bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservation of rare species with island‐like distributions: A case study ofLasthenia conjugens(Asteraceae) using population genetic structure and the distribution of rare markers
Authors: RAMP NEALE JENNIFER M. , RANKER TOM A. , COLLINGE SHARON K.
Published: July 2008

Californian vernal pools, a patchy, island‐like habitat, are endangered as a result of habitat destruction. Conservation of the remaining vernal pool habitat is essential for the persistence of several endangered species. We present the first study examining DNA‐level genetic diversity within and among populations of a vernal pool plant species. We investigated genetic variation across eight populations of the US federally endangered vernal pool endemicLasthenia conjugens(Asteraceae) using intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Genetic diversity within the species was high (Nei's gene diversity estimate was 0.37), with moderate differentiation among populations (BayesianFSTanalog of 0.124). Using anamovaanalysis, we found that the majority of the genetic variation (84%) was distributed within populations. There is a significant relationship between geographical distance and pairwise genetic differentiation as measured by the Bayesian estimate θB. The alternative hypotheses of historic geological processes within the Central Valley and contemporary gene flow are discussed as explanations of the data. Because of the vulnerability of the populations, we calculated a probability of loss for rare alleles (fragments) in the populations. Calculations show that sampling only one of the eight populations forex‐situconservation or restoration will capture approximately 54% of the sampled rare fragments. We believe that one of the sampled populations has become extinct since it was sampled. When removing this population from the above‐mentioned calculations, sampling one population will capture only 41.3% of the sampled rare fragments. We recommend sampling strategies for future conservation and restoration efforts ofL. conjugens.
Genetic differentiation among populations of an oceanic island: The case of Metrosideros boninensis, an endangered endemic tree species in the Bonin Islands
Authors: KANEKO SHINGO , ISAGI YUJI , NOBUSHIMA FUYUO
Published: July 2008

Conservation of endemic species on oceanic islands is an essential issue for biodiversity conservation. Metrosideros boninensis (Myrtaceae) is an endangered tree species endemic to the Bonin Islands of the western North Pacific Ocean. This species is considered to be extremely rare with less than 400 adult individuals, a number that has fluctuated between the 1880s and 1980s through human influence. We analyzed the genetic diversity and genetic structure of this species using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers and microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity of M. boninensis was extremely low compared to related taxa and similar endemic species from small islands. This low genetic diversity might be attributed to a stepwise colonization process with repeated founder bottlenecks in the dispersal pathway to the Bonin Islands. Populations of M. boninensis showed significant genetic differentiation and isolation by distance over a small geographical scale, despite the fact that this species should have extensive gene dispersal ability. This genetic differentiation might be caused by limited gene flow via pollen and seed among populations and genetic drift amid a small number of remnant individuals. Taken together, these findings suggest that the genetic diversity and connectivity of tree populations on islands are more vulnerable to habitat fragmentation than previously thought. We offer some recommendations for management to ameliorate habitat fragmentation and biological invasion.
Relationship between seed and clonal growth in the reproduction of Carex rugulosa Kük. in riverside meadows
Authors: ARAKI SATORU , KUNII HIDENOBU
Published: July 2008

Carex rugulosa Kük. develops riverside vegetation in brackish marshes along the lower parts of rivers. Because the rhizomatous ramets grow densely (590–950/m2) in its developed population, it is expected that seedlings cannot get enough light to grow if seeds germinate in crowded ramets. We studied the reproductive contribution of seed in a marshy meadow of the Ohashi River, Japan. The number of seeds produced was 6900–14 200/m2 in 2002. The number of buried seeds in the following germination season differed among sites from 1190 to 2690/m2. No seedlings were observed at plots where the ramets from rhizomes grew densely. In contrast, seedlings appeared in plots where all rhizomatous ramets were artificially cut. The number of seedlings corresponded to 17.5–39.5% of that of buried seeds. All these seedlings were submerged and died when it rained heavily. In the genotype analysis using allozyme detection, one of the phosphoglucoisomerase loci (Pgi‐2) indicated a pair of alleles. Among eight plots (each plot was 50 or 60‐cm square), four showed an excess of heterozygotes and two showed homozygote domination in the Pgi‐2 genotype. These results suggest that: (i) seed germination is suppressed in crowded ramets; (ii) seedling survival is severely reduced by inundation; and (iii) the population is usually maintained by clonal growth. As germination is induced in open areas, it is hypothesized that the main role of seed is recovery after vegetation decline caused by environmental stresses or colonization to other areas without dense vegetation.
The effect of scleral flap edge apposition on intraocular pressure control in experimental trabeculectomy
Authors: Birchall Wayne , Wells Anthony P
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background:  To assess the contribution of scleral flap edge apposition to intraocular pressure (IOP) control in trabeculectomy, using a previously described and validated experimental model of guarded filtration surgery.

Materials and methods:  Twelve rectangular‐flap trabeculectomy operations each with two apical adjustable sutures were performed on six donor human eyes connected to a constant flow infusion with real‐time IOP monitoring. Three sizes of scleral flap were created: 4 × 4 mm, 16 mm2 (n = 4), 3 × 3 mm, 9 mm2 (n = 4) or 3 × 2 mm, 6 mm2 (n = 4). Sutures were tied tightly to produce high aqueous outflow resistance, and equilibrium IOP established. The lateral and posterior edges of the scleral flap were removed, the sutures tightened again, and the new equilibrium IOP measured.

Results:  Following flap closure and with intact flap edges, the mean absolute IOP for all flaps (n = 12) was 19.5 ± 3.9 mm Hg (mean ± SD, range 12.4–27 mm Hg) and following flap edge excision 18.7 ± 4.4 mm Hg (range 5.6–27.9 mm Hg), demonstrating no significant difference between flaps with edge apposition compared with those without (P = 0.33). Mean relative IOP (% of baseline) was 68.4 ± 12.1% (range 40.9–94%) with intact flap edges and 65.4 ± 14.5% (range 18.5–97.2%) following flap edge excision (P = 0.31). Flaps measuring 4 × 4 mm and 3 × 3 mm behaved in a similar manner with minimal change in equilibrium IOP following excision of flap edges.

Conclusions:  In this experimental model, scleral flap edge apposition is not required for generating outflow resistance. Suture tension generated during tight flap closure produces apposition of the underside of the scleral trapdoor to the underlying bed, and it is this apposition, which determines IOP.
Paediatric uveal melanoma
Authors: Kanthan Gowri L , Grigg John , Billson Frank , Kourt Gina , Conway R Max
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Uveal melanoma is extremely rare in the paediatric population and can be associated with various pre‐existing conditions. We report the case of a 9‐year‐old girl with no predisposing factor who presented with choroidal melanoma. A review of the literature is presented and various clinical, histopathological and prognostic features of paediatric uveal melanoma are discussed.
Cicatricial entropion repair with hard palate mucous membrane graft: surgical technique and outcomes
Authors: Swamy Brighu N , Benger Ross , Taylor Simon
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background:  The use of a hard palate mucous membrane graft (HPMMG) has been previously described for upper and lower eyelid cicatricial entropion repair. The objective of this paper is to review the surgical technique and postoperative complications in a large series of patient who underwent hard palate grafting for the management of cicatricial entropion.

Methods:  The medical records of 107 patients representing 147 eyelids undergoing surgical management of cicatricial entropion with HPMMG were reviewed. The surgical technique is described.

Results:  147 eyelid operations (74 upper, 73 lower) were performed on 107 patients (46 male, 61 female), with a mean age of 63 years (range 12–87). The aetiology of the cicatricial entropion included idiopathic (41%), trauma (5.6%), chronic blepharitis (16.8%), chemical injury (3.7%), ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (8.4%), trachoma (7.5%) and other (16.8%). Patients were followed postoperatively for an average of 21 months (range 6–120). Ninety‐four per cent of patients noted symptomatic improvement. The postoperative complications included excess keratin (29%), recurrence of cicatricial entropion (4.1%), punctuate epithelial erosion (2.7%), graft shrinkage (0.7%) and donor site bleeding (2.0%).

Conclusions:  Cicatricial Entropion with hard palate mucous membrane grafting for both upper and lower eyelid surgery offers high symptomatic and anatomical cure rates. The requirement for further surgical intervention is low.
Does peak intraocular pressure measured by water drinking test reflect peak circadian levels? A pilot study
Authors: Kumar Rajesh S , De Guzman Maria Hannah Pia , Ong Poh Yan , Goldberg Ivan
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background:  To determine whether there is a correlation between peak intraocular pressure (IOP) measured after water drinking test (WDT) and patient's peak daytime IOP.

Methods:  Patients who were diagnosed with glaucoma, ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma‐like discs were enrolled in this prospective observational pilot study. All subjects underwent daytime IOP measurement by a single observer using a Goldmann Applanation Tonometer at 3‐h intervals. Subjects were then given 10 mL/kg body weight of water to drink over 5 min; IOP was measured every 15 min for an hour. Correlations between peak IOP and IOP fluctuations as measured by the two methods were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results:  Twenty‐five patients were recruited for the study. There were 16 males and 9 females. The mean age was 68.8 ± 8.7 years (50–82 years), and 48% had primary open angle glaucoma. The mean peak IOP measured by diurnal testing (15.52 ± 3.6 mm Hg) was not statistically different from that measured by WDT (15.92 ± 3.2 mm Hg) (P = 0.7). The mean fluctuation in IOP measured during the day (2.32 ± 1.3 mm Hg) was also not significantly different from that measured by WDT (2.24 ± 1.2 mm Hg) (P = 0.8). Though peak IOP measured during diurnal testing showed strong correlation with peak IOP during WDT (r = 0.876), IOP fluctuation measured by the two tests showed poor correlation (r = −0.0789).

Conclusion:  WDT may provide a satisfactory alternative measure of peak IOP in a clinic setting. A larger sample is required to assess whether it is a good measure of IOP fluctuation.
Effect of the vehicle on the topical itraconazole efficacy for treating corneal ulcers caused by Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Martínez‐Ramos Marimar , Claros‐B José A , Vale‐Oviedo Maria Alejandra , Siso‐Villarroel Edgar , Padilla Rubén , Santiago Axel , Simón J‐Abraham
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background:  The clinical behaviour of mycotic keratitis is aggressive, and the options for treating it are limited. This poses a need to explore new options for efficacious, low‐cost treatment. Recent evidence suggests that topical itraconazole may be useful for treating this entity and that it may be possible to improve its efficacy using a suitable vehicle.

Methods:  We included 12 New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits (24 eyes). The rabbits were infected with pathogenic strains of Aspergillus fumigatus and subsequently randomized to receive every 2 h for 5 weeks two different preparations of topical itraconazole 1%. In group 1 (12 eyes), ricinus oil and in group 2 (12 eyes), Systane were used as vehicle. Rabbits were evaluated every week by a masked ophthalmologist to determine the treatment response.

Results:  The size of the ulcers was similar in the two groups at the baseline: group 1: 12.7 ± 2.7 mm (median 12.8, range 9.8–15.5 mm); and group 2: 12.3 ± 3.1 mm (median 12.1, range 9.8–20.8; P = 0.67). Although both groups responded well to the treatment, the response was better in the group 2, especially in weeks 2 and 3: week 1: 12.7 ± 2.7 vs. 9.3 ± 4.61 mm (P = 0.1); week 2: 9.4 ± 3.4 vs. 4.1 ± 2.9 mm (P = 0.004); week 3: 5.0 ± 3.4 vs. 1.7 ± 1.0 mm (P = 0.004); week 4: 1.9 ± 1.9 vs. 1.0 ± 1.2 mm (P = 0.1); and week 5: 0.68 ± 1.2 vs. 0.0 ± 0.0 mm (P = 0.3).

Conclusion:  Topical itraconazole may be useful for treating corneal ulcers caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, and its efficacy seems to be related with the vehicle solubility.
Public sector refraction and spectacle dispensing in low‐resource countries of the Western Pacific
Authors: Ramke Jacqueline , Du Toit Rènée , Palagyi Anna , Williams Carmel , Brian Garry
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background: Given that uncorrected refractive error is a frequent cause of vision impairment, and that there is a high unmet need for spectacles, an appraisal of public sector arrangements for the correction of refractive error was conducted in eight Pacific Island countries.

Methods: Mixed methods (questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews) were used to collect information from eye care personnel (from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu) attending a regional eye health workshop in 2005.

Results: Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu hadVision 2020eye care plans that included refraction services, but not spectacle provision. There was wide variation in public sector spectacle dispensing services, but, except in Samoa, ready‐made spectacles and a full cost recovery pricing strategy were the mainstay. There were no systems for the registration of personnel, nor guidelines for clinical or systems management. The refraction staff to population ratio varied considerably. Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu had the best coverage by services, either fixed or outreach. Most services had little promotional activity or community engagement.

Conclusions: To be successful, it would seem that public sector refraction services should answer a real and perceived need, fit within prevailing policy and legislation, value, train, retain and equip employees, be well managed, be accessible and affordable, be responsive to consumers, and provide ongoing good quality outcomes. To this end, a checklist to aid the initiation and maintenance of refraction and spectacle systems in low‐resource countries has been constructed.
Induction of retinal pigment epithelium properties in ciliary margin progenitor cells
Authors: Vossmerbaeumer Urs , Kuehl Sandra , Kern Susanne , Kluter Harald , Jonas Jost B , Bieback Karen
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Purpose:  Degenerative processes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are known to play a pivotal role in the development of age‐related maculopathy. Substitute RPE analogue cells could be used to preserve visual function. In this paper we investigate methods for the isolation, cultivation and RPE differentiation of undifferentiated cells from the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) of rat eyes.

Methods:  The CMZ was isolated from enucleated rat eyes, cell spheres formed in serum‐free suspension culture, Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation indicated mitotic activity. Following baseline differentiation status assessment, directional differentiation was induced by cultivating cells in RPE‐conditioned medium and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The differentiation status was analysed by immunocytochemistry. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labelled latex beads were used for functional evaluation.

Results:  CMZ‐derived cells were expanded for 6–12 months. Formation of spherical cellular conglomerates, subsphere formation and expression of nestin indicated progenitor cells. Baseline levels of markers MAP‐2 for neuronal and GFAP for glial properties and baseline levels of bestrophin, cytokeratins 8 and 18 and RPE 65 for RPE properties were induced by serum culture, respectively. Culture in conditioned medium with addition of VIP significantly increased RPE marker expression and reduced neuronal features, uptake of latex beads indicated phagocytosis.

Conclusions:  We succeeded in isolating and cultivating cells from rodent CMZ with progenitor cell characteristics. Subsequently, these cells tested positive for neuronal, glial and RPE markers. Appropriate conditions significantly increased RPE marker expression. Unidirectional induction of differentiation makes the CMZ eligible as a source of regenerative ocular tissue for RPE‐reconditioning therapy.
Postoperative Mycobacterium abscessus nodular conjunctivitis
Authors: Merani Rohan , Orekondy Sid , Gottlieb Thomas , Janarthanan Perumal , McCarthy Stanley , Karim Rooshdiya , Booth Frances
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Non‐tuberculous or ‘atypical’ mycobacteria are unusual causes of ocular or periocular infection. We report a case of postoperative Mycobacterium abscessus infection of the conjunctiva. A 71‐year‐old gentleman developed nodular conjunctival injection and irritation 6 weeks after cataract surgery. After failure of topical therapy with antibiotics, steroids and lubricants, a biopsy was taken. Histological examination revealed non‐caseating granulomas within which were clusters of acid‐fast bacilli, subsequently identified as M. abscessus. The patient received a total of 16 weeks of oral antimycobacterial treatment and the conjunctivitis completely resolved. A suspected recurrence was successfully treated with topical ciprofloxacin and at final follow up 15 months later there was no evidence of infection. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infection of the conjunctiva occuring after cataract surgery.
Whose life is it anyway? An exploration of five contemporary ethical issues that pertain to the psychiatric nursing care of the person who is suicidal: Part one
Authors: Cutcliffe John R. , Links Paul S.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT: It is self‐evident that ethical issues are important topics for consideration for those involved in the care of the person who is suicidal. Nevertheless, despite the obvious relationship between Mental Health nurses and care of the person who is suicidal, such nurses have hitherto been mostly silent on these matters. As a result, this two‐part paper focuses on a number of contemporary issues which might help inform the ethical discourse and resultant Mental Health nursing care of the person who is suicidal. Part one of this paper focuses on the issues: Whose life is it anyway? Harming of our bodies and the inconsistency in ethical responses and, Is suicide ever a reasonable thing to do? The authors find that this contemporary view within the suicidology academe and the corresponding legal position in most western (developed) countries is that the individual owns his/her own body. Yet given that contemporary mental healthcare policy and associated practice positions do not reflect view, this can easily lead to the scenario where a Mental Health nurse is faced with a major ethical dilemma, and the corresponding probability of moral distress. The authors also find that it is inaccurate to posit a simple positive correlation between the potential seriousness and/or extent of bodily harm and the degree of paternalistic removal of an individual's rights to personal body ownership. Lastly, the authors find that the relevant theoretical and ethical literature in this area suggests, at least for some and under certain conditions, suicide can be the right thing to do.
Dramatic insights: A report of the effects of a dramatic production on the learning of student nurses during their mental health course component
Authors: Welch Twilla R. , Welch Mark
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  Drama, like nursing, concerns itself with the human condition and finds its resonance in an empathetic response to the person‐to‐person connection. As part of their clinical experience in the mental health component of their undergraduate nursing course, 80 student nurses attended the play Bearing Witness written by the authors and produced as a joint Faculty production between the Faculty of Nursing and the Department of Drama at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. The play charts and interweaves the paths to healing of two people following incestuous abuse for one, and political torture for the other, and poses questions to the audience concerning the intent and effects of abuse, and the place and value of forgiveness and forgiving. Some 4–5 months afterwards the students were invited to participate in hour‐long, semi‐structured interviews to investigate the persistent impressions of the play, the students' perceptions of the themes and relevance and the effect of the play on their learning and development as nurses. The seven students who took part in the interviews expressed that their feelings of empathy and identification with the situation of the characters in the play had a greater impact on their learning than other methods of instruction they had evaluated, particularly in terms of the persistence and processing of the subjective experience. Other notable themes were that of forgiveness, its value in healing and the implications for nursing, and an appreciation of the ‘spiritual component’ of the total learning experience.
Former patients' experience of psychiatric care: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Lilja Lars , Hellzén Ove
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  In this study, 10 former patients' experiences of hospitalization are described using a qualitative approach. The informant group consisted of three men and seven women with different diagnoses and each with his or her individual experience of life as an inpatient. The aim of this study was to extend our understanding of former psychiatric inpatients' experience their time of admission to a psychiatric inpatients unit.

Data were collected and analysed using a content analysis approach. From the former patients' descriptions, the following five themes emerged: being seen as a disease, striving for a sense of control in an alienating and frightening context, succumbing to repressive care, meeting an omniscient master, and care as a light in the darkness. In conclusion, the experience of psychiatric inpatient care could be interpreted and understood from former patients' narratives as a struggle for dignity in the face of discrimination and rejection.
Nursing handover within mental health rehabilitation: An exploratory study of practice and perception
Authors: McCloughen Andrea , O'Brien Louise , Gillies Donna , McSherry Caroline
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  Nursing handover is an established practice that involves an interchange of information between nurses to inform of the condition of patients. It is essential to nursing practice in terms of continuity and quality of patient care. However, there is a lack of agreement about the quality, content, and process of handover and, in particular, a lack of information specific to mental health contexts. This paper reports the results of exploratory research of the practice and beliefs about verbal nursing handover within an inpatient mental health rehabilitation setting. Qualitative data were obtained from audiotaped handovers and interviews with nurses and analysed using content analysis. Handovers were found to lack structure and content, be retrospective, problem‐focused and inconsistent. The findings were fairly consistent with the literature and would likely be applicable across nursing settings; however, the need to appraise nursing handover in unique contexts was also revealed. The study raised questions about how nursing handover reflects the goals and philosophies of mental health rehabilitation and whether nursing handover is an activity fully integrated with the focus of mental health rehabilitation.
Commentary on Holmes et al. (2007): resolving the debate on when extinction risk is predictable
Authors: Ellner Stephen P. , Holmes Elizabeth E.
Published: July 2008

We reconcile the findings of Holmes et al. (Ecology Letters, 10, 2007, 1182) that 95% confidence intervals for quasi‐extinction risk were narrow for many vertebrates of conservation concern, with previous theory predicting wide confidence intervals. We extend previous theory, concerning the precision of quasi‐extinction estimates as a function of population dynamic parameters, prediction intervals and quasi‐extinction thresholds, and provide an approximation that specifies the prediction interval and threshold combinations where quasi‐extinction estimates are precise (vs. imprecise). This allows PVA practitioners to define the prediction interval and threshold regions of safety (low risk with high confidence), danger (high risk with high confidence), and uncertainty.
Plant species traits are the predominant control on litter decomposition rates within biomes worldwide
Authors: Cornwell William K. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Amatangelo Kathryn , Dorrepaal Ellen , Eviner Valerie T. , Godoy Oscar , Hobbie Sarah E. , Hoorens Bart , Kurokawa Hiroko , Pérez‐Harguindeguy Natalia , Quested Helen M. , Santiago Louis S. , Wardle David A. , Wright Ian J. , Aerts Rien , Allison Steven D. , Van Bodegom Peter , Brovkin Victor , Chatain Alex , Callaghan Terry V. , Díaz Sandra , Garnier Eric , Gurvich Diego E. , Kazakou Elena , Klein Julia A. , Read Jenny , Reich Peter B. , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda A. , Vaieretti M. Victoria , Westoby Mark
Published: July 2008

Worldwide decomposition rates depend both on climate and the legacy of plant functional traits as litter quality. To quantify the degree to which functional differentiation among species affects their litter decomposition rates, we brought together leaf trait and litter mass loss data for 818 species from 66 decomposition experiments on six continents. We show that: (i) the magnitude of species‐driven differences is much larger than previously thought and greater than climate‐driven variation; (ii) the decomposability of a species’ litter is consistently correlated with that species’ ecological strategy within different ecosystems globally, representing a new connection between whole plant carbon strategy and biogeochemical cycling. This connection between plant strategies and decomposability is crucial for both understanding vegetation–soil feedbacks, and for improving forecasts of the global carbon cycle.
The complete genome sequence ofMoorella thermoacetica(f.Clostridium thermoaceticum)
Authors: Pierce Elizabeth , Xie Gary , Barabote Ravi D. , Saunders Elizabeth , Han Cliff S. , Detter John C. , Richardson Paul , Brettin Thomas S. , Das Amaresh , Ljungdahl Lars G. , Ragsdale Stephen W.
Published: July 2008

This paper describes the genome sequence ofMoorella thermoacetica(f.Clostridium thermoaceticum), which is the model acetogenic bacterium that has been widely used for elucidating the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway of CO and CO2fixation. This pathway, which is also known as the reductive acetyl‐CoA pathway, allows acetogenic (often called homoacetogenic) bacteria to convert glucose stoichiometrically into 3 mol of acetate and to grow autotrophically using H2and CO as electron donors and CO2as an electron acceptor. Methanogenic archaea use this pathway in reverse to grow by converting acetate into methane and CO2. Acetogenic bacteria also couple the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway to a variety of other pathways to allow the metabolism of a wide variety of carbon sources and electron donors (sugars, carboxylic acids, alcohols and aromatic compounds) and electron acceptors (CO2, nitrate, nitrite, thiosulfate, dimethylsulfoxide and aromatic carboxyl groups). The genome consists of a single circular 2 628 784 bp chromosome encoding 2615 open reading frames (ORFs), which includes 2523 predicted protein‐encoding genes. Of these, 1834 genes (70.13%) have been assigned tentative functions, 665 (25.43%) matched genes of unknown function, and the remaining 24 (0.92%) had no database match. A total of 2384 (91.17%) of the ORFs in theM. thermoaceticagenome can be grouped in orthologue clusters. This first genome sequence of an acetogenic bacterium provides important information related to how acetogens engage their extreme metabolic diversity by switching among different carbon substrates and electron donors/acceptors and how they conserve energy by anaerobic respiration. Our genome analysis indicates that the key genetic trait for homoacetogenesis is the coreacsgene cluster of the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway.
Enrichment of a dioxin‐dehalogenating Dehalococcoides species in two‐liquid phase cultures
Authors: Bunge Michael , Wagner Anke , Fischer Marco , Andreesen Jan R. , Lechner Ute
Published: July 2008

Enrichment cultures capable of reductively dechlorinating 1,2,4‐trichlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (1,2,4‐TrCDD) were shown to dechlorinate 1,2,3‐trichlorobenzene (1,2,3‐TrCB) to 1,3‐dichlorobenzene. To test if this activity can be used to enrich for dioxin‐dechlorinating bacteria, a two‐liquid phase cultivation with 200 mM 1,2,3‐TrCB dissolved in hexadecane was established. During the dechlorination of 1,2,3‐TrCB, the number of 1,2,4‐TrCDD‐dechlorinating bacteria increased by four orders of magnitude, eventually accounting for 11% of the total cell number. Characterization of the bacterial communities of the initial dioxin‐dechlorinating culture and of the trichlorobenzene enrichments by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of cloned 16S rRNA genes revealed a proportional increase of nine different sequence types, one representing a Dehalococcoides strain. Inhibition of methanogens further enhanced the rate of chlorobenzene dehalogenation and also resulted in a rapid dechlorination of 1,2,3,4‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin that was applied via a hexadecane phase. The further enrichment was monitored by terminal RFLP, quantitative real‐time PCR and microscopy, and aimed at the reduction of the accompanying non‐dehalogenating populations by using different combinations of electron donors and the application of antibiotics. Hydrogen as the sole electron donor proved to be less efficient due to the co‐enrichment of acetogens. The novel Dehalococcoides strain DCMB5 was enriched up to 50% by the cultivation with organic acids, hydrogen and vancomycin, and was finally purified by conventional isolation techniques.
Enriching plant microbiota for a metagenomic library construction
Authors: Wang Hao‐Xin , Geng Zhao‐Liang , Zeng Ying , Shen Yue‐Mao
Published: July 2008

Plant microbiota (the microorganisms that live in any associations with plant tissues) represents a rather unexplored area of metagenomic research compared with soils and oceans. Constructing a metagenomic library for plant microbiota is technically challenging. Using all the biomass without pre‐enrichment could lead to vast proportions of the host plant DNA in the metagenomic library, doubtless obliterating the microbial contribution. Therefore, the first and essential step is to enrich for the constituent microorganisms from plant tissues. Here, a strong enrichment for plant microbiota was achieved by coupling SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) with NaCl, creating a predominantly microbial metagenomic library that contains 88% bacterial inserts. 16S rDNA sequence analysis revealed that the metagenomic DNA of enrichments originates from very diverse microorganisms. At least 74 distinct ribotypes (at a 97% threshold) from seven different bacterial phyla were identified and mainly distributed among Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Additionally, a simplified version of Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA) was developed for a quick and efficient assessment of the enriching procedures. This work opens further insight into the great biotechnical potential of plant microbiota, holding more potential for drug discovery through a metagenomic strategy, and paving the way for recovery and biochemical characterization of functional gene repertoire from plant microbiota.
Comparative analysis of genome fragments of Acidobacteria from deep Mediterranean plankton
Authors: Quaiser Achim , López‐García Purificación , Zivanovic Yvan , Henn Matthew R. , Rodriguez‐Valera Francisco , Moreira David
Published: July 2008

Acidobacteria constitute a still poorly studied phylum that is well represented in soils. Recent studies suggest that members of this phylum may be also abundant in deep‐sea plankton, but their relative abundance and ecological role in this ecosystem are completely unknown. A recent screening of three metagenomic deep‐sea libraries of bathypelagic plankton from the South Atlantic (1000 m depth), the Adriatic (1000 m depth) and the Ionian (3000 m depth) seas in the Mediterranean revealed an unexpected relative proportion of acidobacterial fosmids, which affiliated to the Solibacterales (Group 3), to the Group 11 and, most frequently, to the Group 6 of this diverse phylum. Here, we present the comparative analysis of 11 acidobacterial genome fragments containing the rrn operon from these Mediterranean libraries. A highly conserved syntenic region spanning up to 30 kb and containing up to 25 open reading frames was shared by Group 6 Acidobacteria. Synteny was also partially conserved in distantly related acidobacterial genome fragments derived from a metagenomic soil library, indicating a remarkable conservation of this genomic region within these Acidobacteria. A search for Acidobacteria‐specific hits in directly comparable, available fosmid‐end sequences from soil and marine metagenomic libraries showed a significant increase of their relative proportion in plankton libraries as a function of increasing depth reaching, at high depth, levels nearly comparable to those of soil. Thus, our results suggest that Acidobacteria are abundant and represent a significant proportion of the microbial community in the deep‐sea ecosystem.
Effects of a Self‐Efficacy Intervention on Exercise: The Moderating Role of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Luszczynska Aleksandra , Tryburcy Maciej
Published: July 2008

The paper examines the influence of a brief tailored intervention on exercise levels and self‐efficacy beliefs in the context of participants’ health status. We hypothesised that the effects of a self‐efficacy intervention targeting more frequent exercise would be larger among people with diabetes or cardiovascular diseases (CVD), compared to the effects of the intervention among individuals without such diseases. The treatment was tailored to participants’ self‐efficacy and was delivered by e‐mail. Data from 187 adults were collected at two measurement points, with a 6‐month follow‐up. Participants reported their exercise frequency and self‐efficacy scores, along with several social‐cognitive variables, such as risk perception and intentions. Besides the influence of the intervention on exercise and self‐efficacy, we found that the treatment effects were moderated by diabetes or CVD: Participants with those illnesses benefited from the intervention, compared to people without such diagnosis. Among participants with CVD or diabetes the effects of the intervention on behavior were mediated by changes in efficacy beliefs. The results indicated that a parsimonious treatment may contribute to change in exercise over the longer term, in particular among individuals with a disease related to the respective behavior. Changes in behavior may be explained by changes in respective beliefs.
From Theory to Intervention: Mapping Theoretically Derived Behavioural Determinants to Behaviour Change Techniques
Authors: Michie Susan , Johnston Marie , Francis Jill , Hardeman Wendy , Eccles Martin
Published: July 2008

Theory provides a helpful basis for designing interventions to change behaviour but offers little guidance on how to do this. This paper aims to illustrate methods for developing an extensive list of behaviour change techniques (with definitions) and for linking techniques to theoretical constructs. A list of techniques and definitions was generated from techniques published in two systematic reviews, supplemented by “brainstorming” and a systematic search of nine textbooks used in training applied psychologists. Inter‐rater reliability of extracting the techniques and definitions from the textbooks was assessed. Four experts judged which techniques would be effective in changing 11 theoretical constructs associated with behaviour change. Thirty‐five techniques identified in the reviews were extended to 53 by brainstorming and to 137 by consulting textbooks. Agreement for the 53 definitions was 74.7 per cent (15.4% cells completed and 59.3% cells empty for both raters). Agreement about the link between the 35 techniques and theoretical constructs was 71.7 per cent of 385 judgments (12.2% agreement that effective and 59.5% agreement that not effective). This preliminary work demonstrates the possibility of developing a comprehensive, reliable taxonomy of techniques linked to theory. Further refinement is needed to eliminate redundancies, resolve uncertainties, and complete technique definitions.
Queermasters: Developing a Theory‐ and Evidence‐Based Internet HIV‐Prevention Intervention to Promote HIV‐Testing among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)
Authors: Mikolajczak Jochen , Kok Gerjo , Hospers Harm J.
Published: July 2008

In this article, the systematic development of an Internet HIV‐prevention intervention, based on the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, is described. As such, the present article meets the recent calls for more detailed descriptions of the development of health promotion programs. In doing so, the different steps of IM are introduced and applied to the promotion of HIV‐testing among sexually active Men who have Sex with Men. Particular attention is given to the Internet setting of the program, which is called “Queermasters”. The additional value of IM to the development of Internet health promotion programs and the advantages of using the Internet for health promotion purposes are considered.
Physical Activity and Social Cognitive Theory: A Test in a Population Sample of Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Plotnikoff Ronald C. , Lippke Sonia , Courneya Kerry S. , Birkett Nick , Sigal Ronald J.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of the study was to test the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT; Bandura, 2004) for explaining physical activity (PA) in a large population sample of adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Study objectives: (1) test the fit of the SCT structure in the total sample, and the diabetes sub‐types; (2) determine the SCT structural invariance between the type 1 and type 2 groups; and (3) report explained variance and compare strength of association for the SCT constructs in predicting PA for both type 1 and type 2 groups. In all, 2,311 individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were assessed on their self‐efficacy, outcome expectancies, impediments, social support, goals, and physical activity at baseline and 1,717 (74.5%) completed these assessments again at 6 months. Multi‐group Structural Equation Modeling was conducted. The findings provide evidence for the utility of the SCT in the diabetes samples. The SCT fits individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes except for SCT impediments, which appear to be obstructing goal‐setting in individuals with type 2 diabetes only. Promotion of health behavior should target self‐efficacy to set goals and change behavior. Outcome expectancies and social support are also important factors for setting goals and behavior performance.
Evaluating Theories of Health Behavior Change: A Hierarchy of Criteria Applied to the Transtheoretical Model
Authors: Prochaska James O. , Wright Julie A. , Velicer Wayne F.
Published: July 2008

The most common criteria recommended by philosophers of science for evaluating theories were organised within a hierarchy ranging from the least to the most risky tests for theories of health behavior change. The hierarchy progressed across: (1) Clarity; (2) Consistency; (3) Parsimony; (4) Testable; (5) Predictive Power; (6) Explanatory Power; (7) Productivity; (8) Generalisable; (9) Integration; (10) Utility; (11) Efficacy; and (12) Impact. The hierarchy was applied to the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) as an example of a health behavior change theory. The application was from the perspective of critics and advocates of TTM. Examples of basic and applied research challenging and supporting TTM across the hierarchy of criteria are presented. The goal is to provide a model for comparing alternative theories and to evaluate progress across the hierarchy within a particular theory. As theories meet criteria at each step in the hierarchy, the research and applications they generate can have increasing impacts on the science and practice of health behavior change.
Soil salinity determines the relative abundance of C3/C4 species in Argentinean grasslands
Authors: Feldman S. R. , Bisaro V. , Biani N. B. , Prado D. E.
Published: July 2008

Aim  The C4 and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) pathways are adaptations to compensate for high rates of photorespiration and water and carbon deficiency. This is the first attempt to compare the relative abundance of C3 vs. C4 + CAM species in temperate and subtropical grasslands across a latitudinal gradient in central Argentina. We predict that under the same rainfall regime, C4 + CAM plants will have larger soil coverage in highly saline soils than in neighbouring non‐saline ones.

Location  Data were taken from three phytogeographical provinces in the Santa Fe province of Argentina: Chaquenian, Pampean and Espinal.

Methods  The salinity of the soil was estimated through aqueous solution conductivity. The proportions of species belonging to C3/C4 + CAM photosynthetic pathways were compared among halophyte and non‐halophyte communities with a χ2 homogeneity test. The sum of cover percentages corresponding to the C3 and C4 + CAM photosynthetic pathways were calculated and compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results  The soil conductivity values were higher in the halophyte than in the non‐halophyte communities for the same phytogeographical area. The C4 + CAM plants had much higher soil coverage values in halophyte than in non‐halophyte communities in the Pampean and Espinal phytogeographical provinces. The differences were not statistically significant in the Chaquenian province.

Main conclusions  Soil drought provoked by soil salinity results in a much higher soil cover by C4 + CAM plants in regions with positive to neutral water balance (i.e. Pampean and Espinal). This differential abundance pattern in C4 + CAM functional group is not observed in areas where a pronounced water deficit exists per se (Chaquenian region), and therefore C4 + CAM plants predominate in all environments regardless of soil salinity. Our results suggest that one of the main environmental forces driving the upsurge of C4 species in Argentinean grasslands might have been the strong local soil salinity gradient.
Contrasting alien and native plant species–area relationships: the importance of spatial grain and extent
Authors: Hulme Philip E.
Published: July 2008

Aim  The proportion of alien plant species in floras is increasingly being used to indicate the threat of invasions to native species and/or the homogenization of biodiversity. However, this indicator is only valuable if it is independent of the spatial extent and grain of observation. This study tested the equivalence of native and alien species–area relationships (SARs) in order to assess the support for scale invariance in the proportion of alien species in floras.

Location  England, UK.

Methods  Nested SARs were generated by assessing the richness of native and alien plant species drawn from the New atlas of the British and Irish flora for six areas comprising 100, 400, 900, 1600, 2500 and 3600 km2 with each larger area containing all smaller areas. Five replicate sets of nested areas encompassing northern, southern, eastern, western and central regions were chosen. For each set of nested areas, the log‐transformed species richness was regressed on log‐transformed area to fit a power function to the SAR.

Results  Native and alien plant SARs reveal consistent differences in slope, highlighting that the proportion of alien species is a function of spatial grain. Aliens are more rare than natives and have higher spatial turnover leading to faster accumulation of species as area increases. However, equivalent samples drawn from a larger spatial extent reveal similar alien and native SARs.

Main conclusions  The significant differential scale dependence in native and alien species richness observed in this study reflects dissimilar influences of regional drivers such as habitat, but potentially also propagule pressure and introduction history, that leads to the relative rarity and high spatial turnover of alien species. Maps of invasion hotspots that identify areas where the proportion of the alien flora is particularly high should therefore be treated with considerable caution since patterns across most grains used for species monitoring will be scale dependent.
Optimal foraging constrains macroecological patterns: body size and dietary niche breadth in lizards
Authors: Costa Gabriel C. , Vitt Laurie J. , Pianka Eric R. , Mesquita Daniel O. , Colli Guarino R.
Published: July 2008

Aim To explore and identify probable mechanisms contributing to the relationships among body size, dietary niche breadth and mean, minimum, maximum and range of prey size in predaceous lizards.

Location Our data set includes species from tropical rainforests, semi‐arid regions of Brazil, and from deserts of the south‐western United States, Australia and the Kalahari of Africa.

Methods We calculated phylogenetic and non‐phylogenetic regressions among predator body size, dietary breath and various prey size measures.

Results We found a negative association between body size and dietary niche breadth in 159 lizard species sampled across most evolutionary lineages of squamate reptiles and across major continents and habitats. We also show that mean, minimum, maximum and range of prey size were positively associated with body size.

Main conclusions Our results suggest not only that larger lizards tend to eat larger prey, but in doing so offset their use of smaller prey. Reduction of dietary niche breadth with increased body size in these lizards suggests that large predators target large and more profitable prey. Consequently, the negative association between body size and niche breadth in predators most likely results from optimal foraging. Though this result may appear paradoxical and runs counter to previous studies, resources for predators may be predictably more limited than resources for herbivores, thus driving selection for more profitable prey.