bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is honesty the best policy? Testing signal reliability in fiddler crabs when receiver‐dependent costs are high
Authors: Bywater Candice L. , Wilson Robbie S. 
Published: May 2012

Summary1.Contests between conspecific males are an important method of establishing mating rights or territories, yet the potential costs of injuries are high. To reduce potential risks, males can use signals to convey information about their underlying strength to competitors, and although individuals could signal deceptively to gain an advantage, most signals seem to be reliable.2.Theory suggests that signal reliability is maintained because individuals that signal unreliably may be punished (i.e. receiver‐imposed costs). Manipulative studies support this idea, showing that low‐quality individuals that are given high‐quality signals bear substantial costs.3.Here, we explore the importance of receiver‐imposed costs in natural, un‐manipulated populations. Specifically, we show how the likelihood of being exposed (i.e. potential receiver density) and the potential severity of punishment (i.e. average receiver size) affect the predominance of unreliable signalling among populations.4.Male fiddler crabs, Uca vomeris, use their enlarged claws as signals and weapons in combat, and the relationship between claw size (signal) and strength (quality) determines whether or not a male is a reliable signaller. We predicted that the prevalence of unreliable signalling among individual males would increase in populations where the receiver‐imposed costs of deception were low. That is, males should produce unreliable (large but weak) claws.5.We show that individual crabs produce more reliable signals of strength in populations with a high biomass, where there are both higher densities and larger average body sizes of potential receivers. Our study provides evidence that receiver‐imposed costs can maintain signal reliability in natural un‐manipulated populations and supports contemporary models of aggressive signalling.
Oestrogen‐deficiency inducing haematopoiesis dysfunction via reduction in haematopoietic stem cells and haematopoietic growth factors in rats
Authors: Qiu Xi , Yuan Xiang‐Gui , Jin Xiao‐li , He Xin , Zhu Lei , Zhao Xiao‐Ying 
Published: May 2012

SummaryHaematopoiesis is a self‐renewing and multi‐directional differentiation process of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which is modulated very precisely by the haematopoietic microenvironment in bone marrow. Our previous study has demonstrated that oestrogen‐deficiency leads to haematopoiesis dysfunction which manifests as a decrease in haematopoietic tissues and an increase in adipose tissues in bone marrow. However, the mechanism involved in the oestrogen‐deficiency effects on haematopoiesis dysfunction is not completely understood. In this study, we established an oestrogen‐deficiency rat model by ovariectomy (OVX group). Haematopoiesis was evaluated at the 12th, 16th, 20th, 24th and 28th weeks after operation in the OVX group and its control (Sham group) by pathological examination; the number and function of HSCs were evaluated by flow cytometry analysis and colony‐forming assay respectively. Haematopoietic growth factors levels including granulocyte/macrophage‐colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), stem cell factor (SCF) and interleukin‐3 (IL‐3) were examined by ELISA kits at different time points. We found that in the OVX group, haematopoiesis dysfunction in bone marrow was observed (P < 0.05) from the 12th week when compared with the Sham group, and extramedullary haematopoiesis began to appear in the liver and spleen from the 16th week. The number of HSCs and colony‐forming units‐granulocyte/macrophage (CFUs‐GM) in bone marrow was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) from the 20th and 16th week respectively. Furthermore, GM‐CSF, SCF and IL‐3 in the OVX group decreased significantly (P < 0.05) since the 12th, 16th and 24th week respectively. Taken together, these results suggested that oestrogen is required for normal haematopoiesis. Oestrogen‐deficiency inducing haematopoiesis dysfunction may be via reduction in HSCs and haematopoietic growth factors at a late stage.
Effects of long‐term experimental diabetes on adrenal gland growth and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate formation in growth hormone‐deficient dwarf rats
Authors: Kunjara Sirilaksana , Greenbaum A. Leslie , McLean Patricia , Grønbaek Henning , Flyvbjerg Allan 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe availability of growth hormone (GH)‐deficient dwarf rats with otherwise normal pituitary function provides a powerful tool to examine the relative role of hyperglycaemia and the reordering of hormonal factors in the hypertrophy‐hyperfunction of the adrenal gland that is seen in experimental diabetes. Here, we examine the effects of long‐term (6 months) experimental diabetes on the growth of the adrenal glands; their content of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP); and the activity of the PRPP synthetase, G6P dehydrogenase and 6PG dehydrogenase enzymes in GH‐deficient dwarf rats compared to heterozygous controls. These parameters were selected in view of the known role of PRPP in both de novo and salvage pathways of purine and pyrimidine synthesis and in the formation of NAD, and in view of the role of the oxidative enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway in both R5P formation and the generation of the NADPH that is required in reductive synthetic reactions. This study shows that GH deficiency prevents the increase in adrenal gland weight, PRPP synthetase, PRPP content and G6P dehydrogenase and 6PG dehydrogenase. This contrasts sharply with the heterozygous group that showed the expected increase in these parameters. The blood glucose levels of the groups of long‐term diabetic rats, both GH‐deficient and heterozygous, remained at an elevated level throughout the experiment. These results are fully in accord with earlier evidence from studies with somatostatin analogues which showed that the GH‐insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I)‐axis plays a key role in the adrenal diabetic hypertrophy‐hyperfunction syndrome.
Next‐of‐kin’s conceptions of medical technology in palliative homecare
Authors: Munck Berit , Sandgren Anna , Fridlund Bengt , Mårtensson Jan 
Published: May 2012

Aims and objectives.  Describe next‐of‐kin’s conceptions of medical technology in palliative homecare.Background.  Next‐of‐kin to palliative patients are in an exposed position with increasing responsibility. The more involved they are in the care, the greater caregiver burden they describe. Medical technology has become increasingly common in palliative homecare, and previous research suggests that the devices transform the homes to a hospital ward, thus shifting responsibility from the personnel to the next‐of‐kin.Design.  An explorative descriptive design with a phenomenographic approach was chosen to describe qualitatively different conceptions of the phenomenon medical technology.Method.  Interviews with 15 next‐of‐kin to patients in palliative homecare were analysed in a seven‐step process where 10 conceptions emerged in five description categories.Results.  Medical technology in palliative homecare required next‐of‐kin’s responsibility in monitoring or providing practical help. It also implied uncertainty among the next‐of‐kin because of worries about its safety or because of an improper handling. The technology trespassed on daily life because it restricted and affected the private sphere. Medical technology enabled comfort as it implied security and was a prerequisite for the patient to be cared for at home. It also required an adjustment to comprehend and manage the medical technology.Conclusions.  Medical technology resulted in an increased caregiver burden and uncertainty among the next‐of‐kin. Although it meant restrictions and affected their social life, they had great confidence in its possibilities.Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important to limit the amount of personnel and materials in the home to avoid trespassing on the family’s daily life. Medical personnel also have to be sensitive to what next‐of‐kin have the strength to do and not use them as informal caregivers.
Persistence of viral RNA in fish infected with VHSV‐IVb at 15 °C and then moved to warmer temperatures after the onset of disease
Authors: Goodwin A E , Merry G E , Noyes A D 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSmallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu Lacepède, bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque (coppernose strain), koi carp, Cyprinus carpio L., and channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), were infected by intraperitoneal injection with viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus genotype IVb (VHSV‐IVb) at 15 °C. When clinical signs of disease developed, one‐third of the fish was moved to 20 °C and one‐third to 25 °C. Mortality in challenged fish at all three temperatures ranged from 25 to 45% in smallmouth bass and from 70 to 90% in bluegill. No koi carp or channel catfish died during the study. Viral copy numbers detected by quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR (qrt‐RTPCR) in fish dying at 20 and 25 °C decreased over time. In survivors of the challenge, viral copy numbers were higher in the more susceptible species (smallmouth bass and bluegill) than in the more VHSV‐IVb disease‐resistant species (koi carp and channel catfish). In fish surviving 28 days post‐infection, prevalence of infection was 66–100% depending on species and temperature, and VHSV‐IVb was detected at 103–105 copies μg−1 host RNA. Our results show that qrt‐RTPCR is a useful tool to investigate fish kills even 28 days after temperatures are elevated above those known to be permissive for VHSV replication.
Treatment with anti‐inflammatory drugs in community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Meijvis S. C. A. , van de Garde E. M. W. , Rijkers G. T. , Bos W. J. W. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Meijvis SCA, van de Garde EMW, Rijkers GT, Bos WJW (St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein; Utrecht University, Utrecht; St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein; and Roosevelt Academy, Middelburg, The Netherlands). Treatment with anti‐inflammatory drugs in community‐acquired pneumonia (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 272: 25–35.Pneumonia exhibits a broad range of severity, from mildly symptomatic at one end to fulminant septic shock and death at the other. Although an adequate inflammatory response is necessary for the clearance of microorganisms, excessive inflammation can lead to ongoing local and systemic damage. Because of this extended inflammatory response despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, as well as increasing antibiotic resistance, adjuvant therapy for pneumonia that can favourably modify the immune response has become an increasingly relevant approach to improve prognosis. Different adjuvant treatment options for pneumonia have recently been proposed. Promising treatment options include corticosteroids, statins, macrolides and Toll‐like receptor antagonists. The aim of this review is to summarize the inflammatory response during pneumonia and discuss the current knowledge and future perspectives regarding the anti‐inflammatory treatment options for patients with pneumonia.
Self‐confidence, gender and academic achievement of undergraduate nursing students
Authors: KUKULU K. , KORUKCU O. , OZDEMIR Y. , BEZCI A. , CALIK C. 
Published: May 2012

Accessible summary
In view of the fact that early development of self‐confidence and gender are very predictive of high levels later in life, it is important to focus on the possible antecedents of academic achievement.
The study was undertaken to examine the role of self‐confidence development and gender in academic achievement of undergraduate students.
AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the self‐confidence levels of nursing students and the factors related to such self‐confidence. Data were obtained via a questionnaire for socio‐demographic characteristics and a ‘Self‐Confidence Scale’ prepared by the researchers. High self‐confidence levels were noted in 78.6% of female students and 92.3% of male students. While 84.5% of second‐year students had high self‐confidence levels, this rate was 76% in fourth‐year students. Female nursing students were significantly less self‐confident than male students. Self‐confidence should be nurtured in a caring nursing curriculum; however, there is a lack of clarity as to what confidence means, how it is perceived by students and what educators can do to instil self‐confidence in nursing students.
Genome‐wide architecture of reproductive isolation in a naturally occurring hybrid zone betweenMus musculus musculusandM. m. domesticus
Authors: JANOUŠEK VÁCLAV , WANG LIUYANG , LUZYNSKI KEN , DUFKOVÁ PETRA , VYSKOČILOVÁ MARTINA M. , NACHMAN MICHAEL W. , MUNCLINGER PAVEL , MACHOLÁN MILOŠ , PIÁLEK JAROSLAV , TUCKER PRISCILLA K. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractStudies of a hybrid zone between two house mouse subspecies (Mus musculus musculusandM. m. domesticus) along with studies using laboratory crosses reveal a large role for the X chromosome and multiple autosomal regions in reproductive isolation as a consequence of disrupted epistasis in hybrids. One limitation of previous work has been that most of the identified genomic regions have been large. The goal here is to detect and characterize precise genomic regions underlying reproductive isolation. We surveyed 1401 markers evenly spaced across the genome in 679 mice collected from two different transects. Comparisons between transects provide a means for identifying common patterns that likely reflect intrinsic incompatibilities. We used a genomic cline approach to identify patterns that correspond to epistasis. From both transects, we identified contiguous regions on the X chromosome in which markers were inferred to be involved in epistatic interactions. We then searched for autosomal regions showing the same patterns and found they constitute about 5% of autosomal markers. We discovered substantial overlap between these candidate regions underlying reproductive isolation and QTL for hybrid sterility identified in laboratory crosses. Analysis of gene content in these regions suggests a key role for several mechanisms, including the regulation of transcription, sexual conflict and sexual selection operating at both the postmating prezygotic and postzygotic stages of reproductive isolation. Taken together, these results indicate that speciation in two recently diverged (c. 0.5 Ma) house mouse subspecies is complex, involving many genes dispersed throughout the genome and associated with distinct functions.
Cultivation shapes genetic novelty in a globally important invader
Authors: THOMPSON GENEVIEVE D. , BELLSTEDT DIRK U. , BYRNE MARGARET , MILLAR MELISSA A. , RICHARDSON DAVID M. , WILSON JOHN R.U. , LE ROUX JOHANNES J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAcacia saligna is a species complex that has become invasive in a number of countries worldwide where it has caused substantial environmental and economic impacts. Understanding genetic and other factors contributing to its success may allow managers to limit future invasions of closely related species. We used three molecular markers to compare the introduced range (South Africa) to the native range (Western Australia). Nuclear markers showed that invasive populations are divergent from native populations and most closely related to a cultivated population in Western Australia. We also found incongruence between nuclear and chloroplast data that, together with the long history of cultivation of the species, suggest that introgressive hybridization (coupled with chloroplast capture) may have occurred within A. saligna. While we could not definitively prove introgression, the genetic distance between cultivated and native A. saligna populations was comparable to known interspecific divergences among other Acacia species. Therefore, cultivation, multiple large‐scale introductions and possibly introgressive hybridization have rapidly given rise to the divergent genetic entity present in South Africa. This may explain the known global variation in invasiveness and inaccuracy of native bioclimatic models in predicting potential distributions.
Chromosome demise in the wake of ligase‐deficient replication
Authors: Kouzminova Elena A. , Kuzminov Andrei 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBacterial DNA ligases, NAD+‐dependent enzymes, are distinct from eukaryotic ATP‐dependent ligases, representing promising targets for broad‐spectrum antimicrobials. Yet, the chromosomal consequences of ligase‐deficient DNA replication, during which Okazaki fragments accumulate, are still unclear. Using ligA251(Ts), the strongest ligase mutant of Escherichia coli, we studied ligase‐deficient DNA replication by genetic and physical approaches. Here we show that replication without ligase kills after a short resistance period. We found that double‐strand break repair via RecA, RecBCD, RuvABC and RecG explains the transient resistance, whereas irreparable chromosomal fragmentation explains subsequent cell death. Remarkably, death is mostly prevented by elimination of linear DNA degradation activity of ExoV, suggesting that non‐allelic double‐strand breaks behind replication forks precipitate DNA degradation that enlarge them into allelic double‐strand gaps. Marker frequency profiling of synchronized replication reveals stalling of ligase‐deficient forks with subsequent degradation of the DNA synthesized without ligase. The mechanism that converts unsealed nicks behind replication forks first into repairable double‐strand breaks and then into irreparable double‐strand gaps may be behind lethality of any DNA damaging treatment.
Community perceptions of infectious diseases, antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in context of environmental changes: a study in Odisha, India
Authors: Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Tamhankar Ashok J. , Johansson Eva , Stålsby Lundborg Cecilia 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground  The public health impact of environmental changes and the faceless threat of antibiotic resistance are currently among the top global health challenges. Community understanding of health, diseases and medicines in relation to the changing environment is necessary to mitigate the impact of these changes on health and for prudent use of antibiotics.Objective  The objective is to explore community perceptions of infectious diseases, antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in the context of environmental changes.Methods  A qualitative study was conducted among community members with various backgrounds in education, gender, age and occupation of two districts of Odisha, India. Eight focus groups discussions and ten individual interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using content analysis.Results  Two themes emerged: ‘Interpretation of infectious diseases and health hazards in the context of environmental changes’, and ‘Understanding of antibiotic use and its consequences for resistance development and the environment’. The participants perceived that nowadays there is irregularity in the occurrence of seasons, particularly an increase in average temperature, which is influencing health. Participants’ perceptions of infectious diseases, antibiotic use and resistance varied according to their social environment. Furthermore, they perceived that improved sanitation, choice of alternative medicine and awareness and education on prudent use of antibiotics are probably some ways to prevent antibiotic resistance.Conclusions  The participants perceived that climate variability is increasing and that this has health consequences for the community. They also hypothesized an interrelationship between the environment, infectious diseases and medicine use, particularly antibiotics. This is helpful for further empirical studies.
Corticosteroid treatment selectively decreases mast cells in the smooth muscle and epithelium of asthmatic bronchi
Authors: James A. , Gyllfors P. , Henriksson E. , Dahlén S. E. , Adner M. , Nilsson G. , Dahlén B. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundMast cells are important in the pathophysiology of airway inflammation and evidence suggests their sub‐localisation within the airway is altered in asthma. Little is known about the effect of corticosteroids on mast cell localisation within the bronchi.MethodsWe therefore performed an immunohistochemical analysis of mast cell numbers within the smooth muscle, epithelium and submucosa of healthy subjects (n = 10) and well‐characterised asthmatic patients, using either β2‐agonists alone (n = 10) or β2‐agonists and inhaled corticosteroids (n = 10).ResultsPatients using inhaled corticosteroids displayed significantly lower numbers of mast cells within their epithelium and smooth muscle compared to those not treated with inhaled corticosteroids. Submucosal mast cells were not affected by corticosteroid treatment. Numbers of smooth muscle mast cells correlated with bronchial responsiveness and epithelial mast cells with exhaled NO.ConclusionWe demonstrate that glucocorticosteroids differentially affect mast cell numbers within specific airway sub‐locations highlighting the importance of mast cell and smooth muscle/epithelial interactions in asthma pathogenesis.
Outcome of oral food challenges in children in relation to symptom‐eliciting allergen dose and allergen‐specific IgE
Authors: Rolinck‐Werninghaus C. , Niggemann B. , Grabenhenrich L. , Wahn U. , Beyer K. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundOral food challenge (FC) protocols are discussed with reference to starting doses, dose increments, safety, and predictability of results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of eliciting allergen doses, specific IgE levels and predictive factors to the outcome of FCs in children.MethodsIn 869 children (median age 1.2 years), FCs were performed with cow's milk (n = 633), hen's egg (n = 456), wheat (n = 265) and/or soy (n = 317) starting at 3–5 mg of protein. Each of the seven doses was administered every 30 min using semi‐log increases. Severity of symptoms was graded from I to V. IgE was determined prior to challenges.ResultsOf the children allergic to egg or milk, 9% and 10%, respectively, experienced reactions already at the first dose. Of these, 14% (egg) and 4% (milk) experienced grade IV reactions. In contrast, few children reacted to the first doses of wheat or soy, and most reactions occurred after the maximum dose. For all allergens, grade V reactions did not occur. However, grade IV reactions were seen at all eliciting doses. Elevated specific IgE level, young age and a history of atopic dermatitis were associated with a positive challenge outcome for milk or egg, and also IgE levels were associated with lower eliciting allergen doses and more severe symptoms.ConclusionOral FCs bear a risk of severe reactions at all dose levels. Doses of 3–5 mg protein induced symptoms in up to 10% of children allergic to milk or egg. However, food‐specific IgE levels are of limited clinical value for the estimation of FC reactions.