bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Realistic plant species losses reduce invasion resistance in a California serpentine grassland
Authors: Selmants Paul C. , Zavaleta Erika S. , Pasari Jae R. , Hernandez Daniel L.
Published: January 2012

1. The majority of experiments examining effects of species diversity on ecosystem functioning have randomly manipulated species richness. More recent studies demonstrate that realistic species losses have dramatically different effects on ecosystem functioning than those of randomized losses, but these results are based primarily on microcosm experiments or modelling efforts.

2. We conducted a field‐based experiment directly comparing the consequences of realistic and randomized plant species losses on invasion resistance and productivity in a native‐dominated serpentine grassland in California, USA. The realistic species loss order was based on nested subset analysis of long‐term presence/absence data from our research site and reflects differing species sensitivities to prolonged drought.

3. Biomass of exotic invasive plant species was inversely related to native species richness in the realistic loss order. In contrast, invader biomass was consistently low across species richness levels in the randomized species loss order, with no effect of native species richness on invader biomass among randomized assemblages. Although total above‐ground plant biomass increased with soil depth (a proxy for resource availability) in both realistic and randomized assemblages, soil depth influenced invader biomass only in the randomized assemblages.

4. Synthesis. Our results illustrate that the functional consequences of realistic species losses can differ distinctly from those of randomized species losses and that incorporation of realistic species loss scenarios can increase the relevance of experiments linking biodiversity and ecosystem functioning to conservation in the face of anthropogenic global change.
Maternal effects alter natural selection on phytochromes through seed germination
Authors: Donohue Kathleen , Barua Deepak , Butler Colleen , Tisdale Tracy E. , Chiang George C. K. , Dittmar Emily , Rubio de Casas Rafael
Published: January 2012

1. Phytochromes regulate seed germination in response to light and temperature, and different phytochromes contribute to germination under different environmental conditions.

2. UsingArabidopsis thalianamutants with different combinations of non‐functional phytochromes, we tested which phytochromes contribute to germination and other life‐history traits under field conditions and whether that contribution changes with seed‐maturation temperature. We also quantified natural selection on phytochrome variants through their influence on seed germination.

3. We found that some phytochromes contributed to germination under field conditions and that the phytochrome that contributed most strongly depended on seed‐maturation temperature. Specifically, when seeds were matured under warm temperature,phyAandphyEnull plants had the most strongly reduced germination, withphyAnot able to germinate late in the season. In contrast, when seeds were matured under cool temperature,phyBnulls had the most reduced germination, and effects of thephyAmutation were apparent only on aphyBbackground.

4. These effects on germination translated to effects on total lifetime fitness, such that selection on phytochromes that contributed to germination sometimes depended on seed‐maturation conditions.

5. Synthesis.Natural selection on phytochromes occurs through their effects on seed germination, and maternal effects alter phytochrome contributions to germination. Therefore, maternal effects can alter natural selection on phytochromes. The results demonstrate a novel role of maternal effects in contributing to variable natural selection on specific genes associated with plant responses to climatic conditions.
Novel combination of orientation measurements and transmission microscopy for experimental determination of grain boundary miller indices in silicon and other semiconductors
Authors: FUNKE C. , BEHM T. , HELBIG R. , SCHMID E. , WÜRZNER S.
Published: January 2012

The determination of grain boundary planes in multicrystalline material has only been restricted to transmission electron microscope investigations (Jang et al., 1992; Elgat et al., 1985) or to metallograpical investigations of the grain boundary (Randle et al., 1993). The first method is expensive, and both are complex and time consuming in grain boundary preparation. This paper proposes the determination of grain boundary planes in semiconductor wafer by a combined application of Electron Back Scatter Diffraction and Infrared Transmission Microscopy. In particular, the new method is demonstrated with directional solidificated multicrystalline silicon.
Integration of molecular, ecological, morphological and endosymbiont data for species delimitation within thePnigalio soemiuscomplex (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Authors: GEBIOLA M. , GÓMEZ‐ZURITA J. , MONTI M.M. , NAVONE P. , BERNARDO U.
Published: January 2012

Integrative taxonomy is a recently developed approach that uses multiple lines of evidence such as molecular, morphological, ecological and geographical data to test species limits, and it stands as one of the most promising approaches to species delimitation in taxonomically difficult groups. ThePnigalio soemiuscomplex (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) represents an interesting taxonomical and ecological study case, as it is characterized by a lack of informative morphological characters, deep mitochondrial divergence, and is susceptible to infection by parthenogenesis‐inducingRickettsia. We tested the effectiveness of an integrative taxonomy approach in delimiting species within theP. soemiuscomplex. We analysed two molecular markers (COI and ITS2) using different methods, performed multivariate analysis on morphometric data and exploited ecological data such as host–plant system associations, geographical separation, and the prevalence, type and effects of endosymbiont infection. The challenge of resolving different levels of resolution in the data was met by setting up a formal procedure of data integration within and between conflicting independent lines of evidence. An iterative corroboration process of multiple sources of data eventually indicated the existence of several cryptic species that can be treated as stable taxonomic hypotheses. Furthermore, the integrative approach confirmed a trend towards host specificity within the presumed polyphagousP. soemiusand suggested thatRickettsiacould have played a major role in the reproductive isolation and genetic diversification of at least two species.
Speciation with gene flow and the genetics of habitat transitions
Authors: CRISTESCU MELANIA E. , CONSTANTIN ANNA , BOCK DAN G. , CÁCERES CARLA E. , CREASE TERESA J.
Published: January 2012

Whether speciation can advance to completion in the face of initially high levels of gene flow is a very controversial topic in evolutionary biology. Extensive gene exchange is generally considered to homogenize populations and counteract divergence. Moreover, the role of introgressive hybridization in evolution remains largely unexplored in animals, particularly in freshwater zooplankton in which allopatric speciation is considered to be the norm. Our work investigates the genetic structure of two young ecological species: the pond species, Daphnia pulex and the lake species, Daphnia pulicaria. Phylogenetic and population genetics analyses were conducted on mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 5 (ND5) gene, the nuclear Lactate dehydrogenase (Ldh) gene and 21 nuclear microsatellite markers in 416 individuals from habitats with various degrees of permanence. The strong and consistent phylogenetic discordance between nuclear and mitochondrial markers suggests a complex evolutionary history of multiple independent habitat transition events that involved hybridization and introgression between lake and pond Daphnia. On the other hand, the low level of contemporary gene flow between adjacent populations indicates the presence of effective habitat isolating barriers. The Daphnia system provides strong evidence for a divergence‐with‐gene flow speciation model that involves multiple habitat transition events.
Begomovirus–whitefly mutualism is achieved through repression of plant defences by a virus pathogenicity factor
Authors: ZHANG TONG , LUAN JUN‐BO , QI JIN‐FENG , HUANG CHANG‐JUN , LI MENG , ZHOU XUE‐PING , LIU SHU‐SHENG
Published: January 2012

Plant‐mediated interactions between herbivorous arthropods and pathogens transmitted by herbivores are important determinants of the population dynamics of both types of organisms in the field. The role of plant defence in mediating these types of tripartite interactions have been recognized but rarely examined especially at the physiological and molecular levels. Our previous work shows that a worldwide invasive whitefly can establish mutualism with the begomovirus Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV) via crop plants. Here, we show that TYLCCNV and betasatellite co‐infection suppresses jasmonic acid defences in the plant. Impairing or enhancing defences mediated by jasmonic acid in the plant enhances or depresses the performance of the whitefly. We further demonstrate that the pathogenicity factor βC1 encoded in the betasatellite is responsible for the initiation of suppression on plant defences and contributes to the realization of the virus–vector mutualism. By integrating ecological, mechanistic and molecular approaches, our study reveals a major mechanism of the plant‐mediated mutualism between a virus and its vector. As the test plant is an important economic crop, the results also have substantial implications for developing novel strategies for management of crop viruses and the insect vectors associated with them.
Genetic diversity in epichloid endophytes ofHordelymus europaeussuggests repeated host jumps and interspecific hybridizations
Authors: OBERHOFER MARTINA , LEUCHTMANN ADRIAN
Published: January 2012

Epichloid fungal endophytes (EpichloëandNeotyphodiumspp.) are excellent model systems for studying speciation processes because of their variable life history traits that are linked to host grass fitness. Presumed jumps to new hosts and subsequent somatic hybridizations appear to be common among epichloid endophytes resulting in increased genetic variation upon which selection can act and speciation be initiated. In this study, we explored the endophyte diversity of a rare European native woodland grass species,Hordelymus europaeus, along a latitudinal transect covering the entire distribution range ofH. europaeus. From 28 populations in six countries, isolates were sampled and molecularly characterized. Based on the sequences oftubBandtefA, six distinct epichloid taxa (interspecific hybrid or cryptic haploid species) were found, of which four were novel and two have been previously reported from this host. Of the novel endophytes, two were presumed to be interspecific hybrids and two of nonhybrid origin. While previously known endophytes ofH. europaeusare seed‐born and strictly asexual, one of the novel nonhybrid endophytes found in the glacial refugium of the Apennine peninsula reproduced sexually in cultured plants. This is the first case of a seed‐borne, but sexually reproducing endophyte of this host. We discuss the origin, and possible ancestral species, of the six epichloid taxa using phylogenetic analyses. Repeated host jumps and somatic hybridizations characterize the diversity of the endophytes. To date, no other grass species is known to host a larger diversity of endophytes thanH. europaeus.
Claudin‐1, Claudin‐2 and Claudin‐11 Genes Differentially Associate with Distinct Types of Anti‐inflammatory Macrophages In vitro and with Parasite‐ and Tumour‐elicited Macrophages In vivo
Authors: Van den Bossche J. , Laoui D. , Morias Y. , Movahedi K. , Raes G. , De Baetselier P. , Van Ginderachter J. A.
Published: January 2012

Macrophages altered by various Th2‐associated and anti‐inflammatory mediators – including IL‐4 and IL‐13 [inducing alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs)], IL‐10 and TGF‐β– were generically termed M2. However, markers that discriminate between AAMs and other M2 remain scarce. We previously described E‐cadherin as a marker for AAMs, permitting these macrophages to fuse upon IL‐4 stimulation. To identify novel potential contributors to macrophage fusion, we assessed the effect of IL‐4 on other adherens and tight junction–associated components. We observed an induction of claudin‐1 (Cldn1), Cldn2 and Cldn11 genes by IL‐4 in different mouse macrophage populations. Extending our findings to other stimuli revealed Cldn1 as a mainly TGF‐β‐induced gene and showed that Cldn11 is predominantly associated with IL‐4‐induced AAMs. Cldn2 is upregulated by diverse stimuli and is not associated with a specific macrophage activation state in vitro. Interestingly, different claudin genes preferentially associate with M2 from distinct diseases. While Cldn11 is predominantly expressed in AAMs from helminth‐infected mice, Cldn1 is the major macrophage claudin during chronic trypanosomiasis and Cldn2 dominates in tumour‐associated macrophages. Overall, we identified Cldn1, Cldn2 and Cldn11 as genes that discriminate between diverse types of M2.
TGD4 involved in endoplasmic reticulum‐to‐chloroplast lipid trafficking is a phosphatidic acid binding protein
Authors: Wang Zhen , Xu Changcheng , Benning Christoph
Published: January 2012

The synthesis of galactoglycerolipids, which are prevalent in photosynthetic membranes, involves enzymes at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the chloroplast envelope membranes. Genetic analysis of trigalactosyldiacylglycerol (TGD) proteins in Arabidopsis has demonstrated their role in polar lipid transfer from the ER to the chloroplast. The TGD1, 2, and 3 proteins resemble components of a bacterial‐type ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter, with TGD1 representing the permease, TGD2 the substrate binding protein, and TGD3 the ATPase. However, the function of the TGD4 protein in this process is less clear and its location in plant cells remains to be firmly determined. The predicted C‐terminal β‐barrel structure of TGD4 is weakly similar to proteins of the outer cell membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria. Here, we show that, like TGD2, the TGD4 protein when fused to DsRED specifically binds phosphatidic acid (PtdOH). As previously shown for tgd1 mutants, tgd4 mutants have elevated PtdOH content, probably in extraplastidic membranes. Using highly purified and specific antibodies to probe different cell fractions, we demonstrated that the TGD4 protein was present in the outer envelope membrane of chloroplasts, where it appeared to be deeply buried within the membrane except for the N‐terminus, which was found to be exposed to the cytosol. It is proposed that TGD4 is either directly involved in the transfer of polar lipids, possibly PtdOH, from the ER to the outer chloroplast envelope membrane or in the transfer of PtdOH through the outer envelope membrane.
RNAi‐independent de novo DNA methylation revealed in Arabidopsis mutants of chromatin remodeling gene DDM1
Authors: Sasaki Taku , Kobayashi Akie , Saze Hidetoshi , Kakutani Tetsuji
Published: January 2012

Methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me) and small RNAs are associated with constitutively silent chromatin in diverse eukaryotes including plants. In plants, silent transposons are also marked by cytosine methylation, especially at non‐CpG sites. Transposon‐specific non‐CpG methylation in plants is controlled by small RNAs and H3K9me. Although it is often assumed that small RNA directs H3K9me, interaction between small RNA and H3K9me has not been directly demonstrated in plants. We have previously shown that a mutation in the chromatin remodeling gene DDM1 (DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION 1) induces a global decrease but a local increase of cytosine methylation and accumulation of small RNA at a locus called BONSAI. Here we show that de novo BONSAI methylation does not depend on RNAi but does depend on H3K9me. In mutants of H3K9 methyltransferase gene KRYPTONITE or the H3K9me‐dependent DNA methyltransferase gene CHROMOMETHYALSE3, the ddm1‐induced de novo cytosine methylation was abolished for all three contexts (CpG, CpHpG and CpHpH). Furthermore, RNAi mutants showed strong developmental defects when combined with the ddm1 mutation. Our results revealed unexpected interactions of epigenetic modifications that may be conserved among diverse eukaryotes.
Footprints of natural and artificial selection for photoperiod pathway genes in Oryza
Authors: Huang Chao‐Li , Hung Cheng‐Yu , Chiang Yu‐Chung , Hwang Chi‐Chuan , Hsu Tsai‐Wen , Huang Chi‐Chun , Hung Kuo‐Hsiang , Tsai Kun‐Chan , Wang Kuo‐Hsiung , Osada Naoki , Schaal Barbara Anna , Chiang Tzen‐Yuh
Published: January 2012

Asian rice, Oryza sativa, consists of two major subspecies, indica and japonica, which are physiologically differentiated and adapted to different latitudes. Genes for photoperiod sensitivity are likely targets of selection along latitude. We examined the footprints of natural and artificial selections for four major genes of the photoperiod pathway, namely PHYTOCHROME B (PhyB), HEADING DATE 1 (Hd1), HEADING DATE 3a (Hd3a), and EARLY HEADING DATE 1 (Ehd1), by investigation of the patterns of nucleotide polymorphisms in cultivated and wild rice. Geographical subdivision between tropical and subtropical O. rufipogon was found for all of the photoperiod genes in plants divided by the Tropic of Cancer (TOC). All of these genes, except for PhyB, were characterized by the existence of clades that split a long time ago and that corresponded to latitudinal subdivisions, and revealed a likely diversifying selection. Ssp. indica showed close affinity to tropical O. rufipogon for all genes, while ssp. japonica, which has a much wider range of distribution, displayed complex patterns of differentiation from O. rufipogon, which reflected various agricultural needs in relation to crop yield. In japonica, all genes, except Hd3a, were genetically differentiated at the TOC, while geographical subdivision occurred at 31°N in Hd3a, probably the result of varying photoperiods. Many other features of the photoperiod genes revealed domestication signatures, which included high linkage disequilibrium (LD) within genes, the occurrence of frequent and recurrent non‐functional Hd1 mutants in cultivated rice, crossovers between subtropical and tropical alleles of Hd1, and significant LD between Hd1 and Hd3a in japonica and indica.
Peptidyl‐prolylcis‐transisomerase ROF2 modulates intracellular pH homeostasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bissoli Gaetano , Niñoles Regina , Fresquet Sandra , Palombieri Samuela , Bueso Eduardo , Rubio Lourdes , García‐Sánchez María J. , Fernández José A. , Mulet José M. , Serrano Ramón
Published: January 2012

Intracellular pH must be kept close to neutrality to be compatible with cellular functions, but the mechanisms of pH homeostasis and the responses to intracellular acidification are mostly unknown. In the plantArabidopsis thaliana, we found that intracellular acid stress generated by weak organic acids at normal external pH induces expression of several chaperone genes, includingROF2, which encodes a peptidyl‐prolylcis‐transisomerase of the FK506‐binding protein class. Loss of function ofROF2, and especially double mutation ofROF2and the closely related geneROF1, results in acid sensitivity. Over‐expression ofROF2confers tolerance to intracellular acidification by increasing proton extrusion from cells. The activation of the plasma membrane proton pump (H+‐ATPase) is indirect: over‐expression ofROF2activates K+uptake, causing depolarization of the plasma membrane, which activates the electrogenic H+pump. The depolarization ofROF2over‐expressing plants explains their tolerance to toxic cations such as lithium, norspermidine and hygromycin B, whose uptake is driven by the membrane potential. AsROF2induction and intracellular acidification are common consequences of many stresses, this mechanism of pH homeostasis may be of general importance for stress tolerance.
The temporal and species dynamics of photosynthetic acclimation in flag leaves of rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) under elevated carbon dioxide
Authors: Zhu Chunwu , Ziska Lewis , Zhu Jianguo , Zeng Qing , Xie Zubing , Tang Haoyan , Jia Xiaodong , Hasegawa Toshihiro
Published: January 2012

In this study, we tested for the temporal occurrence of photosynthetic acclimation to elevated [CO2] in the flag leaf of two important cereal crops, rice and wheat. In order to characterize the temporal onset of acclimation and the basis for any observed decline in photosynthetic rate, we characterized net photosynthesis, gs, gm, Ci/Ca, Ci/Cc, Vcmax, Jmax, cell wall thickness, content of Rubisco, cytochrome (Cyt) f, N, chlorophyll and carbohydrate, mRNA expression for rbcL and petA, activity for Rubisco, sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SS) at full flag expansion, mid‐anthesis and the late grain‐filling stage. No acclimation was observed for either crop at full flag leaf expansion. However, at the mid‐anthesis stage, photosynthetic acclimation in rice was associated with RuBP carboxylation and regeneration limitations, while wheat only had the carboxylation limitation. By grain maturation, the decline of Rubisco content and activity had contributed to RuBP carboxylation limitation of photosynthesis in both crops at elevated [CO2]; however, the sharp decrease of Rubisco enzyme activity played a more important role in wheat. Although an increase in non‐structural carbohydrates did occur during these later stages, it was not consistently associated with changes in SPS and SS or photosynthetic acclimation. Rather, over time elevated [CO2] appeared to enhance the rate of N degradation and senescence so that by late‐grain fill, photosynthetic acclimation to elevated [CO2] in the flag leaf of either species was complete. These data suggest that the basis for photosynthetic acclimation with elevated [CO2] may be more closely associated with enhanced rates of senescence, and, as a consequence, may be temporally dynamic, with significant species variation.
The ecological advantage of sexual reproduction in multicellular long‐lived organisms
Authors: SONG Y. , SCHEU S. , DROSSEL B.
Published: January 2012

We present a model for the advantage of sexual reproduction in multicellular long‐lived species in a world of structured resources in short supply. The model combines features of the Tangled Bank and the Red Queen hypothesis of sexual reproduction and is of broad applicability. The model is ecologically explicit with the dynamics of resources and consumers being modelled by differential equations. The life history of consumers is shaped by body mass‐dependent rates as implemented in the metabolic theory of ecology. We find that over a broad range of parameters, sexual reproduction wins despite the two‐fold cost of producing males, due to the advantage of producing offspring that can exploit underutilized resources. The advantage is largest when maturation and production of offspring set in before the resources of the parents become depleted, but not too early, due to the cost of producing males. The model thus leads to the dominance of sexual reproduction in multicellular animals living in complex environments, with resource availability being the most important factor affecting survival and reproduction.
Low heritabilities, but genetic and maternal correlations between red squirrel behaviours
Authors: TAYLOR R. W. , BOON A. K. , DANTZER B. , RÉALE D. , HUMPHRIES M. M. , BOUTIN S. , GORRELL J. C. , COLTMAN D. W. , McADAM A. G.
Published: January 2012

Consistent individual differences in behaviour, and behavioural correlations within and across contexts, are referred to as animal personalities. These patterns of variation have been identified in many animal taxa and are likely to have important ecological and evolutionary consequences. Despite their importance, genetic and environmental sources of variation in personalities have rarely been characterized in wild populations. We used a Bayesian animal model approach to estimate genetic parameters for aggression, activity and docility in North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). We found support for low heritabilities (0.08–0.12), and cohort effects (0.07–0.09), as well as low to moderate maternal effects (0.07–0.15) and permanent environmental effects (0.08–0.16). Finally, we found evidence of a substantial positive genetic correlation (0.68) and maternal effects correlation (0.58) between activity and aggression providing evidence of genetically based behavioural correlations in red squirrels. These results provide evidence for the presence of heritable variation in red squirrel behaviour, but also emphasize the role of other sources of variation, including maternal effects, in shaping patterns of variation and covariation in behavioural traits.
Interactive Effects of High Boron and NaCl Stresses on Subcellular Localization of Chloride and Boron in Wheat Leaves
Authors: Masood S. , Wimmer M. A. , Witzel K. , Zörb C. , Mühling K. H.
Published: January 2012

Salinity and boron (B) toxicity often occur simultaneously and may have interactive effects on plant responses. This study aims at further investigating long‐term effects of salinity, B toxicity and their combination on wheat plants. Plants grown in hydroponics were treated with 2.5 μm H3BO3 (control), 75 mm NaCl, 200 μm H3BO3 or 75 mm NaCl + 200 μm H3BO3 and were analysed on a subcellular level 6 weeks after germination. Shoot fresh and dry weight (DW), water content, transpiration rate and osmolality were reduced, while Na+ and Cl− concentrations increased under salinity stress. However, Cl− was reduced in all compartments by an additional application of B toxicity. At adequate B supply, NaCl increased apoplastic and symplastic soluble B concentrations, whereas the total B content remained unchanged. At high B level, however, soluble and total B was reduced by additional salt stress. Despite this antagonistic effect of a combined salt and B toxicity stress on Cl− and B concentrations, an additive effect was observed regarding shoot fresh weight reduction. Our results confirm an alleviating effect of the combined stresses on toxic ion concentrations, which did not prevent additive growth reductions.
Microsporum Canis Infections in Hungary: Microsporum‐canis‐Infektionen in Ungarn
Authors: Török Ibolya , Simon Gy. , Pap Maria
Published: January 2012

Summary: In Hungary, Microsporum canis infections spreading from animal to man were only sporadically diagnosed between 1961–1975. Since 1976, tinea capitis and corporis caused by Microsporum canis has been increasing from year to year especially in Budapest and its surroundings. The patients were mostly children. Infections of the scalp were rather resistant to treatment, and were controlled only by prolonged griseofulvin and local therapy.

Zusammenfassung: In Ungarn wurden vom Tier auf den Menschen übertragbaren Microsporum canis Infektionen zwischen 1961–1975 nur selten diagnostiziert. Seit 1976 wurden Tinea capitis und corporis Infektionen durch Microsporum canis von Jahr zu Jahr ‐ besonders in Budapest und in der Umgebung ‐ immer häufiger festgestellt. Die Kranken sind überwiegend Kinder. Die Tinea capitis Fälle reagieren schwer zur Griseofulvintherapie. Die Kranken sind überwiegend Kinder. Die Tinea capitis Fänger mit Griseofulvin und auch lokal behandelt werden.
“In vitro” Antimycotic Activity of Fenticonazole (Rec 15/1476): Die antimykotische Wirkung von Fenticonazole (Rec 15/1476)
Authors: Costa A. L.
Published: January 2012

Summary: The “in vitro” activity of Fenticonazole (Rec 15/1476) against a large variety of wild and collection fungi, in comparison with some trade drugs, was studied. The fungistatic and fungicidal activity of Fenticonazole was also studied against a certain number of yeasts variing the pH of the medium.

The results of the “in vitro” tests have demonstrated good activity of Fenticonazole against dermatophytes and against fungi responsible for deep infections.

The activity of Fenticonazole against yeasts is very good at acid pH while it decreases at alkaline pH.

Zusammenfassung: Die “invitro” Wirksamkeit von Fenticonazole (Rec 15/1476) gegen ver‐schieden pathogene Pilze wurde untersucht. Das Spektrum der fungiziden Wirkung ist sehr breit: Dermatophyten, Hefen und dimorphe Pilze werden stark gehemmt.

Fenticonazole zeigt “in vitro” die hwöchste Wirkung gegen hefen bei pH 4–5.
Bioavailability, Skin‐and Nailpenetration of Topically Applied Antimycotics*
Authors: Stüttgen G. , Bauer Elke
Published: January 2012

Summary: The penetration and permeation of econazol, oxiconazol and dimethylmorpholinohydrochlorid in the human skin and nails have been performed using the measurement of radio labelled substances (C14≅ 250 μCi/ml) in vitro (penetration chamber) and in vivo.

The penetration of the antimycotics inside the horny layer of the skin and the layers of the nail (10 μg/ml) ist sufficient enough to inhibit the growth of fungi by fungistatic mechanism.

DMSO increases the penetration rate into the nail plate. Antimycotics solved in tinctures show a better penetration into the nails than the ointments which have advantages in penetrating the skin.

The small fungicid effect and low dose in the deeper nails explains the long time topical treatment necessary at least for 6 months respectively the moulting process of the nail keratin.
Reflexions sur L'Histoplasmose Africaine et L'Histoplasmose Americaine: Reflections on African and American Histoplasmosis
Authors: Vanbreuseghem R.
Published: January 2012

Resume: L'auteur compare l'histoplasmose africaine causée par Histoplasma duboisii et l'histoplasmose américaine causée par Histoplasma capsulatum. Sa comparaison repose sur l'étude de 100 travaux qui sont référés. Les divers points examinés sont: la prévalence des deux affections en Afrique, leur répartition géographique, leur symptomatologie, le diagnostic, l'épidéniologie et la nomenclature des agents responsables.

Summary: The author compares African histoplasmosis caused by Histoplasma duboisii and American histoplasmosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. The comparison rests on the study of 100 papers referred at the end. The study considers: the prevalence and geographic distribution of the two diseases, their symptomatology, diagnosis, epidemiology, and finally the nomenclature of their agents.

Zusammenfassung: Der Autor vergleicht die Afrikanische Histoplasmose, die durch Histoplasma duboisii hervorgerufen wird, mit der Amerikanischen Histoplasmose, deren Erreger Histoplasma capsulatum ist. Dieser Vergleich beruht aufder Auswertung von 100 hier referierten Artikeln. Im einzelnen wird auf folgende Punkte eingegangen: Vorkommen und geographische Verteilung, Symptomatologie, Diagnostik, Epidemiologie und die Nomenklatur der Erreger.
Primäre Magenmykose, durch Trichosporon cutaneum verursacht: Primary Gastric Mycosis, Caused by Trichosporon cutaneum
Authors: Szili Magdolna , Domján Lajos
Published: January 2012

Zusammenfassung: Eine durch gastroskopische, histologische und mykologische Untersuchung bewiesene, von Trichosporon cutaneum verursachte isolierte primäre Mykose kommt zur Demonstration. Im Einklang mit literarischen Angaben betonen die Verfasser die Wichtigkeit der komplexen Behandlung und der planmäßigen Nachprüfung.

Summary: A case of primary gastric mycosis caused by Trichosporon cutaneum is demonstrated. It was verified by gastroscopic, histologic and mycologic examinations. In accordance with data from the literature, the authors point to the importance of complex treatment and systemic follow‐up investigations.
Superficial Mycoses: Ketoconazole Treatment Oberflächliche Mykosen: Ketoconazol‐Behandlung
Authors: Grigoriu A. , Grigoriu D.
Published: January 2012

Summary: A group of 55 patients were treated with 200 mg/day of ketoconazole. Infections treated:

 P. versicolor 20 cases

 Herpes circinatus (T. corporis) 10 cases

 Eczema marginatum (T. inguinalis) 10 cases

 Vulvo‐vaginal candidosis (Candida vaginitis) 10 cases

 Candidal intertrigo 5 cases

They all responded well to the treatment and recovery was obtained in all cases; however P. versicolor in all cases presented positive mycological tests with disappearance of short filaments. Ketoconazole showed good antifungal activity against all species of fungi isolated from our patients, confirmed “in vitro” by contact test

Zusammenfassung: Eine Gruppe von 55 Patienten wurde mit einer täglichen Dosis von 200 mg Ketoconazol antimykotiscb behandelt. Im einzelnen lagen folgende Mykosen vor:

 Pityriasis versicolor (20 Fälle)

 Herpes circinatus (Tinea corporis) (10 Fälle)

 Ekzema marginatum (Tinea inguinalis) (10 Fälle)

 Vulvovaginitis candidomycetica (10 Fälle)

 Candida‐Intertrigo (5 Fälle).

Alle Mykosen sprachen gut auf die Behandlung an, so daß in jedem Fall Heilung erreicht wurde. Bei der Pityriasis versicolor zeigten sich jedoch in allen Fällen weiterhin positive mykologische Befunde im Nativpräparat, wobei die kurzen Fllamente verschwanden.

Ketoconazol zeigte gute Aktivität gegen alle von unseren Patienten isolierten Pilze, was auch in vitro mit dem Kontakttest bestätigt werden konnte.
Double Blind Comparison of Econazole Spray Powder and Placebo as Therapy and Prophylaxis of Athlete's Foot
Authors: Lestienne M.‐Ch. , Chemali R. , Tennstedt D. , Vandaele R. , Lachapelle J. M. , Lapiére Ch. M.
Published: January 2012

Summary: A controlled double blind study was planned in order to test the effecthity of Econazole spray powder on athlete's foot 71 patients from three different centres were investigated. The results were good and tolerance was excellent. Methodological problems of the study are described and discussed.

Zusammenfassung: Es wurde eine kontrollierte Doppelblindstudie geplant um die Wirksamkeit von Econazol Spray‐Puder bei Fußpilz zu testen.

71 Patienten von 3verschiedenen Zentren wurden untersucht. Die Resultate waren sehr gut und die Toleranz hervorragend. Die methodologischen Probleme einer solchen Prüfung werden erläutert und besprochen.
Identification of the Second Form of Acrosin in Turkey Spermatozoa
Authors: Słowińska M , Ciereszko A
Published: January 2012

Contents

Acrosin from turkey spermatozoa has been recently identified and characterized. In this study, we reported the identification of second form of acrosin (acrosin II) in turkey spermatozoa. Using the three‐step isolation procedure, we purified and characterized the acrosin II from a turkey spermatozoa extract. N‐terminal Edman sequencing allowed the identification of the 24 amino acids from the internal part of acrosin II: SLQEYVEPYRVLQEAKVQLIDLNL. Thanks to homology alignment, we concluded that acrosin II is an acrosin‐like protein similar to avian acrosin, including turkey acrosin. The molecular mass of acrosin II estimated by mass spectrometry was 30.869 kDa. During chromatofocusing, the acrosin II was eluted at pH range from 6.4 to 6.2. Acrosin II was found to be a glycoprotein. The glucosamine and galactosamine were present in carbohydrate structures of acrosin II. Acrosin II is characterized by similar physicochemical characteristics like previously identified bird acrosins, including acrosin from turkey spermatozoa. Similarities between turkey acrosins were also confirmed immunologically by western blot analysis. It can be suggested that two forms of serine proteinase similar to acrosin exist in turkey spermatozoa. These phenomena of both acrosins in spermatozoa agree with the concept of functional redundancy of proteolytic enzymes in the reproductive system. These redundancies may be important for efficient fertilization in turkey.
Stroke patients communicating their healthcare needs in hospital: a study within the ICF framework
Authors: O’Halloran Robyn , Worrall Linda , Hickson Louise
Published: January 2012

Background: Previous research has identified that many patients admitted into acute hospital stroke units have communication‐related impairments such as hearing, vision, speech, language and/or cognitive communicative impairment. However, no research has identified how many patients in acute hospital stroke units have difficulty actually communicating their healthcare needs. The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) conceptualizes difficulty communicating about healthcare needs as a type of activity limitation, within the Activity and Participation component. The ICF proposes that activity limitation can be measured in four different ways.

Aims: The first aim of this research was to measure a patient's difficulty communicating his or her healthcare needs, that is, activity limitation, in two of the four ways suggested by the ICF when interacting with healthcare providers. The second aim was to investigate whether communication‐related impairments in hearing, vision, speech, language and/or cognitive communicative impairment predict difficulty communicating healthcare needs, measured in these ways.

Methods & Procedures: A total of 65 patients consecutively admitted into two acute hospital stroke units in Melbourne, Australia, who consented to this research participated in this study. Early in their admission participants were screened for hearing, vision, speech, language and cognitive communicative impairment. Participants were also assessed for difficulty communicating about healthcare needs in two ways proposed by the ICF: ‘capacity with assistance’ and ‘performance’. Relationships between communication‐related impairment and both capacity with assistance and performance were explored through Spearman's correlations and binary logistic regression.

Outcomes & Results: A total of 87% of patients had one or more communication‐related impairments. Half of the patients (51%) had difficulty communicating their healthcare needs when assessed in terms of capacity with assistance. Slightly more patients (55%) were observed to have difficulty communicating their healthcare needs when assessed in terms of performance. More severe vision, speech, language and cognitive communicative impairment were significantly associated with more severe difficulty communicating healthcare needs.

Conclusions & Implications: About half of the stroke patients admitted into acute hospital stroke units had difficulty communicating their healthcare needs. Patients with more severe communication‐related impairments had more severe difficulty communicating their healthcare needs. Future research is needed to understand the other factors that influence communication between people with communication disabilities and their healthcare providers in acute hospital settings.
Functional disorders after rectal cancer resection: does a rehabilitation programme improve anal continence and quality of life?
Authors: Laforest A. , Bretagnol F. , Mouazan A. S. , Maggiori L. , Ferron M. , Panis Y.
Published: January 2012

Aim  A poor functional outcome is often reported after total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer, especially when sphincter‐saving resection with intersphincteric dissection is performed for low tumours. Anal sphincter rehabilitation is widely proposed for faecal incontinence. Very few studies have reported results to improve anal dysfunction following rectal surgery. This prospective study aimed to assess the benefits of sphincter training after TME in terms of functional outcome and quality of life.

Methods  Anal sphincter training was performed in patients undergoing laparoscopic sphincter‐saving TME for rectal cancer. Rehabilitation was performed after ileostomy closure. This group was compared with 24 matched patients. Assessment included one functional and two quality of life questionnaires (SF‐36 Health Status and Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life score).

Results  From 2007 to 2009, 22 patients underwent laparoscopic TME. The median follow‐up after stoma closure was 21.2 (range 8–46) months. The mean stool frequency per day was significantly lower after sphincter training (2.6 in the training group vs 4.0 in the control group, P = 0.025). Following rehabilitation, patients complained significantly less about dyschezia (22 vs 63%, P = 0.008). Both groups had similar continence (Wexner score 8.3 after training vs 9.9 in controls, NS). Quality of life was significantly improved by sphincter training as measured by the vitality (P = 0.004) and mental functioning (P = 0.02) subscales on the SF‐36 Health Status questionnaire and by the depression and self‐perception (P = 0.005) categories of the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life score.

Conclusion  This study suggests that anal sphincter training following TME could decrease stool frequency and improve both general and specific quality of life.
Acute high‐intensity interval exercise reduces the postprandial glucose response and prevalence of hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gillen J. B. , Little J. P. , Punthakee Z. , Tarnopolsky M. A. , Riddell M. C. , Gibala M. J.
Published: January 2012

High‐volume endurance exercise (END) improves glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) but many individuals cite ‘lack of time’ as a barrier to regular participation. High‐intensity interval training (HIT) is a time‐efficient method to induce physiological adaptations similar to END, but little is known regarding the effect of HIT in T2D. Using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), we examined the 24‐h blood glucose response to one session of HIT consisting of 10 × 60 s cycling efforts at ∼90% maximal heart rate, interspersed with 60 s rest. Seven adults with T2D underwent CGM for 24‐h on two occasions under standard dietary conditions: following acute HIT and on a non‐exercise control day (CTL). HIT reduced hyperglycaemia measured as proportion of time spent above 10 mmol/l (HIT: 4.5 ± 4.4 vs. CTL: 15.2 ± 12.3%, p = 0.04). Postprandial hyperglycaemia, measured as the sum of post‐meal areas under the glucose curve, was also lower after HIT vs. CTL (728 ± 331 vs. 1142 ± 556 mmol/l·9 h, p = 0.01). These findings highlight the potential for HIT to improve glycaemic control in T2D.
Safety and tolerability of linagliptin: a pooled analysis of data from randomized controlled trials in 3572 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Schernthaner G. , Barnett A. H. , Emser A. , Patel S. , Troost J. , Woerle H.‐J. , von Eynatten M.
Published: January 2012

Aims: To assess the safety and tolerability of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor linagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Data were pooled from eight randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Phase III clinical trials lasting ≤24 weeks. Incidences were calculated with descriptive statistics for the overall population and for subgroups of elderly and renally impaired patients.

Results: A total of 2523 patients received linagliptin 5 mg once daily and 1049 patients received placebo. The overall incidence of adverse events (AEs) or serious AEs with linagliptin was similar to placebo (AEs 55.8% vs. 55.0%; serious AEs 2.8% vs. 2.7%). Overall aggregated infection incidence was 19.5% for linagliptin and 21.4% for placebo. Similar or reduced incidence of AEs versus placebo were seen with linagliptin for upper respiratory tract infection (3.3% vs. 4.9%), headache (2.9% vs. 3.1%), urinary tract infection (2.2% vs. 2.7%), blood and lymphatic disorders (1.0% vs. 1.2%), hypersensitivity (0.1% vs. 0.1%), hepatic enzyme increase (0.1% and 0.1%) and serum creatinine increase (0.0% and 0.1%). There was a slight increased frequency of nasopharyngitis (5.9% vs. 5.1%) and cough (1.7% vs. 1.0%) with linagliptin. Hypoglycaemia incidence was 8.2% for linagliptin and 5.1% for placebo; incidence was higher in patients with a background of sulphonylurea therapy (20.7% and 13.3%, respectively). In patients not receiving concomitant sulphonylurea, the hypoglycaemic incidence with linagliptin was very low in both the total population (<1%), and elderly and renally impaired patients (both <1%).

Conclusions: This pooled analysis shows that linagliptin is well tolerated, with a low risk of hypoglycaemia.
Empagliflozin, a novel potent and selective SGLT‐2 inhibitor, improves glycaemic control alone and in combination with insulin in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, a model of type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Luippold G. , Klein T. , Mark M. , Grempler R.
Published: January 2012

Aim: Sodium glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) is key to reabsorption of glucose in the kidney. SGLT‐2 inhibitors are in clinical development for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The mechanism may be of value also in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This study investigated effects of the SGLT‐2 inhibitor, empagliflozin, alone and in combination with insulin, on glucose homeostasis in an animal model of T1DM.

Methods: Sprague–Dawley rats were administered a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg). Acutely, STZ rats received two doses of insulin glargine with or without empagliflozin, and blood glucose was measured. In a subchronic study, STZ rats received empagliflozin alone, one or two insulin‐releasing implants or a combination of one implant and empagliflozin over 28 days; blood glucose and HbA1c were measured.

Results: In the acute setting, empagliflozin in combination with 1.5 IU insulin induced a similar glucose‐lowering effect as 6 IU insulin. Both interventions were more efficacious than monotherapy with 1.5 IU insulin. In the subchronic study, 12‐h blood glucose profile on day 28 in the combination group was lower than with one implant, and similar to two implants. Plasma HbA1c was improved in the combination group and in animals with two implants.

Conclusions: Empagliflozin reduced blood glucose levels in a T1DM animal model. Empagliflozin combined with low‐dose insulin showed comparable glucose‐lowering efficacy to treatment with high‐dose insulin. Our data suggest that empagliflozin is an efficacious adjunctive‐to‐insulin therapy with the clinical potential for the treatment of T1DM.
rangeMapper: a platform for the study of macroecology of life‐history traits
Authors: Valcu Mihai , Dale James , Kempenaers Bart
Published: January 2012

Aim  To introduce rangeMapper, an R package for the study of the macroecological patterns of life‐history traits, and demonstrate its capabilities using three case studies. The first case study addresses an important topic in conservation biology: biodiversity hotspots. Specifically, we investigate the congruence between global hotspots of three parameters that describe avian diversity: species richness, endemic species richness and relative body mass diversity. The second case study investigates a topic of relevance for macroecology: the inter‐specific relationship between range size and body size for avian assemblages, and how it varies geographically. The third case study tackles a methodological problem in macroecology: the influence of map resolution on statistical inference, i.e. the question of whether and how the relationship between species richness and body mass varies with map resolution.

Innovation  rangeMapper offers a tight integration of spatial and statistical tools for macroecological projects and it relies on a high‐performance database engine which makes it suitable for managing projects using a large number of species. rangeMapper's architecture follows closely the concepts described by Gaston et al. (2008 Journal of Biogeography, 35, 483–500) and its flexibility allows for both complex data manipulation procedures and easy implementation of new functions. By choosing case studies to cover various technical and conceptual issues we demonstrate rangeMapper's capabilities to address a wide array of questions.

Main conclusion  rangeMapper (http://cran.r‐project.org/package=rangeMapper) is an open source front end software which can be used to address questions in both fundamental ecological research and conservation biology.