M2 count were alive at the end of observation.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that DLBCL‐IF is a clinicopathological entity distinct from ordinary DLBCL. The possible origin of tumour cells in DLBCL‐IF from marginal zone B cells is discussed.
Circulating lymphocyte subsets in different clinical situations after renal transplantation
Authors: van de Berg Pablo J. E. J. , Hoevenaars Eveline C. , Yong Si‐La , van Donselaar‐van der Pant Karlijn A. M. I. , van Tellingen Anne , Florquin Sandrine , van Lier René A. W. , Bemelman Fréderike J. , ten Berge Ineke J. M.
Published: February 2012

Phenotypic characterization of T and B lymphocytes allows the discrimination of functionally different subsets. Here, we questioned whether changes in peripheral lymphocyte subset distribution reflect specific clinical and histopathological entities after renal transplantation. Sixty‐five renal transplant recipients with either histologically proven (sub)clinical acute rejection or chronic allograft dysfunction, or without abnormalities were studied for their peripheral lymphocyte subset composition and compared with 15 healthy control individuals. Naive, memory and effector CD8+ T‐cell counts were measured by staining for CD27, CD28 and CD45RO/RA. In addition, we studied the CD25+ CD4+ T‐cell population for its composition regarding regulatory Foxp3+ CD45RO+ CD127– cells and activated CD45RO+ CD127+ cells. Naive, non‐switched and switched memory B cells were defined by staining for IgD and CD27. We found a severe decrease in circulating effector‐type CD8+ T cells in recipients with chronic allograft dysfunction at 5 years after transplantation. Percentages of circulating CD25+ CD127low CD4+ regulatory T cells after transplantation were reduced, but we could not detect any change in the percentage of CD127+ CD45RO+ CD4+ activated T cells in patients at any time or condition after renal transplantation. Regardless of clinical events, all renal transplant recipients showed decreased total B‐cell counts and a more differentiated circulating B‐cell pool than healthy individuals. The changes in lymphocyte subset distribution probably reflect the chronic antigenic stimulation that occurs in these transplant recipients. To determine the usefulness of lymphocyte subset‐typing in clinical practice, large cohort studies are necessary.
Gonadal and extragonadal germ cell tumours in the United States, 1973–2007
Authors: Stang A. , Trabert B. , Wentzensen N. , Cook M. B. , Rusner C. , Oosterhuis J. W. , McGlynn K. A.
Published: February 2012

Germ cell tumours (GCTs) most often arise in the gonads, but some develop extragonadally. The aim of this study was to examine gender‐ and race‐specific trends in incidence and survival of gonadal (GGCTs) and extragonadal GCTs (EGCTs) in the US from 1973 to 2007. We also examined the topographical distribution of EGCTs by race and gender. We estimated age‐specific and age‐standardized incidence rates and 5‐year relative survival rates (RSR) of GCTs using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program (SEER nine registries). GCTs and their topographical sites were identified using ICD‐O morphology and topography codes. Of 21 170 GCTs among males, 5.7% were extragonadal (Whites 5.5%; Blacks 16.3%). Of 2093 GCTs among females, 39.3% were extragonadal (Whites, 36.9%; Blacks 51.0%). The incidence of GGCT was much higher among White (56.3/1 000 000) than Black males (10.0/1 000 000), while there was no difference in incidence between White and Black females (3.2/1 000 000). The rates of EGCT among men and women of both races were similar (range:1.9–3.4/1 000 000). The most frequent extragonadal sites were mediastinum among males and placenta among females. The 5‐year RSR of testicular GCT was higher among Whites (97%) than Blacks (90%), as was the 5‐year RSR of ovarian GCT (Whites, 92%; Blacks 85%). In general, the 5‐year RSRs of EGCTs were lower than the 5‐year RSRs of GGCTs. The different incidence trends of GGCTs and EGCTs and distinct age‐specific incidence patterns by anatomical site of EGCTs suggest that GGCTs and EGCTs may have different aetiologies.
Do men with prostate abnormalities (prostatitis/benign prostatic hyperplasia/prostate cancer) develop immunity to spermatozoa or seminal plasma?
Authors: Hoover P. , Naz R. K.
Published: February 2012

Prostate is an immunocompetent and not an immunoprivileged organ. It has an active immunologic armamentarium. There are three major prostate abnormalities namely, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. In all these abnormalities, infection/inflammation has been implicated. As infection/inflammation of the male genital tract can also be involved in induction of antisperm antibodies (ASA), this study was conducted to examine if these prostate abnormalities lead to the formation of ASA. Sera were obtained from normal healthy men (n = 20), men with chronic prostatitis (n = 20), men with BPH (n = 25), men with prostate cancer (n = 25) and immunoinfertile men (n = 10). The presence of antisperm antibodies against lithium diiodosalicylate (LIS)‐solubilized human sperm extract (HSE), seminal plasma and synthetic peptides based upon sperm‐specific antigens namely fertilization antigen (FA‐1) and YLP12, were analysed using the sperm immobilization technique (SIT), tray agglutination technique (TAT), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunobead binding technique (IBT). All the sera from normal men and men with prostate abnormalities (chronic prostatitis/BPH/prostate cancer) were found to be negative in SIT and TAT. In ELISA, a few sera from men having prostate abnormalities (4–24%) showed a weak positive immunoreactivity (2–3 SD units) with some of the spermatozoa/seminal plasma antigens. Majority of the samples did not show any immunoreactivity (<2 SD units) in ELISA. Even the samples that showed a weak positive immunoreactivity in ELISA did not bind to live human sperm in IBT, indicating lack of sperm binding antibodies in these sera. In all these assays, the sera from immunoinfertile men were positive. Our findings indicate that chronic prostatitis, BPH and prostate cancer do not induce antibodies to spermatozoa, sperm‐specific antigens and seminal plasma components. Although prostate is an immunologically competent organ, and its abnormalities cause a rise in circulating prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), it appears that there is no concomitant induction of immunity to spermatozoa/seminal components including sperm‐specific fertility‐related antigens, thus not causing ASA‐induced immunoinfertlity. This is the first study to our knowledge reporting the absence of ASA in men with BPH and prostate cancer.
Pectic oligosaccharides production from orange peel waste by enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Martínez Sabajanes Martina , Yáñez Remedios , Alonso José L. , Parajó Juan C.
Published: February 2012

Orange peel waste (OPW) was evaluated as a raw material for the enzymatic production of pectic oligosaccharides. In a preliminary step, free sugars and other water‐soluble compounds were extracted from OPW to obtain a substrate for enzymatic hydrolysis (EHS), to achieve two objectives: (i) removal of sugars and impurities, and (ii) production of a sugar‐rich stream suitable for further utilisation, according to the ‘biorefinery’ philosophy. EHS was treated with hydrolytic enzymes (pectinases and cellulases), and the effects of selected operational variables (enzyme charges and reaction time) on selected dependent variables (measuring the conversions of polysaccharides into mono‐ and oligosaccharides, and liquor recovery) were assessed. Mathematical models were developed for this purpose. Under selected conditions, the models predicted that 100 kg of EHS yielded 7.5 kg of gluco‐oligosaccharides, 4.5 kg of galacto‐oligosaccharides, 6.3 kg of arabino‐oligosaccharides and 13 kg of oligogalacturonides (contained in 991.6 kg of liquor).
Simplifying the savanna: the trajectory of fire‐sensitive vegetation mosaics in northern Australia
Authors: Russell‐Smith Jeremy , Edwards Andrew C. , Price Owen F.
Published: February 2012

Aim  Fire is a key agent in savanna systems, yet the capacity to predict fine‐grained population phenomena under variable fire regime conditions at landscape scales is a daunting challenge. Given mounting evidence for significant impacts of fire on vulnerable biodiversity elements in north Australian savannas over recent decades, we assess: (1) the trajectory of fire‐sensitive vegetation elements within a particularly biodiverse savanna mosaic based on long‐term monitoring and spatial modelling; (2) the broader implications for northern Australia; and (3) the applicability of the methodological approach to other fire‐prone settings.

Location  Arnhem Plateau, northern Australia.

Methods  We apply data from long‐term vegetation monitoring plots included within Kakadu National Park to derive statistical models describing the responses of structure and floristic attributes to 15 years of ambient (non‐experimental) fire regime treatments. For a broader 28,000 km2 region, we apply significant models to spatial assessment of the effects of modern fire regimes (1995–2009) on diagnostic closed forest, savanna and shrubland heath attributes.

Results  Significant models included the effects of severe fires on large stems of the closed forest dominant Allosyncarpia ternata, stem densities of the widespread savanna coniferous obligate seeder Callitris intratropica, and fire frequency and related fire interval parameters on numbers of obligate seeder taxa characteristic of shrubland heaths. No significant relationships were observed between fire regime and eucalypt and non‐eucalypt adult tree components of savanna. Spatial application of significant models illustrates that more than half of the regional closed forest perimeters, savanna and shrubland habitats experienced deleterious fire regimes over the study period, except in very dissected terrain.

Main conclusions  While north Australia’s relatively unmodified mesic savannas may appear structurally intact and healthy, this study provides compelling evidence that fire‐sensitive vegetation elements embedded within the savanna mosaic are in decline under present‐day fire regimes. These observations have broader implications for analogous savanna mosaics across northern Australia, and support complementary findings of the contributory role of fire regimes in the demise of small mammal fauna. The methodological approach has application in other fire‐prone settings, but is reliant on significant long‐term infrastructure resourcing.
Weight, body mass index and behaviour change in a commercially run lifestyle programme for young people
Authors: Stubbs J. , Pallister C. , Avery A. , Allan J. , Lavin J.
Published: February 2012

How to cite this article
 Stubbs J., Pallister C., Avery A., Allan J. & Lavin J. (2012) Weight, body mass index and behaviour change in a commercially run lifestyle programme for young people. J Hum Nutr Diet.25, 161–166

Background:  There are few practical, scalable, community‐based solutions that provide ongoing support to combat the recent rapid rise in obesity in young people. A commercial weight management organisation (CWMO) has developed a tailored version of its programme for young people. The present study assessed the programme’s impact on self‐reported body weight, body mass index (BMI; kg m−2) and health‐related behaviour changes in participating young people.

Methods:  Seventy‐nine current young members completed a web‐based questionnaire on age, height, weight and self‐reported eating and activity behaviours for when they joined the programme and at the time of survey. Inclusion criteria were age 11–15 years old and membership for at least 1 month. Subjects completed the questionnaire online via the CWMO website. This was a retrospective observational study without a control group. All data were self‐reported.

Results:  Mean (SD) age was 13.4 (1.4) years and start weight was 78.5 (16.7) kg; 67% were >99th centile for BMI. Mean (SD) attendance was 23 (19) weeks; weight change was −5.0 (4.5) kg; BMI change was −2.5 (2.0) kg m−2; and BMI Z‐score change was −0.5 (0.4) (all P < 0.001). Height increased by 0.01 (0.03) m (P < 0.01); however, height Z‐score remained unchanged. Regression analysis showed that BMI Z‐score change was related to increased fruit and vegetable intake (P = 0.012), as well as a decrease in avoidance of moderate and intense activity (both P < 0.003).

Conclusions:  This programme for overweight and obese young people helped implement behaviour and lifestyle changes that were associated with significant reductions in self‐reported weight and BMI Z‐score, without compromising growth in height.
Faecal short chain fatty acids in healthy subjects participating in a randomised controlled trial examining a soluble highly viscous polysaccharide versus control
Authors: Reimer R. A. , Pelletier X. , Carabin I. G. , Lyon M. R. , Gahler R. J. , Wood S.
Published: February 2012

How to cite this article
 Reimer R.A., Pelletier X., Carabin I.G., Lyon M.R., Gahler R.J. & Wood S. (2012) Faecal short chain fatty acids in healthy subjects participating in a randomised controlled trial examining a soluble highly viscous polysaccharide versus control. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 373–377

Background:  Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced by the bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre and have been linked with intestinal health. The present study examined faecal SCFA concentrations in subjects consuming a novel soluble highly viscous polysaccharide (HVP) or control for 3 weeks. A total of 54 healthy adults participated in a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.

Methods:  Subjects were randomised to consume HVP or control (skim milk powder). A dose of 5 g day−1 was consumed in the first week, followed by 10 g day−1 in the second and third weeks (n = 27 per group). The primary outcome was SCFA concentrations in faecal samples collected at baseline (visit 1, V1), at 1 week (V2) and at 3 week (V3).

Results:  The reduction in faecal acetate from V1 to V3 in control subjects was not observed in subjects consuming HVP. There were no differences in propionate, butyrate, valerate or caproate concentrations. There was a significant treatment effect (P = 0.03) for total SCFA, with higher concentrations observed in subjects consuming HVP versus control.

Conclusions:  HVP is a viscous functional fibre that may influence gut microbial fermentation. Further work is warranted to examine the fermentative properties of HVP and possible links with appetite regulation and reduced serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.
Glucose control in diabetes: which target level to aim for?
Authors: Laakso M. , Cederberg H.
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  Laakso M, Cederberg H (University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland). Glucose control in diabetes: which target level to aim for? (Reveiw). J Intern Med 2012; 272: 1–12.

The most important goal in the treatment of patients with diabetes is to lower the risk of long‐term diabetes complications. Hyperglycaemia is the most important risk factor for microvascular complications in diabetes, but, in addition to hyperglycaemia, several other risk factors, particularly dyslipidaemia, elevated blood pressure and smoking, also determine the risk of macrovascular complications. In this review, we present evidence from longitudinal population‐based studies that hyperglycaemia is an important risk factor for long‐term complications of diabetes and discuss the results from clinical trials of the effects of the treatment of hyperglycaemia on the prevention of long‐term micro‐ and macrovascular complications in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. An HbA1c target of <7.0% for the treatment of diabetes is generally accepted on the basis of evidence from several trials, whereas a target of <6.5% may be reasonable for patients with a short duration of type 2 diabetes and without extensive atherosclerosis.
An open‐label randomized controlled study of pegylated interferon/ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C with versus without fluvastatin
Authors: Kondo C. , Atsukawa M. , Tsubota A. , Itokawa N. , Fukuda T. , Matsushita Y. , Kidokoro H. , Kobayashi T. , Narahara Y. , Nakatsuka K. , Kanazawa H. , Sakamoto C.
Published: February 2012

Summary.  Pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN)/ribavirin combination therapy is the standard‐of‐care (SOC) treatment for chronic hepatitis C patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b and high viral load. The addition of fluvastatin to SOC treatment has been suggested to be effective for better outcome in retrospective pilot analyses. We investigated whether the combination of fluvastatin with PEG‐IFN/ribavirin could actually improve sustained viral response (SVR) in patients with HCV genotype 1b and high viral load. A randomized, open‐labeled, controlled study was conducted between July 2008 and December 2009 in 101 chronic hepatitis C patients allocated to PEG‐IFN/ribavirin combination therapy with or without fluvastatin. SVR rates were calculated in groups, stratifying host and viral factors. We also analyzed predictive factors for SVR among patients on fluvastatin with multivariate regression analysis. Rapid and early virological, and end of treatment response rates in the fluvastatin group were not significantly different from those in the non‐fluvastatin group. Notwithstanding, SVR rate was significantly higher in the fluvastatin group than in the non‐fluvastatin group (63.0%vs 41.7%, P = 0.0422). Comparison of the two groups stratifying demographic data and HCV characteristics showed significantly higher SVR rates to more than 80% in males, more than two mutations in the interferon sensitivity determining region (ISDR), and a history of relapse among the fluvastatin group than the non‐fluvastatin group. Being male and major genotype IL28B single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were independent predictive factors for SVR among patients on fluvastatin with multivariate analysis. Fluvastatin‐combined with PEG‐IFN/ribavirin therapy significantly improves SVR rates in patients with HCV genotype 1b and high viral load. Male and major genotype IL28B SNPs were independent predictors for SVR among patients on fluvastatin combination therapy.
Phylogeography of a Tertiary relict plant, Meconopsis cambrica (Papaveraceae), implies the existence of northern refugia for a temperate herb
Authors: VALTUEÑA FRANCISCO J. , PRESTON CHRIS D. , KADEREIT JOACHIM W.
Published: February 2012

The perennial herb Meconopsis cambrica, a western European endemic, is the only European species of the otherwise Himalayan genus Meconopsis and has been interpreted as a Tertiary relict species. Using rbcL and ITS sequence variation, we date the split between M. cambrica and its sister clade Papaver s.str. to the Middle to Upper Miocene (12.8 Myr, 6.4–19.2 Myr HPD). Within M. cambrica, cpDNA sequence variation reveals the existence of two groups of populations with a comparable level of genetic variation: a northern group from Great Britain, the Massif Central, the western Pyrenees and the Iberian System, and a southern group from the central and eastern Pyrenees. Populations from the Cantabrian Mountains were placed in both groups. Based on ITS sequence variation, the divergence between these two groups can be dated to 1.5 Myr (0.4–2.8 Myr HPD), and the age of the British populations is estimated as 0.37 Myr (0.0–0.9 Myr HPD). Amplified fragment length polymorphism results confirm the distinctive nature of the populations from Britain, the Massif Central and the central and eastern Pyrenees. These patterns of latitudinal variation of M. cambrica differ from patterns of longitudinal differentiation found in many other temperate species and imply glacial survival of the northern populations in northerly refugia. The primary differentiation into northern and southern cpDNA groups dates to near the onset of the Quaternary and suggests that an ancient phylogeographic pattern has survived through several glacial periods. Our data provide evidence that the species has persisted for a long period with a highly fragmented and probably very localized distribution.
Kin selection may contribute to lek evolution and trait introgression across an avian hybrid zone
Authors: CONCANNON MOIRA R. , STEIN ADAM C. , UY J. ALBERT C.
Published: February 2012

Understanding the mechanism(s) that favour cooperation among individuals competing for the same resources provides direct insights into the evolution of grouping behaviour. In a hybrid zone between golden‐/yellow‐collared (Manacus vitellinus) and white‐collared (Manacus candei) manakins, males form aggregations composed of white and yellow males solely to attract females (‘mixed leks’). Previous work shows that yellow males in these mixed leks experience a clear mating advantage over white males, resulting in the preferential introgression of yellow plumage allele(s) into the white species. However, the yellow male mating advantage only occurs in mixed leks with high frequencies of yellow males, and only a few of these males probably mate. Hence, it remains unclear why unsuccessful males join leks. Here, we used microsatellite markers to estimate pairwise relatedness among males within and between leks to test whether indirect genetic benefits of helping kin (‘kin selection’) can promote grouping. We found that yellow males are significantly more related to each other within than between leks, while relatedness among white males did not differ within and between leks. This suggests that yellow males may indirectly enhance their own reproductive success by preferentially lekking with relatives because yellow plumage is under positive frequency‐dependent selection (positive FDS). Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that kin selection may promote grouping and facilitate positive FDS for yellow males, mediating the movement of yellow plumage across this hybrid zone.
Influence of finite‐sites mutation, population subdivision and sampling schemes on patterns of nucleotide polymorphism for species with molecular hyperdiversity
Authors: CUTTER ASHER D. , WANG GUO‐XIU , AI HUI , PENG YUE
Published: February 2012

Molecular hyperdiversity has been documented in viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Such organisms undermine the assumptions of the infinite‐sites mutational model, because multiple mutational events at a site comprise a non‐negligible portion of polymorphisms. Moreover, different sampling schemes of individuals from species with subdivided populations can profoundly influence resulting patterns and interpretations of molecular variation. Inspired by molecular hyperdiversity in the nematode Caenorhabditis sp. 5, which exhibits average pairwise differences among synonymous sites of >5% as well as modest population structure, we investigated via coalescent simulation the joint effects of a finite‐sites mutation (FSM) process and population subdivision on the variant frequency spectrum. From many demes interconnected through a stepping‐stone migration model, we constructed local samples from a single deme, pooled samples from several demes and scattered samples of a single individual from numerous demes. Compared with a single panmictic population at equilibrium, we find that high population mutation rates induce a deficit of rare variants (positive Tajima’s D) under a FSM model. Population structure also induces such a skew for local samples when migration is high and for pooled samples when migration is low. Contrasts of sampling schemes for C. sp. 5 imply high mutational input coupled with high migration. We propose that joint analysis of local, pooled and scattered samples for species with subdivided populations provides a means of improving inference of demographic history, by virtue of the partially distinct patterns of polymorphism that manifest when sequences are analyzed according to differing sampling schemes.
The EDLL motif: a potent plant transcriptional activation domain from AP2/ERF transcription factors
Authors: Tiwari Shiv B. , Belachew Alemu , Ma Siu Fong , Young Melinda , Ade Jules , Shen Yu , Marion Colleen M. , Holtan Hans E. , Bailey Adina , Stone Jeffrey K. , Edwards Leslie , Wallace Andreah D. , Canales Roger D. , Adam Luc , Ratcliffe Oliver J. , Repetti Peter P.
Published: February 2012

In plants, the ERF/EREBP family of transcriptional regulators plays a key role in adaptation to various biotic and abiotic stresses. These proteins contain a conserved AP2 DNA‐binding domain and several uncharacterized motifs. Here, we describe a short motif, termed ‘EDLL’, that is present in AtERF98/TDR1 and other clade members from the same AP2 sub‐family. We show that the EDLL motif, which has a unique arrangement of acidic amino acids and hydrophobic leucines, functions as a strong activation domain. The motif is transferable to other proteins, and is active at both proximal and distal positions of target promoters. As such, the EDLL motif is able to partly overcome the repression conferred by the AtHB2 transcription factor, which contains an ERF‐associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif. We further examined the activation potential of EDLL by analysis of the regulation of flowering time by NF‐Y (nuclear factor Y) proteins. Genetic evidence indicates that NF‐Y protein complexes potentiate the action of CONSTANS in regulation of flowering in Arabidopsis; we show that the transcriptional activation function of CONSTANS can be substituted by direct fusion of the EDLL activation motif to NF‐YB subunits. The EDLL motif represents a potent plant activation domain that can be used as a tool to confer transcriptional activation potential to heterologous DNA‐binding proteins.
Distinct distribution of killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor genes in the Mugil and Ilaita areas of Papua New Guinea
Authors: John E. , Christiansen F. T. , Mueller I. , Schofield L. , Senitzer D. , Siba P. , Witt C. S.
Published: February 2012

The frequency of the killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) genes and transmembrane alleles of KIR2DL4 were studied in coastal (Mugil community) and inland (Ilaita community) communities in Papua New Guinea. Linkage disequilibria between KIR genes and between alleles of KIR2DL4 and the KIR genes were similar to those found in other populations suggesting conservation of the usual gene order in Papua New Guinean haplotypes. Significant differences in the frequency of KIR genes were found between the two populations despite being separated by only 300 km. Examples of individuals who lacked the KIR2DL4 gene and others whose KIR2DL4 allele appeared to have 11 adenines in the polyadenine tract in exon 6 were identified. A relatively low frequency of the KIR A haplotype was found in both populations and particularly in the inland community. The KIR gene frequencies were consistent with the inland Ilaita community being closely related to Australian Aborigines and southern Indians, whereas the KIR gene frequencies of the coastal Mugil community appeared to have been influenced either by recent or ancient admixture from populations with a higher frequency of the KIR A haplotype.
Post renal transplantation Kaposi's sarcoma: a review of its epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical aspects, and therapy
Authors: Hosseini‐Moghaddam S.M. , Soleimanirahbar A. , Mazzulli T. , Rotstein C. , Husain S.
Published: February 2012

Background

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a vascular malignancy primarily involving the skin. This neoplasm occurs commonly in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and post solid organ transplantation. Human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV‐8) has been shown to play a causative role in AIDS‐associated KS and in post renal transplantation KS.

Methods

Based on a MEDLINE search, we present a review of the current information on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of post‐transplantation KS (PT‐KS) with an emphasis on renal transplantation.

Result

The different frequencies of PT‐KS in different parts of the world seem to be related to seroprevalence of HHV‐8 infection. Following renal transplantation and the administration of immunosuppressive therapy, HHV‐8 may reactivate. The renal tubular epithelium is a site for HHV‐8 latency. Rates of PT‐KS in seropositive recipients and anti‐HHV‐8 mismatched recipients (donor+/recipient−) are approximately 13% and 4.6%, respectively. Additional risk factors for the development of PT‐KS include skin color, country of birth, age at the time of transplantation, and different induction regimens including anti‐thymocyte globulin, steroid, or anti‐interleukin 2‐receptor antagonists. Skin is the major site of involvement. Surprisingly, involvement of the transplanted organ has been reported to be extremely rare. Reduction in immunosuppressive therapy and switching to mammalian targets of rapamycin inhibitors, such as sirolimus, are effective treatments for PT‐KS. In patients with no response to reduction in immunosuppressive therapy, systemic chemotherapy with different regimens has been reported to be successful.

Conclusion

PT‐KS in renal transplant patients is an important problem specifically in southern Europe and the Middle East. In the majority of patients, the diagnosis based on clinical suspicion is always essential. Clinicians should bear in mind that PT‐KS may threaten graft function and hence result in rejection complications. Appropriate management increases patient survival.
Sex‐biased genetic component distribution among populations: additive genetic and maternal contributions to phenotypic differences among populations of Chinook salmon
Authors: AYKANAT T. , BRYDEN C. A. , HEATH D. D.
Published: February 2012

An approach frequently used to demonstrate a genetic basis for population‐level phenotypic differences is to employ common garden rearing designs, where observed differences are assumed to be attributable to primarily additive genetic effects. Here, in two common garden experiments, we employed factorial breeding designs between wild and domestic, and among wild populations of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). We measured the contribution of additive (VA) and maternal (VM) effects to the observed population differences for 17 life history and fitness‐related traits. Our results show that, in general, maternal effects contribute more to phenotypic differences among populations than additive genetic effects. These results suggest that maternal effects are important in population phenotypic differentiation and also signify that the inclusion of the maternal source of variation is critical when employing models to test population differences in salmon, such as in local adaptation studies.
Assortative mating for relatedness in a large naturally occurring population of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: ROBINSON S. P. , KENNINGTON W. J. , SIMMONS L. W.
Published: February 2012

New theoretical work on kin selection and inclusive fitness benefits predicts that individuals will sometimes choose close or intermediate relatives as mates to maximize their fitness. However, empirical examples supporting such predictions are rare. In this study, we look for such evidence in a natural population of Drosophila melanogaster. We compared mating and nonmating individuals to test whether mating was nonrandom with respect to relatedness. Consistent with optimal inbreeding, males were more closely related to their mate than to randomly sampled females. However, all individuals collected mating showed higher relatedness and males were not significantly more related to their mate than to other mating females. We also found a negative relationship between relatedness and fecundity. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that inclusive fitness benefits may drive inbreeding tolerance despite direct costs to fitness; however, an experimental approach is needed to investigate the link between mate preference and relatedness.
Plastic responses to parents and predators lead to divergent shoaling behaviour in sticklebacks
Authors: KOZAK G. M. , BOUGHMAN J. W.
Published: February 2012

Population divergence in antipredator defence and behaviour occurs rapidly and repeatedly. Genetic differences, phenotypic plasticity or parental effects may all contribute to divergence, but the relative importance of each of these mechanisms remains unknown. We exposed juveniles to parents and predators to measure how induced changes contribute to shoaling behaviour differences between two threespine stickleback species (benthics and limnetics:Gasterosteusspp). We found that limnetics increased shoaling in response to predator attacks, whereas benthics did not alter their behaviour. Care by limnetic fathers led to increased shoaling in both limnetic and benthic offspring. Shoaling helps limnetics avoid trout and avian predation; our results suggest that this adaptive behaviour is the result of a combination of paternal effects, predator‐induced plasticity and genetic differences between species. These results suggest that plasticity substantially contributes to the rapid divergence in shoaling behaviour across the post‐Pleistocene radiation of sticklebacks.
Optimal body fat percentage cut‐offs for obesity in Chinese adults
Authors: Li Ling , Wang Chen , Bao Yuqian , Peng Liangpu , Gu Huilin , Jia Weiping
Published: February 2012

Obesity results in an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Body fat percentage (BF%) is a common index of body composition. The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal BF% cut‐offs for obesity to predict MetS and T2DM in Chinese adults.

The baseline study group comprised 3916 Chinese adults (age 30–70 years of age); 2033 subjects without MetS or T2DM were followed up for a maximum of 5.5 years. The BF% was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Optimal BF% cut‐offs were analysed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to measure the association between obesity at baseline defined by BF% and newly developed MetS and T2DM.

Mean BF% levels were lower in men than in women (23.9 ± 6.1% vs 33.5 ± 7.1%, respectively; P < 0.01). For men, the optimal BF% cut‐offs for the prediction of MetS and T2DM were 25.45% and 26.65%, respectively; for women, the corresponding values were 34.95% and 36.55%. Subjects with high BF% (≥ 25% in men; ≥ 35% in women) had higher risks of incident MetS or T2DM than those with low BF% (< 25% in men; < 35% in women). The relative risks were 3.43 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.59–4.54) and 2.92 (95% CI 1.85–4.60), respectively.

The optimal BF% cut‐offs for obesity for the prediction of MetS and T2DM in Chinese men and women were around 25% and 35%, respectively.
Dangerous liaisons: Pancreatic stellate cells and pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Apte Minoti V , Wilson Jeremy S
Published: February 2012

One of the characteristic features of the majority of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas is an abundant desmoplastic/stromal reaction. Until recently, this stroma had received little attention from researchers studying the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, with most of the research focus resting on the biology of tumor cells themselves. However, evidence is now accumulating that the stroma plays a critical role in pancreatic cancer progression. The cells responsible for producing the stromal reaction in pancreatic cancer are activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs, the key effector cells in pancreatic fibrogenesis). In vitro and in vivo studies have convincingly demonstrated a close bi‐directional interaction between PSCs and pancreatic cancer cells, which facilitates local tumor growth as well as distant metastasis. PSCs also interact closely with endothelial cells to stimulate angiogenesis and are possibly involved in the known resistance of pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy and radiation. Most interestingly, it has recently been shown that PSCs from the primary tumor can travel to distant metastatic sites where they likely facilitate the seeding, survival, and proliferation of cancer cells. Thus, it is now recognized that the stroma is an important alternative therapeutic target in this disease and concerted pre‐clinical research is underway to develop strategies to modulate/deplete the stromal reaction to inhibit cancer progression. The challenge is to translate these developments into clinically applicable treatments for patients.
Hepatoprotective and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Gao Bin
Published: February 2012

The activation of innate immunity by various factors (e.g. lipopolysaccharide and complements) plays an important role in initiating and promoting alcoholic liver injury via the stimulation of Kupffer cells to induce oxidative stress and to produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines (e.g. tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α) that cause hepatocellular damage. Accumulating evidence suggests that the activation of innate immunity also stimulates Kupffer cells to produce the hepatoprotective cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 during alcoholic liver injury. IL‐6 protects against alcoholic liver injury via the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the subsequent induction of a variety of hepatoprotective genes in hepatocytes. IL‐10 inhibits alcoholic liver inflammation via the activation of STAT3 in Kupffer cells/macrophages and the subsequent inhibition of liver inflammation. Recent studies have suggested that IL‐10 may play a dual role in controlling ethanol‐induced steatosis and liver injury via the inhibition of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α, thereby ameliorating alcoholic liver injury, or via the inhibition of the hepatoprotective cytokine IL‐6, thereby potentiating alcoholic liver injury. IL‐22 is another important hepatoprotective cytokine that protects against acute and chronic alcoholic liver injury by binding to a receptor complex composed of IL‐10R2 and IL‐22R chains on the surfaces of hepatocytes. Finally, IL‐22 treatment is a potential therapeutic option for treating severe forms of alcoholic liver disease because of its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antisteatotic, proliferative, and antimicrobial effects, as well as the potential added benefit of few side effects.
Impaired autophagy and organellar dysfunction in pancreatitis
Authors: Gukovsky Ilya , Pandol Stephen J , Mareninova Olga A , Shalbueva Natalia , Jia Wenzhuo , Gukovskaya Anna S
Published: February 2012

Recent findings from our group, obtained on experimental in vivo and ex vivo models of pancreatitis, reveal that this disease causes a profound dysfunction of key cellular organelles, lysosomes and mitochondria. We found that autophagy, the main cellular degradative, lysosome‐driven process, is activated but also impaired in acute pancreatitis because of its' inefficient progression/resolution (flux) resulting from defective function of lysosomes. One mechanism underlying the lysosomal dysfunction in pancreatitis is abnormal processing (maturation) and activation of cathepsins, major lysosomal hydrolases; another is a decrease in pancreatic levels of key lysosomal membrane proteins LAMP‐1 and LAMP‐2. Our data indicate that lysosomal dysfunction plays an important initiating role in pancreatitis pathobiology. The impaired autophagy mediates vacuole accumulation in acinar cells; furthermore, the abnormal maturation and activation of cathepsins leads to increase in intra‐acinar trypsin, the hallmark of pancreatitis; and LAMP‐2 deficiency causes inflammation and acinar cell necrosis. Thus, the autophagic and lysosomal dysfunctions mediate key pathologic responses of pancreatitis. On the other hand, we showed that pancreatitis causes acinar cell mitochondria depolarization, mediated by the permeability transition pore (PTP). Genetic (via deletion of cyclophilin D) inactivation of PTP prevents mitochondrial depolarization and greatly ameliorates the pathologic responses of pancreatitis. Further, our data suggest that mitochondrial damage, by stimulating autophagy, increases the demand for efficient lysosomal degradation and therefore aggravates the pathologic consequences of lysosomal dysfunction. Thus, the combined autophagic, lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunctions are key to the pathogenesis of pancreatitis.