bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproduction is adapted to survival characteristics across geographically isolated medfly populations
Authors: Müller Hans-Georg , Wu Shuang , Diamantidis Alexandros D. , Papadopoulos Nikos T. , Carey James R.
Published: October 2009

We propose the hypothesis that individual longitudinal trajectories of fertility are closely coupled to varying survival schedules across geographically isolated populations of the same species, in such a way that peak reproduction takes place before substantial increases in mortality are observed. This reproductive adaptation hypothesis is investigated for medflies through a statistical analysis of biodemographic data that were obtained for female medflies from six geographically far apart regions. The following results support the hypothesis: (i) both survival and reproductive schedules differ substantially between these populations, where early peaks and subsequently fast declining reproduction are observed for short-lived and protracted reproductive schedules for long-lived flies; (ii) when statistically adjusting reproduction for the observed differences in survival, the differences in reproductive schedules largely vanish, and thus the observed differences in fertility across the populations can be explained by differences in population-specific longevity; and (iii) specific survival patterns of the medflies belonging to a specific population predict the individual reproductive schedule for the flies in this population. The analysis is based on innovative statistical tools from functional data analysis. Our findings are consistent with an adaptive mechanism whereby trajectories of fertility evolve in response to specific constraints inherent in the population survival schedules.
Chemokine signaling guides regional patterning of the first embryonic artery
Authors: Siekmann Arndt F. , Standley Clive , Fogarty Kevin E. , Wolfe Scot A. , Lawson Nathan D.
Published: October 2009

The aorta traverses the body, yet little is known about how it is patterned in different anatomical locations. Here, we show that the aorta develops from genetically distinct endothelial cells originating from diverse locations within the embryo. Furthermore, chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4a (cxcr4a) is restricted to endothelial cells derived from anterior mesoderm, and is required specifically for formation of the lateral aortae. Cxcl12b, a cxcr4a ligand, is expressed in endoderm underlying the lateral aortae, and loss of cxcl12b phenocopies cxcr4a deficiency. These studies reveal unexpected endothelial diversity within the aorta that is necessary to facilitate its regional patterning by local cues.
The Scc2/Scc4 cohesin loader determines the distribution of cohesin on budding yeast chromosomes
Authors: Kogut Igor , Wang Jianbin , Guacci Vincent , Mistry Rohinton K. , Megee Paul C.
Published: October 2009

Cohesins mediate sister chromatid cohesion and DNA repair and also function in gene regulation. Chromosomal cohesins are distributed nonrandomly, and their deposition requires the heterodimeric Scc2/Scc4 loader. Whether Scc2/Scc4 establishes nonrandom cohesin distributions on chromosomes is poorly characterized, however. To better understand the spatial regulation of cohesin association, we mapped budding yeast Scc2 and Scc4 chromosomal distributions. We find that Scc2/Scc4 resides at previously mapped cohesin-associated regions (CARs) in pericentromeric and arm regions, and that Scc2/Scc4–cohesin colocalization persists after the initial deposition of cohesins in G1/S phase. Pericentromeric Scc2/Scc4 enrichment is kinetochore-dependent, and both Scc2/Scc4 and cohesin associations are coordinately reduced in these regions following chromosome biorientation. Thus, these characteristics of Scc2/Scc4 binding closely recapitulate those of cohesin. Although present in G1, Scc2/Scc4 initially has a poor affinity for CARs, but its affinity increases as cells traverse the cell cycle. Scc2/Scc4 association with CARs is independent of cohesin, however. Taken together, these observations are inconsistent with a previous suggestion that cohesins are relocated by translocating RNA polymerases from separate loading sites to intergenic regions between convergently transcribed genes. Rather, our findings suggest that budding yeast cohesins are targeted to CARs largely by Scc2/Scc4 loader association at these locations.
Invasive and indigenous microbiota impact intestinal stem cell activity through multiple pathways in Drosophila
Authors: Buchon Nicolas , Broderick Nichole A. , Chakrabarti Sveta , Lemaitre Bruno
Published: October 2009

Gut homeostasis is controlled by both immune and developmental mechanisms, and its disruption can lead to inflammatory disorders or cancerous lesions of the intestine. While the impact of bacteria on the mucosal immune system is beginning to be precisely understood, little is known about the effects of bacteria on gut epithelium renewal. Here, we addressed how both infectious and indigenous bacteria modulate stem cell activity in Drosophila. We show that the increased epithelium renewal observed upon some bacterial infections is a consequence of the oxidative burst, a major defense of the Drosophila gut. Additionally, we provide evidence that the JAK–STAT (Janus kinase–signal transducers and activators of transcription) and JNK (c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase) pathways are both required for bacteria-induced stem cell proliferation. Similarly, we demonstrate that indigenous gut microbiota activate the same, albeit reduced, program at basal levels. Altered control of gut microbiota in immune-deficient or aged flies correlates with increased epithelium renewal. Finally, we show that epithelium renewal is an essential component of Drosophila defense against oral bacterial infection. Altogether, these results indicate that gut homeostasis is achieved by a complex interregulation of the immune response, gut microbiota, and stem cell activity.
The annealing helicase SMARCAL1 maintains genome integrity at stalled replication forks
Authors: Bansbach Carol E. , Bétous Rémy , Lovejoy Courtney A. , Glick Gloria G. , Cortez David
Published: October 2009

Mutations in SMARCAL1 (HARP) cause Schimke immunoosseous dysplasia (SIOD). The mechanistic basis for this disease is unknown. Using functional genomic screens, we identified SMARCAL1 as a genome maintenance protein. Silencing and overexpression of SMARCAL1 leads to activation of the DNA damage response during S phase in the absence of any genotoxic agent. SMARCAL1 contains a Replication protein A (RPA)-binding motif similar to that found in the replication stress response protein TIPIN (Timeless-Interacting Protein), which is both necessary and sufficient to target SMARCAL1 to stalled replication forks. RPA binding is critical for the cellular function of SMARCAL1; however, it is not necessary for the annealing helicase activity of SMARCAL1 in vitro. An SIOD-associated SMARCAL1 mutant fails to prevent replication-associated DNA damage from accumulating in cells in which endogenous SMARCAL1 is silenced. Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), ATM and Rad3-related (ATR), and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) phosphorylate SMARCAL1 in response to replication stress. Loss of SMARCAL1 activity causes increased RPA loading onto chromatin and persistent RPA phosphorylation after a transient exposure to replication stress. Furthermore, SMARCAL1-deficient cells are hypersensitive to replication stress agents. Thus, SMARCAL1 is a replication stress response protein, and the pleiotropic phenotypes of SIOD are at least partly due to defects in genome maintenance during DNA replication.
Bacterial-modulated host immunity and stem cell activation for gut homeostasis: Figure 1.
Authors: Lee Won-Jae
Published: October 2009

Although it is widely accepted that dynamic cross-talk between gut epithelia and microorganisms must occur to achieve gut homeostasis, the critical mechanisms by which gut–microbe interactions are regulated remain uncertain. In this issue of Genes & Development, Buchon and colleagues (pp. 2333–2344) revealed that the reaction of the gut to microorganisms is not restricted to activating immune systems, but extends to integrated responses essential for gut tissue homeostasis, including self-renewal and the differentiation of stem cells. Further investigation of the connection between immune response and stem cell regulation at the molecular level in the microbe-laden mucosal epithelia will accelerate our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of gut homeostasis and of the pathogenesis of diseases such as chronic inflammatory diseases and colorectal cancers.
Integrin-linked kinase controls vascular wall formation by negatively regulating Rho/ROCK-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell contraction
Authors: Kogata Naoko , Tribe Rachel M. , Fässler Reinhard , Way Michael , Adams Ralf H.
Published: October 2009

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) form contractile layers around larger blood vessels in a process that is essential for the formation of a fully functional vasculature. Here, we show that integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is required for the formation of a unitary layer of aligned VSMCs around arterioles and the regulation of blood vessel constriction in mice. In the absence of ILK, activated Rho/ROCK signaling induces the elevated phosphorylation of myosin light chain leading to abnormally enhanced VSMC contraction in vitro and in vivo. Our findings identify ILK as a key component regulating vascular wall formation by negatively modulating VSMC contractility.
A cognitive map for object memory in the hippocampus
Authors: Manns Joseph R. , Eichenbaum Howard
Published: October 2009

The hippocampus has been proposed to support a cognitive map, a mental representation of the spatial layout of an environment as well as the nonspatial items encountered in that environment. In the present study, we recorded simultaneously from 43 to 61 hippocampal pyramidal cells as rats performed an object recognition memory task in which novel and repeated objects were encountered in different locations on a circular track. Multivariate analyses of the neural data indicated that information about object identity was represented secondarily to the primary information dimension of object location. In addition, the neural data related to performance on the recognition memory task. The results suggested that objects were represented as points of interest on the hippocampal cognitive map and that this map was useful in remembering encounters with particular objects in specific locations.
Corticosterone infused into the dorsal striatum selectively enhances memory consolidation of cued water-maze training
Authors: Quirarte Gina L. , Ledesma de la Teja I. Sofía , Casillas Miriam , Serafín Norma , Prado-Alcalá Roberto A. , Roozendaal Benno
Published: October 2009

Glucocorticoid hormones enhance memory consolidation of hippocampus-dependent spatial/contextual learning, but little is known about their possible influence on the consolidation of procedural/implicit memory. Therefore, in this study we examined the effect of corticosterone (2, 5, or 10 ng) infused into the dorsal striatum of male Wistar rats immediately after training on either a cued or spatial version of the water maze. We found that corticosterone dose-dependently enhanced 48-h retention of the cued training without affecting the retention of the spatial training. These findings indicate that corticosterone acts within the dorsal striatum to enhance memory consolidation of procedural/implicit training.
Context representations, context functions, and the parahippocampal–hippocampal system
Authors: Rudy Jerry W.
Published: October 2009

Psychologists and neurobiologists have a long-standing interest in understanding how the context surrounding the events of our lives is represented and how it influences our behavior. The hippocampal formation emerged very early as a major contributor to how context is represented and functions. There is a large literature examining its contribution that on the surface reveals an array of conflicting outcomes and controversy. This review reveals that these conflicts can be resolved by building Nadel and Willner's dual-process theory of context representations. Two general conclusions emerge: (1) There are two neural systems that can support context representations and functions—a neocortical system composed primarily of perirhinal and postrhinal cortices and a hippocampal system that includes perirhinal, postrhinal, entorhinal cortices, and the hippocampal formation. (2) These two systems are not equivalent—some context representations and functions are uniquely supported by the hippocampal system. These conclusions are discussed in the context of canonical ideas about the special properties of the hippocampal system that enable it to make unique contributions to memory.
Age-related impairments of new memories reflect failures of learning, not retention
Authors: Matzel Louis D. , Wass Christopher , Kolata Stefan , Light Kenneth , Colas Danielle C.
Published: October 2009

Learning impairments and the instability of memory are defining characteristics of cognitive aging. However, it is unclear if deficits in the expression of new memories reflect an accelerated decay of the target memory or a consequence of inefficient learning. Here, aged mice (19–21-mo old) exhibited acquisition deficits (relative to 3–5-mo old mice) on three learning tasks, although these deficits were overcome with additional training. When tested after a 30-d retention interval, the performance of aged animals was impaired if initial learning had been incomplete. However, if trained to equivalent levels of competence, aged animals exhibited no retention deficits relative to their young counterparts. These results suggest that age-related “memory” impairments can be overcome through a more effective learning regimen.
The ‘Mother of Thousands’ (Kalanchoë daigremontiana): A Plant Model for Asexual Reproduction and CAM Studies
Authors: Garcês Helena , Sinha Neelima
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

The genus Kalanchoë plays an important role in the investigation of biochemical, physiological and phylogenetic aspects of Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) in plants, which is an important evolutionary adaptation of the photosynthetic carbon assimilation pathway to arid environments. In addition, natural compounds extracted from tissues of Kalanchoë have potential applicability in treating tumors and inflammatory and allergic diseases, and have been shown to have insecticidal properties. Kalanchoë daigremontiana (Hamet & Perrier) originated in Madagascar and reproduces asexually by spontaneously forming whole plantlets on leaves. Plantlets develop symmetrically along the leaf margins on leaf notches, closely resembling zygotic embryos in development, and once the root system is formed, they detach from the mother-leaf, fall to the ground, and grow into new plants. This phenomenon is also found in other species from this same genus; however, the formation of leaf-plantlets is variable among species. Nevertheless, all species illustrate the remarkable ability of plant somatic cells to regenerate an entire organism, which has fascinated the scientific community for many years. It was only recently that the morphogenic process involved in the origin of K. daigremontiana plantlets was determined using molecular and genetic tools: K. daigremontiana forms plantlets by co-opting both organogenesis and embryogenesis programs into leaves. The ability of K. daigremontiana species to form somatic embryos outside of a seed environment provides an attractive model system to study somatic embryogenesis in nature, particularly the molecular mechanism involved in the acquisition of competence by vegetative cells to make embryos without fertilization.
High-Resolution Dual-Trap Optical Tweezers with Differential Detection: Managing Environmental Noise: Figure 1.
Authors: Bustamante Carlos , Chemla Yann R. , Moffitt Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

Optical traps or “optical tweezers” have become an indispensable tool in understanding fundamental biological processes. The ability to manipulate and probe individual molecules or molecular complexes has led to a new, more refined understanding of the mechanical properties of the fundamental building blocks of the cell, and of the mechanism by which molecular machines function. The minimization and management of noise are the keys to building a high-resolution optical tweezers. The high degree of stability needed to observe angstrom motions of a biological system places rather stringent requirements on the environment in which the instrument operates. Specifically, environmental noise is a concern when it leads to differential movements of the optical trap relative to the second attachment point of the tether. In this article, we discuss what entails a quiet environment--what sources of noise are relevant and how they affect the instrument--and provide guidelines for choosing an appropriate location for a high-resolution instrument.
Fixing and Sectioning Tissue from the Plant Kalanchoë daigremontiana
Authors: Garcês Helena , Sinha Neelima
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

Tissue samples from Kalanchoë daigremontiana can be fixed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histology, and in situ hybridization using several common steps described in this protocol. All steps should be performed in the same manner for all three methods unless otherwise noted.
Transformation of the Plant Kalanchoë daigremontiana using Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Garcês Helena , Sinha Neelima
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

Kalanchoë daigremontiana can be stably transformed using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated T-DNA transfer method, as described here. Sterilized plant tissue is cocultivated with an A. tumefaciens suspension, transformants are selected and the shoots are grown in rooting medium and then in soil. Plant phenotypes can be examined ~3 mo after transfer of plants to soil.
Extraction of DNA from the Plant Kalanchoë daigremontiana
Authors: Garcês Helena , Sinha Neelima
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

This protocol describes how to isolate genomic DNA from leaves and stems of Kalanchoë daigremontiana. The procedure can be applied to adult leaves, but it is best to use younger leaves because they have fewer secondary metabolites and polysaccharides, which can interfere with the DNA extraction. The resulting DNA can be used for polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), Southern blots, or other applications.
Formation and Use of Water-Soluble Lipopolymer-pDNA and Lipopeptide-pDNA Complexes
Authors: Mahato Ram I. , Ye Zhaoyang , Kim Sung Wan
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

Water-soluble lipopolymers and lipopeptides are nonviral gene-transfer reagents that combine the advantages of lipids, which increase permeability of DNA through cell membranes, with the DNA-condensing and enhanced endosomal release properties of polycations. This protocol describes the synthesis and characterization of water-soluble lipopolymer/lipopeptide-DNA complexes and their use in transfection of cultured cells and injection into tumor-bearing mice. Lipopolymers are formed by conjugating cholesteryl chloroformate with the primary or secondary amines of 1800-Da branched polyethylenimine (PEI); the use of the 1800-Da PEI avoids the cytotoxicity problems associated with higher molecular-mass PEI. Lipopeptides are composed of a human protamine-derived peptide that has been incubated with a reaction of O-(N-succinimidyl)-N,N,N′,N′,-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate with lithocholic acid in the presence of excess diisopropylethylamine. The therapeutic gene used as an example in this protocol encodes the murine interleukin 12 (IL-12) subunits p35 and p40, each under the transcriptional control of a separate cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter; the reporter plasmid contains the luciferase gene driven by a CMV promoter. The target cells are C-26 colon carcinoma cells.
Rearing Sarcophaga bullata Fly Hosts for Nasonia (Parasitoid Wasp)
Authors: Werren John H. , Loehlin David W.
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

Nasonia is a complex of four closely related species of wasps with several features that make it an excellent system for a variety of genetic studies. These include a short generation time, ease of rearing, interfertile species, visible and molecular markers, and a sequenced genome. It also can serve as a behavior model for studies of courtship, male aggression and territoriality, female dispersal, and sex ratio control. Nasonia vitripennis is a parasitoid of a number of calliphorid flies, such as Sarcophaga bullata, allowing investigations of questions relating to parasitoid/host dynamics, host preference, and specialist versus generalist biology. S. bullata are relatively large, increasing the offspring yield that a single N. vitripennis female can produce. They are also easily reared in the lab if proper ventilation is available. This protocol describes the methods to collect and raise S. bullata larvae that will be used as hosts for N. vitripennis.
Larval RNAi in Nasonia (Parasitoid Wasp)
Authors: Werren John H. , Loehlin David W. , Giebel Jonathan D.
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

Nasonia is a complex of four closely related species of wasps with several features that make it an excellent system for a variety of genetic studies. These include a short generation time, ease of rearing, interfertile species, visible and molecular markers, and a sequenced genome. Furthermore, its parasitoid lifestyle allows investigations of questions relating to parasitoid/host dynamics, host preference, and specialist versus generalist biology. It also can serve as a behavior model for studies of courtship, male aggression and territoriality, female dispersal, and sex ratio control. This protocol describes a method to use RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down genes in Nasonia larvae. Unlike in Drosophila, RNAi in Nasonia is systemic. In the example presented here, adult red-eye-color phenotypes are produced by injecting double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) against the eye color gene cinnabar into last-instar Nasonia larvae.
Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) of Zebrafish Transcripts: Optimization of RNA Extraction, Quality Control Considerations, and Data Analysis
Authors: Lan Chuan-Ching , Tang Rongying , Un San Leong Ivone , Love Donald R.
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a popular model species. The rapid development of zebrafish embryos provides opportunities for investigation of genes essential for developmental processes, the human counterparts of which might be implicated in diseases. Understanding when and where genes are expressed can facilitate greater understanding of their function, and also allow the genes to be manipulated by gene knockdown in temporally and spatially specific manners. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is widely applied in gene expression studies. This protocol presents techniques to optimize RNA isolation from zebrafish embryos; quality assessment and the use of multiple reference genes are also emphasized. The combined use of TRIzol extraction and column-based purification is strongly recommended, because the resulting RNA is of better quality than RNA isolated using either of those methods alone. The procedure can be performed in 2 d, with individual stages taking up to 15 h to complete.
A Tripartite SNARE-K+ Channel Complex Mediates in Channel-Dependent K+ Nutrition inArabidopsis
Authors: Honsbein Annegret , Sokolovski Sergei , Grefen Christopher , Campanoni Prisca , Pratelli Réjane , Paneque Manuel , Chen Zhonghua , Johansson Ingela , Blatt Michael R.
Published: October 2009

A few membrane vesicle trafficking (SNARE) proteins in plants are associated with signaling and transmembrane ion transport, including control of plasma membrane ion channels. Vesicle traffic contributes to the population of ion channels at the plasma membrane. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether these SNAREs also interact directly to affect channel gating and, if so, what functional impact this might have on the plant. Here, we report that the Arabidopsis thaliana SNARE SYP121 binds to KC1, a regulatory K+ channel subunit that assembles with different inward-rectifying K+ channels to affect their activities. We demonstrate that SYP121 interacts preferentially with KC1 over other Kv-like K+ channel subunits and that KC1 interacts specifically with SYP121 but not with its closest structural and functional homolog SYP122 nor with another related SNARE SYP111. SYP121 promoted gating of the inward-rectifying K+ channel AKT1 but only when heterologously coexpressed with KC1. Mutation in any one of the three genes, SYP121, KC1, and AKT1, selectively suppressed the inward-rectifying K+ current in Arabidopsis root epidermal protoplasts as well as K+ acquisition and growth in seedlings when channel-mediated K+ uptake was limiting. That SYP121 should be important for gating of a K+ channel and its role in inorganic mineral nutrition demonstrates an unexpected role for SNARE–ion channel interactions, apparently divorced from signaling and vesicle traffic. Instead, it suggests a role in regulating K+ uptake coordinately with membrane expansion for cell growth.
Gene silencing of glypican‐3 in clear cell carcinoma of the ovary renders it more sensitive to the apoptotic agent paclitaxel in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Umezu Tomokazu , Shibata Kiyosumi , Shimaoka Maiko , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Yamamoto Eiko , Ino Kazuhiko , Nawa Akihiro , Senga Takeshi , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: October 2009

Glypican‐3 (GPC3) is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is bound to the cell membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor, and glypicans can regulate the activity of a wide variety of growth and survival factors. We report here that GPC3 was expressed in clear cell carcinoma of the ovary, and not in other carcinomas. To evaluate the phenotype and potential preclinical relevance, we generated an ovarian cancer cell line stably transfected with plasmids encompassing shRNA targeting GPC3. We show that the clear cell carcinoma cell line with silenced GPC3 expression (GPC3 [−]) was more sensitive to paclitaxel than GPC3 (+) cells. In addition, the GPC3 silencing induced sensitization to paclitaxel was associated with the activation of an apoptosis pathway, as shown by flow cytometry. Moreover, we investigated the effect of GPC3 on peritoneal metastases using nude mice. Peritoneal metastases caused by GPC3 (−) were more sensitive to paclitaxel than those caused by GPC3 (+) cells. These results indicate that increased GPC3 expression in a clear cell carcinoma cell line may play a protective role against apoptosis, and so the downregulation of GPC3 may be a potential target to increase sensitivity to paclitaxel‐induced apoptosis in clear cell carcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Non‐haematological uses of cord blood stem cells
Authors: Harris David T.
Published: October 2009

Embryonic stem (ES) cell therapies are often promoted as the optimal stem cell source for regenerative medicine applications because of their ability to develop into any tissue in the body. Unfortunately, ES cell applications are currently limited by ethical, political, biological and regulatory hurdles. However, multipotent non‐ES cells are available in large numbers in umbilical cord blood (CB). CB stem cells are capable of giving rise to hematopoietic, epithelial, endothelial and neural tissues bothin vitroandin vivo. Thus, CB stem cells are amenable to treat a wide variety of diseases including cardiovascular, ophthalmic, orthopaedic, neurological and endocrine diseases. In addition, the recent use of CB in several regenerative medicine clinical studies has demonstrated its pluripotent nature. Here we review the latest developments in the use of CB in regenerative medicine. Examples of these usages include cerebral palsy and type I diabetes. The numbers of individuals affected with each of these diseases are estimated at 10 000 infants diagnosed with cerebral palsy annually and 15 000 youths diagnosed with type 1 diabetes annually. A summary of the initial results from such clinical studies using autologous cord blood stem cells will be presented.
Cord blood transplantation for haematological malignancies: conditioning regimens, double cord transplant and infectious complications
Authors: Delaney Colleen , Gutman Jonathan A. , Appelbaum Frederick R.
Published: October 2009

Growing evidence supports the efficacy of cord blood transplantation (CBT) to treat patients with haematological malignancies, and the number of CBTs is rapidly increasing. Herein, we review considerations regarding conditioning regimens for CBT, the impact of double unit transplantation on CBT outcomes, and data regarding infectious complications following CBT.
Matched unrelated donor stem cell transplant in 131 patients with follicular lymphoma: an analysis from the Lymphoma Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Avivi Irit , Montoto Silvia , Canals Carme , Maertens John , Al‐Ali Haifa , Mufti Ghulam J. , Finke Jürgen , Schattenberg Anton , Fanin Renato , Cornelissen Jan J. , Vernant Jean‐Paul , Russell Nigell , Beguin Yves , Thomson Kirsty , Verdonck Leo F. , Kobbe Guido , Tilly Herve , Socié Gerard , Sureda Anna ,   for the EBMT Lymphoma Working Party
Published: October 2009

Matched unrelated donor stem cell transplantation (MUD‐SCT) provides the only curative option for patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) who fail conventional therapies and do not have a sibling donor. The purpose of this study was to analyse the outcome of patients with FL treated with MUD‐SCT included in the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation registry. 131 patients treated with reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC, n = 87) or conventional myeloablative (CONV, n = 44) MUD‐SCT between 2000 and 2005 were included. Median time from diagnosis to MUD‐SCT was 47 months and the median number of previous therapeutic regimens was 4 (previous autograft: 47%). RIC recipients were significantly older, with a longer interval from diagnosis to MUD‐SCT and had failed a previous autograft more frequently than CONV recipients. Non‐relapse mortality (NRM) was 24% and 30% at 100‐d and 1‐year, respectively. After a median follow‐up of 36 months, 17% of the patients developed disease progression, the 3‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) being 47%. Three‐year overall survival (OS) for the whole series was 51%. On multivariate analysis, RIC regimens were associated with at lower NRM and a significantly longer PFS and OS. This retrospective study demonstrated that MUD‐SCT results, even in heavily pre‐treated populations, in a meaningful PFS and OS.
Temporal stability of individual feeding specialization may promote speciation
Authors: Knudsen Rune , Primicerio Raul , Amundsen Per‐Arne , Klemetsen Anders
Published: October 2009

1. Inter‐individual differences in trophic behaviour are considered important in the disruptive selection process for resource specialization and may represent an early phase in the evolution of polymorphism and adaptive radiation. Here, we provide evidence of high stability of individual trophic niches of a fish predator from a 15‐year study.

2. Individual resource specialization was investigated by combining data from analyses of stomach contents (recent trophic niche), trophically transmitted parasites (long‐term niche) and trophic morphology (niche adaptations) from single specimens of a postglacial fish (Arctic charr) population sampled from contrasting pelagic and littoral habitats.

3. Based on the relationships between morphology, parasites and diet, high inter‐individual temporal consistency of narrow niches (zooplanktivorous vs.benthivorous) was evident through the ontogeny of the charr, indicating low degree of switching both in habitat utilization and feeding strategy of individual fish. Co‐occurrence of differently specialized behavioural phenotypes was sustained over multiple generations.

4. The stable long‐term habitat and feeding specializations may represent an important initial step in an adaptive radiation process, and our findings suggest a case of sympatric speciation into two incipient forms diverging along the littoral–pelagic resource axis.
Alternative pollinator taxa are equally efficient but not as effective as the honeybee in a mass flowering crop
Authors: Rader Romina , Howlett Bradley G. , Cunningham Saul A. , Westcott David A. , Newstrom‐Lloyd Linda E. , Walker Melanie K. , Teulon David A.J. , Edwards Will
Published: October 2009

1.
 The honeybee Apis mellifera is currently in decline worldwide because of the combined impacts of Colony Collapse Disorder and the Varroa destructor mite. In order to gain a balanced perspective of the importance of both wild and managed pollination services, it is essential to compare these services directly, a priori, within a cropping landscape. This process will determine the capacity of other flower visitors to act as honeybee replacements.

2.
 In a highly modified New Zealand agricultural landscape, we compared the pollination services provided by managed honeybees to unmanaged pollinator taxa (including flies) within a Brassica rapa var. chinensis mass flowering crop.

3.  We evaluate overall pollinator effectiveness by separating the pollination service into two components: efficiency (i.e. per visit pollen deposition) and visit rate (i.e. pollinator abundance per available flower and the number of flower visits per minute).

4.
 We observed 31 species attending flowers of B. rapa. In addition to A. mellifera, seven insect species visited flowers frequently. These were three other bees (Lasioglossum sordidum, Bombus terrestris and Leioproctus sp.) and four flies (Dilophus nigrostigma, Melanostoma fasciatum, Melangyna novae‐zelandiae and Eristalis tenax).

5.
 Two bee species, Bombus terrestris and Leioproctus sp. and one fly, Eristalis tenax were as efficient as the honeybee and as effective (in terms of rate of flower visitation). A higher honeybee abundance, however, resulted in it being the more effective pollinator overall.

6.
 Synthesis and applications. Alternative land management practices that increase the population sizes of unmanaged pollinator taxa to levels resulting in visitation frequencies as high as A. mellifera, have the potential to replace services provided by the honeybee. This will require a thorough investigation of each taxon’s intrinsic biology and a change in land management practices to ensure year round refuge, feeding, nesting and other resource requirements of pollinator taxa are met.
Camera trapping photographic rate as an index of density in forest ungulates
Authors: Rovero Francesco , Marshall Andrew R.
Published: October 2009

1.Calibrating indices of animal abundance to true densities is critical in wildlife studies especially when direct density estimations are precluded by high costs, lack of required data or model parameters, elusiveness and rarity of target species. For studies deploying camera traps, the use of photographic rate (photographs per sampling time) as an index of abundance potentially applies to the majority of terrestrial mammals where individual recognition, and hence capture–recapture analysis, are unfeasible. The very few studies addressing this method have either been limited by lack of independence between trapping rates and density estimations, or because they combined different species, thus introducing potential bias in camera trap detection rates. This study uses a single model species from several sites to analyse calibration of trapping rates to independently derived estimations of density. The study also makes the first field test of the method byRowcliffeet al.(2008)for density derivation from camera trapping rates based on modelling animal‐camera contacts.

2.We deployed camera traps along line transects at six sites in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania and correlated trapping rates of Harvey’s duikerCephalophus harveyiwith densities estimated from counts made along the same transects.

3.We found a strong, linear relationship (R2 = 0·90) between trapping rate and density. Sampling precision analysis indicates that camera trapping rates reach satisfactory precision when trapping effort amounts to 250–300 camera days. Density estimates usingRowcliffeet al.’s (2008)gas model conversion are higher than from transect censuses; we discuss the possible reasons and stress the need for more field tests.

4.Synthesis and applications. Subject to rigorous and periodic calibration, and standardization of sampling procedures in time and over different sites, camera trapping rate is shown to be, in this study, a valid index of density in the target species. Comparative data indicate that this may also apply to forest ungulates in general. The method has great potential for standardizing monitoring programmes and reducing the costs of wildlife surveys, especially in remote areas.
Integral projection models perform better for small demographic data sets than matrix population models: a case study of two perennial herbs
Authors: Ramula Satu , Rees Mark , Buckley Yvonne M.
Published: October 2009

1. Matrix population models are widely used to describe population dynamics, conduct population viability analyses and derive management recommendations for plant populations. For endangered or invasive species, management decisions are often based on small demographic data sets. Hence, there is a need for population models which accurately assess population performance from such small data sets.

2. We used demographic data on two perennial herbs with different life histories to compare the accuracy and precision of the traditional matrix population model and the recently developed integral projection model (IPM) in relation to the amount of data.

3. For large data sets both matrix models and IPMs produced identical estimates of population growth rate (λ). However, for small data sets containing fewer than 300 individuals, IPMs often produced smaller bias and variance for λ than matrix models despite different matrix structures and sampling techniques used to construct the matrix population models.

4.
Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that the smaller bias and variance of λ estimates make IPMs preferable to matrix population models for small demographic data sets with a few hundred individuals. These results are likely to be applicable to a wide range of herbaceous, perennial plant species where demographic fate can be modelled as a function of a continuous state variable such as size. We recommend the use of IPMs to assess population performance and management strategies particularly for endangered or invasive perennial herbs where little demographic data are available.
Taxonomic homogenization and differentiation across Southern Ocean Islands differ among insects and vascular plants
Authors: Shaw Justine D. , Spear Dian , Greve Michelle , Chown Steven L.
Published: October 2009

Aim  To investigate taxonomic homogenization and/or differentiation of insect and vascular plant assemblages across the Southern Ocean Islands (SOI), and how they differ with changing spatial extent and taxonomic resolution.

Location  Twenty‐two islands located across the Southern Ocean, further subdivided into five island biogeographical provinces. These islands are used because comprehensive data on both indigenous and non‐indigenous insect and plant species are available.

Methods  An existing database was updated, using newly published species records, identifying the indigenous and non‐indigenous insect and vascular plant species recorded for each island. Homogenization and differentiation were measured using Jaccard’s index (JI) of similarity for assemblages across all islands on a pairwise basis, and for island pairs within each of the biogeographical provinces. The effects of taxonomic resolution (species, genus, family) and distance on levels of homogenization or differentiation were examined. To explore further the patterns of similarity among islands for each of the taxa and groupings (indigenous and non‐indigenous), islands were clustered based on JI similarity matrices and using group averaging.

Results  Across the SOI, insect assemblages have become homogenized (0.7% increase in similarity at species level) while plant assemblages have become differentiated at genus and species levels. Homogenization was recorded only when pairwise distances among islands exceeded 3000 km for insect assemblages, but distances had to exceed 10,000 km for plant assemblages. Widely distributed non‐indigenous plant species tend to have wider distributions across the SOI than do their insect counterparts, and this is also true of the indigenous species.

Main conclusions  Insect assemblages across the SOI have become homogenized as a consequence of the establishment of non‐indigenous species, while plant assemblages have become more differentiated. The likely reason is that indigenous plant assemblages are more similar across the SOI than are insect assemblages, which show greater regionalization. Thus, although a suite of widespread, typically European, weedy, non‐indigenous plant species has established on many islands, the outcome has largely been differentiation. Because further introductions of insects and vascular plants are probable as climates warm across the region, the patterns documented here are likely to change through time.
Dietary antioxidant intake, allergic sensitization and allergic diseases in young children
Authors: Patel S. , Murray C. S. , Woodcock A. , Simpson A. , Custovic A.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Allergic diseases have risen in prevalence over recent decades. The aetiology remains unclear but is likely to be a result of changing lifestyle and/or environment. A reduction in antioxidant intake, consequent to reduced intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, has been suggested as a possible cause.

Objective:  To investigate whether dietary antioxidant intake at age 5 was related to atopy at 5 and 8 years of age amongst children in an unselected birth cohort.

Methods:  Children were followed from birth. Parents completed a validated respiratory questionnaire and children were  skin prick tested at 5 and 8 years of age. Serum IgE levels were measured at age 5. At age 5, antioxidant intake was assessed using a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). A nutrient analysis program computed nutrient intake, and frequency counts of foods high in the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E were assessed.

Results:  Eight hundred and sixty‐one children completed both the respiratory and FFQ. Beta‐carotene intake was associated with reduced risk of allergic sensitization at age 5 [0.80 (0.68–0.93)] and 8 [0.81 (0.70–0.94)]. In addition, beta‐carotene intake was negatively associated with total IgE levels (P = 0.002). Vitamin E intake was associated with an increased risk of allergic sensitization [1.19 (1.02–1.39)], only at age 5. There was no association between antioxidant intakes and wheeze or eczema.

Conclusion:  Increased beta‐carotene intake was associated with a reduced risk of allergic sensitization and lower IgE levels, in  5‐ and 8‐year‐old children. Dietary antioxidants may play a role in the development of allergic sensitization.
The efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy for house dust mites respiratory allergy: results of a GA²LEN meta‐analysis
Authors: Compalati E. , Passalacqua G. , Bonini M. , Canonica G. W.
Published: October 2009

Recent meta‐analyses documented the efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma (AA). Although SLIT appeared globally effective, the sub‐analyses for single allergens provided uncertain results. This study is aimed to investigate the efficacy of SLIT with house dust mite (HDM) extracts in AR and AA through an updated reassessment of randomized controlled trials. Electronic databases were searched up to March 31, 2008, for randomized DBPC trials, assessing the efficacy of SLIT in AR and AA due to HDM sensitization. Outcomes were symptom scores and rescue medications use. For AR, eight studies fulfilled the selection criteria. A significant reduction in symptoms of AR (SMD −0.95; CI 95%−1.77 to −0.14 P = 0.02) was found in 194 patients (adults and children) receiving SLIT compared to 188 receiving placebo. For AA, with nine studies, similar results were found for symptoms (SMD −0.95; CI 95%−1.74 to −0.15 P = 0.02) in 243 patients (adults and children) receiving SLIT compared to 209 receiving placebo. A reduction in rescue medication use was found for AR (SMD −1.88; CI 95%−3.65 to −0.12 P = 0.04) in 89 patients, and AA (SMD −1.48; CI 95%−2.70 to −0.26 P = 0.02) in 202 patients. A relevant inter‐study heterogeneity was detected. Promising evidence of efficacy for SLIT, using mite extract in allergic patients suffering from AR and AA, are herein shown. These findings suggest that more data are needed, derived from large‐population‐based high quality studies, and corroborated by objective outcomes, mainly for AA.
Characterization of the methylation patterns of MS4A2 in atopic cases and controls
Authors: Ferreira M. A. R. , Oates N. A. , Van Vliet J. , Zhao Z. Z. , Ehrich M. , Martin N. G. , Montgomery G. W. , Whitelaw E. , Duffy D. L.
Published: October 2009

To cite this article: Ferreira MAR, Oates NA, van Vliet J, Zhao ZZ, Ehrich M, Martin NG, Montgomery GW, Whitelaw E, Duffy DL. Characterization of the methylation patterns of MS4A2 in atopic cases and controls. Allergy 2010; 65: 333–337.

Background:  It is largely unknown whether epigenetic modifications of key genes may contribute to the reported maternal effects in atopy. The aim of this study was to characterize the methylation patterns of the membrane‐spanning 4‐domains, subfamily A, member 2 gene (MS4A2) (β‐chain of the IgE high‐affinity receptor), a key gene in the allergic cascade.

Methods:  Mass spectrometry and bisulphite sequencing were used to measure the methylation of two potential substrates for epigenetic regulation of MS4A2, namely a predicted promoter and a CpG‐rich AluSp repeat. Methylation was measured in DNA extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes of 38 atopic cases and 37 controls. Cases were positive for atopy, asthma, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness and had high IgE levels. Both parents of eight atopic cases were also tested.

Results:  The AluSp element was highly methylated across all individuals (mean 0.92, range 0.87–0.94), a pattern inconsistent with classical imprinting. Variation in methylation at this locus was not associated with age, sex, daily steroid use or atopic status, and there were no differences in methylation between mothers and fathers of atopic cases. Bisulphite sequencing analysis of the promoter region showed that it was also not imprinted, and there was no evidence for allele‐specific methylation, but we were unable to test for association with atopy status.

Conclusions:  Methylation levels at the AluSp repeat analysed in MS4A2 were inconsistent with classical imprinting mechanisms and did not associate with atopy status. The promoter region was less methylated but further analysis of this region in larger cohorts is warranted to investigate its role in allergic disease.