bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring symbiont management in lichens
Authors: GRUBE MARTIN , SPRIBILLE TOBY 
Published: June 2012

Lichens are unique among fungal symbioses in that their mycelial structures are compact and exposed to the light as thallus structures. The myriad intersections of unique fungal species with photosynthetic partner organisms (green algae in 90% of lichens) produce a wide variety of diverse shapes and colours of the fully synthesized lichen thallus when growing in nature. This characteristic complex morphology is, however, not achieved in the fungal axenic state. Even under ideal environmental conditions, the lichen life cycle faces considerable odds: first, meiotic spores are only produced on well‐established thalli and often only after achieving considerable age in a stable environment, and second, even then in vivo resynthesis requires the presence of compatible algal strains where fungal spores germinate. Many lichen species have evolved a way around the resynthesis bottleneck by producing asexual propagules for joint propagation of symbionts. These different dispersal strategies ostensibly shape the population genetic structure of lichen symbioses, but the relative contributions of vertical (joint) and horizontal (independent) symbiont transmission have long eluded lichen evolutionary biologists. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Dal Grande et al. (2012) close in on this question with the lung lichen, Lobaria pulmonaria, a flagship species in the conservation of old growth forests. By capitalizing on available microsatellite markers for both fungal and algal symbionts, they show that while vertical transmission is the predominant mode of reproduction, horizontal transmission is demonstrable and actively shapes population genetic structure. The resulting mixed propagation system is a highly successful balance of safe recruitment of symbiotic clones and endless possibilities for fungal recombination and symbiont shuffling.
Adaptation of Drosophila to a novel laboratory environment reveals temporally heterogeneous trajectories of selected alleles
Authors: OROZCO‐terWENGEL PABLO , KAPUN MARTIN , NOLTE VIOLA , KOFLER ROBERT , FLATT THOMAS , SCHLÖTTERER CHRISTIAN 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe genomic basis of adaptation to novel environments is a fundamental problem in evolutionary biology that has gained additional importance in the light of the recent global change discussion. Here, we combined laboratory natural selection (experimental evolution) in Drosophila melanogaster with genome‐wide next generation sequencing of DNA pools (Pool‐Seq) to identify alleles that are favourable in a novel laboratory environment and traced their trajectories during the adaptive process. Already after 15 generations, we identified a pronounced genomic response to selection, with almost 5000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; genome‐wide false discovery rates < 0.005%) deviating from neutral expectation. Importantly, the evolutionary trajectories of the selected alleles were heterogeneous, with the alleles falling into two distinct classes: (i) alleles that continuously rise in frequency; and (ii) alleles that at first increase rapidly but whose frequencies then reach a plateau. Our data thus suggest that the genomic response to selection can involve a large number of selected SNPs that show unexpectedly complex evolutionary trajectories, possibly due to nonadditive effects.
Midday stomatal conductance is more related to stem rather than leaf water status in subtropical deciduous and evergreen broadleaf trees
Authors: ZHANG YONG‐JIANG , MEINZER FREDERICK C. , QI JIN‐HUA , GOLDSTEIN GUILLERMO , CAO KUN‐FANG 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTMidday depressions in stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthesis are common in plants. The aim of this study was to understand the hydraulic determinants of midday gs, the coordination between leaf and stem hydraulics and whether regulation of midday gs differed between deciduous and evergreen broadleaf tree species in a subtropical cloud forest of Southwest (SW) China. We investigated leaf and stem hydraulics, midday leaf and stem water potentials, as well as midday gs of co‐occurring deciduous and evergreen tree species. Midday gs was correlated positively with midday stem water potential across both groups of species, but not with midday leaf water potential. Species with higher stem hydraulic conductivity and greater daily reliance on stem hydraulic capacitance were able to maintain higher stem water potential and higher gs at midday. Deciduous species exhibited significantly higher stem hydraulic conductivity, greater reliance on stem capacitance, higher stem water potential and gs at midday than evergreen species. Our results suggest that midday gs is more associated with midday stem than with leaf water status, and that the functional significance of stomatal regulation in these broadleaf tree species is probably for preventing stem xylem dysfunction.
Production of mud‐grade carbonates by marine fish: Crystalline products and their sedimentary significance
Authors: SALTER MICHAEL A. , PERRY CHRISTOPHER T. , WILSON ROD W. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractRecent work has established that marine teleost (bony) fish represent a prolific source of mud grade, mainly high‐Mg calcite, carbonate sediment by means of primary precipitation within the intestine. Previously documented crystalline products display a diverse array of morphologies, many unique in shallow tropical marine settings, and have a wide range of magnesium contents (from 18 to 39 mol% MgCO3). This study utilizes scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and liquid ion chromatography to provide a more extensive and expansive morphological, mineralogical and chemical characterization of the crystalline forms produced by a wider range of piscine functional groups (covering 21 different fish species common in The Bahamas). Several crystal morphologies not previously described in fish‐derived carbonates are documented, and chemical composition is found to be more variable than previously reported: in addition to high‐Mg calcites with >18 mol% MgCO3, high‐Mg calcites with lower MgCO3contents and low‐Mg calcites are identified. From the expanded species range, MgCO3content in fish‐derived carbonates ranges fromca0˙5 to > 40 mol%, and particle length is in the range 0˙1 to >50 μm (typically <2 μm for individual crystals). Amorphous Mg‐carbonates (with detectable CaCO3of <2 mol%) are also found to varying extent in the precipitates of many species. Dominant mineralogy and MgCO3content varies with producing species and crystal morphology (itself a species‐dependent variable). Given the very small grain size and often high MgCO3contents of these carbonates, interesting questions arise about their preservation potential. Thus, the extent to which carbonates produced by different species may follow different post‐excretion preservation pathways is considered.
Out‐of‐pocket costs for paediatric admissions in district hospitals in Kenya
Authors: Barasa Edwine W. , Ayieko Philip , Cleary Susan , English Mike 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjective  To describe out‐of‐pocket costs of inpatient care for children under 5 years of age in district hospitals in Kenya.Methods  A total of 256 caretakers of admitted children were interviewed in 2‐week surveys conducted in eight hospitals in four provinces in Kenya. Caretakers were asked to report care seeking behaviour and expenditure related to accessing inpatient care. Family socio‐economic status was assessed through reported expenditure in the previous month.Results  Seventy eight percent of caretakers were required to pay user charges to access inpatient care for children. User charges (mean, US$ 8.1; 95% CI, 6.4–9.7) were 59% of total out‐of‐pocket costs, while transport costs (mean, US$ 4.9; 95% CI, 3.9–6.0) and medicine costs (mean, US$ 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–1.0) were 36% and 5%, respectively. The mean total out‐of‐pocket cost per paediatric admission was US$ 14.1 (95% CI, 11.9–16.2). Out‐of‐pocket expenditures on health were catastrophic for 25.4% (95% CI, 18.4–33.3) of caretakers interviewed. Out‐of‐pocket expenditures were regressive, with a greater burden being experienced by households with lower socio‐economic status.Conclusion  Despite a policy of user fee exemption for children under 5 years of age in Kenya, our findings show that high unofficial user fees are still charged in district hospitals. Financing mechanisms that will offer financial risk protection to children seeking care need to be developed to remove barriers to child survival.
Researching accessible and affordable treatment for common dermatological problems in developing countries. An Ethiopian experience
Authors: Shimelis Nigusse Doni , Asticcioli Sara , Baraldo Matteo , Tirillini Bruno , Lulekal Ermias , Murgia Vitalia 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  Skin diseases are very common in rural and urban areas of Ethiopia, and traditional preparations of plant origin might represent the only alternative to synthetic drugs. Improving knowledge of traditional medicines and assessing their safety and effectiveness is necessary.Methods  We conducted a two‐arm, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial assessing the efficacy of some cosmetic herbal preparations for common dermatologic problems: a 3% thyme essential oil antifungal cream and a 10% chamomile extract cream for eczema‐like lesions.Results  Ten subjects (66.5%) treated with the 3% thyme active cream were completely healed vs. four subjects (28.5%) from the placebo group (P = 0.040). A large number of subjects treated with the chamomile cream were healed or improved, but no significant differences were found between active cream and placebo. A high rate of treatment acceptance was registered in both groups, no adverse effects were reported.Conclusions  A 3% thyme essential oil cream could represent a cheap and easily available opportunity to treat and heal mild to moderate cases of fungal infections; a common emollient cream could be a very effective intervention when treating mild to moderate cases of pityriasis alba and eczema‐like lesions. Further research is needed.
Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in Brazil: report of 11 cases in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients
Authors: Marques Sílvio A. , Bastazini Ivander , Martins Ana L. G. P. , Barreto Jaison A. , Barbieri D’Elia Maria P. , Lastória Joel C. , Marques Mariangela E. A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis is an uncommon infectious disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii affecting immunosuppressed as well as immunocompetent patients. It is often misdiagnosed as it may mimic other cutaneous diseases.Materials and methods  We report a series of cases diagnosed from 2005 to 2010 in two general hospitals. The diagnosis in all patients was made on the basis of histopathology and culture. Phenoloxidase and canavanine‐glycine‐bromothymol blue tests were used in order to identify the Cryptococcus species. Systematic investigation ruled out the systemic involvement in every case.Results  Eleven patients, 81.8% male, were diagnosed during this study. The immunosuppression status was identified in 54.5% of patients, and all of them were under corticosteroid therapy due to a variable set of diseases. All patients presented with circumscribed lesions on their upper limbs. Most lesions showed an infiltrative or tumoral aspect with up to 40 cm diameter. Fluconazole, up to 400 mg/daily, was the main therapeutic regimen and proved to be efficient.Conclusions  Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis has been diagnosed in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. Its peculiar clinical aspect could facilitate early diagnosis. Culture and biochemical tests should be performed in order to define the species involved.
Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap in a patient receiving cetuximab and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Urosevic‐Maiwald Mirjana , Harr Thomas , French Lars E. , Dummer Reinhard 
Published: June 2012

AbstractStevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe and life‐threatening adverse drug reactions. Herein we report about a patient with head and neck cancer, who developed SJS‐TEN overlap after having received cetuximab and radiotherapy. To date, there are only two reports of TEN associated with cetuximab therapy in patients with cancer. Every skin condition in a patient with cancer leading to extensive exfoliation of the skin should alert the oncologist of a possibility of drug‐induced SJS or TEN.
Using cold air for reducing needle‐injection pain
Authors: Al‐Qarqaz Firas , Al‐Aboosi Mustafa , Al‐shiyab Diala , Al Dabbagh Ziad 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  Pain is associated with skin injections. Reducing injection‐associated pain is important especially when multiple injections are needed in difficult areas, such as the palms. We present a new safe application for cold air used in laser therapy.Objective  The main objectives of this study are to see whether cold air can reduce needle‐injection pain and to evaluate the safety of this new application.Materials and methods  Patients undergoing skin injection (n = 40) were included. Assessment of pain level using visual analog scale (VAS) was done using cold air and again without cold air in the same patient. Comparison of pain scores was performed.Results  Thirty‐three patients had lower VAS scores using cold air. Five patients had worse VAS scores, and two patients did not have any change in their pain score. In the group of patients where injections were made to the palms (n = 5), there was even more reduction in VAS scores. There were no significant immediate or delayed side effects.Conclusions  Cold air seems to be useful in reducing needle‐injection pain in the majority of patients, especially in the palms. This procedure is safe, apart from immediate tolerable discomfort when used around the nose.
International guidelines for clinical trials with pediculicides
Authors: Barker Stephen C. , Burgess Ian , Meinking Terri L. , Mumcuoglu Kostas Y. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPediculosis capitis, infestation with head lice, is common in all human societies. Chemical pediculicides are often used to control head louse infestations, particularly in wealthy communities. A significant number of different protocols have been used to test the efficacy and safety of pediculicides in clinical trials; this constrains scientific comparison of the evidence for efficacy of the different pediculicides. Here we recommend protocols for clinical trials of the efficacy and safety of single‐, two‐, and three‐treatment interventions.
A novel HLA‐A*11 allele, A*11:97, was identified by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Feng Z.‐H. , Hu B. , Chi X.‐Y. , Zhao L. , Jiao S.‐X. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA novel allele A*11:97 was identified in a Chinese individual by sequence‐based typing method.
Centrilobular necrosis as a manifestation of venous outflow block in pediatric malnourished liver transplant recipients – case reports
Authors: Gibelli Nelson E. M. , Tannuri Ana Cristina A. , Andrade Wagner C. , Ricardi Luiz Roberto S. , Tannuri Uenis 
Published: June 2012

Gibelli NEM, Tannuri ACA, Andrade WC, Ricardi LRS, Tannuri U. Centrilobular necrosis as a manifestation of venous outflow block in pediatric malnourished liver transplant recipients – case reports.Abstract:  CLN is a frequent histological finding in biopsies after pediatric: LT, and its pathogenesis has not yet been fully clarified and has different causes. Among the vascular causes, VOB is sometimes difficult to diagnose, especially when technical variants such as split‐liver, reduced‐liver, or living‐related LT are utilized. Three liver‐transplanted malnourished children (ages 12, 20, and 28 months) developed altered LFTs and post‐operative ascites with right pleural effusion (two cases) and jaundice (one case). Doppler ultrasound examinations were normal and liver biopsies showed CLN interpreted as severe ACR. There were no responses to the medical treatment. Additional investigation with CT angiography suggested obstructed hepatic vein drainage, which was confirmed by interventional radiology and angioplasty of the anastomosis between the hepatic vein and the inferior vena cava, with clinical and histological resolution. It is concluded that in malnourished children undergoing LT with technical variations, in which the occurrence of severe ACR is usually less common because of the severity of the patient condition, the finding of CLN should raise the possibility of VOB, so that excessive immunosuppression and its consequences can be avoided.
Chronic immune‐mediated axonal polyneuropathy following umbilical cord blood transplant for childhood‐onset cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Shibata Minoru , Kato Takeo , Awaya Tomonari , Adachi Souichi , Heike Toshio 
Published: June 2012

Shibata M, Kato T, Awaya T, Adachi S, Heike T. Chronic immune‐mediated axonal polyneuropathy following umbilical cord blood transplant for childhood‐onset cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy.Abstract:  Peripheral polyneuropathy is an unusual complication after organ transplantation and HSCT. The present study describes the case of an eight‐yr‐old boy diagnosed with ALD who underwent HLA‐matched UCBT under a reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen and developed progressive walking difficulty and hand clumsiness 11 months after transplantation. These symptoms were associated with cGVHD, identified as immune‐mediated axonopathy by electrophysiological examination and sural nerve biopsy. Peripheral polyneuropathy should be kept in mind as a complication of GVHD.
High host‐plant nitrogen content: a prerequisite for the evolution of ant–caterpillar mutualism?
Authors: PELLISSIER L. , RASMANN S. , LITSIOS G. , FIEDLER K. , DUBUIS A. , POTTIER J. , GUISAN A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe amount of nitrogen required to complete an insect’s life cycle may vary greatly among species that have evolved distinct life history traits. Myrmecophilous caterpillars in the Lycaenidae family produce nitrogen‐rich exudates from their dorsal glands to attract ants for protection, and this phenomenon has been postulated to shape the caterpillar’s host‐plant choice. Accordingly, it was postulated that evolution towards myrmecophily in Lycaenidae is correlated with the utilization of nitrogen‐rich host plants. Although our results were consistent with the evolutionary shifts towards high‐nutrient host plants serving as exaptation for the evolution of myrmecophily in lycaenids, the selection of nitrogen‐rich host plants was not confined to lycaenids. Butterfly species in the nonmyrmecophilous family Pieridae also preferred nitrogen‐rich host plants. Thus, we conclude that nitrogen is an overall important component in the caterpillar diet, independent of the level of myrmecophily, as nitrogen can enhance the overall insect fitness and survival. However, when nitrogen can be obtained through alternative means, as in socially parasitic lycaenid species feeding on ant brood, the selective pressure for maintaining the use of nutrient‐rich host plants is relaxed, enabling the colonization of nitrogen‐poor host plants.
Variation in adult sex ratio alters the association between courtship, mating frequency and paternity in the lek‐forming fruitfly Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Leftwich P. T. , Edward D. A. , Alphey L. , Gage M. J. G. , Chapman T. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe intensity with which males deliver courtship and the frequency with which they mate are key components of male reproductive success. However, we expect the strength of the relationship between these traits and a male’s overall paternity to be strongly context dependent, for example to be altered significantly by the extent of post‐mating competition. We tested this prediction in a lekking insect, Ceratitis capitata (medfly). We examined the effect of manipulating the sex ratio from male‐ to female‐biased (high and low male competition, respectively) on courtship behaviour, mating frequency and paternity of focal males. Under high male competition, focal males delivered significantly more courtship but gained lower paternity than under lower competition. Paternity was positively associated with mating frequency and small residual testes size. However, the association between mating frequency and paternity was significantly stronger under low competition. We conclude that manipulation of sex ratio significantly altered the predictors of mating success and paternity. The relationship between pre‐ and post‐mating success is therefore plastic and alters according to the prevailing level of competition. The results highlight the importance of post‐copulatory processes in lekking species and illuminate selection pressures placed on insects such as medflies that are mass reared for pest control.
Factors Affecting Interspecific Aggression in a Year‐Round Territorial Species, the Jewel Damselfish
Authors: Paola Valentina Di , Vullioud Philippe , Demarta Lanilà , Alwany Magdy A. , Ros Albert F. H. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractVertebrates live in complex species networks in which interspecific interactions are common. In some contexts, the aggressive behaviours shown in these interspecific interactions are very similar to those shown in intraspecific interactions. It is still an open question whether intra‐ and interspecific aggression share common causality. We studied a year‐round territorial species the jewel damselfish, (Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus), which cultivate algae they feed on. Territory holders aggressively defend these algae that are an attractive resource for many other species. In this study, we recorded territorial aggression in free‐living individuals and recorded aggressive responses to a standardized territorial intrusion test in captive individuals. Field observations indicated that territorial aggression was selectively targeted towards food competitors. Independent of the size of the species, aggression was more frequent towards common species around their territories. This relationship was confirmed experimentally by confronting the jewel damselfish with novel objects to which the subjects were exposed either frequently or rarely. We suggest that jewel damselfish have to learn which species are competitors and therefore should be chased. In a standardized intrusion test with captive individuals, no significant differences were found in territorial responses towards intra‐ or interspecific intruders. Neither territorial aggression nor the intrusion showed any relationship with plasma androgen levels. Together, these data suggest that experience might be more important in non‐seasonal territorial aggression than circulating hormonal factors.