bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of water regimes operating at small spatial scales for the diversity and structure of wetland vegetation
Authors: RAULINGS ELISA J. , MORRIS KAY , ROACHE MICHAEL C. , BOON PAUL I.
Published: September 2009

1. In most cases, the most important determinant of wetland vegetation is the water regime. Although water regime is usually described and managed at the scale of whole wetlands, the patterning of vegetation is likely to be determined by water regimes that are experienced at much finer spatial scales. In this study, we assess the significance of internal heterogeneity in water regimes and the role that this heterogeneity plays in vegetation patterning.

2. The effects of water regime on wetland plant species richness and vegetation structure were studied at Dowd Morass, a 1500 ha, Ramsar‐listed wetland in south‐eastern Australia that is topographically heterogeneous. Data on plant variables and water depth were collected along 45 (50 m) transects throughout the wetland and related to water regimes assigned individually for each transect. Wetland plants were assigned to plant functional groups (PFG) that describe the response of plants to the presence or absence of water at different life stages.

3. The classification of water depth data indicated four distinct water regimes in the wetland that were differentiated primarily by the duration of the dry period. Representatives of all PFGs co‐existed over small spatial scales where topographical variation was present, and the richness and cover of understorey species declined as transects became more deeply and permanently flooded. Some PFGs (e.g. amphibious fluctuation tolerator‐low growing and amphibious fluctuation responder‐morphologically plastic) were eliminated by extended periods of flooding, which increased the cover but not richness of submerged plants. Species richness and foliage projective cover declined as water regimes shifted from shallow and frequently exposed conditions to regimes typified by deeper and longer inundation. Cover of the structurally dominant woody species was compromised by deeply flooded conditions but vegetative regeneration occurred despite high water levels.

4. Internal topographical variation generates mosaics of water regimes at fine spatial scales that allow plant species with different water regime requirements to co‐exist over small distances. Deep water and an absence of dry periods result in decreased cover of plants and an overall loss of species richness in the understorey. Water regimes are described that promote regeneration and cover of structurally dominant taxa and increased species richness in the understorey. The study demonstrates a strong association between vegetation and the diverse water regimes that exist within a single wetland, a pattern that will be useful for modelling the effects of modified water regimes on wetland vegetation.
The evolution of floral scent: the influence of olfactory learning by insect pollinators on the honest signalling of floral rewards
Authors: Wright Geraldine A. , Schiestl Florian P.
Published: September 2009

1. The evolution of flowering plants has undoubtedly been influenced by a pollinator’s ability to learn to associate floral signals with food. Here, we address the question of ‘why’ flowers produce scent by examining the ways in which olfactory learning by insect pollinators could influence how floral scent emission evolves in plant populations.

2. Being provided with a floral scent signal allows pollinators to learn to be specific in their foraging habits, which could, in turn, produce a selective advantage for plants if sexual reproduction is limited by the income of compatible gametes. Learning studies with honeybees predict that pollinator‐mediated selection for floral scent production should favour signals which are distinctive and exhibit low variation within species because these signals are learned faster. Social bees quickly learn to associate scent with the presence of nectar, and their ability to do this is generally faster and more reliable than their ability to learn visual cues.

3. Pollinators rely on floral scent as a means of distinguishing honestly signalling flowers from deceptive ones. Furthermore, a pollinator’s sensitivity to differences in nectar rewards can bias the way that it responds to floral scent. This mechanism may select for flowers that provide olfactory signals as an honest indicator of the presence of nectar or which select against the production of a detectable scent signal when no nectar is present.

4. We expect that an important yet commonly overlooked function of floral scent is an improvement in short‐term pollinator specificity which provides an advantage to both pollinator and plant over the use of a visual signal alone. This, in turn, impacts the evolution of plant mating systems via its influence on the species‐specific patterns of floral visitation by pollinators.
Floral volatiles controlling ant behaviour
Authors: Willmer Pat G. , Nuttman Clive V. , Raine Nigel E. , Stone Graham N. , Pattrick Jonathan G. , Henson Kate , Stillman Philip , McIlroy Lynn , Potts Simon G. , Knudsen Jeffe T.
Published: September 2009

1. Ants show complex interactions with plants, both facultative and mutualistic, ranging from grazers through seed predators and dispersers to herders of some herbivores and guards against others. But ants are rarely pollinators, and their visits to flowers may be detrimental to plant fitness.

2. Plants therefore have various strategies to control ant distributions, and restrict them to foliage rather than flowers. These ‘filters’ may involve physical barriers on or around flowers, or ‘decoys and bribes’ sited on the foliage (usually extrafloral nectaries ‐ EFNs). Alternatively, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used as signals to control ant behaviour, attracting ants to leaves and/or deterring them from functional flowers. Some of the past evidence that flowers repel ants by VOCs has been equivocal and we describe the shortcomings of some experimental approaches, which involve behavioural tests in artificial conditions.

3. We review our previous study of myrmecophytic acacias, which usedin situexperiments to show that volatiles derived from pollen can specifically and transiently deter ants during dehiscence, the effects being stronger in ant‐guarded species and more effective on resident ants, both in African and Neotropical species. In these plants, repellence involves at least some volatiles that are known components of ant alarm pheromones, but are not repellent to beneficial bee visitors.

4. We also present new evidence of ant repellence by VOCs in temperate flowers, which is usually pollen‐based and active on common European ants. We use these data to indicate that across a wide range of plants there is an apparent trade‐off in ant‐controlling filter strategies between the use of defensive floral volatiles and the alternatives of decoying EFNs or physical barriers.
Testing the potential for conflicting selection on floral chemical traits by pollinators and herbivores: predictions and case study
Authors: Kessler André , Halitschke Rayko
Published: September 2009

1. There are myriad ways in which pollinators and herbivores can interact via the evolutionary and behavioural responses of their host plants.

2. Given that both herbivores and pollinators consume and are dependent upon plant‐derived nutrients and secondary metabolites, and utilize plant signals, plant chemistry should be one of the major factors mediating these interactions.

3. Here we build upon a conceptual framework for understanding plant‐mediated interactions of pollinators and herbivores. We focus on plant chemistry, in particular plant volatiles and aim to unify hypotheses for plant defence and pollination. We make predictions for the evolutionary outcomes of these interactions by hypothesizing that conflicting selection pressures from herbivores and pollinators arise from the constraints imposed by plant chemistry.

4. We further hypothesize that plants could avoid conflicts between pollinator attraction and herbivore defence through tissue‐specific regulation of pollinator reward chemistry, as well as herbivore‐induced changes in flower chemistry and morphology.

5. Finally, we test aspects of our predictions in a case study using a wild tomato species,Solanum peruvianum, to illustrate the diversity of tissue‐specific and herbivore‐induced differences in plant chemistry that could influence herbivore and pollinator behaviour, and plant fitness.
Spectral analysis of cyclostationary time-series: a robust method
Authors: Lepage K. Q. , Thomson D. J.
Published: September 2009

A robust, spectral method of analysing cyclostationary time-series is introduced. The robust method involves an adaptation of an autoregressive one-step ahead predictive cleaning process. Standard, robust spectrum estimates are compared against the robust estimate computed using the presented procedure and found to be inferior, both in simulation and on seismic velocity data obtained from station NNA, situated in Ñaña, Peru.
Ovariectomy‐associated changes in bone mineral density and bone marrow haematopoiesis in rats
Authors: Lei Zhu , Xiaoying Zhao , Xingguo Lu
Published: September 2009

The relationship between the bone mass loss and bone marrow haematopoiesis in osteoporosis remains obscure. We selected 3‐month‐old female Sprague–Dawley rats and randomly divided them into six groups. Three groups were ovariectomized (OVX), while the other three groups were sham operated (Sham). Four, 8 and 12 weeks after the surgical procedure, the rats were euthanized and sampled. The left femur was used for measurement of bone mineral density (BMD). The right femur distal metaphysic cancellous bone was processed for morphological evaluation. Our results showed that the femur BMD in the 4‐week OVX group was not significantly decreased compared with that of the 4‐week Sham group, but that the volume of adipose tissue in the bone marrow was markedly increased. The femur BMD in the 8‐week OVX group was decreased significantly compared with that of the 8‐week Sham group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the volume of haematopoietic tissue decreased and the volume of adipose tissue increased. The number of megakaryocytes was decreased (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the osteoclasts and mast cells were increased in number in the 8‐week OVX group (P < 0.05). These changes became obvious in the 12‐week OVX rats, in contrast to the Sham groups. The volume of trabecular bone and the number of osteoblasts in the 12‐week OVX group decreased significantly. Increased reticulin fibres were observed only in the 12‐week OVX group. Our studies demonstrated a reciprocal correlation between bone‐forming osteoblasts and marrow adipose tissue and suggest that OVX rats may be valuable as an animal model to study hypohaemopoiesis.
Mutated K‐rasAsp12 promotes tumourigenesis in ApcMin mice more in the large than the small intestines, with synergistic effects between K‐ras and Wnt pathways
Authors: Luo Feijun , Brooks David G. , Ye Hongtao , Hamoudi Rifat , Poulogiannis George , Patek Charles E. , Winton Douglas J. , Arends Mark J.
Published: September 2009

K‐ras mutations are found in 40–50% of human colorectal adenomas and carcinomas, but their functional contribution remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that a conditional mutant K‐ras mouse model (K‐rasAsp12/Cre), with transient intestinal Cre activation by β‐Naphthoflavone (β‐NF) treatment, displayed transgene recombination and K‐rasAsp12 expression in the murine intestines, but developed few intestinal adenomas over 2 years. However, when crossed with ApcMin/+ mice, the K‐rasAsp12/Cre/ApcMin/+ offspring showed acceleration of intestinal tumourigenesis with significantly changed average lifespan (P < 0.05) decreased to 18.4 ± 5.4 weeks from 20.9 ± 4.7 weeks (control ApcMin/+ mice). The numbers of adenomas in the small intestine and large intestine were significantly (P < 0.01) increased by 1.5‐fold and 5.7‐fold, respectively, in K‐rasAsp12/Cre/ApcMin/+ mice compared with ApcMin/+ mice, with the more marked increase in adenoma prevalence in the large intestine. To explore possible mechanisms for K‐rasAsp12 and ApcMin co‐operation, the Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (Mapk), Akt and Wnt signalling pathways, including selected target gene expression levels, were evaluated in normal large intestine and large intestinal tumours. K‐rasAsp12 increased activation of Mapk and Akt signalling pathway targets phospho‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pErk) and pAkt, and increased relative expression levels of Wnt pathway targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), gastrin, cyclo‐oxygenase 2 (Cox2) and T‐cell lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 (Tiam1) in K‐rasAsp12/Cre/ApcMin/+ adenomas compared with that of ApcMin/+ adenomas, although other Wnt signalling pathway target genes such as Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor delta (PPARd), matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7), protein phosphatase 1 alpha (PP1A) and c‐myc remained unchanged. In conclusion, intestinal expression of K‐rasAsp12 promotes mutant Apc‐initiated intestinal adenoma formation in vivo more in the large intestine than the small intestine, with evidence of synergistic co‐operation between mutant K‐ras and Apc involving increased expression of some Wnt‐pathway target genes.
Hepatic extracellular matrix alterations in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi
Authors: Melo Ferdinan Almeida , Moura Eliane Perlatto , Ribeiro Raul Rio , Alves Cíntia Fontes , Caliari Marcelo Vidigal , Tafuri Washington Luiz , Da Silva Calabrese Kátia , Tafuri Wagner Luiz
Published: September 2009

The aim of this work was to study alterations in the extracellular matrix of liver in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi that are correlated with clinical aspects and with histological, parasitological and immunological findings. The study was carried out on 30 dogs, 10 uninfected (control group) and 20 infected. The infected animals were further divided into two groups: an asymptomatic group of 10 dogs without clinical signs of the disease; and a symptomatic group of 10 dogs with classical clinical signs. All thirty animals were mongrel dogs of undefined age, obtained from the municipality of Belo Horizonte, MG, metropolitan area. During necropsy, liver fragments were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde for histological examination. Paraffined sections of the tissues were stained with haematoxylin–eosin, Gomori’s ammoniacal silver stain for reticular fibres and strepto‐avidin peroxidase for immunohistochemical detection of Leishmania amastigotes. Frozen tissue sections were stained by immunofluorescence for fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LN). Liver collagen deposition was significantly greater in the infected than the control animals and differed significantly between the symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. There was a positive correlation between the parasite load and liver collagen deposition. The increased collagen deposition in infected animal livers may be associated with the parasite burden. Adhesive FN and LN fibres were significantly more highly expressed in the livers of symptomatic than of asymptomatic dogs. Our results demonstrate that canine visceral leishmaniasis causes fibrogenesis in liver, associated with the parasite load and degenerative processes.
Professional nursing culture on a trauma unit: experiences of patients and staff
Authors: Tutton Elizabeth , Seers Kate , Langstaff Debbie
Published: September 2009

Title.  Professional nursing culture on a trauma unit: experiences of patients and staff

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the day‐to‐day experiences of patients and staff on a unit dedicated to the care of adult patients who have sustained an injury.

Background.  With the numbers of people suffering traumatic injury increasing, provision of their acute care and rehabilitation is also of increasing concern. Staff have the potential to optimize recovery but the factors that facilitate or inhibit this in practice are unclear.

Method.  This ethnographic study took place on a trauma unit in the United Kingdom between November 2004 and January 2006. Sixteen periods of observation, qualitative interviews with 40 patients and 19 staff, and four focus groups with staff were undertaken. Thematic analysis was conducted and data were analysed by sentence.

Findings.  The dynamic process of patient‐centred care was expressed through the themes of closeness, therapeutic care and working as a team. Closeness conveyed the sudden and devastating nature of injury, and the necessity for staff to let go of feelings to maintain a positive momentum. Therapeutic care highlighted the social connection between the staff and the patients, combined with a proactive dynamic approach to care. Working as a team identified the importance of maintaining expertise and making the system work for patients to ensure the best possible care.

Conclusion.  By identifying the context and processes that facilitate recovery, it becomes possible to provide a framework for individuals and units to develop and improve practice that enhances recovery. These findings may be useful for other similar areas of care.
Children’s experiences of visiting a seriously ill/injured relative on an adult intensive care unit
Authors: Knutsson Susanne , Samuelsson Ingrid Pramling , Hellström Anna‐Lena , Bergbom Ingegerd
Published: September 2009

Title.  Children’s experiences of visiting a seriously ill/injured relative on an adult intensive care unit

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of children’s experiences of visiting a seriously ill/injured relative in an intensive care unit.

Background.  Little attention has been paid to children’s experiences and needs when visiting a relative being cared for at a high technological adult intensive care unit. Instead, the focus has been on adult’s experiences and needs.

Method.  In 2004, 28 children (14 girls, 14 boys) aged 4–17 years who had visited an adult relative were interviewed 3 months after the visit. A hermeneutic approach was used when interpreting and analysing the text.

Findings.  Four themes were generated from the data: It meant waiting, It was strange, It was white and It was good. Waiting was experienced as difficult, increasing the feeling of uncertainty, exclusion and separation, which in turn led to tension and concern. ‘It was strange’ was perceived as unfamiliar but also with interest and curiosity. The experience of the intensive care unit was that it was white. Everything in the patient’s room was experienced as white and gloomy. It lacked joy. ‘It was good’ was stated about the outcome of the visit because through this they were given the opportunity to meet and see the relative by themselves. This evoked feelings of relief and joy. The visit did not seem to frighten the child; instead it generated feelings of release and relief.

Conclusion.  Children’s experiences of visiting an adult intensive care unit seem to support theories that emphasize the involvement and participation of children in family matters.
What determines a species’ geographical range? Thermal biology and latitudinal range size relationships in European diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)
Authors: Calosi Piero , Bilton David T. , Spicer John I. , Votier Stephen C. , Atfield Andrew
Published: September 2009

1. The geographical range sizes of individual species vary considerably in extent, although the factors underlying this variation remain poorly understood, and could include a number of ecological and evolutionary processes. A favoured explanation for range size variation is that this result from differences in fundamental niche breadths, suggesting a key role for physiology in determining range size, although to date empirical tests of these ideas remain limited.

2. Here we explore relationships between thermal physiology and biogeography, whilst controlling for possible differences in dispersal ability and phylogenetic relatedness, across 14 ecologically similar congeners which differ in geographical range extent; European diving beetles of the genusDeronectesSharp (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae). Absolute upper and lower temperature tolerance and acclimatory abilities are determined for populations of each species, following acclimation in the laboratory.

3. Absolute thermal tolerance range is the best predictor of both species’ latitudinal range extent and position, differences in dispersal ability (based on wing size) apparently being less important in this group. In addition, species’ northern and southern range limits are related to their tolerance of low and high temperatures respectively. In all cases, absolute temperature tolerances, rather than acclimatory abilities are the best predictors of range parameters, whilst the use of independent contrasts suggested that species’ thermal acclimation abilities may also relate to biogeography, although increased acclimatory ability does not appear to be associated with increased range size.

4. Our study is the first to provide empirical support for a relationship between thermal physiology and range size variation in widespread and restricted species, conducted using the same experimental design, within a phylogenetically and ecologically controlled framework.
Marker‐assisted determination of the relationship between body size and reproductive success and consequences for evaluation of adaptive life histories
Authors: MORRISSEY MICHAEL B. , FERGUSON MOIRA M.
Published: September 2009

We tested for differences in the predicted optimal ages at first maturity in brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) in Freshwater River, Newfoundland, when life‐history data were collated based on the marker‐assisted estimation of the relationship between body size and reproductive success rather than using fecundity as a surrogate for reproductive success. Jointly with capture–recapture data to estimate the growth and survival costs of reproduction, we found that weak relationships between body size and reproductive success generate selection against delayed maturation. This finding would not have held for females if the relationship between body size and fecundity had been used as a surrogate for the relationship between body size and reproductive success. This shows that predictions of optimal life histories can be qualitatively changed when using molecular markers to directly evaluate age‐ and/or size‐specific effects of body size on reproductive success.
An information‐theoretical approach to phylogeography
Authors: CARSTENS BRYAN C. , STOUTE HOLLY N. , REID NOAH M.
Published: September 2009

Data analysis in phylogeographic investigations is typically conducted in either a qualitative manner, or alternatively via the testing of null hypotheses. The former, where inferences about population processes are derived from geographical patterns of genetic variation, may be subject to confirmation bias and prone to overinterpretation. Testing the predictions of null hypotheses is arguably less prone to bias than qualitative approaches, but only if the tested hypotheses are biologically meaningful. As it is difficult to know a priori if this is the case, there is the general need for additional methodological approaches in phylogeographic research. Here, we explore an alternative method for analysing phylogeographic data that utilizes information theory to quantify the probability of multiple hypotheses given the data. We accomplish this by augmenting the model‐selection procedure implemented in ima with calculations of Akaike Information Criterion scores and model probabilities. We generate a ranking of 17 models each representing a set of historical evolutionary processes that may have contributed to the evolution of Plethodon idahoensis, and then quantify the relative strength of support for each hypothesis given the data using metrics borrowed from information theory. Our results suggest that two models have high probability given the data. Each of these models includes population divergence and estimates of ancestral θ that differ from estimates of descendent θ, inferences consistent with prior work in this system. However, the models disagree in that one includes migration as a parameter and one does not, suggesting that there are two regions of parameter space that produce model likelihoods that are similar in magnitude given our data. Results of a simulation study suggest that when data are simulated with migration, most of the optimal models include migration as a parameter, and further that when all of the shared polymorphism results from incomplete lineage sorting, most of the optimal models do not. The results could also indicate a lack of precision, which may be a product of the amount of data that we have collected. In any case, the information‐theoretic metrics that we have applied to the analysis of our data are statistically rigorous, as are hypothesis‐testing approaches, but move beyond the ‘reject/fail to reject’ dichotomy of conventional hypothesis testing in a manner that provides considerably more flexibility to researchers.
Implications of isolation and low genetic diversity in peripheral populations of an amphi‐Atlantic coral
Authors: NUNES F. , NORRIS R. D. , KNOWLTON N.
Published: September 2009

Limited dispersal and connectivity in marine organisms can have negative fitness effects in populations that are small and isolated, but reduced genetic exchange may also promote the potential for local adaptation. Here, we compare the levels of genetic diversity and connectivity in the coral Montastraea cavernosa among both central and peripheral populations throughout its range in the Atlantic. Genetic data from one mitochondrial and two nuclear loci in 191 individuals show that M. cavernosa is subdivided into three genetically distinct regions in the Atlantic: Caribbean‐North Atlantic, Western South Atlantic (Brazil) and Eastern Tropical Atlantic (West Africa). Within each region, populations have similar allele frequencies and levels of genetic diversity; indeed, no significant differentiation was found between populations separated by as much as 3000 km, suggesting that this coral species has the ability to disperse over large distances. Gene flow within regions does not, however, translate into connectivity across the entire Atlantic. Instead, substantial differences in allele frequencies across regions suggest that genetic exchange is infrequent between the Caribbean, Brazil and West Africa. Furthermore, markedly lower levels of genetic diversity are observed in the Brazilian and West African populations. Genetic diversity and connectivity may contribute to the resilience of a coral population to disturbance. Isolated peripheral populations may be more vulnerable to human impacts, disease or climate change relative to those in the genetically diverse Caribbean‐North Atlantic region.
Conservation genetics ofAmorpha georgiana(Fabaceae), an endangered legume of the Southeastern United States
Authors: STRAUB SHANNON C. K. , DOYLE JEFF J.
Published: September 2009

Amorpha georgiana(Fabaceae) is an endangered legume species found in longleaf pine savannas in the Southeastern United States. Approximately 900 individuals and 14 populations remain, most of which are concentrated in North Carolina. Eleven microsatellite loci were used to explore genetic diversity, population structure and recent population bottlenecks using genotypic data from 132 individuals collected at ten different localities. AlthoughA. georgianais quite rare, it exhibited high levels of genetic diversity (17.7 alleles/locus;Ho = 0.65,HE = 0.75). Most of the genetic variation was found within rather than between populations of this species. The single remaining Georgia population was well differentiated from populations of the Carolinas (FST > 0.1), which had weaker structure among them (FST < 0.1). Only a geographically disjunct population showed strong evidence of a recent population bottleneck, perhaps due to a recent founder event. Hybridization withA. herbaceawas also detected. For conservation management plans,A. georgianapopulations in each geographic region (North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia) plus a disjunct population in North Carolina (Holly Shelter) should be treated as separate management units for whichin situconservation, including habitat restoration and use of prescribed burns, should ensure persistence of this species and preservation of its evolutionary potential.
Lack of global population genetic differentiation in the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae suggests a recent range expansion which may have coincided with the spread of agriculture
Authors: ROSENDAHL SØREN , MCGEE PETER , MORTON JOSEPH B
Published: September 2009

The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae is commonly found in agricultural fields. The cosmopolitan species is found in Africa, Europe, America, Asia and Australia. Three hypotheses may explain this worldwide distribution: First, speciation occurred before the continents separated 120 Ma; second, the distribution is a result of human‐mediated dispersal related to agriculture and finally, the morphologically defined species may encompass several local endemic species. To test these hypotheses, three genes were sequenced from 82 isolates of G. mosseae originating from six continents and the resulting sequences analysed for geographical subdivision and estimation of migration between continents. Coalescent analyses estimated divergence and age of mutations. Bayesian coalescent modelling was used to reveal important past population changes in the global population. The sequence data showed no geographical structure, with identical genotypes found on different continents. Coalescence analyses indicated a recent diversification in the species, and the data could be explained by a recent population expansion in G. mosseae. The results of this study suggest that speciation and the range expansion happened much later than continental spread and that human activity may have had a major impact on the dispersal and the population structure of the fungus.
A rare connexin 26 mutation in a patient with a forme fruste of keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness (KID) syndrome
Authors: Neoh Ching Yin , Chen Huijia , Ng See Ket , Lane Ellen Birgitte , Common John Edmund Armourer
Published: September 2009

Background  Keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness (KID) syndrome is a rare ectodermal dysplasia characterized by generalized erythrokeratotic plaques, sensorineural hearing loss, and vascularizing keratitis. Cutaneous changes and hearing loss typically present in early childhood, whereas ocular symptoms present later. Mutations in the connexin (Cx) 26 gene, GJB2, are now established to underlie many of the affected cases, with the majority of patients harboring the p.D50N mutation.

Methods  A rare patient demonstrating features of incomplete KID syndrome associated with an uncommon Cx26 gene mutation is described.

Results  The patient presented late in adolescence with partial features of KID syndrome. There was limited cutaneous involvement and the rare association of cystic acne. Both hearing impairment and ophthalmic involvement were mild in severity. Genetic mutation analysis revealed a previously described, rare mutation in GJB2, resulting in a glycine to arginine change at codon 12 (p.G12R).

Conclusions  This report describes a patient exhibiting characteristics suggestive of a late‐onset, incomplete form of KID syndrome with the GJB2 mutation (p.G12R). The p.G12R mutation has only been described in one other patient with KID syndrome, whose clinical presentation was not characterized.
Combination therapy of intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroid in the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens–Johnson syndrome: a retrospective comparative study in China
Authors: Yang Yongsheng , Xu Jinhua , Li Feng , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: September 2009

Background  Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) are drug‐induced diseases with no well‐established treatments. The application of corticosteroid therapy is controversial. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is emerging as a promising new method for the treatment of these two diseases. The efficacy of combination therapy of IVIG and corticosteroid in the treatment of TEN/SJS has seldom been reported.

Methods  Sixty‐five consecutive patients with either TEN or SJS, admitted over a 14‐year period from January 1993 to October 2007, were treated with corticosteroid and analyzed retrospectively using SCORTEN, a severity‐of‐illness scoring system for TEN/SJS prognosis, to evaluate efficacy. For patients admitted after January 2001, additional therapy with a dose of 0.4 g/kg/day of IVIG for 5 days was applied.

Results  In the 45 patients with TEN treated without IVIG, 8.63 patients were expected to die based on the SCORTEN system, but 10 deaths were observed. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) analysis [(Σobserved deaths/Σexpected deaths) × 100] suggested that patients with TEN treated with systemic corticosteroid were 16% more likely to die than those treated with routine therapy (SMR = 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.56–2.13). In the further study of combination therapy, 12 patients with TEN and eight patients with SJS were admitted. There were two deaths in the TEN group and one death in the SJS group, with 3.51 deaths expected on the basis of the SCORTEN system. SMR analysis showed that combination therapy had a tendency to reduce the mortality rate of TEN (SMR = 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–2.50). Nevertheless, in both the TEN and SJS groups, the difference in mortality rate between the two therapies was not statistically significant (P = 0.651 and P = 1, respectively). In patients with TEN, combination therapy also reduced significantly the time of arrested progression (P = 0.019) and the total hospitalization time (P = 0.043), but could not reduce the time to the tapering of corticosteroid (P = 0.96). In SJS patients, the times of arrested progression and hospitalization were also reduced significantly (P = 0.019 and P = 0.0475, respectively). Likewise, the time to the tapering of corticosteroid was not reduced (P = 0.122).

Conclusion  Combination therapy with corticosteroid and IVIG exhibited a tendency to reduce the mortality rate in comparison with the solo administration of corticosteroid. The decrease in the mortality rate, however, was not statistically significant. Combination therapy also arrested progression earlier and decreased the hospitalization time, meaning that the total dose of corticosteroid may be reduced. Combination therapy, however, did not lead to earlier tapering of corticosteroid. No severe adverse effects of IVIG were found during treatment.
Physical examination of the potential tissue donor, what do European tissue banks do?
Authors: Van Geyt Caroline , Van Wijk Marja , Bokhorst Arlinke , Beele Hilde
Published: September 2009

Van Geyt C, Van Wijk M, Bokhorst A, Beele H. Physical examination of the potential tissue donor, what do European tissue banks do? Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01089.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  According to the EU Directive 2006/17/EC, European tissue banks are required to perform a physical examination on every potential tissue donor. The directive itself, however, does not specify the content of this examination. The aim of this study was to investigate the current practice of physical examination in European tissue banks. A questionnaire was drawn up and sent to the members of the European Association of Tissue Banks and the European Eye Bank Association. Information was gathered on the type of procurement; the personnel involved (number, educational background and training); the content of physical examination; the problems encountered; and the outcome of the performed physical examinations. Completed questionnaires were received from 32 European tissue banks (response rate of 35%). Of these tissue banks, 73% perform a physical examination. The most frequently encountered problems are the inability to open the mouth due to rigor mortis, the inability to examine the total body surface and the incapacity to palpate the lymph nodes. Tissue banks reject potential donors, based on the results of the physical examination in 5% of cases (median rejection rate). Twenty‐seven percent of the responding tissue banks do not perform a physical examination. This was most often due to a lack of adequate educational background and/or a lack of appropriate training.
A novel HLA‐B*37 allele, B*370105, was identified in a Chinese Han individual
Authors: Jin S.‐Z. , Li Z. , Zou H.‐Y. , Cheng X. , Cheng L.‐H. , Wang D.‐M.
Published: September 2009

We report here the sequence of a novel human leukocyte antigen B*37 allele, B*370105, which is identical to B*370101 except for a single nucleotide substitution in exon 3 at nucleotide 558 where C>A, codon 162 GGC>GGA, no coding change.
Genetic determinants of HIV‐1 infection and progression to AIDS: immune response genes
Authors: Kaur G. , Mehra N.
Published: September 2009

Genomic studies involving well‐defined multicenter cohorts of HIV‐1/AIDS covering multiple populations have led to a greater understanding of the role of host determinants in viral acquisition, disease progression, transmission, and response to anti‐retroviral therapy. Similarly, recent knowledge on the virus genetic diversity has helped in elucidating mechanisms leading to the evolution of viral escape mutants and the role played by host immune determinants, in particular the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) associated genes. At least two alleles, HLA‐B*27 and B*57, have been identified as ‘protective’ against HIV‐1 while B*35 and B*53 act as susceptibility favoring factors. How human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐mediated selection drives the evolution of HIV‐1 and which circulating variants are more likely to evade immune surveillance of the population are now beginning to become clear. Importantly, the rare HLA alleles in a population bear a selective advantage to the host because these can induce immune responses against pre‐adapted viruses. It is conceivable that previously established protective HLA associations are shifting with the evolving cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes and may not remain protective in future. At the same time, this process is unraveling novel sub‐dominant epitopes of the virus which could now be incorporated as the dominant target CTL epitopes. An insight into the population‐specific correlates of protection is hence necessary for designing future anti‐HIV therapeutic and/or prophylactic vaccine formulation(s).
Drosophila melanogastermales respond differently at the behavioural and genome‐wide levels toDrosophila melanogasterandDrosophila simulansfemales
Authors: ELLIS L. L. , CARNEY G. E.
Published: September 2009

Drosophila melanogasterare found in sympatry withDrosophila simulans, and matings between the species produce nonfertile hybrid offspring at low frequency. Evolutionary theory predicts that females choose mates, so males should alter their behaviour in response to female cues. We show thatD. melanogastermales quickly decrease courtship towardsD. simulansfemales. Courtship levels are reduced within 5 min of exposure to a heterospecific female, and overall courtship is significantly lower than courtship towards conspecific females. To understand changes at the molecular level during mate choice, we performed microarray analysis onD. melanogastermales that courted heterospecificD. simulansfemales and found nine genes have altered expression compared with controls. In contrast, males that court conspecific females alter expression of at least 35 loci. The changes elicited by conspecific courtship likely modulate nervous system function to reinforce positive conspecific signals and dampen the response to heterospecific signals.
EARLY LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY FOR ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS: OPTIMAL TIMING OF OPERATION AND PREDICTIVE FACTORS FOR CONVERSION
Authors: Cheung K.F. , Yuen K.S. , Ng T.K. , Sze Y.S. , Lui K.W. , Lee W.M. , Cheung C.H. , Kong C.K. , Ng W.T.
Published: September 2009

The role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in management of acute cholecystitis remained controversial. Unless contraindicated or refused, early laparoscopic cholecystectomy was offered to patients suffered from acute cholecystitis in our department. Patients data and outcome were collected and analyzed to assess the safety and efficacy of the procedure and to identify predictive factors for conversion.

From January 1999 to December 2000, a total of 78 patients with diagnosis of acute cholecystitis were operated. 18 patients had immediate open operation due to previous upper abdominal surgery, or presence of septic shock/peritonitis.

Laparoscopic cholecystomy (LC) were successful in 41 (68.3%) of the remaining 60 patients and converted in 19 (31.7%). No mortality was found in the successful or attempted laparoscopic group but 3 patients died in the open group, probably due to poorer premorbid state. The successful LC group had the best outcome in terms of shorter postoperative stay (mean 8.2 days) and less complication rate (7.3%). The only statistically significant predictive factor for conversion are WBC count >19 × 109/L and duration of symptoms of more than 72 hours after onset.

Conclusion: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is safe and effective when operated within 72 hours of symptom onset before significant sepsis occur.
AMBULATORY LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY: THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE
Authors: Lau H. , Brooks D.C.
Published: September 2009

Objectives: The present study was conducted to report the transitions in the practice of laparoscopic cholecsytectomy since the inception of ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to evaluate the contemporary outcomes of day‐case laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods: Hospital database of patients who underwent cholecystectomies for benign hepatobiliary pathologies were reviewed between 1993 and 1999. Changes in the practice of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and length of hospital stay were analyzed. Causes for unanticipated admission and readmission were evaluated.

Results: Of 2891 laparoscopic cholecystectomies recruited in the present study, 888 (31%) were performed as day case and 2003 (69%) were inpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomies. The annual number of ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy increased from 3 (0.6%) in 1993 to 212 (48%) in 1997, which was followed by a plateau in the next 3 years. There was a significant shift of patients who used to stay overnight to same day discharge, accounting for the increment of ambulatory procedures. Twenty‐eight (3.2%) patients were admitted overnight after operation because of pain (n = 11), nausea and vomiting (n = 7) and other reasons (n = 10).

Conclusions: The present study demonstrated a net trend towards ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Post‐operative pain was the commonest reason for unanticipated admission after operation. Ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy heralds the wave of the future.
APOLIPOPROTEIN E GENOTYPE AND OUTCOME IN ANEURYSMAL SUBARACHNOID HAEMORRHAGE
Authors: Leung C.H.S. , Poon W.S. , Wong G.K.C. , Yu L.M. , Ng H.K.
Published: September 2009

Background: Active management of ruptured intracranial aneurysm in subarachnoid haemorrhage is commonly reserved for patient with favourable prognosis. Current clinical grading scales on outcome prediction are imprecise with low inter‐observer reproducibility. We designed a prospective clinical study on the association between Apolipoprotein E genotype and the outcome of patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Method: We conducted a prospective study on patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage admitted to our unit during a 2 years period. All patients were managed under a standard protocol. Patient’s characteristics, clinical grade, radiological grade and Apolipoprotein E genotype were documented. We focused on the 6 months neurological outcome for this group of patients after discharged.

Results: 72 patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage were recruited into the study. Unfavourable outcome was found with increasing age (62.2 years ± 17.2 vs. 55.7 years ± 12.9; P = 0.07; odds ratio, 1.03; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.07), poor Fisher’s grades (86 percent vs. 58 percent; P = 0.015; odds ratio, 4.50; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.33 to 15.20) and poor WFNS grades (48 percent vs. 14 percent; P = 0.002; odds ratio, 5.76; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.86 to 17.80). A higher distribution of Apolipoprotein E ɛ4 was found amongst those had unfavourable outcome (38 percent vs. 9 percent; P = 0.006; odds ratio, 5.96; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.67 to 21.29). Apolipoprotein E ɛ4 remains to be an independent outcome‐predicting factor (P = 0.003) after adjusted with age, WFNS grading, and Fisher’s grading.

Conclusions: Apolipoprotein E ɛ4 was found to be associated with an unfavourable outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
ILEAL CONDUIT URINARY DIVERSION: A REAPPAISAL OF ITS UPPER TRACT COMPLICATIONS
Authors: Lo H.K. , Wong B.T.H.
Published: September 2009

Objective: To study the long‐term upper tract complications in patients with ileal conduit urinary diversion following total cystectomy.

Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective review of all the patients who attended regular follow‐up at the Urostoma Clinic of a general hospital in year 1999. 86 patients were available for analysis: male‐to‐female ratio 2:1, age 24 to 92 (mean 70.6) years, duration of follow‐up 1.1 to 28.5 (mean 10.5) years. 87.2% of the patients had had total cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Results: Among the 86 patients, the incidences of acute pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis and impairment of renal function were 11.6% (10), 46.5% (40) and 46.5% (40) respectively. Four patients eventually developed end stage renal failure. Presence of acute pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis correlated with subsequent development of renal impairment (p < 0.05). At 5 and 10 years, incidences of hydronephrosis were 19.8% and 32.6% respectively, incidences of renal impairment were 27.9% and 37.2% respectively, and the overall incidences of having either or both of these upper tract complications were 33.7% and 50.0% respectively.

Ultrasonography and/or intravenous urography were the first‐line investigations to screen for hydronephrosis. Of the 40 patients with hydronephrosis, 25 had non‐obstructed ureters as confirmed by contrast studies and DTPA renography, and the other 15 required flexible conduitoscopy—with contrast conduitography, retrograde pyelo‐ureterography and/or biopsy—to ascertain the nature of urinary obstruction: mid‐conduit stenosis (1), tumour recurrence at anastomosis (1), anastomotic stricture (9) and ureteral stricture (4). One other patient was incidentally found to have TCC in left renal pelvis.

Of the 86 patients, 13 had remedial surgical intervention for the complications, including: balloon dilatation of mid‐conduit stenosis (1), nephrectomy (5), revision of ileal conduit (5) and conversion to continent cutaneous diversion (2).

Conclusions: Ileal conduit urinary diversion resulted in signifi‐cant long‐term upper tract complications. 50% of the patients developed complications by 10 years. Regular long‐term follow‐up is mandatory.