bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The intention to switch health insurer and actual switching behaviour: are there differences between groups of people?
Authors: Hendriks Michelle , De Jong Judith D. , Van Den Brink‐Muinen Atie , Groenewegen Peter P.
Published: November 2009

Background  Several western countries have introduced managed competition in their health care system. In the Netherlands, a new health insurance law was introduced in January 2006 making it easier to switch health insurer each year.

Objective  The objective was to measure people’s intention to switch health insurer and actual switching behaviour. We also examined whether some groups were less inclined to switch health insurer and/or had more difficulty to exert their intention to switch.

Design  In October 2006, members of three Dutch panels indicated whether they intended to switch health insurer during that year’s open enrolment period. In the beginning of 2007, the same people were asked whether they indeed switched health insurer.

Results  Only 1% intended to switch health insurer. Women, older people, lower educated people, people who were insured for a longer period and people who reported a bad or moderate health were less inclined to switch health insurer. The amount of switching was higher among individuals who intended to switch (31%) than among individuals who did not know whether they would switch (7%) and individuals with no intention to switch (2%). Among those who intended to switch health insurer, women and people who reported a good health switched health insurer more often. The years of enrolment were also associated with actual switching behaviour.

Discussion and Conclusions  We might have to temper the optimistic expectations on enhanced choice. Future research should determine why people do not switch health insurer when they intend to and which barriers they experience.
The small airways and distal lung compartment in asthma and COPD: a time for reappraisal
Authors: Contoli M. , Bousquet J. , Fabbri L. M. , Magnussen H. , Rabe K. F. , Siafakas N. M. , Hamid Q. , Kraft M.
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Contoli M, Bousquet J, Fabbri LM, Magnussen H, Rabe KF, Siafakas NM, Hamid Q, Kraft M. The small airways and distal lung compartment in asthma and COPD: a time for reappraisal. Allergy 2010; 65: 141–151.

The involvement of small airways in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been debated for a long time. However, a proper definition of small airway disease is still lacking, and neither a widely accepted biomarker nor a functional parameter to assess small airway abnormalities and to explore the effect of tested compounds on small airways is available. Aiming towards increased knowledge and consensus on this topic, this perspective paper intends to (i) strengthen awareness among the scientific community on the role of small airways in asthma and COPD; (ii) examine the pros and cons of some biological, functional and imaging parameters in the assessment of small airway abnormalities; and (iii) discuss the evidence for distal airway pharmacological targeting in asthma and COPD.
The allergy‐protective properties of Acinetobacter lwoffii F78 are imparted by its lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Debarry J. , Hanuszkiewicz A. , Stein K. , Holst O. , Heine H.
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Debarry J, Hanuszkiewicz A, Stein K, Holst O, Heine H. The allergy‐protective properties of Acinetobacter lwoffii F78 are imparted by its lipopolysaccharide. Allergy 2010; 65: 690–697.

Background:  An increasing number of epidemiological studies show that exposure to farming environment during early childhood strongly influences the development of allergic reactions later in life (‘hygiene hypothesis’). Also, it had been shown that certain bacteria from this environment may have allergy‐protective properties. In the present study, we further characterized one of these bacteria, namely Acinetobacter lwoffii F78, with regard to the bacteria‐induced signaling and possible mechanisms of allergy protection.

Methods:  The impact of A. lwoffii F78 on human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells especially with respect to their THelper cell polarization capacity was investigated by ELISA and real‐time PCR experiments as well as confocal microscopy. The responsible molecule for these effects was further characterized and identified using blocking experiments.

Results:  It was shown that A. lwoffii F78 induced a TH1‐polarizing program in human dendritic cells which led to TH1 differentiation. In addition, a positive influence on the TBet/GATA3 level could be detected. Blocking experiments revealed that the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of A. lwoffii F78 was the responsible molecule promoting these effects.

Conclusion:  We found evidence that the allergy‐protecting effects of A. lwoffii F78 are because of the activation of a TH1‐polarizing program in human dendritic cells, and that the LPS of A. lwoffii F78 is responsible for these beneficial effects.
Protective role of palmitoylethanolamide in contact allergic dermatitis
Authors: Petrosino S. , Cristino L. , Karsak M. , Gaffal E. , Ueda N. , Tüting T. , Bisogno T. , De Filippis D. , D’Amico A. , Saturnino C. , Orlando P. , Zimmer A. , Iuvone T. , Di Marzo V.
Published: November 2009

To cite this article:Petrosino S, Cristino L, Karsak M, Gaffal E, Ueda N, Tüting T, Bisogno T, De Filippis D, D’Amico A, Saturnino C, Orlando P, Zimmer A, Iuvone T, Di Marzo V. Protective role of palmitoylethanolamide in contact allergic dermatitis.Allergy2010;65: 698–711.

Background: Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an anti‐inflammatory mediator that enhances the activation by anandamide (AEA) of cannabinoid receptors and transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐1 (TRPV1) channels, and directly activates peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α). In mice, 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)‐induced contact allergic dermatitis (CAD) in inflamed ears is partly mediated by the chemokine Monocyte Chemotactic Protein‐2 (MCP‐2) and accompanied by elevation of AEA levels. No datum is available on PEA regulation and role in CAD.

Objective: We examined whether PEA is produced during DNFB‐induced CAD, and if it has any direct protective action in keratinocytesin vitro.

Methods: Eight‐ to ten‐week‐old female C57BL/6J wild‐type and CB1/CB2double knock‐out mice were used to measure PEA levels and the expression of TRPV1, PPAR‐α receptors and enzymes responsible for PEA biosynthesis and degradation. Human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells were stimulated with polyinosinic polycytidylic acid [poly‐(I:C)], and the expression and release of MCP‐2 were measured in the presence of PEA and antagonists of its proposed receptors.

Results: 2,4‐Dinitrofluorobenzene increased ear skin PEA levels and up‐regulated TRPV1, PPAR‐α and a PEA‐biosynthesizing enzyme in ear keratinocytes. In HaCaT cells, stimulation with poly‐(I:C) elevated the levels of both PEA and AEA, and exogenous PEA (10 μM) inhibited poly‐(I:C)‐induced expression and release of MCP‐2 in a way reversed by antagonism at TRPV1, but not PPAR‐α. PEA (5–10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) also inhibited DNFB‐induced ear inflammation in micein vivo, in a way attenuated by TRPV1 antagonism.

Conclusions: We suggest that PEA is an endogenous protective agent against DNFB‐induced keratinocyte inflammation and could be considered for therapeutic use against CAD.
SMARCB1/INI1 maternal germ line mosaicism in schwannomatosis
Authors: Hulsebos TJM , Kenter SB , Jakobs ME , Baas F , Chong B , Delatycki MB
Published: November 2009

Hulsebos TJM, Kenter SB, Jakobs ME, Baas F, Chong B and Delatycki MB. SMARCB1/INI1 maternal germ line mosaicism in schwannomatosis.

Schwannomatosis is characterized by the development of multiple schwannomas of the nervous system, but without the occurrence of vestibular schwannomas. Most cases of schwannomatosis are thought to be sporadic, representing the first case in a family due to a new mutation in the causative gene. We recently identified SMARCB1/INI1 as a schwannomatosis‐predisposing gene. Here, we analyzed this gene in a schwannomatosis family with two affected children, but with clinically unaffected parents. Both affected individuals carried a constitutional SMARCB1 mutation, c.1118+ 1G>A, that changes the donor splice site sequence of intron 8, causing skipping of exon 8 and resulting in the in‐frame deletion of 132 nucleotides in the transcript. The mutation was not evident in constitutional DNA of the parents. Haplotyping revealed that the chromosome 22 segment that carries the mutant SMARCB1 allele originated from the mother. She transferred the same chromosome 22 segment, however, with a wild‐type SMARCB1 copy, to a third unaffected child. Our findings indicate that the mother is germ line mosaic for the SMARCB1 mutation. In conclusion, our study shows for the first time that germ line mosaicism may occur in schwannomatosis, which has implications for genetic counseling in this disease.
BRCA1 5272‐1G>A and BRCA2 5374delTATG are founder mutations of high relevance for genetic counselling in breast/ovarian cancer families of Spanish origin
Authors: Infante M , Durán M , Acedo A , Pérez‐Cabornero L , Sanz DJ , García‐González M , Beristain E , Esteban‐Cardeñosa E , De La Hoya M , Teulé A , Vega A , Tejada M‐I , Lastra E , Miner C , Velasco EA
Published: November 2009

Infante M, Durán M, Acedo A, Pérez‐Cabornero L, Sanz DJ, García‐González M, Beristain E, Esteban‐Cardeñosa E, de la Hoya M, Teulé A, Vega A, Tejada M‐I, Lastra E, Miner C, Velasco EA. BRCA1 5272‐1G>A and BRCA2 5374delTATG are founder mutations of high relevance for genetic counselling in breast/ovarian cancer families of Spanish origin.

The distribution of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germ line mutations in breast/ovarian cancer families varies among different populations, which typically present a wide spectrum of unique mutations. Splicing mutation 5272‐1G>A of BRCA1 and frameshift mutation 5374delTATG of BRCA2 are highly prevalent mutations in Castilla‐León (Spain), accounting for 18.4% and 13.6% of BRCA1 and BRCA2 positive families, respectively. To test the presence of founder effects, 9 Spanish 5272‐1G>A and 13 5374delTATG families were genotyped with polymorphic markers linked to BRCA1 or BRCA2. All the 5272‐1G>A families shared a common haplotype in eight markers (1.1 Mb region) and the mutation age was estimated in 15 generations (∼380 years). A conserved haplotype associated to 5374delTATG was observed in four markers (0.82 Mb). The mutation occurred approximately 48 generations ago (∼1200 years). Each mutation likely arose from a common ancestor that could be traced to a small area of Castilla‐León and expanded to other Spanish regions. They can have a significant impact on the clinical management of asymptomatic carriers as well as on the genetic screening strategy to be followed in populations with Spanish ancestries.
Large‐scale sequencing to identify disease causing variants in X‐linked mental retardation
Authors: Sanders SS
Published: November 2009

A systematic, large‐scale resequencing screen of X‐chromosome coding exons in mental retardation

Tarpey et al. (2009)

Nature Genetics 41: 535–543
Same pathway, different gene: a second gene in the heme biosynthesis pathway causes inherited sideroblastic anemia
Authors: Petkau TL
Published: November 2009

Mutations in the mitochondrial carrier family gene SLC25A38 cause nonsyndromic autosomal recessive congenital sideroblastic anemia Guernsey et al. (2009) Nature Genetics 41: 6
Critical care management of potential organ donors: our current standard
Authors: Dictus C. , Vienenkoetter B. , Esmaeilzadeh M. , Unterberg A. , Ahmadi R.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Caring for a brain dead potential organ donor requires a shift in critical care from the extensive treatment of increased intracranial pressure towards strategies to maintain donor organ function. Suboptimal, unstandardized critical care management of organ donors, however, is one of the main reasons for insufficient organ procurement. The pathophysiological changes following brain death entail a high incidence of complications including hemodynamic instability, endocrine and metabolic disturbances, and disruption of internal homeostasis that jeopardize potentially transplantable organs. Strategies for the management of organ donors exist and consist of the normalization of donor physiology. This has resulted in standardized efforts to improve the critical care delivered to potential organ donors, increasing not only the number, but also the quality of suitable organs and aiming at an optimal outcome for the recipients. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiological changes associated with brain death and present the current guidelines at our department, which are optimized based on available literature.
Regulatory T cells and tolerance induction
Authors: Fritzsching Eva , Kunz Pierre , Maurer Birgitta , Pöschl Johannes , Fritzsching Benedikt
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Transplantation tolerance is the ultimate goal of organ transplantation. Natural regulatory T cells (Treg) have been expected to reach clinical applications for tolerance induction because their initial description. More than ten yr later, Treg have started moving from experimental animal models into clinical applications. Although the molecular mechanism of contact‐dependent inhibition remains to be unraveled, alterations of Treg numbers have been shown in several human diseases: Whereas several autoimmune diseases have been reported to be associated with decreased Treg numbers, Treg are frequently accumulated in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Monitoring of Treg numbers could be instrumental in identifying patients with risk of graft failure and might help minimizing immunosuppressive therapy in transplant recipients. Molecular mechanisms of Treg proliferation and Treg elimination such as CD95 ligand (CD95L)‐mediated apoptosis are currently explored for their clinical usability as therapeutical targets. Immunosuppressive drugs might modulate the number of Tregs. Expansion of the Treg numbers in vivo or in vitro resembles a novel therapeutical strategy to reach partial or even operational tolerance after organ transplantation.
AEB071 – a promising immunosuppressive agent
Authors: Sommerer Claudia , Zeier Martin
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  In the past decades, allograft survival improved because of the development of new and more specific immunosuppressive agents. The introduction of calcineurin inhibitors was a landmark and acute rejection in organ transplantation decreased remarkably. Calcineurin inhibitor such as ciclosporin A inhibits T‐cell activation by interfering with the cytosolic protein cyclophilin (immunophilin). This complex of ciclosporin and cyclophilin inhibits calcineurin, which is responsible for activating the transcription of interleukin‐2. More recent research revealed a second pathway for T‐cell activation, which is mediated by a specific protein kinase C., e.g., protein kinase C θ. AEB071 represents a selective protein kinase C inhibitor with promising potential for immunosuppression in organ transplantation. In pre‐clinical studies, AEB071 prolonged allograft survival in kidney and heart transplant models. In human clinical studies, AEB071 reduced severity of psoriasis symptoms and has shown to be safe up to 750 mg single dose treatment. Important adverse events were gastrointestinal disorders and headaches. AEB071 inhibits early T‐cell activation via a calcineurin inhibitor independent pathway and is currently investigated as a therapeutic agent to prevent allograft rejection after renal transplantation.
Borderline rejection after renal transplantation – to treat or not to treat
Authors: Beimler J. , Zeier M.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  According to the Banff classification of renal allograft pathology, the category borderline changes defines changes insufficient for a diagnosis of acute rejection. The relationship between borderline changes and acute renal allograft rejection still remains unclear. The appropriate clinical management for patients showing such changes is controversial. One possible interpretation of the high incidence of subacute tubulitis is that these changes in the absence of graft dysfunction are of no consequence and that treatment with intensified immunosuppression is unnecessary and perhaps harmful. Another view, consistent with the high incidence of CAN in late protocol biopsy studies, is that immunosuppression has become so powerful, that rejection may not even be manifested by a rising serum creatinine. Borderline changes should be used as part of an algorithm, but not as the only criterion, for therapeutic decision making. Based on the weak evidence of existing studies, in our patients with clinical borderline rejection, we have to weigh the individual immunological risk against the potential side effects of increased immunosuppression. Even in the knowledge that a majority of patients with borderline infiltrates will not progress into rejection, in many transplant centers, borderline rejection is treated with additional steroids or augmentation of maintenance immunosuppression.
Pathogenesis of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in chronic allograft dysfunction
Authors: Strutz Frank
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  The term chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) was originally coined in 1991 to replace chronic rejection which was used too generalized. However, the revised Banff classification, published in 2007, eliminated the term CAN again because it was felt that the term was used too broadly and prevented the search for the underlying cause. Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy are integral parts of chronic allograft dysfunction and represent in the new classification a separate entity with or without the identification of a specific etiology. Myofibroblasts are the key, albeit not exclusive, effector cells in renal fibrogenesis resulting in upregulated extracellular matrix synthesis and eventually in interstitial fibrosis. These cells are formed mainly by stimulation of resident interstitial fibroblasts but also by differentiation processes of periadventitial cells, bone marrow derived cells and by a process entitled epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tubular epithelial cells. EMT has been described by many groups to be of high prevalence in renal allograft dysfunction contributing to matrix accumulation and renal function deterioration. This is of particular interest because immunosuppressive therapy has differential effects on EMT with calcineurin inhibitors in particular inducing the process. Moreover, specific therapies inhibiting EMT have been applied in experimental studies although the effects of their application in chronic allograft dysfunction remain to be studied. At the same time, immunosuppression may interfere with physiologic clearance of myofibroblasts by apoptosis, explaining in part the high prevalence of interstitial fibrosis in allograft biopsies. The Fas system has been identified to be mainly responsible for this physiologic apoptosis in non‐renal scarring models; however, its relevance for renal fibrosis and particular fibrosis in renal allograft dysfunction remains to be determined. These findings point to a cautious and individualized use of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with allografts and particular those with chronic allograft dysfunction not because of rejection processes. Protocols using CNI‐free immunosuppression are interesting options to prevent fibrosis in chronic allograft dysfunction.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers after renal transplantation
Authors: Morath C. , Schmied B. , Mehrabi A. , Weitz J. , Schmidt J. , Werner J. , Buchler M.W. , Morcos M. , Nawroth P.P. , Schwenger V. , Doehler B. , Opelz G. , Zeier M.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Renin‐angiotensin system blockade retards the progression of diabetic and non‐diabetic chronic kidney disease of the native kidneys. Though most patients suffer from a significant renal insufficiency (chronic kidney disease stage III) and a concomitant heart disease after renal transplantation, there is up to now no evidence supporting the use of inhibitors of the renin‐angiotensin system in these patients. We wish to summarize the available evidence on the use of inhibitors of the renin‐angiotensin system after renal transplantation. We specifically discuss potential beneficial as well as adverse effects of a renin‐angiotensin system blockade. In addition, we review their influence on morphologic and biochemical markers as well as on renal function, graft and patient survival after renal transplantation.
Role of transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma before liver transplantation with special consideration of tumor necrosis
Authors: Schaudt André , Kriener Susanne , Schwarz Wolfram , Wullstein Christoph , Zangos Stephan , Vogl Thomas , Mehrabi Arianeb , Fonouni Hamidreza , Bechstein Wolf O. , Golling Markus
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Several authors suggest that local ablative therapies, specifically transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), may control tumor progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients who are on the waiting list for liver transplantation (orthotopic liver transplantation, OLT). There is still no evidence if TACE followed by OLT is able to prevent recurrence of tumor, to prolong survival rate of the patients on the waiting list, or to improve the survival after OLT. We report 27 patients with HCC who underwent OLT. From these patients, 15 were pre‐treated with TACE alone or in combination with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) or laser‐induced thermo therapy (LITT). Mean time on the waiting list was 214 d for treated patients and 133 d for untreated patients. Comparing pre‐operative imaging and histopathological staging post‐transplant, we found 13 patients with tumor progression out of which five were treated with TACE. In two of the TACE patients a decrease of lesions could be achieved. In a single patient, there was no evidence of any residual tumor. Only one patient displayed tumor progression prior to OLT despite undergoing TACE. Comparison of outcome in patients undergoing TACE or having no TACE was not statisitically significant (p = 0.5). In addition, our analysis showed that progression either in the total study population or in the TACE group alone is associated with a significant poorer outcome concerning overall survival (p = 0.02 and p = 0.02).
Liver transplantation in HIV‐positive patients
Authors: Eisenbach Christoph , Merle Uta , Stremmel Wolfgang , Encke Jens
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Death from end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) because of chronic hepatitis B and C has become an increasing problem in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients in the last years. This is mainly because of the dramatic decrease of HIV‐related morbidity and mortality since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Although the data on the outcome of liver transplantation in HIV‐infected recipients with ESLD is limited, overall results seem comparable to non‐HIV‐infected recipients. Therefore, liver transplant centres around the world are increasingly accepting HIV‐infected individuals as organ recipients. Post‐transplantation control of HIV replication is achieved by continuing HAART. As in non‐HIV‐infected patients, hepatitis B virus recurrence is efficiently prevented by hepatitis B immunoglobulin and antiviral therapy. Re‐infection of the allograft with hepatitis C virus, however, remains an important problem, and progress to allograft cirrhosis may even be more rapid than in HIV‐negative patients. Interactions in drug metabolism between the HAART components and the immunosuppressive drugs are difficult to predict and require close monitoring of drug levels and dose adjustments. The complexity in this setting makes close cooperation between transplant surgeons, hepatologists, HIV‐clinicians and pharmacologists mandatory. As experience on liver transplantation in HIV‐infected individuals is still limited, to date results from large prospective trials addressing key issues are needed.
Liver cell transplantation in children
Authors: Meyburg Jochen , Schmidt Jan , Hoffmann Georg F.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  With increasing shortage of donor organs and changes in organ allocation systems, there is a considerable need for alternative or supportive techniques in the field of liver transplantation. Liver cell transplantation (LCT) is such an innovative technique that is especially promising for use in children, because it is less invasive than orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Two main indications exist: acute liver failure (ALF) and hepatic‐based inborn errors of metabolism. Ten children with ALF underwent LCT so far. One patient recovered without OLT, five were successfully bridged to OLT, and four died. Clinical improvement like reduced hyperammonemia, improved coagulation, and regression of hepatic encephalopathy occurred in the majority of patients. For the treatment of inborn errors of metabolism, experience exists with Crigler–Najjar syndrome type 1 (CNS 1, n = 5) and urea cycle disorders (UCD, n = 6). All but two patients experienced metabolic stabilization for a mean period of 9.7 months, before the majority of children underwent OLT. Whereas transplant success in CNS 1 patients can be easily monitored by plasma bilirubin levels, it is much more difficult in UCDs, where many factors can contribute to clinical deterioration. Nevertheless, these individual therapeutic attempts of LCT yielded encouraging results, and prospective studies should be initiated.
In vitrocytokine responses in liver transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine A and tacrolimus
Authors: Golling Markus , Sadeghi Mahmoud , Zipperle Silvia , Fonouni Hamidreza , Golriz Mohammad , Mehrabi Arianeb
Published: November 2009

The inhibitory effect of Cyclosporine A (CsA) and Tacrolimus (Tacr) on interleukin 2 (IL‐2) are well known, and the importance of Th1‐type (IL‐2, interferon gamma), and Th2‐type (IL‐4, IL‐6, and IL‐10) cytokine secretion in preventing allograft rejection is a controversial issue. The immunological mechanisms involved in long‐term liver transplant recipients under CsA and Tacr were not studied precisely.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of CsA and Tacr on the immune response of 62 long‐term survivors following liver transplantation.

T‐cell and B‐cell subpopulations, the T helper (Th) cell activity, T‐cell cytokine production, Staphylococcus aureus Cowan strain I (SAC‐I)‐stimulated B‐cell responses and PWM‐stimulated B‐cell responses were examined.

CsA and Tacr decreased whole T‐cell populations as well as CD4+T‐cell IL‐2 responses (p < 0.005, Tacr and p = 0.02, CsA), impaired CD4+ cell Th activity (p < 0.01, Tacr and p = 0.02, CsA) and reduced SAC‐I‐stimulated B‐cell responses (immunoglobulin‐secreting cells [ISC]: p = 0.001, Tacr and p < 0.05, CsA). A significantly impaired T‐cell IL‐10 secretion (p = 0.0001) and decreased Th function of whole T cells was found in Tacr‐treated patients only, whereas unstimulated Th1 responses and SAC‐I‐stimulated B‐cell IL‐6 responses were reduced in CsA‐treated patients.

Our data show that Tacr suppresses T‐, CD4+‐, and B‐cell responses more effectively than CsA which may be relevant in the maintenance of long‐term stable liver graft function.
Interventional radiologic procedures in the treatment of complications after liver transplantation
Authors: López‐Benítez R. , Barragán‐Campos H.M. , Richter G.M. , Sauer P. , Mehrabi A. , Fonouni H. , Golriz M. , Schmidt J. , Hallscheidt P.J.
Published: November 2009

The aim of this study is to report our interventional radiologic procedures (IRP) in liver transplant (LTX) patients. These include procedures for biliary, arterial, venous, and portal complications, as well as the treatment of infected and non‐infected fluid collections.

This retrospective study covered 583 patients (mean age: 44 ± 14 yr) in whom a total of 685 LTX were performed from August 1987 to April 2005.

Overall, 182 LTX patients underwent a total of 428 IRP, including digital subtraction angiography (n = 152/35.51%), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) (n = 4/0.93%) and PTA + stent (n = 7/1.63%) of arterial anastomosis, PTA + stent of the celiac trunk (n = 2/0.46%), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) (n = 2/0.46%), arterial lysis (n = 4/0.93%), venous lysis (n = 2/0.46%), inferior vena cava stenting (n = 2/0.46%), percutaneous biliary drainage (n = 34/7.94%), percutaneous transluminal dilatation (PTD) of the choledocho‐enteric anastomosis (n = 16/3.73%), biliary stent (n = 5/1.16%), intrahepatic biliary flushing treatment, stone and cast biliary extraction (n = 27/6.30%), other interventions (e.g., embolization in other regions, transjugular liver biopsies, lymphangiographies) (n = 9/2.10%), and ultrasound‐ and computer tomography‐guided biopsies and percutaneous drainage (n = 153/35.74%). The overall success rate was 85.7%.

Technical improvements in LTX and interventional radiology permit vascular and biliary complications to be treated successfully by interventional radiology.
Simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Morath C. , Schmied B. , Mehrabi A. , Weitz J. , Schmidt J. , Werner J. , Buchler M.W. , Morcos M. , Nawroth P.P. , Schwenger V. , Doehler B. , Opelz G. , Zeier M.
Published: November 2009

The outcome of simultaneous pancreas–kidney (SPK) transplantation in type 1 diabetes has dramatically improved in recent years because of optimized surgical techniques and new immunosuppressive drug regimens. Normoglycemia is followed by stabilization or even regression of diabetic lesions, i.e., of heart and kidneys. However, these effects are only visible after more than five yr of normoglycemia (achieved by a functioning allograft). This is also a likely explanation for the conflicting results of studies that investigated patient or kidney graft survival in SPK transplantation compared to kidney transplantation alone. Most studies had too short follow‐up periods, i.e., less than five yr, to compare effectively different transplant strategies in patients with type 1 diabetes and therefore failed to discover a survival benefit in favor of simultaneously transplanted patients. Recent data now indicate that, with a longer follow‐up, there is an increasing survival benefit for simultaneously transplanted patients compared to patients who received a single kidney transplant. This is paralleled by the comparison of simultaneously transplanted patients to patients who received a single kidney transplant from a living donor. A survival benefit for the combined procedure was here visible after  10 yr of follow‐up. We give a short overview on SPK transplantation, with a focus on the effects of this procedure on diabetic complications as well as patient and kidney graft survival.
Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 K469E gene polymorphism is associated with presence of skin lesions in Tunisian Behçet's disease patients
Authors: Ben Dhifallah I. , Karray E. FakhFakh , Sassi F. , Hamzaoui K.
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) gene polymorphisms have been implicated in the susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. The expression of both soluble and tissue ICAM1 were increased in Behçet's disease (BD) but the contribution of ICAM1 gene polymorphisms to this disease remains unknown. We sought to establish the association of ICAM1 gene K469E polymorphism in exon 6 with susceptibility for BD. One hundred and thirty‐five Tunisian patients who satisfied the International Study Group criteria for BD and 157 healthy blood donor controls from the same geographic area were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction method for the K469E ICAM1 gene polymorphisms in exon 6. There were no significant differences in the distribution of the K469E allele or genotype frequencies between the BD patients and healthy controls in the ICA1 gene. Among patients, significant association was found between the presence of skin lesions and the studied polymorphism in the distribution of the K469E allele (P = 0.004; odds ratio = 1.26; 95% confidence interval = 2.13–3.62) and genotype frequencies (P = 0.0028;χ2 = 11.75). Our findings suggest that K469E ICAM1 gene polymorphism was associated with Tunisian BD patients with skin lesions.
Effect of dietary phytate and phytase on metabolic change of blood and intestinal mucosa in chickens
Authors: Liu N. , Ru Y. J. , Li F. D.
Published: November 2009

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary phytate and phytase on the metabolic parameters of lipid, protein, enzyme, electrolyte in the blood or intestinal mucosa of broiler chickens. Diets containing phytate phosphorus (0.22% or 0.44%) with phytase supplementation (0, 500 or 1000 U/kg) were administrated to 504 Cobb chicks for 4 weeks. Results showed that the serum concentrations of total cholesterol (T‐CHO), albumin, albumin/globulin, total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were decreased by 9–41% in high phytate diets (p < 0.05) and the concentrations of blood P, K, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mg were decreased by 4–14% for birds fed high phytate diets (p < 0.05), whereas inclusion of phytase compensated these adverse influences. In the duodenum, phytate decreased the level of T‐AOC by 13% (p < 0.05), whereas phytase increased the levels of T‐SOD, T‐AOC and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by 9–16% (p < 0.05). Also, in the jejunum, diets with high phytate showed lower activity of T‐SOD, T‐AOC and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) (p < 0.05), and phytase increased T‐SOD, T‐AOC and ALP (p < 0.05). However, phytase decreased transaminase activity in the low phytate basal diets (p < 0.05). This study suggests that dietary phytate can adversely interfere with the metabolisms of lipid and protein, as well as the antioxidation of blood and intestinal cells, while phytase supplementation may compensate these effects for broiler chickens.
Effect of macronutrient ratio of the pre‐starter diet on broiler performance and intermediary metabolism
Authors: Swennen Q. , Everaert N. , Debonne M. , Verbaeys I. , Careghi C. , Tona K. , Janssens G. P. J. , Decuypere E. , Bruggeman V. , Buyse J.
Published: November 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of isoenergetic substitution between the three energy delivering macronutrients in pre‐starter diets on performance and intermediary nutrient metabolism in broiler chickens. From hatch until 5 days of age, 600 chicks, collected during peak of hatch, were fed one of the three experimental pre‐starter diets with isoenergetic (13 MJ metabolisable energy/kg) substitutions between fat (43 vs. 108 g/kg), protein (126 vs. 240 g/kg) and carbohydrates (391 vs. 510 g/kg). After 5 days, commercial grower and finisher diets were provided. Pre‐starter composition influenced body weight until slaughter age, although not statistically verifiable. Broilers fed the low protein (LP) pre‐starter had the lowest body weight in relation to chickens on the low carbohydrate or low fat pre‐starter diet. After hatch, chicks on the LP pre‐starter diet were able to use the residual yolk sac more rapidly to fulfil their protein requirement, which is reflected in small intestine and liver development. Also, plasma metabolite levels were influenced mostly by the LP pre‐starter, indicating that the main focus for the requirements of newly hatched chicks should be on proteins. Furthermore, optimal nutrition during the first day’s post‐hatch should take into account the contribution of the yolk.
Larval and adult seed consumption affected by the degree of food specialization inAmara(Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: Klimeš P. , Saska P.
Published: November 2009

Many carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are known to feed on plant seeds, but the level of specialization on this food differs. This is the first study in which seed consumption is assessed for all larval instars and adults of ground beetles. Three species ofAmarawith syntopic occurrence,Amara aenea(DeGeer),Amara familiaris(Duftschmid) andAmara similata(Gyllenhal), were examined. Larvae of all three instars and adults were fed seeds ofStellaria media(L.) Vill.,Capsella bursa‐pastoris(L.) Med. andTaraxacum officinaleWick. ex Wigg. in a laboratory no‐choice experiment. In general, larvae, particularly the first instar, showed greater differences in seed consumption than the adults, although the latter showed similar but less marked pattern.Amara aeneaconsumed all offered seed diets in all life stages. All three larval instars of granivorousA. familiarisalmost exclusively fed on seeds ofS. mediaand the adults also ate significantly more of this than other seeds.Amara similataconsumed mostly seeds ofC. bursa‐pastorisin the first instar and adult stages, whereas the larvae of the later instars seemed to be unspecialized on particular seed diet. Differences in seed‐specific consumption between larval instars in granivorous carabids are reported for the first time. The results provide further support for the parallel evolution of various degrees of granivory in the genusAmara, which may ultimately facilitate species coexistence. The daily seed consumption by the larvae was comparable or (in case of the third instar) even higher than that by the adults. Hence, we suggest that larvae may be the important consumers of seed in the field and should not be forgotten when seed predation is assessed.
Seasonal activity and abundance of Orosius orientalis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) at agricultural sites in Southeastern Australia
Authors: Trębicki P. , Harding R. M. , Rodoni B. , Baxter G. , Powell K. S.
Published: November 2009

Orosius orientalis is a leafhopper vector of several viruses and phytoplasmas affecting a broad range of agricultural crops. Sweep net, yellow pan trap and yellow sticky trap collection techniques were evaluated. Seasonal distribution of O. orientalis was surveyed over two successive growing seasons around the borders of commercially grown tobacco crops. Orosius orientalis seasonal activity as assessed using pan and sticky traps was characterised by a trimodal peak and relative abundance as assessed using sweep nets differed between field sites with peak activity occurring in spring and summer months. Yellow pan traps consistently trapped a higher number of O. orientalis than yellow sticky traps.
Dispersal and development of bagworm larvae (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) on three host plants
Authors: Rhainds M. , Sadof C. , Quesada C.
Published: November 2009

The present study investigated the development and dispersal of bagworm larvae, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), on three hosts: arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis, blue spruce, Picea pungens, and juniper, Juniperus virginiana. The biomass of larvae was recorded at repeated intervals at 21 field sites. The relative quality of plants varied during larval development: early in the season, larvae were heavier on juniper and arborvitae than on blue spruce; late in the season, in contrast, larvae and pupae were lighter on juniper than on the two other plants. Larvae on blue spruce pupated later than those on arborvitae. In the laboratory, feeding rate and larval growth were not influenced by the density of larvae on the foliage of arborvitae up to a range which greatly exceeded that observed at any of our experimental sites. The incidence of dispersal among neonates emerging on arborvitae was high, as indicated by the high number of larvae captured on sticky traps, and the relatively low number of early instars on arborvitae foliage in relation to the reproductive output of females in the parental generation. The high rate of dispersal among early instars may be due to potential resource depletion over successive generations of bagworms.
Purification and some properties of endoglucanase from Glyptotermes xiamenensis
Authors: Shi Y. , Tao Y.‐M. , Ma S.‐J. , An G. , Long M.‐N. , Chen Q.‐X.
Published: November 2009

An endoglucanase (EGase) from Glyptotermes xiamenensis was purified by extraction with phosphate buffer solution and ammonium sulfate fractionation, and then chromatographed on DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow followed by Sephadex G‐100 columns. The purified enzyme was determined to be homogeneous by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Enzyme molecular weight was determined to be 44.8 kDa and the enzyme was a monomeric protein. The specific activity was determined to be 458.7 U/mg. The optimum pH and optimum temperature of the enzyme for the hydrolysis of carboxymethycellulose sodium (CMC‐Na) were investigated to be at pH 5.0 and at 40°C, respectively. The enzyme was stable over the pH range from 4.0 to 9.0 and at the temperature below 45°C. Kinetic behaviour of the enzyme in the hydrolysis of CMC‐Na followed Michaelis–Menten kinetics with constant (Km) of 7.2 mg/ml at pH 5.0 and 40°C. The activation energy was determined to be 49.3 KJ/mol. Chemical modification indicated that the residues of histidine, tryptophan and carboxylate were essential to the enzyme activity.
Structure characteristics and expression profiles of Bombyx mori α1 (IV) collagen gene, a temperature‐sensitive lethality‐related gene
Authors: Ji M.‐M. , Lu Y.‐J. , Gan L.‐P. , Niu Y.‐S. , Sima Y.‐H. , Xu S.‐Q.
Published: November 2009

The type IV collagen is a heterotrimer of two α1 (IV) and one α2 (IV) chains, which are encoded by emb‐9 and let‐2 genes in Caenorhabditis elegans, respectively, and the amino acid mutations in Gly‐X‐Y repeat region can cause temperature‐sensitive lethality during late embryogenesis. Here, we introduced a way to quickly and effectively do research on Bmlet‐2 (BmColIVα1) gene from Bombyx mori, a central model for Lepidoptera. BmColIVα1 gene is 6.583 kbp in full length, containing four exons, and its cDNA is 3.847 kbp, which contains an ORF for a protein of 819 amino acids with a molecular weight of 82.1 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.43. The predicted protein sequence has closer relationship with α1 (IV) collagen chain of other species, and contains two conserved regions of collagen and nine PFAM domains of collagen triple helix repeat regions. Moreover, transmembrane region analysis and subcellular localization analysis reveal that this protein belongs to extracellular secreted protein. The experimental expression profile demonstrated that the expression level of BmColIVα1 was obviously higher in head and fat body on day 3 of the fifth instar. The mutations of BmColIVα1 gene located in exon 2 and exon 3 were identified in temperature‐sensitive lethal strain sch and wild stain Dazao. Seven mutations – namely, 242(T/A), 279(T/A), 556(T/C), 675(C/T), 1343(T/C), 1463(A/G), and 1574(T/C) – were novel, and five of them would modify the encoded amino acids, namely, 81(L/Q), 186(S/P), 448(L/S), 488(Q/R), and 525(V/A). The results of molecular modelling showed that the five amino acids mutations were located in four regions of 3‐helixs repetitive element sequence of ColIVα1 protein. BmColIVα1 protein is a member of the collagen family, and its gene might be a temperature‐sensitive lethality‐related gene.
Host suitability of UV‐irradiated eggs of three Lepidoptera species for rearing Trichogrammatoidea lutea Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Mawela K. V. , Kfir R. , Krüger K.
Published: November 2009

To develop a rearing programme for the egg parasitoid Trichogrammatoidea lutea for augmentative biological control, the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiated host eggs were evaluated on the number of eggs parasitized, development time, number of progeny and sex ratio of T. lutea, using eggs of the lepidopteran species Helicoverpa armigera, Chilo partellus and Cadra cautella as hosts. UV‐irradiation of 13 min was sufficient to kill embryos of all three hosts. The highest mean percentage parasitism on UV‐irradiated and un‐irradiated eggs occurred on those of H. armigera (47.8% and 33.3%) and C. cautella (33.2% and 55.5%), followed by C. partellus (6.6% for both). The mean number of individuals emerged per single parasitized host of UV‐irradiated and un‐irradiated eggs was highest for H. armigera (2.5 and 2.1) and lower for C. partellus (1.3 and 1.4) and C. cautella (0.9 and 0.8). The sex ratio of T. lutea was female‐biased on UV‐irradiated eggs of H. armigera, on UV‐irradiated and un‐irradiated eggs of C. cautella, and male‐biased for C. partellus eggs and un‐irradiated eggs of H. armigera. The developmental time of T. lutea from egg to adult male and female differed slightly between UV‐irradiated and un‐irradiated eggs. Overall, UV‐irradiation of host eggs had negligible effects on percent parasitism, number of progeny per parasitized egg and sex ratio of T. lutea. Of the three lepidopteran species evaluated, H. armigera appears to be the most suitable host for mass‐rearing of T. lutea. The results indicate that UV‐irradiation of Lepidoptera eggs is suitable for mass rearing of T. lutea.
Life‐cycle variation, including female production by virgin females inFrankliniella occidentalis(Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Kumm S. , Moritz G.
Published: November 2009

The influence of three different temperatures on developmental time and sex ratio was investigated in the bisexual Thysanoptera speciesFrankliniella occidentalis. Increasing temperatures decreased developmental time and induced a more female biased sex ratio. Remarkably, there are second instars with a prolonged developmental time requiring the same number of hours as the shortest developmental time from egg to adult. Arrhenotokous reproduction in this species is based on haplodiploidy, with virgin females producing male offspring exclusively. However, at all three temperatures tested, about 0.5% of offspring from unfertilized eggs were females. The presence ofWolbachiacould not be detected in Western flower thrips and can be excluded as influencing reproduction in this species.
Performance of Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr lutea Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) collected from Mussidia spp. in Kenya on eggs of six lepidopteran hosts
Authors: Muli B. K. , Schulthess F. , Van Den Berg J.
Published: November 2009

Mussidia nigrivenella Ragonot (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), an important pest of maize ears in West Africa, has never been reported to attack crops in East and southern Africa (ESA), though it was found on various wild host plants in these regions. It was suggested that in ESA M. nigrivenella might be under natural control. In Kenya, exploration for natural enemies associated with Mussidia spp. yielded several parasitoids including a trichogrammatid egg parasitoid, Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr lutea Girault. The ability of T. sp. nr lutea to attack the eggs of several lepidopteran species found in Kenya was studied. The lepidopterans included the noctuids Busseola fusca (Fuller) and Sesamia calamistis (Hampson), the pyralids Eldana saccharina Walker, Mussidia fiorii Cecconi and de Joannis and Mussidia‘madagascariensis’, and the crambid Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). The former three species also infest cereals in West Africa. Trichogrammatoidea sp. nr lutea successfully attacked and developed in eggs of all six species indicating its potential to exploit other lepidopteran pests of maize in West Africa. Busseola fusca and S. calamistis were the most suitable hosts and had the largest number of eggs parasitized and progeny per female wasp where E. saccharina and C. partellus were the poorest hosts. The host species used to rear the parasitoid and the age of egg also significantly affected the total number of host eggs parasitized by the parasitoid. It was concluded that the ability of T. sp. nr lutea to exploit lepidopterans that are also pests of maize in West Africa may enhance biological control of M. nigrivenella and it should be considered for translocation to that area from Kenya.