bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive predatory crayfish do not trigger inducible defences in tadpoles
Authors: Gomez-Mestre Ivan , Díaz-Paniagua Carmen
Published: March 2011

Invasive species cause deep impacts on ecosystems worldwide, contributing to the decline and extinction of indigenous species. Effective defences against native biological threats in indigenous species, whether structural or inducible, often seem inoperative against invasive species. Here, we show that tadpoles of the Iberian green frog detect chemical cues from indigenous predators (dragonfly nymphs) and respond by reducing their activity and developing an efficient defensive morphology against them (increased tail depth and pigmentation). Those defensive responses, however, were not activated against a highly damaging invasive predator (red swamp crayfish). Induced defences increased tadpole survival when faced against either indigenous dragonflies or invasive crayfish, so its inactivation in the presence of the invasive predator seems to be due to failure in cue recognition. Furthermore, we tested for local adaptation to the invasive predator by comparing individuals from ponds either exposed to or free from crayfish. In both cases, tadpoles failed to express inducible defences against crayfish, indicating that
ca
30 years of contact with the invasive species (roughly 10–15 frog generations) have been insufficient for the evolution of recognition of invasive predator cues.
Frugivore loss limits recruitment of large-seeded trees
Authors: Wotton Debra M. , Kelly Dave
Published: March 2011

Although global declines in frugivores may disrupt seed dispersal mutualisms and inhibit plant recruitment, quantifying the likely reduction in plant regeneration has been difficult and rarely attempted. We use a manipulative factorial experiment to quantify dependence of recruitment on dispersal (i.e. fruit pulp removal and movement of seed away from parental area) in two large-seeded New Zealand tree species. Complete dispersal failure would cause a 66 to 81 per cent reduction in recruitment to the 2-year-old seedling stage, and synergistic interactions with introduced mammalian seed and seedling predators increase the reduction to 92 to 94 per cent. Dispersal failure reduced regeneration through effects on seed predation, germination and (especially) seedling survival, including distance- and density-dependent (Janzen–Connell) effects. Dispersal of both species is currently largely dependent on a single frugivore, and many fruits today remain uneaten. Present-day levels of frugivore loss and mammal seed and seedling predators result in 57 to 84 per cent fewer seedlings after 2 years. Our study demonstrates the importance of seed dispersal for local plant population persistence, and validates concerns about the community consequences of frugivore declines.
Genomic sweep and potential genetic rescue during limiting environmental conditions in an isolated wolf population
Authors: Adams Jennifer R. , Vucetich Leah M. , Hedrick Philip W. , Peterson Rolf O. , Vucetich John A.
Published: March 2011

Genetic rescue, in which the introduction of one or more unrelated individuals into an inbred population results in the reduction of detrimental genetic effects and an increase in one or more vital rates, is a potentially important management tool for mitigating adverse effects of inbreeding. We used molecular techniques to document the consequences of a male wolf (Canis lupus) that immigrated, on its own, across Lake Superior ice to the small, inbred wolf population in Isle Royale National Park. The immigrant's fitness so exceeded that of native wolves that within 2.5 generations, he was related to every individual in the population and his ancestry constituted 56 per cent of the population, resulting in a selective sweep of the total genome. In other words, all the male ancestry (50% of the total ancestry) descended from this immigrant, plus 6 per cent owing to the success of some of his inbred offspring. The immigration event occurred in an environment where space was limiting (i.e. packs occupied all available territories) and during a time when environmental conditions had deteriorated (i.e. wolves' prey declined). These conditions probably explain why the immigration event did not obviously improve the population's demography (e.g. increased population numbers or growth rate). Our results show that the beneficial effects of gene flow may be substantial and quickly manifest, short-lived under some circumstances, and how the demographic benefits of genetic rescue might be masked by environmental conditions.
Temporal variation in temperature determines disease spread and maintenance inParameciummicrocosm populations
Authors: Duncan Alison B. , Fellous Simon , Kaltz Oliver
Published: March 2011

The environment is rarely constant and organisms are exposed to temporal and spatial variations that impact their life histories and inter-species interactions. It is important to understand how such variations affect epidemiological dynamics in host–parasite systems. We explored effects of temporal variation in temperature on experimental microcosm populations of the ciliateParamecium caudatumand its bacterial parasiteHolospora undulata. Infected and uninfected populations of twoP. caudatumgenotypes were created and four constant temperature treatments (26°C, 28°C, 30°C and 32°C) compared with four variable treatments with the same mean temperatures. Variable temperature treatments were achieved by alternating populations between permissive (23°C) and restrictive (35°C) conditions daily over 30 days. Variable conditions and high temperatures caused greater declines inParameciumpopulations, greater fluctuations in population size and higher incidence of extinction. The additional effect of parasite infection was additive and enhanced the negative effects of the variable environment and higher temperatures by up to 50 per cent. The variable environment and high temperatures also caused a decrease in parasite prevalence (up to 40%) and an increase in extinction (absence of detection) (up to 30%). The host genotypes responded similarly to the different environmental stresses and their effect on parasite traits were generally in the same direction. This work provides, to our knowledge, the first experimental demonstration that epidemiological dynamics are influenced by environmental variation. We also emphasize the need to consider environmental variance, as well as means, when trying to understand, or predict population dynamics or range.
Rainfall-induced changes in food availability modify the spring departure programme of a migratory bird
Authors: Studds Colin E. , Marra Peter P.
Published: March 2011

Climatic warming has intensified selection for earlier reproduction in many organisms, but potential constraints imposed by climate change outside the breeding period have received little attention. Migratory birds provide an ideal model for exploring such constraints because they face warming temperatures on temperate breeding grounds and declining rainfall on many tropical non-breeding areas. Here, we use longitudinal data on spring departure dates of American redstarts (
Setophaga ruticilla
) to show that annual variation in tropical rainfall and food resources are associated with marked change in the timing of spring departure of the same individuals among years. This finding challenges the idea that photoperiod alone regulates the onset of migration, providing evidence that intensifying drought in the tropical winter could hinder adaptive responses to climatic warming in the temperate zone.
Four enzymes cooperate to displace histone H1 during the first minute of hormonal gene activation
Authors: Vicent Guillermo Pablo , Nacht A. Silvina , Font-Mateu Jofre , Castellano Giancarlo , Gaveglia Laura , Ballaré Cecilia , Beato Miguel
Published: March 2011

Gene regulation by external signals requires access of transcription factors to DNA sequences of target genes, which is limited by the compaction of DNA in chromatin. Although we have gained insight into how core histones and their modifications influence this process, the role of linker histones remains unclear. Here we show that, within the first minute of progesterone action, a complex cooperation between different enzymes acting on chromatin mediates histone H1 displacement as a requisite for gene induction and cell proliferation. First, activated progesterone receptor (PR) recruits the chromatin remodeling complexes NURF and ASCOM (ASC-2 [activating signal cointegrator-2] complex) to hormone target genes. The trimethylation of histone H3 at Lys 4 by the MLL2/MLL3 subunits of ASCOM, enhanced by the hormone-induced displacement of the H3K4 demethylase KDM5B, stabilizes NURF binding. NURF facilitates the PR-mediated recruitment of Cdk2/CyclinA, which is required for histone H1 displacement. Cooperation of ATP-dependent remodeling, histone methylation, and kinase activation, followed by H1 displacement, is a prerequisite for the subsequent displacement of histone H2A/H2B catalyzed by PCAF and BAF. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and sequencing (ChIP-seq) and expression arrays show that H1 displacement is required for hormone induction of most hormone target genes, some of which are involved in cell proliferation.
Patatin-Related Phospholipase pPLAIIIβ-Induced Changes in Lipid Metabolism Alter Cellulose Content and Cell Elongation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Maoyin , Bahn Sung Chul , Guo Liang , Musgrave William , Berg Howard , Welti Ruth , Wang Xuemin
Published: March 2011

The release of fatty acids from membrane lipids has been implicated in various plant processes, and the patatin-related phospholipases (pPLAs) constitute a major enzyme family that catalyzes fatty acid release. The Arabidopsis thaliana pPLA family has 10 members that are classified into three groups. Group 3 pPLAIII has four members but lacks the canonical lipase/esterase consensus catalytic sequences, and their enzymatic activity and cellular functions have not been delineated. Here, we show that pPLAIIIβ hydrolyzes phospholipids and galactolipids and additionally has acyl-CoA thioesterase activity. Alterations of pPLAIIIβ result in changes in lipid levels and composition. pPLAIIIβ-KO plants have longer leaves, petioles, hypocotyls, primary roots, and root hairs than wild-type plants, whereas pPLAIIIβ-OE plants exhibit the opposite phenotype. In addition, pPLAIIIβ-OE plants have significantly lower cellulose content and mechanical strength than wild-type plants. Root growth of pPLAIIIβ-KO plants is less sensitive to treatment with free fatty acids, the enzymatic products of pPLAIIIβ, than wild-type plants; root growth of pPLAIIIβ-OE plants is more sensitive. These data suggest that alteration of pPLAIIIβ expression and the resulting lipid changes alter cellulose content and cell elongation in Arabidopsis.
BROTHER OF LUX ARRHYTHMO Is a Component of theArabidopsisCircadian Clock
Authors: Dai Shunhong , Wei Xiaoping , Pei Liping , Thompson Rebecca L. , Liu Yi , Heard Jacqueline E. , Ruff Thomas G. , Beachy Roger N.
Published: March 2011

BROTHER OF LUX ARRHYTHMO (BOA) is a GARP family transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana and is regulated by circadian rhythms. Transgenic lines that constitutively overexpress BOA exhibit physiological and developmental changes, including delayed flowering time and increased vegetative growth under standard growing conditions. Arabidopsis circadian clock protein CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1) binds to the evening element of the BOA promoter and negatively regulates its expression. Furthermore, the period of BOA rhythm was shortened in cca1-11, lhy-21 (for LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL), and cca1-11 lhy-21 genetic backgrounds. BOA binds to the promoter of CCA1 through newly identified promoter binding sites and activates the transcription of CCA1 in vivo and in vitro. In transgenic Arabidopsis lines that overexpress BOA, the period length of CCA1 rhythm was increased and the amplitude was enhanced. Rhythmic expression of other clock genes, including LHY, GIGANTEA (GI), and TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1 (TOC1), was altered in transgenic lines that overexpress BOA. Rhythmic expression of BOA was also affected in mutant lines of toc1-1, gi-3, and gi-4. Results from these studies indicate that BOA is a critical component of the regulatory circuit of the circadian clock.
Nomenclature and classification of vasculitis: lessons learned from granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis)
Authors: Jennette J C
Published: March 2011

Names influence how something is perceived. Diagnostic terms (diagnoses) are the names of diseases that are usually derived either from some distinctive characteristic of the disease or include an eponym recognizing someone who elucidated the disease. No matter how logical and appropriate a name may be, if it is not usable and used it is of no lasting value. This brief commentary focuses on the nomenclature of systemic vasculitides, and uses as a prime example Wegener's granulomatosis, which has been renamed recently ‘granulomatosis with polyangiitis’, in part because of concerns about the suitability of Friedrich Wegener as the source of an eponym. The most distinctive pathological feature of Wegener's granulomatosis is multi-focal necrotizing inflammation that has long been called granulomatosis. The systemic variant of Wegener's granulomatosis also is characterized by inflammation in many different vessels or different types, i.e. polyangiitis. Thus, granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a very appropriate alternative term for Wegener's granulomatosis. This term also is in accord with the name for a closely related vasculitis, i.e. microscopic polyangiitis. Terms that indicate aetiology and pathogenesis, when known, are useful to include in names for diseases (diagnoses). Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies specific for myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA) or proteinase 3 (PR3-ANCA) are implicated in the cause of granulomatosis with polyangiitis and thus also should be specified in the diagnosis (e.g. PR3-ANCA-positive granulomatosis with polyangiitis or MPO-ANCA-positive microscopic polyangiitis). As our understanding of the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis and aetiology of vasculitides change over time, the names and approaches for diagnosing these diseases will change accordingly.
What does the future hold for clinical studies in vasculitis?
Authors: Hoffman G S
Published: March 2011

The era prior to 1990 was a time of careful observation of disease presentation, course, outcomes and meticulous pathology studies. These mainly single-centre studies introduced new life-saving therapies for drugs still used effectively today. In the 1970–1980s, cyclophosphamide (CyP) added to glucocorticosteroids (GCS) was shown to be life-saving. The trade-off was often severe adverse events. Some forms of vasculitis were found not as ominous as thought initially. Some could be treated with safer drugs [e.g. methotrexate (MTX)]. However, whether mild or severe, patients were not cured. From 1990 to the present large collaborative networks have provided studies were not possible heretofore. Randomized controlled trials captured and manipulated vast amounts of data, banked biological specimens and shared these resources and intellectual capital, moving the field forward at an extraordinary pace. We now know that even for severe forms of granulomatosis and polyangiitis [granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), Wegener's granulomatosus (WG)], microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS), we do not need to use CyP for extended periods. We have learned recently that rituximab is as effective as CyP for severe WG and MPA. We should never again see the permanent toxicities born from years of chronic CyP use. However, short courses of CyP remain useful and can be life-saving. Step-down therapy from CyP is now a standard of care, perhaps to be replaced by rituximab in the future. If one accepts the premise that there are few cures at present for idiopathic large- and small-vessel vasculitis, we will serve our patients well if we can determine the most effective initial therapy that leads to a maintenance strategy for remission with least risk. Ultimately, we wish to identify causes of vasculitis so they can be used as a wedge to secure cures. Unmet needs and strategies are as follows: (1) to increase the numbers of vasculitis-trained physicians; (2) to define risk–benefit formulae for chronic maintenance therapy versus discontinuation of treatment after remission; (3) to define risk– and cost–benefit formulae for laboratory monitoring; (4) large-scale studies with longer follow-up that explore inhibition of interleukin-5 in CSS; (5) to explore the value of anti-interferon-γ for GCA, Takayasu's and other granulomatous vasculitides; and (6) identification of aetiological factors: cures will probably be linked to knowledge of the antigen driving the disease, plus vulnerabilities of the patient that prepare them to develop an illness phenotype. Improved outcomes using anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive agents do not rule out infection as a driver for autoimmunity. Techniques that can facilitate pathogen discovery have never been more sophisticated.
Variation in patriline reproductive success during queen production in orphaned colonies of the thelytokous antCataglyphis cursor
Authors: CHÉRON BLANDINE , MONNIN THIBAUD , FÉDÉRICI PIERRE , DOUMS CLAUDIE
Published: March 2011

In genetically diverse insect societies (polygynous or polyandrous queens), the production of new queens can set the ground for competition among lineages. This competition can be very intense when workers can reproduce using thelytoky as worker lineages that manage to produce new queens gain a huge benefit. Selection at the individual level might then lead to the evolution of cheating genotypes, i.e. genotypes that reproduce more than their fair share. We studied the variation in reproductive success among worker patrilines in the thelytokous and highly polyandrous antCataglyphis cursor. Workers produce new queens by thelytoky in orphaned colonies. The reproductive success of each patriline was assessed in 13 orphaned colonies using genetic analysis of 433 workers and 326 worker‐produced queens. Our results show that patrilines contributed unequally to queen production in half of the colonies, and the success of patrilines was function of their frequencies in workers. However, over all colonies, we observed a significant difference in the distribution of patrilines between workers and worker‐produced queens, and this difference was significant in three of 13 colonies. In addition, six colonies contained a low percentage of foreign workers (drifters), and in one colony, they produced a disproportionably high number of queens. Hence, we found some evidence for the occurrence of rare cheating genotypes. Nevertheless, cheating appears to be less pronounced than in the Cape Honey bee, a species with a similar reproductive system. We argue that worker reproduction by parthenogenesis might not be common in natural populations ofC. cursor.
Malaria prevalence defined by microscopy, antigen detection, DNA amplification and total nucleic acid amplification in a malaria‐endemic region during the peak malaria transmission season
Authors: Waitumbi John N. , Gerlach Jay , Afonina Irina , Anyona Samuel B. , Koros Joseph N. , Siangla Joram , Ankoudinova Irina , Singhal Mitra , Watts Kate , Polhemus Mark E. , Vermeulen Nicolaas M. , Mahoney Walt , Steele Matt , Domingo Gonzalo J.
Published: March 2011

Objectives  To determine the malaria prevalence by microscopy, antigen detection and nucleic acid detection in a defined subpopulation in a Plasmodium falciparum–endemic region during the peak transmission season.

Methods  Blood specimens were collected in a cross‐sectional study involving children aged 5–10 years (n = 195) presenting with acute fever to two clinics in Western Kenya. All specimens underwent microscopy, HRP2 and aldolase antigen detection by enzyme immunoassay (EIA), parasite‐specific DNA and total nucleic acid (RNA and DNA) by real‐time PCR (qPCR) and reverse‐transcriptase PCR (qRT‐PCR).

Results  Microscopy detected 65/195 cases of malaria infection [95% confidence interval (CI) 52–78]. HRP2 and aldolase EIA had similar sensitivity levels detecting antigen in 65/195 (95% CI, 52–78) and 57/195 (95% CI, 45–70) cases. Discordants in antigen detection vs. microscopy occurred at <470 parasites/μl and <4900 parasites/μl for HRP2 and aldolase, respectively. Detection of total nucleic acid allowed a 3 log lower limit of detection than just DNA detection by real‐time PCR in vitro. In clinical specimens, 114/195 (95% CI, 100–127) were qPCR positive (DNA), and 187/195 (95% CI, 179–191) were qRT‐PCR positive (DNA plus RNA).

Conclusions  The prevalence of submicroscopic malaria infection was significantly higher when detecting total nucleic acid than just DNA in this outpatient population during the high transmission season. Defining standards for submicroscopic infection will be important for control programmes, diagnostics development efforts and molecular epidemiology studies.
Characterization of three new alleles HLA‐A*02:241, HLA‐A*02:242 and HLA‐A*30:04:02
Authors: Heyder J. , Heinold A. , Kudlek E. , Opelz G. , Tran T. H.
Published: March 2011

We describe three novel alleles HLA‐A*02:241, HLA‐A*02:242 and HLA‐A*30:04:02.
A comparison of oxygen saturation measurements obtained from a ‘blue sensor’ with a standard sensor
Authors: Mawson Isabel E , Dawson Jennifer A , Donath Susan M , Davis Peter G
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The study aims to investigate pulse oximetry measurements from a ‘blue’ pulse oximeter sensor against measurements from a ‘standard’ pulse oximeter sensor in newly born infants.

Methods:  Immediately after birth, both sensors were attached to the infant, one to each foot. SpO2 measurements were recorded simultaneously from each sensor for 10 min. Agreement between pairs of SpO2 measurements were calculated using Bland–Altman analysis.

Results:  Thirty‐one infants were studied. There was good correlation between simultaneous SpO2 measurements from both sensors (r2= 0.75). However, the mean difference between ‘blue’ and ‘standard’ sensors was −1.6%, with wide 95% limits of agreement +18.4 to −21.6%. The range of mean difference between sensors from each infant ranged from −20 to +20.

Conclusion:  The mean difference between the blue and standard sensor SpO2 measurements is not clinically important.
Providing PEEP during neonatal resuscitation: Which device is best?
Authors: Dawson Jennifer A , Gerber Angela , Kamlin C Omar F , Davis Peter G , Morley Colin J
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The study aims to compare three commonly used neonatal resuscitation devices, the Laerdal self‐inflating bag with a positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) valve, a T‐piece resuscitator (T‐piece) and a flow‐inflating bag to provide peak inflation pressure (PIP) and PEEP.

Methods:  Participants were asked to use each device to give positive pressure ventilation to a modified neonatal mannequin via a face mask to achieve 40–60 inflations per minute, aiming for a PIP/PEEP of 30/5 cm H2O. A manometer was visible to participants with each device. PIP, PEEP, percentage leak at the face mask and expired tidal volume were measured using a hot‐wire anemometer. We analysed 20 inflations from each participant for each device.

Results:  Fifty participants provided PIP and PEEP with each device. The T‐piece was the most accurate and consistent. The flow‐inflating bag had the most variation. The leak was lowest with the self‐inflating bag and PEEP and highest with the flow‐inflating bag, but all had wide variation.

Conclusion:  Each device was able to provide PIP and PEEP when used appropriately. When compared with other resuscitation devices, the T‐piece provided the most accurate and consistent PIP and PEEP.
Comparison of human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus in children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Paget Simon P , Andresen David N , Kesson Alison M , Egan Jonathan R
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To describe the clinical presentation and course of children admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection, and compare them with children admitted to the PICU with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.

Methods:  hMPV was identified by immunofluorescence in 22 children admitted to the PICU over a 16‐month period. The medical records of these children were reviewed retrospectively, and their clinical and laboratory data were compared with 66 children admitted to the PICU with positive tests for RSV over the same period.

Results:  Children admitted to the PICU with hMPV were significantly older than children with RSV (P= 0.003). Children with hMPV presented more commonly with pneumonia or pneumonitis (29% vs. 16%), and less commonly with bronchiolitis (43% vs. 68%) than RSV (P= 0.13). Invasive ventilation was required in 10 patients (48%) with hMPV, and non‐invasive ventilation was required in a further 5 (28%), similar to patients with RSV. Children with hMPV were more likely to have an underlying co‐morbidity (P= 0.11).

Conclusions:  Children admitted to the PICU with hMPV have a similar disease presentation and severity as children admitted with RSV, including some with extremely severe disease who require additional ventilatory or cardiovascular support. Children with hMPV are likely to be older than those with RSV, and more likely to present with pneumonia and less likely to present with bronchiolitis.
Emotional, developmental and behavioural co‐morbidities of children with chronic health conditions
Authors: Blackman James A , Gurka Matthew J , Gurka Kelly K , Oliver M Norman
Published: March 2011

Aim:  This study estimated and compared rates of emotional, developmental and behavioural (EDB) problems among children with chronic health conditions.

Methods:  Rates of EDB problems were estimated using data from the 2005–2007 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. The National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2003 was used to provide national estimates as referent values.

Results:  The overall rate of EDB problems for children with chronic health conditions was 15%, about three times the rate for children in the general US population. The rate of attention deficit disorder/attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder was 18%, over twice that for children in the general population. Children with migraine or other types of recurrent headaches had the highest rate of EDB problems (47%), about nine times the rate for the NSCH sample; those with arthritis or other joint problems had nearly 30%, about five times the rate for the NSCH.

Conclusions:  Chronic health conditions are associated with high rates of EDB problems. Children with recurrent headaches and arthritis have particularly high rates, possibly related to pain associated with these conditions. Chronic health condition management programmes should address both medical treatment as well as EDB co‐morbid problems through a multidimensional approach to care.
Transrectal high‐intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of localized prostate cancer
Authors: Inoue Yoji , Goto Keisuke , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Hayashi Mutsuo
Published: March 2011

Objectives:  To assess the long‐term outcomes of transrectal high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for patients with localized prostate cancer.

Methods:  From May 2003 to present, 137 consecutive patients with T1‐2 prostate cancer were treated using the Sonablate 500 and then followed for more than 12 months after their last HIFU treatment. A prostate biopsy was routinely carried out at 6 months and serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was measured every 3 months after HIFU. Oncological outcomes as well as treatment‐related complications were assessed. Disease‐free survival (DFS) was judged using the Phoenix definition (PSA nadir + 2 ng/mL), negative histological findings and no local or distant metastasis.

Results:  The median follow up after HIFU was 36 months (range 12–84 months). No patients received adjuvant therapy during this period. The PSA nadir occurred at 2 months after HIFU and the median level was 0.07 ng/mL (0.01–2.01 ng/mL). Of the 133 patients who underwent prostate biopsy or transurethral resection of the prostate at 6 months or later after HIFU, six were positive for cancer cells (4.5%). There were no major postoperative complications, but urge incontinence (16 cases) and dysuria (33 cases) occurred after removal of the urethral catheter. The 5‐year DFS rate was 78% based on these criteria, and 91%, 81% and 62% in the low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk group, respectively.

Conclusions:  HIFU represents an effective, repeatable and minimally invasive treatment. It is particularly effective for low‐ and intermediate‐risk patients, and it should be considered as an option for localized prostate cancer.
Myelodysplastic syndrome treated effectively with testosterone enanthate
Authors: Iijima Masashi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Sugimoto Kazuhiro , Kouji Izumi , Fukushima Masato , Maeda Yuji , Konaka Hiroyuki , Mizokami Atsushi , Koh Eitetsu , Namiki Mikio
Published: March 2011

We report a case of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) treated effectively with testosterone enanthate. A 70‐year‐old man was diagnosed with low‐risk MDS in 1998, and he was first given methenolone acetate orally because of gradual progression of anemia and thrombocytopenia. However, this treatment was not effective, so we changed the treatment to testosterone enanthate because of his symptoms with late‐onset hypogonadism. Three months after testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), anemia and thrombocytopenia had improved, and mean platelet count and hemoglobin had significant increases from 2.36 ± 0.45 × 104 to 3.83 ± 0.78 × 104/µL, and from 11.7 ± 0.81 to 15.2 ± 1.00 g/dL, respectively, which contributed to a decrease in platelet transfusion requirement. Since then, the patient has been on a good clinical course. The present case suggests that testosterone enanthate administration could be an alternative treatment for men with MDS, even in the case where treatment with anabolic‐androgenic steroids is not successful, and suggests another interesting effect of TRT on platelets.
Efficient integrated education for older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using the Lung Information Needs Questionnaire
Authors: Wakabayashi Ritsuko , Motegi Takashi , Yamada Kouichi , Ishii Takeo , Jones Rupert CM , Hyland Michael E , Gemma Akihiko , Kida Kozui
Published: March 2011

Aim:  Education is a key issue for the long‐term management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in older patients. We tested the hypothesis that integrated care focusing on patient information needs for self‐management can improve patient information needs and health outcomes.

Methods:  Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 102) were randomized into integrated care (group I) and usual care (group U) groups. Group I underwent a program of educational sessions for 6 months (integrated education period), and then repeatedly received an individually tailored education according to the Lung Information Needs Questionnaire score. Both groups were followed up monthly for 6 months.

Results:  A total of 85 patients (mean age: 71.7 years) were followed up for 12 months. The total Lung Information Needs Questionnaire score was significantly better in group I than in group U at 12 months (P < 0.03). Activities of daily living scores were significantly improved in group I at 6 months (P < 0.03). The dyspnea score and the BODE index (body mass index, dyspnea, airflow obstruction and exercise capacity) were significantly improved in group I at 12 months (P < 0.01 and P < 0.02, respectively). During the integrated education period, the frequency of hospitalization was significantly lower in group I than in group U (P = 0.033).

Conclusion:  Integrated education for older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease effectively improved patients' information needs, activities of daily living, dyspnea score, BODE index and reduced hospitalizations during the observed period. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 422–430.
Mutations in the F‐box gene LARGER PANICLE improve the panicle architecture and enhance the grain yield in rice
Authors: Li Ming , Tang Ding , Wang Kejian , Wu Xinru , Lu Lili , Yu Hengxiu , Gu Minghong , Yan Changjie , Cheng Zhukuan
Published: March 2011

Panicle architecture is one of the most important agronomical traits that directly contribute to grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). We report herein an in‐depth characterization of two allelic larger panicle (lp) mutants that show significantly increased panicle size as well as improved plant architecture. Morphological analyses reveal that panicles of two mutants produced more inflorescence branches, especially the primary branches, and contained more grains. Moreover, mutant plants also display more lodging resistance than the wild type. The grain yield per plant in mutants is also increased, suggesting that mutant plants have useful potential for high grain yield in rice breeding. Map‐based cloning reveals that LARGER PANICLE (LP) encodes a Kelch repeat‐containing F‐box protein. RNA in situ hybridization studies display that LP expression was enriched in the branch primordial region. Subcellular localization analyses demonstrate that LP is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localized protein, suggesting that LP might be involved in ER‐associated protein degradation (ERAD). Using yeast two‐hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis, we confirm that LP is an F‐box protein and could interact with rice SKP1‐like protein in an F‐box domain‐dependent manner. Quantitative real‐time PCR results show that OsCKX2, which encodes cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase, is down‐regulated evidently in mutants, implying that LP might be involved in modulating cytokinin level in plant tissues. These results suggest that LP plays an important role in regulating plant architecture, particularly in regulating panicle architecture, thereby representing promising targets for genetic improvement of grain production plants.
Prevention of allergic asthma by vaccination with transgenic rice seed expressing mite allergen: induction of allergen‐specific oral tolerance without bystander suppression
Authors: Suzuki Kazuya , Kaminuma Osamu , Yang Lijun , Takai Toshiro , Mori Akio , Umezu‐Goto Makiko , Ohtomo Takayuki , Ohmachi Yasushi , Noda Yuko , Hirose Sakiko , Okumura Ko , Ogawa Hideoki , Takada Kazuko , Hirasawa Masatomo , Hiroi Takachika , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: March 2011

This study tested the feasibility of oral immunotherapy for bronchial asthma using a newly developed subunit vaccine in which a fragment (p45–145) of mite allergen (Der p 1) containing immunodominant human and mouse T cell epitopes was encapsulated in endoplasmic reticulum‐derived protein bodies of transgenic (Tg) rice seed. Allergen‐specific serum immunoglobulin responses, T cell proliferation, Th1/Th2 cytokine production, airway inflammatory cell infiltration, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) and lung histology were investigated in allergen‐immunized and ‐challenged mice. Prophylactic oral vaccination with the Tg rice seeds clearly reduced the serum levels of allergen‐specific IgE and IgG. Allergen‐induced CD4+ T cell proliferation and production of Th2 cytokines in vitro, infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils and mononuclear cells into the airways and BHR were also inhibited by oral vaccination. The effects of the vaccine were antigen‐specific immune response because the levels of specific IgE and IgG in mice immunized with Der f 2 or ovalbumin were not significantly suppressed by oral vaccination with the Der p 1 expressing Tg rice. Thus, the vaccine does not induce nonspecific bystander suppression, which has been a problem with many oral tolerance regimens. These results suggest that our novel vaccine strategy is a promising approach for allergen‐specific oral immunotherapy against allergic diseases including bronchial asthma.
Looking ‘The Gift’ in the mouth: Russia as donor (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Gray Patty A.
Published: March 2011

While the Soviet Union was a significant donor of international development aid, since the 1990s, a generation of Russians has experienced the subject position of ‘recipient’ in the global political economy. However, following its G8 presidency in 2006, Russia officially signalled its intention to (re‐)emerge as an aid donor. Should the Russian government's efforts to join the global community of donors be understood as a defence mechanism against what Mauss called the ‘wounding’ experience of being treated as a perpetual recipient? International development aid is seen here as a cultural phenomenon whose underlying assumptions are both challenged and affirmed by the arrival of ‘emerging donors’ such as Russia.
Political tourism in the Israeli‐Palestinian space (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Koensler Alexander , Papa Cristina
Published: March 2011

With the violent clashes that took place in May 2010 during the attempt by the Free Gaza movement flotilla to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the remarkable strength of pro‐Palestinian networks became globally apparent. Drawing on an ethnography of political activism in the Israeli‐Palestinian space, we suggest that the striking visibility of these networks does not exclusively derive from the prominence of the Israeli‐Palestinian conflicts, but is also a consequence of the activists’ ability to produce innovative forms of sociality. However, some of the approaches taken can exist in problematic relation to the experiences of people who live with the conflict. In this context, the issue is not so much the precise relationships between indigenous ‘truths’ in Palestine and their foreign representations, but the way in which encounters redefine the conflicts that activist networks seek to represent.
The Egyptian revolution: A participant's account from Tahrir Square, January and February 2011 (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Rashed Mohammed Abouelleil , El Azzazi Islam
Published: March 2011

On 25 January 2011, Egyptians took to the streets demanding political and social reform. In Cairo, protesters converged upon Tahrir (‘Liberation’) Square, which remained constantly occupied until the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak on 11 February. In this narrative, the author recounts his experiences over 12 days as a participant in what is now referred to as the Egyptian revolution. He concludes with reflections on the situation that emerged in the square, focusing in particular on some of the factors that may have contributed to the success of its continued occupation: the swift creation of an embryonic form of community, and the receding of the usual identities based on class and religion in favour of a simple yet powerful identity as people of the revolution.
Animal models of schizophrenia
Authors: Jones CA , Watson DJG , Fone KCF
Published: March 2011

Developing reliable, predictive animal models for complex psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, is essential to increase our understanding of the neurobiological basis of the disorder and for the development of novel drugs with improved therapeutic efficacy. All available animal models of schizophrenia fit into four different induction categories: developmental, drug‐induced, lesion or genetic manipulation, and the best characterized examples of each type are reviewed herein. Most rodent models have behavioural phenotype changes that resemble ‘positive‐like’ symptoms of schizophrenia, probably reflecting altered mesolimbic dopamine function, but fewer models also show altered social interaction, and learning and memory impairment, analogous to negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia respectively. The negative and cognitive impairments in schizophrenia are resistant to treatment with current antipsychotics, even after remission of the psychosis, which limits their therapeutic efficacy. The MATRICS initiative developed a consensus on the core cognitive deficits of schizophrenic patients, and recommended a standardized test battery to evaluate them. More recently, work has begun to identify specific rodent behavioural tasks with translational relevance to specific cognitive domains affected in schizophrenia, and where available this review focuses on reporting the effect of current and potential antipsychotics on these tasks. The review also highlights the need to develop more comprehensive animal models that more adequately replicate deficits in negative and cognitive symptoms. Increasing information on the neurochemical and structural CNS changes accompanying each model will also help assess treatments that prevent the development of schizophrenia rather than treating the symptoms, another pivotal change required to enable new more effective therapeutic strategies to be developed.

LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Translational Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐4
The fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB 597: interactions with anandamide in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Stewart Jennifer L , McMahon Lance R
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB 597 increases brain anandamide levels, suggesting that URB 597 could enhance the behavioural effects of anandamide. The goal of the current study was to examine and characterize the in vivo pharmacology of URB 597 alone and in combination with anandamide and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) in two drug discrimination assays in rhesus monkeys.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of URB 597 alone and in combination with anandamide were investigated in one group of monkeys (n= 4) that discriminated Δ9‐THC (0.1 mg·kg−1 i.v.) from vehicle, and in another group (n= 5) receiving chronic Δ9‐THC (1 mg·kg−112 h−1 s.c.) that discriminated the cannabinoid antagonist rimonabant (1 mg·kg−1 i.v.).

KEY RESULTS Intravenous anandamide fully substituted for, and had infra‐additive effects with, Δ9‐THC. URB 597 (up to 3.2 mg·kg−1 i.v.) did not substitute for or modify the effects of Δ9‐THC but markedly increased the potency (32‐fold) and duration of action of anandamide. The rimonabant discriminative stimulus in Δ9‐THC‐treated monkeys (i.e. Δ9‐THC withdrawal) was attenuated by both Δ9‐THC (at doses larger than 1 mg·kg−1 per 12 h) and anandamide but not by URB 597 (3.2 mg·kg−1). URB 597 did not increase the potency of anandamide to attenuate the rimonabant‐discriminative stimulus.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS URB 597 enhanced the behavioural effects of anandamide but not other CB1 agonists. However, URB 597 did not significantly enhance the attenuation of Δ9‐THC withdrawal induced by anandamide. Collectively, these data suggest that endogenous anandamide in primate brain does not readily mimic the behavioural effects of exogenously administered anandamide.
Protein synthesis in the posterior cingulate cortex in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: YOSHIDA Tetsuhiko , KAZUI Hiroaki , TOKUNAGA Hiromasa , KITO Yumiko , KUBO Yoshihiko , KIMURA Nobuyo , MORIHARA Takashi , SHIMOSEGAWA Eku , HATAZAWA Jun , TAKEDA Masatoshi
Published: March 2011

Background:  Neuroimaging studies using 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) have shown that the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) is the primary and most prominent area of cerebral metabolic and perfusional decrement in early Alzheimer's disease (AD). We carried out the present preliminary study to investigate whether a decline of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the PCC in early to moderate AD was accompanied with that of cerebral protein synthesis (CPS).

Methods:  We carried out both N‐isopropyl‐p‐[123I] iodoamphetamine SPECT (IMP‐SPECT) and L‐[methyl‐11C] methionine positron emission tomography (MET‐PET) in eight AD patients with apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele in the early to moderate stage. We also carried out IMP‐SPECT in eight healthy controls (HC). We located 32 regions of interest (ROI), and values of regional MET or IMP uptakes were averaged in five regions; the frontal lobe (FL), the parietal lobe (PL), the medial temporal lobe (MTL), PCC and the occipital lobe. Furthermore, the values in the FL, PL, MTL and PCC were divided by values in the occipital areas, and normalized values of regional CBF (rCBF) and CPS (rCPS) were calculated. Then, the rCBF in the FL, PL, MTL and PCC were compared between AD and HC. In addition, the rCBF and rCPS were compared in the FL, PL, MTL and PCC of AD.

Results:  The rCBF in the PCC, but not in the other three regions, was significantly lower in AD than in HC. The rCBF was significantly lower than rCPS in the PCC, but rCBF and rCPS were comparable in the other three regions in AD.

Conclusions:  The CBF reduction in the PCC in AD was partly caused by neuronal loss in the PCC and partly supported the hypothesis that CBF reduction in the PCC was a result of functional deafferentation by neural degeneration in areas other than the PCC.
Clinical profiles of late‐onset semantic dementia, compared with early‐onset semantic dementia and late‐onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: SHIMIZU Hideaki , KOMORI Kenjiro , FUKUHARA Ryuji , SHINAGAWA Shunichiro , TOYOTA Yasutaka , KASHIBAYASHI Tetsuo , SONOBE Naomi , MATSUMOTO Teruhisa , MORI Takaaki , ISHIKAWA Tomohisa , HOKOISHI Kazuhiko , TANIMUKAI Satoshi , UENO Shu‐ichi , IKEDA Manabu
Published: March 2011

Background:  Semantic dementia (SD) has been recognized as a representative of dementia with presenile onset; however, recent epidemiological studies have shown that SD also occurs in the elderly. There have been few studies about the differences of clinical profiles between early‐onset SD (EO‐SD) and late‐onset SD (LO‐SD). Age‐associated changes in the brain might cause some additional cognitive and behavioural profiles of LO‐SD in contrast to the typical EO‐SD cases. The aim of the present study was to clarify the characteristics of neuropsychological, and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) profiles of LO‐SD patients observed in screening tests in comparison with EO‐SD patients and late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LO‐AD) patients as controls.

Methods:  Study participants were LO‐SD (n = 10), EO‐SD (n = 15) and LO‐AD (n = 47). We examined the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), the Short‐Memory Questionnaire (SMQ), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Stereotypy Rating Inventory (SRI).

Results:  Both SD groups scored significantly lower than the LO‐AD patients in ‘naming’ of the MMSE. In the ‘construction’ score of the MMSE and the RCPM score, however, the LO‐SD patients as well as the LO‐AD patients were significantly lower than the EO‐SD patients. In the SMQ score, ‘euphoria’ and ‘disinhibition’ scores of the NPI, the SRI total and subscale scores, both SD groups were significantly higher, whereas in the ‘delusion’ score of the NPI, both SD groups were significantly lower than the LO‐AD patients.

Conclusions:  Visuospatial and constructive skills of LO‐SD patients might be mildly deteriorated compared with EO‐SD patients, whereas other cognitive and behavioural profiles of LO‐SD are similar to EO‐SD. Age‐associated changes in the brain should be considered when we diagnose SD in elderly patients.