bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cladogenesis and phylogeography of the lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii (Agamidae) on the Tibetan plateau
Authors: JIN YUAN‐TING , BROWN RICHARD P. , LIU NAI‐FA 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPhrynocephalus vlangalii is restricted to dry sand or Gobi desert highlands between major mountain ranges in the Qinghai (Tibetan) Plateau. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence (partial ND2, tRNATrp and partial tRNAAla) was obtained from 293 Phrynocephalus sampled from 34 sites across the plateau. Partitioned Bayesian and maximum parsimony phylogenetic analyses revealed that P. vlangalii and two other proposed species (P. erythrus and P. putjatia) together form a monophyletic mtDNA clade which, in contrast with previous studies, does not include P. theobaldi and P. zetangensis. The main P. vlangalli clade comprises seven well‐supported lineages that correspond to distinct geographical areas with little or no overlap, and share a most recent common ancestor at 5.06 ± 0.68 million years ago (mya). This is much older than intraspecific lineages in other Tibetan animal groups. Analyses of molecular variance indicated that most of the observed genetic variation occurred among populations/regions implying long‐term interruption of maternal gene flow. A combined approach based on tests of population expansion, estimation of node dates, and significance tests on clade areas indicated that phylogeographical structuring has been primarily shaped by three main periods of plateau uplift during the Pliocene and Pleistocene, specifically 3.4 mya, 2.5 mya and 1.7 mya. These periods corresponded to the appearance of several mountain ranges that formed physical barriers between lineages. Populations from the Qaidam Basin are shown to have undergone major demographic and range expansions in the early Pleistocene, consistent with colonization of areas previously covered by the huge Qaidam palaeolake, which desiccated at this time. The study represents one of the most detailed phylogeographical analyses of the Qinghai Plateau to date and shows how geological events have shaped current patterns of diversity.
Selective activation by the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Don1 is a main determinant of Cdc42 signalling specificity in Ustilago maydis
Authors: Hlubek Andrea , Schink Kay O. , Mahlert Michael , Sandrock Björn , Bölker Michael 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe highly conserved GTP‐binding proteins Cdc42 and Rac1 regulate cytokinesis, establishment of cell polarity and vesicular trafficking. In the dimorphic fungus Ustilago maydis, Rac1 is required for cell polarity and budding, while Cdc42 is essential for cell separation during cytokinesis. The same cell separation defect is also observed in mutants that lack Don1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) of the Dbl family. We have generated a series of chimeric GTP‐binding proteins consisting of different portions of Cdc42 and Rac1. In vivo complementation analysis revealed that a short region encompassing amino acids 41–56 determines signalling specificity. Remarkably, substitution of a single amino acid at position 56 within this specificity domain is sufficient to confer Cdc42 function to Rac1 in vivo. Expression of Rac1W56F in Δcdc42 mutant cells resulted in complementation of the cell separation defect. In vitro GDP/GTP exchange assays demonstrated that the Dbl family GEF Don1 is highly specific for Cdc42 and cannot activate Rac1. However, if Rac1W56F is used as a substrate, Don1 is able to stimulate GDP/GTP exchange. Together these data indicate that activation by the GEF Don1 is an important determinant of Cdc42‐specific signalling in vivo.
Characterization of ExsA and of ExsA‐dependent promoters required for expression of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system
Authors: Brutinel Evan D. , Vakulskas Christopher A. , Brady Keith M. , Yahr Timothy L. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryExpression of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system (T3SS) is activated by ExsA, a member of the AraC/XylS family of transcriptional regulators. In the present study we examine the DNA‐binding properties of ExsA. ExsA was purified as a histidine‐tagged fusion protein (ExsAHis) and found to be monomeric in solution. ExsAHis specifically bound T3SS promoters with high affinity as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). For each promoter tested two distinct ExsA–DNA complexes were detected. Biochemical analyses indicate that the higher‐mobility complex consists of a single ExsAHis molecule bound to DNA while the lower‐mobility complex results from the binding of two ExsAHis molecules. DNase I protection assays demonstrate that the ExsAHis binding site overlaps the −35 RNA polymerase binding site and extends upstream an additional ∼34 bp. An alignment of all 10 ExsA‐dependent promoters revealed a number of highly conserved nucleotides within the footprinted region. We find that most of the highly conserved nucleotides are required for transcription in vivo; EMSA‐binding assays confirm that several of these nucleotides are essential determinants of ExsAHis binding. The combined data support a model in which two ExsAHis molecules bind adjacent sites on the promoter to activate T3SS gene transcription.
PerR acts as a switch for oxygen tolerance in the strict anaerobe Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Hillmann Falk , Fischer Ralf‐Jörg , Saint‐Prix Florence , Girbal Laurence , Bahl Hubert 
Published: March 2008

SummaryClostridia belong to those bacteria which are considered as obligate anaerobe, e.g. oxygen is harmful or lethal to these bacteria. Nevertheless, it is known that they can survive limited exposure to air, and often eliminate oxygen or reactive derivatives via NAD(P)H‐dependent reduction. This system does apparently contribute to survival after oxidative stress, but is insufficient to establish long‐term tolerance of aerobic conditions. Here we show that manipulation of the regulatory mechanism of this defence mechanism can trigger aerotolerance in the obligate anaerobe Clostridium acetobutylicum. Deletion of a peroxide repressor (PerR)‐homologous protein resulted in prolonged aerotolerance, limited growth under aerobic conditions and rapid consumption of oxygen from an aerobic environment. The mutant strain also revealed higher resistance to H2O2 and activities of NADH‐dependent scavenging of H2O2 and organic peroxides in cell‐free extracts increased by at least one order of magnitude. Several genes encoding the putative enzymes were upregulated and identified as members of the clostridial PerR regulon, including the heat shock protein Hsp21, a reverse rubrerythrin which was massively produced and became the most abundant protein in the absence of PerR. This multifunctional protein is proposed to play the crucial role in the oxidative stress defence.
Characterization of Fusarium spp. responsible for causing dry rot of potato in Great Britain
Authors: Peters J. C. , Lees A. K. , Cullen D. W. , Sullivan L. , Stroud G. P. , Cunnington A. C. 
Published: March 2008

A 3‐year survey was undertaken to establish the relative frequency of different Fusarium spp. present as inoculum on potato tubers collected from four regions of Great Britain. A total of 219 samples (comprising 10 950 tubers) were collected from the 2000, 2001 and 2002 crops and processed to recover dry rot‐producing isolates. In total, 228 isolates of Fusarium spp. were recovered. Most (94·7%) of these isolates were attributed to one of four Fusarium species: F. coeruleum, F. avenaceum, F. culmorum and F. sambucinum (formerly F. sulphureum). The incidence of the combined Fusarium spp. increased the further south the crops had been grown. Fusarium coeruleum was the most commonly isolated species in each survey year, comprising 37 to 52% of the total Fusarium species. Selected isolates of each species were evaluated for their ability to produce rots in potato tubers. Fusarium sambucinum was a more aggressive pathogen than the other Fusarium species in eight out of 10 cultivars. Fusarium avenaceum and F. culmorum were relatively weaker pathogens. However, these species were aggressive on some cultivars, notably Hermes. The selected isolates were also assessed for their sensitivity to the fungicides thiabendazole and imazalil. Using in vitro tests, 65% of F. sambucinum isolates were resistant to thiabendazole and 7% of F. avenaceum isolates were resistant to imazalil. Tubers treated with imazalil yielded a higher proportion of isolates of F. avenaceum than those that were untreated. Similarly, a higher proportion of F. sambucinum isolates were recovered from tubers treated with thiabendazole than from those that were not treated.
Dynamics of House Sparrow Biparental Care: What Contexts Trigger Partial Compensation?
Authors: Schwagmeyer P. L. , Bartlett Terri L. , Schwabl Hubert G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractNest attendance during incubation is characterized by an inequitable division of labor in house sparrows, Passer domesticus, with females spending more time at the nest than males. Previous research has shown that if male contributions are reduced experimentally via testosterone (T) implants, females compensate partially for those reductions, consistent with predictions from most models of negotiated biparental care. In this study, we attempted to identify the cues and contexts generating partial compensation, using data from both unmanipulated parents and pairs with T‐males. Both males and females of this species sometimes leave the nest before their mate returns to relieve them, and we found that these unrelieved departures by unmanipulated individuals occur when partners are on lengthy recesses. Females compensated partially for long male recesses by marginally extending their bouts; most females also slightly reduced their next recess. By contrast, when males left before their mate returned, they left earlier than when they waited for the female. Neither males nor females adjusted their recess lengths after returning to the nest and discovering that their partner was absent. More pronounced changes in nest attendance of unmanipulated parents occurred in the context of ‘visits’, when individuals returned to the nest but then left without relieving their mate. Such visits effectively prolonged the bout of the on‐duty partner and extended the visitor’s recess. Analyses of behavior of T‐males and their mates revealed that T‐males had significantly longer recesses than control males, and that their mates, in turn, had elevated rates of unrelieved departures. T‐males also visited their on‐duty mates more often than control males, whereas female visits to T‐males were rare. Collectively, the predicted changes in female nest attendance associated with lengthy male recesses and male and female visits account reasonably well for the compensatory response of females paired to T‐males. The majority of female compensation was attributable to changes in visit behavior, however, suggesting that much of the negotiation over nest attendance in this species occurs during direct interactions between mates.
Endoscopic Recovery of Early Preimplantation Bovine Embryos: Effect of Hormonal Stimulation, Embryo Kinetics and Repeated Collection
Authors: Besenfelder U , Havlicek V , Moesslacher G , Gilles M , Tesfaye D , Griese J , Hoelker M , Maddox Hyttel P , Laurincik J , Brem G , Schellander K 
Published: March 2008

ContentsThe collection of extra numbers of bovine embryos by superstimulation of donors underlies variation concerning yield of morulae and blastocysts. Our study aimed at establishing a correlation between hormonal treatment and embryo development during oviductal passage including repeated flushing. A transvaginal endoscopic procedure was used to flush the oviducts at six different time intervals (beginning at 24 h until 105 h) after artificial insemination. In total, 119 animals were superovulated using either FSH or eCG. The hormonal treatment resulted in the stimulation of 2076 follicles of which 77% (1590 CL) ovulated. The bilateral flushing resulted in the collection of 1411 complexes (collection rate: 89%), of which 78% (1098) were assessed as viable embryos. The use of FSH resulted in significantly more stimulated follicles and ovulation sites compared with eCG (p < 0.001). Generally, the embryo kinetics were similar among the FSH and eCG treated animals. However, the embryo cleavage of the eCG treated animals was ahead of that of the FSH group comparing the different collection time points. The overall proportions of non‐viable embryos in both groups were similar. Regarding the embryo collection intervals in the eCG group, this proportion significantly increased during 51–105 h compared to 24–50 h (p < 0.05), whereas FSH delivered constant results. It was shown that the repeated endoscopic collection of oviductal stage embryos had no negative influence on the collection parameters. It is concluded that the introduced transvaginal endoscopic technique could have main impact on further studies focusing on early embryo development.
High‐resolution sonography of sublingual space
Authors: Jain P 
Published: March 2008

SummaryUltrasound examination of the sublingual region is a non‐invasive, safe, inexpensive and widely available procedure, unaffected by the amalgam in teeth which is a source of considerable artefact on CT and MRI images. With a little practice and good understanding of the anatomy, ultrasound can be a very helpful primary examination. If the lesion is clearly seen, no further imaging may be required.
Initial Australian experience with the recovery inferior vena cava filter in patients with increased risk of thromboembolic disease
Authors: De Villiers L , Mackenzie S , Gibbs H , Leggett D , Neels M , Harper J 
Published: March 2008

SummaryInferior vena cava (IVC) filters are an alternative treatment in venous thromboembolism where there are contraindications to anticoagulation. There are, however, concerns about the long‐term safety of permanent IVC filters. Often, the period of risk from anticoagulation therapy is short, which supports the use of non‐permanent IVC filters. In this series, 54 Recovery Filters (Bard, Tempe, AZ, USA) were placed since its approval for use in Australia in March 2004 (approved for removal up to 160 days after insertion). The most common indication for filter placement in this series was established thromboembolic disease with a temporary contraindication to anticoagulation. Twenty‐two filters were successfully retrieved without complication. In one case, it was not possible to retrieve the filter because of extensive contained thrombus. No complication was experienced at filter placement or retrieval; however, a fatal complication occurred as a result of filter migration. Mean time from placement to retrieval was 48 days (range 7–90 days). We describe methods we found useful at filter retrieval to overcome filter tilting.
Radial artery calcification in end‐stage renal disease patients is associated with deposition of osteopontin and diminished expression of α‐smooth muscle actin
Authors: WANG NINGNING , YANG JUNWEI , YU XIANGBAO , HU JIANMING , XING CHANGYING , JU XIAOBING , SHEN XIA , QIAN JUN , ZHAO XIUFEN , WANG XIAOYUN 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY:Aim:  Vascular access is the lifeline of haemodialysis patients and radial‐cephalic fistula is the preferred type of access. We investigated vascular calcification in uraemia radial arteries and compared it with clinical parameters.Methods:  Artery specimens from 30 end‐stage renal disease patients were collected, examined calcification by von Kossa and Alizarin red staining. Expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and the main component of bone matrix, osteopontin (OP) were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:  In uraemia vessels, calcification was mainly located in the medial layer. Nineteen (63.33%) patients had no evidence of calcification, six (20%) had mild/moderate calcification and five (16.66%) had severe calcification. Upregulation of OP and diminished expression of α‐SMA occurred in the medial layer, especially in the area of severe calcification. The calcification score, decreased expression of α‐SMA and upregulation of OP were positively correlated with older age, serum calcium, serum phosphorus and calcium × phosphorus product (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  Vascular calcification in uraemia radial arteries is mainly located in the media layer. The risk factors appear to be older age, an elevated serum level of phosphorus, calcium and calcium × phosphorus product.
Evaluation of the first 5 years of a national eye health programme in Vanuatu
Authors: Williams Carmel , Szetu John L , Ramke Jacqueline , Palagyi Anna , Du Toit Renee , Brian Garry 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPurpose:  To evaluate against its objectives the achievements of the first 5 years of a national eye health programme in Vanuatu.Methods:  Programme clinical activity data were collated from surgical logs, clinic and outreach reports, and patient register books. Cataract surgical outcomes were retrieved from monitoring software. Programme annual reports provided information about management, infrastructure improvements, equipment supplied, repaired or replaced, the supply and use of consumables, and human resource development and deployment. Costs were determined from project budgets and acquittals.Results:  The programme promoted eye health, including through the integration of eye care into existing health services; established adequate facilities, at referral hospitals, provincial hospitals and rural health clinics, with equipment and manpower to provide eye care appropriate to the location; established a primary eye care programme; strengthened cataract services, although its effect on any cataract backlog is unknown; developed a diabetic eye disease diagnosis and treatment service, but its reach and effectiveness are unknown; provided accessible comprehensive eye care, but its effect on the prevalence of vision impairment is unknown; and established medical records and data collection systems, but these need more attention.Discussion:  This programme achieved much. However, the evaluation highlighted the limitations of inadequate project design and that, without addressing further human resource development and the Ministry of Health's wavering financial commitment, there are potential risks to ongoing services. That revenue generating capacity was not incorporated into this programme may prove to be a flaw that will limit ongoing access to eye care, especially in rural areas.
The Neuropathology of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Eadie M. J. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: For almost 100 years after Parkinson's original description there was uncertainty as to whether there was any structural brain pathology in idiopathic Parkinsonism, or, if there was, whether the lesions were situated in(a) the spinal cord(b) the mid‐brain and substantia nigra(c) the striatum, pallidum, thalamus and mid‐brainThen, in 1913, Lewy2 studied 20 Parkinsonian brains and found changes in the cerebral cortex, caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, certain fibre tracts in the basal ganglia, the substantia innominata and the dorsal vagal nucleus. As well as cell loss and gliosis there were neurofibrillary changes in neurons, and laminated inclusion bodies (Lewy bodies). Except for changes in the substantia nigra Lewy described practically all the microscopic lesions of idiopathic Parkinsonism. The nigral changes were emphasised by many later authors, and came to be regarded as the most common, if not the essential, lesions of Parkinsonism. However, the currently available evidence suggests that bilateral substantia nigra lesions alone are not a sufficient explanation for Parkinsonism.At the present time, at least three problems face those who would interpret the neuropathology of Parkinsonism:(i) what is the meaning of the Lewy body?(ii) what is the correlation between regional brain lesions and different aspects of Parkinsonian dysfunction ?(iii) could Parkinsonism be the clinical expression of a chemical disorder in monoaminergic neurons, with structural alterations a late effect of the underlying chemical changes?
Urinary Cyclic AMP in Diagnosis and Management of Hypercalcaemia: Studies of Patients without Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Bartley Paul C. , Lloyd H. M. , Willgoss D. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Urinary adenosine‐3′, 5′‐cyclic monophosphate was measured in 14 patients with hypercalcaemia not caused by primary hyperparathyroidism. Increased levels were found in patients with malignant disease without bone metastases and believed to be examples of paraendocrine syndrome. Decreased levels were found in patients with meta‐static carcinoma involving bone, and in patients with multiple myeloma, lymphoma and immobilisation after fracture. Results obtained during treatment for hypercalcaemia are described in three patients.In two hypercalcaemic patients (one with hyperthyroidism and one with breast cancer with bone metastases) normal levels were found.This measurement is a useful substitute for assay of serum parathyroid hormone and is of value in the diagnosis of hypercalcaemia, in monitoring effects of treatment and in revealing underlying mechanisms.
Type V Hyperlipoproteinaemia Re‐visited: Findings in a Sydney Population*
Authors: Simons L. A. , Williams P. F. , Turtle J. R. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Type V hyperlipoproteinaemia re‐visited: Findings in a Sydney population.The clinical and biochemical features of eleven patients with Type V hyperlipoproteinaemia have been reviewed. All patients were male, and there was a high incidence in the group of obesity, vascular disease, acute abdominal pain, gout, diabetes mellitus and alcoholism. Plasma cholesterol concentrations ranged from 212 to 1512 mg/100 ml and triglycerides from 708 to 7670 mg/100 ml. Lipaemia was associated with significant hyponatraemia, and also interfered with the determination of plasma glucose and serum amylase. Chylomicronaemia and hyperprebetalipoproteinaemia were accompanied by reduction in the pools of beta and alpha lipoproteins. All lipoprotein classes were relatively depleted of cholesterol compared to triglyceride.There was a variable pattern of treatment response. In some patients alcohol withdrawal produced a rapid improvement in plasma lipids. In diabetes mellitus there were two types of response: a rapid one in chronic insulin deficiency, and secondly, a more gradual one in mild diabetes associated with hyperinsulinaemia. In other patients there was a rapid response to carbohydratecalorie restriction but the respective contributions of each of the steps remained unclear.
Community Control of Hypertension
Authors: Cullen K. J. , McCall M. G. , Stenhouse N. S. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Community control of hypertension.The adequacy of treatment of hypertension in a community was monitored at triennial mass health examinations. Hypertensives were not adequately retained on treatment until a disease register was developed and a practice nurse given responsibility for maintaining contact with patients on the register. The advent of newer therapeutic agents and intensification of the interest of both doctor and patient in the results of treatment were associated with progressive improvement in the adequacy of control of blood pressure.