bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The North Atlantic subpolar gyre and the marine migration of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar: the ‘Merry‐Go‐Round’ hypothesis
Authors: Dadswell M. J. , Spares A. D. , Reader J. M. , Stokesbury M. J. W.
Published: July 2010

One model for marine migration of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar proposes that North American and southern European stocks (<62° N) move directly to feeding grounds off west Greenland, then overwinter in the Labrador Sea, whereas northern European stocks (>62° N) utilize the Norwegian Sea. An alternate model proposes that both North American and European stocks migrate in the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre (NASpG) where S. salar enter the NASpG on their respective sides of the Atlantic, and travel counterclockwise within the NASpG until returning to natal rivers. A review of data accumulated during the last 50 years suggests a gyre model is most probable. Freshwater parr metamorphose into smolts which have morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations of epipelagic, marine fishes. Former high‐seas fisheries were seasonally sequential and moved in the direction of NASpG currents, and catches were highest along the main axis of the NASpG. Marking and discrimination studies indicate mixed continental origin feeding aggregations on both sides of the Atlantic. Marked North American smolts were captured off Norway, the Faroe Islands, east and west Greenland, and adults tagged at the Faroes were recovered in Canadian rivers. Marked European smolts were recovered off Newfoundland and Labrador, west and east Greenland, and adults tagged in the Labrador Sea were captured in European rivers. High Caesium‐137 (137Cs) levels in S. salar returning to a Quebec river suggested 62·3% had fed at or east of Iceland, whereas levels in 1 sea‐winter (SW) Atlantic Canada returnees indicated 24·7% had fed east of the Faroes. Lower levels of 137Cs in returning 1SW Irish fish suggest much of their growth occurred in the western Atlantic. These data suggest marine migration of S. salar follows a gyre model and is similar to other open‐ocean migrations of epipelagic fishes.
Immunogenicity of a monovalent pandemic influenza A H1N1 vaccine in health‐care workers of a university hospital in Japan
Authors: Igari Hidetoshi , Segawa Shunsuke , Watanabe Akira , Suzuki Akiko , Watanabe Mariko , Sakurai Takayuki , Kuroda Fuminobu , Watanabe Masaharu , Tatsumi Koichiro , Nakayama Mikio , Nakayama Toshinori , Suzuki Kazuo , Sato Takeyuki
Published: July 2010

A phase III observational study evaluating a single‐dose of an inactivated, split‐virus, unadjuvanted AH1pdm vaccine in HCW was conducted. A safe and effective vaccine was needed after the emergence of AH1pdm in April 2009. We analyzed the immunogenicity and safety of the vaccine. A total of 409 subjects were enrolled and given 15 μg hemagglutinin antigen by s.c. injection. Antibody titers were measured using hemagglutination‐inhibition antibody assays before vaccination and 28 days after. The co‐primary immunogenicity end‐points were the proportion of subjects with antibody titers of 1:40 or more, the proportion of subjects with either seroconversion or a significant increase in antibody titer, and the factor increase in geometric mean titer. We collected 389 pair samples. Antibody titers of 1:40 or more were observed in 148 of 389 subjects (38.0%, 95% CI: 33.2–42.9). The immunogenicity was also confirmed in other end‐points, but was not sufficient and was lower than in previous reports. A total of 96 of adverse events was reported: 51 local events and 57 systemic events. There were 12 subjects with both local and systemic events. Nearly all events were mild to moderate except in four subjects. A single 15‐μg dose of AH1pdm vaccine did not induce sufficient immunogenicity in HCW, with mild‐to‐moderate vaccine‐associated adverse events. We need to consider further improvement of the AH1pdm vaccine program in HCW for the prevention of nosocomial infection, as well as for the benefit of HCW.
Early reduction of glucose uptake after cisplatin treatment is a marker of cisplatin sensitivity in ovarian cancer
Authors: Egawa‐Takata Tomomi , Endo Hiroko , Fujita Masami , Ueda Yutaka , Miyatake Takashi , Okuyama Hiroaki , Yoshino Kiyoshi , Kamiura Shoji , Enomoto Takayuki , Kimura Tadashi , Inoue Masahiro
Published: July 2010

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for ovarian cancer, but the sensitivity of cancers differs in individual cases. Because cisplatin is reported to suppress glucose uptake, we investigated the correlation between glucose uptake and sensitivity to the drug. A fluorescent derivative of D‐glucose, 2‐NBDG (2‐[N‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diaxol‐4‐yl) amino]‐2‐deoxyglucose), was used to evaluate glucose uptake. Two ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV‐3 as a relatively resistant line and OVCAR‐3 as a relatively sensitive line, were analyzed. Both cell lines had a decreased number of cells accompanied by cell death 24 h after cisplatin treatment, but not at 3 h. In contrast, glucose uptake was decreased 3 h after high‐dose cisplatin treatment, which correlated with the sensitivity to the drug at 24 h. The protein levels of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) did not change with cisplatin treatment. In contrast, the membrane localization of GLUT1 disappeared after cisplatin treatment. Other cisplatin‐resistant cell lines did not show an early decrease in glucose uptake after cisplatin treatment. The early decrease in glucose uptake and later cell death also correlated in cultured cancer cells from ovarian cancer patients. Thus, the decrease in glucose uptake at an early time point after high dose cisplatin treatment reflected cisplatin chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer cells. Measuring glucose uptake might be useful as a rapid evaluation of cisplatin chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer patients. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Immunolocalization of estrogen‐producing and metabolizing enzymes in benign breast disease: Comparison with normal breast and breast carcinoma
Authors: Sasaki Yoshie , Miki Yasuhiro , Hirakawa Hisashi , Onodera Yoshiaki , Takagi Kiyoshi , Akahira Jun‐ichi , Honma Seijiro , Ishida Takanori , Watanabe Mika , Sasano Hironobu , Suzuki Takashi
Published: July 2010

It is well known that estrogens play important roles in the cell proliferation of breast carcinoma. Benign breast disease (BBD) contains a wide spectrum of diseases, and some are considered an important risk factor for subsequent breast carcinoma development. However, the significance of estrogens in BBD has remained largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, we examined tissue concentrations of estrogens and immunolocalization of estrogen‐producing/metabolizing enzymes in BBD, and compared these findings with those in the normal breast and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Tissue concentration of estradiol in BBD (n = 9) was significantly (3.4‐fold) higher than normal breast (n = 9) and nearly the same (0.7‐fold) as in DCIS (n = 9). Immunoreactivity of estrogen sulfotransferase in BBD was significantly lower (n = 82) than normal breast (n = 28) but was not significantly different from DCIS (n = 28). Aromatase and steroid sulfatase immunoreactivities tended to be higher (P = 0.07) in BBD than in normal breast, and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in BBD than normal breast in the postmenopausal tissues. Immunoreactivity of estrogen and progesterone receptors was also significantly higher in BBD than normal breast. These results suggest that tissue concentration of estradiol is increased in BBD at a level similar to DCIS, which is considered mainly due to loss of estrogen sulfotransferase expression. Increased local estradiol concentration in BBD due to aberrant expression of estrogen‐producing/metabolizing enzymes may play important roles in the accumulation of estradiol‐mediated growth and/or subsequent development of breast carcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Cost‐effectiveness of extended buprenorphine–naloxone treatment for opioid‐dependent youth: data from a randomized trial
Authors: Polsky Daniel , Glick Henry A. , Yang Jianing , Subramaniam Geetha A. , Poole Sabrina A. , Woody George E.
Published: July 2010

Aims  The objective is to estimate cost, net social cost and cost‐effectiveness in a clinical trial of extended buprenorphine–naloxone (BUP) treatment versus brief detoxification treatment in opioid‐dependent youth.

Design  Economic evaluation of a clinical trial conducted at six community out‐patient treatment programs from July 2003 to December 2006, who were randomized to 12 weeks of BUP or a 14‐day taper (DETOX). BUP patients were prescribed up to 24 mg per day for 9 weeks and then tapered to zero at the end of week 12. DETOX patients were prescribed up to 14 mg per day and then tapered to zero on day 14. All were offered twice‐weekly drug counseling.

Participants  152 patients aged 15–21 years.

Measurements  Data were collected prospectively during the 12‐week treatment and at follow‐up interviews at months 6, 9 and 12.

Findings  The 12‐week out‐patient study treatment cost was $1514 (P < 0.001) higher for BUP relative to DETOX. One‐year total direct medical cost was only $83 higher for BUP (P = 0.97). The cost‐effectiveness ratio of BUP relative to DETOX was $1376 in terms of 1‐year direct medical cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) and $25 049 in terms of out‐patient treatment program cost per QALY. The acceptability curve suggests that the cost‐effectiveness ratio of BUP relative to DETOX has an 86% chance of being accepted as cost‐effective for a threshold of $100 000 per QALY.

Conclusions  Extended BUP treatment relative to brief detoxification is cost effective in the US health‐care system for the outpatient treatment of opioid‐dependent youth.
Community reinforcement and family training: an effective option to engage treatment‐resistant substance‐abusing individuals in treatment
Authors: Roozen Hendrik G. , De Waart Ranne , Van Der Kroft Petra
Published: July 2010

Aims  Many individuals with substance use disorders are opposed to seeking formal treatment, often leading to disruptive relationships with concerned significant others (CSOs). This is disturbing, as untreated individuals are often associated with a variety of other addiction‐related problems. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) provides an option to the more traditional treatment and intervention approaches. The objective of this systematic review was to compare CRAFT with the Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (Al‐Anon/Nar‐Anon) model and the Johnson Institute intervention in terms of its ability to engage patients in treatment and improve the functioning of CSOs.

Methods  The electronic databases PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were consulted. Four high‐quality randomized controlled trials were identified, with a total sample of 264 CSOs. Data were synthesized to quantify the effect with 95% confidence intervals, using the random effects model.

Results  CRAFT produced three times more patient engagement than Al‐Anon/Nar‐Anon [relative risk (RR) 3.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.11–5.02, P < 0.0001; numbers needed to treat (NNT) = 2] and twice the engagement of the Johnson Institute intervention (RR 2.15, 95% CI 1.28–3.62, P = 0.004; NNT = 3). Overall, CRAFT encouraged approximately two‐thirds of treatment‐resistant patients to attend treatment, typically for four to six CRAFT sessions. CSOs showed marked psychosocial and physical improvements whether they were assigned to CRAFT, Al‐Anon/Nar‐Anon or the Johnson Institute intervention within the 6‐month treatment window.

Conclusion  CRAFT has been found to be superior in engaging treatment‐resistant substance‐abusing individuals compared with the traditional programmes.
Evaluation of reference genes for quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction normalization in infected tomato plants
Authors: MASCIA TIZIANA , SANTOVITO ELISA , GALLITELLI DONATO , CILLO FABRIZIO
Published: July 2010

The quantification of messenger RNA expression levels by real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction requires the availability of reference genes that are stably expressed regardless of the experimental conditions under study. We examined the expression variations of a set of eight candidate reference genes in tomato leaf and root tissues subjected to the infection of five taxonomically and molecularly different plant viruses and a viroid, inducing diverse pathogenic effects on inoculated plants. Parallel analyses by three commonly used dedicated algorithms, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper, showed that different viral infections and tissues of origin influenced, to some extent, the expression levels of these genes. However, all algorithms showed high levels of stability for glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and ubiquitin, indicated as the most suitable endogenous transcripts for normalization in both tissue types. Actin and uridylate kinase were also stably expressed throughout the infected tissues, whereas cyclophilin showed tissue‐specific expression stability only in root samples. By contrast, two widely employed reference genes, 18S ribosomal RNA and elongation factor 1α, demonstrated highly variable expression levels that should discourage their use for normalization. In addition, expression level analysis of ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase showed the modulation of the two genes in virus‐infected tomato leaves and roots. The relative quantification of the two genes varied according to the reference genes selected, thus highlighting the importance of the choice of the correct normalization method in such experiments.
Preliminary efficacy and safety of an oromucosal standardized cannabis extract in chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting
Authors: Duran Marta , Pérez Eulàlia , Abanades Sergio , Vidal Xavier , Saura Cristina , Majem Margarita , Arriola Edurne , Rabanal Manel , Pastor Antoni , Farré Magí , Rams Neus , Laporte Joan‐Ramon , Capellà Dolors
Published: July 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Orally administered synthetic cannabinoids (nabilone and dronabinol) have been shown to be superior to dopamine receptor antagonists in preventing chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

• There is no information on the tolerability of an acute dose titration of a whole‐plant cannabis‐based medicine (CBM).

• The efficacy of cannibidiol with tetrahydrocannabinol added to the current standard therapy in the control of CINV after moderately emetic cancer chemotherapy (MEC) administration has not been established.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This is the first controlled study assessing the tolerability of an acute dose titration of a CBM.

• The results suggest that rapid titration of a CBM appeared to be well tolerated by most patients and efficacious in reducing the incidence of delayed CINV.

AIMS

Despite progress in anti‐emetic treatment, many patients still suffer from chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). This is a pilot, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase II clinical trial designed to evaluate the tolerability, preliminary efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of an acute dose titration of a whole‐plant cannabis‐based medicine (CBM) containing delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, taken in conjunction with standard therapies in the control of CINV.

METHODS

Patients suffering from CINV despite prophylaxis with standard anti‐emetic treatment were randomized to CBM or placebo, during the 120 h post‐chemotherapy period, added to standard anti‐emetic treatment. Tolerability was measured as the number of withdrawals from the study during the titration period because of adverse events (AEs). The endpoint for the preliminary efficacy analysis was the proportion of patients showing complete or partial response.

RESULTS

Seven patients were randomized to CBM and nine to placebo. Only one patient in the CBM arm was withdrawn due to AEs. A higher proportion of patients in the CBM group experienced a complete response during the overall observation period [5/7 (71.4%) with CMB vs. 2/9 (22.2%) with placebo, the difference being 49.2% (95% CI 1%, 75%)], due to the delayed period. The incidence of AEs was higher in the CBM group (86% vs. 67%). No serious AEs were reported. The mean daily dose was 4.8 sprays in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Compared with placebo, CBM added to standard antiemetic therapy was well tolerated and provided better protection against delayed CINV. These results should be confirmed in a phase III clinical trial.
Effect of tiotropium bromide on airway inflammation and remodelling in a mouse model of asthma
Authors: Ohta S. , Oda N. , Yokoe T. , Tanaka A. , Yamamoto Y. , Watanabe Y. , Minoguchi K. , Ohnishi T. , Hirose T. , Nagase H. , Ohta K. , Adachi M.
Published: July 2010

Background
Tiotropium bromide, a long acting muscarinic receptor inhibitor, is a potent agent for patients with bronchial asthma as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether tiotropium bromide can inhibit allergen‐induced acute and chronic airway inflammation, T helper (Th)2 cytokine production, and airway remodelling in a murine model of asthma.

Methods
Balb/c mice were sensitized and challenged acutely or chronically to ovalbumin (OVA). The impact of tiotropium bromide was assessed using these mice models by histologic, morphometric, and molecular techniques. Moreover, the effect of tiotropium bromide on Th2 cytokine production from purified human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was assessed.

Results
Treatment with tiotropium bromide significantly reduced airway inflammation and the Th2 cytokine production in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in both acute and chronic models of asthma. The levels of TGF‐β1 were also reduced by tiotropium bromide in BALF in a chronic model. The goblet cell metaplasia, thickness of airway smooth muscle, and airway fibrosis were all significantly decreased in tiotropium bromide‐treated mice. Moreover, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to serotonin was significantly abrogated by tiotropium bromide in a chronic model. Th2 cytokine production from spleen cells isolated from OVA‐sensitized mice was also significantly inhibited by tiotropium bromide and 4‐diphenylacetoxy‐N‐methylpiperidine methiodide, which is a selective antagonist to the M3 receptor. Finally, treatment with tiotropium bromide inhibited the Th2 cytokine production from PBMCs.

Conclusion
These results indicate that tiotropium bromide can inhibit Th2 cytokine production and airway inflammation, and thus may reduce airway remodelling and AHR in a murine model of asthma.

Cite this as: S. Ohta, N. Oda, T. Yokoe, A. Tanaka, Y. Yamamoto, Y. Watanabe, K. Minoguchi, T. Ohnishi, T. Hirose, H. Nagase, K. Ohta and M. Adachi, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1266–1275.
Vitamin K3 attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through inhibition of nuclear factor-κB activation
Authors: Tanaka S , Nishiumi S , Nishida M , Mizushina Y , Kobayashi K , Masuda A , Fujita T , Morita Y , Mizuno S , Kutsumi H , Azuma T , Yoshida M
Published: July 2010

Vitamin K is a family of fat-soluble compounds including phylloquinone (vitamin K1), menaquinone (vitamin K2) and menadione (vitamin K3). Recently, it was reported that vitamin K, especially vitamins K1 and K2, exerts a variety of biological effects, and these compounds are expected to be candidates for therapeutic agents against various diseases. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin K3 in in vitro cultured cell experiments and in vivo animal experiments. In human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells, vitamin K3 inhibited the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-evoked translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB into the nucleus, although vitamins K1 and K2 did not. Vitamin K3 also suppressed the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB and production of TNF-α in mouse macrophage RAW264·7 cells. Moreover, the addition of vitamin K3 before and after LPS administration attenuated the severity of lung injury in an animal model of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which occurs in the setting of acute severe illness complicated by systemic inflammation. In the ARDS model, vitamin K3 also suppressed the LPS-induced increase in the serum TNF-α level and inhibited the LPS-evoked nuclear translocation of NF-κB in lung tissue. Despite marked efforts, little therapeutic progress has been made, and the mortality rate of ARDS remains high. Vitamin K3 may be an effective therapeutic strategy against acute lung injury including ARDS.
Impact of UK National Guidelines based on FRAX®– comparison with current clinical practice
Authors: Crabtree N. J. , Bebbington N. A. , Chapman D. M. , Wahid Y. S. , Ayuk J. , Boivin C. M. , Cooper M. S. , Gittoes N. J. L.
Published: July 2010

Objective  To assess whether clinician‐determined treatment intervention thresholds are in line with the assessment of fracture risk provided by FRAX® and treatment recommendations provided by UK guidelines produced by the National Osteoporosis Guidelines Group (NOGG).

Design, Patients and Measurements  This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 288 patients consecutively referred for dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning from primary care immediately prior to the introduction of the FRAX® algorithm. In addition to DXA assessment, patients completed a clinical risk factor questionnaire which included risk factors used in the FRAX® algorithm. Initial risk assessment and treatment decisions were performed after DXA. FRAX® was used, retrospectively, with femoral neck T‐score, to estimate fracture risk which was applied to NOGG to generate guidance on treatment intervention. Clinician‐ and NOGG‐determined outcomes were audited for concordance.

Results  There was concordance between clinician and NOGG treatment decisions in 215 (74·6%) subjects. Discordance was observed in 73 (25·3%) subjects. In the discordant group, seven subjects were given lifestyle advice when NOGG recommended treatment, 42 given treatment when NOGG recommended lifestyle advice only, and 24 were referred to a metabolic bone clinic for further evaluation. The reasons for treatment differences in subjects recommended treatment by clinician but not NOGG were largely (90·2%) attributed to the use of lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD).

Conclusions  There is high concordance between clinician‐determined and FRAX®‐NOGG intervention. The absence of spine BMD from FRAX® is the primary source of discrepancy. This study provides some assurance of the validity of the treatment thresholds generated from FRAX®‐NOGG in ‘real‐world’ usage.
Evidence of subsurface preferential flow using soil hydrologic monitoring in the Shale Hills catchment
Authors: Lin H. , Zhou X.
Published: July 2010

Characterization of preferential flow at multiple spatial and temporal scales is fundamental to the understanding of complex subsurface heterogeneity and catchment hydrology. Evidence of subsurface preferential flow and the conditions under which it occurs were investigated in the Shale Hills catchment, a humid forested region in central Pennsylvania, USA. Seven monitoring sites, plus five replicates, were established along a concave hillslope, a convex hillslope and a valley floor to monitor in situ the hydrology in various soil horizons and their interfaces at half‐minute intervals. Using the indicator of a lower horizon that responded to a rainstorm earlier than an upper horizon within the same soil profile, we investigated the subsurface preferential flow processes and their dynamics in each of the five soil series mapped in the catchment. Threshold behaviour, hydrophobicity impact, influence of soil thickness and topography were observed in the spatial and temporal variation of the subsurface preferential flow, which was initiated more readily under the conditions of more intense rain, drier initial soil, shallower soil, and steeper slope. Whereas preferential flow seemed common in this catchment, its frequency during the 15 storm events from 23 September 2006 to 1 January 2007 ranged from 0 to 73.3% for the 68 soil horizons monitored at the 12 stations, with an overall average frequency of 7.5% (i.e. ∼5 horizons per storm event). This preferential flow was more frequent during the drier period than that during the wetter one. Variation was observed within the same soil series, even for those profiles adjacent to one another. This was due to the differences in hillslope position, slope gradient and orientation, the underlying bedrock fracture and orientation, or some combinations. Whereas different soil series help differentiate the processes and dynamics involved in the subsurface preferential flow, a combined consideration of soil types and landscape features is important to ensure proper use of the soil data for hydrological applications.
Extensive intraspecific genetic diversity of a freshwater crayfish in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: BENTLEY ANDREW I. , SCHMIDT DANIEL J. , HUGHES JANE M.
Published: July 2010

1. The freshwater crayfish Cherax dispar (Decapoda: Parastacidae) inhabits coastal regions and islands of South East Queensland, Australia. We hypothesised that populations of C. dispar on different islands would be more genetically divergent from each other than populations from different drainages within the same island or on the mainland.

2. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were conducted on two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I & 16S ribosomal DNA) and one nuclear gene (Internal Transcribed Spacer region 2). Phylogeographic patterns were compared with those for other freshwater organisms in the area.

3. Deep genetic divergences were found within C. dispar, including four highly divergent (up to 20%) clades. The geographic distribution of each of the clades revealed strong latitudinal structuring along the coast rather than structuring among the islands. The high genetic divergence observed among the C. dispar clades was estimated to have pre‐dated island formation and may represent ancient river drainage patterns.

4. A restricted distribution was observed for the most divergent clade, which was discovered only on two of the sand islands (North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island). Furthermore, strong phylogeographic structuring was observed within this clade on North Stradbroke Island, where no haplotypes were shared between samples from opposite sides of the island. This low connectivity within the island supports the idea that C. dispar rarely disperse terrestrially (i.e. across watersheds).
Freshwater conservation planning: the case for systematic approaches
Authors: LINKE SIMON , TURAK EREN , NEL JEANNE
Published: July 2010

1. We review recent advances in systematic conservation planning in fresh waters. Most modern systematic planning approaches are based on the CARE principles: comprehensiveness, adequacy, representativeness and efficiency. Efficiency is usually provided by a complementarity‐based strategy, aiming to select new conservation areas in the light of previously protected features. These strategies have to be modified to account for the connected nature of rivers.

2. Choice of surrogates for conservation features depends on the scale of the assessment, as well as the available expertise and resources. Ideally, real information about taxa or processes – extrapolated by models – ensures that target features are protected. Where this is not feasible, it is critical that the choice of environmental surrogates is informed by target biota or processes.

3. Setting adequacy targets – the most challenging aspect in planning – needs to be evaluated in a freshwater‐specific context, as species–area relationships and the distribution of diversity differ in dendritic networks. Adequately designed conservation plans also need to consider upstream land use and catchment disturbances. Recent studies have largely addressed longitudinal connectivity either by setting rules to protect adjacent subcatchments (or even the entire catchment upstream), or by considering the magnitude of disturbance upstream of selected planning units. Very few studies have addressed lateral and vertical connectivity in a systematic way.

4. To implement freshwater conservation plans, we recommend adopting a recently proposed hierarchical protection strategy, from ‘freshwater focal areas’ that contain the actual features to be protected to mixed‐use ‘catchment management zones’. Stakeholder involvement is crucial, especially in the large multi‐use areas upstream and in the surrounding catchment.

5. We conclude that conservation planning using CARE principles is the only efficient way forward. This special issue shows significant efforts are under way to adapt freshwater‐specific adequacy, connectivity and implementation issues in conservation planning. However, a more holistic research investment is required to link freshwater, terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
APPLIED ISSUES: Size‐dependent mortality of migratory silver eels at a hydropower plant, and implications for escapement to the sea
Authors: CALLES O. , OLSSON I. C. , COMOGLIO C. , KEMP P. S. , BLUNDEN L. , SCHMITZ M. , GREENBERG L. A.
Published: July 2010

1. The European eel population has decreased drastically during recent decades, and new EU‐legislation calls for measures to change this negative trend. This decline has been attributed to a number of factors, including habitat fragmentation by structural barriers that prevent eels moving between freshwater and the sea. The success of downstream migrating adult silver eels migrating past a hydroelectric plant (HEP) in Sweden was examined by radio‐telemetry, and the results were considered in a historical context by analysing catch data from the river for 1957–2006.

2. The choice of routes and passage success were quantified for three treatment groups and one control group of silver eels. The first treatment, the reservoir group (n = 50), was released into the reservoir upstream of the HEP, and these fish could proceed downstream by passing through the HEP (20 mm rack and turbines) or by entering the spill gates into the former channel, bypassing the HEP. The second treatment group (inside rack, n = 15) was released downstream of the 20‐mm rack and had to pass through the turbines to continue migration to the sea. The third treatment group consisted of dead radio‐tagged eels (n = 6) that were released into the turbines to study the extent of drifting by dead individuals. Finally, the control group (n = 50) was released downstream of the HEP to test for effects of confounding factors.

3. Most live individuals displayed migratory behaviour and continued to proceed downstream after release. Only 8% of the fish released in the reservoir or downstream of the HEP (control) did not migrate. The probability of reaching the next HEP, 24 km further downstream, was high for the control group (96%) and the reservoir‐released individuals that passed the HEP via the spill gates and the former channel (83%). Survival was low and size‐dependent for the individuals that passed the turbines (40%) and even lower for the individuals that had to pass through the rack and the turbines (26%). The overall passage success for eels released in the reservoir was 30%, including both routes.

4. Annual catch data from 1957 to 2006 showed that the number of eels in the River Ätran has decreased. Despite this decrease, escapement biomass has remained unchanged, because of the fact that the mean size of eels has doubled. Passage data from 2007 show that changes in size and abundance have resulted in a reduction of relative escapement to the sea to values that are 21–24% of what they were in 1957–66. However, this low level of escapement could potentially be rectified if appropriate measures facilitating HEP passage are successfully implemented, since the potential escapement biomass in the river, owing to the large size of the eels, has changed little since the 1950s.
APPLIED ISSUES: Exploring the response of functional indicators of stream health to land‐use gradients
Authors: CLAPCOTT JOANNE E. , YOUNG ROGER G. , GOODWIN ERIC O. , LEATHWICK JOHN R.
Published: July 2010

1. Broad‐scale assessment of stream health is often based on correlative relationships between catchment land‐use categories and measurements of stream biota or water chemistry. Few studies have attempted to characterise the response curves that describe how measures of ecosystem function change along gradients of catchment land use, or explored how these responses vary at broad spatial scales.

2. In autumn 2008, we conducted a survey of 84 streams in three bioregions of New Zealand to assess the sensitivity of functional indicators to three land‐use gradients: percentage of native vegetation cover, percentage of impervious cover (IC) and predicted nitrogen (N) concentration. We examined these relationships using general linear models and boosted regression trees to explore monotonic, non‐monotonic and potential threshold components of the response curves.

3. When viewing the responses to individual land‐use gradients, four of five functional indicators were positively correlated with the removal of native vegetation cover and N. In general, weaker and less responsive models were observed for the IC gradient. An analysis of the response to multiple stressors showed δ15N of primary consumers and gross primary productivity (GPP) to be the most responsive functional indicators to land‐use gradients. The multivariate models identified thresholds for change in the relationship between the functional indicators and all three land‐use gradients. Apparent thresholds were <10%IC, between 40 and 80% loss of native vegetation cover and at 0.5 and 3.2 mg L−1 N.

4. The strength of regression models and the nature of the response curves suggest that measures of ecosystem function exhibit predictable relationships with land use. Furthermore, the responses of functional indicators varied little among three bioregions. This information provides a strong argument for the inclusion of functional indicators in a holistic assessment of stream health.
Life cycle complexity, environmental change and the emerging status of salmonid proliferative kidney disease
Authors: OKAMURA BETH , HARTIKAINEN HANNA , SCHMIDT‐POSTHAUS HEIKE , WAHLI THOMAS
Published: July 2010

1. Proliferative kidney disease (PKD) is a disease of salmonid fish caused by the endoparasitic myxozoan, Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, which uses freshwater bryozoans as primary hosts. Clinical PKD is characterised by a temperature‐dependent proliferative and inflammatory response to parasite stages in the kidney.

2. Evidence that PKD is an emerging disease includes outbreaks in new regions, declines in Swiss brown trout populations and the adoption of expensive practices by fish farms to reduce heavy losses. Disease‐related mortality in wild fish populations is almost certainly underestimated because of e.g. oversight, scavenging by wild animals, misdiagnosis and fish stocking.

3. PKD prevalences are spatially and temporally variable, range from 0 to 90–100% and are typically highest in juvenile fish.

4. Laboratory and field studies demonstrate that (i) increasing temperatures enhance disease prevalence, severity and distribution and PKD‐related mortality; (ii) eutrophication may promote outbreaks. Both bryozoans and T. bryosalmonae stages in bryozoans undergo temperature‐ and nutrient‐driven proliferation.

5. Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae is likely to achieve persistent infection of highly clonal bryozoan hosts through vertical transmission, low virulence and host condition‐dependent cycling between covert and overt infections. Exploitation of fish hosts entails massive proliferation and spore production by stages that escape the immune response. Many aspects of the parasite’s life cycle remain obscure. If infectious stages are produced in all hosts then the complex life cycle includes multiple transmission routes.

6. Patterns of disease outbreaks suggest that background, subclinical infections exist under normal environmental conditions. When conditions change, outbreaks may then occur in regions where infection was hitherto unsuspected.

7. Environmental change is likely to cause PKD outbreaks in more northerly regions as warmer temperatures promote disease development, enhance bryozoan biomass and increase spore production, but may also reduce the geographical range of this unique multihost‐parasite system. Coevolutionary dynamics resulting from host–parasite interactions that maximise fitness in previous environments may pose problems for sustainability, particularly in view of extensive declines in salmonid populations and degradation of many freshwater habitats.
Searching for effective indicators of ecosystem function in urban streams: assessing cellulose decomposition potential
Authors: IMBERGER SAMANTHA J. , THOMPSON ROSS M. , GRACE MICHAEL R.
Published: July 2010

1. Urbanisation and landuse changes threaten the ecological integrity of rivers and streams globally. A major challenge in such impacted environments is to develop functional indicators for use by waterway managers. We first reviewed cellulose decomposition potential (CDP) as one such indicator, and here present current understanding and highlight the knowledge gaps which hinder its widespread incorporation into programmes monitoring stream health. In a field study, we also evaluated two differing cellulose materials (Shirley soil burial test material and unbleached calico) and measurement techniques.

2. We also investigated the effects of urbanisation and riparian cover on CDP as a standardised indicator of ecosystem function. Cotton fabrics were deployed in paired open and closed reaches across six stream catchments varying in degree of urbanisation (in south‐eastern Australia). After 7, 14 and 21 days materials were retrieved and their decomposition assessed in conjunction with a number of physicochemical variables.

3. We observed a strong positive relationship between the decomposition of Shirley and calico materials, thus indicating unbleached calico is an effective substitute for Shirley test cloth, which is no longer available.

4. Across sites, CDP was positively correlated with ammonium concentrations and also, to a lesser extent, with filterable reactive phosphorus and sediment silt and clay content/carbon availability. Despite these relationships, cellulose decomposition was not correlated with urbanisation or riparian cover.

5. Cellulose decomposition is a simple, rapid and sensitive functional indicator of water quality and associated anthropogenic landuse changes and is thus a valuable tool for monitoring stream health.
Ser386 phosphorylation of transcription factor IRF‐3 induces dimerization and association with CBP/p300 without overall conformational change
Authors: Takahasi Kiyohiro , Horiuchi Masataka , Fujii Kiyonaga , Nakamura Shingo , Noda Nobuo N , Yoneyama Mitsutoshi , Fujita Takashi , Inagaki Fuyuhiko
Published: July 2010

The transcription factor IRF‐3 is activated by microbial invasions and produces a variety of cytokines including type‐I interferon. Upon microbial infection, IRF‐3 is phosphorylated at its C‐terminal regulatory domain, then oligomerized, translocated into the nucleus, and here it binds to CBP/p300. Although a number of studies have been reported investigating the activation mechanism of IRF‐3, there are a number of unresolved issues, especially on the phosphorylation sites, the oligomerization process and the binding mechanism with CBP/p300. In this report, the phosphorylated IRF‐3 regulatory domain (IRF‐3 RD) was prepared using the kinase IKK‐i, and the active form of phosphorylated IRF‐3 RD was identified. The paper also reports the crystal structure of the active form of the phosphorylated IRF‐3 RD. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of Ser386 was found to be essential for its dimerization and binding with CBP/p300 using mutational analysis and mass spectrometry. Thus, we conclude that the phosphorylation of Ser386 is essential for activation of IRF‐3.
Antarctic echinoids and climate change: a major impact on the brooding forms
Authors: SEWELL MARY A. , HOFMANN GRETCHEN E.
Published: July 2010

Ocean acidification (OA) and the accompanying changes to carbonate concentrations are predicted to have especially negative impacts in the Southern Ocean where, as a result of colder temperatures, there will be shallowing of both the aragonite (ASH) and calcite saturation horizons (CSH). Echinoids are a dominant group of the Antarctic macrofauna which, because of their high‐Mg calcite skeleton, are particularly susceptible to changes in the ASH. Using published information on the bathymetric distributions of Antarctic echinoids, we show that the majority of heavily calcified echinoids have their lower bathymetric limit above a depth of ca. 3000 m, approximately the current depth of the CSH. Echinoids whose depth range extends below 3000 m generally have thin, weakly calcified tests and include species from the Order Holasteroida, and the Families Cidaridae and Schizasteridae. Examination of the reproductive mode of Antarctic echinoids shows that brooding, where calcification of the young occurs in the same CaCO3 environment as the mother, is primarily found at a depth above 3000 m. The predicted shallowing of the ASH and CSH under OA conditions is likely to negatively impact growth and reproduction of heavily calcified brooders in the Family Cidaridae, which may result in changes to bathymetric ranges, local population extinction, and associated losses in macrofaunal biodiversity. As with other calcified deep sea invertebrates, echinoids may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of increased CO2 and OA in the Southern Ocean.
Proliferative, structural and molecular features of the Mdx mouse prostate
Authors: Pinto Leslie C. , Fávaro Wagner J. , Cagnon Valéria H. A.
Published: July 2010

The prostate is fundamental to the male reproductive process, and the stroma–epithelium interaction has an important role in prostate maintenance. Studies suggest that dystroglycan (DG) plays a role in cancer development in various organs. Thus, the aims of this work were to characterize morphological and proliferative features of the prostatic stroma and epithelium of mdx mice; to verify the immunolocalization of the α and β DG, IGF‐1 and laminin α3 receptors; and to relate those structural and molecular events to prostate pathogenesis and to verify the viability of this experimental model in prostate studies. Thirty male mice (mdx and C57BL10/Uni) were divided into control and mdx groups. Samples from the ventral prostate were collected for immunological, Western Blotting, transmission electron microscopy and morphometric analyses. Oestradiol and testosterone measurements were verified. The results showed diminished testosterone and increased oestradiol levels in the mdx group. Atrophied cells and hypertrophied stroma were seen in the mdx mice. Weak α and β DG and laminin α3 immunolocalization was demonstrated in the mdx group. Intense insulin‐like growth factor receptor α‐1 (IGFRα‐1) localization was identified in the mdx animals. Thus, mdx animals showed changes in molecular and structural integrity and proliferation signals, leading to glandular homoeostasis imbalance, and compromise of prostate function. Also, the steroid hormone imbalance and the increased IGF‐1 receptor level detected in mdx mice could be considered as a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of prostatic disorders.
Effects of ultrasound intensities on a glycin–maltose model system – a means of promoting Maillard reaction
Authors: Guan Yong‐Guang , Wang Jun , Yu Shu‐Juan , Xu Xian‐Bing , Zhu Si‐Ming
Published: July 2010

Effects of ultrasound on pH, intermediate products, browning, maltose content, reducing power and antioxidant activity of a glycin–maltose solution were investigated. Results showed that the ultrasonic treatment at the intensity of 17.83 W cm−2 for 100 min resulted in the increases of the solution’s absorbance at 294 and 420 nm and the antioxidant activity from approximately 0% to 1.06%, 0.30% and 22.53%, respectively. At the same time, 86.93% reduction in maltose was observed. In addition, little 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde was found in HPLC analyses. This study indicated that ultrasound, especially at higher intensities, could potentially be employed as a means to promote the Maillard reaction in the glycin–maltose solution.
Do invasive species undergo metapopulation dynamics? A case study of the invasive Caspian gull, Larus cachinnans, in Poland
Authors: Lenda Magdalena , Zagalska‐Neubauer Magdalena , Neubauer Grzegorz , Skórka Piotr
Published: July 2010

Aim  The mechanisms of initial dispersal and habitat occupancy by invasive alien species are fundamental ecological problems. Most tests of metapopulation theory are performed on local population systems that are stable or in decline. In the current study we were interested in the usefulness of metapopulation theory to study patch occupancy, local colonization, extinction and the abundance of the invasive Caspian gull (Larus cachinnans) in its initial invasion stages.

Location  Waterbodies in Poland.

Methods  Characteristics of the habitat patches (waterbodies, 35 in total) occupied by breeding pairs of Caspian gulls and an equal sample of randomly selected unoccupied patches were compared with t‐tests. Based on presence–absence data from 1989 to 2006 we analysed factors affecting the probability of local colonization, extinction and the size of local populations using generalized linear models.

Results  Occupied habitat patches were significantly larger and less isolated (from other habitat patches and other local populations) and were located closer to rivers than empty patches. The proximity of local food resources (fish ponds, refuse dumps) positively affected the occurrence of breeding pairs. The probability of colonization was positively affected by patch area, and negatively by distances to fish ponds, nearest habitat patch, nearest breeding colony and to a river, and by higher forest cover around the patch boundaries. The probability of extinction was lower in patches with a higher number of breeding pairs and with a greater area of islets. The extinction probability increased with distances to other local populations, other habitat patches, fish ponds and to refuse dumps and with a higher cover of forest around the patch boundaries. The size of the local population decreased with distances to the nearest habitat patch, local population, river, fish pond and refuse dump. Local abundance was also positively affected by the area of islets in the patch.

Main conclusions  During the initial stages of the invasion of Caspian gulls in Poland the species underwent metapopulation‐like dynamics with frequent extinctions from colonized habitat patches. The results prove that metapopulation theory may be a useful conceptual framework for predicting which habitats are more vulnerable to invasion.