bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental evidence that source genetic variation drives pathogen emergence
Authors: Dennehy John J. , Friedenberg Nicholas A. , McBride Robert C. , Holt Robert D. , Turner Paul E.
Published: May 2010

A pathogen can readily mutate to infect new host types, but this does not guarantee successful establishment in the new habitat. What factors, then, dictate emergence success? One possibility is that the pathogen population cannot sustain itself on the new host type (i.e. host is a sink), but migration from a source population allows adaptive sustainability and eventual emergence by delivering beneficial mutations sampled from the source's standing genetic variation. This idea is relevant regardless of whether the sink host is truly novel (host shift) or whether the sink is an existing or related, similar host population thriving under conditions unfavourable to pathogen persistence (range expansion). We predicted that sink adaptation should occur faster under range expansion than during a host shift owing to the effects of source genetic variation on pathogen adaptability in the sink. Under range expansion, source migration should benefit emergence in the sink because selection acting on source and sink populations is likely to be congruent. By contrast, during host shifts, source migration is likely to disrupt emergence in the sink owing to uncorrelated selection or performance tradeoffs across host types. We tested this hypothesis by evolving bacteriophage populations on novel host bacteria under sink conditions, while manipulating emergence via host shift versus range expansion. Controls examined sink adaptation when unevolved founding genotypes served as migrants. As predicted, adaptability was fastest under range expansion, and controls did not adapt. Large, similar and similarly timed increases in fitness were observed in the host-shift populations, despite declines in mean fitness of immigrants through time. These results suggest that source populations are the origin of mutations that drive adaptive emergence at the edge of a pathogen's ecological or geographical range.
Atypical gaze patterns in children and adults with autism spectrum disorders dissociated from developmental changes in gaze behaviour
Authors: Nakano Tamami , Tanaka Kyoko , Endo Yuuki , Yamane Yui , Yamamoto Takahiro , Nakano Yoshiaki , Ohta Haruhisa , Kato Nobumasa , Kitazawa Shigeru
Published: May 2010

Eye tracking has been used to investigate gaze behaviours in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, traditional analysis has yet to find behavioural characteristics shared by both children and adults with ASD. To distinguish core ASD gaze behaviours from those that change with development, we examined temporo-spatial gaze patterns in children and adults with and without ASD while they viewed video clips. We summarized the gaze patterns of 104 participants using multidimensional scaling so that participants with similar gaze patterns would cluster together in a two-dimensional plane. Control participants clustered in the centre, reflecting a standard gaze behaviour, whereas participants with ASD were distributed around the periphery. Moreover, children and adults were separated on the plane, thereby showing a clear effect of development on gaze behaviours. Post hoc frame-by-frame analyses revealed the following findings: (i) both ASD groups shifted their gaze away from a speaker earlier than the control groups; (ii) both ASD groups showed a particular preference for letters; and (iii) typical infants preferred to watch the mouth rather than the eyes during speech, a preference that reversed with development. These results highlight the importance of taking the effect of development into account when addressing gaze behaviours characteristic of ASD.
Feeding habits of alfonsino Beryx splendens
Authors: Horn P. L. , Forman J. , Dunn M. R.
Published: May 2010

The diet of the alfonsino Beryx splendens was determined from examination of stomach contents of 287 specimens of 17 to 48 cm fork length (LF) sampled by bottom trawl on the Chatham Rise to the east of New Zealand. Prey items were predominantly crustaceans and mesopelagic fishes. The most important prey species by mass was Sergestes spp. prawns, followed by the myctophid Lampanyctodes hectoris, and then Pasiphaea spp. prawns. Multivariate analyses indicated that small crustaceans (euphausiids and amphipods) were most important in the diet of smaller B. splendens (100–424 g, 17–26·5 cm), with larger prawn species and mesopelagic fishes most important for larger fish (425–2070 g, 27–46 cm). Moon phase and bottom temperature also explained some of the variability in diet, but the moon phase effect was difficult to explain, and the bottom temperature effect may have been confounded, to some extent, with LF. The results indicated that B. splendens were moderately selective feeders that foraged primarily in the mesopelagic layers. The diet of New Zealand B. splendens is generally similar to those reported from other areas, i.e. dominated by mesopelagic crustaceans and fishes, and with a transition from small crustaceans to fishes with increasing predator size.
Habitat associations, reproduction and diet of the Guinean tilapia Tilapia guineensis of the Gambia River floodplains
Authors: Louca V. , Lindsay S. W. , Piyapong C. , Lucas M. C.
Published: May 2010

The ecology of the Guinean tilapia Tilapia guineensis a dominant species of the lower Gambia River floodplains and an important food source in parts of West Africa was studied to better understand the threat posed from construction of a barrage across the river. The catch per unit effort (CPUE) of T. guineensis was positively associated with conductivity and dissolved oxygen and negatively associated with water depth and the % vegetation cover. Diet studies indicated that the T. guineensis is primarily an iliophage. The peak of reproduction was at the beginning of the rainy season. CPUE peaked in May, just before the first rains, and subsequently declined, probably reflecting movement into newly flooded habitat. Median size at maturity was 11·6 cm total length, LT, for females and 12·5 cm LT for males. LT‐frequency analysis indicated several juvenile cohorts as well as very young fish on the floodplains each month, suggesting continuation of reproduction throughout the rainy season. The impending construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Gambia River is likely to affect T. guineensis negatively through anticipated changes in the hydrology of the river.
Efficacy of intraoperative GeneSearch Breast Lymph Node (BLN) Assay for breast cancer metastasis detection in sentinel lymph node in Chinese patients
Authors: Liu Yan‐Hui , Xu Fang‐Ping , Liao Ning , Li Li , Zhang Guo‐chun , Zhuang Heng‐Guo , Mei Ping , Xu Jie , Zhu Xiao‐Lan , Luo Xin‐Lan , Kuang Li‐juan
Published: May 2010

Although intraoperative assessment of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) is useful, it has not gained popularity in China as it involves a heavy workload for pathologists. We conducted a prospective clinical feasibility study of the GeneSearch Breast Lymph Node (BLN) Assay performed in 158 SLNs from 97 patients by comparison with postoperative permanent section histopathology, to validate its potential usefulness in China. Every SLN was cut into alternating 1.5 to 3.0 mm slabs. The BLN assay processed 50% of the fresh alternating slabs to detect the presence of cytokeratin 19 and mammaglobin mRNA. Assay results were compared with those for permanent section histopathology and intraoperative imprint cytology. Slides for imprint cytology were prepared from the BLN assay node tissue before it was processed. Full axillary lymph node (ALN) dissections were performed on some patients after a SLN biopsy. The BLN assay was successfully performed on 158 SLNs from 97 patients. Overall performance of the BLN assay compared with permanent section histopathology was sensitivity 83.9% (26/31), specificity 95.5% (63/66), positive predictive value 89.7% (26/29), negative predictive value 92.6% (63/68), and overall agreement 91.8% (89/97). The BLN assay detected about 25% more metastases than imprint cytology. Moreover, the BLN assay correctly identified most of the additional non‐sentinel ALNs metastases (P = 0.005). Our results from a large series of Chinese patients with breast cancer indicate that the BLN assay may be a viable alternative for the standard intraoperative procedures used for metastases detection, especially in early stage breast cancer patients. Name of the trial register: GeneSearch Breast Lymph Node (BLN) Assay China Registration Study. Clinical trial registration number: NCT00869674. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Clinical trial: impact of prior infliximab therapy on the clinical response to certolizumab pegol maintenance therapy for Crohn’s disease
Authors: Hanauer S. B. , Panes J. , Colombel J.‐F. , Bloomfield R. , Schreiber S. , Sandborn W. J.
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 384–393

Background  Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is an effective therapy for Crohn’s disease refractory to aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. In PRECiSE 2, patients were also eligible for enrolment if prior infliximab therapy was terminated due to loss of response.

Aim  To evaluate prior infliximab therapy on sustained response and remission to CZP for Crohn’s disease.

Methods  PRECiSE 2 were was analysed for predictors of sustained response and remission. Covariates included prior infliximab therapy, and baseline Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI).

Results  Week 26 response (≥100‐point decrease from baseline CDAI) and remission (CDAI ≤ 150) were greater with CZP vs. placebo in patients previously receiving infliximab (response: 44.2% vs. 25.5%, P = 0.018; remission: 32.7% vs. 13.7, P = 0.008) and infliximab‐naïve patients (response: 68.7% vs. 39.6%, P < 0.001; remission: 52.8% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001). Prior infliximab use was the only independent predictor of week 26 response and remission in both groups [response ORCZP vs. placebo = 3.06 (95% CI: 1.21–7.77); remission ORCZP vs. placebo = 4.22 (95% CI: 1.45–12.28)]. Adverse events were similar for both groups.

Conclusions  Certolizumab pegol is an effective maintenance therapy in Crohn’s disease regardless of prior infliximab use. Efficacy is higher in patients receiving CZP therapy as a first‐line biologic, but ∼50% of infliximab‐experienced patients benefited from second‐line CZP therapy.
Relationship of sFas with metabolic risk factors and their clusters
Authors: Tamakoshi Akiko , Suzuki Koji , Lin Yingsong , Ito Yoshinori , Yagyu Kiyoko , Kikuchi Shogo , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Inaba Yutaka , Tajima Kazuo , Nakachi Kei ,   for the JACC Study Group
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (6): 527–533

Background  Metabolic risk factors are known to cause atherosclerosis through inflammation. In the process of inflammation, soluble Fas (sFas) may interfere with the apoptotic pathway and contribute to dysregulated inflammation. Recent studies suggest sFas as a marker of inflammation in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, whether a relationship exists between sFas levels and metabolic risk factors among healthy subjects remains unclear.

Materials and methods  We measured the serum sFas levels of 876 subjects selected as controls for a nested case–control study within the JACC Study. The adjusted means of the sFas levels were compared according to the presence of overweight/obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes and their clusters.

Results  sFas level was significantly associated with overweight/obesity (2·42 ng mL−1 in overweight/obese men and 2·19 in others) and hyperlipidaemia (2·34 ng mL−1 in men with hyperlipidaemia and 2·19 in others) among men, though not with hypertension or diabetes. Moreover, a clear association between sFas levels and the cluster number of metabolic risk factors was observed independently with age, smoking and drinking(2·39, 2·28, 2·24 and 2·11 ng dL−1 in men with three to four, two, one and none of the four metabolic risk factors respectively). However, among women, clear associations were not observed between sFas levels and the four metabolic risk factors or their clustering.

Conclusions  Serum sFas levels appear to be associated with overweight/obesity, hyperlipidaemia and clusters of metabolic risk factors among men, suggesting that sFas may elevate to down‐regulate increased apoptosis in atherogenesis processes.
p16 and pRb immunohistochemical expression increases with increasing tumour grade in mammary phyllodes tumours
Authors: Karim Rooshdiya Z , Gerega Sebastien K , Yang Y H , Spillane Andrew , Carmalt Hugh , Scolyer Richard A , Lee C Soon
Published: May 2010

Karim R Z, Gerega S K, Yang Y H, Spillane A, Carmalt H, Scolyer R A & Lee C S (2010) Histopathology 56, 868–875 p16 and pRb immunohistochemical expression increases with increasing tumour grade in mammary phyllodes tumours

Aims:  Control of cell cycling and proliferation is critical to the development of neoplasia and may play a role in the pathogenesis of phyllodes tumours (PTs). This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of certain proteins from the G1/S transition of the cell cycle in a cohort of PTs, to determine their role in tumour pathogenesis and to identify any associations with patient outcome.

Methods and results:  Sixty‐five PTs (34 benign, 23 borderline and eight malignant) diagnosed at a single institution between 1990 and 2006 were analysed. Immunohistochemistry for p16, pRb, cyclin D1 and Ki67 was performed. Expression of the following markers increased significantly with tumour grade: stromal nuclear and cytoplasmic p16 (P = 0.01 and 0.002, respectively), stromal and epithelial pRb (P = 0.000 000 06 and 0.004, respectively), and stromal and epithelial Ki67 (P = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). Epithelial pRb scores of 7 (range 0–7) were significantly associated with reduced disease‐free survival (DFS) compared with scores of <7 (P = 0.0009). No relationship was found between cyclin D1 expression in either the epithelium or the stroma, and grade or DFS.

Conclusions:  The results suggest that alterations at the G1/S transition of the cell cycle play an important role in the progression of PTs.
Comparison of post‐obturation pain experience following one‐visit and two‐visit root canal treatment on teeth with vital pulps: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang C. , Xu P. , Ren L. , Dong G. , Ye L.
Published: May 2010

Wang C, Xu P, Ren L, Dong G, Ye L. Comparison of post‐obturation pain experience following one‐visit and two‐visit root canal treatment on teeth with vital pulps: a randomized controlled trial. International Endodontic Journal.

Aim  To compare the incidence and intensity of post‐obturation pain after one‐ or two‐visit root canal treatment (RCT) on anterior teeth with vital pulps and a single root and canal in a randomized controlled trial.

Methodology  One hundred patients requiring RCT on permanent anterior teeth with vital pulps preoperatively were included. The patients were assigned randomly into two groups of 50 patients each. After local anaesthesia, isolation, access and pulp extirpation, the canals of all teeth were prepared using engine‐driven rotary ProTaper nickel–titanium instruments in a crown‐down technique and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl. The teeth in group 1 (n = 50) were filled with AH Plus sealer and gutta‐percha using a lateral compaction technique at the first visit, whilst those in group 2 (n = 50) were medicated with a calcium hydroxide paste, a sterile dry cotton pellet and Caviton and scheduled for a second visit 7 days later. A modified verbal descriptor scale was used to measure preoperative pain and post‐obturation pain at 6, 24, 48 h and 1 week after operation. Chi‐square tests and independent‐sample T‐tests were used to compare the incidence and intensity of post‐obturation pain of two groups at each interval.

Results  Eleven patients were excluded from the study as they failed to follow the scheduled revisit or their selected teeth had more than one root canal. Data were obtained from the remaining 89 patients. Forty‐three patients were undergoing one‐visit treatment (group 1) and 46 undergoing two‐visit treatment (group 2). Most patients in both groups reported no pain or only slight pain within each post‐obturation interval, only one in group 1 and one in group 2 had flare‐ups and slight swelling. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence and intensity of post‐obturation pain experienced by two groups.

Conclusions  The incidence and intensity of post‐obturation pain experience following one‐ or two‐visit RCT on teeth with vital pulps and a single canal were not significantly different.
The power of potential natural vegetation (and of spatial‐temporal scale): a response to Carrión & Fernández (2009)
Authors: Farris Emmanuele , Filibeck Goffredo , Marignani Michela , Rosati Leonardo
Published: May 2010

A commentary by Carrión & Fernández (Journal of Biogeography, 2009, 36, 2202–2203) compared Holocene pollen records with models of potential natural vegetation (PNV) proposed in the phytosociological literature and concluded that the predicted PNV resulted from anthropogenic disturbance. However, the authors misinterpreted PNV, leading to two serious flaws in their assumptions: (1) PNV is not defined as a pre‐anthropic or climax plant community; and (2) PNV is not a concept restricted to the phytosociological method. Therefore we criticize the conclusions expressed in the commentary, and we stress the need for an interdisciplinary approach based on multi‐temporal and multi‐spatial scales to achieve a modern framework for the study of plant communities.
A remote CheZ orthologue retains phosphatase function
Authors: Lertsethtakarn Paphavee , Ottemann Karen M.
Published: May 2010

Aspartyl‐phosphate phosphatases underlie the rapid responses of bacterial chemotaxis. One such phosphatase, CheZ, was originally proposed to be restricted to beta and gamma proteobacter, suggesting only a small subset of microbes relied on this protein. A putative CheZ phosphatase was identified genetically in the epsilon proteobacter Helicobacter pylori (Mol Micro 61:187). H. pylori utilizes a chemotaxis system consisting of CheAY, three CheVs, CheW, CheYHP and the putative CheZ to colonize the host stomach. Here we investigate whether this CheZ has phosphatase activity. We phosphorylated potential targets in vitro using either a phosphodonor or the CheAY kinase and [γ‐32P]‐ATP, and found that H. pylori CheZ (CheZHP) efficiently dephosphorylates CheYHP and CheAY and has additional weak activity on CheV2. We detected no phosphatase activity towards CheV1 or CheV3. Mutations corresponding to Escherichia coli CheZ active site residues or deletion of the C‐terminal region inactivate CheZHP phosphatase activity, suggesting the two CheZs function similarly. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that CheZ phosphatases are found in all proteobacteria classes, as well as classes Aquificae, Deferribacteres, Nitrospira and Sphingobacteria, demonstrating that CheZ phosphatases are broadly distributed within Gram‐negative bacteria.
The σE stress response is required for stress‐induced mutation and amplification in Escherichia coli
Authors: Gibson Janet L. , Lombardo Mary‐Jane , Thornton Philip C. , Hu Kenneth H. , Galhardo Rodrigo S. , Beadle Bernadette , Habib Anand , Magner Daniel B. , Frost Laura S. , Herman Christophe , Hastings P. J. , Rosenberg Susan M.
Published: May 2010

Pathways of mutagenesis are induced in microbes under adverse conditions controlled by stress responses. Control of mutagenesis by stress responses may accelerate evolution specifically when cells are maladapted to their environments, i.e. are stressed. Stress‐induced mutagenesis in the Escherichia coli Lac assay occurs either by ‘point’ mutation or gene amplification. Point mutagenesis is associated with DNA double‐strand‐break (DSB) repair and requires DinB error‐prone DNA polymerase and the SOS DNA‐damage‐ and RpoS general‐stress responses. We report that the RpoE envelope‐protein‐stress response is also required. In a screen for mutagenesis‐defective mutants, we isolated a transposon insertion in the rpoE P2 promoter. The insertion prevents rpoE induction during stress, but leaves constitutive expression intact, and allows cell viability. rpoE insertion and suppressed null mutants display reduced point mutagenesis and maintenance of amplified DNA. Furthermore, σE acts independently of stress responses previously implicated: SOS/DinB and RpoS, and of σ32, which was postulated to affect mutagenesis. I‐SceI‐induced DSBs alleviated much of the rpoE phenotype, implying that σE promoted DSB formation. Thus, a third stress response and stress input regulate DSB‐repair‐associated stress‐induced mutagenesis. This provides the first report of mutagenesis promoted by σE, and implies that extracytoplasmic stressors may affect genome integrity and, potentially, the ability to evolve.
Functional analysis of the highly antigenic outer capsid protein, Hoc, a virus decoration protein from T4‐like bacteriophages
Authors: Sathaliyawala Taheri , Islam Mohammad Z. , Li Qin , Fokine Andrei , Rossmann Michael G. , Rao Venigalla B.
Published: May 2010

Bacteriophage T4 is decorated with 155 copies of the highly antigenic outer capsid protein, Hoc. The Hoc molecule (40 kDa) is present at the centre of each hexameric capsomer and provides a good platform for surface display of pathogen antigens. Biochemical and modelling studies show that Hoc consists of a string of four domains, three immunoglobulin (Ig)‐like and one non‐Ig domain at the C‐terminus. Biochemical data suggest that the Hoc protein has two functional modules, a capsid binding module containing domains 1 and 4 and a solvent‐exposed module containing domains 2 and 3. This model is consistent with the dumbbell‐shaped cryo‐EM density of Hoc observed in the reconstruction of the T4 capsid. Mutagenesis localized the capsid binding site to the C‐terminal 25 amino acids, which are predicted to form two β‐strands flanking a capsid binding loop. Mutations in the loop residues, ESRNG, abolished capsid binding, suggesting that these residues might interact with the major capsid protein, gp23*. With the conserved capsid binding module forming a foothold on the virus and the solvent‐exposed module able to adapt to bind to a variety of surfaces, Hoc probably provides survival advantages to the phage, such as increasing the virus concentration near the host, efficient dispersion of the virus and exposing the tail for more efficient contact with the host cell surface prior to infection.
Murine nematode immunology in Australasia
Authors: DENT L. A.
Published: May 2010

A relatively small number of laboratories in Australia and New Zealand have consistently published on murine models of nematode immunology, and the parasite species principally used are Heligmosomoides bakeri (previously Heligmosomoides polygyrus), Strongyloides ratti, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Toxocara canis. These research groups have made significant contributions to both fundamental immunology and more specialized issues in host–parasite relationships. Topics addressed include immune regulation, including the expression and control of Type 2 cytokines and the responses induced, innate and adaptive host‐protective mechanisms, antigen expression and immune evasion strategies utilized by parasitic helminths. This review addresses the last 30 years of research and identifies areas in which major progress can be made, given appropriate resources.
Expression of aNeurospora crassazinc transporter gene in transgenicNicotiana tabacumenhances plant zinc accumulation without co‐transport of cadmium
Authors: DIXIT PRACHY , SINGH SUDHIR , VANCHEESWARAN RAMACHANDRAN , PATNALA KIRANMAYI , EAPEN SUSAN
Published: May 2010

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient required for growth and development of all organisms. Deficiency of Zn in humans is widespread, affecting 25% of world population and efforts are underway to develop crop plants with high levels of Zn in their edible parts. When strategies for enhancing Zn in crop plants are designed, it is essential to exclude cadmium (Cd), a toxic analogue of Zn. In the present work, a high affinity and high specificity zinc transporter gene (tzn1) fromNeurospora crassawas cloned and introduced intoNicotiana tabacumwith the objective of enhancing the potential of plants for zinc acquisition. When grown in hydroponic medium spiked with65Zn, transgenic plants showed enhanced accumulation of Zn (up to 11 times) compared to control plants, which was confirmed further by environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X‐ray analysis. More importantly, no significant difference in uptake of Cd2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Mn2+and Pb2+between the transgenic and control plants was observed. The present studies have shown thatNeurospora crassa tzn1 is a potential candidate gene for developing transgenic plants for improving Zn uptake, without co‐transport of Cd and may have implications in Zn phytofortification and phytoremediation.
Determining frequencies of avirulent alleles in airborne Leptosphaeria maculans inoculum using quantitative PCR
Authors: Van de Wouw A. P. , Stonard J. F. , Howlett B. J. , West J. S. , Fitt B. D. L. , Atkins S. D.
Published: May 2010

Phoma stem canker (blackleg disease) of Brassica napus (oilseed rape, canola) is caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans. Frequencies of avirulent alleles for loci where virulence can be associated with gene deletion (AvrLm1 and AvrLm6) were determined in samples of L. maculans airborne ascospore inoculum using quantitative PCR. The accuracy, reproducibility and limitations of detection were determined. Changes in the frequency of avirulent alleles were determined for the 2006/2007, 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 growing seasons for winter oilseed rape in the UK. The frequency of AvrLm1 remained small (between 9% and 16%), whilst the frequency of AvrLm6 fluctuated between 35% and 66%. Estimation of frequencies of avirulent alleles in airborne pathogen inoculum gives an efficient and unbiased method to assess the potential of crop cultivars with corresponding resistance genes being at risk of disease.
Physicochemical and biological influences on sedimentary‐fabric formation in a salinity and oxygen‐restricted semi‐enclosed sea: Gotland Deep, Baltic Sea
Authors: VIRTASALO JOONAS J. , LEIPE THOMAS , MOROS MATTHIAS , KOTILAINEN AARNO T.
Published: May 2010

Two ca 8000 year long sediment cores from the Gotland Deep, the central sub‐basin of the Baltic Sea, were studied by means of digital images, X‐radiographs and scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray mineralogical analysis to gain understanding of the physicochemical and biological influences on sedimentary‐fabric formation in modern and ancient seas with a high flux of organic carbon, and associated oxygen stress and depauperate ichnofauna. Four lithofacies were recognized: (i) sharply laminated mud; (ii) biodeformed mud; (iii) burrow‐mottled mud; and (iv) sedimentation‐event bed. The sharply laminated and burrow‐mottled facies dominate the cores as alternating long intervals, whereas the biodeformed and sedimentation‐event facies occur as thin interbeds within the sharply laminated intervals. The sharply laminated mud comprises alternating diatom‐rich and lithic laminae, with occasional Mn‐carbonate laminae. Lamination discontinuity horizons within the laminites, where the regular lamination is overlain sharply by gently inclined lamination, challenge the traditional view of mud accumulation by settling from suspension, but indicate localized accumulation by particle‐trapping microbial mats and, potentially, by the rapid lateral accretion of mud from bedload transport. The biodeformed interbeds record brief (few years to few decades) oxic–dysoxic conditions that punctuated the anoxic background conditions and permitted sediment‐surface grazing and feeding by a very immature benthic community restricted to the surface mixed tier. The likely biodeformers were meiofauna and nectobenthic pioneers passively imported with currents. The sedimentation‐event interbeds are distal mud turbidites deposited from turbidity currents probably triggered by severe storms on the adjacent coastal areas. The turbidite preservation was favoured by the anoxic background conditions. The long burrow‐mottled intervals are characterized by intensely bioturbated fabrics with discrete Planolites, rare Arenicolites/Polykladichnus and very rare Lockeia trace fossils, as well as bivalve biodeformational structures which represent shallowly penetrating endobenthic feeding and grazing strategies and permanent dwellings. These burrowed intervals represent longer periods (several years to few centuries) of oxic–dysoxic conditions that permitted maturation in the benthos by means of larval settling of opportunistic worm‐like macrofauna and bivalves, resulting in the development of a transition tier. These observations imply more dynamic and oxic depositional conditions in Gotland Deep than previously thought. Comparison to previous zoobenthic studies in the area allowed discussion of the benthic dynamics, and the identification of probable biodeforming and trace‐producing species. Implications for current biofacies and trace‐fossil models are discussed.
Initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy among pregnant women in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Stinson Kathryn , Boulle Andrew , Coetzee David , Abrams Elaine J. , Myer Landon
Published: May 2010

Objective  To investigate highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation among pregnant women and the optimum model of service delivery for integrating HAART services into antenatal care.

Methods  We analysed clinic records to reconstruct a cohort of all HIV‐infected pregnant women eligible for HAART at four antenatal clinics representing three service delivery models in Cape Town, South Africa. To assess HAART coverage, records of women determined to be eligible for HAART in pregnancy were reviewed at corresponding HIV treatment services.

Results  Of 13 208 pregnant women tested for HIV, 26% were HIV‐infected and 15% were HAART‐eligible based on a CD4 cell count of ≤ 200 cells/μl. Among eligible women, 51% initiated HAART before delivery, 27% received another prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (PMTCT) intervention and 22% did not receive any antiretroviral intervention before delivery. The proportions of women initiating HAART between the different service delivery models were comparable. The median gestational age at first presentation was 26 weeks, and early gestational age at first presentation was the strongest predictor of being on HAART by delivery. Of the women who did not initiate HAART in pregnancy, 24% started treatment within 2 years postpartum.

Conclusions  In this setting with clear PMTCT and HAART protocols, services failed to prioritize and initiate a high proportion of eligible pregnant women on HAART. The initiation of HAART in pregnancy requires strengthened antenatal and HIV services that target women with advanced stage disease.
Nasal swelling due to plasma cell infiltrate in a cat without plasma cell pododermatitis
Authors: Declercq Jan , De Bosschere Hendrik
Published: May 2010

A cat with an upper respiratory infection was presented for examination. Close examination of the face revealed a firm, haired rounded swelling on the bridge of the nose. Serum protein electrophoresis demonstrated a mild hypergammaglobulinaemia. The cat tested negative for feline immunodeficiency virus. Skin biopsy of the nasal lesion revealed nodular angiocentric infiltrates in the deep dermis and subcutis. The mixed infiltrate had numerous plasma cells. Presence of calicivirus antigen could not be demonstrated within the skin lesion by immunohistochemical staining. The cat was treated for upper respiratory infection and 1 month later the nasal lesion had resolved. A firm and rounded swelling over the bridge of the nose may be a feline cutaneous plasmacytic reaction pattern.
Genetic variation in tolerance of competition and neighbour suppression in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: WILLIS C. G. , BROCK M. T. , WEINIG C.
Published: May 2010

Intraspecific competitive interactions can profoundly influence phenotypic evolution. However, prior studies have rarely evaluated the evolutionary potential of the two components of competitive ability, tolerance of competition and suppression of neighbours. Here, we grow a set of 20 Arabidopsis thaliana recombinant inbred lines in three competitive treatments (noncompetitive, intra‐genotypic competition and inter‐genotypic competition) to examine if there is genetic variation for the components of competitive ability and whether neighbour relatedness has an effect on fitness. We find evidence for genetic variation in tolerance of competition and neighbour suppression and that these two competitive strategies are correlated, such that genotypes that tolerate competition will also strongly suppress neighbours. We further observe that the effect of neighbour relatedness on fitness of target individuals depends on neighbour identity, i.e. whether target individuals perform better when competing against self vs. nonself individuals depends on the genotypic identity of the nonself neighbour. The results are particularly relevant to evolutionary responses under multi‐level selection.
Honest olfactory ornamentation in a female‐dominant primate
Authors: BOULET M. , CRAWFORD J. C. , CHARPENTIER M. J. E. , DREA C. M.
Published: May 2010

Sexual selection theory predicts that potential mates or competitors signal their quality to conspecifics. Whereas evidence of honest visual or vocal signals in males abounds, evidence of honest signalling via scent or by females is scarce. We previously showed that scent marks in male lemurs seasonally encode information about individual heterozygosity – a reliable predictor of immunocompetence and survivorship. As female lemurs dominate males, compete over resources, and produce sexually differentiated scent marks that likely evolved via direct selection, here we tested whether females also advertise genetic quality via olfactory cues. During the breeding season specifically, individual heterozygosity correlated negatively with the diversity of fatty acids (FAs) expressed in labial secretions and positively with the diversity of heavy FA esters. As odour–gene relationships predictive of health and survivorship emerged during a period critical to mate choice and female competition, we posit that genital scent marks function as honest olfactory ornaments in females.
The shape of things to come: linking developmental plasticity to post‐metamorphic morphology in anurans
Authors: GOMEZ‐MESTRE I. , SACCOCCIO V. L. , IIJIMA T. , COLLINS E. M. , ROSENTHAL G. G. , WARKENTIN K. M.
Published: May 2010

Development consists of growth and differentiation, which can be partially decoupled and can be affected by environmental factors to different extents. In amphibians, variation in the larval environment influences development and causes changes in post‐metamorphic shape. We examined post‐metamorphic consequences, both morphological and locomotory, of alterations in growth and development. We reared tadpoles of two phylogenetically and ecologically distant frog species (the red‐eyed treefrog Agalychnis callidryas and the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis) under different temperatures with ad libitum food supply and under different food levels at a constant temperature. Low temperature and low food levels both resulted in similarly extended larval periods. However, low temperature yielded relatively long‐legged frogs with a lower degree of ossification than warm temperature, whereas low food yielded relatively short‐legged frogs with a higher degree of ossification than high food levels. Such allometric differences had no effect on locomotor performance of juveniles. Our results provide a basis for understanding the relationship between growth, differentiation and post‐metamorphic shape in anurans and help explain many of the discrepancies reported in previous studies.
Parental effort and response to nestling begging in the house sparrow: repeatability, heritability and parent–offspring co‐evolution
Authors: DOR R. , LOTEM A.
Published: May 2010

Parental effort has a direct impact on individual fitness. Theoretical models exploring how parental effort evolves to cope with offspring demand and sexual conflicts may differ in the assumptions they make in respect to the genetic heritability of parental behaviours. Only a few attempts, however, have been made to estimate the heritability of parental behaviours and their possible co‐evolution with offspring solicitation behaviour. Analysing parent and offspring behaviours in four generations of cross‐fostered broods of house sparrows, we found that parental effort (food delivery rate) was repeatable across consecutive broods and heritable across generations. In contrast, parental response to experimentally induced changes in nestling begging was neither repeatable across broods nor heritable across generations or correlated to nestling begging. Thus, the results give no indication for genetic covariance between begging intensity and parental response, but provide the first cross‐fostering‐based evidence for the heritability of parental investment levels across generations.
Occupational therapy entry‐level education in Australia: Which path(s) to take?
Authors: Farnworth Louise , Rodger Sylvia , Curtin Michael , Brown Ted , Hunt Susan Gilbert
Published: May 2010

Background/aim:  There has been an increase in the number of occupational therapy educational programmes offered in Australia over recent years. Although universities offer bachelor, masters and graduate‐entry masters programmes, there is a push to consider phasing out occupational therapy bachelor degrees. The aim of this study was to identify advantages and disadvantages associated with current and future credentials needed for entry into the profession.

Methods:  This article reviews current literature and other issues concerning entry‐level occupational therapy education

Results:  The underlying issues are complex and require great consideration as a profession.

Conclusion:  As a profession we need to take charge of our destiny
before governments, universities and other stakeholders/professions determine the basic level of entry for our profession.
Epidemiology, impact and preventive care of chronic kidney disease in Taiwan
Authors: HWANG SHANG‐JYH , TSAI JER‐CHIA , CHEN HUNG‐CHUN
Published: May 2010

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a global public health burden. Taiwan has the highest incidence and prevalence rates of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in the world. In this review, the following key issues of CKD in Taiwan are addressed: epidemiological data, underlying diseases patterns, risk factors, public health concerns and a preventive project. Prevalence of CKD are reported to be 6.9% for CKD stage 3–5, 9.83% for clinically recognized CKD and 11.9% for CKD stage 1–5. However, overall awareness of CKD is low, 9.7% for CKD stage 1–3 and 3.5% for stage 1–5. Diabetes mellitus (43.2%), chronic glomerulonephritis (25.1%), hypertension (8.3%) and chronic interstitial nephritis (2.8%) are four major underlying renal diseases of ESRD. Older age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, regular use of herbal medicine, family members (both relatives and spouses), chronic lead exposure and hepatitis C are associated with higher risk for CKD. Impact of CKD increases risk of all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular diseases, especially in those with overt proteinuria and advanced CKD stages. These impacts lead to increased medical costs. The nationwide CKD Preventive Project with multidisciplinary care program has proved its effectiveness in decreasing dialysis incidence, mortality and medical costs. It is crucially significant from Taiwan experience on CKD survey and preliminary outcome of the preventive project. Provision of a more comprehensive public health strategy and better care plan for CKD should be achieved by future international collaborative efforts and research.
Epidemiology of culture isolates from peritoneal dialysis peritonitis patients in southern India using an automated blood culture system to culture peritoneal dialysate
Authors: GUPTA SOHAM , MURALIDHARAN SETHUMADHAVAN , GOKULNATH  , SRINIVASA HIRESAVE
Published: May 2010

Aim:  Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a major form of therapy for chronic end stage renal disease patients, which may lead to CAPD‐associated peritonitis. The spectrum of organisms associated with CAPD peritonitis varies geographically. Not much data is available regarding this from southern India. The aim of this study was to characterize the spectrum of organisms associated with CAPD peritonitis in this region and observe the utility of automated blood culture systems to culture peritoneal dialysate.

Methods:  Ninety episodes of peritonitis were cultured over a span of 3 years using an automated blood culture system.

Results:  The yield of culture positivity was 50%. The most predominant organism was found to be coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus spp. (21.1%) followed by Enterobacteriaceae (12.2%). Other organisms isolated were non‐fermenting Gram‐negative bacilli (4.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.3%), α‐haemolytic Streptococci (3.3%), Candida spp. (2.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (1.1%), β‐haemolytic Streptococci (1.1%) and Micrococci (1.1%). A high degree of resistance to third generation cephalosporins (66.7%) was noted amongst the Gram‐negative bacilli. Also, all the Gram‐negative bacilli isolated from patients who had prior empirical antibiotic therapy of ceftazidime before arrival at the centre, were resistant to third generation cephalosporins.

Conclusion:  A varied spectrum of organisms isolated from peritoneal dialysate compared to the global scenario was observed. Also, a high degree of third generation cephalosporin resistance was noted amongst the Gram‐negative bacilli. Thus, it is suggested that the empirical therapy should be dependent on the local epidemiology.
Influence of support by elderly persons on Japanese mothers' child care‐related stress
Authors: Kusano Emiko , Ono Miho , Hayakawa Kazuo
Published: May 2010

This study examined the influence of child‐care support by elderly persons on mothers' child care‐related stress in Japan. A cross‐sectional study was conducted from February to April 2007 by using an anonymous questionnaire. This study focused on the “child‐care salon” (hereafter referred to as “salon”) as a type of parenting support activity by elderly persons in the community. For the analysis, 119 salon participants and a control group of 107 mothers who had not participated in a salon were recruited. As a result of a multiple regression analysis, participation or non‐participation in the salon had no influence on the ‘threat of loss of personal identity’ stress, which was similar to a sense of social isolation because of child care. However, as a result of investigating the influence of the participation frequency on stress score for participants alone, mothers with less participation had a higher stress score than mothers with greater participation. That suggested the importance of intervention for a decrease of social isolation in mothers, especially in the initial stage of salon participation.
Antiretroviral therapy adherence among patients living with HIV/AIDS in Thailand
Authors: Li Li , Lee Sung‐Jae , Wen Yi , Lin Chunqing , Wan Dai , Jiraphongsa Chuleeporn
Published: May 2010

The importance of antiretroviral therapy adherence for patients living with HIV/AIDS has been well documented. Despite this critical need, many do not follow prescribed regimens. To examine the barriers that lead to non‐adherence, we used cross‐sectional survey data from a randomized controlled intervention trial in northern and north‐eastern Thailand. Of the 507 patients that were enrolled in the trial, we analyzed 386 patients on antiretroviral therapy in order to examine the barriers to adherence. In addition to demographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, physical health, access to care, social support, and internalized shame, HIV disclosure and family communication were examined. The correlation analysis revealed that adherence is significantly associated with internalized shame, access to care, depressive symptoms, and family communication. Based on the multiple logistic regression analysis, depressive symptoms, access to care, HIV disclosure, and family communication were significant predictors of adherence. Having depressive symptoms remains a significant barrier to adherence, while access to care, HIV disclosure, and family communication play important positive roles. Our findings underscore the critical importance of addressing these various challenges that can influence adherence to antiretroviral therapy.
Leucocytoclastic and renal vasculitis in a patient with autoimmune pancreatitis: new associations
Authors: Garg M. , Mackay S. , Hill P. A. , Katsoulis J. , McLaughlin S. , Desmond P. V. , Chen R. Y. M.
Published: May 2010

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an uncommon condition which comprises diffuse or discrete pancreatic enlargement and irregular pancreatic duct strictures of autoimmune origin leading to pain or obstructive jaundice associated with extra‐pancreatic manifestations. It is characterized by an elevated IgG, especially IgG4, level. We illustrate the first described case of a patient with AIP in association with leucocytoclastic and renal vasculitis.
Attention regulates the plasticity of multisensory timing
Authors: Heron James , Roach Neil W. , Whitaker David , Hanson James V. M.
Published: May 2010

Evidence suggests than human time perception is likely to reflect an ensemble of recent temporal experience. For example, prolonged exposure to consistent temporal patterns can adaptively realign the perception of event order, both within and between sensory modalities (e.g. Fujisaki et al., 2004 Nat. Neurosci., 7, 773–778). In addition, the observation that ‘a watched pot never boils’ serves to illustrate the fact that dynamic shifts in our attentional state can also produce marked distortions in our temporal estimates. In the current study we provide evidence for a hitherto unknown link between adaptation, temporal perception and our attentional state. We show that our ability to use recent sensory history as a perceptual baseline for ongoing temporal judgments is subject to striking top‐down modulation via shifts in the observer’s selective attention. Specifically, attending to the temporal structure of asynchronous auditory and visual adapting stimuli generates a substantial increase in the temporal recalibration induced by these stimuli. We propose a conceptual framework accounting for our findings whereby attention modulates the perceived salience of temporal patterns. This heightened salience allows the formation of audiovisual perceptual ‘objects’, defined solely by their temporal structure. Repeated exposure to these objects induces high‐level pattern adaptation effects, akin to those found in visual and auditory domains (e.g. Leopold & Bondar (2005) Fitting the Mind to the World: Adaptation and Aftereffects in High‐Level Vision. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 189–211; Schweinberger et al. (2008) Curr. Biol., 18, 684–688).