bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isozyme variation under different modes of reproduction in two clonal winter annuals, Sedum rosulato‐bulbosum and Sedum bulbiferum (Crassulaceae)
Authors: TSUJIMURA NOZOMI , ISHIDA KIYOSHI 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe studied isozyme variation in two annual species that produce bulbils, Sedum rosulato‐bulbosum, which includes both sexually reproducing plants and obligate clonal plants that result from triploidy (fertile and sterile S. rosulato‐bulbosum, respectively), and an obligate clonal plant, Sedum bulbiferum, to examine the relationship between reproductive mode and isozyme variation. The sterile S. rosulato‐bulbosum population exhibited no genotypic variation, but showed high genetic variation (gene diversity, He = 0.60) because five of the six loci that we analyzed were heterozygous. Almost all ramets of S. bulbiferum across 20 populations shared an identical isozyme phenotype, although we could not identify the genetic basis of the phenotype. In contrast, fertile S. rosulato‐bulbosum exhibited genotypic variation across the species, but comprised genotypically uniform and polymorphic populations whose genotypic variations correlated positively with the genetic variations within the populations (He at the genet level per population ranged from 0.08 to 0.37). Genetic drift and habitat conditions inhibiting seedling recruitment may have caused this among‐population variation. The results for sterile and fertile S. rosulato‐bulbosum suggest that exclusive clonal reproduction causes low genotypic variation, but maintains genetic variation within individuals. Factors that affect the maintenance of genetic variation in these plants are discussed on the basis of these findings.
Influence of annually fluctuating seed‐cone production and climatic factors on the upper‐crown expansion of canopy trees of Abies mariesii Masters (Pinaceae)
Authors: SEKI TAKESHI 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTo understand the influence of seed‐cone production on the upper‐crown expansion of canopy trees of Abies mariesii Masters, the influence of the annually fluctuating number of seed cones on the terminal‐leader length of the main stem and primary branches was analyzed using seed‐cone rachises remaining on the terminal leaders of the primary branches. The influence of climatic factors during the period of vegetative‐bud growth and shoot elongation was also analyzed. For the upper‐crown expansion, factors influencing the number of horizontally elongating branches on the top of the main stem were also examined. According to model fitting, the terminal‐leader length of the main stem was negatively influenced by seed‐cone production 1 year before shoot elongation. In contrast, the terminal‐leader length of the primary branches was not clearly influenced by seed‐cone production, but was positively influenced by the mean temperature in September 1 year before shoot elongation and in July in the year of shoot elongation. The number of horizontally elongating branches on the top was positively influenced by the terminal‐leader length of the main stem 1 year before horizontal elongation on the top and negatively influenced by seed‐cone production 2 years earlier. Thus, in the upper part of the crown, the allocation of photosynthate to seed cones mainly affects the arrangement of needles and seed cones up to the higher positions. This trade‐off between seed‐cone production and upper‐crown expansion influences the canopy shape and reproductive strategy of A. mariesii.
Is open‐angle glaucoma caused by impaired cerebrospinal fluid circulation: around the optic nerve?
Authors: Killer Hanspeter E , Jaggi Gregor P , Flammer Josef , Miller Neil R 
Published: July 2008

AbstractChronic open‐angle glaucoma is the most frequent type of glaucoma and a leading cause for blindness. The role of intraocular pressure (IOP) in the pathogenesis of open‐angle glaucoma has been challenged by patients with typical glaucomatous optic disc changes and visual field loss in whom the IOP never exceeded normal values (normal‐tension glaucoma), as well as by patients with persistently elevated IOP who do not develop glaucomatous disc or field changes. Recent research has demonstrated that the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not evenly distributed in all CSF spaces and that the subarachnoid space of the optic nerve can turn into a CSF compartment on its own. The biochemical components in this optic nerve compartment can differ markedly from normal CSF and some of its components (such as L‐PGDS) may produce a toxic effect on the optic nerve and may therefore play an important role in the pathophysiology of open‐angle glaucoma.
Enhancement of the success rate in trabeculectomy: large‐area mitomycin‐C application
Authors: Önol Merih , Aktaş Zeynep , Hasanreisoğlu Berati 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  To compare the effects of variable mitomycin‐C (MMC) applications during trabeculectomy on target intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucomatous therapy, bleb morphology and surgical complications.Methods:  66 glaucoma cases who underwent trabeculectomy combined with small‐area (Group 1) or large‐area (Group 2) MMC application were included. This study is a retrospective case series comparison. In Group 1, MMC had only been applied to the scleral flap area, whereas additional MMC applications were performed on upper temporal and nasal quadrant in Group 2. The cases with diabetes, narrow angle glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, history of previous ocular surgery and follow‐up period less than 2 years were exluded from the study. A routine ophthalmological examination was performed in all cases and IOP measurements, morphology and the function of the blebs, necessity for antiglaucomatous medications and complications at first month and second year were evaluated.Results:  There were 32 cases (48.5%) in Group 1 and 34 cases (51.5%) in Group 2. The mean IOPs were 12.6 ± 5.5 and 10.8 ± 5.3 mmHg at first month (P > 0.05), whereas 14.4 ± 2.8 and 10.1 ± 2.6 mmHg at second year, respectively (P < 0.05). The mean number of medications were 3.3 ± 1.6 and 3.2 ± 0.2 preoperatively (P > 0.05), whereas 0.8 ± 1.2 and 0.26 ± 0.70 at second year (P < 0.05). The number of diffuse blebs was higher in Group 2 whereas the number of cystic blebs was higher in Group 1 (P > 0.05). There was no difference between two groups with regards to the number of eyes with hypotonia (P > 0.05).Conclusions:  Large‐area MMC application seems to increase long‐term success without increasing the complication rates in trabeculectomy.
The significance of Vogt's striae in keratoconus as evaluated by in vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Mocan Mehmet C , Yilmaz Pinar Topcu , Irkec Murat , Orhan Mehmet 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  To evaluate the association of the presence, extent and width of Vogt's striae with other microstructural corneal alterations in keratoconus using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).Methods:  Sixty‐eight keratoconic corneas of 68 patients were evaluated with slit‐lamp examination (SLE), corneal topography and IVCM. For each eye, the presence, extent and width of alternating light and dark bands (Vogt's striae) observed using IVCM was recorded together with keratocyte and endothelial cell densities, stromal nerve thickness, subbasal nerve density and thickness. The refractive status and the mean and steepest corneal curvatures were noted.Results:  Vogt's striae were present in 43 (63.2%) eyes on SLE and dark bands were present in 53 (77.9%) eyes on IVCM. Compared with patients without dark bands, patients with dark bands had significantly higher refractive errors in spherical equivalents (SE; −8.15 ± 3.70 vs. −5.18 ± 2.46 diopters [D], P = 0.007), higher astigmatic errors (−5.88 ± 2.69 vs. −4.10 ± 1.84 D, P = 0.027), higher steepest corneal curvatures (54.33 ± 4.38 vs. 51.23 ± 3.72 D, P = 0.018), lower anterior stromal keratocyte densities (1106 ± 172 vs. 1222 ± 171 cells/mm2, P = 0.022) and lower nerve fibre densities (18.74 ± 6.54 vs. 22.66 ± 6.47 nerves/mm2, P = 0.054). Compared with patients in whom dark bands were confined to the posterior stroma, patients with dark bands extending into the anterior stroma had significantly higher refractive errors in SE (−11.17 ± 2.25 vs. −6.34 ± 3.48 D, P < 0.001), higher astigmatic errors (−7.44 ± 2.56 vs. −4.69 ± 2.22 D, P = 0.006) and wider bands (6.0 ± 2.1 vs. 9.6 ± 3.1 µm, P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Vogt's striae appear to be more prevalent in keratoconic corneas than can be appreciated clinically. The presence of Vogt's striae may be associated with corneal topographic and microstructural changes.
Bioenergetic‐based neuroprotection and glaucoma
Authors: Schober Michael S , Chidlow Glyn , Wood John PM , Casson Robert J 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPrimary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) is a pressure‐sensitive optic neuropathy which results in the death of retinal ganglion cells and causes associated loss of vision. Presently, the only accepted treatment strategy is to lower the intraocular pressure; however, for some patients this is insufficient to prevent progressive disease. Although the pathogenesis of POAG remains unclear, there is considerable evidence that energy failure at the optic nerve head may be involved. Neuroprotection, a strategy which directly enhances the survival of neurons, is desirable, but remains clinically elusive. One particular form of neuroprotection involves the notion of enhancing the energy supply of neurons. These ‘bioenergetic’ methods of neuroprotection have proven successful in animal models of other neurodegenerative diseases and conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and traumatic brain injury, but have been relatively unexplored in glaucoma models. This review focuses on some of the potential approaches for bioenergetic neuroprotection in the retina, including increasing the energy buffering capacity of damaged cells, decreasing the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane pore and free radical scavenging.
Fractal analysis of fluoroangiographic patterns in anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and optic neuritis: a pilot study
Authors: Traversi Claudio , Bianciardi Giorgio , Tasciotti Annalisa , Berni Elisa , Nuti Elisabetta , Luzi Pietro , Tosi Gian Marco 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  To evaluate by means of fractal analysis the vascular pattern of the optic nerve head obtained by fluorescein angiogram, in non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and optic neuritis (ON).Methods:  Twenty‐nine patients at the Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Siena, diagnosed as having either NAION or ON by clinical and instrumental criteria, were prospectively subjected to fractal analysis: 11 patients with NAION and 18 patients with ON. In the ON group, 12 patients showed optic disc oedema, whereas six patients showed no optic disc oedema. The unaffected eyes of six patients with NAION and of seven patients with ON associated with optic disc oedema served as controls.Results:  The mean fractal dimension D was 1.84 ± 0.09 in the NAION group, 1.92 ± 0.04 in the ON group with optic disc oedema, 1.86 ± 0.04 in the ON group without optic disc oedema and 1.63 ± 0.06 in the control group; all case groups showed significantly higher values than controls (P < 0.01). Among the case groups, the ON group with optic disc oedema showed a significantly higher mean fractal dimension value than the others (P < 0.01).Conclusions:  Our data suggest that eyes with ON and NAION seem to have increased vascular complexity in the optic nerve head, manifested as an increase in fractal dimension.
Comparison of the effect of intracameral moxifloxacin, levofloxacin and cefazolin on rabbit corneal endothelial cells
Authors: Kim Su‐Young , Park Young‐Hoon , Lee Young‐Chun 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPurpose:  To compare the effect on corneal endothelial cells among intracameral moxifloxacin, levofloxacin and cefazoline in rabbits.Methods:  Thirty‐six eyes from eighteen rabbits were divided into four groups. The control solution (balanced salt solution), cefazolin 1000 µg/0.1 mL, levofloxain 500 µg/0.1 mL or moxifloxacin 500 µg/0.1 mL was injected into the anterior chamber of the rabbit eye. The central corneal thickness was assessed before the injection of intracameral antibiotics. Endothelial toxicity was evaluated according to the central corneal thickness, specular microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy 1 day after injection.Results:  Before the injection, the central corneal thickness was not different among four groups. After injection, there was no significant difference of the corneal thickness and endothelial cell count between the control and study groups. The central corneal thickness after injection of antibiotics did not significantly change when compared with control. Scanning electron microscopy showed normal hexagonality. Normal architecture of the endothelial cells was noted in transmission electron microscopy in all four groups.Conclusions:  Intracameral injection of antibiotics (cefazolin 1000 µg/0.1 mL, levofloxain 500 µg/0.1 mL, moxifloxacin 500 µg/0.1 mL) did not show significant toxicity on the endothelial cells compared with the control group. Intracameral injection of one of these antibiotics appears to be safe for surgical prophylaxis.
Whose life is it anyway? An exploration of five contemporary ethical issues that pertain to the psychiatric nursing care of the person who is suicidal: Part two
Authors: Cutcliffe John R. , Links Paul S. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  This is the second of a two‐part paper which focuses on five principal issues/questions which can inform mental health nurses’ ethical discourse around the matter of suicide. This second part focuses on the questions: is there such a phenomenon as a rational or appropriate suicide? And what role, if any, should mental health nurses occupy in assisted suicide?We find that the relevant theoretical and ethical literature in this area suggests, at least for some, that there may very well be such a phenomenon as a rationale suicide, especially if the often cited myth that all people who complete suicide must ipso facto have a mental health problem, is scrutinized. Furthermore, the extant literature indicates that while for the majority of suicidal acts, mental disorders may be a necessary but not sufficient element; the suicidal process is not, however, synonymous with mental disorder phenomenology. Lastly, whether or not there is a role(s) for mental health nurses in assisted suicide is difficult to say because there is almost no indication in the literature that such views have been solicited and considered. Given mental health nurses’ often ‘front‐line’ involvement in care of the person who is suicidal, there is an urgent need to canvass these views and include them in the debate. Lastly, given the content of current mental health nurses Codes of Ethics and Professional Codes of Conduct, there may be a need to revisit these codes in light of contemporary and changing views of assisted suicide.
The quest for a null model for macroecological patterns: geometry of species distributions at multiple spatial scales
Authors: Storch David , Šizling Arnošt L. , Reif Jiří , Polechová Jitka , Šizlingová Eva , Gaston Kevin J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThere have been several attempts to build a unified framework for macroecological patterns. However, these have mostly been based either on questionable assumptions or have had to be parameterized to obtain realistic predictions. Here, we propose a new model explicitly considering patterns of aggregated species distributions on multiple spatial scales, the property which lies behind all spatial macroecological patterns, using the idea we term ‘generalized fractals’. Species’ spatial distributions were modelled by a random hierarchical process in which the original ‘habitat’ patches were randomly replaced by sets of smaller patches nested within them, and the statistical properties of modelled species assemblages were compared with macroecological patterns in observed bird data. Without parameterization based on observed patterns, this simple model predicts realistic patterns of species abundance, distribution and diversity, including fractal‐like spatial distributions, the frequency distribution of species occupancies/abundances and the species–area relationship. Although observed macroecological patterns may differ in some quantitative properties, our concept of random hierarchical aggregation can be considered as an appropriate null model of fundamental macroecological patterns which can potentially be modified to accommodate ecologically important variables.
Development and evaluation of a quantitative real‐time PCR assay for the detection of saltwater Bacteriovorax
Authors: Zheng Guili , Wang Cynthia , Williams Henry N. , Pineiro Silvia A. 
Published: July 2008

Summary Bdellovibrio‐and‐like‐organisms (BALOs) are small, Gram‐negative predatory bacteria with the ability to prey on a wide variety of Gram‐negative bacteria, and which may have a significant ecological role. Detection and quantification of BALOs by culture‐dependent methods are complicated, as their reproduction is dependent upon the use of appropriate prey. For this reason, a sensitive and specific molecular detection method was developed. This paper describes a SYBR Green‐based real‐time PCR (quantitative PCR) assay that combines the use of a specific 16S rDNA primer with a universal primer for quantitative detection of halophilic Bacteriovorax. 16S rDNA sequences from 174 BALO strains, including both halophilic and freshwater, were aligned and a consensus region was identified that is unique to the halophilic Bacteriovorax strains. A specific primer was designed and analysed for specificity. The PCR conditions were optimized to obtain high specificity and sensitivity. The specificity was evaluated by testing a series of halophilic Bacteriovorax samples and prey specimens, including both pure cultures and environmental saltwater samples. A linear and reproducible standard curve was obtained over a range of 101−106 gene copies and the detection limit was determined to be 10 copies of 16S rRNA gene per reaction. The results presented in this study validate the procedure as a rapid, sensitive and accurate method for the detection and quantification of halophilic Bacteriovorax in environmental saltwater samples. It is anticipated that this culture‐independent method will facilitate future investigations of the distribution and population dynamics of these interesting predatory bacteria, leading to a better understanding of their ecological role.
Revealing the uncultivated majority: combining DNA stable‐isotope probing, multiple displacement amplification and metagenomic analyses of uncultivatedMethylocystisin acidic peatlands
Authors: Chen Yin , Dumont Marc G. , Neufeld Josh D. , Bodrossy Levente , Stralis‐Pavese Nancy , McNamara Niall P. , Ostle Nick , Briones Maria J. I. , Murrell J. Colin 
Published: July 2008

SummaryPeatlands represent an enormous carbon reservoir and have a potential impact on the global climate because of the active methanogenesis and methanotrophy in these soils. Uncultivated methanotrophs from seven European peatlands were studied using a combination of molecular methods. Screening for methanotroph diversity using a particulate methane monooxygenase‐based diagnostic gene array revealed thatMethylocystis‐related species were dominant in six of the seven peatlands studied. The abundance and methane oxidation activity ofMethylocystisspp. were further confirmed by DNA stable‐isotope probing analysis of a sample taken from the Moor House peatland (England). After ultracentrifugation,13C‐labelled DNA, containing genomic DNA of theseMethylocystisspp., was separated from12C DNA and subjected to multiple displacement amplification (MDA) to generate sufficient DNA for the preparation of a fosmid metagenomic library. Potential bias of MDA was detected by fingerprint analysis of 16S rRNA using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for low‐template amplification (0.01 ng template). Sufficient template (1–5 ng) was used in MDA to circumvent this bias and chimeric artefacts were minimized by using an enzymatic treatment of MDA‐generated DNA with S1 nuclease and DNA polymerase I. Screening of the metagenomic library revealed one fosmid containing methanol dehydrogenase and two fosmids containing 16S rRNA genes from theseMethylocystis‐related species as well as one fosmid containing a 16S rRNA gene related to that ofMethylocella/Methylocapsa. Sequencing of the 14 kb methanol dehydrogenase‐containing fosmid allowed the assembly of a gene cluster encoding polypeptides involved in bacterial methanol utilization (mxaFJGIRSAC). This combination of DNA stable‐isotope probing, MDA and metagenomics provided access to genomic information of a relatively large DNA fragment of these thus far uncultivated, predominant and active methanotrophs in peatland soil.
Identity and abundance of active sulfate‐reducing bacteria in deep tidal flat sediments determined by directed cultivation and CARD‐FISH analysis
Authors: Gittel Antje , Mußmann Marc , Sass Henrik , Cypionka Heribert , Könneke Martin 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe identity and abundance of potentially active sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) in several metre deep sediments of a tidal sand flat in the German Wadden Sea were assessed by directed cultivation and cultivation‐independent CARD‐FISH analysis (catalysed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization). Presumably abundant SRB from different sediment layers between 0.5 and 4 m depth were selectively enriched in up to million‐fold diluted cultures supplemented with lactate, acetate or hydrogen. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained from highest dilution steps showing sulfide formation indicated growth of deltaproteobacterial SRB belonging to the Desulfobulbaceae and the Desulfobacteraceae as well as of members of the Firmicutes. Subsequent isolation resulted in 10 novel phylotypes of both litho‐ and organotrophic sulfate‐reducing Deltaproteobacteria. Molecular pre‐screening identified six isolates as members of the Desulfobulbaceae, sharing highest identities with either candidatus ‘Desulfobacterium corrodens’ (95–97%) or Desulfobacterium catecholicum (98%), and four isolates as members of Desulfobacteraceae, being related to either Desulfobacter psychrotolerans (98%) or Desulfobacula phenolica (95–97%). Relatives of D. phenolica were exlusively isolated from 50 and 100 cm deep sediments with 10 and 2 mM of pore water sulfate respectively. In contrast, relatives of D. corrodens, D. psychrotolerans and D. catecholicum were also obtained from layers deeper than 100 cm and with less than 2 mM sulfate. The high in situ abundance of members of both families in sediment layers beneath 50 cm could be confirmed via CARD‐FISH analysis performed with a set of six SRB‐specific oligonucleotide probes. Moreover, SRB represented a numerically significant fraction of the microbial community throughout the sediment (up to 7%) and reached even higher cell numbers in deep, sulfate‐poor layers than in the sulfate‐rich surface sediment. This relatively large community size of potentially active SRB in deep sandy sediments might on the one hand be a result of their syntrophic association with other anaerobes. Our results furthermore support the hypothesis that enhanced advective pore water transport might supply nutrients to microbial communities in deep sandy sediments and point to their so far unrecognized contribution to biogeochemical processes in Wadden Sea sediments.