bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental effects on embryonic viability and growth in Arctic charrSalvelinus alpinusat two incubation temperatures
Authors: Janhunen M. , Piironen J. , Peuhkuri N.
Published: May 2010

The parental influences on three progeny traits (survival to eyed‐embryo stage, post‐hatching body length and yolk‐sac volume) of Arctic charrSalvelinus alpinuswere studied under two thermal conditions (2 and 7° C) using a factorial mating design. The higher temperature resulted in elevated mortality rates and less advanced development at hatching. Survival was mostly attributable to maternal effects at both temperatures, but the variation among families was dependent on egg size only at the low temperature. No additive genetic variation (or pure sire effect) could be observed, whereas the non‐additive genetic effects (parental combination) contributed to offspring viability at 2° C. In contrast, any observable genetic variance in survival was lost at 7° C, most likely due to the increased environmental variance. Irrespective of temperature, dam and sire–dam interaction contributed significantly to the phenotypic variation in both larval length and yolk size. A significant proportion of the variation in larval length was also due to the sire effect at 2° C. Maternal effects were mediated partly through egg size, but as a whole, they decreased in importance at the high temperature, enabling a concomitant increase in non‐additive genetic effects. For larval length, however, the additive component, like maternal effects, decreased at 7° C. The present results suggest that an exposure to thermal stress during incubation can modify the genetic architecture of early developmental traits inS. alpinusand presumably constrain their short‐term adaptive potential and evolvability by increasing the amount of environmentally induced variation.
Health outcomes associated with methamphetamine use among young people: a systematic review
Authors: Marshall Brandon D. L. , Werb Daniel
Published: May 2010

Objectives Methamphetamine (MA) use among young people is of significant social, economic and public health concern to affected communities and policy makers. While responses have focused upon various perceived severe harms of MA use, effective public health interventions require a strong scientific evidence base.

Methods We conducted a systematic review to identify scientific studies investigating health outcomes associated with MA use among young people aged 10–24 years. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10) was used to categorize outcomes and determine the level of evidence for each series of harms.

Results We identified 47 eligible studies for review. Consistent associations were observed between MA use and several mental health outcomes, including depression, suicidal ideation and psychosis. Suicide and overdose appear to be significant sources of morbidity and mortality among young MA users. Evidence for a strong association between MA use and increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections is equivocal. Finally, we identified only weak evidence of an association between MA use and dental diseases among young people.

Conclusions Available evidence indicates a consistent relationship between MA use and mental health outcomes (e.g. depression, psychosis) and an increased risk of mortality due to suicide and overdose. We found insufficient evidence of an association between MA use and other previously cited harms, including infectious diseases and dental outcomes. As such, future research of higher methodological quality is required to further investigate possible associations. Current interventions should focus attention upon MA‐related health outcomes for which sound scientific evidence is available.
‘To prove this is the industry's best hope’: big tobacco's support of research on the genetics of nicotine addiction
Authors: Gundle Kenneth R. , Dingel Molly J. , Koenig Barbara A.
Published: May 2010

BackgroundNew molecular techniques focus a genetic lens upon nicotine addiction. Given the medical and economic costs associated with smoking, innovative approaches to smoking cessation and prevention must be pursued; but can sound research be manipulated by the tobacco industry?

MethodologyThe chronological narrative of this paper was created using iterative reviews of primary sources (the Legacy Tobacco Documents), supplemented with secondary literature to provide a broader context. The empirical data inform an ethics and policy analysis of tobacco industry‐funded research.

FindingsThe search for a genetic basis for smoking is consistent with industry's decades‐long plan to deflect responsibility away from the tobacco companies and onto individuals' genetic constitutions. Internal documents reveal long‐standing support for genetic research as a strategy to relieve the tobacco industry of its legal responsibility for tobacco‐related disease.

ConclusionsIndustry may turn the findings of genetics to its own ends, changing strategy from creating a ‘safe’ cigarette to defining a ‘safe’ smoker.
Porcine NAMPT gene: search for polymorphism, mapping and association studies
Authors: Čepica S. , Bartenschlager H. , Óvilo C. , Zrůstová J. , Masopust M. , Fernández A. , López A. , Knoll A. , Rohrer G. A. , Snelling W. M. , Geldermann H.
Published: May 2010

NAMPT encodes an enzyme catalysing the rate‐limiting step in NAD biosynthesis. The extracellular form of the enzyme is known as adipokine visfatin. We detected SNP AM999341:g.669T>C (referred to as 669T>C) in intron 9 and SNP FN392209:g.358A>G (referred to as 358A>G) in the promoter of the gene. RH mapping linked the gene to microsatellite SW944. Linkage analysis placed the gene on the current USDA – USMARC linkage map at position 92 cM on SSC9. Association analyses were performed in a wild boar × Meishan F2 family (W × M), with 45 traits recorded (growth and fattening, fat deposition, muscling, meat quality, stress resistance and other traits), and in a commercial Landrace × Chinese‐European (LCE) synthetic population with records for 15 traits (growth, fat deposition, muscling, intramuscular fat, meat colour and backfat fatty acid content). In the W × M, SNP 669T>C was associated with muscling, fat deposition, growth and fattening, meat quality and other traits and in the LCE with muscling, meat quality and backfat fatty acid composition. In the W × M, SNP 358A>G was associated with muscling, fat deposition, growth and other traits. After correction for multiple testing, the NAMPT haplotypes were associated in the W × M with, in descending order, muscling (q = 0.0056), growth (q = 0.0056), fat deposition (q = 0.0109), fat‐to‐meat ratio (q = 0.0135), cooling losses (q = 0.0568) and longissimus pHU (q = 0.0695). The SNPs are hypothesized to be in linkage disequilibrium with a causative mutation affecting energy metabolism as a whole rather than fat metabolism alone.
General practitioners' views and experiences of over‐the‐counter simvastatin in Scotland
Authors: Stewart Derek , Cunningham I. T. Scott , Hansford Denise , John Dai , McCaig Dorothy , McLay James
Published: May 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Statins are widely used for the primary and secondary prevention of coronary events in high risk populations.

• In 2004 simvastatin was reclassified in the UK from prescription only to being available over‐the‐counter (OTC).

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• The majority of GPs do not support the supply of OTC simvastatin by the community pharmacist.

• GPs were particularly concerned by the lack of cholesterol and blood pressure data in the CHD risk assessment prior to sale.

AIMS

The aims of this study were to determine the views and experiences of Scottish GPs towards CVD risk assessment by community pharmacists and the supply and sale of simvastatin.

METHODS

A cross sectional postal questionnaire survey of all primary care general practices in Scotland was carried out. The main outcome measure was GPs' awareness of and opinions regarding OTC simvastatin use, experience of OTC simvastatin and opinions regarding community pharmacist involvement in CHD risk assessment.

RESULTS

A response rate of 45.7% was obtained. The majority (92.6%, 428) were aware that community pharmacists could sell simvastatin to reduce the risk of a first coronary event in individuals at moderate risk of CHD. However, over half (55.6%, 257) believed that the OTC sale of simvastatin was inappropriate. Just over half were unaware that the pharmacist's CHD risk assessment for the sale of simvastatin did not include lipid (54.8%, n= 253) or blood pressure measurement (53.7%, n= 248) and 56.7% (262) and 57.8% (267) of respondents, respectively, thought these omissions inappropriate. Almost half of the respondents (48.1%, 222) supported community pharmacists supplying simvastatin as supplementary prescribers while fewer (26.6%, 132) were in favour of supply via an independent prescribing arrangement.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that the majority of GPs do not support the supply of OTC simvastatin by the community pharmacist, being particularly concerned by the lack of cholesterol and blood pressure data in the CHD risk assessment prior to sale. Other methods of pharmacy based simvastatin supply including supplementary prescribing merit further evaluation.
Multiple microbial exposures in the home may protect against asthma or allergy in childhood
Authors: Sordillo J. E. , Hoffman E. B. , Celedón J. C. , Litonjua A. A. , Milton D. K. , Gold D. R.
Published: May 2010

Background
Experimental animal data on the gram‐negative bacterial (GNB) biomarker endotoxin suggest that persistence, dose, and timing of exposure are likely to influence its effects on allergy and wheeze. In epidemiologic studies, endotoxin may be a sentinel marker for a microbial milieu, including gram‐positive bacteria (GPB) as well as GNB, that may influence allergy and asthma through components (pathogen‐associated molecular patterns) that signal through innate Toll‐like receptor pathways.

Objective
To determine the influence of current GNB and GPB exposures on asthma and allergic sensitization in school‐aged children.

Methods
We examined the relationship between bacterial biomarkers and current asthma and allergic sensitization in 377 school‐aged children in a birth cohort study. We then evaluated the effects of school‐aged endotoxin, after controlling for exposure in early life.

Results
Exposure to GNB was inversely associated with asthma and allergic sensitization at school age [for >median endotoxin: prevalence odds ratio (POR)=0.34, 95% CI=0.2–0.7, for current asthma and prevalence ratio=0.77, 95% CI=0.6–0.97, for allergic sensitization]. In contrast, elevated GPB in the bed was inversely associated with current asthma (POR=0.41, 95% CI=0.2–0.9) but not with allergic sensitization (POR=1.07, 95% CI=0.8–1.4). School‐aged endotoxin exposure remained protective in models for allergic disease adjusted for early‐life endotoxin.

Conclusion
Both GNB and GPB exposures are associated with decreased asthma symptoms, but may act through different mechanisms to confer protection. Endotoxin exposure in later childhood is not simply a surrogate of early‐life exposure; it has independent protective effects on allergic disease.
B lymphocytes in inflammatory airway diseases
Authors: Drolet J.‐P. , Frangie H. , Guay J. , Hajoui O. , Hamid Q. , Mazer B. D.
Published: May 2010

B lymphocytes are key players in all facets of adaptive immune responses and are responsible for the production of IgE antibodies, initiators of allergic hypersensitivity reactions. Recent evidence indicates that B cells may be a crucial player in allergic and inflammatory airway pathology, directly populating upper and lower airway tissues. This review examines human and animal studies that directly demonstrated the presence of B lymphocytes in airway tissues and elaborates on their function as antibody‐secreting cells, antigen‐presenting cells and producers of inflammatory and regulatory cytokines. B lymphocytes appear to contribute to multiple facets of immune homeostasis in inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower airways.

Cite this as: J.‐P. Drolet, H. Frangie, J. Guay, O. Hajoui, Q. Hamid and B. D. Mazer, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 841–849.
Genotype and temperature affect locomotor performance in a tiger salamander hybrid swarm
Authors: Johnson Jarrett R. , Johnson Benjamin B. , Bradley Shaffer H.
Published: May 2010

1. Anthropogenic environmental changes have the capacity to disrupt natural population dynamics. For amphibians with complex life cycles, it is important to understand how environmental perturbations interact with variation in larval period duration to affect the timing of dispersal and the abiotic conditions under which terrestrial movements occur.

2. Widespread hybridization between California tiger salamanders and introduced tiger salamanders has created a situation in which length of larval development and metamorphic timing varies because of extrinsic variation in abiotic factors such as temperature, and also as a result of individual‐specific variation in genomic admixture.

3. We examined how line‐cross type (e.g. F1, F2, backcrosses, etc.), morphology and temperature interact to affect the performance of emigrating immature salamanders. We performed endurance trials on a mechanized treadmill to simulate dispersal following metamorphosis. Our study provides insights into the interaction of environmental change and genomic composition on locomotor performance and the spread of the hybrid swarm.

4. We found that temperature had a significant positive impact on endurance, potentially making it an important factor driving dispersal distances in the wild. Line‐cross type also affected performance, with F1 hybrids demonstrating the greatest movement capacity. However, we did not observe an interaction between line‐cross type and temperature.

5. These results demonstrate that an increase in ambient temperature may enhance the dispersal ability of hybrid individuals and accelerate the spread of the hybrid swarm. An increase in the rate of introgression of non‐native tiger salamander alleles into formerly pure native habitats places enhanced importance on the proper management of populations near the boundary of the hybrid swarm and emphasizes the need for management actions that prevent the intentional or accidental translocation of non‐native species.
Nutritional status of preoperative colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Burden S. T. , Hill J. , Shaffer J. L. , Todd C.
Published: May 2010

Background:  The present study aimed to determine the extent of malnutrition in preoperative colorectal cancer patients. Malnutrition has been shown to affect post‐operative outcome, so it would be beneficial to identify those who are malnourished or who are at risk of becoming so preoperatively. We examine whether weight loss is related to the length of stay or changes in fat free mass.

Methods:  Patients were enrolled consecutively from outpatients 2–4 weeks prior to surgery. Assessments included body mass index, percentage weight loss, dynamometry, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, Subjective Global Assessment and bioelectrical impedance. Cancer staging and hospital length of stay were recorded.

Results:  One hundred and thirty‐two patients were eligible and 87 enrolled. Sixty‐seven patients were weight losing and 20% had lost >10% of their usual body weight. Handgrip strength was lower in malnourished patients compared to those who had not lost weight (mean 19.4 and 27.3 kg, respectively, P = 0.013). Mean (SD) fat free mass in patients with a weight loss >10% was 39.7 (13.5) kg and, in those with <10% weight loss, was 51.9 (12.0) kg (P = 0.001). This difference was not demonstrated for fat.

Conclusions:  Over half of these patients had lost weight prior to surgery and one in five were malnourished. Body composition measurements demonstrated that malnourished patients had significantly less fat free mass compared to patients who were not clinically malnourished. Nutritional screening would be beneficial in this group preoperatively to identify weight‐losing patients at an early stage in the care pathway when they initially enter the secondary care system.
The Ghrelin/Obestatin Balance in the Physiological and Pathological Control of Growth Hormone Secretion, Body Composition and Food Intake
Authors: Hassouna R. , Zizzari P. , Tolle V.
Published: May 2010

Ghrelin and obestatin are two gastrointestinal peptides obtained by post‐translational processing of a common precursor, preproghrelin. Ghrelin is an orexigenic and adipogenic peptide and a potent growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) modified by the enzyme ghrelin‐O‐acyl‐transferase to bind and activate its receptor, the GHS‐R. The ghrelin/GHS‐R pathway is complex and the effects of ghrelin on GH secretion, adiposity and food intake appear to be relayed by distinct mechanisms involving different transduction signals and constitutive activity for the GH‐R, different cofactors as modulators of endogenous ghrelin signalling and/or alternative ghrelin receptors. The discovery of obestatin in 2005 brought an additional level of complexity to this fascinating system. Obestatin was initially identified as an anorexigenic peptide and as the cognate ligand for GPR39, but its effect on food intake and its ability to activate GPR39 are still controversial. Although several teams failed to reproduce the anorexigenic actions of obestatin, this peptide has been shown to antagonise GH secretion and food intake induced by ghrelin and could be an interesting pharmacological tool to counteract the actions of ghrelin. Ghrelin and obestatin immunoreactivities are recovered in the blood with an ultradian pulsatility and their concentrations in plasma vary with the nutritional status of the body. It is still a matter of debate whether both hormones are regulated by independent mechanisms and whether obestatin is a physiologically relevant peptide. Nevertheless, a significant number of studies show that the ghrelin/obestatin ratio is modified in anorexia nervosa and obesity. This suggests that the ghrelin/obestatin balance could be essential to adapt the body’s response to nutritional challenges. Although measuring ghrelin and obestatin in plasma is challenging because many forms of the peptides circulate, more sensitive and selective assays to detect the different preproghrelin‐derived peptides are being developed and may be the key to obtaining a better understanding of their roles in different physiological and pathological conditions.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors: Gatekeepers of Homeostasis
Authors: Kuzmiski J. B. , Bains J. S.
Published: May 2010

The capacity to appropriately respond to physiological challenges or perturbations in homeostasis is a requisite for survival. It is becoming increasingly clear that long‐lasting alterations in synaptic efficacy are a fundamental mechanism for modifying neuroendocrine and autonomic output. We review recent advances in our understanding of plasticity at glutamate synapses onto magnocellular neurones (MNCs) in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus, with a focus on the contributions of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) to long‐lasting modifications in synaptic efficacy. Special attention is paid to the role of presynaptic mGluRs as gatekeepers for metaplasticity and regulation of body fluid homeostasis. The work highlighted here provides insight into the synaptic mechanisms that couple MNC activity to physiological states.
Annual incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic area of Bihar, India
Authors: Das Pradeep , Samuels Steven , Desjeux Philippe , Mittal Atul , Topno Roshan , Siddiqui Niyamat Ali , Sur Dipika , Pandey Arvind , Sarnoff Rhonda
Published: May 2010

The study presents the findings of a population‐based survey of the annual incidence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the rural areas of one VL‐endemic district in Bihar, India. Stratified multi‐stage sampling was applied in the selection of blocks, villages, hamlets, and households. We screened 15 178 households (91 000 individuals) in 80 villages in 7 of 27 administrative blocks of the district, East Champaran. We identified 227 VL cases that occurred in the past 12 months: 149 treated individuals who survived, 14 who died from VL, and 64 active cases. The high‐incidence stratum had an estimated incidence of 35.6 cases per 10 000 persons per year (90% CI: 27.7–45.7). The annual incidence rate in the medium stratum areas was 16.8 cases per 10 000 (90% CI: 9.3–30.6). The combined annual incidence rate for the high and medium areas combined was 21.9 cases per 10 000 per year, (90% CI: 14.0–34.2). The Government of India’s VL elimination goal is to reduce the VL incidence to one case per 10 000 at the sub‐district level; thus, a 35‐fold reduction will be required in those areas with the highest VL incidence.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: FULL ARTICLE: Ghrelin increases intake of rewarding food in rodents
Authors: Egecioglu Emil , Jerlhag Elisabet , Salomé Nicolas , Skibicka Karolina P. , Haage David , Bohlooly‐Y Mohammad , Andersson Daniel , Bjursell Mikael , Perrissoud Daniel , Engel Jörgen A. , Dickson Suzanne L.
Published: May 2010

We investigated whether ghrelin action at the level of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a key node in the mesolimbic reward system, is important for the rewarding and motivational aspects of the consumption of rewarding/palatable food. Mice with a disrupted gene encoding the ghrelin receptor (GHS‐R1A) and rats treated peripherally with a GHS‐R1A antagonist both show suppressed intake of rewarding food in a free choice (chow/rewarding food) paradigm. Moreover, accumbal dopamine release induced by rewarding food was absent in GHS‐R1A knockout mice. Acute bilateral intra‐VTA administration of ghrelin increased 1‐hour consumption of rewarding food but not standard chow. In comparison with sham rats, VTA‐lesioned rats had normal intracerebroventricular ghrelin‐induced chow intake, although both intake of and time spent exploring rewarding food was decreased. Finally, the ability of rewarding food to condition a place preference was suppressed by the GHS‐R1A antagonist in rats. Our data support the hypothesis that central ghrelin signaling at the level of the VTA is important for the incentive value of rewarding food.
A comparison of registered and unregistered organ donors’ perceptions about transplant recipients
Authors: Hyde Melissa K. , White Katherine M.
Published: May 2010

Hyde MK, White KM. A comparison of registered and unregistered organ donors’ perceptions about transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 444–449. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  We examined whether registered and unregistered donors’ perceptions about transplant recipients’ previous behavior (e.g., substance use) and responsibility for illness differed based on their deceased organ donor registration decisions.

Methods:  Students and community members from Queensland, Australia, were surveyed about their perceptions of transplant recipients.

Results:  Respondents (n = 465) were grouped based on their organ donor registration status to determine whether their perceptions about transplant recipients differed. Compared to registered respondents, a higher proportion of unregistered respondents held more negative and less favorable perceptions of recipients. Multivariate analysis of variance confirmed statistically that unregistered respondents evaluated recipients more negatively than registered respondents, F(6, 449) = 5.33, p < 0.001. Unregistered respondents were more likely to view recipients as a smoker, substance user, or alcohol dependent and as undeserving of a transplant, blameworthy, and responsible for their illness.

Conclusion:  Potential donors’ perceptions of transplant recipients’ behavior and responsibility for illness differ according to their registration status. Future interventions should challenge negative perceptions about recipients’ deservingness and responsibility and promote the perspective that people from all walks of life need transplants in the aim of ultimately encouraging an increase in donor registration.
Impact of body mass index on graft loss in normal and overweight patients: retrospective analysis of 206 renal transplants
Authors: Papalia Teresa , Greco Rosita , Lofaro Danilo , Maestripieri Simona , Mancuso Domenico , Bonofiglio Renzo
Published: May 2010

Papalia T, Greco R, Lofaro D, Maestripieri S, Mancuso D, Bonofiglio R. Impact of body mass index on graft loss in normal and overweight patients: retrospective analysis of 206 renal transplants.  Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E241–E246. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Excess body mass is increasingly prevalent in transplant recipients. Currently, most investigators consider body mass index (BMI) a categorical variable, which assumes that all risk factors and transplant outcomes will be similar in all patients within the same category. We investigated the effect of categorical and continuous BMI increments on renal transplant outcome in normal weight (NW: BMI 18.5–24.9) and overweight (OW: BMI 25–30) patients.

Methods:  We retrospectively studied 206 patients. The mean BMI of our population was 24.3 ± 2.83 kg/m2. Patients of each group were similar regarding age, gender, time on dialysis, donor type, cold ischemia time, and number of HLA mismatches. The independent association of BMI with survival was determined using Cox multivariate regression.

Results:  OW patients showed a higher prevalence of co‐morbidities. In patients with graft loss, there was a higher incidence of delayed graft function, chronic allograft nephropathy, acute rejection, and hypertension. Graft survival was significantly lower in OW patients compared to NW patients upon Kaplan–Meier analysis (p = 0.008). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, the initial BMI, evaluated as a continuous variable, remained an independent predictor of graft loss (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.04–1.47). However, with patient stratification into World Health Organization BMI category and, further, into quartiles of initial BMI, no significant correlation between BMI category and graft loss was found.

Conclusion:  We suggest that increasing BMI value, although without categorical variation, may represent an independent risk factor for graft loss. Our retrospective analysis of a small sample population will require further studies to confirm these data.
Fusion of dispatching centres into one entity: effects on performance
Authors: MÄÄTTÄ T. , KUISMA M. , VÄYRYNEN T. , NOUSILA‐WIIK M. , PORTHAN K. , BOYD J. , KUOSMANEN J. , RÄSÄNEN P.
Published: May 2010

Background: Dispatching centres were fused into one of the 112 entity, which caused concerns regarding whether the medical calls could be processed effectively also in the new centre. We evaluated the effects of the reform on key performance criteria in medical calls.

Methods: This observational study in the Helsinki Dispatching Centre consisted of two periods: Period I 2 years before the reform and Period II 2 years after. The main outcome measures were answering and call processing times, accuracy of risk assessment and appropriate use of ambulances.

Results: In Period I (n=574,276), 92.2% of all incoming phone calls were answered within 10 s and in Period II (n=758,022) 82.8% (P<0.0001). Time to dispatch a first responding fire unit increased from 98 to 113 s (P<0.0001) and an advanced life support unit in category A calls increased from 73 to 84 s (P<0.0001). In Period I 47.7%, 34.8% and 17.5% of phone calls were completed in <3, 3–5 and >5 min and in Period II 29.8%, 36.1% and 34.1% (P<0.0001). The number of three studied non‐transportation call types and unnecessary lights‐and‐siren responses increased significantly (P<0.0001 and 0.0001, respectively). Neither the accuracy of risk assessment in the three studied call types nor the rate of telephone‐guided cardiopulmonary resuscitation changed.

Conclusions: The reform increased the total number of ambulance dispatches, prolonged answering and call processing times and had a negative effect on the appropriate use of ambulances. The accuracy of risk assessment was not affected. Evidence‐based data should be the basis for the future as dispatching centre processes are shown to be vulnerable during organisational reforms.
Norepinephrine causes a pressure‐dependent plasma volume decrease in clinical vasodilatory shock
Authors: NYGREN A. , REDFORS B. , THORÉN A. , RICKSTEN S.‐E.
Published: May 2010

Background:Recent experimental studies have shown that a norepinephrine‐induced increase in blood pressure induces a loss of plasma volume, particularly under increased microvascular permeability. We studied the effects of norepinephrine‐induced variations in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) on plasma volume changes and systemic haemodynamics in patients with vasodilatory shock.

Methods:Twenty‐one mechanically ventilated patients who required norepinephrine to maintain MAP ≥70 mmHg because of septic/postcardiotomy vasodilatory shock were included. The norepinephrine dose was randomly titrated to target MAPs of 60, 75 and 90 mmHg. At each target MAP, data on systemic haemodynamics, haematocrit, arterial and mixed venous oxygen content and urine flow urine were measured. Changes in the plasma volume were calculated as 100 × (Hctpre/Hctpost−1)/ (1−Hctpre), where Hctpreand Hctpostare haematocrits before and after intervention.

Results:Norepinephrine doses to obtain target MAPs of 60, 75 and 90 mmHg were 0.20±0.18, 0.29±0.18 and 0.42±0.31 μg/kg/min, respectively. From 60 to 90 mmHg, increases in the cardiac index (15%), systemic oxygen delivery index (25%), central venous pressure (CVP) (20%) and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (33%) were seen, while the intrapulmonary shunt fraction was unaffected by norepinehrine. Plasma volume decreased by 6.5% and 9.4% (P<0.0001) when blood pressure was increased from 60 to 75 and 90 mmHg, respectively. MAP (P<0.02) independently predicted the decrease in plasma volume with norepinephrine but not CVP (P=0.19), cardiac index (P=0.73), norepinephrine dose (P=0.58) or urine flow (P=0.64).

Conclusions:Norepinephrine causes a pressure‐dependent decrease in the plasma volume in patients with vasodilatory shock most likely caused by transcapillary fluid extravasation.
Review: Pharmacodynamic monitoring of immunosuppression in kidney transplantation
Authors: BARRACLOUGH KATHERINE A , STAATZ CHRISTINE E , ISBEL NICOLE M , MCTAGGART STEVEN J
Published: May 2010

Advances in immunosuppressive therapies have improved kidney transplant outcomes. However, immunosuppressant drug‐induced toxicities continue to reduce tolerability and impact patient and graft survival. A major ongoing challenge in kidney transplantation is to establish ways of tailoring immunosuppressant therapy so as to maintain efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Pharmacodynamic monitoring by direct measurement of immune cell function has the potential to personalize immunosuppression. The purpose of this review is to provide the clinician with an overview of the methodology and use of immune function monitoring in the field of kidney transplantation.
Changes in the distribution of native fishes in response to introduced species and other anthropogenic effects
Authors: Habit Evelyn , Piedra Priscila , Ruzzante Daniel E. , Walde Sandra J. , Belk Mark C. , Cussac Víctor E. , Gonzalez Jorge , Colin Nicole
Published: May 2010

Aim  Globally, one of the major threats to the integrity of native faunas is the loss of biodiversity that can result from the introduction of exotics. Here we document recent changes in the distribution of five common fish species that are linked to introductions in Chile.

Location  Chile from 28° S to 54° S.

Methods  We assess the extent of changes in distribution of galaxiid species by comparing their historical and current distributions based on the results of the most extensive survey of freshwater fishes in Chile to date, a range that encompasses the full latitudinal and elevational range of the Galaxiidae in Chile. We test for relationships of the distributions and abundances of native fishes with the incidence of introduced species.

Results  The latitudinal range of Galaxias maculatus has declined by 26%, and most of this reduction has occurred in the northern part of its range. Aplochiton taeniatus and Brachygalaxias bullocki have experienced reductions (8–17% loss) in total drainage area occupied, and they have disappeared from, or are now extremely difficult to find, in latitudes 36° to 41° S, coincidently with areas of urban growth and intense economic activities. The distribution of Galaxias platei has, instead, increased considerably. In northern basins, G. maculatus has apparently been replaced by an introduced poeciliid Gambusia sp. High‐elevation systems remain dominated by native Galaxias platei, whereas systems at intermediate elevations, especially rivers, are now dominated by introduced salmonids. Within drainages, native galaxiids remain abundant where exotic salmonid abundance is low.

Main conclusions  We suggest that negative interactions between introduced and native fish are responsible for some of the range reductions among Galaxiidae in Chile. The severity of the impacts varies with latitude and altitude and is probably related to temperature. The effects of Gambusia are restricted to warmer systems. Native fish also appear to have found temperature refugia from salmonids; impacts are low in the warmer northern and coastal systems, as well as in high‐altitude relatively cold systems. Native fish also appear less vulnerable to salmonids in lakes than in rivers. This study identifies watersheds critical for the conservation of biodiversity within the Galaxiidae.
Broad‐scale environmental response and niche conservatism in lacustrine diatom communities
Authors: Bennett Joseph R. , Cumming Brian F. , Ginn Brian K. , Smol John P.
Published: May 2010

Aim  (1) To resolve theoretical debates regarding the role of environment versus dispersal limitation, the conservatism of niches across distances and the prevalence of environmental specialists in diatom communities. (2) To provide guidance on the use of diatom communities and other microbial analogues to analyse ecological response to environmental change.

Location  Eight hundred and ninety‐one lakes in five regional datasets from north‐western Europe and four regional datasets from north‐eastern North America.

Methods  Lacustrine diatom communities were analysed at three scales: inter‐continental, intra‐continental and regional. Nested partial redundancy analyses (RDAs) were used to determine spatial versus environmental components of community variation. Weighted‐averaging (WA) regression and calibration, as well as logistic and quadratic regressions, were used to detect niche conservatism and the prevalence of environmental specialists.

Results  Community patterns indicate that dispersal limitation acts predominantly at the inter‐continental scale, while at the regional (less than c. 1,000,000 km2) scale, a single environmental variable (pH) explains more than five times the community variation as spatial (dispersal‐related) variables. In addition, pH niche components appear to be conserved at the inter‐continental scale, and environmental specialization does not impose relative rarity, as specialists apparently readily disperse to suitable environments.

Main conclusions  Analysis at multiple scales is clearly important in determining the influences of community variation. For diatom communities, dispersal limitation acts most strongly at the broadest scales, giving way to environment at the scales considered by most analyses. The availability of a wide variety of propagules with consistent niches across regions indicates that diatom communities reflect the succession of taxa according to local environmental conditions, rather than disequilibrium with the environment or adaptation of local populations. While multi‐scale analyses must be undertaken for other groups to resolve debates over community drivers and determine appropriate scales for prediction, for diatoms (and probably other microbial communities), responses to environmental change can be inferred using analogue datasets from large geographic areas.
FORECASTING VOLATILITY IN THE PRESENCE OF MODEL INSTABILITY
Authors: Maheu John M. , Reeves Jonathan J. , Xie Xuan
Published: May 2010

Recent advances in financial econometrics have allowed for the construction of efficient ex post measures of daily volatility. This paper investigates the importance of instability in models of realised volatility and their corresponding forecasts. Testing for model instability is conducted with a subsampling method. We show that removing structurally unstable data of a short duration has a negligible impact on the accuracy of conditional mean forecasts of volatility. In contrast, it does provide a substantial improvement in a model's forecast density of volatility. In addition, the forecasting performance improves, often dramatically, when we evaluate models on structurally stable data.
Kim's Supervenience Argument and the Nature of Total Realizers
Authors: Keaton Douglas
Published: May 2010

Abstract: I offer a novel objection to Jaegwon Kim's Supervenience Argument. I argue that the Supervenience Argument relies upon an untenable conception of the base physical properties upon which mental properties are supposed to supervene: the base properties are required to be both ordinary physical/causal properties and also unconditionally sufficient for the properties that they subvene. But these requirements are mutually exclusive; as a result, at least two premises in the Supervenience Argument are false. I argue that this has disruptive consequences both for the reductive position that Kim defends and the non‐reductive position that he attacks. Neither side in the debate over the status of functionally conceived mental properties comes out unscathed.
The additional yield of combined nerve/muscle biopsy in vasculitic neuropathy
Authors: Vrancken A. F. J. E. , Gathier C. S. , Cats E. A. , Notermans N. C. , Collins M. P.
Published: May 2010

Background:  Vasculitic neuropathy can be confirmed by demonstrating vasculitis in a nerve biopsy, but it is uncertain to what extent combined (i.e. nerve/muscle) biopsy improves the yield.

Methods:  A random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed to assess the additional yield of combined biopsy in vasculitic neuropathy. Medline, Embase, LILACS and ISI were searched from January 1980 until January 2009 for relevant articles on the yield of nerve, muscle or combined biopsy to diagnose vasculitic neuropathy. Fourteen (15%) studies were included. Methodological quality was scored using a modified Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool.

Results:  In patients clinically suspected of vasculitic neuropathy, the additional yield of definite vasculitis in combined biopsy was 5.1% (95% CI 1.1–9.2%; P = 0.013). In patients diagnosed with vasculitic neuropathy, the additional yield of definite vasculitis in combined biopsy was 15% (95% CI 2.1–28%; P = 0.023).

Conclusions:  There is a modest additional yield of definite vasculitis in combined biopsy compared to nerve biopsy alone. Because of methodological flaws in analysed studies, the findings should be validated in a prospective study.
Enabling Housing Cooperatives: Policy Lessons from Sweden, India and the United States
Authors: GANAPATI SUKUMAR
Published: May 2010

Housing cooperatives became active in urban areas in Sweden, India and the United States during the interwar period. Yet, after the second world war, while housing cooperatives grew phenomenally nationwide in Sweden and India, they did not do so in the United States. This article makes a comparative institutional analysis of the evolution of housing cooperatives in these three countries. The analysis reveals that housing cooperatives' relationship with the state and the consequent support structures explain the divergent evolution. Although the relationships between cooperatives and the state evolved over time, they can be characterized as embedded autonomy, overembeddedness and disembeddedness in Sweden, India and the United States respectively. Whereas the consequent support structures for housing cooperatives became well developed in Sweden and India, such structures have been weak in the United States. The article highlights the need for embedded autonomy and the need for supportive structures to enable the growth of housing cooperatives.

Les coopératives de logement sont entrées en activité dans les zones urbaines de Suède, d’Inde et des États‐Unis entre les deux guerres. Or, après le second conflit mondial, elles se sont énormément développées dans toute la Suède et l’Inde, contrairement aux États‐Unis. L’article effectue une analyse institutionnelle comparée de l’évolution des coopératives de logement dans ces trois pays. Ce travail révèle que les rapports de ces coopératives avec l’État et les structures d’accompagnement expliquent la divergence d’évolution. Bien que les relations entre coopératives et État aient changé avec le temps, on peut les qualifier d’autonomie intégrée en Suède, de sur‐intégration en Inde et de sous‐intégration aux États‐Unis. Tandis que les structures d’accompagnement des coopératives de logement se sont épanouies en Suède et en Inde, elles manquent d’ampleur aux États‐Unis. L’article souligne la nécessité d’une autonomie imbriquée et le besoin de structures de soutien pour permettre l’essor des coopératives de logement.
‘How long are we able to go on?’ Issues faced by older family caregivers of adults with disabilities
Authors: Dillenburger Karola , McKerr Lyn
Published: May 2010

Accessible summary

When sons and daughters with disabilities live with their parents all their lives, this can sometimes be difficult for the parents as well as the sons and daughters. We asked the parents what they like and dislike about having their sons and daughters living with them and what makes it easy and what makes it difficult. The parents who took part in this study told us that

They loved their sons and daughters very much and had much fun living together;

Sometimes they had difficulties getting help or services;

They worry a lot about the future and what will happen when they can no longer look after their sons and daughters with disabilities;

It is really important that families plan ahead so that everyone knows what will happen when parents get older and can no longer look after their sons and daughters with disabilities.

Research‐informed policy and practice is needed for older caregivers of adult sons/daughters with disabilities. These caregivers are often under tremendous stress because of failing health, financial pressures, bereavement and worry about the future of their sons/daughters. Twenty‐nine older parents/caregivers of 27 adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities were interviewed to explore their views and experiences regarding long‐term care and service arrangements, health and psychological needs and ‘future planning’. Findings show a severe lack of support, respite care and future planning which causes high stress levels for caregivers. Policy makers and researchers working in this field need to take into consideration the needs of older caregivers when making future plans for adults with disabilities.
Research Review: attention bias modification (ABM): a novel treatment for anxiety disorders
Authors: Bar‐Haim Yair
Published: May 2010

Attention bias modification (ABM) is a newly emerging therapy for anxiety disorders that is rooted in current cognitive models of anxiety and in established experimental data on threat‐related attentional biases in anxiety. This review describes the evidence indicating that ABM has the potential to become an enhancing tool for current psychological and pharmacological treatments for anxiety or even a novel standalone treatment. The review also outlines the gaps in need of bridging before ABM techniques could be routinely applied and incorporated into standard treatment protocols.
Structure and ultrastructure of the liver in the domestic fowl, Gallus gallus
Authors: PURTON M. D.
Published: May 2010

Electron‐microscopy, histology and the preparation of latex corrosion casts were the principal techniques employed. The terminal twigs of the portal and hepatic venous systems inter‐digitate with one another, and are connected by a short network of sinusoids in both central and peripheral regions of the liver. The liver lobule is an elongated unit of hepatic cells with a polygonal cross‐section containing a three‐dimensional lattice of interconnected sinusoids. Lobules are not discrete vascular units as sinusoidal connections join them together. The parenchyma consists of anastomosing sheets of hepatic cells which enclose the sinusoids. Each sheet is two cells thick. Bile canaliculi are formed as intercellular spaces at the apices of three, four or five hepatic cells, and are surrounded by a condensed homogeneous zone of cytoplasm. They do not enclose individual cells (as in the mammal) but course between the two cell layers of the sheet. The electron‐microscopical structure differs from that of the mammal in that the sinusoidal endothelium is fenestrated and partially discontinuous. Intercellular spaces frequently contain white blood cells. A basement membrane underlies the sinusoidal endothelium but it is poorly developed and, in many places, discontinuous.
The taxonomic status of British Water voles, genus Arvicola
Authors: Corbet G. B. , Cummins Janet , Hedges S. R. , Krzanowski W.
Published: May 2010

Samples of skulls of Arvicola were studied from several regions of Britain to test the hypothesis that more than one species of the genus might be present. Analysis of cranial measurements and of quasi‐discontinuous variants of the skull provides no grounds for recognizing more than a single species, and comparison with samples from continental Europe supports the view that all the British samples represent A. terrestris rather than A. supidus. The analysis of epigenetic variants confirms the difference between A. terrestris and A. sapidus. None of the characters studied shows much regional variation within the Britain mainland, but further data are provided on the characters of an insular population on Eilean Gamhna, Argyll.
Structure and seasonal change of the coat in Scottish wild goats
Authors: Ryder M. L.
Published: May 2010

The structure of the coat of feral goats in Scotland at different times of the year is described in terms of the length and diameter of the hair, and the number and grouping of follicles in histological preparations of the skin.
Gastropod evolution and morphological diversity in relation to shell geometry
Authors: Vermeij Geerat J.
Published: May 2010

An analysis of shell form in conispirally coiled gastropods on the basis of three parameters developed by Raup (1966) reveals differences in morphological diversity in the several major taxonomic categories. Archaeogastropods, most “lower” mesogastropods, and many stylommatophoran pulmonates are characterized by transversely somewhat elongate to circular or ovate generating curves and a large angle E of elevation of the coiling axis. In the “higher” mesogastropods, neogastropods, basommatophoran pulmonates, some “lower” mesogastropods and many stylommatophoran pulmonates, the angle E is generally low, and there is a great diversity of form of the generating curve. A morphological argument is proposed to explain the observation that a large angle E is always associated with simple generating curves that are never longitudinally elongate, and that anterior inhalant siphonal openings and longitudinally elongate generating curves are invariably associated with low E values. It is suggested that a lowering of the axis of coiling from its primitive steep inclination has made it possible, in a geometrical sense, for gastropods to exploit more of the potential diversity inherent in their conispirally coiled permanent exoskeletons.