bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint evolution of multiple social traits: a kin selection analysis
Authors: Brown Sam P. , Taylor Peter D.
Published: October 2009

General models of the evolution of cooperation, altruism and other social behaviours have focused almost entirely on single traits, whereas it is clear that social traits commonly interact. We develop a general kin-selection framework for the evolution of social behaviours in multiple dimensions. We show that whenever there are interactions among social traits new behaviours can emerge that are not predicted by one-dimensional analyses. For example, a prohibitively costly cooperative trait can ultimately be favoured owing to initial evolution in other (cheaper) social traits that in turn change the cost–benefit ratio of the original trait. To understand these behaviours, we use a two-dimensional stability criterion that can be viewed as an extension of Hamilton's rule. Our principal example is the social dilemma posed by, first, the construction and, second, the exploitation of a shared public good. We find that, contrary to the separate one-dimensional analyses, evolutionary feedback between the two traits can cause an increase in the equilibrium level of selfish exploitation with increasing relatedness, while both social (production plus exploitation) and asocial (neither) strategies can be locally stable. Our results demonstrate the importance of emergent stability properties of multidimensional social dilemmas, as one-dimensional stability in all component dimensions can conceal multidimensional instability.
Effect of the early-life nutritional environment on fecundity and fertility of mammals
Authors: Gardner D. S. , Ozanne S. E. , Sinclair K. D.
Published: October 2009

The early-life developmental environment is instrumental in shaping our overall adult health and well-being. Early-life diet and endocrine exposure may independently, or in concert with our genetic constitution, induce a pathophysiological process that amplifies with age and leads to premature morbidity and mortality. Recently, this has become known as ‘programming’ but is akin to ‘maternal effects’ described for many years in the biological sciences and is defined as any influence that acts during critical developmental windows to induce long-term changes in the organisms' phenotype. To date, such delayed maternal effects have largely been characterized in terms of susceptibility to cardiovascular or metabolic disease. Here, we review evidence from experimental animal species, non-human primates and man for an effect of the early-life nutritional environment on adult fecundity and fertility. In addition, using a database of pedigree sheep, we also specifically test the hypothesis that being born small for gestational age with or without post-natal growth acceleration directly programmes fertility. We conclude that there is a lack of compelling evidence to suggest pre-natal undernutrition may directly reduce adult fecundity and fertility, but may exert some effects secondarily via an increased incidence of ‘metabolic syndrome’. Possible effects of being born relatively large on subsequent fecundity and fertility warrant further investigation.
Anthropogenic pollutants: a threat to ecosystem sustainability?
Authors: Rhind S. M.
Published: October 2009

Pollutants, including synthetic organic materials and heavy metals, are known to adversely affect physiological systems in all animal species studied to date. While many individual chemicals can perturb normal functions, the combined actions of multiple pollutants are of particular concern because they can exert effects even when each individual chemical is present at concentrations too low to be individually effective. The biological effects of pollutants differ greatly between species reflecting differences in the pattern of exposure, routes of uptake, metabolism following uptake, rates of accumulation and sensitivity of the target organs. Thus, understanding of the effects of pollutants on wildlife and ecosystems will require detailed study of many different species, representing a wide range of taxa. However, such studies can be informed by knowledge obtained in more controlled conditions which may indicate likely mechanisms of action and suitable endpoint measurements. Responses may be exacerbated by interactions between the effects of pollutants and environmental stressors, such as under-nutrition or osmotic stresses and so changes in such variables associated with climatic changes may exacerbate physiological responses to pollutant burdens.
Genetic variation, inbreeding and chemical exposure—combined effects in wildlife and critical considerations for ecotoxicology
Authors: Brown A. Ross , Hosken David J. , Balloux François , Bickley Lisa K. , LePage Gareth , Owen Stewart F. , Hetheridge Malcolm J. , Tyler Charles R.
Published: October 2009

Exposure to environmental chemicals can have negative consequences for wildlife and even cause localized population extinctions. Resistance to chemical stress, however, can evolve and the mechanisms include desensitized target sites, reduced chemical uptake and increased metabolic detoxification and sequestration. Chemical resistance in wildlife populations can also arise independently of exposure and may be spread by gene flow between populations. Inbreeding—matings between closely related individuals—can have negative fitness consequences for natural populations, and there is evidence of inbreeding depression in many wildlife populations. In some cases, reduced fitness in inbred populations has been shown to be exacerbated under chemical stress. In chemical testing, both inbred and outbred laboratory animals are used and for human safety assessments, iso-genic strains (virtual clones) of mice and rats are often employed that reduce response variation, the number of animals used and associated costs. In contrast, for environmental risk assessment, strains of animals are often used that have been selectively bred to maintain heterozygosity, with the assumption that they are better able to predict adverse effects in wild, genetically variable, animals. This may not necessarily be the case however, as one outbred strain may not be representative of another or of a wild population. In this paper, we critically discuss relationships between genetic variation, inbreeding and chemical effects with the intention of seeking to support more effective chemical testing for the protection of wildlife.
Climate change and seasonal reproduction in mammals
Authors: Bronson F. H.
Published: October 2009

Seasonal reproduction is common among mammals at all latitudes, even in the deep tropics. This paper (i) discusses the neuroendocrine pathways via which foraging conditions and predictive cues such as photoperiod enforce seasonality, (ii) considers the kinds of seasonal challenges mammals actually face in natural habitats, and (iii) uses the information thus generated to suggest how seasonal reproduction might be influenced by global climate change. Food availability and ambient temperature determine energy balance, and variation in energy balance is the ultimate cause of seasonal breeding in all mammals and the proximate cause in many. Photoperiodic cueing is common among long-lived mammals from the highest latitudes down to the mid-tropics. It is much less common in shorter lived mammals at all latitudes. An unknown predictive cue triggers reproduction in some desert and dry grassland species when it rains. The available information suggests that as our climate changes the small rodents of the world may adapt rather easily but the longer lived mammals whose reproduction is regulated by photoperiod may not do so well. A major gap in our knowledge concerns the tropics; that is where most species live and where we have the least understanding of how reproduction is regulated by environmental factors.
The impacts of climate change on the annual cycles of birds
Authors: Carey Cynthia
Published: October 2009

Organisms living today are descended from ancestors that experienced considerable climate change in the past. However, they are currently presented with many new, man-made challenges, including rapid climate change. Migration and reproduction of many avian species are controlled by endogenous mechanisms that have been under intense selection over time to ensure that arrival to and departure from breeding grounds is synchronized with moderate temperatures, peak food availability and availability of nesting sites. The timing of egg laying is determined, usually by both endogenous clocks and local factors, so that food availability is near optimal for raising young. Climate change is causing mismatches in food supplies, snow cover and other factors that could severely impact successful migration and reproduction of avian populations unless they are able to adjust to new conditions. Resident (non-migratory) birds also face challenges if precipitation and/or temperature patterns vary in ways that result in mismatches of food and breeding. Predictions that many existing climates will disappear and novel climates will appear in the future suggest that communities will be dramatically restructured by extinctions and changes in range distributions. Species that persist into future climates may be able to do so in part owing to the genetic heritage passed down from ancestors who survived climate changes in the past.
Ly6d marks the earliest stage of B-cell specification and identifies the branchpoint between B-cell and T-cell development
Authors: Inlay Matthew A. , Bhattacharya Deepta , Sahoo Debashis , Serwold Thomas , Seita Jun , Karsunky Holger , Plevritis Sylvia K. , Dill David L. , Weissman Irving L.
Published: October 2009

Common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) clonally produce both B- and T-cell lineages, but have little myeloid potential in vivo. However, some studies claim that the upstream lymphoid-primed multipotent progenitor (LMPP) is the thymic seeding population, and suggest that CLPs are primarily B-cell-restricted. To identify surface proteins that distinguish functional CLPs from B-cell progenitors, we used a new computational method of Mining Developmentally Regulated Genes (MiDReG). We identified Ly6d, which divides CLPs into two distinct populations: one that retains full in vivo lymphoid potential and produces more thymocytes at early timepoints than LMPP, and another that behaves essentially as a B-cell progenitor.
The ArabidopsisDCREncoding a Soluble BAHD Acyltransferase Is Required for Cutin Polyester Formation and Seed Hydration Properties
Authors: Panikashvili David , Shi Jian Xin , Schreiber Lukas , Aharoni Asaph
Published: October 2009

The cuticle covering every plant aerial organ is largely made of cutin that consists of fatty acids, glycerol, and aromatic monomers. Despite the huge importance of the cuticle to plant development and fitness, our knowledge regarding the assembly of the cutin polymer and its integration in the complete cuticle structure is limited. Cutin composition implies the action of acyltransferase-type enzymes that mediate polymer construction through ester bond formation. Here, we show that a member of the BAHD family of acyltransferases (DEFECTIVE IN CUTICULAR RIDGES [DCR]) is required for incorporation of the most abundant monomer into the polymeric structure of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) flower cutin. DCR-deficient plants display phenotypes that are typically associated with a defective cuticle, including altered epidermal cell differentiation and postgenital organ fusion. Moreover, levels of the major cutin monomer in flowers, 9(10),16-dihydroxy-hexadecanoic acid, decreased to an almost undetectable amount in the mutants. Interestingly, dcr mutants exhibit changes in the decoration of petal conical cells and mucilage extrusion in the seed coat, both phenotypes formerly not associated with cutin polymer assembly. Excessive root branching displayed by dcr mutants and the DCR expression pattern in roots pointed to the function of DCR belowground, in shaping root architecture by influencing lateral root emergence and growth. In addition, the dcr mutants were more susceptible to salinity, osmotic, and water deprivation stress conditions. Finally, the analysis of DCR protein localization suggested that cutin polymerization, possibly the oligomerization step, is partially carried out in the cytoplasmic space. Therefore, this study extends our knowledge regarding the functionality of the cuticular layer and the formation of its major constituent the polymer cutin.
Naloxone‐responsive acute dystonia and parkinsonism following general anaesthesia
Authors: Iselin‐Chaves I. A. , Grötzsch H. , Besson M. , Burkhard P. R. , Savoldelli G. L.
Published: October 2009

Various movement disorders such as dystonia may acutely develop during or at emergence from general anaesthesia in patients with or without pre‐existing Parkinson disease. These movements are triggered by a variety of drugs including propofol, sevoflurane, anti‐emetics, antipsychotics and opioids. The postulated mechanism involves an imbalance between dopaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmitters in the basal ganglia. We report an acute, severe and generalised dystonic reaction in an otherwise healthy woman at emergence from general anaesthesia, dramatically reversed by the administration of naloxone, pointing to a potential role of the fentanyl and morphine that the patient had received. Recent literature on the mechanisms of abnormal movements induced by opioids are discussed. The severity of the reaction with usual doses of opioids, in a patient with no prior history of parkinsonism, led to further investigation that demonstrated the possibility of an enhanced susceptibility to opioids, involving a genetically determined abnormal function of glycoproteine‐P and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase.
The effect of teriparatide on serum Dickkopf‐1 levels in postmenopausal women with established osteoporosis
Authors: Anastasilakis Athanasios D. , Polyzos Stergios A. , Avramidis Avraam , Toulis Konstantinos A. , Papatheodorou Athanasios , Terpos Evangelos
Published: October 2009

Objective  Parathyroid hormone increases the differentiation of osteoblast precursors through canonical wingless (Wnt) signalling, resulting in an osteoanabolic effect. We aimed to evaluate serum levels of the Wnt‐inhibitor Dickkopf‐1 (Dkk‐1) in postmenopausal women with established osteoporosis and their changes with teriparatide (TPTD – human recombinant PTH 1–34).

Design and patients  A total of 31 postmenopausal Caucasian women with established osteoporosis (mean age 66·3 ± 1·4 years) received daily injections of 20 μg TPTD for 18 months. Follow‐up was continued for another 6 months after treatment discontinuation (total duration of treatment 24 months).

Measurements  Serum samples for total calcium (Ca), intact PTH (iPTH), bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase, C‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTx) and Dkk‐1 were obtained at baseline, and at 6, 18 and 24 months after TPTD initiation. Lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) was measured before and after 18 months of TPTD treatment. A total of 16 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were also analysed at baseline.

Results  Serum Dkk‐1 levels at baseline were significantly higher in osteoporotic women compared with that in controls (P < 0·002). Dkk‐1 increased significantly during TPTD administration (P < 0·044) and decreased to baseline 6 months after TPTD discontinuation. Dkk‐1 change was positively correlated to Ca (r = 0·530, P = 0·004) and negatively correlated to iPTH change (r = −0·398, P = 0·040). There was no correlation between Dkk‐1 and BMD changes.

Conclusions  Our data suggest that Dkk‐1 levels are increased in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. TPTD therapy results in further increase of Dkk‐1 that may be compensative to TPTD‐induced enhanced Wnt signalling.
Long‐term effect of ghrelin on nutritional status and functional capacity in the elderly: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Serra‐Prat Mateu , Palomera Elisabet , Roca Maria , Puig‐Domingo Manel ,   The Mataró Ageing Study Group
Published: October 2009

Background Ghrelin stimulates GH release and hunger at a central level. Ghrelin declines with age, which may be partially responsible for functional impairment and frailty.

Objective To describe the evolution of nutritional status and functional capacity of noninstitutionalized old people over a 2‐year period, as well as to evaluate the relationship between ghrelin and long‐term changes in nutritional and functional status in this population.

Design A population‐based cohort study was designed in which 313 randomly selected persons, 70 years old or older, were followed for a 2‐year period. Functional (Barthel and Guralnik scores and hand grip) and nutritional (MNA‐SF, weight and BMI) assessments were performed during basal and 2‐year follow‐up visits. Ghrelin and hormonal components of the gonadotrophe and somatotrophe axis were determined.

Results During follow‐up, 13% of men and 20% of women showed a >5% weight loss, and the nutritional status of 18% of men and 39% of women deteriorated. Men lost 12·1% and women lost 9·7% of their initial hand grip strength. In men, low basal ghrelin levels were associated with higher weight loss and poorer hand grip but not with the MNA‐SF measure, whereas in women, low basal ghrelin levels were associated with a decline in nutritional status (MNA‐SF) but not with weight loss and hand grip decline.

Conclusion Low ghrelin levels have been related to worsening nutritional status in a 2‐year follow‐up period in people 70 years old or older, which suggests this hormone could become a useful therapeutic target in the elderly.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA): experience of an academic centre in the USA
Authors: Zhang S. , DeFrias D. V. S. , Alasadi R. , Nayar R.
Published: October 2009

S. Zhang, D. V. S. DeFrias, R. Alasadi and R. Nayar Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA): experience of an academic centre in the USA

Objectives:  Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) has become widely accepted as an effective modality for obtaining tissue for primary diagnosis and staging. We have been using EUS‐FNA since July 2001 and herein we summarize our experience over a 5‐year period.

Methods:  A computer‐based search for in‐house EUS‐FNA was performed in the pathology database from July 2001 to October 2006. To calculate the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS‐FNA, the cytology diagnosis was compared with the surgical follow‐up.

Results:  A total of 951 EUS‐FNAs were performed during the study period and included 279 pancreatic solid lesions, 186 pancreatic cyst lesions, 249 lymph node aspirations, 111 gastrointestinal (GI) tract submucosal lesions, and 126 miscellaneous lesions. EUS‐FNA had a very high sensitivity and accuracy for solid pancreatic lesions (94.7 and 97.7%, respectively), low sensitivity and accuracy but high specificity (47, 64.8 and 95%, respectively) for cystic lesions. Cyst fluid carcinoembryonic (CEA) levels were significantly higher in mucinous neoplasms than non‐neoplastic cysts. EUS‐FNA also had very high sensitivity and specificity for detecting metastatic carcinoma in lymph nodes (95 and 100%, respectively). GI submucosal spindle cell tumours were further classified with immunohistochemical stains performed either on a cell block or a core biopsy obtained via EUS guidance.

Conclusions:  EUS‐FNA has a very high sensitivity and accuracy for pancreatic solid lesions, but the sensitivity for cystic lesions is generally low. Cyst fluid chemical analysis for CEA is helpful, but the overlap between mucinous neoplasm and non‐neoplastic cysts is significant. Recognizing GI contamination is important and immunohistochemical stains are useful for GI submucosal spindle cell lesions.
An audit of cervical cytology in HIV‐positive women
Authors: Hotonu O. E. O. , Hussey J. , Basta M. S. T. , Wadehra V. , Cross P. , Schmid M. L.
Published: October 2009

O. E. O. Hotonu, J. Hussey, M. S. T. Basta, V. Wadehra, P. Cross and M. L. Schmid An audit of cervical cytology in HIV‐positive women

Objective:  To investigate whether a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus‐positive (HIV+) women were having annual cervical cytology as recommended by the English National Health Service cervical screening programme (NHSCSP) guidelines.

Methods:  An audit of cervical cytology in an HIV+ cohort of 187 women by obtaining their last cervical cytology result and recall from local cytology services.

Results:  Of the 187 women in the audit, two were ineligible, leaving 185 women, 167 (90.3%) of whom were aged 25–64 years and eligible for screening. Of the 185 women, 126 (68.1%) had a cytology history, 50 (27%) had never had cervical cytology and nine (4.9%) had inadequate details to ascertain whether or not they had a cytology history. Of the 126 with a cytology record, 34 (27%) had a current cytological abnormality, which was low grade in 25 (19.8%) and high grade in nine (7.1%). Among women aged 25–64 years attending the clinic, these percentages were significantly higher than expected for England as a whole (P < 0.001). Of 126 women with a cytology record, 29 (23%) were overdue for their recall date and of these the previous test was abnormal in 14 (48.3%). Cytology tests were taken within the community setting in 61 (48.4%), whereas 65 (51.6%) were seen either at an HIV sexual health clinic or were under colposcopy follow‐up. Of 91 women with negative cytology only 50 (54.9%) were recommended for repeat in 12 months.

Conclusion:  This audit demonstrates a high rate of cytological abnormalities among HIV+ women compared with the screening population at large. Implementation of NHSCSP guidelines has been difficult and requires improved care pathways between HIV clinics, primary care and laboratories.
Fine needle aspiration cytology in HIV‐related lymphadenopathy: experience at a single centre in north India
Authors: Sarma P. K. , Chowhan A. K. , Agrawal V. , Agarwal V.
Published: October 2009

P. K. Sarma, A. K. Chowhan, V. Agrawal and V. Agarwal Fine needle aspiration cytology in HIV‐related lymphadenopathy: experience at a single centre in north India

Objective:  Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is emerging as a rapid and minimally invasive tool in evaluating lymphadenopathy associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We evaluated the role of FNA in differentiating various causes of lymphadenopathy in patients with HIV and correlated the cytological diagnosis with CD4 counts.

Methods:  Seventy‐nine HIV‐positive patients (median age 35 years, 68 male) underwent ultrasound‐guided (n = 16) and unguided (n = 63) FNA from 1999 to 2006. Smears were stained with May–Grünwald–Giemsa, haematoxylin & eosin and Papanicolaou stains. Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining for acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) was performed in all cases. Staining for fungus was performed whenever required.

Results:  The aspirates were adequate in 75 cases (95%). Non‐specific reactive hyperplasia was the most common FNA diagnosis (39, 52%) followed by granulomatous necrotizing lymphadenitis (15, 20%), necrotizing lymphadenitis (13, 17.3%) and granulomatous lymphadenitis (4, 5.2%). Fungal infection and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were seen in two patients each. ZN staining was positive for AFB in 25 (33.3%) cases. One of these was morphologically interpreted as reactive hyperplasia, 12 as necrotizing lymphadenitis and 12 as granulomatous necrotizing lymphadenitis. Both patients with NHL had CD4 counts below 100/dl. Necrotizing lymphadenitis and granulomatous lymphadenitis were significantly associated with CD4 counts below and above 200/dl, respectively (P = 0.0002).

Conclusions:  FNA is an important tool for assessing the cause of lymphadenopathy in HIV patients. Necrotizing inflammation is more often seen in patients with low CD4 counts. AFB are commonly found in necrotic aspirates with or without granulomas. However, a stain for AFB should be performed in all aspirates from HIV‐related lymphadenopathy including reactive hyperplasia.
Cell blocks allow reliable evaluation of expression of basal (CK5/6) and luminal (CK8/18) cytokeratins and smooth muscle actin (SMA) in breast carcinoma
Authors: Delgallo W. D. , Rodrigues J. R. P. , Bueno S. P. , Viero R. M. , Soares C. T.
Published: October 2009

W. D. Delgallo, J. R. P. Rodrigues, S. P. Bueno, R. M. Viero and C. T. Soares Cell blocks allow reliable evaluation of expression of basal (CK5/6) and luminal (CK8/18) cytokeratins and smooth muscle actin (SMA) in breast carcinoma

Objective:  Gene expression studies have revealed several molecular subtypes of breast carcinoma with distinct clinical and biological behaviours. DNA microarray studies correlated with immunohistochemical profiling of breast carcinomas using cytokeratin (CK) markers, Her2/neu, oestrogen receptor (ER), and basal myoepithelial cell markers have identified five breast tumour subtypes: (i) luminal A (ER+; Her2/neu−), (ii) luminal B (ER+; Her2/neu+), (iii) Her2 overexpression (ER−; Her2/neu+), (iv) basal‐like (ER−; Her2/neu−, CK5/6 and 14+), and (v) negative for all markers. Luminal carcinomas express cytokeratins in a luminal pattern (CK8/18), and the basal‐like type expresses CK5/6 and CK14 or basal epithelial cell markers. CK5/6, CK8/18, and smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression were assessed in cell blocks and compared with expression in surgical specimens.

Methods:  Sixty‐two cases of breast carcinoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology with cell blocks and available surgical specimens were included. Cell blocks containing at least 10 high‐power fields each with at least 10 tumour cells and surgical specimens were immunostained for CK5/6, CK8/18 and SMA.

Results:  Percentage sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were, respectively, 77, 100, 100, 92 and 94 for CK5/6; 98, 66, 96, 80 and 95 for CK8/18; and 92, 96, 85, 98 and 95 for SMA.

Conclusion:  The identification of CK5/6, CK8/18 and SMA by immunohistochemistry in cell blocks can be a reliable method that yields results close to those obtained in surgical specimens, and can contribute to the classification of breast carcinomas with luminal and basal expression patterns, providing helpful information in the choice of treatment and in the evaluation of prognostic and predictive factors.
Ovarian dynamics and specialisation in ladybirds
Authors: FERRER AURELIE , DIXON ANTHONY F.G. , GIBERNAU MARC , HEMPTINNE JEAN‐LOUIS
Published: October 2009

1. Generalist predatory insects that exploit unpredictable and ephemeral prey should allocate metabolic resources differently to soma and gonads than specialist species. As the former have more opportunities to encounter a wide array of prey than specialists, the expectation is that they will more rapidly resorb oocytes when food is scarce. By doing so, they reallocate resources to the soma to support the search for oviposition sites of a better quality. Similarly, they are expected to resume oogenesis faster than the specialist when good conditions return.

2. This hypothesis was tested by comparing a generalist and a specialist ladybird species belonging to the same genus.

3. A resorption index was calculated for females of both species subjected to several starvation regimes. This index indicated that over a period of fasting of 3 days, the intensity of resorption was greater in the generalist than the specialist. When food was again supplied, oogenesis resumed and within 1 day was faster in the generalist than in the specialist.

4. As predicted, the resorption of oocytes and replenishment occurred faster in the generalist than in the specialist species. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that the speed and intensity of the ovarian dynamics of a predatory insect have been linked to its way of life.
The influence of prior experience on preference and performance of a cryptoparasitoidScleroderma guani(Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) on beetle hosts
Authors: LI LI , MILLER DANIEL R. , SUN JIANGHUA
Published: October 2009

1. Numerous studies have reported the effects of learning or experience on parasitoid host preference and location. However, the integration of pre‐imaginal and adult experiences on the subsequent host preference and adult/offspring performance has been rarely tested in host–parasite interactions.

2. We present direct evidence that theses two kinds of experiences affect host preference and related fitness in the polyphagous parasitoid,Scleroderma guani. Two colonies of parasitoids were reared onMonochamus alternatusandSaperda populnea(Cerambycidae: Lamiinae). Individuals from the two colonies were given host‐switching experience for one generation (pre‐imaginal experience) while other individuals were given prior ovipositing experience on the two species, respectively (adult experience).

3.Scleroderma guanifemales demonstrated that their experiences determined adult behavioural responses and their subsequent performance to hosts. Females maximised both adult fitness (fecundity and longevity) and offspring fitness (survival and sex ratio) when they encountered hosts similar to their maternal hosts. Behavioural plasticity in host choice was affected by adult experience, resulting in improved adult feeding and ovipositing behaviour and further modifying adult fecundity and the offspring sex ratio. There was a positive correlation between oviposition preference and adult fecundity.

4. The results indicated thatS. guaniexhibited positive preference–performance correlations. This is most likely due to an adaptation to maternal hosts over multiple generations. However, foraging potential of adults to available cues from hosts may be driven quickly by an experience‐induced learning process rather than by natural selection processes shaped over many generations.
Predators mediate the effects of a fungal pathogen on prey: an experiment with grasshoppers, wolf spiders, and fungal pathogens
Authors: LAWS ANGELA N. , FRAUENDORF THERESE C. , GÓMEZ JESÚS E. , ALGAZE ISABEL M.
Published: October 2009

1. Prey interact with multiple kinds of enemies such as predators, parasites, and pathogens. Interactions among enemies can alter prey dynamics but they are often studied separately.

2. During the summers of 2005–2006, we conducted a field experiment to examine interactions among grasshoppers, spider predators, and a lethal fungal pathogen of grasshoppers. Grasshopper nymphs were stocked into field enclosures. Predation was manipulated by adding spiders to enclosures on day 1, day 5, or day 10 of the experiment, or no spiders were added. We monitored grasshopper survival and grasshopper mortality from fungal pathogens for 4 weeks.

3. Fungal pathogens were abundant in 2005 but not in 2006, probably because of favourable weather conditions in 2005. When fungal pathogens were abundant, spider presence reduced grasshopper mortality from fungal pathogens, but only when spiders were present early in the experiment (added on day 1 or day 5).

4. The outcome of predator–prey interactions varied between years, probably as a result of differences in pathogen prevalence. In 2005, spider presence reduced the number of deaths from the pathogen, leading to a slight trend of increased grasshopper density. However, in 2006, when pathogens were not an important source of mortality, spider predation was compensatory.
Predator‐induced spine length and exocuticle thickness in Leucorrhinia dubia (Insecta: Odonata): a simple physiological trade‐off?
Authors: FLENNER IDA , OLNE KARIN , SUHLING FRANK , SAHLÉN GÖRAN
Published: October 2009

1. Morphological defence structures evolve against predators but are costly to the individual, and are induced only when required. A well‐studied example is the development of longer abdominal spines in dragonfly larvae in the presence of fish. Numerous attempts to discover trade‐offs between spine size and behaviour, development time or body size have, however, produced little evidence.

2. We considered a physiological trade‐off. Spines consist of cuticle and using material to build longer structures may result in less material remaining elsewhere. We therefore measured exocuticle thickness at nine locations on Leucorrhinia dubia larvae from habitats with and without fish.

3. Our results show a significant effect of the interaction between fish presence and spine length on head and fore leg exocuticle thickness. Relative thickness increased with relative length of lateral spine 9 in the absence of fish, whereas no such relationship existed with fish. Hence, synthesis and secretion of cuticle material occur as a trade‐off when larvae react to fish presence.

4. We assume the mechanism to be a selective synthesis of material with different responses in different parts of the larval body. These findings offer a new angle to the fish/spine trade off debate.
Outcome after device implantation in chronic heart failure is dependent on concomitant medical treatment
Authors: Adlbrecht C. , Hülsmann M. , Gwechenberger M. , Strunk G. , Khazen C. , Wiesbauer F. , Elhenicky M. , Neuhold S. , Binder T. , Maurer G. , Lang I. M. , Pacher R.
Published: October 2009

Background  Device implantation in chronic heart failure (CHF) for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with or without implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) is an established treatment option for symptomatic patients under medical baseline therapy. Although recommended, the need for optimization of medical therapy was never proven. As in ‘the real world’, medical therapy is not always up‐titrated to the desirable dosages; this provides the opportunity to evaluate the impact of optimizing medical therapy in patients who had received a device therapy with proven effectiveness.

Materials and methods  This observational cohort study retrospectively assessed the ‘real life’‐effect of CRT compared with that of CRT/ICD therapy and the impact of concomitant pharmacotherapy on outcome. Outcome of patients with guideline recommended renin–angiotensin system inhibitor and ß‐blocker dosages was compared with that of patients who failed to reach the desired dosages. Mean follow‐up for the 205 CHF (95 CRT and 110 CRT/ICD) patients was 16·8 ± 12·4 months.

Results  In the total study cohort, 83 (41%) reached the combined primary endpoint of all‐cause death or cardiac hospitalization [CRT group: 25 (26%), CRT/ICD group: 58 (52·7%), P < 0·001]. Multiple cox regression analysis revealed non‐optimized medical therapy at follow‐up [HR = 2·080 (1·166–3·710), P = 0·013] and CRT/ICD vs. CRT [HR = 2·504 (1·550–4·045), P < 0·001] as significant predictors of the primary endpoint.

Conclusion  Our data stress the importance of professional monitoring and titration of pharmacotherapy not only in medically treated CHF patients but also in patients under device therapy by a heart failure unit or a specialized cardiologist.
Sequencing of Spodoptera frugiperda midgut trehalases and demonstration of secretion of soluble trehalase by midgut columnar cells
Authors: Silva M. C. P. , Ribeiro A. F. , Terra W. R. , Ferreira C.
Published: October 2009

Both soluble (SfTre1) and membrane‐bound (SfTre2) trehalases occur along the midgut of Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. Released SfTre2 was purified as a 67 kDa protein. Its Km (1.6 mM) and thermal stability (half life 10 min at 62 °C) are different from the previously isolated soluble trehalase (Km= 0.47 mM; 100% stable at 62 °C). Two cDNAs coding for S. frugiperda trehalases have been cloned using primers based on consensus sequences of trehalases and having as templates a cDNA library prepared from total polyA‐containing RNA extracted from midguts. One cDNA codes for a trehalase that has a predicted transmembrane sequence and was defined as SfTre2. The other, after being cloned and expressed, results in a recombinant trehalase with a Km value and thermal stability like those of native soluble trehalase. This enzyme was defined as SfTre1 and, after it was used to generate antibodies, it was immunolocalized at the secretory vesicles and at the glycocalyx of columnar cells. Escherichia coli trehalase 3D structure and sequence alignment with SfTre1 support a proposal regarding the residue modulating the pKa value of the proton donor.
Life, death and fossilization on Gran Canaria – implications for Macaronesian biogeography and molecular dating
Authors: Anderson Cajsa Lisa , Channing Alan , Zamuner Alba B.
Published: October 2009

The Canaries have recently served as a test‐bed island system for evaluating newly developed parametric biogeographical methods that can incorporate information from molecular phylogenetic dating and ages of geological events. To use such information successfully, knowledge of geological history and the fossil record is essential. Studies presenting phylogenetic datings of plant groups on oceanic islands often through necessity, but perhaps inappropriately, use the geological age of the oldest island in an archipelago as a maximum‐age constraint for earliest possible introductions. Recently published papers suggest that there is little chance of informative fossil floras being found on volcanic islands, and that nothing could survive violent periods of volcanic activity. One such example is the Roque Nublo period in Gran Canaria, which is assumed to have caused the extinction of the flora of the island (c. 5.3–3.7 Ma). However, recent investigations of Gran Canaria have identified numerous volcanic and sedimentological settings where plant remains are common. We argue, based on evidence from the Miocene–Pliocene rock and fossil records, that complete sterilization of the island is implausible. Moreover, based on fossil evidence, we conclude that the typical ecosystems of the Canary Islands, such as thelaurisilva, thePinusforest and the thermophilous scrubland, were already present on Gran Canaria during the Miocene–Pliocene. The fossil record we present provides new information, which may be used as age constraints in phylogenetic datings, in addition to or instead of the less reliable ages of island emergences or catastrophic events. We also suggest island environments that are likely to yield further fossil localities. Finally, we briefly review further examples of fossil floras of Macaronesia.
The acceptability to stakeholders of mandatory nutritional labelling in France and the UK – findings from the PorGrow project
Authors: Holdsworth M. , Delpeuch F. , Kameli Y. , Lobstein T. , Millstone E.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Implementing a European Union (EU)‐wide mandatory nutrition labelling scheme has been advocated as part a multi‐pronged strategy to tackle obesity. The type of scheme needs to be acceptable to all key stakeholders. This study explored stakeholders’ viewpoints of labelling in two contrasting food cultures (France and the UK) to see whether attitudes were influenced by sectoral interests and/or national context.

Methods:  Using Multi Criteria Mapping, a decision analysis tool that assesses stakeholder viewpoints, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered during tape‐recorded interviews. In France and the UK, 21 comparable stakeholders appraised nutritional labelling with criteria of their own choosing (i.e. feasibility, societal benefits, social acceptability, efficacy in addressing obesity, additional health benefits) and three criteria relating to cost (to industry; public sector; individuals). When scoring, interviewees provided both optimistic (best case) and pessimistic (worst case) judgements.

Results:  Overall, mandatory nutritional labelling was appraised least favourably in France. Labelling performed worse under optimistic (best case) scenarios in France, for five out of eight sets of criteria. French stakeholders viewed labelling as expensive, having fewer benefits to society and as being marginally less effective than UK stakeholders did. However, French interviewees thought implementing labelling was feasible and would provide additional health benefits. British and French stakeholders made similar quantitative judgements on how socially acceptable mandatory labelling would be.

Conclusions:  There is agreement between some stakeholder groups in the two different countries, especially food chain operators. However, cultural differences emerged that could influence the impact of an EU‐wide mandatory labelling scheme in both countries.
Presence of impaired intestinal calcium absorption in chronic hypovitaminosis D and its change after cholecalciferol supplementation: assessment by the calcium load test
Authors: Gupta A. , Gupta N. , Singh N. , Goswami R.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Hypovitaminosis D is common in Asian Indians and its functional significance is currently under investigation. Previous studies have reported on the effect of low serum 25(OH)D levels (<50 nmol L−1) on bone mineral density and serum parathyroid hormone values. The present study assessed the effect of chronic hypovitaminosis D in Asian Indians on intestinal calcium absorption and its change after cholecalciferol supplementation.

Methods:  Subjects included 29 healthy volunteers [mean (SD) age, 28.4 ± 6.4 years] with low serum 25(OH)D levels on screening. Intestinal calcium absorption was assessed by the ‘calcium load test’ with 1 g of oral elemental calcium. Subjects were put on a calcium restricted diet 1 week prior to the test. The calcium load test was repeated in 26 of them after 8 weeks of supplementation with oral cholecalciferol (60 000 IU week−1).

Results:  The mean urinary calcium/creatinine ratio of the study subjects was 0.027 ± 0.023 mg mg−1 under fasting conditions and increased to 0.035 ± 0.032 mg mg−1 after calcium loading (delta change = 29.6%, P = 0.33). After 8 weeks of cholecalciferol supplementation, the mean serum 25(OH)D increased from 18.9 ± 11.9 to 84.4 ± 34.9 nmol L−1 (P < 0.0001). Concomitantly, the mean urinary calcium/creatinine ratio of the study subjects increased from 0.030 ± 0.024 mg mg−1 under fasting conditions to 0.059 ± 0.045 mg mg−1 after calcium loading (delta change = 96.6%, P = 0.008).

Conclusions:  The results obtained in the present study show that chronic hypovitaminosis D in Asian Indians has functional relevance in terms of its effect on intestinal calcium absorption, which improves with cholecalciferol supplementation. These findings support the need for improving the vitamin D status of Asian Indians through dietary supplementation and exposure to sunshine.
Implementation of an electromagnetic imaging system to facilitate nasogastric and post‐pyloric feeding tube placement in patients with and without critical illness
Authors: Windle E. M. , Beddow D. , Hall E. , Wright J. , Sundar N.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Artificial nutrition support is required to optimise nutritional status in many patients. Traditional methods of placing feeding tubes may incur clinical risk and financial costs. A technique facilitating placement of nasogastric and post‐pyloric tubes via electromagnetic visual guidance may reduce the need for X‐ray exposure, endoscopy time and the use of parenteral nutrition. The present study aimed to audit use of such a system at initial implementation in patients within an acute NHS Trust.

Methods:  A retrospective review was undertaken of dietetic and medical records for the first 14 months of using the Cortrak® system. Data were collected on referral origin, preparation of the patient prior to insertion, placement success rates and need for X‐ray. Cost analysis was also performed.

Results:  Referrals were received from primary consultants or consultant intensivists, often on the advice of the dietitian. Fifty‐nine percent of patients received prokinetic therapy at the time of placement. Thirty‐nine tube placements were attempted. Sixty‐nine percent of referrals for post‐pyloric tube placement resulted in successful placement. X‐ray films were requested for 22% of all attempted post‐pyloric placements. Less than half of nasogastric tubes were successfully passed, although none of these required X‐ray confirmation. The mean cost per tube insertion attempt was £111.

Conclusions:  This system confers advantages, particularly in terms of post‐pyloric tube placement, even at this early stage of implementation. A reduction in clinical risk and cost avoidance related to X‐ray exposure, the need for endoscopic tube placement and parenteral nutrition have been achieved. The implementation of this system should be considered in other centres.
Effect of denture base materials on mRNA expression of the adhesion‐associated genes from the Streptococcus mutans biofilms
Authors: DONG C. , ZHANG F.‐Q.
Published: October 2009

Summary  Dental caries is one of the most important reasons for the failure of removable partial denture. The adhesion‐associated genes of Streptococcus mutans, such as gtfBCD, ftf and gbpB, might play an important role in bacterial adhesion to denture base materials. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of denture base materials (heat‐curing acrylic resins, cobalt‐chromium alloy and ceramics served as control) on the formation of S. mutans biofilms and the mRNA expression of adhesion‐associated genes. The viability of the bacteria in biofilms was determined by colony‐forming units at 24 and 72 h, meanwhile one sample of each group was prepared for scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 24 h. A real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain‐reaction was used to quantify the mRNA expression levels of gtfBCD, ftf and gbpB genes in the presence of various materials. The results revealed that acrylic resins had more S. mutans adhesion than Co–Cr alloy and ceramics in terms of the bacterial viability and SEM observation. The level of gtfBCD expression was the highest in ceramics group and the lowest in acrylic resins group in 24 h biofilms; however, acrylic resins had more gtfBC transcription significantly than other materials at 72 h (P < 0·05). Ftf and gbpB were upregulated in 24 h biofilms on denture base materials compared with control (P < 0·05). These results suggested that the expression profiles of gtfBCD, ftf and gbpB were material‐dependent and the physico‐chemical properties of the materials might influence the transcription of these genes. Acrylic resins, which had the most bacterial adhesion, might affect biofilm formation via increased expression of ftf and gbpB at 24 h and gtfBC at 72 h.
Lateral FtsZ association and the assembly of the cytokinetic Z ring in bacteria
Authors: Monahan Leigh G. , Robinson Andrew , Harry Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2009

Cell division in bacteria is facilitated by a polymeric ring structure, the Z ring, composed of tubulin‐like FtsZ protofilaments. Recently it has been shown that in Bacillus subtilis, the Z ring forms through the cell cycle‐mediated remodelling of a helical FtsZ polymer. To investigate how this occurs in vivo, we have exploited a unique temperature‐sensitive strain of B. subtilis expressing the mutant protein FtsZ(Ts1). FtsZ(Ts1) is unable to complete Z ring assembly at 49°C, becoming trapped at an intermediate stage in the helix‐to‐ring progression. To determine why this is the case, we used a combination of methods to identify the specific defect of the FtsZ(Ts1) protein in vivo. Our results indicate that while FtsZ(Ts1) is able to polymerize normally into protofilaments, it is defective in the ability to support lateral associations between these filaments at high temperatures. This strongly suggests that lateral FtsZ association plays a crucial role in the polymer transitions that lead to the formation of the Z ring in the cell. In addition, we show that the FtsZ‐binding protein ZapA, when overproduced, can rescue the FtsZ(Ts1) defect in vivo. This suggests that ZapA functions to promote the helix‐to‐ring transition of FtsZ by stimulating lateral FtsZ association.