bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeography of a northeast Asian spruce, Picea jezoensis, inferred from genetic variation observed in organelle DNA markers
Authors: AIZAWA M. , YOSHIMARU H. , SAITO H. , KATSUKI T. , KAWAHARA T. , KITAMURA K. , SHI F. , KAJI M.
Published: July 2007

Range‐wide genetic variation of the widespread cold‐temperate spruce Picea jezoensis was studied throughout northeast Asia using maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA and paternally inherited chloroplast DNA markers. This study assessed 33 natural populations including three varieties of the species in Japan, Russia, China, and South Korea. We depicted sharp suture zones in straits around Japan in the geographical distribution pattern of mitochondrial haplotypes (GST = 0.901; NST = 0.934). In contrast, we detected possible extensive pollen flow without seed flow across the straits around Japan during the past population history in the distribution pattern of chloroplast haplotypes (GST = 0.233; NST = 0.333). The analysis of isolation by distance of the species implied that by acting as a barrier for the movement of seeds and pollen, the sharp suture zones contributed considerably to the level of genetic differentiation between populations. Constructed networks of mitochondrial haplotypes allowed inference of the phylogeographical history of the species. We deduced that the disjunction with Kamchatka populations reflects range expansion and contraction to the north of the current distribution. Within Japan, we detected phylogeographically different types of P. jezoensis between Hokkaido and Honshu islands; P. jezoensis in Honshu Island may have colonized this region from the Asian continent via the Korean peninsula and the species in Hokkaido Island is likely to have spread from the Asian continent via Sakhalin through land bridges. Japanese endemism of mitochondrial haplotypes in Hokkaido and Honshu islands might have been promoted by separation of these islands from each other and from the Asian continent by the straits during the late Quaternary.
Phylogeographical structure in the subterranean tuco‐tuco Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae): contrasting the demographic consequences of regional and habitat‐specific histories
Authors: MORA MATÍAS S. , LESSA ENRIQUE P. , CUTRERA ANA P. , KITTLEIN MARCELO J. , VASSALLO ALDO I.
Published: July 2007

In this work we examined the phylogeography of the South American subterranean herbivorous rodent Ctenomys talarum (Talas tuco‐tuco) using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (D‐loop) sequences, and we assessed the geographical genetic structure of this species in comparison with that of subterranean Ctenomys australis, which we have shown previously to be parapatric to C. talarum and to also live in a coastal sand dune habitat. A significant apportionment of the genetic variance among regional groups indicated that putative geographical barriers, such as rivers, substantially affected the pattern of genetic structure in C. talarum. Furthermore, genetic differentiation is consistent with a simple model of isolation by distance, possibly evidencing equilibrium between gene flow and local genetic drift. In contrast, C. australis showed limited hierarchical partitioning of genetic variation and departed from an isolation‐by‐distance pattern. Mismatch distributions and tests of neutrality suggest contrasting histories of these two species: C. talarum appears to be characterized by demographic stability and no significant departures from neutrality, whereas C. australis has undergone a recent demographic expansion and/or departures from strict neutrality in its mtDNA.
Genetic diversity in diploid vs. tetraploid Rorippa amphibia (Brassicaceae)
Authors: LUTTIKHUIZEN PIETERNELLA C. , STIFT MARC , KUPERUS PETER , VAN TIENDEREN PETER H.
Published: July 2007

The frequency of polyploidy increases with latitude in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in deglaciated, recently colonized areas. The cause or causes of this pattern are largely unknown, but a greater genetic diversity of individual polyploid plants due to a doubled genome and/or a hybrid origin is seen as a likely factor underlying selective advantages related to life in extreme climates and/or colonization ability. A history of colonization in itself, as well as a recent origin, and possibly a limited number of polyploidization events would all predict less genetic diversity in polyploids than in diploids. The null hypothesis of higher gene diversity in polyploids has to date hardly been quantified and is here tested in self‐incompatible Rorippa amphibia (Brassicaceae). The species occurs in diploid and tetraploid forms and displays clear geographical polyploidy in Europe. On the basis of eight microsatellite loci it can be concluded that the level of gene diversity is higher in tetraploids than in diploids, to an extent that is expected under neutral evolution when taking into account the larger effective population size in the doubled cytotype. There is thus no evidence for reduced genetic diversity in the tetraploids. The evidence presented here may mean that the tetraploids’ origin is not recent, has not been affected by bottlenecks and/or that tetraploids were formed multiple times while an effect of introgression may also play a role.
Climate change and evolution: disentangling environmental and genetic responses
Authors: GIENAPP P. , TEPLITSKY C. , ALHO J. S. , MILLS J. A. , MERILÄ J.
Published: July 2007

Rapid climate change is likely to impose strong selection pressures on traits important for fitness, and therefore, microevolution in response to climate‐mediated selection is potentially an important mechanism mitigating negative consequences of climate change. We reviewed the empirical evidence for recent microevolutionary responses to climate change in longitudinal studies emphasizing the following three perspectives emerging from the published data. First, although signatures of climate change are clearly visible in many ecological processes, similar examples of microevolutionary responses in literature are in fact very rare. Second, the quality of evidence for microevolutionary responses to climate change is far from satisfactory as the documented responses are often — if not typically — based on nongenetic data. We reinforce the view that it is as important to make the distinction between genetic (evolutionary) and phenotypic (includes a nongenetic, plastic component) responses clear, as it is to understand the relative roles of plasticity and genetics in adaptation to climate change. Third, in order to illustrate the difficulties and their potential ubiquity in detection of microevolution in response to natural selection, we reviewed the quantitative genetic studies on microevolutionary responses to natural selection in the context of long‐term studies of vertebrates. The available evidence points to the overall conclusion that many responses perceived as adaptations to changing environmental conditions could be environmentally induced plastic responses rather than microevolutionary adaptations. Hence, clear‐cut evidence indicating a significant role for evolutionary adaptation to ongoing climate warming is conspicuously scarce.
Patterns of genetic diversity in outcrossing and selfing populations ofArabidopsis lyrata
Authors: MABLE BARBARA K. , ADAM A.
Published: July 2007

Arabidopsis lyratais normally considered an obligately outcrossing species with a strong self‐incompatibility system, but a shift in mating system towards inbreeding has been found in some North American populations (subspeciesA. lyrata ssp. lyrata). This study provides a survey of the Great Lakes region of Canada to determine the extent of this mating system variation and how outcrossing rates are related to current population density, geographical distribution, and genetic diversity. Based on variation at microsatellite markers (progeny arrays to estimate multilocus outcrossing rates and population samples to estimate diversity measures) and controlled greenhouse pollinations, populations can be divided into two groups: (i) group A, consisting of individuals capable of setting selfed seed (including autogamous fruit set in the absence of pollinators), showing depressed outcrossing rates (Tm = 0.2–0.6), heterozygosity (HO = 0.02–0.06) and genetic diversity (HE = 0.08–0.10); and (ii) group B, consisting of individuals that are predominantly self‐incompatible (Tm > 0.8), require pollinators for seeds set, and showing higher levels of heterozygosity (HO = 0.13–0.31) and diversity (HE = 0.19–0.410). Current population density is not related to the shift in mating system but does vary with latitude. Restricted gene flow among populations was evident among all but two populations (FST = 0.11–0.8). Group A populations were more differentiated from one another (FST = 0.78) than they were from group B populations (FST = 0.59), with 41% of the variation partitioned within populations, 47% between populations, and 12% between groups. No significant relationship was found between genetic and geographical distance. Results are discussed in the context of possible postglacial expansion scenarios in relation to loss of self‐incompatibility.
Identifying the early genetic consequences of habitat degradation in a highly threatened tropical conifer, Araucaria nemorosa Laubenfels
Authors: KETTLE C. J. , HOLLINGSWORTH P. M. , JAFFRÉ T. , MORAN B. , ENNOS R. A.
Published: July 2007

The early genetic effects of habitat degradation were investigated in the critically endangered conifer Araucaria nemorosa. This species occurs in New Caledonia, a global biodiversity hotspot where the world's greatest concentration of endemic conifer species coincides with an extremely high level of habitat destruction due to fire and mining. Using seven microsatellite loci, estimates were made of genetic marker variation, inbreeding coefficients and population differentiation of adult and seedling cohorts of A. nemorosa. These were contrasted with equivalent estimates, made over similar spatial scales and with the same marker loci, in the locally common and more widespread sister species Araucaria columnaris. There were no significant differences in population genetic parameters between adult populations of the two species, despite their different abundances. However, in A. nemorosa, the juvenile cohort showed a loss of rare alleles and elevated levels of inbreeding when compared to the adult cohort. These genetic differences between the cohorts were not observed in the locally common A. columnaris. This suggests that recent environmental degradation is influencing the genetic structure of A. nemorosa populations. Although this is not detectable among predisturbance adult populations, an early warning of these impacts is evident in more recently established seedling cohorts. The conservation implications of these results are discussed.
Explicit experimental evidence for the effectiveness of proximity as mate‐guarding behaviour in reducing extra‐pair fertilization in the Seychelles warbler
Authors: KOMDEUR J. , BURKE T. , RICHARDSON D. S.
Published: July 2007

Extra‐pair copulations (EPCs; copulations outside the pair bond) are widespread in birds and may result in extra‐pair fertilizations (EPFs). To increase reproductive success, males should not only seek to gain EPFs, but also prevent their own females from gaining EPFs. Although males could reduce the number of EPCs by their mates, this does not necessarily mean that they reduce the number of EPFs; indeed several studies have found no association between EPCs and EPFs. Male Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis) follow their partner closely during the period when the pair female is most receptive (fertile period). We show that males that guarded their mates more closely were less likely to have extra‐pair young in their nest. This study on the Seychelles warbler is the first to provide explicit experimental evidence that mate guarding is effective in reducing EPFs. First, in territories where free‐living males were induced to stop mate guarding during the pair female's fertile period, extra‐pair parentage was higher than in the control group. Second, in the experimental group, the probability of having an extra‐pair nestling in the nest was positively associated with the number of days during the fertile period for which mate guarding was artificially stopped. Thus, male mate guarding was effective in reducing the risk of cuckoldry.
Ancient differentiation in the single‐island avian radiation of endemic Hispaniolan chat‐tanagers (Aves: Calyptophilus)
Authors: TOWNSEND ANDREA K. , RIMMER CHRISTOPHER C. , LATTA STEVEN C. , LOVETTE IRBY J.
Published: July 2007

The simple geographic structure of island systems often makes them tractable for studies of the patterns and processes of biological diversification. The Calyptophilus chat‐tanagers of Hispaniola are of general evolutionary interest because their multiple lineages might have arisen on a single island, of conservation concern because several isolated populations are nearly extinct, and taxonomically ambiguous because they have been variously lumped or split into one to four species. To explore the context of diversification of the seven extant Calyptophilus populations, we conducted a multilocus coalescent analysis based on sequences of mitochondrial ND2 and three nuclear intron loci. We then compared patterns of phylogeographic genetic variation with the morphological differences that distinguish these populations. Mitochondrial haplotypes formed two reciprocally monophyletic groups separated by a large magnitude of nucleotide divergence. Intron structure largely paralleled the geographic grouping pattern of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), but these groups were only reciprocally monophyletic at one of the three introns. Also, the magnitude of between‐group divergence was much lower in the introns than mtDNA genealogies. Multilocus coalescent analyses inferred a nonzero divergence time between these two major geographic groups, but suggested that they have experienced a low level of gene flow. All four markers showed substantial allele sharing within each of the two groups, demonstrating that many now separated montane populations do not have long histories of isolation. Considered in concert, our multilocus phylogeographic reconstructions support the recognition of two species within the Calyptophilus complex, and raise the possibility that these taxa differentiated prior to the fusion of the two palaeo‐islands that form present‐day Hispaniola.
BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEINS IN CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: Gautschi Oliver P. , Frey Sönke P. , Zellweger René
Published: July 2007

The role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in bone healing has been shown in numerous animal models. To date, at least 20 BMPs have been identified, some of which have been shown in vitro to stimulate the process of stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts in human and animal models. Having realized the osteoinductive properties of BMPs and having identified their genetic sequences, recombinant gene technology has been used to produce BMPs for clinical application – most commonly, as alternatives or adjuncts in the treatment of cases in which fracture healing is compromised. BMP‐2 and BMP‐7 are approved for clinical use in open fractures of long bones, non‐unions and spinal fusion. However, despite significant evidence of their potential benefit to bone repair and regeneration in animal and preclinical studies, there is, to date, a dearth of convincing clinical trials. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief overview of BMPs and to critically review the clinical data currently available on the use of BMP‐2 and BMP‐7 in fracture healing.
CLASSIFICATION OF PANCREATIC CYSTIC LESIONS USING SELDI‐TOF MASS SPECTROMETRY
Authors: Scarlett Christopher J. , Samra Jaswinder S. , Xue AiQun , Baxter Robert C. , Smith Ross C.
Published: July 2007

Background:  The diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions is problematical with difficulties arising in the differentiation between malignant, premalignant or benign lesions. This preliminary study aimed to analyse pancreatic cyst fluid, using a proteomic approach, to generate reproducible protein profiles to assist in the classification of malignant and non‐carcinoma samples.

Methods:  Pancreatic cyst fluid samples from patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and non‐carcinoma cystic lesions were analysed on hydrophobic protein chip arrays by surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF MS).

Results:  Differential protein expression profiles were observed between pancreatic adenocarcinoma and non‐carcinoma cyst fluid samples using SELDI‐TOF MS, with 12 protein peaks differentially expressed between pancreatic adenocarcinoma and non‐carcinoma. Additionally, unique patterns were observed between the different subtypes of non‐carcinoma samples as well as malignant adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions:  In this preliminary study we used SELDI‐TOF MS to identify protein expression profiles of pancreatic cyst fluid, showing a potential to aid in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PERFORATED APPENDICITIS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS
Authors: Sheu Bor‐Fuh , Chiu Te‐Fa , Chen Jih‐Chang , Tung Meng‐Sheng , Chang Meng‐Wei , Young Yui‐Rwei
Published: July 2007

Background:  The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with rupture in elderly patients with acute appendicitis.

Methods:  The medical records of 601 consecutive patients >60 years of age with acute appendicitis between 1995 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Historical, clinical and laboratory factors in patients with both intact and ruptured appendices were examined with univariate and multivariate analyses by logistic regressions.

Results:  Nine factors predicted appendiceal rupture age (odds ratio (OR) 1.05, confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.07), male sex (OR 1.96, CI 1.35–2.06), preadmission duration of pain (OR 1.23, CI 1.11–1.36), interval of time from admission to surgery (OR 1.02, CI 1.01–1.04), fever >38°C (OR 2.59, CI 1.78–3.77), left shift in leucocyte count >76% (OR 2.34, CI 1.27–4.32), anorexia (OR 2.03, CI 1.38–2.99) and a retrocaecally positioned appendix (OR 1.93, CI 1.15–3.24).

Conclusion:  The incidence of appendiceal rupture, or complications secondary to appendiceal rupture, in elderly patients may be decreased if surgery is expedited when the temperature is >38°C or there is a left shift in leucocyte count >76%, especially in men with anorexia.
PARATHYROID HORMONE ASSAY PREDICTS HYPOCALCAEMIA AFTER TOTAL THYROIDECTOMY
Authors: Sywak Mark S. , Palazzo Fausto F. , Yeh Michael , Wilkinson Margaret , Snook Kylie , Sidhu Stan B. , Delbridge Leigh W.
Published: July 2007

Background:  Postoperative parathyroid gland function after total thyroidectomy (TT) has traditionally been monitored by the measurement of serum calcium concentrations. The purpose of this study is to determine whether measurement of parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations in the early postoperative period accurately predicts patients at risk of developing hypocalcaemia.

Methods:  A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing TT was carried out. PTH concentrations were measured preoperatively and at 4 and 23 h postoperatively. Serum calcium concentration was measured preoperatively and twice daily for 48 h after surgery.

Results:  One hundred patients undergoing TT were recruited into the study in the period June 2004 to July 2005. Benign multinodular goitre was the most common indication for surgery (77%). The incidence of temporary hypocalcaemia (Ca < 2.0 mmol/L) was 18%. The mean PTH concentration at 4 h after surgery was 22.3 ng/L and was not significantly different from the 23‐h concentration of 23.2 ng/L (P = 0.18). A PTH concentration of ≤3 ng/L measured at 4 h after surgery had a sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio of 0.71, 0.94 and 11.3, respectively, for predicting postoperative hypocalcaemia. The accuracy of a single PTH concentration at 4 h was good for predicting hypocalcaemia (area under receiver–operator characteristic curve 0.90; confidence interval 0.81–0.96). There was no significant difference in accuracy between the 4‐ and 24‐h PTH concentrations (P = 0.14).

Conclusions:  A single measurement of PTH concentration in the early postoperative period after TT reliably predicts patients who are likely to develop hypocalcaemia. This approach facilitates early discharge and may decrease the need for multiple postoperative blood tests.
Diversity of the human gastrointestinal tract microbiota revisited
Authors: Rajilić‐Stojanović Mirjana , Smidt Hauke , De Vos Willem M.
Published: July 2007

Since the early days of microbiology, more than a century ago, representatives of over 400 different microbial species have been isolated and fully characterized from human gastrointestinal samples. However, during the past decade molecular ecological studies based on ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences have revealed that cultivation has been able only to access a small fraction of the microbial diversity within the gastrointestinal tract. The increasing number of deposited rRNA sequences calls for the setting up a curated database that allows handling of the excessive degree of redundancy that threatens the usability of public databases. The integration of data from cultivation‐based studies and molecular inventories of small subunit (SSU) rRNA diversity, presented here for the first time, provides a systematic framework of the microbial diversity in the human gastrointestinal tract of more than 1000 different species‐level phylogenetic types (phylotypes). Such knowledge is essential for the design of high‐throughput approaches such as phylogenetic DNA microarrays for the comprehensive analysis of gastrointestinal tract microbiota at multiple levels of taxonomic resolution. Development of such approaches is likely to be pivotal to generating novel insights in microbiota functionality in health and disease.
Bacterial diversity in soil enrichment cultures amended with 2 (2‐methyl‐4‐chlorophenoxy) propionic acid (mecoprop)
Authors: Zakaria Dalia , Lappin‐Scott Hilary , Burton Sara , Whitby Corinne
Published: July 2007

The tfdA gene encodes for an α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase enzyme which catalyses the first step of the degradation of phenoxyalkanoic acid herbicides such as 2 (2‐methyl‐4‐chlorophenoxy) propionic acid (mecoprop). The bacterial diversity of soil enrichment cultures containing mecoprop was examined by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) and clone libraries of both 16S rRNA genes and tfdA genes. The 16S rRNA gene sequences were diverse and clustered with either the Beta‐ or Gammaproteobacteria. The 16S rRNA gene sequence from a bacterial strain isolated from an enrichment culture, grown on R‐mecoprop, which represented a dominant band in the DGGE profiles, had a high 16S rRNA sequence identity (100%) to Burkholderia glathei. This is the first report that B. glathei is implicated in mecoprop degradation. PCR amplification of the tfdA genes detected class III tfdA genes only, and no class I or class II tfdA sequences were detected. To understand the genes involved the degradation of specific mecoprop (R‐) and (S‐) enantiomers, oligonucleotide probes targeting the tfdA, rdpA, sdpA and cadA genes were hybridized to DNA extracted from enrichment cultures grown on either R‐mecoprop or (R/S) racemic mecoprop. Strong hybridization signals were obtained with sdpA and tfdA probes using DNA extracted from cultures grown on racemic mecoprop. A strong hybridization signal was also obtained with the rdpA probe with DNA extracted from the cultures grown on R‐mecoprop. This suggests the rdpA gene is involved in R‐mecoprop degradation while tfdA, sdpA and cadA genes are involved in the degradation of both R‐ and S‐mecoprop.
Resource dynamics during infection of Micromonas pusilla by virus MpV‐Sp1
Authors: Brown Christopher M. , Campbell Douglas A. , Lawrence Janice E.
Published: July 2007

Viruses infecting marine phytoplankton drive phytoplankton diversity, terminate blooms and shuttle genetic material. Assessments of the scale of viral impacts on trophic networks are, however, speculative. We investigated fluxes of DNA between host and virus during infection of the prasinophyte alga Micromonas pusilla by phycodnavirus MpV SP1. Under a light–dark regimen, viral genomes accumulated to a transient peak within 24 h, at the expense of both host DNA synthesis and nuclear DNA. Viral genome abundance then declined soon after host lysis. This release of a phosphate‐rich nucleotide pool during viral infection of phytoplankton should be considered in trophic models. Lysis required light and was stalled in darkness, meanwhile viral genome replication proceeded slowly in the dark. Viral exploitation of this host is therefore only partially light‐dependent and infected phytoplankton are poised to lyse at dawn or if mixed to the photic zone. The chloroplast genome remained intact until lysis, indicating that either this DNA pool is inaccessible or the virus spares the chloroplast for its energy and reductant generation. The photochemical turnover of residual Photosystem II complexes accelerated during lysis, indicating that events in late infection heighten demands on the remaining host photosynthetic systems, consistent with the light dependency of lysis.
Comparative aspects of cortical neurogenesis in vertebrates
Authors: Cheung Amanda F. P. , Pollen Alexander A. , Tavare Aniket , DeProto Jamin , Molnár Zoltán
Published: July 2007

The mammalian neocortex consists of six layers. By contrast, the reptilian and avian cortices have only three, which are believed to be equivalent to layers I, V and VI of mammals. In mammals, the majority of cortical cell proliferation occurs in the ventricular and subventricular zones, but there are a small number of scattered individual divisions throughout the cortex. Neurogenesis in the cortical subventricular zone is believed to contribute to the supragranular layers. To estimate the proportions of different forms of divisions in reptiles and birds, we examined the site of proliferation in embryonic turtle (stages 18–25) and chick (embryonic days 8–15) brains using phospho‐histone H3 (a G2 and M phase marker) immunohistochemistry. In turtle, only few scattered abventricular H3‐immunoreactive cells were found outside the ventricular zone; the majority of the H3‐immunoreactive cells were located in the ventricular zone throughout the entire turtle brain. Ventricular zone cell proliferation peaks at stages 18 and 20, before an increase of abventricular proliferation at stages 23 and 25. In turtle cortex, however, abventricular proliferation at any given stage never exceeded 17.5 ± 2.47% of the total division and the mitotic profiles did not align parallel to the ventricular zone. Phospho‐histone H3 immunoreactivity in embryonic chick brains suggests the lack of subventricular zone in the dorsal cortex, but the presence of subventricular zone in the ventral telencephalon. We were able to demonstrate that the avian subventricular zone is present in both pallial and subpallial regions of the ventral telencephalon during embryonic development, and we characterize the spatial and temporal organization of the subventricular zone. Comparative studies suggest that the subventricular zone was involved in the laminar expansion of the cortex to six layers in mammals from the three‐layered cortex found in reptiles and birds. Within mammals, the number of neurons in a cortical column appears to be largely constant; nevertheless, there are considerable differences between the germinal zones in mammalian species. It is yet to be determined whether these elaborations of the subventricular zone may have contributed to cell diversity, tangential expansion or gyrus formation of the neocortex and whether it might have been the major driving force behind the evolution of the six‐layered neocortex in mammals.
Cocaine exposurein vitroinduces apoptosis in fetal locus coeruleus neurons through TNF‐α‐mediated induction of Bax and phosphorylated c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase
Authors: Dey Swatee , Snow Diane M.
Published: July 2007

Cocaine exposure results in aberrant outgrowth and decreased survival for locus coeruleus (LC), a noradrenergic population of neurons that putatively regulates attentional function; however, the underlying mechanisms for these events are not known. We previously showed that cocaine exposurein vitroactivates pro‐apoptotic Bax, caspase‐9, and caspase‐3 in LC neurons dissected from embryonic day 14 rats, implicating that apoptosis may be orchestrated via signal transduction events. In the current studyin vitro, we examined upstream events to determine the role of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), on LC signal transduction, because cocaine exposure to LC neurons triggered TNF‐α expression at 30 min as measured by ELISA. Exposure of LC neurons torecombinant‐TNF‐α resulted in decreased metabolic activity, an indicator of reduced neuron viability [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay], and increased apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated DNA nick end labeling assay). Pro‐apoptotic caspase‐3 was induced by cocaine starting at 30 min.Recombinant‐TNF‐α induced caspase‐3 activity earlier than cocaine (15 and 20 min). The caspase‐3 levels were significantly reduced when cocaine and TNF‐α were combined with neutralizing‐TNF‐α (nTNF‐α), respectively. Further, cocaine alone elevated phospho‐p38‐mitogen‐activated protein kinases that persisted when combined with nTNF‐α. However, both cocaine and TNF‐α independently increased phospho‐c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase and Bax levels at concurrent time periods (30 min and 1 h), and this elevation was attenuated in the presence of nTNF‐α. These simultaneous molecular events triggered by cocaine and TNF‐α implicate a potential apoptotic signal transduction pathway via induction of phospho‐c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase and Bax that may lead to caspase‐3 activation and apoptosis in cocaine‐exposed fetal LC neurons.
Alpha‐synuclein protects cerebellar granule neurons against 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced death
Authors: Monti Barbara , Polazzi Elisabetta , Batti Laura , Crochemore Christophe , Virgili Marco , Contestabile Antonio
Published: July 2007

The physiological role of alpha‐synuclein, a protein found enriched in intraneuronal deposits characterizing Parkinson’s disease, is debated. While its aggregation is usually considered linked to neuropathology, its normal function may be related to fundamental processes of synaptic transmission and plasticity. By using antisense oligonucleotide strategy, we report in this study that alpha‐synuclein silencing in cultured cerebellar granule cells results in widespread death of these neurons, thus demonstrating an essential pro‐survival role of the protein towards primary neurons. To study alpha‐synuclein expression and processing in a Parkinson’s disease model of neurotoxicity, we exposed differentiated cultures of cerebellar granule neurons to toxic concentrations of 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). This resulted in neuronal death accompanied by a decrease of the monomeric form of alpha‐synuclein, which was due to both decreased synthesis of the protein and its increased mono‐ubiquitination accompanied by nuclear translocation. The essential neuroprotective role of alpha‐synuclein was confirmed by the fact that subchronic valproate treatment, which increases alpha‐synuclein expression and prevents its nuclear translocation in cerebellar granule cells exposed to 6‐OHDA, significantly protected these neurons from 6‐OHDA insult. In agreement with the pro‐survival role of alpha‐synuclein in this model, subtoxic concentrations of alpha‐synuclein antisense oligonucleotides, aggravated 6‐OHDA toxicity towards granule neurons. Our results demonstrate that normal alpha‐synuclein expression is essential for the viability of primary neurons and that its pro‐survival role is abolished in 6‐OHDA neurotoxic challenge. These results are relevant to more precisely define the role of alpha‐synuclein in neuronal cells and to better understand its putative involvement in neurodegeneration.
LARGER FORAMINIFERA FROM THE UPPER OLIGOCENE OF THE VENETIAN AREA, NORTH‐EAST ITALY
Authors: BASSI DAVIDE , HOTTINGER LUKAS , NEBELSICK JAMES H.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: A moderately diverse larger foraminiferal fauna from the north‐east Italian ‘Arenarie e calcari di S. Urbano’ formation with important stratigraphic, palaeoecological and palaeobiogeographical implications is described with respect to its position in the Western Tethys area. The fauna is dominated by hyaline perforated and porcellaneous forms includingAmphistegina,Archaias,Austrotrillina,Miogypsinoides,Neoplanorbulinella,Neorotalia,Nummulites,OperculinaandSpiroclypeus.The presence ofMiogypsinoides complanatusallows the age of the formation to be determined as late Chattian (Shallow Benthic Zone SBZ 23). The palaeoenvironmental setting is interpreted as a shallow ramp environment ranging from (1) well lit, highly translucent, shallowest part of the photic zone characterized byArchaiasandAustrotrillina, the deeper part of the inner ramp withNummulites, to (2) the shallow part of the middle ramp withSpiroclypeusand miogypsinids andOperculina, to (3) a deeper middle‐ramp setting dominated by coralline rhodoliths along with lepidocylinids. The presence ofArchaias hensoniSmout and Eames shows that members of much more diverse Middle Eastern associations of shallow‐water larger porcellaneous foraminifera are also present in the north‐western parts of the Western Tethys, and reveals a corresponding diversity gradient among larger foraminiferal faunas in the Western Tethys, which is related to a decrease in temperature.
A NEW SPECIES OF THE WOMBAT WARENDJA FROM LATE MIOCENE DEPOSITS AT RIVERSLEIGH, NORTH‐WEST QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Authors: BREWER PHILIPPA , ARCHER MICHAEL , HAND SUZANNE , GODTHELP HENK
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  A new species of the plesiomorphic wombat Warendja is described. Warendja encorensis sp. nov., the second species to be attributed to this genus, is known from a single fossil locality (Encore Site) at Riversleigh, north‐west Queensland. Specimens of W. encorensis are limited to isolated teeth, two mandibular fragments and a maxillary fragment. Two molars preserve the unworn crown morphology. Encore Site has been estimated to be late Miocene in age, making these the only known specimens of Warendja to be clearly older than Pleistocene. Warendja encorensis is also the first described species of wombat from Miocene deposits to which hypselodont teeth have been attributed. It differs from W. wakefieldi in its larger size, distribution of enamel, and in details of the incisor and premolar morphology.
REEF CORALS FROM THE LOWER CAMBRIAN OF THE FLINDERS RANGES, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Authors: FULLER MARGARET , JENKINS RICHARD
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  The Early Cambrian tabulate‐like corals Flindersipora cancelli sp. nov. and Blinmanipora hawkerensis gen. et sp. nov. occur together with Flindersipora bowmani Lafuste, Moorowipora chamberensis Fuller and Jenkins, and Arrowipora fromensis Fuller and Jenkins in the Moorowie Formation of the eastern Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Some of the corals occur in growth position in large allochthonous clasts of calcimicrobe‐archaeocyathan boundstones considered to have slid as talus from the frontal slope of a zoned reef complex into relatively deep water. Flindersipora cancelli has some morphological characteristics in common with F. bowmani, but also has skeletal structures that differ; these include generally horizontal tabulae that are commonly evenly spaced and larger corallites. The skeletal structures of Flindersipora and Moorowipora have some characteristics in common; however, Blinmanipora hawkerensis with its randomly orientated tabulae and sparse septa is unlike any other Moorowie coral. Flindersipora, Arrowipora and Moorowipora show similarities to Yaworipora khalfinae Zhuravlev from the upper Botomian of the Altai‐Sayan Region of Siberia. Recent Russian opinion places corals showing the general characteristics of those described herein within the single order Tabulaconida Scrutton, which resembles the later Tabulata sensu stricto, but the similarities between these divisions may well be iterative. Statistical analysis of Flindersipora bowmani and F. cancelli based on corallite diameter supports the fact that these two taxa are separate species, while the analysis of the four Moorowie genera, support their assignment as separate taxa.
SERPUKHOVIAN CONODONTS FROM NORTHERN SPAIN AND THEIR BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC APPLICATION
Authors: SANZ‐LÓPEZ JAVIER , BLANCO‐FERRERA SILVIA , SÁNCHEZ DE POSADA LUIS C. , GARCÍA‐LÓPEZ SUSANA
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Conodont collections from late Viséan–early Bashkirian deposits include numerous elements related to the cosmopolitan species Gnathodus bilineatus (Roundy) in the Cantabrian Mountains. Arnsbergian beds yield the taxa Gnathodus bilineatus leonicus subsp. nov., G. millarensis sp. nov., G. truyolsi sp. nov. and Gnathodus sp. nov. A. Almost all are also found in limestones of similar age in the Pyrenees, and the G. truyolsi conodont Zone is defined for the upper Serpukhovian of the northern Iberian Peninsula. In addition, numerous references to the proposed taxa come from Austria, Eastern Europe, Northern Africa and Asian localities. The increase in gnathodid diversity and abundance in northern Spain is related to a local Arnsbergian drowning episode of the carbonate platform. G. truyolsi is possibly derived from G. b. bilineatus, and there is morphological convergence with Gnathodus kiensis Pazukhin.
SOFT‐TISSUE PRESERVATION OF THE HIND GUT IN A NEW GENUS OF CLADID CRINOID FROM THE MISSISSIPPIAN (VISEAN, ASBIAN) AT ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND
Authors: KAMMER THOMAS W. , AUSICH WILLIAM I.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Soft‐tissue preservation of the hind gut, or anal sac, in the tegmen of Tubulusocrinus (gen. nov.) doliolus (Wright) from the Mississippian (Visean, Asbian) Pittenweem Formation at St Andrews, Scotland, is the first of its kind known in crinoids; it sheds important new light on the nature of the cladid tegmen. Many cladid crinoids had a calcite‐plated anal sac that may have functioned like a chimney to prevent fouling of the ambulacra. The tubular, uncalcified anal sac of Tubulusocrinus may have functioned like a hose by pointing down current between the arms to avoid fouling of the ambulacra. Its smaller size may also have required less energy to produce than a heavy‐plated sac. The hind gut is apparently preserved by haematite replacement, which was probably altered from original authigenic pyrite that formed soon after catastrophic burial.
THE FIRST NEOCERATOPSIAN DINOSAUR REMAINS FROM EUROPE
Authors: LINDGREN JOHAN , CURRIE PHILIP J. , SIVERSON MIKAEL , REES JAN , CEDERSTRÖM PETER , LINDGREN FILIP
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Shallow marine, nearshore strata of earliest Campanian (Gonioteuthis granulataquadratabelemnite Zone) and latest Early Campanian (informalBelemnellocamax mammillatusbelemnite zone) age in the Kristianstad Basin, southern Sweden, have yielded isolated leptoceratopsid teeth and vertebrae, representing the first record of horned dinosaurs from Europe. The new leptoceratopsid occurrence may support a European dispersal route for the Leptoceratopsidae, or may represent an entirely endemic population. The presence of leptoceratopsid teeth in shallow marine deposits contradicts previous hypotheses suggesting that basal neoceratopsians mainly preferred arid and/or semi‐arid habitats far from coastal areas.
Measurements of dye absorption by cellulose triacetate using matching index of refraction absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Annis P A , Campbell J H , Matsukura A , Senentz A , King A D
Published: July 2007

A simple method of analysis has been devised in which the uptake of disperse dyes in triacetate fabrics can be monitored using ordinary absorption spectroscopy. The experimental technique requires that a sample of triacetate fabric be immersed in a liquid having the same index of refraction as the constituent fibres, thus rendering the fabric transparent to visible light. Under these conditions, a dyed sample of fabric may be placed in the cell compartment of an ordinary ultraviolet/visible spectrometer allowing one to measure the absorption spectrum of the dye molecules located within the constituent triacetate fibres of the fabric sample. Values measured for the absorbance of several dyes incorporated within samples of triacetate fabric are shown to satisfy the Beer–Lambert law, thus enabling one to measure the rate of dye uptake by triacetate fabric samples placed in infinite dyebaths.
Nanofiltration and ozonation for decolorisation and salt recovery from reactive dyebath
Authors: Vishnu G , Joseph Kurian
Published: July 2007

Three commercially available high exhaust dyes were used to prepare dyebaths of different shades and subjected to nanofiltration and ozonation. Colour removal, chemical oxygen demand reduction, permeate flux, ozone consumption and total organic carbon removal were analysed to determine the efficiency of nanofiltration and ozonation. It was found that both nanofiltration and ozonation showed a high degree of (>90%) decolorising efficiency. High total organic carbon removal (80%) could be achieved by nanofiltration while ozonation could achieve only a maximum of 55% total organic carbon removal. The treated dyebath was reused for dyeing the fabric and the fabric quality was compared for the different shades. It was found that the quality of the dyed fabric was good for all shades dyed with nanofiltration permeate. The quality of the dyed fabric was affected for dark shades dyed with the ozone decolorised dyebath.
PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM AND MANAGEMENT IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: New Developments in the Management of Hyperphosphatemia in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: McIntyre Christopher W.
Published: July 2007

Hyperphosphatemia is a characteristic complication of significant chronic kidney disease. Elevated serum phosphorous is associated with reduced survival. Hyperphosphatemia has long been recognized as predisposing to uremic bone disease and disorders of parathyroid function. Furthermore, elevated serum phosphate has been implicated particularly in the development of cardiovascular structural and functional abnormalities.

Given the limitations of restricting phosphate in the diet and the inadequate removal by conventional dialysis regimes, nephrologists rely on the use of additional medications to control serum levels (currently oral phosphate binders).

This review focuses on new agents and therapeutic approaches dealing with hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease, that are not currently licensed and available in routine clinical practise. This article attempts to review therapies under development and considers additional effects that the next generation of agents may bring over and above those already within the therapeutic armamentarium.
Classification of Complications Associated with Hemodialysis Vascular Access Procedures: A Position Statement from the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology
Authors: Vesely Thomas M. , Beathard Gerald , Ash Stephen , Hoggard Jeffrey , Schon Donald ,   for the ASDIN Clinical Practice Committee
Published: July 2007

A procedure‐related complication is an unanticipated adverse event that requires therapy. In order to analyze frequency and severity of complications in the process of quality assurance, it is useful to have a classification of complications, indicating the type and severity. The Clinical Practice Committee of American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology has developed a Classification of Complications relating to Hemodialysis Vascular Access Procedures, based on the system first proposed by Beathard in 2006. In this system, the “type” refers to the procedure being performed or vessel entered, and the “grade” is based on the intensity of medical care needed to address the complication. This publication describes 10 Types and 4 Grades of complications.
The use of infliximab in dermatology
Authors: Rott Silja , Mrowietz Ulrich
Published: July 2007

Autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis are often difficult to treat due to complex underlying immunologic pathways. Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) is an important proinflammatory cytokine that seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. After the approval of a variety of drugs which block the biological activity of TNFα, new therapeutic options were available and especially infliximab became widely used.

TNFα, as a member of the proinflammatory cytokine family, is a major cytokine in different inflammatory dermatological diseases such as cutaneous vasculitis, lupus erythematosus, eczema or psoriasis. Therefore infliximab has been used in a variety of inflammatory dermatoses lately, sometimes with great success. Several case reports showing new indications for a successful use of TNFα‐inhibitors in dermatology have been published and will be reviewed in the following article. Nevertheless, infliximab is not approved for these indications at the moment and has to be considered as off‐label use.
Ultrasonography in dermatology
Authors: Dill‐Müller Dorothee , Maschke Jan
Published: July 2007

Ultrasonography is an essential tool for most medical specialties; training in its use is required for dermatology residency programs in Germany. Ultrasonography is a versatile, painless, low‐risk, non‐invasive procedure which can be done anywhere and easily repeated; it provides real‐time visual information about benign and malignant processes in the skin and subcutis. Highfrequency sonography with 20 MHz scanners is well‐established for measuring the thickness of the skin or its tumors and assessing inflammatory skin disorders. Mid‐frequency sonography with 7.5‐15 MHz sounds is widely used in dermatologic oncology, both for pre‐operative staging and follow‐up of melanoma patients. The interpretation of sonographic images such as borders of lesions, echogenicity, artifacts and vascular patterns with duplex color sonography requires structured education and intensive training. The wide variety of diagnostic information provided by sonography underlines its essential position in certified skin cancer centers.