bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of landscape and history on diversification of a montane, stream‐breeding amphibian
Authors: Koscinski Daria , Yates Adam G. , Handford Paul , Lougheed Stephen C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim  The aim of this study was to understand the roles of landscape features in shaping patterns of contemporary and historical genetic diversification among populations of the Andean tree frog (Hypsiboas andinus) across spatial scales.Location  Andes mountains, north‐western Argentina, South America.Methods  Mitochondrial DNA control region sequences were utilized to assess genetic differentiation among populations and calculate population pair‐wise genetic distances. Three models of movement, namely traditional straight‐line distance and two effective distances based on habitat classification, were examined to determine which of these explained the most variation in pair‐wise population genetic differentiation. The two habitat classifications were based on digital vegetation and hydrology layers that were generated from a 90‐m resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and known relationships between elevation and habitat. Mantel tests were conducted to test for correlations between geographic and genetic distance matrices and to estimate the percentage variation explained by each type of geographic distance. To investigate the location of possible barriers to gene flow, we used Monmonier’s maximum difference algorithm as implemented in barrier 2.2.Results  At both geographic scales, effective distances explained more variation in genetic differentiation than did straight‐line distance. The least‐cost distances based on the simple classification performed better than the more detailed habitat classification. We controlled for the effects of historical range fragmentation determined from previous nested clade analyses, and therefore evaluated the effect of different distances on the genetic variation attributable to more recent factors. Effective distances identified populations that were highly divergent as a result of isolation in unsuitable habitats. The proposed locations of barriers to gene flow identified using Monmonier’s maximum difference algorithm corresponded well with earlier analyses and supported findings from our partial Mantel tests.Main conclusions  Our results indicate that landscape features have been important in both historical and contemporary genetic structuring of populations of H. andinus at both large and small spatial scales. A landscape genetic perspective offers novel insights not provided by traditional phylogeographic studies: (1) effective distances can better explain patterns of differentiation in populations, especially in heterogeneous landscapes where barriers to dispersal may be common; and (2) least‐cost path analysis can help to identify corridors of movement between populations that are biologically more realistic.
Stress and coping in older people with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: de Souza‐Talarico Juliana Nery , Chaves Eliane Corrêa , Nitrini Ricardo , Caramelli Paulo 
Published: December 2008

Aim. To investigate stress intensity and coping style in older people with mild Alzheimer’s disease.Background. The potential risk assessment of a stress event and the devising of coping strategies are dependent on cognitive function. Although older individuals with Alzheimer’s disease present significant cognitive impairment, little is known about how these individuals experience stress events and select coping strategies in stress situations.Design. Survey.Method. A convenient sample of 30 cognitively healthy older people and 30 individuals with mild Alzheimer’s disease were given an assessment battery of stress indicators (Symptom Stress List, Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory), coping style (Jalowiec Coping Scale) and cognitive performance (mini‐mental state exam) were applied in both groups. Statistical analysis of the data employed the Mann–Whitney test to compare medians of stress indicators and coping style, Fischer’s exact test to compare proportions when expected frequencies were lower than five, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient to verify correlation between coping style and cognitive performance.Results. Both groups suffered from the same stress intensity (p = 0·254). Regarding coping styles, although differences were not statistically significant (p = 0·124), emotion‐oriented coping was predominant in the patients with Alzheimer’s disease. However, those individuals displaying better cognitive performance in the Alzheimer’s disease group had selected coping strategies focused on problem solving (p = 0·0074).Conclusions. Despite a tendency for older people with Alzheimer’s disease to select escape strategies and emotional control, rather than attempting to resolve or lesser the consequences arising from a problem, coping ultimately depends on cognitive performance of the individual.Relevance to clinical practice. The findings of this study provide information and data to assist planning of appropriate support care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease who experience stress situations, based on their cognitive performance.
Malnutrition in a home‐living older population: prevalence, incidence and risk factors. A prospective study
Authors: Johansson Yvonne , Bachrach‐Lindström Margareta , Carstensen John , Ek Anna‐Christina 
Published: December 2008

Aims and objectives.  To prospectively investigate and describe the prevalence and incidence of malnutrition among home‐living older people, related to demographic and medical factors, self‐perceived health and health‐related quality of life. Another aim was to find predictors for developing risk of malnutrition.Background.  Risk factors for malnutrition have previously been identified as diseases, several medications, low functional status, symptoms of depression and inadequate nutrient intake. Most studies are cross‐sectionally performed at hospitals or in nursing care settings.Design.  A prospective study with a sample of 579 home‐living older people, randomly selected from a local national register. Examinations were performed at baseline and yearly follow‐ups two to four times.Method.  Questionnaires validated and tested for reliability, to detect risk of malnutrition (Mini Nutritional Assessment), symptoms of depression (Geriatric Depression Scale‐20), cognitive function (Mini Mental State Examination), health‐related quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile), well‐being (Philadelphia Geriatric Center Multilevel Assessment Instrument) self‐perceived health, demographic factors, anthropometry and biochemical examinations. Predictors were searched for through multiple logistic regression analysis with the MNA as dependent factor.Results.  The prevalence of risk for malnutrition was 14·5%, according to the MNA. Two risk factors for malnutrition were lower handgrip strength and lower self‐perceived health. The incidence of risk for malnutrition at follow‐ups was between 7·6% and 16·2%. Predictors for developing malnutrition were higher age, lower self‐perceived health and more symptoms of depression. Men with symptoms of depression had a higher risk of developing malnutrition.Conclusion.  Lower self‐perceived health had the highest power to predict risk for malnutrition, with increased number of depression symptoms and higher age as second and third predictors.Relevance to clinical practice.  A regular and combined assessment using the Mini Nutrition Assessment, Geriatric Depression Scale‐20 and self‐perceived health as a base for identifying people in need, is one way to prevent the development of malnutrition.
Verbal, visual, and spatio‐sequential short‐term memory: assessment of the storage capacities of children and teenagers with Down's syndrome
Authors: Frenkel S. , Bourdin B. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground  It is recognized that individuals with Down's syndrome have a specific deficit in verbal short‐term memory. On the other hand, non‐verbal short‐term memory seems to be preserved or even be a strong point for these persons. Nevertheless, the extent and specificity of the deficit must be determined. To do so, we carried out a research programme that allowed us to simultaneously assess various short‐term memory systems in a developmental perspective, and to compare our participants' performance to that obtained by typically developing individuals of the same mental age.Method  Three span tasks are used (auditory word span/visual patterns test/Corsi blocks task) with 54 children and teenagers with Down's syndrome and 54 typically developing children as control group. Participants were matched according to their cognitive level.Results  For the auditory word span task, participants with Down's syndrome obtained performances significantly lower than those of the typically developing participants. On the other hand, compared with typically developing children, children and teenagers with Down's syndrome have a spatio‐sequential span significantly higher for the lowest developmental ages. No significant differences were found for visual span.Conclusions  Individuals with Down's syndrome exhibited a distinctive pattern of memory performance, in addition to their developmental specificities.
The documentation of health problems in relation to prescribed medication in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: Van Der Heide D. C. , Van Der Putten A. A. J. , Van Den Berg P. B. , Taxis K. , Vlaskamp C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground  Persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) suffer from a wide range of health problems and use a wide range of different drugs. This study investigated for frequently used medication whether there was a health problem documented in the medical notes for the drug prescribed.Method  Persons with PIMD with an estimated intelligence quotient of 25 and profound or severe motor disorders were studied. Data on health problems were taken from medical notes and prescribing data were obtained from pharmacies. Data covering 1 year were analysed. For four therapeutic areas (anticonvulsants, laxatives, drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and psycholeptics), we determined whether we could find an indication for prescribed medication.Results  Some 254 persons with PIMD (46% male, 54% female; median age 49 years, range 6–82) from eight residential facilities participated. Some 226 participants (89%) were prescribed medication over the course of 1 year. An indication for the prescribed medication was documented for 92% (n = 130) (95% confidence interval 88–96%) of 141 participants on anticonvulsants, for 68% (n = 112) (61–75%) of 165 participants on laxatives, for 44% (n = 58) (36–52%) of 132 participants on drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, and for 89% (n = 102) (83–95%) of 115 participants on psycholeptic drugs.Conclusions  The best level of documentation was found for anticonvulsants the worst for drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. Lack of documenting an indication may be due to off‐label use, inadvertent continuation of no longer indicated medication, inadequate documentation and underdiagnosis. Adequate documentation practices are essential because of the communication problems that are characteristic for persons with PIMD.
FIERY1 regulates light‐mediated repression of cell elongation and flowering time via its 3′(2′),5′‐bisphosphate nucleotidase activity
Authors: Kim Byung‐Hoon , Von Arnim Albrecht G. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryLight is one of the most important environmental factors that regulate plant development. Here we report that a mutation in the Arabidopsis FIERY1 gene (FRY1) caused a shortened hypocotyl and shorter petioles, most dramatically under low‐intensity red light and less pronounced under far‐red and blue‐light conditions. Furthermore, the fry1 mutant flowered late, probably due to a reduced level of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) transcript. However, although the transcript level of FRY1 was light‐regulated, the chlorophyll level and the expression of typical light‐regulated genes were not affected in the fry1 mutant. FRY1 is known as a regulator of abiotic stress responses, and its protein product has dual enzymatic activity comprising inositol polyphosphate‐1‐phosphatase and 3′(2′),5′‐bisphosphate nucleotidase activity. Genetic complementation data obtained using cDNA of the FRY1 paralog AHL (Arabidopsis HAL2‐like) and the similar phenotype of an xrn2/xrn3 double mutant suggest that FRY1 attenuates light responses via its 3′(2′),5′‐bisphosphate nucleotidase activity rather than its inositol polyphosphate‐1‐phosphatase activity. We discuss the relationship between the FRY1‐associated nucleotidase activity, a step in the pathway for sulfur metabolism and utilization, and the Arabidopsis light response.
Gibberellin controls the nodulation signaling pathway in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Maekawa Takaki , Maekawa‐Yoshikawa Makoto , Takeda Naoya , Imaizumi‐Anraku Haruko , Murooka Yoshikatsu , Hayashi Makoto 
Published: December 2008

SummaryRoot nodule formation is regulated by several plant hormones, but the details of the regulation of the nodulation signaling pathway are largely unknown. In this study, the role of gibberellin (GA) in the control of root nodule symbiosis was investigated at the physiological and genetic levels in Lotus japonicus. Exogenous application of biologically active GA, GA3, inhibited the formation of infection threads and nodules, which was counteracted by the application of a biosynthesis inhibitor of GA, Uniconazole P. Nod factor‐induced root hair deformation was severely blocked in the presence of GA, which was phenocopied by nsp2 mutants. The number of spontaneous nodules triggered by the gain‐of‐function mutation of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase (CCaMK) or the lotus histidine kinase 1 (LHK1) was decreased upon the addition of GA; moreover, the overexpression of the gain‐of‐function mutation of L. japonicus, SLEEPY1, a positive regulator of GA signaling, resulted in a reduced nodule number, without other aspects of root development being affected. These results indicate that higher GA signaling levels specifically inhibit the nodulation signaling pathway. Nod factor‐dependent induction of NSP2 and NIN was inhibited by exogenous GA. Furthermore, the cytokinin‐dependent induction of NIN was suppressed by GA. From these results, we conclude that GA inhibits the nodulation signaling pathway downstream of cytokinin, possibly at NSP2, which is required for Nod factor‐dependent NIN expression. These results clarify the roles of GA in the nodulation signaling pathway, and in relation to the cytokinin signaling pathway for nodulation in L. japonicus.
NRAMP genes function in Arabidopsis thaliana resistance to Erwinia chrysanthemi infection
Authors: Segond Diego , Dellagi Alia , Lanquar Viviane , Rigault Martine , Patrit Oriane , Thomine Sébastien , Expert Dominique 
Published: December 2008

SummaryAtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4 are two Arabidopsis metal transporters sharing about 50% sequence identity with mouse NRAMP1. The NRAMP1/Slc11A1 metal ion transporter plays a crucial role in the innate immunity of animal macrophages targeted by intracellular bacterial pathogens. AtNRAMP3 and AtNRAMP4 localize to the vacuolar membrane. We found that AtNRAMP3 is upregulated in leaves challenged with the bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Erwinia chrysanthemi, whereas AtNRAMP4 expression is not modified. Using single and double nramp3 and nramp4 mutants, as well as lines ectopically expressing either of these genes, we show that AtNRAMP3 and, to a lesser extent, AtNRAMP4 are involved in Arabidopsis thaliana resistance against the bacterial pathogen E. chrysanthemi. The susceptibility of the double nramp3 nramp4 mutant is associated with the reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species and ferritin (AtFER1), an iron storage protein known to participate in A. thaliana defense. Interestingly, roots from infected plants accumulated transcripts of AtNRAMP3 as well as the iron‐deficiency markers IRT1 and FRO2. This finding suggests the existence of a shoot‐to‐root signal reminiscent of an iron‐deficiency signal activated by pathogen infection. Our data indicate that the functions of NRAMP proteins in innate immunity have been conserved between animals and plants.
Resetting and regulation of FLOWERING LOCUS C expression during Arabidopsis reproductive development
Authors: Choi Jean , Hyun Youbong , Kang Min‐Jeong , In Yun Hye , Yun Jae‐Young , Lister Clare , Dean Caroline , Amasino Richard M. , Noh Bosl , Noh Yoo‐Sun , Choi Yeonhee 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe epigenetic regulation of the floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is one of the critical factors that determine flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana. Although many FLC regulators, and their effects on FLC chromatin, have been extensively studied, the epigenetic resetting of FLC has not yet been thoroughly characterized. Here, we investigate the FLC expression during gametogenesis and embryogenesis using FLC::GUS transgenic plants and RNA analysis. Regardless of the epigenetic state in adult plants, FLC expression disappeared in gametophytes. Subsequently, FLC expression was reactivated after fertilization in embryos, but not in the endosperm. Both parental alleles contributed equally to the expression of FLC in embryos. Surprisingly, the reactivation of FLC in early embryos was independent of FRIGIDA (FRI) and SUPPRESSOR OF FRIGIDA 4 (SUF4) activities. Instead, FRI, SUF4 and autonomous‐pathway genes determined the level of FLC expression only in late embryogenesis. Many FLC regulators exhibited expression patterns similar to that of FLC, indicating potential roles in FLC reprogramming. An FVE mutation caused ectopic expression of FLC in the endosperm. A mutation in PHOTOPERIOD‐INDEPENDENT EARLY FLOWERING 1 caused defects in FLC reactivation in early embryogenesis, and maintenance of full FLC expression in late embryogenesis. We also show that the polycomb group complex components, Fertilization‐Independent endosperm and MEDEA, which mediate epigenetic regulation in seeds, are not relevant for FLC reprogramming. Based on our results, we propose that FLC reprogramming is composed of three phases: (i) repression in gametogenesis, (ii) reactivation in early embryogenesis and (iii) maintenance in late embryogenesis.
The impact of primary health care on malaria morbidity – defining access by disease burden
Authors: O’Meara W. P. , Noor A. , Gatakaa H. , Tsofa B. , McKenzie F. E. , Marsh K. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryObjectives  Primary care facilities are increasingly becoming the focal point for distribution of malaria intervention strategies, but physical access to these facilities may limit the extent to which communities can be reached. To investigate the impact of travel time to primary care on the incidence of hospitalized malaria episodes in a rural district in Kenya.Methods  The incidence of hospitalized malaria in a population under continuous demographic surveillance was recorded over 3 years. The time to travel to the nearest primary health care facility was calculated for every child between birth and 5 years of age and trends in incidence of hospitalized malaria as a function of travel time were evaluated.Results  The incidence of hospitalized malaria more than doubled as travel time to the nearest primary care facility increased from 10 min to 2 h. Good access to primary health facilities may reduce the burden of disease by as much as 66%.Conclusions  Our results highlight both the potential of the primary health care system in reaching those most at risk and reducing the disease burden. Insufficient access is an important risk factor, one that may be inequitably distributed to the poorest households.
Total serum IgE levels are associated with ambient ozone concentration in asthmatic adults
Authors: Rage E. , Jacquemin B. , Nadif R. , Oryszczyn M.‐P. , Siroux V. , Aguilera I. , Kauffmann F. , Künzli N. ,   on behalf of the Epidemiological Study on the Genetics Environment of Asthma (EGEA)
Published: December 2008

Background:  Effects of air pollution exposure on IgE‐mediated response in asthmatics are poorly investigated. The aim was to examine the relationship between air pollution concentrations and total IgE levels in adult asthmatics.Methods:  The present study relates to the 369 asthmatic adults from the French Epidemiological study on Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA), with availability of data on both total serum IgE measurements and air pollution concentrations. Geo‐statistical models were performed on 4 × 4 km grids to assess individual outdoor air pollution exposure. Annual outdoor concentrations of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter smaller than 10 μm size (PM10), and concentrations of summer ozone were assigned to subject’s home address.Results:  The geometric mean of total IgE was 161 IU/ml and the average of O3 exposure was 44.9 ± 9.5 μg/m3. Ozone concentrations were positively related to total IgE levels and an increase of 10 μg/m3 of O3 resulted in an increase of 20.4% (95% CI = 3.0–40.7) in total IgE levels. Adjustment for age, gender, smoking habits and previous life in the countryside did not change the results, and an increase of 19.1% (2.4–38.6) in total IgE was observed with O3. Negative associations observed between NO2 and total IgE levels disappeared after including O3 in the models. Neither SO2 nor PM10 were correlated with total IgE levels.Conclusions:  Results suggest that O3 or related ambient pollutants may up‐regulate total IgE levels among asthmatic adults.
Clinical relevance of sensitization to lupine in peanut‐sensitized adults
Authors: Peeters K. A. B. M. , Koppelman S. J. , Penninks A. H. , Lebens A. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. F. M. , Hefle S. L. , Taylor S. L. , Van Hoffen E. , Knulst A. C. 
Published: December 2008

Background:  The use of lupine in food has been increasing during the last decade and allergic reactions to lupine have been reported, especially in peanut‐allergic patients. The frequency and the degree of cross‐reactivity to other legumes are not known. The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of sensitization to lupine, and in addition to pea and soy, and its clinical relevance, in peanut‐sensitized patients. Furthermore, to determine the eliciting dose (ED) for lupine using double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFC).Methods:  Thirty‐nine unselected peanut‐sensitized patients were evaluated by skin prick tests (SPT) and ImmunoCAP to lupine, pea, and soy. Clinical reactivity was measured by DBPCFC for lupine, and by history for pea and soy.Results:  Eighty‐two percent of the study population was sensitized to lupine, 55% to pea, and 87% to soy. Clinically relevant sensitization to lupine, pea, or soy occurred in 35%, 29%, and 33% respectively of the study population. None of the patients was aware of the use of lupine in food. The lowest ED for lupine, inducing mild subjective symptoms, was 0.5 mg, and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 0.1 mg. No predictive factors for lupine allergy were found.Conclusion:  In peanut‐sensitized patients, clinically relevant sensitization to either lupine or to pea or soy occurs frequently. The ED for lupine is low (0.5 mg), which is only fivefold higher than for peanut. Patients are not aware of lupine allergy and the presence of lupine in food, indicating that education is important to build awareness.