bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socially induced brain development in a facultatively eusocial sweat beeMegalopta genalis(Halictidae)
Authors: Smith Adam R. , Seid Marc A. , Jiménez Lissette C. , Wcislo William T.
Published: March 2010

Changes in the relative size of brain regions are often dependent on experience and environmental stimulation, which includes an animal's social environment. Some studies suggest that social interactions are cognitively demanding, and have examined predictions that the evolution of sociality led to the evolution of larger brains. Previous studies have compared species with different social organizations or different groups within obligately social species. Here, we report the firstintraspecificstudy to examine how social experience shapes brain volume using a species with facultatively eusocial or solitary behaviour, the sweat beeMegalopta genalis. Serial histological sections were used to reconstruct and measure the volume of brain areas of bees behaving as social reproductives, social workers, solitary reproductives or 1-day-old bees that are undifferentiated with respect to the social phenotype. Social reproductives showed increased development of the mushroom body (an area of the insect brain associated with sensory integration and learning) relative to social workers and solitary reproductives. The gross neuroanatomy of young bees is developmentally similar to the advanced eusocial species previously studied, despite vast differences in colony size and social organization. Our results suggest that the transition from solitary to social behaviour is associated with modified brain development, and that maintaining dominance, rather than socialityper se, leads to increased mushroom body development, even in the smallest social groups possible (i.e. groups with two bees). Such results suggest that capabilities to navigate the complexities of social life may be a factor shaping brain evolution in some social insects, as for some vertebrates.
Impacts of poor food availability on positive density dependence in a highly colonial seabird
Authors: Ashbrook Kate , Wanless Sarah , Harris Mike P. , Hamer Keith C.
Published: March 2010

For species with positive density dependence, costs and benefits of increasing density may depend on environmental conditions, but this has seldom been tested. By examining a colonial seabird (common guillemot) over a period of unprecedented poor food availability, we test two contrasting hypotheses suggesting that birds breeding at high density have: (i) greater leeway to increase foraging effort owing to more effective defence of unattended chicks against predators; and (ii) less leeway, owing to more attacks on unattended chicks by neighbouring adults. Supporting hypothesis 1, birds at high density increased provisioning rates and hence survival of chicks by foraging simultaneously with their partners, whereas at low density, unattended chicks were liable to be killed by predatory gulls and, unexpectedly, razorbills. Simultaneously, supporting hypothesis 2, heightened aggression towards unattended chicks at high density frequently resulted in infanticide, undermining benefits from collective defence against predators. Consequently, over 25 years, the magnitude of positive density dependence was independent of mean breeding success. These data indicate previously unsuspected trade-offs between costs and benefits of increasing density under changing environments. Previous generalizations about the importance of high density for reproductive success have so far remained robust, but such trade-offs could have unpredictable consequences for future population dynamics.
Do processing time and storage of sputum influence quantitative bacteriology in bronchiectasis?
Authors: Murray Maeve P. , Doherty Catherine J. , Govan John R. W. , Hill Adam T.
Published: March 2010

This study aimed to establish whether the bacterial density of spontaneous sputum is affected by the time and mode of sample storage. Ten patients with bronchiectasis collected all sputum expectorated over 45 min. The samples were aliquoted and processed at 25 °C for qualitative and quantitative bacteriology at 1, 2, 4 and 6 h from expectoration. Further aliquots were stored at 25 °C, 4 °C and −20 °C for 24 and 48 h prior to processing. The species present was identified and median (interquartile range) sputum log10 bacterial density (c.f.u. ml−1) calculated. All samples cultured grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa and for two patients Staphylococcus aureus additionally grew for all samples. There was no significant difference in P. aeruginosa density in samples processed at 1, 2, 4 and 6 h following expectoration [8.2 (7.8–8.3) c.f.u. ml−1, 8.0 (7.8–8.3) c.f.u. ml−1, 8.0 (7.9–8.2) c.f.u. ml−1, 8.1 (7.9–8.2) c.f.u. ml−1, respectively, P=0.392]. Storage for 24 and 48 h at 4 °C did not significantly change the bacterial load compared with processing at 1 h [8.03 (7.6–8.2) c.f.u. ml−1, P=0.07, and 7.96 (7.49–8.22) c.f.u. ml−1, P=0.09, respectively]. Storage for 24 and 48 h at −20 °C significantly reduced P. aeruginosa density [7.1 (6.1–7.7) c.f.u. ml−1, P=0.005, and 6.9 (6.2–7.6) c.f.u. ml−1, P=0.008, respectively]. Storage at 25 °C for 24 and 48 h was associated with a significant increase in bacterial load [8.3 (8.1–8.6) c.f.u. ml−1, P=0.009, and 8.4 (8.1–8.5) c.f.u. ml−1, P=0.03, respectively]. Bacterial density was not affected by storage for up to 6 h following expectoration at 25 °C; beyond this, storage at 4 °C is preferred.
Epidemic meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (EMRSA-15) variants detected in healthy and diseased individuals in India
Authors: Nadig Savitha , Ramachandra Raju Shilpa , Arakere Gayathri
Published: March 2010

This study provides what we believe to be the first report of the presence of EMRSA-15 and its variants isolated from nasal swabs from 13 healthy and diseased individuals in India. The majority of the isolates belonged to staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IV and spa type t852, whilst four isolates were non-typable and heterotypic for the presence of the mecA gene. All non-typable isolates were positive for the orfX gene by PCR and belonged to spa types t005 and t2986. They may have variant SCCmec cassettes indicating genetic changes occurring in the Indian EMRSA-15. All isolates were positive for Panton–Valentine leukocidin and toxic shock syndrome toxin, which is a cause for concern. In addition to soft-tissue infections, the EMRSA-15 isolates from patients were also responsible for meningitis and brain abscesses, which is quite rare.
Could insect phagocytic avoidance by entomogenous fungi have evolved via selection against soil amoeboid predators?
Authors: Bidochka Michael J. , Clark David C. , Lewis Mike W. , Keyhani Nemat O.
Published: March 2010

The entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana are ubiquitously distributed in soils. As insect pathogens they adhere to the insect cuticle and penetrate through to the insect haemocoel using a variety of cuticle-hydrolysing enzymes. Once in the insect haemocoel they are able to survive and replicate within, and/or evade, phagocytic haemocyte cells circulating in the haemolymph. The mechanism by which these soil fungi acquire virulence factors for insect infection and insect immune avoidance is unknown. We hypothesize that insect phagocytic cell avoidance in M. anisopliae and B. bassiana is the consequence of a survival strategy against soil-inhabiting predatory amoebae. Microscopic examination, phagocytosis assays and amoeba mortality assays showed that these insect pathogenic fungi are phagocytosed by the soil amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii and can survive and grow within the amoeba, resulting in amoeba death. Mammalian fungal and bacterial pathogens, such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Legionella pneumophila, respectively, show a remarkable overlap between survival against soil amoebae and survival against human macrophages. The insect immune system, particularly phagocytic haemocytes, is analogous to the mammalian macrophage. Our data suggest that the ability of the fungal insect pathogens M. anisopliae and B. bassiana to survive insect phagocytic haemocytes may be a consequence of adaptations that have evolved in order to avoid predation by soil amoebae.
An elegant mind: Learning and memory in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ardiel Evan L. , Rankin Catharine H.
Published: March 2010

This article reviews the literature on learning and memory in the soil-dwelling nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Paradigms include nonassociative learning, associative learning, and imprinting, as worms have been shown to habituate to mechanical and chemical stimuli, as well as learn the smells, tastes, temperatures, and oxygen levels that predict aversive chemicals or the presence or absence of food. In each case, the neural circuit underlying the behavior has been at least partially described, and forward and reverse genetics are being used to elucidate the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Several genes have been identified with no known role other than mediating behavior plasticity.
The Arabidopsis Family GT43 Glycosyltransferases Form Two Functionally Nonredundant Groups Essential for the Elongation of Glucuronoxylan Backbone
Authors: Lee Chanhui , Teng Quincy , Huang Wenlin , Zhong Ruiqin , Ye Zheng-Hua
Published: March 2010

There exist four members of family GT43 glycosyltransferases in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome, and mutations of two of them, IRX9 and IRX14, have previously been shown to cause a defect in glucuronoxylan (GX) biosynthesis. However, it is currently unknown whether IRX9 and IRX14 perform the same biochemical function and whether the other two GT43 members are also involved in GX biosynthesis. In this report, we performed comprehensive genetic analysis of the functional roles of the four Arabidopsis GT43 members in GX biosynthesis. The I9H (IRX9 homolog) and I14H (IRX14 homolog) genes were shown to be specifically expressed in cells undergoing secondary wall thickening, and their encoded proteins were targeted to the Golgi, where GX is synthesized. Overexpression of I9H but not IRX14 or I14H rescued the GX defects conferred by the irx9 mutation, whereas overexpression of I14H but not IRX9 or I9H complemented the GX defects caused by the irx14 mutation. Double mutant analyses revealed that I9H functioned redundantly with IRX9 and that I14H was redundant with IRX14 in their functions. In addition, double mutations of IRX9 and IRX14 were shown to cause a loss of secondary wall thickening in fibers and a much more severe reduction in GX amount than their single mutants. Together, these results provide genetic evidence demonstrating that all four Arabidopsis GT43 members are involved in GX biosynthesis and suggest that they form two functionally nonredundant groups essential for the normal elongation of GX backbone.
Reactive proliferation of endothelial cells and pericytes associated with arteriovenous malformation
Authors: YASUDA Masahito , OKADA Etsuko , NAGAI Yayoi , TAMURA Atsushi , ISHIKAWA Osamu
Published: March 2010

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a structural vascular abnormality with no proliferation of cellular components. We report on a 53‐year‐old man who presented with a 15‐year history of a progressively enlarging nodule on his lower lip. A dark‐reddish, easy‐bleeding nodule diagnosed as AVM was resected to reduce the volume and troublesome bleeding. Histologically, the nodule revealed that the proliferating cellular area was composed of endothelial cells and pericytes in addition to the area of dilated vessels. We speculated that the cell proliferation developed secondary to AVM. We also discuss the histological differential diagnosis of spindle cell hemangioma and pseudo‐Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Linear arrangement of hypopigmented Spitz nevi on the ear after trauma
Authors: WANG Lei , WANG Gang , FAN Pingshen , GAO Tianwen
Published: March 2010

A 10‐year‐old boy had multiple papules after surgery on a primary lesion on his left ear. The papules were pink and showed a linear arrangement around the helix. Histopathological examination of two separate lesions showed proliferation of epithelioid cells in the dermis and some of them formed nests. No melanin was found in the epithelioid cells, and immunohistochemistry staining with S100, HMB45 and Melan‐A were positive in the neoplasm cells. According to the clinical and histopathological characteristics, it was diagnosed as hypopigmented Spitz nevi with linear arrangement after trauma.
Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia affecting the scrotum: A rare case report with molecular evidence of T‐cell clonality
Authors: CHEN Jeng‐Feng , GAO Hong‐Wei , WU Bai‐Yao , TSAI Wen‐Chiuan , CHIANG Chien‐Ping
Published: March 2010

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare, benign entity of unknown pathogenesis. It often presents as painful or pruritic intradermal or subcutaneous red to brown papules or nodules on the head and neck of young adults. A 38‐year‐old man had a gradually enlarging and mild pruritic plaque on the scrotum for half a year. Pathological findings showed dermal proliferation of anomalous blood vessels lined by plump endothelium with a significant perivascular inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes, histiocytes, scattered plasma cells and many eosinophils. They were consistent with the diagnosis of ALHE. In addition, the inflammatory infiltrate was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and T‐cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement. They were mostly CD3+ T cells and a monoclonal T‐cell population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of ALHE affecting the scrotum to be reported in the published work. We present this case to expand the anatomical distribution of this rare tumor. The molecular study of our case supports that ALHE might be a low‐grade T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder.
Collagen‐derived dipeptide, proline‐hydroxyproline, stimulates cell proliferation and hyaluronic acid synthesis in cultured human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: OHARA Hiroki , ICHIKAWA Satomi , MATSUMOTO Hitoshi , AKIYAMA Minoru , FUJIMOTO Norihiro , KOBAYASHI Takashi , TAJIMA Shingo
Published: March 2010

Orally ingested collagen undergoes degradation to small di‐ or tripeptides, which are detected in circulating blood 2 h after ingestion. The influence of collagen‐derived peptides on dermal extracellular matrix components and cell proliferation was studied using cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Of the various collagenous peptides tested here, the dipeptide proline‐hydroxyproline (Pro‐Hyp) enhanced cell proliferation (1.5‐fold) and hyaluronic acid synthesis (3.8‐fold) at a dose of 200 nmol/mL. This was concomitant with a 2.3‐fold elevation of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) mRNA levels. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated knockdown of the HAS2 gene in human dermal fibroblasts inhibited Pro‐Hyp‐induced HAS2 mRNA transcription and cell mitotic activity. Addition of genistein or H7, a protein kinase inhibitor, abolished the Pro‐Hyp‐induced HAS2 mRNA stimulation. Pro‐Hyp elevated phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) within a short time period (60 min). These results suggest that Pro‐Hyp stimulates both cell mitotic activity and hyaluronic acid synthesis, which is mediated by activation of HAS2 transcription.
Influence of patient factors on the efficacy of breathing system filters at preventing contamination of breathing systems*
Authors: Dugani S. , Kumar A. , Wilkes A. R.
Published: March 2010

We measured the level of contamination in 207 breathing system filters of five different models. The median (IQR [range]) levels of contamination measured in relative light units on the machine side of the filters were: HMEF 750/S 27 (16–56 [4–13 615]); Ultipor BB25 26 (13–40 [9–66]); Humid‐vent filter pedi 19 (15–34 [11–48]); Hygroboy 11 (7–19 [3–113]); and Hygrobaby 9 (6–14 [4–21]). A total of 41/138 (30%) of the HMEF 750/S (the most commonly used filter) had measured values > 50, indicating excessive contamination on the machine side of the filter. The incidence of coughing and duration of the case were significantly associated with the incidence of excessive contamination on the machine side (p = 0.034 and p = 0.024, respectively). Excessive contamination on the machine side of the filter could be from the patient or from the re‐used breathing system and could result in cross‐infection. The level of contamination may need to be checked routinely during each list.
Litigation related to airway and respiratory complications of anaesthesia: an analysis of claims against the NHS in England 1995–2007
Authors: Cook T. M. , Scott S. , Mihai R.
Published: March 2010

Claims notified to the NHS Litigation Authority in England between 1995 and 2007 and filed under anaesthesia were analysed to explore patterns of injury and cost related to airway or respiratory events. Of 841 interpretable claims the final dataset contained 96 claims of dental damage, 67 airway‐related claims and 24 respiratory claims. Claims of dental damage contributed a numerically important (11%), but financially modest (0.5%) proportion of claims. These claims predominantly described injury during tracheal intubation or extubation; a minority associated with electroconvulsive therapy led to substantial cost per claim. The total cost of (non‐dental) airway claims was £4.9 million (84% closed, median cost £30 000) and that of respiratory claims was £3.3 million (81% closed, median £27 000). Airway and respiratory claims account for 12% of anaesthesia‐related claims, 53% of deaths, 27% of cost and ten of the 50 most expensive claims in the dataset. Airway claims most frequently described events at induction of anaesthesia, involved airway management with a tracheal tube and typically led to hypoxia and patient death or brain injury. Airway trauma accounted for one third of airway claims and these included deaths from mediastinal injury at intubation. Pulmonary aspiration and tube misplacement, including oesophageal intubation, led to several claims. Among respiratory claims, ventilation problems, combined with hypoxia, were an important source of claims. Although limited clinical details hamper analysis, the data suggest that most airway and respiratory‐related claims arise from sentinel events. The absence of clinical detail and denominators limit opportunities to learn from such events; much more could be learnt from a closed claim or sentinel event analysis scheme.
Metabolic cardiovascular disease risk factors and their clustering in subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Ashizawa Kiyoto , Imaizumi Misa , Usa Toshiro , Tominaga Tan , Sera Nobuko , Hida Ayumi , Ejima Eri , Neriishi Kazuo , Soda Midori , Ichimaru Shinichiro , Nakashima Eiji , Fujiwara Saeko , Maeda Renju , Nagataki Shigenobu , Eguchi Katsumi , Akahoshi Masazumi
Published: March 2010

Objective  A possible association between subclinical hypothyroidism and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been reported. Monitoring of atomic‐bomb survivors for late effects of radiation exposure at the Radiation Effects Research Foundation has provided the opportunity to examine associations between subclinical hypothyroidism and metabolic CVD risk factors. The objective of the study was to evaluate associations between subclinical hypothyroidism and metabolic CVD risk factors, and a cluster of these factors.

Design and participants  This was a cross‐sectional study of 3549 subjects (mean age 70 years; 1221 men and 2328 women) between 2000 and 2003 comprising 306 subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism and 3243 control euthyroid subjects in Japan.

Measurements  We investigated associations between subclinical hypothyroidism and metabolic CVD risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and hyperuricaemia, and a cluster of these factors.

Results  Subclinical hypothyroidism was not significantly associated with either hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hyperuricaemia defined by taking into account the use of medications in both men and women, but in men it was associated with dyslipidaemia (P = 0·02). We observed a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for the presence of three or more metabolic CVD risk factors in men with subclinical hypothyroidism after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status [OR: 1·83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·13–2·94, P = 0·01]. The significant associations remained after an additional adjustment for atomic‐bomb radiation dose.

Conclusions  There appears to be a significant increase in a cluster of metabolic CVD risk factors among people with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Regulation of adipokine production in human adipose tissue by propionic acid
Authors: Al‐Lahham Sa’ad H. , Roelofsen Han , Priebe Marion , Weening Desiree , Dijkstra Martijn , Hoek Annemieke , Rezaee Farhad , Venema Koen , Vonk Roel J.
Published: March 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (5): 401–407

Background  Dietary fibre (DF) has been shown to be protective for the development of obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Short‐chain fatty acids, produced by colonic fermentation of DF might mediate this beneficial effect. Adipose tissue plays a key role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, therefore, we investigated the influence of the short‐chain fatty acid propionic acid (PA) on leptin, adiponectin and resistin production by human omental (OAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). As PA has been shown to be a ligand for G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) 41 and 43, we investigated the role of GPCR’s in PA signalling.

Materials and methods  Human OAT and SAT explants were obtained from gynaecological patients who underwent surgery. Explants were incubated for 24 h with PA. Adipokine secretion and mRNA expression were determined using ELISA and RT‐PCR respectively.

Results  We found that PA significantly stimulated leptin mRNA expression and secretion by OAT and SAT, whereas it had no effect on adiponectin. Furthermore, PA reduced resistin mRNA expression. Leptin induction, but not resistin reduction, was abolished by inhibition of Gi/o‐coupled GPCR signalling. Moreover, GPCR41 and GPCR43 mRNA levels were considerably higher in SAT than in OAT.

Conclusions  We demonstrate that PA stimulates expression of the anorexigenic hormone leptin and reduces the pro‐inflammatory factor resistin in human adipose tissue depots. This suggests that PA is involved in regulation of human energy metabolism and inflammation and in this way may influence the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Spatio‐temporal distribution of albacore (Thunnus alalunga) catches in the northeastern Atlantic: relationship with the thermal environment
Authors: SAGARMINAGA Y. , ARRIZABALAGA H.
Published: March 2010

When the spring seasonal warming starts, North Atlantic albacore (Thunnus alalunga) juveniles and pre‐adults perform a trophic migration to the northeastern Atlantic, to the Bay of Biscay and to the southeast of Ireland. During this migration, they are exploited by Spanish trolling and baitboat fleets. The present study analyzes the relationship between the albacore spatio‐temporal distribution and the thermal environment. For this approach, several analyses have been performed on a database including fishing logbooks and sea surface temperature (SST) images, covering the period between 1987 and 2003. SST values and the SST gradients at the catch locations have been statistically compared to broader surrounding areas to test whether the thermal environment determines the spatial distribution of albacore. General additive models (GAM) have been used also to evaluate the relative importance of environmental variables and fleet behaviour. The results obtained show that, although juvenile albacore catch locations are affected by fleet dynamics, there is a close spatial and temporal relationship with the seasonal evolution of a statistically significant preferential SST window (16–18°C). However, differences have been identified between the relationship of albacore with SST within the Bay of Biscay in July and August (higher temperature). Such differences are found also in the spatial distribution of the catch locations; these reflect clearly the presence of two groups, differentiated after the third week of the fishing campaign at the end of June. The analysis undertaken relating the distribution of North Atlantic albacore juveniles with thermal gradients did not provide any evidence of a relationship between these catch locations and the nearby occurrence of thermal gradients.
The aerodynamics and efficiency of wind pollination in grasses
Authors: Cresswell James E. , Krick Julian , Patrick Michael A. , Lahoubi Mohammed
Published: March 2010

1. Under natural selection for sexual success, the reproductive organs of plants should evolve to become highly effective pollen receptors. Among wind‐pollinated plants, larger reproductive structures appear counter‐adapted to accumulate pollen by impaction on their windward surfaces, because airborne particles are less able to penetrate the thicker boundary layer of larger targets. Therefore, it has been proposed that wind‐pollinated plants with pollen receptors on relatively large structures, like some grasses (family Poaceae), are architecturally adapted to create downstream vortices in which airborne pollen recirculates before accumulating on leeward surfaces. From this basis, the striking diversity among the grasses in the architecture of their flowering stems has been attributed in part to the existence of these contrasting mechanisms for effecting pollen receipt, namely impact collection and recirculatory collection.

2. We investigated the relative importance of impact and recirculatory collection in grasses by analysing a model systemin silicousing Computational Fluid Dynamics and by conductingin vivoexperiments, both in a wind tunnel and outdoors, using two grass species with compact inflorescences,Alopecurus pratensisandAnthoxanthum odoratum.

3. Irrespective of the experimental approach, we found that although pollen recirculated in the leeward eddies of inflorescences, over 95% of the accumulated pollen was collected by windward surfaces.

4. InA. pratensis, the collection efficiency (proportion of oncoming pollen collected) was between 5% and 20%, depending on wind speed in the range 0·5–1·9 m s−1and these levels conform to those predicted by a mechanistic model of impact collection.

5. Our results demonstrate that grass species with larger inflorescences are, like those with smaller inflorescences, primarily impact collectors of airborne pollen, which suggests that dissimilar reproductive morphology among species cannot be attributed to differentiation in the mode of pollen capture and, instead, requires reference to other factors, such as the need to produce, protect and disperse seeds of different sizes in different environments.
Gender dimorphism and mycorrhizal symbiosis affect floral visitors and reproductive output inGeranium sylvaticum
Authors: Varga Sandra , Kytöviita Minna‐Maarit
Published: March 2010

1. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis has been shown to enhance some plant traits to which pollinators are known to respond. Moreover, in gynodioecious species pollinators prefer hermaphrodite flowers over female ones, but the role of fungal symbiosis in sex‐specific pollinator attraction is unknown.

2. We examined how plant gender dimorphism and AM symbiosis affect floral visitors and reproductive output in the gynodioecious plantGeranium sylvaticum. Floral visitors were monitored in a common garden experiment using mycorrhizal plants inoculated with eitherGlomus claroideumorGlomus hoiand in non‐mycorrhizal condition.

3. We hypothesized that because of the larger flower display and pollen presence in hermaphrodites, (i) hermaphrodites receive more floral visitors than females. However, as females produce higher numbers of seeds than hermaphrodites, we predicted that (ii) effective pollinators visit both sexes equally and that (iii) AM symbiosis, although affecting floral characteristics and insect behaviour in general, should not have sex‐specific effects on insects that transport pollen.

4. Our results confirm the hypotheses as hermaphrodites received 1·5 times as many floral visitors than females. However, the most important pollinator group, the bumblebees, did not prefer either sex, which may be important for the maintenance of both sexes in gynodioecious populations. We further corroborated that AM symbiosis, although affecting flower size and the amount of pollen, did not affect bumblebee behaviour, whereas other hymenopterans showed a deterrence forG. hoiinoculated plants.

5. This work reports the impact of AM symbiosis on the behaviour of floral visitors in a sexually dimorphic plant species. Positive interactions between plants, floral visitors and AM have been documented previously. However, potential negative tritrophic interactions between plants, floral visitors and AM may also occur. Our results suggest that plant sex and the mycorrhizal status of the plant also influence floral visitor groups that are unlikely to carry out pollination. This may benefit the plants if these floral visitors carry fungal diseases and consume pollen and nectar without effectively vectoring pollen.
Prevalence of allo‐immunization anti‐HLA and anti‐integrin αIIbβ3 in Glanzmann Thromboasthenia patients
Authors: SANTORO C. , RAGO A. , BIONDO F. , CONTI L. , PULCINELLI F. , LAURENTI L. , PERRONE M. P. , BALDACCI E. , LEPORACE A. , MAZZUCCONI M. G.
Published: March 2010

Summary.  Platelet transfusions, main therapy of Glanzmann Thromboasthenia (GT), can induce an allo‐immunization against human leucocyte antigen and integrin αIIbβ3. We have investigated in our GT patients the rate of allo‐immunization and of refractoriness to platelet transfusions. From 1975 until December 2005, we have followed 17 GT patients: 14 type 1, 3 variant type; nine females, eight males; median age at diagnosis 9.8 years (range 1–44.5); median age at the time of the study 35.5 years (range 23.6–68.5). In our patients, 121 bleeding episodes occurred (24 severe, 37 moderate, and 60 mild). Ten major and 22 minor surgical procedures have been performed. Two spontaneous deliveries and three caesarian sections with five live births were performed; moreover, one late foetal loss occurred, and one voluntary abortion was performed. Sixteen of 17 patients have been transfused at least once in life with platelets and/or red blood cells (RBC). All transfused patients have been investigated for the presence of anti‐HLA and anti‐integrin αIIbβ3 allo‐antibodies. The positiveness of allo‐antibodies has been demonstrated in 4/16 transfused patients (25%): isolated for anti‐HLA in two; isolated for anti‐integrin αIIbβ3 in one; and combined in one. In spite of the presence of allo‐antibodies, platelet transfusions have always been effective and the haemostasis was not compromised.
Long‐term changes in the ipsilateral substantia nigra after transient focal cerebral ischaemia in rats
Authors: Uchida Hiroto , Yokoyama Hironori , Kimoto Hiroki , Kato Hiroyuki , Araki Tsutomu
Published: March 2010

Transient focal cerebral ischaemia can cause neuronal damage in remote areas, including the ipsilateral thalamus and subsutantia nigra, as well as in the ischaemic core. In the present study, we investigated long‐term changes in the ipsilateral substantia nigra from 1 up to 20 weeks after 90 min of transient focal cerebral ischaemia in rats, using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), neuronal nuclei (NeuN), Iba‐1, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) immunostaining. These results show that transient focal cerebral ischaemia in rats can cause a severe and prolonged neuronal damage in the ipsilateral striatum. Our results with TH and NeuN immunostaining also demonstrate that the atrophy of the ipsilateral substantia nigra after transient focal cerebral ischaemia was not static but progressive. Furthermore, our double‐labelled immunohistochemical study suggests that BDNF released by GFAP‐positive astrocytes may play a key role in the survival of dopaminergic neurones in the ipsilateral substantia nigra at the chronic stage after transient focal cerebral ischaemia, although the areas of the ipsilateral substantia nigra are decreased progressively after ischaemia. Thus our study provides further valuable information for the pathogenesis of neuronal damage after transient focal cerebral ischaemia.
Early childhood predictors of mothers' and fathers' relationships with adolescents with developmental disabilities
Authors: Mitchell D. B. , Hauser‐Cram P.
Published: March 2010

Background  The importance of positive parent–adolescent relationships is stressed in research on adolescents, although very little is known about this relationship when a teen has developmental disabilities (DD). We investigated the relationships of adolescents with disabilities with their mothers and their fathers in order to answer a number of questions regarding these relationships. In particular, we asked: are there differences in the relationships of mothers and fathers with their adolescent with DD? Are there early childhood predictors of the parent–teen relationship and are those based on variables that are amenable to intervention? Finally, do these predictors differ for mothers and fathers?

Methods  This study focused on the relationships of 72 mothers and 53 fathers with their 15‐year‐old teens with DD and their predictors from the early childhood years. Data were collected from parents through interviews and self‐administered questionnaires, and from their children with disabilities through structured assessment when children were age 3 years and again at age 15 years.

Results  Analyses indicated that both mother–teen and father–teen relationships were predicted by earlier parenting stress. The father–teen relationship was also predicted by early behaviour problems, but this relation was mediated by parenting stress. Socio‐economic status, type of disability and the child's level of functioning were not predictive of later relationships between parents and teens. Mothers and fathers did not differ significantly in their reports of perceived positive relationships with their teens.

Conclusions  The findings from this study suggest two important points of potential intervention during the early intervention years. First, parenting assistance and support to reduce stress during the early childhood years can benefit both mothers and fathers. Second, helping families and children cope with and diminish problem behaviours is likely to yield multiple advantages for parents and children and deserves emphasis in early intervention and pre‐school programmes.
Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents in Germany: national trends in the rates of inpatients, 2000–2007
Authors: Holtmann Martin , Duketis Eftichia , Poustka Luise , Zepf Florian Daniel , Poustka Fritz , Bölte Sven
Published: March 2010

Holtmann M, Duketis E, Poustka L, Zepf FD, Poustka F, Bölte S. Bipolar disorder in children and adolescents in Germany: national trends in the rates of inpatients, 2000–2007. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 155–163. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Increasing admission and prevalence rates of bipolar disorder (BD) are a matter of controversy in international child and adolescent psychiatry. We seek to contribute to this discussion by presenting data obtained in a population of German children and adolescents.

Methods:  Nationwide, whole population changes in inpatient admissions of BD and other psychiatric disorders between 2000 and 2007 were analyzed in individuals aged up to 19 years using registry data from the German Federal Health Monitoring System.

Results:  Inpatient admissions for BD in individuals aged up to 19 years increased from 1.13 to 1.91 per 100,000 or 68.5% between 2000 and 2007 (odds ratio: 1.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.41–2.02), with a nonsignificant decline in children less than 15 years and the largest relative increase in adolescents aged 15–19 years. Inpatient rates for depressive disorders increased by 219.6% and for hyperkinetic disorder by 111.3%. Conduct disorders increased by 18.1%, considerably less than the 38.1% general rise for all mental disorders in children and adolescents. The only significant decline in a diagnostic category occurred for psychotic disorders (−11.8%). BD inpatient admission represented only 0.22% of all mental disorder admissions in 2000 and 0.27% in 2007.

Conclusions:  An elevation of inpatient admissions of BD in Germany in adolescents was detected, exceeding the general trend for increased mental disorder admissions. The results may indicate a higher clinical awareness and appreciation of mood symptoms at earlier ages and, in part, a reconceptualization of previously diagnosed psychotic disorders in youth. However, a diagnosis of BD in youngsters is still extremely rare in Germany. Diagnoses were based on the judgment of the treating physician. A correction for multiple admissions in the data set is not possible.
Randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of flax oil in pediatric bipolar disorder
Authors: Gracious Barbara L , Chirieac Madalina C , Costescu Stefan , Finucane Teresa L , Youngstrom Eric A , Hibbeln Joseph R
Published: March 2010

Gracious BL, Chirieac MC, Costescu S, Finucane TL, Youngstrom EA, Hibbeln JR. Randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of flax oil in pediatric bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 142–154. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  This clinical trial evaluated whether supplementation with flax oil, containing the omega‐3 fatty acid α‐linolenic acid (α‐LNA), safely reduced symptom severity in youth with bipolar disorder.

Methods:  Children and adolescents aged 6–17 years with symptomatic bipolar I or bipolar II disorder (n = 51), manic, hypomanic, mixed, or depressed, were randomized to either flax oil capsules containing 550 mg α‐LNA per 1 gram or an olive oil placebo adjunctively or as monotherapy. Doses were titrated to 12 capsules per day as tolerated over 16 weeks. Primary outcomes included changes in the Young Mania Rating Scale, Child Depression Rating Scale‐Revised, and Clinical Global Impressions‐Bipolar ratings using Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses.

Results:  There were no significant differences in primary outcome measures when compared by treatment assignment. However, clinician‐rated Global Symptom Severity was negatively correlated with final serum omega‐3 fatty acid compositions: %α‐LNA (r = −0.45, p < 0.007), % eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (r = −0.47, p < 0.005); and positively correlated with final arachidonic acid (AA) (r = 0.36, p < 0.05) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) n‐6 (r = 0.48, p < 0.004). The mean duration of treatment for α‐LNA was 11.8 weeks versus 8 weeks for placebo; however, the longer treatment duration for α‐LNA was not significant after controlling for baseline variables. Subjects discontinued the study for continued depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:  Studies of essential fatty acid supplementation are feasible and well tolerated in the pediatric population. Although flax oil may decrease severity of illness in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder who have meaningful increases in serum EPA percent levels and/or decreased AA and DPA n‐6 levels, individual variations in conversion of α‐LNA to EPA and docosahexaenoic acid as well as dosing burden favor the use of fish oil both for clinical trials and clinical practice. Additionally, future research should focus on adherence and analysis of outcome based on changes in essential fatty acid tissue compositions, as opposed to group randomization alone.
Characterization of α‐1,6‐Mannosyltransferase Responsible for the Synthesis of Branched Side Chains in Candida albicans Mannan
Authors: Suzuki Akifumi , Shibata Nobuyuki , Suzuki Mikiko , Saitoh Fumie , Takata Yuka , Oshie Asayo , Oyamada Hiroko , Kobayashi Hidemitsu , Suzuki Shigeo , Okawa Yoshio
Published: March 2010

A participate insoluble fraction from Candida albicans NIH B‐792 (serotype B) strain cells was obtained as the residue after extracting a 105000×g pellet of cell homogenate with 1% Triton X‐100. Incubation of this fraction with a mannopentaose, Manα1→3Manα1→2Manα1→Manα1→2Man, in the presence of GDP‐mannose and Mn2+ at pH 6.0 gave a branched mannohexaose,

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the structure of which was identified by means of sequential NMR assignment. However, the enzyme fraction obtained from Candida parapsilosis gave Manα1→2Manα1→3Manα1→2Manαl→2Manα1→2‐Man under the same conditions. These results demonstrate the finding that the structural difference in the mannans of these two species is due to the presence of α‐1,6‐linked branching mannose units in the C. albicans mannan [Shibata, N., Ikuta, K., Imai, T., Satoh, Y., Satoh, R., Suzuki, A., Kojima, C., Kobayashi, H., Hisamichi, K. & Suzuki, S. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 1113–1122]. The substrate‐specificity study of the enzyme indicated that the structural requirement of the α‐1,6‐mannosyltransferase is Manα1→3‐Manα1→‐ The α‐1,6‐mannosyltransferase also transferred the α‐1,6‐linked branching mannose unit to the mannan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The transformation of the mannan was detected by the appearance of antigenic factor 4 using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and two‐dimensional homonuclear Hartmann‐Hahn spectroscopy.
Global and Local Determinants for the Kinetics of Interleukin‐4/Interleukin‐4 Receptor α Chain Interaction
Authors: Shen Bo‐Jiang , Hage Thorsten , Sebald Walter
Published: March 2010

An engineered interleukin‐4‐binding protein (IL4‐BP) representing the extracellular domain of the human interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) receptor α chain was expressed in Sf9 cells. The purified IL4‐BP was immobilized via a single biotinylated SH group near the carboxyl end to a biosensor matrix and analysed in real time for interaction with IL‐4 and IL‐4 variants. IL‐4 was bound to IL4‐BP at a molar ratio of approximately 1:1. The association and dissociation at pH 7.4 and 150 mM NaCl had rate constants of 1.9 ± 0.3 × 107 M−1 s−1 and 2 ± 1 × 10−3 s−1, respectively. Glycosylation and engineered amino acid substitutions of IL4‐BP did not alter the kinetic constants as shown by a parallel analysis of IL4‐BP variants produced in Escherichia coli or Chinese hamster ovary cells. The rate of association was only slighly affected in binding‐deficient variants [E9QJIL‐4 and [R88Q]IL‐4 and by acidic pH down to values of 4.5, but it was reduced up to fivefold at higher ionic strength. The rate of dissociation was increased 70‐fold and 150‐fold with the IL‐4 variants and fivefold at an acidic pH of 4.5, but it was not affected by high ionic strength. Temperatures between 6°C and 37°C yielded similar rates of IL‐4 dissociation and only a marginally reduced rate of IL‐4 association at 6°C.

These results indicate that the high‐affinity binding of IL‐4 to its receptor (Kd≈100 pM) is mainly the result of an unusually high association rate. The IL‐4/IL4‐BP interaction appears to be dominated by charge effects. The exceedingly high rate of IL–4/IL4‐BP association is augmented by the overall electrostatic potentials of both proteins (electrostatic steering). Localized charges and the formation of ion pairs may control the rate of complex dissociation.
A Member of the Arthropod Defensin Family from Edible Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)
Authors: Hubert Florence , Noël Thierry , Roch Philippe
Published: March 2010

Plasma from the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis previously immunized by injecting them with bacteria contains several bactericidal proteins. One protein, MGD‐1, was purified by reverse‐phase HPLC of supernatant from acidified cell‐free hemolymph. Its biological activity is directed against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria but it is not cytotoxic towards human erythrocytes nor protozoa. As determined by mass spectrometry, the molecular mass of MGD‐1 is 4418 Da. Primary‐structure analysis revealed 38 amino acids including 8 cysteines and a modified amino acid residue in position 28. Computer searches unambiguously recognized the signature of an arthropod defensin, but the presence of two extra cysteines and of one modified amino acid suggest that it is a previously unknown member of that family.
Gross Morphology of the Intra‐Oral rhamphotheca, Oropharynx and Proximal Oesophagus of the Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Authors: Crole M. R. , Soley J. T.
Published: March 2010

With 5 figures

Information on the gross morphology of the upper digestive tract of ratites is sparse. This is an important region considering that it is the first area for food selection and intake which is vital to the nutrition and growth of the animal and therefore its commercial viability. Twenty‐three heads from sub‐adult (12–14 months) emus were used to provide a definitive description of the oropharynx and proximal oesophagus. Besides supplying baseline morphological data of veterinary importance, this study also underlines the functional importance of this region. The mandibular and maxillary nails, and serrations on the rostral mandibular tomia, provide the emu with a formidable combination of gripping, tearing and pecking power. The folded oropharyngeal floor allows distention of the dorso‐ventrally flattened cavity during eating and drinking. The laryngeal mound performs both respiratory and digestive functions, whereas the distensible proximal oesophagus supports the particular feeding method employed by ratites.
Effective population size of an indigenous Swiss cattle breed estimated from linkage disequilibrium
Authors: Flury C. , Tapio M. , Sonstegard T. , Drögemüller C. , Leeb T. , Simianer H. , Hanotte O. , Rieder S.
Published: March 2010

Effective population size is an important parameter for the assessment of genetic diversity within a livestock population and its development over time. If pedigree information is not available, linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis might offer an alternative perspective for the estimation of effective population size. In this study, 128 individuals of the Swiss Eringer breed were genotyped using the Illumina BovineSNP50 beadchip. We set bin size at 50 kb for LD analysis, assuming that LD for proximal single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐pairs reflects distant breeding history while LD from distal SNP‐pairs would reflect near history. Recombination rates varied among different regions of the genome. The use of physical distances as an approximation of genetic distances (e.g. setting 1 Mb = 0.01 Morgan) led to an upward bias in LD‐based estimates of effective population size for generations beyond 50, while estimates for recent history were unaffected. Correction for restricted sample size did not substantially affect these results. LD‐based actual effective population size was estimated in the range of 87–149, whereas pedigree‐based effective population size resulted in 321 individuals. For conservation purposes, requiring knowledge of recent history (<50 generations), approximation assuming constant recombination rate seemed adequate.