bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoid replacement is associated with hypertriglyceridaemia, elevated glucose and higher non‐HDL cholesterol and may diminish the association of HDL cholesterol with the –629C>A CETP promoter polymorphism in GH‐receiving hypopituitary patients
Authors: Dullaart Robin P. F. , Schols Jeroen L. , Van Der Steege Gerrit , Zelissen Peter M. J. , Sluiter Wim J. , Van Beek André P. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryObjectives  The effect of glucocorticoid substitution on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome components (NCEP ATP III criteria) and serum lipid levels was determined in GH‐replaced hypopituitary patients. As glucocorticoid replacement is associated with a pronounced decrease in plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, we also tested associations of HDL cholesterol with the –629C>A CETP promoter polymorphism in subjects with and without ACTH deficiency.Design and patients  In a university setting, we retrieved protocolized clinical and laboratory data from 165 adult hypopituitary patients, who had received GH for 1 year.Results  After adjustment for age, sex and smoking, non‐HDL cholesterol (P = 0·05) and triglycerides (P = 0·004) were higher, but HDL cholesterol was not decreased in 117 glucocorticoid (mainly cortisone acetate in two divided doses) receiving subjects compared to 48 ACTH‐sufficient subjects. The prevalence of elevated plasma glucose and/or diabetes (P = 0·04) and hypertriglyceridaemia (P = 0·005), but not of other metabolic syndrome components, was higher in glucocorticoid‐replaced subjects. HDL cholesterol was higher in –629 A allele carriers compared to –629CC homozygotes in ACTH‐sufficient subjects (P = 0·04), but not in glucocorticoid‐treated subjects (P = 0·13). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that only in ACTH‐sufficient subjects, HDL cholesterol was independently related to this CETP gene variation (P = 0·03).Conclusions  In GH‐ and glucocorticoid‐replaced hypopituitary patients, serum non‐HDL cholesterol and triglycerides are higher and the prevalence of hyperglycaemia is increased, but HDL cholesterol is not decreased. Conventional glucocorticoid replacement appears to diminish the association of HDL cholesterol with a common CETP gene variation.
Colostrum iodine and perchlorate concentrations in Boston‐area women: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Leung Angela M. , Pearce Elizabeth N. , Hamilton Tara , He Xuemei , Pino Sam , Merewood Anne , Braverman Lewis E. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryObjective  To measure levels of colostrum iodine, which has not been previously measured, and perchlorate and cotinine (a surrogate for thiocyanate derived from cigarette smoke) in women up to 60 h postpartum. Perchlorate and thiocyanate are environmental inhibitors of iodide transport into the thyroid and lactating breast.Design  Cross‐sectional.Patients  Ninety seven postpartum women in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.Measurements  Colostrum iodine and perchlorate, and spot urine iodine, perchlorate, cotinine and creatinine concentrations were measured.Results  Sufficient colostrum was obtained to measure iodine in 61 samples and perchlorate in 46 samples. Median colostrum iodine content was 51·4 µmol/l (range 21·3–304·2 µg/l). Perchlorate was detectable in 43 of 46 colostrum samples (median 2·5 µmol/l; range, < 0·05–188·9 µmol/l). Median urine iodine in 97 samples was 82·2 µmol/l (range, 10·3–417·1 µmol/l). Perchlorate was detectable in all 97 urine samples (median 2·6 µmol/l; range, 0·2–160·6 µmol/l). Colostrum iodine content was not significantly correlated with levels of colostrum perchlorate or concentrations per litre of urinary iodine, perchlorate, or cotinine. Colostrum perchlorate concentrations were not significantly associated with urinary iodine, perchlorate, or cotinine levels. Urinary cotinine levels were not significantly associated with urinary iodine or perchlorate levels. There was no association between maternal urinary iodine and urinary perchlorate levels.Conclusions  Iodine is present in human colostrum and thus available for breastfeeding infants immediately after birth. Perchlorate was also present in 93% of samples measured, but the concentrations did not correlate with colostrum iodine concentrations.
Modelling the effects on phytoplankton communities of changing mixed depth and background extinction coefficient on three contrasting lakes in the English Lake District
Authors: BERNHARDT J. , ELLIOTT J. A. , JONES I. D. 
Published: August 2008

Summary1.  The process‐based phytoplankton community model, PROTECH, was used to model the response of algal biomass to a range of mixed layer depths and extinction coefficients for three contrasting lakes: Blelham Tarn (eutrophic), Bassenthwaite Lake (mesotrophic) and Ullswater (oligotrophic).2. As expected, in most cases biomass and diversity decreased with decreasing light availability caused by increasing the mixed depth and background extinction coefficient. The communities were generally dominated by phytoplankton tolerant of low light. Further, more novel, factors were identified, however.3. In Blelham Tarn in the second half of the year, biomass and diversity did not generally decline with deeper mixing and the community was dominated by nitrogen‐fixing phytoplankton because that nutrient was limiting to growth.4. In Bassenthwaite Lake, changing mixed depth influenced the retention time so that, as the mixed depth declined, the flushing rate in the mixed layer increased to the point that only fast‐growing phytoplankton could dominate.5. In the oligotrophic Ullswater, changing the mixed depth had a greater effect through nutrient supply rather than light availability. This effect was observed when the mixed layer was relatively shallow (<5.5 m) and the driver for this was that the inflowing nutrients were added to a smaller volume of water, thus increasing nutrient concentrations and algal growth.6. Therefore, whilst changes in mixed depth generally affect the phytoplankton via commonly recognized factors (light availability, sedimentation rate), it also affected phytoplankton growth and community composition through other important factors such as retention time and nutrient supply.
Long‐term responses of zooplankton to invasion by a planktivorous fish in a subarctic watercourse
Authors: AMUNDSEN PER‐ARNE , SIWERTSSON ANNA , PRIMICERIO RAUL , BØHN THOMAS 
Published: August 2008

Summary1. Introduced or invading predators may have strong impacts on prey populations of the recipient community mediated by direct and indirect interactions. The long‐term progression of predation effects, covering the invasion and establishment phase of alien predators, however, has rarely been documented.2. This paper documents the impact of an invasive, specialized planktivorous fish on its prey in a subarctic watercourse. Potential predation effects on the crustacean plankton, at the community, population and individual levels, were explored in a long‐term study following the invasion by vendace (Coregonus albula).3. Over the 12‐year period, the density and species richness of zooplankton decreased, smaller species became more abundant andDaphnia longispina, one of the largest cladocerans, was eliminated from the zooplankton community.4. Within the dominant cladocerans, includingDaphniaspp.,Bosmina longispinaandBosmina longirostris, the body size of ovigerous females and the size at first reproduction decreased after the arrival of the new predator. The clutch sizes ofDaphniaspp. andB. longirostrisalso increased.5. Increased predation pressure following the vendace invasion induced many effects on the crustacean zooplankton, and we document comprehensive and strong direct and indirect long‐term impacts of an introduced non‐native predator on the native prey community.
Geographic variation of flower traits inNarcissus papyraceus(Amaryllidaceae): do pollinators matter?
Authors: Pérez‐Barrales Rocío , Pino Rafael , Albaladejo Rafael G. , Arroyo Juan 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim The geographic clinal variation of traits in organisms can indicate the possible causes of phenotypic evolution. We studied the correlates of flower trait variation in populations of a style‐dimorphic plant,Narcissus papyraceusKer‐Gawl., within a region of high biogeographical significance, the Strait of Gibraltar. This species shows a geographic gradient in the style‐morph ratio, suggested to be driven by pollinator shifts. We tested whether parallel geographic variation of perianth traits also exists, concomitant with vegetative trait variation or genetic similarity of plant populations.Location The Strait of Gibraltar region (SG hereafter, including both south‐western Iberian Peninsula and north‐western Morocco).Methods We used univariate and multivariate analyses of flower and vegetative traits in 23 populations. We applied Mantel tests and partial Mantel correlations on vegetative and flower traits and geographic locations of populations to test for spatial effects. We used Moran’s autocorrelation analyses to explore the spatial structure within the range, and performed the analyses with and without the Moroccan samples to test for the effects of the SG on spatial patterns. Amplified fragment length polymorphism data were used to estimate the genetic distance between populations and to ascertain its relationship with morphometric distance.Results There was high variation between and within populations in both flower and vegetative traits. Mantel correlations between geographic and morphometric distances were not significant, but the exclusion of Moroccan populations revealed some distance effect. Partial Mantel correlation did not detect a significant correlation between flower and vegetative morphometric distances after controlling for geographic distance. There were opposite trends in spatial autocorrelograms of flower and vegetative traits. The genetic distance between pairs of populations was directly correlated with geographic distance; however, flower morphometric and genetic distances were not significantly correlated.Main conclusions The SG had some influence on phenotypes, although the causes remain to be determined. The opposite trend of variation in flower and vegetative traits, and the lack of correlation between genetic distance and dissimilarity of flower phenotypes favour the hypothesis of pollinator‐mediated selection on flower morphology, although this may affect only particular traits and populations rather than overall phenotypes. Although stochastic population processes may have a small effect, other factors may account for the high flower variation within and between populations.
Towards understanding the concept of risk for pregnant women: some nursing and midwifery implications
Authors: Carolan Mary C 
Published: August 2008

Aims and objectives.  This paper aims to explore the concept of risk in pregnancy.Background.  Notions of risk and ‘not knowing’ have always surrounded pregnant women, although in the last two decades trends of increased consumer confidence and midwifery activism have together promoted a greater appreciation of pregnancy as a normal life event. At the same time, advances in pregnancy‐related technologies have contributed new levels of concern related to an increasing ability to detect minor abnormalities by ultrasound. This, in turn, causes a concordant rise in the number of women referred to high‐risk pregnancy care to monitor suspect findings. Overall, it seems likely that this increasing emphasis on abnormality detection and risk may have serious implications for women.Design.  Concept analysis.Method.  In this paper, I undertake an exploration of the concept of risk as understood by health professionals and pregnant women. Then, using Deborah Lupton’s understanding of a ‘discourse of risk’, I discuss the ways pregnant women both contribute to and are enmeshed in, this discourse. In the final section, I consider how nurses act informally to shield vulnerable women.Conclusions.  Health professionals and pregnant women understand risk differently. Women employ a subjective appraisal of risk, measuring it against their personal values and prior experience, while health professionals evaluate risk in an objective manner.Relevance to clinical practice.  As increasing numbers of women are referred to ‘at risk’ care, it is important that health professionals understand and respond to maternal understandings of risk. Nurses and midwives particularly, have a role to play in assisting women to make sense of risk calculations. In this way, they can act to ameliorate the growing concept of risk for pregnant women.
Tat‐dependent targeting of Rieske iron‐sulphur proteins to both the plasma and thylakoid membranes in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803
Authors: Aldridge Cassie , Spence Edward , Kirkilionis Markus A. , Frigerio Lorenzo , Robinson Colin 
Published: August 2008

SummaryCyanobacteria possess a differentiated membrane system and transport proteins into both the periplasm and thylakoid lumen. We have used green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged constructs to study the Tat protein transporter and Rieske Tat substrates in Synechocystis PCC6803. The Tat system has been shown to operate in the plasma membrane; we show here that it is also relatively abundant in the thylakoid membrane network, indicating that newly synthesized Tat substrates are targeted to both membrane systems. Synechocystis contains three Rieske iron‐sulphur proteins, all of which contain typical twin‐arginine signal‐like sequences at their N‐termini. We show that two of these proteins (PetC1 and PetC2) are obligate Tat substrates when expressed in Escherichia coli. The Rieske proteins exhibit differential localization in Synechocystis 6803; PetC1 and PetC2 are located in the thylakoid membrane, while PetC3 is primarily targeted to the plasma membrane. The combined data show that Tat substrates are directed with high precision to both membrane systems in this cyanobacterium, raising the question of how, and when, intracellular sorting to the correct membrane is achieved.
Participation of cell‐free haemolymph of Biomphalaria tenagophila in the defence mechanism against Schistosoma mansoni sporocysts
Authors: PEREIRA C. A. J. , MARTINS‐SOUZA R. L. , CORRÊA JR A. , COELHO P. M. Z. , NEGRÃO‐CORRÊA D. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYBiomphalaria tenagophila of Taim strain is able to completely destroy Schistosoma mansoni sporocyst few hours after parasite penetration, although the mechanism is still not well known. In this experimental work we show that passive transference of cell‐free haemolymph, especially from B. tenagophila Taim, resulted in higher resistance of B. tenagophila Cabo Frio to S. mansoni infection. This effect was demonstrated in vivo, by the reduction in the infection rate, and the significantly lower production of sporocysts and cercariae of the parasite in snails treated with Taim cell‐free haemolymph compared to CBSS‐inoculated snails. The protective effect of Taim cell‐free haemolymph was also observed during the in vitro interaction between haemocytes and sporocysts. In this system, addition of B. tenagophila cell‐free haemolymph, especially from Taim strain, was responsible for significant increase in sporocyst mortality compared to B. glabrata cell‐free haemolymph or culture medium. Moreover, the combination of Taim cell‐free haemolymph and Cabo Frio haemocytes increased significantly the mortality of sporocysts. The results show that Taim cell‐free haemolymph would act direct and indirectly on destruction of S. mansoni sporocysts. The results also suggest that cell‐free haemolymph indirectly increases parasite recognition by the circulating granulocytes and it is species specific.
Distribution and origin of bovine major histocompatibility complex class IIDQA1genes in Japan
Authors: Takeshima S. , Chen S. , Miki M. , Kado M. , Aida Y. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe sequenced the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class IIDQA1gene in 352 Japanese cattle (95 Japanese Black, 91 Holstein, 102 Japanese Shorthorn and 64 Jersey cattle) using a new sequence‐based typing method. In total, 19 bovine MHC (BoLA)‐DQA1alleles, of which two were novel alleles, were detected. The Holstein, Jersey, Japanese Shorthorn and Japanese Black breeds had 13, 12, 10 and 15 alleles, respectively. The dendrogram that was constructed by the neighbor‐joining method on the basis of theDQA1gene allele frequencies of the four Japanese cattle breeds showed that the Holstein and Japanese Black breeds were closest to each other, with Jersey being farther from these two breeds than Japanese Shorthorn. In addition, Wu–Kabat analysis showed that theDQA1alleles of the Holstein and Japanese Black were the most and least polymorphic, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that theDQA1gene of Bovidae such as cattle, sheep, bison and goat were more similar to pigSLA‐DQAgenes than to humanHLA‐DQA1and dogDLA‐DQAgenes. The cattle, goat, bison, sheep, human and pigDQA1molecules had similar rates of amino acid sequence polymorphism, but the distribution of their polymorphic residues differed from that in the dogDQA1protein. However, the BovidaeDQA1molecule had more polymorphic residues than the human, pig and dogDQAmolecules at two regions, namely positions 52–53 and 65–66. This indicates that the BovidaeDQA1locus is more polymorphic than theDQAloci of other species.
Perfume‐collecting male euglossine bees as pollinators of a basal angiosperm: the case of Unonopsis stipitata (Annonaceae)
Authors: Teichert H , Dötterl S , Zimma B , Ayasse M , Gottsberger G 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPollination of Unonopsis stipitata (Annonaceae) by males of two perfume‐collecting bees, Euglossa imperialis and Eulaema bombiformis (Euglossini) is described. This is the first detailed account of this pollination mode in a member of a basal angiosperm family. Pollinator behaviour, identification of the odour bouquet and electrophysiological reaction of one of the two pollinators to the odour bouquet were determined. The collected odour is produced by ‘osmophores’ located adaxially on the petals. Starch and polysaccharides accumulated in petals are metabolized during odour emission. Mainly monoterpenes were detected in the scent samples, among them trans‐carvone oxide. This molecule is thought by several authors to be the key attractant for male Eulaema bees and may be pivotal for convergent evolution of the perfume‐collecting syndrome among dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants. It is speculated that Unonopsis, which on the basis of molecular age dating is considered a relatively recent genus of the Annonaceae (being 15–30 million years old), has diversified in relation to male euglossine bee pollinators.
Invasive rhino‐orbital fungal sinusitis following dental manipulation
Authors: Chopra Hemant , Dua Kapil , Bhatia Suneet , Dua Nisha , Mittal Vikrant 
Published: August 2008

SummaryRhinocerebral mucormycosis is a fulminant fungal infection of the nose and paranasal sinuses in immunocompromised patients. But mucormycosis following dental manipulation in immunocompetent patients leading to orbital involvement is rare. The objective of this study was to highlight the variable presentations of mucormycosis. We had two immunocompetent patients, who had undergone some dental treatment by quacks, later developed fulminant mucormycosis of the paranasal sinuses and blindness. The endoscopic sinus surgery and Amphotericin B chemotherapy resulted in a good outcome. This disease requires an aggressive approach of combined endoscopic sinus surgery and Amphotericin B to increase the chances of survival in these patients.
The influence of soil pH on the diversity, abundance and transcriptional activity of ammonia oxidizing archaea and bacteria
Authors: Nicol Graeme W. , Leininger Sven , Schleper Christa , Prosser James I. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryAutotrophic ammonia oxidation occurs in acid soils, even though laboratory cultures of isolated ammonia oxidizing bacteria fail to grow below neutral pH. To investigate whether archaea possessing ammonia monooxygenase genes were responsible for autotrophic nitrification in acid soils, the community structure and phylogeny of ammonia oxidizing bacteria and archaea were determined across a soil pH gradient (4.9–7.5) by amplifying 16S rRNA and amoA genes followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and sequence analysis. The structure of both communities changed with soil pH, with distinct populations in acid and neutral soils. Phylogenetic reconstructions of crenarchaeal 16S rRNA and amoA genes confirmed selection of distinct lineages within the pH gradient and high similarity in phylogenies indicated a high level of congruence between 16S rRNA and amoA genes. The abundance of archaeal and bacterial amoA gene copies and mRNA transcripts contrasted across the pH gradient. Archaeal amoA gene and transcript abundance decreased with increasing soil pH, while bacterial amoA gene abundance was generally lower and transcripts increased with increasing pH. Short‐term activity was investigated by DGGE analysis of gene transcripts in microcosms containing acidic or neutral soil or mixed soil with pH readjusted to that of native soils. Although mixed soil microcosms contained identical archaeal ammonia oxidizer communities, those adapted to acidic or neutral pH ranges showed greater relative activity at their native soil pH. Findings indicate that different bacterial and archaeal ammonia oxidizer phylotypes are selected in soils of different pH and that these differences in community structure and abundances are reflected in different contributions to ammonia oxidizer activity. They also suggest that both groups of ammonia oxidizers have distinct physiological characteristics and ecological niches, with consequences for nitrification in acid soils.
Regulation of copper homeostasis in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Xian , Rainey Paul B. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryCopper is an essential element for life, but too much copper is harmful: copper homeostasis must therefore be carefully regulated. When growing on plant surfaces, the plant growth‐promoting bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 activates expression of a copper‐transporting P1‐type ATPase (CueA). Using a combination of transcriptional gene fusions and site‐directed mutants, we show that copper‐induced transcription of cueA is controlled by the MerR‐type regulator, CueR; CueR is also required for activation of the copper chaperone protein encoded by cueZ (pflu0660). The promoters of cueA and cueZ are also responsive to the metal salts of gold, silver and mercury. In each case, CueR transduces the stimulus. Resistance to exogenously applied copper sulfate shows that cueA and cueR mutants are significantly less resistant than the wild type. This is consistent with the role of CueA as a copper efflux system and a general role for the CueR regulon in copper resistance. A search of the SBW25 genome for orthologues of genes predicted to play additional roles in copper homeostasis identified copCD of the known four‐component copABCD system (unusually, copAB are absent from the SBW25 genome). Genetic studies showed that expression of copCD is controlled by copper and mediated by the CopRS two‐component regulatory system. Mutants devoid of copCD or copS displayed an increased tolerance to copper and overexpression of copCD caused increased sensitivity. This is consistent with CopCD encoding a copper uptake system. Taken together, we suggest that the Cue and Cop systems are integral to copper homeostasis in P. fluorescens SBW25 with one (Cop) being active at low‐copper environments and bringing copper into the cell, and the other (Cue) being active in high‐copper environments and serving to export excess copper.