bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top predators and biodiversity: much debate, few data
Authors: Sergio Fabrizio , Newton Ian , Marchesi Luigi
Published: March 2008

In two recent papers, we found support for the hypothesis of an association between the occurrence of top predators and biodiversity. Such results were recently criticized.

Cabeza, Arponen & Van Teeffelen (2008) claim that the proper way to test the investigated relationship was to conduct a regional‐level complementarity analysis that pools all predators across all habitat‐types. However, such an approach may not help in assessing the performance of predators as surrogates for wider biodiversity, because: (a) management programmes on top predators almost invariably focus on a single species; (b) conservation planning and management often occur within habitats, not only across them; and (c) the required surveys and analyses may often be logistically unfeasible. Re‐analysis of our data suggests that a different methodology would not change the results.

Kéry, Royle & Schmid (2008) used data from a Swiss volunteers’ monitoring scheme to claim that we missed a large number of species in our estimates of avian richness. However, we list 10 reasons why their calculations were inflated, given major differences in surface‐coverage, habitat‐sampling, field effort and in the way that secretive species were treated. Furthermore, our results for birds were replicated in analyses of butterflies and trees, which could not suffer from the same detectability biases.

Roth & Weber (2008) analysed the same Swiss database and found that a group of lower‐trophic‐level species (tits) out‐performed raptors as indicators of butterfly richness (but not of bird richness). However, their analyses did not control for ecosystem identity, and data on raptor locations were of dubious quality. Furthermore, because tits are major caterpillar predators, the reported findings could have been expected on other grounds.

Synthesis and applications. We disagree with Cabeza and colleagues that local studies are of limited importance. Given the paucity of available information, many more local studies are needed to check the generality of the ecological pattern we found. Until further analyses become available, polarized positions for or against top predators as biodiversity indicators are premature. Meanwhile, like any tools, top predators should be employed in conservation decision‐making with appropriate caution.
Molecular phylogeny and historical biogeography of the genus Tuber, the ‘true truffles’
Authors: Jeandroz Sylvain , Murat Claude , Wang Yongjin , Bonfante Paola , Tacon François Le
Published: March 2008

Aim  Various data sets and methods of analysis were combined to produce the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the genus Tuber and to analyse its biogeography.

Location  Europe, North Africa, China, Asia, North America.

Methods  Phylogenetic relationships among Tuber species were reconstructed based on a data set of internal‐transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and various phylogenetic inference methods, specifically maximum parsimony, Bayesian analysis and neighbour joining. Tajima’s relative rate test showed that Tuber 18S rRNA, 5.8S rRNA, 5.8S‐ITS2 rRNA and β‐tubulin sequences evolved in a clock‐like manner. These genes, combined or not, were employed for molecular clock estimates after construction of linearized trees using mega 3.1. We reconstructed ancestral areas in the Northern Hemisphere by means of a dispersal–vicariance analysis (diva 1.1) based on current distribution patterns of the genus Tuber determined from the literature.

Results  The resulting molecular phylogeny divided the genus Tuber into five distinct clades, in agreement with our previously published studies. The Puberulum, Melanosporum and Rufum groups were diversified in terms of species and geographical distribution. In contrast, the Aestivum and Excavatum groups were less diversified and were located only in Europe or North Africa. Using a global molecular clock analysis, we estimated the divergence times for the origin of the genus and for the origin of several groups. diva inferred nine dispersal events and suggested that the ancestor of Tuber was originally present in Europe or was widespread in Eurasia. Equally optimal distributions were obtained for several nodes, suggesting different possible biogeographical patterns.

Main conclusions  Our analyses identified several discrepancies with the classical taxonomy of the genus, and we propose a new phylogenetic classification. According to molecular clocks, the radiation of the genus Tuber could have started between 271 and 140 Ma. Used in combination with the results obtained from time divergence estimates, this allows us to propose two equally probable scenarios of intra‐ and inter‐continental diversification of the genus according to the geographic distribution of the most recent common ancestor in Europe or Eurasia. The biogeographical patterns imply intra‐continental dispersal events between Europe and Asia and inter‐continental dispersal events between North America and Europe or Asia, which are compatible with land connections during the Tertiary.
Historical climate modelling predicts patterns of current biodiversity in the Brazilian Atlantic forest
Authors: Carnaval Ana Carolina , Moritz Craig
Published: March 2008

Aim  We aim to propose validated, spatially explicit hypotheses for the late Quaternary distribution of the Brazilian Atlantic forest, and thereby provide a framework for integrating analyses of species and genetic diversity in the region.

Location  The Atlantic forest, stretching along the Brazilian coast.

Methods  We model the spatial range of the forest under three climatic scenarios (current climate, 6000 and 21,000 years ago) with BIOCLIM and MAXENT. Historically stable areas or refugia are identified as the set of grid cells for which forest presence is inferred in all models and time projections. To validate inferred refugia, we test whether our models are matched by the current distribution of the forest and by fossil pollen data. We then investigate whether the location of inferred forest refugia is consistent with current patterns of species endemism and existing phylogeographical data.

Results  Forest models agree with pollen records and predict a large area of historical forest stability in the central corridor (Bahia), as well as a smaller refuge (Pernambuco) along the Brazilian coast, matching current centres of endemism in multiple taxa and mtDNA diversity patterns in a subset of the species examined. Less historical stability is predicted in coastal areas south of the Doce river, which agrees with most phylogeographical studies in that region. Yet some widely distributed taxa show high endemism in the southern Atlantic forest. This may be due to limitations of the modelling approach, differences in ecology and dispersal capability, historical processes not contemplated by the current study or inadequacy of the available test data sets.

Main conclusions  Palaeoclimatic models predict the presence of historical forest refugia in the Atlantic rain forest and suggest spatial variation in persistence of forests through the Pleistocene, predicting patterns of biodiversity in several local taxa. The results point to the need for further studies to document genetic and species endemism in the relatively poorly known and highly impacted areas of Atlantic rain forests of north‐eastern Brazil.
Imprint of post‐glacial history in a narrowly distributed endemic spruce, Picea alcoquiana, in central Japan observed in nuclear microsatellites and organelle DNA markers
Authors: Aizawa Mineaki , Yoshimaru Hiroshi , Katsuki Toshio , Kaji Mikio
Published: March 2008

Aim  We aim to infer the post‐glacial history of the narrowly distributed endemic spruce Picea alcoquiana in Japan, and to assess the hypothesis that the existing narrow natural range of the species has resulted from the diminution of the past natural range since the last glacial period.

Location  Mountainous forests in central Honshu Island in Japan.

Methods  We assessed the geographical patterns of genetic variation across nine populations of P. alcoquiana across its natural range using five nuclear microsatellites and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism markers for chloroplast (cp) and mitochondrial (mt) DNA. This study focuses on the genetic differentiation between northern peripherally isolated and southern core populations within the natural range of the species in central Honshu. In addition, based on diagnostic morphological traits of the cone, we used reliable macrofossil evidence to gain further insight into the past natural range of the species.

Results  Picea alcoquiana shows a level of genetic differentiation among populations (ΦST = 0.082) that was higher than the levels observed in nuclear microsatellites for other anemophilous and widespread tree species in Japan. A notable finding for the nuclear microsatellites was the loss of rare alleles and strong evidence of a recent bottleneck in the peripherally isolated populations. Analysis of molecular variance in cpDNA and mtDNA markers showed an absence of genetic differentiation between the peripherally isolated and core populations. Macrofossil evidence indicated that the past natural range of the species extended to a lower elevation and c. 135 km north of the existing peripherally isolated populations during the last glacial period (c. 28,000 yr bp).

Main conclusions  During the last glacial period, P. alcoquiana had a wider natural range in which the peripherally isolated and core populations could have been geographically continuous with each other, and effective gene flow by means of pollen and seeds might have occurred. The recent bottleneck and consequent loss of rare alleles in the peripherally isolated populations might have evolved during the diminution and retreat of the northern part of the past natural range southwards to the core area and during the subsequent separation of the peripherally isolated populations from the core area since the last glacial period.
The biogeographical assignment of a west Kenyan rain forest remnant: further evidence from analysis of its reptile fauna
Authors: Wagner Philipp , Köhler Jörn , Schmitz Andreas , Böhme Wolfgang
Published: March 2008

Aim  The Kakamega Forest, western Kenya, has been biogeographically assigned to both lowland and montane forest biomes, or has even been considered to be unique. Most frequently it has been linked with the Guineo‐Congolian rain forest block. The present paper aims to test six alternative hypotheses of the zoogeographical relationships between this forest remnant and other African forests using reptiles as a model group. Reptiles are relatively slow dispersers, compared with flying organisms (Aves and Odonata) on which former hypotheses have been based, and may thus result in a more conservative biogeographical analysis.

Location  Kakamega Forest, Kenya, Sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods  The reptile diversity of Kakamega Forest was evaluated by field surveys and data from literature resources. Faunal comparisons of Kakamega Forest with 16 other African forests were conducted by the use of the ‘coefficient of biogeographic resemblance’ using the reptile communities as zoogeographic indicators. Parsimony Analysis of Endemism and Neighbour Joining Analysis of Endemism were used to generate relationship trees based on an occurrence matrix with paup*.

Results  The analysis clearly supports the hypothesis that the Kakamega Forest is the easternmost fragment of the Guineo‐Congolian rain forest belt, and thus more closely related to the forests of that Central–West African complex than to any forest further east, such as the Kenyan coastal forests. Many Kenyan reptile species occur exclusively in the Kakamega Forest and its associated forest fragments.

Main conclusions  The Kakamega Forest is the only remnant of the Guineo‐Congolian rain forest in the general area. We assume that the low degree of resemblance identified for the Guineo‐Congolian forest and the East African coastal forest reflect the long history of isolation of the two forest types from each other. Kenyan coastal forests may have been historically connected through forest ‘bridges’ of the southern highlands with the Congo forest belt, allowing reptile species to migrate between them. The probability of a second ‘bridge’ located in the region of southern Tanzanian inselbergs is discussed. Although not particularly rich in reptile species, the area should be considered of high national priority for conservation measures.
Speciation and radiations track climate transitions since the Miocene Climatic Optimum: a case study of southern African chameleons
Authors: Tolley Krystal A. , Chase Brian M. , Forest Félix
Published: March 2008

Aim  The high amount of species diversity concentrated in southern Africa has been attributed to palaeoclimatic factors, and the timing of radiations in some taxa corresponds to global palaeoclimatic trends. Using dwarf chameleons (Bradypodion: Chamaeleonidae) as a model system, we explored the relationship between palaeoclimatic fluctuations and cladogenesis with respect to both temporal and spatial patterns in an effort to understand the process of speciation in southern Africa.

Location  South Africa, with particular emphasis on the Cape Floristic Region and the Maputaland–Pondoland–Albany hotspot.

Methods  Mitochondrial sequence data (ND2 and 16S) were used to estimate the timing of major radiations and to examine the number of lineages through time. A dated phylogeny was constructed using Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction, and a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock was used to estimate divergence times. Spatial data and lineage‐through‐time plots were used to identify geographic regions that underwent diversification in connection with major climatic events. Both parsimony and likelihood optimizations of habitat type on the phylogeny were used to determine whether major habitat shifts have occurred. On a coarse scale (half‐degree grid cells), phylogenetic diversity (sum of the branch lengths linking terminals) was compared with species richness (absolute number of species) to identify areas of conservation importance.

Results  The complete species phylogeny of dwarf chameleons shows that the timing and mode of diversification exhibit spatio‐temporal patterns that link to phases in the evolution of southern Africa’s climate over the last 14 Myr. Optimizations of habitat on the phylogenetic tree show a progression from closed to open habitats since the Mid‐Miocene, corresponding to the shift from C3 to C4 environments, and later with the development of south‐western Africa’s winter‐rainfall regime. These shifts are not simultaneous across the region, with different geographic centres of diversity generated during different time periods.

Main conclusions  Regions that are prominent centres of chameleon diversification are encompassed by the current biodiversity hotspots as shown by chameleon species richness and phylogenetic diversity. Diversity within the Cape Floristic Region appears to be the result of a Late Pliocene radiation, whereas the diversity encompassed within the Maputaland–Pondoland–Albany hotspot is an aggregate of asynchronous radiation events, probably influenced by lineage losses. Overall, dwarf chameleons have experienced a shift in habitat types, with recent radiations occupying open habitats, and older lineages persisting in relictual forested habitats, corresponding to the continental shift of vegetation types since the Miocene Climatic Optimum.
Hepatic inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in hepatitis C virus–human immunodeficiency virus co‐infection
Authors: Gonzalez S. A. , Zhang C. , Fiel M. I. , Chung S. , Zhang L. , Jacobson I. M. , Talal A. H.
Published: March 2008

Summary.  Although epidemiologic studies have documented that hepatitis C virus (HCV)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infected patients have accelerated fibrogenesis, especially those with CD4+ cell counts <200 cells/mm3, the pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood. We investigated whether severe immunodeficiency in co‐infection is associated with changes in intrahepatic inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels. We measured interferon (IFN)‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10, IL‐12p35 and IL‐12p40 mRNA levels by real‐time PCR performed on liver samples from HCV mono‐infected (n = 19) and HCV/HIV co‐infected (n = 24) patients. Co‐infected patients had decreased intrahepatic mRNA levels of IFN‐γ (P = 0.09), IL‐4 (P = 0.05) and IL‐12p35 (P = 0.04) compared with mono‐infected patients, while IL‐10 was increased (P = 0.07). In co‐infected patients, IFN‐γ mRNA levels increased linearly with increasing peripheral CD4+ cell counts by 1.23 times relative to the calibrator for every 100 CD4+ cells/mm3 increase (P = 0.02). No other cytokines were significantly associated with CD4+ cell counts. In conclusion, HIV‐induced lymphopenia may result in hepatic inflammatory cytokine suppression in HCV/HIV co‐infection. Intrahepatic IFN‐γ levels are significantly reduced in patients with advanced immunodeficiency. Further studies are needed to assess whether decreased IFN‐γ secretion by HCV‐specific CD4+ cells may account for accelerated fibrogenesis in these patients.
Unusual productivity of Aedes aegypti in septic tanks and its implications for dengue control
Authors: BARRERA R. , AMADOR M. , DIAZ A. , SMITH J. , MUNOZ‐JORDAN J. L. , ROSARIO Y.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Increased DEN‐2 virus transmission in Puerto Rico during 2005 prompted the implementation of a rapid intervention programme to suppress Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) emergence, which in turn lead to the discovery of previously unknown breeding sites underground. Initially, the following control measures were applied in Playa/Playita (PP), a town of 1,400 households, to all areas where the number of pupae per person exceeded the expected threshold for dengue transmission; all containers likely to be aquatic habitats were turned over and containers too large to turn were treated with 1 p.p.m. methoprene. The impact of these interventions was evaluated by comparing the number of resting adult mosquitoes (by backpack aspiration and sweepnetting in bedrooms) pre‐intervention, with numbers at 3 and 5 weeks post‐intervention, and by evaluating pupal density at 4 weeks post‐intervention in PP and in a nearby town, Coqui (CO; 1500 households), which was not treated. The pre‐intervention and post‐intervention densities of resting Ae. aegypti adults were significantly larger in the intervention town, although the density of pupae in surface containers was low and similar in both towns at 4 weeks post‐intervention. At 3 weeks post‐intervention, the density of resting adults decreased by only 18% of pre‐intervention levels, but returned to pre‐intervention levels 5 weeks after treatment. By contrast, the density of resting adults in CO steadily decreased to 48% and 61%, at 3 and 5 weeks after the initial surveys, respectively. Geographical Information Systems identified significant clustering of adult mosquitoes, which led to the discovery of underground aquatic habitats (septic tanks) that were producing large numbers of Ae. aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) in the treated town. We calculated that septic tanks could produce > 18 000 Ae. aegypti and ~ 170 000 Cx quinquefasciatus adults per day. Septic tanks are likely to be common and widespread in suburban and rural Puerto Rico, where, apparently, they can contribute significantly to the maintenance of island‐wide dengue virus endemicity.
Complications of chronic use of skin lightening cosmetics
Authors: Olumide Yetunde M. , Akinkugbe Ayesha O. , Altraide Dan , Mohammed Tahir , Ahamefule Ngozi , Ayanlowo Shola , Onyekonwu Chinwe , Essen Nyomudim
Published: March 2008

Skin lightening (bleaching) cosmetics and toiletries are widely used in most African countries. The active ingredients in these cosmetic products are hydroquinone, mercury and corticosteroids. Several additives (conconctions) are used to enhance the bleaching effect. Since these products are used for long duration, on a large body surface area, and under hot humid conditions, percutaneous absorption is enhanced. The complications of these products are very serious and are sometimes fatal. Some of these complications are exogenous ochronosis, impaired wound healing and wound dehiscence, the fish odor syndrome, nephropathy, steroid addiction syndrome, predisposition to infections, a broad spectrum of cutaneous and endocrinologic complications of corticosteroids, including suppression of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. In this era of easy travels and migration, African patients with these complications can present to physicians anywhere in the world. It is therefore critical for every practicing physician to be aware of these complications.
Creatine phosphokinase values during isotretinoin treatment for acne
Authors: Kaymak Yesim
Published: March 2008

Background  Muscle‐related complaints and high creatine phosphokinase (CPK) blood levels have been reported in 15–50% of patients with acne treated with isotretinoin. Clinical investigations about CPK levels in isotretinoin therapy were few, and most of them were case reports. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, course, and clinical significance of severe hyperphosphokinasemia in isotretinoin therapy for acne.

Methods  A total of 89 patients were treated with isotretinoin for moderate or severe acne at our dermatology department. At the initial visit and during the monthly follow‐up visits, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, thrombocyte, renal function tests (urea and creatinine), direct and indirect bilirubin, liver enzymes [serum glutamate oxaloacetate (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), gamma glutamil transpeptidase (GGT), and alkaline phosphotase (ALP)], lipid profile [total cholesterol, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), and triglycerides], urine analysis, and CPK were requested. We asked all patients about muscle‐related complaints, weakness, exercise, and compared CPK levels.

Results  Elevated CPK levels were recorded in only five patients during treatment period. Maximum serum CPK values recorded for each patient ranged between 292 and 569 IU/l. Only one patient out of five had myalgia and four patients were completely asymptomatic.

Conclusions  In conclusion, marked hyperCPKemia with or without muscle‐related complaints in isotretinoin‐treated patients with acne is a benign phenomenon; therefore, it is logical to reserve measurement of CPK levels as well as renal tests for cases with severe muscle pain.
A case of dyskeratosis congenita with Chiari 1 malformation, absence of inferior vena cava, webbed neck, and low posterior hair neck
Authors: Çakmak Seray Külcü , Gönül Müzeyyen , Kılıç Arzu , Gül Ülker , Koçak Oğuzhan , Demiriz Murat
Published: March 2008

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare inherited disorder that is usually seen in males, consisting of the triad of leukoplakia of the mucous membranes, nail dystrophy, and skin pigmentation. We present a case of DC associated with esophageal stricture, Chiari 1 malformation, absence of inferior vena cava, webbed neck, and low posterior hair neck.

A 22‐year‐old man attended our clinic with leukoplakia of the oral mucosa and nail dystrophy. In addition to these findings, poikilodermia on his neck and upper and lower extremities, bilateral ectropion, webbed neck, and low posterior hair neck was detected on dermatologic examination. Esophagoscopy demonstrated esophageal stricture. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed tonsillar herniation, and thoracoabdominal computed tomography revealed absence of inferior vena cava.
Evaluation of application of multiple needle pricks on the pathergy reaction
Authors: Özdemir Mustafa , Bodur Said , Engin Burhan , Baysal İbrahim
Published: March 2008

Background  The pathergy reaction (PR) to a needle prick is a well‐known feature of Behçet's disease (BD). Although PR is accepted as a major criterion in this disease, there is a lack of a standardized method to measure PR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on the positive rate of PR of the application of numerous (one to six) needle pricks.

Methods  Six needle pricks were performed on 105 patients with BD. The results of the test were noted from the proximal to the distal region for each area of each patient. The positive rates of all combinations (one, two, three, four, five, and six needle pricks) were calculated as percentages by a computer‐based program (SPSS version 13 for Windows), and the mean percentage rates were obtained.

Results  There was an increase in the percentage of positive PR rates in each combination relative to the former combination. When one needle prick was performed, the mean percentage positive PR rate was 13%. The positive PR rates were 19%, 24%, 28%, 30%, and 33% for two, three, four, five and six needle pricks, respectively. The greatest increase in the mean percentage of positive PR rates was detected for the application of the two needle prick combination.

Conclusion  There is no consensus about the number of needle pricks required to detect PR, and multiple needle pricks have been used in many studies. We suggest that two needle pricks are suitable for the PR skin test as a useful adjunct to the diagnosis of BD.
Smoke from leaves of Populus euphratica Olivier vs. conventional cryotherapy for the treatment of cutaneous warts: a pilot, randomized, single‐blind, prospective study
Authors: Rahimi Ali Reza , Emad Maryam , Rezaian Gholam Reza
Published: March 2008

Background  Populous Euphratica tree which belongs to Salicaceae family is naturally distributed in many parts of the world. Our purpose was to compare the therapeutic effects of smoke of its burnt leaves with conventional cryotherapy in patients with warts.

Methods  Sixty consecutive wart patients were randomly treated with leaves of Populous Euphratica tree (Group A) or conventional cryotherapy (Group B) and were followed up for 22 weeks.

Results  The respective end results in group A and group B were; Complete cure rates 66.7% vs. 46.4% (P= NS), partial resolution rates 8.3% vs. 14.3% (P= NS). The recurrence rate however, was 4.2% in group A and 32.2% in group B patients (P= 0.024).

Conclusion  The smoke of burnt leaves of Populus Euphratica tree can be equally effective for treatment of hand and foot warts as cryotherapy.
Cytokine and chemokine expression in the skin from patients with maculopapular exanthema to drugs
Authors: Fernandez T. D. , Mayorga C. , Torres M. J. , Cornejo‐Garcia J. A. , López S. , Chaves P. , Rondon C. , Blanca M.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Maculopapular exanthema (MPE) is the most frequent clinical manifestation of nonimmediate allergic reactions to drugs and T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines and CD4+ T cells have been shown to play an important role in its pathogenesis. We assessed the role of cytokines and chemokines and their receptors in the pathogenesis of MPE.

Methods:  We evaluated skin biopsies and peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from 27 patients during the acute phase of the reaction and 26 exposed controls. Semiquantitative real‐time PCR was performed to determine the expression of cytokines and chemokines and their receptors and immunohistochemistry was used to determine the same chemokines and their receptor proteins in skin.

Results:  There was a high expression of the Th1 cytokines interferon‐γ (P = 0.006) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (P = 0.022) in skin and CD4+ T cells (P = 0.007 and P = 0.005, respectively); and of the Th1 chemokines CXCL9 (P = 0.005) and CXCL10 (P = 0.028) in the skin, while their receptor CXCR3 was increased in skin (P = 0.006) and CD4+ T cells (P = 0.03). Homing chemokine receptors were also increased: CCR6 in skin (P = 0.026) and CD4+ T cells (P = 0.016), and CCR10 only in CD4+ T cells (P = 0.016), as well as their ligands, CCL20 and CCL27, in skin alone. Immunohistochemistry confirmed these results.

Conclusions:  These data show significant differences in the expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors, related with a Th1 profile, in both skin biopsies and peripheral CD4+ T cells in patients with drug‐induced MPE.
Luminex donor‐specific crossmatches
Authors: Billen E. V. A. , Voorter C. E. M. , Christiaans M. H. L. , Van Den Berg‐Loonen E. M.
Published: March 2008

In Luminex bead‐based screening assays, color‐coded microspheres coated with human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are used to identify both complement‐binding and non‐complement‐binding HLA class I and II antibodies in recipient sera. Many laboratories rely on their specificity detection and use the information obtained for allocation of donor organs. A donor‐specific crossmatch in the Luminex technique (LumXm) is for that reason desirable. A LumXm, in which the actual donor HLA are coated onto specific capture beads, was tested for 88 pre‐ and posttransplant sera of 18 recipients. The results were compared with previously published flow cytometric crossmatch (FCXm) results for the same donor–recipient combinations. All sera were also examined by Luminex single antigen (SA) tests. Class I LumXm detected 24 of 27 T‐cell positive FCXm (89%) and class II 15 of 22 B‐cell positive FCXm (68%). Sensitivity of LumXm for class I and II was 89% and 68% and specificity was 98% and 97%, respectively. Discrepant LumXm results were obtained in 13 sera of nine patients (15%). In general, based on SA testing, FCXm showed false‐positive results for class I and LumXm gave false‐negative and positive results for class II. The LumXm test was proven not to react with recipient sera containing DQ antibodies only, also DP detection was insufficient. The validity of the LumXm has been shown for class I, but its value for class II is uncertain. HLA‐DR is most probably correctly identified, the validity for DQ and DP is doubtful.
Twenty‐three novel alleles increase diversity at the HLA‐C locus
Authors: Lazaro A. M. , Xiao Y. , Cao K. , Masaberg C. , Nichol L. , Ng J. , Hurley C. K. , Posch P. E.
Published: March 2008

Twenty‐three novel HLA‐C alleles are described. Nine of the new alleles are single‐nucleotide substitutions from their most homologous allele of which seven result in amino acid changes (Cw*0327, *0508, *0514, *0613, *0735, *0739 and *1517) and two are silent substitutions (Cw*030305 and *070107). The remaining 14 alleles (Cw*0113, *0207, *0212, *0216, *0318, *0411, *0417, *0512, *0722, *0733N, *1216, *1218, *1515 and *1607) differ from their most similar alleles by 2–4 nucleotide substitutions that result in 1–3 amino acid differences.
A new HLA‐A*33 variant, HLA‐A*3314, identified in a Korean individual
Authors: Lee K. W. , Huh J.‐W. , Seong C. M.
Published: March 2008

The sequence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A*3314 is identical to that of HLA‐A*330301 except for a single‐nucleotide substitution at codon 49 (GCG→GGG) resulting in an amino acid change from Ala to Gly.
External quality assessment for the detection of HCV RNA, HIV RNA and HBV DNA in plasma by nucleic acid amplification technology: a novel approach
Authors: Pisani G. , Marino F. , Cristiano K. , Bisso G. M. , Mele C. , Luciani F. , Wirz M. , Gentili G. ,   the External Quality Assessment Participants
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives  In this EQA study a novel approach was used to assess the performance of blood centres and blood product manufacturers in detecting the possible contamination of plasma with HCV, HIV and HBV by NAT.

Materials and Methods  A panel of 12 samples, three negative and three positive for each virus, was distributed to the EQA participants. The positive samples were prepared, using the respective WHO standards, in order to obtain a viral concentration of about three times the 95% DL of the methods most commonly used by laboratories involved in blood screening by NAT. Participants were requested to test each sample of the panel on different days, possibly by different operators using their routine NAT assay.

Results  Overall, the participants’ performance was satisfactory. In particular, 49 of the 59 participants (83%) were able to correctly identify all samples. Regarding the remaining 10 laboratories, in three cases a deviation from the laboratory's procedure that could be attributed to an operator's mistake was observed, in two cases a possible cross‐contamination occurred while in the remaining five cases the failure to detect the positive samples couldn't be ascribed to any relevant deviation in the laboratory's procedure.

Conclusions  The novel design of this EQA study allowed participants to verify their day by day activity as the study was carried out in the context of their routine testing. Under these conditions, it was demonstrated that, despite the high level of automation reached by NAT assays, human errors can still occur.
Protein requirements for Blue‐fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva) growth*
Authors: Carciofi A. C. , Sanfilippo L. F. , De‐Oliveira L. D. , Do Amaral P. P. , Prada F.
Published: March 2008

The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein requirements for hand‐rearing Blue‐fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva). Forty hatchlings were fed semi‐purified diets containing one of four (as‐fed basis) protein levels: 13%, 18%, 23% and 28%. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with the initial weight of the nestling as the blocking factor and 10 parrots per protein level. Regression analysis was used to determine relationships between protein level and biometric measurements. The data indicated that 13% crude protein supported nestling growth with 18% being the minimum tested level required for maximum development. The optimal protein concentration for maximum weight gain was 24.4% (p = 0.08; r2 = 0.25), tail length 23.7% (p = 0.09; r2 = 0.19), wing length 23.0% (p = 0.07; r2 = 0.17), tarsus length 21.3% (p = 0.06; r2 = 0.10) and tarsus width 21.4% (p = 0.07; r2 = 0.09). Tarsus measurements were larger in males (p < 0.05), indicating that sex must be considered when studying developing psittacines. These results were obtained using a highly digestible protein and a diet with moderate metabolizable energy levels.
Synergistic effects of α‐pinene and exo‐brevicomin on pine bark beetles and associated insects in Arizona
Authors: Hofstetter R. W. , Chen Z. , Gaylord M. L. , McMillin J. D. , Wagner M. R.
Published: March 2008

The southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) and western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis) cause significant mortality to pines in the southern and western United States. The effectiveness of commercial lures at capturing these bark beetles in Arizona has not been tested and may vary from other regions of their distribution. We conducted experiments using baited Lindgren funnel traps to investigate (i) if D. frontalis is more attracted to the standard commercial lure for D. brevicomis (frontalin + exo‐brevicomin + myrcene) than the D. frontalis lure (frontalin + terpene blend), (ii) whether replacement of myrcene with α‐pinene changes trap catches of Dendroctonus and associated insects, and (iii) whether the attraction to these lures varies across the geographical range of ponderosa pine forests throughout Arizona. In 2005, we tested various combinations of frontalin, exo‐brevicomin, myrcene and α‐pinene to D. frontalis, D. brevicomis and associated species. Dendroctonus frontalis, D. brevicomis and the predator Temnochila chlorodia were most attracted to lures with exo‐brevicomin. The replacement of the myrcene component with α‐pinene in the D. brevicomis lure resulted in the capture of twice as many bark beetles and Elacatis beetles. However, T. chlorodia did not differentiate between monoterpenes. In 2006, traps were set up in 11 locations around Arizona to test the relative attraction of lure combinations. In 9 out 11 locations, the D. brevicomis lure with α‐pinene was more attractive than the lure with myrcene or a terpene blend. These results suggest that the D. brevicomis lure with α‐pinene rather than myrcene is more effective lure to capture D. brevicomis and D. frontalis in Arizona. However, geographical variation in attractiveness to lures is evident even within this region of the beetles’ distributions. Differential attraction of Dendroctonus and their predators to these lures suggests potential use in field trapping and control programmes.
Sampling plan for the coffee leaf miner Leucoptera coffeella with sex pheromone traps
Authors: Bacca T. , Lima E. R. , Picanço M. C. , Guedes R. N. C. , Viana J. H. M.
Published: March 2008

The population density of the coffee leaf miner Leucoptera coffeella (Guérin‐Méneville & Perrottet) (Lep., Lyonetiidae) can be estimated using pheromone traps in coffee fields as male capture reflects this pest damage based on previous correlational study. However, the spatial distribution of pheromone traps and their density are necessary to optimize the sampling procedure with pheromone traps. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to determine the pheromone trap density required per hectare to sample coffee leaf miner populations and to determine the spatial distribution of the males of this pest species. The males were sampled every 8 days in 12 consecutive evaluations. Taylor’s power law and frequency distributions were used to recognize the distribution of the male capture data, which followed a negative binomial distribution. A common K was obtained, allowing the establishment of a single conventional sampling plan for the 12 fields investigated. The adjusted sampling plan requires eight traps in an area of 30 ha for a 25% precision error. Kriging‐generated maps allowed the simulation of male captures for 8, 12 and 20 traps per 30 ha and the results were compared with those obtained with absolute sampling resulting in R2‐values of 0.30, 0.57 and 0.60 respectively. The traps were able to identify the more highly infested areas within the field and are a precise and efficient tool for sampling populations of L. coffeella.
Genotypic difference for the susceptibility of Japanese, Chinese and European pears to Venturia nashicola, the cause of scab on Asian pears
Authors: Abe K. , Saito T. , Terai O. , Sato Y. , Kotobuki K.
Published: March 2008

Venturia nashicola, the cause of scab on Asian pears, is distinct from Venturia pirina, a causal fungus of European pear scab. Although scab caused by V. nashicola is one of the most serious diseases in the Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai var. culta Nakai), information available regarding resistant breeding against V. nashicola is limited. In this study, 12 genotypes of Japanese pear, seven genotypes of Chinese pear (Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim.) and four genotypes of European pear (Pyrus communis L. var. sativa DC.) and/or their offspring were evaluated for susceptibility to V. nashicola with leaf and fruit inoculation tests. At 30–40 days after full bloom in their developmental stage, unfolded young leaves and fruit were inoculated with conidial suspensions of V. nashicola for each genotype, and the responses were rated at 30 days postinoculation for the inoculated leaves and at 42 days postinoculation for the inoculated fruits. No visible symptoms were found in European pear ‘Bartlett’ and ‘La France’ and their respective offspring ‘290‐36’ and ‘282‐12’, in the Japanese pear ‘Kinchaku’ and in the Chinese pears ‘Cangxili’ and ‘Hongli’; these genotypes were evaluated as highly resistant to V. nashicola. Necrotic lesions without sporulation were observed in the Chinese pears ‘Qiubaili’, ‘Manyuanxiang’, ‘Yuanbali’ and ‘Xiangyali’, which were regarded as resistant. Sporulating lesions were formed on the other genotypes, such as the major Japanese pear cultivars ‘Kosui’ and ‘Nijisseiki’, which were regarded as susceptible. The response of inoculated leaves coincided well with that of inoculated fruit for each genotype. When the severity of scab symptoms on scab‐susceptible genotypes was further rated with disease severity (DS) values, a genotypic difference was observed for overall DS values in a successive 2‐year measurement among the susceptible genotypes. Based on the DS values of leaf and fruit scabs, the Japanese pears ‘Niitaka’, ‘Shinko’, ‘Nijisseiki’, ‘Gold Nijisseiki’, ‘Osa Nijisseiki’ and ‘Shinsui’ were considered to be less susceptible to V. nashicola than the typical susceptible cultivar ‘Kosui’.
Housing During Early Pregnancy Affects Fertility and Behaviour of Sows
Authors: Munsterhjelm C , Valros A , Heinonen M , Hälli O , Peltoniemi OAT
Published: March 2008

Contents

From 1.1.2013 EU legislation will permit stall‐housing of dry sows for only 4 weeks post‐service. Stalls are associated with compromised animal welfare, but group housing comes with risks from social confrontations. Studies on housing effects on fertility have produced contradictory results as systems are inconsistently defined. Effects of housing on pregnancy rate 28 days post‐service (P28), early disruption of pregnancy (EDP) and behaviour were investigated in 12 replicates of 40 sows. Half of the animals were stalled (treatment S, mean parity 2.4) and half group‐housed adjacent on 5.1 m2 deep litter per sow (treatment G, mean parity 2.3). Pregnancy was detected using real‐time ultrasound. An EDP‐diagnosis required a drop of salivary progesterone concentration from >15.9 to <15.9 mmol/l in a series of samples taken on days 17, 20, 24 and 27 post‐service. Behaviour was scan sampled on day 27 for 120 min with 10‐min intervals. Data was analysed using mixed regression models in MLwiN. Treatment S increased the odds for P28 with 2.3 and the pregnancy rate of a treatment group with 0.1 compared with G. G increased the odds for EDP with 4.6. Treatment did not affect total exploratory or total passive behaviour. S sows explored floor and fixtures (not bedding) more and performed more passive sitting than G sows. Social stress may have caused the impaired reproductive performance in G sows. S sows showed behavioural signs of decreased welfare, but no corresponding reproductive effects. An interdisciplinary approach is needed when evaluating the appropriateness of housing systems.
Childhood drowning in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Urgent need for intervention trials
Authors: Hyder Adnan A , Borse Nagesh N , Blum Lauren , Khan Rasheda , El Arifeen Shams , Baqui Abdullah H
Published: March 2008

Data available for low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) indicate that the burden of drowning in children is significant and becoming a leading public health problem. At the same time, interventions for drowning are not well documented in LMICs. The overall purpose of this paper is to make the case for research investments in conducting intervention trials to prevent child drowning in LMICs.

In high‐income countries (HICs), existing drowning prevention interventions include among others: pool fencing, supervision, lifeguards and water safety training at a young age. However, these measures may not be the most relevant in curtailing the number of drowning deaths in LMICs. There are differences with regard to geographical, social, cultural and behavioural factors associated with drowning between HICs and LMICs, often making it inappropriate to apply existing interventions directly in LMIC settings.

This paper focuses on drowning from LMICs and reveals a dearth of data on incidence rates and risk factors; absence of public health interventions; lack of research on intervention effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness; and paucity of national drowning prevention programs. Based on this evidence, this paper calls for immediate attention to drowning prevention by increasing research investments. This paper specifically discusses Bangladesh as a case study and proposes a drowning intervention study focusing on children less than 5 years in LMICs as an example of appropriate research investment.
AP‐ROP in an infant with minimal oxygen exposure
Authors: Buksh Mariam J , Dai Shuan , Kuschel Carl A
Published: March 2008

Abstract  Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a multifactorial disease affecting the developing retinal vasculature and remains an important cause of blindness in very preterm infants. Rush disease, or aggressive posterior ROP (AP‐ROP), progresses rapidly to stage 5 disease without exhibiting the classical course that includes stages 1–3. We describe an infant with minimal exposure to oxygen who developed AP‐ROP that led to bilateral retinal detachments and a poor visual outcome, despite following current recommended screening guidelines.
PREVENTING POSTOPERATIVE HAEMATOMAS IN MICROVASCULAR RECONSTRUCTION OF THE HEAD AND NECK: LESSONS LEARNT FROM 126 CONSECUTIVE CASES
Authors: Kaplan Elan D. , Rozen Warren M. , Shayan Ramin , Bernard Simon , Macgill Kirsty , Corlett Russell , Taylor G. Ian , Ashton Mark W.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Free tissue transfer has become a safe and reliable means for repairing soft tissue and bony defects of the head and neck. Although operative success has reached 98%, the incidence of significant postoperative complications is also relatively high (32%). One common and significant complication is haematoma formation, occurring at both donor and recipient sites, and yet there are minimal published studies on its incidence, aetiology or outcome. A retrospective analysis of both donor‐ and recipient‐site wound haematoma was carried out to identify causative factors and the effect on patient outcome.

Methods:  A 5‐year review of 132 consecutive microvascular free tissue transfers to head and neck defects at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, for the period February 2001 to February 2006, was conducted.

Results:  Of 126 included cases, 27 postoperative haematomas resulted. Statistically significant associations were found for each of smoking, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use and the use of corticosteroids preoperatively with the incidence of postoperative haematoma formation. Postoperative blood pressure control and the adequacy of primary tumour excision at the flap recipient site were also found to have significant associations with haematoma formation. Drain tube outputs served as accurate indicators for haematoma.

Conclusion:  There are significant reversible factors that contribute to the development of postoperative haematomas in head and neck reconstructive surgery. Preoperative modifications should, therefore, be sought. Similarly, close monitoring of patient blood pressure during the initial 24 h postoperative period by theatre and recovery staff is important, as is the adequacy of postoperative analgesia.
MODIFIED STAPLED HAEMORRHOIDECTOMY: A SUGGESTED IMPROVED TECHNIQUE
Authors: Ng Kheng‐Hong , Chew Min‐Hoe , Eu Kong‐Weng
Published: March 2008

Background:  Longo’s technique of stapled haemorrhoidopexy has revolutionized management of symptomatic haemorrhoids. However, several problems have been identified in the original Longo’s technique. In particular, recurrence of haemorrhoidal tissue has been found to be significantly higher.

Methods:  An improved technique with key differences to address these shortcomings is described. The modified stapled haemorrhoidectomy procedure described is carried out without the circular anal dilator and includes the placement of a low purse string of 2–3 cm.

Conclusion:  This technique is proposed as an improvement to the current stapled haemorrhoidopexy.