Showing papers by "Forest Research Institute published in 2010"

Lipoprotein(a) as a cardiovascular risk factor: current status

Abstract: AIMS: The aims of the study were, first, to critically evaluate lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a cardiovascular risk factor and, second, to advise on screening for elevated plasma Lp(a), on desirable levels, and on therapeutic strategies. METHODS AND RESULTS: The robust and specific association between elevated Lp(a) levels and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD)/coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, together with recent genetic findings, indicates that elevated Lp(a), like elevated LDL-cholesterol, is causally related to premature CVD/CHD. The association is continuous without a threshold or dependence on LDL- or non-HDL-cholesterol levels. Mechanistically, elevated Lp(a) levels may either induce a prothrombotic/anti-fibrinolytic effect as apolipoprotein(a) resembles both plasminogen and plasmin but has no fibrinolytic activity, or may accelerate atherosclerosis because, like LDL, the Lp(a) particle is cholesterol-rich, or both. We advise that Lp(a) be measured once, using an isoform-insensitive assay, in subjects at intermediate or high CVD/CHD risk with premature CVD, familial hypercholesterolaemia, a family history of premature CVD and/or elevated Lp(a), recurrent CVD despite statin treatment, ≥3% 10-year risk of fatal CVD according to European guidelines, and/or ≥10% 10-year risk of fatal + non-fatal CHD according to US guidelines. As a secondary priority after LDL-cholesterol reduction, we recommend a desirable level for Lp(a) <80th percentile (less than ∼50 mg/dL). Treatment should primarily be niacin 1-3 g/day, as a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled intervention trials demonstrates reduced CVD by niacin treatment. In extreme cases, LDL-apheresis is efficacious in removing Lp(a). CONCLUSION: We recommend screening for elevated Lp(a) in those at intermediate or high CVD/CHD risk, a desirable level <50 mg/dL as a function of global cardiovascular risk, and use of niacin for Lp(a) and CVD/CHD risk reduction.

Cholesterol Crystals Activate the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Human Macrophages: A Novel Link between Cholesterol Metabolism and Inflammation

Abstract: Background Chronic inflammation of the arterial wall is a key element in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, yet the factors that trigger and sustain the inflammation remain elusive. Inflammasomes are cytoplasmic caspase-1-activating protein complexes that promote maturation and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-1beta and IL-18. The most intensively studied inflammasome, NLRP3 inflammasome, is activated by diverse substances, including crystalline and particulate materials. As cholesterol crystals are abundant in atherosclerotic lesions, and IL-1beta has been linked to atherogenesis, we explored the possibility that cholesterol crystals promote inflammation by activating the inflammasome pathway. Principal findings Here we show that human macrophages avidly phagocytose cholesterol crystals and store the ingested cholesterol as cholesteryl esters. Importantly, cholesterol crystals induced dose-dependent secretion of mature IL-1beta from human monocytes and macrophages. The cholesterol crystal-induced secretion of IL-1beta was caspase-1-dependent, suggesting the involvement of an inflammasome-mediated pathway. Silencing of the NLRP3 receptor, the crucial component in NLRP3 inflammasome, completely abolished crystal-induced IL-1beta secretion, thus identifying NLRP3 inflammasome as the cholesterol crystal-responsive element in macrophages. The crystals were shown to induce leakage of the lysosomal protease cathepsin B into the cytoplasm and inhibition of this enzyme reduced cholesterol crystal-induced IL-1beta secretion, suggesting that NLRP3 inflammasome activation occurred via lysosomal destabilization. Conclusions The cholesterol crystal-induced inflammasome activation in macrophages may represent an important link between cholesterol metabolism and inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions.

Patterns of Population Structure and Environmental Associations to Aridity Across the Range of Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L., Pinaceae)

Abstract: Natural populations of forest trees exhibit striking phenotypic adaptations to diverse environmental gradients, thereby making them appealing subjects for the study of genes underlying ecologically relevant phenotypes. Here, we use a genome-wide data set of single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped across 3059 functional genes to study patterns of population structure and identify loci associated with aridity across the natural range of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Overall patterns of population structure, as inferred using principal components and Bayesian cluster analyses, were consistent with three genetic clusters likely resulting from expansions out of Pleistocene refugia located in Mexico and Florida. A novel application of association analysis, which removes the confounding effects of shared ancestry on correlations between genetic and environmental variation, identified five loci correlated with aridity. These loci were primarily involved with abiotic stress response to temperature and drought. A unique set of 24 loci was identified as FST outliers on the basis of the genetic clusters identified previously and after accounting for expansions out of Pleistocene refugia. These loci were involved with a diversity of physiological processes. Identification of nonoverlapping sets of loci highlights the fundamental differences implicit in the use of either method and suggests a pluralistic, yet complementary, approach to the identification of genes underlying ecologically relevant phenotypes.

The design of artificial nestboxes for the study of secondary hole-nesting birds: a review of methodological inconsistencies and potential biases

Abstract: The widespread use of artificial nestboxes has led to significant advances in our knowledge of the ecology, behaviour and physiology of cavity nesting birds, especially small passerines. Nestboxes have made it easier to perform routine monitoring and experimental manipulation of eggs or nestlings, and also repeatedly to capture, identify and manipulate the parents. However, when comparing results across study sites the use of nestboxes may also introduce a potentially significant confounding variable in the form of differences in nestbox design amongst studies, such as their physical dimensions, placement height, and the way in which they are constructed and maintained. However, the use of nestboxes may also introduce an unconsidered and potentially significant confounding variable due to differences in nestbox design amongst studies, such as their physical dimensions, placement height, and the way in which they are constructed and maintained. Here we review to what extent the characteristics of artificial nestboxes (e.g. size, shape, construction material, colour) are documented in the 'methods' sections of publications involving hole-nesting passer- ine birds using natural or excavated cavities or artificial nestboxes for reproduction and roosting. Despite explicit previ- ous recommendations that authors describe in detail the characteristics of the nestboxes used, we found that the description of nestbox characteristics in most recent publications remains poor and insufficient. We therefore list the types of descriptive data that should be included in the methods sections of relevant manuscripts and justify this by discussing how variation in nestbox characteristics can affect or confound conclusions from nestbox studies. We also propose several recommendations to improve the reliability and usefulness of research based on long-term studies of any secondary hole-nesting species using artificial nestboxes for breeding or roosting.

Silviculture of birch (Betula pendula Roth and Betula pubescens Ehrh.) in northern Europe.

Abstract: Summary In Europe, two commercially important treelike birch species occur naturally: silver birch ( Betula pendula Roth) and downy birch ( Betula pubescens Ehrh.). Both species have a wide natural distribution area on the Eurasian continent, ranging from the Atlantic to eastern Siberia. Although birches occur throughout almost the whole of Europe, the most abundant birch resources are in the temperate and boreal forests of Northern Europe. In the Baltic and Nordic countries, the proportion of birch out of the total volume of the growing stock varies between 11 and 28 per cent. In Northern Europe, birch is commercially the most important broadleaved tree species. Birches are light-demanding early successional pioneer species, which grow both in mixed stands and in pure stands. This article provides an overview of the most important ecological characteristics and typical growth and yield patterns of birch, based on European scientifi c literature. Growth and yield research on birch has been relatively active in Northern Europe, where numerous growth and yield models have been developed during the last decades. In this paper, a list of published scientifi c articles on growth modelling is provided and is grouped according to the different types of model. When growing in forest stands, birches have a relatively straight slender stem form. The current practices and silvicultural recommendations, based on research directed at high-quality timber production in silver birch stands, are reviewed. Although the emphasis is on even-aged pure silver birch stands, the management of mixed stands as well as the silviculture of downy birch and curly birch are also briefl y discussed.

Non-parametric prediction and mapping of standing timber volume and biomass in a temperate forest: application of multiple optical/LiDAR-derived predictors

Abstract: Summary In a mixed temperate forest landscape in southwestern Germany, multiple remote sensing variables from aerial orthoimages, Thematic Mapper data and small footprint light detection and ranging (LiDAR) were used for plot-level nonparametric predictions of the total volume and biomass using three distance measures of Euclidean, Mahalanobis and Most Similar Neighbour as well as a regression tree-based classifier (Random Forest). The performances of nearest neighbour (NN) approaches were examined by means of relative bias and root mean squared error. The original highdimensional dataset was pruned using an evolutionary genetic algorithm search with a NN classification scenario, as well as by a stepwise selection. The genetic algorithm (GA)-selected variables showed improved performance when applying Euclidean and Mahalanobis distances for predictions, whereas the Most Similar Neighbour and Random Forests worked more precise with the full dataset. The GA search proved to be unstable in multiple runs because of intercorrelations among the high-dimensional predictors. The selected datasets are dominated by LiDAR height metrics. Furthermore, The LiDAR-based metrics showed major relevance in predicting both response variables examined here. The Random Forest proved to be superior to the other examined NN methods, which was eventually used for a wallto-wall mapping of predictions on a grid of 20 × 20 m spatial resolution.

Memantine Improves Cognition and Reduces Alzheimer’s-Like Neuropathology in Transgenic Mice

Abstract: Memantine is an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist that is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, three groups of triple-transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice with differing levels of AD-like pathology (6, 9, and 15 months of age) were treated for 3 months with doses of memantine equivalent to those used in humans. After the treatment, memantine-treated mice had restored cognition and significantly reduced the levels of insoluble amyloid-beta (Abeta), Abeta dodecamers (Abeta*56), prefibrillar soluble oligomers, and fibrillar oligomers. The effects on pathology were stronger in older, more impaired animals. Memantine treatment also was associated with a decline in the levels of total tau and hyperphosphorylated tau. Finally, memantine pre-incubation prevented Abeta-induced inhibition of long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices of cognitively normal mice. These results suggest that the effects of memantine treatment on AD brain include disease modification and prevention of synaptic dysfunction.

Characterization of chemically modified wood fibers using FTIR spectroscopy for biocomposites

Abstract: Chemical modifications of wood fibers (Lignocel® C120) were performed for biocomposite applications, and chemically modified wood fibers were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. NaOH treatment showed band shifts from Cell-I to Cell-II in FTIR spectra from 2902 cm−1, 1425 cm−1, 1163 cm−1, 983 cm−1, and 897 cm−1 to 2894 cm−1, 1420 cm−1, 1161 cm−1, 993 cm−1, and 895 cm−1 and the change in peak height at 1111 cm−1 and 1059 cm−1 assigned for Cell-I structure. Silane treatment showed peak changes at 1200 cm−1 assigned as SiOC band, at 765 cm−1 assigned as SiC symmetric stretching bond, at 700 cm−1 assigned as SiOSi symmetric stretching, and at 465 cm−1 assigned as SiOC asymmetric bending. Benzoyl treatment resulted in an increase in the carbonyl stretching absorption at 1723 cm−1 and in band characteristics of aromatic rings (1604 cm−1 and 710 cm−1) and a strong absorption at 1272 cm−1 for CO band in aromatic ring. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010

Arabidopsis PCR2 Is a Zinc Exporter Involved in Both Zinc Extrusion and Long-Distance Zinc Transport

Abstract: Plants strictly regulate the uptake and distribution of Zn, which is essential for plant growth and development. Here, we show that Arabidopsis thaliana PCR2 is essential for Zn redistribution and Zn detoxification. The pcr2 loss-of-function mutant was compromised in growth, both in Zn-excessive and -deficient conditions. The roots of pcr2 accumulated more Zn than did control plants, whereas the roots of plants overexpressing PCR2 contained less Zn, indicating that PCR2 removes Zn from the roots. Consistent with a role for PCR2 as a Zn-efflux transporter, PCR2 reduced the intracellular concentration of Zn when expressed in yeast cells. PCR2 is located mainly in epidermal cells and in the xylem of young roots, while it is expressed in epidermal cells in fully developed roots. Zn accumulated in the epidermis of the roots of pcr2 grown under Zn-limiting conditions, whereas it was found in the stele of wild-type roots. The transport pathway mediated by PCR2 does not seem to overlap with that mediated by the described Zn translocators (HMA2 and HMA4) since the growth of pcr2 hma4 double and pcr2 hma2 hma4 triple loss-of-function mutants was more severely inhibited than the individual single knockout mutants, both under conditions of excess or deficient Zn. We propose that PCR2 functions as a Zn transporter essential for maintaining an optimal Zn level in Arabidopsis.

Memantine Lowers Amyloid-beta Peptide Levels in Neuronal Cultures and in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice

Abstract: Memantine is a moderate-affinity, uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that stabilizes cognitive, functional, and behavioral decline in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). In AD, the extracellular deposition of fibrillogenic amyloid-beta peptides (Abeta) occurs as a result of aberrant processing of the full-length Abeta precursor protein (APP). Memantine protects neurons from the neurotoxic effects of Abeta and improves cognition in transgenic mice with high brain levels of Abeta. However, it is unknown how memantine protects cells against neurodegeneration and affects APP processing and Abeta production. We report the effects of memantine in three different systems. In human neuroblastoma cells, memantine, at therapeutically relevant concentrations (1-4 muM), decreased levels of secreted APP and Abeta(1-40). Levels of the potentially amylodogenic Abeta(1-42) were undetectable in these cells. In primary rat cortical neuronal cultures, memantine treatment lowered Abeta(1-42) secretion. At the concentrations used, memantine treatment was not toxic to neuroblastoma or primary cultures and increased cell viability and/or metabolic activity under certain conditions. In APP/presenilin-1 (PS1) transgenic mice exhibiting high brain levels of Abeta(1-42), oral dosing of memantine (20 mg/kg/day for 8 days) produced a plasma drug concentration of 0.96 microM and significantly reduced the cortical levels of soluble Abeta(1-42). The ratio of Abeta(1-40)/Abeta(1-42) increased in treated mice, suggesting effects on the gamma-secretase complex. Thus, memantine reduces the levels of Abeta peptides at therapeutic concentrations and may inhibit the accumulation of fibrillogenic Abeta in mammalian brains. Memantine's ability to preserve neuronal cells against neurodegeneration, to increase metabolic activity, and to lower Abeta level has therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative disorders.

An inventory-based approach for modeling single- tree storm damage — experiences with the winter storm of 1999 in southwestern Germany

Abstract: Based on individual tree damage data dating back to the gale “Lothar” (winter 1999) in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, a statistical model was developed to estimate the risk of storm damage for individ...

Effects of chemical treatments of hybrid fillers on the physical and thermal properties of wood plastic composites

Abstract: Hybrid filler reinforced composites are considered as a high performance materials, but limited numbers of researches on hybridizations of wood fibers and mineral fillers were reported. Generally, high amount of filler content in composites can lead to the reduction of interfacial adhesion between matrix polymer and fillers, and it limits their applications. In this study, we measured the changes of tensile strength, water absorption, and thermal properties of composites after chemical treatments to wood fibers and mineral fillers. Coupling agent had its own optimum amount for wood fibers and talc to obtain the highest tensile strength. Talc addition showed little effect of the tensile strength with alkali treated wood fibers. Talc addition and silane treatment showed opposite effects on water absorption. Melting enthalpy was decreased by addition of the fillers because of the reduced amount of the crystallizable resin and because of the interference of the fillers for crystallization process.

Proteome analysis of soybean roots under waterlogging stress at an early vegetative stage

Abstract: To gain better insight into how soybean roots respond to waterlogging stress, we carried out proteomic profiling combined with physiological analysis at two time points for soybean seedlings in their early vegetative stage. Seedlings at the V2 stage were subjected to 3 and 7 days of waterlogging treatments. Waterlogging stress resulted in a gradual increase of lipid peroxidation and in vivo H2O2 level in roots. Total proteins were extracted from root samples and separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). A total of 24 reproducibly resolved, differentially expressed protein spots visualized by Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) staining were identified by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry or electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) analysis. Of these, 14 proteins were upregulated; 5 proteins were decreased; and 5 were newly induced in waterlogged roots. The identified proteins include well-known classical anaerobically induced proteins as well as novel waterlogging-responsive proteins that were not known previously as being waterlogging responsive. The novel proteins are involved in several processes, i.e. signal transduction, programmed cell death, RNA processing, redox homeostasis and metabolisms of energy. An increase in abundance of several typical anaerobically induced proteins, such as glycolysis and fermentation pathway enzymes, suggests that plants meet energy requirement via the fermentation pathway due to lack of oxygen. Additionally, the impact of waterlogging on the several programmed cell death- and signal transduction-related proteins suggest that they have a role to play during stress. RNA gel blot analysis for three programmed cell death-related genes also revealed a differential mRNA level but did not correlate well with the protein level. These results demonstrate that the soybean plant can cope with waterlogging through the management of carbohydrate consumption and by regulating programmed cell death. The identification of novel proteins such as a translation initiation factor, apyrase, auxin-amidohydrolase and coproporphyrinogen oxidase in response to waterlogging stress may provide new insight into the molecular basis of the waterlogging-stress response of soybean.

Contributions of change in clinical status parameters to Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scores among persons with fibromyalgia treated with milnacipran.

Abstract: Clinical trials on the treatment of pain syndromes have adopted Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) as a primary outcome. However, little is known about how change in clinical status influences these ratings. The present study examined relationships between changes in pain, depressed mood, physical functioning, vitality, sleep disturbance, cognitive complaints, and PGIC ratings among 1260 participants with fibromyalgia (FM) who completed one of two trials examining the safety and efficacy of milnacipran. Many of the relationships between change in clinical status and PGIC ratings were stronger among persons who rated themselves as improved (responders) versus those reporting no change or a worsening of their condition (non-responders). Among non-responders, simultaneous regression analysis revealed that greater degrees of depressed mood and pain, and poorer physical function were significantly associated with worse PGIC ratings. Among responders, improvements in pain were significantly associated with better PGIC ratings, along with improvements in vitality, sleep, physical function, and cognitive complaints. These findings underscore the complexity of global ratings in FM patients, and suggest the association between clinical status and PGIC ratings varies as a function of perceived treatment response. Several domains were associated with PGIC ratings, highlighting the need to assess multiple outcomes in clinical trials of treatments for FM.

A 350-year tree-ring fire record from Białowieża Primeval Forest, Poland: implications for Central European lowland fire history.

Abstract: Summary 1. Fires are nowadays small, yet frequent, in temperate Central European conifer forests, but little is known about the fire history in this region. This is likely due to the lack of intact forests that contain old trees and dead wood from which fire history may be reconstructed. An exception is the Bialowieza Primeval Forest (BPF) in Poland for which we were able to reconstruct the fire history in detail. 2. From 886 tree ring samples collected in a 13-ha conifer-dominated area, we reconstructed fire events and tree establishment back to the mid 1600s. From 1653 to the late 1700s fires were very frequent, with mean point (single tree) fire intervals of 18 years and mean stand scale fire intervals of 6 years. After 1781, the intervals between the fires increased dramatically, and since 1874 no major fire was recorded. 3. Tree establishment underwent substantial changes, closely tracking shifts in fire frequency. When fires were frequent, Pinus sylvestris establishment occurred only sporadically. Later, less frequent fires promoted massive establishment of both P. sylvestris and Picea abies. At present, only P. abies and a few deciduous trees regenerate. 4. Synthesis. We present the first high-resolution fire history in the Central European temperate lowland forest area. The discovery of old P. sylvestris trees and stumps with fire scars in many conifer-dominated parts of BPF show that fire was a major component in the past dynamics of this forest. We also show that historically, fires were recurring at very close intervals, supporting an open, Pinus-dominated forest. These result contrasts with the written history of BPF, which focus on a few, large fires from the past. Human influence on the fire regime was probably substantial, although the disentangling of climatic and human impacts needs further studies. We propose that fire should be increasingly taken into consideration in models of disturbance, vegetation development and forest openness in the whole Central European lowland forest region.

Ceftaroline fosamil: a novel broad-spectrum cephalosporin with expanded anti-Gram-positive activity

Abstract: Ceftaroline fosamil is a novel cephalosporin with broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, and common Gram-negative organisms. The activity of ceftaroline against MRSA is attributed to its ability to bind to penicillin-binding protein (PBP) 2a with high affinity and inhibit the biochemical activity of PBP 2a more efficiently than other presently available β-lactams. The activity of ceftaroline against MRSA and the β-haemolytic streptococci makes it an attractive monotherapy agent for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSIs). Recent profiling and surveillance studies have shown that ceftaroline is active against contemporary skin pathogens collected from US and European medical centres in 2008. The mean free drug %T > MIC (percentage of time the drug concentration remains above the MIC) needed for stasis ranged from 26% for S. aureus to 39% for S. pneumoniae in the murine thigh infection model. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic target attainment predictions for 600 mg of ceftaroline fosamil every 12 h showed that the mean %T > MICs for which plasma free-drug concentrations exceeded an MIC of 1 and 2 mg/L were 71% and 51% of the dosing interval, respectively. For a 40% T > MIC target, the predicted attainments for infections due to pathogens for which ceftaroline MICs were 1 or 2 mg/L were 100% and 90%, respectively. Clinical and microbiological successes of ceftaroline fosamil in treating cSSSIs were demonstrated in two Phase III clinical studies, in which 96.8% of all baseline cSSSI isolates from the microbiologically evaluable population were inhibited by ceftaroline at ≤ 2 mg/L. Ceftaroline fosamil is a promising broad-spectrum agent for the treatment of cSSSIs.

Memantine normalizes several phenotypic features in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome.

Abstract: Ts65Dn (TS) mice exhibit several phenotypic characteristics of human Down syndrome, including an increased brain expression of amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP) and cognitive disturbances. Aberrant N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor signaling has been suspected in TS mice, due to an impaired generation of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). Memantine, an uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, is known to normalize LTP and improve cognition in transgenic mice with high brain levels of AbetaPP and amyloid-beta protein. It has recently been demonstrated that acute injections of memantine rescue performance deficits of TS mice on a fear conditioning test. Here we show that oral treatment of aged TS mice with a clinically relevant dose of memantine (30 mg/kg/day for 9 weeks) improved spatial learning in the water maze task and slightly reduced brain AbetaPP levels. We also found that TS mice exhibited a significantly reduced granule cell count and vesicular glutamate transporter-1 (VGLUT1) labeling compared to disomic control mice. After memantine treatment, the levels of hippocampal VGLUT1 were significantly increased, reaching the levels observed in vehicle treated-control animals. Memantine did not significantly affect granule cell density. These data indicate that memantine may normalize several phenotypic abnormalities in TS mice, many of which--such as impaired cognition--are also associated with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

Efficacy and safety of milnacipran 100 mg/day in patients with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract: Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of milnacipran at a dosage of 100 mg/day (50 mg twice daily) for monotherapy treatment of fibromyalgia. Methods A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed to assess 1,025 patients with fibromyalgia who were randomized to receive milnacipran 100 mg/day (n = 516) or placebo (n = 509). Patients underwent 4–6 weeks of flexible dose escalation followed by 12 weeks of stable-dose treatment. Two composite responder definitions were used as primary end points to classify the response to treatment. The 2-measure composite response required achievement of ≥30% improvement from baseline in the pain score and a rating of “very much improved” or “much improved” on the Patient's Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale. The 3-measure composite response required satisfaction of these same 2 improvement criteria for pain and global status as well as improvement in physical function on the Short Form 36 (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) score. Results After 12 weeks of stable-dose treatment, a significantly greater proportion of milnacipran-treated patients compared with placebo-treated patients showed clinically meaningful improvements, as evidenced by the proportion of patients meeting the 2-measure composite responder criteria (P < 0.001 in the baseline observation carried forward [BOCF] analysis) and 3-measure composite responder criteria (P < 0.001 in the BOCF). Milnacipran-treated patients also demonstrated significantly greater improvements from baseline on multiple secondary outcomes, including 24-hour and weekly recall pain score, PGIC score, SF-36 PCS and mental component summary scores, average pain severity score on the Brief Pain Inventory, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire total score (all P < 0.001 versus placebo), and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory total score (P = 0.036 versus placebo). Milnacipran was well tolerated by most patients, with nausea being the most commonly reported adverse event (placebo-adjusted rate of 15.8%). Conclusion Milnacipran administered at a dosage of 100 mg/day improved pain, global status, fatigue, and physical and mental function in patients with fibromyalgia.

Virgin forests in Romania and Bulgaria: results of two national inventory projects and their implications for protection

Abstract: Despite extensive forest destruction in the Middle Ages and later intensive commercial forest management, remnants of virgin forests remained spared in some Central, Eastern and South-Eastern European countries. These virgin forests are the last examples of original forests in this part of Europe. That is why their protection becomes an important issue of current European forestry and nature protection policy. But the knowledge about the location and the area of virgin forests in these countries is incomplete up till now. This article has the prime goal to present a conceptual framework what virgin forests might be (“A conceptual framework for defining of virgin forests” section). Based on this framework, a working methodology has been tested in Bulgaria and Romania (“Results of the two national projects in Romania and in Bulgaria” section and further). For this reason two projects have been carried out by the Royal Dutch Society of Nature Conservation (KNNV) in close co-operation with the Forestry Institutes in Romania and in Bulgaria. The results of these projects are described in general terms and further analysis in the future is necessary to describe specific features like forest structure and spatial heterogeneity of these forests. Based on the results of the inventory, principles of sustainable protection and management of the mapped virgin forests were defined and described in the research reports. The usefulness of the inventory became evident already during the EU pre-accession period of both countries while preparing the NATURA 2000 network. The remaining virgin forests of temperate Europe are an inexhaustible source of ecological information about biodiversity, structure, natural processes and overall functioning of undisturbed forest ecosystems. Their research will reveal information which can be used for ecological restoration of man-made forests which are degraded through intensive forestry practices over the last centuries. The last virgin forests of temperate Europe represent an irreplaceable part of the natural capital of Europe and are worth to be protected by law. Their last remnants in South-Eastern and Eastern Europe are endangered by commercial activities. A full inventory of remaining virgin forests in all countries of temperate Europe is a matter of highest urgency. A representative selection of virgin forest sites should be declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

Conserving biodiversity through traditional beliefs in sacred groves in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India

Abstract: India's biodiversity encompasses a wide spectrum of habitats that include tropical rainforests, alpine vegetation, temperate forests, and coastal wetlands Traditional societies have paid a great deal of attention to the study of nature conservation Although Himalaya accounts for 18% of the total area in India, it covers more than 3105% of India's forest cover and 40% of the species endemic to the Indian Sub-continent Many mountain societies hence maintained a holistic view of the socio-ecological system An expression of this relationship is represented in the form of sacred landscape which is a concept identified by many traditional societies and often protected by cultural and religious values Many protected areas contain sites of importance to one or more faiths These include both sacred natural sites and built monuments (such as monasteries, temples, shrines, and pilgrimage trails) Enforcement in these protected areas has created a lot of conflicts between the local people and protected area managers, due to the restrictions enforced by these managers against the traditional usufruct rights of the local people These conflicts tend to act as major hurdles to achieving biodiversity conservation Conservation of biological resources through religion and belief has a long history in Garhwal Himalaya This article aims to document the different ethics enshrined within the Hindu community that have an inherent role in the conservation of biodiversity in Uttarakhand Himalaya

Concordant phylogeography and cryptic speciation in two Western Palaearctic oak gall parasitoid species complexes.

Abstract: Little is known about the evolutionary history of most complex multi-trophic insect communities. Widespread species from different trophic levels might evolve in parallel, showing similar spatial patterns and either congruent temporal patterns (Contemporary Host-tracking) or later divergence in higher trophic levels (Delayed Host-tracking). Alternatively, host shifts by natural enemies among communities centred on different host resources could disrupt any common community phylogeographic pattern. We examined these alternative models using two Megastigmus parasitoid morphospecies associated with oak cynipid galls sampled throughout their Western Palaearctic distributions. Based on existing host cynipid data, a parallel evolution model predicts that eastern regions of the Western Palaearctic should contain ancestral populations with range expansions across Europe about 1.6 million years ago and deeper species-level divergence at both 8–9 and 4–5 million years ago. Sequence data from mitochondrial cytochrome b and multiple nuclear genes showed similar phylogenetic patterns and revealed cryptic genetic species within both morphospecies, indicating greater diversity in these communities than previously thought. Phylogeographic divergence was apparent in most cryptic species between relatively stable, diverse, putatively ancestral populations in Asia Minor and the Middle East, and genetically depauperate, rapidly expanding populations in Europe, paralleling patterns in host gallwasp species. Mitochondrial and nuclear data also suggested that Europe may have been colonized multiple times from eastern source populations since the late Miocene. Temporal patterns of lineage divergence were congruent within and across trophic levels, supporting the Contemporary Host-tracking Hypothesis for community evolution.

Growing scattered broadleaved tree species in Europe in a changing climate: a review of risks and opportunities

Abstract: Summary Scattered broadleaved tree species such as ashes ( Fraxinus excelsior L. and Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl.), black alder ( Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.), birches ( Betula pendula Roth. and Betula pubescens Ehrh.), elms ( Ulmus glabra Huds., Ulmus laevis Pall. and Ulmus minor Mill.), limes ( Tilia cordata Mill. and Tilia platyphyllos Scop.), maples ( Acer campestre L., Acer platanoides L. and Acer pseudoplatanus L.), wild service tree ( Sorbus domestica L. and Sorbus torminalis L. Crantz), walnuts ( Juglans regia L., Juglans nigra L. and hybrids) and wild cherry ( Prunus avium L.) are important components of European forests. Many species have high economic, environmental and social values. Their scattered distributions, exacerbated in many cases by human activity, may make them more vulnerable to climate change. They are likely to have less ability to reproduce or adapt to shifting climate space than more widespread species. The general impacts of climate change on these scattered species are reviewed. Some specifi c risks and opportunities are highlighted for each species, although there is considerable uncertainty and therefore, diffi culty in quantifying many specifi c risks and/or impacts on scattered broadleaved tree species.

Effect of chirality, release rate, and host volatiles on response of Tetropium fuscum (F.), Tetropium cinnamopterum Kirby, and Tetropium castaneum (L.) to the aggregation pheromone, fuscumol.

Abstract: The male-produced aggregation pheromones of Tetropium fuscum (F.) and T. cinnamopterum Kirby were identified as (2S,5E)-6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadienol by chemical analysis, synthesis, electronantennography, and field trapping; the compound is here renamed “fuscumol”. The effect of fuscumol chirality, alone or with host volatiles, and fuscumol release rate on Tetropium spp. was tested in field-trapping experiments in Nova Scotia and Poland. Both (S)-fuscumol and racemic fuscumol synergized trap catches of male and female T. fuscum, T. cinnamopterum, and T. castaneum (L.) when combined with a blend of host monoterpenes and ethanol. Without added host volatiles, fuscumol was either unattractive (in Nova Scotia) or only slightly so (in Poland). (R)-Fuscumol, alone or in combination with host volatiles, did not elicit increases in trap capture of any Tetropium species, relative to the controls. Fuscumol synergized attraction of both sexes to host volatiles, thus indicating it acts as an aggregation pheromone. Sex ratio was often female-biased in traps baited with fuscumol plus host volatiles, and was either unbiased or male-biased in traps with host volatiles alone. In traps with host volatiles and racemic fuscumol, mean catches of Tetropium species were unaffected by fuscumol release rates ranging from 1 to 32 mg/d. The attraction of three different Tetropium species to the combination of (S)-fuscumol and host volatiles suggests that cross-attraction may occur where these species are sympatric, and that reproductive isolation possibly occurs via differences in close-range cues. These results have practical applications for survey and monitoring of T. fuscum, a European species established in Nova Scotia since at least 1980, and for early detection of T. castaneum, a European species not presently established in North America.

Changes in technical performance, mechanical availability and prices of machines used in forest operations in Sweden from 1985 to 2010

Abstract: This study describes developments in large-scale logging technology in Sweden from 1985 to 2010. Data were collected from manufacturers' sales material and from large forest enterprises. On average, forwarders manufactured in 2010 had 27–33% higher boom lifting torque than those manufactured in 1985–1989. The inflation-adjusted prices of medium-sized single-grip harvesters remained the same, but prices of forwarders increased by 30–50% in this period. The mechanical availability of various classes of machinery used increased from 70–80% to 85–88% between 1985 and 2008. The harvesting costs of thinning decreased between 1990 and 1998, while those of final fellings decreased from 1985 to 2006. However, in 2008 costs of both thinning and final felling tended to increase. The productivity of logging by the Swedish forest enterprise SCA increased almost three-fold in the period 1985–2010. However, since 2003 there have been signs of declining productivity. Currently, there is considerable interest in harvesting forest biomass for energy production. The new work tasks involved will affect the configuration of forest machines. A possible trend is that a new generation of forest machines and methods will be developed to facilitate integrated handling of roundwood and forest biomass for energy generation.