bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subtle top‐down control of a freshwater meiofaunal assemblage by juvenile fish
Authors: DINEEN GERARD , ROBERTSON ANNE L.
Published: April 2010

1. Top‐down control of prey assemblages by fish predators has been clearly demonstrated in lakes (for zooplankton prey) and rivers (for macroinvertebrate prey). Fish predation can have a significant impact on the body size of prey assemblages; often large‐bodied prey are reduced in abundance, and indirect facilitation of small‐bodied prey occurs potentially initiating a trophic cascade.

2. Benthic communities in aquatic ecosystems also include a numerous and functionally important meiofaunal‐sized component, but in freshwaters the impact of fish predation on meiofaunal assemblages is unknown. We used a laboratory microcosm study to explore the impact of juvenile fish predation on the abundance and size structure of a riverine meiofaunal assemblage.

3. The presence of fish in our microcosms had no significant effect on overall meiofaunal (temporary and permanent) abundance. However, for the Copepoda, we found the first evidence of top‐down control of freshwater meiofaunal assemblages; in microcosms with juvenile fish, the abundance of large‐bodied Copepoda was significantly reduced, whereas small‐bodied Copepoda were significantly more abundant suggesting indirect facilitation.

4. We conclude that predation by juvenile fish can alter the structure of freshwater meiofaunal assemblages, although we do not yet know whether these relatively subtle changes are overwhelmed by large‐scale events such as flow disturbances.
Modelling the impacts of flow regulation on fish distributions in naturally intermittent lowland streams: an approach for predicting restoration responses
Authors: BOND NICK , McMASTER DAMIEN , REICH PAUL , THOMSON JAMES R. , LAKE P. S.
Published: April 2010

1. Understanding the relationships between flow regime and the distribution of biota is critical for managing flows in regulated rivers. In northern Victoria, Australia, efforts are presently underway to restore a natural, intermittent flow regime to several streams which, for over 100 years, have received perennial diversions as part of a stock, irrigation and domestic water supply.

2. Bayesian, model‐averaged, binomial regression was used to predict probabilities of occurrence for 13 fish species, including five non‐native species, based on hydrologic variables characterising both the current and modelled future flow regimes at 10 sites representing a range of hydrologic regimes (categorised here as heavily regulated, moderately regulated and unregulated).

3. Regression models accurately predicted present probabilities of occurrence for most species across all sites. The models predicted a reduced likelihood of large, native, flow‐dependent species occurring at regulated sites following flow restoration. Predictions regarding the future distribution of widespread species including two small‐bodied native and four exotic species were less certain as current distributions of these widespread species were unrelated to hydrologic variables we examined and thus unlikely to be significantly affected by flow restoration. The distributions of two small native species currently restricted to unregulated sites are predicted to increase throughout the system.

4. This study illustrates the effects of artificially induced perennial flow on lowland fish distributions. Furthermore, the combination of pre‐restoration data together with predictive modelling provides valuable insights into the likely outcomes of flow regime shifts.

5. This study clearly demonstrates the value of combining empirical research and modelling in guiding environmental flow and ecosystem restoration decisions. Knowledge from the study is now helping guide management decisions and the development of mitigation strategies to protect highly valued species in the system from potential future threats.
Biological invasions and the dynamics of endemic diseases in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: POULIN R. , PATERSON R. A. , TOWNSEND C. R. , TOMPKINS D. M. , KELLY D. W.
Published: April 2010

1. Biological invasions, still occurring worldwide at an alarming rate, are widely acknowledged as threats to the integrity and functioning of ecosystems. In addition to introducing disease, biological invasions have also been linked to sudden increases in the incidence or severity of previously existing diseases. We review and illustrate the potential direct and indirect impacts of introduced species on the dynamics of endemic parasites in freshwater ecosystems.

2. Introduced species may trigger and sustain disease emergence by acting as competent hosts for endemic parasites in which infection is amplified and then ‘spilled back’ to native hosts. In contrast, if introduced species are not suitable hosts for endemic parasites but become infected anyway, they may act as sinks for parasites and thus dilute disease risk for native hosts.

3. Another mechanism by which introduced species can influence endemic parasitic diseases is by altering the relative abundance of one of the parasite’s hosts in ways that could either enhance or reduce disease transmission to other native hosts in the parasite’s life cycle.

4. Introduced species may also alter disease incidence and severity in native hosts through trait‐mediated indirect effects. For example, the introduced species could change the exposure or susceptibility of native hosts to infection by causing alterations in their behaviour or immunocompetence. Also, by directly changing physicochemical conditions and modifying environmental stressors introduced species may indirectly affect native host exposure and/or resistance to disease.

5. A survey of parasites infecting introduced freshwater fish in four distinct geographical areas revealed that use of non‐indigenous hosts by endemic parasites is widespread, mostly involving parasites transmitted via the food chain.

6. We conclude by presenting a framework, based on risk assessment, for the prediction and possible mitigation of the impact of introduced species on endemic diseases and by calling for greater recognition of the potential role of invasive species as triggers of endemic disease emergence.
Mast cells and angiogenesis in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Ribatti Domenico , Guidolin Diego , Marzullo Andrea , Nico Beatrice , Annese Tiziana , Benagiano Vincenzo , Crivellato Enrico
Published: April 2010

Previous studies have shown that increased vascularity is associated with haematogenous metastasis and poor prognosis in gastric cancer. The role of mast cells in gastric cancer angiogenesis has not been clarified completely. In this study, we correlated microvascular density and tryptase‐ and chymase‐positive mast cells with histopathological type in gastric cancer. Specimens of primary gastric adenocarcinomas obtained from 30 patients who had undergone curative gastrectomy were investigated immunohistochemically by using anti‐CD31 antibody to stain endothelial cells and anti‐tryptase and anti‐chymase antibodies to stain mast cells. The results showed that stage IV gastric carcinoma has a higher degree of vascularization than other stages and that both tryptase‐ and chymase‐positive mast cells increase in parallel with malignancy grade even if the density of chymase‐positive mast cells was significantly lower than the density of tryptase‐positive mast cells and is highly correlated with the extent of angiogenesis. This study has demonstrated that mast cell density correlates with angiogenesis and progression of patients with gastric carcinoma. Understanding the mechanisms of gastric cancer angiogenesis provides a basis for a rational approach to the development of an antiangiogenic therapy in patients with this malignancy.
Palaeoecology of Southeast Asian megafauna‐bearing sites from the Pleistocene and a review of environmental changes in the region
Authors: Louys Julien , Meijaard Erik
Published: April 2010

Aim To reconstruct the palaeoenvironments of megafauna‐bearing sites from Pleistocene Southeast Asia, and to describe general environmental changes in the region.

Location Indochina and Sundaland, including Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra and Java.

Methods This study reconstructs the habitat types of 25 Pleistocene sites in Southeast Asia through a synecological (community‐based) method. This method specifically targets medium‐ and large‐bodied mammals, and ecovariables that could be directly assessed from species lists were chosen. The methods allow the reconstruction of fossil sites as closed (continuous tree cover), mixed (heterogeneous tree cover) and open (very limited to no tree cover) through discriminant functions analysis of community guild structure.

Results Four Pleistocene sites can confidently be assigned to one of the three habitat types. Tam Hang (south), a Middle Pleistocene site from Laos, is classified as mixed. Ban Fa Suai, a Middle Pleistocene site from Thailand, is also classified as mixed. Trinil, a Middle Pleistocene site from Java, is classified as open. Lastly, Hang Hum II, a Late Pleistocene site from Vietnam, is classified as open. Insufficient species are present in the fossil faunas of remaining sites to allow statistically confident habitat assignment. Nevertheless, conditional habitat assignments can be achieved, and these are largely congruent with other palaeoenvironmental evidence.

Main conclusions Medium‐ and large‐bodied mammals are the most frequently recovered mammals from Pleistocene sites in Southeast Asia. Previous palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of these sites have been hampered by this body size bias, as well as by limited site and faunal descriptions. However, our analysis demonstrates that reconstructions can still be achieved for megafauna‐bearing sites in the region. The reconstructions suggest that through much of the Pleistocene, Southeast Asia had significant areas of mixed habitats, and that the widespread distribution of rain forests, such as found today, was a relatively rare phenomenon.
The role of IL‐1β in reduced IL‐7 production by stromal and epithelial cells: a model for impaired T‐cell numbers in the gut during HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Thang P. H. , Ruffin N. , Brodin D. , Rethi B. , Cam P. D. , Hien N. T. , Lopalco L. , Vivar N. , Chiodi F.
Published: April 2010

Abstract.  Thang PH, Ruffin N, Brodin D, Rethi B, Cam PD, Hien NT, Lopalco L, Vivar N, Chiodi F (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam; San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy). The role of IL‐1β in reduced IL‐7 production by stromal and epithelial cells: a model for impaired T‐cell numbers in the gut during HIV‐1 infection. J Intern Med 2010; 268: 181–193.

Objectives.  Interleukin (IL)‐7 is a key cytokine in T‐cell homeostasis. Stromal cells, intestinal epithelial cells and keratinocytes are known to produce this cytokine. The mechanisms and cellular factors regulating IL‐7 production are still unclear. We assessed whether IL‐1β and interferon (IFN)‐γ, cytokines produced during inflammatory conditions, may impact on IL‐7 production.

Design.  We used human intestinal epithelial cells (DLD‐1 cell line) and bone marrow stromal cells (HS27 cell line), known to produce IL‐7; IL‐7 production was evaluated at the mRNA and protein levels. To assess whether treatment of HS27 cells with IL‐1β and/or IFN‐γ leads to changes in the gene expression of cytokines, Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and chemokines, we analysed gene expression profiles using the whole‐genome microarray Human Gene 1.0 ST.

Results.  We found that IFN‐γ enhanced the expression of IL‐7 mRNA (P < 0.001) in both cell lines. IL‐1β treatment led to a significant down‐regulation (P < 0.001) of IL‐7 mRNA expression in both cell lines. The IL‐7 concentration in supernatants collected from treated DLD‐1 and HS27 cell cultures reflected the trend of IL‐7 mRNA levels. The gene profiles revealed dramatic changes in expression of cytokines and their receptors (IL‐7/IL‐7Rα; IL‐1α,IL‐1β/IL‐1R1; IFN‐γ/IFN‐γR1), of IFN regulatory factors (IRF‐1 and 2), of TLRs and of important chemo‐attractants for T cells. The microarray results were verified by additional methods.

Conclusions.  Our results are discussed in the setting of inflammation and T‐cell survival in the gut compartment during HIV‐1 infection where stromal and epithelial cells may produce factors that contribute to impaired IL‐7 homeostasis and homing of T cells.
The Human Phenotype Ontology
Authors: Robinson PN , Mundlos S
Published: April 2010

Robinson PN, Mundlos S. The Human Phenotype Ontology.

A standardized, controlled vocabulary allows phenotypic information to be described in an unambiguous fashion in medical publications and databases. The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) is being developed in an effort to provide such a vocabulary. The use of an ontology to capture phenotypic information allows the use of computational algorithms that exploit semantic similarity between related phenotypic abnormalities to define phenotypic similarity metrics, which can be used to perform database searches for clinical diagnostics or as a basis for incorporating the human phenome into large‐scale computational analysis of gene expression patterns and other cellular phenomena associated with human disease. The HPO is freely available at http://www.human‐phenotype‐ontology.org.
Dystocia and Fetotomy Associated with Cerebral Aplasia in a Greater One‐horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)
Authors: Schaftenaar W , Fernandes T , Fritsch G , Frey R , Szentiks CA , Wegner R‐D , Hildebrandt TB , Hermes R
Published: April 2010

Contents

The captive greater one‐horned rhinoceros population consists of 176 animals. Since 1971, a total of 226 calves were born into this captive population. However, 24% of the offspring born were either stillborn or did not survive the first 3 months. The causes for this high rate of stillbirth and neonate mortality have not yet been documented. Here, we report on the veterinary management of a dystocia and foetotomy resulting from a malpositioned greater one‐horned rhinoceros foetus. The dead foetus presented with a forelimb flexed at the shoulder joint, with all other joints extended. The foetus was dissected into five parts and extracted during two anaesthesias on two consecutive days. The dam recovered fully and came into oestrous 31 days after surgery. Post‐mortem and CT examination of the malformed foetal head revealed cranioschisis with cerebral aplasia and cerebellar hypoplasia. The cerebral aplasia presented here and in other recent cases suggests that neural tube defects and cranial malformations may be associated with more captive rhinoceros stillbirths than previously considered. Epidemiologic studies of these phenomena and possible nutritional deficiencies or hereditary defects are warranted.
Pattern of intravesical recurrence after surgical treatment for urothelial cancer of the upper urinary tract: A single institutional retrospective long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Takaoka Ei‐ichiro , Hinotsu Shiro , Joraku Akira , Oikawa Takehiro , Sekido Noritoshi , Miyanaga Naoto , Kawai Koji , Shimazui Toru , Akaza Hideyuki
Published: April 2010

Objectives:  To estimate the risk of intravesical recurrence in patients with primary urothelial cancer of the upper urinary tract.

Methods:  Ninety patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for clinically localized urothelial cancer of the upper urinary tract were initially considered. Those with a previous and/or concomitant history of bladder cancer, and those who had previously received systemic chemotherapy were excluded. Overall, data from 60 patients with no evidence of bladder cancer and distant or lymph node metastasis were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical course and the risk pattern of intravesical recurrence were estimated by using a smoothing technique on estimated hazard function plots. Multivariate analysis was carried out using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results:  Mean patient age was 64.7 years. Median follow up was 51.3 months. Thirty patients (50%) had intravesical recurrence during the follow‐up period. The peak of intravesical recurrence was detected in the early period (less than 2.5 years) after surgery. The intravesical recurrence hazard became lower afterwards. Nevertheless, it persisted over a long period of time. On univariate and multivariate analyses, none of the clinical or pathological parameters had a statistically significant impact on intravesical recurrence.

Conclusions:  Even if an intravesical recurrence in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial cancer is more likely in the early period, it persists over a long period of time. This might reflect different mechanisms of recurrence, having a significant impact on the definition of the optimal treatment and follow‐up schedules.
Identification of Burkholderia multivorans ATCC 17616 genes induced in soil environment by in vivo expression technology
Authors: Nishiyama Eri , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Nagata Yuji , Tsuda Masataka
Published: April 2010

Burkholderia multivorans ATCC 17616 was originally isolated from a soil sample, and it carries three chromosomes. To identify traits of likely adaptive significance for colonization of soil, an in vivo expression technology system for ATCC 17616 was constructed using the promoterless and tandemly arranged dapB and lacZ genes as the reporters, and this system was applied to identify the genomic loci of ATCC 17616 that were induced in sterilized soil. Our screening of a library consisting of dapB‐lacZ‐inserted clones resulted in the isolation of 713 clones in which the insertion sites of genome were putatively transcribed in the soil but not in laboratory media. All insertion sites in the genome were determined by high‐throughput sequencing using genomic DNA as the templates, and subsequent analysis led to a reliable list of a total of 116 genomic loci as the B. multivorans ATCC 17616 loci induced in a soil environment (mls). These 116 mls carried the genes for energy acquisition from various substances, as well as genes for cell‐envelope integrity and the niche adaptation. The distribution of these loci was biased to the second chromosome, suggesting the importance of this replicon as a source of adaptive traits enhancing survival of this organism in natural environments.
Onset and maturation of fetal heart rate response to the mother’s voice over late gestation
Authors: Kisilevsky Barbara S. , Hains Sylvia M.J.
Published: April 2010

Background:  Term fetuses discriminate their mother’s voice from a female stranger’s, suggesting recognition/learning of some property of her voice. Identification of the onset and maturation of the response would increase our understanding of the influence of environmental sounds on the development of sensory abilities and identify the period when speech and language might influence auditory processing. 

Aim:  To characterize the onset and maturation of fetal heart rate response to the mother’s voice. Methods: 143 fetuses from 29 to 40 weeks gestational age (GA) received a standardized protocol: no‐sound pre‐voice baseline (2 min), audio recording of their mother reading a story (2 min), no‐sound post‐voice (2 min). The voice was delivered 10 cm above the maternal abdomen at an average of 95 dB A; heart rate was recorded continuously. 

Results:  For data analyses, fetuses were categorized into four age groups: 29–31, 32–34, 35–37, and > 37 weeks GA. Onset of response to the mother’s voice occurred at 32–34 weeks GA. From 32 to 37 weeks GA, there was an initial heart rate decrease followed by an increase. At term, there was a response shift to an initial heart rate increase. The percentage of fetuses responding increased over gestation from 46% at 32–34 weeks GA to 83% at term. 

Conclusion:  A relatively long latency and sustained duration of the heart rate response suggest auditory processing, the formation of neural networks, above the level of the brainstem.
Poverty alleviation in Nigeria: lessons from socioeconomic thoughts of the Yoruba
Authors: Babalola Joel B. , Oni Adesoji , Atanda Ademola , Oyejola‐Oshodi Benedicta O.
Published: April 2010

Nigeria is the 13th largest oil producer in the world. Yet about 56 per cent of the total population lives in absolute poverty. This article confronts conventional theories of poverty with the indigenous thoughts of the Yoruba (one of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria). Darwinian, individualistic, cultural, situational and structural theories of poverty associate it either with individual‐case or economy‐wide factors. Approaching anti‐poverty strategy through individual‐related factors (such as training the unskilled poor) without due consideration to the economy‐wide factors (such as job creation for the poor) ends up redistributing rather than actually reducing aggregate poverty. The analysis of poverty‐related proverbs of the Yoruba reveals a consistency between the conventional theories and what the Yoruba think about poverty. The Yoruba believe in chronic (osi) versus transitory (ise) poverty, associated with suffering. They believe that poor people can escape the poverty trap through their own personal efforts (such as by developing a positive work attitude, working hard and reducing their family size) along with the help of support systems (such as job creation and food security). The Yoruba believe that job creation is the best anti‐poverty strategy. They further believe that by removing hunger, poverty becomes insignificant. Based on these two axioms, this article suggests that attention be paid to job creation and food security for the poor. It also recommends that studies of the socioeconomic thought of the other major Nigerian tribes with respect to poverty be undertaken, so as to arrive at nationally and culturally derived anti‐poverty strategies in Nigeria.
Socioeconomic effects of HIV/AIDS and farmers' involvement in risky behaviour in southern Nigeria
Authors: Oyekale Abayomi Samuel , Oyekale Tolulope Olayemi
Published: April 2010

This article analyses farmers' perceptions on the socioeconomic effects of HIV/AIDS and factors associated with their involvement in risky behaviour in southern part of Nigeria. The data were collected in 2004 from 515 farmers in five randomly selected states in southern Nigeria. The results show that most of the affected farmers spend reduced hours in daily work, as well as having a reduced income and reduced participation in community development due to HIV/AIDS. Logistic regression reveals that age and education significantly reduce the probability of being involved in behaviour conducive to HIV/AIDS infection, which is increased by not believing in the existence of HIV/AIDS, ignorance about HIV/AIDS methods of prevention, lack of warning about HIV/AIDS, reports of HIV/AIDS in the village, the distance to the public health centre and the lack of a health centre. These findings, while unsurprising, emphasise the importance of HIV/AIDS as a socioeconomic issue.
The right of all nations to access science, new technologies and sustainable development
Authors: Majidi Mohammad Reza , Dehshiri Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2010

This article explores the need for reflection on the right of developing countries to science and technology in addition to explaining the place of the scientific rights of nations in human rights as a whole. The discussion was conducted in relation to sustainable development. Through the examination of the current situation and the challenges to sustainable development, and taking into account the imbalance in the distribution of the benefits of science and new technologies, the authors advocate a comprehensive approach to promote cooperation and capacity‐building in this area. They argue that linkages should be adopted between micro‐levels and macro‐levels of analysis by elevating rights and related issues from individuals to the national level in the field of the right to science and technology, and from the national to the international level in the field of sustainable development in order to institutionalise and ensure individual and national rights to science, technology and sustainable development. The authors also believe in a multidimensional perspective based on the balanced flourishing of the material and immaterial aspects of humankind in order to realise these rights in the context of dialogue and cultural diversity and to promote the culture of sustainable and dynamic peace based on justice in knowledge societies.
An apolipoprotein E4 fragment can promote intracellular accumulation of amyloid peptide beta 42
Authors: Dafnis Ioannis , Stratikos Efstratios , Tzinia Athina , Tsilibary Effie C. , Zannis Vassilis I. , Chroni Angeliki
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 873–884.

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a crucial role in lipid transport in circulation and the brain. The apoE4 isoform is a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ApoE4 is more susceptible to proteolysis than other apoE isoforms and apoE4 fragments have been found in brains of AD patients. These apoE4 fragments have been hypothesized to be involved in the pathogenesis of AD, although the mechanism is not clear. In this study we examined the effect of lipid‐free apoE4 on amyloid precursor protein processing and 40‐amino‐acid Aβ variant and 42‐amino‐acid Aβ variant levels in human neuroblastoma SK‐N‐SH cells. We discovered that a specific apoE4 fragment, apoE4[Δ(166‐299)], can promote the cellular uptake of extracellular 40‐amino‐acid Aβ variant and 42‐amino‐acid Aβ variant either generated after amyloid precursor protein transfection or added exogenously. A longer length fragment, apoE4[Δ(186‐299)], or full‐length apoE4 failed to elicit this effect. ApoE4[Δ(166‐299)] effected a 20% reduction of cellular sphingomyelin levels, as well as changes in cellular membrane micro‐fluidity. Following uptake, approximately 50% of 42‐amino‐acid Aβ variant remained within the cell for at least 24 h, and led to increased formation of reactive oxygen species. Overall, our findings suggest a direct link between two early events in the pathogenesis of AD, apoE4 proteolysis and intraneuronal presence of amyloid beta peptide.
Leptin promotes dopamine transporter and tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the nucleus accumbens of Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Perry Maura L. , Leinninger Gina M. , Chen Rong , Luderman Kathryn D. , Yang Hongyan , Gnegy Margaret E. , Myers Martin G. , Kennedy Robert T.
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 666–674.

Adipocytes produce the hormone, leptin, in proportion to fat mass to signal the status of body energy stores to the central nervous system, thereby modulating food intake and energy homeostasis. In addition to controlling satiety, leptin suppresses the reward value of food, which is controlled by the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system. Previous results from leptin‐deficientob/obanimals suggest that chronic leptin deficiency decreases DA content in the mesolimbic DA system, thereby decreasing the response to amphetamine (AMPH). The extent to which these alterations in the mesolimbic DA system ofob/obanimals may mirror the leptin response of normal animals has remained unclear, however. We therefore examined the potential short‐term modulation of the mesolimbic DA system by leptin in normal animals. We show that 4 h of systemic leptin treatment enhances AMPH‐stimulated DA efflux in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of Sprague‐Dawley rats. While acute leptin treatment increased NAc tyrosine hydroxylase activity, total tyrosine hydroxylase and DA content were unchanged at this early time point. Leptin also increased NAc DA transporter activity in the absence of changes in cell surface or total DA transporter. Thus, leptin modulates the mesolimbic DA system via multiple acute mechanisms, and increases AMPH‐mediated DA efflux in normal animals.
ERK signaling leads to mitochondrial dysfunction in extracellular zinc‐induced neurotoxicity
Authors: He Kai , Aizenman Elias
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 452–461.

A zinc‐induced signaling pathway leading to extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation and subsequent neuronal death has been investigated. We find that an extracellular zinc application stimulates biphasic phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in rat cultured neurons. The activation of ERK1/2, but not p38, is responsible for zinc neurotoxicity as only U0126, a MEK inhibitor that blocks ERK1/2 phosphorylation, significantly protects cortical neurons from zinc exposure. Over‐expression of a dominant negative Ras mutant blocks zinc‐induced Elk1‐dependent gene expression in neurons, indicating the involvement of Ras activation in the zinc pathway leading to ERK phosphorylation and Elk1 signaling. We also find that zinc treatment results in neuronal mitochondrial hyperpolarization. Importantly, both U0126 and bongkrekic acid, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocase, effectively reduce zinc‐triggered mitochondrial changes. As bongkrekic acid also prevents zinc‐triggered neuronal death but not ERK1/2 phosphorylation, activation of MAPK signaling precedes and is required for mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. These results provide new insight on the mechanism of extracellular zinc‐induced toxicity in which the regulation of mitochondrial function by the Ras/MEK/ERK pathway is closely associated with neuronal viability.
The Effects of Reactive Hyperemia on Stimulation of Endothelium‐Derived Nitric Oxide in On‐Pump and Off‐Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgeries
Authors: Sasmazel Ahmet , Erkılıç Atakan , Buyukbayrak Fuat , Baysal Ayse , Tigen Kursat , Tuncer Altug , Tuncer Eylem , Bugra Onursal , Ozkokeli Mehmet , Kucukcerit Taner , Sunar Hasan , Zeybek Rahmi
Published: April 2010

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on the endothelium‐derived nitric oxide (NO) levels in on‐pump and off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgeries. Forty consecutive patients were divided randomly into two groups depending on use of CPB in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (group 1: n = 20, off‐pump, and group 2: n = 20, on‐pump). The plasma endothelium‐derived NO levels were determined at baseline and after reactive hyperemia before and after surgery. Reactive hyperemia was induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff placed on the upper forearm, for 5 min at 250 mm Hg followed by a rapid deflation. Blood was collected at 1 min after cuff deflation from the radial artery on the same side. Preoperative use of all medications was recorded. The baseline plasma NO levels before operation were 17.10 ± 7.58 in group 1 and 15.49 ± 5.26 nmol/L in group 2. Before operation after reactive hyperemia, the plasma NO levels were 26.97 ± 11.49 in group 1 and 26.57 ± 12.87 nmol/L in group 2. Two hours after surgery, the plasma NO levels at baseline and after reactive hyperemia were not significantly different from each other (group 1: 18.03 ± 6.37 and group 2: 19.89 ± 9.83 nmol/L; group 1: 27.89 ± 18.36 and group 2: 39.13 ± 23.60 nmol/L, respectively; P > 0.05). A positive correlation was shown between preoperative nitroglycerine use and the postoperative plasma NO levels after reactive hyperemia (r = 0.51, P = 0.001). Linear regression analysis was performed (F = 4.10, R = 0.56, R2 = 0.32, P =  0.008) and the only independent parameter that had an effect on postoperative plasma NO levels after reactive hyperemia was found to be preoperative nitroglycerine use (t = 3.68, P = 0.001). Coronary artery bypass surgery with CPB does not have significant effect on plasma endothelial derived NO levels. The postoperative plasma NO levels after reactive hyperemia significantly correlated with preoperative nitroglycerine use.
Challenges in Food‐Web Restoration: An Assessment of the Restoration Requirements of a Honeydew‐Gecko Trophic Interaction in the Auckland Region, New Zealand
Authors: Gardner‐Gee Robin , Beggs Jacqueline R.
Published: April 2010

Two geckos (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii and Hoplodactylus maculatus, Gekkonidae) have been recorded feeding on honeydew produced by the endemic scale insect Coelostomidia zealandica (Coelostomidiidae) on Korapuki Island, east of Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand. Restoration projects underway on islands in the nearby Hauraki Gulf have reintroduced Hoplodactylus geckos, but to date little attention has been given to honeydew resources on these restored islands. We made observations on Korapuki Island (February 2008) that confirmed that ngaio (Myoporum laetum) and karo (Pittosporum crassifolium) were the most common host plants of C. zealandica, that heavy C. zealandica infestations occurred on both hosts, and that heavily infested hosts were regularly visited by insects and geckos. Hence, dense patches of C. zealandica honeydew may be a significant food resource for Hoplodactylus geckos. A survey for C. zealandica on Hauraki Gulf islands and the adjacent Auckland mainland (2006–2008) showed that dense C. zealandica infestations were entirely missing from the Auckland region. Ngaio was sparse at the survey sites and none carried C. zealandica, whereas karo was locally abundant, but was never heavily infested by C. zealandica. Introduced non‐native animals and habitat loss have affected the distribution of Hoplodactylus geckos and may also have affected the distribution of C. zealandica and its host plants. As a result, the distinctive trophic interactions created by dense C. zealandica infestations are absent around Auckland, and the potential for restoration of consumer populations including geckos may be reduced.
A New Method for Delineating Tree Patches and Assessing Spatial Reference Conditions of Ponderosa Pine Forests in Northern Arizona
Authors: Sánchez Meador Andrew J. , Parysow Pablo F. , Moore Margaret M.
Published: April 2010

Multiscale spatial patterns of forest reference conditions offer insight on how historical and environmental processes have influenced forest stand dynamics. Yet, spatial information is often either unavailable or partial, because many studies provide nonspatial reference condition information, whereas others only report the local (i.e. observed at plot extent) spatial arrangement of trees. However, knowledge of multiscaled spatial patterns, including stand‐, among‐patch‐, and within‐patch‐level patterns, is needed to ensure that forest management strategies suit a wide range of objectives in ecosystem restoration. In this study, we propose a new framework for delineating tree patches based on common stand attributes. We found that patch reference conditions for presettlement ponderosa pine in northern Arizona ranged from 10 to 27 patches/ha, accounted for 62–75% of the total historic stand basal area (m2/ha) and varied in size from 0.01 to 0.15 ha. Lastly, discussion was made on the importance of using a patch‐delineation framework, such as the one proposed in this study, as a basis for quantifying stand‐ and patch‐level patterns of reconstructed presettlement and current forest conditions and how this information should guide spatially explicit restoration management (e.g. thinning prescriptions).
Plant Species Redundancy and the Restoration of Faunal Habitat: Lessons from Plant‐Dwelling Bugs
Authors: Moir Melinda L. , Brennan Karl E. C. , Majer Jonathan D. , Koch John M. , Fletcher Murray J.
Published: April 2010

Restoring disturbed lands is essential for conserving biodiversity. In floristically diverse regions, restoring all plant species following anthropogenic disturbance is financially costly and it is unknown if this can be achieved. However, re‐creating faunal habitat may not require reinstating all plant species if there is a high degree of redundancy. Here, we assess whether there is redundancy among a subset of native plant species chosen to restore fauna habitat following a severe disturbance. Additionally, we determine if reestablished plants support similar faunal assemblages as the same plant species in less disturbed forest. We sampled plant‐dwelling Hemiptera from 1,800 plants across 16 species. We found 190 species of Hemiptera, with most plant species in the forest having distinct hemipteran assemblages. Returning these plant species to areas undergoing restoration reinstated 145 hemipteran species, including the dominant species. Recalcitrant plant species (difficult to propagate and reestablish in restored areas) had different hemipteran assemblages from all other species. There was only one plant species that did not have a distinct assemblage and thus was considered redundant. We conclude that there is little redundancy in this study. For plant‐dwelling Hemiptera (with good powers of dispersal) to recolonize restored areas, restoration efforts will need to reinstate at least 13 of the 16 species of host plant of appropriate age and structure. Consequently, to meet the goal of restoring fauna habitat when there is no knowledge of which plant species are redundant, restoration projects should aim to reinstate all plant species present in less disturbed reference areas.
Market Perceptions and Opportunities for Native Plant Production on the Southern Colorado Plateau
Authors: Peppin Donna L. , Fulé Peter Z. , Lynn Janet C. , Mottek‐Lucas Anne L. , Hull Sieg Carolyn
Published: April 2010

Increases in revegetation activities have created a large demand for locally adapted native plant materials (NPM) in the southwestern United States. Currently, there is a minimal supply of local genotypes to meet this demand. We investigated the potential for the initiation of a native plant market in the southern Colorado Plateau. Through a literature search, interviews, and site visits, we identified existing native plant markets outside of the region as useful models to help initiate a regional market. We used web‐based surveys to identify and analyze current and future NPM needs and concerns. Survey results indicate that management policy strongly drives decisions regarding the use and purchase of NPM. From a demand perspective , lack of availability and cost of NPM has kept purchasing minimal, despite policy changes favoring the use of natives. For suppliers, further development of NPM is limited by inconsistent and unreliable demand and lack of production knowledge. The knowledge and tools necessary to initiate an NPM market are available, but inadequate funding sources and insufficient information sharing hinder its development. Communication among producers, land managers, buyers, and researchers, as well as partnerships with local growers, appear to be vital to initiating a functional market.
Self‐esteem and symptoms of depression in children with seizures: Relationships with neuropsychological functioning and family variables over time
Authors: Austin Joan K. , Perkins Susan M. , Johnson Cynthia S. , Fastenau Philip S. , Byars Anna W. , deGrauw Ton J. , Dunn David W.
Published: April 2010

Purpose:  To test over time the relationships of neuropsychological functioning to mental health in children following a first recognized seizure and, of primary importance, to determine if the strength of these relationships differs based on risk and protective factors.

Methods:  In a larger prospective study, 135 children with a first seizure (ages 8–14 years) and 73 healthy sibling controls completed neuropsychological testing at baseline and 36 months. Structured telephone interviews were used to obtain data from children on mental health and family environment; major caregiving parents provided data on demographic and family variables. Data analyses included correlation coefficients and linear regression models.

Results:  Children with seizures showed an overall trend for improvement in mental health. More children with seizures than siblings had declines in processing speed. Declines in neuropsychological functioning were correlated with worse mental health. With regard to risk and protective factors, higher parent education protected against decline in self‐esteem related to decline in processing speed. Better family functioning and greater parental support protected against decline in self‐esteem related to decrease in verbal memory and learning. Older child age protected against increase in depressive symptoms related to decline in processing speed.

Discussion:  Seizure onset had a negative impact on mental health in children with declines in cognitive functioning except for older children and those with more family resources. Children should be assessed for declines in processing speed and, if found, those subgroups of children with less educated or more anxious parents and those in less supportive families should be targeted for interventions.
How common is brain atrophy in patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy?
Authors: Bonilha Leonardo , Elm Jordan J. , Edwards Jonathan C. , Morgan Paul S. , Hicks Christian , Lozar Carl , Rumboldt Zoran , Roberts Donna R. , Rorden Chris , Eckert Mark A.
Published: April 2010

Purpose:  It is unclear whether extrahippocampal brain damage in patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is a homogeneous phenomenon, as most data relates to the average volume reduction in groups of patients. This study aimed to evaluate where and how much atrophy is to be expected in an individual patient with MTLE.

Methods:  High‐resolution T1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained from 23 consecutive patients with unilateral MTLE and from a matched control group. Parametric tests of voxel‐based gray matter volume evaluated mean regional atrophy in MTLE compared with controls. Gray matter images were then submitted to a voxel by voxel calculation of the fitted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area, plotting the sensitivity versus 1–specificity for a binary classifier (MTLE vs. controls). The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for each voxel and a resulting three‐dimensional map of gray matter voxel‐wise AUCs was obtained.

Results:  On average, patients with MTLE showed atrophy in the ipsilateral hippocampus and on a limbic network. Elevated AUC was demonstrated in the ipsilateral hippocampus and medial temporal lobe, the ipsilateral thalamus and occipitotemporal cortex, the ipsilateral cerebellum, the cingulate, the contralateral insula, and the occipitoparietal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Conclusion:  This study suggests that the medial temporal lobe, occipitotemporal areas, the cerebellum, the cingulate cortex, the ipsilateral insula, and thalamus are more likely to be atrophied in randomly selected patients with MTLE. Structures such as the orbitofrontal cortex, the contralateral medial temporal areas and insula, the putamen, and the caudate may be atrophied, but not as consistently.
The Natural History of Epilepsy: Spontaneous Remission and Mortality
Authors: Hesdorffer Dale C.
Published: April 2010

Natural History and Mortality of Chronic Epilepsy in an Untreated Population of Rural Bolivia: A Follow-Up after 10 years. Nicoletti A, Sofia V, Vitale G, Bonelli SI, Bejarano V, Bartalesi F, Tran DS, Preux PM, Zappia M, Bartoloni A. Epilepsia 2009;50(10):2199–2206. PURPOSE: To evaluate the natural history and mortality of chronic epilepsy in an untreated prevalence cohort of people with epilepsy (PWE) in a rural area of Bolivia. METHODS: During 1994–1996 we carried out an epidemiologic survey in a sample of 9,995 subjects in the Cordillera province. At the end of the survey we identified 130 PWE, of whom 118 were classified as having “active epilepsy.” We revisited this cohort 10 years after the prevalence survey. RESULTS: We were able to trace 103 (87.3%) of the 118 PWE previously identified. Ten of the 103 subjects died during the follow-up period. Of the 93 PWE still alive, adequate information on the occurrence of seizures was available for 71 subjects, of whom 31 (43.7%) were seizure-free for more than 5 years; only 3 of these 31 subjects have taken an antiepileptic drug (AED) for more than 1 year. Generalized seizures were associated with a better prognosis. Mortality rate in our prevalent cohort was 10.0/1,000 person-year at risk [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5–18.3], without a significant increased risk respect to the general population [standardized mortality rate (SMR) 1.34; 95% CI 0.68–2.39]; a significant increased risk of death was found for patients with remote symptomatic epilepsy (SMR 3.0; 95% CI 1.2–6.3) but not with idiopathic epilepsy. Three of the 10 subjects died of causes possibly related to epilepsy. DISCUSSION: Our data suggest that spontaneous remission of epilepsy occurs in a substantial proportion of untreated patients affected by chronic epilepsy; concerning mortality, we found a three-fold increased mortality in patients with remote symptomatic epilepsy.
Brain Cytoplasmic 1 RNA: Little Guy with a Big Role as a Repressor of Epileptogenesis
Authors: Merlin Lisa R.
Published: April 2010

BC1 Regulation of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Neuronal Excitability. Zhong J, Chuang SC, Bianchi R, Zhao W, Lee H, Fenton AA, Wong RK, Tiedge H. J Neurosci 2009;29(32):9977–9986. Regulatory RNAs have been suggested to contribute to the control of gene expression in eukaryotes. Brain cytoplasmic (BC) RNAs are regulatory RNAs that control translation initiation. We now report that neuronal BC1 RNA plays an instrumental role in the protein-synthesis-dependent implementation of neuronal excitation–repression equilibria. BC1 repression counter-regulates translational stimulation resulting from synaptic activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Absence of BC1 RNA precipitates plasticity dysregulation in the form of neuronal hyperexcitability, elicited by group I mGluR-stimulated translation and signaled through the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway. Dysregulation of group I mGluR function in the absence of BC1 RNA gives rise to abnormal brain function. Cortical EEG recordings from freely moving BC1-/- animals show that group I mGluR-mediated oscillations in the γ frequency range are significantly elevated. When subjected to sensory stimulation, these animals display an acute group I mGluR-dependent propensity for convulsive seizures. Inadequate RNA control in neurons is thus causally linked to heightened group I mGluR-stimulated translation, neuronal hyperexcitability, heightened γ band oscillations, and epileptogenesis. These data highlight the significance of small RNA control in neuronal plasticity.
Absence of DOMR, a new antigen in the Dombrock blood group system that weakens expression of Dob, Gya, Hy, Joa, and DOYA antigens
Authors: Costa Flávia Pinheiro S. , Hue‐Roye Kim , Sausais Laima , Velliquette Randall W. , Da Costa Ferreira Eliete , Lomas‐Francis Christine , Reid Marion E.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: The Dombrock (Do) blood group system consists of six distinct antigens: Doa, Dob, Gya, Hy, Joa, and DOYA. Our finding of a pregnant patient whose red blood cells (RBCs) were Hy+ but whose serum contained an apparent alloanti‐Hy suggested the presence of a seventh antigen and prompted this study.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Standard hemagglutination and polymerase chain reaction–based methods were used throughout.

RESULTS: The patient's RBCs typed as Do(a–b+w), Gy(a+w), Hy+w, Jo(a+w), and DOYA+w. Her serum agglutinated RBCs with common Dombrock phenotypes. Hy– RBC samples were very weakly reactive or nonreactive, Jo(a–) and DOYA– RBC samples were reactive, and Gy(a–) RBC samples were nonreactive. Reactivity was obtained with RBCs treated with papain or α‐chymotrypsin, but not with RBCs treated with trypsin or dithiothreitol. DNA analysis showed the patient to be DO*793G (DO*B/DO*B), DO*323G, DO*350C, DO*547T, and DO*898G and revealed two homozygous nucleotide changes of DO*431C>A and DO*432C>A in Exon 2, which predicts a change of Ala (GCC) at Amino Acid 144 to Glu (GAA). This indicates that she is homozygous DO*B‐WL with Nucleotide 431 and 432 changes, which without knowing the effect of the two novel changes, is predicted to encode the Do(a–b+), Gy(a+), Hy+, Jo(a+), DOYA+ phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS: The antibody in the patient's plasma recognizes the high‐prevalence antigen absent from her RBCs. The Ala144Glu change caused an absence of a high‐prevalence Do antigen that we have named DOMR [provisional ISBT number 014007 (DO7)]. The absence of DOMR is associated with weakening of Dob, Gya, Hy, Joa, and DOYA antigens.