bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A phylogenetic approach to disentangling the role of competition and habitat filtering in community assembly of Neotropical forest birds
Authors: Gómez Juan Pablo , Bravo Gustavo A. , Brumfield Robb T. , Tello José G. , Cadena Carlos Daniel 
Published: July 2010

Summary 1. Methods that assess patterns of phylogenetic relatedness, as well as character distribution and evolution, allow one to infer the ecological processes involved in community assembly. Assuming niche conservatism, assemblages should shift from phylogenetic clustering to evenness with decreasing geographic scale because the relative importance of mechanisms that shape assemblages is hypothesized to be scale‐dependent. Whereas habitat filtering is more likely to act at regional scales because of increased habitat heterogeneity that allows sorting of ecologically similar species in contrasting environments, competition is more likely to act at local scales because low habitat heterogeneity provides few opportunities for niche partitioning. 2. We used species lists to assess assemblage composition, data on ecologically‐relevant traits, and a molecular phylogeny, to examine the phylogenetic structure of antbird (Thamnophilidae) assemblages at three different geographical scales: regional (ecoregions), intermediate (100‐ha plots) and local (mixed‐flocks). In addition, we used patterns of phylogenetic beta diversity and beta diversity to separate the factors that structure antbird assemblages at regional scales. 3. Contrary to previous findings, we found a shift from phylogenetic evenness to clustering with decreasing geographical scale. We argue that this does not reject the hypothesis that habitat filtering is the predominant force in regional community assembly, because analyses of trait evolution and structure indicated a lack of niche conservatism in antbirds. 4. In some cases, phylogenetic evenness at regional scales can be an effect of historical biogeographic processes instead of niche‐based processes. However, regional patterns of beta diversity and phylogenetic beta diversity suggested that phylogenetic structure in our study cannot be explained by the history of speciation and dispersal of antbirds, further supporting the habitat‐filtering hypothesis. 5. Our analyses suggested that competitive interactions might not play an important role locally, which would provide a plausible explanation for the high alpha diversity of antbirds in Amazonia. 6. Finally, we emphasize the importance of including trait information in studies of phylogenetic community structure to adequately assess the mechanisms that determine species co‐existence.
The influence of dispersal on macroecological patterns of Lesser Antillean birds
Authors: Dexter Kyle Graham 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAim  Dispersal is often assumed to be a major force in shaping macroecological patterns, but this is rarely tested. Here I describe macroecological patterns for two groups of Lesser Antillean birds and then use population genetic data to assess if differences in dispersal ability could be responsible for the groups’ contrasting patterns. Importantly, the population genetic data are derived independently from any data used to generate the macroecological patterns.Location  The Lesser Antilles, Caribbean.Methods  I used data from the literature to construct species–area curves and evaluate the decline in species compositional similarity with geographic distance (hereafter distance–decay) for two sets of bird communities in the Lesser Antilles, those found in rain forest and those in dry forest. I then used mitochondrial DNA sequences from island populations to assess the dispersal ability of rain forest and dry forest species.Results  Rain forest species show steeper species–area curves and greater distance–decay in community similarity than dry forest species, patterns that could be explained by rain forest species having more limited dispersal ability. Both conventional analyses of M, the number of migrants per generation between populations, and alternative analyses of DA, the genetic distance between populations, suggest that rain forest species disperse between islands less frequently than dry forest species.Main conclusions  Differences in dispersal ability are a plausible explanation for the contrasting macroecological patterns of rain forest and dry forest species. Additionally, historical factors, such as the taxon cycle and Pleistocene climate fluctuations, may have played a role in shaping the distribution patterns of Lesser Antillean birds.
A DNA‐promoted amyloid proteinopathy in Escherichia coli
Authors: Fernández‐Tresguerres M. Elena , Moreno‐Díaz de la Espina Susana , Gasset‐Rosa Fátima , Giraldo Rafael 
Published: July 2010

SummaryProtein amyloids arise from the conformational conversion and assembly of a soluble protein into fibrilar aggregates with a crossed β‐sheet backbone. Amyloid aggregates are able to replicate by acting as a template for the structural transformation and accretion of further protein molecules. In physicochemical terms, amyloids arguably constitute the simplest self‐replicative macromolecular assemblies. Similarly to the mammalian proteins PrP and α‐synuclein, the winged‐helix dimerization (WH1) domain of the bacterial, plasmid‐encoded protein RepA can assemble into amyloid fibres upon binding to DNA in vitro. Here we report that a hyper‐amyloidogenic functional variant (A31V) of RepA, fused to a red fluorescent protein, causes an amyloid proteinopathy in Escherichia coli with the following features: (i) in the presence of multiple copies of the specific DNA sequence opsp, WH1(A31V) accumulates as cytoplasmatic inclusions segregated from the nucleoid; (ii) such aggregates are amyloid in nature; (iii) bacteria carrying the amyloid inclusions age, exhibiting a fivefold expanded generation time; (iv) before cytokinesis, small inclusions are assembled de novo and transferred to the daughter cells, in which transmission failures cure amyloidosis; and (v) in the absence of inducer DNA, purified cellular WH1(A31V) inclusions seed amyloid fibre growth in vitro from the soluble protein. RepA‐WH1 is a suitable bacterial model system for amyloid proteinopathies.
Mutation screening of the LDLR gene and ApoB gene in patients with a phenotype of familial hypercholesterolemia and normal values in a functional LDL receptor/apolipoprotein B assay
Authors: Nissen Henrik , Lestavel Sophie , Hansen Torben Stiig , Luc Gérald , Bruckert Eric , Clavey Veronique 
Published: July 2010

Mutations in the LDL receptor (LDLR) or the apolipoprotein B‐100 genes causing familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and familial defective apolipoprotein B‐100 (FDB), two of the most frequent inherited diseases, are the underlying genetic defects in a small proportion of patients suffering from premature atherosclerotic heart disease.Consequently, secure diagnostic tools for these conditions allowing early preventive measures are needed. Since clinical and biochemical diagnosis often is inaccurate, assays analyzing patient LDLR function and LDL affinity have been established. These assays are, however, not able clearly to differentiate between suspected FH/FDB samples and normal controls. To evaluate if this may be caused by other hitherto undescribed genetic defects or to failure of the functional assays, we undertook denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis based mutation screening of the LDLR gene and the codon 3456–3553 region of the apolipoprotein B gene in six French FH/FDB patients with normal outcomes on functional assays. In all six patients, pathogenic LDLR mutations were found, including three previously undescribed mutations, suggesting that failure of the functional assays explains the normal results found in some phenotypic FH/FDB patients and illustrating the need for DNA based screening techniques for routine genetic diagnosis in FH/FDB.
Prevalence of homozygosity for the deleted alleles of glutathione S‐transferase mu (GSTMl) and theta (GSTTl) among distinct ethnic groutx from Brazil: relevance to enviromental carcinogenesis?
Authors: Anuda Valder R. , Grignolli Carlos E. , Gonqalves Marilda S. , Soares Manoel C. , Menezes Raimundo , Saad Sara TO , Costa Fernando F. 
Published: July 2010

Arruda VR, Grignolli CE, Goncalves MS, Soares MC, Menezes R, Saad STO, Costa FF. Prevalence of homozygosity for the deleted alleles of glutathione S‐transferase mu (GSTMl) and theta (GSTTl) among distinct ethnic groups from Brazil: relevance to enviromental carcinogenesis? Clin Genet 1998: 54: 210–214. 0 Munksgaard, 1998Environmental related diseases due to occupational carcinogens and toxic substances are a serious problem particularly in developing countries. The glutathione S‐transferase system is fundamental for the detoxification of numerous carcinogens and mutagens. The individual inherited susceptibility to chemical carcinogenesis due to glutathione S‐transferase mu (GSTMl) and theta (GSTTl) varies significantly among distinct ethnic groups. In this study we determined the prevalence of the null genotype of the GSTMl and GSTTl genes among individuals from three distinct Brazilian racial groups using a multi‐plex‐PCR methodology. The results showed that the highest prevalence of the null genotype for the GSTMl occurred among Caucasians (55%, allele frequency = 0.74), followed by 33% among Brazilian Black subjects (allele frequency = 0.57). and 20% among Amazonian Indians (allele frequency = 0.45). For GSTTl a homogenous distribution of the null genotype was found among Caucasian and African descendants (18.5 and 19% homozygotes, respectively, allele. frequency = 0.43). with a lower prevalence among Amazonian Indians (11% of homozygotes, a!lele frequency = 0.34). Whether the deficiency of the GST system contributes to a predisposition to environmental related carcinogenesis in specific popuiations in Brazil remains to be determined.
Microscopy of the Koala Mandibular (Submandibular) Glands
Authors: Krause W. J. 
Published: July 2010

With 7 figuresSummaryKoala mandibular (submandibular) glands are compound tubuloacinar glands, the secretory units of which consist only of serous cells. Intercellular canaliculi occur between the serous cells, which are continuous with a minute lumen that courses through the centre of each secretory unit. Intercalated ducts are abundant and join striated ducts, the latter being characterized by elaborate basolateral infoldings of the plasmalemma. Secretory granules within the serous cells fail to stain with either the PAS or Alcian Blue (pH 2.5) staining procedures. Ultrastructurally, the secretory granules are membrane bound, and consist of a homogeneous electron lucent material with a fine filamentous texture. The granules tend to coalesce into irregular shaped complexes of secretory material. Discharge of secretory material into the canalicular lumen is a common observation.
Plesiomorphic Escape Decisions in Cryptic Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma) Having Highly Derived Antipredatory Defenses
Authors: Cooper Jr William E. , Sherbrooke Wade C. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractEscape theory predicts that the probability of fleeing and flight initiation distance (predator–prey distance when escape begins) increase as predation risk increases and decrease as escape cost increases. These factors may apply even to highly cryptic species that sometimes must flee. Horned lizards (Phrynosoma) rely on crypsis because of coloration, flattened body form, and lateral fringe scales that reduce detectability. At close range they sometimes squirt blood‐containing noxious substances and defend themselves with cranial spines. These antipredatory traits are highly derived, but little is known about the escape behavior of horned lizards. Of particular interest is whether their escape decisions bear the same relationships to predation risk and opportunity costs of escaping as in typical prey lacking such derived defenses. We investigated the effects of repeated attack and direction of predator turning on P. cornutum and of opportunity cost of fleeing during a social encounter in P. modestum. Flight initiation distance was greater for the second of two successive approaches and probability of fleeing decreased as distance between the turning predator and prey increased, but was greater when the predator turned toward than away from a lizard. Flight initiation distance was shorter during social encounters than when lizards were solitary. For all variables studied, risk assessment by horned lizards conforms to the predictions of escape theory and is similar to that in other prey despite their specialized defenses. Our findings show that these specialized, derived defenses coexist with a taxonomically widespread, plesiomorphic method of making escape decisions. They suggest that escape theory based on costs and benefits, as intended, applies very generally, even to highly cryptic prey that have specialized defense mechanisms.
In vitro synergy of pseudolaric acid B and fluconazole against clinical isolates of Candida albicans
Authors: Guo Na , Ling Guanghui , Liang Xiaoying , Jin Jing , Fan Junwen , Qiu Jiazhang , Song Yu , Huang Ning , Wu Xiuping , Wang Xuelin , Deng Xuming , Deng Xuliang , Yu Lu 
Published: July 2010

SummaryCandida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen in humans. The emergence of resistance to azole antifungals has raised the issue of using such antifungals in combination to optimise therapeutic outcome. The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro synergy of pseudolaric acid B (PAB) and fluconazole (FLC) against clinical isolates of C. albicans. The in vitro antifungal activity of PAB, a diterpene acid from Pseudolarix kaempferi Gordon, was evaluated alone and in combination with FLC against 22 FLC‐resistant (FLC‐R) and 12 FLC‐susceptible (FLC‐S) C. albicans using the chequerboard microdilution method and time‐killing test assays. Synergism was observed in all 22 (100%) FLC‐R strains tested as determined by both fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) with values ranging from 0.02 to 0.13 and bliss independence (BI) models. Synergism was observed in two of 12 (17%) FLC‐S strains as determined by FICI model with values ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 and in three of 12 (18%) FLC‐S strains as determined by BI model. For FLC‐R strains, the drug concentrations of FLC and PAB, where synergistic interactions were found, ranged from 0.06 to 4 μg ml−1 and 0.5 to 4 μg ml−1 respectively. For FLC‐S strains, the drug concentrations of FLC and PAB were 1–8 μg ml−1 and 0.5–4 μg ml−1 respectively. The BI model gave results consistent with FICI, but no antagonistic activity was observed in any of the strains tested. These interactions between PAB and FLC were confirmed using the time‐killing test for the selected strains. Fluconazole and PAB exhibited a good synergism against azole‐R isolates of C. albicans.
Pneumococci: immunology of the innate host response
Authors: PATERSON Gavin K. , ORIHUELA Carlos J. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTDespite the development of vaccines and antibiotics, Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) continues to be a major cause of human morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In recent years our understanding of how the host innate immune system recognizes and responds to pneumococcal infection has advanced significantly. Herein, we highlight some of the key features of the innate response to the pneumococcus.
Do negative CCT and CSF findings exclude a subarachnoid haemorrhage? A retrospective analysis of 220 patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Eggers C. , Liu W. , Brinker G. , Fink G. R. , Burghaus L. 
Published: July 2010

Objective:  Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) constitutes a neurological emergency. In most cases, the diagnosis is easy to establish; however, in rare cases, verification of the diagnosis is difficult. In this retrospective analysis, we report the clinical characteristics of patients with SAH who were admitted to our neurological intensive care unit. We focus on the additional diagnostic approaches in patients with a high suspicion of SAH but failure of the ‘classic’ diagnostic tools.Methods:  A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients in whom SAH was diagnosed between 1996 and 2008. Two hundred and twenty patients were analysed for presenting symptoms, radiological and laboratory findings, hospital course and outcome.Results:  A total of 220 patients were identified (mean age 50.5 years, 127 women). In 217 patients, the diagnosis was based upon cerebral computed tomography (CCT) or lumbar puncture. In three patients, the diagnostic work‐up was continued because of distinct clinical signs even though CCT and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were negative for SAH. In these patients, vasospasm was detected by transcranial doppler sonography (TCD) and/or diagnosis of aneurysm was confirmed by conventional angiography.Conclusion:  Subarachnoid haemorrhage with negative CCT and CSF is a rare presentation of a severe acute neurological emergency. Further diagnostic as TCD/computed tomography (CT)‐A or MR‐A should be considered in all patients with typical clinical presentation for SAH but unremarkable CCT and CSF as an additional diagnostic tool. Ultimately, a conventional angiography should be performed if distinct clinical signs of SAH are presented.
Aromatase inhibitor‐induced skin adverse reactions: exemestane‐related cutaneous vasculitis
Authors: Santoro S , Santini M , Pepe CA , Tognetti E , Cortelazzi C , Ficarelli E , De Panfilis G 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground  Three aromatase inhibitors, namely anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane, which reduce circulating oestrogen, are used to treat breast cancer patients; the therapeutic use of such aromatase inhibitors is quickly increasing.Objective  We intended (i) to review aromatase inhibitor‐induced cutaneous adverse effects and (ii) to describe a recently observed case of cutaneous vasculitis triggered by exemestane.Patients/methods  The so‐far reported literature cases of aromatase inhibitor‐induced cutaneous adverse effects were analysed retrospectively. Especially, the clinical case of exemestane‐induced cutaneous vasculitis herein reported is unique, because such an observation has not yet been published in the literature.Results  Merely 12 cases of cutaneous adverse reactions induced by aromatase inhibitors, namely erythema nodosum (6), subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (1), cutaneous rashes (2), vasculitis (3, including the one described in this study), are reported in the literature. In fact, in the present case, cutaneous vasculitis was strictly related to exemestane.Conclusion  As aromatase inhibitors (e.g. exemestane) are increasingly incorporated into the treatment strategy of breast cancer patients, it is important to recognize possible cutaneous adverse effects. Specifically, with regard to cutaneous vasculitis, some patients might progress to severe vasculitis manifestations if the offending drug (e.g. exemestane) is not quickly stopped.
Psychotic disorders in learning disabilities‐ outcome of an audit across community teams
Authors: Varghese Susan , Banerjee Subimal 
Published: July 2010

Accessible summary

We studied the medical notes of 28 service users with learning disability who also had a mental illness called psychosis.
We noted which antipsychotic medication (medicines to treat psychosis) was prescribed and whether we enquired for side effects regularly.
We found that we were good at regular monitoring of improvement made by these individuals, and any side effects experienced from the medicines given in most cases. The medicines prescribed were within the recommended dose.
We feel persons with learning disability taking antipsychotic medications should be asked about the benefits and side effects and have regular blood tests and weight checks.

SummaryThe aim of the audit was to evaluate the current clinical practice for learning‐disabled individuals with psychotic disorders. We evaluated the existing clinical practice in 910 individuals who were under the care of learning disability psychiatrists in Buckinghamshire (population of 480 000). This was compared with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidelines on treatment and management of schizophrenia. Twenty‐eight per cent of the patients had a dual diagnosis of psychosis and learning disability; 40% showed moderately severe psychotic symptoms. Oral atypical antipsychotics were the preferred medication of choice. Twenty‐five per cent of the patients were found to be treatment resistant. All patients received medication within the recommended doses in the British National Formulary. This audit highlights the varied presentation in our client group. In view of the diagnostic difficulties often encountered in patients with learning disabilities and psychosis, the authors feel that it would be helpful to supplement clinical assessments with the use of a symptom rating checklist/scale in diagnosis and monitoring the course of psychosis. We propose a checklist that could be used in routine clinical practice to record clinical symptoms and drug‐related side effects.
‘Stroppy’ or ‘confident’? Do carers and professionals view the impact of transition support on young people differently?
Authors: Kaehne Axel , Beyer Stephen 
Published: July 2010

Accessible summary Young people with learning disabilities encounter many problems when they leave school. Support is provided by schools and other agencies, but often families feel that this support is not good enough. One reason may be that carers look at transition from school in a different way to school and support staff. We wanted to know how carers see the changes that happen in their young son or daughter during transition from school and how their view is different to that of teachers and support staff. Carers often stressed how things changed within the family during the time of transition while teachers and support staff emphasised changes in independence and social skills of the young people in our study.SummaryThe study examined the effects of transition employment support to two cohorts of young people who were in their last year in school or college in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007. This paper reports the views of carers, teachers and support workers of the impact this additional support made to the young people. Analysis of the data reveals a difference between the views of carers and those of professionals. The paper argues that these differences may reflect different understandings of the aim and purpose of transition support and which may make it difficult to achieve a smooth transition for all stakeholders when not taken into account. This may have implications for how to structure and deliver transition support, some of which are being outlined in the discussion.