bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of immune supplementation and immune challenge on oxidative status and physiology in a model bird: implications for ecologists
Authors: van de Crommenacker Janske , Horrocks Nicholas P. C. , Versteegh Maaike A. , Komdeur Jan , Tieleman B. Irene , Matson Kevin D. 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARYOne route to gain insight into the causes and consequences of ecological differentiation is to understand the underlying physiological mechanisms. We explored the relationships between immunological and oxidative status and investigated how birds cope physiologically with the effects of immune-derived oxidative damage. We successively implemented two experimental manipulations to alter physiological status in a model bird species: the homing pigeon (Columba livia). The first manipulation, an immune supplementation, was achieved by oral administration of lysozyme, a naturally occurring and non-specific antimicrobial enzyme. The second manipulation, an immune challenge, took the form of an injection with lipopolysaccharide, a bacterial endotoxin. Between groups of lysozyme-treated and control birds, we compared lipopolysaccharide-induced changes in reactive oxygen metabolites, total antioxidant capacity, haptoglobin, oxygen consumption, body mass and cloacal temperature. Lysozyme supplementation intensified the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response and generated short-term oxidative and metabolic costs. We identified significant interactions between immune supplementation and immune challenge in terms of reactive oxygen metabolites, haptoglobin and oxygen consumption. Our study provides alternative interpretations of differences in oxidative and immunological indices and demonstrates that these indices can also fluctuate and interact across very short time scales, reflecting something akin to current ‘health status’ or ‘physiological condition’. These ephemeral effects highlight the need to broadly consider current physiological condition when drawing conclusions that relate physiology to ecology and evolution.
Evolution of supercontraction in spider silk: structure–function relationship from tarantulas to orb-weavers
Authors: Boutry Cecilia , Blackledge Todd Alan 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARYSpider silk is a promising biomaterial with impressive performance. However, some spider silks also ‘supercontract’ when exposed to water, shrinking by up to ∼50% in length. Supercontraction may provide a critical mechanism to tailor silk properties, both for future synthetic silk production and by the spiders themselves. Several hypotheses are proposed for the mechanism and function of supercontraction, but they remain largely untested. In particular, supercontraction may result from a rearrangement of the GPGXX motif within the silk proteins, where G represents glycine, P proline and X is one of a small subset of amino acids. Supercontraction may prevent sagging in wet orb-webs or allow spiders to tailor silk properties for different ecological functions. Because both the molecular structures of silk proteins and how dragline is used in webs differ among species, we can test these hypotheses by comparing supercontraction of silk across diverse spider taxa. In this study we measured supercontraction in 28 spider taxa, ranging from tarantulas to orb-weaving spiders. We found that silk from all species supercontracted, except that of most tarantulas. This suggests that supercontraction evolved at least with the origin of the Araneomorphae, over 200 million years ago. We found differences in the pattern of evolution for two components of supercontraction. Stress generated during supercontraction of a restrained fiber is not associated with changes in silk structure and web architecture. By contrast, the shrink of unrestrained supercontracting fibers is higher for Orbiculariae spiders, whose silk contains high ratios of GPGXX motifs. These results support the hypothesis that supercontraction is caused by a rearrangement of GPGXX motifs in silk, and that it functions to tailor silk material properties.
Forelimb kinematics and motor patterns of the slider turtle (Trachemys scripta) during swimming and walking: shared and novel strategies for meeting locomotor demands of water and land
Authors: Rivera Angela R. V. , W. Blob Richard 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARYTurtles use their limbs during both aquatic and terrestrial locomotion, but water and land impose dramatically different physical requirements. How must musculoskeletal function be adjusted to produce locomotion through such physically disparate habitats? We addressed this question by quantifying forelimb kinematics and muscle activity during aquatic and terrestrial locomotion in a generalized freshwater turtle, the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta), using digital high-speed video and electromyography (EMG). Comparisons of our forelimb data to previously collected data from the slider hindlimb allow us to test whether limb muscles with similar functional roles show qualitatively similar modulations of activity across habitats. The different functional demands of water and air lead to a prediction that muscle activity for limb protractors (e.g. latissimus dorsi and deltoid for the forelimb) should be greater during swimming than during walking, and activity in retractors (e.g. coracobrachialis and pectoralis for the forelimb) should be greater during walking than during swimming. Differences between aquatic and terrestrial forelimb movements are reflected in temporal modulation of muscle activity bursts between environments, and in some cases the number of EMG bursts as well. Although patterns of modulation between water and land are similar between the fore- and hindlimb in T. scripta for propulsive phase muscles (retractors), we did not find support for the predicted pattern of intensity modulation, suggesting that the functional demands of the locomotor medium alone do not dictate differences in intensity of muscle activity across habitats.
Conditioning to magnetic direction in the Pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos domestica)
Authors: Freire Rafael , Birch Tessa E. 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARY
The ability of ducks to derive magnetic direction information was tested in a conditioned procedure and the functional properties of the mechanism of magnetoreception investigated using common manipulations. Twelve ducks were trained to find a hidden imprinting stimulus behind one of three screens in a round arena. Once a criterion was reached, the directional choices of ducks were recorded in four treatments presented in a random order, separated with rewarded training trials to avoid extinction. In tests in the geomagnetic field, ducks preferred the screen in the training direction (P=0.005). In the crucial tests of magnetic orientation with the magnetic field experimentally shifted by 120 deg, ducks showed a significant difference in the choice for the correct magnetic direction between treatments (P=0.002). More specifically, they chose the correct magnetic direction more often than expected by chance (P=0.03), indicating that they were deriving directional information from the magnetic field. Ducks also chose the correct magnetic direction more often than expected by chance in tests with the shifted field after the upper bill was anaesthetised with lignocaine (P=0.05) or when the right eye was covered (P=0.005), indicating that these manipulations did not impair the ability to choose the correct magnetic direction. Thus, Pekin ducks can be conditioned to magnetic directions, and the results are consistent with the hypothesis that magnetic orientation is based on a chemical magnetoreception mechanism that is not restricted to the right eye.
Natural annual cycle of heat shock protein expression in land snails: desertversusMediterranean species ofSphincterochila
Authors: Arad Zeev , Mizrahi Tal , Goldenberg Shoshana , Heller Joseph 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARYLand snails are subject to daily and seasonal variations in temperature and in water availability, and have evolved annual cycles of activity and aestivation as part of their survival strategy. We tested in the field whether adaptation to different habitats affects the endogenous levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in two closely related Sphincterochila snail species, a desiccation-resistant desert species, Sphincterochila zonata, and a Mediterranean-type, desiccation-sensitive species, S. cariosa. We examined HSP levels in various tissues of snails during aestivation and after resumption of activity. Our study shows that, during aestivation, S. cariosa had higher standing stocks of Hsp70 in the foot and the hepatopancreas, and of small HSPs (sHSPs) in all the examined tissues, whereas S. zonata had higher stocks of Hsp70 in the kidney and of Hsp90 in the kidney and in the hepatopancreas. Arousal induced a general upregulation of HSPs, except for Hsp90, the expression of which in the foot was higher during aestivation. We suggest that the stress protein machinery is upregulated during arousal in anticipation of possible oxidative stress ensuing from the accelerating metabolic rate and the exit from the deep hypometabolic state. Our findings support the concept that, in land snails, aestivation and activity represent two distinct physiological states, and suggest that land snails use HSPs as important components of the aestivation mechanism, and as part of their survival strategy during and after arousal. Our study also indicates that adaptation to different habitats results in the development of distinct strategies of HSP expression with likely consequences for the ecology and distribution of land snails.
Personal Construct Psychology: A Theory to Help Understand Professional Development, A Philosophy to Support It
Authors: Brocklehurst Paul R 
Published: October 2010

Aim The aim of this paper is to introduce the reader to personal construct psychology as a theory to help understand the process of change in facilitative and mentoring relationships. Background Continuing professional development is critical if practitioners are to keep up to date with new ideas, techniques, and materials. However, is it important not only to consider what is learnt, it is also important to understand the how of learning in order to develop an approach that leads to lifelong learning. Mentoring, coaching, and appraisal are all facilitative processes that aim to encourage professionals to engage with their own development. This leads to differing degrees of both behavioural and attitudinal change. As a result, it is useful to have a theory that can help an individual to understand these changes and to identify any difficulties that are associated with them. Approach Personal construct psychology has long been recognised as a potential framework for personal development. It has been used extensively in a broad range of domains, including clinical and educational psychology, management, and psychotherapy. Conclusion Personal construct psychology is a useful theory for understanding the facilitative process because it enables the facilitator to form a conceptual framework to comprehend behavioural and attitudinal change. Its underlying philosophical approach also supports lifelong learning, given its emphasis on an enquiring mind and reflection, both of which are key to continuing professional development.
The Use of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) in a National Health Service General Dental Practice as Part of an Oral Health Assessment
Authors: Ormond Charles , Douglas Gail , Pitts Nigel 
Published: October 2010

Introduction The Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) is developing guidance for oral health assessment and review that is intended for use in National Health Service (NHS) general dental practice. One section of this guidance is assessment of the teeth, including their caries status. The detailed caries assessment method identified by the guidance group is the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the implications of using the ICDAS in an NHS general practice and, in particular, the time taken to use the system. Method After online and in-practice training and calibration, 50 adult and 50 child patients were randomly allocated for assessment using the ICDAS detection codes. The ICDAS protocol states that the teeth should be clean and dry. For this study, all patients had their teeth brushed by the dentist before the assessment and the results were recorded on draft ICDAS clinical pro forma sheets. The time taken for the assessment was assessed with a stopwatch and recorded in a spreadsheet program. Results The results showed that the mean time for the assessment of an adult was 3.80 minutes, or 4.99 minutes if the time for pre-examination cleaning and drying was included. For a child, the mean time was 2.53 minutes, or 3.99 minutes if pre-examination brushing time was included. Conclusions These results indicate that with training and experience, it is possible to carry out an ICDAS assessment in a time that is practical in general dental practice.
Getting ready for surgery through natural orifice
Authors: Lukovich Peter , Zsirka-Klein A. , Vanca T. , Szpaszkij L. , Benkő P. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
The technical background of pure Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) surgery has not been created yet, but ever more reports are being published on hybrid NOTES surgery and single-port surgical interventions, which have appeared as a result of device development inspired by NOTES. Surgery carried out through single ports only differ from pure NOTES in respect of the access orifice, which makes learning this technique extremely important for anyone whishing to implement a surgical intervention through a natural orifice. Numerous publications have appeared by now on the single port or hybrid NOTES surgery of various organs (gall bladder, kidney, large bowel). Based on these, most surgery is safely feasible through one port as well, but the surgery takes longer and it is not significantly less painful than a “traditional” laparoscopic intervention. Long-term results are still missing, primarily in what concerns the frequency of infections and post-operative hernia. We have received an answer to part of the dilemmas formulated in the White Paper. Besides specially bent laparoscopic devices robot technology and devices controlled by extracorporal magnets may both be a solution to the problem of triangulation. The transvaginal and transgastric paths do not seem to cause significant risks from the viewpoint of infections, but the closing of viscerotomy in the case of the stomach is far from being solved. In respect of learning and practicing new surgical techniques no method exists at the moment that could be considered the “gold standard”. Besides the earlier questions there are new ones as well awaiting partial solutions (e.g. necessity of drain following a NOTES surgery, oncologic principles).
The Value of Clinical Criteria in Identifying Patients with X-Linked Alport Syndrome
Authors: Hanson Helen , Storey Helen , Pagan Judith , Flinter Frances 
Published: October 2010

Summary

Background and objectives
Alport syndrome (AS) is a predominantly X-linked hereditary nephritis associated with high-tone, sensorineural deafness and characteristic eye signs. Clinical diagnostic criteria were defined in 1988. Most cases result from mutations in the X-linked collagen gene COL4A5, with mutations in the autosomal genes COL4A3 and COL4A4 on chromosome 2 accounting for the rest. Mutation analysis of COL4A5 with a combination of sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification has been available for several years. The objective of this study was to determine the utility of clinical diagnostic criteria in identifying patients likely to have a COL4A5 mutation.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Clinical information was available on 206 patients whose DNA was received for testing between 1994 and June 2008; predictive tests for a known familial mutation, samples from duplicate family members, and incompletely screened samples were excluded. One hundred and twenty-eight patients (62.1%) had a pathogenic COL4A5 mutation.

Results
The mutation detection rate in families fulfilling zero, one, two, three, or four diagnostic criteria was 0%, 18%, 64%, 89%, and 81%, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of patients with COL4A5 mutations meeting only two diagnostic criteria had not had a complete clinical assessment. In two thirds of families meeting four diagnostic criteria without an identified COL4A5 mutation, autosomal inheritance was confirmed or suspected.

Conclusions
The authors recommend COL4A5 analysis in any patient meeting at least two clinical diagnostic criteria. COL4A3 and COL4A4 analysis should be considered if a COL4A5 mutation is not detected and primarily if autosomal inheritance is suspected.
Updated checklist of Albanian aquatic beetles with first localities of some species of Hydradephaga, Hydrophiloidea and Byrrhoidea (Coleoptera)
Authors: Przewoźny Marek , Jaskuła Radomir , Grabowski Michał 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
New records of 34 aquatic beetle species from Albania are presented. Seventeen species are recorded for the first time from this country, including 3 species of Haliplidae, 6 of Dytiscidae, 6 of Hydrophilidae and 2 of Dryopidae. Coelostoma hispanicum (Küst.) is confirmed to occur in an area east of the Mediterranean Sea. An updated checklist of Albanian aquatic Coleoptera is also provided. The list counts 125 species belonging to 11 families. There are 3 species of Gyrinidae, 9 of Haliplidae, 1 of Noteridae, 44 of Dytiscidae, 4 of Helophoridae, 1 of Hydrochidae, 21 of Hydrophilidae, 33 of Hydraenidae, 5 of Elmidae, 3 of Dryopidae, and 1 of Limnichidae.
The effect of catchment area management on biogenic element concentrations in the water of small ponds
Authors: Szyperek Urszula 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
The aim of this study, conducted during the 1997-2001 period in the Olsztyn Lakeland, was to determine the effect of soil type and land use in the catchment areas of small ponds, on the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, as well as calcium and potassium, in water. The concentrations of all the nutrients (except for nitrite ions) in the water of small ponds were found to be significantly correlated with the soil type dominating in the catchment area. The domination of loamy sands in the catchment areas of small ponds caused an increase in the concentrations of nitrates, phosphorus and potassium, while the domination of light silty loam caused an increase the calcium content of the water. The highest and lowest concentrations of phosphorus compounds and potassium were recorded in water from small ponds located in agricultural (arable land - AL, fallow - FA) and afforested catchments, respectively.
Functioning conditions of small basinbogs in Wielkopolski National Park
Authors: Klimaszyk Piotr 
Published: September 2010

Functioning conditions of small basinbogs in Wielkopolski National Park
The hydrological and geochemical aspects of the functioning and evolution of two small peatbogs located in Wielkopolska National Park were studied. The investigated peatlands are isolated from the influence of catchment ground waters. The main source of water supply is precipitation and surface run-off from the wooded catchment. Physical and chemical properties of the peatland waters are determined by hydrological conditions. Acid water reaction and low concentration of dissolved minerals suggest the peatlands should be classified as ombrotrophic high peatbogs.
High concentrations of nutrients (especially phosphorus) were found in the peat waters. However, the bioavailability of the phosphorus is strongly limited due to the presence of humic substances and the low pH of the water. Statistical analysis revealed that the peatlands studied were chemically similar.
Issues in the protection of small river valleys: the example of the Kulawa River valley (northwest Poland)
Authors: Prajs Bożena , Antkowiak Wojciech 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
This paper presents the results of research relating to the vegetation of the Kulawa River valley and its flow lakes - Głuche Duże, Głuche Małe, and Sieczonek.
Transformations observed in the flora examined were the result of two overlapping factors:
1. anthropogenic factors - among others, a high phosphorus content in the waters of the river and in nutrients accumulating in the lakes;
2. natural factors, such as a reduced level of subsoil waters.
In the protection of river valleys, it is important to diagnose all threats. The diagnosis should be based not only on an evaluation of water quality, but also on the state of the whole environment of the valley.
First report on fertility after allogeneic uterus transplantation
Authors: Díaz‐García César , Akhi Shamima N. , Wallin Ann , Pellicer Antonio , Brännström Mats 
Published: September 2010

AbstractUterus transplantation may become the first available treatment for uterine factor infertility, which is due to the absence or malfunction of the uterus. Here we describe for the first time pregnancy after allogeneic uterus transplantation, as a proof of concept of uterine function in a transplanted uterus in a standardized animal model (rat) under immunosuppression.
Is there a role for BLADE acquisition in T2-weighted breast MRI?
Authors: Ozcan Umit Aksoy , Dincer Alp , Yildiz M. Erdem , Cinko Murat , Cizmeli M. Olcay 
Published: October 2010

Background: Standard T2-weighted (T2W) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a necessary component of routine breast MRI. However, breast MRI suffers from minor subject movements, which degrade the image quality. BLADE acquisition MRI is a promising motion degradation method currently used in brain imaging. Purpose: To compare T2W BLADE acquisition breast MR images with routine T2W images in the evaluation of motion artifacts and overall image quality. Material and Methods: MRI was performed with a 1.5 T system on 25 volunteers and 25 consecutive patients with identical imaging parameters for both MRI sequences (TR 5240 ms, TE 112–108 ms, acquisition 1, spatial resolution 0.9×0.9× 4 mm). Motion and flow artifacts and pectoral muscle and lesion contour delineations were assessed. Signal to noise ratios (SNRs) of images and contrast to noise ratios (CNRs) of the incidental lesions were calculated. The results were evaluated with the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test. Results: Of the 50 patients, 44 were included in the analysis (mean age 42.1 years). Motion artifacts were prominent in 48% cases on routine T2W and in only 2% of BLADE cases. The SNR values of BLADE images were significantly higher than routine T2W ( P<0.05). Pectoral muscle contours were better assessed on BLADE in all cases. Sequence performances were similar in flow artifacts, CNR values, and contour delineation of incidental lesions. The readers chose BLADE sequence MRI in 25 cases and found the overall performance of sequences equal in 19 cases. None of the readers preferred routine T2W to BLADE. Conclusion: The performance of BLADE is superior to routine T2W images in eliminating motion artifacts, provides better SNRs, shows detailed pectoral muscle contours, and may be the sequence of choice.