bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal ramping rate influences evolutionary potential and species differences for upper thermal limits in Drosophila
Authors: Mitchell Katherine A. , Hoffmann Ary A. 
Published: December 2009

Summary 1. Thermal tolerance is a key factor limiting insect distributions, but there is limited information on the ability of species to evolve different thermal limits. Recent studies indicate that the experimental protocol influences upper limits, with slower but ecologically relevant rates of warming lowering estimates of tolerance. These effects could also influence genetic and environmental variances that define evolutionary potential. 2. To determine the influence of experimental protocol on estimates of narrow sense heritability (h2n) and other measures of evolutionary potential in Drosophila melanogaster, we conducted family studies on knockdown time when flies were immediately exposed to a high temperature (static) or when temperature was increased to an upper limit (ramping). 3. Estimates of variance components in two populations were obtained using the animal model approach that incorporates information from all relationships among relatives. Coefficients of variation were higher when flies were exposed to a static stress, as were estimates of additive genetic variance and measures of evolvability where genetic variances were standardized by trait means. In contrast, levels of environmental variance were higher under ramping conditions. These effects mean that the narrow sense heritability of thermal resistance was low under slow ramping and did not differ significantly from zero. 4. Differences in thermal limits under both methods were detected among Drosophila species. There was a significant positive relationship between the fast and slow ramping estimates of thermal resistance across species after correction for phylogeny, suggesting similar underlying mechanisms or a history of correlated evolution. However, this result was caused by the strong influence of two taxa. 5. These results suggest that natural populations exhibit lower adaptive potential for upper thermal limits under ramping than estimated from traditional (static) estimates of heat resistance. Even the highly adaptable Drosophila melanogaster appears to have little evolutionary potential to extend its upper thermal range under ramping conditions although species have diverged for this measure.
Analysis of resin tags formation in root canal dentine: a cross sectional study
Authors: Malyk Y. , Kaaden C. , Hickel R. , Ilie N. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim  To evaluate the length, density and quality of resin tags formed by penetration of various types of adhesive systems into dentinal tubules at various cross section levels of the root canal in correlation to the density of dentinal tubules.Methodology  Thirty mandibular premolars were instrumented and fibre posts were inserted with three different adhesive systems with and without activator: etch & rinse XP Bond and XP Bond/Self Cure Activator; self‐etch (two‐step) AdheSE and AdheSE/AdheSE DC Activator and self‐etch (one‐step) Hybrid Bond and Hybrid Bond/Hybrid Brushes. The resin tags were evaluated from slices obtained from sections perpendicular to the long axis of the teeth at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the root apex under a Confocal Laser Scanning microscope.Results  In all groups, lack of continuity of resin tag length, density and quality was observed not only from the cervical to the apical region of each root canal, but also in a mesio‐distal direction to the long axis of the root. Application of etch & rinse adhesive in contrast to the self‐etch adhesives provided the formation of the shorter, but considerably denser, more homogeneous and not interrupted resin tags with similar length. Use of the activator for all types of adhesives significantly increased the completeness (P = 0.014) and continuity (P = 0.024) of resin tags.Conclusions  None of the investigated adhesives were able to completely infiltrate the dentinal tubules in the entire root canal. Use of the etch & rinse adhesive system and the activators significantly increased the density and the quality of resin tags.
Apexogenesis after initial root canal treatment of an immature maxillary incisor – a case report
Authors: Kvinnsland S. R. , Bårdsen A. , Fristad I. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim  To present a case where a traumatized, immature tooth still showed capacity for continued root development and apexogenesis after root canal treatment was initiated based on an inaccurate pulpal diagnosis.Summary  Traumatic dental injuries may result in endodontic complications. Treatment strategies for traumatized, immature teeth should aim at preserving pulp vitality to ensure further root development and tooth maturation. A 9‐year‐old boy, who had suffered a concussion injury to the maxillary anterior teeth, was referred after endodontic treatment was initiated in tooth 21 one week earlier. The tooth had incomplete root length, thin dentinal walls and a wide open apex. The pulp chamber had been accessed, and the pulp canal instrumented to size 100. According to the referral, bleeding from the root made it difficult to fill the root canal with calcium hydroxide. No radiographic signs of apical breakdown were recorded. Based on radiographic and clinical findings, a conservative treatment approach was followed to allow continued root development. Follow‐up with radiographic examination every 3rd month was performed for 15 months. Continued root formation with apical closure was recorded. In the cervical area, a hard tissue barrier developed, which was sealed with white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Bonded composite was used to seal the access cavity. At the final 2 years follow‐up, the tooth showed further root development and was free from symptoms.Key learning points

Endodontic treatment of immature teeth may result in a poor long‐term prognosis.
The pulp of immature teeth has a significant repair potential as long as infection is prevented.
Treatment strategies of traumatized, immature permanent teeth should aim at preserving pulp vitality to secure further root development and tooth maturation.
Radiographic interpretation of the periapical area of immature teeth may be confused by the un‐mineralized radiolucent zone surrounding the dental papilla.
Resource partitioning or reproductive isolation: the ecological role of body size differences among closely related species in sympatry
Authors: Okuzaki Yutaka , Takami Yasuoki , Sota Teiji 
Published: December 2009

Summary 1. Body size differences among coexisting related species are common, but the actual effect of these differences in mitigating interspecific interactions, such as resource competition and reproductive interference, is poorly understood. 2. Local assemblages of the ground beetle genus Carabus (subgenus Ohomopterus) typically consist of two or more species of varying sizes. Through foraging and mating experiments using four Ohomopterus species in parapatry and sympatry, we examined whether interspecific body size differences are effective in partitioning food resources or reducing reproductive interference. 3. Because larval Ohomopterus feed exclusively on earthworms, body size differences may be related to partitioning earthworms of different sizes. However, larvae did not exhibit differences in selectivity or attack success on earthworms of different sizes based on larval body size, indicating little possibility of partitioning food by body size. 4. In contrast, interspecific mating behaviours, such as mate recognition, mounting, and copulation, were hindered when body size differences were large; copulation was frequently accomplished between parapatric species with smaller body size differences. 5. These results suggest that body size differences between species effectively reduce reproductive interference, rather than resource competition. Although body size differences in coexisting closely related species have been considered to function in resource partitioning, they may function primarily in reproductive isolation and thereby facilitate coexistence of species.
The impact of epistatic selection on the genomic traces of selection
Authors: OTTO SARAH P. , WHITLOCK MICHAEL C. 
Published: December 2009

The rapid accumulation of genomic data has led to an explosion of studies searching for signals of past selection left within DNA sequences. Yet the majority of theoretical studies investigating the traces of selection have assumed a simple form of selection, without interactions among selectively fixed sites. Fitness interactions—‘epistasis’—are commonplace, however, and take on a myriad of forms (Whitlock et al. 1995; Segrèet al. 2005; Phillips 2008). It is thus important to determine how such epistasis would influence selective sweeps. On p. 5018 of this issue, Takahasi (2009) explores the effect of epistasis on genetic variation neighbouring two sites that interact in determining fitness, finding that such epistasis has a dramatic impact on the genetic variability in regions surrounding the interacting sites.
Ribosome reactivation by replacement of damaged proteins
Authors: Pulk Arto , Liiv Aivar , Peil Lauri , Maiväli Ülo , Nierhaus Knud , Remme Jaanus 
Published: December 2009

SummaryRibosomal functions are vital for all organisms. Bacterial ribosomes are stable 2.4 MDa particles composed of three RNAs and over 50 different proteins. Accumulating damage to ribosomal RNA or proteins can disturb ribosome functioning. Organisms could benefit from degrading or possibly repairing inactive or partially active ribosomes. Reactivation of chemically damaged ribosomes by a process of protein replacement was studied in vitro. Ribosomes were inactivated by chemical modification of Cys residues. Incubation of modified ribosomes with total ribosomal proteins led to reactivation of translational activity. Intriguingly, ribosomal proteins extracted by LiCl are equally active in the restoration of ribosome function. Incubation of 70S ribosomes with isotopically labelled r‐proteins followed by separation of ribosomes was used to identify exchangeable proteins. A similar set of proteins was found to be exchanged in vivo under stress conditions in the stationary phase. We propose that repair of damaged ribosomes might be an important mechanism for maintaining protein synthesis activity following chemical damage.
Functional specialization and differential regulation of short‐chain carboxylic acid transporters in the pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Vieira Neide , Casal Margarida , Johansson Björn , MacCallum Donna M. , Brown Alistair J.P. , Paiva Sandra 
Published: December 2009

SummaryThe major fungal pathogen Candida albicans has the metabolic flexibility to assimilate a wide range of nutrients in its human host. Previous studies have suggested that C. albicans can encounter glucose‐poor microenvironments during infection and that the ability to use alternative non‐fermentable carbon sources contributes to its virulence. JEN1 encodes a monocarboxylate transporter in C. albicans and we show that its paralogue, JEN2, encodes a novel dicarboxylate plasma membrane transporter, subjected to glucose repression. A strain deleted in both genes lost the ability to transport lactic, malic and succinic acids by a mediated mechanism and it displayed a growth defect on these substrates. Although no significant morphogenetic or virulence defects were found in the double mutant strain, both JEN1 and JEN2 were strongly induced during infection. Jen1‐GFP (green fluorescent protein) and Jen2‐GFP were upregulated following the phagocytosis of C. albicans cells by neutrophils and macrophages, displaying similar behaviour to an Icl1‐GFP fusion. In the murine model of systemic candidiasis approximately 20–25% of C. albicans cells infecting the kidney expressed Jen1‐GFP and Jen2‐GFP. Our data suggest that Jen1 and Jen2 are expressed in glucose‐poor niches within the host, and that these short‐chain carboxylic acid transporters may be important in the early stages of infection.
Deploying artemether‐lumefantrine with rapid testing in Ethiopian communities: impact on malaria morbidity, mortality and healthcare resources
Authors: Lemma Hailemariam , Byass Peter , Desta Alem , Bosman Andrea , Costanzo Gianfranco , Toma Luigi , Fottrell Edward , Marrast Anne‐Claire , Ambachew Yohannes , Getachew Asefaw , Mulure Nathan , Morrone Aldo , Bianchi Angela , Barnabas Gebre Ab 
Published: December 2009

SummaryObjective  To assess the impact and feasibility of artemether‐lumefantrine deployment at community level, combined with phased introduction of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), on malaria transmission, morbidity, and mortality and health service use in a remote area of Ethiopia.Methods  Two‐year pilot study in two districts: artemether‐lumefantrine was prescribed after parasitological confirmation of malaria in health facilities in both districts. In the intervention district, artemether‐lumefantrine was also made available through 33 community health workers (CHWs); of these, 50% were equipped with RDTs in the second year.Results  At health facilities; 54 774 patients in the intervention and 100 535 patients in the control district were treated for malaria. In the intervention district, 75 654 patients were treated for malaria by community health workers. Use of RDTs in Year 2 excluded non‐Plasmodium falciparumin 89.7% of suspected cases. During the peak of malaria transmission in 2005, the crude parasite prevalence was 7.4% (95% CI: 6.1–8.9%) in the intervention district and 20.8% (95% CI: 18.7–23.0%) in the control district. Multivariate modelling indicated no significant difference in risk of all‐cause mortality between the intervention and the control districts [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 1.03, 95%CI 0.87–1.21, P = 0.751], but risk of malaria‐specific mortality was lower in the intervention district (aIRR 0.60, 95%CI 0.40–0.90, P = 0.013).Conclusions  Artemether‐lumefantrine deployment through a community‐based service in a remote rural population reduced malaria transmission, lowered the malaria case burden for health facilities and reduced malaria morbidity and mortality during a 2‐year period which included a major malaria epidemic.
Collaborative study to establish a replacement World Health Organization International Standard for parvovirus B19 DNA nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT)‐based assays
Authors: Baylis S. A. , Chudy M. , Blümel J. , Pisani G. , Candotti D. , José M. , Heath A. B. 
Published: December 2009

Background and objectives  The aim of the study was to replace the 1st World Health Organization International Standard for parvovirus B19 DNA for nucleic acid amplification technique (NAT)‐based assays (code 99/800). Two lyophilized preparations (coded 99/800 and 99/802) had been evaluated in the original collaborative study. The present study re‐evaluates these two preparations in terms of potency, stability and encapsidation of virus DNA.Materials and methods  The 1st International Standard (99/800) and 99/802 were re‐coded as Samples 1 and 2, respectively. The samples were distributed to six laboratories and assayed on four separate occasions. Accelerated thermal degradation samples of the two preparations were examined after storage at 20°C for 7 years. Nuclease treatment was used to investigate the encapsidation of virus DNA.Results  Data were returned from a total of six different quantitative NAT‐based assays. The results of the present study confirm those of the original, with no significant differences found in estimated international units (IU)/ml for the 1st International Standard (Sample 1 in this study) and the proposed replacement preparation, Sample 2 (99/802). Accelerated thermal degradation studies demonstrate that both samples are very stable, with no loss of potency after storage at 20°C for 7 years. Both lyophilized preparations contained the majority of B19V DNA encapsidated in virions.Conclusions  On the basis of the data presented in this collaborative study, Sample 2 (code number 99/802) was established as the 2nd International Standard for parvovirus B19 DNA for NAT‐based assays with a potency of 106 IU/ml (500 000 IU/vial).
No Correlation Between Song and Circulating Testosterone Levels During Multiple Broods in the Domesticated Canary (Serinus canaria)
Authors: Voigt Cornelia , Leitner Stefan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn anticipation of the breeding season male songbirds of the temperate zones undergo gonadal recrudescence in early spring that lead to elevated circulating testosterone (T) levels, positively correlated with an increase in aggressive and song behaviour. However, besides seasonal changes there are also marked fluctuations of T levels and song production within the breeding season. In many species, T levels and singing activity drop after pairing or after the first clutch is laid. Domesticated canaries (Serinus canaria) are multiple‐brooded with an extended breeding season, and males continue to sing after egg‐laying. So far, studies have mainly focused on the seasonality of T levels and song behaviour whereas the pattern of change throughout the breeding period is unknown. Here, we focused on the first and on the last brood of the breeding season. We measured plasma T levels in males at the different breeding stages and assessed song characteristics of males at both times. T levels fluctuated significantly throughout brood 1, being highest during the nest building stage compared with egg‐laying and feeding of young. No such changes occurred during the last brood. Temporal song characteristics changed between brood 1 and brood 3 with song length being the main contributor to explain these changes. Our data suggest that T mainly plays a role in mate attraction and initial nesting site selection but that elevated levels are not necessary for subsequent breeding attempts. Furthermore, temporal song characteristics are maintained independently of T levels, suggesting a threshold effect. Our results demonstrate behavioural and physiological plasticity of domesticated canaries during the breeding season and are consistent with previous findings in wild songbirds.
FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF A STRABISMUS MODEL
Authors: D. A. KAULT MB BS, Bsc  , D. J. STARK fraco, frcs (Edin)  , K. P. STARK be, bec, phd, fie Aust  
Published: December 2009

AbstractComputer models of strabismus have been available for about ten years. Such models are computer programs which perform a set of calculations based on an interpretation of the oculomotor system as a system of two spheres each with six adjustable springs. The effects of pathology and surgery can be simulated by altering the parameters of the springs. However, such models have not yet met with wide practical acceptance.One reason for this lack of interest is that previous investigators have neglected to apply strabismus models to concomitant strabismus. In this paper the application of a strabismus model to concomitant strabismus is demonstrated and data are generated which should be clinically useful.Another reason for lack of acceptance of comuter models results from the expectation that they may be unreliable because of biological variability, the model developed here is tested for its sensitivity to a wide range of biological variations and proves to be very robust. Therefore, information on concomitant squint surgery given by the model should be applicable to most patients.
DIFFERENTIATION AND ASSESSMENT OF CORNEAL ENDOTHELIAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH DISEASES OF THE ANTERIOR SEGMENT OF THE EYE
Authors: ANNE M. V. BROOKS md, fraco, fracs, fracp  , GLENYS GRANT aiap, mbpa  , W. E. GlLLlES fraco, fracs, frcs (Edin)  
Published: December 2009

AbstractRecent work has shown changes in the corneal endothelium accompanying corneal epithelial disease and anterior uveitis. It is important to differentiate these acute changes from other changes such as guttatae or corneal pigment deposition and to assess the magnitude of their effect upon the corneal endothelium.We have used specular microscopy to study changes in the corneal endothelium and Descemet's membrane and to study deposits on the back of the corneal endothelium and correlate them with changes in the endothelium by the use of conventional specular microscopy and by relief images which give a three dimensional view of the area concerned. This has particularly been applied to the conditions of superficial punctate keratopathy, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, corneal abrasions and exposure keratopathy, iritis and cyclitis, pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule, anterior sement pigment dispersal syndrome, bullous keratopathy as well as corneal guttatae and pigment granuis on the posterior cornea. freendothelial lesions have been distinguished from endothelial and retrocorneal lesions by this technique aiding elucidation of the state of the endothelium.The changes which we noted occurred either at the level of Descemet's membrane (including formation of small rounded dark blebs less than one cell in diameter, larger blebs one to three cells in diameter, and guttatae, usually larger than the foregoing and sometimes very numerous), or at the level of the posterior endothelial surface (including small shiny nodular deposits, often numerous. due to pigment granules, and keratitic precipitates and inflammatory debris, the former usually large and the latter smaller, more irregular and somethimes very numerougThe differentiation and assessment of these various changes are discussed.
A novel dialysing seton: short‐term biocompatibility
Authors: Richardson Peter , Walker Louise N. , Cooper Richard L. , Ben‐Nun Joshua 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA novel dialysing seton made from haemodialysis tubes was implanted into eleven rabbit eyes to establish its biocompatibility. The animals were observed for up to 67 days after implantation. The cannulae were well tolerated clinically. Tissue obtained at seven different time periods was studied by light and electron microscopy and showed only a mild inflammatory reaction of the same grade as or less than that surrounding nylon sutures used to close the scleral trapdoors. The eye containing the seton had consistently lower intraocular pressure compared to the sham‐operated fellow eye for up to 24 days. This effect declined over the ensuing five weeks.
Restoring the function of the failed bleb
Authors: Gillies W. E. , Brooks Anne M. V. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractFailure of the filtering bleb after trabeculectomy with a gonioscopically patent drainage cleft is likely to be due to: encapsulation of the bleb; flattening of the bleb; or cystoid bleb.Encapsulated blebs and flattened blebs are usually associated with a high intraocular pressure (IOP) while cystoid blebs are not, but corneal ulceration due to the prominent cystoid bleb may make revision of the bleb necessary. If the IOP is raised it is best to proceed quickly to needling of the bleb using 5‐fluorouracil. Sixteen patients underwent needling of the bleb, eight with encapsulated, six flattened and two cystoid blebs. Chronic open‐angle glaucoma (10 cases) was the commonest glaucoma. Twelve patients obtained satisfactory control of IOP with mean pre‐needling IOP for encapsulated blebs of 32 mmHg (4.27 kPa), flattened blebs 36 mmHg (4.8 kPa) and cystoid blebs 16mmHg (2.13 kPa), while post‐needling IOP for encapsulated blebs was 12 mmHg (1.6kPa), flattened blebs 13 mmHg (1.73 kPa) and cystoid blebs 12 mmHg (1.6 kPa). Mean follow‐up for encapsulated blebs was 15, flattened blebs 11 and for cystoid blebs nine months. Mean time between trabeculectomy and needling was: for encapsulated blebs 16 days; flattened blebs 24 days; and cystoid blebs 19 months.