bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Top predators as indicators for species richness? Prey species are just as useful
Authors: Roth Tobias , Weber Darius 
Published: February 2008

Summary

The use of surrogates to identify protected areas is a common practice in conservation biology. The use of top predators as surrogates has been criticized but recently a strong positive relationship was found between the presence of top predators and species diversity of several taxa. As mentioned by the authors, these striking results need to be assessed on a larger scale.
We used data from the Swiss Biodiversity Monitoring Programme and the Swiss breeding bird survey to analyse the use of raptor species as a surrogate for plant, butterfly and bird species richness. For each raptor species, we compared species richness in sites where a raptor species was recorded and compared these sites with the remaining sites in which the raptor species was not recorded. For comparison we conducted the same analyses using tits Parus spp. Tits are common prey species of some raptor species and were the most species‐rich generalist genus in our data.
We found little justification for a focus on top predators when identifying conservation areas. For bird and plant species richness, raptors were reasonable surrogates for high species richness but no raptor species predicted sites with above‐average butterfly species richness.
The presence of tit species performed equally as well as the presence of raptor species to predict sites with high species richness of birds and plants, and performed even better for predicting high butterfly species richness.
Synthesis and applications. Conservation planners using indicator species should be aware that relationships among higher taxa are complex and depend on the species group and the scale of analysis. As shown with the case of raptors, the usefulness of a biodiversity indicator can vary between adjacent areas even if the same species groups are analysed. We recommend the use of more than one indicator species from different taxonomic groups when identifying areas of high biodiversity.
Desert bird associations with broad‐scale boundary length: applications in avian conservation
Authors: Gutzwiller Kevin J. , Barrow Wylie C. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryCurrent understanding regarding the effects of boundaries on bird communities has originated largely from studies of forest–non‐forest boundaries in mesic systems. To assess whether broad‐scale boundary length can affect bird community structure in deserts, and to identify patterns and predictors of species’ associations useful in avian conservation, we studied relations between birds and boundary‐length variables in Chihuahuan Desert landscapes. Operationally, a boundary was the border between two adjoining land covers, and broad‐scale boundary length was the total length of such borders in a large area.Within 2‐km radius areas, we measured six boundary‐length variables. We analysed bird–boundary relations for 26 species, tested for assemblage‐level patterns in species’ associations with boundary‐length variables, and assessed whether body size, dispersal ability and cowbird‐host status were correlates of these associations.The abundances or occurrences of a significant majority of species were associated with boundary‐length variables, and similar numbers of species were related positively and negatively to boundary‐length variables.Disproportionately small numbers of species were correlated with total boundary length, land‐cover boundary length and shrubland–grassland boundary length (variables responsible for large proportions of boundary length). Disproportionately large numbers of species were correlated with roadside boundary length and riparian vegetation–grassland boundary length (variables responsible for small proportions of boundary length). Roadside boundary length was associated (positively and negatively) with the most species.Species’ associations with boundary‐length variables were not correlated with body size, dispersal ability or cowbird‐host status.Synthesis and applications. For the species we studied, conservationists can use the regressions we report as working models to anticipate influences of boundary‐length changes on bird abundance and occurrence, and to assess avifaunal composition for areas under consideration for protection. Boundary‐length variables associated with a disproportionate or large number of species can be used as foci for landscape management. Assessing the underlying causes of bird–boundary relations may improve the prediction accuracy of associated models. We therefore advocate local‐ and broad‐scale manipulative experiments involving the boundary types with which species were correlated, as indicated by the regressions.
Population genetic analyses ofHypoplectruscoral reef fishes provide evidence that local processes are operating during the early stages of marine adaptive radiations
Authors: PUEBLA OSCAR , BERMINGHAM ELDREDGE , GUICHARD FRÉDÉRIC 
Published: February 2008

AbstractLarge‐scale, spatially explicit models of adaptive radiation suggest that the spatial genetic structure within a species sampled early in the evolutionary history of an adaptive radiation might be higher than the genetic differentiation between different species formed during the same radiation over all locations. Here we test this hypothesis with a spatial population genetic analysis ofHypoplectruscoral reef fishes (Serranidae), one of the few potential cases of a recent adaptive radiation documented in the marine realm. Microsatellite analyses ofHypoplectrus puella(barred hamlet) andHypoplectrus nigricans(black hamlet) from Belize, Panama and Barbados validate the population genetic predictions at the regional scale forH. nigricansdespite the potential for high levels of gene flow between populations resulting from the 3‐week planktonic larval phase ofHypoplectrus. The results are different forH. puella, which is characterized by significantly lower levels of spatial genetic structure thanH. nigricans. An extensive field survey ofHypoplectruspopulation densities complemented by individual‐based simulations shows that the higher abundance and more continuous distribution ofH. puellacould account for the reduced spatial genetic structure within this species. The genetic and demographic data are also consistent with the hypothesis thatH. puellamight represent the ancestral form of theHypoplectrusradiation, and thatH. nigricansmight have evolved repeatedly fromH. puellathrough ecological speciation. Altogether, spatial genetic analysis within and betweenHypoplectrusspecies indicate that local processes can operate at a regional scale within recent marine adaptive radiations.
Interspecies signalling via the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia diffusible signal factor influences biofilm formation and polymyxin tolerance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ryan Robert P. , Fouhy Yvonne , Garcia Belen Fernandez , Watt Steven A. , Niehaus Karsten , Yang Liang , Tolker‐Nielsen Tim , Dow J. Maxwell 
Published: February 2008

SummaryInterspecies signalling through the action of diffusible signal molecules can influence the behaviour of organisms growing in polymicrobial communities. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa occur ubiquitously in the environment and can be found together in diverse niches including the rhizosphere of plants and the cystic fibrosis lung. In mixed species biofilms, S. maltophilia substantially influenced the architecture of P. aeruginosa structures, which developed as extended filaments. This effect depended upon the synthesis of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) by S. maltophilia and could be mimicked by the addition of synthetic DSF. This response of P. aeruginosa to DSF required PA1396, a sensor kinase with an input domain of related amino acid sequence to the sensory input domain of RpfC, which is responsible for DSF perception in xanthomonads. Mutation of PA1396 or addition of DSF to P. aeruginosa led to increased levels of a number of proteins with roles in bacterial stress tolerance, including those implicated in resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides. This effect was associated with increased tolerance to polymyxins. Homologues of PA1396 occur in a number of phytopathogenic and plant‐associated pseudomonads, suggesting that modulation of bacterial behaviour through DSF‐mediated interspecies signalling with xanthomonads is a phenomenon that occurs widely.
Reliability of a composite measure of social inclusion for people with psychiatric disabilities
Authors: Lloyd Chris , Waghorn Geoff , Best Maria , Gemmell Stuart 
Published: February 2008

Aim:  To assess the reliability of the components of a proposed composite measure of social inclusion for people with psychiatric disabilities. Method:  The interview covered sociodemographics, domain‐specific socially valued role functioning, social support, stigma experiences, integration within the immediate psychosocial rehabilitation community, and integration within the wider neighbourhood community. Participants (n
1 = 28; n2 = 26) were recruited from a psychosocial rehabilitation setting. The candidate measures were assessed for short‐cycle test–retest reliability and internal consistency.Results:  Several items were identified for removal from the stigma experiences and community integration subscales because of low test–retest reliability or for having not sufficiently contributed to internal consistency. Conclusions:  The promising test–retest and internal consistency results warrant continuing the psychometric development of the composite measures of social inclusion and its applicability to community residents with psychiatric disabilities.
PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Authors: Cieniewski‐Bernard C , Acosta A , Dubois E , Lamblin N , Beseme O , Chwastyniak M , Amouyel P , Bauters C , Pinet F 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in western countries. The molecular mechanisms responsible for heart dysfunction are still largely unknown, except in cases of genetic defects or alteration of genes and proteins.
The publication of genome sequences from humans and other species has demonstrated the complexity of biology, including the finding that one gene does not encode for only one protein but for several, due to mRNA splicing and post‐translational modifications.
Proteomic analysis can provide an overall understanding of changes in the levels of protein expression. Differential proteomics is a powerful tool for improving our understanding of integrated biochemical responses. The main techniques used are two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2D‐gel) and Surface‐Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (SELDI‐TOF) to separate proteins associated with mass spectrometry. Bioinformatic tools make it possible to compare protein profiles obtained from diverse biological samples.
The combination of these approaches has proved to be particularly interesting for studying cardiovascular diseases and thereby improving our understanding of the mechanisms involved and identifying new biochemical factors and biomarkers involved in these diseases.
RECENT ADVANCES IN THE GENETICS OF PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA AND FUNCTIONAL PARAGANGLIOMA
Authors: Gimenez‐Roqueplo Anne‐Paule , Burnichon Nelly , Amar Laurence , Favier Judith , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Plouin Pierre‐François 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Recent clinical and fundamental research studies have revolutionized our understanding of the genetics of phaeochromocytoma (PH) and functional paraganglioma (FPGL). It was widely thought that only 10% of PH patients had familial disease and that the malignant phenotype of PH could not be diagnosed before occurrence of the first metastasis.
Human genetic studies have now shown that 25–30% of patients have hereditary PH due to a germline mutation in the SDHB, SDHD, VHL, RET or NF1 gene and that the identification of a germline SDHB mutation is associated with a high risk of malignancy and a poor prognosis in PH/PGL patients.
Fundamental research studies have shown that SDH genes are tumour suppressor genes and that succinate dehydrogenase inactivation induces abnormal stimulation of the hypoxia‐angiogenesis pathway.
Finally various fundamental research studies, conducted through the Cortico and Medullo‐surrenale: les Tumeurs Endocrines (COMETE) network in France and by other groups worldwide, have produced new recommendations for genetic counselling and testing and for the management of PH patients. They have also improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in PH tumorigenesis.
PROMOTING PHYSIOLOGICAL HYPERTROPHY IN THE FAILING HEART
Authors: Pretorius Lynette , Owen Kate L , Jennings Garry L , McMullen Julie R 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Heart failure rates have reached epidemic proportions in Western society.
New strategies proposed to improve cardiac function of the failing heart include regeneration, stem cell therapy, innovative methods for the revascularization of ischaemic cardiac tissue and the activation of signalling pathways that promote physiological growth (hypertrophy).
The insulin‐like growth factor 1‐phosphoinositide–3‐kinase pathway is a well characterized regulator of physiological hypertrophy.
In this mini‐review we present studies that suggest promoting physiological hypertrophy in the failing heart may be beneficial.
EFFECTS OF ATROPINE ON THE TIME AND FREQUENCY DOMAIN ESTIMATES OF BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN MICE
Authors: Laude Dominique , Baudrie Véronique , Elghozi Jean‐Luc 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Indices quantifying blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) variability have been recently developed and may be used to assess the contribution of the autonomic nervous system to cardiovascular fluctuations.
Cardiovascular variables were measured in eight conscious mice equipped with a BP telemetric device. Each recording session was conducted when the mice were at rest and included a control period, an injection of atropine methylnitrate (2 mg/kg) and a post‐treatment recording.
Time domain indices were the mean pulse interval (PI) and NN (the normal‐to‐normal intervals), mean HR, standard deviation of PI (SDNN), the square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent PI (RMSSD) and the pNN8 (NN8 count divided by the number of NN intervals). Frequency domain indices of HR variability were the low frequency (LF) zone (0.15–0.60 Hz) and the high frequency (HF, respiratory sinus arrhythmia) zone (2.5–5.0 Hz) of the PI power spectrum. The time domain index of spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was the slope of the linear PI and systolic BP relationship obtained using the sequence technique. The frequency domain indices of BRS were the gain of the transfer function between systolic BP and PI in the LF and HF bands.
Atropine markedly affected these variables, illustrating vagal predominance under resting conditions in mice. The preferable time and frequency domain indices for quantifying the vagal contribution to HR variability were the pNN8 and the LF gain.
IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP BLOOD PRESSURE
Authors: Morgan Trefor 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Blood pressure varies throughout the day and night and is maintained at different times by different control systems.
During the awake interval, the sympathetic nervous system is preeminent but during sleep the renin angiotensin system is the controller.
Sleep blood pressure is a more powerful predictor of non‐haemorrhagic cerebro‐ and cardiovascular events in animals and humans, despite the sleep value being lower than the day value.
Drugs that act independently of the hormonal or neural systems, such as diuretics and calcium channel blockers, have similar effects during sleep and awake intervals. Beta‐blockers have little effect during sleep when the activity of the sympathetic is low while drugs that interfere with the action of the renin angiotensin system have a greater blood pressure lowering effect during sleep.
One aim of therapy should be to ensure that blood pressure is low during sleep and drugs should be used in doses that lower blood pressure throughout the 24 h period.
PROTEIN, FIBRE AND BLOOD PRESSURE: POTENTIAL BENEFIT OF LEGUMES
Authors: Lee Ya Ping , Puddey Ian B , Hodgson Jonathan M 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Prevention of hypertension and improved blood pressure control can be achieved through dietary modification. In particular, population studies and randomised controlled trials have indicated a beneficial effect of both dietary protein and dietary fibre on level of blood pressure.
A large population study indicates that an increase in 37 g/day of protein leads to a decrease in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 3 and 2.5 mmHg, respectively. This protective effect is independent of the source of dietary protein.
Meta‐analysis suggests that a fibre increase of approximately 17 g/day will decrease systolic blood pressure by 1.15 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.65 mmHg, with soluble fibre showing a stronger effect than insoluble fibre.
Protein and dietary fibre may have additive effects to lower blood pressure. One feasible approach to increasing both protein and fibre in the daily diet could be through the incorporation of legumes, a protein‐ and fibre‐rich food.
This review assesses the evidence for effects of protein and fibre to reduce blood pressure and the potential of incorporation of legumes into the daily diet as a feasible approach to achieving such benefits for blood pressure.
SELECTION OF PATIENTS FOR SURGERY FOR PRIMARY ALDOSTERONISM
Authors: Plouin Pierre‐François , Rossignol Patrick , Amar Laurence 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Primary aldosteronism is a condition characterized by renin suppression and various degrees of hypertension and hypokalemia caused by aldosterone hypersecretion.
The adoption of the aldosterone‐to‐renin ratio determination as a screening test has led to an increase in the prevalence of diagnosed cases of primary aldosteronism.
Primary aldosteronism is confirmed by the demonstration of either sustained absolute aldosterone hypersecretion, or non‐suppressible aldosterone hypersecretion.
Computed tomography and adrenal vein sampling can then be used to distinguish between idiopathic primary aldosteronism and the surgically remediable forms: aldosterone‐producing adenoma and primary adrenal hyperplasia.
In patients with aldosterone‐producing adenoma or primary adrenal hyperplasia, unilateral adrenalectomy generally results in the normalization of aldosterone secretion and kalemia, but normotension is achieved in only half of the cases. Nevertheless, in many cases without hypertension cure, adrenalectomy leads to an improvement in hypertension control with lower blood pressure levels and/or less antihypertensive medication.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH GOES BOTH WAYS: LESSONS FROM CLINICAL STUDIES
Authors: Funder John W 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

It is currently assumed that translational research goes from benchtop to bedside; that aldosterone elevates blood pressure via its effects on salt and water homeostasis; that mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) share a common immediate ancestor; and that aldosterone plays a deleterious role in essential hypertension and heart failure.
Meta‐analysis of clinical trials in essential hypertension, in which eplerenone was dose‐titrated to attain diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg, showed no relationship between blood pressure response and electrolyte effects, as judged by change in plasma (K).
Reexamination of sequence data, and insights from the S810L MR mutant gene causing juvenile hypertension exacerbated by pregnancy, suggest that MR were the first to branch off the primordial ancestor for MR, GR, androgen receptors (AR) and progesterone receptors (PR).
In clinical trials of MR blockade in heart failure and essential hypertension baseline aldosterone levels are in the low to normal range and sodium status unremarkable. Under such circumstances cortisol appears to be responsible for MR activation, thus exculpating aldosterone in these conditions.
On the basis of these clinical studies, there is need to revisit the basic biology of aldosterone and MR as translational research very clearly goes both ways.
CARDIOVASCULAR RISK ASSESSMENT THROUGH TARGET ORGAN DAMAGE: ROLE OF CAROTID TO FEMORAL PULSE WAVE VELOCITY
Authors: Boutouyrie Pierre , Vermersch Sebastian , Laurent Stéphane , Briet Marie 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Cardiovascular risk prediction relies on classical risk factors such as age, gender, lipids, hypertension, smoking and diabetes. Although the value of such scales of risk is high for populations, its value for individuals is reduced and much influenced by non‐modifiable risk factors (age and sex).
Biomarkers of risk have been deceiving and the genome‐wide scan approach is too recent to have been useful. Target‐organ damage may help in selecting patients at high risk and determine the necessity of intervention.
Aortic pulse wave velocity, an index of aortic stiffness, has been widely validated as providing additional risk prediction above and beyond classical risk factors and has now entered the 2007 guidelines for hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension.
We aim to show that individual prediction of cardiovascular‐related death can be improved by taking aortic stiffness into account in a cohort of patients during a longitudinal follow‐up.
Points to be improved are the homogenization and spreading of the technique of measurement, the establishment of a reference value database and the demonstration of the added value of aortic stiffness screening and stratification in interventional trials.
Management of metastatic prostate cancer: the crucial role of geriatric assessment
Authors: Droz Jean‐Pierre , Chaladaj Agnieska 
Published: February 2008

Prostate cancer predominantly affects older men, with a median age at diagnosis of 68 years. Due to the increased life expectancy, management of prostate cancer in senior adults (aged >70 years) represents a major public health problem. This patient population may not receive optimal therapy for their disease, if decisions are made based on their chronological age alone. More so than age alone, health status is a major factor affecting individual life expectancy. Comorbidity is the key predictor of health status and should weigh more heavily on the treatment decision than age alone. Other important parameters to consider in senior adults are the degree of dependence in activities of daily living, the nutritional status and the presence or not of a geriatric syndrome. Although clinical trials are rarely designed specifically for senior adults, evidence suggests that healthy senior adults have similar treatment outcomes to their younger counterparts.The urological approach in senior adults with advanced prostate cancer should be fundamentally the same as in younger patients. In hormone‐sensitive metastatic prostate cancer, androgen deprivation represents the first‐line treatment. In senior adults, care should be given to the increased risk of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular mortality and bone fracture. In hormone‐refractory metastatic prostate cancer, chemotherapy with docetaxel (75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) plus low‐dose prednisone is the standard and shows the same efficacy in healthy senior adults as in younger patients. The tolerance of docetaxel (3‐weekly schedule) has not been specifically studied in vulnerable and frail senior adults. The place of weekly docetaxel in this setting should be further evaluated. Palliative treatments (palliative surgery, radiopharmaceutics, radiotherapy, medical treatments for pain and symptoms, pharmacological palliative therapies) should also be integrated in the global management of these patients.In conclusion, treatment decisions in senior adults should be adapted to health status. Healthy senior adults should be treated the same as younger patients. The development of guidelines for the management of localized and advanced prostate cancer in senior adults is underway.