bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of fish species by an egg identification key: an alternative to the incubation of eggs and rearing of larvae for species recognition
Authors: Simon J.
Published: October 2007

Comparison of the results of two methods for species recognition, an egg identification key and rearing of larvae, showed only small qualitative differences in the identification of fish species present in a stretch of the River Elbe, Germany. Both the identification key and rearing methods complement each other as methods of identification, and the selection of which method to be used should depend primarily on the aim of the investigation.
Radiation sensitivity and genomic instability in the hematopoietic system: Frequencies of micronucleated reticulocytes in whole‐body X‐irradiated BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Hamasaki Kanya , Imai Kazue , Hayashi Tomonori , Nakachi Kei , Kusunoki Yoichiro
Published: October 2007

Using flow cytometry, we quantified the number of micronucleated reticulocytes in peripheral blood of whole‐body X‐irradiated mice in order to evaluate the radiation sensitivity and the induced genomic instability of the hematopoietic system. An acute effect of radiation dose as small as 0.1 Gy was detectable 2 days after irradiation, and the radiation dose effect was significantly greater in BALB/c mice than in C57BL/6 mice, that is, 3.0‐ and 2.3‐fold increases in frequencies of micronuclei were noted in the two groups of mice, respectively. Even 1 year after irradiation, mice irradiated with 2.5 Gy of X‐rays showed significantly increased frequencies of micronucleated reticulocytes, that is, 1.6‐ and 1.3‐fold increases in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, respectively. However, this delayed effect was not apparent when the same mice were analyzed for T‐cell receptor mutant frequencies in splenocytes. A significant mouse strain difference in the delayed radiation effect on micronucleated reticulocyte frequencies was noted as well. The results indicate that delayed genomic effects of irradiation on the murine hematopoietic system can persist in vivo for prolonged periods, and that there are mouse strain differences in sensitivity to radiation‐induced genomic instability. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1840–1844)
How the 1977 World Health Organization report on alcohol‐related disabilities came to be written: a provisional analysis
Authors: Edwards Griffith
Published: October 2007

Background  In 1977 the World Health Organization (WHO) published a report entitled ‘Alcohol‐Related Disabilities’. The crucial contribution of this report was to differentiate between alcohol dependence, on one hand, and alcohol‐related disabilities (or problems) on the other hand. Essentially, it offered a bi‐axial mapping of the field of concern.

Aims  This paper seeks to identify the multiple influences which shaped the evolution of this report.

Methods  Use is made of unpublished archival material and recall of personal involvement, together with relevant published material.

Results  Three major influences made it possible to move beyond the confines of previous WHO thinking on alcohol: the multi‐disciplinary nature of the input; the internationality of the enterprise; and the expectations set that the concepts developed should speak to the practical world.

Conclusions  The arena of drug and alcohol policy has, for more than a century, been rich in its reports. This case study, although limited in its immediate content, points to the need for further analysis of the history of such reports.
Early access and use of housing: care leavers and other young people in difficulty
Authors: Simon Antonia
Published: October 2007

This paper presents findings from a study of how care leavers access and use housing services, and what they said had helped them to do so. The sample comprised 80 care leavers, and, for comparison, a group of 59 young people (termed ‘in difficulty’) who met certain criteria of disadvantage. Care leavers were found to have fewer crisis transitions and less experience of homelessness, together with a much higher level of autonomy and support in their first accommodation, relative to other young people in difficulty. Several factors are identified that, from the care leavers' point of view, contributed to their better access and use of housing services, including having family and friends to turn to, and leaving care teams that negotiated on their behalf with housing services. The paper concludes that care leavers had more positive housing experiences than other young people in difficulty, helped by the improved preparation for independence and ongoing support available to them from leaving care teams.
RNA–DNA ratio of herring and sand lance larvae from Port Moller, Alaska: Comparison with prey concentration and temperature
Authors: McGURK M. D. , WARBURTON H. D. , GALBRAITH M. , KUSSER W. C.
Published: October 2007

A key assumption of hypotheses that link the production of prey for larval fish with year‐class strength of fish is that larval growth and condition is food‐limited. We tested this assumption by comparing whole‐body RNA‐DNA ratios of individual Pacific herring, Clupea pallasi, larvae and Pacific sand lance, Ammodytes hex‐apterus, larvae from Port Moller, a subarctic Alaskan estuary, with prey concentration and temperature. RNA‐DNA ratios were correlated with larval length, but not with prey concentration or temperature. Ratios were not significantly different between a warm, well‐mixed station with low prey concentrations and a colder, stratified station with higher prey concentrations. Using RNA‐DNA ratios, we classified as starving 11 to 23% of first‐feeding (< 13 mm long) herring larvae and 45% of first‐feeding (< 7 mm long) sand lance larvae. However, starvation could not have been caused by low concentrations of prey because micro‐zooplankton prey concentrations were high enough (16 to 84 prey L_l) to support relatively high rates of growth. Therefore, starving larvae were either abnormal or they were stIII learning to forage. We conclude that the magnitude of starvation among first‐feeding herring and sand lance larvae, and, therefore, the total contribution of starvation to year‐class strength, is dependent not only on prey concentration, but on the proportion of a population of larvae that can feed effectively.
When did plate tectonics begin?
Authors: Rollinson Hugh
Published: October 2007

The plate tectonic paradigm has been the dominant model for understanding the solid Earth for over 40 years. However, although the model is hugely successful, there is still great uncertainty as to when the plate tectonic process began. Two recent papers have highlighted this difficulty by proposing two very different start times for plate tectonics. One model argues that plate tectonic processes took over from an earlier (unspecified) tectonic regime in a hotter, younger Earth at 1.0 Ga, whereas the other proposes a much earlier start at 4.4–4.5 Ga, and within a 100 Ma of planetary accretion. This feature discusses the evidence for the early and late start hypotheses and argues for a middle position in which plate tectonic processes began during the Archaean (>2.5 Ga ago).
Effects of pre‐existing submersed vegetation and propagule pressure on the invasion success of Hydrilla verticillata
Authors: Chadwell Todd B. , Engelhardt Katharina A. M.
Published: October 2007

With biological invasions causing widespread problems in ecosystems, methods to curb the colonization success of invasive species are needed. The effective management of invasive species will require an integrated approach that restores community structure and ecosystem processes while controlling propagule pressure of non‐native species.

We tested the hypotheses that restoring native vegetation and minimizing propagule pressure of invasive species slows the establishment of an invader. In field and greenhouse experiments, we evaluated (i) the effects of a native submersed aquatic plant species, Vallisneria americana, on the colonization success of a non‐native species, Hydrilla verticillata; and (ii) the effects of H. verticillata propagule density on its colonization success.

Results from the greenhouse experiment showed that V. americana decreased H. verticillata colonization through nutrient draw‐down in the water column of closed mesocosms, although data from the field experiment, located in a tidal freshwater region of Chesapeake Bay that is open to nutrient fluxes, suggested that V. americana did not negatively impact H. verticillata colonization. However, H. verticillata colonization was greater in a treatment of plastic V. americana look‐alikes, suggesting that the canopy of V. americana can physically capture H. verticillata fragments. Thus pre‐emption effects may be less clear in the field experiment because of complex interactions between competitive and facilitative effects in combination with continuous nutrient inputs from tides and rivers that do not allow nutrient draw‐down to levels experienced in the greenhouse.

Greenhouse and field tests differed in the timing, duration and density of propagule inputs. However, irrespective of these differences, propagule pressure of the invader affected colonization success except in situations when the native species could draw‐down nutrients in closed greenhouse mesocosms. In that case, no propagules were able to colonize.

Synthesis and applications. We have shown that reducing propagule pressure through targeted management should be considered to slow the spread of invasive species. This, in combination with restoration of native species, may be the best defence against non‐native species invasion. Thus a combined strategy of targeted control and promotion of native plant growth is likely to be the most sustainable and cost‐effective form of invasive species management.
Atlantic reef fish biogeography and evolution
Authors: Floeter S. R. , Rocha L. A. , Robertson D. R. , Joyeux J. C. , Smith‐Vaniz W. F. , Wirtz P. , Edwards A. J. , Barreiros J. P. , Ferreira C. E. L. , Gasparini J. L. , Brito A. , Falcón J. M. , Bowen B. W. , Bernardi G.
Published: October 2007

Aim  To understand why and when areas of endemism (provinces) of the tropical Atlantic Ocean were formed, how they relate to each other, and what processes have contributed to faunal enrichment.

Location  Atlantic Ocean.

Methods  The distributions of 2605 species of reef fishes were compiled for 25 areas of the Atlantic and southern Africa. Maximum‐parsimony and distance analyses were employed to investigate biogeographical relationships among those areas. A collection of 26 phylogenies of various Atlantic reef fish taxa was used to assess patterns of origin and diversification relative to evolutionary scenarios based on spatio‐temporal sequences of species splitting produced by geological and palaeoceanographic events. We present data on faunal (species and genera) richness, endemism patterns, diversity buildup (i.e. speciation processes), and evaluate the operation of the main biogeographical barriers and/or filters.

Results  Phylogenetic (proportion of sister species) and distributional (number of shared species) patterns are generally concordant with recognized biogeographical provinces in the Atlantic. The highly uneven distribution of species in certain genera appears to be related to their origin, with highest species richness in areas with the greatest phylogenetic depth. Diversity buildup in Atlantic reef fishes involved (1) diversification within each province, (2) isolation as a result of biogeographical barriers, and (3) stochastic accretion by means of dispersal between provinces. The timing of divergence events is not concordant among taxonomic groups. The three soft (non‐terrestrial) inter‐regional barriers (mid‐Atlantic, Amazon, and Benguela) clearly act as ‘filters’ by restricting dispersal but at the same time allowing occasional crossings that apparently lead to the establishment of new populations and species. Fluctuations in the effectiveness of the filters, combined with ecological differences among provinces, apparently provide a mechanism for much of the recent diversification of reef fishes in the Atlantic.

Main conclusions  Our data set indicates that both historical events (e.g. Tethys closure) and relatively recent dispersal (with or without further speciation) have had a strong influence on Atlantic tropical marine biodiversity and have contributed to the biogeographical patterns we observe today; however, examples of the latter process outnumber those of the former.
Island biogeography of bats in Baja California, Mexico: patterns of bat species richness in a near‐shore archipelago
Authors: Frick Winifred F. , Hayes John P. , Heady III Paul A.
Published: October 2007

Aim We studied the relationship between the size and isolation of islands and bat species richness in a near‐shore archipelago to determine whether communities of vagile mammals conform to predictions of island biogeography theory. We compared patterns of species richness in two subarchipelagos to determine whether areaper seor differences in habitat diversity explain variations in bat species richness.

Location Islands in the Gulf of California and adjacent coastal habitats on the Baja California peninsula in northwest Mexico.

Methods Presence–absence surveys for bats were conducted on 32 islands in the Gulf of California using acoustic and mist‐net surveys. We sampled for bats in coastal habitats of four regions of the Baja peninsula to characterize the source pool of potential colonizing species. We fitted a semi‐log model of species richness and multiple linear regression and used Akaike information criterion model selection to assess the possible influence of log10area, isolation, and island group (two subarchipelagos) on the species richness of bats. We compared the species richness of bats on islands with greater vegetation densities in the southern gulf (n = 20) with that on drier islands with less vegetation in the northern gulf (n = 12) to investigate the relationship between habitat diversity and the species richness of bats.

Results Twelve species of bats were detected on islands in the Gulf of California, and 15 species were detected in coastal habitats on the Baja peninsula. Bat species richness was related to both area and isolation of islands, and was higher in the southern subarchipelago, which has denser vegetation. Log10area was positively related to bat species richness, which increased by one species for every 5.4‐fold increase in island area. On average, richness declined by one species per 6.25 km increase in isolation from the Baja peninsula.

Main conclusions Our results demonstrate that patterns of bat species richness in a near‐shore archipelago are consistent with patterns predicted by the equilibrium theory of island biogeography. Despite their vagility, bats may be more sensitive to moderate levels of isolation than previously expected in near‐shore archipelagos. Differences in vegetation and habitat xericity appear to be associated with richness of bat communities in this desert ecosystem. Although observed patterns of species richness were consistent with those predicted by the equilibrium theory, similar relationships between species richness and size and isolation of islands may arise from patch‐use decision making by individuals (optimal foraging strategies).
Group intervention to improve quality of life in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Lii Yueh‐Ching , Tsay Shiow‐Luan , Wang Tsae‐Jyy
Published: October 2007

Aim and objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of group intervention on depression, self‐efficacy and quality of life in haemodialysis patients.

Background. Chronic renal failure and haemodialysis treatment is a long‐term process; patients need to have an appropriate adaptive strategy to confront the stress stemming from the disease and subsequent haemodialysis treatment. The application of group intervention for haemodialysis patients has been limited.

Design. This study applied an experimental design methodology. Patients were selected at two haemodialysis units of major medical centres in northern Taiwan.

Methods. Out of 60 original patients randomly assigned into experimental or control groups, 48 completed the study. Twenty patients in the experimental group received group psychosocial intervention. The therapy ran for two hours per week for two months. Twenty‐eight patients in the comparison group received routine unit care and a self‐care booklet. Instruments included the Strategies Used by People to Promote Health, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Short Form‐36. Data were collected at pretest and one month following the therapy.

Results. The findings demonstrated that self‐care self‐efficacy, depression and quality of life significantly improved statistically for patients in the therapy group, compared with patients in the comparison group.

Conclusions. The study indicated that group psychosocial intervention significantly reduced depression, improved self‐care self‐efficacy and quality of life in haemodialysis patients.

Relevance to clinical practice. The present study was conducted with a group of outpatients, did not require expensive resources and was not time intensive, making it a viable therapy, clinically suitable for haemodialysis patients.
A review of the activity and effects of nurse‐led care in diabetes
Authors: Carey Nicola , Courtenay Molly
Published: October 2007

Aims and objectives.  To identify systematically, summarize and critically appraise the current evidence regarding the activity and effects of nurse‐led care in diabetes.

Background.  A diverse range of nurse‐led models of care exist in diabetes. Primary studies have been conducted evaluating these models, but review and synthesis of the findings from these studies has not been undertaken.

Method.  Systematic searches of CINAHL, MEDLINE and British Nursing Index from 1996 until June 2006. The searches were supplemented by an extensive hand search of the literature through references identified from retrieved articles.

Results.  Twenty‐two relevant publications were identified and included findings from both primary and secondary care. The evidence indicates that nurses are involved in specific areas of care including education, individualized care, patient safety, promotion of self‐care, acquisition of physical skills and psychological support. Improved glycemic control, diabetic symptoms, cost‐effectiveness and decreased length of hospital stay are the main benefits of nurse‐led interventions in diabetes care. Disease management protocols are the main mechanism by which nurses adjust and titrate medicines for patients with diabetes. Patient evaluations of nurse‐led care report improved self‐care and patient knowledge.

Conclusions.  Findings of the review are generally positive. However, there are methodological weaknesses and under researched issues e.g. poor descriptions of the nurse interventions, the educational needs of nurses and the prescription of medicines by nurses for patients with diabetes, that point to a need for further rigorous evaluation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurse‐led care is an integral element of the diabetes service offered to patients. This review highlights the effect of this care and the issues that require consideration by those responsible for the development of nurse‐led models in diabetes care.
A systematic review of nursing contributions to mobility rehabilitation: examining the quality and content of the evidence
Authors: Kneafsey Rosie
Published: October 2007

Aims.  This paper summarizes the results of a systematic literature review to examine the quality and content of the evidence relating to nursing approaches to improving the mobility and movement of older people.

Background.  Older people experiencing health breakdown often develop problems with movement and mobility and nurses play a role in helping patients to either adapt to or overcome these difficulties.

Methods.  Electronic searches were undertaken of Medline, CINAHL, Amed and Cochrane Database of systematic reviews. Papers about nursing approaches to promoting mobility and movement were critically appraised using quality assessment checklists. Papers addressing safe moving and handling, falls prevention, health promotion, rehabilitation or teamworking in general were excluded.

Results.  Sixteen research and 33 informational papers were included and comprise the review. Many research papers used weak designs and small sample sizes, limiting their ability to control for important confounding variables. Although numerous studies examined effectiveness, only one used a randomised controlled trial design. Papers were grouped into four interlinked sets. These were promoting mobility and preventing immobility; walking and exercise; neuro‐developmental principles; and rehabilitation patient handling.

Conclusions.  Specific foci for nursing assessment and interventions to promote patients’ mobility have been identified. However, the fragmented nature of the evidence makes it difficult to make recommendations for nursing practice. Future research should be conducted by multi‐professional research teams to identify the most effective approaches to promoting patients’ mobility and to explore overlaps between different members of the rehabilitation team.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Regaining the ability to move and walk is often a key concern for patients who have suffered health breakdown. Although nurses provide patients with assistance the evidence available does little to direct nurses as to the best approach towards mobility rehabilitation. It is important that nurses play a role in measuring the efficacy of different interventions to promote rehabilitation.
Experience of Hong Kong patients awaiting kidney transplantation in mainland China
Authors: Leung Sylvie SH , Shiu Ann TY
Published: October 2007

Aim. This paper describes the experience of Hong Kong Chinese patients awaiting kidney transplantation in mainland China.

Background. While travelling to mainland China for kidney transplantation is a controversial issue, there is an increasing trend of Hong Kong Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease seeking this treatment choice, which outnumbers that performed in Hong Kong. Although these patients seek pre‐ and post‐transplantation care from Hong Kong public healthcare system, little is known about their experience during the waiting period.

Methods. This experience is examined in an exploratory qualitative study. In‐depth interviews were used to collect data from a purposive sample of 12 kidney recipients.

Results. Three major findings are identified: (i) transplant waiting patients may travel to mainland China for transplantation in search of normal life, (ii) they need informational support from their continuing healthcare providers in Hong Kong to make the informed decision and (iii) they perceive a variation of attitudes of nurses and doctors in Hong Kong towards transplantation in mainland China.

Conclusions. This study contributes to the literature by researching patients’ perspective. The findings highlight the importance and controversy of addressing these patients’ informational needs. While the authors have no inclination for or against travelling to mainland China for transplantation, the findings reveal a tenacious clinical dilemma, which deserves debate in international transplant community and further research to inform the debate. Nurse and doctors in Hong Kong may contribute to the debate by articulating their experience of caring for these patients.

Relevance to clinical practice. Health information that is readily available for patients scheduled for kidney transplantation in Hong Kong should be made accessible to the whole community of patients with chronic kidney disease. To address the complexity of patients travelling to elsewhere for transplantation and the needs of these patients, provider reticence may be counterproductive.
A cross‐cultural comparison of the developmental evolution of expertise in diabetes self‐management
Authors: Shimizu Yasuko , Paterson Barbara L
Published: October 2007

Aims.  The authors compare the findings of two research studies, one conducted in Japan and the other in Canada, about the developmental evolution of self‐management of diabetes. In this article, the authors identify the similarities and differences that exist in the research data, proposing that the differences are situated in the different cultural perspectives of self‐management that exist in both countries.

Background.  Researchers have acknowledged that self‐management has cultural dimensions. Despite this, however, there are few studies that have provided a cross‐cultural comparison of the experience of self‐management among different cultural groups.

Design.  The authors conducted a critical comparative analysis of two models of developing expertise in diabetes self‐management. The review included an analysis of the cultural meanings of the various terms and the underlying assumptions of both models.

Conclusions.  The models shared many similarities; however, their differences were identified, such as the meaning and interpretation of various words or experiences, and shaped by the culturally bound perspectives of self and health.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings serve as a caution to imposing ethnocentric views and interpretations in diabetes care. In addition, they remind us about the importance of asking people with diabetes about what they understand, desire and understand. The findings challenge nurses to reflect on how the development of self‐management of diabetes in various national contexts is influenced by health care practices that focus on control or harmony.
Persistent severe fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Repping‐Wuts Han , Fransen Jaap , Van Achterberg Theo , Bleijenberg Gijs , Van Riel Piet
Published: October 2007

Aim. To determine whether persistent severe fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can be predicted by inflammation and disability.

Methods. A follow‐up study with a one‐year duration was performed. From an existing rheumatoid arthritis cohort, 150 consecutive patients, with established rheumatoid arthritis, were asked to assess fatigue, using the subscale Checklist Individual Strength‐fatigue of the Checklist Individual Strength at baseline and 12 months later. The Checklist Individual Strength‐fatigue scores were classified into ‘normal’ (score between 8–27), ‘moderate’ (score between 27–34) or ‘severe’ (score 35 or above) fatigue. Disease‐related variables were: tender joints, swollen joints, general health, disability and laboratory measures (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor and haemoglobin). Predictors of persistent severe fatigue were identified by multiple logistic regression analyses with backward selection (selection criteria:p<0·05).

Results. At baseline, 137 patients agreed to participate and 123 patients completed the study. Severe fatigue was experienced by as many as 50% of the patients, both at baseline and at the end of the study (n = 123). Moreover, 49 patients (40%) experienced severe fatigue at baseline as well as at follow‐up, which we called ‘persistent severe fatigue’. Persistent severe fatigue was predicted by mean general health and disability at baseline [odds ratio (OR) = 2·03 and 2·83, respectively] in this group of rheumatoid arthritis patients with a low‐to‐moderate level of disease activity and disability.

Conclusion. The data show that severe fatigue is not resolved spontaneously in rheumatoid arthritis patients, and persistent severe fatigue is mainly predicted by general health and disability. The relation with inflammation or a low level of haemoglobin, which is often assumed in clinical practice, was not found.

Relevance to clinical practice. Fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has to be considered as a symptom that needs to be addressed by professionals in the same way as pain and disability. In current care, fatigue is insufficiently addressed.
Release of protein as well as activity of MMP‐9 from unstable atherosclerotic plaques during percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Robertson L. , Grip L. , Mattsson Hultén L. , Hulthe J. , Wiklund O.
Published: October 2007

Abstract.  Robertson L, Grip L, Mattsson Hultén L, Hulthe J, Wiklund O. (Göteborg University, Göteborg; Borås Hospital, Borås; and AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden). Release of protein as well as activity of MMP‐9 from unstable atherosclerotic plaques during percutaneous coronary intervention. J Intern Med 2007; 262: 659–667.

Objectives.  Few studies have investigated the composition of unstable coronary plaques in vivo in humans. The aims of this study were to investigate if substances released from plaques during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) under distal protection could give information about plaque composition and also indicate possible biomarkers in plasma that may be used to identify patients at risk.

Methods and results.  Twenty patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing PCI with distal protection were included. Plasma samples were taken before, during, and after the PCI in the aortic root, locally in the culprit vessel and intravenously. Plasma was analysed for possible markers of plaque instability. During PCI, local increases were observed for matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9), protein (P < 0.001) as well as activity (P < 0.001), interleukin 6 (IL‐6; P < 0.01) and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL; P = 0.01) in the culprit coronary artery. A systemic inflammatory response was also seen with increased levels of IL‐10, MMP‐3, serum amyloid A and C‐reactive protein, but with no increase in MMP‐9.

Conclusions.  Our study shows that local sampling of blood under distal protection may be used to analyse coronary plaques and to identify biomarkers for unstable plaques. Our results suggest that MMP‐9 is a potential biomarker, and that IL‐6, MMP9 and possibly oxLDL are released from plaques.
Augmented Hypothalamic Corticotrophin‐Releasing Hormone mRNA and Corticosterone Responses to Stress in Adult Rats Exposed to Perinatal Hypoxia
Authors: Raff H. , Jacobson L. , Cullinan W. E.
Published: October 2007

Stressful events before or just after parturition alter the subsequent phenotypical response to stress in a general process termed programming. Hypoxia during the period before and during parturition, and in the postnatal period, is one of the most common causes of perinatal distress, morbidity, and mortality. We have found that perinatal hypoxia (prenatal day 19 to postnatal day 14) augmented the corticosterone response to stress and increased basal corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA levels in the parvocellular portion of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in 6‐month‐old rats. There was no effect on the levels of hypothalamic parvocellular PVN vasopressin mRNA, anterior pituitary pro‐opiomelanocortin or CRH receptor‐1 mRNA, or hippocampus glucocorticoid receptor mRNA. We conclude that hypoxia spanning the period just before and for several weeks after parturition programmes the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis to hyper‐respond to acute stress in adulthood, probably as a result of drive from the parvocellular CRH neurones.
A Contactin–Receptor‐Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase β Complex Mediates Adhesive Communication Between Astroglial Cells and Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Neurones
Authors: Parent A.‐S. , Mungenast A. E. , Lomniczi A. , Sandau U. S. , Peles E. , Bosch M. A. , Rønnekleiv O. K. , Ojeda S. R.
Published: October 2007

Although it is well established that gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones and astrocytes maintain an intimate contact throughout development and adult life, the cell‐surface molecules that may contribute to this adhesiveness remain largely unknown. In the peripheral nervous system, the glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI)‐anchored protein contactin is a cell‐surface neuronal protein required for axonal‐glial adhesiveness. A glial transmembrane protein recognised by neuronal contactin is receptor‐like protein tyrosine phosphatase β (RPTPβ), a phosphatase with structural similarities to cell adhesion molecules. In the present study, we show that contactin, and its preferred in cis partner Caspr1, are expressed in GnRH neurones. We also show that the RPTPβ mRNA predominantly expressed in hypothalamic astrocytes encodes an RPTPβ isoform (short RPTPβ) that uses its carbonic anhydrase (CAH) extracellular subdomain to interact with neuronal contactin. Immunoreactive contactin is most abundant in GnRH nerve terminals projecting to both the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis and median eminence, implying GnRH axons as an important site of contactin‐dependent cell adhesiveness. GT1‐7 immortalised GnRH neurones adhere to the CAH domain of RPTPβ, and this adhesiveness is blocked when contactin GPI anchoring is disrupted or contactin binding capacity is immunoneutralised, suggesting that astrocytic RPTPβ interacts with neuronal contactin to mediate glial–GnRH neurone adhesiveness. Because the abundance of short RPTPβ mRNA increases in the female mouse hypothalamus (but not in the cerebral cortex) before puberty, it appears that an increased interaction between GnRH axons and astrocytes mediated by RPTPβ–contactin is a dynamic mechanism of neurone–glia communication during female sexual development.
The Relevance of an Elevation in the Plasma Vasopressin Levels to the Pathogenesis of Meniere's Attack
Authors: Aoki M. , Asai M. , Nishihori T. , Mizuta K. , Ito Y. , Ando K.
Published: October 2007

An elevation of plasma vasopressin levels has been frequently observed in Meniere's disease patients. However, little is known regarding the mechanism behind this elevation. The plasma vasopressin levels and plasma osmolality were therefore determined in 18 diagnosed Meniere's disease patients and 20 patients with other types of vertigo, who required admission for severe vertigo attacks. All participants were given questionnaires regarding their clinical and psychological status, including their stress levels and depression status, to evaluate environmental stress events. The plasma vasopressin levels of Meniere's disease patients in the acute phase (4.1 ± 1.37 pg/ml) were significantly higher compared with with those of other vertigo patients in the acute phase (2.1 ± 0.41 pg/ml) (P < 0.01). The average plasma osmolality of the Meniere's disease group was higher than that of the other vertigo patients group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in reported stress levels, depression status and prevalence of primary headache between the groups was observed. The plasma vasopressin showed no significant correlation with the patients' clinical data (occurrence of emesis or nausea, prevalence of primary headache, depression status and stress). No correlation between the plasma vasopressin and the plasma osmolarity was observed in the Meniere's disease group. These results suggest that the elevation of plasma vasopressin in the acute phase of Meniere's disease is therefore related to the pathogenesis of Meniere's attacks, and the results obtained may provide helpful information for distinguishing between Meniere's disease and other various inner ear diseases.
Mutant and Misfolded Human Growth Hormone is Rapidly Degraded Through the Proteasomal Degradation Pathway in a Cellular Model for Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency Type II
Authors: Kannenberg K. , Wittekindt N. E. , Tippmann S. , Wolburg H. , Ranke M. B. , Binder G.
Published: October 2007

Autosomal dominant isolated growth hormone deficiency type II (IGHD II) is mainly caused by splice site mutations of the GH‐1 gene, leading to deletion of amino acids 32–71 of the human growth hormone (hGH). The severe hGH deficit in IGHD II suggests a dominant negative effect of the partially deleted del(32–71)‐hGH on the production, storage or secretion of normal wild‐type (wt)‐hGH in somatotrophic cells of the pituitary. To shed more light on the cellular and molecular basis of IGHD II, we established and analysed diverse clones of the rat somatotrophic cell line GH4C1 stably expressing either wt‐hGH, del(32–71)‐hGH, or both proteins concomitantly. The cellular morphology of all transfected GH4C1 cell clones showed moderate differences to untransfected GH4C1 cells. On the molecular level, both cDNA‐constructs induced transcription but, under normal culture conditions, only wt‐hGH protein was found to be synthesised and secreted in readily detectable amounts. By contrast, only after inhibition of proteasomes did high amounts of del(32–71)‐hGH show up. The solubility of del(32–71)‐hGH in nondenaturing buffer was poor compared to wt‐hGH, hinting at molecular aggregation, and several epitopes recognised by monoclonal hGH antibodies were not present on del(32–71)‐hGH, confirming the assumption that del(32–71)‐hGH must be severely misfolded. Expression of both proteins in Escherichia coli mirrored the findings from the GH4C1 cell clones in terms of solubility and immunological reactivity. The results of the present study indicate that, in IGHD II, somatotrophs continuously have to remove misfolded del(32–71)‐hGH via the proteasomal degradation pathway, suggesting a mechanism that may result in chronic cellular stress.
Diurnal Change of Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone mRNA Expression in the Rat Pars Tuberalis
Authors: Aizawa S. , Hoshino S. , Sakata I. , Adachi A. , Yashima S. , Hattori A. , Sakai T.
Published: October 2007

Thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH)‐producing cells (TSH cells), which account for a large fraction of the cells in the rat pars tuberalis (PT), have been found to express MT1 melatonin receptor and mammalian clock genes at high densities. Although these findings suggest that TSH production in the rat PT is regulated by melatonin and/or the biological clock, there have been no studies focusing on the diurnal change and regulation mechanism of TSH production in the rat PT. Therefore, in the present study, we examined diurnal changes of in TSHβ and α‐glycoprotein subunit (αGSU) mRNA expression and TSH immunoreactivity (‐ir) in the rat PT, and also examined the relationship between melatonin and TSH production in vivo. Both TSHβ mRNA expression and αGSU mRNA expression in the PT showed diurnal variations: the expression levels were lowest at the light phase [Zeitgeber time (ZT)4] and high at the dark phase (ZT12 and ZT20). TSH‐ir in the PT showed the lowest level at ZT4, as was found for mRNA expression. Interestingly, TSH‐ir, which was confined to the Golgi apparatus at ZT4, spread to the cytoplasm, and most of the TSH cells in the PT were uniformly immunostained in the cytoplasm at ZT20. Despite the fact that chronic administration of melatonin suppressed TSHβ and αGSU mRNA expression, TSH‐ir in the PT was significantly enhanced. These findings results clearly show that there are diurnal changes in TSH expression and accumulation in rat PT‐TSH cells and suggest that these fluctuations are regulated by melatonin.
Are cattle, sheep, and goats endangered species?
Authors: TABERLET P. , VALENTINI A. , REZAEI H. R. , NADERI S. , POMPANON F. , NEGRINI R. , AJMONE‐MARSAN P.
Published: October 2007

For about 10 000 years, farmers have been managing cattle, sheep, and goats in a sustainable way, leading to animals that are well adapted to the local conditions. About 200 years ago, the situation started to change dramatically, with the rise of the concept of breed. All animals from the same breed began to be selected for the same phenotypic characteristics, and reproduction among breeds was seriously reduced. This corresponded to a strong fragmentation of the initial populations. A few decades ago, the selection pressures were increased again in order to further improve productivity, without enough emphasis on the preservation of the overall genetic diversity. The efficiency of modern selection methods successfully increased the production, but with a dramatic loss of genetic variability. Many industrial breeds now suffer from inbreeding, with effective population sizes falling below 50. With the development of these industrial breeds came economic pressure on farmers to abandon their traditional breeds, and many of these have recently become extinct as a result. This means that genetic resources in cattle, sheep, and goats are highly endangered, particularly in developed countries. It is therefore important to take measures that promote a sustainable management of these genetic resources; first, byin situpreservation of endangered breeds; second, by using selection programmes to restore the genetic diversity of industrial breeds; and finally, by protecting the wild relatives that might provide useful genetic resources.
Plant genetics predicts intra‐annual variation in phytochemistry and arthropod community structure
Authors: WIMP G. M. , WOOLEY S. , BANGERT R. K. , YOUNG W. P. , MARTINSEN G. D. , KEIM P. , REHILL B. , LINDROTH R. L. , WHITHAM T. G.
Published: October 2007

With the emerging field of community genetics, it is important to quantify the key mechanisms that link genetics and community structure. We studied cottonwoods in common gardens and in natural stands and examined the potential for plant chemistry to be a primary mechanism linking plant genetics and arthropod communities. If plant chemistry drives the relationship between plant genetics and arthropod community structure, then several predictions followed. We would find (i) the strongest correlation between plant genetic composition and chemical composition; (ii) an intermediate correlation between plant chemical composition and arthropod community composition; and (iii) the weakest relationship between plant genetic composition and arthropod community composition. Our results supported our first prediction: plant genetics and chemistry had the strongest correlation in the common garden and the wild. Our results largely supported our second prediction, but varied across space, seasonally, and according to arthropod feeding group. Plant chemistry played a larger role in structuring common garden arthropod communities relative to wild communities, free‐living arthropods relative to leaf and stem modifiers, and early‐season relative to late‐season arthropods. Our results did not support our last prediction, as host plant genetics was at least as tightly linked to arthropod community structure as plant chemistry, if not more so. Our results demonstrate the consistency of the relationship between plant genetics and biodiversity. Additionally, plant chemistry can be an important mechanism by which plant genetics affects arthropod community composition, but other genetic‐based factors are likely involved that remain to be measured.
Genome‐wide analysis reveals differences in brain gene expression patterns associated with caste and reproductive status in honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: GROZINGER CHRISTINA M. , FAN YONGLIANG , HOOVER SHELLEY E. R. , WINSTON MARK L.
Published: October 2007

A key characteristic of eusocial species is reproductive division of labour. Honey bee colonies typically have a single reproductive queen and thousands of sterile workers. Adult queens differ dramatically from workers in anatomy, physiology, behaviour and lifespan. Young female workers can activate their ovaries and initiate egg laying; these ‘reproductive’ workers differ from sterile workers in anatomy, physiology, and behaviour. These differences, however, are on a much smaller scale than those observed between the queen and worker castes. Here, we use microarrays to monitor expression patterns of several thousand genes in the brains of same‐aged virgin queens, sterile workers, and reproductive workers. We found large differences in expression between queens and both worker groups (~2000 genes), and much smaller differences between sterile and reproductive workers (221 genes). The expression patterns of these 221 genes in reproductive workers are more queen‐like, and may represent a core group of genes associated with reproductive physiology. Furthermore, queens and reproductive workers preferentially up‐regulate genes associated with the nurse bee behavioural state, which supports the hypothesis of an evolutionary link between worker division of labour and molecular pathways related to reproduction. Finally, several functional groups of genes associated with longevity in other species are significantly up‐regulated in queens. Identifying the genes that underlie the differences between queens, sterile workers, and reproductive workers will allow us to begin to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of social behaviour and large‐scale remodelling of gene networks associated with polyphenisms.
High selfing and high inbreeding depression in peripheral populations ofJuncus atratus
Authors: MICHALSKI STEFAN G. , DURKA WALTER
Published: October 2007

The mating system of a plant is the prime determinant of its population genetic structure. However, mating system effects may be modified by postzygotic mechanisms like inbreeding depression. Furthermore, historical as well as contemporary ecological factors and population characteristics, like the location within the species range can contribute to genetic variability. Using microsatellite markers we assessed the population genetic structure of the wind‐pollinatedJuncus atratusin 16 populations from peripheral and nearly central areas of the distribution range and studied the mating system of the species. In three peripheral populations, outcrossing rates at seeds stage were low (meantm = 5.6%), suggesting a highly autogamous mating system. Despite this fact, on adult stage both individual heterozygosity (meanHO = 0.48) and gene diversity (meanHE = 0.58) were high even in small populations. Inbreeding coefficients were consistently low among all populations (meanFIS = 0.15). Within the three peripheral populations indirect estimates of lifetime inbreeding depression were surprisingly high (δeq = 0.96) and inbreeding depression could be shown to act mostly on early seedling establishment. Similar conditions of autogamy combined with high inbreeding depression are typical for plants with a large lifetime genomic mutation rate that cannot avoid selfing by geitonogamy. However, the results presented here are unexpected for small‐statured, herbaceous plants. Substantial genetic differentiation among all populations was found (meanFST = 0.24). An isolation‐by‐distance pattern was apparent on large scale but not on local scale suggesting that the overall pattern was largely influenced by historical factors, e.g. colonization, whereas locally genetic drift was of greater importance than gene flow. Peripheral populations exhibited lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding coefficients when compared with subcentral populations.
Genetic structure of Suillus luteus populations in heavy metal polluted and nonpolluted habitats
Authors: MULLER LUDO A. H. , VANGRONSVELD JACO , COLPAERT JAN V.
Published: October 2007

The genetic structure of populations of the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Suillus luteus in heavy metal polluted and nonpolluted areas was studied. Sporocarps were collected at nine different locations and genotyped at four microsatellite loci. Six of the sampling sites were severely contaminated with heavy metals and were dominated by heavy metal‐tolerant individuals. Considerable genetic diversity was found within the geographical subpopulations, but no reduction of the genetic diversity, current or historic, was observed in subpopulations inhabiting polluted soils. The genetic differentiation between the geographical subpopulations was low, and no evidence for clustering of subpopulations from polluted soils vs. subpopulations from nonpolluted soils was found. These results indicate that heavy metal pollution has a limited effect on the genetic structure of S. luteus populations, and this may be due to the high frequency of sexual reproduction and extensive gene flow in S. luteus, which allows rapid evolution of the tolerance trait while maintaining high levels of genetic diversity.