bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) from skin and carriage sites of dogs after treatment of their meticillin‐resistant or meticillin‐sensitive staphylococcal pyoderma
Authors: Beck Karri M. , Waisglass Stephen E. , Dick Hani L. N. , Weese J. Scott
Published: February 2012

Background –  Meticillin‐resistant staphylococci are significant pathogens in veterinary dermatology, yet longitudinal studies of the impact of routine antimicrobial therapy on emergence or resolution of resistance are lacking.

Objectives –  To determine the prevalence of meticillin‐resistant staphylococci on skin and carriage sites in dogs with bacterial pyoderma and evaluate the prevalence of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) colonization after successful treatment of pyoderma.

Animals –  One hundred and seventy‐three dogs that presented to a dermatology referral service with pyoderma and 41 healthy control dogs.

Methods –  Skin, nasal and rectal swabs for bacterial culture were collected at the time of referral and after clinical resolution of the pyoderma. Meticillin resistance was confirmed by demonstration of penicillin binding protein 2a antigen.

Results –  Initially, skin cultures yielded MRSP in 70 (40.5%) dogs, meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in three (1.7%) and meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus schleiferi ssp. coagulans (MRSScoag) in five (2.9%). Samples collected from the nose and rectum (carriage sites) yielded MRSP in 59 (34.1%) dogs, MRSA in 11 (6.4%) and MRSScoag in seven (4.0%). One hundred and two dogs were available for follow‐up cultures after clinical cure. Of 42 dogs initially diagnosed with MRSP pyoderma, MRSP was isolated at follow‐up from skin in 19 (45.2%) and carriage sites in 20 (47.6%). Of 60 dogs that did not have MRSP pyoderma initially, MRSP was isolated post‐treatment from the skin in 17 (28.3%), and MRSP from carriage sites increased from 7.8% (initially) to 26.7% (P = 0.0022).

Conclusions and clinical importance –  Colonization by MRSP often persists after resolution of MRSP pyoderma. Acquisition of MRSP during treatment appears to be common.
Gene flow between imidazolinone‐tolerant and – susceptible winter oilseed rape varieties
Authors: KRATO C , PETERSEN J
Published: February 2012

Krato C & Petersen J (2012). Gene flow between imidazolinone‐tolerant and – susceptible winter oilseed rape varieties. Weed Research 52, 187–196.

Imidazolinone‐tolerant (IT) spring oilseed rape was developed in 1987 using conventional breeding methods and first marketed in Canada in 1996. IT winter oilseed rape will be introduced into the European market. On the one hand, the IT cropping system provides the opportunity for post‐emergence weed control in oilseed rape. On the other hand, the introduction of a new herbicide‐tolerance (HT) trait into the European cropping systems may lead to new challenges for weed control in crop rotations containing winter oilseed rape. In this study, a 2‐year field and glasshouse study was carried out to determine the transfer frequency of the HT trait from IT winter oilseed rape plants to adjacently grown susceptible winter oilseed rape plants. Furthermore, cross‐resistance to sulfonylureas and differences in herbicide response of heterozygous and homozygous IT winter oilseed rape varieties to triflusulfuron‐methyl were examined. The transfer frequency of the resistance trait and zygosity of the F1‐generation was investigated using a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Outcrossing frequencies ranged from 2.05% in a westerly direction and 0.57% in an easterly direction at the closest distance of 2 m between pollen donor (IT oilseed rape plants) and pollen acceptor (imidazolinone‐susceptible plants). Outcrossing events decreased significantly with increasing distance from the pollen donor, but IT F1‐plants were still found at a distance of 45 m. Of the analysed F1‐oilseed rape plants, 84% showed both independent tolerance genes for imidazolinone‐tolerance (PM1 and PM2) and were heterozygous for both genes. IT winter oilseed rape plants showed a cross‐tolerance against triflusulfuron‐methyl, and the corresponding resistance factors were higher for homozygous biotypes compared with heterozygous ones. Consequently, outcrossing can result practically in IT volunteers with cross‐tolerance to triflusulfuron‐methyl.
Monitoring of mite Dermatophagoides farinae allergen‐specific IgG and IgG subclass distribution in patients on immunotherapy
Authors: Einarsson R. , Dreborg S. , Hammarström L. , Löfkvist T. , Smith C. I. E. , Svensson G.
Published: February 2012

House dust mite D. farinae and Der f II‐specific IgG and IgG subclass responses were evaluated in 32 adults with perennial rhinitis undergoing immunotherapy for 1 year by means of IgG‐RAST and ELISA. The ELISA method, which is based on subclass‐specific monoclonal antibodies, could detect 0.5–1.5 ng/ml of specific antibodies. D. farinae and Der f II‐specific IgG4 antibodies increased continuously as immunotherapy proceeded, while total IgG and IgG1 antibodies reached a plateau value 6 months after the start of immunotherapy, followed by a slow decrease during maintenance therapy. During the early phase of treatment the concentration of IgG, and IgG4 antibodies rose, even though the increase of IgG4 antibodies dominated. The positive clinical outcome as measured by the decrease in conjunctival sensitivity was associated with an increased ratio of specific IgG4/IgG, antibodies as well as the magnitude of the IgG4 subclass response. Quantitation of IgG subclass antibodies in patients undergoing immunotherapy may be of some clinical value, but the clinical usefulness needs to be demonstrated for each type of allergen and possibly also for each assay system.
Genetic control of eosinophilia in guinea pig strains inbred for high or low bronchial allergic reactivity
Authors: Winthereik M. P. , Lundberg L. , Spärck J. V. , Katzenstein T. , Sompolinsky D.
Published: February 2012

Development of eosinophilia was studied in four strains of guinea pigs (gp), selectively bred for either high or low respiratory anaphylactic reactivity. One high‐asthma strain (IMM/S 209) and one low‐asthma strain (IMM/R 203) developed spontaneous high blood eosinophilia. The 2 other gp strains ‐ one high‐asthma strain (IMM/S 740) and one low‐asthma strain (IMM/R 201–16) – maintained normal low levels of eosinophilic granulocytes (eos). The levels of eos in various tissues showed similar differences between the gp strains. Following immunization with ovalbumin/Al(OH)3 the levels of blood eos increased significantly only in gp of strain 209. The blood eos levels in gp of all 4 strains decreased significantly following immunization with ovalbumin in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA).
Detection of allergens in a cat pelt extract
Authors: Azofra J.
Published: February 2012

Allergenic components of cat pelt extract fractionated by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes were identified using sera from 15 allergic patients who showed positive skin test and RAST to cat extract. Two components showed the highest IgE‐binding frequency; 14 kD (being recognized by 86% of the sera examined) and 29 kD (73% of the sera tested). Both components were purified by electroelution and subjected to RAST inhibition assays. The 29 kD fraction was able to bind specific IgE to D. pteronyssinus and inhibited a RAST assay of 29 kD component (Der p I) purified from a D. pteronyssinus extract. These results could explain the finding of positive skin test with some commercial cat allergen solutions in patients with D. pteronyssinus allergy.
Anaphylactic reaction during immunotherapy related to alcohol consumption
Authors: Friis E. V. , Frederiksen M. , Simonsen E. Efsen
Published: February 2012

A case of anaphylaxis related to alcohol consumption during immunotherapy is reported. We advise to consider whether there has been noticeable alcohol consumption prior to each injection.
Lung transplantation in patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis
Authors: Hayes Don , Diaz‐Guzman Enrique , Davenport Daniel L. , Zwischenberger Joseph B. , Khosravi Mehdi , Absher Kimberly J. , Hoopes Charles W.
Published: February 2012

Hayes D Jr., Diaz‐Guzman E, Davenport DL, Zwischenberger JB, Khosravi M, Absher KJ, Hoopes CW. Lung transplantation in patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.

Abstract:  Patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) can develop chronic respiratory failure and require lung transplantation. A retrospective review was performed of the 712 referrals and 143 patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral lung transplantation at the University of Kentucky Medical Center between January 1999 and July 2009. Twenty‐one of the 712 referrals (3%) had a diagnosis of CWP with eight patients eventually undergoing lung transplant (six single, two bilateral). The mean age of the cohort was 53 ± 5 (mean ± SD) yr (range 45–59). There was no increased risk of perioperative or postoperative complications. Six patients (75%) remain alive after a mean follow‐up of 1013 ± 857 d with the two deaths attributable to sepsis 683 and 145 d after transplant, respectively. There were no pulmonary complications because of the native lung in patients after a single lung transplant, with otherwise good clinical outcomes seen after lung transplantation.
Current status of immunosuppressive agents for solid organ transplantation in children
Authors: Coelho Tracy , Tredger Michael , Dhawan Anil
Published: February 2012

Coelho T, Tredger M, Dhawan A. Current status of immunosuppressive agents for solid organ transplantation in children.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 106–122. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Immunosuppression after organ transplantation is complex and ever evolving. Over the past two decades, newer immunosuppressive agents have been introduced with an aim to provide better patient and graft survival. Improved therapeutic strategies have been developed offering the option to use combinations of drugs with non‐overlapping toxicities. There are, however, only a few clinical studies with robust data to rationalize the use of these agents in children. This review will discuss the newer immunosuppressive agents used for solid organ transplant, their current status in post‐transplant management and prevention of allograft rejection.
Successful resolution of inflammation and increased regulatory T cells in sirolimus‐treated post‐transplant allograft hepatitis
Authors: Ekong Udeme D. , Mathew James , Melin‐Aldana Hector , Wang Deli , Alonso Estella M.
Published: February 2012

Ekong UD, Mathew J, Melin‐Aldana H, Wang D, Alonso EM. Successful resolution of inflammation and increased regulatory T cells in sirolimus‐treated post‐transplant allograft hepatitis.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 165–175. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  This retrospective case series reviews our center’s experience with sirolimus and a CNI as alternative therapy for the treatment of PTAH. It also characterizes regulatory T cells (Tregs) in PTAH. LT recipients with PTAH who had received or were receiving treatment with sirolimus were retrospectively identified (n = 12). Liver enzymes, immunohistochemistry, and histology were compared in all 12 patients. Immunophenotyping for Tregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed on LT recipients with PTAH on conventional therapy with CNI, azathioprine ± prednisone (CT) (n = 11), recipients with PTAH on sirolimus, CNI ± prednisone (n = 8), recipients without PTAH (n = 25), and pre‐transplant patients (n = 5). Severity of necro‐inflammatory changes markedly improved with sirolimus. Treg frequency and number were significantly lower in recipients with PTAH on CT compared to (i) those on sirolimus (p = 0.002 and p = 0.01, respectively), and (ii) recipients without PTAH (p = 0.07 and p = 0.009, respectively). Treg frequency was significantly higher in recipients with PTAH on sirolimus compared to recipients without PTAH under CNI therapy (p = 0.027). Sirolimus in addition to a CNI is successful in reversing inflammation in LT recipients with PTAH. This is associated with significantly higher circulating Tregs.
Pediatric en bloc kidney transplantation into pediatric recipients: The French experience
Authors: Afanetti Mickael , Niaudet Patrick , Niel Olivier , Faust Marie Saint , Cochat Pierre , Berard Etienne
Published: February 2012

Afanetti M, Niaudet P, Niel O, Saint Faust M, Cochat P, Berard E. Pediatric en bloc kidney transplantation into pediatric recipients: The French experience.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 183–186. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Chronic shortage of available donor organs has led to re‐evaluation of the use of en bloc kidney transplants. Although excellent results have been reported in adult patients, experience in pediatric patients remains limited because of potential early complications and poor long‐term graft outcome. We report 14 pediatric en bloc renal transplantations into 14 pediatric recipients, performed between 1990 and 2007 in France. We retrospectively analyzed demographic data, postoperative complications, and graft function with a median follow‐up of five yr. Donor age ranged from four to 54 months. Complications were vascular graft thrombosis in four patients, leading to graft loss in two cases, and to excellent long‐term graft function in the two others. Two hemorrhagic complications resulted in death in one case and in graft loss in the other. Six acute rejection episodes occurred in four patients. Median glomerular filtration rate at three months, one, five, and 10 yr was 90.8, 106, 87.8, and 66.1 mL/1.73 m2/min. We believe that en bloc transplantation may be an option for children with end‐stage kidney disease.
Pharmacodynamic monitoring by residual NFAT‐regulated gene expression in stable pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Billing Heiko , Breil Thomas , Schmidt Jan , Tönshoff Burkhard , Schmitt Claus , Giese Thomas , Engelmann Guido
Published: February 2012

Billing H, Breil T, Schmidt J, Tönshoff B, Schmitt C, Giese T, Engelmann G. Pharmacodynamic monitoring by residual NFAT‐regulated gene expression in stable pediatric liver transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 187–194. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Pharmacokinetic monitoring of CNI is unsatisfactory, because at comparable CNI blood concentrations frequency and severity of adverse effects vary considerably among individual patients. Determining the RGE of NFAT‐regulated genes in leukocytes is a new pharmacodynamic approach to measure directly the functional consequences of calcineurin inhibition in T‐lymphocytes. We compared clinical outcome parameters and RGE of activated T‐cells after pLtx. We measured prospectively RGE of NFAT regulated genes in 33 pLTX recipients in the maintenance period after pLTX. CsA‐treated patients with recurrent infections had significantly lower RGE rates (27%) than children without recurrent infections (50%; p = 0.04), whereas pharmacokinetic parameters of CsA and the concomitant immunosuppressive therapy were comparable between both groups. In patients on tacrolimus‐based IS therapy NFAT RGE was only slightly reduced (90%). Pharmacodynamic monitoring of CsA by measurement of RGE in T‐lymphocytes has the potential to identify over‐immunosuppressed pediatric liver transplant recipients on a CsA‐based IS therapy, while in children on low‐dose tacrolimus therapy, RGE measurement does not provide additional clinically useful information.
Liver transplantation for a patient with homocystinuria
Authors: Lin Niang‐Cheng , Niu Dau‐Min , Loong Che‐Chuan , Hsia Cheng‐Yuan , Tsai Hsin‐Lin , Yeh Yi‐Chen , Tsou Mei‐Yung , Liu Chin‐Su
Published: February 2012

Lin N‐C, Niu D‐M, Loong C‐C, Hsia C‐Y, Tsai H‐L, Yeh Y‐C, Tsou M‐Y, Liu C‐S. Liver transplantation for a patient with homocystinuria.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  A 24‐yr‐old man was diagnosed with HCU during neonatal screening and remained on a pyridoxine, vitamin B12, folic acid, and betaine regimen with dietary methionine restriction for more than 10 yr. He had normal mental development, marfanoid appearance, myopia because of lens dislocation, and recurrent ankle subluxation during adolescence. Thereafter, he was a poor adherent to the conventional diet‐restrictive therapy, and LT was considered when he developed hypertension and multiple infarctions over the right cerebellum early in the second decade of his life despite taking aspirin as a prophylaxis from 17 yr of age. In November 2009, he received a deceased whole LT from a blood group compatible donor. Along with the success of the transplantation, he was completely disease free without dietary or nutritional control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of LT intended to cure HCU, and with promising results. This case provides an insight into the role of LT for this congenital metabolic disease, for which the decision should be made by judging between the severity of the disease and the risk of the operation, as well as the life quality of the patient.
The last year of the German Research Foundation sponsored Transregio Research Group “Xenotransplantation”, the planning of the future: “Biology of xenogeneic cell and organ transplantation – from bench to bedside”
Authors: Reichart Bruno
Published: February 2012

In April this year, the final year of our German Xenotransplantation Research Group began, a consortium of animal biotechnologists, immunologists, virologists and clinical transplantat specialists. Many advances included

 new molecular insights in xenogeneic responses (Thrombomodulin, HLA‐E, PDL‐1, HO‐1, A20, LEA)

 successful viral gene transfer expressing e.g., thymosine

 generation of a unique toolbox comprising mono‐(human thrombomodulin, HO‐1, A20, LEA29Y, HLA‐E/β2m TRAIL) and multitransgenic pigs (hTM based on α1,3‐GalKO/CD46 supplied by Revivicor)

 sensitive PERV diagnosis (RT‐PCR) and inhibition (utilizing siRNA techniques)

 successful porcine islet cell transplantation in NOD SCIDmice

 successful introduction of xenogeneic heterotopic thoracic heart transplantation in the pig to baboon model.

From April next year on a Collaborative Research Center is planned to strengthen xenogeneic islet cell transplantation in cooperation with the already existing diabetes group from the Dresden University which includes outstanding basic scientists. At the moment this is the only existing German clinical (allogenic) islet cell transplantation program. Tolerance induction will be a further topic together with novel immunosuppressive treatments – tools which might help to prevent acute humoral rejection of the solid organ xenongeneic transplants for the first time.
Differences in human and porcine platelet oligosaccharides may influence phagocytosis by liver sinusoidal cells in vitro
Authors: Paris Leela L. , Chihara Ray K. , Sidner Richard A. , Joseph Tector A. , Burlak Christopher
Published: February 2012

Paris LL, Chihara RK, Sidner RA, Tector AJ, Burlak C. Differences in human and porcine platelet oligosaccharides may influence phagocytosis by liver sinusoidal cells in vitro. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 31–39. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Acute thrombocytopenia was revealed as a limiting factor to porcine liver xenotransplantation from in vitro and in vivo studies using porcine liver in human and baboon transplant models. The asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1) on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) and macrophage antigen complex‐1 (Mac‐1) on Kupffer cells (KC) mediate platelet phagocytosis and have carbohydrate‐binding sites that recognize galactose and N‐acetyl glucosamine in the beta conformation. Analysis of these receptor carbohydrate‐binding domains and surface carbohydrates on human and porcine platelets may shed light on the mechanism of xenotransplantation‐induced thrombocytopenia.

Methods:  An amino acid sequence comparison of human and porcine ASGR1 lectin‐binding domains was performed. Using fluorescent labeled‐lectins, human platelets, domestic and α1,3 galactosyltransferase knockout/human decay accelerating factor, porcine platelets were characterized by flow cytometry and lectin blot analyses. After desialylation, human and porcine platelets were examined by flow cytometry to determine whether sialic acid capping of galactose and N‐acetyl glucosamine oligosaccharides in the beta conformation was a factor. Further, desialylated human platelets were studied on primary porcine liver sinusoidal cells with regard to binding and phagocytosis.

Results:  Human platelets have four times more exposed galactose β1‐4 N‐acetyl glucosamine (Galβ) and N‐acetyl glucosamine β1‐4 N‐acetyl glucosamine (βGlcNAc) than fresh porcine platelets. Galβ and βGlcNAc moieties on porcine platelets were not masked by sialic acid. Removal of sialic acid from human platelets increased binding and phagocytosis by LSEC and KC.

Conclusions:  Differences between human and porcine ASGR1 and Mac‐1, in combination with a significantly higher number of galactose and N‐acetyl glucosamine‐containing oligosaccharides on human platelets contribute, in part, to platelet loss seen in porcine liver xenotransplantation.
T‐cell‐mediated immunological barriers to xenotransplantation
Authors: Scalea Joseph , Hanecamp Isabel , Robson Simon C. , Yamada Kazuhiko
Published: February 2012

Scalea J, Hanecamp I, Robson SC, Yamada K. T‐cell‐mediated immunological barriers to xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 23–30. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Xenotransplantion remains the most viable option for significant expansion of the donor organ pool in clinical transplantation. With the advent of nuclear transfer technologies, the production of transgenic swine has become a possibility. These animals have allowed transplant investigators to overcome humoral mechanisms of hyperacute xenograft rejection in experimental pig‐to‐non‐human primate models. However, other immunologic barriers preclude long‐term acceptance of xenografts. This review article focuses on a major feature of xenogeneic rejection: xenogeneic T cell responses. Evidence obtained from both small and large animal models, particularly those using either islet cells or kidneys, have demonstrated that T cell responses play a major role in xenogeneic rejection, and that immunosuppression alone is likely incapable of completely suppressing these responses. Additionally, both the direct and indirect pathway of antigen presentation appear to be involved in these anti donor processes. Enhanced understanding of (i) CD47 and its role in transduced xeno‐bone marrow (ii) CD39 and its role in coagulation dysregulation and (iii) thymic transplantation have provided us with encouraging results. Presently, experiments evaluating the possibility of xenogeneic tolerance are underway.
Human TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand‐expressing dendritic cells from transgenic pigs attenuate human xenogeneic T cell responses
Authors: Kemter Elisabeth , Lieke Thorsten , Kessler Barbara , Kurome Mayuko , Wuensch Annegret , Summerfield Artur , Ayares David , Nagashima Hiroshi , Baars Wiebke , Schwinzer Reinhard , Wolf Eckhard
Published: February 2012

Kemter E, Lieke T, Kessler B, Kurome M, Wuensch A, Summerfield A, Ayares D, Nagashima H, Baars W, Schwinzer R, Wolf E. Human TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand‐expressing dendritic cells from transgenic pigs attenuate human xenogeneic T cell responses. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 40–51. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Efficient and precise techniques for the genetic modification of pigs facilitate the generation of tailored donor animals for xenotransplantation. Numerous transgenic pig lines exist with the focus on inhibition of the complement system and of humoral immune responses. In addition, immune cell‐based responses need to be controlled to prevent pig‐to‐primate xenograft rejection. Expression of human (hu) TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) on porcine cells has the potential to ameliorate human T cell responses.

Methods:  We generated transgenic pigs expressing human tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (huTRAIL) under the control of either the mouse H2Kb promoter or a CMV enhancer/chicken β‐actin (CAG) promoter, the latter one (CAG‐huTRAIL) on a GGTA1 knockout/huCD46 transgenic background. The biological activity of huTRAIL was demonstrated by its apoptosis‐inducing effect on Jurkat lymphoma cells. To clarify whether huTRAIL affects also primary immune cells and whether its effects depend on the presence of co‐stimulatory molecules, we exposed human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or isolated T cells to huTRAIL‐expressing porcine fibroblasts or dendritic cells in vitro.

Results:  H2Kb‐huTRAIL transgenic pigs express huTRAIL mainly in the spleen and secondary lymphoid tissues. The CAG‐huTRAIL construct facilitated huTRAIL expression in multiple organs, the level being at least one order of magnitude higher than in H2Kb‐huTRAIL transgenic pigs. Incubation with huTRAIL‐expressing H2Kb‐huTRAIL transgenic porcine dendritic cells decreased human T cell proliferation significantly without any signs of apoptosis. In spite of the high transgene expression level, CAG‐huTRAIL transgenic fibroblasts did not affect proliferation of human PBMC, independent of their activation state.

Conclusions:  These results suggest huTRAIL expression on porcine dendritic cells as a possible strategy to attenuate T cell responses against pig‐to‐primate xenografts.
Xenotransplantation literature update, November–December 2011
Authors: Schneider Mårten K. J. , Seebach Jörg D.
Published: February 2012

Schneider MKJ, Seebach JD. Xenotransplantation literature update, November—December 2011. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19; 65–69. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Extreme Behavioral Adjustments by an Orb‐Web Spider to Restricted Spaces
Authors: Barrantes Gilbert , Eberhard William G.
Published: February 2012

Adaptive flexibility in response to environmental variation is often advantageous and occurs in many types of traits in many species. Although the basic designs of the orb webs of a given species are relatively uniform, spiders can adjust their webs to some types of environmental variation. This study of adult female Leucauge argyra tests the extremes to which they can adjust with respect to reduced area in which to build, and documents probably the most pronounced flexibility in orb design ever recorded. These adjustments revealed several behavioral rules that guide orb construction behavior. Spiders adjusted at least seven probably independent aspects of orb design when confined in tiny spaces that spanned about 7% of the maximum distance normally spanned by webs in the field and that had diameters that were only about three times the length of the spider itself. Webs in intermediate sized containers had intermediate designs, and many of the adjustments appear to result from extensions of the behavioral rules guiding orb construction in less severely restricted spaces in the field.
The Effect of Female Condition on Maternal Care in the European Earwig
Authors: Wong Janine W. Y. , Kölliker Mathias
Published: February 2012

Parental care typically enhances offspring fitness at costs for tending parents. Asymmetries in genetic relatedness entail potential conflicts between parents and offspring over the duration and the amount of care. To understand how these conflicts are resolved evolutionarily, it is important to understand how individual condition affects offspring and parental behaviour and whether parents or offspring make active choices in their interactions. Condition effects on offspring have been broadly studied, but the effect of parental condition on parent–offspring interactions is less well understood, in particular in species where care is facultative and offspring have the option to beg for food from the parents or to self‐forage. In this study, we carried out two experiments in the European earwigForficula auricularia, a system where females provide facultative care, in which we manipulated female condition (through a high‐food and low‐food treatment) and the degree by which mothers and offspring could make active choices. In a first experiment, where female mobility was limited, female condition had no significant effect on the rate of offspring self‐foraging, which increased with nymph age. In a second experiment, nymph access to food was limited and females in poor nutritional condition provided food to significantly fewer nymphs than high condition females. In both experiments, offspring attendance remained at a constantly high level and was independent of female condition even after experimental separation of females and offspring. Our results show that earwig nymphs do not use cues of female condition to adjust rates of self‐foraging, that females control food provisioning depending on their own condition, and that females and nymphs share control over offspring attendance, a form of care not influenced by female condition.
Brown root rot of trees caused by Phellinus noxius in the Ryukyu Islands, subtropical areas of Japan
Authors: Sahashi N. , Akiba M. , Ishihara M. , Ota Y. , Kanzaki N.
Published: February 2012

The fungus Phellinus noxius has a broad host range and causes brown root rot in a variety of tree species of various ages, irrespective of their original health. The fungus is widely distributed in tropical countries of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and Australia, Central America and Caribbean, and Africa. Since 1988, when brown root rot was first found on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture, the disease has been reported on several islands in Okinawa and Kagoshima Prefectures, and it has been causing serious problems to shade, windbreak, ornamental and landscape trees in the Ryukyu Islands, located in the subtropical region of southern Japan. Here, we report on the current status of P. noxius‐caused brown root rot in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, including symptoms, occurrence, dispersal, distribution and host tree species of the disease, pathogenicity and/or virulence of the pathogen, and disease management based on our surveys and previously published reports from Japan. Brown root rot has been confirmed in 53 tree species from 32 plant families at different sites on 10 of the 12 islands surveyed. Among the 53 tree species, 34 were first recorded in Japan as host plants of P. noxius. The disease occurs mainly in shade, ornamental and windbreak trees at sightseeing places, parks, roadsides, agricultural land such as sugar cane fields, and around residences or other places associated with human activities.
Molecular characterisation of the causative agents of Cryptococcosis in patients of a tertiary healthcare facility in the state of Amazonas‐Brazil
Authors: Freire Ana Karla Lima , dos Santos Bentes Amaury , de Lima Sampaio Ivanete , Matsuura Ani Beatriz Jackisch , Ogusku Maurício Morishi , Salem Julia Ignez , Wanke Bodo , de Souza João Vicente Braga
Published: February 2012

As there are four major molecular types of Cryptococcus neoformans (VNI, VNII, VNIII and VNIV) and four molecular types of Cryptococcus gattii (VGI, VGII, VGIII and VGIV), it is important to identify the specific groups causing cryptococcosis in different geographical regions. Here, we investigated the molecular types of 57 cryptococcal isolates from patients in a tertiary care hospital in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, between 2006 and 2010. The isolates were characterised by PCR fingerprinting using the M13 minisatellite and confirmed by URA5‐RFLP analysis, and the presence of specific genes from the mating type locus (MATα and MATa) of these species was analysed by PCR. Most of the patients were male (66.7%), between 16 and 30 years of age (51.7%), and HIV‐positive (75.0%). Most isolates were collected from cerebrospinal fluid samples (71.7%). Most of the C. neoformans isolates (n = 40) were characterised as members of the VNI molecular group (n = 39), a unique isolate was characterised as VNII whereas all isolates of C. gattii (n = 17) were members of the VGII molecular group. With regard to mating types, 55 isolates were type ‘α’, and only two were type ‘a’. This study revealed the prevalence of the VNI molecular group and provides the first reported observation of the VNII molecular group in the northern region of Brazil.
New insights into hepatosplenic candidosis, a manifestation of chronic disseminated candidosis
Authors: Rammaert B. , Desjardins A. , Lortholary O.
Published: February 2012

Chronic disseminated candidosis, often referred to as hepatosplenic candidosis (HSC), is an infection due to Candida spp. that mainly involves the liver and spleen. HSC occurs mostly in patients after profound and prolonged neutropenia, which is more often seen in patients with acute haematological malignancies. The incidence of HSC ranges from 3% to 29% in patients suffering from Acute Leukaemia. However, it is now seen less frequently with the widespread use of antifungal agents as prophylaxis or as preemptive therapy. Early and adequate diagnosis and treatment of HSC are crucial, as treatment delays can negatively affect the prognosis of the underlying condition. The pathogenesis is not well understood, but it is believed that it may be due to an unbalanced adaptive immune response that leads to an exacerbated inflammatory reaction, resulting in an Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome. In this context, new therapeutic approaches such as the use of adjuvant high‐dose corticosteroids have been shown beneficial. This article will focus on the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of HSC and provide an accurate review of recent pathophysiological data.
Clinical implications of N‐cadherin expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Kamikihara Takahito , Ishigami Sumiya , Arigami Takaaki , Matsumoto Masataka , Okumura Hiroshi , Uchikado Yasuto , Kita Yoshiaki , Kurahara Hiroshi , Kijima Yuko , Ueno Shinichi , Natsugoe Shoji
Published: February 2012

Neo‐expression of N‐cadherin in cancer cells is regarded as a significant event in tumor progression via epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). No reports have detailed the clinical impact of N‐cadherin expression in gastric cancer. We retrospectively examined the co‐expression of N‐cadherin and E‐cadherin in human gastric carcinoma and analyzed the clinicopathological significance of N‐cadherin expression. One hundred and forty‐six gastric cancer patients who received curative gastrectomy were enrolled. E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin immunoreactivity in cancer tissue was evaluated by the avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex technique. The correlation between N‐cadherin and E‐cadherin expression and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. N‐cadherin‐positive and ‐negative expression were found in 31 and 115 patients, respectively. N‐cadherin expression positively correlated with hematogenous recurrence (P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with patients' postoperative outcomes (P < 0.05). Moreover, only in the E‐cadherin‐preserved group was prognostic significance found according to N‐cadherin expression (P < 0.01). We could not show a significant relationship between N‐cadherin expression and EMT in gastric cancer. However, neo N‐cadherin expression significantly affected patient's survival in gastric cancer. Therefore, we concluded that neo N‐cadherin expression may be a useful prognostic marker independent of E‐cadherin expression.
Phyllodes tumor of the prostate
Authors: Fujii Tomomi , Shimada Keiji , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Konishi Noboru
Published: February 2012

In this report, we describe a case of phyllodes tumor of the prostate with a high value of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). A 47‐year‐old man with symptoms of hematospermia presented with a steadily elevated serum PSA value of 60.76 ng/mL (normal range, <4 ng/mL). A needle biopsy revealed atypical stromal cells without any evidence of malignancy. After radical prostatectomy, the tumor measured 2.9 cm in diameter and consisted of a single nodule composed of irregular, elongated epithelial ducts and atypical stromal cells with enlarged, occasionally multinucleated, pleomorphic, or hyperchromatic nuclei. Immunohistochemistry showed that the atypical stromal cells were positive for vimentin, androgen receptor, estrogen receptor, progesterone, and 5α‐reductase, but negative for MIB‐1, PSA, SMA, p53, desmin, CD34, c‐kit, CD10, S‐100, and EGFR. Excess PSA might be secreted by hyperplastic luminal cells driven by 5α‐reductase‐positive stromal and epithelial cells. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) for genomic alterations revealed a gain of 11p13, which includes the WT1 gene, and a loss of 1p36.23 and 12p12.1. After surgery, the serum PSA value rapidly decreased to within the normal range; no recurrence or distant metastasis was noted after 2 years of follow up.
Fall Risk Index predicts functional decline regardless of fall experiences among community‐dwelling elderly
Authors: Ishimoto Yasuko , Wada Taizo , Kasahara Yoriko , Kimura Yumi , Fukutomi Eriko , Chen Wenling , Hirosaki Mayumi , Nakatsuka Masahiro , Fujisawa Michiko , Sakamoto Ryota , Ishine Masayuki , Okumiya Kiyohito , Otsuka Kuniaki , Matsubayashi Kozo
Published: February 2012

Aim:  The 21‐item Fall Risk Index (FRI‐21) has been used to detect elderly persons at risk for falls. The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the FRI‐21 as a predictor of decline in basic activities of daily living (BADL) among Japanese community‐dwelling elderly persons independent of fall risk.

Methods:  The study population consisted of 518 elderly participants aged 65 years and older who were BADL independent at baseline in Tosa, Japan. We examined risk factors for BADL decline from 2008 to 2009 by multiple logistic regression analysis on the FRI‐21 and other functional status measures in all participants. We carried out the same analysis in selected participants who had no experience of falls to remove the effect of falls.

Results:  A total of 45 of 518 participants showed decline in BADL within 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.20), FRI‐21 ≥ 10 (OR 3.81, 95% CI 1.49–9.27), intellectual activity dependence (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.42–7.44) and history of osteoarthropathy (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.40–7.21) were significant independent risk factors for BADL decline within 1 year. FRI‐21 ≥ 10 and intellectual activity dependence (≤3) remained significant predictors, even in selected non‐fallers.

Conclusion:  FRI‐21 ≥ 10 and intellectual activity dependence were significant predictive factors of BADL decline, regardless of fall experience, after adjustment for confounding variables. The FRI‐21 is a brief, useful tool not only for predicting falls, but also future decline in functional ability in community‐dwelling elderly persons. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.
Benefits of active participation of family physicians in geriatric consultations
Authors: Press Yan , Biderman Aya , Peleg Roni , Tandeter Howard , Dwolatzky Tzvi
Published: February 2012

Background:  Geriatric consultation services are generally beneficial in improving the health and well‐being of the elderly. We prospectively studied whether the active participation of family physicians (FPs) in the process of geriatric consultation would improve implementation rates and benefit the health care of the elderly.

Methods:  We carried out a comparative prospective intervention study in three urban academic family medicine clinics. Patients in the control clinics were evaluated by the consultant geriatrician, and a summary of the findings and recommendations were presented to the FP in a brief meeting. In the intervention clinic, the referring FP joined the geriatrician throughout the geriatric assessment. The percentage of implementation of suggested recommendations was evaluated. Information regarding the utilization of health services was provided from computerized data.

Results:  Of the 212 patients included in the study, 107 were in the intervention group and 105 were controls. The overall rate of implementation was significantly higher for patients in the intervention group (329/445; 73.9%) than for patients in the control group (232/387; 59.9%), P < 0.0001. In the year after the geriatric assessment, those in the intervention group visited the FP less often.

Conclusions:  A model co‐consultation actively involving the FP in the process of assessment of the older patient by the geriatrician improves the degree of implementation of recommendations without an increase in related heath care utilization and costs. This model should be further developed and studied. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.
Phylogenetic distribution of genes encoding β‐glucuronidase activity in human colonic bacteria and the impact of diet on faecal glycosidase activities
Authors: McIntosh Freda M. , Maison Nathalie , Holtrop Grietje , Young Pauline , Stevens Valerie J. , Ince Jennifer , Johnstone Alexandra M. , Lobley Gerald E. , Flint Harry J. , Louis Petra
Published: February 2012

Bacterial β‐glucuronidase in the human colon plays an important role in cleaving liver conjugates of dietary compounds and xenobiotics, while other glycosidase activities are involved in the conversion of dietary plant glycosides. Here we detected an increase in β‐glucuronidase activity in faecal samples from obese volunteers following a high‐protein moderate carbohydrate weight‐loss diet, compared with a weight maintenance diet, but little or no changes were observed when the type of fermentable carbohydrate was varied. Other faecal glycosidase activities showed little or no change over a fivefold range of dietary NSP intake, although α‐glucosidase increased on a resistant starch‐enriched diet. Two distinct groups of gene, gus and BG, have been reported to encode β‐glucuronidase activity among human colonic bacteria. Degenerate primers were designed against these genes. Overall, Firmicutes were found to account for 96% of amplified gus sequences, with three operational taxonomic units particularly abundant, whereas 59% of amplified BG sequences belonged to Bacteroidetes and 41% to Firmicutes. A similar distribution of operational taxonomic units was found in a published metagenome dataset involving a larger number of volunteers. Seven cultured isolates of human colonic bacteria that carried only the BG gene gave relatively low β‐glucuronidase activity that was not induced by 4‐nitrophenyl‐β‐D‐glucuronide. By comparison, in three of five isolates that possessed only the gus gene, β‐glucuronidase activity was induced.
Co‐evolution and symbiont replacement shaped the symbiosis between adelgids (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) and their bacterial symbionts
Authors: Toenshoff Elena R. , Gruber Daniela , Horn Matthias
Published: February 2012

The Adelgidae (Insecta: Hemiptera), a small group of insects, are known as severe pests on various conifers of the northern hemisphere. Despite of this, little is known about their bacteriocyte‐associated endosymbionts, which are generally important for the biology and ecology of plant sap‐sucking insects. Here, we investigated the adelgid species complexes Adelges laricis/tardus, Adelges abietis/viridis and Adelges cooleyi/coweni, identified based on their coI and ef1alpha genes. Each of these insect groups harboured two phylogenetically different bacteriocyte‐associated symbionts belonging to the Betaproteobacteria and the Gammaproteobacteria, respectively, as inferred from phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences and demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The betaproteobacterial symbionts of all three adelgid complexes (‘Candidatus Vallotia tarda’, ‘Candidatus Vallotia virida’ and ‘Candidatus Vallotia cooleyia’) share a common ancestor and show a phylogeny congruent with that of their respective hosts. Similarly, there is evidence for co‐evolution between the gammaproteobacterial symbionts (‘Candidatus Profftia tarda’, ‘Candidatus Profftia virida’) and A. laricis/tardus and A. abietis/viridis. In contrast, the gammaproteobacterial symbiont of A. cooleyi/coweni (‘Candidatus Gillettellia cooleyia’) is different from that of the other two adelgids but shows a moderate relationship to the symbiont ‘Candidatus Ecksteinia adelgidicola’ of A. nordmannianae/piceae. All symbionts were present in all adelgid populations and life stages analysed, suggesting vertical transmission from mother to offspring. In sharp contrast to their sister group, the aphids, adelgids do not consistently contain a single obligate (primary) symbiont but have acquired phylogenetically different bacterial symbionts during their evolution, which included multiple infections and symbiont replacement.
Metatranscriptomics of the marine sponge Geodia barretti: tackling phylogeny and function of its microbial community
Authors: Radax Regina , Rattei Thomas , Lanzen Anders , Bayer Christoph , Rapp Hans Tore , Urich Tim , Schleper Christa
Published: February 2012

Geodia barretti is a marine cold‐water sponge harbouring high numbers of microorganisms. Significant rates of nitrification have been observed in this sponge, indicating a substantial contribution to nitrogen turnover in marine environments with high sponge cover. In order to get closer insights into the phylogeny and function of the active microbial community and the interaction with its host G. barretti, a metatranscriptomic approach was employed, using the simultaneous analysis of rRNA and mRNA. Of the 262 298 RNA‐tags obtained by pyrosequencing, 92% were assigned to ribosomal RNA (ribo‐tags). A total of 109 325 SSU rRNA ribo‐tags revealed a detailed picture of the community, dominated by group SAR202 of Chloroflexi, candidate phylum Poribacteria and Acidobacteria, which was different in its composition from that obtained in clone libraries prepared form the same samples. Optimized assembly strategies allowed the reconstruction of full‐length rRNA sequences from the short ribo‐tags for more detailed phylogenetic studies of the dominant taxa. Cells of several phyla were visualized by FISH analyses for confirmation. Of the remaining 21 325 RNA‐tags, 10 023 were assigned to mRNA‐tags, based on similarities to genes in the databases. A wide range of putative functional gene transcripts from over 10 different phyla were identified among the bacterial mRNA‐tags. The most abundant mRNAs were those encoding key metabolic enzymes of nitrification from ammonia‐oxidizing archaea as well as candidate genes involved in related processes. Our analysis demonstrates the potential and limits of using a combined rRNA and mRNA approach to explore the microbial community profile, phylogenetic assignments and metabolic activities of a complex, but little explored microbial community.