bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrasting phylogeographies inferred for the two alpine sister species Cardamine resedifolia and C. alpina (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Lihová Judita , Carlsen Tor , Brochmann Christian , Marhold Karol 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAim  We use Cardamine alpina and C. resedifolia as models to address the detailed history of disjunctions in the European alpine system. These species grow on siliceous bedrock: C. alpina in the Alps and Pyrenees, and C. resedifolia in several mountain ranges from the Sierra Nevada to the Balkans. We explore differentiation among their disjunct populations as well as within the contiguous Alpine and Pyrenean ranges, and compare the phylogeographical histories of these diploid sister species. We also include samples of the closely related, arctic diploid C. bellidifolia in order to explore its origin and post‐glacial establishment.Location  European alpine system, Norway and Iceland.Methods  We employed amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). AFLP data were analysed using principal coordinates analysis, neighbour joining and Bayesian clustering, and measures of diversity and differentiation were computed.Results  For the snow‐bed species C. alpina (27 populations, 203 plants) we resolved two strongly divergent lineages, corresponding to the Alps and the Pyrenees. Although multiple glacial refugia were invoked in the Pyrenees, we inferred only a single one in the Maritime Alps – from which rapid post‐glacial colonization of the entire Alps occurred, accompanied by a strong founder effect. For C. resedifolia (33 populations, 247 plants), which has a broader ecological amplitude and a wider distribution, the genetic structuring was rather weak and did not correspond to the main geographical disjunctions. This species consists of two widespread and largely sympatric main genetic groups (one of them subdivided into four geographically more restricted groups), and frequent secondary contacts exist between them.Main conclusions  The conspicuously different histories of these two sister species are likely to be associated with their different ecologies. The more abundant habitats available for C. resedifolia may have increased the probability of its gradual migration during colder periods and also of successful establishment after long‐distance dispersal, whereas C. alpina has been restricted by its dependence on snow‐beds. Surprisingly, the arctic C. bellidifolia formed a very divergent lineage with little variation, contradicting a scenario of recent, post‐glacial migration from the Alps or Pyrenees.
Improving efficiency and value in health care Intravenous iron management for anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease: linking treatment to an outpatient clinic, optimizing service provision and patient choice
Authors: Bhandari Sunil , Naudeer Sarah 
Published: September 2008

AbstractRationale  The National Service Framework advocates correction of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Oral iron is insufficient, while intravenous (IV) supplementation replenishes and maintains iron stores. In Yorkshire numerous peripheral clinics exist to reduce travel for patients, but patients must travel to the main unit for IV iron therapy. Therefore an outpatient service in tandem with a routine clinic for administration of IV CosmoFer was created.Purpose  To evaluate the feasibility and benefits of IV iron therapy in the outpatient clinic during active patient review for CKD patients.Design  A cross‐sectional study of patients attending for total dose IV iron (n = 57) at a peripheral clinic. Iron was administered and monitored according to protocol by one of the clinic nurses with medical staff available in the adjoining room. Haemoglobin, ferritin and renal function were recorded pre‐infusion and after 4–6 months. Results are given as medians/means ± standard error.Results  A total of 76 IV infusions were carried out with no reported side effects or haemodynamic instability. Haemoglobin (median 10.9 vs. 11.3 g dL−1, P = NS), creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over the 6‐month period remained stable. Serum ferritin rose significantly [80.9 ± 6.2 vs. 186.4 ± 18.2 g L−1 (P < 0.001)]. Hospital time saved 380 day case bed hours, doctor hours saved 76 hours, and patient hours saved 3 hours/patient. Cost savings for TDI CosmoFer in peripheral clinic versus in centre therapy and versus sucrose, respectively, for 76 treatments was £5749.40 and £46 320.80 respectively.Conclusion  We have demonstrated, in a resource‐limited service, the feasibility and cost‐effectiveness of a management care pathway for patients with CKD, in a peripheral clinic, to receive total dose IV CosmoFer without disruption of a functioning renal clinic.
Ventilation / Perfusion SPECT for diagnostics of pulmonary embolism in clinical practice
Authors: Bajc M. , Olsson B. , Palmer J. , Jonson B. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Aim.  The aim of this retrospective study is to illustrate clinical utility and impact of pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnostics of up to date Ventilation/Perfusion SPECT (V/PSPECT) applying holistic interpretation criteria.Material and methods.  During a 2‐year period 2328 consecutive patients referred to V/PSPECT for clinically suspected PE were examined. Final diagnosis was established by physicians clinically responsible for patient care. To establish the performance of V/PSPECT negative for PE, patients were followed up by medical records for 6 months.Results.  Ventilation/Perfusion SPECT was feasible in 99% of the patients. Data for follow‐up were available in 1785 patients (77%). PE was reported in 607 patients (34%). Normal pattern was described in 420 patients (25%). Pathology other than PE such as a pneumonia, left heart failure, obstructive lung disease, tumour was described in 724 patients (41%). Report was nondiagnostic in 19 patients (1%). Six cases were classified as falsely negative because PE was diagnosed at follow‐up and was fatal in one case. Six cases were classified as falsely positive because the clinician decided not to treat. In 608 patients with final PE diagnosis, 601 patients had positive V/PSPECT (99%). In 1177 patients without final PE diagnosis 1153 patients had negative V/PSPECT (98%).Conclusions.  Holistic interpretation of V/PSPECT, yields high negative and positive predictive values and only 1% of nondiagnostic findings and was feasible in 99% of patients. It is a responsibility and a challenge of nuclear medicine to provide optimal care of patients with suspected PE by making V/PSPECT available.
Recent developments in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis with bisphosphonates: enhanced efficacy by enhanced compliance
Authors: Boonen S. , Vanderschueren D. , Venken K. , Milisen K. , Delforge M. , Haentjens P. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Bisphosphonates are the current mainstay of treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Although daily oral dosing is effective, it is associated with poor compliance, partly because of the pre and postdose fasting and posture requirements. This negatively impacts treatment outcomes, leading to a reduced clinical benefit. Improved, yet still suboptimal adherence has been noticed with less frequent bisphosphonate dosing e.g. once‐weekly and once‐monthly oral regimens. The recently approved quarterly intravenous (i.v.) injection regimen of ibandronate and yearly i.v. infusion of zoledronic acid are attractive options in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. These regimens may assure quarterly and year long compliance.
Range‐wide genetic homogeneity in the California sea mussel (Mytilus californianus): a comparison of allozymes, nuclear DNA markers, and mitochondrial DNA sequences
Authors: ADDISON JASON A. , ORT BRIAN S. , MESA KATHRYN A. , POGSON GRANT H. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe tested for genetic differentiation among six populations of California sea mussels (Mytilus californianus) sampled across 4000 km of its geographical range by comparing patterns of variation at four independent types of genetic markers: allozymes, single‐copy nuclear DNA markers, and DNA sequences from the male and female mitochondrial genomes. Despite our extensive sampling and genotyping efforts, we detected no significant differences among localities and no signal of isolation by distance suggesting that M. californianus is genetically homogeneous throughout its range. This concordance differs from similar studies on other mytilids, especially in the role of postsettlement selection generating differences between exposed coastal and estuarine habitats. To assess if this homogeneity was due to M. californianus not inhabiting estuarine environments, we reviewed studies comparing allozymes with other classes of nuclear DNA markers. Although both types of markers gave broadly consistent results, there was a bias favouring studies in which allozymes were more divergent than DNA markers (nine to three) and a disproportionate number of these cases involved marine taxa (seven). Furthermore, allozymes were significantly more heterogeneous than DNA markers in three of the four studies that sampled coastal and estuarine habitats. We conclude that the genetic uniformity exhibited by M. californianus may result from a combination of extensive gene flow and the lack of exposure to strong selective gradients across its range.
Inter‐species hybridization among Neotropical cats of the genusLeopardus, and evidence for an introgressive hybrid zone betweenL. geoffroyiandL. tigrinusin southern Brazil
Authors: TRIGO T. C. , FREITAS T. R. O. , KUNZLER G. , CARDOSO L. , SILVA J. C. R. , JOHNSON W. E. , O’BRIEN S. J. , BONATTO S. L. , EIZIRIK E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractNatural hybrid zones between distinct species have been reported for many taxa, but so far, few examples involve carnivores or Neotropical mammals in general. In this study, we employed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences and nine microsatellite loci to identify and characterize a hybrid zone between two Neotropical felids,Leopardus geoffroyiandL. tigrinus, both of which are well‐established species having diverged from each otherc.1 million years ago. These two felids are mostly allopatric throughout their ranges in South America, with a narrow contact zone that includes southern Brazil. We present strong evidence for the occurrence of hybridization between these species and identify at least 14 individuals (most of them originating from the geographical contact zone) exhibiting signs of interspecific genomic introgression. The genetic structure of BrazilianL. tigrinuspopulations seems to be affected by this introgression process, showing a gradient of differentiation fromL. geoffroyicorrelated with distance from the contact zone. We also corroborate and extend previous findings of hybridization betweenL. tigrinusand a third related felid,L. colocolo, leading to an unusual situation for a mammal, in which the former species contains introgressed mtDNA lineages from two distinct taxa in addition to its own.
Group composition affects male reproductive partitioning in a cooperatively breeding cichlid
Authors: HEG DIK , JUTZELER EVA , BONFILS DANIELLE , MITCHELL JEREMY S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIndividuals within groups of cooperatively breeding species may partition reproduction, with the dominant pair often taking the largest share. The dominant's ability to reproductively control subordinates may depend on differences in competitive ability, due to, e.g. body size differences, but may also depend on the number of same‐sex competitors inside the group. We tested experimentally whether subordinates reproduce more when these subordinates are large or when a second subordinate of the same sex need to be controlled by the dominants, using the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher. Dominant pairs were assisted by a large and a small unrelated subordinate; sexes of these fish were varied in a full‐factorial design (giving four treatments). Dominant males lost significantly more parentage to the large subordinate male when a small subordinate male was also present, compared to when a small subordinate female was present. However, subordinate paternity was generally low and did not significantly curb total dominant male reproductive output, which was more affected by the sizes and numbers of reproductive females present inside his group. Dominant female maternity, clutch sizes and total output did not depend on the treatments. Subordinate–subordinate reproduction was virtually absent (one out of 874 offspring). Female subordinates were more likely to provide care for their own broods. In contrast, male subordinates did not adjust their level of care to their parentage. Variability in female subordinate alloparental brood care was particularly high, with females showing more care than males in general. We also detected effects of growth rate and food ration on parentage independent of the treatments, most notably: (i) a trade‐off between dominant male growth rate and paternity; (ii) a decrease in dominant male paternity with increasing food ration; (iii) a positive effect of growth rate on paternity in small males. We conclude that dominant males should be sensitive to the number and sizes of subordinate males present in their group, particularly when these subordinates are not helpful or grow fast, and food is plentiful. Dominant females should be less sensitive, because female subordinates do not appear to impose reproductive costs and can be helpful through alloparental brood care.
The prevalence of preterm birth and season of conception
Authors: Bodnar Lisa M. , Simhan Hyagriv N. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryPreterm birth is a major obstetric problem. An exploration of the season of conception in relation to preterm birth may provide direction in the search for risk factors. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 82 213 singleton livebirths (20–45 weeks' gestation) to 61 630 women at Magee‐Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, from 1995 to 2005. Conception was estimated based on gestational age determined by best obstetric estimate. Fourier series analysis was used to model seasonal trends.Spontaneous preterm birth at <37 weeks was associated with conception season (P < 0.05). The peak prevalence occurred among conceptions in winter and spring (peaking February 23 at 6.9%), with an average trough among late summer/early autumn conceptions (August 25 at 6.2%). The pattern for spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks was similar (P < 0.05), with the peak on March 13 (1.7%), and nadir on September 12 (1.4%). Results were similar when indicated preterm births were included. These seasonal changes may increase our insight into the role of exposures with seasonal periodicity in the pathophysiology of preterm birth.
Desiccation tolerance in the vegetative tissues of the fern Mohria caffrorum is seasonally regulated
Authors: Farrant Jill M. , Lehner Arnaud , Cooper Keren , Wiswedel Stefan 
Published: September 2008

SummaryAs there is limited information on the mechanisms of vegetative desiccation tolerance in pteridophytes, we undertook a comprehensive anatomical, ultrastructural, physiological and biochemical study on the fern Mohria caffrorum. Our data show that this species is desiccation‐tolerant during the dry season, and desiccation‐sensitive in the rainy season. This system allows the verification of protection mechanisms by comparison of tolerant and sensitive tissues of the same species at the same developmental age. Tolerant fronds acquire protection mechanisms during drying that are mostly similar to those reported for angiosperms. These include: (i) chlorophyll masking by abaxial scales and frond curling; (ii) increased antioxidant capacity that is maintained in dry tissues; (iii) mechanical stabilization of vacuoles in the dry state; (iv) de novo production of heat stable proteins (at least one identified as a putative chaperonin); (v) accummulation of protective carbohydrates (sucrose, raffinose family oligosaccharides and cyclitols). This study has implications for the biotechnological production of drought‐tolerant crops, and allows speculation on the evolution of vegetative desiccation tolerance.
Imaging phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate dynamics in living plant cells
Authors: Vermeer Joop E.M. , Thole Julie M. , Goedhart Joachim , Nielsen Erik , Munnik Teun , Gadella Jr Theodorus W.J. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryPolyphosphoinositides represent a minor group of phospholipids, accounting for less than 1% of the total. Despite their low abundance, these molecules have been implicated in various signalling and membrane trafficking events. Phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate (PtdIns4P) is the most abundant polyphosphoinositide. 32Pi‐labelling studies have shown that the turnover of PtdIns4P is rapid, but little is known about where in the cell or plant this occurs. Here, we describe the use of a lipid biosensor that monitors PtdIns4P dynamics in living plant cells. The biosensor consists of a fusion between a fluorescent protein and a lipid‐binding domain that specifically binds PtdIns4P, i.e. the pleckstrin homology domain of the human protein phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate adaptor protein‐1 (FAPP1). YFP–PHFAPP1 was expressed in four plant systems: transiently in cowpea protoplasts, and stably in tobacco BY‐2 cells, Medicago truncatula roots and Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. All systems allowed YFP–PHFAPP1 expression without detrimental effects. Two distinct fluorescence patterns were observed: labelling of motile punctate structures and the plasma membrane. Co‐expression studies with organelle markers revealed strong co‐labelling with the Golgi marker STtmd–CFP, but not with the endocytic/pre‐vacuolar marker GFP–AtRABF2b. Co‐expression with the Ptdins3P biosensor YFP–2 × FYVE revealed totally different localization patterns. During cell division, YFP–PHFAPP1 showed strong labelling of the cell plate, but PtdIns3P was completely absent from the newly formed cell membrane. In root hairs of M. truncatula and A. thaliana, a clear PtdIns4P gradient was apparent in the plasma membrane, with the highest concentration in the tip. This only occurred in growing root hairs, indicating a role for PtdIns4P in tip growth.
Cutaneous mucinosis in shar‐pei dogs is due to hyaluronic acid deposition and is associated with high levels of hyaluronic acid in serum
Authors: Zanna G. , Fondevila D. , Bardagí M. , Docampo M. J. , Bassols A. , Ferrer L. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractCutaneous mucinosis affects primarily shar‐pei dogs. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is considered to be the main component of mucin and CD44 is the major cell surface receptor of HA, necessary for its uptake and catabolism. The aims of this study were to identify the composition of the mucin in cutaneous mucinosis of shar‐pei dogs, investigate the correlation between the deposition of HA and the expression of CD44, and determine whether shar‐pei dogs with cutaneous mucinosis presented with elevated levels of serum HA. In skin biopsies, the mucinous material was stained intensely with Alcian blue and bound strongly by the hyaluronan‐binding protein. No correlation was found between the degree of HA deposition in the dermis and the expression of CD44 in the skin of shar‐pei dogs affected or unaffected by cutaneous mucinosis. A clear positive correlation was found between the existence of clinical mucinosis and the serum HA concentration. In control dogs, serum HA ranged from 155.53 to 301.62 µg L−1 in shar‐pei dogs; without mucinosis it ranged from 106.72 to 1251.76 µg L−1 and in shar‐pei dogs with severe mucinosis it ranged between 843.51 to 2330.03 µg L−1. Altogether, the results reported here suggest that mucinosis of shar‐pei dogs is probably the consequence of a genetic defect in the metabolism of HA.
MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS PROMOTE CARDIOMYOCYTE HYPERTROPHY IN VITRO THROUGH HYPOXIA‐INDUCED PARACRINE MECHANISMS
Authors: Xu Rui‐Xia , Chen Xi , Chen Jing‐Hai , Han Yu , Han Bian‐Mei 
Published: September 2008

SUMMARY

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for myocardial infarction has received increased attention since transplanted MSC were shown to improve cardiac function by transdifferentiating into cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. However, recent studies have demonstrated that other mechanisms may contribute to the improvement in cardiac function observed after transplantation of MSC. The paracrine effect of MSC on cardiomyocyte is not clear. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the paracrine effect of MSC on the growth of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes in vitro.
Samples of MSC‐conditioned medium (MSC‐CM) were collected after rat MSC had been cultured under conditions of hypoxia and serum deprivation for 0, 3, 6, 9 or 24 h. Cardiomyocytes were then stimulated with the MSC‐CM for 48 h. Then, the protein content, cell area, [3H]‐leucine incorporation and atrial natriuretic factor‐luciferase (ANF‐Luc) expression of cardiomyocytes were measured.
The data showed that MSC‐CM collected at different time points had different effects and that MSC‐CM collected at 6 h significantly promoted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by increasing total protein content, cell area, [3H]‐leucine incorporation and ANF gene expression.
In conclusion, MSC‐CM promoted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in a paracrine manner. The results provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the improvement in heart function after MSC transplantation.
EFFECT OF CHRONIC ASPIRIN ADMINISTRATION ON AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF METABOLIC SYNDROME
Authors: Renna Nicolás F , Vazquez Marcela A , Lama Maria C , González Elsa S , Miatello Roberto M 
Published: September 2008

SUMMARYThe aim of the present study was to examine the effect of chronic administration of aspirin on metabolic and cardiovascular parameters in fructose‐fed rats (FFR), an experimental model of metabolic syndrome.Chronic treatment of FFR with aspirin (10 mg/kg per day for 6 weeks) partially reversed the increment in systolic blood pressure. In addition, chronic aspirin treatment normalized relative heart weight and vascular remodelling of renal and carotid arteries, measured as lumen diameter : medial thickness ratio.Furthermore, chronic aspirin administration completely reversed glucose intolerance and decreased the oxidative status that characterizes the FFR model, as indicated by decreased plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances and aortic NAD(P)H oxidase activity.Prevention of oxidative stress and vascular remodelling in FFR may contribute to the protective actions attributed to aspirin in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.