bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predation risk and food: opposite effects on overwintering survival and onset of breeding in a boreal rodent
Authors: Haapakoski Marko , Sundell Janne , Ylönen Hannu 
Published: June 2012

Summary1. In seasonal environments, optimal onset of breeding and survival plays major roles in individual fitness. Many physiological and behavioural factors related to breeding increase the risk of predation; thus, breeding decisions should be based on current risks and benefits. According to life‐history theory, if current predation risk is high and breeding itself increases the risk, it may be beneficial to postpone breeding.2. During winter in northern hemispheres, food availability is limited and is at its lowest just prior to the onset of breeding in spring. Food constraint may lead to poor condition and reduced ability to start breeding.3. We studied the effects of food and predation risk on winter survival and onset of breeding in a common boreal rodent, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus). In a 2 × 2 factorial experiment, we manipulated food availability (food supplemented or not) and predation risk (presence/absence of predator odour) in 20 large outdoor enclosures in central Finland.4. Survival probabilities were highest in no predation risk treatments, whereas they were lowest in the predator risk treatment. The same trend was observed in vole densities and the weight change in individuals. Voles with food addition bred earlier than in the other treatments.5. We conclude that during energy constrained harsh conditions in winter, predation risk causes behavioural changes throughout the winter and has significant negative survival and fitness effects for small mammals, reflected as delay in the start of breeding.
An interdisciplinary educational trial for adolescent health and development in urbanising China
Authors: Zang Yu‐Li , Liu Qian , Pu Lin‐Zhe 
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  To evaluate the effects on master student participants of an intensive interdisciplinary educational programme aiming at improving adolescent health and development services in urbanising China.Background.  There is a need for interdisciplinary education and collaborative practice in health, but few educational programmes have been reported.Design.  Experimental design including a qualitative component.Methods.  Purposive sampling was used to identify master students in relevant disciplinary areas for the four‐day classroom learning, four‐day field learning and a half‐day reflection, focusing on key aspects of adolescent health and development in the face of rapid urbanisation. Data about family function, cognitive development, adolescent health and development competency, and difficulties caused by health conditions were collected using quantitative and qualitative methods.Result.  Master student participants reported positive outcomes in adolescent health and development competency, and cognitive development. Six themes were identified about the programme and its impact: ‘programme evaluation’, ‘programme characteristics’, ‘changed views about nursing and nurses’, ‘lessons learned’, ‘participation benefits’ and ‘suggestions for future action’.Conclusion.  Interdisciplinary educational programmes are possible and beneficial at masters level but may be very challenging given the need for administrative, financial and human resources.Relevance to clinical practice.  Interdisciplinary educational programmes require to start with small health sector trials to accumulate evidence and skills. Faculty development is a prerequisite for such programmes towards collaborative practice.
Microwaves and tea: new tools to process plant tissue for transmission electron microscopy
Authors: CARPENTIER ANAÏS , ABREU SUSANA , TRICHET MICHAEL , SATIAT‐JEUNEMAITRE BÉATRICE 
Published: June 2012

SummaryOptimizing sample processing, reducing the duration of the preparation of specimen, and adjusting procedures to adhere to new health and safety regulations, are the current challenges of plant electron microscopists. To address these issues, plant processing protocols for TEM, combining the use of polyphenolic compounds as substitute for uranyl acetate with microwave technology are being developed. In the present work, we optimized microwave‐assisted processing of different types of plant tissue for ultrastuctural and immunocytochemical studies. We also explored Oolong tea extract as alternative for uranyl acetate for the staining of plant samples. We obtained excellent preservation of cell ultrastructure when samples were embedded in epoxy resin, and of cell antigenicity, when embedded in LR‐White resin. Furthermore, Oolong tea extract successfully replaced uranyl acetate as a counterstain on ultrathin sections, and forin blockstaining. These novel protocols reduce the time spent at the bench, and improve safety conditions for the investigator. The preservation of the cell components when following these approaches is of high quality. Altogether, they offer significant simplification of the procedures required for electron microscopy of plant ultrastructure.
On the fast lane: mitochondria structure, dynamics and function in growing pollen tubes
Authors: COLAÇO R. , MORENO N. , FEIJÓ J.A. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe structure, distribution and possible roles of mitochondria in growing pollen tubes is reviewed. Diverse microscopical methods have been applied to the analysis of mitochondria in pollen, with a predominance in recent years on vital fluorescent probes. We review the application of different dyes to pollen tubes, with a special emphasis on the ratiometric dye JC‐1. Morphometric data shows a concentration of mitochondria in the subapical area of pollen tubes, apparently with more frequency of mitochondria with membrane depolarization when compared with the rest of the tube. Remarkably, data from various species and from transcriptomics indicates that different species may have different respiratory adaptations, ranging from high oxygen consumption in the early steps of germination, to energy production and growth on almost anoxic conditions. Various studies also showed that the pollen of many species is refractory to some common respiration inhibitors, including the ones from the alternative pathway. Given the conspicuous distribution and apparent subapical accumulation of mitochondria, we speculate on their functional relationship with known apical ion gradients that seem to characterize pollen tubes.
Tianeptine vs amitriptyline for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: a multicenter, open‐label, non‐inferiority, randomized controlled study
Authors: Sohn W. , Lee O. Y. , Kwon J. G. , Park K. S. , Lim Y. J. , Kim T. H. , Jung S. W. , Kim J. I. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  Tricyclic antidepressants have good efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS‐D), but their clinical use is limited by considerations of tolerability. Tianeptine, another antidepressant, acts as a selective serotonin reuptake enhancer. We compared tianeptine with amitriptyline for the treatment of patients with IBS‐D.Methods  We undertook a multicenter, randomized, open‐label, non‐inferiority clinical study that compared tianeptine with amitriptyline, each in combination with probiotics, for the treatment of IBS‐D. Subjects were randomized to receive tianeptine (37.5 mg)/probiotics (Bacillus subtilis + Streptococcus faecium) or amitriptyline (10 mg)/probiotics (Bacillus subtilis + Streptococcus faecium) for 4 weeks. A total of 228 patients were analyzed by the intention‐to‐treat approach. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients who had global relief of IBS symptoms at week 4. The secondary efficacy endpoints were intensity of abdominal pain/discomfort, stool frequency/consistency, quality of life, and overall satisfaction with treatment.Key Results  At week 4, non‐inferiority of the tianeptine group to the amitriptyline group (treatment difference −15.1%; 95% CI −26.6% to −3.8%) was shown, with 81.1% (99 of 122 patients) of the patients in the tianeptine group and 66.0% (70 of 106 patients) in the amitriptyline group reporting global relief of IBS symptoms. The secondary endpoints also demonstrated non‐inferiority of the tianeptine group to the amitriptyline group. Adverse events such as dry mouth and constipation were significantly lower in the tianeptine group than the amitriptyline group (P < 0.05).Conclusions & Inferences  Tianeptine is not inferior to amitriptyline for treating IBS‐D in terms of both efficacy and tolerability.
Does selection on increased cold tolerance in the adult stage confer resistance throughout development?
Authors: DIERKS A. , KÖLZOW N. , FRANKE K. , FISCHER K. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractArtificial selection is a powerful approach to unravel constraints on genetic adaptation. Although it has been frequently used to reveal genetic trade‐offs among different fitness‐related traits, only a few studies have targeted genetic correlations across developmental stages. Here, we test whether selection on increased cold tolerance in the adult stage increases cold resistance throughout ontogeny in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. We used lines selected for decreased chill‐coma recovery time and corresponding controls, which had originally been set up from three levels of inbreeding (outbred control, one or two full‐sib matings). Four generations after having terminated selection, a response to selection was found in 1‐day‐old butterflies (the age at which selection took place). Older adults showed a very similar although weaker response. Nevertheless, cold resistance did not increase in either egg, larval or pupal stage in the selection lines but was even lower compared to control lines for eggs and young larvae. These findings suggest a cost of increased adult cold tolerance, presumably reducing resource availability for offspring provisioning and thereby stress tolerance during development, which may substantially affect evolutionary trajectories.
Drought and air warming affects abundance and exoenzyme profiles of Cenococcum geophilum associated with Quercus robur, Q. petraea and Q. pubescens
Authors: Herzog C. , Peter M. , Pritsch K. , Günthardt‐Goerg M. S. , Egli S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe present study aimed to elucidate the influence of drought and elevated temperature on relative abundance and functioning of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Cenococcum geophilum on three oak species differing in adaptation to a warm and dry climate. The experiment QUERCO comprised three Quercus species (Q. robur, Q. petraea, Q. pubescens) grown for 3 years under four treatments: elevated air temperature, drought, a combination of the two, and control. Fine root samples were analysed for relative abundance and potential extracellular enzyme activities of ectomycorrhizae of C. geophilum, a fungal species known to be drought resistant. The relative abundance of C. geophilum on the roots of the oak species was significantly increased by temperature, decreased by drought, but unchanged in the combined treatment compared to the control. Although the extent of treatment effects differed among oak species, no significant influence of tree species on relative abundance of C. geophilum was detected. Exoenzyme activities of C. geophilum on Q. robur and Q. petraea (but not Q. pubescens) significantly increased in the combined treatment, but for all oak species were reduced under drought and air warming alone compared to the control. There was a significant negative correlation between abundance of C. geophilum and its leucine aminopeptidase activity. As this enzyme is not frequent among ectomycorrhizal fungi, this emphasises the functional importance of C. geophilum in the ectomycorrhizal community. Our results indicate that increased temperature and drought will influence the relative abundance and enzyme activity of C. geophilum. However, both the Quercus species and C. geophilum tolerated warming and strong drought.
A Proper Assessment of Boar Sperm Function May Not Only Require Conventional Analyses but Also Others Focused on Molecular Markers of Epididymal Maturation
Authors: Bonet S , Briz MD , Yeste M 
Published: June 2012

ContentsIn swine, predicting the fertilizing ability of boar ejaculates before using seminal doses for artificial insemination purposes is very important for pork breeders. Routinely, semen quality is evaluated by means of sperm concentration, viability, motility and morphology. However, in some cases, these spermiogram parameters may not be precise enough to detect altered/non‐functional spermatozoa within boar ejaculates that may yield lower reproductive performance. The present work reviews the conventional parameters most used for assessing porcine semen quality, and it also describes other markers recently found that may help for evaluating more accurately the boar sperm function and survival. These markers are related to alterations induced by defective spermatogenesis, epididymal maturation or sperm handling.
Ultrasonography for Monitoring Reproductive Function in the Bull
Authors: Kastelic JP , Brito LFC 
Published: June 2012

ContentsDiagnostic ultrasonography has been widely used for examination of the reproductive tract of female cattle, but more sparingly in bulls. Typical clinical ultrasonographic examinations of bull testes are unlikely to affect semen quality or sperm production. The ultrasonographic anatomy of bull testes and accessory sex glands has been reported. Although testicular echogenicity increased (i.e. the parenchyma appeared more white) as a bull approached puberty, echogenicity was not superior to scrotal circumference as a predictor of puberty. Ultrasonography can be used to detect and characterize testicular pathology. It is noteworthy that areas of increased echogenicity (testicular fibrosis) are common, especially in young bulls, but are not associated with decreased semen quality (e.g. percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm). Neither visual evaluation nor computerized pixel analysis of testicular ultrasonic echotexture was consistently predictive of semen quality in bulls. Therefore, we concluded that the primary clinical use of ultrasonography in assessment of reproductive function in the bull is characterization of grossly detectable lesions in the testes and scrotum.
Retrospective Analysis of Canine Semen Evaluations with Special Emphasis on the use of the Hypoosmotic Swelling (HOS) Test and Acrosomal Evaluation Using Spermac®
Authors: Goericke‐Pesch S , Failing K 
Published: June 2012

ContentsRoutine semen evaluation includes volume, motility, vital staining for live‐dead ratio and pathomorphology including Spermac® staining for evaluation of the acrosome. In recent years, depending on the species, also the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test has been applied routinely for evaluation of semen quality. In this respect, a significant correlation between the ability of spermatozoa to swell in HOS test and the fertilizing ability has been reported. Also for evaluation of dog semen, reference has been made to the HOS test; however, its correlation to conventional semen parameters so far is discussed controversially. In the present study, the results of 400 semen examinations from stud dogs presented at our clinic were evaluated for their correlations between conventional semen parameters (motility, live/dead ratio, pathomorphology), conventional semen parameters and age, Spermac® staining and HOS test, respectively. We found a significant correlation of age and sperm concentration (p < 0.01), total sperm count (p < 0.0001), percentage of progressively motile sperm (p < 0.01) and live spermatozoa (p = 0.012). Furthermore, several correlations between conventional semen parameters were identified. Percentage of sperm with normal acrosome identified by Spermac ® staining correlated significantly with live spermatozoa (p < 0.0001) and percentage of progressively motile sperm (p < 0.01). A significant correlation was proven between curled tails in HOS test and age (p < 0.001), motility (p < 0.0001), live sperm (p < 0.0001), acrosomal status (p < 0.05), pathomorphology (p < 0.0001) and sperm concentration (p = 0.011). These results indicate that Spermac® staining and the HOS test are useful in improving canine semen analysis.
Bottom‐up control in the benthos of ocean‐exposed sandy beaches?
Authors: SCHLACHER THOMAS A. , HARTWIG JENNIFER 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBottom‐up control is a fundamental structuring force in food webs. Food webs of ocean‐exposed sandy beaches are predicted to be bottom‐up controlled systems, underpinned by imported organic matter rather than in situ primary production. This ecological model of resource‐based regulation of biological assemblages is juxtaposed against a prevailing paradigm built around a dominance of physical drivers in sandy beach ecosystems. Surprisingly, given the apparently ubiquitous energetic subsidies of beach food webs, the central premise of bottom‐up control has not been tested. Here we experimentally manipulated in situ nutrient levels on a sandy beach to test food web responses at the levels of primary producers (benthic microalgae) and their grazers (meiofauna). The meiofauna community as a whole appeared most strongly influenced by the local physical environment, particularly changes in sediment grain size – this supports the traditional ‘environmental control paradigm’. We also detected a significant, positive response of two consumer groups of the meiofauna (nematodes, ostracods) to nutrient enrichment that supports a model of biological, bottom‐up control. Although the predicted response of elevated producer biomass following nutrient enrichment was not detected, intense grazing pressure on new, stimulated production may have masked positive responses by the primary producers. Multichannel regulation of food webs is likely for many exposed sandy beaches, albeit an often lower importance of in situ bottom‐up forces compared with stronger environmental control.
Invasive wasps, not birds, dominate in a temperate honeydew system
Authors: GARDNER‐GEE ROBIN , BEGGS JACQUELINE R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe Avian Convergence Hypothesis states that avian–honeydew associations are likely to develop when biogeographic and/or climatic factors limit the formation of ant–honeydew associations (the dominant association in tropical ecosystems). In this study we examine a honeydew‐influenced forest system in an island archipelago where ant diversity is low but invasive Vespula wasp species (Vespidae) are present. We found honeydew production was highly seasonal, with both standing crop and 24‐h production peaking in summer. When Vespula wasps were abundant (summer and autumn) they preferentially visited infested trees and fed regularly on honeydew droplets on infested branches. Two ant species occasionally fed on honeydew. No other insects or birds were observed feeding on honeydew during the study period. With the exception of Vespula, honeydew does not appear to be a preferred food source in this community, possibly because of the range of other food resources available in surrounding forest, farmland and gardens. The abundance of Vespula wasps at the site may also have disrupted bird–honeydew associations. We suggest the Avian Convergence Hypothesis could be restated to explicitly include both nectar availability and invasive social insects as both are likely to influence bird use of honeydew.
Factors associated with life‐space in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Uemura Kazuki , Shimada Hiroyuki , Makizako Hyuma , Yoshida Daisuke , Doi Takehiko , Yamada Minoru , Suzuki Takao 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Restriction of life‐space is associated with physical performance and functional decline in older adults. Little is known about the factors associated with life‐space in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with life‐space in older adults with aMCI.Methods:  The study participants were 69 older adults (mean age 74.5 years, males 56.5%) who were identified with aMCI. Life‐space mobility was measured using a Japanese translation of the life‐space assessment (LSA). Age, sex, cognitive function (general function, executive function and processing speed), physical performance, instrumental activities of daily living status (IADL) and fear of falling (FoF) were measured as potential relevant factors.Results:  Univariate analysis showed that the LSA was associated with FoF, sex, physical performance, processing speed and IADL. In the stepwise regression analysis, FoF, processing speed and IADL maintained a significant association with the LSA scores, although sex and physical performance did not reach significance.Conclusion:  The results suggest that the restrictions of life‐space in older adults with aMCI were more affected by the FoF, slower processing speed and restricted IADL than sex or physical performance. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 161–166.
ADEQUATE TRUST AVAILS, MISTAKEN TRUST MATTERS: ON THE MORAL RESPONSIBILITY OF DOCTORS AS PROXIES FOR PATIENTS' TRUST IN BIOBANK RESEARCH
Authors: JOHNSSON LINUS , HELGESSON GERT , HANSSON MATS G. , ERIKSSON STEFAN 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTIn Sweden, most patients are recruited into biobank research by non‐researcher doctors. Patients' trust in doctors may therefore be important to their willingness to participate. We suggest a model of trust that makes sense of such transitions of trust between domains and distinguishes adequate trust from mistaken trust. The unique position of doctors implies, we argue, a Kantian imperfect duty to compensate for patients' mistaken trust. There are at least three kinds of mistaken trust, each of which requires a different set of countermeasures. First, trust is mistaken when necessary competence is lacking; the competence must be developed or the illusion dispelled. Second, trust is irrational whenever the patient is mistaken about his actual reasons for trusting. Care must therefore be taken to support the patient's reasoning and moral agency. Third, some patients inappropriately trust doctors to recommend only research that will benefit them directly. Such trust should be counteracted by nurturing a culture where patients expect to be asked occasionally to contribute to the common good.
Are Phase 1 Trials Therapeutic? Risk, Ethics, and Division of Labor
Authors: Anderson James A. , Kimmelman Jonathan 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTDespite their crucial role in the translation of pre‐clinical research into new clinical applications, phase 1 trials involving patients continue to prompt ethical debate. At the heart of the controversy is the question of whether risks of administering experimental drugs are therapeutically justified. We suggest that prior attempts to address this question have been muddled, in part because it cannot be answered adequately without first attending to the way labor is divided in managing risk in clinical trials. In what follows, we approach the question of therapeutic justification for phase 1 trials from the viewpoint of five different stakeholders: the drug regulatory authority, the IRB, the clinical investigator, the referring physician, and the patient. Our analysis shows that the question of therapeutic justification actually raises multiple questions corresponding to the roles and responsibilities of the different stakeholders involved. By attending to these contextual differences, we provide more coherent guidance for the ethical negotiation of risk in phase 1 trials involving patients. We close by discussing the implications of our argument for various perennial controversies in phase 1 trial practice.