bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrovirus-induced lymphomagenesis: a correlation between disease pathogenesis and flow cytometric analysis
Authors: Duggan Joan M. , Okonta Henry , Elnaggar Dina , French Juliet , West Richard , Chakraborty Joana
Published: June 2012

Perinatal infection with a temperature-sensitive mutant (ts-1) of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMuLV) results in massive splenomegaly and thymomegaly in mice and development of lymphoma in >55 % of infected pups. Previous flow cytometry studies showed a decrease in CD4+cells in perinatally infected pups, but cell population changes in infected animals with lymphoma compared with infected animals without lymphoma has not yet been reported. In the current study, BALB/c mice were infected with ts-1 through breast milk transmission and observed until development of clinical signs and symptoms of lymphoma and/or symptomatic ts-1 infection. Flow cytometry studies were performed on blood, spleen and thymus samples and correlated with gross morphology and histological changes, resulting from the development of lymphoma. Infected animals with lymphoma had significant decreases in CD4+and CD8+cell counts in blood and spleen compared with controls. The spleens of infected animals without lymphoma showed a decrease in CD4+and CD8+cell counts, but this was not significant compared with controls. In the thymus, CD4+and CD8+cell counts also decreased, but this was not significant in infected animals with and without lymphoma compared with controls. Markers of myeloid cell dysfunction increased in the thymus of animals with infection with and without lymphoma compared with controls. Thus, immunosuppression and CD4+/CD8+cell decreases in the spleen and thymus are associated with malignant transformation and development of lymphoma in this animal model.
Effects of ADARs on small RNA processing pathways in C. elegans
Authors: Warf M. Bryan , Shepherd Brent A. , Johnson W. Evan , Bass Brenda L.
Published: June 2012

Adenosine deaminases that act on RNA (ADARs) are RNA editing enzymes that convert adenosine to inosine in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). To evaluate effects of ADARs on small RNAs that derive from dsRNA precursors, we performed deep-sequencing, comparing small RNAs from wild-type and ADAR mutant Caenorhabditis elegans. While editing in small RNAs was rare, at least 40% of microRNAs had altered levels in at least one ADAR mutant strain, and miRNAs with significantly altered levels had mRNA targets with correspondingly affected levels. About 40% of siRNAs derived from endogenous genes (endo-siRNAs) also had altered levels in at least one mutant strain, including 63% of Dicer-dependent endo-siRNAs. The 26G class of endo-siRNAs was significantly affected by ADARs, and many altered 26G loci had intronic reads and histone modifications associated with transcriptional silencing. Our data indicate that ADARs, through both direct and indirect mechanisms, are important for maintaining wild-type levels of many small RNAs in C. elegans.
Individual Maize Chromosomes in the C3 Plant Oat Can Increase Bundle Sheath Cell Size and Vein Density
Authors: Tolley Ben J. , Sage Tammy L. , Langdale Jane A. , Hibberd Julian M.
Published: June 2012

C4 photosynthesis has evolved in at least 66 lineages within the angiosperms and involves alterations to the biochemistry, cell biology, and development of leaves. The characteristic “Kranz” anatomy of most C4 leaves was discovered in the 1890s, but the genetic basis of these traits remains poorly defined. Oat × maize addition lines allow the effects of individual maize (Zea mays; C4) chromosomes to be investigated in an oat (Avena sativa; C3) genetic background. Here, we have determined the extent to which maize chromosomes can introduce C4 characteristics into oat and have associated any C4-like changes with specific maize chromosomes. While there is no indication of a simultaneous change to C4 biochemistry, leaf anatomy, and ultrastructure in any of the oat × maize addition lines, the C3 oat leaf can be modified at multiple levels. Maize genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase, and the 2′-oxoglutarate/malate transporter are expressed in oat and generate transcripts of the correct size. Three maize chromosomes independently cause increases in vein density, and maize chromosome 3 results in larger bundle sheath cells with increased cell wall lipid deposition in oat leaves. These data provide proof of principle that aspects of C4 biology could be integrated into leaves of C3 crops.
Booster effect of canine distemper, canine parvovirus infection and infectious canine hepatitis combination vaccine in domesticated adult dogs
Authors: Taguchi Masayuki , Namikawa Kazuhiko , Maruo Takuya , Orito Kensuke , Lynch Jonathan , Tsuchiya Ryo , Sahara Hiroeki
Published: June 2012

Domesticated adult dogs with antibody titer classified as below ‘high’ to one or more of canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus type‐2 (CPV‐2) and canine adenovirus type‐1 (CAdV‐1) were then given an additional inoculation, and the effectiveness of this booster evaluated 2 months later. Consequently, CDV and CAdV‐1 antibody titer experienced a significant increase, but the same effect was not observed in the antibody titer of CPV‐2. These findings suggest that with additional inoculation, a booster effect may be expected in increasing antibody titers for CDV and CAdV‐1, but it is unlikely to give an increase in CPV‐2 antibody titer.
Immunodetection of hemocytes, peneidins and α2‐macroglobulin in the lymphoid organ of white spot syndrome virus infected shrimp
Authors: Rodríguez Jenny , Ruiz Julio , Maldonado Martha , Echeverría Fabrizio
Published: June 2012

Viral diseases restrict the development of the world shrimp industry and there are few studies on cell response to the presence of viral infections. We performed immunohistochemistry assays to characterize hemocytes subpopulations involved in the immune process occurring in the LO of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp. Tissue sections of animals that increased their LO spheroids and hemocytes infiltration after WSSV induced infection, were used. Three MABs namely, 40E10 (recognizing small granule hemocytes), 40E2 (recognizing large granule hemocytes), and 41B12, which recognize α2‐macroglobulin were used. Additionally one polyclonal antibody was used against the penaeidins antimicrobial peptides, and to detect WSSV a commercial immunohistochemistry kit (DiagXotics) was used. Numerous small granule hemocytes were detected in the stromal matrix of LO tubules, whereas large granule hemocytes were less numerous and located mainly in hemal sinuses. The exocytosis of two molecules, which have been related to the phagocytosis process, i.e. penaeidins, and α2‐macroglobulin, was detected in the external stromal matrix and the outer tubule walls. α2‐macroglobulin inhibits phenoloxidase activity and its strong release in LO tissue may explain the absence of melanization in the immune processes occurring in it. The immunolabeling of vesicles within the LO spheroids with MABs 41B12 40E10 and antipenaedin antibody suggests that LOS are formed by phagocytic cells derived from small granule and hyaline hemocytes, with a possible role of peneidins and α2‐macroglobulin acting as opsonines.
Oral immunization with attenuated Salmonella vaccine expressing Escherichia coli O157:H7 intimin gamma triggers both systemic and mucosal humoral immunity in mice
Authors: Ferreira Oliveira Aline , Almeida Cardoso Silvia , Bruno dos Reis Almeida Fausto , Licursi de Oliveira Leandro , Pitondo‐Silva André , Gomes Soares Sandro , Seixas Hanna Ebert
Published: June 2012

Human infections with EHEC such as O157:H7 have been a great concern for worldwide food‐industry surveillance. This pathogen is commonly associated with bloody diarrhea that can evolve to the life‐threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome. Animals are the natural reservoir where this pathogen remains asymptomatically, in steps of ingestion and colonization of the bowel. The bacterium is shed in the feces, contaminating the surroundings, including water and food that are directed for human consumption. A major player in this colonization process is intimin, an outer membrane adhesion molecule encoded by the E. coli attachment and effacement (eae) gene that has been shown to be essential for intimate bacterial attachment to eukaryotic host cells. In an attempt to reduce the colonization of animal reservoirs with EHEC O157:H7, we designed a vaccine model to induce an immune response against intimin gamma. The model is based on its recombinant expression in attenuated Salmonella, used as a suitable vaccine vector because of its recognized ability to deliver recombinant antigens and to elicit all forms of immunity: mucosal, systemic, and humoral responses. To test this model, mice were orally immunized with a S. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain carrying the pYA3137eaeA vector, and challenged with E. coli O157:H7. Here we show that immunization induced the production of high levels of specific IgG and IgA antibodies and promoted reduction in the fecal shedding of EHEC after challenge. The live recombinant vaccine reported herein may contribute to the efforts of reducing animal intestinal mucosa colonization.
Comparative antigenic proteins and proteomics of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica bio‐serotypes 1B/O: 8 and 2/O: 9 cultured at 25°C and 37°C
Authors: Gu Wenpeng , Wang Xin , Qiu Haiyan , Luo Xia , Xiao Di , Xiao Yuchun , Tang Liuying , Kan Biao , Jing Huaiqi
Published: June 2012

Yersinia enterocolitica is a Gram‐negative enteric pathogen responsible for a number of gastrointestinal disorders; the most pathogenic bio‐serotype is 1B/O: 8. In this study, we compared the antigenicity of the outer membrane proteins and proteomics of the whole‐cell proteins of a pathogenic bio‐serotype 2/O: 9 isolated in China and a bio‐serotype 1B/O: 8 strain isolated in Japan. Using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, we showed that the outer membrane proteins A (OmpA), C (OmpC) and F (OmpF) were the major antigens for both strains, although proteins located on the bacterial cell membrane and enzymes involved in energy metabolism were also identified as antigenic. We compared the whole‐cell proteins of the two strains cultured at 25°C and 37°C and found portions of the outer membrane proteins (OmpX, OmpF and OmpA) were downregulated when the bacteria were cultured at 37°C, whereas urease subunit gamma (UreA), urease subunit alpha (UreC) and urease accessory protein (UreE), which are involved in urease synthesis, were upregulated when the bacteria were grown at 37°C. These observations will lay a foundation to selection of diagnostic markers for pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica, and maybe contribute to choose the vaccine targets.
The role of cytokines and adipocytokines in zoledronate‐induced acute phase reaction in postmenopausal women with low bone mass
Authors: Anastasilakis Athanasios D. , Polyzos Stergios A. , Delaroudis Sideris , Bisbinas Ilias , Sakellariou Grigorios T. , Gkiomisi Athina , Papadopoulou Evridiki , Gerou Spyridon , Makras Polyzois
Published: June 2012

Objective

Patients treated with intravenous zoledronate frequently experience an acute phase reaction (APR) characterized by flu‐like symptoms and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. We aimed to define the role of various cytokines/adipocytokines in zoledronate‐induced APR and develop a prognostic model for its prediction.

Patients and Measurements

Fifty‐one postmenopausal women with low bone mass were subjected to zoledronate intravenous infusion. Patients were divided into those who experienced APR (APR+) and those who did not (APR−). APR was clinically defined by body temperature and the visual analogue pain scale for musculoskeletal symptoms. White blood cell count, leucocytic subpopulations, C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, visfatin, resistin and leptin were measured before and 48 h following the infusion. The quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and homoeostasis model of assessment – insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were calculated to assess insulin sensitivity and resistance, respectively.

Results

(APR+) patients were younger and had lower baseline visfatin and higher baseline lymphocytes and phosphate compared with APR− patients. QUICKI decreased and HOMA‐IR increased in APR+ patients while remained unchanged in APR− patients. In binary logistic regression analysis, a model containing previous bisphosphonate treatment, age, body mass index, lymphocytes and visfatin, which predicted zoledronate‐induced APR with 82·1% sensitivity and 73·9% specificity, was selected. In this model, lymphocytes (P = 0·010) and visfatin (P = 0·029) at baseline could independently predict APR.

Conclusions

Zoledronate‐induced APR is associated with serum increases of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and an increase of insulin resistance. Patients with higher lymphocytes and lower visfatin levels at baseline are at higher risk for APR.
High‐impact loading on the skeleton is associated with a decrease in glucose levels in young men
Authors: Wiklund Peder , Nordström Anna , Högström Magnus , Alfredson Håkan , Engström Patrik , Gustafsson Thomas , Franks Paul W. , Nordström Peter
Published: June 2012

Objective

The skeleton has been suggested to be involved in energy metabolism through osteocalcin (OC), an osteoblast‐specific molecule. The objective of this study was to investigate whether high‐impact (HI) exercise stimulating bone formation would lead to changes in glucose and lipid metabolism independent of cardiorespiratory effects and whether OC mediates this association.

Design

Prospective intervention study.

Methods

Fifty men aged 20–32 years were allocated to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group completed six different types of jumps in sets of five, with the frequency of these exercises gradually increasing over 8 weeks. At baseline and after 8 weeks, glycerol concentrations were measured in fat tissue as a marker of lipolysis using microdialysis. Blood samples were assayed for OC and markers of glucose and lipid metabolism. Physical activity was measured using an accelerometer.

Results

After adjustment for confounders at baseline and changes in physical activity during the intervention period, the intervention was associated with a decrease in levels of glucose (P = 0·04), adrenalin (P = 0·03) and OC (P = 0·04) after adjusting for baseline levels and changes in physical activity. No other differences between the groups were significant, although the trends of the metabolic variables favoured the intervention group.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that HI loading on the skeleton may affect glucose metabolism independent of the level of aerobic exercise.
Intrinsic and extrinsic negative regulators of nuclear protein transport processes
Authors: Sekimoto Toshihiro , Yoneda Yoshihiro
Published: June 2012

The nuclear–cytoplasmic protein transport is a critical process in cellular events. The identification of transport signals (nuclear localization signal and nuclear export signal) and their receptors has facilitated our understanding of this expanding field. Nuclear transport must be appropriately regulated to deliver proteins through the nuclear pore when their functions are required in the nucleus, and to export them into the cytoplasm when they are not needed in the nucleus. Altered nuclear transport processes have been observed in stressed cells, which would change gene expressions. Some viruses interfere with nuclear transport in host cells to evade immune defense. Moreover, certain transport factors negatively regulate nuclear protein transport in cells. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of nuclear–cytoplasmic trafficking not only provides important information about cellular processes, but also is of use for developing specific inhibitors for transport pathways.
Using mindfulness to examine ISD agility
Authors: McAvoy John , Nagle Tadhg , Sammon David
Published: June 2012

As information systems development (ISD) organisations face increasing market demands, strategies such as agile development have been used to help address these demands. Now, as information systems (IS) research in agile development is gaining in theoretical rigour, this study explores the use of mindfulness as a theoretical framework to examine ISD agility. At its core, the mindfulness theoretical concept promotes a focus on ‘continuous attention to detail’ and ‘vigilance to minimise errors and respond effectively to unexpected events’. Incorporating a sixteen month ongoing longitudinal case study of an ISD organisation, this research provides an insight into the practice of what we term ‘doing’ agile and ‘being’ agile, while also providing a number of theoretical contributions around the value of mindfulness for ISD agility.
Flavonol‐containing phosphorylated pullulan may attenuate pulp inflammation
Authors: Yonehiro J. , Yoshida Y. , Yamashita A. , Yoshizawa S. , Ohta K. , Kamata N. , Okihara T. , Nishimura F.
Published: June 2012

Aim

To find possible reagents to minimize inflammatory responses by using an established pulpitis models for the purpose of developing new pulp‐capping materials, and to test the possible use of phosphorylated pullulan as a carrier for such an anti‐inflammatory reagent.

Methodology

Co‐culturing was performed using transwell systems. Inflammatory responses were evaluated by measuring cytokines produced by the cells. The effects of two flavonoids, luteolin and quercetin, as anti‐inflammatory reagents, and phosphorylated pullulan, which potentially achieves a sufficient marginal sealing to hydroxyapatite and slowly releases luteolin, as a carrier for flavonoids, were tested.

Results

Flavonols, particularly luteolin, dramatically attenuated inflammatory cytokine production, which was augmented by co‐cultures. Luteolin was successfully enclosed by phosphorylated pullulan. Finally, it was confirmed that luteolin released from phosphorylated pullulan was effective in reducing cytokine production by co‐cultures.

Conclusions

Combination of phosphorylated pullulan and luteolin could be potentially used in the treatment of dental pulp inflammation.
A prospective study to assess the palatability of analgesic medicines in children
Authors: Smith Coral June , Sammons Helen M. , Fakis Apostolos , Conroy Sharon
Published: June 2012

smith c.j., sammons h.m., fakis a. & conroy s. (2013) A prospective study to assess the palatability of analgesic medicines in children. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(3), 655–663. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06050.x

Aim.  This study examined children’s opinions on the taste of three analgesic medicines: paracetamol, ibuprofen and codeine.

Background.  Many medicines for children are unpleasant and unacceptable. Research has shown that children’s taste preferences differ to adults, in whom palatability is often tested. Little British research exists on children’s opinions on the palatability of medicines. This study aimed to address this gap in knowledge.

Design.  Prospective observational study.

Methods.  Between May–September 2008, hospital inpatients aged 5–16 years rated the taste of required analgesics on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale. This incorporated a 5‐point facial hedonic scale. They were also asked their favourite flavour and colour for a medicine.

Results.  A total of 159 children took part. Eighty‐five males (53·5%) and 74 females (46·5%). The median age was 8 years (Inter‐quartile range 6–11). The taste of ibuprofen was significantly preferred to paracetamol or codeine. Significant differences were observed depending if the medicine rated was taken first or second (for example pre‐medication with paracetamol and ibuprofen). Younger children (5–8 years) were more likely to choose the extremes of the scale when grading than older children were. Preferred flavours on questioning were strawberry 44% and banana 17%. Favourite colours were pink 25·8% and red 20·8%, with girls more likely to choose pink and boys blue.

Conclusion.  Ibuprofen was the most palatable analgesic medicine tested. Children reported they preferred fruit flavours and colour was sex dependent. Nurses when administering two medicines together should consider giving the least palatable first, for example paracetamol before ibuprofen for pre‐medication.
An ethnographic study of main events during hospitalisation: perceptions of nurses and patients
Authors: Coughlin Christine
Published: June 2012

Aim.  To explore nurses’ and patients’ perceptions of care during main events of hospitalisation.

Background.  Main events during hospitalisation such as admission, transfer to the operation room and preparation for discharge have been identified as times when there is significant patient–caregiver interaction. It is during these interactions that there is an opportunity for the nurse to have a positive influence on the patient’s satisfaction with care. The patient’s perception of care has been studied but not qualitatively. Perceptions of care from the nurses’ perspectives have not been well studied. This study explored the patient’s perception of care as well as the nurse’s perception of the care he provided.

Design.  This study used an ethnographic methodology that included participant observation and unstructured interviews.

Method.  The research was conducted in two phases. First, participant observation was chosen to observe and understand nurse–patient and nurse–family behaviour. The second phase was an unstructured interview to elicit both the patient’s and the nurse’s views about the care experience.

Results.  Two major findings were the patient and the nurse had different perceptions of the care experience and the presence of family or a support person influenced the patient’s perception of care.

Conclusion.  The use of ethnography proved to be a valuable methodology for studying the interactions of patients, families and nurses. Qualitative methods such as ethnography can yield significant findings on perceptions that are unable to be gleaned by traditional quantitative methods but can serve to provide hypotheses for further study.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study suggests that to maintain quality and patient satisfaction scores, hospitals will need to focus on the difference between the perceived care given and the perceived care received particularly during main events. The role of families and visitors supports positive perceptions of care.
Understanding acute care nurse practitioner communication and decision‐making in healthcare teams
Authors: Kilpatrick Kelley
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives:  This paper aims to describe communication and decision‐making in healthcare teams following the introduction of an acute care nurse practitioner role.

Background:  Healthcare teams need to establish clear processes for communication and decision‐making about patient care to be effective. Little is known about how acute care nurse practitioners affect these team processes.

Design:  Observational/descriptive study.

Methods:  Structured non‐participant observations of acute care nurse practitioners and healthcare team members during routine patient care activities were completed to identify the verbal and non‐verbal behaviours. Data were collected in two hospitals in one Canadian province from March–May 2009 for a total of 17 hours and 23 minutes. Descriptive statistics were generated.

Results:  Differences in communication and decision‐making were noted between the cases. The acute care nurse practitioners in Case 1 spoke most frequently with physicians when making patient care decisions while the acute care nurse practitioners in Case 2 spoke most frequently with the nurses. The acute care nurse practitioners needed to validate all patient care decisions if prescriptive authority had not been transferred to them.

Discussion:  Much of the potential of acute care nurse practitioner roles rests on the ability to enact the full scope of their role. Acute care nurse practitioner scope of practice depends on the legislation, the transfer of decision‐making authority in the organisation, and the messages received form the medical and nursing leadership group.

Conclusions:  This appears to be the first in‐depth description of communication and decision‐making in healthcare teams following the introduction of acute care nurse practitioners and furthers our understanding of how system‐level imperatives filter down to healthcare teams.

Relevance to clinical practice:  The transfer of prescriptive authority to acute care nurse practitioners affected communication and decision‐making and changed the way routine activities were conducted.
Defining and applying a functionality approach to intellectual disability
Authors: Luckasson R. , Schalock R. L.
Published: June 2012

Background  The current functional models of disability do not adequately incorporate significant changes of the last three decades in our understanding of human functioning, and how the human functioning construct can be applied to clinical functions, professional practices and outcomes evaluation.

Methods  The authors synthesise current literature on human functioning dimensions, systems of supports and approaches to outcomes evaluation for persons with intellectual disability (ID), and propose a functionality approach that encompasses a systems perspective towards understanding human functioning in ID. The approach includes human functioning dimensions, interactive systems of supports and human functioning outcomes.

Results  Based on this functionality approach the authors: (1) describe how such an approach can be applied to clinical functions related to defining ID, assessment, classification, supports planning and outcomes evaluation; and (2) discuss the impact of a functionality approach on professional practices in the field of ID.

Conclusions  A functionality approach can increase focus on the integrative nature of human functioning, provide unified language, align clinical functions and encourage evidence‐based practices. The approach incorporates a holistic view of human beings and their lives, and can positively affect supports provision and evaluation.
Imaging and 3D morphological analysis of collagen fibrils
Authors: ALTENDORF H. , DECENCIÈRE E. , JEULIN D. , PEIXOTO P. DE SA , DENISET‐BESSEAU A. , ANGELINI E. , MOSSER G. , SCHANNE‐KLEIN M.‐C.
Published: June 2012

The recent booming of multiphoton imaging of collagen fibrils by means of second harmonic generation microscopy generates the need for the development and automation of quantitative methods for image analysis. Standard approaches sequentially analyse two‐dimensional (2D) slices to gain knowledge on the spatial arrangement and dimension of the fibrils, whereas the reconstructed three‐dimensional (3D) image yields better information about these characteristics. In this work, a 3D analysis method is proposed for second harmonic generation images of collagen fibrils, based on a recently developed 3D fibre quantification method. This analysis uses operators from mathematical morphology. The fibril structure is scanned with a directional distance transform. Inertia moments of the directional distances yield the main fibre orientation, corresponding to the main inertia axis. The collaboration of directional distances and fibre orientation delivers a geometrical estimate of the fibre radius. The results include local maps as well as global distribution of orientation and radius of the fibrils over the 3D image. They also bring a segmentation of the image into foreground and background, as well as a classification of the foreground pixels into the preferred orientations. This accurate determination of the spatial arrangement of the fibrils within a 3D data set will be most relevant in biomedical applications. It brings the possibility to monitor remodelling of collagen tissues upon a variety of injuries and to guide tissues engineering because biomimetic 3D organizations and density are requested for better integration of implants.
Digital in‐line holography on amplitude and phase objects prepared with electron beam lithography
Authors: SCHWENKE J. , LOREK E. , RAKOWSKI R. , HE X. , KVENNEFORS A. , MIKKELSEN A. , RUDAWSKI P. , HEYL C. M. , MAXIMOV I. , PETTERSSON S.‐G. , PERSSON A. , L’HUILLIER A.
Published: June 2012

We report on the fabrication and characterization of amplitude and phase samples consisting of well defined Au or Al features formed on ultrathin silicon nitride membranes. The samples were manufactured using electron beam lithography, metallization and a lift‐off  technique, which allow precise lateral control and thickness of the metal features. The fabricated specimens were evaluated by conventional microscopy, atomic force microscopy and with the digital in‐line holography set‐up at the Lund Laser Centre. The latter uses high‐order harmonic generation as a light source, and is capable of recovering both the shape and phase shifting properties of the samples. We report on the details of the sample production and on the imaging tests with the holography set‐up.
Bad coat, ripped genes: cryptic selection on coat colour varies with ontogeny in Soay sheep
Authors: BARRETT ROWAN D. H.
Published: June 2012

A fundamental goal for evolutionary biologists is to connect the processes of natural selection and genetic drift with the maintenance of genetic variation in the wild. There are now scores of examples in which mapping phenotypes to genotypes has identified the molecular basis of traits in natural populations, but documenting the fitness consequences of these genes has proven more elusive. A long‐term study of several thousand unmanaged sheep on the remote Scottish island of Hirta in the St. Kilda archipelago provides a unique opportunity to make these connections between genotype, phenotype and fitness. Since 1985, there has been a steady decline in the frequency of sheep with a rare uniform (‘self’‐) pigmentation pattern as opposed to the more common wild‐type pattern of dark upper body and pale belly. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Gratten et al. (2012) link variation at the agouti signalling protein (ASIP) gene with 25 years of pedigree information and individual fitness data to investigate the contributions of natural selection and genetic drift to this decline. Consistent with the decrease in frequency of self‐type sheep, Gratten et al. demonstrate that recessive genetic variants at ASIP are associated with reduced lifetime fitness. But surprisingly, these variants show the opposite trend to the self‐type phenotype by increasing throughout the study period. This paradoxical result occurs because heterozygotes that harbour the majority of self‐type alleles have increased in frequency. This pattern would not have been detectable if only phenotype had been monitored because the pigmentation pattern of heterozygotes is indistinguishable from that of wild‐type homozygotes. The study provides an excellent example of the importance of measuring selection at both the phenotypic and genetic level, and demonstrates how long‐term pedigrees can be used to link alleles to phenotypes and ultimately to fitness.
Defining the landscape of adaptive genetic diversity
Authors: ECKERT ANDREW J. , DYER RODNEY J.
Published: June 2012

Whether they are used to describe fitness, genome architecture or the spatial distribution of environmental variables, the concept of a landscape has figured prominently in our collective reasoning. The tradition of landscapes in evolutionary biology is one of fitness mapped onto axes defined by phenotypes or molecular sequence states. The characteristics of these landscapes depend on natural selection, which is structured across both genomic and environmental landscapes, and thus, the bridge among differing uses of the landscape concept (i.e. metaphorically or literally) is that of an adaptive phenotype and its distribution across geographical landscapes in relation to selective pressures. One of the ultimate goals of evolutionary biology should thus be to construct fitness landscapes in geographical space. Natural plant populations are ideal systems with which to explore the feasibility of attaining this goal, because much is known about the quantitative genetic architecture of complex traits for many different plant species. What is less known are the molecular components of this architecture. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Parchman et al. (2012) pioneer one of the first truly genome‐wide association studies in a tree that moves us closer to this form of mechanistic understanding for an adaptive phenotype in natural populations of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.).
A network involving Rho‐type GTPases, a paxillin and a formin homologue regulates spore length and spore wall integrity in the filamentous fungus Ashbya gossypii
Authors: Lickfeld Manuela , Schmitz Hans‐Peter
Published: June 2012

Fungi produce spores that allow for their dispersal and survival under harsh environmental conditions. These spores can have an astonishing variety of shapes and sizes. Using the highly polar, needle‐shaped spores of the ascomycete Ashbya gossypii as a model, we demonstrated that spores produced by this organism are not simple continuous structures but rather consist of three different segments that correlate with the accumulation of different materials: a rigid tip segment, a more fragile main spore‐compartment and a solid tail segment. Little is currently known about the regulatory mechanisms that control the formation of the characteristic spore morphologies. We tested a variety of mutant strains for their spore phenotypes, including spore size, shape and wall defects. The mutants that we identified as displaying such phenotypes are all known for their roles in the regulation of hyphal tip growth, including the formin protein AgBni1, the homologous Rho‐type GTPases AgRho1a and AgRho1b and the scaffold protein AgPxl1. Our observations suggest that these proteins form a signalling network controlling spore length by regulating the formation of actin structures.
Beneficial effects of solar UV‐B radiation on soybean yield mediated by reduced insect herbivory under field conditions
Authors: Mazza Carlos A. , Giménez Patricia I. , Kantolic Adriana G. , Ballaré Carlos L.
Published: June 2012

Ultraviolet‐B radiation (UV‐B: 280–315 nm) has damaging effects on cellular components and macromolecules. In plants, natural levels of UV‐B can reduce leaf area expansion and growth, which can lead to reduced productivity and yield. UV‐B can also have important effects on herbivorous insects. Owing to the successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol, current models predict that clear‐sky levels of UV‐B radiation will decline during this century in response to ozone recovery. However, because of climate change and changes in land use practices, future trends in UV doses are difficult to predict. In the experiments reported here, we used an exclusion approach to study the effects of solar UV‐B radiation on soybean crops, which are extensively grown in many areas of the world that may be affected by future variations in UV‐B radiation. In a first experiment, performed under normal management practices (which included chemical pest control), we found that natural levels of UV‐B radiation reduced soybean yield. In a second experiment, where no pesticides were applied, we found that solar UV‐B significantly reduced insect herbivory and, surprisingly, caused a concomitant increase in crop yield. Our data support the idea that UV‐B effects on agroecosystems are the result of complex interactions involving multiple trophic levels. A better understanding of the mechanisms that mediate the anti‐herbivore effect of UV‐B radiation may be used to design crop varieties with improved adaptation to the cropping systems that are likely to prevail in the coming decades in response to agricultural intensification.
Heterozygote excess through life history stages inCestrum miradorenseFrancey (Solanaceae), an endemic shrub in a fragmented cloud forest habitat
Authors: Reyes‐Zepeda F. , González‐Astorga J. , Montaña C.
Published: June 2012

Comparisons of genetic diversity and population genetic structure among different life history stages provide important information on the effect of the different forces and micro‐evolutionary processes that mould diversity and genetic structure after fragmentation. Here we assessed genetic diversity and population genetic structure using 32 allozymic loci in adults, seeds, seedlings and juveniles of eight populations of the micro‐endemic shrubCestrum miradorensein a highly fragmented cloud forest in central–eastern Mexico. We expected that due to its long history or rarity, this species may have endured the negative effects of fragmentation and would show moderate to high levels of genetic diversity. High genetic diversity (He = 0.445 ± 0.03), heterozygote excess (FIT = −0.478 ± 0.034, FIS= −0.578 ± 0.023) and low population differentiation (FST = 0.064 ± 0.011) were found. Seeds had higher genetic diversity (He = 0.467 ± 0.05) than the later stages (overall mean for adults, seedlings and juveniles He = 0.438 ± 0.08). High gene flow was observed despite the fact that the fragmentation process began more than 100 years ago. We conclude that the high genetic diversity was the result of natural selection, which favours heterozygote excess in all stages, coupled with a combination of a reproductive system and seed/pollen dispersal mechanisms that favour gene flow.
Critical phases in the seed development of common juniper (Juniperus communis)
Authors: Gruwez R. , Leroux O. , De Frenne P. , Tack W. , Viane R. , Verheyen K.
Published: June 2012

Common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) populations in northwest European lowlands are currently declining in size and number. An important cause of this decline is a lack of natural regeneration. Low seed viability seems to be one of the main bottlenecks in this process. Previous research revealed a negative relation between seed viability and both temperature and nitrogen deposition. Additionally, the seeds of common juniper have a variable ripening time, which possibly influences seed viability. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. In order to elucidate this puzzle, it is important to understand in which phases of seed production the main defects are situated, together with the influence of ripening time. In this study, we compared seed viability of populations with and without successful recruitment. We examined three seed phases: (i) gamete development; (ii) fertilisation and early‐embryo development; and (iii) late‐embryo development. After the first two phases, we found no difference in the percentage viable seeds between populations with or without recruitment. After late‐embryo development, populations without recruitment showed a significantly lower percentage of viable seeds. These results suggest that late‐embryo development is a bottleneck in seed development. However, the complex interaction between seed viability and ripening time suggest that the causes should be in the second seed phase, as the accelerated development of male and female gametophytes may disturb the male–female synchrony for successful mating.
Effect of experimental feed additives on aflatoxin in milk of dairy cows fed aflatoxin‐contaminated diets
Authors: Kissell L. , Davidson S. , Hopkins B. A. , Smith G. W. , Whitlow L. W.
Published: June 2012

Three studies were conducted to determine the potential of experimental feed additives (EFAs), clays or non‐digestible yeast oligosaccharides, to reduce milk aflatoxin (AFM1) concentrations in lactating Holstein cows consuming aflatoxin‐contaminated diets. All studies included a pre‐treatment period and a 2‐week experimental period in a randomized block design. During the pre‐treatment period, cows received a total mixed ration (TMR) with no aflatoxin contamination. During both experimental weeks, all cows were fed a TMR containing aflatoxin‐contaminated corn. During experimental week 1, cows received no EFA’s in the TMR, but EFA’s were included in the TMR for the second experimental week. In studies 1 and 2, the experimental period consisted of 2 weeks each lasting 7 days with 12 cows per treatment. Aflatoxin M1concentrations were analysed by HPLC for milk samples collected on days 5–7 and days 11–14. In various experiments, treatments included control (no EFA), 100 g/cow daily of experimental Lallemand®product, 10 g/cow daily of MTB‐100®‐2004, (Alltech, Inc.), 10 g/cow daily of MTB‐100®‐2006, (Alltech, Inc.), 10 g/cow daily of experimental Alltech®product (Alltech, Inc.) and 227 g/cow daily of Astra‐Ben 20®(AB‐20®; Prince Agri Products, Inc.). In study 3, the experimental period of 2 weeks each lasting 8 days and milk samples were collected from day 4 to 8 and day 11 to 16. Milk samples from study 3 were analysed for AFM1concentrations by ELISA. For all experiments, changes in AFM1concentrations because of the addition of EFA’s were calculated. Four of the five EFAs tested in this study had no significant effect on AFM1concentrations. However, the addition of AB‐20®resulted in a significant decrease in AFM1concentrations (60.4%). In summary, the addition of AB‐20®to the diet of cattle appears to be effective for significantly reducing AFM1concentrations in the milk of cows fed an aflatoxin‐contaminated diet.
Late‐onset bloodstream infections in preterm infants: A 2‐year survey
Authors: Grisaru‐Soen Galia , Friedman Tal , Dollberg Shaul , Mishali Hagit , Carmeli Yehuda
Published: June 2012

Background:  We determined the prevalence and risk factors for late‐onset bloodstream infections (LO‐BSI), the distribution of pathogens and the outcomes of affected preterm infants.

Methods:  The records of all preterm infants (<37 weeks gestation) born between 2004 and 2005 and hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit for >3 days were retrieved for this retrospective matched case–control study.

Results:  A total of 108 out of 1459 preterm infants (7.4%) had 142 episodes of LO‐BSI. The highest LO‐BSI rate (44%) was among 198 very‐low‐birthweight infants (<1500 g). The most common causative organisms were Coagulase‐negative staphylococci and Klebsiella (60% and 13%, respectively). The mean hospital stay was 64 days for LO‐BSI preterm infants versus 48 days for non‐LO‐BSI preterm infants. Congenital malformations and peripheral catheters were independent risk factors for LO‐BSI. Crude mortality rates were 6.9% (LO‐BSI) and 3.0% (non‐LO‐BSI), with an LO‐BSI‐attributable mortality of 3.9%.

Conclusion:  LO‐BSI frequently affect very‐low‐birthweight infants. Strategies to prevent LO‐BSI should target peripheral catheters.
Physical activity promotion and obesity prevention in Girl Scouts: Scouting Nutrition and Activity Program+
Authors: Guagliano Justin M. , Rosenkranz Richard R.
Published: June 2012

Background:  A previous version of Scouting Nutrition and Activity Program (SNAP) resulted in greater physical activity (PA) during troop meetings, but no impact on girls' body mass index (BMI) or overall PA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 6‐month intervention that coupled the evidence‐based program SNAP with a channel of communication to parents using health report cards.

Methods:  Thirty‐two Girl Scouts (mean age = 9.5, SD = 1.4 years) received the SNAP+ intervention. Girls were measured before and after the intervention on body composition, BMI, and 7‐day step counts. Troop leaders were trained to implement an interactive obesity‐prevention curriculum. Parents received health report cards designed to provide personalized information about their daughters' PA and weight status.

Results:  The full sample of participants took more steps per day after the intervention (mean difference = 1741, P= 0.007). Results showed that lower values for body fat percentage (P= 0.620), BMI percentile (P= 0.100) and BMI z‐scores (P= 0.055) at intervention end were not statistically significant. In the subsample of girls at risk for overweight and obesity, there were lower values for BMI z‐score (P= 0.010), BMI percentile (P= 0.027), and body fat percentage (P= 0.053).

Conclusions:  From this preliminary study, the SNAP+ intervention appears to be effective for Scout‐based promotion of PA, and for the prevention of overweight and obesity in at‐risk Girl Scouts, but further evaluation through a fully powered randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (Hurler syndrome) and anesthesia: the impact of bone marrow transplantation, enzyme replacement therapy, and fiberoptic intubation on airway management
Authors: Kirkpatrick Katherine , Ellwood James , Walker Robert W. M.
Published: June 2012

Aim:  To assess the effect of bone marrow transplantation (BMT), enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), and a fiberoptic endotracheal intubation technique in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I, Hurler syndrome).

Background:  The mucopolysaccharidoses are inherited metabolic conditions with a well‐documented association with difficult airway management. We present the largest series to date of patients with Hurler syndrome (MPS I) and look at the impact of new treatments, such as BMT and ERT, on anesthesia and airway management.

Methods/Materials:  We carried out a retrospective chart review of patients with MPSI undergoing anesthesia over 9 years at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Data were collected on incidence of difficult and failed intubation and airway difficulties under anesthesia.

Results:  There were 39 patients identified, of which 20 had the attenuated form of MPS I and received ERT, 18 were treated by BMT and one patient received neither treatment. These patients had a total of 114 general anesthetics for 141 procedures. The incidence of airway complications overall is lower than previously reported at 31%. Patients with the attenuated form of the disease on ERT still have a high incidence of airway problems at 57% and a failed intubation rate of 3%. BMT patients on the other hand have a much lower incidence of airway complications at 14%, and there were no failed intubations in this group.

Conclusions:  Managing the MPS1 patient continues to be a challenge but with treatment and newer forms of airway management it is improving.
Storm over San Isidro: “Civic Community” and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Nineteenth Century Philippines
Authors: BANKOFF GREG
Published: June 2012

Using a detailed archival account of a typhoon‐induced flood, this paper examines Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as practised in a late nineteenth century provincial town in the Philippines. Culture is an important determinant when considering DRR for any community as the roots of its present‐day resilience as well as the causes of its vulnerabilities may lie in its history. The flood of 1887 and the account of the actions taken by the community in San Isidro challenge any assumptions about DRR in the past and hint at the origins of the vibrant civil society that is such a characteristic of Filipino society today.
Rethinking Modernity and the Holocaust: The Application of Zygmunt Bauman's Thesis to the Jewish Council of Lodz, 1940–1944*
Authors: GOODLET KIRK W.
Published: June 2012

When Zygmunt Bauman first published Modernity and the Holocaust (1989) it elicited a variety of reactions among historians and sociologists. In his work, Bauman sought to address the Holocaust, a topic that he argued sociologists hitherto neglected, and to provide an alternative theoretical explanation for why the Holocaust occurred.

Although historians have accused Bauman of having “no clear idea what genocide is,” historians have not fully assessed the validity of his work. This essay suggests that despite aversion to incorporating sociological and anthropological theories to historical studies of the Holocaust, they remain valuable in helping scholars understand the multivalent nature and complexity of the Holocaust. Using unprinted ghetto documents, this paper evaluates Bauman's work by placing it in the historical context of the Lodz ghetto administration from 1940 to 1944.