bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative studies of quantitative trait and neutral marker divergence: a meta‐analysis
Authors: LEINONEN T. , O’HARA R. B. , CANO J. M. , MERILÄ J. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractComparative studies of quantitative genetic and neutral marker differentiation have provided means for assessing the relative roles of natural selection and random genetic drift in explaining among‐population divergence. This information can be useful for our fundamental understanding of population differentiation, as well as for identifying management units in conservation biology. Here, we provide comprehensive review and meta‐analysis of the empirical studies that have compared quantitative genetic (QST) and neutral marker (FST) differentiation among natural populations. Our analyses confirm the conclusion from previous reviews – based on ca. 100% more data – that the QST values are on average higher than FST values [mean difference 0.12 (SD 0.27)] suggesting a predominant role for natural selection as a cause of differentiation in quantitative traits. However, although the influence of trait (life history, morphological and behavioural) and marker type (e.g. microsatellites and allozymes) on the variance of the difference between QST and FST is small, there is much heterogeneity in the data attributable to variation between specific studies and traits. The latter is understandable as there is no reason to expect that natural selection would be acting in similar fashion on all populations and traits (except for fitness itself). We also found evidence to suggest that QST and FST values across studies are positively correlated, but the significance of this finding remains unclear. We discuss these results in the context of utility of the QST–FST comparisons as a tool for inferring natural selection, as well as associated methodological and interpretational problems involved with individual and meta‐analytic studies.
Feather mites and birds: an interaction mediated by uropygial gland size?
Authors: GALVÁN I. , BARBA E. , PICULO R. , CANTÓ J. L. , CORTÉS V. , MONRÓS J. S. , ATIÉNZAR F. , PROCTOR H. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractFeather mites (Arachnida: Acari: Astigmata) feed mainly on secretions of the uropygial gland of birds. Here, we use analyses corrected for phylogeny and body size to show that there is a positive correlation between the size of this gland and mite abundance in passerine birds at an interspecific level during the breeding season, suggesting that the gland mediates interactions between mites and birds. As predicted on the basis of hypothesized waterproofing and antibiotic functions of uropygial gland secretions, riparian/marsh bird species had larger glands and higher mite loads than birds living in less mesic terrestrial environments. An unexpected pattern was a steeper relationship between mite load and gland size in migratory birds than in residents. If moderate mite loads are beneficial to a host but high loads detrimental, this could create complex selection regimes in which gland size influences mite load and vice versa. Mites may exert selective pressures on gland size of their hosts that has resulted in smaller glands among migratory bird species, suggesting that smaller glands may have evolved in these birds to attenuate a possible detrimental effect of feather mites when present in large numbers.
Size‐Related Advantages for Reproduction in a Slightly Dimorphic Raptor: Opposite Trends between the Sexes
Authors: Sergio Fabrizio , Blas Julio , Forero Manuela G. , Donázar José Antonio , Hiraldo Fernando 
Published: November 2007

AbstractDespite many comparative analyses and more than 20 proposed hypotheses, there is still little consensus over the factors promoting the evolution of reversed sexual dimorphism (RSD) in raptorial species. Furthermore, intrapopulation studies, which may elucidate how RSD is maintained once evolved, have been surprisingly scarce and only focused on a handful of species with medium to high dimorphism. We examined the reproductive advantages associated with body size and condition, measured in the pre‐laying period, in a diurnal raptor with low sexual dimorphism, the black kite (Milvus migrans). The study population was essentially monomorphic in size. For females, there was an evidence of reproductive benefits associated with larger size and/or with better body condition. Larger females had also access to higher quality partners and territories, consistent with the ‘intrasexual selection’ hypothesis, by which members of the larger sex enjoy size‐related advantages in intrasexual competition over a scarce resource, the smaller sex. Opposite trends emerged for males: smaller, leaner males had higher breeding output, consistent with the ‘small efficient male’ hypothesis. Overall, the fact that we observed in an essentially monomorphic population the same selection pressures previously found in species with marked dimorphism suggests that such reproductive advantages may be counterbalanced in our study model by opposite selection pressures during other stages of the life cycle. This casts some doubts on the evolutionary significance of studies focusing exclusively on reproduction and calls for the need of more comprehensive analyses incorporating trait‐mediated differentials in survival and recruitment.
Do Naïve Primates Recognize the Vocalizations of Felid Predators?
Authors: Yorzinski Jessica L. , Ziegler Thomas 
Published: November 2007

AbstractTraits that were adaptive under previous conditions may no longer have fitness benefits. However, some species still retain appropriate antipredator behaviors even though they do not coexist with the predators that their ancestors once faced. Studies have examined the responses of a variety of naïve species to these predators, but none have specifically investigated whether naïve primates retain antipredator behaviors against felid predators. We studied the pig‐tailed langur (Simias concolor) to determine whether it still recognizes felids as predators even though dangerous felids do not exist on the islands on which it inhabits. The responses of the langurs to the playbacks of the vocalizations of felids (an ancestral predator), elephants (an unknown animal but not a predator), humans (a known predator) and, pigs and birds (known animals but not predators) were compared. Langurs fled more slowly and looked at the speaker less in response to the felid and elephant calls than they did in response to the human voices. Similar numbers of langurs fled in response to all playback treatments except the pig and bird. The results suggest that langurs are afraid of novel vocalizations but have not retained specific acoustic knowledge of felid predator vocalizations. For long‐lived species that have extended periods of learning, being able to modify general behavioral responses, such as antipredator behaviors, based on individual experiences may be more adaptive than having fixed behavioral strategies.
Anatomical and histochemical defence responses induced in juvenile leaves of Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens by Mycosphaerella infection
Authors: Smith A. H. , Gill W. M. , Pinkard E. A. , Mohammed C. L. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe responses of juvenile leaves of two Eucalyptus species, with contrasting susceptibility to infection by Mycosphaerella leaf disease, were compared. The anatomical changes, accumulation of phenolics, suberin, lignin and anthocyanin and the retention of chlorophyll were studied in leaf lesions of varying developmental stages caused by species of Mycosphaerella. Enhanced resistance of Eucalyptus nitens in southern Australia was attributed to the formation of an effective lignified and suberized necrophylactic periderm, to restrict pathogen spread. Leaves of E. nitens contained isobilateral palisade which resulted in both abaxial and adaxial cell division and the initiation of a strong reinforced cellular zone from an early lesion stage. Eucalyptus globulus formed a slower, distorted necrophylactic periderm through hypertrophic changes to existing mesophyll and limited cell divisions of the single adaxial palisade layer. Deposits of lignin and suberin did not occur until later in lesion development, which were not effective in preventing further disease development. From this study it is hypothesized that tolerance of eucalypts to Mycosphaerella pathogens may be associated with constitutive mesophyll density.
Cryphonectria parasitica in Portugal: diversity of vegetative compatibility types, mating types, and occurrence of hypovirulence
Authors: Bragança H. , Simões S. , Onofre N. , Tenreiro R. , Rigling D. 
Published: November 2007

Summary Cryphonectria parasitica, the causal agent of chestnut blight, has been responsible for the decline in chestnut in Portugal for the last two decades. In order to improve understanding of C. parasitica diversity, a total of 617 isolates from all affected chestnut‐growing areas in continental Portugal, Madeira and the Azores archipelagos were studied. Nine vegetative compatibility (vc) types were identified among the isolates. EU‐11 was the most widespread vc type comprising 80.2% of the isolates, followed by EU‐12 (7.1%) and EU‐66 (6.6%). Two of the Portuguese vc types could not be assigned to a known European vc type. The diversity of vc types was low in the Portuguese populations of C. parasitica, but comparable with other areas where C. parasitica was introduced recently. The frequent occurrence of perithecia and both mating types of C. parasitica indicates that sexual reproduction of the chestnut blight fungus is common in Portugal. One C. parasitica isolate from Trás‐os‐Montes showed a white culture morphology and contained dsRNA, indicating the presence of hypovirulence in this area.
Specific hybridization real‐time PCR probes for Phytophthora ramorum detection and diagnosis
Authors: Belbahri L. , Calmin G. , Wagner S. , Moralejo E. , Woodward S. , Lefort F. 
Published: November 2007

SummarySudden Oak Death, caused by Phytophthora ramorum, poses a serious threat to native American oaks, and is also present in Europe where it has been isolated from numerous European ornamental plant nurseries. Its proven aggressiveness against plants in the Fagaceae and Ericaceae and the damage it has caused in North America have lead to it being assigned quarantine status. The timely and accurate detection of P. ramorum is a critical aid in the study of the epidemiology and biology of this pathogen. As a regulated organism, the availability of a sensitive and reliable assay is essential when attempting to achieve early detection of the pathogen. In this work, new specific hybridization probes for a real‐time PCR amplification method were found to be rapid, robust and labour‐saving, and proved suitable for routine use in a molecular diagnostic laboratory.
Prevalence patterns of gastric cancers in Turkey: Model of a developing country with high occurrence of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Bor Serhat , Vardar Rukiye , Ormeci Necati , Memik Faruk , Suleymanlar Inci , Oguz Dilek , Colakoglu Salih , Yucesoy Mehmet , Turkdogan Kursat , Gurel Selim , Dogan Ibrahim , Yıldırım Bulent , Goral Vedat , Dokmeci Gulbin , Okcu Nihat , Duman Deniz , Simsek Ilkay , Demır Ali 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  In developed countries, there has been a recent increase in the prevalence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and cardia, along with a decrease in distal gastric cancers. Little is known regarding the prevalence of these diseases in developing countries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in the prevalence of gastric adenocarcinomas in Turkey as a function of anatomic location.Methods:  Data were retrospectively collected from 16 centers from January 1990 to December 2000. Owing to the exclusion criteria, a total of 4065 cases of tumors of the stomach and distal esophagus were included. Tumors localized to the body, the antrum and pyloric channel were considered distal cancers. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was also detected.Results:  Patients' mean age was 60.7 ± 9 years, with a male : female ratio of 68:32. The ratio of distal/proximal adenocarcinoma was 2:1 for the western part of Turkey and 3:8 for the eastern part of the country (P < 0.0001), and this did not change during the 11 years. H. pylori was detected significantly less in the west compared to the east for distal tumors (65.7 vs 38.7%, respectively, P = 0.02).Conclusion:  In Turkey, a developing country with a high H. pylori prevalence, contrary to the state of developed countries, the ratio of distal versus proximal gastric adenocarcinomas has not changed. Geographical distribution should be taken into the account in projecting the changing patterns of gastric cancers.
Informed consent in direct access colonoscopy
Authors: Segarajasingam Dev S , Pawlik Janina , Forbes Geoffrey M 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Although direct access colonoscopy is a common practice, some consider the level of informed consent as inadequate, and therefore a medico‐legal concern. The aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of informed consent from a patient perspective in a direct access colonoscopy service.Methods:  All patients having outpatient colonoscopy from May 2003 to February 2004 at a direct access colonoscopy service were considered for inclusion into the study. Information was obtained from patients by structured questionnaire administered either at the time of discharge from the day ward or mailed to their homes.Results:  Information was obtained from 346 direct access colonoscopy patients (172 male, 159 female; 226 ≥ 50 years, 103 < 50 years), 80% of whom were referred by their family doctor. Colonoscopy was done for investigation of symptoms in 220 patients, and for screening and surveillance in 115 patients, with an indication not specified in 11 patients. The majority of patients were either very satisfied (70.5%) or satisfied (25.1%) with the consent process, with no demographic characteristics found to predict dissatisfaction. Thirty‐seven patients expressed a preference to have seen a gastroenterologist prior to colonoscopy, and four of these patients reported the consent process to be unsatisfactory. Seventy (20.2%) patients reported that the most useful information about colonoscopy was received after they had completed bowel preparation.Conclusion:  No demographic characteristics were found to predict the small fraction of patients dissatisfied with the informed consent process. Further medico‐legal risk reduction may be facilitated by enhancing the provision of information prior to bowel preparation.
The association between the genetic polymorphism of HLA‐DQA1, DQB1, and DRB1 and serum alanine aminotransferase levels in chronic hepatitis C in the Chinese population
Authors: Yu Rong‐Bin , Hong Xin , Ding Wei‐Liang , Tan Yong‐Fei , Zhang Yong‐Xiang , Sun Nan‐Xiong , Wu Guan‐Ling , Zhan Sheng‐Wei , Ge Da‐Fang 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  To investigate a possible association between HLA genes with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and evaluate whether the HLA‐DQA1, DQB1, and DRB1 genes could influence the development of liver damage in chronic hepatitis C.Methods:  A total of 145 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (36 patients with persistently normal ALT values; 109 patients with elevated ALT levels) and 160 uninfected healthy controls were examined for HLA‐DQA1, DQB1, and DRB1 molecules by using polymerase chain reaction–sequencing based typing (PCR‐SBT).Results:  Among the patients chronically infected with HCV, the frequencies of DQA1*0501, DQB1*0301, and DRB1*0401 alleles were significantly increased in the normal ALT group compared with those with abnormal ALT levels, whereas that of DQB1*0201 was significantly lower. As compared to uninfected healthy controls, DQA1*0501, DQB1*0301, and DRB1*0401 allele frequencies were also statistically higher in the normal ALT group, whereas that of DQB1*0201 was the inverse. The haplotype frequencies of DQA1*0301‐DQB1*0301, DQA1*0501‐DQB1*0301, and DRB1*1101‐DQB1*0301 were found to be significantly higher in the normal ALT group. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that female sex, and the DQB1*0301 allele and DRB1*0401 allele were independently associated with normal ALT values, whereas DQB1*0201 allele was the inverse.Conclusions:  These results suggest that particular HLA alleles may have an influence on the serum ALT level of chronic HCV infection as a host genetic factor in the Chinese population. The DQA1*0501, DQB1*0301, and DRB1*0401 alleles, and the DQA1*0301‐DQB1*0301, DQA1*0501‐DQB1*0301, and DRB1*1101‐DQB1*0301 haplotypes seem to be associated with low hepatitis activity; whereas DQB1*0201 allele is closely correlated with the progression of liver injury in chronic HCV infection.
Differential expression of androgen and estrogen receptor of appendix testis in patients with descended and undescended testes
Authors: Józsa Tamás , Dienes Beatrix , Telek Andrea , Hargitai Zoltán , Pór Ágnes , Kiss Csongor 
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  The incidence of appendix testis has been shown to be 76% in descended and 24% in undescended testis in our previous intraoperative survey. To determine the possible role of the appendix testis in the process of testicular migration, we compared the androgen and estrogen receptor status of appendix testis in descended and undescended testes.Methods:  Thirty‐seven appendix testes were collected intraoperatively and the expression of androgen and estrogen receptors were examined with immunostaining and immunofluorescence labeling. Based on the diagnosis, the specimens were divided into three groups. Group H (groin hernia, n = 11, as a group of descended testis), Group AU (acquired undescended testis, n = 14), and Group CU (congenital undescended testis, n = 12).Results:  The testicular appendages were found to express both androgen and estrogen receptors in Group H and Group AU, but specimens in Group CU were only estrogen receptor positive, whereas androgen receptors were not present.Conclusion:  The presence of the androgen receptor in the appendix testis of the descended testes and acquired undescended testes and its absence in patients with congenital undescended testis suggests that the appendix testis might play a role in the process of testicular descent.
Role of the metalloprotease Vvp and the virulence plasmid pR99 of Vibrio vulnificus serovar E in surface colonization and fish virulence
Authors: Valiente Esmeralda , Lee Chung‐Te , Hor Lien‐I. , Fouz Belén , Amaro Carmen 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe virulence for eels of Vibrio vulnificus biotype 2 serovar E (VSE) is conferred by a plasmid that codifies ability to survive in eel serum and cause septicaemia. To find out whether the plasmid and the selected chromosomal gene vvp plays a role in the initial steps of infection, the VSE strain CECT4999, the cured strain CT218 and the Vvp‐deficient mutant CT201 (obtained in this work by allelic exchange) were used in colonization and virulence experiments. The eel avirulent biotype 1 (BT1) strain YJ016, whose genome has been sequenced, was used for comparative purposes. The global results demonstrate that the plasmid does not play a significant role in surface colonization because (i) CECT4999 and CT218 were equally chemoattracted towards and adherent to eel mucus and gills, and (ii) CT218 persisted in gills from bath‐infected eels 2 weeks post infection. In contrast, mutation in vvp gene reduced significantly chemoattraction and attachment to eel mucus and gills, as well as virulence degree by immersion challenge. Co‐infection experiments by bath with CECT4999 and CT201 confirmed that Vvp was involved in eel colonization and persistence in gills, because CECT4999 was recovered at higher numbers compared with CT201 from both internal organs of moribund fish (ratio 4:1) and gills from survivors (ratio 50:1). Interestingly, YJ016 also showed chemoattraction and attachment to mucus, and complementation of CT201 with BT1‐vvp gene restored both activities together with virulence degree by immersion challenge. Additional experiments with algae mucus and purified mucin gave similar results. In conclusion, the protease Vvp of V. vulnificus seems to play an essential role in colonization of mucosal surfaces present in aquatic environments. Among the V. vulnificus strains colonizing fish mucus, only those harbouring the plasmid could survive in blood and cause septicaemia.
Preoperative irradiation and surgery for local recurrence of rectal and rectosigmoid cancer. Prognostic factors with regard to survival and further local recurrence
Authors: Wiig J. N. , Larsen S.G. , Dueland S. , Giercksky K.‐E. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjective  Local recurrence after rectal cancer surgery is an important clinical problem.Method  150 patients with local recurrence after rectal/rectosigmoid cancer, stage M0, underwent surgery after preoperative irradiation (46–50 Gy).Results  The overall 5‐year survival was 27% (44% R0, 38% R1 and 17% R2‐stage). Corresponding survival/local recurrence rates were 52%/27% for R0‐ and 14%/63% for R1‐stage. No R2‐resected survived 4 years. A normal pretreatment CEA level was significantly associated with increased survival but normalization following preoperative therapy was not associated with an improvement in prognosis. Survival and local recurrence were also significantly influenced by the type of primary operation. Several factors were significant for the prediction of an R0‐resection in univariate analysis, but only CEA and symptoms at the time of recurrence predicted an R0‐resection in multivariate analysis. A long latency time to recurrence did not significantly influence prognosis.Conclusion  Preoperative irradiation and surgery can result in an R0‐resection and a long survival in patients with recurrence after initial treatment for rectal or rectosigmoid cancer. Also patients with an R1‐resection can benefit from surgery since a substantial number will die without further local recurrence. An R0‐resection is the main prognostic factor followed by CEA level, sex and type of primary operation. Normalization of CEA after preoperative treatment is not of prognostic significance. The value of the Norwegian follow‐up regimen is questioned.
Radiofrequency ablation for recurrent pelvic cancer
Authors: Lefevre J. H. , Parc Y. , Lewin M. , Bennis M. , Tiret E. , Parc R. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjective  Local recurrence of pelvic cancer is a therapeutic challenge. The purpose of the study was to evaluate radiofrequency ablation (RFA, intra‐operative or CT‐guided) for the treatment of pelvic recurrence in patients not eligible for curative surgical resection.Method  Charts of all patients treated for pelvic recurrence by RFA between March 2004 and March 2005 were reviewed.Results  Eight patients (two females) had RFA for inoperable local recurrence [rectal adenocarcinoma (six) and sarcoma (two)]. Surgical resection of the primary tumour had been performed at a median age of 50.2 (36.7–61.6) years. Recurrence occurred after a median of 49.5 (11.7–63.5) months. The mean size of the recurrence was 33.4 (20–45) mm. RFA was given on a median number of two occasions (1–3). Complications occurred in six patients including minor pain [pelvic (six); sciatic nerve irritation (four)]; ureteric obstruction requiring stenting (two) and colo‐vesical fistula (one), requiring ileal urinary diversion. After a median follow‐up of 18.2 months (11–32), six patients were still alive. Patients, who had experienced pain prior to RFA were pain‐free. Five patients showed evidence of further tumour growth but were asymptomatic.Conclusion  Radiofrequency ablation is a feasible therapeutic option for recurrent pelvic cancer. It allows good symptom control in patients with pain but morbidity is high.