bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the likely effects of climate change on anadromous Atlantic salmonSalmo salarand brown troutSalmo trutta, with particular reference to water temperature and flow
Authors: Jonsson B. , Jonsson N.
Published: January 2010

The present paper reviews the effects of water temperature and flow on migrations, embryonic development, hatching, emergence, growth and life‐history traits in light of the ongoing climate change with emphasis on anadromous Atlantic salmonSalmo salarand brown troutSalmo trutta. The expected climate change in the Atlantic is for milder and wetter winters, with more precipitation falling as rain and less as snow, decrease in ice‐covered periods and frequent periods with extreme weather. Overall, thermal limits for salmonids are species specific. Scope for activity and growth and optimal temperature for growth increase with temperature to an optimal point before constrain by the oxygen content of the water. The optimal temperature for growth decreases with increasing fish size and varies little among populations within species, whereas the growth efficiency may be locally adapted to the temperature conditions of the home stream during the growth season. Indirectly, temperature influences age and size at smolting through its effect on growth. Time of spawning, egg hatching and emergence of the larvae vary with temperature and selective effects on time of first feeding. Traits such as age at first maturity, longevity and fecundity decrease with increasing temperature whilst egg size increases with temperature. Water flow influences the accessibility of rivers for returning adults and speed of both upstream and downstream migration. Extremes in water flow and temperature can decrease recruitment and survival. There is reason to expect a northward movement of the thermal niche of anadromous salmonids with decreased production and population extinction in the southern part of the distribution areas, migrations earlier in the season, later spawning, younger age at smolting and sexual maturity and increased disease susceptibility and mortality. Future research challenges are summarized at the end of the paper.
Age and size at sexual maturity of the smooth skate Malacoraja senta from the western Gulf of Maine
Authors: Sulikowski J. A. , Cicia A. M. , Kneebone J. R. , Natanson L. J. , Tsang P. C. W.
Published: January 2010

Age and size at sexual maturity was determined for 185 male and 96 female smooth skates Malacoraja senta (ranging in size from 370 to 680 mm total length LT), collected from the western Gulf of Maine. Maturity ogives for males, based on clasper length, testis mass and the proportion of mature spermatocysts in the testes, suggest that 50% maturity occurs between 9 and 10 years and 560 mm LT. Maturity ogives for females, based on ovary mass, shell‐gland mass and maximum follicle size, suggest that 50% maturity occurs at age 9 years and 540 mm LT.
Life‐history characteristics of the large Amazonian migratory catfish Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii in the Iquitos region, Peru
Authors: García Vásquez A. , Alonso J.‐C. , Carvajal F. , Moreau J. , Nuñez J. , Renno J.‐F. , Tello S. , Montreuil V. , Duponchelle F.
Published: January 2010

The main life‐history traits of the dorado Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii, a large Amazonian catfish undertaking the largest migration known for a freshwater fish species (from the nursery area in the estuary of the Amazon to the breeding zones in the head waters of the western Amazon basin close to the Andes), were determined from a 5 year sampling of >15 000 specimens in the Peruvian Amazon. The breeding season occurred during the falling and low‐water periods, which is hypothesized to be an adaptation to maximize the chances of young stages to reach the estuary. The size at first sexual maturity was slightly larger for females than males, c. 91 and 83 cm standard length (LS), respectively. Both males and females reproduce for the first time at >3 years old. The fecundity per spawning event ranged from 481 734 to 1 045 284 oocytes for females weighing 25 and 34 kg, respectively. Seasonal variations of body condition were similar among sexes, but differed between immature specimens that had a higher condition during the low‐water period and lower condition during rising waters, and mature individuals that showed the opposite pattern. The growth characteristics were estimated by LS frequency analysis. For females, the best fitting models gave a mean birth date in August, during the height of the breeding cycle, with the following von Bertalanffy growth function parameters: LS∞ = 153·3, K = 0·29 and t0 =– 0·37 years. For males, the best fitting model gave a mean birth date in July, also during the height of the breeding period, with LS∞ = 142, K = 0·30 and t0 =– 0·36 years. At a given age, females were systematically larger than males and the size difference increased with age. The largest females sampled (148 cm LS) was 11 years old and the largest male (134 cm LS) was 9 years old. The mortality estimates were higher for males total (Z) = 1·34, natural (M) = 0·52 and fishing (F) = 0·82 than for females (Z = 0·98, M = 0·50, F = 0·48). The life‐history patterns of B. rousseauxii are discussed in light of the available knowledge about this species and the understanding of its complex life cycle.
New species of Moenkhausia Eigenmann (Characiformes: Characidae) from Rio Xingu and Rio Tapajós basins, Brazil, with comments on a putative case of polymorphic Batesian mimicry
Authors: Zanata A. M. , Birindelli J. L. O. , Moreira C. R.
Published: January 2010

A new species of Moenkhausia is described from Rio Xingu and Rio Tapajós basins, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners, except from Moenkhausia moisae, by having more scales in the lateral series, 43–47 (v. 23–41 in the remaining congeners). The new species is distinguished from M. moisae by its colour pattern, which consists of a dark midlateral stripe, and an asymmetrical caudal blotch (inconspicuous or faded in specimens from the Rio Arinos) continuous with the midlateral stripe (v. narrow dark midlateral line and conspicuous, regularly rounded and symmetrical blotch not continuous with the midlateral line). The new species is putatively assumed to be mimetic to Jupiaba apenima, in the Rio Xingu and Rio Teles Pires drainages, and to Jupiaba yarina in the Rio Arinos. The two species of Jupiaba are sympatric and remarkably similar in size, general external morphology and colouration to the new species. A small difference occurs in the colouration between the two species of Jupiaba and is also observed in the two respectively sympatric morphotypes of the new species of Moenkhausia. The occurrence of polymorphic Batesian mimicry is therefore discussed for neotropical freshwater fishes.
Courtship and spawning sounds in bird wrasse Gomphosus varius and saddle wrasse Thalassoma duperrey
Authors: Boyle K. S. , Cox T. E.
Published: January 2010

Acoustic signals from the bird wrasse Gomphosus varius and saddle wrasse Thalassoma duperrey were recorded on coral reefs in Hawaii. Terminal phase males in both species emit two types of pulse trains (type I and type II). Type I pulses were produced during spawning and courtship, while type II pulses were associated only with courtship behaviours. Gomphosus varius type I pulses were of lower frequency than T. duperrey type I pulses (271 v. 840 Hz) and were of narrower band. Discriminant function analyses revealed interspecific differences between type I pulse trains and individual pulses of both types. This study is the first documentation of courtship and spawning sounds in sympatric labrids and shows divergence in acoustic signals.
Taking account of fish welfare: lessons from aquaculture
Authors: Huntingford F. A. , Kadri S.
Published: January 2010

This paper explores the possibility that lessons learned from aquaculture might contribute to current debate on welfare and fisheries. After looking briefly at the history of research interest in the welfare of farmed fishes, some implications of using different definitions of and approaches to the concept of welfare are discussed. Consideration is given to the way in which the aquaculture industry has responded to public concern about fish welfare and, for cases where these responses have been effective, why this might be the case. Finally, possible cross‐over points between aquaculture and fisheries in the context of fish welfare, as well as experience and expertise that might be shared between these two areas, are identified.
Sea‐run migratory behaviour in the Japan Sea form of three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus in the tidal pool of eastern Hokkaido Island, Japan
Authors: Kume M. , Mori S.
Published: January 2010

Juveniles in the Japan Sea form of three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus collected from a tidal pool in eastern Hokkaido Island, Japan, had a unimodal standard length (LS) frequency distribution in each period, ranging from 11·9 to 31·6 mm, and those of sea‐run migrating individuals collected from the outlet of this tidal pool ranged from 17·0 to 36·0 mm, suggesting juveniles of this form would migrate towards the sea when they reached >17·0 mm. In general linear models (GLM) for testing the best model, there was a relationship between the number of sea‐run migratory individual and precipitation, which suggests that precipitation may trigger migration.
Effects of angling on post‐release mortality, gonadal development and somatic condition of Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata
Authors: Hall K. C. , Broadhurst M. K. , Butcher P. A. , Rowland S. J.
Published: January 2010

This study assessed the protracted effects of two angling treatments (mild and harsh) on the post‐release mortality, gonadal development and somatic condition of Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata in a pond‐based experiment. Angled fish were destructively sampled (along with controls) three times: immediately before, and 1 or 4 weeks after release into cages. Compared with the other groups, harshly angled fish had similar, low immediate and short‐term mortalities (≤5%), but significant delayed mortality (25%) and fed only minimally. None of these fish ejected ingested hooks. Forty‐six per cent of captive fish (across all groups) and 20% of wild fish had non‐ripening gonads (stage I) prior to, or during, the experiment. In females with ripening ovaries (stages II or III), neither angling treatment significantly reduced standardized gonadal mass. The mean per cent of atretic oocytes increased among females in all groups, but was significantly greater in those that were harshly angled. The results demonstrated that the gonadal development of M. novemaculeata could be suppressed or impaired (by angling, handling and confinement), and that further research is warranted. In particular, the timing and severity of angling in relation to the stage of gonadal development could have important implications for the introduction of temporal restrictions to angling.
Field hearing measurements of the Atlantic sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
Authors: Casper B. M. , Mann D. A.
Published: January 2010

Field measurements of hearing thresholds were obtained from the Atlantic sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon terraenovae using the auditory evoked potential method (AEP). The fish had most sensitive hearing at 20 Hz, the lowest frequency tested, with decreasing sensitivity at higher frequencies. Hearing thresholds were lower than AEP thresholds previously measured for the nurse shark Ginglymostoma cirratum and yellow stingray Urobatis jamaicensis at frequencies <200 Hz, and similar at 200 Hz and above. Rhizoprionodon terraenovae represents the closest comparison in terms of pelagic lifestyle to the sharks which have been observed in acoustic field attraction experiments. The sound pressure levels that would be equivalent to the particle acceleration thresholds of R. terraenovae were much higher than the sound levels which attracted closely related sharks suggesting a discrepancy between the hearing threshold experiments and the field attraction experiments.
Morphological characters and occurrence patterns of juveniles of two estuarine gobies,Acentrogobius kranjiensisandAcentrogobius malayanus, verified by molecular identification
Authors: Yokoo T. , Sakamoto T. , Kanou K. , Moteki M. , Kohno H. , Tongnunui P. , Kurokura H.
Published: January 2010

Juveniles of twoAcentrogobiusspecies collected in a mangrove estuary in Sikao Creek, southern Thailand, were identified by morphological and molecular methods. A total of 1315Acentrogobiusspecimens were collected and grouped into types A (n= 1107, 4·4–12·0 mm standard length,LS) (melanophore absent or indistinct on posterodorsal contour of caudal peduncle; two rows of melanophore blotches on lateral midline) and B (n= 208, 4·8–12·6 mmLS) (distinct melanophore on posterodorsal contour of caudal peduncle; a single row of melanophore blotches on lateral midline). Based on the reverse series method, the melanophore patterns of larger juveniles were linked with the smallest specimens possessing adult characters. The homogeneities of mitochondrial cytochromebregion sequences between the two juvenile types and adultAcentrogobiusspecies collected in the study area indicated type A to beA. kranjiensis(homogeneity between type A andA. kranjiensis: 99·3–100%), and type B to beA. malayanus(homogeneity between latter 98·1 and 99·7%). NoAcentrogobiusjuveniles were collected from the surf zone outside the creek mouth, both species apparently spending most of their life histories within the estuarine habitat. During their pelagic phase,A. kranjiensisandA. malayanusdispersed in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the creek. On the other hand, occurrence patterns during the benthic phase ofA. kranjiensisandA. malayanusdiffered, the former showing upstream movement and the latter downstream movement with growth. These results emphasize the necessity of analysing early fish life histories at the species level, and the collaboration between morphological and molecular methods should prove valuable in accurately identifying of larvae and juveniles.
Lentiviral shRNA silencing of BDNF inhibits in vivo multiple myeloma growth and angiogenesis via down‐regulated stroma‐derived VEGF expression in the bone marrow milieu
Authors: Zhang Lu , Hu Yu , Sun Chun‐yan , Li Jiang , Guo Tao , Huang Jing , Chu Zhang‐bo
Published: January 2010

Bone marrow (BM) neovascularization and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in multiple myeloma (MM) correlate with disease progression. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is highly expressed by malignant plasma cells isolated from the majority of MM patients. Recently, BDNF was identified as a potential proangiogenic factor for the promotion of endothelial cell survival, induction of neoangiogenesis in ischemic tissues, and increase of VEGF expression in neuroblastoma. Since tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), the receptor of BDNF, is expressed by stromal cells within the BM milieu, here we sought to evaluate the involvement of BDNF/TrkB in myeloma–marrow stroma interaction and its effects on BM angiogenesis. TrkB was abundantly expressed by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) isolated from healthy donors. Stimulation of BMSCs with BDNF induced a time‐ and dose‐ dependent increase in VEGF secretion, which was completely abolished by K252α, an inhibitor of TrkB. BDNF triggered activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1), whereas STAT3 was involved in mediating VEGF expression. We further delineated the biological significance of BDNF in MM by using lentiviral short‐interfering RNA (shRNA). When myeloma cells were cocultured with BMSCs in a noncontact Transwell system, VEGF levels in supernatants were significantly decreased when BDNF expression was knocked down. Furthermore, silencing of BDNF expression significantly inhibited xenograft tumor growth and angiogenesis, and prolonged survival in mouse model. Our studies demonstrate that BDNF, as a potential stimulator of angiogenesis, contributes to MM tumorgenesis; it mediates stromal–MM cell interactions via selective activation of specific receptor TrkB and downstream signal transducer STAT3, regulating VEGF secretion.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1117–1124)
Prescribing pattern of anti‐epileptic drugs in an Italian setting of elderly outpatients: a population‐based study during 2004–07
Authors: Oteri Alessandro , Trifirò Gianluca , Gagliostro Maria Silvia , Tari Daniele Ugo , Moretti Salvatore , Bramanti Placido , Spina Edoardo , Caputi Achille Patrizio , Arcoraci Vincenzo
Published: January 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• In the last years there has been a growing trend in anti‐epileptic drug (AED) use, particularly in elderly patients, but few data concerning indication of use are available in general practice.

• Various AEDs, including newer agents, have been approved for indications other than epilepsy and are increasingly also used for unlicensed indications.

• No data about the impact of re‐imbursement restrictions on the choice of anti‐epileptic drugs in general practice are available.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• In general practice, a rapid increase of AED prescriptions in the elderly was observed, principally due to the use of newer AEDs for indications other than epilepsy.

• Re‐imbursement restrictions influenced newer AED use, particularly pregabalin and gabapentin prescriptions.

• Phenobarbital, accounting for more than 50% of total AED volume, was the most prescribed medication during the entire study period. This finding should be considered in light of the potential risks associated with phenobarbital use in the geriatric population.

AIMS

The aims of the study were to assess the trend of older and newer anti‐epileptic drugs (AEDs) in the elderly population and to analyze the effects of a health‐policy intervention with regard to AED use in general practice in a setting in Southern Italy.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the ‘Caserta‐1’ Local‐Health‐Unit Arianna database in the years 2004–07. Patients aged over 65 years, receiving at least one AED prescription and registered in the lists of 88 general practitioners, were selected. The use of older and newer AEDs was calculated as 1 year prevalence and incidence of use and defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants day−1. Sub‐analyses by gender, age and indication of use were performed.

RESULTS

Most of AED users were treated because of neuropathic pain (64.8%). However, the main indication of use for older AEDs (57.8%) was epilepsy, whereas newer AEDs (79.5%) were used for neuropathic pain. Prevalence and incidence of newer AED use increased until 2006, followed by a reduction in 2007. Newer AEDs, particularly gabapentin and pregabalin, were used in the treatment of more patients than older AEDs. However phenobarbital, accounting for more than 50% of total AED volume, was the most prescribed medication during the entire study period.

CONCLUSIONS

An increasing use of AEDs has been observed during 2004–07, mostly due to the prescription of newer compounds for neuropathic pain. The fall in the use of newer AEDs during 2007 coincides with revised re‐imbursement criteria for gabapentin and pregabalin. The large use of phenobarbital in the elderly should be considered in the light of a risk of adverse drug reactions.
Population pharmacokinetics of intravenously and orally administered docetaxel with or without co‐administration of ritonavir in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Koolen Stijn L. W. , Oostendorp Roos L. , Beijnen Jos H. , Schellens Jan H. M. , Huitema Alwin D. R.
Published: January 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Docetaxel is an approved drug for the treatment of cancer of various primary origins.

• An oral docetaxel regimen is warranted because of patient convenience and the opportunity to investigate more schedule intensive treatment regimens.

• Co‐administration of ritonavir significantly enhanced the apparent oral bioavailability of docetaxel.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This study demonstrates that ritonavir increased the absorption of docetaxel after oral administration.

• Furthermore, we showed that the clearance of docetaxel was inhibited in a concentration dependent manner.

• The developed model will be used for further development of an oral docetaxel regimen.

AIM Docetaxel has a low oral bioavailability due to affinity for P‐glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 enzymes. Inhibition of the CYP3A4 enzymes by ritonavir resulted in increased oral bioavailability. The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model and to evaluate and quantify the influence of ritonavir on the PK of docetaxel.

METHODS Data from two clinical trials were included in the data analysis, in which docetaxel (75 mg m−2 or 100 mg) had been administered intravenously or orally (10 mg or 100 mg) with or without co‐administration of oral ritonavir (100 mg). Population modelling was performed using non‐linear mixed effects modelling. A three‐compartment model was used to describe the i.v. data. PK data after oral administration, with or without co‐administration of ritonavir, were incorporated into the model.

RESULTS Gut bioavailability of docetaxel increased approximately two‐fold from 19 to 39% (CV 13%) with ritonavir co‐administration. The hepatic extraction ratio and the elimination rate of docetaxel were best described by estimating the intrinsic clearance. Ritonavir was found to inhibit in a concentration dependent manner the intrinsic clearance of docetaxel, which was described by an inhibition constant of 0.028 µg ml−1 (CV 36%). A maximum inhibition of docetaxel clearance of more then 90% was reached.

CONCLUSIONS A PK model describing both the PK of orally and intravenously administered docetaxel in combination with ritonavir, was successfully developed. Co‐administration of ritonavir lead to increased oral absorption and reduced elimination rate of docetaxel.
Risk of diarrhoea in a long‐term cohort of renal transplant patients given mycophenolate mofetil: the significant role of the UGT1A8*2 variant allele
Authors: Woillard Jean‐Baptiste , Rerolle Jean‐Philippe , Picard Nicolas , Rousseau Annick , Drouet Mireille , Munteanu Eliza , Essig Marie , Marquet Pierre , Le Meur Yann
Published: January 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), the most widely used drug in allograft transplantation, is subject to hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation and entero‐hepatic cycling.

• Diarrhoea is its most frequent adverse event leading to non‐compliance, treatment interruption and ultimately to an increased rate of acute rejection.

• Cyclosporin reduces the biliary excretion of mycophenolate metabolites, presumably by inhibiting the efflux transporter MRP2.

• When combined with MMF, cyclosporin reduces the incidence of diarrhoea, suggesting the role played by biliary excretion of mycophenolate glucuronides in this adverse event.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• In a long‐term cohort of renal transplant patients on MMF, the two factors significantly associated with a reduced incidence of diarrhoea were the co‐medication with cyclosporin (as opposed to tacrolimus or sirolimus) and the *2 variant allele of the intestinal UGT1A8.

• Polymorphisms in the other UDP‐glucuronosyl‐transferases and MRP2 were not significant.

AIM In renal transplant patients given mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), we investigated the relationship between the digestive adverse events and polymorphisms in the UGT genes involved in mycophenolic acid (MPA) intestinal metabolism and biliary excretion of its phase II metabolites.

METHODS Clinical data and DNA from 256 patients transplanted between 1996 and 2006 and given MMF with cyclosporin (CsA, n = 185), tacrolimus (TAC, n = 49) or sirolimus (SIR, n = 22), were retrospectively analysed. The relationships between diarrhoea and polymorphisms in UGT1A8 (*2; 518C>G, *3; 830G>A), UGT1A7 (622C>T), UGT1A9 (−275T>A), UGT2B7 (−840G>A) and ABCC2 (−24C>T, 3972C>T) or the co‐administered immunosuppressant were investigated using the Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS Multivariate analysis showed that patients on TAC or SIR had a 2.8 higher risk of diarrhoea than patients on CsA (HR = 2.809; 95%CI (1.730, 4.545); P < 0.0001) and that non‐carriers of the UGT1A8*2 allele (CC518 genotype) had a higher risk of diarrhoea than carriers (C518G and 518GG genotypes) (HR = 1.876; 95%CI (1.109, 3.175); P = 0.0192). When patients were divided according to the immunosuppressive co‐treatment, a significant effect of UGT1A8*2 was found in those co‐treated with CsA (HR = 2.414; 95%CI (1.089, 5.354); P = 0.0301) but not TAC or SIR (P = 0.4331).

CONCLUSION These results suggest that a possible inhibition of biliary excretion of MPA metabolites by CsA and a decreased intestinal production of these metabolites in UGT1A8*2 carriers may be protective factors against MMF‐induced diarrhoea.
Current dosing of low‐molecular‐weight heparins does not reflect licensed product labels: an international survey
Authors: Barras Michael A. , Kirkpatrick Carl M. J. , Green Bruce
Published: January 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Low‐molecular‐weight heparins (LMWHs) are effective anti‐coagulants for the treatment of thromboembolic diseases.

• LMWHs are hydrophilic drugs with clearance related to lean body weight and renal function.

• Poor subject outcomes are linked to the inadequate dosing of LMWHs.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Minimal adherence to the product label occured when dosing LMWHs.

• Hospitals preferred to dose‐individualize using a variety of methods that included dose‐capping, post‐dose monitoring of anti‐Xa activity and the use of lean body size descriptors to calculate a starting dose and renal function.

AIMS Low‐molecular‐weight heparins (LMWHs) are used globally to treat thromboembolic diseases; however, there is much debate on how to prescribe effectively for patients who have renal impairment and/or obesity. We aimed to investigate the strategies used to dose‐individualize LMWH therapy.

METHODS We conducted an online survey of selected hospitals in Australia, New Zealand (NZ), United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). Outcome measures included: the percentage of hospitals which recommended that LMWHs were prescribed according to the product label (PL), the percentage of hospitals that dose‐individualized LMWHs outside the PL based on renal function, body weight and anti‐Xa activity and a summary of methods used to dose‐individualize therapy.

RESULTS A total of 257 surveys were suitable for analysis: 84 (33%) from Australia, 79 (31%) from the UK, 73 (28%) from the US and 21 (8%) from NZ. Formal dosing protocols were used in 207 (81%) hospitals, of which 198 (96%) did not adhere to the PL. Of these 198 hospitals, 175 (87%) preferred to dose‐individualize based on renal function, 128 (62%) on body weight and 48 (23%) by monitoring anti‐Xa activity. All three of these variables were used in 29 (14%) hospitals, 98 (47%) used two variables and 71 (34%) used only one variable.

CONCLUSIONS Dose‐individualization strategies for LMWHs, which contravene the PL, were present in 96% of surveyed hospitals. Common individualization methods included dose‐capping, use of lean body size descriptors to calculate renal function and the starting dose, followed by post dose anti‐Xa monitoring.
Putting cocaine use and cocaine‐associated cardiac arrhythmias into epidemiological and clinical perspective
Authors: Wood David M. , Dargan Paul I.
Published: January 2010

This is the first article in a series of three articles on cocaine‐related cardiac arrhythmias, following on from the 2008 British Pharmacological Society Winter Meeting Clinical Section Symposium entitled ‘Cocaine induced cardiac arrhythmias – from ion channel to clinical treatment’. We will summarize the epidemiology of cocaine use across the world and in particular will focus on UK, Europe and US use prevalence data. We will discuss the acute cardiac and non‐cardiac toxicity associated with cocaine and highlight the lack of data on the true UK prevalence of acute cocaine toxicity and on the incidence of cocaine‐related cardiac arrhythmias.
A facultative mutualism between aphids and an invasive ant increases plant reproduction
Authors: STYRSKY JOHN D. , EUBANKS MICKY D.
Published: January 2010

1. The consequences to plants of ant–aphid mutualisms, particularly those involving invasive ants, are poorly studied. Ant–aphid mutualisms may increase or decrease plant fitness depending on the relative cost of herbivory by ant‐tended aphids versus the relative benefit of increased ant suppression of other (non‐aphid) herbivores.

2. We conducted field and greenhouse experiments in which we manipulated the presence and absence of cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii) on cotton plants to test the hypothesis that a mutualism between cotton aphids and an invasive ant, the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), benefits cotton plants by increasing fire ant suppression of caterpillars. We also manipulated caterpillar abundance to test whether the benefit of the mutualism varied with caterpillar density.

3. We found that more fire ants foraged on plants with cotton aphids than on plants without cotton aphids, which resulted in a significant reduction in caterpillar survival and caterpillar herbivory of leaves, flower buds, and bolls on plants with aphids. Consequently, cotton aphids indirectly increased cotton reproduction: plants with cotton aphids produced 16% more bolls, 25% more seeds, and 10% greater seedcotton mass than plants without aphids. The indirect benefit of cotton aphids, however, varied with caterpillar density: the number of bolls per plant at harvest was 32% greater on plants with aphids than on plants without aphids at high caterpillar density, versus just 3% greater at low caterpillar density.

4. Our results highlight the potential benefit to plants that host ant–hemipteran mutualisms and provide the first experimental evidence that the consequences to plants of an ant–aphid mutualism vary at different densities of non‐aphid herbivores.
Isolation from a marching band increases haemocyte density in wild locusts (Chortoicetes terminifera)
Authors: MILLER GABRIEL A. , SIMPSON STEPHEN J.
Published: January 2010

1. The density‐dependent prophylaxis hypothesis predicts that individuals in high‐density populations will invest more resources in immune defence than individuals at lower densities.

2. However, recent work suggests that this prediction may not apply to all situations; solitarious species may paradoxically have higher scores than crowded counterparts in certain immune assays.

3. To investigate the relationship between a key immune parameter and field population densities, the total haemocyte counts (THCs) of Australian plague locusts (Chortoicetes terminifera) from three population densities in Western Australia were compared.

4. THCs were negatively correlated with field population densities, and locusts removed from a marching band and kept in isolation had increased THCs relative to group‐housed controls.

5. These results demonstrate that immune investment can inversely relate to population density in field conditions.

6. We suggest that isolated locusts increase their haemocyte densities relative to crowded conspecifics in response to potentially greater exposure to parasitoids and nematodes.
Diverse diet compositions among harpaline ground beetle species revealed by mixing model analyses of stable isotope ratios
Authors: IKEDA HIROSHI , KUBOTA KOHEI , KAGAWA AKIRA , SOTA TEIJI
Published: January 2010

1. Species diversities of some insect lineages have been attributed to differentiation of feeding habits among species. Our objective was to determine variation in diet composition among harpaline ground beetle species occurring in a riverside grassland.

2. We examined the diet compositions of 14 species from six genera in the spring and 10 species from two genera in the autumn. We performed measurements of nitrogen and carbon stable isotope ratios in consumers and in their potential food items, and estimated relative contributions of different food items with two mixing models, IsoSource and MixSIR.

3. IsoSource and MixSIR software gave similar results, but IsoSource tended to calculate higher contributions of principal food items and smaller percentile ranges than MixSIR. Among harparine beetle species, there were diverse food utilisation patterns among four food categories (detritivorous invertebrates, herbivorous invertebrates, C3 plants, and C4 plants). Detritivores comprised the main diets of abundant harpaline species in the spring, whereas abundant harpaline species in the autumn were primarily herbivores feeding on C4 plants, or omnivores feeding on herbivorous invertebrates and C3 plants. Seasonal changes in food use were related to seasonal changes in the abundance of each food resource.

4. Mixing model analysis of stable isotope ratios is a convenient and effective method for roughly estimating diets of many species with diverse food habits (such as ground beetles). This method can contribute to determining the trophic relationships of related insects in one ecosystem.
Temporal gene expression profiles in a palaearctic springtail as induced by desiccation, cold exposure and during recovery
Authors: Sørensen Jesper G. , Heckmann Lars‐Henrik , Holmstrup Martin
Published: January 2010

1. Cryoprotective dehydration is a cold tolerance strategy used by small permeable invertebrates overwintering in frozen habitats. Even though an increasing number of species using this strategy have been described, little is known of the functional genomics of cryoprotective dehydration.

2. Megaphorura arctica is a northern palaearctic springtail (Collembola) which survives extreme low temperatures by cryoprotective dehydration. The massive loss of body water associated with this strategy requires a fine tuned physiological adaptation to both desiccation and cold exposure.

3. We investigated the temporal gene expression profile of six candidate genes, and compared gene expression responses to desiccation and cold separately, as well as both factors combined.

4. The major responses were found in Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Trehalose‐6‐Phosphate‐Synthase (TPS). TPS expression followed water loss closely, while HSP70 was induced after considerable water loss. HSP70 transcript response in M. arctica was induced by desiccation and rehydration, but not by exposure to cold.

5. The data suggest that cold and water loss induce partly different responses and that temporal sampling is important for uncovering the dynamics of gene responses to cryoprotective dehydration.
Consequences of ‘load‐lightening’ for future indirect fitness gains by helpers in a cooperatively breeding bird
Authors: Meade Jessica , Nam Ki‐Baek , Beckerman Andrew P. , Hatchwell Ben J.
Published: January 2010

1. Helpers that invest energy in provisioning the offspring of related individuals stand to gain indirect fitness benefits from doing so. First, if the helper’s effort is additional to that of the parents (additive) the productivity of the current breeding attempt can be increased. Secondly, if the parents reduce their workload (compensation) this can result in future indirect fitness gains to the helper via increased breeder survival; termed ‘load‐lightening’.

2. Long‐tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus) have a cooperative breeding system in which helpers assist kin and parents exhibit both additive and compensatory reactions in the presence of helpers. Offspring from helped nests are heavier and more likely to recruit into the breeding population, thus helpers gain indirect fitness benefits from increasing the productivity of the current breeding attempt. Despite breeders’ reduction of feeding effort in the presence of helpers, previous investigations found no subsequent increase in breeder survival.

3. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that load‐lightening resulted in indirect fitness benefits for helpers. We used data from a 14‐year study to investigate the provisioning rate, survival and future fecundity of male and female long‐tailed tits that did and did not receive help at the nest.

4. We found an asymmetrical response to the presence of helpers at large brood sizes. Males reduced their feeding rate more than females, and this differential response was reflected in a significant increase in male survival when provisioning large broods assisted by helpers. We found no evidence of any increase in future fecundity for helped breeders.

5. The finding that males reduce their provisioning rate in the presence of helpers (at large brood sizes) to a greater degree than females, and that this is reflected in an increase in survival rate for males only, implies that the survival increase is caused by the reduction in work‐rate rather than a non‐specific benefit of a larger group size.

6. The marginal benefits of help for breeder survival are likely to be more difficult to identify than the increased productivity at helped nests, but should not be overlooked when investigating the potential indirect fitness gains that supernumeraries can accrue by helping.
Modulation of host innate and adaptive immune defenses by cytomegalovirus: timing is everything
Authors: Loewendorf A. , Benedict C. A.
Published: January 2010

Abstract.  Loewendorf A, Benedict CA (La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA). Modulation of host innate and adaptive immune defenses by cytomegalovirus: timing is everything (Symposium). J Intern Med 2010; 267: 483–501.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) (HHV‐5, a β‐herpesvirus) causes the vast majority of infection‐related congenital birth defects, and can trigger severe disease in immune suppressed individuals. The high prevalence of societal infection, the establishment of lifelong persistence and the growing number of immune‐related diseases where HCMV is touted as a potential promoter is slowly heightening public awareness to this virus. The millions of years of co‐evolution between CMV and the immune system of its host provides for a unique opportunity to study immune defense strategies, and pathogen counterstrategies. Dissecting the timing of the cellular and molecular processes that regulate innate and adaptive immunity to this persistent virus has revealed a complex defense network that is shaped by CMV immune modulation, resulting in a finely tuned host–pathogen relationship.
Neonatal Programming by Neuroimmune Challenge: Effects on Responses and Tolerance to Septic Doses of Lipopolysaccharide in Adult Male and Female Rats
Authors: Spencer S. J. , Field E. , Pittman Q. J.
Published: January 2010

A mild immune challenge experienced during the neonatal period leads to attenuated febrile responses to a similar challenge experienced later in life. However, the immune response to an endotoxin differs depending upon the severity of the challenge and it is not clear whether a neonatal immune challenge will also affect responses to a severe, potentially life‐threatening stimulus, such as sepsis. In the present study, we examined the effects of a neonatal immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on adult sickness responses, as well as the development of endotoxin tolerance, to a septic dose (1 or 3 mg/kg) of the same LPS in male and female rats. We demonstrate significant differences, particularly in males, in the fever profiles of neonatally LPS‐treated rats compared to neonatally saline‐treated controls. Specifically, male rats treated neonatally with LPS have reduced hypothermic and enhanced hyperthermic responses to both septic doses of LPS in adulthood. A somewhat different profile is seen in females, with neonatally LPS‐treated females having reduced hypothermia and enhanced hyperthermia compared to controls with 1 mg/kg but no differences with 3 mg/kg LPS. The results obtained demonstrate that alterations in innate immune responses previously reported for low doses of LPS can, for the most part, also be observed after severe immune challenge in later life.
Cytokine production from sputum cells and blood leukocytes in asthmatics according to disease severity
Authors: Manise M. , Schleich F. , Gusbin N. , Godinas L. , Henket M. , Antoine N. , Corhay J. L. , Louis R.
Published: January 2010

To cite this article: Manise M, Schleich F, Gusbin N, Godinas L, Henket M, Antoine N, Corhay JL, Louis R. Cytokine production from sputum cells and blood leukocytes in asthmatics according to disease severity. Allergy 2010; 65: 889–896.

Background:  Although mild to moderate asthma is known to be Th2 driven, cytokines produced in refractory asthma might not fit the classical Th2 pattern.

Methods:  The aim of our study was to assess the cytokine production by sputum and blood cells from 15 refractory asthmatics (American Thoracic Society Criteria) compared to 15 mild untreated and 17 moderate treated asthmatics and 22 healthy subjects. Spontaneous production of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor α was measured by immunotrapping after 24 h sputum or blood cell culture.

Results:  Moderate and refractory asthmatics were both characterized by a lower production of IL‐6 from their airway cells compared to healthy subjects. However, the difference was no longer significant when expressing the results per gram of sputum. No significant difference between the three groups was found regarding other cytokines. As for cytokine production from blood, the three groups of asthmatics exhibited raised production of IL‐4 when compared to healthy subjects, and this was true when results were expressed per blood volume or after normalization for total leukocyte cell count. Moderate asthmatics exhibited greater production of IL‐10 when compared to refractory asthmatics and healthy subjects when results were normalized for total leukocyte cell count.

Conclusions:  Sputum cells from moderate and refractory asthmatics release less IL‐6. While the systemic overproduction of IL‐4 was observed through the all spectrum of asthma severity, moderate asthmatics exhibited greater systemic IL‐10 production compared to refractory asthmatics.
A multiplex one‐step PCR method for the simultaneous identification of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, B. mucronatus and B. doui– three species within the xylophilus group
Authors: Zhuo K. , Luo M. , Cui R. Q. , Liao J. L.
Published: January 2010

The pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, causes severe damage to pines in Eastern Asia. Bursaphelenchus mucronatus and B. doui resemble closely B. xylophilus morphologically, moreover they were found frequently in this area recently. It is necessary to identify the three species precisely and rapidly. In this study, we report the results of a multiplex one‐step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) utilizing five primers to identify and discriminate the three Bursaphelenchus species simultaneously. The multiplex one‐step PCR yielded one fragment of about 1000 bp for all Bursaphelenchus populations tested. Futhermore, B. xylophilus, B. mucronatus and B. doui produced another fragment of about 100, 350 and 600 bp respectively. This approach is simple and reliable to simultaneously identify the above three species within the xylophilus group usually encountered together in a nematode assay.
The influence of a health education programme on healthy lifestyles and practices among university students
Authors: Abu‐Moghli Fathieh A , Khalaf Inaam A , Barghoti Farihan F
Published: January 2010

Abu‐Moghli FA, Khalaf IA, Barghoti FF. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 35–42 The influence of a health education programme on healthy lifestyles and practices among university students

This study aimed at exploring the lifestyles of university students, the relationship between specific demographical variables and health practices and the role of training in improving these practices. An experimental and a comparison group were selected using the convenient sampling method. Two 5‐day training programmes on healthy lifestyles were conducted. Self‐reported behaviours of both groups were assessed before and after the programme. The results reflected slightly positive health practices related to the three behavioural categories with the type of diet being the highest and physical activity being the lowest. No significant differences were reflected in relation to the selected variables. A positive influence of training on improving health behaviours of university students related to the three behavioural categories was observed. Results suggest a similar course to be included as a university elective and students' involvement in available extra curricular activities be encouraged.
Elderly persons' experiences of striving to receive care on their own terms in nursing homes
Authors: Anderberg Patrice , Berglund Anna‐Lena
Published: January 2010

Anderberg P, Berglund A‐L. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 64–68 Elderly persons' experiences of striving to receive care on their own terms in nursing homes

Elderly persons' participation in and decisions about their own care need more attention. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of elderly persons' experiences of care and help, and how their lives change in nursing homes. Fifteen elderly persons living in four nursing homes were interviewed about their experiences of needing care and help in their daily life. The interviews were analysed using van Manen's phenomenological approach. Elderly persons' experiences of care and help were described as: a balance between sorrow and relief, a struggle to maintain control and connectedness, managing to live in the present and yet worrying about the future, and an attempt to hide one's vulnerability in order to be accepted and create an inner calm in an exposed situation. In conclusion, important issues were raised concerning elderly persons' perspectives on care and help in daily life in nursing homes.
Bedside nursing handover: A case study
Authors: Chaboyer Wendy , McMurray Anne , Wallis Marianne
Published: January 2010

Chaboyer W, McMurray A, Wallis M. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 27–34 Bedside nursing handover: A case study

A case study of six wards in two hospitals was undertaken to describe the structures, processes and perceptions of outcomes of bedside handover in nursing. A total of 532 bedside handovers were observed and 34 interviews with nurses were conducted. Important structural elements related to the staff, patients, the handover sheet and the bedside chart. A number of processes before, during and after the handover were implemented. They included processes for managing patients and their visitors, sensitive information, and the flow of communication for variable shift starting times. Other key processes identified were the implementation of a safety scan and medication check. The situation, background, assessment and recommendations approach was used only in specific circumstances. Perceived outcomes were categorized as improving accuracy and service delivery, and promoting patient‐centred care. Although the move to bedside handover is not the norm, it reflects a patient‐centred approach.