bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combination therapy in the management of mixed dyslipidaemia
Authors: Cannon C. P. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract.Whilst statin monotherapy is often sufficient to reach LDL‐C goals, treatment may not reach all lipid goals in individuals with mixed dyslipidaemia typically associated with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. Double or triple combination therapy, which provides the opportunity to address multiple lipid abnormalities simultaneously, may be required to achieve targets in some patients. Addition of fenofibrate or niacin (nicotinic acid) to statin therapy is likely to be the first option, as recommended by national treatment guidelines; omega‐3 fatty acids may also be useful. Careful monitoring is required when adding additional agents given the increased potential for drug interactions and side effects.
Small‐scale spatial genetic structure in the Central African rainforest tree species Aucoumea klaineana: a stepwise approach to infer the impact of limited gene dispersal, population history and habitat fragmentation
Authors: BORN CÉLINE , HARDY OLIVIER J. , CHEVALLIER MARIE‐HÉLÈNE , OSSARI SIMON , ATTÉKÉ CHRISTIANE , WICKINGS E. JEAN , HOSSAERT‐MCKEY MARTINE 
Published: March 2008

AbstractUnder the isolation‐by‐distance model, the strength of spatial genetic structure (SGS) depends on seed and pollen dispersal and genetic drift, which in turn depends on local demographic structure. SGS can also be influenced by historical events such as admixture of differentiated gene pools. We analysed the fine‐scale SGS in six populations of a pioneer tree species endemic to Central Africa, Aucoumea klaineana. To infer the impacts of limited gene dispersal, population history and habitat fragmentation on isolation by distance, we followed a stepwise approach consisting of a Bayesian clustering method to detect differentiated gene pools followed by the analysis of kinship‐distance curves. Interestingly, despite considerable variation in density, the five populations situated under continuous forest cover displayed very similar extent of SGS. This is likely due to an increase in dispersal distance with decreased tree density. Admixture between two gene pools was detected in one of these five populations creating a distinctive pattern of SGS. In the last population sampled in open habitat, the genetic diversity was in the same range as in the other populations despite a recent habitat fragmentation. This result may due to the increase of gene dispersal compensating the effect of the disturbance as suggested by the reduced extent of SGS estimated in this population. Thus, in A. klaineana, the balance between drift and dispersal may facilitate the maintenance of genetic diversity. Finally, from the strength of the SGS and population density, an indirect estimate of gene dispersal distances was obtained for one site: the quadratic mean parent–offspring distance, σg, ranged between 210 m and 570 m.
Bleaching and stress in coral reef ecosystems: hsp70 expression by the giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta
Authors: LÓPEZ‐LEGENTIL SUSANNA , SONG BONGKEUN , MCMURRAY STEVEN E. , PAWLIK JOSEPH R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSponges are a prominent component of coral reef ecosystems. Like reef‐building corals, some sponges have been reported to bleach and die. The giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta is one of the largest and most important components of Caribbean coral reef communities. Tissues of X. muta contain cyanobacterial symbionts of the Synechococcus group. Two types of bleaching have been described: cyclic bleaching, from which sponges recover, and fatal bleaching, which usually results in sponge death. We quantified hsp70 gene expression as an indicator of stress in X. muta undergoing cyclic and fatal bleaching and in response to thermal and salinity variability in both field and laboratory settings. Chlorophyll a content of sponge tissue was estimated to determine whether hsp70 expression was related to cyanobacterial abundance. We found that fatally bleached sponge tissue presented significantly higher hsp70 gene expression, but cyclically bleached tissue did not, yet both cyclic and fatally bleached tissues had lower chlorophyll a concentrations than nonbleached tissue. These results corroborate field observations suggesting that cyclic bleaching is a temporary, nonstressful state, while fatal bleaching causes significant levels of stress, leading to mortality. Our results support the hypothesis that Synechococcus symbionts are commensals that provide no clear advantage to their sponge host. In laboratory experiments, sponge pieces incubated at 30 °C exhibited significantly higher hsp70 expression than control pieces after 1.5 h, with sponge mortality after less than 15 h. In contrast, sponges at different salinities were not significantly stressed after the same period of time. Stress associated with increasing seawater temperatures may result in declining sponge populations in coral reef ecosystems.
Heat shock protein 101 effects in A. thaliana: genetic variation, fitness and pleiotropy in controlled temperature conditions
Authors: TONSOR S. J. , SCOTT C. , BOUMAZA I. , LISS T. R. , BRODSKY J. L. , VIERLING E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe Hsp100/ClpB heat shock protein family is ancient and required for high temperature survival, but natural variation in expression and its phenotypic effects is unexplored in plants. In controlled environment experiments, we examined the effects of variation in the Arabidopsis cytosolic AtHsp101 (hereafter Hsp101). Ten wild‐collected ecotypes differed in Hsp101 expression responses across a 22 to 40 °C gradient. Genotypes from low latitudes expressed the least Hsp101. We tested fitness and pleiotropic consequences of varying Hsp101 expression in ‘control’ vs. mild thermal stress treatments (15/25 °C D/N vs. 15/25° D/N plus 3 h at 35 °C 3 days/week). Comparing wild type and null mutants, wt Columbia (Col) produced ~33% more fruits compared to its Hsp101 homozygous null mutant. There was no difference between Landsberg erecta null mutant NIL (Ler) and wt Ler; wt Ler showed very low Hsp101 expression. In an assay of six genotypes, fecundity was a saturating function of Hsp101 content, in both experimental treatments. Thus, in addition to its essential role in acquired thermal tolerance, Hsp101 provides a substantial fitness benefit under normal growth conditions. Knocking out Hsp101 decreased fruit production, days to germination and days to bolting, total dry mass, and number of inflorescences; it increased transpiration rate and allocation to root mass. Root : total mass ratio decayed exponentially with Hsp101 content. This study shows that Hsp101 expression is evolvable in natural populations. Our results further suggest that Hsp101 is primarily an emergency high‐temperature tolerance mechanism, since expression levels are lower in low‐latitude populations from warmer climates. Hsp101 expression appears to carry an important trade‐off in reduced root growth. This trade‐off may select for suppressed expression under chronically high temperatures.
The landscape genetics of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in a large fluvial ecosystem
Authors: LECLERC ÉMILIE , MAILHOT YVES , MINGELBIER MARC , BERNATCHEZ LOUIS 
Published: March 2008

AbstractLandscape genetics is being increasingly applied to elucidate the role of environmental features on the population structure of terrestrial organisms. However, the potential of this framework has been little explored in aquatic ecosystems such as large rivers. Here, we used a landscape genetics approach in order to (i) document the population structure of the yellow perch (Perca flavescens) by means of genetic variation at microsatellite markers, (ii) assess to what extent the structure was explained by landscape heterogeneity, and (iii) interpret the relevance of interactions between genetics and landscape for management and conservation. Analysis of the genetic variation among 1715 individuals from 16 localities and distributed over 310 km in the freshwater section of the Saint Lawrence River (Québec, Canada) revealed a relatively modest level of genetic structuring (FST = 0.039). Application of the Monmonier's algorithm combining geographical and genetic information identified three zones of restricted gene flow defining four distinct populations. Physical barriers played a more important role on gene flow and genetic structure than waterway geographical distance. We found correlations between genetic differentiation and presence of distinct water masses in the sector of Lake Saint‐Louis (r = 0.7177,P = 0.0340) and with fragmentation of spawning habitats in the sector of Lake Saint‐Pierre (r = 0.8578,P = 0.0095). Our results support the treatment of four distinct biological units, which is in contrast with the current basis for yellow perch management. Finally, this study showed that landscape genetics is a powerful means to identify environmental barriers to gene flow causing genetic discontinuities in apparently highly connected aquatic landscapes.
To be or not to be a hamlet pair in sympatry
Authors: SALZBURGER WALTER 
Published: March 2008

AbstractRecent adaptive radiations, such as the fringillid finches on the Galapagos archipelago or the cichlid fishes in the East African Great Lakes, are invaluable model systems for evolutionary and ecological research. Pueblaet al., in this issue ofMolecular Ecology, have established a group of colourful coral reef fishes from the Caribbean sea for studying the early phases of species formation in a marine adaptive radiation. It appears that local evolutionary processes are important in this system, which might have even triggeredin situspeciation.
Genetic manipulation of African trypanosomes as a tool to dissect the immunobiology of infection
Authors: MANSFIELD J. M. , PAULNOCK D. M. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat of African trypanosomes exhibits immunobiological functions distinct from its prominent role as a variant surface antigen. In order to address questions regarding immune stealth effects of VSG switch‐variant coats, and the innate immune system activating effects of shed VSG substituents, several groups have genetically modified the ability of trypanosomes to express or release VSG during infection of the mammalian host. The role of mosaic surface coats expressed by VSG switch‐variants (VSG double‐expressors) in escaping early immune detection, and the role of VSG glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor substituents in regulating host immunity have been revealed, respectively, by stable co‐expression of an exogenous VSG gene in trypanosomes expressing an endogenous VSG gene, and by knocking out the genetic locus for GPI‐phospholipase C (PLC) that releases VSG from the membrane. Both approaches to genetic modification of African trypanosomes have suggested interesting and unexpected immunobiological effects associated with surface coat molecules.
Reverse genetics and the study of the immune response to schistosomes
Authors: PEARCE E. J. , FREITAS T. C. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The sequencing of the schistosome genome and the establishment of techniques for RNAi and transient transfection in these parasites have opened the door for a reverse genetics approach to studying schistosomes. One of the most intriguing aspects of schistosome biology is the interaction of these parasites with the immune system. The immune response underlies the ability of the host to survive while infected and to eventually develop resistance to further infection. However, it is also instrumental in the development of disease due to its role orchestrating granuloma formation around tissue‐trapped parasite eggs. While schistosomes have clearly evolved mechanisms for evading host immune responses, their normal development is, paradoxically, also dependent upon the presence of a normal immune system. This article will review recent advances in the development of tools for studying gene function in schistosomes, and discuss how these new tools may be exploited to investigate issues of key importance in the interaction of schistosomes with the host immune system.
Large‐scale insertional mutagenesis using the Tnt1 retrotransposon in the model legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Tadege Million , Wen Jiangqi , He Ji , Tu Haidi , Kwak Younsig , Eschstruth Alexis , Cayrel Anne , Endre Gabriella , Zhao Patrick X. , Chabaud Mireille , Ratet Pascal , Mysore Kirankumar S. 
Published: March 2008

Summary Medicago truncatula is a fast‐emerging model for the study of legume functional biology. We used the tobacco retrotransposon Tnt1 to tag the Medicago genome and generated over 7600 independent lines representing an estimated 190 000 insertion events. Tnt1 inserted on average at 25 different locations per genome during tissue culture, and insertions were stable during subsequent generations in soil. Analysis of 2461 Tnt1 flanking sequence tags (FSTs) revealed that Tnt1 appears to prefer gene‐rich regions. The proportion of Tnt1 insertion in coding sequences was 34.1%, compared to the expected 15.9% if random insertions were to occur. However, Tnt1 showed neither unique target site specificity nor strong insertion hot spots, although some genes were more frequently tagged than others. Forward‐genetic screening of 3237 R1 lines resulted in identification of visible mutant phenotypes in approximately 30% of the regenerated lines. Tagging efficiency appears to be high, as all of the 20 mutants examined so far were found to be tagged. Taking the properties of Tnt1 into account and assuming 1.7 kb for the average M. truncatula gene size, we estimate that approximately 14 000–16 000 lines would be sufficient for 90% gene tagging coverage in M. truncatula. This is in contrast to more than 500 000 lines required to achieve the same saturation level using T‐DNA tagging. Our data demonstrate that Tnt1 is an efficient insertional mutagen in M. truncatula, and could be a primary choice for other plant species with large genomes.
A proteomic study showing differential regulation of stress, redox regulation and peroxidase proteins by iron supply and the transcription factor FER
Authors: Brumbarova Tzvetina , Matros Andrea , Mock Hans‐Peter , Bauer Petra 
Published: March 2008

SummaryPlants need to mobilize iron in the soil, and the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor FER is a central regulator of iron acquisition in tomato roots. FER activity is controlled by iron supply. To analyse to what extent FER influences Fe‐regulated protein expression, we investigated the root proteome of wild‐type tomato, the fer mutant and a transgenic FER overexpression line under low‐iron conditions versus sufficient and generous iron supply. The root proteomes were analysed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis with three technical and three biological replicates. Statistical analysis identified 39 protein spots that were differentially regulated in selected pairwise comparisons of experimental conditions. Of these, 24 were correlated with expression clusters revealed by principal component analysis. The 39 protein spots were analysed by MALDI‐TOF and nanoLC‐MS/MS to deduce their possible functions. We investigated the functional representation in the identified expression clusters, and found that loss of FER function in iron‐cultured plants mimicked an iron‐deficiency status. The largest identified protein expression cluster was upregulated by iron deficiency and in the fer mutant. Two iron‐regulated proteins required FER activity for induction by iron deficiency. Few proteins were suppressed by iron deficiency. The differentially expressed proteins belonged predominantly to the functional categories ‘stress’, ‘redox regulation’ and ‘miscellaneous peroxidases’. Hence, we were able to identify distinct expression clusters of proteins with distinct functions.
Associations between Pityogenes bidentatus and fungi in young managed Scots pine stands in Poland
Authors: Jankowiak R. , Rossa R. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe association between Pityogenes bidentatus and fungi was studied in young, managed Pinus sylvestris stands in Poland. Fungi were isolated from emerged adults and their galleries collected from four populations. In total, 2089 fungal isolates including 42 species, were obtained. Penicillium sp. 1 and Geosmithia sp. 1 were the most commonly isolated fungi from beetles (49% and 41% of beetles respectively). Geosmithia sp. 1 species was the dominant species in P. bidentatus galleries with a frequency of occurrence of 57.9%. Hormonema dematioides was the second most abundant fungus in gallery systems (17.1% of wood samples). Two of the isolated Geosmithia species were previously undescribed. Pityogenes bidentatus also vectored three ophiostomatoid species: Ophiostoma minus, O. piceae and Graphium sp. ‘W’. These species were occasionally isolated from beetles and their galleries, suggesting a non‐specific relationship.
Effects of Feeding Level During Lactation on FSH and LH Secretion Patterns, and Follicular Development in Primiparous Sows
Authors: Kauffold J , Gottschalk J , Schneider F , Beynon N , Wähner M 
Published: March 2008

ContentsIn the primiparous lactating sow undernutrition affects LH, but the effect on FSH is less clear. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of ad libitum (AL; n = 5) and restricted (RE; 70% of the AL feed; n = 5) feeding on the secretion patterns of FSH and LH, and on follicular development in primiparous lactating sows. Body side fat thickness (BSFT) was measured prior to farrowing and at weaning on day 21 postpartum (pp). Sows had an intravenous catheter fitted on day 6 or 7 pp. Blood samples were taken on days 12, 15 and 18 pp, every 15 min starting at 0700 h for 11 h, and plasma analysed for FSH and LH by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Daily transcutaneous ultrasonography of the ovaries was performed between days 10 and 20 pp to monitor follicular growth. Reduction in BSFT was higher in RE than in AL sows (p < 0.05). Mean and basal LH were significantly higher in AL than in RE sows on days 12 and 15 pp. (p < 0.05), and LH pulse frequency tended to be higher (p < 0.1). Mean FSH was higher in AL than in RE sows on days 15 and 18 (p < 0.05), and had a tendency to be higher on day 12 (p = 0.1). Follicle size increased in AL sows between days 10 and 20 of lactation (p < 0.05; r = 0.71), but remained unaffected in RE sows. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that feed restriction of primiparous sows during lactation affects not only LH, but also FSH, as well as lactational follicular growth. An association between those events is suggested.
INTRADUCTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY BEFORE BILIARY DRAINAGE AND TRANSPAPILLARY BIOPSY IN ASSESSMENT OF THE LONGITUDINAL EXTENT OF BILE DUCT CANCER
Authors: Noda Yutaka , Fujita Naotaka , Kobayashi Go , Ito Kei , Horaguchi Jun , Takazawa Osamu , Obana Takashi , Nakahara Kazuari , Ishida Kazuhiko , Suzuki Takashi , Hirasawa Dai , Sugawara Toshiki , Ohira Tetsuya , Onochi Kengo , Harada Yoshihiro , Tsuchiya Takashi , Sawai Takashi , Uzuki Miwa , Kariya Yoshiyuki 
Published: March 2008

Aim:  We evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of transpapillary intraductal ultrasonography before biliary drainage (IDUS‐BD) and transpapillary biopsy (TPB) for the assessment of the longitudinal extent of bile duct cancer.Methods:  Between November 1999 and January 2005, we performed IDUS‐BD and TPB preoperatively in 27 patients with carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct. Following IDUS‐BD, TPB was performed under fluoroscopic guidance immediately after endoscopic sphincterotomy. The diagnostic efficacy of IDUS‐BD and TPB for the longitudinal extent of the cancer and the complications which accompanied the procedure were evaluated.Results:  The overall success rate of sampling and the diagnostic accuracy of bile duct cancer by TPB were 85.3% (192/225) and 85% (23/27), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the assessment of the longitudinal extent of cancer on the hepatic and duodenal sides by IDUS‐BD were 82%, 70%, 78% and 85%, 43%, 70%, respectively. Those by a combination of IDUS‐BD and TPB were 88%, 80%, 85% and 77%, 86%, 80%, respectively. Overestimation of the longitudinal extent of BD cancer by IDUS‐BD was mainly due to inflammation and obscure images, especially resulting from collapse of the bile duct on the duodenal side of the tumor, and was corrected by TPB in four of five patients. No serious complications occurred following the combination of IDUS‐BD and TPB.Conclusions:  TPB is useful for preoperative histological diagnosis of bile duct cancer. The combination of IDUS‐BD and TPB is practical for evaluation of its longitudinal extent; basically, IDUS‐BD is sufficient on the hepatic side of the tumor, but concomitant TPB is recommended on the duodenal side.
Risk factors and outcome of seizures after spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Lin Y.‐J. , Chang W.‐N. , Chang H.‐W. , Ho J.‐T. , Lee T.‐C. , Wang H.‐C. , Tsai N.‐W. , Tsai M.‐H. , Lu C.‐H. 
Published: March 2008

Background and purpose:  Seizures are important neurologic complications of spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A better understanding of the risk factors of seizures following aneurysmal SAH is needed to predict those who will require treatment.Methods:  A total of 137 adult patients were enrolled in this two‐year retrospective study. Baseline prognostic variables were analyzed based on Cox’s proportional hazards model after a minimum of one‐year follow‐up.Results:  Seizures occurred in 21 patients who had SAH, including acute symptomatic seizures in 11.7% (16/137) and unprovoked seizures in 3.6% (5/137). None progressed to status epilepticus during hospitalization. After a minimum of one‐year follow‐up, the mean Glasgow Outcome Score was 3.5 ± 1.4 for patients with seizures and 3.1 ± 1.1 for those without.Conclusions:  Higher mean World Federation of Neurological Societies grade on presentation was predictive of seizure, but seizure itself was not a significant prognostic predictor after a minimum of one‐year follow‐up. Regarding potential side effects of anti‐epileptic drugs, anti‐epileptic therapy should be carefully administered to patients with seizures after aneurysmal SAH.
Cytidine‐5′‐diphosphocholine (Citicoline): a pilot study in patients with non‐arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Parisi V. , Coppola G. , Ziccardi L. , Gallinaro G. , Falsini B. 
Published: March 2008

Background and purpose:  Our work evaluates visual function before and after treatment with cytidine‐5‐diphosphocholine (Citicoline) in patients with non‐arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy (NION).Methods:  Twenty‐six patients in which at least 6 months elapsed from NION, were randomly divided into two age‐similar groups: 14 patients had Citicoline (Cebrolux‐Tubilux, Italy, 1600 mg/diem for 60 days, followed by a 120‐day period of wash out, days 60–180) (T‐NION); 12 patients had no treatment during the same period (NT‐NION). At day 180, in T‐NION a second period of treatment (days 181–240) followed by a wash‐out (days 241–360) was performed. Fourteen age‐matched healthy subjects provided normative data. In all patients, pattern‐electroretinogram (PERG), visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and visual acuity (VA) measurements were performed at baseline and at days 60 and 180. In T‐NION, further measurements were achieved at days 240 and 360.Results:  At baseline, NT‐NION and T‐NION patients showed abnormal PERGs and VEPs, and reduced VA, compared to controls. At the end of treatment (days 60 and 240), T‐NION patients showed improvement (P < 0.01) of PERGs, VEPs parameters and VA, compared to pre‐treatment values. After wash out, functional improvements persisted compared to baseline. No changes in NT‐NION patients were observed.Conclusions:  Our results suggest a beneficial effect of oral Citicoline in NION.