bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co‐ordination of osmotic stress responses through osmosensing and signal transduction events in fishes
Authors: Evans T. G.
Published: May 2010

This review centres upon the molecular regulation of osmotic stress responses in fishes, focusing on how osmosensing and signal transduction events co‐ordinate changes in the activity and abundance of effector proteins during osmotic stress and how these events integrate into osmotic stress responses of varying magnitude. The concluding sections discuss the relevance of osmosensory signal transduction to the evolution of euryhalinity and present experimental approaches that may best stimulate future research. Iterating the importance of osmosensing and signal transduction during fish osmoregulation may be pertinent amidst the increased use of genomic technologies that typically focus solely on changes in the abundances of gene products, and may limit insight into critical upstream events that occur mainly through post‐translational mechanisms.
In search of determinants: gene expression during gonadal sex differentiation
Authors: Siegfried K. R.
Published: May 2010

The diversity of inputs that guide sexual fate during development is both intriguing and daunting. In the field of fish biology, the study of sex determination is of great importance. For example, in aquaculture, sexually dimorphic growth rates and overall size leads to one sex being more marketable than the other. Moreover, for breeding purposes it is important to maintain balanced sex ratios. Furthermore, sex determination is sensitive to environmental factors, such as temperature and contaminants, which can lead to skewed sex ratios, intersexes and sterility in wild or farmed fish. The gonad is typically the first organ to exhibit morphological signs of sexual dimorphism and therefore is likely to be the primary organ system whose fate is controlled by the sex determination cues in many fish species. Additionally, the sexual fate of the gonad has been shown to fully or partially control organismal sex differentiation. Thus, understanding the genetic regulation of gonadal sex differentiation is critical in studies of fish sex determination. This review summarizes recent knowledge of genes expressed during gonadal sex differentiation in gonochoristic teleost fish. Three species are discussed, which serve as excellent model systems for probing teleost sex differentiation: theOreochromis niloticus,Oryzias latipesandDanio rerio. The similarities and differences between gonadal gene expression in these three species and in comparison to mammals suggest conserved roles during vertebrate gonadal sex differentiation. In the future, it will be essential to develop tools to assay the function of genes expressed during gonadal sex differentiation in fish.
Temporal variations in the diet of pearly razorfishXyrichtys novacula(Osteichthyes: Labridae)
Authors: Castriota L. , Falautano M. , Finoia M. G. , Campo D. , Scarabello M. P. , Andaloro F.
Published: May 2010

The diet of pearly razorfishXyrichtys novacula, caught monthly along the shores of the Island of Lampedusa, appeared to be mainly composed of crustaceans, followed by colonial ascidians, molluscs and polychaetes. Among prey, sand dwellers and phanerogam‐associated species were recorded. In winter months, the diet was characterized by a small number of prey items, dominated by colonial ascidians, while in spring and summer a wider prey array was recorded. Dietary indices show thatX. novaculado not strictly exploit benthic prey but also pelagic organisms, such as copepods. This feeding behaviour reached its peak in March and October, when the abundance of primary consumers was at its highest after phytoplankton blooms. Furthermore,X. novaculacaught prey organisms according to their availability and seasonal patterns during their life cycles, irrespective of fish size.
Diet composition and feeding of European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus in Kiel Bight, western Baltic Sea
Authors: Schaber M. , Petereit C. , Paulsen M.
Published: May 2010

Diet composition of the expanding southern species European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus in the western Baltic Sea was investigated. Results revealed an interesting case of bentho‐pelagic coupling with potential implications for local fish species through competition for food resources.
Comparison of reproductive development in triploid and diploid female rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Han Y. , Liu M. , Lan Zhang L. , Simpson B. , Xue Zhang G.
Published: May 2010

The diploid rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss reached sexual maturity 3 years after hatching and its oogenesis underwent four stages, which were oogonia, primary oocyte, secondary oocyte and egg. Reproductive development and hormone changes of 4 to 35 month‐old female O. mykiss were investigated using histological and radioimmunoassay methods in order to provide a theoretical and practical basis for the use of triploid female O. mykiss. The oogonium of the triploid female could develop into the oocytes of the prophase with abortion occurring later; the oogonium was surrounded by stroma cells to form the oogonium cluster and the gonads showed a virilescent tendency when the oogonium clusters were gradually replaced by spermatogenic‐like cytocysts. After 13 months, amounts of gonadotropic hormone (GtH‐I, GtH‐II) and oestradiol (17β‐E2) in triploid females were lower than in diploid fish at corresponding time periods, but the amounts of testosterone (T) increased consistently after 21 months and were more than in diploid fish in the corresponding time periods (P > 0·05). The infertility of triploid females resulted from meiosis failure, which caused developmental abortion of oocytes and oogonium formed cytocysts before the prophase oocytes. The cytocyst formation was due to the lack of the normal interaction of ovum and follicular cells, the development of follicular cells producing steroids were inhibited, the arylate path from T to 17β‐E2 was interrupted, concentration of 17β‐E2 decreased and concentration of T increased in the blood, the content of vitellogenin (Vg) decreased in the liver with a low 17β‐E2 and high T caused to ovaries to show a tendency to be virilescent.
Parasites of native and exotic freshwater fishes in south‐western Australia
Authors: Lymbery A. J. , Hassan M. , Morgan D. L. , Beatty S. J. , Doupé R. G.
Published: May 2010

In this study, 1429 fishes of 18 different species (12 native and six exotic) were sampled from 29 localities to compare the levels of parasitism between native and exotic fish species and to examine the relationship between environmental degradation and parasite diversity. Forty‐four putative species of parasites were found and most of these appear to be native parasites, which have not previously been described. Two parasite species, Lernaea cyprinacea and Ligula intestinalis, are probably introduced. Both were found on or in a range of native fish species, where they may cause severe disease. Levels of parasitism and parasite diversity were significantly greater in native fishes than in exotic species, and this may contribute to an enhanced demographic performance and competitive ability in invading exotics. Levels of parasitism and parasite diversity in native fishes were negatively related to habitat disturbance, in particular to a suite of factors that indicate increased human use of the river and surrounding environment. This was due principally to the absence in more disturbed habitats of a number of species of endoparasites with complex life cycles, involving transmission between different host species.
Salinity gradient shapes distance decay of similarity among parasite communities in three marine fishes
Authors: Thieltges D. W. , Dolch T. , Krakau M. , Poulin R.
Published: May 2010

Published data were used to compare the distance decay of similarity in parasite communities of three marine fish hosts: Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, the dab Limanda limanda and the flounder Platichthys flesus in two adjacent areas that differ with respect to the strength of a salinity gradient. In the Baltic Sea, which exhibits a strong salinity gradient from its connection with the North Sea in the west to its head in the north‐east, parasite communities in all three fish hosts showed a significant decline of similarity with increasing distance. In contrast, among host populations in the North Sea, which is a fully marine environment, there was no such decline or only a weak relationship. The results suggest that environmental gradients like salinity can be strong driving forces behind patterns of distance decay in parasite communities of fishes.
Molecular identification and expression analysis of Toll‐like receptor 3 in common carp Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Yang C. , Su J.
Published: May 2010

The Toll‐like receptor (TLR) family is an evolutionarily conserved component of the innate immune system that responds to specific pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMP) during infections. TLR3 is a putative pattern recognition receptor (PRR) for dsRNA, a common by‐product of viral replication. This study reports the identification and characterization of a full‐length orthologue of TLR3 (CcTLR3) in the common carp Cyprinus carpio. It is 2899 base pairs (bp) encoding 904 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 102 744 Da and an estimated isoelectric point of 6·89. The deduced amino acid sequence is characterized by a signal peptide, 14 leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) motifs, a transmembrane domain and a Toll–interleukin (IL)‐1 receptor (TIR) domain. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis indicated that CcTLR3 mRNA transcripts could be detected in a wide range of tissues. Although C. carpio is resistant to grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella reovirus (GCRV), after injection with GCRV, CcTLR3 expression was downregulated from 24 h post‐injection (P < 0·05) and returned to control levels at 72 h post‐injection (P > 0·05). Antiviral effector Mx mRNA expression, however, was upregulated from 24 h post‐injection (P < 0·05) and recovered to control levels at 96 h post‐injection (P > 0·05). The results provide a better understanding of the anti‐GCRV mechanism and antiviral immune responses in fish, and help to develop suitable strategies to reduce viral diseases in fish.
Population structure of the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in Korea inferred from microsatellite marker analysis
Authors: Kim W.‐J. , Kim K.‐K. , Han H.‐S. , Nam B.‐H. , Kim Y.‐O. , Kong H.‐J. , Noh J.‐K. , Yoon M.
Published: May 2010

The population structure of olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus was estimated using nine polymorphic microsatellite (MS) loci in 459 individuals collected from eight populations, including five wild and three hatchery populations in Korea. Genetic variation in hatchery (mean number of alleles per locus, A = 10·2–12·1; allelic richness, AR = 9·3–10·1; observed heterozygosity, HO = 0·766–0·805) and wild (mean number of alleles per locus, A = 11·8–19·6; allelic richness, AR = 10·9–16·1; observed heterozygosity, HO = 0·820–0·888) samples did not differ significantly, suggesting a sufficient level of genetic variation in these well‐managed hatchery populations, which have not lost a substantial amount of genetic diversity. Neighbour‐joining tree and principal component analyses showed that genetic separation between eastern and pooled western and southern wild populations in Korea was probably influenced by restricted gene flow between regional populations due to the barrier effects of sea currents. The pooled western and southern populations are genetically close, perhaps because larval dispersal may depend on warm currents. One wild population (sample from Wando) was genetically divergent from the main distribution, but it was genetically close to hatchery populations, indicating that the genetic composition of the studied populations may be affected by hydrographic conditions and the release of fish stocks. The estimated genetic population structure and potential applications of MS markers may aid in the proper management of P. olivaceus populations.
Identification of a novel member in the family Albulidae (bonefishes)
Authors: Wallace E. M. , Tringali M. D.
Published: May 2010

A novel Caribbean species Albula sp. cf. vulpes in the family Albulidae (bonefishes) was diagnosed through genetic and morphometric study. Phylogenies derived from 16S rRNA sequences revealed deeply separated lineages among Caribbean bonefishes. Mitochondrial DNA sequence divergences indicated a separation between 3·0 and 5·2 million years before present (b.p.). Cytochrome b phylogenies further supported the classification of A. sp. cf. vulpes as a novel albulid. Morphological variability revealed several differences between A. sp. cf. vulpes and other Caribbean species. A microsatellite library was developed to discern hybridization rates among the species. Microsatellite analyses revealed low levels of hybridization between some members in the complex. One instance of backcrossing was found between A. vulpes×A. sp. B and a pure A. sp. B, indicating that hybrids may have reduced fitness or may be reproductively isolated due to temporal–spatial spawning habitat differences.
Improved survival for relapsed diffuse large B cell lymphoma is predicted by a negative pre‐transplant FDG‐PET scan following salvage chemotherapy
Authors: Dickinson Michael , Hoyt Rosemary , Roberts Andrew W. , Grigg Andrew , Seymour John F. , Prince H. Miles , Szer Jeff , Ritchie David
Published: May 2010

The utility of [18F]fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐ d‐glucose positron‐emission tomography (FDG‐PET) for predicting outcome after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is uncertain – existing studies include a range of histological subtypes or have a limited duration of follow‐up. Thirty‐nine patients with primary‐refractory or relapsed DLBCL with pre‐ASCT PET scans were analysed. The median follow‐up was 3 years. The 3‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) for patients with positive PET scans pre‐ASCT was 35% vs. 81% for those who had negative PET scans (P = 0·003). The overall survival (OS) in these groups was 39% and 81% (P = 0·01), respectively. In a multivariate analysis, PET result, number of salvage cycles and the presence of relapsed or refractory disease were shown to predict a longer PFS; PET negativity (P = 0·04) was predictive of a longer OS. PET is useful for defining those with an excellent prognosis post‐ASCT. Although those with positive scans can still be salvaged with current treatments, PET may useful for selecting patients eligible for novel consolidation strategies after salvage therapies.
Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT-1) and differential expression of interferon-γ and anti-inflammatory proteins in pelvic ileal pouches for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Leal R F , Ayrizono M L S , Milanski M , Coope A , Fagundes J J , Velloso L A , Coy C S R
Published: May 2010

Pouchitis after total rectocolectomy is the most common complication of ulcerative colitis (UC). The immunological mechanisms involved in the genesis of pouchitis are unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the inflammatory activity in normal ileal pouch mucosa by determining signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT-1) activation and cytokine expression in patients operated for UC and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Eighteen asymptomatic patients, who underwent total rectocolectomy and J pouch, were evaluated: nine with UC and nine with FAP. The activation of STAT-1 and cytokine expression were determined by immunoblot of total protein extracts from pouch mucosal biopsies. The absence of pouchitis was assessed by clinical, histological and endoscopic parameters, according to the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index. The patients were not receiving any medication. Analysis of variance (anova) and Tukey–Kramer's test were applied. The local ethical committee approved the study and informed consent was signed by all participants. STAT-1 activation was increased in UC when compared to FAP and controls (P < 0·05). Higher levels of interferon (IFN)-γ expression were observed in UC patients when compared to the control group (P < 0·05), but were similar to FAP. In contrast, cytokine signalling (SOCS-3) and interleukin (IL)-10 expression were similar in all groups (P > 0·05). These findings could explain the higher susceptibility to this inflammatory complication in UC when compared to FAP. A tendency towards increased levels of IFN-γ and STAT-1 in patients with UC, even without clinical and endoscopic evidence of pouchitis, was observed; studying inflammatory activity in asymptomatic ileal pouches may help understanding of the pathogenesis of pouchitis.
Coupled regulation of interleukin-12 receptor beta-1 of CD8+ central memory and CCR7-negative memory T cells in an early alloimmunity in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Egawa H , Ozawa K , Takada Y , Teramukai S , Mori A , Ogawa K , Kaido T , Fujimoto Y , Kawaguchi Y , Hatano E , Sato H , Ono M , Takai K , Tanaka K , Uemoto S
Published: May 2010

This study investigated how CD8+ T cell subsets respond to allo- and infectious immunity after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Early alloimmunity: 56 recipients were classified into three types according to the post-transplant course; type I demonstrated uneventful post-transplant course, type II developed severe sepsis leading to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome or retransplantation and type III with acute rejection. In 23 type I recipients, the interleukin (IL)-12 receptor beta-1 (Rβ1)+ cells of central memory T cells (Il-12Rβ1+ TCM) were increased above the pretransplant level. In 16 type II recipients, IL-12Rβ1+ TCM was decreased markedly below the pretransplant level on postoperative day (POD) 5. In 17 type III recipients, IL-12Rβ1+ TCM was decreased for a more prolonged period until POD 10. Along with down-regulation of IL-12Rβ1+ TCM, the IL-12Rβ1+ cells of CCR7-negative subsets (CNS) as well as perforin, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α decreased gradually, resulting in the down-regulation of effectors and cytotoxicity. The down-regulation of IL-12Rβ1+ TCM was suggested to be due to the recruitment of alloantigen-primed T cells into the graft, and then their entry into the secondary lymphoid organ, resulting in graft destruction. Infectious immunity: immunocompetent memory T cells with the capacity to enhance effectors and cytotoxicity were generated in response to post-transplant infection along with both up-regulation of the IL-12Rβ1+ TCM and an increase in the CNS showing the highest level of IL-12Rβ1+ cells. In conclusion, this work demonstrated that the IL-12Rβ1+ cells of TCM and CNS are regulated in a tightly coupled manner and that expression levels of IL-12Rβ1+ TCM play a crucial role in controlling allo- and infectious immunity.
Inhibition of neutrophil-mediated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by endothelial cells is not impaired in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis patients
Authors: Al Laham F , Kälsch A-I , Heinrich L , Birck R , Kallenberg C G M , Heeringa P , Yard B
Published: May 2010

Leucocyte transendothelial migration is strictly regulated to prevent undesired inflammation and collateral damage of endothelial cells by activated neutrophils/monocytes. We hypothesized that in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients' dysregulation of this process might underlie vascular inflammation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and neutrophils from AAV patients (n = 12) and healthy controls (HC, n = 12) were isolated. The influence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) on neutrophil/monocytes function was tested by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenyl-alanine (fMLP)- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-mediated ROS production, degranulation and interleukin (IL)-8 production. In addition, the ability of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PBMC to produce tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the presence or absence of HUVEC was tested. HUVEC inhibited ROS production dose-dependently by fMLP-stimulated neutrophils but did not influence degranulation. No differences between neutrophils from HC and AAV were found. However, in only one active patient was degranulation inhibited significantly by HUVEC only before cyclophosphamide treatment, but not 6 weeks later. Co-cultures of HUVEC with LPS-stimulated neutrophils/monocytes increased IL-8 production while TNF-α production was inhibited significantly. There was no apparent difference between AAV patients and HC in this respect. Our findings demonstrate that HUVEC are able to inhibit ROS and modulate cytokine production upon stimulation of neutrophils or monocytes. Our data do not support the hypothesis that endothelial cells inhibit ROS production of neutrophils from AAV patients inadequately. Impaired neutrophil degranulation may exist in active patients, but this finding needs to be confirmed.
Survey of medical training in cytopathology carried out by the journal Cytopathology
Authors: Anshu  , Herbert A. , Cochand‐Priollet B. , Cross P. , Desai M. , Dina R. , Duskova J. , Evered A. , Farnsworth A. , Gray W. , Gupta S. S. , Kapila K. , Kardum‐Skelin I. , Kloboves‐Prevodnik V. , Kobayashi T. K. , Koutselini H. , Olszewski W. , Onal B. , Pitman M. B. , Marinšek Ž. , Sauer T. , Schenck U. , Schmitt F. , Shabalova I. , Smith J. H. F. , Tani E. , Vass L. , Vielh P. , Wiener H.
Published: May 2010

Anshu, A. Herbert, B. Cochand‐Priollet, P. Cross, M. Desai, R. Dina, J. Duskova, A. Evered, A. Farnsworth, W. Gray, S. S. Gupta, K. Kapila, I. Kardum‐Skelin, V. Kloboves‐Prevodnik, T. K. Kobayashi, H. Koutselini, W. Olszewski, B. Onal, M. B. Pitman, Ž. Marinšek, T. Sauer, U. Schenck, F. Schmitt, I. Shabalova, J. H. F. Smith, E. Tani, L. Vass, P. Vielh and H. Wiener Survey of medical training in cytopathology carried out by the journal Cytopathology

This report of the Editorial Advisory Board of Cytopathology gives the results of a survey of medical practitioners in cytopathology, which aimed to find out their views on the current situation in undergraduate and postgraduate training in their institutions and countries. The results show that training in cytopathology and histopathology are largely carried out at postgraduate level and tend to be organized nationally rather than locally. Histopathology was regarded as essential for training in cytopathology by 89.5% of respondents and was mandatory according to 83.1%. Mandatory cytopathology sections of histopathology were reported by 67.3% and specific examinations in cytopathology by 55.4%. The main deficiencies in training were due to its variability; there were insufficient numbers of pathologists interested in cytology and a consequent lack of training to a high level of competence. Pathologists without specific training in cytopathology signed out cytology reports according to 54.7% of responses, more often in centres where training was 3–6 months or less duration. Although 92.2% of respondents thought that specialist cytology should not be reported by pathologists without experience in general cytopathology, that practice was reported by 30.9%, more often in centres with small workloads. The survey report recommends that 6–12 months should be dedicated to cytopathology during histopathology training, with optional additional training for those wanting to carry out independent practice in cytopathology. Formal accreditation should be mandatory for independent practice in cytopathology. When necessary, temporary placements to centres of good practice should be available for trainees intending to practise independently in cytopathology. There should be adequate numbers of pathologists trained in cytopathology to a high level of competence; some of their time could be released by training cytotechnologists and trainee pathologists to prescreen cytology slides and assess adequacy of fine‐needle aspiration samples when immediate diagnosis was not required. The survey demonstrated a clear need for European and international guidelines for training in cytopathology.
Differentiation of leaf water flux and drought tolerance traits in hemiepiphytic and non‐hemiepiphytic Ficus tree species
Authors: Hao Guang‐You , Sack Lawren , Wang Ai‐Ying , Cao Kun‐Fang , Goldstein Guillermo
Published: May 2010

1. Leaf structural and physiological traits are associated with growth form and habitat, but little is known of the specific traits associated with hemiepiphytes, which are an important component of many tropical forests. Given their life history that includes a drought prone epiphytic stage, hemiepiphytes should be expected to have more drought tolerance‐related traits than co‐occurring terrestrial species.

2. The genus Ficus includes woody hemiepiphytes distributed in tropical areas throughout the world. Traits related to the flux of water through the leaf and to drought adaptations were studied in five hemiephiphytic (H) and five non‐hemiepiphytic (NH) Ficus tree species grown in a common garden to determine genetically based differences.

3. Leaves of H and NH species differed substantially in structure and physiology; on average, H species had smaller leaves with higher leaf mass per unit area, thicker epidermis, smaller vessel lumen diameters in petioles and lower petiole hydraulic conductivity. Leaf traits also indicated stronger drought tolerance in H species, including lower epidermal conductance and turgor loss point and earlier stomatal closure with desiccation than NH species. Across H and NH species, traits related to water flux capacity were negatively correlated with traits related to drought tolerance.

4. The divergences in hydraulics and water relations between growth forms for these closely related species reflected specialization according to contrasting habitat and life form. Conservative water use and increased ability of leaves to persist under severe drought would provide an advantage for H species, especially during the epiphytic phase, while the higher potential water use of NH species would be associated with higher assimilation rates and competitiveness under high water supply.

5. The results indicate a trade‐off between leaf water flux capacity and leaf drought tolerance across these hemiephiphytic and non‐hemiepiphytic species. Species adaptation to habitats with contrasting demands on leaf function may lead to divergence along a leaf water‐flux‐droughttolerance spectrum.
Domain specificity of factor VIII inhibitors during immune tolerance induction in patients with haemophilia A
Authors: VAN HELDEN P. M. W. , KAIJEN P. H. P. , MAUSER‐BUNSCHOTEN E. P. , FISCHER K. , VAN DEN BERG H. M. , VOORBERG J.
Published: May 2010

Summary.  Introduction‐Frequent administration of high dosages factor VIII (FVIII), so‐called immune tolerance induction (ITI), provides an efficient strategy to eradicate inhibitory antibodies in patients with haemophilia A. At present, our knowledge on the characteristics of inhibitory antibodies in patients undergoing ITI is limited. Aim‐In this study we characterized the domain specificity of FVIII inhibitors in 11 haemophilia A patients during ITI. Results‐In three of six patients who were successfully tolerized, inhibitory antibodies were directed predominantly against the FVIII light chain. In two other patients within this group, a significant contribution of A2 antibodies was observed which did not change during treatment. In the sixth patient the relative contribution of A2 inhibitors declined which coincided with an increase in antilight chain antibodies. In four of five patients who failed ITI, A2 inhibitors were observed. In two patients the contribution of A2 inhibitors increased during treatment, while in two other patients the contribution of A2 inhibitor remained constant. The fifth patient had inhibitory antibodies predominantly directed against the FVIII light chain. Conclusion‐Overall, our findings revealed changes in domain specificity of FVIII antibodies in five of 11 patients analysed. Remarkably, antibodies exclusively directed towards the light chain of FVIII were predominantly observed in patients who were successfully tolerized.
Multi‐tasking of helper T cells
Authors: Wan Yisong Y.
Published: May 2010

CD4 T helper cells (Th) are critical in combating pathogens and maintaining immune homeostasis. Since the establishment of the Th1–Th2 paradigm in the 1980s, many types of specialized Th cells, including Th1, Th2, Th17, Th9, follicular helper T and regulatory T, have been identified. We have become accustomed to the idea that different Th cells are ‘committed’ to their paths but recent emerging evidence suggests that under certain conditions, seemingly committed Th cells possess plasticity and may convert into other types of effector cells. In this review, we will first introduce the major sub‐types of Th cells that are involved in immune regulation. Then, we will describe in detail the inter‐convertibility of Th cells among different sub‐types under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Finally, we will discuss our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms on how a particular type of Th cells may convert into other types of Th cells.
Phenotype‐environment correlations in a putative whitefish adaptive radiation
Authors: Harrod Chris , Mallela Jennie , Kahilainen Kimmo K.
Published: May 2010

1. The adaptive radiation of fishes into benthic (littoral) and pelagic (lentic) morphs in post‐glacial lakes has become an important model system for speciation. Although these systems are well studied, there is little evidence of the existence of morphs that have diverged to utilize resources in the remaining principal lake habitat, the profundal zone.

2. Here, we tested phenotype‐environment correlations of three whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) morphs that have radiated into littoral, pelagic and profundal niches in northern Scandinavian lakes. We hypothesized that morphs in such trimorphic systems would have a morphology adapted to one of the principal lake habitats (littoral, pelagic or profundal niches). Most whitefish populations in the study area are formed by a single (monomorphic) whitefish morph, and we further hypothesized that these populations should display intermediate morphotypes and niche utilization. We used a combination of traditional (stomach content, habitat use, gill raker counts) and more recently developed (stable isotopes, geometric morphometrics) techniques to evaluate phenotype‐environment correlations in two lakes with trimorphic and two lakes with monomorphic whitefish.

3. Distinct phenotype‐environment correlations were evident for each principal niche in whitefish morphs inhabiting trimorphic lakes. Monomorphic whitefish exploited multiple habitats, had intermediate morphology, displayed increased variance in gillraker‐counts, and relied significantly on zooplankton, most likely due to relaxed resource competition.

4. We suggest that the ecological processes acting in the trimorphic lakes are similar to each other, and are driving the adaptive evolution of whitefish morphs, possibly leading to the formation of new species.
Infection ofMyxobolus turpisrotundus sp. n. in allogynogenetic gibel carp,Carassius auratus gibelio(Bloch), with revision ofMyxobolus rotundus(s. l.) Nemeczek reported fromC. auratus auratus(L.)
Authors: Zhang J Y , Wang J G , Li A H , Gong X N
Published: May 2010

Infection of aMyxobolusspecies, previously identified asMyxobolus rotundus,was detected in 182 of 7892 (2.31%) allogynogenetic gibel carp,Carassius auratus gibelio,in a closed pond culture system in China. Morphological and molecular data showed that this myxosporean is a different species fromM. rotundusparasitizingAbramis bramain Europe and is thus designated as a new species,Myxobolus turpisrotundus.M. rotundus(s.l.) exC. auratusauratusis a synonym ofM. turpisrotundus. Plasmodia ofM. turpisrotundusdevelop in the subepidermal tissues of the body surface resulting in an unaesthetic appearance and causing severe economic losses. Prevalence of infection with the myxosporean plasmodia varied seasonally, increasing in winter and decreasing in spring. Prevalence was positively correlated to host size, but no host sex‐specificity was found. No infection was observed in other fish species (grass carp, bighead carp and yellow catfish) reared in the same pond, suggesting that the parasite has a relatively strict host specificity. Plasmodia grew gradually as the parasite developed, and reached up to a maximum 5.6 mm in diameter. Plasmodia ruptured naturally to release the mature spores and host fish completely recovered with no mortality. Release of spores and regeneration of lesions were not correlated with water temperature. Histology showed that plasmodia developed sub‐epidermally, and that the wall of the plasmodia was composed of a multiple complex structure, including layers of fibroblasts, a collagenous membrane, melanophores and a layer of cup‐like cells of unknown derivation and function. The cup‐like cells are in direct contact with pre‐sporogonic stages located in the peripheral parts of the large plasmodia. No severe host inflammatory response was seen.
Cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis in a girdled lizard (Cordylus giganteus) caused by the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii and successful treatment with voriconazole
Authors: Hellebuyck Tom , Baert Kris , Pasmans Frank , Van Waeyenberghe Lieven , Beernaert Lies , Chiers Koen , De Backer Patrick , Haesebrouck Freddy , Martel An
Published: May 2010

The Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii was associated with dermatomycosis and high mortality in a group of captive giant girdled lizards (Cordylus giganteus). Treatment of one of the infected girdled lizards with voriconazole, which was selected on the basis of in vitro sensitivity testing of the isolate, resulted in resolution of lesions and negative fungal cultures from the skin. Three hours after oral administration of 10 mg/kg, the plasma level of voriconazole exceeded the 0.25‐μg/mL minimal inhibitory concentration tenfold. In conclusion, administration of voriconazole at 10 mg/kg of body weight once daily for 10 weeks resulted in clinical cure and was well tolerated. A longer follow‐up time and larger studies will be necessary to determine the long‐term efficacy and safety of this treatment in giant girdled lizards.
Obesity, insulin resistance and the prevalence of atopy and asthma in US adults
Authors: Ma J. , Xiao L. , Knowles S. B.
Published: May 2010

To cite this article: Ma J, Xiao L, Knowles SB. Obesity, insulin resistance and the prevalence of atopy and asthma in US adults. Allergy 2010; 65: 1455–1463.

Background:  The roles of obesity and insulin resistance in asthma and atopy are not well understood. We investigated whether there is an association of obesity and insulin resistance with asthma and atopy prevalence in US adults.

Methods:  Data from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, controlling for sex, age, ethnicity, income, and smoking status. Obesity was measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, and insulin resistance by the homeostasis model assessment. Asthma was defined by self‐report of ever receiving a diagnosis and still having asthma currently, and atopy by any positive specific serum IgE responses to a panel of aeroallergens.

Results:  Neither obesity measure nor insulin resistance was associated with atopy. Obesity was positively associated with asthma overall (odds ratio [OR] for obese vs normal BMI = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.76, 2.96; OR for obese vs normal waist circumference = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.51) but insulin resistance was not (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 0.80, 1.98). Obesity was also associated with nonatopic asthma (OR for obese vs normal BMI = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 5.2; OR for obese vs normal waist circumference = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.54), while obese BMI was also associated with atopic asthma (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.37, 3.03). Obesity remained independently associated with all asthma outcomes after controlling for insulin resistance.

Conclusion:  Obesity was independently associated with asthma, and atopic and nonatopic asthma, after controlling for insulin resistance and socio‐demographic factors. There was no evidence that insulin resistance was associated with atopy or asthma.
Energetic cost of calling: general constraints and species‐specific differences
Authors: OPHIR A. G. , SCHRADER S. B. , GILLOOLY J. F.
Published: May 2010

The energetic cost of acoustic signalling varies tremendously among species. Understanding factors responsible for this heterogeneity is important for understanding the costs and benefits of signalling. Here, we present a general model, based on well‐established principles of bioenergetics, which predicts the energetic cost of call production across species. We test model predictions using an extensive database of resting and calling metabolic rates of insects, amphibians and birds. Results are largely supportive of model predictions. Calling metabolic rates scale predictably with body mass and temperature such that calling and resting metabolic rates are directly proportional to each other. The cost of acoustic signalling is ∼8 times higher than resting metabolic rate in ectotherms, and ∼2 times higher in birds. Differences in the increase in metabolic rate during calling are explained by the relative size of species’ sound‐producing muscles. Combined with published work, we quantify call efficiency and discuss model implications.
Ecological divergence and habitat isolation between two migratory forms of Japanese threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: KUME M. , KITANO J. , MORI S. , SHIBUYA T.
Published: May 2010

When two closely related species migrate to divergent spawning sites, divergent use of spawning habitats can directly reduce heterospecific mating. Furthermore, adaptations to divergent spawning habitats can promote speciation as a by‐product of ecological divergence. Here, we investigated habitat isolation and ecological divergence between two anadromous forms of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), the Japan Sea and Pacific Ocean forms. In several coastal regions of eastern Hokkaido, Japan, these forms migrate to the same watershed to spawn. Our field surveys in a single watershed revealed that segregation of distinct spawning sites between the two forms was maintained within the watershed across multiple years. These spawning sites diverged in salinity and predator composition. Morphological and physiological divergence between the forms also occurs in the direction predicted by ecological differences between the spawning sites. Our data indicate that migration into divergent spawning habitats can be an important mechanism contributing to speciation and phenotypic divergence in anadromous fishes.
Tandem Recruitment and Trail Laying in the Ponerine Ant Diacamma rugosum: Signal Analysis1
Authors: Maschwitz U. , Jessen K. , Knecht S.
Published: May 2010

During nest emigration, Diacamma rugosum scouts recruit female nestmates to the new nest site by tandem running. ♂♂, brood and prey objects are carried.

The tandem leaders stimulate their nestmates to follow them by pushing or, more rarely, pulling them with the mandibles.

The signals releasing the following behaviour are mainly chemical. Only 15–30% of motivated followers react positively to an odourless paper or wax dummy. The ♀♀ follow cut‐off thoraces, legs and gasters plugged at the end or without hind gut and sting apparatus, just as well as a leading ant. The ants even follow a dummy consisting of body parts if they are not in direct mechanical contact with it. The leading effect of the body surface is not reduced by intensive cleaning with water or by extraction in solvents of different polarity. Only maceration in potash lye eliminates the leading effectiveness of the cuticula. None of the secretions of the tested abdominal glands release following behavior. Only the hind gut fluid possesses leading signal qualities. No distribution of faeces over the bodies of the leading ants can be observed before or during tandem running. The faecal pheromone responsible for this leading effect does not seep into the superficial layer of a leader dummy made from bee wax but it can be washed off with water. These results show that the actual signal releasing tandem following is an unspecific odour substance of the cuticula surface. The presence of the hind gut fluid is not necessary for the tandem following response. It may be an additional signal. During nest emigration the hind gut fluid is scattered patchily in the form of small droplets by the nest finders on their way to the new nest. No increased deposition of faecal droplets could be observed on the way to repeatedly visited rich food sources.

The hind gut fluid serves as a long lasting trail substance and has an exclusively orienting effect. The secretions of the other abdominal glands are not trail pheromones. The nest entrance is marked colony‐specifically.
Social Status and Plasma‐Testosterone‐Titers in Male Guinea Pigs (Cavia aperes f. porcellus)
Authors: Sachser Norbert , Pröve Ekkehard
Published: May 2010

The relationship between social status and testosterone (T) titers was studied in male guinea pigs living in a) either one group of 12 males and 12 females for 14–20 months in a 7.86 m2 enclosure or in b) five groups of 3 males and 2 females for four months in 3.00 m2 enclosures. As described in the literature the social structure of the large group was mainly characterized by long‐term male‐female associations and spatial preferences whereas in the small groups the linear rank‐order between the males was the most obvious element. In all groups the rank‐position was positively correlated with the amount of courtship bouts displayed. Fighting occurred only in the large group and in one small group where a challenge to the alpha‐position took place. Here the highest ranking males showed highest T‐titers in their groups. In those four groups where no fighting occurred rank‐position and amount of courtship behaviour displayed was uncorrelated to plasma‐T‐titers. Our findings suggest that endogenous levels of T only reflect the highest ranking males' social status when their social position is challenged. When dominance relations are resolved and stabilized a male's rank‐position and its amount of courtship behaviour displayed appear independent of plasma‐T‐levels in guinea pigs.
Temporal Dynamics of Dialects in the Whistled Songs of Starlings
Authors: Adret‐Hausberger M.
Published: May 2010

Previous studies revealed that whistled songs of starlings can be separated into different categories, among which five themes are found in the repertoires of all (or most) individuals. These “specific” themes show local variations but the different themes have different sizes of dialect areas.

This study investigates the temporal evolution of this complex dialectal system. Observations were made in an area where dialects were mapped three years earlier. They reveal an obvious temporal evolution of dialects, although the degree of variation differs according to the theme.

No structural change was observed for two themes (CC and ST), but some temporal dynamics in their dialect boundaries did appear. There were changes in the structures and boundaries of two other themes (IT and HT). However, they showed:

a relationship between new and old structures, either with persistence of the old variants or with an apparent drift. Almost no really new structures were observed.

all the 1980 variants recorded in 1983 were found at sites not far from the original one. The main changes consisted of extensions or regressions of variants along boundaries.

Lastly, the temporal evolution of RT dialects is unusual in that the changes are more sudden.

The variants have been replaced by different ones in some cases, but in others they have remained stable.

The complexity of the dialectal system is persistent on a temporal level, varying from stability for ST to sudden changes for RT, with IT and HT intermediate.
Thermal Dependence of Tongue‐flicking and Comments on Use of Tongue‐flicking as an Index of Squamate Behavior
Authors: Cooper William E. , Vitt Laurie J.
Published: May 2010

Tongue‐flicking rate has often been used as a dependent variable or a component of a dependent variable taken as a measure of responsiveness to chemical stimuli by lizards and snakes. Because temperature has been controlled in most studies, effects of temperature have been largely overlooked. In this study, a constant stimulus, the adult cloacal odor of a conspecific female, was presented to adult scincid lizards (Eumeces laticeps) and temperature was from 15 ° to 35 °C. Tongue‐flicking rates by adult Eumeces laticeps in response to cloacal odors of conspecific females were strongly thermally dependent in 20 s and 60 s trial periods. The tongue‐flick‐temperature curve appears to be roughly quadratic over the entire 15 °‐35 °C range studied, with very low rates at 15 ° and 20 °C followed by a rapid rise to maximum tongue‐flicking rate at 30 ° and rapid decline to 35 °C.

Presumably, similar relationships apply to other lizards and snakes with modifications related to ecological characteristics such as diel activity cycle and foraging mode, to relative position on a scale of eurythermy‐stenothermy, and to taxon. Thermal response curves for other stimuli, especially prey odors, are likely to have the same basic form, but have not been determined.
The Influence of Parental Color Morph on Mate Choice in the Cichlid Fish Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum
Authors: Siepen Gabriele , Caprona M.‐Dominique Crapon de
Published: May 2010

Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum of two different color morphs (striped or white), each of which had been taken care of from spawning up to 7 weeks of age by foster parents of the other color morph, were put together in a “free choice situation” and tested for their preference to spawn with a mate of the striped or of the white morph. The number of pairs of the same color (striped × striped, white × white) and of different color (“mixed” pairs, striped × white) was recorded and compared with the results of control fish. The latter had been taken care of from spawning up to 7 weeks of age by foster parents of the same color morph and were also tested in a free choice situation. The influence of parental color morph on mate choice was analysed in the first mate choice of naive animals (breeding for the first time). The stability over time of the preferences observed in the naive animals was then studied in the 18 months following the first mate choice experiment.

Our results show that if young Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum had been taken care of by foster parents of the other color morph, but had grown up with siblings of their own color morph, approximately 9 % of the matings involved partners which had a different color (mixed pairs). In contrast, young which had been taken care of by foster parents of their own color morph and had grown up with siblings of their own color were completely segregated according to color during breeding (striped pairs or white pairs) and never formed mixed pairs. The importance of the influence of parental and sibling color morph on the preference to mate with a particular morph and, consequently, on speciation in cichlids in general are discussed.