bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activated T cells express the OX40 ligand: requirements for induction and costimulatory function
Authors: Mendel Itzhak , Shevach Ethan M.
Published: November 2005

OX40/OX40 ligand (OX40L) interactions have been shown to exert potent costimulatory effects on T‐cell activation. OX40 expression is transiently up‐regulated on T cells following T‐cell receptor engagement, while OX40L is expressed on antigen‐presenting cells following activation. Although expression of the OX40L by T cells has been reported, the requirements for induction of OX40L on T cells have not been studied in detail. Here, we demonstrate that the OX40L can be induced on murine CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after 6 days of culture under T helper type 1 (Th1) conditions, but not under Th2 conditions. Induction of OX40L expression required a high concentration of interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), was not seen in the presence of interferon‐γ, and was dependent on signal transducer and activator of transcription type 4 (STAT4). Notably, induction of OX40L on T cells was only seen at very low concentrations of antigen or anti‐CD3. T‐cell‐expressed OX40L was fully capable of delivering a potent costimulatory signal that enhanced the proliferation of CD4+ T cells as well as promoted their differentiation to Th2 cells. OX40L expression could also be induced on CD4+ T cells in vivo following immunization with low‐dose antigen and an IL‐12 inducer. OX40/OX40L interactions between antigen‐specific T cells may occur in T‐cell zones in lymph node and spleen when OX40L expression has diminished on APC. Costimulation by T‐cell‐expressed OX40L may result in deviation of a Th1 response to a Th2 response under conditions where T cells are exposed to low concentrations of foreign or autoantigens in the presence of high concentrations of IL‐12.
Role of matrix metalloproteinase‐7 in the modulation of a Chlamydia trachomatis infection
Authors: Pal Sukumar , Schmidt Amy P. , Peterson Ellena M. , Wilson Carole L. , de La Maza Luis M.
Published: November 2005

To determine the role of matrix metalloproteinase‐7 (MMP‐7) in the pathogenesis of chlamydial infection, C57BL/6 wild‐type (WT) and MMP‐7 knockout (KO) mice were infected intravaginally with Chlamydia trachomatis mouse pneumonitis (MoPn). Over a period of 6 weeks postinfection, various organs were cultured for C. trachomatis. Other infected animals were mated to assess their fertility status. No significant differences were observed between WT and KO mice in the number of animals with positive vaginal cultures, length of time of C. trachomatis shedding, or the number of C. trachomatis inclusion‐forming units (IFU) recovered from their genital tracts. Likewise, the number of animals with hydrosalpinx, and the fertility rates and the number of embryos per mouse, were similar in WT and KO mice. Cultures from the spleen, lungs, kidneys and large intestine yielded similar numbers of IFU from WT and KO mice. However, the number of C. trachomatis IFU recovered from the small intestine of KO mice was significantly higher than that recovered from the small intestine of WT mice at 2 weeks postinfection. Because MMP‐7 KO mice are deficient in active intestinal α‐defensins, the results suggest that these components play a role in regulating colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by Chlamydia. By contrast, MMP‐7 is dispensable in the progression and resolution of the genital tract infection.
Geographical affinities of the Cape flora, South Africa
Authors: Galley C. , Linder H. P.
Published: November 2005

Aim The flora characteristic of the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is dominated by a relatively small number of clades that have been proposed as ‘Cape clades’. These clades have variously been suggested to have African or Austral affinities. Here we evaluate the support for these conflicting hypotheses. In addition, we test the hypothesis that these clades share a common time of differentiation from their geographical neighbours.

Location The Cape Floristic Region, South Africa

Methods We use both published and unpublished phylogenetic information to investigate the geographical sister areas of the Cape clades as well as the timing and the direction of biogeographical disjunctions.

Results Almost half of the Cape clades for which unambiguous sister areas could be established show a trans‐Indian Ocean disjunction. The earliest trans‐Indian Ocean disjunction dates from 80 Ma. Other disjunctions date from various times in the Cenozoic, and we suggest that the process of recruiting lineages into the Cape flora might be ongoing. Relatively few Cape clades show a sister relationship with South America and tropical Africa, despite their relative geographical proximity. Numerous Cape clades contain species also found on tropical African mountains; in all cases tested, these species are shown to be embedded within the Cape clades. While many Cape clades show a relationship with the Eurasian temperate flora, this is complicated by their presence in tropical Africa. The single case study addressing this to date suggests that the Cape clade is nested within a European grade.

Main conclusions Although many Cape clades show Austral rather than African relationships, there are numerous other patterns suggestive of a cosmopolitan flora. This spatial variation is echoed in the temporal data, from which, although there is wide variance around the dates of disjunctions, it is clear the Cape flora has been assembled over a long time period. There is no simple hypothesis that can account for the geographical sources of the currently distinctive Cape flora. The phylogenetic positions of Afromontane members of Cape clades suggest a history of dispersal from the CFR, rather than the reverse.
The outcomes of an intervention study to reduce the barriers experienced by people with intellectual disabilities accessing primary health care services
Authors: Melville C. A. , Cooper S.‐A. , Morrison J. , Finlayson J. , Allan L. , Robinson N. , Burns E. , Martin G.
Published: November 2005

Background  People with intellectual disabilities (IDs) experience significant health inequalities compared with the general population. The barriers people with IDs experience in accessing services contribute to these health inequalities. Professionals’ significant unmet training needs are an important barrier to people with IDs accessing appropriate services to meet their health needs.

Method  A three group, pre‐ and post‐intervention design was used to test the hypothesis that a training intervention for primary health care professionals would increase the knowledge and self‐efficacy of participants. The intervention had two components – a written training pack and a 3‐hour face‐to‐face training event. One group received the training pack and attended the training event, a second group received the training pack only, and a third group did not participate in the training intervention. Research measures were taken prior to the intervention and 3 months after the intervention. Statistical comparisons were made between the three groups.

Results  The participants in the training intervention reported that it had a positive impact upon their knowledge, skills and clinical practice. As a result of the intervention, 35 (81.4%) respondents agreed that they were more able to meet the needs of their clients with IDs, and 33 (66.6%) reported that they had made changes to their clinical practice. The research demonstrated that the intervention produced a statistically significant increase in the knowledge of participants (F = 5.6, P = 0.005), compared with the group that did not participate in the intervention. The self‐efficacy of the participants that received both components of the intervention was significantly greater than the group that did not participate in the training (t = 2.079, P = 0.04). Participation in the two components of the training intervention was associated with significantly greater change in knowledge and self‐efficacy than those receiving the training pack alone.

Conclusion  This intervention was effective in addressing the measured training needs of primary health care professionals. Future research should directly evaluate the positive benefits of interventions on the lives of people with IDs.
A measure of food seeking in individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Young J. , Zarcone J. , Holsen L. , Anderson M. C. , Hall S. , Richman D. , Butler M. G. , Thompson T.
Published: November 2005

Background  Individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), a chromosome 15 genetic disorder, often have a significant preoccupation with food and problem behaviour related to food seeking is often prevalent.

Methods  In the present study, we compared how individuals with PWS responded on a survey regarding the acceptability of food in various locations that varied according to degree of appropriateness for human consumption (e.g. food on a plate, food in a garbage can). For a subgroup of participants, we observed how they actually responded when placed in a room with food items placed in the same locations depicted in the survey. In the first part of the study, three groups (25 typically developing individuals, 7 individuals with intellectual disability (ID), and 19 individuals with PWS) responded to a visual survey to determine the degree of acceptability of food items in various locations (e.g. on a table near a hairbrush, on the floor behind a toy box, in a trash can). In the second part of the study, these food items (popcorn, jelly beans) were placed in the 12 locations described above. Nine individuals diagnosed with PWS (deletion type) and three individuals with ID were given some break time in the room for 15 min. The amount of food consumed, the time spent food seeking, and time spent interacting with materials were measured.

Results  Results of the survey indicated that the PWS group differed significantly with regard to how they responded on the survey from the typically developing group, but did not differ significantly from the ID group. Results of the food seeking observations indicated that only three individuals with PWS ate a significant number of items. The three individuals did not differ from the rest of the group according to IQ or compulsivity score; however, they had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) scores and were younger than the other participants.

Conclusions  The findings from the survey indicate that individuals with PWS are able to discriminate the appropriateness of eating items in more or less contaminated areas; however, the amount of time spent seeking food and the amount of food covertly consumed appeared to depend more directly on age and BMI.
Preferences in individuals with Angelman syndrome assessed by a modified Choice Assessment Scale
Authors: Didden R. , Korzilius H. , Kamphuis A. , Sturmey P. , Lancioni G. , Curfs L. M. G.
Published: November 2005

Background  Individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS) seem to have a strong preference for water‐related items. Until present, preference assessment in AS has not been reported.

Methods  An adapted Dutch version of the Choice Assessment Scale (CAS) was administered by parents and other caregivers to 105 individuals with AS. The CAS was adapted by adding several items related to water and by adding a sub‐scale describing activities and materials that individuals may avoid or escape.

Results  The five sub‐scales and total scale of the modified CAS had good internal consistency. Water‐related items were more often scored as preferred than non‐water‐related items. No associations were found between sub‐scale and total scale scores and demographic characteristics (e.g. genetic subtype, age).

Conclusions  This study shows that people with AS often have strong preferences for water‐related items. The modified CAS is a reliable and sensitive instrument to assess client preferences.
QT interval prolongation and arrhythmia: an unbreakable connection?
Authors: ANDERSON M. E.
Published: November 2005

QT interval prolongation is incontrovertibly linked to increased risk of arrhythmias but, paradoxically, QT interval prolongation can also be an effective antiarrhythmic strategy and is in fact the goal of class III antiarrhythmic drugs. This discussion examines the cellular effects of QT interval prolongation and proposes that calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) is a specific cellular proarrhythmic signal that is activated downstream to QT interval prolongation. Inhibition of CaMKII can prevent cellular arrhythmia surrogates andin vivoarrhythmias linked to excessive action potential prolongation, suggesting that QT interval prolongation alone does not fully account for proarrhythmia. This reasoning points to the conclusion that QT interval modulation and prolongation not only grades cellular Ca2+entry for cardiac contraction but also has the potential to recruit Ca2+‐activated signalling molecules. CaMKII is one of these molecules and CaMKII activity is at least partially responsible for the proarrhythmic consequences of excessive QT interval prolongation.
The short QT syndrome as a paradigm to understand the role of potassium channels in ventricular fibrillation
Authors: CERRONE M. , NOUJAIM S. , JALIFE J.
Published: November 2005

The recently discovered hereditary channelopathy, the Short QT Syndrome (SQTS), is an important advance in clinical and molecular cardiology that has opened new doors for investigating the manner in which alterations in excitability and action potential morphology may facilitate the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation. In this brief review we address the molecular and genetic features of SQTS in which specific mutations in one of three different potassium channels involved in cardiac repolarization substantially increase the risk of life‐threatening tachyarrhythmias. We then summarize new knowledge on the mechanism of wavebreak, which is the hallmark of reentry initiation, and on the role of potassium channels in the ionic mechanisms underlying cardiac excitation and its frequency dependence. The article argues for a detailed understanding of the ionic mechanisms that promote wavebreaks and stable rotors as an essential tool for successful anti‐arrhythmic therapy in SQTS and other diseases leading to sudden cardiac death.
The congenital long QT syndromes from genotype to phenotype: clinical implications
Authors: SCHWARTZ PETER J.
Published: November 2005

The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a genetic disorder responsible for many sudden deaths before age 20. The identification of several LQTS genes, all encoding cardiac ion channels, has had a major impact on the management strategy for both patients and family members. Genotype‐guided therapy allows more effective individually tailored therapy. Therapeutic options, including β‐blockers, left cardiac sympathetic denervation, and implantable defibrillators are discussed for patients of known and of unknown genotype. The recent identification of modifier genes which amplify the effect of an LQTS mutation may change the approach to risk stratification.
Fracture risk in patients treated with loop diuretics
Authors: REJNMARK L. , VESTERGAARD P. , MOSEKILDE L.
Published: November 2005

Background.  Loop diuretics (LD) increase renal calcium excretion. Discrepant results on associations between LD and fracture risk have been reported.

Objective.  To assess the fracture risk in users of LD.

Design and subjects.  A population‐based pharmaco‐epidemiological case–control design with fracture in year 2000 as outcome and use of LD during the previous 5 years as exposure variable. We used nationwide computerized registers to assess individual use of LD and related these data to individual fracture data and information on potential confounders. We compared 64 699 cases aged 40 years or more who sustained a fracture during year 2000 with 194 111 age‐ and gender‐matched controls.

Results.  A total of 44 001 subjects used LD. Ever use of LD was associated with a crude 51% (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.48–1.55) increased risk of any fracture and a 72% (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.64–1.81) increased risk of hip fracture. The risk estimates were reduced after confounder adjustment, i.e. adjusted risk of any fracture was increased by 4% (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07) and risk of hip fracture by 16% (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.10–1.23). In current users, a tendency towards a decreased fracture risk with increased dose was observed, whereas in former users risk of fracture increased with increased dose. Use of furosemide was associated with higher risk estimates than use of bumetanide.

Conclusion.  Treatment with LD affects fracture risk. Special attention should be paid to patients in whom treatment with LD is initiated or stopped, as they may be at an increased risk of fracture.
Long QT syndrome: reduced repolarization reserve and the genetic link
Authors: RODEN D. M.
Published: November 2005

Marked QT prolongation and torsades de pointes can occur not only in the congenital long QT syndromes (LQTSs) but also as a consequence of environmental stimuli, notably administration of certain drugs. A key feature of this ‘acquired’ form of the LQTS has been its unpredictable nature. That is, although risk factors have been identified in series of patients, they have not been terribly useful in addressing risk in an individual patient. Normal cardiac repolarization depends critically on the interplay of multiple ion currents, and these provide some redundancy, or ‘reserve’, to protect against excessive QT prolongation by drugs. We have proposed that lesions in these repolarizing mechanisms can remain subclinical but nevertheless increase risk on drug exposure, and have termed this situation ‘reduced repolarization reserve’. The evidence in support of this concept is presented, and the known and potential contributions by genetic variants to risk is examined. Assessing variability in susceptibility to acquired LQTS provides a framework for analysis of other complex gene–environment interactions.
In vitroandin vivomodels for testing arrhythmogenesis in drugs
Authors: CARLSSON L.
Published: November 2005

The steadily increasing list of drugs associated with prolongation of the QT interval and torsades de pointes (TdP) constitute a medical problem of major concern. Hence, there is a need at an early stage to identify drug candidates with an inherent capacity to induce repolarization‐related proarrhythmias, avoiding exposure of large populations to potentially harmful drugs. Furthermore, the availability of clinically relevant and predictive animal models should reduce the risk that effective and potentially life‐saving drugs never reach the market. This review will discuss the pros and cons of somein vivoandin vitroanimal models for assessing proarrhythmia liability.
Population structure of brush‐tailed rock‐wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) colonies inferred from analysis of faecal DNA
Authors: PIGGOTT M. P. , BANKS S. C. , TAYLOR A. C.
Published: November 2005

Genetic data obtained using faecal DNA were used to elucidate the population structure of four brush‐tailed rock‐wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) colonies located in Wollemi National Park, New South Wales. The results suggested that the four sampled colonies are genetically differentiated and do not form a panmictic unit. Based on assignment tests, approximately 5% of sampled individuals were inferred to be dispersers and both male and female migrants were detected. Multilocus spatial autocorrelation analyses provided evidence for increased philopatry among females compared to males within the largest colony in the valley. Females in close spatial proximity were more genetically similar than expected under a random distribution of females, and females separated by more than 400 m were less genetically similar than expected. In contrast, there was no evidence of a significant clustering of related males. This suggests that within‐colony dispersal is male biased. We also investigated the best strategies for conserving genetic diversity in this population. All of the four sampled colonies were found to contain distinct components of the genetic diversity of the Wolgan Valley P. penicillata population and loss of any colony is likely to result in the loss of unique alleles. Conservation and management plans should take into account that these colonies represent genetically differentiated discrete subpopulations. This approach is also the best strategy for maintaining the genetic diversity of the populations in this valley.
Testing phylogeographic predictions on an active volcanic island: Brachyderes rugatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on La Palma (Canary Islands)
Authors: EMERSON BRENT C. , FORGIE SHAUN , GOODACRE SARA , OROMÍ PEDRO
Published: November 2005

Volcanic islands with well‐characterized geological histories can provide ideal templates for generating and testing phylogeographic predictions. Many studies have sought to utilize these to investigate patterns of colonization and speciation within groups of closely related species across a number of islands. Here we focus attention within a single volcanic island with a well‐characterized geological history to develop and test phylogeographic predictions. We develop phylogeographic predictions within the island of La Palma of the Canary Islands and test these using 69 haplotypes from 570 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase II sequence data for 138 individuals of Brachyderes rugatus rugatus, a local endemic subspecies of curculionid beetle occurring throughout the island in the forests of Pinus canariensis. Although geological data do provide some explanatory power for the phylogeographic patterns found, our network‐based analyses reveal a more complicated phylogeographic history than initial predictions generated from data on the geological history of the island. Reciprocal illumination of geological and phylogeographic history is also demonstrated with previous geological speculation gaining phylogeographic corroboration from our analyses.
Human CD56bright and CD56dim Natural Killer Cell Subsets Respond Differentially to Direct Stimulation with Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin
Authors: Batoni G. , Esin S. , Favilli F. , Pardini M. , Bottai D. , Maisetta G. , Florio W. , Campa M.
Published: November 2005

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) is capable of directly stimulating several effector functions of human natural killer (NK) cells in the absence of interleukin‐12 and professional antigen presenting cells. To assess the contribution of two main human NK‐cell subsets (CD56dim and CD56bright) to the overall in vitro NK‐cell response to BCG, peripheral blood mononuclear cells depleted of nylon wool‐adherent cells or purified NK cells were stimulated with live BCG. By combining intranuclear bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining and analysis of CD56 marker intensity, statistically higher percentages of BrdU+ cells were found among the CD56bright subset than the CD56dim subset after 6 days of stimulation with BCG. Similarly, evaluation of intracellular interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) revealed that CD56bright cells were those mainly involved in IFN‐γ production in response to BCG. In contrast, the CD56dim subset contained higher levels of perforin and granzyme A, two key molecules for exocytosis‐mediated cytotoxicity, than the CD56bright subset. Although 16–20‐h stimulation with BCG did not substantially alter the expression of cytotoxic molecules by the two subsets, a decrease in perforin content was observed in the CD56dim, but not in the CD56bright subset, following 4‐h incubation with the NK‐sensitive target K562 cell line. This decrease in perforin content correlated with the induction by BCG‐stimulated NK cells, of early markers of apoptosis on target cells to a greater extent than unstimulated cells suggesting a major role for the CD56dim subset in cytotoxic activity in response to BCG. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CD56bright and CD56dim human NK‐cell subsets exert different functional activities in response to a live bacterial pathogen.
Neutrophil Activation in Anti‐Proteinase 3‐Positive Vasculitis – a Prospective Study
Authors: Wikman A. , Lundahl J. , Jacobson S. H.
Published: November 2005

In vitro studies have demonstrated that antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have the capacity to activate neutrophils. Whether circulating neutrophils in patients with vasculitis are activated is under debate.

Eight consecutive patients with antiproteinase 3 (PR3) positive acute vasculitis were included in this prospective study. Neutrophil expression of adhesion molecules, Fc‐receptors and the ANCA‐antigen PR3 was analysed and clinical characteristics were documented at inclusion and after 1, 3, 6 and 9 months in the same individuals. As additional markers of inflammation and endothelial activation interleukin‐8 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 in serum were analysed at the same time points.

The expression of adhesion molecules on circulating neutrophils, CD62L and CD11b after in vitro N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine stimulation was significantly decreased at diagnosis and after 1 month but returned to normal levels after 3–9 months. The neutrophil expression of Fc‐receptor IIIb (CD 16) was decreased at diagnosis but normalized after 1–9 months.

The main finding was an activated neutrophil adhesion phenotype at diagnosis and after 1 month, with normalized expression of adhesion molecules at 3–9 months. A pathological regulation of adhesion molecules may have implications on the endothelial damage seen in vasculitis.
The Role of ERK5 in T‐Cell Signalling
Authors: Garaude J. , Kaminski S. , Cherni S. , Hipskind R. A. , Villalba M.
Published: November 2005

The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) ERK5 plays an important role in mammary epithelial proliferation, endothelial cell survival and normal embryonic development. In nonhaematopoietic cells, mitogenic and stress signals activate the ERK5 cascade. Here, we investigated the role of the ERK5 pathway in T‐cell activation and show that primary and leukaemic T cells express ERK5, whose activating phosphorylation is induced by antibodies against CD3 but not by phorbol myristate acetate treatment. ERK5 localized in the cytosol and nucleus in quiescent and activated T cells. In the latter, ERK5 phosphorylation was mainly observed in the nucleus. Selective activation of the ERK5 cascade by transfecting constitutively active MEK5 and wildtype ERK5 induced a reporter gene driven by the IL‐2 promoter while barely affecting CD69 expression. These results suggest a new role for the ERK5 cascade in intracellular signalling in T cells.
Elevated Serum Levels of Soluble E‐Cadherin in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Jonsson M. V. , Salomonsson S. , Øijordsbakken G. , Skarstein K.
Published: November 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate serum levels of soluble E‐cadherin (sE‐cadherin) in relation to lymphocytic organization and to characterize the expression of E‐cadherin and integrin αEβ7/CD103 in salivary gland epithelium of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Serum levels of sE‐cadherin were significantly increased in SS compared to non‐SS and nonsignificantly in germinal centre (GC)+ compared to GC– patients. Membrane‐bound E‐cadherin was detected on the majority of acinar and ductal epithelial cells in both SS and non‐SS. αEβ7/CD103‐positive cells were found scattered in focal infiltrates and GC, and in small clusters close to ductal and acinar epithelium at an increased level in SS compared to non‐SS. Interestingly, E‐cadherin‐positive cells were detected randomly dispersed in focal lymphocytic infiltrates in 10/21 patients. By double‐labelling, the cells with the E‐cadherin‐positive component were identified as CD68+ macrophages. Elevated serum levels of sE‐cadherin indicate an increased epithelial cell turnover and shedding, and sE‐cadherin deserves further analysis as a potential diagnostic tool for SS.
Molecular phylogeny of Cicadomorpha (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadoidea, Cercopoidea and Membracoidea): adding evidence to the controversy
Authors: Cryan Jason R.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  The hemipteran infraorder Cicadomorpha comprises the superfamilies Cicadoidea (cicadas), Cercopoidea (spittlebugs or froghoppers) and Membracoidea (leafhoppers and treehoppers). Earlier attempts to determine relationships among these three monophyletic lineages using either morphological or molecular data suffered from insufficient sampling (taxonomic and data) and problematic tree rooting, leading to discordant results. Presented here are phylogenetic reconstructions within Cicadomorpha based on DNA nucleotide sequence data from multiple genetic markers (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, and histone 3) sequenced from representative taxa of Cicadidae, Tettigarctidae, Cercopidae, Aphrophoridae, Clastopteridae, Machaerotidae, Epipygidae, Cicadellidae, Membracidae, Myerslopiidae and Aetalionidae. To test the robustness of the phylogenetic signal, these sequence data were analysed separately and in combination under various alignment parameters using both manual alignment (of both attenuated and full sequences) and alignment via clustal x. The results demonstrate clearly that, despite the alignment method used, basing a phylogeny on a single gene region is often misleading. Analyses of the combination of datasets support the major relationships within Cicadomorpha as (Membracoidea (Cicadoidea, Cercopoidea)). Internal relationships recovered within each superfamily shows evidence for: (1) the placement of Myerslopiidae as the sister group of the remaining Membracoidea; (2) the paraphyly of Cicadellidae; (3) the sister‐group relationship between Machaerotidae and Clastopteridae; (4) the monophyly of Cercopidae; (5) the diversification of Epipygidae from within the possibly paraphyletic Aphrophoridae.
Phylogenetic relationships of the subgenus Avaritia Fox, 1955 including Culicoides obsoletus (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) in Italy based on internal transcribed spacer 2 ribosomal DNA sequences
Authors: Gomulski Ludvik M. , Meiswinkel Rudy , Delécolle Jean‐Claude , Goffredo Maria , Gasperi Giuliano
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Biting midges of the genus Culicoides include vector species for orbiviral diseases, such as bluetongue and African horse sickness. Although the Afro‐Asiatic species C. imicola is the major vector of bluetongue in the Mediterranean basin, recent outbreaks in regions where C. imicola is absent has incriminated other Culicoides, including those belonging to the Obsoletus Complex of the subgenus Avaritia Fox, 1955. The classical taxonomy of this species complex is unclear and this stimulated the molecular analysis of twenty Culicoides populations sampled from eighteen localities across Italy. Ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 sequences were used to characterize the intra‐ and interspecific variation between Italian members of the Obsoletus Complex and related species, by means of an analysis of molecular variance and phylogenetic analyses. Although morphological differentiation is often extremely difficult, the molecular analysis clearly demonstrated a high degree of divergence between most species. The study showed that at least seven species of the subgenus Avaritia occur in Italy; these are C. obsoletus, C. scoticus, C. montanus, C. dewulfi, C. imicola and two species that could not be identified with certainty, but one of which is similar to C. chiopterus. Finally, a simple polymerase chain reaction assay was developed that rapidly discriminates between four members of the Obsoletus Complex in Italy, a prerequisite for vector identification.
Morphological phylogeny of army ants and other dorylomorphs (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Brady Seán G. , Ward Philip S.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  The dorylomorph group of ants comprises the three subfamilies of army ants (Aenictinae, Dorylinae, Ecitoninae) together with the subfamilies Aenictogitoninae, Cerapachyinae, and Leptanilloidinae. We describe new morphological characters and synthesize data from the literature in order to present the first hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships among all dorylomorph genera. These data include the first available character information from the newly discovered male caste of Leptanilloidinae. We used ant taxa from Leptanillinae, Myrmeciinae, and the poneromorph (Ponerinae sensu lato) subfamilies Amblyoponinae, Ectatomminae, and Paraponerinae as outgroups. We scored a total of 126 characters from twenty‐two terminal taxa and used these data to conduct maximum parsimony and bootstrap analyses. The single most‐parsimonious tree and bootstrap results support a single origin of army ants. The Old World army ant genus Dorylus forms a monophyletic group with the enigmatic genus Aenictogiton, which is currently known only from males; the second Old World army ant genus Aenictus is sister to this clade. This result generates the prediction that females of Aenictogiton, when discovered, will be observed to possess the army ant syndrome of behavioural and reproductive traits. The monophyly of the New World army ants (Ecitoninae) is supported very strongly, and within this group the genera Eciton, Nomamyrmex, and Labidus form a robust clade. The monophyly of Leptanilloidinae is also upheld. The subfamily Cerapachyinae appears paraphyletic, although this conclusion is not supported by strong bootstrap results. Relationships among genera of Cerapachyinae similarly are not resolved robustly, although parsimony results suggest clades consisting of (Acanthostichus + Cylindromyrmex) and (Cerapachys + Sphinctomyrmex). We tested for the effect of incompletely known taxa by conducting a secondary analysis in which the two genera containing ∼50% missing character data (Aenictogiton and Asphinctanilloides) were removed. The strict consensus of the seventeen most‐parsimonious trees from this secondary analysis is poorly resolved outside the army ants and contains no clades conflicting with the primary analysis. The position of Leptanilla shifts from forming the sister group to Leptanilloidinae (without high bootstrap support) in the primary analysis, to falling within a polytomy at the base of the root of the dorylomorphs when incompletely known taxa are removed. This instability suggests that the placement of Leptanilla within the dorylomorphs in our primary analysis may be spurious.
Boloria phylogeny (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae): tentatively reconstructed on the basis of male and female genitalic morphology
Authors: Simonsen Thomas J.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  The phylogeny of Boloria s.l. is reconstructed on the basis of sixty‐three characters from the genital morphology of both sexes of twenty‐nine taxa. Three unique and several homoplasious autapomorphies support the monophyly of Boloria. The genus is divided into two well‐supported clades, one comprising the subgenera Boloria s.str. and Proclossiana and one comprising the subgenus Clossiana. Although the phylogeny of Clossiana remains largely uncertain, perhaps due to a rapid and recent speciation in some groups, it can be divided into two groups. A more subordinate group (the polaris group) appears well supported by a highly specialized phallus. Morphological evidence supports a clade comprising B.(C.) chariclea and both Palaearctic and North American B.(C.) titania populations. Possibly these taxa form a superspecies complex where B.(C.) chariclea is paraphyletic with regard to the different B.(C.) titania populations: molecular studies will be needed to test this hypothesis.
Phylogenetic analysis of Staphyliniformia (Coleoptera) based on characters of larvae and adults
Authors: Beutel Rolf G. , Leschen Richard A. B.
Published: November 2005

Abstract. One hundred and twenty‐one morphological characters of larvae and adults of the series Staphyliniformia were scored (multistate coding) and analysed to determine the family group relationships of the polyphagan groups Scarabaeoidea, Histeroidea, Hydrophiloidea and Staphylinoidea. Cladograms were rooted with exemplars of Adephaga, Archostemata, Myxophaga and the polyphagan families Dascillidae, Derodontidae, Eucinetidae and Scirtidae. Analyses of the same dataset with multistate characters re‐coded as presence/absence (144 characters) produced cladograms that were similar to those produced from analyses of the original characters. Cladograms produced from partitioned larval and adult characters differed strongly, with adult‐only trees more similar to those produced by combined data. The results confirm the monophyly of Hydrophiloidea +  Histeroidea and of Staphylinoidea (including Hydraenidae). The Epimetopidae +  Georissidae are the only strongly supported clade within Hydrophiloidea. A clade comprising Hydrochidae, Spercheidae and Hydrophilidae, and a sister‐group relationship between the latter two families were confirmed in analyses of the data with presence/absence coding. Helophoridae, Epimetopidae and Georissidae are probably not a monophyletic unit, and additional evidence is needed for a reliable placement of Helophoridae. Scarabaeoidea are placed as a sister taxon of Hydrophiloidea + Histeroidea, but support for this relationship is weak. The branching pattern ((Hydraenidae + Ptiliidae) + (Leiodidae + Agyrtidae)), and a clade comprising Scydmaenidae, Silphidae and Staphylinidae (= ‘staphylinid group’) are well founded. The branching pattern (Orchymontiinae + (Prosthetopinae + (Ochthebiinae + Hydraeninae))) within Hydraenidae is confirmed. Poor resolution at the base of the trees and the placement of some nonstaphyliniform taxa (Dascillidae, Derodontidae, Scirtidae and Eucinetidae) as a sister group to a clade comprising Scarabaeoidea, Hydrophiloidea and Histeroidea suggests that Staphyliniformia may be paraphyletic. It is recommended that series names are eliminated from the classification of Polyphaga, at least for the more ‘primitive’ groups.
New Oxycoryninae from Central and South America: phylogenetic and biogeographical implications (Coleoptera: Belidae)
Authors: Anderson Robert S.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Balanophorobius Anderson gen.n. and its type species, B. gamezi Anderson sp.n. (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea: Belidae) are described from the vicinity of Cerro de Oro in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. Adults were reared from larvae collected in mid‐March in flowers of an unidentified species of root parasitic Balanophoraceae, possibly Helosis cayennensis (Sw.) Spreng. Balanophorobius is characterized by small (<3.5 mm) size, a loosely articulated antennal club, fine golden pilosity covering the entire cuticle, a sculptured pronotum, and the presence of distinct elytral striae with the intervals between the striae somewhat convex, but not carinate. In addition, a second species of the previously monotypic Alloxycorynus Voss, A. whiteheadi Anderson sp.n., from Cuzco Province in Peru, is described. Known only from a single male specimen, this species is distinguished by its uniform pale brown body colour, apically acuminate prosternal process, mesosternal process expanded between the middle coxae into a ventrally directed, flat, platelike form, and the front tibia having a simple apical tooth. No information is available on its host plant associations. A reassessment of the phylogenetic relationships of Belidae including character states from adults of Balanophorobius is consistent with recently published results. The genera Hydnorobius, Oxycorynus, Alloxycorynus and Balanophorobius constitute a monophyletic clade, sister to the Parallocorynus–Rhopalotria clade, united in aspects of structure and natural history. However, relationships among the former four genera are unresolved. If one considers a host shift to Balanophoraceae from Hydnoraceae, then an arrangement placing Alloxycorynus and Balanophorobius as sister taxa, sister to Oxycorynus, sister to Hydnorobius, is favoured. Features of A. whiteheadi affirm the validity of the previously monotypic Alloxycorynus through the shared presence of a ventrally directed prosternal process and the innermost elytral costa effaced throughout most of its length. The discovery of Balanophorobius in Costa Rica is the first record of angiosperm root parasite‐associated Oxycoryninae from outside of South America and suggests a greater geographical range for these taxa than previously recorded.
Isolation and characterization of a novel RING‐H2 finger gene induced in response to cold and drought in the interfertile Citrus relative Poncirus trifoliata
Authors: Şahin‐Çevik Mehtap , Moore Gloria A.
Published: November 2005

Many genes in different organisms encode proteins with really interesting gene (RING) finger domain(s). The RING zinc finger domain is involved in a wide variety of functions in diverse organisms. A cDNA clone showing homology with RING zinc finger genes and nine‐fold induction in response to cold was previously identified during a gene expression study in the interfertile Citrus relative Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. In this study, the full‐length cDNA of this clone was isolated from 2‐day cold‐acclimated P. trifoliata by a rapid amplification of cDNA ends method using gene‐specific primers. The full‐length cDNA was 956 bp containing a complete open reading frame of 474 bp encoding a polypeptide of 158 amino acids. The full‐length cDNA showed a high level of homology with genes encoding putative RING zinc finger proteins in plants. The deduced amino acid sequence of this gene contained a signature sequence motif for a RING zinc finger close to the C terminus of the protein. The RING zinc finger domain was significantly similar to previously characterized RING zinc finger proteins from different organisms. Additionally, it had a histidine residue at the fifth co‐ordination site, indicating that this gene encodes a RING‐H2 finger protein. Northern blot hybridization showed that the expression of the RING finger gene was induced in response to cold in cold‐hardy P. trifoliata but not to the same extent in cold‐sensitive Citrus grandis L. Osb. (pummelo). However, the gene was induced by drought stress similarly in both the species. To our knowledge, this study presents the first isolation of the full‐length sequence of a RING zinc finger gene induced in response to abiotic stress in plants and the initial characterization of this gene in Citrus.
Regulons involved in osmotic stress‐responsive and cold stress‐responsive gene expression in plants
Authors: Nakashima Kazuo , Yamaguchi‐Shinozaki Kazuko
Published: November 2005

Many plants, including Arabidopsis thaliana, increase in freezing tolerance in response to low non‐freezing temperatures, a phenomenon which is known as cold acclimation. Molecular studies in plants have shown that several genes with various functions are induced by low temperature (cold stress) and osmotic stress such as drought and high salinity. For several stress‐inducible genes, cis‐acting elements in promoters regions and the corresponding transcription factors that affect the expression of these genes have been analyzed in Arabidopsis. The dehydration‐responsive element (DRE)/C‐repeat (CRT), cis‐acting element, is involved in osmotic stress‐ and cold stress‐inducible gene expression. Transcription factors that bind to the DRE/CRT were isolated and named DRE‐binding protein 1 (DREB1)/CRT‐binding factor (CBF) and DREB2. The DREB1A/CBF3, DREB1B/CBF1 and DREB1C/CBF2 regulons are involved in cold stress‐responsive gene expression, whereas, the DREB2 regulon is involved in osmotic stress‐responsive gene expression. In previous experiments, overexpression of the DREB1/CBF genes in transgenic Arabidopsis plants upregulated several stress‐inducible genes and increased tolerance to freezing, drought and high‐salinity stresses. Subsequent to their discovery, the DREB1/CBF genes have been successfully used to improve abiotic stress tolerance in a number of different crop plants. Interestingly, homologous genes of DREB1/CBF have been found in many other plant species including tomato and rice, which are unable to undergo cold acclimation. Thus, it is apparent that the DREB1/CBF regulon is ubiquitous within higher plants. Current research endeavors are focusing to identify additional transcription factors that are associated with stress response. The ultimate goal of regulon biotechnology is the control of signal transduction networks, a manipulation which in turn is expected to improve stress tolerance in plants.
Responses of the plasma membrane to low temperatures
Authors: Uemura Matsuo , Tominaga Yoko , Nakagawara Chihaya , Shigematsu Satomi , Minami Anzu , Kawamura Yukio
Published: November 2005

The plasma membrane is considered to be the primary site of injury when plant cells are subjected to extracellular freezing. In order for plants or plant cells to acquire freezing tolerance, it is, thus, necessary that the plasma membrane increases its cryostability during freeze‐thaw excursion. During cold acclimation both under natural and artificial conditions, there are compositional, structural and functional changes occurring in the plasma membrane, many, if not all, of which ultimately contribute to increased stability of the plasma membrane under freezing conditions. In addition, changes in the cytosol or intracellular compartments also affect the cryobehaviour of the plasma membrane during freeze‐induced dehydration. Although many alterations occurring during cold acclimation influence the cryobehaviour of the plasma membrane comprehensively, recent advances in functional genomics approaches provide interesting information on the function of specific proteins for plasma membrane behaviour under freezing conditions.
Predicting the pathway to wind pollination: heritabilities and genetic correlations of inflorescence traits associated with wind pollination in Schiedea salicaria (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Weller S. G. , Sakai A. K. , Culley T. M. , Campbell D. R. , Dunbar-wallis A. K.
Published: November 2005

The transition from biotic to abiotic pollination was investigated using Schiedea, a genus exhibiting a remarkable diversity of inflorescence architecture associated with pollination biology. Heritabilities and genetic correlations of inflorescence traits were estimated in gynodioecious Schiedea salicaria (Caryophyllaceae), a species that has likely undergone a recent transition to wind-pollination. Using a partial diallel crossing design, significant narrow-sense heritabilities were detected for inflorescence condensation (h2 = 0.56 to 0.68 in the two sexes) and other traits related to the extent of wind pollination in Schiedea species. Heritabilities were generally higher in hermaphrodites than in females. Strong genetic correlations may constrain the evolution of some inflorescence traits that facilitate wind pollination, such as simultaneous shortening of inflorescence length and elongation of the subtending internode. The presence of significant narrow-sense heritabilities for traits associated with wind pollination suggests, however, that selection for more effective wind pollination in the windy, pollinator-limited environments where S. salicaria grows could lead to the evolution of the highly condensed inflorescences characteristic of other wind-pollinated species of Schiedea.