bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers to movement: impacts of wind farms on migrating birds
Authors: Masden Elizabeth A. , Haydon Daniel T. , Fox Anthony D. , Furness Robert W. , Bullman Rhys , Desholm Mark
Published: February 2009

Masden, E. A., Haydon, D. T., Fox, A. D., Furness, R. W., Bullman, R., and Desholm, M. 2009. Barriers to movement: impacts of wind farms on migrating birds. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 746–753. Advances in technology and engineering are enhancing the contribution that wind power makes to renewable energy generation. Wind farms, both operational and in planning, can be expected to impact negatively on wildlife populations, particularly birds. We propose a novel approach to assess the impacts through the energetic costs of avoidance behaviour for a long-distance, migratory seaduck. Flight trajectories were recorded using surveillance radar at a Danish offshore wind farm with emphasis placed on the 200 000+ migrating common eiders that pass through the area annually. Minimum distance to wind farm and curvature of trajectories were compared pre- and post-construction. Additional costs of the avoidance response were estimated using an avian energetic model. The curvature of eider trajectories was greatest post-construction and within 500 m of the wind farm, with a median curvature significantly greater than pre-construction, suggesting that the birds adjusted their flight paths in the presence of the wind farm. Additional distance travelled as a consequence of the wind farm's presence was ca. 500 m and trivial compared with the total costs of a migration episode of 1400 km. However, construction of further wind farms along the migration route could have cumulative effects on the population, especially when considered in combination with other human actions.
Epigenetic Regulation, Somatic Homologous Recombination, and Abscisic Acid Signaling Are Influenced by DNA Polymerase ϵ Mutation inArabidopsis
Authors: Yin Haibo , Zhang Xia , Liu Jun , Wang Youqun , He Junna , Yang Tao , Hong Xuhui , Yang Qing , Gong Zhizhong
Published: February 2009

Based on abscisic acid (ABA) inhibition of seed germination and seedling growth assays, we isolated an ABA overly sensitive mutant (abo4-1) caused by a mutation in the Arabidopsis thaliana POL2a/TILTED1(TIL1) gene encoding a catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase ϵ. The dominant, ABA-insensitive abi1-1 or abi2-1 mutations suppressed the ABA hypersensitivity of the abo4-1 mutant. The abo4/til1 mutation reactivated the expression of the silenced Athila retrotransposon transcriptional silent information (TSI) and the silenced 35S-NPTII in the ros1 mutant and increased the frequency of somatic homologous recombination (HR) ∼60-fold. ABA upregulated the expression of TSI and increased HR in both the wild type and abo4-1. MEIOTIC RECOMBINATION11 and GAMMA RESPONSE1, both of which are required for HR and double-strand DNA break repair, are expressed at higher levels in abo4-1 and are enhanced by ABA, while KU70 was suppressed by ABA. abo4-1 mutant plants are sensitive to UV-B and methyl methanesulfonate and show constitutive expression of the G2/M-specific cyclin CycB1;1 in meristems. The abo4-1 plants were early flowering with lower expression of FLOWER LOCUS C and higher expression of FLOWER LOCUS T and changed histone modifications in the two loci. Our results suggest that ABO4/POL2a/TIL1 is involved in maintaining epigenetic states, HR, and ABA signaling in Arabidopsis.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Genes Targeted by PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 3-LIKE5 during Seed Germination inArabidopsis
Authors: Oh Eunkyoo , Kang Hyojin , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Park Jeongmoo , Lee Doheon , Kamiya Yuji , Choi Giltsu
Published: February 2009

PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 3-LIKE5 (PIL5) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that inhibits seed germination by regulating the expression of gibberellin (GA)- and abscisic acid (ABA)-related genes either directly or indirectly. It is not yet known, however, whether PIL5 regulates seed germination solely through GA and ABA. Here, we used Chromatin immunoprecipitation-chip (ChIP-chip) analysis to identify 748 novel PIL5 binding sites in the Arabidopsis thaliana genome. Consistent with the molecular function of PIL5 as a transcription regulator, most of the identified binding sites are located in gene promoter regions. Binding site analysis shows that PIL5 binds to its target sites mainly through the G-box motif in vivo. Microarray analysis reveals that phytochromes regulate a large number of genes mainly through PIL5 during seed germination. Comparison between the ChIP-chip and microarray data indicates that PIL5 regulates 166 genes by directly binding to their promoters. Many of the identified genes encode transcription regulators involved in hormone signaling, while some encode enzymes involved in cell wall modification. Interestingly, PIL5 directly regulates many transcription regulators of hormone signaling and indirectly regulates many genes involved in hormone metabolism. Taken together, our data indicate that PIL5 inhibits seed germination not just through GA and ABA, but also by coordinating hormone signals and modulating cell wall properties in imbibed seeds.
Epidemiology of immune thrombocytopenic purpura in the General Practice Research Database
Authors: Marieke Schoonen W. , Kucera Gena , Coalson Jenna , Li Lin , Rutstein Mark , Mowat Fionna , Fryzek Jon , Kaye James A.
Published: February 2009

The epidemiology of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is not well‐characterised in the general population. This study described the incidence and survival of ITP using the UK population‐based General Practice Research Database (GPRD). ITP patients first diagnosed in 1990–2005 were identified in the GPRD. Overall incidence rates (per 100 000 person‐years) and rates by age, sex, and calendar periods were calculated. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan‐Meier and proportional hazard methods. A total of 1145 incident ITP patients were identified. The crude incidence was 3·9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3·7–4·1). Overall average incidence was statistically significantly higher in women (4·4, 95% CI: 4·1–4·7) compared to men (3·4; 95% CI: 3·1–3·7). Among men, incidence was bimodal with peaks among ages under 18 and between 75–84 years. The hazard ratio for death among ITP patients was 1·6 (95% CI: 1·3–1·9) compared to age‐ and sex‐matched comparisons. During follow‐up 139 cases died, of whom 75 had a computerised plausible cause of death. Death was related to bleeding in 13% and infection in 19% of these 75. In conclusion, ITP incidence varies with age and is higher in women than men. This potentially serious medical condition is associated with increased mortality in the UK.
Detection of aberrant transcription of major histocompatibility complex class II antigen presentation genes in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia identifies HLA‐DOA mRNA as a prognostic factor for survival
Authors: Souwer Yuri , Chamuleau Martine E. D. , Van De Loosdrecht Arjan A. , Tolosa Eva , Jorritsma Tineke , Muris Jettie J. F. , Dinnissen‐van Poppel Marion J. , Snel Sander N. , Van De Corput Lisette , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Meijer Chris J. L. M. , Neefjes Jacques J. , Marieke van Ham S.
Published: February 2009

In human B cells, effective major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II‐antigen presentation depends not only on MHC class II, but also on the invariant chain (CD74 or Ii), HLA‐DM (DM) and HLA‐DO (DO), the chaperones regulating the antigen loading process of MHC class II molecules. We analysed immediate ex vivo expression of HLA‐DR (DR), CD74, DM and DO in B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL). Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated a highly significant upregulation of DRA, CD74, DMB, DOA and DOB mRNA in purified malignant cells compared to B cells from healthy donors. The increased mRNA levels were not translated into enhanced protein levels but could reflect aberrant transcriptional regulation. Indeed, upregulation of DRA, DMB, DOA and DOB mRNA correlated with enhanced expression of class II transactivator (CIITA). In‐depth analysis of the various CIITA transcripts demonstrated a significant increased activity of the interferon‐γ‐inducible promoter CIITA‐PIV in B‐CLL. Comparison of the aberrant mRNA levels with clinical outcome identified DOA mRNA as a prognostic indicator for survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that the prognostic value of DOA mRNA was independent of the mutational status of the IGHV genes. Thus, aberrant transcription of DOA forms a novel and additional prognostic indicator for survival in B‐CLL.
TheAnisakis simplexAni s 7 major allergen as an indicator of trueAnisakisinfections
Authors: Anadón A M , Romarís F , Escalante M , Rodríguez E , Gárate T , Cuéllar C , Ubeira F M
Published: February 2009

Ani s 7 is currently the most important excretory/secretory (ES) Anisakis simplex allergen, as it is the only one recognized by 100% of infected patients. The allergenicity of this molecule is due mainly to the presence of a novel CX17–25CX9–22CX8CX6 tandem repeat motif not seen in any previously reported protein. In this study we used this allergen as a model to investigate how ES allergens are recognized during Anisakis infections, and the usefulness of a recombinant fragment of Ani s 7 allergen (t-Ani s 7) as a marker of true Anisakis infections. The possible antigenic relationship between native Ani s 7 (nAni s 7) from Anisakis and Pseudoterranova decipens antigens was also investigated. Our results demonstrate that nAni s 7 is secreted and recognized by the immune system of rats only when the larvae are alive (i.e. during the acute phase of infection), and that this molecule is not present in, or is antigenically different from, Pseudoterranova allergens. The t-Ani s 7 polypeptide is a useful target for differentiating immunoglobulin E antibodies induced by true Anisakis infections from those induced by other antigens that may cross-react with Anisakis allergens, including P. decipiens. The results also support the hypothesis that the Ani s 7 major allergen does not participate in maintaining the antigenic stimulus during chronic infections.
Differential expression of immunoregulatory genes in monocytes in response toPorphyromonas gingivalisandEscherichia colilipopolysaccharide
Authors: Barksby H E , Nile C J , Jaedicke K M , Taylor J J , Preshaw P M
Published: February 2009

Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (strain W50) interacts with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) leading to cytokine expression and inflammation, and thereby plays a key role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The aims of this study were to investigate gene expression of key regulatory mediators of innate immune responses in a human monocytic cell line (THP-1) to P. gingivalis LPS and to compare these results with those obtained using the TLR-4 ligand, Escherichia coli LPS. Custom-made Taqman low-density arrays were used for expression profiling of 45 different cytokine-related genes. Both types of LPS highly up-regulated interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1β, IL-18 receptor (IL-18R), IL-18R accessory protein and IL-1 family (IL-1F)9. Expression levels of IL-1F6, IL-1F7 and caspase-1 were unaltered by either LPS. Genes for tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-6, leukaemia inhibitory factor and IL-32 were also highly induced by both LPS. For a subset of genes, including CXC chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), expression was induced only by E. coli LPS or was up-regulated more highly by E. coli compared with P. gingivalis LPS in THP-1 monocytes. A similar expression pattern was also observed in dendritic cells. Analysis of signalling pathways which lead to CXCL5 expression indicated that the mechanisms underpinning the differential responses did not involve the recruitment of different adaptor proteins by TLR-2 and TLR-4, and therefore occur downstream of the receptor–adaptor complex. We conclude that differences in signalling pathways activated by TLR-2 and TLR-4 ligands lead to differential innate immune responses which may be important in polymicrobial diseases such as periodontal disease.
Decreased numbers of circulating plasmablasts and differences in IgA1-plasmablast homing to skin in coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis
Authors: Kantele J M , Savilahti E , Westerholm-Ormio M , Pakkanen S , Arvilommi H S , Reunala T , Kantele A M
Published: February 2009

The two clinical phenotypes of gluten enteropathy, coeliac disease (CD) and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), were characterized for numbers and homing profiles of circulating final effector B cells, plasmablasts, identified as immunoglobulin (Ig)-secreting cells (ISC). In CD, the numbers of ISC were ∼50% lower than in DH or controls. ISC expressed peripheral lymph node homing receptor (HR), L-selectin, less frequently in CD (54%) and DH (52%) patients than in controls (70%). The expression of gut mucosal HR, α4β7, was less frequent in CD (42%) than in DH (65%) or controls (60%). In DH, but not in CD or controls, a higher proportion of IgA1-ISC (40%) than IgA2-ISC (25%) expressed the skin HR, cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen. In gluten enteropathy circulating plasmablasts are more mature, but decreased in number, and have distorted homing profiles. Differential IgA1-plasmablast homing could be associated with the development of skin rash with IgA1-deposits in DH but not in CD.
Correlation between plasma calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a community‐based cohort of men and women
Authors: Ahlström Tommy , Hagström Emil , Larsson Anders , Rudberg Claes , Lind Lars , Hellman Per
Published: February 2009

Context  In recent years, an association has been noted between several abnormalities that characterize the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). These abnormalities include dyslipidaemia, obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension. The correlations between plasma calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the variables in the MetS in a normal population are still unclear.

Objective  To describe correlations between plasma calcium and PTH and the various abnormalities present in the MetS in a healthy population.

Design  We studied 1016 healthy individuals from the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) population of 70 years old, by means of plasma analyses of calcium, PTH, creatinine, lipids, insulin and glucose, as well as by standardized blood pressure measurements. Further, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were determined.

Results  The more National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criteria for the MetS that were met, the higher the s‐PTH and albumin‐corrected s‐calcium. Further, positive correlations between plasma calcium and BMI (P = 0·0003), waist circumference (P = 0·0009) and insulin resistance (P = 0·079) were found. PTH and BMI (P < 0·0001), waist circumference (P < 0·0001), systolic blood pressure (P = 0·0034), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0·0008), serum triglycerides (P = 0·0003) and insulin resistance (P = 0·0003) were positively correlated, whereas serum high density lipoproteins (HDL) (P = 0·036) and PTH were negatively correlated.

Conclusions  We conclude that PTH correlates with several of the metabolic factors included in the MetS within a normocalcaemic population. In addition, individuals with mild pHPT present significantly more NCEP criteria for MetS. We postulate that increased levels of PTH in pHPT may be associated with the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality seen in pHPT.
Reduced cardiac functional reserve and quality of life in adults with GH deficiency
Authors: Moisey Robert , Barker Diane , Lewis Nigel , Sharp Lisa , Clements Richard E. , Goldspink David F. , Tan Lip‐Bun , Orme Steve
Published: February 2009

Introduction  Patients with severe GH deficiency (GHD) suffer with a reduced quality of life in addition to diverse changes in cardiac size and performance. So far, the cardiac reserve ability to maintain the circulation during peak exercise has not been measured. We tested the hypothesis that patients with severe GHD have reduced cardiac reserve function compared with healthy controls and that this could explain, in part, their reduced quality of life.

Aims  Eighteen patients with severe GHD and an assessment of GHD in adults (AGHDA) score ≥11 (mean 20·0, range 12–25) were studied and compared with 18 age‐, sex‐ and body mass index‐matched healthy controls. Peak cardiac power and cardiorespiratory fitness were investigated using noninvasive haemodynamic measurements during maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Results  Compared with matched controls, the cardiac power of GHD patients during exercise to volitional exhaustion was significantly reduced by 15% (mean ± SD 4·4 ± 1·0 W vs. 5·2 ± 1·0 W, P = 0·02). Patients with GHD also had lower cardiac chronotropic reserve (peak heart rate 154 ± 21/min vs. 174 ± 11/min, P = 0·001) and a lower cardiac pressure‐generating capacity (systolic blood pressure 160 ± 25 mmHg vs. 200 ± 15 mmHg, P < 0·0001). We found no correlation between any measure of peak cardiac power or function and the AGHDA score.

Conclusion  Using this robust noninvasive method of assessing functional cardiac pumping capacity, we have for the first time shown that, while patients with severe GHD have a significantly impaired cardiac functional reserve associated with chronotropic incompetence and impaired pressure‐generating capacity, this does not correlate with their reduced quality of life assessed using the current standard AGHDA score.
Health outcomes of children fathered by patients treated with radioiodine for thyroid cancer
Authors: Garsi Jérôme‐Philippe , Schlumberger Martin , Ricard Marcel , Labbé Martine , Ceccarelli Claudia , Schvartz Claire , Henry‐Amar Michel , Bardet Stéphane , Rubino Carole , De Vathaire Florent
Published: February 2009

Context and objectives  Radiation is known to be mutagenic. The present study analyses birth outcomes and the health of offspring from men previously exposed to 131I treatment for thyroid carcinoma.

Methods  Data on 493 pregnancies (356 from 173 untreated fathers, 23 from 17 patients who have undergone surgery alone and 114 from 63 fathers who received 131I) were obtained by interviewing male patients treated for thyroid carcinoma who had not received significant external radiation to the testes. Among these pregnancies, 73 were conceived from fathers who had received more than 370 MBq.

Results  The mean activity for the 114 pregnancies fathered by 63 patients was 3993 MBq leading to an estimated radiation dose of 9·2 cGy to the testes (MIRD committee coefficient). No significant differences between untreated and treated fathers were found for any adverse outcome.

Conclusion  There was no evidence that exposure to radioiodine affects the outcome of subsequent pregnancies and offspring, whatever the event considered. As our study is underpowered, the question of whether testicular irradiation, fractionated or not, is linked to impaired fertility or consequences on offspring remains to be established.
Effects of small‐scale grassland fragmentation and frequent mowing on population density and species diversity of orthopterans: a long‐term study
Authors: BRASCHLER BRIGITTE , MARINI LORENZO , THOMMEN G. HEINRICH , BAUR BRUNO
Published: February 2009

Abstract 1. Habitat fragmentation is considered one of the major threats to invertebrate diversity in semi‐natural grassland. However, the effects of habitat fragmentation through mowing on the rich insect fauna of these grasslands have not been sufficiently investigated and experiments are especially rare.

2. We studied the impact of small‐scale grassland fragmentation on orthopterans over 7 years in an experiment which allowed us to additionally investigate the effect of frequent mowing on Orthoptera communities.

3. Overall, Orthoptera density and species richness increased over time. This was likely a result of increased small‐scale habitat heterogeneity and the provision of a short‐turf habitat suitable for xerophilous species. The fragmentation affected orthopteran density and species composition but not species richness whose response lagged behind the changes in abundance.

4. Responses differed between suborders. Ensifera density was higher in fragment than in control plots. Caelifera density did not differ between fragment and control plots. The mown matrix was an unsuitable habitat for most of the species, particularly within the Ensifera.

5. Our experiment shows that even small‐scale fragmentation can affect Orthopteran communities and that the effects became more pronounced over time. As the mown matrix was unsuitable for many Ensifera species, they may go locally extinct when large areas are mown simultaneously.
Influence of presence and spatial arrangement of belowground insects on host‐plant selection of aboveground insects: a field study
Authors: SOLER ROXINA , SCHAPER SONJA V. , BEZEMER T. MARTIJN , CORTESERO ANNE M. , HOFFMEISTER THOMAS S. , VAN DER PUTTEN WIM H. , VET LOUISE E. M. , HARVEY JEFFREY A.
Published: February 2009

Abstract1. Several studies have shown that above‐ and belowground insects can interact by influencing each others growth, development, and survival when they feed on the same host‐plant. In natural systems, however, insects can make choices on which plants to oviposit and feed. A field experiment was carried out to determine if root‐feeding insects can influence feeding and oviposition preferences and decisions of naturally colonising foliar‐feeding insects.

2. Using the wild cruciferous plantBrassica nigraand larvae of the cabbage root flyDelia radicumas the belowground root‐feeding insect, naturally colonising populations of foliar‐feeding insects were monitored over the course of a summer season.

3. Groups of root‐infested and root‐uninfestedB. nigraplants were placed in a meadow during June, July, and August of 2006 for periods of 3 days. The root‐infested and the root‐uninfested plants were either dispersed evenly or placed in clusters. Once daily, all leaves of each plant were carefully inspected and insects were removed and collected for identification.

4. The flea beetlesPhyllotretaspp. and the aphidBrevicoryne brassicaewere significantly more abundant on root‐uninfested (control) than on root‐infested plants. However, forB. brassicaethis was only apparent when the plants were placed in clusters. Host‐plant selection by the generalist aphidM. persicaeand oviposition preference by the specialist butterflyP. rapae, however, were not significantly influenced by root herbivory.

5. The results of this study show that the presence of root‐feeding insects can affect feeding and oviposition preferences of foliar‐feeding insects, even under natural conditions where many other interactions occur simultaneously. The results suggest that root‐feeding insects play a role in the structuring of aboveground communities of insects, but these effects depend on the insect species as well as on the spatial distribution of the root‐feeding insects.
Early atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation in mice with diet‐induced type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bartels E. D. , Bang C. A. , Nielsen L. B.
Published: February 2009

Background  Obesity and type 2 diabetes increase the risk of atherosclerosis. It is unknown to what extent this reflects direct effects on the arterial wall or secondary effects of hyperlipidaemia.

Materials and methods  The effect of obesity and type 2 diabetes on the development of atherosclerosis and inflammation, in the absence or presence of hyperlipidaemia, was assed in wild‐type (n = 36) and human apolipoprotein B (apoB) transgenic mice (n = 27) that were fed normal chow or 60% fat for 12 months.

Results  Fat‐feeding caused obesity, glucose intolerance and elevated plasma leptin and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) in both wild‐type and apoB transgenic mice. In wild‐type mice, plasma very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) were unaffected by fat‐feeding. ApoB transgenic mice had mildly elevated plasma LDL‐C (~1 mmol L−1), which was slightly increased by fat‐feeding. Sixty‐four per cent of fat‐fed wild‐type mice vs. 7% of chow‐fed wild‐type mice had lipid‐staining intimal lesions in the aortic root (P = 0·002). Eighty‐six per cent of fat‐fed apoB transgenic mice had lipid‐staining lesions and the median lesion area was 8·0 times higher than in fat‐fed wild‐type mice (P = 0·001). Intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 staining of the aortic endothelium was most pronounced in the fat‐fed apoB transgenic mice.

Conclusions  Our findings suggest that diet‐induced type 2 diabetes causes early atherosclerosis in the absence of dyslipidaemia, and that even a moderate level of LDL‐C markedly augments this effect.
Long‐term clopidogrel administration following severe coronary injury reduces proliferation and inflammation via inhibition of nuclear factor‐kappaB and activator protein 1 activation in pigs
Authors: Pels K. , Schwimmbeck P. L. , Rosenthal P. , Loddenkemper C. , Dang‐Heine C. , Rauch U. , Martens H. , Schultheiss H.‐P. , Dechend R. , Deiner C.
Published: February 2009

Background  The optimal duration of clopidogrel treatment following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the patient population that would benefit most are still unknown. In a porcine coronary injury model, we tested two different durations of clopidogrel treatment on severely or moderately injured arteries and examined the arterial response to injury. To understand the molecular mechanism, we also investigated the effects on transcription factors nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) and activator protein 1 (AP‐1).

Materials and methods  In 24 cross‐bred pigs, one coronary artery was only moderately injured by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and one coronary artery was severely injured by PTCA and subsequent beta‐irradiation (Brachy group). Animals received 325 mg aspirin daily for 3 months and 75 mg clopidogrel daily for either 28 days [short‐term (ST) clopidogrel group] or 3 months [long‐term (LT) clopidogrel group].

Results  After 3 months, the number of proliferating cells per cross‐section differed significantly between ST and LT in both injury groups (PTCAST 90·2 ± 10·3 vs. PTCALT 19·2 ± 4·7, P < 0·05; BrachyST 35·8 ± 8·4 vs. BrachyLT 7·5 ± 2·0, P < 0·05). Similar results were seen for inflammatory cells (CD3+ cells): PTCAST 23·5 ± 3·55 vs. PTCALT 4·67 ± 0·92, P < 0·05; BrachyST 83·17 ± 11·17 vs. BrachyLT 20 ± 4·82, P < 0·05). Long‐term administration also reduced the activity of NF‐κB and AP‐1 by 62–64% and 42–58%, respectively. However, the effects of different durations of clopidogrel administration on artery dimensions were not statistically significant.

Conclusions  Regarding inflammation and transcription factor activity at the PCI site, long‐term clopidogrel administration is superior to short‐term administration, especially in severely injured arteries. Transferring our results to the human situation, patients with more severely diseased arteries may benefit from a prolonged clopidogrel medication after PCI.
Serum paraoxonase‐I activity is unaffected by short‐term administration of simvastatin, bezafibrate, and their combination in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dullaart R. P. F. , De Vries R. , Voorbij H. A. M. , Sluiter W. J. , Van Tol A.
Published: February 2009

Background  The high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐associated anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory enzyme, paraoxonase‐I, has been found previously to be lower in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We studied whether statin and fibrate treatment, alone and in combination, affect serum paraoxonase‐I activity in conjunction with changes in HDL cholesterol in diabetic patients.

Subjects and methods  A placebo‐controlled crossover study was carried out in 14 type 2 diabetic patients to test the effect of 8 weeks of active treatment with simvastatin (40 mg daily), bezafibrate (400 mg daily), and their combination on serum paraoxonase‐I activity, measured as its activity towards arylesterase and paraoxon. Serum paraoxonase‐I activity was also compared between these diabetic patients and 49 non‐diabetic control subjects.

Results  Serum arylesterase activity was lower in type 2 diabetic patients compared to control subjects (P < 0·001), but the difference in paraoxonase activity was not significant (P = 0·22). Neither arylesterase (P = 0·24) nor paraoxonase activity (P = 0·37) was increased in response to treatment, despite higher HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A‐I during combination therapy (P < 0·05 for both).

Conclusion  Short‐term administration of simvastatin and bezafibrate, even when combined, is ineffective in raising serum paraoxonase‐I activity in type 2 diabetes.
Relationships between environmental variables and groundwater biodiversity at the regional scale
Authors: DOLE‐OLIVIER MARIE‐JOSÉ , MALARD FLORIAN , MARTIN DOMINIQUE , LEFÉBURE TRISTAN , GIBERT JANINE
Published: February 2009

1. Relationships between the assemblage structure of stygobionts (i.e. obligate groundwater species) and habitat conditions in aquifers were explored in the French Jura based on 16 environmental variables and presence/absence data on stygobiotic species. The two data sets were simultaneously collected at a total of 269 sites.

2. The study aimed to (i) identify the environmental factors determining the composition of stygobiotic assemblages at the regional scale; (ii) define the ecological preferences of the collected stygobiotic species along environmental gradients; and (iii) describe species assemblages occurring in similar habitats. These aims were pursued with a view to refine approaches to groundwater biodiversity assessment and sampling strategies.

3. A large number of stygobionts (62 species) were collected using a stratified sampling design. The measured environmental variables explained 72% of the overall variability in stygobiotic assemblage structure. Determining factors were primarily geology (pore size) and dissolved oxygen concentration, and secondarily altitude and distance of sampling sites from areas glaciated during the Pleistocene. Water chemistry and land‐cover variables had little influence on the composition of stygobiotic assemblages.

4. Ecological preferences of stygobiotic species were bounded along environmental gradients using Outlying Mean Index (OMI) analysis. Apart from rare species (frequency < 0.01), most stygobionts had a tolerance index >1, but residual tolerance observed in the most widespread species indicates sensitivity to other variables than those studied.

5. Biodiversity hotspots mainly occurred in highly permeable geological formations such as karst and coarse alluvial environments with well oxygenated water situated between 200 and 500 m altitude. More intensive sampling of high‐altitude sites is unlikely to yield additional species, but rare species may be found at low and mid altitudes and at sites far from the Würm glaciers.
Zebra mussels mediate benthic–pelagic coupling by biodeposition and changing detrital stoichiometry
Authors: GERGS RENÉ , RINKE KARSTEN , ROTHHAUPT KARL‐OTTO
Published: February 2009

1. The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is one of the most successful invasive species; it has colonised many aquatic systems in Europe and North America with strong impacts on various ecosystem processes. The effect of D. polymorpha filtration on pelagic seston concentrations has been quantified in several studies, but the magnitude and stoichiometry of the transfer of sestonic biomass into benthic detritus by D. polymorpha and the accompanying enrichment of the benthic habitat is still under‐investigated.

2. We studied biodeposition by zebra mussels in two series of laboratory experiments with the food algae Cryptomonas erosa and Scenedesmus obliquus. We also measured the year‐round biodeposition rate under natural conditions in the oligotrophic Lake Constance.

3. In all experiments, zebra mussel biodeposition was linearly related to seston concentration. In the field, the relationship changed with a seasonal shift in algal composition and lower biodeposition rates during the spring algal bloom.

4. For both algal species in laboratory experiments, biodeposited material was depleted in phosphorous at an algal concentration ≤0.6 mg ash‐free dry mass L−1, but not at higher concentrations. This effect was not observed in the field, probably because of high variation in C : N : P stoichiometry.

5. By mediating the transfer of pelagic resources into the benthos zebra mussels provide a sufficient amount of detritus for benthic invertebrates, especially during summer. Thus, material biodeposited by the mussels might increase benthic secondary production from pelagic resources, and zebra mussels are important mediators of this flux of organic matter from the pelagic zone into the benthos.
A class C CpG toll‐like receptor 9 agonist successfully induces robust interferon‐alpha production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells from patients chronically infected with hepatitis C
Authors: Libri N. A. , Barker S. J. , Rosenberg W. M. C. , Semper A. E.
Published: February 2009

Summary. Immunomodulators that induce local endogenous interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) may offer new strategies for the treatment of patients chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, such an approach may be compromised if reports are true that IFN‐α production by pDCs from patients with chronic HCV (cHCV) is profoundly impaired. To address the question of pDC dysfunction in cHCV more definitively, in the present study a panel of four prototypic synthetic agonists of toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7) or TLR9 were administeredin vitroto pDCs purified from cHCV patients and from normal uninfected donors and their responses compared in terms of not only IFN‐α production but also the global expression of other cytokines and phenotypic maturation. Plasmacytoid DCs from uninfected donors produced substantial levels of IFN‐α in response to three of the four agonists and yet only one TLR9 agonist, a class C CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), induced robust IFN‐α production by pDCs from cHCV patients. Proinflammatory cytokine production and phenotypic maturation in response to all four agonists was equivalent in infected and uninfected pDCs. These data point to a profound but selective defect in IFN‐α production by pDCs from cHCV donors. Nonetheless, a class C CpG ODN successfully induced robust IFN‐α production, suggesting that this class of TLR9 agonist may have utility as a future immunotherapeutic for the treatment of chronic HCV infection.
The importance of light quality in crop–weed competition
Authors: LIU J G , MAHONEY K J , SIKKEMA P H , SWANTON C J
Published: February 2009

LiuJG, MahoneyKJ, SikkemaPH & SwantonCJ (2009). The importance of light quality in crop–weed competition.Weed Research49, 217–224.

Plant competition is thought to be driven by limiting resources. We propose that plant competition is triggered initially by the red to far‐red light ratio (R:FR) originating from neighbouring plants, followed by a series of complex physiological processes, which exclude direct resource competition. Field experiments were conducted in 2005 and 2006 in which maize (Zea mays) was grown hydroponically. The effect of R:FR signal being reflected from the leaf surface ofAmaranthus retroflexuswas isolated by avoiding direct competition for light, water and nutrients. Results showed that the low R:FR reflected from the leaf surface ofA. retroflexusdid alter the carbon allocation pattern of maize when compared with maize growing free of weeds. Prior to silking, maize grown under low R:FR experienced temporal changes in plant height, persistent changes throughout the sampling period in root and shoot dry weights and rate of leaf appearance, but no changes in leaf area. At silking, low R:FR reduced ear and total plant dry weight. These results support the hypothesis that changes in R:FR acts as an early signal of pending competition by initiating a shade avoidance response. Data from this experiment suggest that once a plant is physiologically triggered into a shade avoidance response, these plants do so at a physiological cost, which may constrain plant development and possibly reduce reproductive fitness.
Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS): fact or fantasy?
Authors: Bardana E. J.
Published: February 2009

Most evidence suggests that RADS is a distinct syndrome and not simply an exacerbation of pre‐existing hyperresponsiveness. There is no doubt that much remains to be explained regarding pathogenesis. On the other hand, I urge caution about the claims of “low‐level RADS” (15). Here the data are much more anecdotal and leave much to be desired.
Therapeutic perspectives in food allergy
Authors: Bellanti J. A. , Wallerstedt D. B. , MacDowell‐Carneiro A. L.
Published: February 2009

The therapeutic perspectives in food allergy are thus based upon known principlesand mechanisms of tissue injury mediated by immunologic reactions. A thorough knowledge of these, together with new approaches to the identification, elimination, and modification of these reactions, is essential in the management of the patient with food allergy.
Late‐onset graft‐versus‐host disease after pediatric living‐related liver transplantation for Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Yuksekkaya Hasan Ali , Arikan Cigdem , Tumgor Gokhan , Aksoylar Serap , Kilic Murat , Aydogdu Sema
Published: February 2009

Yuksekkaya HA, Arikan C, Tumgor G, Aksoylar S, Kilic M, Aydogdu S. Late‐onset graft‐versus‐host disease after pediatric living‐related liver transplantation for Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: E105–E109. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  GVHD is the most common and well‐known cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic BM transplantation. The GVHD following OLT is an uncommon complication but has a high mortality and poses a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We herein discussed a 12‐month‐old girl with multi‐system LCH, who developed end‐stage liver disease despite intensive chemotherapy. She underwent ABO‐compatible liver transplantation at 28 months while in remission from LCH. The donor was her 26‐yr‐old father. Post‐operative course was uneventful. The GVHD manifested with skin rash and BM supression on post‐transplant day 94 and confirmed by both microchimerism and skin biopsy. Prednisolone, basiliximab, and ATG were administered immediately but the bone marow suppression was not improved and the patient died because of Candida sepsis at six‐month post‐transplant. GVHD after OLT should be keep in mind in patients with rash and BM suppression after liver transplantation. In LDLT, a patient who carries risk factors should investigated for optimal HLA matching.
Relationship between psychosocial adjustment and executive function in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in remission: the mediating and moderating effects of insight
Authors: Yen Cheng‐Fang , Cheng Chung‐Ping , Huang Chi‐Fen , Ko Chih‐Hung , Yen Ju‐Yu , Chang Yu‐Ping , Chen Cheng‐Sheng
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  The aims of this study were to examine the relationships between executive function and psychosocial adjustment, and the mediating and moderating effects of insight on the association between executive function and psychosocial adjustment in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in clinical remission.

Methods:  The level of psychosocial adjustment was assessed in 96 subjects with bipolar disorder and 96 subjects with schizophrenia who were in remitted state. The association between executive function and psychosocial adjustment and the mediating and moderating effects of insight were examined by multiple regression analysis models and the Goodman test.

Results:  The results indicated that executive function had direct effect on psychosocial adjustment in both subjects with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, the mediating effect of insight on the association between executive function and psychosocial adjustment was only found in subjects with schizophrenia, but not in subjects with bipolar disorder. No moderating effect of insight on the association between executive function and psychosocial adjustment was found in subjects with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Conclusions:  The results of this study indicated that executive function has an important role in psychosocial adjustment in both patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Meanwhile, insight has a different role in the association between executive function and psychosocial adjustment between patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Age at onset of bipolar disorder and risk for comorbid borderline personality disorder
Authors: Goldberg Joseph F , Garno Jessica L
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  The relationship between bipolar disorder and cluster B personality disorders remains phenomenologically complex and controversial. We sought to examine the relationship between early age at onset of bipolar disorder and development of comorbid borderline personality disorder.

Methods:  A total of 100 adults in an academic specialty clinic for bipolar disorder underwent structured diagnostic interviews and clinical assessments to determine lifetime presence of comorbid borderline personality disorder, histories of childhood trauma, and clinical illness characteristics.

Results:  Logistic regression indicated that increasing age at onset of bipolar disorder was associated with a lower probability of developing comorbid borderline personality disorder (odds ratio = 0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.83–0.99) while controlling for potential confounding factors, including a history of severe child trauma/abuse.

Conclusion:  Early onset of bipolar disorder increases the probability of developing comorbid borderline personality disorder, independent of the effects of severe childhood trauma/abuse. In patients with borderline personality disorder, prospective studies of new‐onset bipolar disorder may underestimate the prevalence of true comorbidity unless they capture the primary risk window for first‐episode mania arising before the end of adolescence.
Tobacco smoking behaviors in bipolar disorder: a comparison of the general population, schizophrenia, and major depression
Authors: Diaz Francisco J , James Danielle , Botts Sheila , Maw Lorraine , Susce Margaret T , De Leon Jose
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  This study compared the prevalence of tobacco smoking behaviors in patients with bipolar disorder with normal and psychiatric (schizophrenia and major depression) controls. The main goal was to establish that bipolar patients smoke more than normal controls. Differences with psychiatric controls were explored.

Methods:  Samples of 424 patients (99 bipolar, 258 schizophrenia and 67 major depression) and 402 volunteer controls were collected in Central Kentucky. Smoking data for Kentucky’s general population were available. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to establish the strength of associations. Logistic regression was used to adjust ORs for confounding variables.

Results:  Using epidemiological definitions of smoking behaviors and the general population as controls provided bipolar disorder unadjusted ORs of 5.0 (95% CI: 3.3–7.8) for current cigarette smoking, 2.6 (95% CI: 1.7–4.4) for ever cigarette smoking, and 0.13 (95% CI: 0.03–0.24) for smoking cessation. Using a clinical definition and volunteers as controls provided respective bipolar disorder adjusted ORs of 7.3 (95% CI: 4.3–12.4), 4.0 (95% CI: 2.4–6.7), and 0.15 (95% CI: 0.06–0.36). Prevalences of current daily smoking for patients with major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia were 57%, 66%, and 74%, respectively.

Conclusions:  Bipolar disorder was associated with significantly higher prevalences of tobacco smoking behaviors compared with the general population or volunteer controls, independently of the definition used. It is possible that smoking behaviors in bipolar disorder may have intermediate prevalences between major depression and schizophrenia, but larger samples or a combination of multiple studies (meta‐analysis) will be needed to establish whether this hypothesis is correct.
Structural abnormalities of ventrolateral and orbitofrontal cortex in patients with familial bipolar disorder
Authors: Stanfield Andrew C , Moorhead T William J , Job Dominic E , McKirdy James , Sussmann Jessika ED , Hall Jeremy , Giles Stephen , Johnstone Eve C , Lawrie Stephen M , McIntosh Andrew M
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  Abnormalities of ventral prefrontal function have been widely reported in bipolar disorder, but reports of structural abnormalities in the same region are less consistent. We examined the presence and location of ventral prefrontal abnormalities in a large sample of individuals with bipolar disorder and their relationship to gender, psychotic symptoms, and age.

Methods:  Structural magnetic resonance imaging brain scans were carried out on 66 individuals with bipolar disorder, type I, and 66 controls. Voxel‐based morphometry was used to examine differences in grey and white matter density between the groups and their relationship with a lifetime occurrence of psychotic symptoms and age.

Results:  Reductions in grey matter density were seen in the left and right lateral orbital gyri and the right inferior frontal gyrus, while white matter density reductions were seen in the corona radiata and the left temporal stem. In contrast, hallucinations and positive symptoms were associated with grey matter reduction in the left middle temporal gyrus. Age was more strongly associated with the right inferior frontal gyrus grey matter reductions in the bipolar group than in the controls, but not with any other finding.

Conclusion:  Abnormalities of the ventral prefrontal cortex are likely to be involved in the aetiopathology of bipolar disorder, while hallucinations appear to be more closely associated with temporal lobe abnormality, extending earlier work in schizophrenia. Further prospective studies are required to comprehensively address the trajectory of these findings.
Effects of stimulus intensity on the efficacy and safety of twice‐weekly, bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) combined with antipsychotics in acute mania: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mohan Titus SP , Tharyan Prathap , Alexander Jacob , Raveendran Nirmal S
Published: February 2009

Objectives: To examine differences in speed of improvement and remission in people with mania undergoing bilateral, brief‐pulse, twice‐weekly electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) at stimulus intensities administered just above and 2.5 times their individually titrated seizure threshold.

Methods: Consecutive, eligible subjects with mania, prescribed ECT, were randomised to receive treatments at stimulus doses either just above or 2.5 times their individually titrated seizure thresholds. Main outcomes were the speed of improvement and remission as measured by the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Clinical Global Impressions—Improvement scale (CGI‐I) and cognitive side effects assessed by the Mini‐Mental State Exam, the Wechsler Memory Scale, and a scale for autobiographical memory.

Results: A total of 24/26 subjects (92.3%) given threshold ECT and 22/24 subjects (91.7%) given suprathreshold ECT were significantly improved [CGI = 2; odds ratio (OR) = 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1–8.4; p = 1.0] at the end of ECT. A total of 88% of the sample had remitted [YMRS < 10; threshold 23/26 (88.5%) versus suprathreshold 21/24 (87.5%)], with no significant differences between interventions (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.2– 6.0; p = 1.0). The interventions did not differ significantly in the time or number of ECT treatments required for improvement or remission. Both interventions were equally safe.

Conclusions: Bilateral, twice‐weekly ECT delivered at stimulus intensities just above individually titrated seizure threshold was as effective and safe as ECT administered at stimulus intensities 2.5 times seizure threshold in rapidly resolving the symptoms of acute mania.