bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2‐arachidonyl glycerol activates platelets via conversion to arachidonic acid and not by direct activation of cannabinoid receptors
Authors: Keown Oliver P. , Winterburn Timothy J. , Wainwright Cherry L. , Macrury Sandra M. , Neilson Ilene , Barrett Fiona , Leslie Stephen J. , Megson Ian L.
Published: May 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• There are conflicting views in the literature as to whether cannabinoids have an impact on platelet activity and to what extent cannabinoid receptors are involved. This is an important issue to resolve because platelet effects of putative therapeutic cannabinoid inhibitors and stimulators will have an impact on their potential benefits and safety.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

• The data presented in this manuscript clearly show that the endocannabinoid 2‐arrachidonyl glycerol can activate platelet activity, but that the effects are mediated through an aspirin‐sensitive pathway that is not affected by cannabinoid receptor antagonists or FAAH inhibition, but is abolished by MAGL inhibition. The findings question the role of cannabinoid receptors in platelet function and suggest that platelet function is unlikely to be directly affected by cannabinoid receptor antagonists, at least in the acute phase.

AIMS

Cannabinoid receptor‐1 (CB1) antagonists suppress appetite and induce weight loss. Direct antagonism of CB1receptors on platelets might be an additional benefit for CB1antagonists, but the role of CB1receptors in platelets is controversial. We tested the hypothesis that the endocannabinoid, 2‐arachidonyl glycerol (2‐AG), induces platelet aggregation by a COX‐mediated mechanism rather than through CB1receptor activation, in blood obtained from healthy volunteers and patients with coronary artery disease receiving low dose aspirin.

METHODS

Aggregatory responses to the cannabinoids 2‐AG and Δ9‐THC were examined in blood sampled from healthy volunteers (n= 8) and patients (n= 12) with coronary artery disease receiving aspirin using whole blood aggregometry. The effects of CB1(AM251) and CB2(AM630) antagonists, as well as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacyl glycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors and aspirin on 2‐AG‐induced aggregation were also assessed.

RESULTS

AM251 (100 nm–30 µm) had no effect on platelet aggregation induced by either ADP (P= 0.90) or thrombin (P= 0.86). 2‐AG, but not Δ9‐THC, induced aggregation. 2‐AG‐induced aggregation was unaffected by AM251 and AM630 but was abolished by aspirin (P< 0.001) and by the MAGL inhibitor, URB602 (P< 0.001). Moreover, the aggregatory response to 2‐AG was depressed (by >75%,P< 0.001) in blood from patients with coronary artery disease receiving aspirin compared with that from healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSIONS

2‐AG‐mediated activation of platelets is via metabolism to arachidonic acid by MAGL, and not through direct action on CB1or CB2receptors, at least in the acute phase.
Serum metalloproteinase leukolysin (MMP‐25/MT‐6): a potential metabolic marker for atopy‐associated inflammation
Authors: Blumenthal M. N. , Zhong W. , Miller M. , Wendt C. , Connett J. E. , Pei D.
Published: May 2010

Background
Leukolysin is a novel matrix metalloproteinase (MMP‐25/MT‐6) released mainly by granulocytic cells, primarily neutrophils, which are implicated in chronic airways inflammation.

Objective
To determine if leukolysin might be a serum marker for atopic asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods
Three study populations were evaluated: (1) nuclear families with medical history of atopic asthma (N=337), (2) married‐in individuals from an independent study of asthma genetics (N=122) and (3) randomly selected males with diagnosis of COPD (N=100). Each person was screened for asthma or COPD symptoms, respiratory function by standardized spirometry and serum total IgE and leukolysin and anti‐IL1 levels by immunoassay. Study groups (1 and 2) were also screened by skin prick test using a battery of 14 common aeroallergens. Heritability estimates for leukolysin and total IgE were made by variance components analysis.

Results
For those without asthma or who had asthma defined as having symptoms, a physician's diagnosis and bronchial hyper‐reactivity as demonstrated by reversibility in response to albuteral and/or bronchial reactivity as measured by a methacholine challenge, serum leukolysin levels were found to be higher for those with any positive skin test result. This paralleled trends for serum total IgE. In the nuclear families and COPD patients, serum leukolysin levels were significantly elevated for those who also had elevated total IgE levels (log[IgE]>2.0) compared with those with lower IgE (log[IgE]<2.0). Serum IL‐1 levels correlated with the leukolycin levels. In contrast to IgE, leukolysin showed no apparent inherited component.

Conclusion
Among individuals with history of chronic airways inflammation (asthma and COPD) serum leukolysin may be a metabolic marker associated with chronic atopy‐associated respiratory inflammation. Common factors may stimulate increased production or release of both leukolysin from myeloid cells and IgE from lymphoid cells.
Shellfish allergy
Authors: Lopata A. L. , O'Hehir R. E. , Lehrer S. B.
Published: May 2010

Seafood plays an important role in human nutrition and health. The growing international trade in seafood species and products has added to the popularity and frequency of consumption of a variety of seafood products across many countries. This increased production and consumption of seafood has been accompanied by more frequent reports of adverse health problems among consumers as well as processors of seafood. Adverse reactions to seafood are often generated by contaminants but can also be mediated by the immune system and cause allergies. These reactions can result from exposure to the seafood itself or various non‐seafood components in the product. Non‐immunological reactions to seafood can be triggered by contaminants such as parasites, bacteria, viruses, marine toxins and biogenic amines. Ingredients added during processing and canning of seafood can also cause adverse reactions. Importantly all these substances are able to trigger symptoms which are similar to true allergic reactions, which are mediated by antibodies produced by the immune system against specific allergens. Allergic reactions to ‘shellfish’, which comprises the groups of crustaceans and molluscs, can generate clinical symptoms ranging from mild urticaria and oral allergy syndrome to life‐threatening anaphylactic reactions. The prevalence of crustacean allergy seems to vary largely between geographical locations, most probably as a result of the availability of seafood. The major shellfish allergen is tropomyosin, although other allergens may play an important part in allergenicity such as arginine kinase and myosin light chain. Current observations regard tropomyosin to be the major allergen responsible for molecular and clinical cross‐reactivity between crustaceans and molluscs, but also to other inhaled invertebrates such as house dust mites and insects. Future research on the molecular structure of tropomyosins with a focus on the immunological and particularly clinical cross‐reactivity will improve diagnosis and management of this potentially life‐threatening allergy and is essential for future immunotherapy.
The nose: a window into the asthmatic lung?
Authors: Irvin C. G.
Published: May 2010

Cite this as: C. G. Irvin, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 839–840.
Relationships among RNA : DNA ratio, growth and elemental stoichiometry in mangrove trees
Authors: Reef Ruth , Ball Marilyn C. , Feller Ilka C. , Lovelock Catherine E.
Published: May 2010

1. Growth rate is a fundamental property of organisms. In trees, growth is indeterminate and varies in space and time depending on resource availability, genetic constraints, competition and stress from biotic and abiotic environmental factors.

2. The ratio between the abundance of RNA and DNA in the tissue has been used to indicate recent growth rates in many systems, but not for trees. We assessed the applicability of using RNA : DNA ratios for assessing intraspecific and interspecific differences in growth rates in two species of mangrove trees under field conditions. We manipulated growth by fertilizing mangrove trees over a period of 4 years and measured tree growth as increments in linear extension of tagged shoots. The C, N and P contents per unit biomass were measured to test the hypothesis that faster growing organisms require more P per unit biomass (the Growth Rate Hypothesis).

3. We found that interspecific differences in the RNA : DNA ratio clearly reflected the difference in shoot elongation rates between the species. Intraspecific differences in RNA : DNA were significantly correlated with growth rates only for Avicennia marina and not for Ceriops australis. C : N and C : P ratios were lower in trees with higher growth rates and exhibited a negative correlation with RNA : DNA ratios.

4. Our results indicate that RNA : DNA ratios can reliably predict interspecific differences in growth rates between the two mangrove species and that RNA : DNA ratios can be used as an indication of variation in growth rate for Avicennia marina. The interaction between C : N : P ratios, RNA : DNA ratios and growth rates supported the Growth Rate Hypothesis on an interspecific level, but not on an intraspecific level.
Elastase, α1‐proteinase inhibitor, and interleukin‐8 in pre‐dialyzed and hemodialyzed patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Polańska Bożena , Augustyniak Daria , Makulska Irena , Niemczuk Maria , Zwolińska Danuta , Jankowski Adam
Published: May 2010

Background:  Neutrophil elastase in complex with α1‐proteinase inhibitor (NE‐α1PI) and interleukin (IL)‐8 may serve as indicators of neutrophil activation and inflammatory stage. The aim of the study was to evaluate NE‐α1PI, α1‐PI, and IL‐8 levels in the blood of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) or conservatively treated (CT). The influence of a single HD session on the investigated parameters was also assessed.

Methods:  Blood samples were obtained from two groups of hemodialyzed patients (children/young adults [group HD1, n= 8] and adults [group HD2, n= 13]), as well as 13 CT patients and a group of healthy subjects. The proteins were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or radial immunodiffusion.

Results:  There were no significant differences in NE‐α1PI, α1‐PI, and IL‐8 concentrations between the HD1 and HD2 patients. The levels of NE‐α1PI were considerably higher than normal in both groups of HD patients (before and after the HD session) and in the CT patients. Higher titers of NE‐α1PI (P < 0.05) and α1‐PI (P < 0.01) were obtained in the adults during the course of HD. Increased NE‐α1PI was positively correlated with α1‐PI. The serum concentration of IL‐8 was significantly higher in the HD2 patients before and after dialysis than in the controls.

Conclusions:  The data indicate that in CKD patients, neutrophils are highly activated both in the pre‐dialyzed period and on regular HD. Contact with the dialysis membrane during HD causes a significant increase in blood NE‐α1PI and α1‐PI in adults, but not in children/young adults. NE‐α1PI seems to be a much better indicator of an inflammatory state in CKD patients than free α1‐PI or IL‐8.
Implantation of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer for faecal incontinence management
Authors: Stephens Jacqueline H. , Rieger Nicholas A. , Farmer K. Chip , Bell Stephen W. , Hooper Judy E. , Hewett Peter J.
Published: May 2010

Purpose:  The primary objectives of this trial were to evaluate the safety and feasibility of treatment and to gain a preliminary indication of the effectiveness of ethylene vinyl alcohol injections into the anal sphincters of faecally incontinent patients.

Methods:  Between April 2004 and February 2006, we conducted a prospective, single‐arm, procedure optimization study of ethylene vinyl alcohol injections in 21 subjects with well‐characterized faecal incontinence and an intact external anal sphincter at two Australian hospitals.

Results:  There was a significant decrease in the Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence Score (CCFFIS) (P= 0.0005) and the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index score (P= 0.005) after treatment. At 12 months post‐treatment, the mean CCFFIS had decreased by 37% (P= 0.0021), and 47% of subjects had a ≥50% improvement in CCFFIS. There were significant improvements in embarrassment (P= 0.0455) and coping/behaviour (P= 0.0056) domains of the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life. At 12 months, the mean anal canal length had increased by 29% (P= 0.066), with 40% of patients demonstrating increases of 50% or more. There were no further improvements following retreatment.

Conclusions:  Ethylene vinyl alcohol injection into the anal intersphincteric plane is feasible and well tolerated. Improvement in faecal incontinence compared with baseline was seen. Retreating initial non‐responders was not successful.
Plugs unplugged. Anal fistula plug: the Concord experience
Authors: Owen Gareth , Keshava Anil , Stewart Peter , Patterson James , Chapuis Pierre , Bokey Elie , Rickard Matthew
Published: May 2010

Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to analyse preliminary experience and outcomes with the Cook Surgisis AFP™ anal fistula plug (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) with respect to the treatment of complex anal fistulae in a specialist colorectal unit.

Methods:  Data on all patients who were treated with the Surgisis AFP™ between October 2006 and January 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The plug was placed in accordance with the Cook guidelines. Successful closure of the anal fistula was defined as absence of drainage at final follow‐up with no subsequent abscess formation or further intervention required.

Results:  Thirty‐two patients underwent a total of 35 anal fistula plug insertion procedures. No patients were lost to follow‐up. The median follow‐up was 15 months (2–29 months). The overall success rate was 13 out of 35 (37%). For those in the subgroups of Crohn's disease and cryptoglandular disease, the success rate was 1 out of 3 (33%) and 11 out of 31 (35%), respectively.

Conclusion:  This series demonstrates a success rate for the Cook Surgisis AFP™ of 37%. These results in patients managed in a specialist unit confirm that the Surgisis AFP™ is a useful option in the management of complex fistulae.
Vertical partial hemilaryngectomy with reconstruction by false cord imbrication
Authors: Luna‐Ortiz Kuauhyama , Campos‐Ramos Eunice , Villavicencio‐Valencia Verónica , Contreras‐Buendía Marlen , Pasche Philippe , Gómez Angel Herrera
Published: May 2010

Background:  To evaluate global survival, disease‐free period, complications, evolution and function in vertical partial hemilaryngectomy (VPHL) plus reconstruction with false cord.

Methods:  Descriptive and retrospective study. In aertiary care medical center in Mexico City. Eight patients with early diagnosis of early glottic cancer (T1 and T2), treated with VPHL plus reconstruction with false cord imbrication.

Results:  Fifty percent of the patients were clinical stage I, 37.5% stage II and 12.5% stage III. Nasogastric tube was not placed and oral feeding was reinitiated within 3 days on average. Tracheostomy was removed after an average of 2.1 days. Average hospital stay was 3.3 days. Average of the PSS‐HNC (Performance Status for Head and Neck Cancer) and Karnofsky Performance Status evaluation was 91 to 97 and 100 at 1 year of evaluation. Voice evaluation demonstrated normal voice in 87.5% of patients. Intensity was below normal with improvement on annual evaluation. Global survival was 100% and disease‐free period was 71% at 3 years.

Conclusions:  VPHL with reconstruction by false cord imbrication is an excellent therapeutic option for early glottic cancers. Multiple functional advantages are demonstrated without sacrificing oncological control as well as providing an audible and intelligible voice. In cases of recurrence, various management options are available.
Anthropogenic transformation of the biomes, 1700 to 2000
Authors: Ellis Erle C. , Klein Goldewijk Kees , Siebert Stefan , Lightman Deborah , Ramankutty Navin
Published: May 2010

Aim  To map and characterize anthropogenic transformation of the terrestrial biosphere before and during the Industrial Revolution, from 1700 to 2000.

Location  Global.

Methods  Anthropogenic biomes (anthromes) were mapped for 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000 using a rule‐based anthrome classification model applied to gridded global data for human population density and land use. Anthropogenic transformation of terrestrial biomes was then characterized by map comparisons at century intervals.

Results  In 1700, nearly half of the terrestrial biosphere was wild, without human settlements or substantial land use. Most of the remainder was in a seminatural state (45%) having only minor use for agriculture and settlements. By 2000, the opposite was true, with the majority of the biosphere in agricultural and settled anthromes, less than 20% seminatural and only a quarter left wild. Anthropogenic transformation of the biosphere during the Industrial Revolution resulted about equally from land‐use expansion into wildlands and intensification of land use within seminatural anthromes. Transformation pathways differed strongly between biomes and regions, with some remaining mostly wild but with the majority almost completely transformed into rangelands, croplands and villages. In the process of transforming almost 39% of earth's total ice‐free surface into agricultural land and settlements, an additional 37% of global land without such use has become embedded within agricultural and settled anthromes.

Main conclusions  Between 1700 and 2000, the terrestrial biosphere made the critical transition from mostly wild to mostly anthropogenic, passing the 50% mark early in the 20th century. At present, and ever more in the future, the form and process of terrestrial ecosystems in most biomes will be predominantly anthropogenic, the product of land use and other direct human interactions with ecosystems. Ecological research and conservation efforts in all but a few biomes would benefit from a primary focus on the novel remnant, recovering and managed ecosystems embedded within used lands.
Poverty Concentration and Determinants in China's Urban Low‐income Neighbourhoods and Social Groups
Authors: HE SHENJING , WU FULONG , WEBSTER CHRIS , LIU YUTING
Published: May 2010

Based on a large‐scale household survey conducted in 2007, this article reports on poverty concentration and determinants in China's low‐income neighbourhoods and social groups. Three types of neighbourhood are recognized: dilapidated inner‐city neighbourhoods, declining workers' villages and urban villages. Respondents are grouped into four categories: working, laid‐off/unemployed and retired urban residents, together with rural migrants. We first measure poverty concentration across different types of neighbourhood and different groups. The highest concentrations are found in dilapidated inner‐city neighbourhoods and among the laid‐off/unemployed. Mismatches are found between actual hardships, sense of deprivation and distribution of social welfare provision. Second, we examine poverty determinants. Variations in institutional protection and market remuneration are becoming equally important in predicting poverty generation, but are differently associated with it in the different neighbourhoods and groups. As China's urban economy is increasingly shaped by markets, the mechanism of market remuneration is becoming a more important determinant of poverty patterns, especially for people who are excluded from state institutions, notably laid‐off workers and rural migrants.

En s'appuyant sur une vaste enquête menée en 2007 auprès de ménages chinois, cet article décrit la concentration de la pauvreté et ses déterminants dans les groupes sociaux et les quartiers à faible revenu. Il identifie trois types de quartier: quartiers vétustes des centres‐villes, villages ouvriers en déclin et villages urbains. Les personnes interrogées sont regroupées en quatre catégories: résidents urbains actifs, chômeurs ou sans‐emplois, et retraités, ainsi que migrants ruraux. D'abord, la concentration de la pauvreté est mesurée dans différents types de quartier et différents groupes. Les niveaux les plus élevés se trouvent dans les quartiers vétustes des centres‐villes et chez les chômeurs ou sans‐emplois. Il apparaît des inadéquations entre la réalité des difficultés vécues, la perception des privations, et la répartition des prestations d'aide sociale. Ensuite, les déterminants de la pauvreté sont étudiés. Les variations dans la protection institutionnelle et les rémunérations issues du marché deviennent tout aussi importantes pour prévoir la génération de la pauvreté, mais elles s'y associent de façon différente selon les quartiers et les groupes. Comme l'économie urbaine chinoise est de plus en plus façonnée par les marchés, le mécanisme de rémunération en fonction du marché prend davantage d'importance parmi les déterminants des modèles de pauvreté, notamment pour les exclus des institutions de l'État, en particulier les ouvriers licenciés et les migrants ruraux.
Inclusion and healthcare choices: the experiences of adults with learning disabilities
Authors: Ferguson Morag , Jarrett Dominic , Terras Melody
Published: May 2010

Accessible summary

People with learning disabilities do not get to make as many choices as other people.

This project looked at the choices people make about everyday things and about health services.

We spoke to people with learning disabilities, their carers and Physiotherapy staff.

We found that people with a learning disability were making choices about everyday things but felt that other people made choices about health services for them.

We found that carers and healthcare staff need support to understand how difficult it can be to make choices, and how they can help people with a learning disability to make choices.

People with learning disabilities have fewer choice opportunities than the general population. Existing research provides some insight, but the choice‐making experiences of those who do not always utilise available healthcare remains under‐explored. This research explored the choice‐making experiences of two groups of individuals with a learning disability: (Group 1 – Irregular attenders) those who had opted out of healthcare appointments for avoidable reasons; and (Group 2 – Regular attenders) those who had attended all appointments or not attended for unavoidable reasons. Interviews were carried out with people with learning disabilities (N = 4) and/or their primary carer (N = 13). In addition to these interviews, Physiotherapy staff participated in a focus group (Group 3). The interviewed individuals with learning disabilities described experiences of and opportunities for making everyday choices but generally identified ‘others’ as being responsible for making their healthcare choices. Greater understanding of the healthcare expectations and experiences of individuals with learning disabilities, carers and healthcare staff is required to support people with learning disabilities as active healthcare decision‐makers.
The manner of infection of trout gills by the monogenean parasite Discocotyle sagittata
Authors: PALING J. E.
Published: May 2010

An earlier study of Discocotyle sagittata Leuckart had suggested that the parasite may locate its host by responding to olfactory stimuli emanating from the skin of salmonids but this has now been shown to be untrue. The process of infection involved two stages: first the larvae (oncomiracidia) swim up to the surface waters in response to light and during this phase, they are uninfective; secondly the larvae lose their attraction to light, and if taken in with the respiratory current of a trout at this stage, they stand a good chance of successfully attaching to the gills. The life cycle of the parasite is shown to be synchronized with that of its host.
Notes on the biology of grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acridoidea) in Sierra Leone
Authors: Phipps John
Published: May 2010

An account is given of the habitat, seasonal occurrence, breeding biology and food of 103 species of Acridoidea in Sierra Leone. Some comparisons are made between East African and Sierra Leone populations, a relation is indicated between size and number of annual generations and food is considered in relation to habitat and head length.
Control of oviduct development in ovariectomized canaries by exogenous hormones
Authors: Hinde R. A. , Steel Elizabeth , Hutchison Rosemary
Published: May 2010

The response of the oviduct to exogenous hormones in ovariectomized canaries in winter was compared with the development of the oviduct of intact birds during the natural breeding season. In contrast to other studies, in which only oviduct weight was measured, a number of parameters and the relationships between parameters were assessed: oviduct weight, diameter of the magnum region of the oviduct, the height of the mucosal folds of the magnum and the development and secretory activity of the tubular glands of the magnum.

Oestrogen had a dose dependent effect on oviduct weight. Simultaneous administration of progesterone or prolactin with the oestrogen did not significantly increase oviduct weight, but testosterone did. However, an increase in oviduct weight produced by hormone treatment may involve development abnormal in other respects.

The relationships between weight, diameter and glandular development were more disrupted at low dose levels of oestrogen than at higher doses. Combinations of oestrogen (0‐05 mg) with progesterone (2‐0 mg) or with testosterone (0‐25 mg) produced oviducts more similar in weight/diameter relationship to normal breeding birds than did oestrogen alone, indicating that synergy may occur even early on in oviduct development. The role of hormones during the natural breeding season is discussed but it is not yet possible to ascribe particular roles to progesterone or testosterone. Exogenous prolactin had only a small effect but its role in the intact bird cannot be ruled out.
A new species and genus of a new monokonophoran family (Crustacea: Tanaidacea), from southeastern Florida
Authors: Gardiner Lion F.
Published: May 2010

The monotypic family Cirratodactylidae fam. nov., based on Cirratodactylus floridensis gen. et sp. n., differs fundamentally from the other families in the tanaidacean suborder Mono‐konophora in the following combination of characters: a mandibular palp composed of a single article, the absence of a palp on the first maxilla (=maxillule), and the presence of numerous slender, recurved curls distally on the dactyli of pereopods II‐VIII. The chelipeds of Cirratodactylus floridensis bear rudimentary oostegites at both the preparatory and copulatory female stages. In the latter instar the single marsupium is formed by the fused oostegites of pereopods II‐V only, and those of the chelipeds, although present, regress and fail to participate in the marsupium. Although the literature commenting on the presence and function of tanaidacean oostegites is scanty and contradictory, this study establishes that certain other monokonophoran taxa agree in the distribution of oostegites with Cirratodactylus, whereas yet others have only four pairs of oostegal plates, borne on pereopods II‐V.
A marking method for giant tortoises, and field trials on Aldabra
Authors: GAYMER R.
Published: May 2010

A method for marking giant tortoises is described. Numbered titanium disks were fixed into depressions cut into the shell, using a metal‐resin adhesive. Seven hundred tortoises were marked during field trials on Aldabra Atoll in 1969 and 1970. Weights and measurements of marked tortoises were recorded. Growth and regional population differences are briefly discussed.
Changes in the numbers and distribution of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) killed in Scotland from 1948–1970
Authors: Hewson R. , Kolb H. H.
Published: May 2010

Data from bounty schemes and other sources for periods of up to 23 years have been used to show changes in the numbers, distribution and reproductive success of foxes in different parts of Scotland. The effects of myxomatosis and other large scale variations in food supply are discussed in relation to the natural control of fox populations.
A new shark of the genus Squalus (Squalidae: Squaloidea) from the equatorial western Indian Ocean; with notes on Squalus blainvillei
Authors: Merrett N. R.
Published: May 2010

A new species of squalid shark, Squalus asper, is described from the equatorial western Indian Ocean. It is characterized the form of the dermal denticles, the blades of which are at least three times longer than any reported from other similar sized individuals of the genus. The horizontal and vertical distribution of S. asper is indicated. The relation of S. asper with other species of Squalus is discussed and, in particular, the morphology of the new species is compared with that of four specimens of S. blainvillei collected in the same area at the same time. The two species are also shown to be clearly segregated taxonomically on the basis of a cluster analysis on 49 normalized sets of common morphometric measurements. A similar comparison was made between S. asper and the other generally accepted species groups of the genus, based upon 26 normalized sets of data common to both the currently reported specimens and 16 others quoted in the literature. S. asper is shown to be clearly distinct, although the overall pattern indicated by the dendrograms of speciation within the genus is somewhat confused. The validity of such taxonomic groupings is speculated upon.
Nervous control of the syrinx in White‐throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Authors: Lemon Robert E.
Published: May 2010

This study reports the results of sectioning of the motor nerves to the syrinx and tongue in 31 North American White‐throated sparrows, Zonotrichia albicollis. Unilateral sectioning of the hypoglosso‐cervicalis and its branch the cervicalis descendens superior to the syrinx produce maximum qualitative distortions when performed on the left side and none, or hardly any, when performed on the right side. The effective operations eliminated the pure whistles of the songs which were then replaced by shrill patterns with a lower relatively constant fundamental frequency accompanied by two or more strong harmonics. Two individuals sectioned through the left hypoglosso‐cervicalis were somewhat exceptional in that one continued to sing the first half of the song normally while the second half deteriorated. The second individual eventually lost its song entirely except for audible clicks apparently where the whistles would otherwise have ended.

Unilateral sectioning of the cervicalis ascendens to the tongue as well as sham operations had no noticeable qualitative effects. Bilateral sectioning of the cervicalis descendens superior gave results similar to sectioning on the left side. In addition such birds produced whistles and rasping sounds in association with breathing.

Some quantitative differences were noted in whistles and intervals between whistles. The occurrence of these changes were not consistent within a group and occurred widely in most groups without regard to the side operated upon.

The results confirm that output of sound from the syrinx in most individuals is primarily from the left side. Membranes on the affected side continue to vibrate under the pressure of air expelled from the lungs, but with strong harmonics and at frequencies determined only by the properties of the membranes and syrinx and in relation to the force of the expelled air.

Sectioning of motor nerves to the syrinx of North American White‐throated sparrows confirms the lateral output of song primarily by the left side of the syrinx. One individual showed evidence of singing from both sides. There is also evidence that sectioning of motor nerves may have quantitative effects on the durations of whistles and intervals between whistles, particularly at the beginnings of songs. This suggests that singing is controlled dynamically through the interaction of central and peripheral controls.
The freshwater biology of adult anadromous Sea lampreys Petromyzon marinus
Authors: Potter I. C. , Beamish F. W. H.
Published: May 2010

The lengths, weights and condition factors of young adult lampreys caught feeding on Gaspereau, Alosa pseudoharengus. Shad, Alosa sapidissima, and White suckers, Catostomus commersoni, in the lake‐like extensions of the St. John River system during May, suggest that many lampreys do not feed in the nine to ten months following the initiation of metamorphosis in mid‐July. The mean lengths (d‐95% confidence limits) of individuals taken in four samples between May 13 and 29 did not differ significantly and ranged from 132‐7± 2‐81 to 135‐7 ±3‐71 mm. A significant increase in mean condition factor from II15 to 1‐353 during this time indicates that the short period spent feeding in May enables the animal to replenish its food reserves prior to its downstream migration. Since several of the 81 feeding adults caught between the latter part of June and mid‐July, at a point 140 km from the estuary of the St. John, were still attached to spawning‐run Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, this teleost host had probably been responsible for their transport upstream. The wide range in their length (156‐403 mm), together with the presence in the lakes in May of a few young adults larger than those which have only just started feeding, suggest that the time of onset of the parasitic phase is variable but may generally commence in either the late autumn or in the spring. Scarring on salmon due to lamprey attack was predominantly (84%) on the ventral surface between the operculum and caudal peduncle. Over 35 % of the salmon examined in June 1975 had been attacked, more of these attacks being on the right side of the body of both males (59‐6%) and females (49‐8%) than on either the left (20‐2 and 23‐7 %) or both sides (20‐2 and 26‐5 %). While lamprey attacks may cause some mortality among the smaller teleosts, any effect on salmon is probably indirect through causing increased susceptibility to infection and stress. The ability of adult anadromous Sea lampreys to feed and grow in fresh water demonstrates the relative ease with which landlocked forms could have been evolved in response to extreme environmental changes. This evolutionary step has involved a decline in the ability to osmoregulate in high salinities and a reduction in body size and fecundity, the adaptive significances of which are discussed. Data on upstream migrants indicate that males and females undergo length reductions of at least 11 and 15 % respectively between the time of their entry into fresh water and the completion of spawning.
Gonochorism and sex‐inversion in British Labridae (Pisces)
Authors: DIPPER F. A. , PULLIN R. S. V.
Published: May 2010

An investigation was made to compare the reproductive strategies of Crenilabrus melops, Labrus bergylta, Labrus ossifagus, Centrolabrus exoletus and Ctenolabrus rupestris. Fish were collected monthly and measurements were made of length, weight, age and colouration. Histological sections of the gonads were also prepared. Labrus bergylta and L. ossifagus are protogynous, the former monandric and the latter diandric, and a distinct colour change is associated with sex‐inversion in L. ossifagus. The other three species are gonochoristic and only C. melops exhibits sexual dimorphism which involves body colouration and size of the urino‐genital papilla.

All five species undergo normal annual cycles of reproduction which compare with those described for other teleost species, but some differences were noted relating to the different reproductive strategies. L. bergylta females reached sexual maturity at the late age of six to nine years following earlier abortive maturation.

In C. melops two types of male were found: the normal (type 1) males and a minority group (about 20%) termed type 2 males, which have complete female secondary sexual characteristics. Type 2 males also have very large testes and attain sexual maturity two years earlier than type 1 males. Their role in reproduction is unknown.

Sexual inversion in L. bergylta and L. ossifagus occurs by atrophy of the oocytes and the gradual development of spermatogenetic cysts throughout the gonad. Primary and secondary testes can be distinguished histologically and male L. ossifagus with primary testes do not seem to take part in reproduction.
Postnatal development of gait behaviour and functional allometry in the domestic cat (Felis catus)
Authors: Peters Susan E.
Published: May 2010

The gaits of domestic kittens between one week and six months of age were analysed according to the methods of Hildebrand (1976, 1977) to determine how gait preference and performance changes during normal ontogeny. Allometric growth of the limb segments was measured so that mechanical effects on gait behaviour could be described. Gait behaviour during ontogeny follows a pattern of increasing precision and diversity that parallels the attainment of neuromuscular maturity: one‐ and two‐week old kittens use very slow, stable walking gaits. By three weeks of age, walking patterns are more diverse and kittens begin to trot. At four weeks, animals are trotting more readily and begin to use slow gallops. Neuromuscular maturity is attained by about six weeks of age and these animals use all of the gaits common to adults. Evidence that the ontogeny of behaviour reflects a recapitulation of neural evolution is discussed.

Important mechanical changes occur in the posture and limb proportions of kittens during ontogeny that markedly affect their gait performance. Until six weeks of age, kittens are plantigrade or semiplantigrade, resulting in functionally shortened limbs. The foot segments were found to be relatively long in kittens up to 12 weeks of age. While plantigrade, these long feet provide large bases of support, but are awkward to move heel‐to‐toe, and may contribute to the need for the most stable footfall patterns in young kittens. With fully digitigrade posture achieved between six to eight weeks of age, the long foot segments result in relatively longer limbs. At eight weeks, this is reflected in their preference for the pace while walking to avoid interference between ipsilateral limbs. These behavioural modifications of gait patterns in response to transient mechanical constraints support a facultative view of neural control.
The possible role of environmental calcum levels during the evolution of phenotypic diversity in Outer Hebridean populations of the Three‐spined stickleback,Gasterosteus aculeatus
Authors: Giles N.
Published: May 2010

RarelyGasterosteus aculeatuspopulations occur where many individuals have lost their protective dorsal spines, ventral spines, pelvic girdle and lateral bony plates. Reduction in predation pressure is currently viewed as the causative factor.

On the lsle of North Uist (Outer Hebrides) 10 spine‐deficientG. aculeatuspopulations, sympatric with various fish and bird predators are described. All of the spine‐deficient morph sticklebacks are found in acidic oligotrophic peat moorland lakes and pools where Ca2+is ≤ 2.5 mg/1. It is proposed that calcium deficiency may have been an important selective agency in the evolution of skeletal reduction in these unusual populations.
Caecotrophy in caged Mountain hares (Lepus timidus)
Authors: Pehrson Å.
Published: May 2010

The paper deals with caecotrophy in captive Mountain hares fed normal hare browse. The daily and seasonal patterns of hard and soft faeces excretion are described. Chemical analyses of the faeces have also been performed.
Neurochemical changes in the developing rat hippocampus during prolonged hypoglycemia
Authors: Rao Raghavendra , Ennis Kathleen , Long Jeffery D. , Ugurbil Kamil , Gruetter Rolf , Tkac Ivan
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 728–738.

Hypoglycemia is common during development and is associated with the risk of neurodevelopmental deficits in human infants. The effects of hypoglycemia on the developing hippocampus are poorly understood. The sequential changes in energy substrates, amino acids and phosphocreatine were measured from the hippocampus during 180 min of insulin‐induced hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 2.5 mmol/L) in 14‐day‐old rats using in vivo1H NMR spectroscopy. Hypoglycemia resulted in neuroglycopenia (brain glucose < 0.5 μmol/g). However, the phosphocreatine/creatine (PCr/Cr) ratio was maintained in the physiological range until approximately 150 min of hypoglycemia, indicating that energy supply was sufficient to meet the energy demands. Lactate concentration decreased soon after the onset of neuroglycopenia. Beyond 60 min, glutamine and glutamate became the major energy substrates. A precipitous decrease in the PCr/Cr ratio, indicative of impending energy failure occurred only after significant depletion of these amino acids. Once glutamate and glutamine were significantly exhausted, aspartate became the final energy source. N‐acetylaspartate concentration remained unaltered, suggesting preservation of neuronal/mitochondrial integrity during hypoglycemia. Correction of hypoglycemia normalized the PCr/Cr ratio and partially restored the amino acids to pre‐hypoglycemia levels. Compensatory neurochemical changes maintain energy homeostasis during prolonged hypoglycemia in the developing hippocampus.
Cellular localization of the organic cation transporters, OCT1 and OCT2, in brain microvessel endothelial cells and its implication for MPTP transport across the blood‐brain barrier and MPTP‐induced dopaminergic toxicity in rodents
Authors: Lin Chun‐Jung , Tai Ying , Huang Miao‐Tzu , Tsai Yuan‐Feen , Hsu Hao‐Jui , Tzen Kai‐Yuan , Liou Horng‐Huei
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 717–727.

The cellular localization of organic cation transporter (OCT) 1 and OCT2 in isolated brain microvessel endothelial cells from humans, rats, and mice and in cultured adult rat brain endothelial cells was examined by confocal microscopy and in isolated luminal and abluminal membrane fractions by Western blot analysis. Cellular uptake ofN‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was measured with or without OCT1/OCT2 silencing. The interaction between MPTP and amantadine was studied byin vitrokinetic analysis andin vivobrain microdialysis. MPTP‐induced dopaminergic toxicity was examined by measuring dopamine levels in the brain striatum and by positron emission tomography scanning. The results showed that both OCT1 and OCT2 were mainly expressed on the luminal side of brain microvessel endothelial cells and adult rat brain endothelial cells. Cellular uptake of MPTP was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by about 53%, 60%, or 91% following silencing of OCT1, OCT2, or both, respectively. Amantadine competitively inhibited MPTP uptakein vitroand significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the area under the time‐concentration curve for MPTP and MPP+in the brain extracellular fluid in rats and mice by 65–70% and 35–85%, respectively. MPTP‐induced dopaminergic toxicity in mice was ameliorated by amantadine without stimulating dopamine turnover. In conclusion, OCT1 and OCT2 are important for MPTP transfer across the blood‐brain barrier and amantadine reduces the blood‐brain barrier transfer of MPTP and MPTP‐induced dopaminergic toxicity in rodents.
Intersection between metabolic dysfunction, high fat diet consumption, and brain aging
Authors: Uranga Romina M. , Bruce‐Keller Annadora J. , Morrison Christopher D. , Fernandez‐Kim Sun Ok , Ebenezer Philip J. , Zhang Le , Dasuri Kalavathi , Keller Jeffrey N.
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 344–361.

Deleterious neurochemical, structural, and behavioral alterations are a seemingly unavoidable aspect of brain aging. However, the basis for these alterations, as well as the basis for the tremendous variability in regards to the degree to which these aspects are altered in aging individuals, remains to be elucidated. An increasing number of individuals regularly consume a diet high in fat, with high‐fat diet consumption known to be sufficient to promote metabolic dysfunction, although the links between high‐fat diet consumption and aging are only now beginning to be elucidated. In this review we discuss the potential role for age‐related metabolic disturbances serving as an important basis for deleterious perturbations in the aging brain. These data not only have important implications for understanding the basis of brain aging, but also may be important to the development of therapeutic interventions which promote successful brain aging.
Sanctified Sexism: Religious Beliefs and the Gender Harassment of Academic Women
Authors: Hall M. Elizabeth Lewis , Christerson Brad , Cunningham Shelly
Published: May 2010

The present study explored gender harassment in the context of Christian higher education. Specifically, we examined ways in which the theologically based gender schemas in these settings might affect the experiences of harassment among male and female faculty. A questionnaire containing measures of harassment and two aspects of institutional climate (the degree to which the participant feels he or she has influence in the academic unit and perceived access to information about academic life and advancement) was sent to all faculty at a single university; 138 responses (a 65% response rate) were received. Of these, 89 (68%) were male and 42 (32%) female, closely resembling the gender distribution of the faculty. Results indicated that attributing discrimination to the Christian beliefs of the perpetrator moderated the effects of harassment on the two organizational climate variables, potentiating the negative effects at higher levels of harassment. These results suggest that the religious context of institutions should be taken into account in confronting sexism in religiously committed settings. Effective interventions should be tailored to address theological concerns in order to counteract the implied immutability of theologically based sexist statements.
Doing Gender for Different Reasons: Why Gender Conformity Positively and Negatively Predicts Self-Esteem
Authors: Good Jessica J. , Sanchez Diana T.
Published: May 2010

Past research has shown that valuing gender conformity is associated with both positive and negative consequences for self-esteem and positive affect. The current research (women, n = 226; men, n = 175) explored these conflicting findings by separating out investing in societal gender ideals from personally valuing one's gender identity ( private regard) and investigating the relationship to self-esteem, through either autonomous (behaviors that are freely chosen) or pressured (behaviors engaged in due to pressure from others or situation) motivation for gender-consistent behavior (communal behavior for women and agentic behavior for men). Confirming predictions, structural equation modeling revealed that investment in gender ideals predicted pressured but not autonomous motivation whereas private regard predicted autonomous but not pressured motivation. Additionally, autonomous motivation for gender-consistent behavior was positively associated with self-esteem whereas pressured motivation was negatively associated with self-esteem. Thus, investing or valuing one's gender identity was not shown to be costly for the self directly, but to instead influence self-esteem through motivation to enact gender-conforming behavior. Although the present research demonstrates a positive link between some aspects of gender conformity and self-esteem, we discuss how gender-conforming behavior can still have negative consequences (e.g., communal behavior in the context of male-sex-typed domains).