bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation by distance among California sea lion populations in Mexico: redefining management stocks
Authors: GONZÁLEZ‐SUÁREZ M. , FLATZ R. , AURIOLES‐GAMBOA D. , HEDRICK P. W. , GERBER L. R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractUnderstanding the spatial structure of a population is critical for effective assessment and management. However, direct observation of spatial dynamics is generally difficult, particularly for marine mammals. California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are polygynous pinnipeds distributed along the Pacific coast of North America. The species’ range has been subdivided into three management stocks based on differences in mitochondrial DNA, but to date no studies have considered nuclear genetic variation, and thus we lack a comprehensive understanding of gene flow patterns among sea lion colonies. In light of recent population declines in the Gulf of California, Mexico, it is important to understand spatial structure to determine if declining sea lion colonies are genetically isolated from others. To define population subdivision and identify sex biases in gene flow, we analysed a 355‐bp sequence of the mitochondrial DNA control region and 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci from 355 tissue samples collected from six colonies distributed along Mexican waters. Using a novel approach to estimate sex biases in gene flow, we found that male sea lions disperse on average 6.75 times more frequently than females. Analyses of population subdivision strongly suggest a pattern of isolation by distance among colonies and challenge current stock definitions. Based on these results, we propose an alternative classification that identifies three Mexican management units: Upper Gulf of California, Southern Baja Peninsula, and Upper Pacific Coast of Baja. This revised classification should be considered in future assessment and management of California sea lion populations in Mexican waters.
Unexpected early extinction of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Sweden and climatic impact on its Holocene range
Authors: SOMMER ROBERT S. , LINDQVIST CHARLOTTE , PERSSON ARNE , BRINGSØE HENRIK , RHODIN ANDERS G. J. , SCHNEEWEISS NORBERT , ŠIROKÝ PAVEL , BACHMANN LUTZ , FRITZ UWE 
Published: February 2009

AbstractUsing ancient DNA sequences of subfossil European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from Britain, Central and North Europe and accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon dating for turtle remains from most Swedish sites, we provide evidence for a Holocene range expansion of the pond turtle from the southeastern Balkans into Britain, Central Europe and Scandinavia, according to the ‘grasshopper pattern’ of Hewitt. Northeastern Europe and adjacent Asia were colonized from another refuge located further east. With increasing annual mean temperatures, pond turtles reached southern Sweden approximately 9800 years ago. Until approximately 5500 years ago, rising temperatures facilitated a further range expansion up to Östergötland, Sweden (approximately 58°30′N). However, around 5500 years ago pond turtle records suddenly terminate in Sweden, some 1500 years before the Holocene thermal maximum ended in Scandinavia and distinctly earlier than previously thought. This extinction coincides with a temporary cooling oscillation during the Holocene thermal maximum and is likely related to lower summer temperatures deteriorating reproductive success. Although climatic conditions improved later again, recolonization of Sweden from southern source populations was prevented by the Holocene submergence of the previous land connection via the Danish Straits that occurred approximately 8500 years ago.
Use of cell wall stress to characterize σ22 (AlgT/U) activation by regulated proteolysis and its regulon in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Wood Lynn F. , Ohman Dennis E. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryMucA sequesters extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ22 (algT/U encoded) from target promoters including PalgD for alginate biosynthesis. We have shown that cell wall stress (e.g. d‐cycloserine) is a potent inducer of the algD operon. Here we showed that MucB, encoded by the algT‐mucABCD operon, interacts with MucA in the sigma–sequestration complex. We hypothesized that AlgW protease (a DegS homologue) is activated by cell wall stress to cleave MucA and release σ22. When strain PAO1 was exposed to d‐cycloserine, MucA was degraded within just 10 min, and σ22 was activated. However, in an algW mutant, MucA was stable with no increased σ22 activity. Studies on a yaeL mutant, defective in an RseP/YaeL homologue, suggest that YaeL protease cleaves MucA only after cleavage by AlgW. A defect in mucD, encoding a periplasmic HtrA/DegP homologue, caused MucA instability, suggesting MucD degrades cell wall stress signals. Overall, these data indicate that cell wall stress signals release σ22 by regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). Microarray analyses identified genes of the early and late cell wall stress stimulon, which included genes for alginate production. The subset of genes in the σ22 regulon was then determined, which included gene products predicted to contribute to recovery from cell wall stress.
Determinants of delay in care‐seeking for febrile children in eastern Uganda
Authors: Rutebemberwa Elizeus , Kallander Karin , Tomson Goran , Peterson Stefan , Pariyo George 
Published: February 2009

SummaryObjective  To explore factors associated with delay in seeking treatment outside the home for febrile children under five.Methods  Using a pre‐tested structured questionnaire, all 9176 children below 5 years in Iganga–Mayuge Demographic Surveillance Site were enumerated. Caretakers of children who had been ill within the previous 2 weeks were asked about presenting symptoms, type of home treatment used, timing of seeking treatment and distance to provider. Children who sought care latest after one night were compared with those who sought care later.Results  Those likely to delay came from the lowest socio‐economic quintile (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.06–1.97) or had presented with pallor (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.10–2.25). Children less likely to delay had gone to drug shops (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.59–0.84) or community medicine distributors (CMDs) (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.15–0.74), had presented with fast breathing (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.60–0.87), used tepid sponging at home (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.27–0.68), or perceived the distance to the provider to be short (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.60–0.87).Conclusion  Even in the presence of ‘free services’, poverty is associated with delay to seek care. Drug shops and CMDs may complement government efforts to deliver timely treatment. Health workers need to sensitize caretakers to take children for care promptly. Methods to elucidate time in population‐surveys in African settings need to be evaluated.
An integrated approach to treat tobacco addiction in countries with high tuberculosis incidence
Authors: Siddiqi Kamran , Lee Andrew Chee Keng 
Published: February 2009

SummaryCommunicable diseases as well as maternal and child health in low‐ and middle‐income countries continue to be the main focus of global attention. There are also rising trends in the prevalence of non‐communicable diseases and further increases are predicted. Several countries are facing this ‘dual burden of disease’. There is therefore a need to find ways to integrate the prevention and control of non‐communicable diseases into the current health agenda. Tobacco treatment interventions in patients suspected with tuberculosis (TB) offer one such opportunity for a linked healthcare response. Many countries with a high incidence of TB are doubly burdened by an epidemic of tobacco use and tobacco‐related diseases. Tobacco use increases the risk of TB infection and is associated with poor treatment compliance, increases in relapse rates and higher secondary mortality. In countries where TB is epidemic, this modest relative risk of infection leads to a significant attributable risk. Regular clinical contact with patients suspected with TB during the diagnosis and treatment phases provides considerable opportunity for health promotion to influence their tobacco‐related behaviour. Consequently, treating tobacco addiction in patients suspected with TB is likely to improve the control of TB and prevent tobacco‐related diseases. However, despite a high prevalence of tobacco use among TB patients, the treatment of tobacco addiction has not been a priority of TB control programmes. In countries with the dual epidemics of TB and tobacco use, considerable health and economic gains could potentially be made. If effective, such an approach would be highly desirable. We argue that further research assessing the cost‐effectiveness and feasibility of linking healthcare interventions such as the treatment of tobacco addiction among TB suspects should receive high priority.
Prevalence and correlates of selected alternative and complementary medicine in adult renal transplant patients
Authors: Hess Sascha , De Geest Sabina , Halter Klaus , Dickenmann Michael , Denhaerynck Kris 
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Background/Significance:  The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased considerably in the general population in recent decades. However, the prevalence of CAM use in renal transplant patients has not yet been assessed.Aim:  To determine the prevalence and correlates of CAM use among renal transplant patients (RTX) who are more than one year post transplant.Methods:  This secondary data analysis used data from Part 1 of the Supporting Medication Adherence in Renal Transplantation (SMART) study, which tested prevalence, determinants and consequences of non‐adherence regarding immunosuppressive medication in kidney transplant (renal TX) patients. The study’s convenience sample consisted of 356 patients recruited from two Swiss outpatient transplant clinics during their annual examination visits (mean age: 53±13; male: 58%). The use of CAM as well as the specific kind of CAM used was assessed through structured interviews. Assessed CAM use correlates were age, gender, education, depressive symptomatology, comorbidity and smoking status. Relationships between CAM use and candidate correlates were explored using multiple logistic regression.Results:  The prevalence of CAM use in this sample of renal TX patients was 11.8%. Most frequently used alternative medicines were Homeopathy (42.9%) and Chinese medicine (23.8%). Two patients used St John’s wort. The percentage of patients using Homeopathy (5.1%) and herbal medicine (2%) was similar to that of the general Swiss population (HO: 6.1% & HM: 2.6%). Significant correlates for CAM use were younger age (p=0.017; OR=0.96; 95%CI=0.93‐0.99) and female gender (p=0.035; OR=2.13; 95%CI=1.05‐4.3).Conclusion:  Every eighth renal transplant recipient in this sample used some form of CAM. Of these, some used herbal medicines, of which some are known to interfere with certain immunosuppressive treatment (St John’s wort/Chinese medicines). These findings indicate that it is important for health care providers working in renal TX to assess CAM use.
Telmisartan and metabolic syndrome after heart transplantation
Authors: Luknar Milan , Goncalvesova Eva , Lesny Peter , Fabian Juraj 
Published: February 2009

Luknar M, Goncalvesova E, Lesny P, Fabian J. Telmisartan and metabolic syndrome after heart transplantation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 36–39. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Introduction:  Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cardiovascular risk predictor. Prevalence of MS after heart transplantation (HTx) is high. Recent data suggest a positive metabolic effect of telmisartan.Aim:  To describe the influence of telmisartan on lipid and glycide metabolism in MS after HTx.Methods:  Fifteen patients aged 55+/−12 yr, 88+/−25 months after HTx with MS receiving statins were followed. The reason for telmisartan administration was arterial hypertension with either drug intolerance or poor control. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein LDL‐cholesterol, high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, triglycerides, C‐reactive protein (CRP), fasting glucose, immunoreactive insulin (IRI), C‐peptide and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index were determined. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed. After initial evaluation, telmisartan 80 mg was started. After 20 ± 5 wk follow‐up, identical parameters were measured. Statistical significance was evaluated using Student’s t‐test.Results:  BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, serum lipids and CRP remained unchanged after telmisartan. Significant reduction in fasting glucose (6.7 vs. 5.6 mmol/L, p < 0.02), IRI (8.8 vs. 8.5 U/mL p = 0.05), HOMA (7.3 vs. 5.8 mmol/L × μU/mL, p < 0.05) and C‐peptide (4.0 vs. 3.3 ng/mL, p < 0.02) was found.Conclusions:  Telmisartan had a positive impact on insulin sensitivity parameters (fasting glucose, IRI, C‐peptide and HOMA) in this population. No effect on obesity, serum lipids and systemic inflammation was observed.
The impact of age on incremental elastic modulus and incremental compliance of pig hepatic portal vein for liver xenotransplantation
Authors: Wang Pei‐Jun , He Fan , Liao Dong‐Hua , Zhang Jing , Li Wen‐Chun , Zhang Yi‐Fei , Huang Tie‐Zhu , Li Xiao‐Yang , Zeng Yan‐Jun 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Background:  Pigs are currently considered the most likely source of organs for human xenotransplantation because of anatomical and physiological similarities to humans, and the relative ease to be bred in large numbers. Along with the fast development of the genetic engineering and organ transplant immunity medical science, the research of liver xenotransplantation suffers the very big valuing in recent years. Whether the livers from different species after transplanting can perform the normal function, depends on the function regeneration and lucid rates of hepatic portal vein. The objective of this study was to investigate the age effect on biomechanical properties of pig hepatic portal vein to pave the way for seeking a reliable biomaterial for future pig‐to‐human liver xenotransplantation.Methods:  The biomechanical remodelling of the hepatic portal vein of pigs for 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 months (n = 6 per month) were measured in this study. The blood vessel was given periodic permanent loading and unloading, and repeated force‐deformation data were obtained. The incremental modulus (Einc), the longitudinal incremental modulus (Ep), the circumferential incremental modulus (Ev), incremental compliance (C) and wall thickness were calculated based on the recorded pressure–diameter curves from experimental data.Results:  The incremental modulus, pressure strain modulus and the volume modulus of the pig hepatic portal vein increases with the age increased (P < 0.01), while the compliance decreased with the increasing of the age (P < 0.01).Conclusions:  Our present study suggests that the biomechanical properties of the pig hepatic portal vein are age dependent, the pig hepatic portal vein with biomechanical properties that match those of human hepatic portal vein should be chosen for liver xenotransplantation.
HLA‐Cw4 expression on porcine endothelial cells reduces cytotoxicity and adhesion mediated by CD158a+ human NK cells
Authors: Forte Pietro , Baumann Bettina C. , Schneider Mårten K. J. , Seebach Jörg D. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Background:  Human natural killer (NK) cell‐mediated cytotoxicity represents a hurdle in pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation. It was previously reported that the expression of human major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, including HLA‐B27, ‐Cw3, ‐E, and ‐G, partially protects porcine endothelial cells (pEC) from human NK‐mediated cytotoxicity and that HLA‐G inhibits NK adhesion to pEC. Here, we tested if HLA‐Cw4 expression on pEC alone, or concurrently with HLA‐Cw3, prevents human NK adhesion and cytotoxicity against pEC via recognition of the killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) CD158a (KIR2DL1) and CD158b (KIR2DL2/3), respectively.Methods:  Two pEC lines (2A2 and PEDSV.15) were transfected with HLA‐Cw3 and HLA‐Cw4. HLA and KIR expression on porcine and human cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The effect of HLA expression on pEC on human NK‐mediated cytotoxicity and adhesion was tested by 51Cr‐release and dynamic adhesion assays, respectively.Results:  HLA‐Cw4 expression on pEC reduced cytotoxicity mediated by CD158a+ polyclonal human NK cells by an average of 58%, and by CD158abright NK cell clones by 68%, but not by NK cells expressing low levels of CD158. Co‐expression of HLA‐Cw3 and HLA‐Cw4 on pEC did not mediate further protection against NK cytotoxicity. The expression of HLA‐Cw4 reduced the adhesion of human NK cells on pEC by a mean of 53%.Conclusions:  While transgenic expression of HLA‐Cw4 on pEC reduces NK cell adhesion and cytotoxicity, co‐expression with HLA‐Cw3 is not sufficient to completely overcome human NK‐mediated cytotoxicity in vitro.
Secondary contact during adaptive radiation: a community matrix for Lake Malawi cichlids
Authors: YOUNG K. A. , WHITMAN J. M. , TURNER G. F. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe used a community of Lake Malawi rock‐dwelling cichlids to study secondary contact during adaptive radiation. Using abundance data from survey plots we constructed a matrix of pair‐wise interaction coefficients for males of 21 native and eight transplanted species. After controlling for the effects of habitat variation, correlations among residual male abundances suggest that coevolved species compete less than those brought into artificial secondary contact 30 years ago and that species with the same body colour compete more than those with different body colours. The latter result provides evidence that a trait related to reproductive isolation affects competitive interactions and the distribution of individuals throughout an entire community. Our results further suggest lake level fluctuations that divide and reconnect communities act to increase local (alpha), as well as total (gamma) diversity, in this adaptive radiation. The communities are not, however, unsaturated in the simplest sense; new species can enter a community, but they disproportionately reduce the abundance of original community members.
Host‐race formation: promoted by phenology, constrained by heritability
Authors: WHIPPLE A. V. , ABRAHAMSON W. G. , KHAMISS M. A. , HEINRICH P. L. , URIAN A. G. , NORTHRIDGE E. M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHost‐race formation is promoted by genetic trade‐offs in the ability of herbivores to use alternate hosts, including trade‐offs due to differential timing of host‐plant availability. We examined the role of phenology in limiting host‐plant use in the goldenrod gall fly (Eurosta solidaginis) by determining: (1) whether phenology limits alternate host use, leading to a trade‐off that could cause divergent selection on Eurosta emergence time and (2) whether Eurosta has the genetic capacity to respond to such selection in the face of existing environmental variation. Experiments demonstrated that oviposition and gall induction on the alternate host, Solidago canadensis, were the highest on young plants, whereas the highest levels of gall induction on the normal host, Solidago gigantea, occurred on intermediate‐age plants. These findings indicate a phenological trade‐off for host‐plant use that sets up the possibility of divergent selection on emergence time. Heritability, estimated by parent–offspring regression, indicated that host‐race formation is impeded by the amount of genetic variation, relative to environmental, for emergence time.
Increased plasma nitric oxide, L‐arginine, and arginase‐1 in cirrhotic patients with progressive renal dysfunction
Authors: Kayali Zeid , Herring Jason , Baron Pedro , Franco Edson , Ojogho Okechukwu , Smith Jason , Watkins Gregory , Smith Douglas , Lamin Victor , Hoang Thanh , Sharma Rajiv , Mathahs Meleah , Sowers Lawrance , Brown Kyle E , Schmidt Warren N 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Increased levels of nitric oxide (NO) are hypothesized to contribute to renal dysfunction in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In this study, we examined whether splanchnic and/or peripheral NO levels and L‐arginine (L‐Arg) correlate with progressive renal dysfunction in cirrhotics.Methods:  Serum NO metabolites (NOx) and L‐Arg were measured in: controls (n = 10); organ donors (n = 12); compensated cirrhotics (n = 17), cirrhotics with ascites (n = 25), refractory ascites (n = 11) or hepatorenal syndrome type II (HRS) (n = 11) and chronic renal failure patients (n = 18).Results:  Plasma NOx and L‐Arg levels rose progressively with worsening renal function in decompensated cirrhotics. Both NOx and L‐Arg levels were highest in patients with HRS (P < 0.001 and P < 0.025, respectively). While there were no differences in NOx levels related to the site of sampling, L‐Arg levels were lowest in hepatic venous blood. There were significant relationships of NOx and L‐Arg with Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score and Child–Pugh scores (P < 0.04 and P < 0.01, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between NOx, L‐Arg and HRS.Conclusion:  Worsening renal function in decompensated cirrhosis is accompanied by progressive elevation in plasma NOx and L‐Arg. These findings support the hypothesis that NO‐mediated vasodilation is probably linked with the mechanism of progressive renal failure in decompensated cirrhotics.
Retinoid metabolism in the small intestine during development of liver cirrhosis
Authors: Natarajan Sathish Kumar , Amirtharaj G Jayakumar , Ramachandran Anup , Pulimood Anna B , Balasubramanian Kunissery A 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims: Retinoids are important mediators of cellular differentiation and proliferation in various epithelia of the body including the small intestine. Though alterations in intestinal epithelial cell proliferation have been noted in liver cirrhosis, mechanisms involved in the process are not well understood. This study examined the levels of various retinoids and retinoid‐metabolizing enzymes in the small intestine during development of liver cirrhosis.Methods: Four groups of animals were used (control, phenobarbitone control, thioacetamide and carbon tetrachloride treatment). Twice‐weekly intragastric or i.p. administration of carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide, respectively, produced liver cirrhosis after 3 months, which was confirmed through histology and serum markers. Retinoid levels were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography.Results: A decrease in the levels of retinal, retinoic acid and retinol was evident in the intestine by 3 months, when cirrhosis was evident histologically, and these remained low until 6 months. A decrease in the activities of retinaldehyde oxidase, retinaldehyde reductase and retinol dehydrogenase was also seen in intestine from cirrhotic rats.Conclusion: These results suggest that altered retinoid metabolism in the intestine of cirrhotic rats might have an influence on changes in intestinal epithelial cell differentiation, seen in liver cirrhosis.