bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of local ecology during hybridization at the initial stages of ecological speciation in a marine snail
Authors: Galindo J. , Martínez‐Fernández M. , Rodríguez‐Ramilo S. T. , Rolán‐Alvarez E. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHybrid zones of ecologically divergent populations are ideal systems to study the interaction between natural selection and gene flow during the initial stages of speciation. Here, we perform an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genome scan in parallel hybrid zones between divergent ecotypes of the marine snailLittorina saxatilis, which is considered a model case for the study of ecological speciation. Ridged‐Banded (RB) and Smooth‐Unbanded (SU) ecotypes are adapted to different shore levels and microhabitats, although they present a sympatric distribution at the mid‐shore where they meet and mate (partially assortatively). We used shell morphology, outlier and nonoutlierAFLPloci fromRB,SUand hybrid specimens captured in sympatry to determine the level of phenotypic and genetic introgression. We found different levels of introgression at parallel hybrid zones and nonoutlier loci showed more gene flow with greater phenotypic introgression. These results were independent from the phylogeography of the studied populations, but not from the local ecological conditions. Genetic variation at outlier loci was highly correlated with phenotypic variation. In addition, we used the relationship between genetic and phenotypic variation to estimate the heritability of morphological traits and to identify potential Quantitative Trait Loci to be confirmed in future crosses. These results suggest that ecology (exogenous selection) plays an important role in this hybrid zone. Thus, ecologically based divergent natural selection is responsible, simultaneously, for both ecotype divergence and hybridization. On the other hand, genetic introgression occurs only at neutral loci (nonoutliers). In the future, genome‐wide studies and controlled crosses would give more valuable information about this process of speciation in the face of gene flow.
Genotype‐by‐genotype specificity remains robust to average temperature variation in an aphid/endosymbiont/parasitoid system
Authors: Cayetano L. , Vorburger C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractGenotype‐by‐genotype interactions demonstrate the existence of variation upon which selection acts in host–parasite systems at respective resistance and infection loci. These interactions can potentially be modified by environmental factors, which would entail that different genotypes are selected under different environmental conditions. In the current study, we checked for a G × G × E interaction in the context of average temperature and the genotypes of asexual lines of the endoparasitoid wasp Lysiphlebus fabarum and isolates of Hamiltonella defensa, a protective secondary endosymbiont of the wasp's host, the black bean aphid Aphis fabae. We exposed genetically identical aphids harbouring different isolates of H. defensa to three asexual lines of the parasitoid and measured parasitism success under three different temperatures (15, 22 and 29 °C). Although there was clear evidence for increased susceptibility to parasitoids at the highest average temperature and a strong G × G interaction between the host's symbionts and the parasitoids, no modifying effect of temperature, that is, no significant G × G × E interaction, was detected. This robustness of the observed specificity suggests that the relative fitness of different parasitoid genotypes on hosts protected by particular symbionts remains uncomplicated by spatial or temporal variation in temperature, which should facilitate biological control strategies.
Colour‐variable birds have broader ranges, wider niches and are less likely to be threatened
Authors: Delhey K. , Smith J. , Peters A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractColoration fulfils a variety of adaptive functions in animals. Colour variability, both between and within species, can be caused by different colours being favoured for different functions and in different environments. Thus, species with highly variable coloration may have greater potential to persist in new and changing environments. As a consequence, such colour‐variable species may be more able to adapt, colonize new areas and niches, occupy larger ranges, speciate more readily and in general be less vulnerable to environmental change and extinction. These predictions have been supported by comparative analyses on amphibians and reptiles. However, as coloration in ectotherms plays a key role in thermoregulation, it is unclear whether these results can be generalized to endotherms, such as birds and mammals. Here, we test the hypothesis that more colour‐variable endotherms occupy larger ranges/niches and are less vulnerable to the threat of extinction by focussing on colour variation in Australian parrots and passerine birds. As predicted, colour variability was correlated with range size (parrots and passerines) and niche breadth (dietary heterogeneity, parrots only). These relationships support the predicted link between colour variability and adaptability, whereby range size and niche breadth may be a cause of colour variability or vice versa. Irrespective, and as predicted, colour variability was lower in threatened species, even after statistically controlling for other confounding variables. Hence, our study supports the hypothesis that colour‐variable species in general are more resilient to environmental change.
The evolution of queen pheromones in the ant genus Lasius
Authors: Holman L. , Lanfear R. , d'Ettorre P. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractQueen pheromones are among the most important chemical messages regulating insect societies yet they remain largely undiscovered, hindering research into interesting proximate and ultimate questions. Identifying queen pheromones in multiple species would give new insight into the selective pressures and evolutionary constraints acting on these ubiquitous signals. Here, we present experimental and comparative evidence that 3‐methylalkanes, hydrocarbons present on the queen's cuticle, are a queen pheromone throughout the ant genus Lasius. Interspecific variation in the chemical profile is consistent with 3‐methylalkanes evolving more slowly than other types of hydrocarbons, perhaps due to differential selection or evolutionary constraints. We argue that the sensory ecology of the worker response imposes strong stabilizing selection on queen pheromones relative to other hydrocarbons. 3‐Methylalkanes are also strongly physiologically and genetically coupled with fecundity in at least one Lasius species, which may translate into evolutionary constraints. Our results highlight how honest signalling could minimize evolutionary conflict over reproduction, promoting the evolution and maintenance of eusociality.
Design and Methodology of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Whelan Brendan J. , Savva George M. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo provide comprehensive data on older people in Ireland and new insights into the causal processes underlying the aging transformation.DesignThe Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) is a population‐representative prospective cohort study with baseline assessment conducted between October 2009 and Febraury 2011 and follow‐up waves planned every 2 years. Participants were sampled in geographic clusters, with each member of the Irish population aged 50 and older having an equal probability of being invited to participate in the study.SettingCommunity‐living population of the Republic of Ireland aged 50 and older.ParticipantsEight thousand one hundred seventy‐five participants aged 50 and older at time of interview participated in the study, along with 329 spouses or partners younger than 50.MeasurementsThe Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing includes detailed assessments of the mental and physical health and social and financial circumstances of participants, which are assessed in a home interview, a self‐completion questionnaire, and a detailed health assessment that takes place at a dedicated health center or in the respondent's home.ResultsThe response rate was 62.0%, with response rate varying according to educational attainment. Data from the first wave of data collection are available for researchers at the Irish Social Sciences Data Archive.ConclusionThe Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing provides an opportunity to study the interactions between the health and social and economic circumstances of the older population in a nationally representative sample.
Students entering internship show readiness in the nutrition care process
Authors: Baker S. D. , Cotugna N. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe British Dietetic Association and the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations are developing an international model for dietetics practice as an aid in providing evidence‐based practice. In the USA, undergraduate programmes are mandated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) to incorporate the nutrition care process (NCP) into the curriculum so that students can use the process during their dietetic internship and later practice. The present study aimed to assess interns’ readiness in the NCP prior to beginning a dietetic internship.MethodsBefore starting the internship, the 40 interns in the 2009–2010 class of a university‐based internship were sent an e‐mail requesting they complete an online survey. Questions inquired about their NCP background with respect to: academic preparation, work or volunteer experiences, knowledge and confidence in ability to apply the NCP. Survey results were analysed with SPSS statistical software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).ResultsThe 39 interns completing the survey indicated they had prior exposure to the NCP. All but one reported that their academic coursework covered the NCP. Approximately half of the interns worked or volunteered in settings that used the NCP. Overall, students correctly answered most of the questions assessing their basic knowledge in the NCP. Thirty‐seven of the 39 interns had some confidence or felt confident in their ability to apply the NCP during internship rotations.ConclusionsThis distance internship attracts students from all over the USA, and so the findings of the present study shed light on current undergraduate preparation in the NCP.
The Biophysical Performance of Argentina (1970–2009)
Authors: Manrique Pedro Luis Perez , Brun Julien , González‐Martínez Ana Citlalic , Walter Mariana , Martínez‐Alier Joan 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe biophysical features of the Argentinean economy are examined using a social metabolism approach. A material flow analysis (MFA) for this economy was conducted for the period 1970–2009. Results show that Argentina follows a resource‐intensive and export‐oriented development model with a persistent physical trade deficit. Also, Argentina's terms of trade (the average weight in tonnes of imports that can be purchased through the sale of 1 tonne of exports) show a declining trend in the period of study.Argentina's economy shows a pattern typical of countries whose economies are based primarily on exports. Comparisons between Argentina's metabolic profile and the metabolic profile of other countries in Latin America and of Australia and Spain show that the Argentinean economy presents the same pattern as other Latin American exporting economies, and its terms of trade are opposite to those of industrialized economies.
Transactional Process of African American Adolescents’ Family Conflict and Violent Behavior
Authors: Choe Daniel Ewon , Zimmerman Marc A. 
Published: May 2013

This is the first longitudinal study of urban African American adolescents that has examined bidirectional effects between their family conflict and violent behavior across all of high school. Structured interviews were administered to 681 students each year in high school at ages 15, 16, 17, and 18 years. We used structural equation modeling to test a transactional model and found bidirectional effects between family conflict and violent behavior across the middle years of high school, while accounting for sex and socioeconomic status. Findings suggest a reciprocal process involving interpersonal conflict in African American families and adolescent engagement in youth violence.
Influence of the formulation on the maximum tolerated doses of brain targeted nanoparticles of gallic acid by oral administration in Wistar rats
Authors: Nagpal Kalpana , Singh Shailendra Kumar , Mishra Dinanath 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of the present investigation was to study the effect of pure gallic acid (GA) and its Tween 80 coated chitosan nanoparticles (cGANP) on the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) using Wistar rats.

Methods
The animals were administered with increasing doses (dose increasing rate = 10%) of GA and cGANP orally for 28 consecutive days until the MTD was found. The animals were monitored for bodyweight, weight indices, behavioural, biochemical and histopathological changes.

Key findings
The MTD was found to be 750 mg/kg for GA and was increased to 825 mg/kg for cGANP, which indicated a significantly greater tolerance of cGANP. Slight behavioural and biochemical changes were observed above the MTD. At the MTD no significant behavioural, biochemical, histopathological changes were observed.

Conclusions
The brain targeted nanoparticles displayed considerable improvement in the tolerance profile of the drug as compared with the free drug.
Arterial blood gas parameters in pet rabbits anaesthetized using a combination of fentanyl‐fluanisone‐midazolam‐isoflurane
Authors: Benato L. , Chesnel M. , Eatwell K. , Meredith A. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesBlood gas analysis is a well‐recognized method to monitor pulmonary function, blood oxygenation, ventilation and acid–base status during general anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to report blood gas analysis results in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) obtained during general anaesthesia using a portable clinical analyser.MethodsThirty‐two rabbits were premedicated with 0·2 mL/kg fentanyl and fluanisone. Anaesthesia was induced with 0·2 mg/kg midazolam and maintained with 2% isoflurane in oxygen via endotracheal tube. Arterial blood samples were taken from the central ear artery 10 minutes after induction of anaesthesia.ResultsRespiratory acidaemia was observed during anaesthesia. Mean ±sd (range) arterial blood pH was 7·33 ±0·08 (7·15 to 7·48). PaCO2 and PaO2 were, respectively, 55·02 ±10·5 (37·7 to 92·1) mmHg and 370·0 ±120·5 (67 to 561) mmHg. Base excess was 2·8 ±3·6 (−3 to 11) mmol/L, HCO3 was 28·73 ±3·07 (23·7 to 35·4) mmol/L and TCO2 was 30·4 ±3·2 (25 to 37) mmol/L. None of the rabbits developed haematoma during arterial blood collection or ischaemia of the pinna during the hospitalization period.Clinical SignificanceArterial blood gas analysis is a safe and easy to perform diagnostic technique that can contribute to improved safety of rabbit anaesthesia, by providing information on the respiratory and metabolic status of the patient.
A Comprehensive Pathological Survey of Duodenal Biopsies from Dogs with Diet‐Responsive Chronic Enteropathy
Authors: Walker D. , Knuchel‐Takano A. , McCutchan A. , Chang Y‐M. , Downes C. , Miller S. , Stevens K. , Verheyen K. , Phillips A.D. , Miah S. , Turmaine M. , Hibbert A. , Steiner J.M. , Suchodolski J.S. , Mohan K. , Eastwood J. , Allenspach K. , Smith K. , Garden O.A. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundThe detailed pathological phenotype of diet‐responsive chronic enteropathy (CE) and its modulation with dietary therapy remain poorly characterized.Hypothesis/ObjectivesKey mucosal lesions of diet‐responsiveCEresolve with dietary therapy.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study of 20 dogs with diet‐responsiveCE. Endoscopic duodenal biopsies collected before and 6 weeks after the start of a dietary trial were assessed by means of qualitative and quantitative histopathological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural criteria. Control duodenal biopsies were obtained from 10 healthy Beagle dogs on 1 occasion.ResultsCompared with control dogs, theCEdogs had higher villus stunting scores and higher overallWSAVAscores, a lower villus height‐to‐width ratio, and higher lamina propria density of eosinophils. TheCEdogs also had ultrastructural lesions of the mitochondria and brush border. In common with other studies in which the disease and control populations are not matched for breed, age, sex, and environment, these comparisons should be interpreted with caution. Comparing biopsies collected at presentation and 6 weeks after starting the dietary trial, mean lamina propria mononuclear cell score and lamina propria densities of eosinophils and mononuclear cells decreased. Dietary therapy also improved ultrastructural lesions of the mitochondria and brush border, eliciting a decrease in intermicrovillar space and an increase in microvillus height.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIn dogs with diet‐responsiveCE, the remission of clinical signs with dietary therapy is associated with subtle decreases in lamina propria density of eosinophils and mononuclear cells, and resolution of ultrastructural lesions of the enterocyte.
Phase I Clinical Trial of Vinorelbine in Tumor‐Bearing Cats
Authors: Pierro J.A , Mallett C.L. , Saba C.F. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundVinorelbine (VRL) has been investigated in dogs, but its use in cats has not been studied.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) and dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) of VRL in tumor‐bearing cats.AnimalsCats were included in this prospective phase I trial if they had confirmed malignancy, received ≥1 VRL treatment, and had adequate follow‐up. Previous treatment was acceptable, but concurrent chemotherapy or radiotherapy was not permitted.MethodsUsing a modified phase I design, cats were enrolled in cohorts of 3 at a starting dosage of 9 mg/m2. Cats tolerating the first treatment well were eligible to receive additional VRL treatments at escalating dosages; escalations beyond the perceived MTD were permitted based on individual tolerance. Intended treatment interval was 7 days. Patient histories, physical examinations, and complete blood counts were performed weekly.ResultsNineteen cats were included. Sixty‐one VRL treatments were administered. Median number of treatments was 2 (range, 1–9). Starting dosages were 9–12 mg/m2. Maximal dosage administered was 15.5 mg/m2. The MTD was 11.5 mg/m2. Acute DLTs were neutropenia, vomiting, and nephrotoxicity. Other notable toxicities were weight loss and anemia.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceVinorelbine is tolerated in cats at a weekly interval. Recommended starting dosage is 11.5 mg/m2. Neutropenia was transient, lasting <7 days; vomiting was self‐limiting in most cases. Although VRL‐associated nephrotoxicity has not been reported, potential attribution of this toxicity to VRL must not be discounted. Further investigation of the efficacy of VRL in feline malignancies is warranted.
Effect of body weight on the pharmacokinetics of flunixin meglumine in miniature horses and quarter horses
Authors: Lee C. D. , Maxwell L. K. 
Published: May 2013

In most species, large variations in body size necessitate dose adjustments based on an allometric function of body weight. Despite the substantial disparity in body size between miniature horses and light‐breed horses, there are no studies investigating appropriate dosing of any veterinary drug in miniature horses. The purpose of this study was to determine whether miniature horses should receive a different dosage of flunixin meglumine than that used typically in light‐breed horses. A standard dose of flunixin meglumine was administered intravenously to eight horses of each breed, and three‐compartmental analysis was used to compare pharmacokinetic parameters between breed groups. The total body clearance of flunixin was 0.97 ± 0.30 mL/min/kg in miniature horses and 1.04 ± 0.27 mL/min/kg in quarter horses. There were no significant differences between miniature horses and quarter horses in total body clearance, the terminal elimination rate, area under the plasma concentration versus time curve, apparent volume of distribution at steady‐state or the volume of the central compartment for flunixin (P > 0.05). Therefore, flunixin meglumine may be administered to miniature horses at the same dosage as is used in light‐breed horses.
Axonal expression of sodium channels and neuropathology of the plaques in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bouafia Adel , Golmard Jean‐Louis , Thuries Valerie , Sazdovitch Veronique , Hauw Jean Jacques , Fontaine Betrand , Seilhean Danielle 
Published: May 2013

AimsAlthough demyelination is an important cause of neurological deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS), recently axonal pathology and concomitant involvement of sodium channels (Nav) became a focus of major interest. Studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and MS have shown diffuse expression of Nav1.6 and Nav1.2 along demyelinated axons. However, the relation between this expression by the axon and its environment is not yet known. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify the neuropathological characteristics of the plaque associated with the changes of sodium channel axonal expression.MethodsWe analysed by immunohistochemistry the expression of Nav1.6 and Nav1.2 along demyelinated axons in 64 plaques from 12 MS cases. To characterize the plaques, we used Luxol fast blue staining and immunohistochemistry for myelin basic protein, microglia/macrophages, T and B cells, reactive astrocytes and axonal lesions performed on sections of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue.ResultsThe presence of diffuse axonal expression of Nav1.6 was equally distributed between active demyelinating and inactive not demyelinating plaques based on presence or absence of myelin laden macrophages respectively. However, presence of diffuse axonal expression of Nav1.6 was more frequent within plaques with T cells infiltrate and microglial hyperplasia. On the other hand, Nav1.2 diffuse axonal expression seemed to be independent of the neuropathological environment of the plaque.ConclusionsThe cellular environment of the axon influences the differential expression of Nav channels. A better understanding of the influence of the inflammation on sodium channels mediated axonal degeneration could offer therapeutic perspectives.
A Comparison of Steep and Shallow Needle Trajectories in Blind Axillary Vein Puncture
Authors: JIANG MENG , GONG XIN‐RONG , ZHOU SHENG‐HENG , PU JUN , MAO JIA‐LIANG , HE BEN 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundPreviously developed techniques for pacemaker lead introduction usually require some form of image guidance to facilitate the axillary vein puncture process. The existing blind vein puncture methods have not gained widespread acceptance. We aimed to investigate whether our blind vein puncture approach is effective and safe.MethodsWe compared the patient characteristics and clinical outcomes of 600 consecutive patients who underwent different blind axillary vein puncture procedures. In group I, a steep needle puncture method was used, whereas in group II a shallow needle puncture technique was used.ResultsThe shallow needle puncture method was associated with a higher success rate than the steep needle puncture method (94% vs 54%, P < 0.00001). The shallow needle puncture method was also associated with a much shorter puncture and lead insertion time (7 ± 2 minutes vs 10 ± 3 minutes, P = 0.02).ConclusionOur shallow needle puncture technique does not require any extra equipment. In addition, this method is effective and safe and may be used as the initial attempt for venous access during pacemaker implantation.