bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BSCC Code of Practice – fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Kocjan G. , Chandra A. , Cross P. , Denton K. , Giles T. , Herbert A. , Smith P. , Remedios D. , Wilson P.
Published: September 2009

The British Society for Clinical Cytology Code of Practice on fine needle aspiration cytology complements that on exfoliative cytopathology, which was published in the last issue (Cytopathology 2009;20:211–23). Both have been prepared with wide consultation within and outside the BSCC and have been endorsed by the Royal College of Pathologists. A separate code of practice for gynaecological cytopathology is in preparation. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is an accepted first line investigation for mass lesions, which may be targeted by palpation or a variety of imaging methods. Although FNA cytology has been shown to be a cost‐effective, reliable technique its accurate interpretation depends on obtaining adequately cellular samples prepared to a high standard. Its accuracy and cost‐effectiveness can be seriously compromised by inadequate samples. Although cytopathologists, radiologists, nurses or clinicians may take FNAs, they must be adequately trained, experienced and subject to regular audit. The best results are obtained when a pathologist or an experienced and trained biomedical scientist (cytotechnologist) provides immediate on‐site assessment of sample adequacy whether or not the FNA requires image‐guidance. This COP provides evidence‐based recommendations for setting up FNA services, managing the patients, taking the samples, preparing the slides, collecting material for ancillary tests, providing rapid on‐site assessment, classifying the diagnosis and providing a final report. Costs, cost‐effectiveness and rare complications are taken into account as well as the time and resources required for quality control, audit and correlation of cytology with histology and outcome. Laboratories are expected to have an effective quality management system conforming to the requirements of a recognised accreditation scheme such as Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK) Ltd.
Assessing pollution of toxic sediment in streams using bio‐ecological traits of benthic macroinvertebrates
Authors: ARCHAIMBAULT VIRGINIE , USSEGLIO‐POLATERA PHILIPPE , GARRIC JEANNE , WASSON JEAN‐GABRIEL , BABUT MARC
Published: September 2009

1. We examined the accuracy of a multimetric approach based on 22 biological and ecological traits of benthic macroinvertebrate communities to assess toxic sediment pollution in streams.

2. Faunal and chemical data from sites located on 150 medium‐sized mountain streams in France were analysed. We used 18 additional sites, not included in the multimetric tool development as a test data set. A toxic quality class (from ‘high’ to ‘poor/bad’) was pre‐assigned to each site using the French water quality assessment system (SEQ‐Eau) based on toxic substances (metals, PAH and PCB) in sediment.

3. Each trait was described in multiple categories. The affinity of macroinvertebrate taxa for the different categories of a trait was described using a fuzzy coding procedure. The relative abundance of trait categories was calculated for communities at each site.

4. A nonparametric multiple comparison statistical procedure was used to compare relative abundances of trait categories between groups of sites assigned to different quality classes (e.g. high versus good; good versus moderate, etc.), to identify the combinations of trait categories that best separated sites between adjacent toxic quality classes. Based on such sets of trait categories, we propose a statistical procedure to allocate sites to toxic quality classes from the attributes of its benthic macroinvertebrate community.

5. Predictions from the trait‐based functional tool achieved approximately 73% of correct site post‐assignments to toxic quality classes pre‐assigned using chemical criteria. All of the sites pre‐assigned to the ‘high’ quality class, were post‐classified into the same quality class using benthic community attributes. From 0–90% of sites from other quality classes were classified identically using both chemistry‐ and trait‐based criteria, the observed biological impact being often lower than expected. We suggest that the rapid decline of sensitive species could lead to both low taxonomic richness and low diversity of adaptations, giving communities a less diverse range of potential functional responses to increasing toxic pressure.

6. Biological criteria based on macroinvertebrate traits could provide new methods for biological assessment. This study is the first step towards an in situ functional tool of stream sediment contamination assessment at community level. However, we need to increase the number of sites included in the development data set to improve the tool’s precision, extend the procedure to additional stream types and validate the design at a larger spatial scale.
Effects of variations in carbonate chemistry on the calcification rates of Madracis auretenra (= Madracis mirabilis sensu Wells, 1973): bicarbonate concentrations best predict calcification rates
Authors: JURY CHRISTOPHER P. , WHITEHEAD ROBERT F. , SZMANT ALINA M.
Published: September 2009

Physiological data and models of coral calcification indicate that corals utilize a combination of seawater bicarbonate and (mainly) respiratory CO2 for calcification, not seawater carbonate. However, a number of investigators are attributing observed negative effects of experimental seawater acidification by CO2 or hydrochloric acid additions to a reduction in seawater carbonate ion concentration and thus aragonite saturation state. Thus, there is a discrepancy between the physiological and geochemical views of coral biomineralization. Furthermore, not all calcifying organisms respond negatively to decreased pH or saturation state. Together, these discrepancies suggest that other physiological mechanisms, such as a direct effect of reduced pH on calcium or bicarbonate ion transport and/or variable ability to regulate internal pH, are responsible for the variability in reported experimental effects of acidification on calcification. To distinguish the effects of pH, carbonate concentration and bicarbonate concentration on coral calcification, incubations were performed with the coral Madracis auretenra (= Madracis mirabilis sensu Wells, 1973) in modified seawater chemistries. Carbonate parameters were manipulated to isolate the effects of each parameter more effectively than in previous studies, with a total of six different chemistries. Among treatment differences were highly significant. The corals responded strongly to variation in bicarbonate concentration, but not consistently to carbonate concentration, aragonite saturation state or pH. Corals calcified at normal or elevated rates under low pH (7.6–7.8) when the seawater bicarbonate concentrations were above 1800 μm. Conversely, corals incubated at normal pH had low calcification rates if the bicarbonate concentration was lowered. These results demonstrate that coral responses to ocean acidification are more diverse than currently thought, and question the reliability of using carbonate concentration or aragonite saturation state as the sole predictor of the effects of ocean acidification on coral calcification.
Climate, plankton and cod
Authors: BEAUGRAND GRÉGORY , KIRBY RICHARD R.
Published: September 2009

While a few North Atlantic cod stocks are stable, none have increased and many have declined in recent years. Although overfishing is the main cause of most observed declines, this study shows that in some regions, climate by its influence on plankton may exert a strong control on cod stocks, complicating the management of this species that often assumes a constant carrying capacity. First, we investigate the likely drivers of changes in the cod stock in the North Sea by evaluating the potential relationships between climate, plankton and cod. We do this by deriving a Plankton Index that reflects the quality and quantity of plankton food available for larval cod. We show that this Plankton Index explains 46.24% of the total variance in cod recruitment and 68.89% of the variance in total cod biomass. Because the effects of climate act predominantly through plankton during the larval stage of cod development, our results indicate a pronounced sensitivity of cod stocks to climate at the warmer, southern edge of their distribution, for example in the North Sea. Our analyses also reveal for the first time, that at a large basin scale, the abundance of Calanus finmarchicus is associated with a high probability of cod occurrence, whereas the genus Pseudocalanus appears less important. Ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM) generally considers the effect of fishing on the ecosystem and not the effect of climate‐induced changes in the ecosystem state for the living resources. These results suggest that EBFM must consider the position of a stock within its ecological niche, the direct effects of climate and the influence of climate on the trophodynamics of the ecosystem.
Asynchronicity in root and shoot phenology in grasses and woody plants
Authors: STEINAKER DIEGO F. , WILSON SCOTT D. , PELTZER DUANE A.
Published: September 2009

Phenology is central to understanding vegetation response to climate change, as well as vegetation effects on plant resources, but most temporal production data is based on shoots, especially those of trees. In contrast, most production in temperate and colder regions is belowground, and is frequently dominated by grasses. We report root and shoot phenology in 7‐year old monocultures of 10 dominant species (five woody species, five grasses) in southern Canada. Woody shoot production was greatest about 8 weeks before the peak of root production, whereas grass shoot maxima preceded root maxima by 2–4 weeks. Over the growing season, woody root, and grass root and shoot production increased significantly with soil temperature. In contrast, the timing of woody shoot production was not related to soil temperature (r=0.01). The duration of root production was significantly greater than that of shoot production (grasses: 22%, woody species: 54%). Woody species produced cooler and moister soils than grasses, but growth forms did not affect seasonal patterns of soil conditions. Although woody shoots are the current benchmark for phenology studies, the other three components examined here (woody plant roots, grass shoots and roots) differed greatly in peak production time, as well as production duration. These results highlight that shoot and root phenology is not coincident, and further, that major plant growth forms differ in their timing of above‐ and belowground production. Thus, considering total plant phenology instead of only tree shoot phenology should provide a better understanding of ecosystem response to climate change.
Long‐term sealing ability of Resilon apical root‐end fillings
Authors: De Bruyne M. A. A. , De Moor R. J. G.
Published: September 2009

Aim  To evaluate ex vivo the long‐term sealing ability of the SE Resilon Epiphany system as an apical root‐end filling material.

Methodology  A total of 60 standardized horizontal bovine root sections were divided into three groups filled with either gutta‐percha with AH 26, tooth‐coloured mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or Resilon pellets with Epiphany SE, and submitted to capillary flow porometry at 48 h, 1 and 6 months to assess the minimum, mean flow and maximum pore diameters. Results of the different materials and results by material and time were analysed statistically using nonparametric tests; the level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results  Resilon had smaller pore diameters than gutta‐percha and MTA at 48 h and smaller mean flow and maximum pore diameters than gutta‐percha and MTA at 1 month. At 6 months Resilon had larger minimum pore diameters than gutta‐percha. Although not always statistically significant, the minimum, mean flow and maximum pore diameters of gutta‐percha and MTA diminished with time. This was not the case for Resilon, where the same parameters increased.

Conclusions  All materials leaked at all times. Resilon performed better than gutta‐percha and MTA in the short‐term, but the seal of MTA and gutta‐percha improved over time whereas the seal of Resilon deteriorated. It is critical to evaluate the performance of materials in the long‐term contrary to most studies which are short‐term.
Torsional behaviour of rotary NiTi ProTaper Universal instruments after multiple clinical use
Authors: Vieira E. P. , Nakagawa R. K. L. , Buono V. T. L. , Bahia M. G. A.
Published: September 2009

Aim  To assess the influence of multiple clinical uses on the torsional behaviour of ProTaper Universal rotary NiTi instruments.

Methodology  Root canal treatments were performed on patients using the ProTaper Universal rotary system to prepare canals. Ten sets of instruments were used by an experienced endodontist, each set being used in five molar teeth. After clinical use, S1, S2, F1 and F2 instruments were analysed for damage by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The used sets, along with a control group of 10 sets of new instruments, were then torsion tested based on the ISO 3630‐1 specification. Data obtained were subjected to a one‐way analysis of variance (anova) with α = 0.05.

Results  The use of the ProTaper Universal rotary instruments by an experienced endodontist allowed for the cleaning and shaping of the root canal system of five molar teeth without fracture. The maximum torque for instruments S2, F1 and F2, and the angular deflection at fracture for instruments S2 and F1 were significantly lower following clinical use. The largest decrease in maximum torque was 18.6% (P = 0.014) for S2 instruments. The same maximum percent decrease was found for angular deflection at fracture for F1 instruments (P = 0.009).

Conclusions  Torsional resistance and angular deflection of used instruments, as compared to that of new instruments, were reduced following clinical use.
Heteronormative communication with lesbian families in antenatal care, childbirth and postnatal care
Authors: Röndahl Gerd , Bruhner Elisabeth , Lindhe Jenny
Published: September 2009

Title.  Heteronormative communication with lesbian families in antenatal care, childbirth and postnatal care.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of lesbian parents’ experience of antenatal care, childbirth and postnatal care.

Background.  In a strictly heteronormative‐based care system, ‘parents’ naturally implies a man and a woman, and all communication and routines are based on heterosexual couples.

Method.  A qualitative interview study was carried out in 2008. Ten mothers, eight of whom were in a relationship with another woman, participated. The participants had experience from several care facilities from three different cities in central Sweden.

Findings.  Most participants had positive experiences but also complained that the focus was not always on the pregnancy and that no parenthood education had been offered. Heteronormativity was communicated by midwives and nursing staff throughout the process – from antenatal care to postnatal care, via forms, journals, verbal communication and orientation visits. This was experienced as embarrassing for the participant parents, and they also described encountering what they interpreted as embarrassment on the part of care providers. Participants called for increased knowledge about lesbian parenting, since they believed this would influence and facilitate communication, not least with midwives in antenatal care.

Conclusion.  Midwives educated in lesbian issues could ask questions and communicate in a more neutral way at the first meeting, and thereby make prospective parents feel less insecure. Special parenthood education groups for lesbians are recommended so that lesbian couple can meet others with similar experiences and so that the focus will be on prospective parenthood and not on their sexual orientation.
Coping experiences of adolescents with cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Wu Li‐Min , Chin Chi‐Chun , Haase Joan E. , Chen Chung‐Hey
Published: September 2009

Title.  Coping experiences of adolescents with cancer: a qualitative study.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the coping experiences of Taiwanese adolescents with cancer.

Background.  Cancer treatments have adverse effects and negatively affect adolescents’ lives. Psychological coping strategies are antecedents to adjustment. Little is known about the essential structure of the coping experience in adolescents with cancer.

Method.  Ten adolescents aged 12–18 years who were receiving chemotherapy were interviewed in 2007. Open‐ended interviews were conducted in a quiet in‐hospital setting. Interview data were analysed using Giorgi’s four‐step procedures.

Findings.  The essential structures of the coping experience were losing confidence and rebuilding hope. Losing confidence included sub‐themes of physical and psychological suffering; rebuilding hope included sub‐themes of thought restructuring, revaluing what I have, and envisioning hopeful images of the future. Interviewees vacillated between moving on and giving up, depending on the strength of their hope. A focus on rebuilding hope helped the adolescents to move on in the midst of many distressful events.

Conclusion.  Understanding adolescents’ coping processes relative to cancer can facilitate the establishment of a more supportive milieu. The findings can provide guidance for instrument development on coping for adolescents with cancer and be useful in guiding intervention development to promote positive psychological adjustment.
Effects of thermal therapy on uremic pruritus and biochemical parameters in patients having haemodialysis
Authors: Hsu Mei‐Chi , Chen Hsiu‐Wen , Hwu Yueh‐Juen , Chanc Chin‐Mu , Liu Chi‐Feng
Published: September 2009

Title.  Effects of thermal therapy on uremic pruritus and biochemical parameters in patients having haemodialysis.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a trial to identify the effect of thermal therapy with far‐infrared rays in comparison with non‐thermal therapy on uremic pruritus and biochemical parameters.

Background.  Uremic pruritus remains one of the most frustrating, common, and potentially disabling symptoms in patients undergoing haemodialysis. The mechanism underlying uremic pruritus is poorly understood. Although enough is known to determine a reasonable treatment approach, more research is needed to evaluate more reliable treatments.

Methods.  A randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial was conducted in 2005 using questionnaires and measurement of blood biochemical parameters. A total of 41 uremic patients on maintenance haemodialysis were randomly assigned either to the thermal therapy group or the control group. The thermal therapy group was treated with 40°C thermal therapy with far‐infrared rays at the Sanyinjiao acupoint for 15 minutes once a day on two days a week for a total of 18 sessions. The control group received a plain adhesive patch placed on the same acupoint.

Findings.  Both groups showed statistically significant improvements but there were no differences between groups, while a relatively large decrease in pruritus scores was found in the thermal therapy group (P < 0·001) as compared with the non‐thermal therapy group. Serum calcium level decreased statistically significantly in the thermal therapy group and was statistically significantly different from that of the control group.

Conclusion.  The lack of effect does not necessarily demonstrate that thermal therapy is not effective or has no therapeutic benefits for uremic pruritus in patients having haemodialysis. Further investigation is warranted, with larger samples and longer intervention.
Fitness support group for organ transplant recipients: self‐management, self‐efficacy and health status
Authors: Gentry Amy C. S. , Belza Basia , Simpson Terri
Published: September 2009

Title.  Fitness support group for organ transplant recipients: self‐management, self‐efficacy and health status.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe postoperative self‐management behaviours, perceived self‐efficacy and health outcomes in adult organ transplant recipients who participated in a fitness support group.

Background.  Self‐management behaviours designed to promote patient autonomy contribute to positive health outcomes after therapeutic interventions. Despite an increase in organ transplantation, little is known about the impact of self‐management on health outcomes after adult organ transplantation. Even less has been investigated regarding nursing interventions in the organ transplantation patient demographic to promote positive outcomes.

Method.  Using a cross‐sectional descriptive design, 20 participants completed a questionnaire that included measures of self‐management, self‐efficacy and health status during the 2006 training season.

Findings.  Participants were, on average, 55 years of age and 6 years since transplantation. Their results were compared to mean values as reported in the literature, and revealed consistently superior scores for the outcome variables. The mean amount of weekly aerobic exercise in the transplant group was 3·2 hours (sd 1·4). Participants demonstrated impressively high amounts of self‐efficacy. Confidence was inversely related to extent of illness interference in activities of daily life (r = −0·772, P = 0·01). Health status scores also exceeded the norms, with all participants reporting at least ‘good’ health. Seventeen participants reported zero emergency department visits in the last 6 months. Nursing interventions geared toward maximizing patient self‐efficacy may improve health outcomes for adults after solid organ transplantation.

Conclusion.  Group participation in a fitness programme may support achievement of self‐management activities and feelings of self‐efficacy in maintaining disease management.
Effect of Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetes on Rat Brain Mitochondria
Authors: Moreira P. I. , Santos M. S. , Moreno A. M. , Proença T. , Seiça R. , Oliveira C. R.
Published: September 2009

This study evaluated several parameters related to mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)‐treated rats, a model of type 1 diabetes. For this purpose, the respiratory indexes (RCR and ADP/O ratio), mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), repolarization lag phase, repolarization level, mitochondrial enzymatic activities, ATP and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin E and cardiolipin contents were determined in rat brain mitochondria isolated after 4 and 9 weeks after STZ treatment. Brain mitochondria isolated from citrate (vehicle)‐treated Wistar rats were used as control. We observed that STZ‐induced diabetes did not substantially affect brain mitochondrial function. Instead, 4‐week diabetic rats presented higher mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymatic activities, especially succinate‐cytochrome C reductase activity, compared to 4‐week control rats. In 9‐week diabetic rats, only a significant decrease in cardiolipin content was observed; however, a significant increase in mitochondrial GSH content occurred. All other parameters analysed remained statistically unchanged. From these results, we conclude that STZ‐induced diabetes did not promote brain mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting that oxidative stress associated with type 1 diabetes is not directly related to mitochondrial dysfunction, but probably is related to extramitochondrial factor(s).
Clinical study on the insertion torque and wireless resonance frequency analysis in the assessment of torque capacity and stability of self‐tapping dental implants
Authors: KAHRAMAN S. , BAL B. T. , ASAR N. V. , TURKYILMAZ I. , TÖZÜM T. F.
Published: September 2009

Summary  Resonance frequency (RF) analysis is a non‐invasive, objective and sensitive technique developed for implantology where it measures the stability of the implant in osteotomy site. Although many studies were performed by the previous electronic version of RF analyzer, a very limited number of studies were carried out with the new magnetic wireless version. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between insertion torques, primary and secondary stability of self‐tapping tapered implant systems. Thirteen subjects were treated with 42 endosseous implants using two‐stage surgical procedure. The maximal insertion torque values were recorded prior to RF analysis during surgery. Six months after surgery, the secondary stability values were measured by the RF analysis. The average maximal insertion torque and primary and secondary magnetic RF values were 33 ± 11 N cm and 66 ± 12 ISQ and 71·9 ± 6 ISQ for 42 implants respectively. The correlation between insertion torque and RF values were indicated to be statistically significant (P < 0·01). Significantly higher maximal insertion torque, and primary and secondary magnetic RF values were achieved in mandibular sites compared with maxillary areas (P < 0·01). No significant differences were measured for all parameters when both systems were compared with each other (P > 0·05). There was a strong correlation between the insertion torque, primary and secondary magnetic RF values of self‐tapping tapered endosseous implant used. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of the wireless magnetic RF analysis technique in clinics.
Isolation of two cytochrome P450 forms, CYP2A19 and CYP1A, from pig liver microsomes
Authors: MATAL J. , TUNKOVÁ A. , ŠILLER M. , ANZENBACHEROVÁ E. , ANZENBACHER P.
Published: September 2009

Cytochromes P450 comprise a superfamily of proteins that play a crucial role in the biotransformation of numerous chemicals. Purified CYPs can be used e.g. in studies on structure or determining the drug metabolism pathways. In this work, purification of the porcine CYP1A and CYP2A19 to electrophoretic homogeneity from the pig hepatic microsomes using octylamino Sepharose and hydroxylapatite column chromatography is reported. The proteins have been clearly recognized by commercial antibodies against rat and human CYP1A2 (porcine CYP1A) and human CYP2A6 (CYP2A19) respectively, using Western blot. Activities of both enzymes were determined by specific substrates, 7‐ethoxyresorufin, 7‐methoxyresorufin (CYP1A) and coumarin (CYP2A19). The isolated enzymes show kinetic parameters similar to human counterparts. Taken together, pig cytochromes can be used for the testing of veterinary drug metabolism, useful for the determination of drug residues in meat of pigs. The results obtained show that the pigs may be a suitable model for biotransformation of xenobiotics in humans.
Evolutionary, behavioural and molecular ecology must meet to achieve long‐term conservation goals
Authors: SCOTT KEOGH J.
Published: September 2009

Founder populations in reintroduction programmes can experience a genetic bottleneck simply because of their small size. The influence of reproductive skew brought on by polygynous or polyandrous mating systems in these populations can exacerbate already difficult conservation genetic problems, such as inbreeding depression and loss of adaptive potential. Without an understanding of reproductive skew in a target species, and the effect it can have on genetic diversity retained over generations, long‐term conservation goals will be compromised. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Miller et al. (2009a) test how founder group size and variance in male reproductive success influence the maintenance of genetic diversity following reintroduction on a long‐term scale. They evaluated genetic diversity in two wild populations of the iconic New Zealand tuatara (Fig. 1), which differ greatly in population size and genetic diversity, and compared this to genetic diversity in multiple founder populations sourced from both populations. Population viability analysis on the maintenance of genetic diversity over 400 years (10 generations) demonstrated that while the loss of heterozygosity was low when compared with both source populations (1–14%), the greater the male reproductive skew, the greater the predicted losses of genetic diversity. Importantly however, the loss of genetic diversity was ameliorated after population size exceeded 250 animals, regardless of the level of reproductive skew. This study demonstrates that highly informed conservation decisions could be made when you build on a solid foundation of demographic, natural history and behavioural ecology data. These data, when informed by modern population and genetic analysis, mean that fundamental applied conservation questions (how many animals should make up a founder population?) can be answered accurately and with an eye to the long‐term consequences of management decisions.

 Large adult male tuatara attacking a smaller male. Photo by Jeanine Refsnider.

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The queen is dead—long live the workers: intraspecific parasitism by workers in the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris
Authors: ALVES D. A. , IMPERATRIZ‐FONSECA V. L. , FRANCOY T. M. , SANTOS‐FILHO P. S. , NOGUEIRA‐NETO P. , BILLEN J. , WENSELEERS T.
Published: September 2009

Insect societies are well known for their high degree of cooperation, but their colonies can potentially be exploited by reproductive workers who lay unfertilized, male eggs, rather than work for the good of the colony. Recently, it has also been discovered that workers in bumblebees and Asian honeybees can succeed in entering and parasitizing unrelated colonies to produce their own male offspring. The aim of this study was to investigate whether such intraspecific worker parasitism might also occur in stingless bees, another group of highly social bees. Based on a large‐scale genetic study of the species Melipona scutellaris, and the genotyping of nearly 600 males from 45 colonies, we show that ∼20% of all males are workers’ sons, but that around 80% of these had genotypes that were incompatible with them being the sons of workers of the resident queen. By tracking colonies over multiple generations, we show that these males were not produced by drifted workers, but rather by workers that were the offspring of a previous, superseded queen. This means that uniquely, workers reproductively parasitize the next‐generation workforce. Our results are surprising given that most colonies were sampled many months after the previous queen had died and that workers normally only have a life expectancy of ∼30 days. It also implies that reproductive workers greatly outlive all other workers. We explain our results in the context of kin selection theory, and the fact that it pays workers more from exploiting the colony if costs are carried by less related individuals.
The third pillar of bacterial signal transduction: classification of the extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factor protein family
Authors: Staroń Anna , Sofia Heidi J. , Dietrich Sascha , Ulrich Luke E. , Liesegang Heiko , Mascher Thorsten
Published: September 2009

The ability of a bacterial cell to monitor and adaptively respond to its environment is crucial for survival. After one‐ and two‐component systems, extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors – the largest group of alternative σ factors – represent the third fundamental mechanism of bacterial signal transduction, with about six such regulators on average per bacterial genome. Together with their cognate anti‐σ factors, they represent a highly modular design that primarily facilitates transmembrane signal transduction. A comprehensive analysis of the ECF σ factor protein family identified more than 40 distinct major groups of ECF σ factors. The functional relevance of this classification is supported by the sequence similarity and domain architecture of cognate anti‐σ factors, genomic context conservation, and potential target promoter motifs. Moreover, this phylogenetic analysis revealed unique features indicating novel mechanisms of ECF‐mediated signal transduction. This classification, together with the web tool ECFfinder and the information stored in the Microbial Signal Transduction (MiST) database, provides a comprehensive resource for the analysis of ECF σ factor‐dependent gene regulation.
The right half of the Escherichia coli replication origin is not essential for viability, but facilitates multi‐forked replication
Authors: Stepankiw Nicholas , Kaidow Akihiro , Boye Erik , Bates David
Published: September 2009

Replication initiation is a key event in the cell cycle of all organisms and oriC, the replication origin in Escherichia coli, serves as the prototypical model for this process. The minimal sequence required for oriC function was originally determined entirely from plasmid studies using cloned origin fragments, which have previously been shown to differ dramatically in sequence requirement from the chromosome. Using an in vivo recombineering strategy to exchange wt oriCs for mutated ones regardless of whether they are functional origins or not, we have determined the minimal origin sequence that will support chromosome replication. Nearly the entire right half of oriC could be deleted without loss of origin function, demanding a reassessment of existing models for initiation. Cells carrying the new DnaA box‐depleted 163 bp minimal oriC exhibited little or no loss of fitness under slow‐growth conditions, but were sensitive to rich medium, suggesting that the dense packing of initiator binding sites that is a hallmark of prokaryotic origins, has likely evolved to support the increased demands of multi‐forked replication.
A Comparative Study of Transfection Methods for RNA Interference in Bone Marrow‐Derived Murine Dendritic Cells
Authors: Pedersen C. D. , Fang J. J. , Pedersen A. E.
Published: September 2009

Selective gene silencing using RNA interference (RNAi) has been shown to be an efficient method for manipulation of cellular functions. In this study, we compare three previously established methods for transfection of murine bone marrow‐derived DC (BM‐DC). We tested the efficacy of electroporation with the Mouse Nucleofector kit® from Amaxa Biosystems and lipid‐based transfection methods using transfection reagents from Santa Cruz Biotechnology or Genlantis. To analyse the transfection efficacy we used FITC‐conjugated siRNA as a positive control together with CD80 and CD86 specific siRNA. We show that electroporation using the Mouse Nucleofector kit® from Amaxa Biosystems was not an efficient method to transfect BM‐DC with siRNA in our hands. Transfection with Santa Cruz Biotechnology reagents resulted in up to 59% FITC‐siRNA positive cells, but did not result in effective silencing of CD80 surface expression. In contrast, the most effective method was the lipid‐based method using the siRNA transfection reagent GeneSilencer® from Genlantis. This protocol resulted in up to 92% FITC‐siRNA positive cells after 4 h which declined to 62% and 59% 24 and 48 h post‐transfection, respectively. The transfected BM‐DC remained CD11c positive, expressed high MHC class II and intermediate CD40 and were functional as APC. In conclusion, this protocol was effective for manipulation of murine BM‐DC function through the use of specific siRNA and such methods can be important for the future study of DC–T cell interactions.
Pectin activation of MAP kinase and gene expression is WAK2 dependent
Authors: Kohorn Bruce D. , Johansen Susan , Shishido Akira , Todorova Tanya , Martinez Rhysly , Defeo Elita , Obregon Pablo
Published: September 2009

The angiosperm extracellular matrix, or cell wall, is composed of a complex array of cellulose, hemicelluose, pectins and proteins, the modification and regulated synthesis of which are essential for cell growth and division. The wall associated kinases (WAKs) are receptor‐like proteins that have an extracellular domain that bind pectins, the more flexible portion of the extracellular matrix, and are required for cell expansion as they have a role in regulating cellular solute concentrations. We show here that both recombinant WAK1 and WAK2 bind pectin in vitro. In protoplasts pectins activate, in a WAK2‐dependent fashion, the transcription of vacuolar invertase, and a wak2 mutant alters the normal pectin regulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases. Microarray analysis shows that WAK2 is required for the pectin activation of numerous genes in protoplasts, many of which are involved in cell wall biogenesis. Thus, WAK2 plays a major role in signaling a diverse array of cellular events in response to pectin in the extracellular matrix.
The Populus homeobox gene ARBORKNOX2 regulates cell differentiation during secondary growth
Authors: Du Juan , Mansfield Shawn D. , Groover Andrew T.
Published: September 2009

The stem cells of the vascular cambium divide to produce daughter cells, which in turn divide before undergoing differentiation during the radial growth of woody stems. The genetic regulation of these developmental events is poorly understood, however. We report here the cloning and functional characterization of a Populus class‐I KNOX homeobox gene, ARBORKNOX2 (ARK2), which we show influences terminal cell differentiation and cell wall properties during secondary growth. In the early stages of secondary growth, ARK2 is expressed broadly in the cambial zone and in terminally differentiating cell types, before becoming progressively restricted to the cambium. ARK2 overexpression and synthetic miRNA‐suppression transgenics reveal positive correlations between ARK2 expression level and the timing of cambium formation, the width of the cambial zone and inhibition of cambial daughter cell differentiation. These phenotypes in turn correlate with changes in the expression of genes affecting transcription, cell division, auxin and cell wall synthesis. Notably, wood properties associated with secondary cell wall synthesis are negatively associated with ARK2 expression, including lignin and cellulose content. Together, our results suggest that ARK2 functions primarily to regulate a complex suite of genes that together influence cell differentiation during secondary growth. We propose that ARK2 may represent a co‐evolved transcriptional module that influences complex, adaptive wood properties.
Levels of childhood vaccination coverage and the impact of maternal HIV status on child vaccination status in rural KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa*
Authors: Ndirangu James , Bärnighausen Till , Tanser Frank , Tint Khin , Newell Marie‐Louise
Published: September 2009

Objectives  To analyse coverage of childhood vaccinations in a rural South African population and investigate whether maternal HIV status is associated with children’s vaccination status.

Methods  2 431 children with complete information, 12–23 months of age at some point during the period January 2005 through December 2006 and resident in the Africa Centre Demographic Surveillance Area at the time of their birth were investigated. We examined the relationship between maternal HIV status and child vaccination status for five vaccinations [Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG), diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis (DTP3), poliomyelitis (polio3), hepatitis B (HepB3), and measles] in multiple logistic regressions, controlling for household wealth, maternal age, maternal education and distances to roads, fixed and mobile clinics.

Results  Coverage of the five vaccinations ranged from 89.3% (95% CI 81.7–93.9) for BCG to 77.3% (67.1–83.6) for measles. Multivariably, maternal HIV‐positive status was significantly associated with lower adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of child vaccination for all vaccines [(AOR) 0.60–0.74, all P ≤ 0.036] except measles (0.75, P = 0.073), distance to mobile clinic was negatively associated with vaccination status (all P ≤ 0.029), household wealth was positively (all P ≤ 0.013) and distance to nearest road negatively (all P ≤ 0.004) associated with vaccination status.

Conclusion  Positive maternal HIV status independently reduces children’s probability to receive child vaccinations, which likely contributes to the morbidity and mortality differential between children of HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative mothers. As a means of increasing vaccination coverage, policy makers should consider increasing the number of mobile clinics in this and similar communities in rural Africa.
RESEARCH FOCUS ON COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOUR IN ANIMALS: Compulsive alcohol drinking in rodents
Authors: Vengeliene Valentina , Celerier Evelyne , Chaskiel Lea , Penzo Franco , Spanagel Rainer
Published: September 2009

Upon prolonged alcohol exposure, the behaviour of an individual can gradually switch from controlled to compulsive. Our review is focused on the neurobiological mechanisms that might underlie this transition as well as the factors that are influencing it. Animal studies suggest that temporally increased alcohol consumption during post‐abstinence drinking is accompanied by a loss of flexibility of the behaviour and therefore, could serve as a model for compulsive alcohol drinking. However, studies using different alcohol‐preferring rat lines in the post‐abstinence drinking model suggest that high alcohol consumption does not necessarily lead to the development of compulsive drinking. This indicates the significance of genetic predisposition to compulsive behaviour. Neuroimaging data show that chronic alcohol consumption affects the activity of several brain regions such as the extrapyramidal motor system and several areas of the prefrontal cortex including the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex. Similar changes in brain activity is seen in patients suffering from obsessive–compulsive disorder at baseline conditions and during provocation of obsessive thoughts and urge to perform compulsive‐like rituals. This indicates that dysfunction of these regions may be responsible for the expression of compulsive components of alcohol drinking behaviour. Several brain neurotransmitter systems seem to be responsible for the switch from controlled to compulsive behaviour. In particular, hypofunctioning of monoaminergic systems and hyperfunctioning of glutamatergic systems may play a role in compulsive alcohol drinking.
German citizens in southeastern Spain: a study of attitude toward organ donation
Authors: Ríos A. , Martínez‐Alarcón L. , Sánchez J. , Jarvis N. , Parrilla P. , Ramírez P.
Published: September 2009

Ríos A, Martínez‐Alarcón L, Sánchez J, Jarvis N, Parrilla P, Ramírez P. German citizens in southeastern Spain: a study of attitude toward organ donation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 349–357. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract: Background:  Spain is frequently a place of residence for a high percentage of the German population. Our aim is to analyze the attitude of the German population that is resident in Spain toward organ donation.

Methods:  A sample of German residents in the south east of Spain was obtained randomly between November 2005 and April 2006 (n = 227). Attitude was evaluated using a validated questionnaire. This survey was self‐administered and completed anonymously. Control group: a sample of 2000 Spanish citizens.

Results:  There is a favorable attitude toward donation in 64% of respondents, similar to the control group (64% vs. 63%; p = 0.8545). The most important factors that affect such attitude are: (i) having dependents (odds ratio = 4.569); (ii) having talked about donation within the family (OR = 4.132); (iii) being willing to accept an autopsy if one were necessary (OR = 5.952); (iv) having had previous experience of organ donation and transplantation (OR = 5.814); (v) not being concerned about mutilation of the cadaver (OR = 8.792); and (vi) the attitude of one’s partner toward donation, especially when this is negative (OR = 0.002).

Conclusions:  The attitude toward organ donation of Germans who usually reside in Spain is the same as that described in the native Spanish population, and is determined by many psychosocial factors.
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 polymorphism in patients with rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Düzgün N. , Duman T. , Haydardedeoğlu F. E. , Tutkak H.
Published: September 2009

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a systemic inflammatory disease occurring as a consequence of an exaggerated immune response to group A, beta haemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis. The molecular mimicry between human target organs/tissues and specific components of the infectious organism leads to the development of autoimmune reactions and cardiac tissue damage in rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) is a negative regulator of T cell activation and proliferation during the immune response. CTLA‐4 gene polymorphism has been shown to affect the inhibitory function of CTLA‐4. We aimed to analyze the association of CTLA‐4 gene locus at position 49 of exon 1 with susceptibility to ARF/RHD. This study included a total of 98 patients with RHD as a sequela of ARF, who fulfilled the revised classification criteria of Jones and 154 healthy unrelated controls. CTLA‐4 +49 A/G polymorphism was genotyped by using PCR‐RLFP technique. Data was analyzed by binary logistic regression models. The frequencies of GG, GA and AA genotypes were found to be 14%, 47% and 39%, respectively, in patients and 6%, 45% and 49%, respectively, in controls. The GG genotype was found to be significantly different between patients and controls (OR: 3.11; P = 0.016). GA and AA genotypes did not statistically differ between patients and controls. Our data showed a significant association of +49G /G polymorphism in a small patient group with RHD.
Full‐length sequence of a novel allele, HLA‐Cw*070205
Authors: Zou H.‐Y. , Jin S.‐Z. , Li Z. , Cheng L.‐H.
Published: September 2009

The full‐length sequences of exons 1–8 of this novel HLA‐Cw*070205 allele are identical to those of HLA‐Cw*07020101, except for one nucleotide change at nt 498 in exon 3 from C to T, which result in a synonymous amino acid substitution from ATC to ATT at codon 142 in exon 3.
Pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneally instilled aminophylline, terbutaline and tobramycin in pigs
Authors: ÅSHEIM P. , SPIGSET O. , AASARØD K. , WALSTAD R. A. , UGGEN P. E. , ZAHLSEN K. , AADAHL P.
Published: September 2009

Introduction: Venous catheters are sometimes difficult or even impossible to insert and may also be associated with serious complications. This study was carried out to investigate whether intraperitoneal administration of drugs may be an alternative to the intravenous route in patients with limited vascular access.

Materials and methods: Three drugs commonly in use in clinical practise, aminophylline, terbutaline and tobramycin, were administered to pigs intravenously and intraperitoneally in small volumes. Serum concentrations were analysed over a period of 6 h and pharmacokinetic key variables for each drug were calculated.

Results: Aminophylline (theophylline), terbutaline and tobramycin were absorbed from the peritoneal space and into systemic circulation. For theophylline, the concentration/time profiles after intraperitoneal and after intravenous administration were almost identical, and the intraperitoneal bioavailability was calculated to 0.94. For terbutaline and tobramycin, the intraperitoneal absorption was delayed without any initial peak. Moreover, the intraperitoneal bioavailability was lower than for theophylline (0.71 and 0.65, respectively).

Conclusion: The pharmacokinetic properties after intraperitoneal administration differed among the three drugs, but the results are encouraging and provide a basis for further investigation in humans.