bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filtrate ofPhellinus linteusBroth Culture Reduces Infarct Size Significantly in a Rat Model of Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Suzuki Sakiko , Kawamata Takakazu , Okada Yoshikazu , Kobayashi Tomonori , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Hori Tomokatsu
Published: January 2009

Phellinus linteus, a natural growing mushroom, has been known to exhibit anti‐tumor, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐allergic and anti‐oxidant effects. Aiming to exploit the neuroprotective effects ofP. linteus, we evaluated its effects on infarct volume reduction in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to right middle cerebral artery occlusion. Filtrate ofP. linteusbroth culture (various doses), fractionated filtrate (based on molecular weight) or control medium was administered intraperitoneally to rats before or after ischemia induction. Rats were killed at 24 h after the stroke surgery. Cortical and caudoputaminal infarct volumes were determined separately using an image analysis program following staining with 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Significant cortical infarct volume reductions were found in the pre‐treatment groups (30 and 60 minutes before onset of cerebral ischemia) compared with the control group, showing dose dependence. Posttreatment (30 minutes after ischemic onset) also significantly reduced cortical infarct volume. Furthermore, the higher molecular weight (≥12 000) fraction of the culture filtrate was more effective compared with the lower molecular weight fraction. The present findings suggest thatP. linteusmay be a new promising approach for the treatment of focal cerebral ischemia, with the additional benefit of a wide therapeutic time window since significant infarct volume reduction is obtained by administration even after the ischemic event. Our finding that the higher molecular weight fraction of theP. linteusculture filtrate demonstrated more prominent effect may provide a clue to identify the neuroprotective substances and mechanisms.
Acute Conjunctivitis
Authors: Everitt Hazel
Published: January 2009

Acute conjunctivitis is common. About 2–5% of general practice consultations are related to eye conditions and approximately 40% of these are concerned with conjunctivitis. Thus, on average, a full-time general practitioner sees a patient with conjunctivitis every week. The most common presentation is with a red eye. The main tasks are to exclude potentially serious causes of a red eye and then decide whether the conjunctivitis is infective, allergic or due to other causes so that suitable management can be initiated.
Breast Lumps and Cancer
Authors: Linforth Richard
Published: January 2009

Breast lumps are a common presenting symptom in general practice. As a GP it is important to know how to manage them. Breast lumps can be a sign of breast cancer but 85% have innocent explanations. However, women presenting with a breast lump often assume that they have breast cancer and this can cause a great deal of anxiety. This article aims to overview the common causes of breast lumps, their assessment and management.
Menopause and HRT
Authors: Peet Danielle
Published: January 2009

Menopausal symptoms and their management are a common presenting complaint. Due to media hype and inconsistent reporting, there are many misconceptions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and alternative therapies. This article outlines the physiology and clinical effects of the menopause and the indications and implications of HRT. It will cover natural and surgical menopause and will not cover other metabolic and genetic causes for ovarian failure.
Rapid Change in the Genetic Diversity of Botrytis cinerea Populations After the Introduction of Strains in a Tomato Glasshouse
Authors: Decognet V. , Bardin M. , Trottin-Caudal Y. , Nicot P. C.
Published: January 2009

In tomato glasshouses, the population structure of airborne inoculum of Botrytis cinerea depends on the production of endogenous inoculum on diseased plants as well as on incoming exogenous inoculum. Both types of inocula may contribute differently to the development of epidemics. Two strains of B. cinerea were introduced in each of four separate compartments of an experimental tomato glasshouse. We monitored their impact on disease development and on the genetic diversity of B. cinerea populations using microsatellite markers. The naturally occurring airborne inoculum of B. cinerea displayed a high level of genetic diversity and was rapidly displaced in the glasshouse, as isolates with microsatellite profiles identical to the introduced strains amounted to 66% of the inoculum sampled from the air 14 days after inoculation and 91% of those collected from stem lesions 60 days after inoculation. This suggested an important role of secondary inoculum in disease development, which is compatible with the hypothesis of a polycyclic development of gray mold epidemics in tomato glasshouses. In controlled-environment tests on tomatoes, a wide range of aggressiveness levels was observed, both for isolates sampled from the air and from lesions on plants. Hypotheses are proposed to explain the negligible impact of naturally incoming isolates on the epidemics observed inside the four glasshouse compartments.
A Novel Pathway for Sesquiterpene Biosynthesis fromZ,Z-Farnesyl Pyrophosphate in the Wild TomatoSolanum habrochaites
Authors: Sallaud Christophe , Rontein Denis , Onillon Sandrine , Jabès Françoise , Duffé Philippe , Giacalone Cécile , Thoraval Samuel , Escoffier Camille , Herbette Gaëtan , Leonhardt Nathalie , Causse Mathilde , Tissier Alain
Published: January 2009

In the wild tomato Solanum habrochaites, the Sst2 locus on chromosome 8 is responsible for the biosynthesis of several class II sesquiterpene olefins by glandular trichomes. Analysis of a trichome-specific EST collection from S. habrochaites revealed two candidate genes for the synthesis of Sst2-associated sesquiterpenes. zFPS encodes a protein with homology to Z-isoprenyl pyrophosphate synthases and SBS (for Santalene and Bergamotene Synthase) encodes a terpene synthase with homology to kaurene synthases. Both genes were found to cosegregate with the Sst2 locus. Recombinant zFPS protein catalyzed the synthesis of Z,Z-FPP from isopentenylpyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallylpyrophosphate (DMAPP), while coincubation of zFPS and SBS with the same substrates yielded a mixture of olefins identical to the Sst2-associated sesquiterpenes, including (+)-α-santalene, (+)-endo-β-bergamotene, and (−)-endo-α-bergamotene. In addition, headspace analysis of tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris) plants expressing zFPS and SBS in glandular trichomes afforded the same mix of sesquiterpenes. Each of these proteins contains a putative plastid targeting sequence that mediates transport of a fused green fluorescent protein to the chloroplasts, suggesting that the biosynthesis of these sesquiterpenes uses IPP and DMAPP from the plastidic DXP pathway. These results provide novel insights into sesquiterpene biosynthesis and have general implications concerning sesquiterpene engineering in plants.
Characterization of vaginal lactobacilli coaggregation ability with Escherichia coli
Authors: Ekmekci Havva , Aslim Belma , Ozturk Sahlan
Published: January 2009

The coaggregation abilities of probiotic strains might enable it to form a barrier that prevents colonization by pathogenic bacteria. In the present study, the characterization of the coaggregation ability of 19 vaginal lactobacilli was studied. Coaggregation ability of all lactobacilli with Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 was positive. Only the highest coaggregation percentage of Lactobacillus acidophilus S1 was obtained with E. coli ATCC 11229 under both aerobic (71%) and anaerobic conditions (62%). The coaggregation abilities of strains occurred higher at acidic pH than at basic pH values. Moreover, the coaggregation abilities of tested strains against E. coli decreased after heat treatment (70 or 85 °C). Also, the relationship between hydrophobicity and coaggregation of strains was found to be significant. The effect of sonication, some enzymes (lipase and pepsin) and sodium periodate on coaggregation ability of L. acidophilus S1, which is one of the highest potentials on coaggregation ability, was investigated. Sodium periodate did not have a significant effect on coaggregation ability of L. acidophilus S1. The sonicated cell showed lower coaggregation than the control, the supernatant fluid of this sonicated cells showed similar coaggregation ability to the control. Coaggregation abilities of bacteriotherapeutic lactobacilli with pathogenic bacteria can be used for preliminary screening in order to identify potentially probiotic bacteria suitable for human use against urogenital tract infections.
Activated hepatic stellate cells promote tumorigenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Amann Thomas , Bataille Frauke , Spruss Thilo , Mühlbauer Marcus , Gäbele Erwin , Schölmerich Jürgen , Kiefer Paul , Bosserhoff Anja‐Katrin , Hellerbrand Claus
Published: January 2009

Liver cirrhosis is the main risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the effector cells of hepatic fibrosis and also infiltrate the HCC stroma where they might play a critical role in HCC progression. Here we aimed to analyze the effects of activated HSC on the proliferation and growth of HCC cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Conditioned media (CM) collected from HSC significantly induced proliferation and migration of HCC cells cultured in monolayers. In a 3‐dimensional spheroid coculture system, HSC promoted HCC growth and diminished the extent of central necrosis. In accordance, in vivo simultaneous implantation of HSC and HCC cells into nude mice promoted tumor growth and invasiveness, and inhibited necrosis formation. As potential mechanism of the tumorigenic effects of HSC we identified activation of NFkappaB and extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK) in HCC cells, two signaling cascades that play a crucial role in HCC progression. In summary, our data indicate that stromal HSC promotes HCC progression and suggest the HSC–HCC interaction as an interesting tumor differentiation‐independent target for therapy of this highly aggressive cancer. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 646–653)
Genetic mapping of the belt pattern in Brown Swiss cattle to BTA3
Authors: Drögemüller C. , Engensteiner M. , Moser S. , Rieder S. , Leeb T.
Published: January 2009

The white belt pattern of Brown Swiss cattle is characterized by a lack of melanocytes in a stretch of skin around the midsection. This pattern is of variable width and sometimes the belt does not fully circle the body. To identify the gene responsible for this colour variation, we performed linkage mapping of the belted locus using six segregating half‐sib families including 104 informative meioses for the belted character. The pedigree confirmed a monogenic autosomal dominant inheritance of the belted phenotype in Brown Swiss cattle. We performed a genome scan using 186 microsatellite markers in a subset of 88 animals of the six families. Linkage with the belt phenotype was detected at the telomeric region of BTA3. Fine‐mapping and haplotype analysis using 19 additional markers in this region refined the critical region of the belted locus to a 922‐kb interval on BTA3. As the corresponding human and mouse chromosome segments contain no obvious candidate gene for this coat colour trait, the mutation causing the belt pattern in the Brown Swiss cattle might help to identify an unknown gene influencing skin pigmentation.
Do statins protect against upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Authors: Gulmez Sinem Ezgi , Lassen Annmarie Touborg , Aalykke Claus , Dall Michael , Andries Alin , Andersen Birthe Søgaard , Hansen Jane Møller , Andersen Morten , Hallas Jesper
Published: January 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• An apparent protective effect of statins against upper gastrointestinal bleeding was postulated in a post hoc analysis of a randomized trial.

• We aimed to evaluate the effect of statin use on acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding alone or in combinations with low‐dose aspirin and other antithrombotic drugs.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Our study could not demonstrate an inverse association between use of statins and upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

• The lack of effect was consistent across most subgroups, across different cumulative or current doses and different statin substances.

• In explorative analyses, there appeared to be protective effect only in users of low‐dose aspirin.

• There was no interaction with use of other antithrombotic drugs.

AIMS Recently, an apparent protective effect of statins against upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB) was postulated in a post hoc analysis of a randomized trial. We aimed to evaluate the effect of statin use on acute nonvariceal UGB alone or in combinations with low‐dose aspirin and other antithrombotic drugs.

METHODS A population‐based case–control study was conducted in the County of Funen, Denmark. Cases (n = 3652) were all subjects with a first discharge diagnosis of serious UGB from a hospital during the period 1995 to 2006. Age‐ and gender‐matched controls (10 for each case) (n = 36 502) were selected by a risk set sampling. Data on all subjects' drug exposure and past medical history were retrieved from a prescription database and from the County's patient register. Confounders were controlled by conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) associating use of statins with UGB were 0.94 (0.78–1.12) for current use, 1.40 (0.89–2.20) for recent use and 1.42 (0.96–2.10) for past use. The lack of effect was consistent across most patient subgroups, different cumulative or current statin doses and different statin substances. In explorative analyses, a borderline significant protective effect was observed for concurrent users of low‐dose aspirin [OR 0.43 (0.18–1.05)].

CONCLUSION Statins do not prevent UGB, except possibly in users of low‐dose aspirin.
Effects of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism on raloxifene pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Authors: Trontelj Jurij , Marc Janja , Zavratnik Andrej , Bogataj Marija , Mrhar Aleš
Published: January 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT?

• Raloxifene exhibits large and unexplained interindividual pharmacokinetic variability (coefficient of variation 30–50%).

• There is some evidence that UDP‐glucuronosyltranferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) may play a key role in metabolic clearance of raloxifene.

• UGT1A1 has a common genetic polymorphism, UGT1A1*28, that could lead to slower elimination of raloxifene and contribute to the high pharmacokinetic variability.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Subjects with UGT1A1*28/*28 genotype exhibited a twofold higher raloxifene exposure compared with the hetero‐ and homozygotes for the wild‐type allele. This indicates that raloxifene pharmacokinetics may be significantly affected by the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism.

• It was also demonstrated that the *28 homozygotes gained a significantly greater increase in hip bone mineral density after 12 months' raloxifene treatment.

AIMS Raloxifene concentrations were reported to correlate approximately with serum bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a typical UGT1A1 substrate. Based on these facts, we postulated a hypothesis that UGT1A1 is the key enzyme for metabolic clearance of raloxifene and that the common UGT1A1*28 polymorphism significantly contributes to the large pharmacokinetic variability of raloxifene.

METHODS Serum samples from postmenopausal osteoporotic patients treated with raloxifene were assayed for the concentrations of raloxifene and its glucuronides by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry–mass spectrometry. The same samples were also genotyped for the presence of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism by the single‐strand conformation polymorphism method. The pharmacodynamic effect was evaluated by measuring the change in bone mineral density (BMD) in femoral neck, hip and lumbar spine after 12 months' raloxifene therapy.

RESULTS Patients homozygous for the *28 allele showed significantly, twofold higher raloxifene glucuronide concentrations compared with the hetero‐ and homozygotes for the wild‐type allele: 558 ± 115 nmol l−1 compared with 295 ± 43 nmol l−1, respectively (P = 0.012). This indicates a higher raloxifene exposure in the *28/*28 group. Consequently, a significantly greater increase in hip BMD was observed in subjects homozygous for the *28 allele compared with the group carrying at least one copy of the wild‐type allele: 4.4 ± 2.4% compared with 0.3 ± 1.4% (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS In this study it is shown that a relatively common UGT1A1*28 polymorphism may considerably influence raloxifene pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of our findings are also discussed.
Endometrial carcinoma detected with SurePath liquid‐based cervical cytology: comparison with conventional cytology
Authors: Patel C. , Ullal A. , Roberts M. , Brady J. , Birch P. , Bulmer J. N. , Wadehra V.
Published: January 2009

Introduction:  Conventional Pap smears (CPS) have little impact on the detection of endometrial carcinoma. Although liquid‐based cytology (LBC) is replacing CPS in the UK, experience with identification of endometrial cancers with this technique is limited.

Aim:  To compare the accuracy of the SurePath LBC with that of CPS for detection of endometrial cancers.

Methods:  Our study group comprised SurePath LBC samples reported as atypical endometrial cells and endometrial adenocarcinoma (classified respectively as borderline, code 8 and ?glandular neoplasia, code 6 for the NHS Cervical Screening Programme statistics) in 2004–2005. CPS reported as atypical endometrial cells or adenocarcinoma in 1993–1998 comprised the control group. Histological follow‐up was obtained.

Results:  Endometrial abnormalities were reported in 95 (0.073%) of 130 352 LBC samples, comprising 75 (0.058%) atypical endometrial cells and 20 (0.015%) endometrial adenocarcinoma reports. Of 409 495 CPS, 117 (0.029%) were diagnosed as endometrial abnormalities, comprising 59 (0.014%) atypical endometrial cells and 58 (0.014%) endometrial adenocarcinoma reports. Thus, the endometrial adenocarcinoma reporting rate was similar in both groups, but that for atypical endometrial cells was higher with LBC (P < 0.001). The positive predictive value for endometrial cancer of endometrial adenocarcinoma and atypical endometrial cell reports in the LBC group was 73.3 and 18.8%, respectively, compared with 42.3 and 6.7% in the CPS group. The endometrial adenocarcinoma patients in CPS group were older (mean age 62.5 years versus 56.5 years) and most (22/25) were symptomatic, whereas most (13/17) patients in the LBC group were asymptomatic at the time of sampling (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  SurePath LBC is at least as accurate a method for detecting endometrial cancer as CPS. SurePath LBC demonstrates enhanced identification of endometrial pathology in asymptomatic women in the cervical screening programme.
Comparative validation of c‐kit exon 11 mutation analysis on cytology samples and corresponding surgical resections of gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Pang N. K. B. , Chin S. Y. , Nga M. E. , Chang A. R. , Ismail T.‐M. , Omar S.‐S. , Charlton A. , Salto‐Tellez M.
Published: January 2009

Objective:  Studies have shown that c‐kit mutation analysis of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) obtained by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) can be routinely performed. We validated c‐kit exon 11 mutational analysis on cell block material obtained from fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for diagnostic purposes and compared it with the same analysis in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded full sections of the corresponding resection specimens.

Methods:  c‐kit mutation analysis was done on cell block material obtained from ten cases encountered in our department from 1999 to 2008 on which FNAC was attempted pre‐operatively. The findings were compared with analysis on full paraffin section of the corresponding resected tumours in seven cases where patients opted for resection. c‐kit exon 11 was examined via bidirectional nucleic acid sequencing.

Results:  Our results showed 100% concordance for the presence and type of exon 11 mutation in the resected and aspirated tumours in all seven cases. These mutations had diagnostic value when compared with other neoplasms that are part of the cytomorphological differential diagnosis, such as leiomyosarcoma or gastric adenocarcinomas.

Conclusion:  Molecular cytopathology is a powerful tool that can complement morphology and immunohistochemical assessment of cytological material in routine practice for the diagnosis and prognostication of GISTs. We briefly discuss the advantages and limitations of the fine needle method of obtaining tissue for the diagnosis and prognostication of GISTs, and its current therapeutic strategies.
Neo‐ and archaeophytes respond more strongly than natives to socio‐economic mobility and disturbance patterns along an urban–rural gradient
Authors: Brunzel Stefan , Fischer S. F. , Schneider J. , Jetzkowitz J. , Brandl R.
Published: January 2009

Aims  To clarify the distribution and abundance of natives, archaeophytes and neophytes in settlements along an urban–rural gradient we investigated the importance of site‐related and socio‐economic factors within settlements in determining the abundance and species richness of these three groups of plant species.

Location  The Wetterau region north of Frankfurt/Main, Hesse, Germany.

Methods  The occurrence and abundance of plant species were recorded in 2003 along transects in 66 settlements in a region north of Frankfurt/Main (Germany). The transect routes had been established in an earlier study in 1974–81. We used ordinations to analyse species composition, fitting 10 independent variables to explain the main gradient in species composition. Additionally, socio‐economic styles (derived from interviews of 1359 households) were fitted, to analyse the influence of these on plant communities. Finally, we analysed species richness by calculating independent contributions of the variables using hierarchical partitioning.

Results  Many species of neophytes have expanded their range since the 1974–81 survey, but this was not associated with a general decline of archaeophytes and natives. The main variation of species composition was along a rural to urban gradient, associated with site conditions and with socio‐economic factors that vary from settlements dominated by households rooted in the local community to settlements characterized by a mobile new middle class. For neophytes, variables describing the connection to Frankfurt (distance or connectivity) were most important in predicting species richness. For archaeophytes, the data showed a positive relationship between species richness and increasing herbicide application.

Main conclusions  These results suggest that the occurrence of neophytes within settlements along the urban–rural gradient is triggered by dispersal, related to human mobility patterns. In contrast, the occurrence of archaeophytes in settlements is determined by disturbance‐related factors that predominantly depend on traditional gardening practices and weed control practices associated with farming.
On the emergent spatial structure of size‐structured populations: when does self‐thinning lead to a reduction in clustering?
Authors: Murrell David J.
Published: January 2009

It is widely held that if competition is important, adult or mature plants should be less‐clustered than those in smaller size‐classes. Self‐thinning, the competition for limited resources, should remove individuals that are nearby neighbours, restricting recruitment of adults around other adult trees and resulting in a decrease in aggregation with size‐class.

There is good empirical evidence for a reduction in clustering with increase in size‐class, and the pattern is strongest for richly abundant species. However, few dynamical models have been developed to explore the relationship between the emergent spatial pattern of adults and juvenile plants and the underlying processes of neighbourhood competition and dispersal. In particular is it correct to assume that increased clustering with size‐classes is inconsistent with self‐thinning?

The hypothesis that self‐thinning leads to less‐clustered adult trees is assessed by analysing a deterministic approximation to a spatially explicit individual‐based model that incorporates two size‐classes, local dispersal, and neighbourhood competition that increases death rates and retards the growth of the smaller trees.

Analyses show that if recruitment of adults is limited by slow growth rates, low fecundity, or high juvenile–juvenile competition, then adults may well be more clustered than juveniles. This means an increase in aggregation with size‐class is consistent with self‐thinning processes.

The models support previous empirical results in that the numerically dominant species are more likely to show a reduction in clustering with size‐class than species with a lower abundance. The models suggest rare species should show more adult clustering and less of a reduction in aggregation with size‐class due to a numerical decrease in conspecific interactions.

Synthesis. The results show clearly that the Janzen–Connell hypothesis and self‐thinning in general are consistent with adults being more clustered than juveniles, even when competitive interactions are quite strong. The pattern of relative clustering in juveniles and adults may therefore be indicative of adult recruitment rates, with weak decreases in aggregation with size‐class caused by low fecundity, poor dispersal or slow growth, and strong decreases generated by high fecundity, good dispersal and/or fast growth rates.
Non‐native grass alters growth of native tree species via leaf and soil microbes
Authors: Rudgers Jennifer A. , Orr Samuel
Published: January 2009

Non‐native plants can alter both native microbe communities and ecosystem processes. These changes may indirectly affect native plant communities. We tested whether an invasive plant influences other plant species through above‐ and below‐ground microbial associations. These factors have received less attention than direct competition for resources in research on plant invasions.

Previous work in the mid‐western US revealed that the above‐ground fungal endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum) in non‐native tall fescue grass (Lolium arundinaceum) reduced establishment of native tree species, slowing plant succession from grassland to forest relative to communities lacking the symbiont. Here, we examined potential soil‐mediated mechanisms underlying these negative impacts on trees.

We challenged nine tree species with soil conditioned by tall fescue grass either with (E+) or without (E–) the symbiotic endophyte. We collected field soil from replicated, experimental E+ and E– field plots, sterilized half to eliminate soil microbes, then conditioned the soil in the greenhouse with either E+ or E– tall fescue. Individual tree seeds received one of five soil treatments: E– live, E– sterile, E+ live, E+ sterile, or no tall fescue conditioning (control). Tree survival and biomass were assessed after approximately 80 days.

Soil conditioning by E+ tall fescue reduced the biomass of three tree species (Elaeagnus umbellata, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Platanus occidentalis) and the survival of P. occidentalis relative to conditioning by E– tall fescue. However, decreased biomass occurred only in live soil, suggesting indirect effects of the endophyte via altered soil microbes. In addition, two species (F. pennsylvanica, Prunus serotina) grew larger in both unconditioned soils and E– live soil relative to all other soil treatments, and two species (Ailanthus altissima, P. occidentalis) performed poorly in all soil treatments relative to unconditioned soil. Finally, three species did not significantly respond to any soil treatment (Acer negundo, Quercus palustris, Cercis canadensis).

Synthesis. Our results show that negative impacts of a non‐native grass on native trees can depend on both above‐ and below‐ground microbial associations. Because tree species responded divergently to soil conditioning, the endophyte symbiosis has the potential to alter plant succession and the future composition of forest communities.
Pleistocene divergence of Dinaric Drusus endemics (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae) in multiple microrefugia within the Balkan Peninsula
Authors: PREVIŠIĆ ANA , WALTON CATHERINE , KUČINIĆ MLADEN , MITRIKESKI PETAR T. , KEROVEC MLADEN
Published: January 2009

The Balkan Peninsula is one of three major European refugial areas. It has high biodiversity and endemism, but data on the age and origin of its fauna, especially endemics, are limited. Mitochondrial sequence data (COI and 16S genes) were used to study the population structure and phylogeography of the caddisfly Drusus croaticus and the phylogeny and divergence of seven other Drusus species, mostly range‐restricted endemics of the Dinaric region of the Balkan Peninsula. The divergence of D. croaticus populations in Croatia and allopatric Drusus species in Bosnia dated to the Pleistocene, showing the importance of this time period for the origin and diversification of Balkan endemic taxa. The divergence of more distantly related species dated to the Late Miocene/Early Pliocene. Population genetic and phylogeographic analysis of 115 individuals from 11 populations of D. croaticus revealed a high level of genetic differentiation and absence of gene flow between populations separated by more than 10 km. The existence of allopatrically fragmented lineages in D. croaticus and the endemic Bosnian species is most likely the result of long‐term isolation in multiple microrefugia, probably due to the specific habitat requirements and life‐history traits of Drusinae coupled with the topographic complexity and historical changes in geomorphology of the region. Overall, these findings shed light on the processes generating the high genetic complexity of this refugial region that parallels the ‘refugia within refugia’ pattern widely reported from the Iberian refugium.
Extreme changes to gene expression associated with homoploid hybrid speciation
Authors: HEGARTY MATTHEW J. , BARKER GARY L. , BRENNAN ADRIAN C. , EDWARDS KEITH J. , ABBOTT RICHARD J. , HISCOCK SIMON J.
Published: January 2009

Hybridization is an important cause of abrupt speciation. Hybrid speciation without a change in ploidy (homoploid hybrid speciation) is well‐established in plants but has also been reported in animals and fungi. A notable example of recent homoploid hybrid speciation is Senecio squalidus (Oxford ragwort), which originated in the UK in the 18th Century following introduction of hybrid material from a hybrid zone between S. chrysanthemifolius and S. aethnensis on Mount Etna, Sicily. To investigate genetic divergence between these taxa, we used complementary DNA microarrays to compare patterns of floral gene expression. These analyses revealed major differences in gene expression between the parent species and wild and resynthesized S. squalidus. Comparisons of gene expression between S. aethnensis, S. chrysanthemifolius and natural S. squalidus identified genes potentially involved in local environmental adaptation. The analysis also revealed non‐additive patterns of gene expression in the hybrid relative to its progenitors. These expression changes were more dramatic and widespread in resynthesized hybrids than in natural S. squalidus, suggesting that a unique expression pattern may have been fixed during the allopatric divergence of British S. squalidus. We speculate that hybridization‐induced gene‐expression change may provide an immediate source of novel phenotypic variation upon which selection can act to facilitate homoploid hybrid speciation in plants.
Investigation of the pruritogenic effects of histamine, serotonin, tryptase, substance P and interleukin‐2 in healthy dogs
Authors: Carr Melissa N. , Torres Sheila M. F. , Koch Sandra N. , Reiter Lisa V.
Published: January 2009

There are numerous studies of the pruritus‐producing effects of histamine, serotonin, tryptase, substance P and interleukin‐2 in humans and mice, but very little reported in dogs even though a common reason dogs are presented to veterinarians is pruritus. The aim of this study was to determine whether substances known to cause pruritus in humans also cause pruritus in dogs. Twenty‐five clinically healthy research beagle dogs were included in the study. All dogs first received an intradermal injection of 0.05 mL saline as a control substance and were video‐recorded for 20 min before and after the injection. Twenty‐four hours later the dogs were randomly divided into five groups of five dogs each and randomly assigned to receive histamine, serotonin, tryptase, substance P or interleukin‐2 injected intradermally each at the volume of 0.05 mL. On subsequent days, increasing concentrations of each substance were used. Before (baseline) and after the injection of each concentration of the substances, the dogs were video‐recorded for 20 min. The frequency and character of pruritus episodes (scratching, licking, chewing, rubbing or rolling) were noted and these data were used for statistical analysis. The number of pruritus episodes was compared among baseline, saline and the different concentrations of each substance. The results showed that dogs did not have a significant increase in pruritic behaviour above baseline or saline after injection of any of the investigated substances (generalized linear model; P = 0.23).
Cutaneous fungal granuloma in a horse
Authors: Schwarz Bianca , Burford John , Knottenbelt Derek
Published: January 2009

This case report describes a 4‐year‐old‐horse with two cutaneous masses on the right crest of the neck. Biopsy revealed chronic nodular pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis. Giemsa and periodic acid‐Schiff stains showed focal spherical, yeast‐like organisms. A diagnosis of cutaneous fungal granuloma was made. The size of the masses decreased after oral treatment with fluconazole for 10 days combined with potassium iodide for 30 days, and the remaining masses were excised by laser. Lesions did not recur at the site. Fungal granuloma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses with cutaneous or subcutaneous nodules. A definitive diagnosis can only be achieved by histopathological examination or by culture of the affected tissue.
Update on the evaluation of hypersensitivity reactions to betalactams
Authors: Blanca M. , Romano A. , Torres M. J. , Férnandez J. , Mayorga C. , Rodriguez J. , Demoly P. , Bousquet P. J. , Merk H. F. , Sanz M. L. , Ott H. , Atanasković‐Marković M.
Published: January 2009

Hypersensitivity reactions to betalactams (BLs) are classified as immediate or nonimmediate. The former usually appear within 1 h of drug‐intake and are mediated by specific IgE‐antibodies. Nonimmediate reactions are those occurring more than 1 h after drug‐intake, and they can be T‐cell mediated. The diagnostic evaluation of allergic reactions to BLs has changed over the last 5 years, for several reasons. Major and minor determinants are no longer commercially available for skin testing in many countries. In immediate allergic reactions, the sensitivity of skin testing and immunoassays is decreasing and new in vitro methods, such as the basophil activation test, are gaining importance for diagnosis. For nonimmediate reactions, skin testing appears to be less sensitive than previous results, although more studies need to be carried out in this direction. Nevertheless, the drug provocation test is still necessary for diagnosis.
Seed Composition, Seedling Emergence and Early Seedling Vigour of Red Kidney Bean Seed Produced at Elevated Temperature and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Thomas J. M. G. , Prasad P. V. V. , Boote K. J. , Allen Jr L. H.
Published: January 2009

Understanding the influence of growth temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) on seed quality in terms of seed composition, subsequent seedling emergence and early seedling vigour is important under present and future climates. The objective of this study was to determine the combined effects of elevated temperature and CO2 during seed‐filling of parent plants on seed composition, subsequent seedling emergence and seedling vigour of red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Plants of cultivar ‘Montcalm’, were grown at daytime maximum/nighttime minimum sinusoidal temperature regimes of 28/18 and 34/24 °C at ambient CO2 (350 μmol mol−1) and at elevated CO2 (700 μmol mol−1) from emergence to maturity. Seed size and seed composition at maturity and subsequent per cent emergence, early seedling vigour (rate of development) and seedling dry matter production were measured. Elevated CO2 did not influence seed composition, emergence, or seedling vigour of seeds produced either at 28/18 or 34/24 °C. Seed produced at 34/24 °C had smaller seed size, decreased glucose concentration, but significantly increased concentrations of sucrose and raffinose compared to 28/18 °C. Elevated growth temperatures during seed production decreased the subsequent per cent emergence and seedling vigour of the seeds and seedling dry matter production of seed produced either at ambient or elevated CO2.
Health status differentials across rural and remote Australia
Authors: Phillips Andrew
Published: January 2009

This paper describes mortality and disease patterns across five broad remoteness categories of Australia, with reference to the context in which those outcomes develop and are treated.

Health and its outcomes become worse as remoteness increases. Some of this phenomenon reflects proportionally greater numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote areas coupled with their poorer overall health outcomes; however, mortality for non‐indigenous people is clearly higher outside compared with inside major cities. Migration of people seeking services likely reduces the size of interregional health disparity.

Poorer health outcomes stem from worse risk factor profiles and average lower levels of income and of education, poorer physical and financial access to services, higher occupational and environmental risk, as well as factors unique to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Little is known about the health benefits of living outside major cities.

Diseases of the circulatory system and injuries account, respectively, for 40% and 18% of the excess mortality outside major cities.

Death rates are declining over time in all (particularly remote) areas, but rates of death due to certain lung diseases in rural women are not, and rates of suicide have increased in remote areas.

Ostensibly, prevalence of mental ill‐health appears roughly similar in all remoteness areas. Dental health is poorer and disability is more prevalent outside major cities, as are a range of infectious diseases.

Although pertinent, the effects on rural health of climate change and resource degradation generally have not been addressed in this paper.
Influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors on rural health
Authors: Beard John R. , Tomaska Nola , Earnest Arul , Summerhayes Richard , Morgan Geoff
Published: January 2009

Objective:  To provide a framework for investigating the influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors on rural health.

Design:  Discussion paper.

Results:  Socioeconomic and cultural factors have long been thought to influence an individual's health. We suggest a framework for characterising these factors that comprises individual‐level (e.g. individual socioeconomic status, sex, race) and neighbourhood‐level dimensions (population composition, social environment, physical environment) operating both independently and through interaction. Recent spatial research suggests that in rural communities, socioeconomic disadvantage and indigenous status are two of the greatest underlying influences on health status. However, rural communities also face additional challenges associated with access to, and utilisation of, health care. The example is given of procedural angiography for individuals with an acute coronary event.

Conclusions:  Socioeconomic and cultural factors specific to rural Australia are key influences on the health of residents. These range from individual‐level factors, such as rural stoicism, poverty and substance use norms, to neighbourhood‐level social characteristics, such as lack of services, migration out of rural areas of younger community members weakening traditionally high levels of social cohesion, and to environmental factors, such as climate change and access to services.
Key considerations in delivering appropriate and accessible health care for rural and remote populations: Discussant overview
Authors: Humphreys John S.
Published: January 2009

Objective:  To provide an overview of papers discussing optimal service delivery models for rural and remote Australia.

Design:  A synthesis of overarching considerations guiding rural and remote health service policies.

Setting:  Small rural and remote communities in Australia.

Participants:  Invited delegates attending the Inaugural Rural and Remote Health Scientific Symposium in Brisbane 2008.

Main outcome measures:  Key issues underpinning health service provision for small rural and remote communities.

Results:  The formulation and implementation of effective health service provision policies must be underpinned by overarching health goals, agreed health service requirements, recognition of how rural and remote health contexts impact upon health service provision and the constraints limiting health service responses.

Conclusion:  Systemic change is required in order to ensure equitable access to health care services in small rural and remote communities.
Relationship between vascular calcification, arterial stiffness and bone mineral density in a cross‐sectional study of prevalent Australian haemodialysis patients
Authors: TOUSSAINT NIGEL D , LAU KENNETH K , STRAUSS BOYD J , POLKINGHORNE KEVAN R , KERR PETER G
Published: January 2009

Background:  Cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients is associated with increased vascular calcification (VC) and arterial stiffness, both inversely correlated with bone mineral density (BMD). Few studies have correlated VC in the dialysis population with measurements of BMD and arterial compliance.

Methods:  We report cross‐sectional data on 45 haemodialysis (HD) patients assessing the prevalence of VC and its associations. Patients had computed tomography scans through abdominal aorta and superficial femoral arteries (SFA) to determine VC, pulse wave velocity (PWV) using SphygmoCor device measuring arterial stiffness, and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) to determine BMD.

Results:  Patients, 64% male, 38% diabetic, had median age 58 years. Mean PWV was 8.7 ± 3.5 m/s and median aortic VC score 488.1 ± 298 Hounsfield units, with 91% having aortic VC present. In univariate linear regression analysis, aortic VC correlated positively with length of HD (P = 0.03) and diabetes (P = 0.06). Increasing PWV was positively associated with age (P = 0.001), diabetes (P = 0.05) and VC (aortic P = 0.08, SFA P = 0.01). In multivariate regression analysis, length of HD and diabetes were significantly associated with aortic VC, whereas age and diabetes were associated with SFA VC and PWV. Mean lumbar spine and femoral neck T‐scores on DXA were 0.14 and −1.66 respectively.

Conclusion:  Increased VC and reduced arterial compliance, both closely related, are common in Australian HD patients. Both are associated with diabetes and increasing age, and greater aortic VC is seen with longer duration of dialysis.
Effect of anaemia on mortality, cardiovascular hospitalizations and end‐stage renal disease among patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: THORP MICAH L , JOHNSON ERIC S , YANG XUIHAI , PETRIK AMANDA F , PLATT ROBERT , SMITH DAVID H
Published: January 2009

Objective:  To determine whether an independent association exists between anaemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD) outcomes in a quasi‐incidence cohort when patients' most recent laboratory values are considered.

Methods:  We conducted a dynamic, retrospective cohort study among patients with incident CKD in a large health maintenance organization administrative data set. CKD was defined by two estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). We measured the absolute rates for all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular hospitalizations and end‐stage renal disease.

Results:  Our completed cases Cox regression model followed 5885 patients with both CKD and haemoglobin measures. For patients with the most severe anaemia (haemoglobin <10.5 g/dL), we estimated an increased rate of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 5.27, CI 4.37–6.35), cardiovascular hospitalizations (HR = 2.18, CI 1.76–2.70) and end‐stage renal disease (HR = 5.46, CI 3.38–8.82) when compared with patients who were not anaemic; the HR reflect time‐varying haemoglobins and eGFR.

Conclusion:  Anaemia is a predictor of excess mortality, excess cardiovascular hospitalizations and excess end‐stage renal disease even when the progression of CKD is considered by controlling for time‐varying eGFR values.
Evaluation of a novel calpain inhibitor as a treatment for cataract
Authors: Lee Hannah YY , Morton James D , Robertson Lucinda JG , McDermott Joshua D , Bickerstaffe Roy , Abell Andrew D , Jones Matthew A , Mehrtens Janna M , Coxon James M
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Purpose:  The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a newly synthesized calpain inhibitor, CAT0059, using a naturally occurring in vivo sheep cataract model.

Methods:  The selectivity of CAT0059 was investigated by an in vitro protease assay. The efficacy of CAT0059 in preventing proteolysis of lens cytoskeletal proteins by calpain 2 was investigated using a lens‐based cell‐free method. The cytotoxicity and stability of CAT0059 in physiological conditions were examined using cultured sheep lenses. Protein binding of CAT0059 by ocular proteins was assessed and quantified by a modified high‐performance liquid chromatography assay. CAT0059 was formulated in an eye drop solution and as an eye ointment. These were applied in vivo daily to one eye of the cataract lambs, over a 67‐ and 97‐day trial period, respectively. The progression of cataracts in the treated and untreated eyes was assessed by an independent veterinary ophthalmologist using a slit‐lamp microscope.

Results:  In vitro assays revealed that CAT0059 was selective for cysteine proteases and also protected lens cytoskeletal proteins from degradation. CAT0059 was stable in physiological conditions and non‐toxic to the lens. Only 15% of CAT0059 is bound to proteins in the aqueous humour but >90% bound to lens homogenate. The 67‐day CAT0059 eye drop treatment was not effective in slowing the rate of cataract development. However, application of CAT0059 in an eye ointment initially slowed cataract development compared with the untreated eye. This effect was temporary.

Conclusions:  In vitro assays confirmed CAT0059 to be a potent calpain inhibitor. The two in vivo trials addressed the ability of CAT0059 to reach the lens and established its limitations as a therapeutic molecule for cataract treatment.
The horse, the Kyrgyz horse and the ‘Kyrgyz horse’
Authors: Cassidy Rebecca
Published: January 2009

Ethnographic material gathered among horse owners in Kyrgyzstan, as part of a multi disciplinary project based at the McDonald Institute of Archaeological Research is used to explore diverse ideas about horse breeding.