bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Infection and Disease Development on Olive Leaves Inoculated with Fusicladium oleagineum
Authors: Viruega José R. , Roca Luis F. , Moral Juan , Trapero Antonio
Published: May 2011

Infection and development of olive scab disease, caused by Fusicladium oleagineum, were evaluated on detached leaves and potted plants of the susceptible cultivar Picual in growth chambers and a shadehouse. An inoculum dose of 1 × 105 conidia per ml was selected from a range of densities tested, and it was used for all experiments. Infection occurred from 5 to 25°C, and disease severity was the greatest at ~20°C for wetness durations of 12 to 24 h and at ~15°C for longer durations. Based on a generalized form of the Analytis Beta model, the optimum temperature and minimum wetness duration for infection were 15.5°C and 11.9 h. Dry periods ≤78 h immediately after inoculation did not reduce disease incidence but did reduce disease severity. Disease severity was negatively correlated with leaf age. Disease incubation period was positively correlated with leaf age, with a minimum incubation period of 28 days in the youngest leaves. Inoculated plants that were incubated in a growth chamber or in a shadehouse had the same level of infection, but disease severity was lower in plants incubated in the growth chamber because many infections remained latent for 6 months after inoculation. The data in this study will be useful for the development of a forecasting system for olive scab epidemics.
Atomic absorption background of Ba in EXAFS analysis of BaFe12O19nanoparticles
Authors: Padežnik Gomilšek Jana , Kodre Alojz , Arčon Iztok , de Panfilis Simone , Makovec Darko
Published: May 2011

The approximate barium X-ray atomic absorption in the energy region ofL-edges is reconstructed from the absorption spectrum of an aqueous solution of BaCl2. The result is corroborated by comparison with pure atomic absorption spectra of neighbour elements Xe and Cs. The application of the atomic absorption signal as a proper EXAFS background is demonstrated and discussed in the analysis of Ba hexaferrite nanoparticles with a very weak structural signal. The essential gain is found in the decrease of uncertainty intervals of structural parameters and their correlations. A simple analytical model of the absorption background for the practical EXAFS analysis is demonstrated.
Photo‐identification of individual weedy seadragons Phyllopteryx taeniolatus and its application in estimating population dynamics
Authors: Martin‐Smith K. M.
Published: May 2011

Forty‐three individual adult weedy seadragons Phyllopteryx taeniolatus were identified from underwater images using patterns of spots and blotches on the lateral surface of the abdomen. These patterns were unique and did not change over the 18 month course of the study and could therefore be used to identify individuals when estimating population variables using non‐invasive capture–mark–recapture and accumulation curve methods. Two similar neighbouring sites in southern Tasmania showed considerable differences in their estimated populations of P. taeniolatus. Estimated annual survival was >80% at one site suggesting that P. taeniolatus may be considerably longer lived than other syngnathids with a maximum life span in excess of 10 years. Males incubating embryos were observed from October to March and at least two clutches could be borne during this period. This technique of photo‐identification could provide a cheap and effective way to monitor populations of this iconic species across its range, particularly in conjunction with optimized pattern‐recognition software.
Diet and food selection by Ramnogaster arcuata (Osteichthyes, Clupeidae)
Authors: Lopez Cazorla A. , Pettigrosso R. E. , Tejera L. , Camina R.
Published: May 2011

The goals of this study were to describe the diet and estimate the trophic level and food selection of Jenyns's sprat Ramnogaster arcuata, one of the common fishes in the Bahía Blanca estuary in Argentina. The copepods Acartia tonsa [53·7% index of relative importance (IRI)] and Eurytemora americana (13·4% IRI), the mysid Arthromysis magellanica (13·9%IRI) and the small shrimp Peisos petrunkevitchi (8·2% IRI) were the most important food items for this species, and its diet exhibited monthly variability with respect to the principal prey categories. The zooplankton species in the study area consisted of 32 taxa. Acartia tonsa was the most abundant species [54% individuals (N) m−3], followed by Balanus glandula (13·8% N m−3) and E. americana (10·1% N m−3). The rest of the zooplankton groups represented <3% N m−3. The most preferred items throughout the year were A. magellanica and Idotea sp. The trophic level value estimated was 3·1.
The effect of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors on the risk of myocardial infarction in a cohort of patients with depression
Authors: Kimmel Stephen E. , Schelleman Hedi , Berlin Jesse A. , Oslin David W. , Weinstein Rachel B. , Kinman Judith L. , Sauer William H. , Lewis James D.
Published: May 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Depression is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Some studies, but not all, have identified an association between use of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and reduced risk of myocardial infarction (MI). There may be a difference among SSRIs based on their affinity for the serotonin receptor.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Current use of SSRIs by patients with depression may be associated with a reduced risk of MI. However, the risk seemed to be reduced only with longer term use of SSRIs. In addition, we did not observe a relationship between the affinity of SSRIs for the serotonin transporter and risk of MI.

AIM To evaluate whether selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposure influences the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with depression.

METHODS This study included 693 patients with MI (cases) and 2772 controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR).

RESULTS SSRI exposure may be associated with a reduced MI risk (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.57, 1.03). However, reduced risk was only observed with longer term use (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.53, 1.00) and not with shorter term use (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.65, 2.05).

CONCLUSIONS Only longer term use of SSRIs was associated with reduced MI risk, suggesting that other mechanisms, besides an acute anti‐platelet effect, may reduce MI risk.
Memory disorders associated with consumption of drugs: updating through a case/noncase study in the French PharmacoVigilance Database
Authors: Chavant Francois , Favrelière Sylvie , Lafay‐Chebassier Claire , Plazanet Caroline , Pérault‐Pochat Marie‐Christine
Published: May 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Iatrogenic amnesia is one of the main aetiologies of transient amnesia.

• Benzodiazepines and anticholinergic drugs are considered to be the drugs most often responsible for iatrogenic amnesia.

• The impact of drugs in memory disorders is particularly pronounced in elderly people, especially due to polymedication.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• An association between memory disorders and some drugs, such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants and older anticonvulsants, was found as expected.

• A strong association was found with unexpected drugs, such as benzodiazepine‐like hypnotics (zopiclone and zolpidem), serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants and newer anticonvulsants.

• Non‐neurotropic drugs, such as isotretinoin and ciclosporin, were also associated with memory disorders.

AIMS To investigate putative associations of reports of memory disorders and suspected drugs.

METHODS We used the case/noncase method in the French PharmacoVigilance Database (FPVD). Cases were reports of memory loss in the FPVD between January 2000 and December 2009. Noncases were all other reports during the same period. To assess the association between memory impairment and drug intake, we calculated an odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS Among the 188 284 adverse drug reactions recorded, we identified 519 cases of memory loss. The sex ratio was 0.6 and the median age was 54 years (range 4–93). The maximal number of cases occurred between 40–49 and 50–59 years. Evolution was favourable in 63% of the cases. We found significant odds ratios for benzodiazepines (alprazolam, bromazepam, prazepam, clonazepam etc.), benzodiazepine‐like hypnotics (zolpidem and zopiclone), antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine and venlafaxine), analgesics (morphine, nefopam and tramadol), anticonvulsants (topiramate, pregabalin, levetiracetam etc.), antipsychotics (aripiprazole and lithium) and other drugs, such as trihexyphenidyl, ciclosporin and isotretinoin.

CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed an association between memory disorders and some drugs, such as benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants. However, other drugs, such as benzodiazepine‐like hypnotics, newer anticonvulsants, serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, isotretinoin and ciclosporin were significantly associated with memory disorders, although this was not described or poorly described in the literature.

Taking account of the limits of this study in the FPVD (under‐reporting, notoriety bias etc.), the case/noncase method allows assessment and detection of associations between exposure to drugs and a specific adverse drug reaction, such as memory disorders, and could thus generate signals and orientate us to further prospective studies to confirm such associations.
The clinical management of tumour lysis syndrome in haematological malignancies
Authors: Will Andrew , Tholouli Eleni
Published: May 2011

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is caused by the disintegration of malignant cells, usually following the instigation of chemotherapy, although it may already be established at the time of initial presentation in a minority of cases. As a direct consequence of malignant cell breakdown, intracellular ions, proteins, nucleic acids and their metabolites are released into the plasma causing the characteristic metabolic abnormalities of TLS; hyperuricaemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia and hypocalcaemia. In many cases the release of large amounts intracellular contents is so abrupt that the normal homeostatic mechanisms are rapidly overwhelmed and without prompt, effective management, the clinical effects of TLS soon become apparent.
Common genetic variation at 15q25.2 impacts on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia risk
Authors: Crowther‐Swanepoel Dalemari , Di Bernardo Maria Chiara , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Karabon Lidia , Frydecka Irena , Deaglio Silvia , D’Arena Giovanni , Rossi Davide , Gaidano Gianluca , Olver Bianca , Lloyd Amy , Broderick Peter , Laurenti Luca , Szemraj‐Rogucka Zofia , Robak Tadeusz , Catovsky Daniel , Houlston Richard S.
Published: May 2011

A genome‐wide association study of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) suggested that common variants at 15q25.2 (rs783540) and 18q21.1 (rs1036935) influence CLL. To validate these associations and explore their relationship with CLL risk we genotyped case‐control datasets from Poland, UK and Italy totalling 1428 cases and 1920 controls. Combined data from these and previously genotyped series (2503 cases and 5789 controls) provided evidence for an association between 15q25.2 and 18q21.1 loci and CLL risk (Pcombined = 1·10 × 10−7 and 1·30 × 10−5 respectively). These data provide further evidence for the involvement of common genetic variants in CLL risk and insight into the biological basis of disease development.
Targeting cell surface β2‐microglobulin by pentameric IgM antibodies
Authors: Cao Yabing , Lan Yongsheng , Qian Jianfei , Zheng Yuhuan , Hong Sungyoul , Li Haiyan , Wang Michael , Kwak Larry W. , Lin Dongyu , Yang Jing , Yi Qing
Published: May 2011

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for human β2‐microglobulin (β2M) have been shown to induce tumour cell apoptosis in haematological and solid tumours via recruiting major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules into and excluding cytokine receptors from the lipid rafts. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that IgM anti‐β2M mAbs might have stronger apoptotic effects because of their pentameric structure. Our results showed that, compared with IgG mAbs, IgM anti‐β2M mAbs exhibited stronger tumouricidal activity in vitro against different tumour cells, including myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma, and prostate cancer, and in vivo in a human‐like xenografted myeloma mouse model without damaging normal tissues. IgM mAb‐induced apoptosis is dependent on the pentameric structure of the mAbs. Disrupting pentameric IgM into monomeric IgM significantly reduced their ability to induce cell apoptosis. Monomeric IgM mAbs were less efficient at recruiting MHC class I molecules into and exclusion of cytokine receptors from lipid rafts, and at activating the intrinsic apoptosis cascade. Thus, we developed and validated the efficacy of anti‐β2M IgM mAbs that may be utilized in the clinical setting and showed that IgM anti‐β2M mAbs may be more potent than IgG mAbs at inducing tumour apoptosis.
Assessing PTSD and resilience for females who during childhood were exposed to domestic violence
Authors: Anderson Kim M. , Bang Eun‐Jun
Published: May 2011

This study examined 68 females, who as children were exposed to domestic violence, to explore childhood risk and protective factors and their relationship to adult levels of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and resilience. Independent sample t‐tests indicated significant differences in PTSD levels between participants with and without police involvement during childhood. There were also significant differences in PTSD levels between participants who reported their mothers had mental‐health problems with those who did not. Additionally, participants whose mothers had full‐time steady employment had significantly higher resilience than those with mothers who did not work or worked inconsistently. Implications include advancing ecological theory and conceptual insights regarding childhood risk and protective factors and their association to adult psychological distress and hardiness for daughters exposed to their mothers' intimate partner violence.
Accessing a hard to reach population: reflections on research with young carers in Ireland
Authors: Kennan Danielle , Fives Allyn , Canavan John
Published: May 2011

In keeping with developments in children's rights, research is increasingly including the views of children. Accessing a hard to reach population of children can, however, raise significant ethical and methodological challenges for researchers. Negotiating access through gatekeepers, securing parental consent and limits on confidentiality are central issues in the recruitment process of children. This paper is based on a qualitative study of young carers in the Irish population. It outlines the methodological approaches employed to access a representative sample of young carers and the measures taken to fulfil ethical obligations. In the recruitment phase of the study, researchers attempted to strike a balance between two sometimes competing requirements, the need to protect children from harm and to respect children's competence. This paper reflects on the success and limitations of the approaches adopted towards achieving this balance, exploring the use of gatekeepers as a method to identify and recruit a hidden population, and revisiting the measures taken to comply with the ethical requirements of parental consent and limits on confidentiality.
Research Note: Overpressure prediction from C‐wave seismic data
Authors: Ferguson Robert J. , Ebrom Daniel A. , Kumar Kimberly M.
Published: May 2011

Recently, mode converted shear waves (C‐waves) have been shown to enable overpressure prediction in media where primary wave acquisition is inhibited by gas and fluid effects – C‐wave moveout is analysed and a long standing relationship between differential stress and primary‐wave (P‐wave) velocity is modified and employed. Though pore‐pressure prediction based on C‐waves is supported by empirical evidence from laboratory and field experiments, a theoretical justification has yet to be developed. In this research note, we provide a supporting algebra for the original relationship between pore pressure and C‐wave velocity.
Mental health: Knowledge, attitudes and training of professionals on dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and psychiatric disorder
Authors: Werner S. , Stawski M.
Published: May 2011

Background  Dual diagnosis (DD) refers to the coexistence of intellectual disability and psychiatric disorder. In order to provide individuals with DD with adequate care, it is essential for mental health workers to have adequate knowledge and positive attitudes. These may be achieved through proper training.

Aims  To summarise the available literature examining the knowledge, attitudes and training of psychiatrists and other professional caregivers in regard to serving people with DD.

Methods  A search strategy was developed to find manuscripts published in English since 1995.

Results  Twenty‐seven studies on knowledge, attitudes and training in the field of DD were identified and reviewed in this paper.

Conclusion  The findings of this review stress the need to improve the knowledge, competence and attitudes of practitioners within the DD field via training and practice opportunities. In light of this review, recommendations for improving training opportunities and for conducting future research are made.
Measuring population differentiation using GST or D? A simulation study with microsatellite DNA markers under a finite island model and nonequilibrium conditions
Authors: LENG LIANG , ZHANG DE‐XING
Published: May 2011

The genetic differentiation of populations is a key parameter in population genetic investigations. Wright’s FST (and its relatives such as GST) has been a standard measure of differentiation. However, the deficiencies of these indexes have been increasingly realized in recent years, leading to some new measures being proposed, such as Jost’s D (Molecular Ecology, 2008; 17, 4015). The existence of these new metrics has stimulated considerable debate and induced some confusion on which statistics should be used for estimating population differentiation. Here, we report a simulation study with neutral microsatellite DNA loci under a finite island model to compare the performance of GST and D, particularly under nonequilibrium conditions. Our results suggest that there exist fundamental differences between the two statistics, and neither GST nor D operates satisfactorily in all situations for quantifying differentiation. D is very sensitive to mutation models but GST noticeably less so, which limits D’s utility in population parameter estimation and comparisons across genetic markers. Also, the initial heterozygosity of the starting populations has some important effects on both the individual behaviours of GST and D and their relative behaviours in early differentiation, and this effect is much greater for D than GST. In the early stages of differentiation, when initial heterozygosity is relatively low (<0.5, if the number of subpopulations is large), GST increases faster than D; the opposite is true when initial heterozygosity is high. Therefore, the state of the ancestral population appears to have some lasting impacts on population differentiation. In general, GST can measure differentiation fairly well when heterozygosity is low whatever the causes; however, when heterozygosity is high (e.g. as a result of either high mutation rate or high initial heterozygosity) and gene flow is moderate to strong, GST fails to measure differentiation. Interestingly, when population size is not very small (e.g. N ≥ 1000), GST measures differentiation quite linearly with time over a long duration when gene flow is absent or very weak even if mutation rate is not low (e.g. μ = 0.001). In contrast, D, as a differentiation measure, performs rather robustly in all these situations. In practice, both indexes should be calculated and the relative levels of heterozygosities (especially HS) and gene flow taken into account. We suggest that a comparison of the two indexes can generate useful insights into the evolutionary processes that influence population differentiation.
Species delimitation in fungal endophyte diversity studies and its implications in ecological and biogeographic inferences
Authors: GAZIS ROMINA , REHNER STEPHEN , CHAVERRI PRISCILA
Published: May 2011

The estimation of species diversity in fungal endophyte communities is based either on species counts or on the assignment of operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Consequently, the application of different species recognition criteria affects not only diversity estimates but also the ecological hypotheses that arise from those observations. The main objective of the study was to examine how the choice and number of genetic markers and species delimitation criteria influence biodiversity estimates. Here, we compare approaches to defining species boundaries in three dominant species complexes of tropical endophytes, speciallyColletotrichum gloeosporioidesagg.,Pestalotiopsis microsporaagg. andTrichoderma harzianumagg., from two Amazonian trees:Hevea brasiliensisandH. guianensis. Molecular tools were used to describe and compare the diversity of the different assemblages. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses [gpd, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) andtef1] and modern techniques for phylogenetic species delimitation were overlaid with ecological data to recognize putative species or OTUs. The results demonstrate that ITS alone generally underestimates the number of species predicted by other nuclear loci. These results question the use of ITS and arbitrary divergence thresholds for species delimitation.
Characterization of a genomic divergence island between black‐and‐yellow and gopher Sebastes rockfishes
Authors: BUONACCORSI VINCENT P. , NARUM SHAWN R. , KARKOSKA KRISTINE A. , GREGORY STEVEN , DEPTOLA TRAVIS , WEIMER ALEXANDER B.
Published: May 2011

Islands of high genomic divergence that contain genes of evolutionary significance may form between diverging species. The gopher rockfish, Sebastes carnatus, and black‐and‐yellow rockfish, S. chrysomelas, are sympatrically distributed temperate marine species inhabiting rocky reefs and kelp forests on the west coast of the United States. Prior studies documented low levels of genetic divergence between the two species, except at a single microsatellite locus that displayed high divergence, Sra.7‐2. To better characterize genome wide divergence, we scored 25 additional microsatellite loci. Mean neutral divergence between species (FST = 0.01) changed little from prior estimates. Sra.7‐2 continued to be an extreme divergence outlier. Five novel microsatellites within ± 15 kb of Sra.7‐2 were characterized. High divergence, consistently low diversity in S. chrysomelas, and linkage disequilibrium were detected at these loci, suggesting the influence of recent selection. However, coalescent modelling of divergence at neutral and Sra.7‐2 regions showed that initial divergence at Sra.7‐2 was ancient, likely predating divergence at neutral regions. It is therefore unlikely that Sra.7‐2 divergence represents solely recent ecological divergence within one species and may represent the action of recurrent selection. Introgressive gene flow (2NEm) was much higher (>>1) at neutral than Sra.7‐2 regions (<<1) despite evidence that two S. carnatus individuals have recently mixed ancestry at the Sra.7‐2 region. The Sra.7‐2 genomic region is likely one of several regions containing genes involved in initiating and maintaining species integrity. Completion of the final stages of speciation appears to be a slow and ongoing process for these species.
Murine cerebral malaria: histopathology and ICAM 1 immunohistochemistry of the inner ear
Authors: Schmutzhard Joachim , Kositz Christian Hermann , Lackner Peter , Pritz Christian , Glueckert Rudolf , Fischer Marlene , Schmutzhard Erich , Schrott‐Fischer Annelies
Published: May 2011

Objective  To evaluate the pathophysiologic changes in the inner ear during the course of severe cerebral malaria in an established animal model, C57 BL/6J mice.

Methods  This study aims to examine the hearing threshold, the histological changes and ICAM‐1 expression in the murine cochlea.

Results  Four of seven mice showed an expected hearing loss of 20 dB or more. The light microscopy of the inner ear did not show any morphologic alterations. The immunohistochemical analysis for ICAM‐1 showed intensive staining in the stria vascularis of sick animals and hardly any reaction in healthy controls.

Conclusion  The up‐regulation of ICAM‐1 in the stria vascularis – generating the endocochlear potential – suggests its involvement in plasmodial infection.
Patient attitudes toward CDC high infectious risk donor kidney transplantation: inferences from focus groups
Authors: Ros R. Lorie , Kucirka Lauren M. , Govindan Priyanka , Sarathy Harini , Montgomery Robert A. , Segev Dorry L.
Published: May 2011

Ros RL, Kucirka LM, Govindan P, Sarathy H, Montgomery RA, Segev DL. Patient attitudes toward CDC high infectious risk donor kidney transplantation: inferences from focus groups.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01469.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Introduction:  Deceased donors are considered high infectious risk donors (IRDs) based on criteria thought to be associated with risk of HIV transmission. Significant variation exists in provider willingness to utilize IRD kidneys. Little is known about how patients view these organs. Our aim was to explore patient attitudes toward IRDs and IRD kidney transplantation.

Methods:  Patients were recruited from a single‐center deceased donor waitlist. Focus groups stratified by age and race were conducted to ascertain patient attitudes toward IRD kidney transplantation. Transcripts were examined using standard qualitative methods.

Results:  Patients considered IRD kidneys most appropriate for patients at high risk of death or with poor quality of life on dialysis. Patients felt unprepared to receive organ offers, especially from IRDs. They desired information about IRD behaviors, kidney quality, and probability of undetected infection. Patients weighed the opinion of their nephrologist most heavily when deciding about organ offers. A brief education session about donor screening resulted in increased willingness to consider IRD kidneys.

Conclusions:  Lack of preparedness contributes to patient apprehension toward IRD organs. Ongoing transplant education seems necessary. The non‐transplant nephrologist seems to be the most trusted source of information.
The role and future challenges for recombinant growth hormone therapy to promote growth in children after renal transplantation
Authors: Janjua Halima S. , Mahan John D.
Published: May 2011

Janjua HS, Mahan JD. The role and future challenges for recombinant growth hormone therapy to promote growth in children after renal transplantation. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E469–E474. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Chronic kidney disease can severely impair linear growth in children. For many children, growth improves after renal transplantation, but for some, growth velocity remains low and for others, catch‐up growth is insufficient to compensate for the deficit imparted by renal disease in the preceding years. Inadequate final adult height after renal transplant is multifactorial and can adversely affect the quality of life (QOL), psychosocial development and long term prospects for these children as they grow into adulthood. Growth failure after renal transplant requires thorough evaluation and its management in renal transplant recipients can involve improved nutritional intake, correction of metabolic acidosis, treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism, steroid‐sparing immunosuppression and/or use of recombinant human growth hormone (rGH). Treatment with rGH after renal transplant has been evaluated by a limited number of clinical trials suggesting efficacy and safety for this treatment strategy. Several important clinical questions regarding rGH use in children post‐renal transplant remain unanswered.
Pancreas transplantation considering the spectrum of body mass indices
Authors: Afaneh Cheguevara , Rich Barrie , Aull Meredith J. , Hartono Choli , Kapur Sandip , Leeser David B.
Published: May 2011

Afaneh C, Rich B, Aull MJ, Hartono C, Kapur S, Leeser DB. Pancreas transplantation considering the spectrum of body mass indices.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E520–E529. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  In kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplantation, extremes of body mass index (BMI) have been reported to influence post‐operative outcomes and even survival. Given the limited data in pancreas transplantation, we sought to elucidate the influence of BMI on outcomes.

Methods:  We reviewed 139 consecutive pancreas transplants performed at our institution and divided them into four categories based on BMI: underweight (≤18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.6–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Parameters analyzed included post‐operative complications, early graft loss, one‐yr acute rejection rate (AR), non‐surgical infections, and survival.

Results:  Demographic data were similar between the groups. Compared with normal, only obese patients trended toward more post‐operative complications (p = 0.06). Underweight and obese patients had significantly more post‐operative infectious complications than normal (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.03, respectively). Obese patients had more complications requiring percutaneous drainage compared with normal (p = 0.03). Overweight and obese patients had significantly more complications requiring re‐laparotomy (p = 0.03 and p = 0.048, respectively). Early graft loss, AR, non‐surgical infections, and patient and graft survival rates were not different between normal and underweight, overweight, or obese patients (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:  Extremes of BMI were associated with increased morbidity. Donors and recipients should be carefully selected to maximize potential for successful outcomes.
Activation of the human complement system by pigmented and hypopigmented mycelia of the fungus Fonsecaea pedrosoi
Authors: Pinto Lysianne , Granja Luiz Fernando Zmetek , Alviano Daniela Sales , da Silva Maria Helena , Alviano Celuta Sales , Ejzemberg Regina
Published: May 2011

The action of the complement system on pigmented and hypopigmented mycelia of the fungus Fonsecaea pedrosoi, the major aetiological pathogen of the chromoblastomycosis is herein discussed. Fungi were grown in medium Czapeck‐Dox at 37 °C, for 14 days, without shaking to obtain pigmented mycelium. To obtain hypopigmented mycelium, the fungus was grown at the same conditions, but in the dark and with low oxygenation. Activation was measured by complement consumption and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We also observed by immunofluorescence the deposition of C3, C4 fragments and C9 on the surface of the different forms studied. The results indicate that both forms were able to activate the complement system mainly by the alternative pathway. Pigmented mycelia had the highest consumption results, indicating that the pigment, melanin, may have influence in activation.
Mycological survey of activated sludge in MBRs
Authors: Awad Mohamed F. , Kraume M.
Published: May 2011

The objective of this research was to conduct a survey of fungi in activated sludge plants with membrane bioreactors (MBRs). Thirty‐six samples of both aerobic and anoxic activated sludge were taken from two plants with MBRs treating domestic wastewater. Over a period of 8 months, two samples from each plant were taken per month. The samples were prepared for count and identification of fungi. The obtained data show that 61 species belonging to 30 genera were identified from activated sludge samples, under aerobic conditions (27 genera and 54 species) and anoxic conditions (21 genera and 39 species), by culturing at 30 °C for 15 days. In aerobic activated sludge samples, the prevalence ofGeotrichum candidumwas 100% followed byFusarium(72.2%), yeast (61.1%),Aspergillus(50.0%),Penicillium(50.0%) andTrichoderma(41.6%), while in anoxic activated sludge,G. candidum(94.4%),Fusarium(91.6%),Aspergillus(77.7%), yeast (63.8%),Penicillium(50.0%) andTrichoderma(50.0%) species were the most prevalent. In addition, the other genera found includedChaetomum,Chrysosporium,Cladosporium,Doratomyces,Gibberella,Gliocladium,Gymnoascus,Mucor,Paecilomyces,Phialophora,Rhizopus,Scopulariopsis,Stachybotrys,Stemphyliumandothers. The results indicate that aerobic and anoxic activated sludge provides a suitable habitat for the growth and sporulation of different groups of fungi, both saprophytic and pathogenic.
Underexpressed microRNA‐199b‐5p targets Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor‐1α in hepatocellular carcinoma and predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Wang Chuanxi , Song Bao , Song Wei , Liu Jie , Sun Aimin , Wu Dehua , Yu Huiming , Lian Jianping , Chen Longhua , Han Junqing
Published: May 2011

Background and Aim:  MicroRNAs are short noncoding RNA molecules that are responsible for the posttranscriptional regulation of target genes. The aim of this study was to determine whether microRNA‐199b‐5p (miR‐199b) plays a role in the progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to elucidate whether hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (Hif1α) is regulated by miR‐199b.

Methods:  In this study, 35 matched HCCs and cirrhosis tissues were assayed for miR‐199b and Hif1α expression. To evaluate the role of miR‐199b, we assessed cell proliferation rate and clonogenic survival of miR‐199b‐ or negative control‐transfected cells by MTT and clone formation assay, respectively. In addition, the regulation of Hif1α by miR‐199b was evaluated by Western blotting and luciferase assay. MiR‐199b was downregulated in 77% of HCCs, whereas Hif1α protein was upregulated in 69% of cases. A significant inverse correlation between miR‐199b and Hif1α was observed in HCCs.

Results:  Patients with lower levels of miR‐199b expression had poorer overall survival and progression‐free survival rates, whereas patients with higher levels of miR‐199b expression had better survival. Moreover, miR‐199b could restrain cell growth and obviously enhance the radiosensitizing effect of HepG2 cells. MiR‐199b and pGL3‐Hif1α vector‐transfected cells showed suppressed Hif1α protein expression and significant reduced luciferase activity.

Conclusions:  Underexpressed miR‐199b, which may be via the upregulation of Hif1α in HCCs, is inversely correlated with survival and directly correlated with the malignant status of HCC patients.
Endosonographic findings of gastric ectopic pancreas: A single center experience
Authors: Park Sung Han , Kim Gwang Ha , Park Do Youn , Shin Na Ri , Cheong Jae Hoon , Moon Ji Yoon , Lee Bong Eun , Song Geun Am , Seo Hyung‐Il , Jeon Tae Yong
Published: May 2011

Background and Aim:  Ectopic pancreas is a common submucosal lesion in the stomach, but its histological diagnosis is usually difficult when tissue samples are obtained with a conventional biopsy forceps. The aim of this study was to describe the endosonographic features of gastric ectopic pancreas.

Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed a database of all patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) at Pusan National University Hospital from July 2006 to August 2010. A total of 26 patients with histologically confirmed ectopic pancreas were included in the study. The EUS features of their lesions were analyzed.

Results:  Ten lesions were located in the antrum, and 16 lesions were located in the body. Nine lesions (34.6%) showed an umbilication or central dimpling on the surface, and a mural growth pattern was most commonly observed (61.5%). Twenty‐four lesions (92.3%) showed hypoechoic echogenicity, and 13 lesions (50.0%) were heterogeneous. The borders were indistinct in 16 lesions (61.5%) and lobulated margins were observed in 16 lesions (61.5%). Anechoic cystic or tubular structures appeared in 17 lesions (65.4%), and 20 lesions (76.9%) involved two or more sonographic layers.

Conclusions:  The characteristic EUS features of ectopic pancreas are indistinct borders, lobulated margins, presence of anechoic duct‐like structures, a mural growth pattern, and localization within two or more layers. These EUS features are potentially useful for differentiating ectopic pancreas from other mesenchymal tumors in the stomach.
Increased CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are associated with tumor progression
Authors: Zhu Jiankang , Feng Alei , Sun Jintang , Jiang Zhenzhong , Zhang Guangyong , Wang Kexin , Hu Sanyuan , Qu Xun
Published: May 2011

Background and Aim:  A new subset of Treg cells, CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells, has been identified in mice. Herein, we aimed to identify this subset of T cells and to evaluate its function in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:  We detected CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells and its expression of CCR6 and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) in peripheral blood of 91 HCC patients, 38 chronic hepatitis patients and 34 healthy donors by flow cytometry. CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells in HCC tissues were also analyzed.

Results:  CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells were significantly increased in peripheral blood of HCC patients compared with healthy persons and chronic hepatitis patients (8.74% ± 0.42% vs 4.55% ± 0.33% and 5.15% ± 0.36%, P < 0.0001). The percentage of peripheral CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells was significantly higher in HCC patients with Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage III plus IV (P < 0.05). Patients with large tumor size and tumor vascular invasion were inclined to obtain high percentage of CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells (P < 0.05). The frequency of membrane‐bound TGF‐β1 positive cells in CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells from HCC patients was higher than that from the other two groups (P < 0.0001). A considerable proportion of CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells were present in HCC tissues, which has significant correlation with tumor size and TNM stage. Few CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells express CCR6 both in peripheral blood and tumor tissues from HCC patients.

Conclusions:  Increased CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells in HCC patients are significantly correlated with tumor size, vascular invasion and TNM stage. Thus, increased CD4+CD69+CD25‐ T cells exert a critical role in HCC progression and might be a clinically aggressive phenotype of HCC.
Fatigue lives of RC beams strengthened with CFRP at different temperatures under cyclic bending loads
Authors: HUANG P.‐Y. , ZHOU H. , WANG H.‐Y. , GUO X.‐Y.
Published: May 2011

Fatigue performance of reinforced concrete (RC) components strengthened with fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) is largely improved. However, temperature changes of service environment have a great effect on the fatigue behaviour of RC components strengthened with FRP. Concerning about temperature variations in subtropical areas such as South China, this paper analyses the fatigue behaviour of RC beams strengthened with carbon fibre laminate (CFL) from experimental studies and theoretical analysis under four different temperatures (5 °C, 20 °C, 50 °C, 80 °C) and five different stress levels (0.60, 0.66, 0.72, 0.78, 0.84). The paper discusses temperature fatigue behaviour of RC beams strengthened with CFL under cyclic bending loads in different service environments, and proposes a calculation formula of fatigue lives of RC beams strengthened with CFL under environmental temperatures and external forces coupling. Experimental results show that the formula not only effectively predicts the fatigue lives of the RC beams strengthened with CFL under environmental temperatures and bending loads coupling but also estimates the fatigue limits.
Bioavailability of soil organic matter and microbial community dynamics upon permafrost thaw
Authors: Coolen Marco J. L. , van de Giessen Jeroen , Zhu Elizabeth Y. , Wuchter Cornelia
Published: May 2011

Amplified Arctic warming could thaw 25% of the permafrost area by 2100, exposing vast amounts of currently fixed organic carbon to microbially mediated decomposition and release of greenhouse gasses through soil organic matter (SOM) respiration. We performed time‐series incubation experiments with Holocene permafrost soils at 4°C for up to 11 days to determine changes in exoenzyme activities (EEAs) (i.e. phosphatase, β‐glucosidase, aminopeptidase) as a measure for the bioavailability of SOM in response to permafrost thaw. We also profiled SSU rRNA transcripts to follow the qualitative and quantitative changes in viable prokaryotes and eukaryotes during incubation. EEA, amount of rRNA transcripts and microbial community structures differed substantially between the various soil intervals in response to thaw: after 11 days of incubation, the active layer became slightly depleted in C and P and harboured bacterial phyla indicative of more oligotrophic conditions (Acidobacteria). A fast response in phosphatase and β‐glucosidase upon thaw, and a predominance of active copiotrophic Bacteroidetes, showed that the upper permafrost plate serves as storage of easily degradable carbon derived from the overlying thawed active layer during summer. EEA profiles and microbial community dynamics furthermore suggest that the deeper and older permafrost intervals mainly contain recalcitrant SOM, and that extracellular soil‐bound exoenzymes play a role in the initial cleavage of biopolymers, which could kick‐start microbial growth upon thaw. Basidiomycetous fungi and Candidate Subdivision OP5 bacteria were the first to respond in freshly thawed deeper permafrost intervals, and might play an important role in the decomposition of recalcitrant SOM to release more labile substrates to support the major bacterial phyla (β‐Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes), which predominated thereafter.
Bacillus cereus responses to acid stress
Authors: Mols Maarten , Abee Tjakko
Published: May 2011

Coping with acid environments is one of the prerequisites for the soil saprophytic and human pathogenic lifestyle of Bacillus cereus. This minireview highlights novel insights in the responses displayed by vegetative cells and germinating spores of B. cereus upon exposure to low pH as well as organic acids, including acetic acid, lactic acid and sorbic acid. Insights regarding the possible acid‐inflicted damage, physiological responses and protective mechanisms have been compiled based on single cell fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and transcriptome analyses.
Drivers of bacterial diversity dynamics in permeable carbonate and silicate coral reef sands from the Red Sea
Authors: Schöttner Sandra , Pfitzner Barbara , Grünke Stefanie , Rasheed Mohammed , Wild Christian , Ramette Alban
Published: May 2011

Permeable sediments and associated microbial communities play a fundamental role in nutrient recycling within coral reef ecosystems by ensuring high levels of primary production in oligotrophic environments. A previous study on organic matter degradation within biogenic carbonate and terrigenous silicate reef sands in the Red Sea suggested that observed sand‐specific differences in microbial activity could be caused by variations in microbial biomass and diversity. Here, we tested this hypothesis by comparing bacterial abundance and community structure in both sand types, and by further exploring the structuring effects of time (season) and space (sediment depth, in/out‐reef). Changes in bacterial community structure, as determined via automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA), were primarily driven by sand mineralogy at specific seasons, sediment depths and reef locations. By coupling ARISA with 16S‐ITS rRNA sequencing, we detected significant community shifts already at the bacterial class level, with Proteobacteria (Gamma‐, Delta‐, Alpha‐) and Actinobacteria being prominent members of the highly diverse communities. Overall, our findings suggest that reef sand‐associated bacterial communities vary substantially with sand type. Especially in synergy with environmental variation over time and space, mineralogical differences seem to play a central role in maintaining high levels of bacterial community heterogeneity. The local co‐occurrence of carbonate and silicate sands may thus significantly increase the availability of microbial niches within a single coral reef ecosystem.
Changes in viral and bacterial communities during the ice‐melting season in the coastal Arctic (Kongsfjorden, Ny‐Ålesund)
Authors: De Corte Daniele , Sintes Eva , Yokokawa Taichi , Herndl Gerhard J.
Published: May 2011

Microbial communities in Arctic coastal waters experience dramatic changes in environmental conditions during the spring to summer transition period, potentially leading to major variations in the relationship between viral and prokaryotic communities. To document these variations, a number of physico‐chemical and biological parameters were determined during the ice‐melting season in the coastal Arctic (Kongsfjorden, Ny‐Ålesund, Spitsbergen). The bacterial and viral abundance increased during the spring to summer transition period, probably associated to the increase in temperature and the development of a phytoplankton bloom. The increase in viral abundance was less pronounced than the increase in prokaryotic abundance; consequently, the viral to prokaryotic abundance ratio decreased. The bacterial and viral communities were stratified as determined by Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis and Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA–PCR respectively. Both the bacterial and viral communities were characterized by a relatively low number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Despite the apparent low complexity of the bacterial and viral communities, the link between these two communities was weak over the melting season, as suggested by the different trends of prokaryotic and viral abundance during the sampling period. This weak relationship between the two communities might be explained by UV radiation and suspended particles differently affecting the viruses and prokaryotes in the coastal Arctic during this period. Based on our results, we conclude that the viral and bacterial communities in the Arctic were strongly affected by the variability of the environmental conditions during the transition period between spring and summer.