bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of alloreactive T cells measured before renal transplantation
Authors: van de Berg P J E J , Yong S L , Koch S D , Lardy N , van Donselaar-van der Pant K A M I , Florquin S , Bemelman F J , van Lier R A W , ten Berge I J M
Published: December 2011

Several assays to measure pre-existing allospecific T cell immunity in renal transplant candidates have been developed in the past years. In 46 patients, we used flow cytometry-based mixed lymphocyte culture to measure the precursor frequency and phenotype of alloreactive T cells before renal transplantation, using donor-specific or third-party cells for allostimulation. Allostimulation induced up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules, chemokine receptors relevant for migration of T cells into the graft and effector proteins. Recipients prone for acute rejection had a higher precursor frequency of alloreactive CD8+ T cells and a lower percentage of interleukin (IL)-7Rα expressing alloreactive CD8+ T cells than non-rejectors. These data point to quantitative and qualitative differences between T cells of patients who will experience acute cellular rejection episodes from those who will not.
Bacterial infections in cirrhosis: role of proton pump inhibitors and intestinal permeability
Authors: van Vlerken Lotte G. , Huisman Ellen J. , van Hoek Bart , Renooij Willem , de Rooij Felix W. M. , Siersema Peter D. , van Erpecum Karel J.
Published: December 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (7): 760–767

Background  Cirrhotic patients are at considerable risk for bacterial infections, possibly through increased intestinal permeability and bacterial overgrowth. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase infection risk. We aimed to explore the potential association between PPI use and bacterial infection risk in cirrhotic patients and potential underlying mechanisms in complementary patient and animal models.

Materials and methods  Bacterial overgrowth was determined in jejunum of 30 rats randomly allocated to 6‐week PPI treatment, gastrectomy or no treatment. In 84 consecutive cirrhotic patients, bacterial infection risk was prospectively assessed and related to PPI use. Intestinal permeability was determined by polyethylene glycol (PEG) test in nine healthy individuals and 12 cirrhotic patients.

Results  Bacterial overgrowth was much more common in jejunum of rats treated with PPI or gastrectomy compared with nontreated rats. Twenty‐four patients (29%) developed a bacterial infection during a median follow‐up of 28 months. Although PPI users tended to experience infection more often than patients without PPI therapy, PPI use was not an independent predictor of bacterial infection (HR 1·2, 95% CI 0·5–3·0, P = 0·72), after correction for Child‐Pugh class (HR 3·6, 95% CI 1·5–8·7, P = 0·004) and age (HR 1·05, 95%CI 1·01–1·09, P = 0·02). In cirrhotic patients, 24‐h urinary recovery of PEGs 1500 and 3350 was significantly higher compared with healthy controls.

Conclusions  Although in our animal model PPIs induced intestinal overgrowth, stage of liver disease rather than PPI use was the predominant factor determining infection risk in cirrhotic patients. Increased intestinal permeability may be a factor contributing to infection risk.
Localized expression of human BMP‐7 by BM‐MSCs enhances renal repair in an in vivo model of ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhen‐Qiang Fang , Bing‐Wei Ye , Yong‐Liang Liu , Xiang‐Wei Wang , Shan‐Hong Yi , Yuan‐Ning Zhang , Wei‐Sheng Jia , Wei Chen , Ye Gang
Published: December 2011

Ischemia and subsequent reperfusion (I/R) damage kidney tubular cells and consequently impair renal function. Rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) expressing human bone morphogenic protein‐7 (hBMP‐7) regenerated tubular cells and improved renal function in a kidney I/R model. Rabbits were injected immediately after I/R with one of the following: (i) hBMP‐7‐transduced BM‐MSCs (BM‐MSCshBMP‐7); (ii) enhanced green fluorescent protein–transduced BM‐MSCs (BM‐MSCsEGFP); or (iii) PBS. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was higher, and the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower in the BM‐MSCshBMP‐7 group than in the BM‐MSCsEGFP group. Both the BM‐MSCshBMP‐7 group and the BM‐MSCsEGFP group had higher SOD activity and lower amounts of MDA than the PBS group. Bcl‐2‐ and Bcl‐2‐associated X protein levels, and other variables, indicated the regeneration of the kidney in both experimental groups. However, the BM‐MSCs hBMP‐7 group showed higher activity than the BM‐MSCsEGFP group, indicating that the combined strategy of BM‐MSC transplantation with hBMP‐7 gene therapy could be a useful approach for the treatment of renal IRI.
Expression pattern of a ‘Plus‐C’ class odorant binding protein in the antenna of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Schultze A. , Schymura D. , Forstner M. , Krieger J.
Published: December 2011

In the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae (Ag), olfaction plays a crucial role in various behaviours, most strikingly in the seeking of females after a blood meal. The first step of odorant recognition in antennal sensilla involves soluble odorant binding proteins (OBPs), which transfer odorous compounds to olfactory receptors (ORs) in the dendritic membrane of sensory neurons. A particular OBP subtype of the ‘Plus‐C’ class, called AgOBP48, is abundantly transcribed in female antennae and partially down‐regulated after a blood meal, suggesting a possible role in host detection. In the present study, we have identified the AgOBP48‐expressing cells, explored their antennal topography and determined their position relative to cells that express the ‘classic’ AgOBP1, the AgOR co‐receptor (AgOrco) and the receptor AgOR1. By means of two‐colour whole‐mount fluorescence in situ hybridization it was found that AgOBP48 was expressed in cells, which are closely associated with AgOrco‐expressing sensory neurons. Furthermore, AgOBP48 was not expressed in the same cells as AgOBP1, but subpopulations of AgOBP48‐ and of AgOBP1‐expressing cells were found closely associated and adjacent to sensory neurons expressing AgOR1. Together, the results indicate that cells that express either AgOBP48, AgOBP1 or AgOR1 are housed together in distinct olfactory sensilla and that an interplay of the proteins may contribute to the specific responsiveness of the sensillum to distinct odorants.
Novel and conventional assays in determining abundance of Streptococcus mutans in saliva
Authors: GAO XIAO‐LI , SENEVIRATNE CHAMINDA J. , LO EDWARD C.M. , CHU CHUN HUNG , SAMARANAYAKE LAKSHMAN P.
Published: December 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 363–368

Background.  Effective caries control and management requires identification of susceptible children for timely intervention. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is an important biomarker of caries risk.

Aim.  This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the validities of a novel immunoassay and a conventional culture‐based assay in detecting salivary S. mutans in a paediatric cohort.

Methods.  190 children aged 3–4 years were recruited. The abundance of S. mutans in their saliva samples was analysed with three assay systems viz. a conventional culture‐based assay (Dentocult SM), a novel immunoassay system (Saliva‐Check MUTANS) based on monoclonal antibody technology and a Taqman real‐time PCR assay taken as a gold standard.

Results.  The novel immunoassay accurately differentiated saliva samples with high (≥5 × 105 CFU/mL) and low (<5 × 105 CFU/mL) S. mutans levels. The sensitivity/specificity was 97.6%/90.6%. The conventional culture‐based assay reached a reasonably high sensitivity/specificity (92.8%/81.3%) in identifying children with moderate (≥104 CFU/mL) S. mutans level. Its sensitivity/ specificity in selecting children with high (≥105 CFU/mL) and very high (>106 CFU/mL) S. mutans levels were not sufficient (78.7%/79.8% and 25.8%/91.8%, respectively).

Conclusion.  The monoclonal antibody‐based immunoassay accurately and rapidly determines S. mutans abundance in saliva and could be useful for chairside assessment of children’s caries risk.
The hospital environment for end of life care of older adults and their families: an integrative review
Authors: Brereton Louise , Gardiner Clare , Gott Merryn , Ingleton Christine , Barnes Sarah , Carroll Christopher
Published: December 2011

brereton l., gardiner c., gott m., ingleton c., barnes s. & carroll c. (2011) The hospital environment for end of life care of older adults and their families: an integrative review. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(5), 981–993.

Aim.  This article is a report of an integrative review to identify key elements of the physical hospital environment for end of life care of older adults and their families as reported by patients, relatives, staff and policy makers.

Background.  Globally ageing populations and increases in long‐term illness mean that more people will need palliative care in the future. Despite policy initiatives to increase end of life care in the community, many older adults prefer, and will require, end of life care in hospital. Providing an appropriate physical environment for older adults requiring end of life care is important given concerns about hospital environments for this group.

Data sources.  Thirteen databases from 1966 to 2010 were searched including ASSIA, BNI, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Social Science Citation Index, the Science Citation Index, HMIC and the National Research Register. Reference and citation tracking was performed on included publications.

Review methods.  An integrative review was conducted. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts for inclusion and completed data extraction. Study quality is not reported as this poses methodological difficulties in integrative reviews. Data synthesis involved thematic analysis informed by the findings of included literature.

Results.  Ten articles were included. Four themes were identified: privacy as needed; proximity (physically and emotionally) to loved ones, home and nature; satisfaction with the physical environment; and deficiencies in physical environment.

Conclusion.  Little evidence exists about physical hospital environments for end of life care of older adults and their families. More research is required in this field.
What to know and how to get to know? A fieldwork study outlining the understanding of knowing the patient in facilities for short‐term stay
Authors: Bundgaard Karin , Nielsen Karl Brian , Delmar Charlotte , Sørensen Erik Elgaard
Published: December 2011

bundgaard k., nielsen k.b., delmar c. & sørensen e.e. (2012) What to know and how to get to know? A fieldwork study outlining the understanding of knowing the patient in facilities for short‐term stay. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(10), 2280–2288.

Aim.  To report a descriptive study of nursing in facilities for short‐term stay aiming to outline what ‘knowing the patient’ means in an endoscopic outpatient clinic.

Background.  ‘Knowing the patient’ is indispensable to the effort of tailoring nursing to the individual patient’s needs. Structural changes in the practice environments, however, reduce the amount of time a nurse spends getting to know the patient. Despite recent years’ focus on the subject, no uniform description of ‘knowing the patient’ in facilities for short‐term stay exists.

Design.  A fieldwork study influenced by practical ethnographic principles was performed in a high‐technology endoscopic outpatient clinic during 2008 – 2010.

Methods.  Data were collected using participant observation for 12 weeks and semi‐structured interviews with eight patients and four nurses.

Findings.  Findings were summarized into two categories ‘What to know?’ and ‘How to get to know?’ The former concerned practical issues in relation to gastroscopy and was described in terms of the patient’s level of anxiety, wish for medication and previous experiences. The latter ‘How to get to know?’ concerned instruments employed in getting to know the patient and was described in terms of the use of communication and sensing.

Conclusions.  ‘Knowing the patient’ in the endoscopic outpatient clinic was understood in a very practical sense. Conversation and the use of the eyes and physical touch enabled a situational awareness. It helped tailor nursing to the patient’s needs and allowed the nurse to treat every patient as a unique individual.
Prescription and transcription errors in multidose‐dispensed medications on discharge from hospital: an observational and interventional study
Authors: Alassaad Anna , Gillespie Ulrika , Bertilsson Maria , Melhus Håkan , Hammarlund‐Udenaes Margareta
Published: December 2011

Background  Medication errors frequently occur when patients are transferred between health care settings. The main objective of this study was to investigate the frequency, type and severity of prescribing and transcribing errors for drugs dispensed in multidose plastic packs when patients are discharged from the hospital. The secondary objective was to correct identified errors and suggest measures to promote safe prescribing.

Methods  The drugs on the patients' multidose drug dispensing (MDD) order sheets and the medication administration records were reconciled prior to the MDD orders being sent to the pharmacy for dispensing. Discrepancies were recorded and the prescribing physician was notified and given the opportunity to change the order. Discrepancies categorized as unintentional and related to the discharge process were subject to further analysis.

Results  Seventy‐two (25%) of the 290 reviewed MDD orders had at least one discharge error. In total, 120 discharge errors were identified, of which 49 (41%) were assessed as being of moderate and three (3%) of major severity. Orders with a higher number of medications and orders from the orthopaedic wards had a significantly higher error rate.

Conclusion  The main purpose of the MDD system is to increase patient safety by reducing medication errors. However, this study shows that prescribing and transcribing errors frequently occur when patients are hospitalized. Because the population enrolled in the MDD system is an elderly, physically vulnerable group with a high number of prescribed drugs, preventive measures to ensure safe prescribing of MDD drugs are warranted.
Short and long sleep duration are associated with prevalent cardiovascular disease in Australian adults
Authors: MAGEE CHRISTOPHER A. , KRITHARIDES LEONARD , ATTIA JOHN , MCELDUFF PATRICK , BANKS EMILY
Published: December 2011

A growing number of studies from a range of different countries have observed an association between sleep duration and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this paper was to examine the associations between sleep duration and prevalent cardiovascular disease in a large sample of Australian adults, and identify the sociodemographic and health‐related factors moderating these associations. Participants included 218 155 Australian adults aged 45 years and over. The results indicated that 6 h versus 7 h sleep was associated with increased odds of heart disease [odds ratio (OR) = 1.11 (1.06–1.17)], diabetes [OR = 1.15 (1.09–1.22)], stroke [OR = 1.25 (1.14–1.38)] and high blood pressure [OR = 1.08 (1.04–1.11)]. Long sleep (≥9 h sleep) was also related to elevated odds of heart disease [OR = 1.14 (1.09–1.19)], diabetes [OR = 1.25 (1.19–1.31)], stroke [OR = 1.50 (1.38–1.62)] and high blood pressure [OR = 1.04 (1.01–1.08)] compared to 7 h sleep. Some of these relationships varied by age, and were not evident in adults aged 75 years and over. The magnitude of some associations varied significantly by body mass index, smoking and physical activity. These findings provide further insight into the nature of the relationship between sleep and cardiovascular health.
Sociogenetic structure, kin associations and bonding in delphinids
Authors: MÖLLER LUCIANA M.
Published: December 2011

Social systems are the outcomes of natural and sexual selection on individuals’ efforts to maximize reproductive success. Ecological conditions, life history, demography traits and social aspects have been recognized as important factors shaping social systems. Delphinids show a wide range of social structures and large variation in life history traits and inhabit several aquatic environments. They are therefore an excellent group in which to investigate the interplay of ecological and intrinsic factors on the evolution of mammalian social systems in these environments. Here I synthetize results from genetic studies on dispersal patterns, genetic relatedness, kin associations and mating patterns and combine with ecological, life history and phylogenetic data to predict the formation of kin associations and bonding in these animals. I show that environment type impacts upon dispersal tendencies, with small delphinids generally exhibiting female‐biased philopatry in inshore waters and bisexual dispersal in coastal and pelagic waters. When female philopatry occurs, they develop moderate social bonds with related females. Male bonding occurs in species with small male‐biased sexual size dimorphism and male‐biased operational sex ratio, and it is independent of dispersal tendencies. By contrast, large delphinids, which live in coastal and pelagic waters, show bisexual philopatry and live in matrilineal societies. I propose that sexual conflict favoured the formation of these stable societies and in turn facilitated the development of kin‐biased behaviours. Studies on populations of the same species inhabiting disparate environments, and of less related species living in similar habitats, would contribute towards a comprehensive framework for the evolution of delphinid social systems.
Phylogeography of the catfish Hatcheria macraei reveals a negligible role of drainage divides in structuring populations
Authors: UNMACK PETER J. , BARRIGA JUAN P. , BATTINI MIGUEL A. , HABIT EVELYN M. , JOHNSON JERALD B.
Published: December 2011

Southern South America provides a set of unusual geographic features that make it particularly interesting for studying phylogeography. The Andes Mountains run along a north‐to‐south axis and act as a barrier to gene flow for much of the biota of this region, with southern portions experiencing extensive historical glaciation. Geological data reveal a series of drainage reversals, shifting from Pacific Ocean outlets to Atlantic Ocean outlets because of glacier formation that dammed and reversed rivers. Once glaciers melted around 13 000 years ago, drainages returned to the Pacific Ocean. This geologic history predicts that aquatic organisms in Pacific rivers should have their closest relationships to their counterparts in Atlantic rivers immediately to their east. We tested this prediction in the trichomycterid catfish Hatcheria macraei from 38 locations using the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Our results show that most populations found in Pacific rivers were closely related to fish found in the adjacent Atlantic draining Río Chubut. Surprisingly, one documented drainage reversal (from Río Deseado into Río Baker) did not result in movement of H. macraei. Overall, we found the lowest levels of genetic structure between most Pacific rivers that are adjacent to the Atlantic draining Río Chubut. We also found low levels of population structuring among three of four contemporary river basins that drain to the Atlantic Ocean. Our findings suggest that drainage basin boundaries have historically not played an important long‐term role in structuring between nine of 11 drainages, an unusual finding in freshwater biogeography.
Gynodioecy in structured populations: understanding fine‐scale sex ratio variation in Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima
Authors: DE CAUWER I. , DUFAY M. , HORNOY B. , COURSEAUX A. , ARNAUD J.‐F.
Published: December 2011

Natural selection, random processes and gene flow are known to generate sex ratio variations among sexually polymorphic plant populations. In gynodioecious species, in which hermaphrodites and females coexist, the relative effect of these processes on the maintenance of sex polymorphism is still up for debate. The aim of this study was to document sex ratio and cytonuclear genetic variation at a very local scale in wind‐pollinated gynodioecious Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima and attempt to elucidate which processes explained the observed variation. The study sites were characterized by geographically distinct patches of individuals and appeared to be dynamic entities, with recurrent establishment of distinct haplotypes through independent founder events. Along with substantial variation in sex ratio and unexpectedly low gene flow within study sites, our results showed a high genetic differentiation among a mosaic of genetically distinct demes, with isolation by distance or abrupt genetic discontinuities taking place within a few tens of metres. Overall, random founder events with restricted gene flow could be primary determinants of sex structure, by promoting the clumping of sex‐determining genes. Such high levels of sex structure provide a landscape for differential selection acting on sex‐determining genes, which could modify the conditions of maintenance of gynodioecy in structured populations.
Minimal increase in genetic diversity enhances predation resistance
Authors: KOH KAI S. , MATZ CARSTEN , TAN CHUAN H. , LE HOANG L. , RICE SCOTT A. , MARSHALL DUSTIN J. , STEINBERG PETER D. , KJELLEBERG STAFFAN
Published: December 2011

The importance of species diversity to emergent, ecological properties of communities is increasingly appreciated, but the importance of within‐species genetic diversity for analogous emergent properties of populations is only just becoming apparent. Here, the properties and effects of genetic variation on predation resistance in populations were assessed and the molecular mechanism underlying these emergent effects was investigated. Using biofilms of the ubiquitous bacterium Serratia marcescens, we tested the importance of genetic diversity in defending biofilms against protozoan grazing, a main source of mortality for bacteria in all natural ecosystems. S. marcescens biofilms established from wild‐type cells produce heritable, stable variants, which when experimentally combined, persist as a diverse assemblage and are significantly more resistant to grazing than either wild type or variant biofilms grown in monoculture. This diversity effect is biofilm‐specific, a result of either facilitation or resource partitioning among variants, with equivalent experiments using planktonic cultures and grazers resulting in dominance by a single resistant strain. The variants studied are all the result of single nucleotide polymorphisms in one regulatory gene suggesting that the benefits of genetic diversity in clonal biofilms can occur through remarkably minimal genetic change. The findings presented here provide a new insight on the integration of genetics and population ecology, in which diversity arising through minimal changes in genotype can have major ecological implications for natural populations.
Genome‐wide selection for increased copy number in Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1: locus and context‐dependent variation in gene amplification
Authors: Seaton Sarah C. , Elliott Kathryn T. , Cuff Laura E. , Laniohan Nicole S. , Patel Poonam R. , Neidle Ellen L.
Published: December 2011

Renewed interest in gene amplification stems from its importance in evolution and a variety of medical problems ranging from drug resistance to cancer. However, amplified DNA segments (amplicons) are not fully characterized in any organism. Here we report a novel Acinetobacter baylyi system for genome‐wide studies. Amplification mutants that consume aromatic compounds were selected under conditions requiring high‐level expression from three promoters in a linked set of chromosomal genes. Tools were developed to relocate these catabolic genes to any non‐essential chromosomal position, and 49 amplification mutants from five genomic contexts were characterized. Amplicon size (18–271 kb) and copy number (2–105) indicated that 30% of mutants carried more than 1 Mb of amplified DNA. Amplification features depended on genomic position. For example, amplicons from one locus were similarly sized but displayed variable copy number, whereas those from another locus were differently sized but had comparable copy number. Additionally, the importance of sequence context was highlighted in one region where amplicons differed depending on the presence of a promoter mutation in the strain from which they were selected. DNA sequences at amplicon boundaries in 19 mutants reflected illegitimate recombination. Furthermore, steady‐state duplication frequencies measured under non‐selective conditions (10−4 to 10−5) confirmed that spontaneous gene duplication is a major source of genetic variation.
Expression and tissue‐specific localization of nitrate‐responsive miRNAs in roots of maize seedlings
Authors: TREVISAN SARA , NONIS ALBERTO , BEGHELDO MAURA , MANOLI ALESSANDRO , PALME KLAUS , CAPORALE GIOVANNI , RUPERTI BENEDETTO , QUAGGIOTTI SILVIA
Published: December 2011

Nitrogen availability seriously affects crop productivity and environment. The knowledge of post‐transcriptional regulation of plant response to nutrients is important to improve nitrogen use efficiency of crop. This research was aimed at understanding the role of miRNAs in the molecular control of plant response to nitrate. The expression profiles of six mature miRNAs were deeply studied by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization (ISH). To this aim, a novel optimized protocol was set up for the use of digoxygenin‐labelled Zip Nucleic Acid‐modified oligonucleotides as probes for ISH. Significant differences in miRNAs' transcripts accumulation were evidenced between nitrate‐supplied and nitrate‐depleted roots. Real‐time PCR analyses and in situ detection of miRNA confirmed the array data and allowed us to evidence distinct miRNAs spatio‐temporal expression patterns in maize roots. Our results suggest that a prolonged nitrate depletion may induce post‐transcriptionally the expression of target genes by repressing the transcription of specific miRNAs. In particular, the repression of the transcription of miR528a/b, miR528a*/b*, miR169i/j/k, miR169i*/j*/k*, miR166j/k/n and miR408/b upon nitrate shortage could represent a crucial step integrating nitrate signals into developmental changes in maize roots.
Compliance of deferoxamine injection in beta‐thalassaemia major patients in Iran
Authors: Rashid M. , Karimi M.
Published: December 2011

Aim/Objective: Iran is located on the Mediterranean belt and has high prevalence of thalassaemia. Deferoxamine therapy requires burdensome hours of daily infusion several times a week.

Methods: We studied 510 thalassaemia major patients referring to thalassaemia tertiary care centre for compliance of deferoxamine and also assessed various reasons for non‐compliance. A questionnaire was developed.

Results: Our study showed that 418 (82%) subjects were adherent to deferoxamine therapy. Females were more adherent to the chelation therapy. Among patients whose age was ≤12 years, 90·4% showed drug compliance compared with 80·3% in patients aged >12 years (P = 0·03). The most frequently reported reason for poor compliance was pain (38%).

Conclusion: High percentage of patients had adherence to iron chelation, which is in contrast to previous studies. This may be attributed to the vigorous efforts of governmental and non‐governmental organisations in educating patients and provision of free drug and equipment in the past few years. The results were satisfying but still more is to be done to increase drug adherence and to minimise reasons causing poor compliance.
Sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine resistance and intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy: a retrospective analysis of birth weight data in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Authors: Likwela Joris L. , D’Alessandro Umberto , Lokwa Bernard L. , Meuris Sylvain , Dramaix Michele W.
Published: December 2011

Objective  To assess the effect of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (IPTp‐SP) on birth weight in sites with varying degrees of drug resistance.

Methods  Birth weight data from three regions in Democratic Republic of Congo with varying degrees of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) resistance (1.6% in Mikalayi, 21.7% in Kisangani and 60.6% in Rutshuru) were analysed retrospectively by means of a logistic model that included the number of SP doses taken by the mother and other potentials confounding factors.

Results  The IPTp‐SP reduced the risk of low birth weight (LBW) in Kisangani (adjusted OR, 0.15; IC95%, 0.05–0.46) and in Mikalayi (adjusted OR, 0.12; IC95%, 0.01–0.89). In both sites, the average birth weight was higher for mothers having received two rather than one or no SP doses (P < 0.001). In Rutshuru, IPTp‐SP had an effect in primigravidae but not in multigravidae. However, after adjustment for other LBW risk factors, there was no difference in the proportion of LBW (adjusted OR 0.92; IC95%, 0.37–2.25) between women having taken at least 2 SP doses and those with only one dose or none.

Conclusion  IPT‐SP remains an effective strategy in Kisangani and Mikalayi where the therapeutic failure to SP in children with clinical malaria was 21.7% and 1.6%, respectively, while IPTp‐SP effect seems lower in Rutshuru where the therapeutic failure to SP was 60.6%. The threshold value of SP resistance at which IPTp‐SP fails to have a significant impact on birth weight and LBW is unknown. Considering that no alternative is currently available, additional studies on the efficacy of IPTp‐SP in the areas of high SP resistance such as Rutshuru are needed so that the threshold at which this intervention fails to provide any benefit is determined with some precision.
Association of TLR polymorphisms with development of tuberculosis in Indonesian females
Authors: Kobayashi K. , Yuliwulandari R. , Yanai H. , Naka I. , Lien L. T. , Hang N. T. L. , Hijikata M. , Keicho N. , Tokunaga K.
Published: December 2011

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many candidate genes have been investigated for a possible association with TB. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are known to play important roles in human innate immune systems. Polymorphisms in and functions of TLRs have been investigated to identify associations with specific infectious diseases, including TB. Here, we examined whether single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLRs and genes in TLR signaling were associated with TB susceptibility in Indonesian and Vietnamese populations. A statistically significant association was observed between TB susceptibility in a classified Indonesian female group and rs352139, an SNP located in the intron of TLR9, using the genotype (P = 2.76E‐04) and recessive (AA vs AG+GG, P = 2.48E‐04, odds ratio = 1.827, 95% confidence interval = 1.321–2.526) models. Meta‐analysis of the Indonesian and Vietnamese populations showed that rs352139 was significantly associated with TB in the recessive model. This finding indicated that a TLR9 polymorphism might have an important role in the susceptibility to M. tuberculosis in Asian populations.
Dengue virus infection in renal allograft recipients: a case series during 2010 outbreak
Authors: Prasad N. , Bhadauria D. , Sharma R.K. , Gupta A. , Kaul A. , Srivastava A.
Published: December 2011

Dengue virus infection is an emerging global threat caused by Arbovirus, a virus from Flaviridiae family, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Renal transplant recipients who live in the endemic zones of dengue infection or who travel to an endemic zone could be at risk of this infection. Despite multiple epidemics and a high case fatality rate in the Southeast Asian region, only a few cases of dengue infection in renal transplant recipients have been reported. Here, we report a case series of 8 dengue viral infection in renal transplant recipients. Of the 8 patients, 3 developed dengue hemorrhagic shock syndrome and died.
Chronic hepatitis E in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients in a low‐endemic country?
Authors: Koenecke C. , Pischke S. , Heim A. , Raggub L. , Bremer B. , Raupach R. , Buchholz S. , Schulz T. , Manns M.P. , Ganser A. , Wedemeyer H.
Published: December 2011

Cases of chronic hepatitis E have been described in patients after kidney and liver transplantation. In addition, hepatitis E virus (HEV) reactivation was reported after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We here evaluated if HEV infection might explain elevated liver enzymes in a well selected cohort of allogeneic HSCT patients with biochemical evidence of hepatitis (n = 52). Of note, none of the subjects tested positive for HEV RNA, including 2 HSCT patients who had been infected with HEV already before transplantation. Thus, both chronic courses of HEV infections and HEV reactivations seem to be rather rare events in HSCT patients in a non‐endemic country.
Phytophthora citrophthora, a new pathogen causing decline on horse chestnut in Turkey
Authors: Akıllı S. , Ulubas Serçe Ç. , Katırcıoğlu Y. , Maden S.
Published: December 2011

Dieback symptoms were observed on horse chestnut trees planted approximately 40 years ago in Ankara, Turkey. Lesions at the stem bases of the affected trees were similar to those of ink disease on sweet chestnut. A Phytophthora sp. was isolated from the fine roots and soil samples collected around the stem bases by baiting using chestnut leaves. The pathogen was identified as Phytophthora citrophthora based on several morphological features and DNA sequences of the ITS region. Pathogenicity of P. citrophthora was tested by stem inoculation on 3‐year‐old horse chestnut saplings. P. citrophthora produced large cankers in 20 days and killed 40% of the saplings. This is the first report of P. citrophthora causing dieback on horse chestnut.
Arthropod abundance in tall fescue, Lolium arundinaceum, pastures containing novel ‘safe’ endophytes
Authors: Keathley C. P. , Potter D. A.
Published: December 2011

Poor livestock performance on tall fescue is linked to infection by a fungal endophyte that enhances grass resistance to stress, including herbivory, while producing ergot alkaloids toxic to vertebrate grazers. Novel ‘safe’ endophyte/grass associations produce no ergot alkaloids yet retain stand persistence, but they could be more susceptible to insect outbreaks. We tested the hypothesis that grass‐feeding insects are more abundant in novel endophyte pastures compared with those containing common endophyte. Above‐ and below‐ground herbivores were sampled across two growing seasons in pastures containing common strain endophyte (KY31), novel endophytes (MaxQ or AR584) or endophyte free. We also sampled natural enemies as an indicator of possible tritrophic effects. With a few exceptions, numbers of predatory, chewing (grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars) or sucking insects (leafhoppers, planthoppers) were similar in common and novel endophyte pastures. Contrary to our hypothesis, Aphrodes spp. leafhoppers were more abundant in KY31 than other pasture types in 2008; their nymphs also were more abundant in KY31 than in MaxQ in 2009. Adults (but not total numbers or nymphs) of another leafhopper, Psammotettix striatus, were less abundant in KY31 than other pasture types in 2009. Popillia japonica and Cyclocephala spp. grubs did not differ in density, weight or instar among the endophyte‐containing associations. In feeding assays, armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta) survival was higher on MaxQ and NE9301, and weight gain was higher on NE9301, suggesting armyworm outbreaks could be more severe on such grasses, but that result may not be attributable solely to alkaloids because common strain and endophyte‐free grasses did not differ in either parameter. Caterpillar abundance did not differ among pasture types in the field. Our results suggest that re‐seeding common strain endophytic pastures with livestock‐safe novel endophyte/grass associations to alleviate fescue toxicosis is unlikely to promote markedly higher populations of plant‐feeding insects.
Similarities in pheromonal communication of flea beetles Phyllotreta cruciferae Goeze and Ph. vittula Redtenbacher (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Tóth M. , Csonka É. , Bartelt R. J. , Cossé A. A. , Zilkowski B. W.
Published: December 2011

Remarkable similarities have been found in the pheromonal communication of Phyllotreta vittula Redtenbacher and of Ph. cruciferae Goeze (European population) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). In previously published European field tests with Ph. cruciferae, only the major male‐produced sesquiterpene identified from North American Ph. cruciferae [compound A, (6R,7S)‐2,2,6,10‐tetramethylbicyclo[5.4.0]undeca‐1(11),9‐diene] was behaviourally active; unexpectedly, the European species Ph. vittula also responded in these tests and in the same way. In the present study, both the European population of Ph. cruciferae and Ph. vittula were shown to produce the same blend of compounds found in North American Ph. cruciferae and in similar proportions. Compound A is concluded to be a pheromone component for Ph. vittula as well as for Ph. cruciferae. In previously published tests with host compounds, Ph. vittula preferred 3‐butenyl isothiocyanate to allyl isothiocyante whereas the reverse was true for Ph. cruciferae. It was also learned earlier that compound A enhanced the response of both species toward allyl isothiocyanate. The present study further explored interactions between compound A and the two isothiocyanates. Thus, the highest catches of Ph. vittula were recorded in traps with the combination of racemic compound A with 3‐butenyl isothiocyanate, while highest Ph. cruciferae catches (and of Ph. nigripes Fabr.) were observed in traps with the combination of compound A with allyl isothiocyanate. Therefore, with the optimal combination of pheromonal and host‐derived stimuli, more specific communication channels may exist for the different Phyllotreta spp. Both Ph. cruciferae and Ph. vittula rank among the most important pest flea beetles in Europe.
Regulation of Growth Hormone Secretion in Nursing Ewes: An Involvement of μ‐Receptor Subtype
Authors: Górski K , Misztal T , Dobek E , Molik E , Romanowicz K
Published: December 2011

Contents

Suckling by newborns induces a surge of lactogenic hormones, that is prolactin and growth hormone (GH), in mother’s body, with endogenous opioid peptide (EOP) participating in generation of this surge. The aim of the current study was to investigate which types of opioid receptors are involved in generation of the GH surge in ewes during suckling. A series of intracerebroventricular infusions of opioid receptors antagonists: naloxone (for all types of receptors), naloxonazine (specific for μ receptor) and 5′‐guanidinonaltrindole (GNTI – specific for κ receptor) and the vehicle (control) were performed in nursing sheep during the fifth week of lactation. All infusions were carried out in a serial manner: five 30‐min infusions (60 μg/60 μl) from 10:00 to 15:00, at 30‐min intervals. The period of the experiment consisted of the non‐suckling (10:00–12:30) and suckling (12:30–15:00) periods. Simultaneously, blood samples were collected at 10‐min intervals to determine plasma GH concentration by radioimmunoassay. Suckling evoked a rapid increase in GH concentration in control ewes. Naloxone and naloxonazine significantly decreased both the basal GH release in the non‐suckling period and the suckling‐induced GH surge. Specifically, the suppressive effect concerned either the duration or the amplitude of the GH surge. In contrast, GNTI did not significantly affect the GH release. In conclusion, the EOPs may affect the regulatory process of GH secretion in lactating sheep, especially through μ opioid receptor.
Banteng and Bali Cattle in Indonesia: Status and Forecasts
Authors: Purwantara B , Noor RR , Andersson G , Rodriguez‐Martinez H
Published: December 2011

Contents

Bali cattle still represents 27% of the total cattle population in Indonesia, and it is considered the pillar breed for small farmers. Moreover, it is a breed of evolutionary importance regarding its direct ancestry from Banteng. However, there is a need for the establishment of a rational system for the evaluation of breeding soundness for indigenous Bali bulls to be used as sires for artificial insemination breeding programmes. Moreover, there is a need for cryobanking of well‐identified genetic resources pertaining their use in evolutionary research and application as essential germplasm in breeding programmes.
A Global Strategy of Using Molecular Genetic Information to Improve Genetics in Livestock
Authors: Margawati ET
Published: December 2011

Contents

Traditional breeding programmes have largely contributed to disseminate the benefits of several quantitative traits in livestock. In developing countries such as Indonesia where animal population scattered throughout the country, it is difficult to invest for molecular research. On the other side, yet, it is worthy asset for breeding purposes. Based on theory and evidence, it has been proved that those scattered population evolved different genetic adaptations in response to a given natural pressure selection. A global strategy can be applied to the use of molecular genetic information for identification of economically important value. The use of genetic markers or more effective of marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for desired important traits would be more valuable and useful and even more efficient in important trait selection of superior livestock. DNA marker technology would be very useful when applied for quantitative trait identification. Marker‐assisted selection can be used for enhancing conventional breeding and works best for the traits with low heritability such as in reproductive traits and disease resistance. Application of conventional breeding for lower heredity traits would not be efficient because of waiting longer for generation interval, expensive in measurements, more population and more employees needed. Study of quantitative trait loci mapping is early investment to improve genetic merit. It can be performed once but can be used for exploring many genetic traits with economically important values. An effective option is biotechnology application in livestock for the development of genetic varieties such as stress tolerance, growth and carcass traits. Application of biotechnology approaches will enable improvement in productivity, reduction in costs, enrichment of milk compositions and extension of shelf life products.
The Origin of Indonesian Cattle and Conservation Genetics of the Bali Cattle Breed
Authors: Mohamad K , Olsson M , Andersson G , Purwantara B , van Tol HTA , Rodriguez‐Martinez H , Colenbrander B , Lenstra JA
Published: December 2011

Contents

Both Bos indicus (zebu) and Bos javanicus (banteng) contribute to the Indonesian indigenous livestock, which is supposedly of a mixed species origin, not by direct breeding but by secondary cross‐breeding. Here, the analysis of mitochondrial, Y‐chromosomal and microsatellite DNA showed banteng introgression of 10–16% in Indonesian zebu breeds with East‐Javanese Madura and Galekan cattle having higher levels of autosomal banteng introgression (20–30%) and combine a zebu paternal lineage with a predominant (Madura) or even complete (Galekan) maternal banteng origin. Two Madura bulls carried taurine Y‐chromosomal haplotypes, presumably of French Limousin origin. There was no evidence for zebu introgression in five populations of the Bali cattle, a domestic form of the banteng.
A single centre melanoma thickness trend (1985–2009) in relation to skin areas accessible and non‐accessible to self‐inspection
Authors: Rubegni Pietro , Rossi Stefania , Nami Niccolò , Risulo Massimiliano , Biagioli Maurizio , Miracco Clelia , Fimiani Michele
Published: December 2011

Background/Objectives:  Melanoma has become a major public health problem worldwide and its incidence in individuals of Caucasian origin continues to rise. The objective was to determine historical changes in thickness, melanoma proportions and anatomical site of presentation over a 25‐year period in our Department.

Methods:  This was a historical retrospective study (January 1985 to December 2009). Only patients born and living in Italy were considered. The following parameters were evaluated: age, gender, year of diagnosis, site of primitive lesion (head, back, chest, anterior and posterior upper limbs, anterior and posterior lower limb, and acral sites) and Breslow thickness of the lesion.

Results:  In the 25‐year period, 993 cases of melanoma were diagnosed. The total number of cases per year tripled between 1985–1989 and 1995–1999 and more than doubled between 1995–1999 and 2005–2009. Our results also revealed that thicker melanomas were more frequent in elderly patients and on parts of the body that cannot be readily self‐inspected.

Conclusion:  The importance of observation of the posterior parts of the body is stressed, since not only did most melanomas arise in these sites but the diagnosis of lesions in these sites is often delayed.
Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis
Authors: Fernando Suran L
Published: December 2011

Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction and is caused by drugs in >90% of cases. It is rare, with an incidence of 1–5 patients per million per year. The clinical manifestations are characterised by fever and the rapid appearance of disseminated sterile pustules 3–5 days after the commencement of treatment. It is accompanied by marked neutrophilia. Mucous membranes are not typically involved. The drugs conferring the highest risk of AGEP according to the EuroSCAR study are aminopenicillins, pristinamycin, hydroxychloroquine, antibacterial sulphonamides, terbinafine and diltiazem. The pathogenesis of AGEP involves the initial influx of CD8 cytotoxic T‐cells resulting in the apoptosis of keratinocytes and formation of vesicles. Then CXCL‐8‐producing and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor‐producing CD4 cells enter the epidermis, resulting in neutrophil mediated inflammation and the formation of pustules. As a result, the histology reveals intraepidermal, usually subcorneal, pustules and an accompanying neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltrate. Epicutaneous patch testing may also support the diagnosis by causing a localised pustular reaction 48–96 h after the offending drug is applied. The condition usually resolves by 15 days after the causative drug is withdrawn but oral corticosteroid therapy may be necessary in some individuals. The mortality rate is up to 5% and mostly occurs in elderly people who have significant comorbidities.