bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early effects of the strategies of creating a genetic refuge and direct translocation for conserving and restoring populations of native brown trout
Authors: CAUDRON ARNAUD , CHAMPIGNEULLE ALEXIS , VIGIER LAURE , HAMELET VALERIE , GUYOMARD RENE
Published: June 2012

1. The conservation of salmonid inter‐ and intra‐specific diversity is a well‐known challenge, and general management guidelines and conservation processes are available. However, research demonstrating the outcomes of practical conservation actions is largely lacking.

2. We monitored the spatiotemporal genetic and demographic evolution of a native Mediterranean brown trout population in a river in the French Alps to assess the efficacy and early effects of genetic refuge (i.e. cessation of stocking) and wild trout translocation strategies. We also studied the use of angling as a tool to limit the introgression of the wild standing population.

3. We found that the rate of non‐native alleles in wild populations was age dependent, underpinning the importance of using age profiles in the design of genetic conservation studies.

4. Genetic refuge and direct translocation of wild trout resulted in a rapid and significant decrease in the percentages of non‐native alleles. Moreover, the genetic refuge strategy resulted in a significant reduction in the number of pure non‐native individuals, without changing trout densities, whilst direct translocations resulted in the establishment of dense, self‐sustaining native trout populations. Direct translocations changed the distribution of genotype categories and increased densities up to 55‐fold in 3 years. Our results also showed that angling resulted in a selective pressure on non‐native trout introduced at fry stage, whereas non‐native trout issued from natural recruitment were not affected.

5. Our study provides insights for improving the efficacy of practical conservation policies and can be used in other native freshwater fish conservation plans. Proactive measures such as direct translocation need to be implemented together with passive approaches such as genetic refuge policies. Before implementing such actions, accurate genetic and demographic studies at small geographical scales are essential to ensure that no self‐sustaining population of non‐native fish is present. To obtain rapid colonisation, we recommend introducing fish along whole river sections rather than concentrating on a few river stretches. Angling pressure can be used as an additional tool to improve restoration.
The influence of water level on macrophyte growth and trophic interactions in eutrophic Mediterranean shallow lakes: a mesocosm experiment with and without fish
Authors: BUCAK TUBA , SARAOĞLU ECE , LEVİ ETİ E. , NİHAN TAVŞANOĞLU Ü. , İdİl ÇAKİROĞLU A. , JEPPESEN ERIK , BEKLİOĞLU MERYEM
Published: June 2012

1. Water‐level fluctuations are typical of lakes located in the semi‐arid Mediterranean region, which is characterised by warm rainy winters and hot dry summers. Ongoing climate change may exacerbate fluctuations and lead to more severe episodes of drought, so information on the effects of water level on the functioning of lake ecosystems in such regions is crucial.

2. In eutrophic Lake Eymir, Turkey, we conducted a 4‐month (summer) field experiment using cylindrical 0.8‐m‐ (low‐water‐level) and 1.6‐m‐deep (high‐water‐level) mesocosms (kept open to the sediment and atmosphere). Fish (tench, Tinca tinca, and bleak, Alburnus escherichii) were added to half of the mesocosms, while the rest were kept fishless. Ten shoots of Potamogeton pectinatus were transplanted to each mesocosm.

3. Sampling for physicochemical variables, chlorophyll a (chl‐a), zooplankton and per cent plant volume inhabited (PVI%) by macrophytes was conducted weekly during the first 5 weeks, and subsequently biweekly. Macrophytes were harvested on the last sampling date. During the course of the experiment, the water level decreased by 0.41 ± 0.06 m.

4. Throughout the experiment, fish affected zooplankton abundance (−), nutrient concentrations (+), chl‐a (+) and water clarity (−) most strongly in the low‐water‐level mesocosms and the zooplankton community shifted towards dominance of small‐sized forms. The fishless mesocosms had a higher zooplankton/phytoplankton ratio, suggesting higher grazing.

5. Greatest macrophyte growth was observed in the low‐water‐level fishless mesocosms. However, despite high nutrient concentrations and low water clarity, macrophytes were also abundant in the fish mesocosms and particularly increased following a water‐level decrease from midsummer onwards. Macrophyte growth was poor in the high‐water‐level mesocosms, even in the fishless ones with high water clarity. This was ascribed to extensive periphyton development reducing light availability for the macrophytes.

6. Our results indicate that a reduction in water level during summer may help maintain the growth of macrophytes in Mediterranean eutrophic shallow lakes, despite a strong negative effect of fish predation on water clarity. It is therefore probable that an expected negative effect of global climate change on water clarity because of eutrophication and enhanced top‐down control of fish may be, at least partly, counteracted by reduced water level, provided that physical disturbance is not severe.
Hydrological disturbance overrides the effect of substratum roughness on the resistance and resilience of stream benthic algae
Authors: SCHNECK FABIANA , MELO ADRIANO SANCHES
Published: June 2012

1. Habitat heterogeneity in lotic systems is usually associated with the availability of refuges. Heterogeneous habitats (here, rough substrata) should mediate the effect of high‐flow disturbances by protecting benthic algae, thus increasing the resistance and resilience of the system. Additionally, the ability of algae to resist a disturbance and recover after it should be dependent on biological traits that confer resistance and resilience.

2. We designed a field experiment, simulating a high‐flow event with bed movement, to test the effect of substratum roughness on the resistance (assessed as the similarity between samples collected before and immediately after disturbance) and resilience (the similarity between samples collected before and 7 and 15 days after disturbance) of five algal life forms. We evaluated whether algal resistance and resilience were higher on rough than on smooth substrata, and whether the life forms differed in their ability to resist and recover from a disturbance.

3. Rough substrata had higher species richness than smooth substrata at all sampling periods, even immediately after the disturbance. There was no significant effect of substratum roughness on algal resistance and resilience, for both species richness and density of the total assemblage. Neither did roughness affect the resistance and resilience of the total algal assemblage or of the algal life forms separately, when evaluated using multivariate data sets (presence‐absence and quantitative).

4. Algal life forms differed in resistance and resilience; adnate/prostrate and erect/stalked species were more resistant and resilient than the other life forms (filamentous, motile and metaphytic). Additionally, motile species resisted and recovered better than did species that are only loosely associated with the substratum (metaphytic species).

5. Substratum roughness had no pronounced effect on benthic algal resistance and resilience. The results of this and some other studies suggest that the intensity of disturbance determines the importance of habitat heterogeneity and flow refuges for benthic algae in streams.
Methanogenic potential of Arctic and Antarctic subglacial environments with contrasting organic carbon sources
Authors: Stibal Marek , Wadham Jemma L. , Lis Grzegorz P. , Telling Jon , Pancost Richard D. , Dubnick Ashley , Sharp Martin J. , Lawson Emily C. , Butler Catriona E. H. , Hasan Fariha , Tranter Martyn , Anesio Alexandre M.
Published: June 2012

Subglacial environments are largely anoxic, contain organic carbon (OC) overridden by glacier ice during periods of advance, and harbour active microbial communities. This creates favourable conditions for OC degradation via methanogenesis. It has been hypothesized that OC beneath ice sheets is converted to methane (CH4) and may be released to the atmosphere during retreat. However, there are limited data available to support this contention. Here, we present new data on the abundance, diversity and activity of methanogenic archaea and the amount and character of OC in subglacial sediments from Arctic and Antarctic glacial systems based on different substrate types. We employed long‐term laboratory incubations to quantify the CH4 production potential in different subglacial settings. Significant numbers of methanogens (up to 7 × 104 cells g−1) were detected in the samples and clones of Methanomicrobiales and Methanosarcinales were identified in clone libraries. Long lag periods (up to >200 days) were observed before significant CH4 concentrations were measured. We report order of magnitude differences in rates of CH4 production (101–105 fmol g−1 d−1) in different subglacial sediments, reflecting contrasts in the origin of the sediment and the OC character. Hence, we predict that contrasting rates of CH4 production are likely to occur beneath glaciers and ice sheets that overran different types of substrate. We subsequently estimated the potential for CH4 production beneath the Laurentide/Inuitian/Cordilleran and Fennoscandian Ice Sheets during a typical 85 ka Quaternary glacial/interglacial cycle. CH4 production from lacustrine‐derived OC is likely to be an order of magnitude higher (~6.3–27 Pg C) than that from overridden soils (~0.55–0.68 Pg C), possibly due to a difference in lability between lacustrine and soil OC. While representing a fraction of the entire OC pool (~418–610 Pg C), this finding highlights the importance of considering the character of different OC pools when calculating subglacial CH4 production.
Identification of the DotL coupling protein subcomplex of the Legionella Dot/Icm type IV secretion system
Authors: Vincent Carr D. , Friedman Jonathan R. , Jeong Kwang Cheol , Sutherland Molly C. , Vogel Joseph P.
Published: June 2012

Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, survives in macrophages by altering the endocytic pathway of its host cell. To accomplish this, the bacterium utilizes a type IVB secretion system to deliver effector molecules into the host cell cytoplasm. In a previous report, we performed an extensive characterization of the L. pneumophila type IVB secretion system that resulted in the identification of a critical five‐protein subcomplex that forms the core of the secretion apparatus. Here we describe a second Dot/Icm protein subassembly composed of the type IV coupling protein DotL, the apparatus proteins DotM and DotN, and the secretion adaptor proteins IcmS and IcmW. In the absence of IcmS or IcmW, DotL becomes destabilized at the transition from the exponential to stationary phases of growth, concurrent with the expression of many secreted substrates. Loss of DotL is dependent on ClpA, a regulator of the cytoplasmic protease ClpP. The resulting decreased levels of DotL in the icmS and icmW mutants exacerbates the intracellular defects of these strains and can be partially suppressed by overproduction of DotL. Thus, in addition to their role as chaperones for Legionella type IV secretion system substrates, IcmS and IcmW perform a second function as part of the Dot/Icm type IV coupling protein subcomplex.
Evidence for Lettuce big‐vein associated virus as the causal agent of a syndrome of necrotic rings and spots in lettuce
Authors: Verbeek M. , Dullemans A. M. , van Bekkum P. J. , van der Vlugt R. A. A.
Published: June 2012

Lettuce big‐vein associated virus (LBVaV, genus Varicosavirus) was shown to be responsible for characteristic necrotic symptoms observed in combination with big‐vein symptoms in lettuce breeding lines when tested for their susceptibility to lettuce big‐vein disease (BVD) using viruliferous Olpidium virulentus spores in a nutrient film technique (NFT) system. Lettuce plants showing BVD are generally infected by two viruses: Mirafiori lettuce big‐vein virus (MiLBVV, genus Ophiovirus) and LBVaV. New mechanical inoculation methods were developed to separate the two viruses from each other and to transfer both viruses to indicator plants and lettuce. After mechanical inoculation onto lettuce plants MiLBVV induced vein‐band chlorosis, which is the characteristic symptom of BVD. LBVaV caused a syndrome of necrotic spots and rings which was also observed earlier in lettuce plants inoculated in the NFT system, resembling symptoms described for lettuce ring necrosis disease (RND). This observation is in contrast with the idea that LBVaV only causes latent infections in lettuce. De novo next‐generation sequencing demonstrated that LBVaV was the only pathogen present in a mechanically inoculated lettuce plant with symptoms, providing evidence that LBVaV was the causal agent of the observed necrotic syndrome and thus fulfilling Koch’s postulates for this virus. The necrotic syndrome caused by LBVaV in lettuce is referred to as LBVaV‐associated necrosis (LAN).
Primary care physicians' knowledge of and experience with pharmacogenetic testing
Authors: Haga SB , Burke W , Ginsburg GS , Mills R , Agans R
Published: June 2012

Section Editor: Aad Tibben, email: a.tibben@lumc.nl
Complications associated with liver transplantation in the obese recipient
Authors: LaMattina John C. , Foley David P. , Fernandez Luis A. , Pirsch John D. , Musat Alexandru I. , D'Alessandro Anthony M. , Mezrich Joshua D.
Published: June 2012

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome with attendant morbid obesity continues to increase nationwide. A concomitant increase in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and associated end‐stage liver disease requiring transplantation is expected to parallel this trend. Between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2008, our center performed 813 solitary adult deceased‐donor liver transplants. Patients were divided into groups based on the World Health Organization International Classification of obesity. Patients within each obesity class were compared to normal weight recipients. Preoperative demographics among all groups were similar. NASH was more common in higher BMI groups. Operative time, blood product usage, ICU length of stay, infectious complications, and biliary complications requiring intervention were all higher in obese recipients. Deep venous thrombosis occurred more commonly in patients with Class III obesity. Patients with Class II obesity had lower patient (HR 1.82, CI 1.09–3.01, p = 0.02) and allograft survival (HR 1.62, CI 1.02–2.65, p = 0.04). Obesity class did not reach statistical significance on multivariate analysis. Despite increased technical operative challenges and medical complexities associated with increasing recipient BMI, morbid obesity in and of itself should not be an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation as these patients have reasonable long‐term outcomes.
De novo food sensitization and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease in children post‐liver transplantation
Authors: Wisniewski Julia , Lieberman Jay , Nowak‐Węgrzyn Anna , Kerkar Nanda , Arnon Ronen , Iyer Kishore , Miloh Tamir
Published: June 2012

Background

Children have increased prevalence of food allergy (FA) and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) following liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to identify related risk factors.

Methods

Chart review of pediatric liver transplant (LT) recipients with de novo
FA and/or EGID post‐LT and non‐allergic controls.

Results

We identified 30 (8.5%) children with FA and/or EGID among 352 pediatric LT recipients. Median age at transplant was 0.9 inter‐quartile range (IQR 0.6–2.0) years. FA developed at a median 1.0 (IQR 0.5–8.2) yr post‐LT and manifested with gastrointestinal symptoms (53%) or urticaria/angioedema (40%). Commonly avoided foods included milk (60%), egg (57%), and peanut (47%). Of the 15 children with FA who underwent endoscopy, 11 had eosinophilic infiltrates in multiple segments of the esophagus alone or in combination with other bowel segments. FA and EGID were linked to transplantation at a younger age (median, 0.9 vs. 5.5 yr), higher frequency of blood eosinophilia, and prior history of rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Tacrolimus use and tacrolimus serum levels were similar between allergic subjects and controls.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that exposure to tacrolimus alone post‐LT is insufficient to initiate de novo allergic disease in LT recipients; rather, younger age and underlying predisposition to atopic disease may play larger roles.
Intra‐patient variability in tacrolimus trough concentrations and renal function decline in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Prytula Agnieszka A. , Bouts Antonia H. , Mathot Ron A. A. , van Gelder Teun , Croes Ludwig K. , Hop Wim , Cransberg Karlien
Published: June 2012

Prytula AA, Bouts AH, Mathot RAA, van Gelder T, Croes LK, Hop W, Cransberg K. Intra‐patient variability in tacrolimus trough concentrations and renal function decline in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

Abstract:  High intra‐patient variability in TCL exposure is a risk factor for allograft loss and late acute rejection. We hypothesized that a higher intra‐patient variability leads to a faster decline in GFR in pediatric renal transplant patients and that adolescents have a higher intra‐patient variability due to poorer adherence. We included 69 children aged 3.5–18 yr who had undergone renal transplantation between April 1996 and May 2009 in two pediatric nephrology centers in the Netherlands. We analyzed TCL trough concentrations over a period of one yr and calculated TCL trough concentrations variability using VC. We investigated the correlation between the TCL trough concentrations variability and the decline in estimated GFR over four yr. The median intra‐patient variability in TCL concentrations was 30.1% (range 8.6–77.6) and the mean GFR slope −3.8 mL/min/1.73 m2/yr. The VC correlated neither with the GFR slope, nor with the patients’ age. However, children with late acute rejection had higher VC (p = 0.045). We were unable to provide evidence that a high variability in TCL exposure leads to a faster decline in renal function, although children with late acute rejection have a higher variability in TCL exposure. Adolescents do not have a higher intra‐patient variability in TCL trough concentrations than younger children.
The second therapeutic trial for children with hematological malignancies who relapsed after their first allogeneic SCT: Long‐term outcomes
Authors: Nishikawa Takuro , Inagaki Jiro , Nagatoshi Yoshihisa , Fukano Reiji , Nakashima Kentaro , Ito Nobuhiro , Sawa Daisuke , Kawano Yoshifumi , Okamura Jun
Published: June 2012

Nishikawa T, Inagaki J, Nagatoshi Y, Fukano R, Nakashima K, Ito N, Sawa D, Kawano Y, Okamura J. The second therapeutic trial for children with hematological malignancies who relapsed after their first allogeneic SCT: Long‐term outcomes.

Abstract:  The impact of a second all‐SCT on the long‐term outcomes of children who relapse after allo‐SCT has been unclear. We retrospectively analyzed the long‐term outcomes of different salvage treatments for such children. Sixty‐six children with hematological malignancies (40 ALL, 22 AML, three MDS, and one CML) who relapsed after a first allo‐SCT received either a second allo‐SCT (n = 16) or CTx and/or DLI (n = 50). The median follow‐up for all children was 9.1 yr. The five‐yr OS after relapse was significantly better in patients who underwent a second allo‐SCT (42.9%) than in patients treated with CTx and/or DLI (11.8%) (p < 0.05). However, this advantage diminished with increasing time. The eight‐yr OS for these groups of patients were 21.4% and 11.8%, respectively (p = n.s.). Among the 16 patients who received a second allo‐SCT, two died more than five yr after the second allo‐SCT. A second allo‐SCT can therefore lead to a prolonged OS in patients who relapse after allo‐SCT. However, a second allo‐SCT should be selected carefully. This is because the mortality rate is still high, even when there is an extensive duration of time following the second allo‐SCT.
Multivisceral transplantation using a 2.9 kg neonatal donor
Authors: Cauley R. P. , Suh M. Y. , Kamin D. S. , Lillehei C. W. , Jenkins R. L. , Jonas M. M. , Vakili K. , Kim H. B.
Published: June 2012

Cauley RP, Suh MY, Kamin DS, Lillehei CW, Jenkins RL, Jonas MM, Vakili K, Kim HB. Multivisceral transplantation using a 2.9 kg neonatal donor.

Abstract:  Prematurity and very low birthweight have often been considered relative contraindications to neonatal organ donation. Organ procurement from neonatal donors is further complicated by unclear guidelines regarding neonatal brain death. We report a successful case of multivisceral transplantation using a graft from a 10‐day‐old, 2.9 kg, neonatal donor born at 36 6/7 wk in a 3.2 kg, three month old with intestinal and liver failure secondary to midgut volvulus. There was immediate liver graft function with correction of recipient coagulopathy, but delayed normalization of laboratory values and delayed return of bowel function. At six‐yr post‐transplant follow‐up, the patient has normal intestine and liver function. Her last histologically confirmed rejection episode was 30 months prior to last follow‐up. This case suggests that multivisceral grafts from very young or small neonatal donors may be transplanted successfully in selected cases. We propose a re‐examination of the brain death guidelines for premature and young infants to potentially increase the availability of organs for infant recipients.
Antioxidant enzyme activities and hormonal status in response to Cd stress in the wetland halophyte Kosteletzkya virginica under saline conditions
Authors: Han Rui‐Ming , Lefèvre Isabelle , Albacete Alfonso , Pérez‐Alfocea Francisco , Barba‐Espín Gregorio , Díaz‐Vivancos Pedro , Quinet Muriel , Ruan Cheng‐Jiang , Hernández José Antonio , Cantero‐Navarro Elena , Lutts Stanley
Published: June 2012

Salt marshes constitute major sinks for heavy metal accumulation but the precise impact of salinity on heavy metal toxicity for halophyte plant species remains largely unknown. Young seedlings of Kosteletzkya virginica were exposed during 3 weeks in nutrient solution to Cd 5 µM in the presence or absence of 50 mM NaCl. Cadmium (Cd) reduced growth and shoot water content and had major detrimental effect on maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of photosystem II (Y(II)) and electron transport rates (ETRs). Cd induced an oxidative stress in relation to an increase in O2•− and H2O2 concentration and lead to a decrease in endogenous glutathione (GSH) and α‐tocopherol in the leaves. Cd not only increased leaf zeatin and zeatin riboside concentration but also increased the senescing compounds 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) and abscisic acid (ABA). Salinity reduced Cd accumulation already after 1 week of stress but was unable to restore shoot growth and thus did not induce any dilution effect. Salinity delayed the Cd‐induced leaf senescence: NaCl reduced the deleterious impact of Cd on photosynthesis apparatus through an improvement of Fv/Fm, Y(II) and ETR. Salt reduced oxidative stress in Cd‐treated plants through an increase in GSH, α‐tocopherol and ascorbic acid synthesis and an increase in glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) activity. Additional salt reduced ACC and ABA accumulation in Cd+NaCl‐treated leaves comparing to Cd alone. It is concluded that salinity affords efficient protection against Cd to the halophyte species K. virginica, in relation to an improved management of oxidative stress and hormonal status.
Effect of nutrient intake on intramuscular glucose metabolism during the early growth stage in cross‐bred steers (Japanese Black male × Holstein female)
Authors: Ebara F. , Inada S. , Morikawa M. , Asaoka S.‐H. , Isozaki Y. , Saito A. , Etoh T. , Shiotsuka Y. , Roh S. G. , Wegner J. , Gotoh T.
Published: June 2012

The objective was to investigate the impact of nutrient intake during the early growth period on the expression of glucose metabolism‐related genes in skeletal muscle of cross‐bred cattle. From 1.5 to 5 months of age, group H (n = 7) animals were intensively fed a high‐protein and low‐fat milk replacer [crude protein (CP) 28%; ether extracts (EE) 18%; max: 2.0 kg, 12 l/day], and group R (n = 7) animals were fed a restricted amount of normal milk replacer (CP 25%; EE 23%; max 0.5 kg, 4 l/day). From 6 to 10 months of age, group H cattle were fed a high‐nutrition total mixed ration mainly prepared from grain feed, and group R cattle were fed only roughage. Blood samples were taken from each animal at three biopsy times (1.5, 5 and 10 months of age), and the blood plasma concentration of glucose and insulin was analysed. In glucose concentration, there were no significant differences; however, the concentrations of insulin were higher in group H than in group R at 5 and 10 months of age. Muscle samples were taken by biopsy from longissimus thoracis muscle (LT) at 1.5, 5 and 10 months of age. We analysed mRNA expression levels using the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT4), insulin receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI‐3K), protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt), hexokinase 1 (HK1) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Although no differences were detected at 1.5 and 5 months of age, at 10 months of age, GLUT1, HK1 and TNFα mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in group H than in group R. These results suggested Glut1 that affects insulin‐independently mediated glucose uptake was more responsive to improved nutrition during early growth stage than GLUT4 that insulin‐dependently mediated glucose uptake in LT of cattle.
Variation in root system traits among African semi‐arid savanna grasses: Implications for drought tolerance
Authors: HARTNETT DAVID C. , WILSON GAIL W. T. , OTT JACQUELINE P. , SETSHOGO MOFFAT
Published: June 2012

In arid to semi‐arid grasslands and savannas, plant growth, population dynamics, and productivity are consistently and strongly limited by soil water and nutrient availability. Adaptive traits of the root systems of grasses in these ecosystems are crucial to their ability to cope with strong water and/or nutrient limitation and the increasing drought stress associated with ecosystem degradation or projected climate change. We studied 18 grass species in semi‐arid savanna of the Kalahari region of Botswana to quantify interspecific variation in three important root system traits including root system architecture, rhizosheath thickness and mycorrhizal colonization. Drought‐tolerant species and shorter‐lived species showed greater rhizosheath thickness and fine root development but lower mycorrhizal colonization compared to later successional climax grasses and those characteristic of wetter sites. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between root fibrousness index and rhizosheath thickness among species and a weak negative correlation between root fibrousness index and mycorrhizal colonization. These patterns suggest that an extensive fine root system and rhizosheath development may be important complementary traits of grasses coping with drought conditions, the former aiding in the acquisition of water by the grass plant and the latter aiding in water uptake and retention, and reducing water loss in the rhizosphere. Within species, both rhizosheath development and mycorrhizal colonization were significantly greater in a wet year than in a year with below‐average precipitation. The observed patterns suggest that the primary benefit of rhizosheath development in African savanna grasses is improved drought tolerance and that it is a plastic trait that can be adjusted annually to changing environmental conditions. The functioning of mycorrhizal symbiosis is likely to be relatively more important in infertile savannas where nutrient limitation is higher relative to water limitation.
Prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients admitted to Australian hospitals: summary of National Health and Medical Research Council clinical practice guideline
Authors: Wickham N. , Gallus A. S. , Walters B. N. J. , Wilson A. ,   the NHMRC VTE Prevention Guideline Adaptation Committee
Published: June 2012

Each year in Australia, about 1 in 1000 people develop a first episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which approximates to about 20 000 cases. More than half of these episodes occur during or soon after a hospital admission, which makes them potentially preventable. This paper summarises recommendations from the National Health and Medical Research Council's ‘Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Admitted to Australian Hospitals’ and describes the way these recommendations were developed. The guideline has two aims: to provide advice on VTE prevention to Australian clinicians and to support implementation of effective programmes for VTE prevention in Australian hospitals by offering evidence‐based recommendations which local hospital guidelines can be based on. Methods for preventing VTE are pharmacological and/or mechanical, and they require appropriate timing, dosing and duration and also need to be accompanied by good clinical care, such as promoting mobility and hydration whilst in hospital. With some procedures or injuries, the risk of VTE is sufficiently high to require that all patients receive an effective form of prophylaxis unless this is contraindicated; in other clinical settings, the need for prophylaxis requires individual assessment. For optimal VTE prevention, all patients admitted to hospital should have early and formal assessments of: (i) their intrinsic VTE risk and the risks related to their medical conditions; (ii) the added VTE risks resulting from surgery or trauma; (iii) bleeding risks that would contraindicate pharmacological prophylaxis; (iv) any contraindications to mechanical prophylaxis, culminating in (v) a decision about prophylaxis (pharmacological and/or mechanical, or none). The most appropriate form of prophylaxis will depend on the type of surgery, medical condition and patient characteristics. Recommendations for various clinical circumstances are provided as summary tables with relevance to orthopaedic surgical procedures, other types of surgery and medical inpatients. In addition, the tables indicate the grades of supporting evidence for the recommendations (these range from Grade A which can be trusted to guide practice, to Grade D where there is more uncertainty; Good Practice Points are consensus‐based expert opinions).
Effects of water‐based exercise in obese older women: Impact of short‐term follow‐up study on anthropometric, functional fitness and quality of life parameters
Authors: Rica Roberta Luksevicius , Carneiro Renata Meireles Mendes , Serra Andrey Jorge , Rodriguez Daniel , Pontes Junior Francisco L , Bocalini Danilo Sales
Published: June 2012

Aim:  In this study, the effects of a short‐term follow‐up intervention by water‐based exercise (WE) on indicators of obesity in frail obese older women were investigated.

Methods:  A total of 28 obese older women (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) aged between 60 and 75 years voluntarily took part in the study. The WE program consisted of 60‐min sessions, three times a week, over 12 weeks. Training was carried out on three different days, with a 1‐day rest between sessions. Each training session included a 10‐min warm‐up period; 45‐min endurance training and a 5‐min cool‐down/relaxation. Anthropometric parameters, aerobic strength and muscle strength were evaluated by functional tests and quality of life.

Results:  No alterations in any anthropometric parameters were found after the WE program. However, an improvement in all functional parameters (time to walk 800 m 16 ± 1 vs 10 ± 1 min; chair test before 21 ± 1 vs 35 ± 1 repetitions; and arm flexion 21 ± 2 vs 32 ± 1 repetitions) and self‐reported quality of life (physical 68 ± 3 vs 87 ± 2 points; psychological 62 ± 3 vs 82 ± 2 points; social 63 ± 3 vs 82 ± 2 points; and environmental 63 ± 3 vs 77 ± 4 points) was found after WE.

Conclusion:  The WE program was not successful in reducing anthropometric parameters in obese older women, but it was useful in improving aerobic capacity, muscle strength and quality of life. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 209–214.
Geriatric depression in advanced cancer patients: The effect of cognitive and physical functioning
Authors: Mystakidou Kyriaki , Parpa Efi , Tsilika Eleni , Panagiotou Irene , Zygogianni Anna , Giannikaki Eugenia , Gouliamos Athanasios
Published: June 2012

Aim:  The aims of the current study were to evaluate geriatric depression and its risk factors in advanced cancer patients.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out in a palliative care unit in Greece. Patients completed the Geriatric Depression Scale, the M. D. Anderson Symptoms Instrument (MDASI), the Activities of Daily Living and the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Patients were included if they were aged >65 years, if they had cancer, were able to communicate and had agreed to sign informed consent. The final sample consisted of 92 elderly advanced cancer patients.

Results:  The prevalence of depression was found to be 67.4%. The univariate comparison between the depressed elderly and non‐depressed group showed that patients with metastases were found to be 2.2‐fold more likely to suffer from geriatric depression compared with those without metastases (P = 0.074). Patients with moderate or severe cognitive impairment were found to be 3.61‐fold more likely to suffer from geriatric depression in comparison with those with normal cognitive function (P = 0.019). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, elderly with cognitive impairment were 3.3‐fold more likely to have geriatric depression than those without (adjusted odds ratio = 3.3 [95% CI 0.99–10.74], P = 0.052) and MDASI factor 1 was consistently a significant risk factor for depression in the elderly; when MDASI factor 1 increased by 1 unit, the odds of being classified as depressed increased by 7.6%.

Conclusions:  The present study found that cognitive impairment and symptoms such as enjoyment of life, walking, relationship with people, general activity, sadness and pain (MDASI F1) are strong independent predictors of depression in the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 281–288..
Meta‐analysis of type and complexity of a secondary task during walking on the prediction of elderly falls
Authors: Chu Yu‐Hsiu , Tang Pei‐Fang , Peng Ya‐Chi , Chen Hui‐Ya
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Dual‐tasking probes divided attention and causes performance changes that are associated with an increased risk for falls in the elderly. There is no systematic review investigating the effect of task type and complexity on the prediction of elderly falls. This article synthesizes research evidence regarding this issue on the contents of dual‐tasking walking.

Methods:  Relevant studies were systematically identified from electronic databases of Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL and PsycINFO, and the reference lists of identified articles. The selection criteria were defined a priori. Two independent reviewers classified task types based on properties for cognitive demand, assessed the methodological quality with a customized checklist, and calculated the odds ratio of fall prediction.

Results:  There was one study of reaction time, one of discrimination and decision‐making, 10 of mental tracking, three of verbal fluency and five of manual tasks. The methodological heterogeneity was manifested in the selection criteria, faller classification, tasks and measures, resulting in substantial heterogeneity (I2 87–92%). Meta‐analyses resulted in a significant pooled odds ratio 1.33 (95% CI 1.18–1.50). The mental tracking task was the only type that yielded a significant odds ratio 3.30 (95% CI 2.00–5.44). Running meta‐analyses separately for simple and difficult mental tracking task showed similar odds ratios.

Conclusion:  The mental tracking task yielded significant dual‐task‐related changes for fall prediction. Most studies successively used an appropriate level of task complexity specific to the specified population of interest. More research is required for definite conclusions regarding the effect of task type and complexity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 289–297.
Development and psychometric properties of the Geriatric Mistreatment Scale
Authors: Giraldo‐Rodríguez Liliana , Rosas‐Carrasco Oscar
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Elder mistreatment is a phenomenon that has increased proportionally to the increase in the number of older adults in different populations of the world. So far, in Mexico there is no instrument measuring and assessing this phenomenon. The objective of the present study was to develop and to know some psychometric properties of the Geriatric Mistreatment Scale (GMS).

Methods:  A documentary and qualitative investigation was undertaken to contextualize the mistreatment phenomenon in Mexico. Each item was included in the preliminary version if it obtained 80% or greater agreement by experts (content validity). The preliminary scale (49‐item) was applied to 626 older adults using a probabilistic sample representative of the older adults living in Mexico City. Then a statistical process was carried out to reduce the number of items, prove their internal consistency and associations with other measurements. The 22‐item final version of the GMS that assesses physical, psychological, neglect, economic mistreatment and sexual abuse is reported herein.

Results:  The mean age of participants was 71.94 ± 8 years. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83) was appropriate. Subject memory complaint, depression, functional dependence and other measurements were associated with overall mistreatment. Regarding prevalence, 10.28% reported having experienced at least one type of mistreatment.

Conclusion:  The 22‐item GMS had an acceptable internal consistency; the relationship with other measurements was significant according to the hypotheses. Therefore, the GMS is recommended for the screening of the five different types of elder mistreatment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 466–474.
Relationship between dual‐task performance and neurocognitive measures in older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Makizako Hyuma , Doi Takehiko , Shimada Hiroyuki , Yoshida Daisuke , Takayama Yuko , Suzuki Takao
Published: June 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between dual‐task performance and neurocognitive measures in community‐dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods:  A total of 98 subjects (mean age 74.8 years, 52.0% female) participated in the study. We compared 36 participants with amnestic MCI (aMCI) with 62 participants with non‐amnestic MCI (non‐aMCI) on dual‐task performance as measured by reaction time responses. The relationships between dual‐task performance and multiple domains of neurocognitive functions, including general cognitive function, visual memory, working memory, executive function and processing speed, were examined.

Results:  Although there were no statistically significant group differences in simple reaction times (P = 0.734), the aMCI group showed significantly slower dual‐task reaction times than the non‐aMCI group (P = 0.012). Using multiple regression analysis, we found that there was a significant relationship between executive function and dual‐task reaction times (β = 0.298, P = 0.006).

Conclusion:  These results showed that aMCI subjects showed a specific deficit in dual‐task performance compared with non‐aMCI subjects, and poor dual‐task performance was associated with declines in executive function in older people with MCI. Future longitudinal and interventional studies should investigate the use of dual‐task testing with varying levels of cognitive demand in older adults at risk of dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 314–321.
The absence of Complexin 3 and Complexin 4 differentially impacts the ON and OFF pathways in mouse retina
Authors: Landgraf Immanuel , Mühlhans Johanna , Dedek Karin , Reim Kerstin , Brandstätter Johann H. , Ammermüller Josef
Published: June 2012

Complexins (Cplxs) regulate the speed and Ca2+‐sensitivity of synaptic vesicle fusion. It has been shown that all four known Cplxs are present at mouse retinal synapses – at conventional amacrine cell synapses (Cplx 1 to Cplx 3) and at photoreceptor and bipolar cell ribbon synapses (Cplx 3 and Cplx 4) [K. Reim et al. (2005)J. Cell Biol.,169, 669‐680]. Electroretinographic recordings in Cplx 3/Cplx 4 double‐knockout (DKO) mice showed perturbed transmission in the outer plexiform layer, and possible changes in the inner plexiform layer [K. Reim et al. (2009)J. Cell Sci.,122, 1352–1361]. In the present study, we examined the effects of the absence of Cplx 3 and Cplx 4 on ganglion cell responses. We report that the lack of Cplx 3 and Cplx 4 differentially impacts the ON and OFF pathways. Under photopic conditions, the responses in the cone OFF pathway are largely unaffected, whereas the responses in the cone ON pathway are diminished in Cplx 3/Cplx 4 DKO mice. Under scotopic conditions, both ON and OFF response rates are reduced and high‐sensitivity OFF responses are missing in Cplx 3/Cplx 4 DKO mice. The electrophysiological findings are corroborated by new immunocytochemical findings. We now show that rod spherules contain only Cplx 4. However, both Cplx 3 and Cplx 4 co‐localize in cone pedicles. In the inner plexiform layer, Cplx 3 is present in rod bipolar cell terminals and in amacrine cell processes. Most importantly, Cplx 3 is localized in the lobular appendages of AII amacrine cells, the sites of signal transmission from the primary rod pathway into the OFF pathway in the inner plexiform layer.
Propofol–remifentanil intravenous anesthesia and spontaneous ventilation for airway foreign body removal in children with preoperative respiratory impairment
Authors: Shen Xia , Hu Chun‐Bo , Ye Min , Chen Ying‐Zi
Published: June 2012

Purpose:  To investigate the efficacy and safety of propofol–remifentanil total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and spontaneous ventilation for foreign body (FB) removal in pediatric patients with preoperative respiratory impairment.

Methods:  We carried out a prospective observational clinical study of FB removal using a rigid bronchoscope under propofol–remifentanil TIVA and spontaneous ventilation in 65 pediatric patients who presented with preoperative respiratory impairment. Heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate, endtidal CO2 (ETCO2), induction time, and remifentanil rate were recorded. Adverse events, the intervention for these events, and the duration of postoperative care were also of interest.

Results:  Sixty children completed the study. The mean induction time was 12.3 min. During the procedure, the maximum remifentanil rate was 0.14 μg·kg−1·min−1. Light breath holding occurred in 16 (26.7%) patients. No severe breath holding or body movements were observed. An SpO2 below 90% occurred in 10 (16.7%) cases. No progressive desaturation was observed. The mean ETCO2 at the end of the procedures was 7.91 KPa and returned to normal 5 min after the procedure. In the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), no hypoxemia was observed and the mean recovery time was 23.4 min. No laryngospasm, pneumothorax, or arrhythmias were observed.

Conclusion:  Propofol–remifentanil TIVA and spontaneous ventilation are effective and safe techniques to manage anesthesia during airway FB removal in children with preoperative respiratory impairment.
Diversity in Eucalyptus susceptibility to the gall‐forming wasp Leptocybe invasa
Authors: Dittrich‐Schröder Gudrun , Wingfield Michael J. , Hurley Brett P. , Slippers Bernard
Published: June 2012

Extensive variation to damage by the invasive gall‐forming wasp Leptocybe invasa Fisher & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is known to exist amongst Eucalyptus genotypes.

In the present study, 30 of the 50 tested genotypes were susceptible to gall formation and development of the wasp. Gall development on the petiole and leaves of plants was compared to calculate the percentage of infestation per plant and per genotype.

A positive correlation between galls on petioles and leaves indicated an absence of specificity at this level, and also that either leaves or petioles could be used to obtain an accurate estimate of the level of infestation.

Genotypes of E. nitens×E. grandis and E. grandis×E. camaldulensis were most susceptible, with a maximum damage index value for leaves and petioles of 0.52 and 0.39, respectively. Eucalyptus dunii, E. nitens, E. smithii, E. urophylla and E. saligna×E. urophylla showed little or no infestation.

The results obtained in the present study suggest that the selection and planting of resistant/less susceptible genotypes will be an important aid in managing damage from L. invasa invasion.
Time use and physical activity: a shift away from movement across the globe
Authors: Ng S. W. , Popkin B. M.
Published: June 2012

Technology linked with reduced physical activity (PA) in occupational work, home/domestic work, and travel and increased sedentary activities, especially television viewing, dominates the globe. Using detailed historical data on time allocation, occupational distributions, energy expenditures data by activity, and time‐varying measures of metabolic equivalents of task (MET) for activities when available, we measure historical and current MET by four major PA domains (occupation, home production, travel and active leisure) and sedentary time among adults (>18 years). Trends by domain for the United States (1965–2009), the United Kingdom (1961–2005), Brazil (2002–2007), China (1991–2009) and India (2000–2005) are presented. We also project changes in energy expenditure by domain and sedentary time (excluding sleep and personal care) to 2020 and 2030 for each of these countries. The use of previously unexplored detailed time allocation and energy expenditures and other datasets represents a useful addition to our ability to document activity and inactivity globally, but highlights the need for concerted efforts to monitor PA in a consistent manner globally, increase global PA and decrease sedentary behavior. Given the potential impact on weight gain and other cardiometabolic health risks, the differential declines in MET of activity and increases in sedentary time across the globe represent a major threat to global health.
Selective Inspection and Interactive Visualization of Light Transport in Virtual Scenes
Authors: Reiner Tim , Kaplanyan Anton , Reinhard Marcel , Dachsbacher Carsten
Published: June 2012

This paper presents novel interactive visualization techniques for inspecting the global light transport in virtual scenes. First, we propose a simple extension to photon mapping to gather required lighting information. We then introduce a set of five light inspection tools which process this data to provide further insights. Corresponding visualizations help the user to comprehend how light travels within a scene, how the lighting affects the appearance of a surface, and how objects cause lighting effects such as caustics. We implemented all tools for direct usage in real production environments. Rendering is based on progressive photon mapping, providing interactivity and immediate visual feedback. We conducted a user study to evaluate all techniques in various application scenarios and hence discuss their individual strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, we present feedback from domain experts.