bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pollen foraging behaviour of solitary Hawaiian bees revealed through molecular pollen analysis
Authors: WILSON ERIN E. , SIDHU C. SHEENA , LeVAN KATHERINE E. , HOLWAY DAVID A. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObtaining quantitative information concerning pollinator behaviour has become a primary objective of pollination studies, but methodological limitations hinder progress towards this goal. Here, we use molecular genetic methods in an ecological context to demonstrate that endemic Hawaiian Hylaeus bees (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) selectively collect pollen from native plant species in Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks. We identified pollen DNA from the crops (internal storage organs) of 21 Hylaeus specimens stored in ethanol for up to 3 years. Genetic analyses reveal high fidelity in pollen foraging despite the availability of pollen from multiple plant species present at each study site. At high elevations in Haleakala, pollen was available from more than 12 species of flowering plants, but Hawaiian silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) comprised 86% of all pollen samples removed from bee crops. At lower elevations in both parks, we only detected pukiawe (Leptecophylla (Styphelia) tameiameiae) pollen in Hylaeus crops despite the presence of other plant species in flower during our study. Furthermore, 100% of Hylaeus crops from which we successfully identified pollen contained native plant pollen. The molecular approaches developed in this study provide species‐level information about floral visitation of Hawaiian Hylaeus that does not require specialized palynological expertise needed for high‐throughput visual pollen identification. Building upon this approach, future studies can thus develop appropriate and customized criteria for assessing mixed pollen loads from a broader range of sources and from other global regions.
Cyclosporin A inhibits hepatitis C virus replication and restores interferon‐alpha expression in hepatocytes
Authors: Liu J.‐P. , Ye L. , Wang X. , Li J.‐L. , Ho W.‐Z. 
Published: October 2010

J.‐P. Liu, L. Ye, X. Wang, J.‐L. Li, W.‐Z. Ho. Cyclosporin A inhibits hepatitis C virus replication and restores interferon‐alpha expression in hepatocytes. Transpl Infect Dis 2011:13:24–32. All rights reservedAbstract:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading indication for liver transplantation and a major cause of graft failure. This study investigated whether cyclosporin A (CsA), a widely used immunosuppressant for organ transplantation, inhibits full cycle HCV replication and restores type I interferon (IFN) signaling pathway in human hepatocytes. CsA treatment of hepatocytes before, during, and after HCV infection significantly inhibited full cycle viral replication, which is evidenced by decreased expression of HCV RNA, protein, and infectious viruses in human hepatocytes. The suppression of HCV replication by CsA was associated with elevated levels of endogenous IFN‐α in infected hepatocytes. Although CsA had little effect on IFN‐α signaling pathway in uninfected hepatocytes, CsA treatment of HCV‐infected hepatocytes specifically upregulated the expression of IFN regulatory factor‐1 and inhibited the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling‐1 and protein inhibitor of activated signal transducers and activators of transcription‐x, the primary negative regulators of IFN signaling pathway. These findings provide additional evidence to support the development of CsA‐based prevention/treatment of HCV infection for transplant recipients.
Medication discontinuity errors in the perioperative period
Authors: VAN WAES J. A. R. , DE GRAAFF J. C. , EGBERTS A. C. G. , VAN KLEI W. A. 
Published: October 2010

Background: Inappropriate withdrawal or continuation of medication in the perioperative period is associated with an increased risk for adverse events. To reduce this risk, it is important that patients take their regular medication as prescribed. We evaluated this treatment objective by studying the frequency and reasons for errors related to medication discontinuity in the perioperative period.Methods: Patients scheduled for non‐cardiac surgery were included in this cross‐sectional study. Perioperative medication intake was assessed at the holding area of the operation theatre complex and on the ward during the first 24 h after surgery. Medication intake data were obtained from medical records and by questioning patients and compared with pre‐operative instructions.Results: The study included 701 patients, of whom 485 (69%) used regular medication. Medication was incorrectly taken or discontinued before surgery in 27% of the patients. In 57% of these patients, the reason for incorrect intake was an unclear or a falsely understood instruction before surgery. Post‐operative medication errors occurred in 26% of the patients.Conclusion: Medication errors occur frequently in the perioperative period, even in the era of an electronic medication file. Errors in prescription, administration and intake of medication are not easily solved because no single health care professional is responsible for adequate intake of medication in surgical patients. The anaesthesiologist should take on a more prominent role in regulating perioperative medication intake in surgical patients.
New pocket echocardiography device is interchangeable with high‐end portable system when performed by experienced examiners
Authors: FREDERIKSEN C. A. , JUHL‐OLSEN P. , LARSEN U. T. , NIELSEN D. G. , EIKA B. , SLOTH E. 
Published: October 2010

Background: Cardiovascular status is a crucial determinant in the pre‐operative assessment of patients for surgery as well as for the handling of patients with acute illness. We hypothesized that focus‐assessed transthoracic echocardiography (FATE) could be performed with the subject in the semi‐recumbent position. The aim was also to test whether the image quality of Vscan is interchangeable with a conventional high‐quality portable echocardiography system. Furthermore, we evaluated the time needed to achieve an interpretable four‐chamber view and to complete a full FATE examination.Methods: Sixty‐one subjects were included. All subjects were examined in accordance with the FATE protocol in the semi‐recumbent position on two different systems: the novel Vscan pocket device and the high‐quality portable Vivid i system. Two evaluations were performed. In group A (n=30), the focus was on image quality. In group B (n=31), the focus was on the time consumed.Results: Group A: All patients (100%) had at least one image suitable for interpretation and no significant difference in image quality (P=0.32) was found between the two different systems. Group B: The mean value for the total time consumed for a full FATE was 69.3 s (59.8–78.8) on the Vscan and 63.7s (56.7–70.8) on the Vivid i, with no significant difference among the scanners (P=0.08).Conclusion: The Vscan displays image quality interchangeable with larger and more expensive systems. The apparatus is well suited for performing a FATE examination in a 1‐day surgery setting and could very well also be applicable in almost any situation involving patients with acute illness.
Non‐invasive monitoring of blood haemoglobin for analysis of fluid volume kinetics
Authors: HAHN R. G. , LI Y. , ZDOLSEK J. 
Published: October 2010

Background: A commercially available pulse oximeter that reports blood haemoglobin (Hb) concentration is evaluated. This study considers whether this device can provide serial Hb data that would be sufficiently reliable for volume kinetic analysis of infusion fluids.Methods: Forty infusions of 5 or 10 ml/kg of acetated Ringer's solution were given over 15 min in 10 healthy volunteers. Hb was measured on 17 different occasions over 120 min using the Radical 7 pulse oximeter and compared with the result of invasive blood sampling (control). A one‐volume kinetic model was applied to each data series. The pulse oximeter also reported the perfusion index (PI).Results: The median deviation between the 680 invasive and non‐invasive Hb samples (the accuracy) was 1.6% and the absolute median deviation (precision) was 4.6%. Between‐subject factors explained half of the variation in the difference between non‐invasive vs. invasive sampling.Ten of the 40 non‐invasive series of Hb values were discarded from kinetic analysis due to poor quality. The remaining 30 series showed a smaller distribution volume for the infused fluid when kinetic analysis was based on the non‐invasive method (3.0 vs. 5.3 l; P<0.001). This was due to co‐variance with the PI, which exaggerated the decrease in Hb caused by the infusions. The non‐invasive method might provide useful kinetic data at the group level, but individual curves deviated too much from the invasive data to be reliable.Conclusions: Non‐invasive measurement of the Hb concentration during volume loading could not provide useful kinetic data for individuals.
Parallel divergence in mate guarding behaviour following colonization of a novel habitat
Authors: KARLSSON K. , EROUKHMANOFF F. , HÄRDLING R. , SVENSSON E. I. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractEcological factors can have profound effects on mating system and mating behaviour. We investigated the effect of altered ecological conditions, following colonization of a novel habitat, on precopulatory mate guarding in a freshwater isopod (Asellus aquaticus). This isopod occurs in two different ecotypes, which coexist within several different lakes in Sweden but which utilize different habitats. These ecotypes have rapidly (ca. 40 generations) diverged in parallel among lakes in several phenotypic characters, presumably as a response to different predatory pressures. Here, we demonstrate that also mate guarding characteristics have diverged in parallel between the ecotypes in different lakes. This is one of the few studies reporting parallel evolution of mating behaviour. Furthermore, our results also indicate a potential sexual conflict, as the length of mate guarding appears to lower components of female fitness. We discuss how novel environments might have strong and rapid effects on mate guarding dynamics and mating behaviour.
Genotype‐by‐environment interactions for female preference
Authors: NARRAWAY C. , HUNT J. , WEDELL N. , HOSKEN D. J. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractSexual selection is responsible for many of the most spectacular displays in nature, and female preference for certain males is central to much of this. However, female preference is relatively poorly understood, particularly the relative importance of a female’s genes, the environment and their interaction on her preference. We investigated preference in a no‐choice design using Drosophila melanogaster iso‐female lines and find that there are genotype‐by‐environment interactions for female preference. Whereas the choosiness of some female genotypes differed little across environments, that of others differed greatly, so that the choosiness rank of females in one environment did not necessarily predict their rank in another. Furthermore, the genetic variance underlying preference also varied across environments. These findings have important consequences for the evolution of female preference and the male sexual traits preference targets.
Role of epibenthic resource opportunities in the parallel evolution of lake whitefish species pairs (Coregonus sp.)
Authors: LANDRY L. , BERNATCHEZ L. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractParallel evolution of a dwarf and normal whitefish has been documented in six post‐glacial lakes. Here, we relate the structure and seasonal variations of the epibenthic invertebrate communities to the extent of phenotypic differentiation in these species pairs. The highest phenotypic differentiation occurs in lakes characterized by less overlap in size distribution between limnetic and epibenthic prey which could represent enhanced ecological opportunities for trophic specialization and adaptive divergence. Differences in community assemblages and seasonal variation of biotic and abiotic conditions may also play a role. Accumulating evidence indicates that strong directional selection acting on dwarf whitefish may be more important than divergent selection acting on both sympatric forms in driving whitefish phenotypic divergence and ultimately, ecological speciation. Along with Landry et al. (2007), this study supports the general hypothesis that parallelism in divergence among sympatric dwarf and normal whitefish is associated with parallelism in limnological adaptive landscape.
Birth–death symmetry in the evolution of a social trait
Authors: TAYLOR P. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractStudies of the evolution of a social trait often make ecological assumptions (of population structure, life history), and thus a trait can be studied many different times with different assumptions. Here, I consider a Moran model of continuous reproduction and use an inclusive fitness analysis to investigate the relationships between fecundity or survival selection and birth–death (BD) or death–birth (DB) demography on the evolution of a social trait. A simple symmetry obtains: fecundity (respectively survival) effects under BD behave the same as survival (respectively fecundity) effects under DB. When these results are specialized to a homogeneous population, greatly simplified conditions for a positive inclusive fitness effect are obtained in both a finite and an infinite population. The results are established using the elegant formalism of mathematical group theory and are illustrated with an example of a finite population arranged in a cycle with asymmetric offspring dispersal.
Domestic chickens defy Rensch’s rule: sexual size dimorphism in chicken breeds
Authors: REMEŠ V. , SZÉKELY T. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractSexual size dimorphism (SSD), i.e. the difference in sizes of males and females, is a key evolutionary feature that is related to ecology, behaviour and life histories of organisms. Although the basic patterns of SSD are well documented for several major taxa, the processes generating SSD are poorly understood. Domesticated animals offer excellent opportunities for testing predictions of functional explanations of SSD theory because domestic stocks were often selected by humans for particular desirable traits. Here, we analyse SSD in 139 breeds of domestic chickens Gallus gallus domesticus and compare them to their wild relatives (pheasants, partridges and grouse; Phasianidae, 53 species). SSD was male‐biased in all chicken breeds, because males were 21.5 ± 0.55% (mean ± SE) heavier than females. The extent of SSD did not differ among breed categories (cock fighting, ornamental and breeds selected for egg and meat production). SSD of chicken breeds was not different from wild pheasants and allies (23.5 ± 3.43%), although the wild ancestor of chickens, the red jungle fowl G. gallus, had more extreme SSD (male 68.8% heavier) than any domesticated breed. Male mass and female mass exhibited positive allometry among pheasants and allies, consistently with the Rensch’s rule reported from various taxa. However, body mass scaled isometrically across chicken breeds. The latter results suggest that sex‐specific selection on males vs. females is necessary to generate positive allometry, i.e. the Rensch’s rule, in wild populations.
Phenotypically plastic traits regulate caste formation and soldier function in polyembryonic wasps
Authors: SMITH M. S. , MILTON I. , STRAND M. R. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPolyembryonic encyrtid wasps are parasitoids that have evolved a clonal form of embryogenesis and a caste system where some progeny become reproducing wasps whereas others develop into a sterile soldier caste. Theory based on the biology of Copidosoma floridanum predicts that the primary role of soldier larvae is to mediate conflict over sex ratio, which also favours female‐biased soldier production. Other data, however, suggest that female‐biased soldier production reflects a developmental constraint. Here, we assessed whether female‐biased soldier function by polyembryonic wasps reflects sex‐specific adaptation or constraint by conducting comparative studies with Copidosoma bakeri, a species that produces clutch sizes similar to C. floridanum yet rarely produces broods associated with sex ratio conflict. Our results indicate that the oviposition behaviour of adults, development of progeny and function of soldier larvae differ greatly between C. bakeri and C. floridanum. These findings indicate that caste formation and soldier function in polyembryonic encyrtid wasps are regulated by phenotypically plastic traits. Our results further suggest that the primary function of the soldier caste in some species is defence of host resources from competitors whereas in others it is the resolution of sex ratio conflict.
Child nutrition and lower respiratory tract disease burden in New Zealand: A global context for a national perspective
Authors: Grant Cameron C , Wall Clare R , Gibbons Megan J , Morton Susan M , Santosham Mathuram , Black Robert E 
Published: October 2010

Aim:  To consider the contribution of malnutrition to acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) disease burden in children <5 years old in New Zealand (NZ).Methods:  The contribution of maternal and child malnutrition to ALRI disease burden in early childhood globally was described. A literature review was conducted to describe the nutritional status and ALRI disease burden of NZ children <5 years old.Results:  The four key nutritional risk factors for ALRI disease burden globally are macronutrient undernutrition, low birthweight, zinc deficiency and suboptimal breastfeeding. In addition, maternal nutritional status and vitamin D deficiency are potentially important nutritional determinants of ALRI disease burden. Relative to other developed countries, NZ has a large ALRI disease burden in pre‐school‐aged children. Pneumonia and bronchiolitis hospitalisation rates are two to four times greater than other developed countries. The ALRI disease burden varies with ethnicity, being highest in Pacific, intermediate in Maori and lowest in European children. Three of the four key nutritional risk factors for global ALRI disease burden – low birthweight, zinc deficiency and suboptimal breastfeeding – are potential contributors to ALRI disease burden in NZ. In addition to these factors, vitamin D deficiency during early childhood and maternal vitamin D deficiency are also potentially important particularly with respect to the larger disease burden in Pacific and Maori children.Conclusion:  The contribution of malnutrition to ALRI disease burden in NZ requires greater clarification. Such clarification is necessary to inform the development of nutritional policy, which seeks to improve early child health.
Drawing attention to difference: Dilemmas in discussing dysmorphism with parents
Authors: White Susan M , Hodgson Jan 
Published: October 2010

AbstractDysmorphism is a sensitive topic to discuss with parents. Discussing dysmorphism requires careful thought, awareness of parent reactions, practice and reflection. Clinical practice suggests that barriers exist for both parents and health professionals, which make these discussions challenging. Here, we explored the challenges inherent in dialogue about dysmorphism and offer suggestions for communication strategies that are grounded in both theory and practice.
A case of ant anaphylaxis
Authors: Mehr Sam , Brown Simon 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA four‐year‐old girl developed anaphylaxis following ant stings at her parent's property in country New South Wales. The offending insect was identified by an entomologist as the green head ant. Ant sting anaphylactic reactions in Australia, the importance of identifying the offending insect following sting anaphylaxis and the signs of insect sting anaphylaxis are further discussed.
Urinary sulfated bile acid analysis for the early detection of biliary atresia in infants
Authors: Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Muraji Toshihiro , Obatake Masayuki , Nio Masaki , Ito Kiichi , Suzuki Ken , Ota Kunitaka , Maisawa Shunichi , Yamashiro Yuichiro , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackground:  Measurement of urinary sulfated bile acid (USBA) is a non‐invasive method to detect bile congestion. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of USBA analysis for the early detection of biliary atresia (BA).Methods:  We determined the USBA‐to‐creatinine ratio (USBA/cr) in 1148 infants at 10–40 days after birth. All infants were followed until the 3‐ to 4‐month postnatal routine health check. The cutoff value for USBA/cr was 55.0 µmol/g creatinine.Results:  Among the infants tested, 47 (4.10%) had USBA/cr ratios that exceeded the cutoff value. Two of these 47 infants had liver disease; one was diagnosed with neonatal hepatitis syndrome, and the other was diagnosed with BA. The BA patient underwent USBA analysis for the first time on day 18 after birth and hepatoportoenterostomy on day 49. No other infants were diagnosed with hepatobiliary disease during the follow‐up period.Conclusion:  This USBA analysis provided the correct assessment without fail and identified a case of BA. This approach could be used for the screening and early detection of BA when the false‐positive rate is decreased by improving the methods for sample collection and urine storage.
Kinetics of acetylcholine quanta release at the neuromuscular junction during high‐frequency nerve stimulation
Authors: Kovyazina Irina V. , Tsentsevitsky Andrei N. , Nikolsky Evgeny E. , Bukharaeva Ellya A. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe effects of high‐frequency nerve stimulation (10–100 Hz) on the kinetics of evoked acetylcholine quanta secretion from frog motor nerve endings were studied. The amplitude and temporal parameters of uni‐ and multiquantal endplate currents were analysed to estimate the possible changes in the degree of synchrony of quantal release. The frog neuromuscular synapse is unusually long and we have placed special emphasis on evaluating the velocity of propagation of excitation along the nonmyelinated nerve ending as this might influence the synchrony of release from the whole terminal and hence affect the time course of postsynaptic currents. The data show that high‐frequency firing leads to the desynchronization of acetylcholine release from motor nerve endings governed by at least two independent factors, namely a reduction of nerve pulse propagation velocity in the nonmyelinated parts of the axon and a change of secretion kinetics at single active zones. A computer reconstruction of the multiquantal synaptic response was performed to estimate any contribution of each of the above factors to the total rate of release and amplitude and time characteristics of the endplate currents. The results indicate that modification of the kinetics of neurotransmitter quanta release during high‐frequency firing should be taken into account when mechanisms underlying the plasticity of chemical synapses are under investigation.