bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between early maternal smoking and variants in TNF and GSTP1 in childhood wheezing
Authors: Panasevich S. , Lindgren C. , Kere J. , Wickman M. , Pershagen G. , Nyberg F. , Melén E.
Published: February 2010

Background
Children exposed to tobacco smoke early in life have a higher risk of wheeze. Individual susceptibility may depend on genetic factors.

Objective
We studied whether variations in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNF, glutathione S transferase P1 (GSTP1) and β2‐adrenoreceptor (ADRB2) genes modify the effect of early maternal smoking on the development of childhood asthma, wheeze and allergic sensitization.

Methods
In the Swedish prospective birth cohort BAMSE (Children, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiological Survey) (n=4089), data collection included questionnaires to measure tobacco smoke exposure and clinical outcomes up to age 4 and medical examinations with blood sampling for specific IgE measurements and genotyping. We defined early maternal smoking as daily smoking by the mother during pregnancy and/or postnatally. We investigated five TNF, six GSTP1 and three ADRB2 SNPs in 982 selected wheezers and non‐wheezers.

Results
An interaction with early maternal smoking was found for three TNF SNPs (−857C/T, Intron 1, Intron 3) with respect to early wheeze (up to 2 years of age). For example, the odds ratio (OR) for developing early wheeze related to early maternal smoking was 2.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–3.7] in children with a wild‐type CC homozygote genotype of the TNF−857 SNP, while no tobacco‐related risk was seen in children carrying the rare T allele. A clear dose response was observed in children with the CC genotype, with an OR of 1.3 (95% CI 1.1–1.5) per each additional pack per week smoked by the mother during pregnancy. A suggestive interaction with early maternal smoking was also seen for three GSTP1 SNPs (Intron 5, Intron 6 and Ile105Val) with respect to transient wheeze, but not for ADRB2 and wheeze phenotypes. No effect modifications were observed for allergic sensitization.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that the risk of early childhood wheeze associated with early maternal smoking may be modified by TNF and GSTP1 polymorphisms.

Cite this as: S. Panasevich, C. Lindgren, J. Kere, M. Wickman, G. Pershagen, F. Nyberg and E. Melén, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 458–467.
The role of protease‐activated receptors PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 in the repair of 16HBE 14o−epithelial cell monolayersin vitro
Authors: Ewen D. , Clarke S.L. , Smith J.R. , Berger C. , Salmon G. , Trevethick M. , Shute J.K.
Published: February 2010

BackgroundWe recently reported that repair following mechanical wounding of epithelial cell layersin vitrois dependent on fibrin formation and the activity of locally expressed coagulation cascade proteins. Serine proteases of the coagulation cascade are an important group of protease‐activated receptor (PAR) activators and PAR‐1 to 4 are expressed by the normal bronchial epithelium.

ObjectiveWe tested the hypothesis that activation of PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 by coagulation cascade proteases stimulates epithelial repair via effects on fibrin formation.

MethodsUsing mechanically wounded 16HBE 14o−epithelial cell layers in culture, we investigated the effect of PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 agonist peptides, control partially scrambled peptides and PAR‐neutralizing antibodies on the rate of repair and fibrin formation. Coagulation factors in culture supernatants were measured by immunoblot. RT‐PCR was used to investigate PAR‐1, PAR‐2 and PGE2 receptor (EP‐1 to EP‐4) expression in this model and qRT‐PCR to quantify responses to wounding. Additionally, we investigated the effect of exogenously added factor Xa (FXa) and neutrophil elastase and the influence of PGE2 and indomethacin on the repair response.

ResultsPAR‐1 and PAR‐2 peptide agonists stimulated the rate of repair and enhanced the formation of a fibrin provisional matrix to support the repair process. Conversely, PAR‐neutralizing antibodies inhibited repair. Under serum‐free culture conditions, 16HBE 14o−cells expressed EP‐2 and EP‐3, but not EP‐1 or EP‐4, receptors. Wounding induced an increased expression of EP‐3 but did not alter EP‐2, PAR‐1 or PAR‐2 expression. In the absence of PAR agonists, there was no evidence for a role for PGE2 in fibrin formation or the repair process. Indomethacin attenuated fibrin formation in wounded cultures only in the presence of the PAR‐2 peptide. FXa stimulated epithelial repair while neutrophil elastase reduced the levels of coagulation factors and inhibited repair.

ConclusionLocally expressed serine proteases of the coagulation cascade activate PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 to enhance fibrin formation and bronchial epithelial repair.

Cite this as: D. Ewen, S.L. Clarke, J.R. Smith, C. Berger, G. Salmon, M. Trevethick and J.K. Shute,Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 435–449.
Longitudinal validity and responsiveness of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Parent Form in children 0–12 years following positive and negative food challenges
Authors: DunnGalvin A. , Cullinane C. , Daly D. A. , Flokstra‐de Blok B. M. J. , Dubois A. E. J. , Hourihane J. O'B.
Published: February 2010

Background
There are no published studies of longitudinal health‐related quality of life (HRQL) assessments of food‐allergic children using a disease‐specific measure.

Objective
This study assessed the longitudinal measurement properties of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Parent Form (FAQLQ‐PF) in a sample of children undergoing food challenge.

Methods
Parents of children 0–12 years completed the FAQLQ‐PF and the Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) pre‐challenge and at 2 and 6 months post food challenge. In order to evaluate longitudinal validity, differences between Group A (positive challenge) and Group B (negative challenge) were expected over time. We computed correlation coefficients between change scores in the FAQLQ‐PF and change scores in the FAIM. To determine the minimally important difference (MID), we used distributional criterion and effect size approaches. A logistic regression model profiled those children falling below this point.

Results
Eighty‐two children underwent a challenge (42 positive; 40 negative). Domains and total score improved significantly at pos‐challenge time‐points for both groups (all P<0.05). Sensitivity was demonstrated by significant differences between positive and negative groups at 6 months [F(2, 59)=6.221, P<0.003] and by differing improvement on relevant subscales (P<0.05). MID was 0.45 on a seven‐point response scale. Poorer quality of life at baseline increased the odds by over 2.0 of no improvement in HRQL scores 6‐month time‐point. General maternal health (OR 1.252), number of foods avoided (OR 1.369) and children >9 years (OR 1.173) were also predictors. The model correctly identified 84% of cases below MID.

Conclusion
The FAQLQ‐PF is sensitive to change, and has excellent longitudinal reliability and validity in a food‐allergic patient population. The standard error of measurement value of 0.5 points as a threshold for meaningful change in HRQL questionnaires was confirmed. The FAQLQ‐PF may be used to identify problems in children, to assess the effectiveness of clinical trials or interventions, and to guide the development of regulatory policies.

Cite this as: A. DunnGalvin, C. Cullinane, D. A. Daly, B. M. J. Flokstra‐de Blok, A. E. J. Dubois and J. O'B. Hourihane, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 476–485.
Alternative splicing ofMef2cpromoted by Fox‐1 during neural differentiation in P19 cells
Authors: Hakim Nor Hakimah Ab , Kounishi Toshiki , Alam A H M Khurshid , Tsukahara Toshifumi , Suzuki Hitoshi
Published: February 2010

Mef2c protein is one of the MADS‐box type transcription factors involved in muscular differentiation and synaptic formation. Previously, it has been reported that theMef2cgene is responsible for three alternative splicing regulations. Here, we investigated the alternative splicing variants ofMef2cduring neural differentiation of P19 cells and during cardio muscular differentiation of P19 clone 6 (P19CL6). We detected that twoMef2cmRNA isoforms, using exon α1 with and without the γ region at exon 10, are mainly produced in immature P19 cells. Remarkably,Mef2cisoforms containing exon β specifically appeared in the neural cell stage. Because most transcripts contain exon β in the neural cell stage and in the brain, this suggests that the alternative splicing of exon β is highly regulated. Among known regulators, Fox‐1 was specifically expressed in the neural cell stage in correlation withMef2cexon β. Fox‐1 promoted exon β inclusion in transfection experiments usingMef2cβ minigene. Moreover, we found that the promotion required RNA‐binding activity of Fox‐1 and GCAUG sequence located in adjacent intron of exon β. Taken together, our results suggest that Fox‐1, expressed specifically in the neural cell stage, promotedMef2cexon β inclusion via the GCAUG.
Extending technology usage models to interactive hedonic technologies: a theoretical model and empirical test
Authors: Lin Chieh‐Peng , Bhattacherjee Anol
Published: February 2010

Abstract.  Much of our prior knowledge of information systems (IS) usage is based on utilitarian systems such as personal productivity software and organizational applications. However, new generations of systems, such as online video games (OVGs), have since emerged that aim at enhancing users' hedonic outcomes like entertainment rather than utilitarian outcomes such as productivity. Prior models of utilitarian system usage provide a limited understanding of one's usage of hedonic systems, given the motivational differences between using these two types of systems. Theoretical modifications instead are required to extend the current models to hedonic systems. Expanding the research on attitude theories, we propose an initial model for usage of interactive hedonic systems, replacing perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use with perceived enjoyment and social image as the core cognitive drivers of usage, and further linking these beliefs to different technological attributes. The initial model is empirically validated using a survey of OVG usage among 485 student subjects. For IS usage research, this paper proposes and validates one of the earliest usage models of hedonic systems. For practitioners, this study provides some guidelines for manufacturers of hedonic systems on how to derive the most return on their system development efforts.
The effect of irrigation time, root morphology and dentine thickness on tooth surface strain when using 5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA
Authors: Sobhani O. E. , Gulabivala K. , Knowles J. C. , Ng Y.‐L.
Published: February 2010

Sobhani OE, Gulabivala K, Knowles JC, Ng Y‐L. The effect of irrigation time, root morphology and dentine thickness on tooth surface strain when using 5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 190–199, 2010.

Aim  To evaluate the effect of irrigation with 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) alone and in conjunction with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on tooth surface strain (TSS) and to analyse the influence of irrigation time, root morphology and dentine thickness.

Methodology  Thirty‐six single‐rooted pre‐molars with single canals had their crown and enamel reduced and root canals prepared using a standardized protocol. Teeth were grouped according to anatomical criteria and randomly distributed to experimental irrigation groups: (A) saline (negative control); (B) 5% NaOCl (positive control); (C) 5% NaOCl alternated with 17% EDTA. TSS was measured using electrical strain gauges bonded to the cervico‐proximal part of the tooth. Teeth, mounted in clear acrylic resin placed in a universal testing machine, were subjected to nine consecutive 10‐min irrigation periods followed by non‐destructive occlusal loading to record TSS. Statistical analysis was carried out using two‐way hierarchical anova and post hoc multiple comparisons.

Results  Two groups showed an increase in TSS from the baseline (initial 10‐min irrigation with saline). Group A showed a negligible reduction of 1.2% (343–339 με), which was not statistically significant (P = 0.7). Group B showed a highly significant (P = 0.001) increase in TSS by 53.7% (178–253 με), and group C showed a significant (P = 0.02) increase in TSS by 17.4% (163–192 με). The rate of change in TSS was significantly different between test groups. The length of the tooth (P = 0.04) as well as the mesio‐distal (P = 0.05) width had significant effects on TSS.

Conclusions  Irrigation with 5% with or without 17% EDTA increased TSS. The increase was significantly greater with 5% NaOCl alone than with 5% NaOCl alternated with 17% EDTA in contrast to previous findings with longer duration of irrigant exposure. Tooth length and mesio‐distal root width significantly contributed to the increase in TSS.
The effectiveness of passive ultrasonic irrigation on intraradicular Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in extracted single‐rooted human teeth
Authors: Bhuva B. , Patel S. , Wilson R. , Niazi S. , Beighton D. , Mannocci F.
Published: February 2010

Bhuva B, Patel S, Wilson R, Niazi S, Beighton D, Mannocci F. The effectiveness of passive ultrasonic irrigation on intraradicular Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in extracted single‐rooted human teeth. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 241–250, 2010.

Aim  To compare the efficacy of passive ultrasonic irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite, with that of conventional syringe irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite, on intraradicular Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in extracted single‐rooted human teeth.

Methodology  Biofilms of E. faecalis (strain OMGS 3202) were grown on the prepared root canal walls of 48 standardized root halves which had been longitudinally sectioned. Following reapproximation, the roots were divided into four groups of twelve. The two experimental groups were treated with conventional syringe irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution (experimental group A) and passive ultrasonic irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution (experimental group B). Of the two control groups, the first was treated with conventional syringe irrigation with sterile saline solution (control group C), whilst the second control group (D) received no irrigation.

The root halves were processed for scanning electron microscopy. Three images (×700), coronal, middle and apical, were taken of the twelve root halves in each of the four groups, using a standardized protocol. The images were randomized and biofilm coverage assessed independently by three calibrated examiners, using a four‐point scoring system.

Results  There were no significant differences in the scores for remaining biofilm coverage between group A (conventional syringe irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite) and group B (passive ultrasonic irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite) at the three observed levels. There was a significant difference between both experimental groups (groups A and B) and group C (conventional syringe irrigation with sterile saline solution) (P < 0.001) at all three observed levels.

Conclusions  Both conventional syringe irrigation and passive ultrasonic irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite were effective at completely removing intraradicular E. faecalis biofilms. Conventional syringe irrigation with sterile saline solution was only partially effective at removing the biofilms.
Implementing nurse prescribing: a case study in diabetes
Authors: Stenner Karen , Carey Nicola , Courtenay Molly
Published: February 2010

stenner k., carey n. & courtenay m. (2010) Implementing nurse prescribing: a case study in diabetes. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(3), 522–531.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring the views of nurses and team members on the implementation of nurse prescribing in diabetes services.

Background.  Nurse prescribing is adopted as a means of improving service efficiency, particularly where demand outstretches resources. Although factors that support nurse prescribing have been identified, it is not known how these function within specific contexts. This is important as its uptake and use varies according to mode of prescribing and area of practice.

Method.  A case study was undertaken in nine practice settings across England where nurses prescribed medicines for patients with diabetes. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data from 31 semi‐structured interviews undertaken between 2007 and 2008. Participants were qualified nurse prescribers, administrative staff, physicians and non‐nurse prescribers.

Findings.  Nurses prescribed more often following the expansion of nurse independent prescribing rights in 2006. Initial implementation problems had been resolved and few current problems were reported. As nurses’ roles were well‐established, no major alterations to service provision were required to implement nurse prescribing. Access to formal and informal resources for support and training were available. Participants were accepting and supportive of this initiative to improve the efficiency of diabetes services.

Conclusion.  The main factors that promoted implementation of nurse prescribing in this setting were the ability to prescribe independently, acceptance of the prescribing role, good working relationships between doctors and nurses, and sound organizational and interpersonal support. The history of established nursing roles in diabetes care, and increasing service demand, meant that these diabetes services were primed to assimilate nurse prescribing.
Darwin’s Galapagos gourd: providing new insights 175 years after his visit
Authors: Sebastian Patrizia , Schaefer Hanno , Renner Susanne S.
Published: February 2010

The year 2010 marks the 175th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s visit to the Galapagos Islands. A recent paper by J. C. Briggs, ‘Darwin’s biogeography’ (Journal of Biogeography, 2009, 36, 1011–1017), summarizes Darwin’s contributions to the field of biogeography, stressing the importance of his natural history specimens. Here, we illustrate how a plant collected by Darwin during his visit to Floreana and not collected since can provide insights into dispersal to oceanic islands as well as extinction of island plants, based on ancient DNA from Darwin’s herbarium specimen.
The development of the QUALITRA‐ID: a user‐orientated interview to assess the quality of care and service trajectories for intellectually disabled persons
Authors: Barelds A. , Van de Goor I. , Van Heck G. , Schols J.
Published: February 2010

Background  Care and service trajectories for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are routes within the healthcare delivery system that consist of all the steps that people with ID and their families have to take in order to realise the needed care and services. In contrast to the growing system‐orientated knowledge concerning quality of care delivered through collaborative relationships between care providers, specific user‐orientated knowledge regarding the quality of care and service trajectories is largely lacking.

Aim  This article aims to describe the development of the QUALITRA‐ID; a user‐orientated interview concerning the quality of care and service trajectories for people with ID.

Methods  First, the phenomenon ‘care and service trajectories’ is conceptualised on the basis of document analysis and semi‐structured interviews with key informants in the field of health care for people with ID. Second, the quality of care and service trajectories is operationalised by means of eight focus group discussions with intellectually disabled persons and their parents/relatives and a review of the literature. Third, the QUALITRA‐ID is constructed using the results of the conceptualisation and operationalisation of the phenomenon. Fourth, the QUALITRA‐ID is refined in two stages that were concerned with examining the feasibility, understandability and completeness of the QUALITRA‐ID. The second stage was also concerned with the first quality assessment among people with ID.

Results  The final result is a 24‐item QUALITRA‐ID consisting of a personal conversation and a closed‐ended part.
Expressive language in male adolescents with fragile X syndrome with and without comorbid autism
Authors: Kover S. T. , Abbeduto L.
Published: February 2010

Background  Approximately one‐quarter of individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) meet diagnostic criteria for autism; however, it is unclear whether individuals with comorbid FXS and autism are simply more severely affected than their peers with only FXS or whether they have qualitatively different profiles of behavioural impairments. To address this issue, variation in the FXS linguistic phenotype was examined in males with FXS with and without autism. The syndrome‐specificity of the expressive language impairment of both groups of those with FXS was assessed in relation to Down syndrome. The extent to which different language sampling contexts affected expressive language in each diagnostic group was also examined.

Method  Spontaneous language samples were collected from male adolescents with FXS without autism (n = 20), comorbid FXS and autism (n = 8), and Down syndrome (n = 16). Syntactic complexity (indexed by mean length of utterance), expressive vocabulary (indexed by lexical diversity), talkativeness, fluency and intelligibility were assessed in two contexts: conversation and narration. Groups were matched on non‐verbal IQ, non‐verbal mental age and chronological age to allow the assessment of relative strengths and weaknesses across language variables.

Results  Males with comorbid FXS and autism were less intelligible than males with only FXS; no other differences between these two groups were found. Participants' performance differed across contexts for syntactic complexity, lexical diversity, talkativeness and fluency.

Conclusions  These findings contribute to existing research on the behavioural profiles of individuals with FXS or FXS with autism who have low cognitive abilities. Although individuals with comorbid FXS and autism may be, as a group, more impaired than those with only FXS, data from this small sample of males with comorbid FXS and autism with low IQs suggest that their relative strengths and weaknesses in spontaneous expressive language are largely comparable and not differentially affected by the context in which their talk occurs.
Parenting stress and coping styles in mothers and fathers of pre‐school children with autism and Down syndrome
Authors: Dabrowska A. , Pisula E.
Published: February 2010

Background  The study examined the profile of stress in mothers and fathers of preschool children with autism, Down syndrome and typically developing children. A further aim was to assess the association between parenting stress and coping style.

Methods  A total of 162 parents were examined using Holroyd's 66‐item short form of Questionnaire of Resources and Stress for Families with Chronically Ill or Handicapped Members and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations by Endler and Parker.

Results and Conclusions  The results indicated a higher level of stress in parents of children with autism. Additionally, an interaction effect was revealed between child diagnostic group and parent's gender for two scales of parenting stress: dependency and management and limits of family opportunities. Mothers of children with autism scored higher than fathers in parental stress; no such differences were found in the group of parents of children with Down syndrome and typically developing children. It was also found that parents of children with autism differed from parents of typically developing children in social diversion coping. Emotion‐oriented coping was the predictor for parental stress in the samples of parents of children with autism and Down syndrome, and task‐oriented coping was the predictor of parental stress in the sample of parents of typically developing children. The results strongly supported earlier findings on parenting stress in parents of children with autism. They also shed interesting light on the relationship between coping styles and parental stress.
Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms reveal population history and adaptive divergence in wild guppies
Authors: WILLING EVA‐MARIA , BENTZEN PAUL , Van OOSTERHOUT COCK , HOFFMANN MARGARETE , CABLE JOANNE , BREDEN FELIX , WEIGEL DETLEF , DREYER CHRISTINE
Published: February 2010

Adaptation of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to contrasting upland and lowland habitats has been extensively studied with respect to behaviour, morphology and life history traits. Yet population history has not been studied at the whole‐genome level. Although single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most abundant form of variation in many genomes and consequently very informative for a genome‐wide picture of standing natural variation in populations, genome‐wide SNP data are rarely available for wild vertebrates. Here we use genetically mapped SNP markers to comprehensively survey genetic variation within and among naturally occurring guppy populations from a wide geographic range in Trinidad and Venezuela. Results from three different clustering methods, Neighbor‐net, principal component analysis (PCA) and Bayesian analysis show that the population substructure agrees with geographic separation and largely with previously hypothesized patterns of historical colonization. Within major drainages (Caroni, Oropouche and Northern), populations are genetically similar, but those in different geographic regions are highly divergent from one another, with some indications of ancient shared polymorphisms. Clear genomic signatures of a previous introduction experiment were seen, and we detected additional potential admixture events. Headwater populations were significantly less heterozygous than downstream populations. Pairwise FST values revealed marked differences in allele frequencies among populations from different regions, and also among populations within the same region. FST outlier methods indicated some regions of the genome as being under directional selection. Overall, this study demonstrates the power of a genome‐wide SNP data set to inform for studies on natural variation, adaptation and evolution of wild populations
Geography disentangles introgression from ancestral polymorphism in Lake Malawi cichlids
Authors: MIMS MERYL C. , DARRIN HULSEY C. , FITZPATRICK BENJAMIN M. , TODD STREELMAN J.
Published: February 2010

Phenotypically diverse Lake Malawi cichlids exhibit similar genomes. The extensive sharing of genetic polymorphism among forms has both intrigued and frustrated biologists trying to understand the nature of diversity in this and other rapidly evolving systems. Shared polymorphism might result from hybridization and/or the retention of ancestrally polymorphic alleles. To examine these alternatives, we used new genomic tools to characterize genetic differentiation in widespread, geographically structured populations of Labeotropheus fuelleborni and Metriaclima zebra. These phenotypically distinct species share mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes and show greater mtDNA differentiation among localities than between species. However, Bayesian analysis of nuclear single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data revealed two distinct genetic clusters corresponding perfectly to morphologically diagnosed L. fuelleborni and M. zebra. This result is a function of the resolving power of the multi‐locus dataset, not a conflict between nuclear and mitochondrial partitions. Locus‐by‐locus analysis showed that mtDNA differentiation between species (FCT) was nearly identical to the median single‐locus SNP FCT. Finally, we asked whether there is evidence for gene flow at sites of co‐occurrence. We used simulations to generate a null distribution for the level of differentiation between co‐occurring populations of L. fuelleborni and M. zebra expected if there was no hybridization. The null hypothesis was rejected for the SNP data; populations that co‐occur at rock reef sites were slightly more similar than expected by chance, suggesting recent gene flow. The coupling of numerous independent markers with extensive geographic sampling and simulations utilized here provides a framework for assessing the prevalence of gene flow in recently diverged species.
Phylogeography of Plathymenia reticulata (Leguminosae) reveals patterns of recent range expansion towards northeastern Brazil and southern Cerrados in Eastern Tropical South America
Authors: NOVAES RENAN MILAGRES LAGE , DE LEMOS FILHO JOSÉ PIRES , RIBEIRO RENATA ACÁCIO , LOVATO MARIA BERNADETE
Published: February 2010

Little is known about past vegetation dynamics in Eastern Tropical South America (ETSA). Here we describe patterns of chloroplast (cp) DNA variation in Plathymenia reticulata, a widespread tree in the ETSA Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes, but not found in the xeromorphic Caatinga. Forty one populations, comprising 220 individuals, were analysed by sequencing the trnS‐trnG and trnL‐trnL‐trnF cpDNA regions. Combined, they resulted in 18 geographically structured haplotypes. The central region of the sampling area, comprising Minas Gerais and Goiás Brazilian states, is a centre of genetic diversity and probably the most longstanding area of the distribution range of the species. In contrast, populations from northeastern Brazil and the southern Cerrados showed very low diversity levels, almost exclusively with common haplotypes which are also found in the central region. Coupled with a long‐branched star‐like network, these patterns suggest a recent range expansion of P. reticulata to those regions from central region sources. The recent origin of the species (in the early Pleistocene) or the extinction of some populations due to drier and cooler climate during the last glacial maximum could have been responsible for that phylogeographic pattern. The populations from northeastern Brazil originated from two colonization routes, one eastern (Atlantic) and one western (inland). Due to its high diversity and complex landscape, the central region, especially central‐north Minas Gerais (between 15°–18° S and 42°–46° W), should be given the highest priority for conservation.
Genetic association of physically unlinked islands of genomic divergence in incipient species of Anopheles gambiae
Authors: WHITE BRADLEY J. , CHENG CHANGDE , SIMARD FREDERIC , COSTANTINI CARLO , BESANSKY NORA J.
Published: February 2010

Previous efforts to uncover the genetic underpinnings of ongoing ecological speciation of the M and S forms of the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae revealed two centromere‐proximal islands of genetic divergence on X and chromosome 2. Under the assumption of considerable ongoing gene flow between M and S, these persistently divergent genomic islands were widely considered to be ‘speciation islands’. In the course of microarray‐based divergence mapping, we discovered a third centromere‐associated island of divergence on chromosome 3, which was validated by targeted re‐sequencing. To test for genetic association between the divergence islands on all three chromosomes, SNP‐based assays were applied in four natural populations of M and S spanning West, Central and East Africa. Genotyping of 517 female M and S mosquitoes revealed nearly complete linkage disequilibrium between the centromeres of the three independently assorting chromosomes. These results suggest that despite the potential for inter‐form gene flow through hybridization, actual (realized) gene flow between M and S may be substantially less than commonly assumed and may not explain most shared variation. Moreover, the possibility of very low gene flow calls into question whether diverged pericentromeric regions—characterized by reduced levels of variation and recombination—are in fact instrumental rather than merely incidental to the speciation process.
Indirect genetic estimates of breeding population size in the polyploid green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris)
Authors: ISRAEL J. A. , MAY B.
Published: February 2010

The utility of genetic measures for kinship reconstruction in polysomic species is not well evaluated. We developed a framework to test hypotheses about estimating breeding population size indirectly from collections of outmigrating green sturgeon juveniles. We evaluated a polysomic dataset, in allelic frequency and phenotypic formats, from green sturgeon to describe the relationship among known progeny from experimental families. The distributions of relatedness values for kin classes were used for reconstructing green sturgeon pedigrees from juveniles of unknown relationship. We compared three rarefaction functions that described the relationship between the number of kin groups and number of samples in a pedigree to estimate the annual abundance of spawners contributing to the threatened green sturgeon Southern Distinct Population Segment in the upper Sacramento River. Results suggested the estimated abundance of breeding green sturgeon remained roughly constant in the upper Sacramento River over a 5‐year period, ranging from 10 to 28 individuals depending on the year and rarefaction method. These results demonstrate an empirical understanding for the distribution of relatedness values among individuals is a benefit for assessing pedigree reconstruction methods and identifying misclassification rates. Monitoring of rare species using these indirect methods is feasible and can provide insight into breeding and ontogenetic behaviour. While this framework was developed for specific application to studying fish populations in a riverscape, the framework could be advanced to improve genetic estimation of breeding population size and to identify important breeding habitats of rare species when combined with finer‐scaled sampling of offspring.
Population structure of wild wheat D‐genome progenitor Aegilops tauschii Coss.: implications for intraspecific lineage diversification and evolution of common wheat
Authors: MIZUNO NOBUYUKI , YAMASAKI MASANORI , MATSUOKA YOSHIHIRO , KAWAHARA TAIHACHI , TAKUMI SHIGEO
Published: February 2010

Aegilops tauschii Coss. is the D‐genome progenitor of hexaploid wheat. Aegilops tauschii, a wild diploid species, has a wide natural species range in central Eurasia, spreading from Turkey to western China. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis using a total of 122 accessions of Ae. tauschii was conducted to clarify the population structure of this widespread wild wheat species. Phylogenetic and principal component analyses revealed two major lineages in Ae. tauschii. Bayesian population structure analyses based on the AFLP data showed that lineages one (L1) and two (L2) were respectively significantly divided into six and three sublineages. Only four out of the six L1 sublineages were diverged from those of western habitats in the Transcaucasia and northern Iran region to eastern habitats such as Pakistan and Afghanistan. Other sublineages including L2 were distributed to a limited extent in the western region. Subspecies strangulata seemed to be differentiated in one sublineage of L2. Among three major haplogroups (HG7, HG9 and HG16) previously identified in the Ae. tauschii population based on chloroplast variation, HG7 accessions were widely distributed to both L1 and L2, HG9 accessions were restricted to L2, and HG16 accessions belonged to L1, suggesting that HG9 and HG16 were formed from HG7 after divergence of the first two lineages of the nuclear genome. These results on the population structure of Ae. tauschii and the genealogical relationship among Ae. tauschii accessions should provide important agricultural and evolutionary knowledge on genetic resources and conservation of natural genetic diversity.
Restricted dispersal and genetic diversity in populations of an endangered montane lizard (Eulamprus leuraensis, Scincidae)
Authors: DUBEY S. , SHINE R.
Published: February 2010

Many alpine species are under threat from global climate change, as their geographic ranges become increasingly fragmented and unsuitable. Understanding rates and determinants of gene flow among such fragmented populations, over historical as well as recent timescales, can help to identify populations under threat. It is also important to clarify the degree to which loss of local populations reduces overall genetic diversity within the taxon. The endangered Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis) is restricted to <40 small swamps in montane south‐eastern Australia. Our analyses of seven microsatellite loci of 241 animals from 13 populations show strong geographic structure, with major genetic divergence even between populations separated by <0.5 km. Dispersal between populations is scarce, and appears to involve mostly males. Our analyses suggest potential recent bottleneck events in all the identified populations, and lower genetic diversity and population size parameter at lower‐elevation sites than at higher‐elevation sites. Management of this endangered taxon thus needs to treat most populations separately, because of their genetic distinctiveness and low rates of genetic exchange.
REVIEW: Ethanol consumption: how should we measure it? Achieving consilience between human and animal phenotypes
Authors: Leeman Robert F. , Heilig Markus , Cunningham Christopher L. , Stephens David N. , Duka Theodora , O'Malley Stephanie S.
Published: February 2010

There is only modest overlap in the most common alcohol consumption phenotypes measured in animal studies and those typically studied in humans. To address this issue, we identified a number of alcohol consumption phenotypes of importance to the field that have potential for consilience between human and animal models. These phenotypes can be broken down into three categories: (1) abstinence/the decision to drink or abstain; (2) the actual amount of alcohol consumed; and (3) heavy drinking. A number of suggestions for human and animal researchers are made in order to address these phenotypes and enhance consilience. Laboratory studies of the decision to drink or to abstain are needed in both human and animal research. In human laboratory studies, heavy or binge drinking that meets cut‐offs used in epidemiological and clinical studies should be reported. Greater attention to patterns of drinking over time is needed in both animal and human studies. Individual differences pertaining to all consumption phenotypes should be addressed in animal research. Lastly, improved biomarkers need to be developed in future research for use with both humans and animals. Greater precision in estimating blood alcohol levels in the field, together with consistent measurement of breath/blood alcohol levels in human laboratory and animal studies, provides one means of achieving greater consilience of alcohol consumption phenotypes.
Risk of first‐generation H1‐antihistamines: a GA2LEN position paper
Authors: Church M. K. , Maurer M. , Simons F. E. R. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Van Cauwenberge P. , Bousquet J. , Holgate S. T. , Zuberbier T.
Published: February 2010

To cite this article: Church MK, Maurer M, Simons FER, Bindslev‐Jensen C, van Cauwenberge P, Bousquet J, Holgate ST, Zuberbier T. Risk of first‐generation H1‐antihistamines: a GA2LEN position paper. Allergy 2010; 65: 459–466.

Background:

First‐generation H1‐antihistamines obtained without prescription are the most frequent form of self‐medication for allergic diseases, coughs and colds and insomnia even though they have potentially dangerous unwanted effects which are not recognized by the general public.

Aims:  To increase consumer protection by bringing to the attention of regulatory authorities, physicians and the general public the potential dangers of the indiscriminate use first‐generation H1‐antihistamines purchased over‐the counter in the absence of appropriate medical supervision.

Methods:  A GA2LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network) task force assessed the unwanted side‐effects and potential dangers of first‐generation H1‐antihistamines by reviewing the literature (Medline and Embase) and performing a media audit of US coverage from 1996 to 2008 of accidents and fatal adverse events in which these drugs were implicated.

Results:  First‐generation H1‐antihistamines, all of which are sedating, are generally regarded as safe by laypersons and healthcare professionals because of their long‐standing use. However, they reduce rapid eye movement (REM)‐sleep, impair learning and reduce work efficiency. They are implicated in civil aviation, motor vehicle and boating accidents, deaths as a result of accidental or intentional overdosing in infants and young children and suicide in teenagers and adults. Some exhibit cardiotoxicity in overdose.

Conclusions:  This review raises the issue of better consumer protection by recommending that older first‐generation H1‐antihistamines should no longer be available over‐the‐counter as prescription‐ free drugs for self‐medication of allergic and other diseases now that newer second‐ generation nonsedating H1‐antihistamines with superior risk/benefit ratios are widely available at competitive prices.
Lifestyle and parental allergen sensitization are reflected in the intrauterine environment at gene expression level
Authors: Joerink M. , Oortveld M. A. W. , Stenius F. , Rindsjö E. , Alm J. , Scheynius A.
Published: February 2010

To cite this article: Joerink M, Oortveld MAW, Stenius F, Rindsjö E, Alm J, Scheynius A. Lifestyle and parental allergen sensitization are reflected in the intrauterine environment at gene expression level. Allergy 2010; 65: 1282–1289.

Background:  Environmental factors, including the intrauterine environment, can influence the risk of allergy development. In the present study, we investigated whether lifestyle and parental allergen sensitization status are reflected at gene expression level in the intrauterine environment.

Methods:  mRNA expression of 17 genes was determined by means of quantitative real‐time PCR in term placenta of 36 families participating in the ALADDIN study (Assessment of Lifestyle and Allergic Disease During Infancy). Data were analysed using a linear regression model to estimate the influence of lifestyle and parental allergen sensitization on the relative mRNA expression levels. Immunohistochemistry on placenta biopsies was used to verify protein expression.

Results:  Significant differences in mRNA expression levels were detected at the foetal side of the placenta, where CD14 was expressed at higher levels in placentas from families living on a farm compared to not living on a farm, and IL‐12(p40) was expressed at lower levels when the father was sensitized compared to nonsensitized. At the maternal side of the placenta, higher expression of STAT4 and lower expression of GATA3 were detected in families with sensitized compared to nonsensitized mothers, and IL‐12(p40) was lower expressed when the families were living on a farm compared to not living on a farm. Immunohistochemistry performed for STAT4 and GATA3 showed that protein and mRNA levels correlated well.

Conclusion:  Living on a farm and parental allergen sensitization are reflected in the intrauterine environment at the gene expression level.
Proliferation and Apoptosis in Aged and Photoregressed Mammalian Seminiferous Epithelium, with Particular Attention to Rodents and Humans
Authors: Pastor LM , Zuasti A , Ferrer C , Bernal‐Mañas CM , Morales E , Beltrán‐Frutos E , Seco‐Rovira V
Published: February 2010

Contents

Imbalances in the proliferation and apoptosis processes are involved in numerous epithelial alterations. In the seminiferous epithelium, normal spermatogenesis is regulated by spermatogonia proliferation and germ cell apoptosis, and both processes are involved in diverse pathological alterations of the seminiferous epithelium. Other physiological phenomena including aging and short photoperiod, in which apoptosis and proliferation seem to play important roles, cause testicular changes. Aging is accompanied by diminished proliferation and increased apoptosis, the latter occurring in specific states of the seminiferous cycle and considered the cause of epithelium involution. However, there is no clear evidence concerning whether proliferation decreases in the spermatogonia themselves or is due to an alteration in the cell microenvironment that surrounds them. As regards the factors that regulate the process, the data are scant, but it is considered that the diminution of c‐kit expression in the spermatagonia, together with the diminution in antiapoptotic factors (Bcl‐xL)) of the intrinsic molecular pathway of apoptosis play a part in epithelial regression. A short photoperiod, especially in rodents, produces a gradual involution of the seminiferous epithelium, which is related with increased apoptosis during the regression phase and a diminution of apoptosis during recrudescence. Proliferative activity varies, especially during the total regression phase, when it usually increases in the undifferentiated spermatogonia. In other species showing seasonal reproduction, however, decreased proliferation is considered the main factor in the regression of the seminiferous epithelium. Little is known about how both phenomena are regulated, although data in rodents suggest that both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis contribute to the increase in this process. In conclusion, regression of the seminiferous epithelium in physiological situations, as in many pathological situations, is a result of alterations in equilibrium between the proliferation and apoptosis of germinal cell types. However, both physiological phenomena showed important differences as regard proliferation/apoptosis and their regulation pathways, probably as a result of their irreversible or reversible character.
Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Anion Production During Heparin‐Induced Capacitation in Cryopreserved Bovine Spermatozoa
Authors: Rodriguez PC , Valdez LB , Zaobornyj T , Boveris A , Beconi MT
Published: February 2010

Contents

The aim of this work was to quantify NO, O2− and ONOO− production during heparin‐induced capacitation of cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. A time dependent hyperbolic increase was observed for heparin‐dependent capacitation, O2 uptake, and NO production. Conversely, O2− production was increased during the first 15 min of incubation, showing a decrease from this time until 45 min. At 15 min of heparin incubation, a threefold increase in O2 consumption (5.9 ± 0.6 nmol/min × 107 cells), an enhancement in NO release (1.1 ± 0.2 nmol/min × 107 cells), and a five‐fold increase in O2− production (1.3 ± 0.07 nmol/min × 107 cells), were observed. Peroxynitrite production rate was estimated taking into account NO and O2− generation and the second‐order rate constant of the reaction between these species. To conclude, heparin‐induced capacitation of cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa activates (i) mitochondrial O2 uptake by high ADP levels due to increased energy requirements, (ii) NO production by a constitutive NOS and (iii) O2− production by a membrane‐bound NAD(P)H oxidase. The products of both enzymes are released to the extracellular space and could be involved in the process of sperm capacitation.
Differential muscle‐driven synaptic remodeling in the neuromuscular junction after denervation
Authors: Yampolsky Pessah , Pacifici Pier Giorgio , Witzemann Veit
Published: February 2010

We used knock‐in mice that express green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labeled embryonic‐type acetylcholine receptors to investigate postsynaptic responses to denervation of fast‐twitch and slow‐twitch muscle fibers, and to visualize the integration of newly synthesized GFP‐labeled embryonic‐type receptors into adult synapses. The embryonic‐type receptors are transiently expressed and incorporated into the denervated endplates. They replaced synaptic adult‐type receptors in a directed fashion, starting from the endplate’s periphery and proceeding to its central regions. The progress of embryonic‐type receptor expression with respect to transcriptional control is a transient, short‐term activation mechanism. The less pronounced increase in the expression levels of the GFP‐labeled receptors revealed a differential shift in the integration and degradation processes that constitute the dynamic equilibrium of the synaptic receptor pool. Therefore, we were able to model the changes in the total receptor load of the neuromuscular endplate following denervation as a function of the abundance of available receptors and the initial receptor load of the endplate.