Chromosome number and DNA ploidy level reports from Central Europe — 2

Second part of commented chromosome number and DNA ploidy level reports from Central Europe comprising the whole Carpatho-Pannonian region includes the data for following taxa: Tephroseris aurantiaca (2n = 96), T. capitata (2n = 64) and T. integrifolia (2n = 48) by J. Kochjarová from Poland and Slovakia (reports nos. 12–14); Urtica diocia and U. kioviensis (both 2n = 26) by M. Kolník & K. Goliašová from Slovakia (nos. 15–16); Viola hirta (2n = 20), V. odorata (2n = 20), V. reichenbachiana (2n = 20), V. riviniana (2n = 40, 2n ∼ 8x, based on x = 5), V. suavis (2n = 40) and V. × bavarica [V. reichenbachiana × v. riviniana] (2n ∼ 6x, based on x = 5) by P. Mereďa jun., I. Hodálová, P. Mártonfi & V. Kolarčík from Slovakia (nos. 17–22); Fallopia × bohemica [F. japonica × F. sachalinensis] (2n = 66), Thladiantha dubia (2n = 18) and Hieracium longifoliosum (2n = 36) by P. Mráz from Romania and Slovakia (nos. 23–25); Amsinckia calycina (2n = 34) by M. Perny & H. Šípošová from Slovakia (no. 26). For further details and arrangements of reports see the first part (Mráz, 2005).     

PHOTOSYNTHETIC RATE AND MESOPHYLL SURFACE AREA IN EXPANDING LEAVES OF ALTERNANTHERA PHILOXEROIDES GROWN AT TWO LIGHT LEVELS

Leaves of Alternanthera philoxeroides, alligator weed, developed at a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD, light energy at wavelengths of 400 to 700 nm) of 790 μmol sec⁻¹ m⁻² (High Light) had less surface area, were thicker, had a higher maximum P_n (net rate of CO₂ uptake), and required a higher PPFD for saturation of P_n, than leaves developed at 160 μmol sec⁻¹ m⁻² (Low Light). Mesophyll thickness at Low Light was within 19% of maximum 2 days after emergence but at High Light, thickness increased 79% between 2 and 16 days after leaf emergence. The ratio of mesophyll surface area to leaf surface area decreased during development in both light treatments; the ratio, however, was over 70% greater in fully expanded High Light leaves than in Low Light leaves. Maximum P_n expressed on a leaf surface area basis was 158% greater in High Light leaves than in Low Light leaves, but P_n was only 58% greater when expressed on a mesophyll surface area basis. It was estimated that fully expanded High Light leaves fixed 72% more CO₂ per leaf (P_n expressed per unit surface area times the total surface area per leaf) than fully expanded Low Light leaves when P_n was measured at the PPFD leaves expanded under. Both High and Low Light leaves would fix about the same amount of CO₂ per leaf when P_n was measured at 160 μmol sec⁻¹ m⁻² because the larger surface area of the Low Light leaves offset small differences in P_n.     

A functional polymorphism in the PTHR1 promoter region is associated with adult height and BMD measured at the femoral neck in a large cohort of young caucasian women

The parathyroid hormone type 1 receptor (PTHR1) mediates the actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHRP). Interacting with this receptor, PTHRP contributes to skeletal development through the regulation of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. Recently, a tetranucleotide repeat—(AAAG) _n —in the P3 promoter of the PTHR1 gene has been shown to have functional activity in vitro, and homozygosity for (AAAG)₆, or the 6/6 genotype, has been associated with greater adult height compared to the 5/5 genotype. In this study, we evaluated the association of (AAAG) _n with height and bone mineral density (BMD) measured at lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) in a cohort of 677 young caucasian women 18–35 years of age. Genomic DNA was amplified and genotyped by comparison with sequenced controls following electrophoretic separation through high-resolution polyacrylamide gels. Allele frequencies for (AAAG) _n were: 76.8% (n=5); 20.9% (n=6); 1.8% (n=7); 0.18% (n=8); 0.27% (n=9); 0.08% (n=2), and there was no evidence for Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium. Analysis of variance showed that subjects bearing one or two (AAAG)₆ alleles (6/X & 6/6) were significantly taller (165.7±0.5 cm) than the others (X/X, 164.5±0.3 cm; P=0.034). This association was significant after adjusting for multiple covariates—current age, age at menarche, physical activity, smoking status, and intakes of caffeine and calcium. Comparison of genotype groups for BMD was not significant at LS, but BMD was significantly higher at FN in the group with at least one (AAAG)₆ allele (adjusted means: 1.021±0.008 vs. 0.999±0.006 g/cm², P=0.032). In conclusion, our data show that subjects bearing one or two (AAAG)₆ alleles are taller than subjects without, reinforcing the notion that in vivo variation in promoter activity of the PTHR1 gene may be a relevant genetic influence on final adult height and BMD.     

Karyological studies on eight species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Onobrychis</Emphasis> genus in Turkey

This study used karyological techniques to determine the chromosome numbers and morphology of eight species of Onobrychis L. (O. caput-galli (L.) Lam, O. aequidentata (Sibth. & Sm.) d’ Urv, O. fallax Freyn & Sint. var. fallax, O. lasiostachya Boiss, O. viciifolia Scop., O. oxyodonta Boiss. subsp. armena (Bois. & Huet) Aktoklu, O. hypargyrea Boiss. and O. cappadocica Boiss.). The results of this study determined the chromosome numbers of O. cappadocica as 2n = 16; O. viciifolia as 2n = 28 and the other species as 2n = 14 The karyotypes of species consisted of median-centromeric (m) or submedian-centromeric (sm) chromosomes. However, O. oxyodonta Boiss. subsp. armena (Bois. & Huet) Aktoklu was found to have only the median-centromeric (m) chromosomes. According to the results of the present study, of the eight Onobrychis taxa, only O. hypargyrea has a pair of satellite chromosomes (sat-chromosome). Furthermore, this study detected karyotype asymmetry.     

Effect of Village Health Team Home Visits and Mobile Phone Consultations on Maternal and Newborn Care Practices in Masindi and Kiryandongo,Uganda: A Community-Intervention Trial

IntroductionThe World Health Organisation recommends home visits conducted by Community Health Workers (in Uganda known as Village Health Teams—VHTs) in order to improve maternal and newborn health. This study measured the effect of home visits combined with mobile phone consultations on maternal and newborn care practices.MethodIn a community intervention trial design 16 health centres in Masindi and Kiryandongo districts, Uganda were randomly and equally allocated to one of two arms: control and intervention arms. Eight control health centres received the usual maternal and newborn educational messages offered by professional health workers and eight intervention health centres that received an intervention package for maternal care and essential newborn care practices. In the intervention arm VHTs made two prenatal and one postnatal home visit to households. VHTs were provided with mobile phones to enable them make regular telephone consultations with health workers at the health centre serving the catchment area. The primary outcome was health facility delivery. Other outcomes included antenatal attendances, birth preparedness, cord and thermal care and breastfeeding practices. Analysis was by intention-to-treat.ResultsA total of 1385 pregnant women were analysed: 758 and 627 in the control and intervention arms respectively. Significant post-intervention differences were: delivery place [adjusted Odds Ratio aOR: 17.94(95%CI: 6.26–51.37); p<0.001], cord care [aOR: 3.05(95%CI: 1.81–5.12); p<0.001] thermal care [aOR: 7.58(95%CI: 2.52–22.82); p<0.001], and timely care-seeking for newborn illness [aOR: 4.93(95%CI: 1.59–15.31); p = 0.006].ConclusionVHTs can have an effect in promoting proper cord and thermal care for the newborn and improve timely care-seeking for health facility delivery and newborn illness, because they could answer questions and refer patients correctly. However, VHTs should be supported by professional health workers through the use of mobile phones.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02084680","term_id":"NCT02084680"}}NCT02084680     

CHROMOSOME NUMBERS IN MEXICAN ASTERACEAE

Chromosome numbers are reported for 100 collections distributed among 68 species and 46 genera of Mexican Asteraceae. Included are systematic discussions regarding chromosome numbers of the following taxa: Haplopappus spinulosus var. scabrellus (n = 4, 8); Hofmeisteria fasciculata (n = 19), Malperia tenuis (n = 10), and Pleurocoronis laphamioides (n = 9); Cymophora pringlei (2n = 16); Plummera (n = 15); and Porophyllum tridentatum var. crassifolium (n = 15) as related to Chrysactinia and Nicolletia.     

Home on the range: spatial ecology of loggerhead turtles in Atlantic waters of the USA

Aim Although satellite tracking has yielded much information regarding the migrations and habitat use of threatened marine species, relatively little has been published about the environmental niche for loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta in north‐west Atlantic waters. Location North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, USA. Methods We tracked 68 adult female turtles between 1998 and 2008, one of the largest sample sizes to date, for 372.2 ± 210.4 days (mean ± SD). Results We identified two strategies: (1) ‘seasonal’ migrations between summer and winter coastal areas (n = 47), although some turtles made oceanic excursions (n = 4) and (2) occupation of more southerly ‘year‐round’ ranges (n = 18). Seasonal turtles occupied summer home ranges of 645.1 km² (median, n = 42; using α‐hulls) predominantly north of 35 ° latitude and winter home ranges of 339.0 km² (n = 24) in a relatively small area on the narrow shelf off North Carolina. We tracked some of these turtles through successive summer (n = 8) and winter (n = 3) seasons, showing inter‐annual home range repeatability to within 14.5 km of summer areas and 10.3 km of winter areas. For year‐round turtles, home ranges were 1889.9 km². Turtles should be tracked for at least 80 days to reliably estimate the home range size in seasonal habitats. The equivalent minimum duration for ‘year‐round’ turtles is more complex to derive. We define an environmental envelope of the distribution of North American loggerhead turtles: warm waters (between 18.2 and 29.2 °C) on the coastal shelf (in depths of 3.0–89.0 m). Main conclusions Our findings show that adult female loggerhead turtles show predictable, repeatable home range behaviour and do not generally leave waters of the USA, nor the continental shelf (< 200m depth). These data offer insights for future marine management, particularly if they were combined with those from the other management units in the USA.     

A new synthetic species of Cucumis (Cucurbitaceae) from interspecific hybridization and chromosome doubling

A new synthetic species,Cucumis hytivus J.-F. Chen & J. H. Kirkbr. (2n=38), obtained by doubling the number of chromosomes in the sterile interspecific F₁ hybrid (2n=19) betweenC. sativus L. (2n=14) andC. hystrix Chakr. (2n=24), is described.     

Metabolic compounds within the porcine uterine environment are unique to the type of conceptus present during the early stages of blastocyst elongation

The objective of this study was to identify metabolites within the porcine uterine milieu during the early stages of blastocyst elongation. At Days 9, 10, or 11 of gestation, reproductive tracts of White cross‐bred gilts (n = 38) were collected immediately following harvest and flushed with Roswell Park Memorial Institute‐1640 medium. Conceptus morphologies were assessed from each pregnancy and corresponding uterine flushings were assigned to one of five treatment groups based on these morphologies: (a) uniform spherical (n = 8); (b) heterogeneous spherical and ovoid (n = 8); (c) uniform ovoid (n = 8); (d) heterogeneous ovoid and tubular (n = 8); and (e) uniform tubular (n = 6). Uterine flushings from these pregnancies were submitted for nontargeted profiling by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)–MS techniques. Unsupervised multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using pcaMethods and univariate analysis of variance was performed in R with false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment. PCA analysis of the GC–MS and UPLC–MS data identified 153 and 104 metabolites, respectively. After FDR adjustment of the GC–MS and UPLC–MS data, 38 and 59 metabolites, respectively, differed (p < .05) in uterine flushings from pregnancies across the five conceptus stages. Some metabolites were greater (p < .05) in abundance for uterine flushings containing earlier stage conceptuses (i.e., spherical), such as uric acid, tryptophan, and tyrosine. In contrast, some metabolites were greater (p < .05) in abundance for uterine flushings containing later stage conceptuses (i.e., tubular), such as creatinine, serine, and urea. These data illustrate several putative metabolites that change within the uterine milieu during early porcine blastocyst elongation.     

Colonic healing after portal ischemia and reperfusion: an experimental study with oxidative stress biomarkers

Abstract

This experimental study aimed to evaluate colon healing after portal ischemia followed by reperfusion. Seventy male Wistar rats randomly distributed in four groups were used: Group 1, colonic anastomosis (n = 20); Group 2, portal ischemia-reperfusion (n = 20); Group 3, colonic anastomosis and portal ischemia-reperfusion (n = 20); and Group 4, control (n = 10). In the postoperative period, these rats were re-allocated into subgroups and lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation plasma levels were evaluated on days 1 and 5 by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and slot-blotting assays, respectively. A segment of the right colon was also removed for collagen analysis. Both malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl levels (oxidative markers of lipids and proteins) presented a significant increase after reperfusion in Group 3 on days 1 (P < 0.002) and 5 (P < 0.0001). In this same group, an extensive inflammatory process showing decreased fibroplasia was observed, with deficiency in collagen deposition on both sides of the anastomosis edges. Taken together, these results indicate that portal congestion followed by reperfusion induces an oxidative stress, which impaired the mechanism of colon anastomotic healing.     

Phenotypic characterization and bulk segregant analysis of anther culture response in two backcross families of diploid potato

Two diploid (2n=2x=24) backcross potato populations (PBCp, and CBC) were characterized for anther culture response (ACR). PBCp (Solanum phureja Juz. & Buk. genotype 1-3 × CP2) and CBC (CP2 × S. chacoense Bitt. genotype 80-1) resulted from a cross between CP2 (intermediate ACR) and its parents, S. chacoense 80-1(low ACR) and S. phureja 1-3 (high ACR). Three components of ACR were initially investigated: embryos per anther (EPA), embryo regeneration rate and percent monoploids (2n=1x=12) among regenerants. EPA was selected for further characterization because of its relative stability. In a series of studies of EPA on a total of 44 genotypes within CBC, nine high (mean EPA=2.5) and ten low (mean EPA=0.02) selections were made. In PBCp, ten high (mean EPA= 4.7) and ten low (mean EPA= 0.05) selections were made from 67 genotypes. High and low selections were used for bulk segregant analysis to screen 214 RAPD primers as candidate markers linked to EPA. Bands amplified by OPQ-10 and OPZ-4 were associated in coupling and repulsion, respectively, to ACR in PBCp. A band amplified by OPW-14 primer was associated in coupling to ACR in CBC. One-way ANOVAs using presence/absence of each candidate band to classify additional genotypes in each population verified association of the markers with EPA.     

Domestic use of a disclosing solution for denture hygiene: a randomised trial

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00309.x
Domestic use of a disclosing solution for denture hygiene: a randomised trial Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the domestic use of a disclosing agent for denture hygiene. Materials and methods: Completely edentulous participants wearing maxillary dentures were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups: (1) Follow‐up only (control; n = 12); (2) Oral and denture hygiene instructions (n = 10); (3) Instructions associated with the home use of a disclosing agent (1% neutral red; n = 10). Biofilm coverage area (%) over internal and external surfaces of the maxillary denture was assessed at baseline and after 14 and 90 days. Data were evaluated by generalised estimating equations based on score tests (α = 0.05). Results: The participants presented low changes for areas of biofilm coverage (14 days (%): internal: GI = 1.4 ± 0.9; GII = 1.5 ± 1.3; GIII = ?0.4 ± 0.9; external: GI = 1.4 ± 1.5; GII = 1.5 ± 1.4; GIII = ?0.4 ± 0.9; 90 days (%): internal: GI = 2.0 ± 0.9; GII = 2.2 ± 1.4; GIII = 0.3 ± 1.0; external: GI = 2.1 ± 1.4; GII = 2.2 ± 1.5; GIII = 0.3 ± 0.9). Changes were similar for the three groups (p = 0.293) and were not influenced by the test time (p = 0.218). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the home use of a disclosing agent for denture hygiene does not improve the removal of the biofilm, particularly for patients with adequate oral hygiene habits.     

Scorpionfishes of New Zealand (Pisces: Scorpaenidae)

Abstract

Recent collecting has increased the number of scorpionfish species known from New Zealand, particularly the Kermadec Islands. The following species are now represented in collections at the National Museum of New Zealand: Scorpaena papillosus (Bloch & Schneider); S. cardinalis Richardson; S. cooki Günther; Trachyscorpia capensis (Gilchrist & von Bonde); Phenacoscorpius megalops Fowler; Maxillicosta raoulensis Eschmeyer & Poss; Ectreposebastes niger (Fovrmanoir); Pterois volitans (Linnaeus); P. antennata (Bloch & Schneider); Ocosia apia Poss & Eschmeyer; Plectrogenium nanum Gilbert; and Scorpaenodes guamensis (Quoy & Gaimard). Helicolenus, represented by a complex of species, is not discussed here. All other species are figured and at least briefly described, and a key to their identification is provided.     

The taxonomy of the family Paramphistomidae Fischoeder, 1901 with special reference to the morphology of species occurring in ruminants. III. Revision of the genus Calicophoron Näsmark, 1937

Summary The genus Calicophoron N?smark, 1937 is redefined. Only the following species originally assigned by N?smark to the genus are considered valid: C. calicophorum (Fischoeder, 1901) N?smark, 1937 (type species); C. papillosum (Stiles & Goldberger, 1910) N?smark, 1937; and C. raja N?smark, 1937. The following species previously assigned to the genus Paramphistomum Fischoeder, 1901 are considered valid but moved to the genus Calicophoron N?smark, 1937 in new combinations: C. bothriophoron (Braun, 1892); C. microbothrium (Fischoeder, 1901); C. papilligerum (Stiles & Goldberger, 1910); C. clavula (N?smark, 1937); C. microbothrioides (Price & McIntosh, 1944); C. sukari (Dinnik, 1954); C. phillerouxi (Dinnik, 1961); C. daubneyi (Dinnik, 1962) and C. sukumum (Dinnik, 1964). The genus Bothriophoron (Stiles & Goldberger, 1910) Grétillat 1958 is synoymized with Calicophoron N?smark, 1937. Paramphistomum crassum Stiles & Goldberger, 1910, P. cauliorchis Stiles & Goldberger, 1910, P. ijimai Fukui, 1922, P. (Cauliorchis) skrjabini Popova, 1937, P. erschovi Davydova, 1959, Calicophoron orientalis Mukherjee, 1966, C. wuchengense Wang, 1979 and Cotylophoron skrjabini Mitskevich, 1958 in part are considered synonyms of Calicophoron calicophorum (Fischoeder, 1901) N?smark, 1937. C. zhejiangense Wang, 1979 is regarded a synonym of C. papillosum (Stiles & Goldberger, 1910) N?smark, 1937. P. vangrembergeni Van Strydonck, 1970 and P. togolense Albaret, Bayssade-Dufour, Guilhon, Kulo & Picot, 1978 are considered synonyms of Calicophoron phillerouxi (Dinnik, 1961) n. comb. and Ceylonocotyle petrovi Davydova, 1961 is synonymized with Calicophoron microbothrioides (Price & McIntosh, 1944) n. comb. The species considered valid under the genus are redescribed and illustrated and scanning electron photomicrographs of the tegumental surfaces of some species are provided. A key to the species is given. Part of a thesis approved by the University of London for the award of the Ph.D. degree.     

Chromosome number and DNA ploidy level reports from Central Europe — 3

Third part of chromosome number and DNA ploidy level reports from Central Europe comprising whole Carpatho-Pannonian region includes the data for following taxa: Scilla bifolia s. str. (2n = 18), S. bifolia agg. (2n = 36, 54), S. drunensis subsp. drunensis (2n = 36), S. drunensis subsp. buekkensis (2n = 36), S. kladnii (2n = 18) and S. vindobonensis (2n = 18) by J. Kochjarová from Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic (nos. 27–32); Campanula macrostachya (2n = ca 32) and Erysimum diffusum (2n = 14, 28) by E. Michalková from Hungary (nos. 33–34). Original unpublished reports should be sent to the editor on following address: patrik.mraz@upjs.sk. For further details and arrangements of reports see the first part (Mráz 2005). Previous parts of the reports were published in 2005 and 2006 (Mráz 2005, 2006).     

Analyses of toxic metals and essential minerals in the hair of arizona children with autism and associated conditions, and their mothers

The objective of this study ws to assess the levels of 39 toxic metals and essential minerals in hair samples of children with autism spectrum disorders and their mothers compared to controls. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the elemental content of the hair of children with autism spectrum disorders (n=51), a subset of their mothers (n=29), neurotypical children (n=40), and a subset of their mothers (n=25). All participants were recruited from Arizona. Iodine levels were 45% lower in the children with autism (p=0.005). Autistic children with pica had a 38% lower level of chromium (p=0.002). Autistic children with low muscle tone had very low levels of potassium (−66%, p=0.01) and high zinc (31%, p=0.01). The mothers of young children with autism had especially low levels of lithium (56% lower, p=0.005), and the young children (ages 3–6 yr) with autism also had low lithium (−30% p=0.04). Low iodine levels are consistent with previous reports of abnormal thyroid function, which likely affected development of speech and cognitive skills. Low lithium in the mothers likely caused low levels of lithium in the young children, which could have affected their neurological and immunological development. Further investigations of iodine, lithium, and other elements are warranted.     

Prevalence of Sleep Apnea and Electrocardiographic Disturbances in Morbidly Obese Patients

Objective: To determine the prevalence of sleep apnea in morbidly obese patients and its relationship with cardiac arrhythmias. Research Methods and Procedures: Fifty‐two consecutive morbidly obese (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m²) outpatients from the Obesity Clinic of the National Institute of Nutrition Salvador Zubirán underwent two nights of polysomnography with standard laboratory techniques. Electrocardiographic polysomnography signals (Lead II) were evaluated by two experienced cardiologists, and sleep complaints were measured with a standard sleep questionnaire (Sleep Disorders Questionnaire). In order to make comparisons between groups with different severities of sleep‐disordered breathing, we classified the patients in four groups using the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI): Group 1, AHI 5 < 15 (n = 10); Group 2, AHI 15 < 30 (n = 10); Group 3, AHI 30 < 65 (n = 14); Group 4, AHI ≥ 65 (n = 17). Results: A wide range of sleep‐disordered breathing, ranging from AHI of 2.5 to 128.9 was found. Ninety‐eight percent of the sample (n = 51) had an AHI ≥ 5 (mean = 51 ± 37), and 33% had severe sleep apnea with AHI ≥ 65 with a mean nocturnal desaturation time of <65% over 135 minutes. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were present in 31% of the patients. Cardiac rhythm alterations showed an association with the level of sleep‐disordered breathing and oxygen desaturation. Discussion: We conclude that there is a high prevalence of sleep apnea in morbidly obese patients and that the risk for cardiac arrhythmias increases in this population in the presence of a severe sleep apnea (AHI ≥ 65) with severe oxygen desaturation (Sao ₂ ≤ 65%).     

Spatial ecology of wolverines at the southern periphery of distribution

Wolverines (Gulo gulo) in the conterminous United States have experienced range contraction, are uncommon, and have been designated as warranted for protection under the United States Endangered Species Act. Data from the southern edge of the wolverine's circumpolar distribution is sparse, and development of effective conservation strategies would benefit from a more complete understanding of the species' ecology. We captured and radio-monitored 30 wolverines in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), tested for seasonal habitat selection by elevation band, and examined a suite of spatial characteristics to clarify our understanding of the wolverine's niche. Wolverines in GYE selected for areas >2,600 m latitude-adjusted elevation (LAE; n = 2,257 wolverine locations [12 F, 6 M]). Wolverines avoided areas <2,150 m LAE, including during winter when the vast majority of ungulates are pushed to these elevations by deep snow. Wolverine home ranges were large relative to body size, averaging 303 km² for adult females and 797 km² for adult males (n = 13 [8 F, 5 M] and 33 wolverine-years). Resident adults fit with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars used an area >75% the size of their multi-year home range in an average of 32 days (n = 7 [5 F, 2 M]). Average movement rates of 1.3 km/2-hr indicated that both sexes move distances equivalent to the diameter of their home range every 2 days or the circumference of their home range in <1 week (n = 1,329 2-hr movements, n = 12 individuals [7 F, 5 M]). This capability for movement, the short time-frame over which home ranges were developed, and a lack of home range overlap by same sex adults ( , 90% CI = 0.0–4.8%, n = 22 pairs) suggested territoriality. We estimated wolverine density to be 3.5/1,000 km² of area >2,150 m LAE (95% CI = 2.8–9.6). Dispersal movements extended to at least 170 km for both sexes (n = 5 F, 2 M). At the southern edge of distribution, where suitable and unsuitable conditions exist in close proximity, wolverines selected high-elevation areas near alpine tree-line where a mix of forest, meadow, and boulder fields were present, deep snow-cover existed during winter, and low temperatures near freezing can occur throughout the year. Persistence in these areas where the growing season is brief requires large home ranges that are regularly patrolled, a social system that provides exclusive access to resources, and low densities. These characteristics, along with low reproductive rates, are prevalent throughout the species range, indicating that wolverines are specialists at exploiting a cold, unproductive niche where interspecific competition is limited. The vulnerability inherent in occupying this unproductive niche was likely influential in previous declines within the conterminous United States and will remain a factor as wolverines encounter modern human influences. Conserving wolverines in the conterminous United States will require collaborative management over a large geographic scale. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

Effect of antioxidant vitamin supplementation on muscle function after eccentric exercise

This study investigated the effects of antioxidant vitamin supplementation upon muscle contractile function following eccentric exercise and was performed double blind. Twenty-four physically active young subjects ingested either placebo (400 mg; n = 8), vitamin E (400 mg; n=8) or vitamin C (400 mg; n = 8) for 21 days prior to and for 7 days after performing 60 min of box-stepping exercise. Contractile function of the triceps surae was assessed by the measurement of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and the ratio of the force generated at 20 Hz and 50 Hz tetanic stimulation before and after eccentric exercise and for 7 days during recovery. Following eccentric exercise, MVC decreased to 75 (4) % [mean (SE); n = 24; P < 0.05] of the preexercise values and the 20/50 Hz ratio of tetanic tension from 0.76 (0.01) to 0.49 (0.03) [mean (SE); n = 24; P<0.05). Compared to the placebo group no significant changes in MVC were observed immediately post-exercise, though recovery of MVC in the first 24 h post-exercise was greater in the group supplemented with vitamin C. The decrease in 20/50 Hz ratio of tetanic tension was significantly less (P < 0.05) post-exercise and in the initial phase of recovery in subjects supplemented with vitamin C but not with vitamin E. These data suggest that prior vitamin C supplementation may exert a protective effect against eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.     

Pressure- and parathyroid-hormone-dependent Ca2+ transport in rabbit connecting tubule: Role of the stretch-activated nonselective cation channel

To characterize the Ca²⁺ transport process across the apical membrane of the rabbit connecting tubule (CNT), we examined the effects of luminal pressure on parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent apical Ca²⁺ transport in this segment perfused in vitro. An increase of perfusion pressure (0.2 to 1.2 KPa) caused cytoplasmic free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺].) to increase by 42 ± 11 nm in Fura-2 loaded perfused CNT. The response was accentuated when 10 nm PTH was added to the bath (101 ± 30 nm, n = 6). Addition of 0.1 mm chlorphenylthio-cAMP (CPT-cAMP) to the bath also augmented the [Ca²⁺]; response to pressure from 36 ± 16 to 84 ± 26 nm (n = 3). Under steady perfusion pressure at 1.2 KPa, PTH (10 nm) increased [Ca²⁺]; by 31 ± 7 nm (n = 5), whereas it did only slightly by 6 ± 2 nm (n = 12) at 0.2 KPa. The pressure-dependent increase of [Ca²⁺]; was abolished by removing luminal Ca²⁺ (n = 3), and was not affected by 0.1 and 10 m nicardipine (n = 4) in the presence of 10 nm PTH. Cell-attached patch clamp studies on the apical membrane of everted CNT with pipettes filled with either 200 mm CaCl₂ or 140 mm NaCl revealed channel activities with conductances of 42 ± 2 pS (n = 4) or 173 ± 7 pS (n = 5), respectively. An application of negative pressure (–4.9 KPa) to the patch pipette augmented its mean number of open channels (NP ₀ ) from 0.005 ± 0.001 to 0.022 ± 0.005 in the Ca²⁺-filled pipette, and was further accelerated to 0.085 ± 0.014 (n = 3) by 0.1 mm CPT-cAMP. In the Na⁺-filled pipette, similar results were obtained (n = 3), and CPT-cAMP did not activate the stretch-activated channel in the absence of negative pressure (n = 3). These results suggest that a stretch-activated nonselective cation channel exists in the apical membrane of the CNT and that it is activated by PTH in the presence of hydrostatic pressure, allowing entry of Ca²⁺ transport from the apical membrane.We appreciate Ms. Hisayo Hosaka and Ms. Yuki Oyama for their technical assistance and Ms. Keiko Sakai for her secretarial work. This research was supported by grants from the Ministry of Education and Culture of Japan (No. 05670054) and from Yamanouchi Foundation for Research on Metabolic Disorders (1992–1993).