bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small variable segments constitute a major type of diversity of bacterial genomes at the species level
Authors: Touzain Fabrice , Denamur Erick , Médigue Claudine , Barbe Valérie , El Karoui Meriem , Petit Marie-Agnès
Published: April 2010

Background

Analysis of large scale diversity in bacterial genomes has mainly focused on elements such as pathogenicity islands, or more generally, genomic islands. These comprise numerous genes and confer important phenotypes, which are present or absent depending on strains. We report that despite this widely accepted notion, most diversity at the species level is composed of much smaller DNA segments, 20 to 500 bp in size, which we call microdiversity.

Results

We performed a systematic analysis of the variable segments detected by multiple whole genome alignments at the DNA level on three species for which the greatest number of genomes have been sequenced:Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus, andStreptococcus pyogenes. Among the numerous sites of variability, 62 to 73% were loci of microdiversity, many of which were located within genes. They contribute to phenotypic variations, as 3 to 6% of all genes harbor microdiversity, and 1 to 9% of total genes are located downstream from a microdiversity locus. Microdiversity loci are particularly abundant in genes encoding membrane proteins. In-depth analysis of theE. colialignments shows that most of the diversity does not correspond to known mobile or repeated elements, and it is likely that they were generated by illegitimate recombination. An intriguing class of microdiversity includes small blocks of highly diverged sequences, whose origin is discussed.

Conclusions

This analysis uncovers the importance of this small-sized genome diversity, which we expect to be present in a wide range of bacteria, and possibly also in many eukaryotic genomes.
DNA transposons and the role of recombination in mutation accumulation in Daphnia pulex
Authors: Schaack Sarah , Choi Eunjin , Lynch Michael , Pritham Ellen J
Published: April 2010

Background

We identify DNA transposons from the completed draft genome sequence of Daphnia pulex, a cyclically parthenogenetic, aquatic microcrustacean of the class Branchiopoda. In addition, we experimentally quantify the abundance of six DNA transposon families in mutation-accumulation lines in which sex is either promoted or prohibited in order to better understand the role of recombination in transposon proliferation.

Results

We identified 55 families belonging to 10 of the known superfamilies of DNA transposons in the genome of D. pulex. DNA transposons constitute approximately 0.7% of the genome. We characterized each family and, in many cases, identified elements capable of activity in the genome. Based on assays of six putatively active element families in mutation-accumulation lines, we compared DNA transposon abundance in lines where sex was either promoted or prohibited. We find the major difference in abundance in sexuals relative to asexuals in lab-reared lines is explained by independent assortment of heterozygotes in lineages where sex has occurred.

Conclusions

Our examination of the duality of sex as a mechanism for both the spread and elimination of DNA transposons in the genome reveals that independent assortment of chromosomes leads to significant copy loss in lineages undergoing sex. Although this advantage may offset the so-called 'two fold cost of sex' in the short-term, if insertions become homozygous at specific loci due to recombination, the advantage of sex may be decreased over long time periods. Given these results, we discuss the potential effects of sex on the dynamics of DNA transposons in natural populations of D. pulex.
GW0742, a selective PPAR-β/δ agonist, contributes to the resolution of inflammation after gut ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Di Paola Rosanna , Esposito Emanuela , Mazzon Emanuela , Paterniti Irene , Galuppo Maria , Cuzzocrea Salvatore
Published: April 2010

GW-0742 impacts the inflammatory process associated with intestinal ischemia reperfusion.

PPARs belong to a subfamily of transcription nuclear factors. Three isoforms of PPARs have been identified: α, β/δ, and γ, encoded by different genes and distributed in various tissues. They play important roles in metabolic processes, such as regulation of glucose and lipid redistribution. They also have antiatherogenic, anti-inflammatory, as well as antihypertensive functions. There is good evidence that ligands of PPARs reduce tissue injury associated with I/R. This study investigated the effects of GW0742, a potent and selective PPAR-β/δ agonist, on tissue injury, caused in a mouse model of SAO shock. IRI of the intestine was caused by clamping the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk for 45 min, followed by release of the clamp, allowing reperfusion for 1 or 6 h. Only 10% of the SAO animals survived the entire 6-h reperfusion period. In a separate set of experiments after 60 min of reperfusion, animals were killed for histological examination and biochemical studies. Administration of GW0742 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), 5 min prior to reperfusion, significantly reduced the (1) mortality rate, (2) histological evidence of gut injury, (3) MPO activity, (4) proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), (5) adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, P-selectin), (6) nitrotyrosine formation, (7) NF-κB expression, (8) PAR formation, and (9) apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2, Fas-L, and TUNEL). Based on these findings, we propose that GW0742 would be useful in the treatment of various I/R diseases.
CD13 is dispensable for normal hematopoiesis and myeloid cell functions in the mouse
Authors: Winnicka Beata , O'Conor Catherine , Schacke Wolfgang , Vernier Kaitlyn , Grant Christina L , Fenteany Fiona Hall , Pereira Flavia E , Liang Brannen , Kaur Anupinder , Zhao Ran , Montrose David C , Rosenberg Daniel W , Aguila Hector L , Shapiro Linda H
Published: April 2010

While the myeloid marker CD13 has been implicated in numerous myeloid cell functions, its genetic ablation reveals a nominal contribution of CD13 to these functions.

The robust and consistent expression of the CD13 cell surface marker on very early as well as differentiated myeloid hematopoietic cells has prompted numerous investigations seeking to define roles for CD13 in myeloid cells. To address the function of myeloid CD13 directly, we created a CD13 null mouse and assessed the responses of purified primary macrophages or DCs from WT and CD13 null animals in cell assays and inflammatory disease models, where CD13 has been implicated previously. We find that mice lacking CD13 develop normally with normal hematopoietic profiles except for an increase in thymic but not peripheral T cell numbers. Moreover, in in vitro assays, CD13 appears to be largely dispensable for the aspects of phagocytosis, proliferation, and antigen presentation that we tested, although we observed a slight decrease in actin-independent erythrocyte uptake. However, in agreement with our published studies, we show that lack of monocytic CD13 completely ablates anti-CD13-dependent monocyte adhesion to WT endothelial cells. In vivo assessment of four inflammatory disease models showed that lack of CD13 has little effect on disease onset or progression. Nominal alterations in gene expression levels between CD13 WT and null macrophages argue against compensatory mechanisms. Therefore, although CD13 is highly expressed on myeloid cells and is a reliable marker of the myeloid lineage of normal and leukemic cells, it is not a critical regulator of hematopoietic development, hemostasis, or myeloid cell function.
Supervised case experience in supportive psychotherapy: suggestions for trainers
Authors: Bedi Navjot , Vassiliadis Helena
Published: April 2010

The Royal College of Psychiatrists' guidelines for the psychotherapy training of trainee psychiatrists include a supervised case experience in supportive psychotherapy. There is, however, a lack of clarity over the concept of supportive psychotherapy and how this might be taught and supervised, and this may discourage trainers from offering formal clinical supervision in this modality. In this article we briefly describe the history of supportive psychotherapy, the various ways in which it has been conceptualised, and some of the research in the area. We discuss the case for training and make practical suggestions for how this experience might be offered by consultant psychiatrists in an everyday psychiatric setting.
Sensory impairment and intellectual disability
Authors: Kiani Reza , Miller Helen
Published: April 2010

Sensory (visual and hearing) impairment has significant detrimental impact on sociocognitive and language development. Despite this, it is very much underrecognised and underdiagnosed in people with intellectual disability. Raising awareness of sensory impairment among professionals and carers is extremely important for early management to prevent further social handicap in people with intellectual disability. This article reviews sensory impairment in intellectual disability and its association with autism-spectrum disorder and mental illness.
Definitions and criteria: the 2007 amendments to the Mental Health Act 1983
Authors: Branton Tim , Brookes Guy
Published: April 2010

This article deals with the provisions for the lawful detention and compulsory treatment of patients in England and Wales. The 2007 amendments to the Mental Health Act 1983 redefine ‘mental disorder’ and ‘medical treatment’ and remove the classifications required for longer-term detention, abolishing the so-called ‘treatability test’ and introducing a new appropriate-treatment test. ‘Learning disability’ is brought within the definition of mental disorder but only if ‘associated with abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct’. The exclusion for promiscuity, other immoral conduct or sexual deviancy is repealed; the exclusion for dependence on alcohol and drugs is retained. The revised definition of ‘medical treatment’ includes psychological treatment and removes the requirement that treatment is under medical supervision. The basic structure of the 1983 Act is retained. Use of the powers is discretionary. The principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 are imported into the decision-making framework through the wording of the Mental Health ActCode of Practice.
Diminished responsibility and alcohol
Authors: Galappathie Nuwan , Jethwa Krishma
Published: April 2010

In England and Wales diminished responsibility is a partial defence to the charge of murder. If successfully argued by the defence, it reduces the charge from murder to manslaughter and thus avoids the mandatory life sentence. Alcohol has been reported to be a feature in up to 80% of all homicides but for many years the judiciary have set an almost unattainable threshold for the disease of alcoholism to amount to a finding of diminished responsibility, in accordance with other aspects of criminal law. Reform of the law on murder is likely to take many years but it is timely to recap the current law on diminished responsibility and review advances in case law in England and Wales on alcohol.
Group-based psychosocial intervention for bipolar disorder: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Castle David , White Carolynne , Chamberlain James , Berk Michael , Berk Lesley , Lauder Sue , Murray Greg , Schweitzer Isaac , Piterman Leon , Gilbert Monica
Published: April 2010

Background

Psychosocial interventions have the potential to enhance relapse prevention in bipolar disorder.

Aims

To evaluate a manualised group-based intervention for people with bipolar disorder in a naturalistic setting.

Method

Eighty-four participants were randomised to receive the group-based intervention (a 12-week programme plus three booster sessions) or treatment as usual, and followed up with monthly telephone interviews (for 9 months post-intervention) and face-to-face interviews (at baseline, 3 months and 12 months).

Results

Participants who received the group-based intervention were significantly less likely to have a relapse of any type and spent less time unwell. There was a reduced rate of relapse in the treatment group for pooled relapses of any type (hazard ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.95; t343 = −2.09, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the group-based intervention reduces relapse risk in bipolar disorder.
Supported employment: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Howard Louise M. , Heslin Margaret , Leese Morven , McCrone Paul , Rice Christopher , Jarrett Manuela , Spokes Terry , Huxley Peter , Thornicroft Graham
Published: April 2010

Background

There is evidence from North American trials that supported employment using the individual placement and support (IPS) model is effective in helping individuals with severe mental illness gain competitive employment. There have been few trials in other parts of the world.

Aims

To investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of IPS in the UK.

Method

Individuals with severe mental illness in South London were randomised to IPS or local traditional vocational services (treatment as usual) (ISRCTN96677673).

Results

Two hundred and nineteen participants were randomised, and 90% assessed 1 year later. There were no significant differences between the treatment as usual and intervention groups in obtaining competitive employment (13% in the intervention group and 7% in controls; risk ratio 1.35, 95% CI 0.95–1.93,P= 0.15), nor in secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

There was no evidence that IPS was of significant benefit in achieving competitive employment for individuals in South London at 1-year follow-up, which may reflect suboptimal implementation. Implementation of IPS can be challenging in the UK context where IPS is not structurally integrated with mental health services, and economic disincentives may lead to lower levels of motivation in individuals with severe mental illness and psychiatric professionals.
Cost-effectiveness of an early intervention service for people with psychosis
Authors: McCrone Paul , Craig Tom K. J. , Power Paddy , Garety Philippa A.
Published: April 2010

Background

There is concern that delaying treatment for psychosis may have a negative impact on its long-term course. A number of countries have developed early intervention teams but there is limited evidence regarding their cost-effectiveness.

Aims

To compare the costs and cost-effectiveness of an early intervention service in London with standard care.

Method

Individuals in their first episode of psychosis (or those who had previously discontinued treatment) were recruited to the study. Clinical variables and costs were measured at baseline and then at 6- and 18-month follow-up. Information on quality of life and vocational outcomes were combined with costs to assess cost-effectiveness.

Results

A total of 144 people were randomised. Total mean costs were £11 685 in the early intervention group and £14 062 in the standard care group, with the difference not being significant (95% CI –£8128 to £3326). When costs were combined with improved vocational and quality of life outcomes it was shown that early intervention would have a very high likelihood of being cost-effective.

Conclusions

Early intervention did not increase costs and was highly likely to be cost-effective when compared with standard care.
Toxicity of antidepressants: rates of suicide relative to prescribing and non-fatal overdose
Authors: Hawton Keith , Bergen Helen , Simkin Sue , Cooper Jayne , Waters Keith , Gunnell David , Kapur Navneet
Published: April 2010

Background

Self-poisoning is a common method of suicide and often involves ingestion of antidepressants. Information on the relative toxicity of antidepressants is therefore extremely important.

Aims

To assess the relative toxicity of specific tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Method

Observational study of prescriptions (UK), poisoning deaths involving single antidepressants receiving coroners' verdicts of suicide or undetermined intent (England and Wales) and non-fatal self-poisoning episodes presenting to six general hospitals (in Oxford, Manchester and Derby) between 2000 and 2006. Calculation of fatal toxicity index based on ratio of rates of deaths to prescriptions, and case fatality based on ratio of rates of deaths to non-fatal self-poisonings.

Results

Fatal toxicity and case fatality indices provided very similar results (rho for relative ranking of indices 0.99). Case fatality rate ratios showed greater toxicity for TCAs (13.8, 95% CI 13.0–14.7) than the SNRI venlafaxine (2.5, 95% CI 2.0–3.1) and the NaSSA mirtazapine (1.9, 95% CI 1.1–2.9), both of which had greater toxicity than the SSRIs (0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.7). Within the TCAs, compared with amitriptyline both dosulepin (relative toxicity index 2.7) and doxepin (2.6) were more toxic. Within the SSRIs, citalopram had a higher case fatality than the other SSRIs (1.1, 95% CI 0.8–1.4 v. 0.3, 95% CI 0.2–0.4).

Conclusions

There are wide differences in toxicity not only between classes of antidepressants, but also within classes. The findings are relevant to prescribing decisions, especially in individuals at risk, and to regulatory policy.
Effect of 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the USA on suicide in areas surrounding the crash sites
Authors: Claassen Cynthia A. , Carmody Thomas , Stewart Sunita M. , Bossarte Robert M. , Larkin Gregory L. , Woodward Wayne A. , Trivedi Madhukar H.
Published: April 2010

Background

The terrorist attacks in the USA on 11 September 2001 affected suicide rates in two European countries, whereas overall US rates remained stable. The effect on attack site rates, however, has not been studied.

Aims

To examine post-attack suicide rates in areas surrounding the three airline crash sites.

Method

Daily mortality rates were modelled using time series techniques. Where rate change was significant, both duration and geographic scope were analysed.

Results

Around the World Trade Center, post-attack 180-day rates dropped significantly (t= 2.4,P= 0.0046), whereas comparison condition rates remained stable. No change was observed for Pentagon or Flight 93 crash sites.

Conclusions

The differential effect by site suggests that proximity may be less important that other event characteristics. Both temporal and geographic aspects of rate fluctuation after sentinel events appear measurable and further analyses may contribute valuable knowledge about how sociological forces affect these rates.
Early specialised treatment for first-episode psychosis: does it make a difference?
Authors: Friis Svein
Published: April 2010

Specialised treatment programmes for people with first-episode psychosis are cost-effective as long as the treatment continues. But the effect seems to be the result of an ongoing active treatment rather than a cure. The main challenges are to secure long-term involvement in treatment and to develop strategies for prevention.
Early intervention in psychosis
Authors: Singh Swaran P.
Published: April 2010

Early intervention in psychosis services produce better clinical outcomes than generic teams and are also cost-effective. Clinical gains made within such services are robust as long as the interventions are actively provided. Longer-term data show that some of these gains are lost when care is transferred back to generic teams. This paper argues that sustaining these early gains requires both a reappraisal of generic services and an understanding of the active ingredients of early intervention, which can be tailored for longer input in cases with poorer outcome trajectories.
Spirituality and religion in psychiatric practice: why all the fuss?
Authors: King Michael , Leavey Gerard
Published: April 2010

In this article we suggest that controversy over interventions such as prayer in psychiatric practice distracts attention from a serious consideration of the role of spirituality in our society. There is abundant evidence that spiritual belief, experience and practice gives meaning to many people and thus whatever they think of its truth value, psychiatrists cannot ignore it.
A child and adolescent mental health service for children with intellectual disabilities – 8 years on
Authors: Wright Barry , Williams Chris , Sykes Marcella
Published: April 2010

This paper reports on the last 8 years in the development of a child mental health learning disability service. The growth, challenges and pitfalls faced by the service are charted here. The paper also shows how a service can cope with rising demand without the development of waiting lists and how a specialist service can be embedded within a generic child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) as a tier 3 team, thus creating synergies and commonalities of purpose, while avoiding service gaps that inevitably arise from separate services with specific referral criteria. This is a healthy service model that meets the needs of local children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and concomitant child mental health problems.
Curriculum for workplace-based assessments: a Delphi study
Authors: Bhattacharya Rahul , Maier Michael , Bhugra Dinesh , Warner James
Published: April 2010

Aims and method

To generate a list of topics for ‘core curriculum’ that can be used as a guide for trainees and trainers carrying out workplace-based assessments (WPBAs). A three-stage Delphi consultation was carried out.

Results

Generation of a list of topics for WPBA appropriate for each year of core training with a mean rating of importance in curriculum.

Clinical implications

In the absence of formal guidance, the list generated can serve as an informal guide.
Zinc finger genes Fezf1 and Fezf2 control neuronal differentiation by repressing Hes5 expression in the forebrain
Authors: Shimizu Takeshi , Nakazawa Masato , Kani Shuichi , Bae Young-Ki , Shimizu Takashi , Kageyama Ryoichiro , Hibi Masahiko
Published: April 2010

Precise control of neuronal differentiation is necessary for generation of a variety of neurons in the forebrain. However, little is known about transcriptional cascades, which initiate forebrain neurogenesis. Here we show that zinc finger genes Fezf1 and Fezf2, which encode transcriptional repressors, are expressed in the early neural stem (progenitor) cells and control neurogenesis in mouse dorsal telencephalon. Fezf1- and Fezf2-deficient forebrains display upregulation of Hes5 and downregulation of neurogenin 2, which is known to be negatively regulated by Hes5. We show that FEZF1 and FEZF2 bind to and directly repress the promoter activity of Hes5. In Fezf1- and Fezf2-deficient telencephalon, the differentiation of neural stem cells into early-born cortical neurons and intermediate progenitors is impaired. Loss of Hes5 suppresses neurogenesis defects in Fezf1- and Fezf2-deficient telencephalon. Our findings reveal that Fezf1 and Fezf2 control differentiation of neural stem cells by repressing Hes5 and, in turn, by derepressing neurogenin 2 in the forebrain.
Jagged-Notch signaling ensures dorsal skeletal identity in the vertebrate face
Authors: Zuniga Elizabeth , Stellabotte Frank , Crump J. Gage
Published: April 2010

The development of the vertebrate face relies on the regionalization of neural crest-derived skeletal precursors along the dorsoventral (DV) axis. Here we show that Jagged-Notch signaling ensures dorsal identity within the hyoid and mandibular components of the facial skeleton by repressing ventral fates. In a genetic screen in zebrafish, we identified a loss-of-function mutation in jagged 1b (jag1b) that results in dorsal expansion of ventral gene expression and partial transformation of the dorsal hyoid skeleton to a ventral morphology. Conversely, misexpression of human jagged 1 (JAG1) represses ventral gene expression and dorsalizes the ventral hyoid and mandibular skeletons. We further show that jag1b is expressed specifically in dorsal skeletal precursors, where it acts through the Notch2 receptor to activate hey1 expression. Whereas Jagged-Notch positive feedback propagates jag1b expression throughout the dorsal domain, Endothelin 1 (Edn1) inhibits jag1b and hey1 expression in the ventral domain. Strikingly, reduction of Jag1b or Notch2 function partially rescues the ventral defects of edn1 mutants, indicating that Edn1 promotes facial skeleton development in part by inhibiting Jagged-Notch signaling in ventral skeletal precursors. Together, these results indicate a novel function of Jagged-Notch signaling in ensuring dorsal identity within broad fields of facial skeletal precursors.
The Puf RNA-binding proteins FBF-1 and FBF-2 inhibit the expression of synaptonemal complex proteins in germline stem cells
Authors: Merritt Christopher , Seydoux Geraldine
Published: April 2010

FBF-1 and FBF-2 (collectively FBF) are two nearly identical Puf-domain RNA-binding proteins that regulate the switch from mitosis to meiosis in the C. elegans germline. In germline stem cells, FBF prevents premature meiotic entry by inhibiting the expression of meiotic regulators, such as the RNA-binding protein GLD-1. Here, we demonstrate that FBF also directly inhibits the expression of structural components of meiotic chromosomes. HIM-3, HTP-1, HTP-2, SYP-2 and SYP-3 are components of the synaptonemal complex (SC) that forms between homologous chromosomes during meiotic prophase. In wild-type germlines, the five SC proteins are expressed shortly before meiotic entry. This pattern depends on FBF binding sites in the 3′ UTRs of the SC mRNAs. In the absence of FBF or the FBF binding sites, SC proteins are expressed precociously in germline stem cells and their precursors. SC proteins aggregate and SC formation fails at meiotic entry. Precocious SC protein expression is observed even when meiotic entry is delayed in fbf mutants by reducing GLD-1. We propose that parallel regulation by FBF ensures that in wild-type gonads, meiotic entry is coordinated with just-in-time synthesis of synaptonemal proteins.
Migration-related changes in gene expression in leg muscle of the Christmas Island red crab Gecarcoidea natalis: seasonal preparation for long-distance walking
Authors: Postel Ute , Thompson Fiona , Barker Gary , Viney Mark , Morris Steve
Published: April 2010

During their annual breeding migration the Christmas Island land crab Gecarcoidea natalis sustains locomotion aerobically for up to 12 h per day compared with just 10 min during the dry season when their muscles quickly become anaerobic. A seasonal transition to an endurance-muscle phenotype would thus seem essential for migrating crabs. The current study employed a gene discovery approach comparing two expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries, one each for leg muscle from dry (non-migrating) and wet season (migrating) crabs. The 14 most abundant transcripts differed in their representation between the two libraries. The abundances of transcripts of genes predicted to code for different proteins forming contractile muscle components, including actin, troponin and tropomyosin, were significantly different between seasons and thus between physiological states. The shift in the isoform composition of the contractile elements provided evidence for a switch from slow phasic (S1) to slow tonic (S2) fatigue-resistant muscle fibres. A tropomyosin (tm) transcript aligned with a tm isoform of lobster (tmS2), and semi-quantitative RT-PCR confirmed this isoform to be more abundant in the migrating crab muscle. Two LIM protein coding genes, a paxillin-like transcript (pax) and a muscle LIM protein (mlp), were relatively up-regulated in muscle of wet season crabs. These proteins have a fundamental role in muscle development and reconstruction, and their comparative up-regulation is consistent with a remodelling of leg muscle for migration in the wet season. Such a transition would result in an increased representation of aerobic endurance-type fibres concomitant with the greater aerobic exercise capacity of the migrating red crabs.
Comb construction in mixed-species colonies of honeybees,Apis ceranaandApis mellifera
Authors: Yang Ming-Xian , Tan Ken , Radloff Sarah E. , Phiancharoen Mananya , Hepburn H. Randall
Published: April 2010

Comb building in mixed-species colonies of Apis cerana and Apis mellifera was studied. Two types of cell-size foundation were made from the waxes of these species and inserted into mixed colonies headed either by an A. cerana or an A. mellifera queen. The colonies did not discriminate between the waxes but the A. cerana cell-size foundation was modified during comb building by the workers of both species. In pure A. cerana colonies workers did not accept any foundation but secreted wax and built on foundation in mixed colonies. Comb building is performed by small groups of workers through a mechanism of self-organisation. The two species cooperate in comb building and construct nearly normal combs but they contain many irregular cells. In pure A. mellifera colonies, the A. cerana cell size was modified and the queens were reluctant to lay eggs on such combs. In pure A. cerana colonies, the A. mellifera cell size was built without any modification but these cells were used either for drone brood rearing or for food storing. The principal elements of comb-building behaviour are common to both species, which indicates that they evolved prior to and were conserved after speciation.
Comparative visual function in four piscivorous fishes inhabiting Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Horodysky Andrij Z. , Brill Richard W. , Warrant Eric J. , Musick John A. , Latour Robert J.
Published: April 2010

Maintaining optimal visual performance is a difficult task in photodynamic coastal and estuarine waters because of the unavoidable tradeoffs between luminous sensitivity and spatial and temporal resolution, yet the visual systems of coastal piscivores remain understudied despite differences in their ecomorphology and microhabitat use. We therefore used electroretinographic techniques to describe the light sensitivities, temporal properties and spectral sensitivities of the visual systems of four piscivorous fishes common to coastal and estuarine waters of the western North Atlantic: striped bass (Morone saxatilis), bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) and cobia (Rachycentron canadum). Benthic summer flounder exhibited higher luminous sensitivity and broader dynamic range than the three pelagic foragers. The former were at the more sensitive end of an emerging continuum for coastal fishes. By contrast, pelagic species were comparatively less sensitive, but showed larger day–night differences, consistent with their use of diel light-variant photic habitats. Flicker fusion frequency experiments revealed significant interspecific differences at maximum intensities that correlated with lifestyle and habitat. Spectral responses of most species spanned 400–610 nm, with significant day–night differences in striped bass and bluefish. Anadromous striped bass additionally responded to longer wavelengths, similar to many freshwater fishes. Collectively, these results suggest that pelagic piscivores are well adapted to bright photoclimates, which may be at odds with the modern state of eutrified coastal and estuarine waters that they utilize. Recent anthropogenic degradation of water quality in coastal environments, at a pace faster than the evolution of visual systems, may impede visually foraging piscivores, change selected prey, and eventually restructure ecosystems.
Red junglefowl have individual body odors
Authors: Karlsson Anna-Carin , Jensen Per , Elgland Mathias , Laur Katriann , Fyrner Timmy , Konradsson Peter , Laska Matthias
Published: April 2010

Olfaction may play an important role in regulating bird behavior, and has been suggested to be involved in feather-pecking. We investigated possible differences in the body odors of red junglefowl females by using an automated olfactometer which assessed the ability of trained mice to discriminate between the odors of uropygial gland secretions (the main carrier of potential individual odors in chickens) of six feather-pecked and six non-pecked birds. All mice were clearly able to discriminate between all individual red junglefowl odors, showing that each bird has an individual body odor. We analyzed whether it was more difficult to discriminate between the odors of two feather-pecked, or two non-pecked birds, than it was to discriminate between the odors of two randomly selected birds. This was not the case, suggesting that feather-pecked birds did not share a common odor signature. Analyses using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry showed that the composition of aliphatic carboxylic acids in uropygial gland secretions differed consistently between individuals. However, chemical composition did not vary according to feather-pecking status. We conclude that red junglefowl have individual body odors which appear to be largely based on differences in the relative abundance of aliphatic carboxylic acids, but there is no evidence of systematic differences between the body odors of pecked and non-pecked birds.
Age-related differences in skeletal muscle lipid profiles of Weddell seals: clues to developmental changes
Authors: Trumble Stephen J. , Noren Shawn R. , Cornick Leslie A. , Hawke Thomas J. , Kanatous Shane B.
Published: April 2010

Our objective was to elucidate age-related changes in lipids associated with skeletal muscle of Weddell seals and to suggest possible physiological implications. Muscle biopsies were collected from pups, juveniles and adults in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica and analyzed for intramuscular lipid (IML) and triacylglyceride (IMTG) amounts, fatty acid groups, as well as individual fatty acid profiles. The results from this study suggest a switch from primarily saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in the skeletal muscle of young pups to increases in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as the percentage of blubber increases, resulting in possible thermoregulatory benefits. As Weddell pups continue to develop into juveniles, fatty acids associated with the skeletal muscle changes such that MUFA levels are relatively higher, which may be in response to energy depletion associated with their restricted diving ability and rapid growth. As juveniles transform into adults, a reduction in n-3 PUFA levels in the muscle as the percentage of blubber increases may be indicative of a trigger to prepare for deep diving or could be a mechanism for oxygen conservation during long-duration dives. We speculate that the observed change in lipids associated with the skeletal muscle of Weddell seals is related to ontogenetic differences in thermoregulation and locomotion.
Immune-system activation depletes retinal carotenoids in house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus)
Authors: Toomey Matthew B. , Butler Michael W. , McGraw Kevin J.
Published: April 2010

The costs of developing, maintaining, and activating the immune system have been cited as an important force shaping life-history evolution in animals. Immunological defenses require energy, nutrients and time that might otherwise be devoted to other life-history traits like sexual displays or reproduction. Carotenoid pigments in animals provide a unique opportunity to track the costs of immune activation, because they are diet-derived, modulate the immune system, and are used to develop colorful signals of quality. Carotenoids also accumulate in the retinas of birds, where they tune spectral sensitivity and provide photoprotection. If carotenoid accumulation in the retina follows the patterns of other tissues, then immune activation may deplete retinal carotenoid levels and impact visual health and function. To test this hypothesis, we challenged molting wild-caught captive house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) with weekly injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) over the course of 8 weeks. Immunostimulated adult males and females produced significant antibody responses and molted more slowly than uninjected control birds. After 8 weeks, immune-challenged birds had significantly lower levels of specific retinal carotenoid types (galloxanthin and zeaxanthin), but there were no significant differences in the plasma, liver or feather carotenoid levels between the treatment groups. These results indicate that immune-system activation can specifically deplete retinal carotenoids, which may compromise visual health and performance and represent an additional somatic and behavioral cost of immunity.
Butterfly wing colors: glass scales of Graphium sarpedon cause polarized iridescence and enhance blue/green pigment coloration of the wing membrane
Authors: Stavenga Doekele G. , Giraldo Marco A. , Leertouwer Hein L.
Published: April 2010

The wings of the swordtail butterfly Graphium sarpedon nipponum contain the bile pigment sarpedobilin, which causes blue/green colored wing patches. Locally the bile pigment is combined with the strongly blue-absorbing carotenoid lutein, resulting in green wing patches and thus improving camouflage. In the dorsal forewings, the colored patches lack the usual wing scales, but instead have bristles. We have found that on the ventral side most of these patches have very transparent scales that enhance, by reflection, the wing coloration when illuminated from the dorsal side. These glass scales furthermore create a strongly polarized iridescence when illuminated by obliquely incident light from the ventral side, presumably for intraspecific signaling. A few ventral forewing patches have diffusely scattering, white scales that also enhance the blue/green wing coloration when observed from the dorsal side.
Non-clinical influences on clinical decision-making: a major challenge to evidence-based practice
Authors: Hajjaj FM , Salek MS , Basra MKA , Finlay AY
Published: April 2010

Summary

This article reviews an aspect of daily clinical practice which is of critical importance in virtually every clinical consultation, but which is seldom formally considered. Non-clinical influences on clinical decision-making profoundly affect medical decisions. These influences include patient-related factors such as socioeconomic status, quality of life and patient's expectations and wishes, physician-related factors such as personal characteristics and interaction with their professional community, and features of clinical practice such as private versus public practice as well as local management policies. This review brings together the different strands of knowledge concerning non-clinical influences on clinical decision-making. This aspect of decision-making may be the biggest obstacle to the reality of practising evidence-based medicine. It needs to be understood in order to develop clinical strategies that will facilitate the practice of evidence-based medicine.
Proximal humeral fractures with a severe varus deformity treated by fixation with a locking plate
Authors: Robinson C. M. , Wylie J. R. , Ray A. G. , Dempster N. J. , Olabi B. , Seah K. T. M. , Akhtar M. A.
Published: April 2010

We treated 47 patients with a mean age of 57 years (22 to 88) who had a proximal humeral fracture in which there was a severe varus deformity, using a standard operative protocol of anatomical reduction, fixation with a locking plate and supplementation by structural allografts in unstable fractures. The functional and radiological outcomes were reviewed.

At two years after operation the median Constant score was 86 points and the median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score 17 points. Seven of the patients underwent further surgery, two for failure of fixation, three for dysfunction of the rotator cuff, and two for shoulder stiffness. The two cases of failure of fixation were attributable to violation of the operative protocol. In the 46 patients who retained their humeral head, all the fractures healed within the first year, with no sign of collapse or narrowing of the joint space. Longer follow-up will be required to confirm whether these initially satisfactory results are maintained.
Effects of implantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, disc distraction and combined therapy on reversing degeneration of the intervertebral disc
Authors: Hee H. T. , Ismail H. D. , Lim C. T. , Goh J. C. H. , Wong H. K.
Published: April 2010

Although success has been achieved with implantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bMSCs) in degenerative discs, its full potential may not be achieved if the harsh environment of the degenerative disc remains. Axial distraction has been shown to increase hydration and nutrition. Combining both therapies may have a synergistic effect in reversing degenerative disc disease. In order to evaluate the effect of bMSC implantation, axial distraction and combination therapy in stimulating regeneration and retarding degeneration in degenerative discs, we first induced disc degeneration by axial loading in a rabbit model.

The rabbits in the intervention groups performed better with respect to disc height, morphological grading, histological scoring and average dead cell count. The groups with distraction performed better than those without on all criteria except the average dead cell count.

Our findings suggest that bMSC implantation and distraction stimulate regenerative changes in degenerative discs in a rabbit model.
Venous thromboembolism following prolonged cast immobilisation for injury to the tendo Achillis
Authors: Healy B. , Beasley R. , Weatherall M.
Published: April 2010

We report an audit of 208 patients with a mean age of 39 years (16 to 65) attending the Orthopaedic Assessment Unit at the Wellington Hospital between January 2006 and December 2007 with an injury of the tendo Achillis requiring immobilisation in a cast. Information on assessment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, prophylactic measures and VTE events for all patients was obtained from the medical records. A VTE risk factor was documented in the records of three (1%) patients. One of the 208 patients received aspirin prophylaxis; none received low molecular weight heparin. In all, 13 patients (6.3%, 95% confidence interval 3.4 to 10.5) developed symptomatic VTE during immobilisation in a cast, including six with a distal deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), four with a proximal DVT, and three with a confirmed pulmonary embolus. This incidence of symptomatic VTE is similar to that reported following elective hip replacement.

We propose that consideration is given to VTE prophylaxis during prolonged immobilisation of the lower limbs in a cast, to ensure that the same level of protection is provided as for patients undergoing elective hip replacement.
Pathological fractures of the proximal humerus treated with a proximal humeral locking plate and bone cement
Authors: Siegel H. J. , Lopez-Ben R. , Mann J. P. , Ponce B. A.
Published: April 2010

Bone loss secondary to primary or metastatic lesions of the proximal humerus remains a challenging surgical problem. Options include preservation of the joint with stabilisation using internal fixation or resection of the tumour with prosthetic replacement. Resection of the proximal humerus often includes the greater tuberosity and adjacent diaphysis, which may result in poor function secondary to loss of the rotator cuff and/or deltoid function. Preservation of the joint with internal fixation may reduce the time in hospital and peri-operative morbidity compared with joint replacement, and result in a better functional outcome. We included 32 patients with pathological fractures of the proximal humerus in this study. Functional and radiological assessments were performed. At a mean follow-up of 17.6 months (8 to 61) there was no radiological evidence of failure of fixation. The mean revised musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional score was 94.6% (86% to 99%). There was recurrent tumour requiring further surgery in four patients (12.5%). Of the 22 patients who were employed prior to presentation all returned to work without restrictions.

The use of a locking plate combined with augmentation with cement extends the indications for salvage of the proximal humerus with good function in patients with pathological and impending pathological fractures.
The potential role of metal ion release as a marker of loosening in patients with total knee replacement
Authors: Savarino L. , Tigani D. , Greco M. , Baldini N. , Giunti A.
Published: April 2010

We investigated the role of ion release in the assessment of fixation of the implant after total knee replacement and hypothesised that ion monitoring could be a useful parameter in the diagnosis of prosthetic loosening. We enrolled 59 patients with unilateral procedures and measured their serum aluminium, titanium, chromium and cobalt ion levels, blinded to the clinical and radiological outcome which was considered to be the reference standard. The cut-off levels for detection of the ions were obtained by measuring the levels in 41 healthy blood donors who had no implants. Based on the clinical and radiological evaluation the patients were divided into two groups with either stable (n = 24) or loosened (n = 35) implants.

A significant increase in the mean level of Cr ions was seen in the group with failed implants (p = 0.001). The diagnostic accuracy was 71% providing strong evidence of failure when the level of Cr ions exceeded the cut-off value. The possibility of distinguishing loosening from other causes of failure was demonstrated by the higher diagnostic accuracy of 83%, when considering only patients with failure attributable to loosening.

Measurement of the serum level of Cr ions may be of value for detecting failure due to loosening when the diagnosis is in doubt. The other metal ions studies did not have any diagnostic value.
The posterior bone block procedure in posterior shoulder instability
Authors: Meuffels D. E. , Schuit H. , van Biezen F. C. , Reijman M. , Verhaar J. A. N.
Published: April 2010

We present the long-term outcome, at a median of 18 years (12.8 to 23.5) of open posterior bone block stabilisation for recurrent posterior instability of the shoulder in a heterogenous group of 11 patients previously reported on in 2001 at a median follow-up of six years.

We found that five (45%) would not have chosen the operation again, and that four (36%) had further posterior dislocation. Clinical outcome was significantly worse after 18 years than after six years of follow-up (median Rowe score of 60 versus 90 (p = 0.027)). The median Western Ontario Shoulder Index was 60% (37% to 100%) at 18 years’ follow-up, which is a moderate score. At the time of surgery four (36%) had glenohumeral radiological osteoarthritis, which was present in all after 18 years.

This study showed poor long-term results of the posterior bone block procedure for posterior instability and a high rate of glenohumeral osteoarthritis although three patients with post-traumatic instability were pleased with the result of their operations.