bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inbreeding avoidance under different null models of random mating in the great tit
Authors: Szulkin Marta , Zelazowski Przemyslaw , Nicholson George , Sheldon Ben C. 
Published: April 2009

Summary

In populations where inbreeding causes a substantial decrease in fitness, selection is expected to favour the evolution of inbreeding avoidance behaviours. Elsewhere we have documented substantial inbreeding depression and the importance of dispersal in avoiding inbreeding in a long‐term population study of the great tit Parus major in Wytham (UK). In this study, we ask whether individuals from this population actively avoid mating with kin.
We generated four contrasting models of random mate choice that assumed varying levels of mate availability in each year of the data set. This allowed us to compare observed and simulated distributions and frequencies of inbreeding coefficients from 41 years of breeding data.
We found no evidence that birds avoid mating with related partners. Our results show that birds breed more often with relatives than expected under null models of mate choice that lack population structure, but not when compared to scenarios where birds were mated with their nearest neighbours. Pedigree‐derived FIS values were positive for all scenarios of random mating, confirming the lack of inbreeding avoidance in this population.
These results imply the existence of spatial genetic structure where related individuals occur closer together than nonrelated individuals while breeding, and suggest that the relatedness between breeding individuals of the opposite sex decreases with distance. Thus, while dispersal from the natal site decreases the number of relatives around an individual, it does not completely homogenize genetic structure.
We show that brother–sister pairs are observed more often than under any scenario of random mating, suggesting that not only birds do not avoid mating with kin, but also that the apparently maladaptive choice of mating with a sibling is made more often than expected.
Our results provide no evidence to suggest that individuals actively avoid kin. In fact, some types of inbreeding occur more often than expected, despite the substantial fitness costs. The observed lack of inbreeding avoidance is in agreement with other studies of non‐cooperatively breeding passerine birds, although the higher than expected frequency of sibling mating remains a puzzling result.
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS‐1) as a model for understanding autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 2 (APS‐2)
Authors: Michels A. W. , Eisenbarth G. S. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract.Autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes type 1 and 2 (APS‐1 and APS‐2) are diverse in regards to their component diseases and immunologic features of pathogenesis. Animal models and human studies highlight the importance of alleles of HLA (human leukocyte antigen)‐like molecules determining tissue specific targeting that with the loss of tolerance leads to organ specific autoimmunity. Knowledge of the syndromes and component diseases allows clinicians to recognize and prevent illness prior to morbidity. With the current understanding of the syndromes, a paradigm for diagnosis, screening and treatment can be established. Once genetically susceptible individuals are identified screening for autoantibodies can be performed. Amongst autoantibody positive individuals, monitoring for physiologic decompensation, with a goal of treating prior to morbidity and in some cases mortality, follows. With continued basic and clinical research, therapies aimed at treating the underlying autoimmunity and disease prevention should become possible.
The EuroPrevall surveys on the prevalence of food allergies in children and adults: background and study methodology
Authors: Kummeling I. , Mills E. N. C. , Clausen M. , Dubakiene R. , Pérez C. Farnãndez , Fernández‐Rivas M. , Knulst A. C. , Kowalski M. L. , Lidholm J. , Le T.‐M. , Metzler C. , Mustakov T. , Popov T. , Potts J. , Van Ree R. , Sakellariou A. , Töndury B. , Tzannis K. , Burney P. 
Published: April 2009

Background:  The epidemiological surveys in children and adults of the EU‐funded multidisciplinary Integrated Project EuroPrevall, launched in June 2005, were designed to estimate the currently unknown prevalence of food allergy and exposure to known or suspected risk factors for food allergy across Europe. We describe the protocol for the epidemiological surveys in children and adults. This protocol provides specific instructions on the sampling strategy, the use of questionnaires, and collection of blood samples for immunological analyses.Methods:  The surveys were performed as multi‐centre, cross‐sectional studies in general populations. Case–control studies were nested within these surveys. The studies in children aged 7–10 years and adults aged 20–54 years were undertaken in eight centres representing different social and climatic regions in Europe.Results:  After a community‐based survey collecting basic information on adverse reactions to foods, all those stating they had experienced such reactions, as well as of a random sample of those stating ‘no reactions’ to foods, completed a detailed questionnaire on potential risks and exposures. Also a blood sample was taken to allow serological analysis to establish patterns of food and aeroallergen sensitization. We also included a questionnaire to schools on their preparedness for dealing with food allergy amongst pupils. Subjects reporting adverse reactions to foods and sensitized to the same food(s) were called in for a full clinical evaluation that included a double blind placebo controlled food challenge (DBPCFC), following a protocol which is described in detail elsewhere.Conclusions:  The outcome of these studies will help to improve our understanding of several important aspects of food allergies in the European Community, providing for more well‐informed policies and effective measures of disease prevention, diagnosis and management.
Non‐invasive ventilation improves peripheral oxygen saturation and reduces fatigability of quadriceps in patients with COPD
Authors: BORGHI‐SILVA Audrey , DI THOMMAZO Luciana , PANTONI Camila B.F. , MENDES Renata G. , DE FÁTIMA SALVINI Tania , COSTA Dirceu 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective: Non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) might improve peripheral muscle function and exercise capacity in severely disabled patients. This study evaluated the physiological impact of NIV on isokinetic concentric strength and endurance of lower limb muscles in patients with severe COPD.Methods: This clinical trial tested COPD patients (n = 24) and healthy subjects (n = 18). Subjects underwent isokinetic dynamometry tests while given either bi‐level positive airway pressure ventilation (BV) or sham ventilation (SV), in a randomized order with 30 min of rest prior to each intervention. The inspiratory level of BV was set up to 14 cm H2O and expiratory pressure up to 6 cm H2O. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at the peak of exercise were measured for each intervention.Results: Compared with controls, COPD patients had lower values of SpO2and HR (P < 0.01) during both BV and SV and lower values of DBP (P < 0.01) during BV. BV improved SpO2(P < 0.01), and reduced SBP in both COPD (P < 0.01) and control groups (P < 0.05) and reduced DBP in COPD patients (P < 0.01). BV also reduced the fatigue index in COPD patients when compared with SV (P = 0.003). Variation (BV‐SV) of total work at the peak of the test was higher in the control group than in the COPD group (P < 0.05).Conclusions: BV improved SpO2and reduced the fatigability of the quadriceps muscle in patients with severe COPD. These results support the need for further evaluation of BV as adjunct during high‐intensity strength exercise training in these patients.
Clinical outcomes in sarcoidosis after cessation of infliximab treatment
Authors: PANSELINAS Efstratios , RODGERS J. Keith , JUDSON Marc A. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Infliximab appears to be efficacious for the treatment of recalcitrant forms of sarcoidosis. However, there are minimal data concerning the course of sarcoidosis once infliximab is discontinued.Methods:  Clinical outcomes in patients who had received infliximab and had discontinued it for at least 2 months were analysed retrospectively. The severity of involvement of the index organ from the time of discontinuation of infliximab was compared with that at the end of the follow‐up period.Results:  Fourteen patients with sarcoidosis who had been treated with infliximab and had discontinued this therapy were identified. Before discontinuation of infliximab, 9 of the 14 patients (64%) responded to infliximab treatment and only one (7%) deteriorated. Patients who discontinued infliximab were followed for a mean of 12 months. At the end of the follow‐up period, 12 of the 14 patients (86%) had deteriorated as compared with their status at the time of discontinuation of infliximab and two (14%) had remained stable. Kaplan–Meier analysis of time to clinical deterioration showed that half the patients deteriorated within 3 months of discontinuing infliximab. Patients who had discontinued infliximab appeared to be more likely to have their dose of prednisone increased.Conclusion:  Patients with recalcitrant sarcoidosis who receive infliximab appear likely to deteriorate after discontinuation of this medication.
Breeding system and floral visitors of Veratrum album subsp. oxysepalum (Melanthiaceae)
Authors: KATO YUUKI , ARAKI KIWAKO , OHARA MASASHI 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Veratrum album subsp. oxysepalum is an andromonoecious perennial woodland herb. In the present study, to clarify the essential life‐history characteristics of this species, sexual reproduction was examined and breeding experiments were carried out along with observations of floral visitors in the field. The results of the breeding experiments showed that this species has a high level of self‐incompatibility. As various Coleoptera and Diptera visited the flowers, the seed production of V. album subsp. oxysepalum possibly depends on outcrossing pollination by insects.
Morphological dormancy in seeds of the autumn‐germinating shrub Lonicera caerulea var. emphyllocalyx (Caprifoliaceae)
Authors: PHARTYAL SHYAM S. , KONDO TETSUYA , HOSHINO YOICHIRO , BASKIN CAROL C. , BASKIN JERRY M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTo better understand the germination ecophysiology of the genus Lonicera, the dormancy class, temperature requirements for embryo growth and radicle emergence and phenology of seedling emergence were determined for Lonicera caerulea var. emphyllocalyx. At maturity, seeds have an underdeveloped embryo (approximately 28% of the length of full‐grown embryos). Embryos in fresh seeds grew to full length at 15, 20, 20/10 and 25/15°C within 3 weeks, but failed to grow at ≤ 10°C and at 30°C. Radicles emerged from 86–100% of freshly matured seeds in light at 15, 20, 20/10 and 25/15°C within 28 days, but failed to emerge at 10°C. Radicles emerged equally well in a 12 h photoperiod and in continuous darkness at 25/15°C. Rapid embryo growth and germination over a range of conditions indicate that seeds of this taxon have morphological dormancy (MD); this is the first report of MD in a species of Lonicera. Seeds are dispersed in summer, at which time high temperatures promote embryo growth. Embryos grow to the critical length for germination in approximately 1 month; the peak of seedling emergence occurs in early autumn. Radicles emerged within 2 months from 98% of seeds buried at soil depths of 2 cm and 10 cm in the field in August in Sapporo, Japan; thus, seeds have no potential to form a persistent soil seed bank. However, seeds sown too late in autumn for embryos to grow remained viable and germinated the following summer when temperatures were high enough to promote embryo growth.
Depth distribution of three Typha species, Typha orientalis Presl, Typha angustifolia L. and Typha latifolia L., in an artificial pond
Authors: INOUE TOMOMI , TSUCHIYA TAKAYOSHI 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe depth distribution of the aquatic macrophyte Typha orientalis Presl was examined in comparison with two other Typha species: Typha angustifolia L. and Typha latifolia L. Vegetation surveys mapping the depth distributions were conducted at Ushigafuchi Pond, Tokyo, Japan, in autumn 2004 and 2005. All vegetation had been cleared from this artificial pond in spring 2003. In 2004 T. orientalis was distributed in shallow to deep water habitats between T. latifolia (shallow water regions) and T. angustifolia (shallow to deep water regions). However, by 2005 T. orientalis had almost disappeared from the pond. It had been replaced by Leersia japonica Makino at depths of 0–30 cm, by Schoenoplectus validus (Vahl) at depths of 30–60 cm and by T. angustifolia at depths of 60–100 cm. It appears that T. orientalis is not a strong competitor, particularly with taller species, but rather a pioneer species.
Comparisons of breeding systems between two sympatric species, Nastanthus spathulatus (Calyceraceae) and Rhodophiala rhodolirion (Amaryllidaceae), in the high Andes of central Chile
Authors: LADD PHILIP G. , ARROYO MARY T. K. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAlpine vegetation occurs over a wide range of ecological conditions. Thus, the breeding systems of alpine plants are likely to be diverse and vary from one geographical area to another. The reproductive characteristics of Nastanthus spathulatus (Calyceraceae) and Rhodophiala rhodolirion (Amaryllidaceae), species with contrasting floral morphology, were studied in the high Andes of Chile, which has a Mediterranean‐type climate. Natural and supplemental open pollination, and cross pollination and self‐pollination trials were carried out in the field. Flower visitors were quantified by field and video observations. Both species had high outcrossing properties, and Nastanthus was strongly self‐incompatible. Rhodophiala could form some seed by self‐pollination, but fruit and seed sets were much lower after self‐pollination compared with outcrossing. The phenology and flower/inflorescence forms of these species supported the view that alpine flowers are comparatively long lived and that the floral display contributes to a large proportion of the plant biomass. Rhodophiala was well attended by a native bee species (Megachile sauleyi) that was appropriately sized for efficient pollination. Although no flower visitors were observed on Nastanthus and wind pollination was discarded experimentally, a high proportion of the flowers produced seeds under natural pollination. Therefore, the seed set was not severely pollen limited in these species. Including previously published information, breeding systems are now known for 12 species on this Mediterranean alpine site and current knowledge suggests an emphasis on outcrossing breeding systems.
Pollination biology of the sclerophyllous shrub Pultenaea villosa Willd. (Fabaceae) in southeast Queensland, Australia
Authors: OGILVIE JANE E. , ZALUCKI JACINTA M. , BOULTER SARAH L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe pollination biology of the common shrub Pultenaea villosa Willd. was examined in a subtropical dry sclerophyll forest in eastern Australia. We determined floral phenology and morphology, the timing of stigma receptivity and anther dehiscence, nectar availability, the plant breeding system, and flower visitors. The shrub's flowers are typical zygomorphic pea flowers with hidden floral rewards and reproductive structures. These flowers require special manipulation for insect access. A range of insects visited the flowers, although bees are predicted to be the principle pollinators based on their frequency on the flowers and their exclusive ability to operate the wing and keel petals to access the reproductive structures. Nectar and pollen are offered as rewards and were actively collected by bees. Nectar is offered to visitors in minute amounts at the base of the corolla. In Toohey Forest, P. villosa flowers in spring and is the most abundant floral resource in the understory of the forest at this time. The breeding system experiment revealed that P. villosa requires outcrossing for high levels of seed set and that the overlap of stigma receptivity and pollen dehiscence within the flower suggests the potential for self‐incompatibility.
Life‐history monographs of Japanese plants. 12: Asarum caulescens Maxim. (Aristolochiaceae)
Authors: TAKASU HIDEKI , KAWANO SHOICHI 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe life‐history characteristics of Asarum caulescens Maxim. (Aristolochiaceae) are described here. This typical summer‐green perennial of the Aristolochiaceae is a unique woodland element distributed in central Honshu, that is, south of Fukushima Prefecture to Shikoku and Kyushu, Japan. It grows in the somewhat shady understory of temperate montane deciduous broad‐leaved or mixed forests associated with conifers, such as Cryptomeria japonica and Abies firma. One of the unique features of A. caulescens is its rhizome structures in combination with aerial shoots, which play an important role in vegetative propagation. The perennation strategy of A. caulescens is exceedingly complex, producing various combinations of linear or branched rhizomes bearing different numbers of leaves. Rhizomes consist of two or three segments, each 5 mm to 5 cm long as a unit, connected linearly, but also occasionally branched. At the tip of the newly formed rhizome segment, a single leaf or a pair of cordate leaves are formed. Exceedingly complex branching patterns of the rhizome segments were also recognized, forming ramets in late June to early July. Vegetative propagation by ramet formation obviously plays a very important role in the maintenance of local populations.
Floral biology of Philippine morphospecies of the grape relative Leea (Leeaceae)
Authors: MOLINA JEANMAIRE 
Published: April 2009

AbstractI observed the floral biology of three Leea morphospecies in a Philippine natural forest habitat. The red‐flowered morphospecies Leea guineensis limits selfing through synchronized dichogamy, with male and female flowers temporally separated in the same inflorescence, whereas the two morphospecies of the white‐flowered Leea indica might be prone to geitonogamous selfing. Light and soil pH are correlated with phenology. In addition to bees and flies, Leea is visited by wasps, butterflies, beetles, bugs and spiders.
Suppression of mutant androgen receptors by flutamide
Authors: Ishioka Junichiro , Hara Shuntaro , Isaacs John T , Tomura Arihiro , Nishikawa Kiyohiro , Kageyama Yukio 
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  To examine the effects of flutamide and hydroxyflutamide on the transactivation of mutant androgen receptors.Methods:  Androgen‐independent human prostate cancer cell line PC3 was transfected with plasmids expressing wild‐type, W741C mutant, T877A mutant or W741C+T877A mutant androgen receptors. The effects of bicalutamide, hydroxyflutamide or flutamide on the basal and dihydrotestosterone‐induced transcriptional activities of the wild‐type and mutant androgen receptors were evaluated by luciferase assays using a reporter plasmid containing the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) promoter. The effects of the antiandrogens on the transcription and translation of the PSA gene in LNCaP cells expressing a mutant (T877A) androgen receptor were assessed by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and radioimmunoassays. Affinity of the antiandrogens to each androgen receptor construct was evaluated by ligand‐binding assay.Results:  Flutamide, but not hydroxyflutamide, successfully suppressed the transcription of all of the mutant androgen receptors examined in this study and also showed suppressive effects on PSA secretion by LNCaP cells treated with dihydrotestosterone. These inhibitory effects were probably not the result of competitive inhibition by flutamide given its low affinity to the androgen receptor constructs.Conclusions:  Flutamide, with its suppressive effects on mutant androgen receptors, may be an alternative to conventional antiandrogens for hormone refractory prostate cancer.
Cancer‐related pain and quality of life in prostate cancer patients: Assessment using the Functional Assessment of Prostate Cancer Therapy
Authors: Fujimura Tetsuya , Takahashi Satoru , Kume Haruki , Takeuchi Takumi ,   Clinical Study Group of Tokyo University Affiliated Hospitals, Kitamura Tadaichi , Homma Yukio 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess disease‐associated pain and quality of life (QOL) in patients with prostate cancer (PC). A total of 102 PC patients (clinical stage B, C: 20, D2: 82) patients were enrolled. QOL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, General and Prostate (FACT‐G/P). Disease‐specific pain response was assessed using the visual analog scale and the face rating scale. In patients with stage D2 PC, mean age, serum prostate‐specific antigen level, and performance status were 72.5 ± 7.1 years (range, 55–88), 217 ± 467 ng/mL (range, 0.1–2600), and 1.4 (0–4), respectively. The score of physical well‐being and FACT‐P was significantly lower in stage D2 patients, compared with those of stage B/C (P = 0.02, 0.0088, respectively). Performance status, extent of disease, and the visual analog scale were related with a poor QOL score (P = 0.0054, 0.01, <0.0001, respectively). Thirty‐two patients (39%) had disease‐specific pain, and 25 patients received a related treatment. Ten patients under morphine analgesics maintained better QOL in almost all domains, compared with the seven patients without any painkillers. Combined use of FACT and pain scales enhances the objective assessment of QOL and pain status in PC patients. Control of disease‐associated pain is crucial to improving QOL in stage D2 PC patients.
A study of macular hole formation by serial spectral optical coherence tomography
Authors: Michalewska Zofia , Michalewski Janusz , Sikorski Bartosz L , Kałużny Jakub J , Wojtkowski Maciej , Adelman Ron A , Nawrocki Jerzy 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground:  The purpose of this paper is to evaluate changes of the vitreoretinal interface in fellow eyes of eyes with a macular hole and to study early stages of macular hole formation by spectral optical coherence tomography (SOCT).Methods:  A prospective study of 131 consecutive patients with history of macular hole. Serial SOCT examinations were performed on the fellow eyes four times during a 6‐month observation period. Progression of foveal changes and formation of macular hole in the fellow eyes were studied.Results:  Seven distinct abnormalities in the foveal region were noted in 70 of the fellow eyes (53.4%). Additionally in 18 patients (13.6%) other defects typical for the older population were noted. Gradual evolution to full‐thickness macular holes during the 6‐month observation period was noted in five eyes. One of these eyes had a previously detected cyst, and four eyes had elevation of the photoreceptor layer.Conclusions:  The high prevalence of macular abnormalities in the fellow eyes particularly epiretinal membranes and vitreous traction with schizis as well as the evolution of these abnormalities over time suggest that diseases of the vitreomacular interface may have similar pathogenesis. Macular hole formation often starts as a triangular elevation of the photoreceptor layer. In some cases, a cyst in the inner retinal layers can be an early step in macular hole formation.