bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drying of carrot slices using infrared radiation
Authors: Kocabiyik Habib , Tezer Dilvin
Published: December 2008

Carrot slices were dried from initial moisture content of 8.52 kg water kg−1 dry matter to 0.11 kg water kg−1 dry matter by infrared dryer. Experiments were conducted using three levels of infrared power (300, 400 and 500 W) and at air velocities (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 m s−1). The effects of process variables on the drying kinetics of carrot, drying time, specific energy consumption and quality parameters of dried carrot (shrinkage, rehydration ratio and colour) were investigated. The drying time at infrared power of 300, 400 and 500 W was 252 and 277 min, 205 and 236 min, and 145 and 155 min at air velocities of 1.0 and 2.0 m s−1, respectively. The drying rate increased with increasing infrared power. The specific energy consumption values varied between 12.22 and 14.58 MJ kg−1‐evaporated water for all the drying conditions. Shrinkage, rehydration ratio and colour parameters were found to be affected by process variables.
Decision‐making: initiating insulin therapy for adults with diabetes
Authors: McDowell Joan R.S. , Coates Vivien , Davis Ruth , Brown Florence , Dromgoole Paul , Lowes Lesley , Turner Eileen V. , Thompson Kate
Published: December 2008

Title.  Decision‐making: initiating insulin therapy for adults with diabetes.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to describe nurses’ perceptions of decision‐making and the evidence base for the initiation of insulin therapy.

Background.  Several theoretical perspectives and professional’s attributes underpin decision‐making to commence insulin therapy. The management of type 2 diabetes is moving from secondary to primary care and this affects how clinical decisions are made, by whom and the evidence base for these decisions.

Method.  A postal survey was conducted with a stratified sample of 3478 Diabetes Specialist Nurses and Practice Nurses with a special interest in diabetes across the four countries of the United Kingdom. A total of 1310 valid responses were returned, giving a response rate of 37·7%. The questionnaire was designed for the study and pilot‐tested before use. Responses were given using Likert‐type scales. Data were collected during 2005 and 2006, and one reminder was sent.

Results.  People with diabetes are seen as having little influence in decision‐making. Consultant physicians appear to be influential in most decisions, and the nursing groups held varying perceptions of who made clinical decisions. Nurses’ identified different responsibilities for those working solely in secondary care from those working in both community and secondary care. Practice nurses were not as involved as anticipated.

Conclusion.  Nurses working with people with diabetes need to encourage them to become more active partners in care. Clinical guidelines can assist in decision‐making where nurses are least experienced in initiating insulin therapy.
Mothers’ experiences of parenting a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Peters Kathleen , Jackson Debra
Published: December 2008

Title.  Mothers’ experiences of parenting a child with attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the perceptions and experiences of mothers parenting a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Background.  Previous quantitative studies have focussed on parenting styles and treatments, and highlight that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has a negative impact on family functioning. However, fewer researchers have explored maternal experiences of parenting a child with this disorder. A narrative‐based feminist approach can provide greater insights into complex issues related to mothering a child with this disorder.

Method.  Data were collected in 2007 with a volunteer sample of 11 mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder via in‐depth interviews. Analysis was completed by listening for self‐evaluative statements, paying attention to meta‐statements and by identifying both consistencies and incongruities within participant’s narratives.

Findings.  Dominant issues identified were: It’s been 10 years of being on edge: The caring responsibility as overwhelming; If I had my time over again, I wouldn’t tell the truth: Stigmatized, scrutinized and criticized; What have I done? What did I do? How come I’ve got this child: Guilt and self‐blame and He doesn’t stand a chance: Mother as advocate.

Conclusion.  Mothering a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is stressful and demanding, and mothers felt marginalized. Media portrayal of this disorder contributes to confusion related to causes, diagnosis and treatment choices. More education for healthcare professionals is needed to enable them to give appropriate guidance and support to enhance outcomes for children and their parents.
Looking at movies and cartoons: eye‐tracking evidence from Williams syndrome and autism
Authors: Riby D. , Hancock P. J. B.
Published: December 2008

Background  Autism and Williams syndrome (WS) are neuro‐developmental disorders associated with distinct social phenotypes. While individuals with autism show a lack of interest in socially important cues, individuals with WS often show increased interest in socially relevant information.

Methods  The current eye‐tracking study explores how individuals with WS and autism preferentially attend to social scenes and movie extracts containing human actors and cartoon characters. The proportion of gaze time spent fixating on faces, bodies and the scene background was investigated.

Results  While individuals with autism preferentially attended to characters' faces for less time than was typical, individuals with WS attended to the same regions for longer than typical. For individuals with autism atypical gaze behaviours extended across human actor and cartoon images or movies but for WS atypicalities were restricted to human actors.

Conclusions  The reported gaze behaviours provide experimental evidence of the divergent social interests associated with autism and WS.
Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium Std fimbriae bind terminal α(1,2)fucose residues in the cecal mucosa
Authors: Chessa Daniela , Winter Maria G. , Jakomin Marcello , Bäumler Andreas J.
Published: December 2008

The std operon encodes a fimbrial adhesin of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium that is required for attachment to intestinal epithelial cells and for cecal colonization in the mouse. To study the mechanism by which this virulence factor contributes to colonization we characterized its binding specificity. Std‐mediated binding to human colonic epithelial (Caco‐2) cells could be abrogated by removing N‐linked glycans. Adherence of Std fimbriated S. Typhimurium to Caco‐2 cells could be blocked by co‐incubation with H type 2 oligosaccharide (Fucα1‐2Galβ1‐4GlcNAc) or by pretreatment of cells with α1‐2 fucosidase. In contrast, pretreatment of Caco‐2 cells with neuraminidase or co‐incubation with the type 2 disaccharide precursor (Galβ1‐4GlcNAc) did not reduce adherence of Std fimbriated S. Typhimurium. Binding of purified Std fimbriae to Fucα1‐2Galβ1‐4GlcNAc in a solid phase binding assay was competitively inhibited by Ulex europaeus agglutinin‐I (UEA‐I), a lectin specific for Fucα1‐2 moieties. Purified Std fimbriae and UEA both bound to a receptor localized in the mucus layer of the murine cecum. These data suggest that the std operon encodes an adhesin that binds an α1‐2 fucosylated receptor(s) present in the cecal mucosa.
The archaeal RNA polymerase subunit P and the eukaryotic polymerase subunit Rpb12 are interchangeable in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Reich Christoph , Zeller Mirijam , Milkereit Philipp , Hausner Winfried , Cramer Patrick , Tschochner Herbert , Thomm Michael
Published: December 2008

The general subunit of all three eukaryotic RNA polymerases, Rpb12, and subunit P of the archaeal enzyme show sequence similarities in their N‐terminal zinc ribbon and some highly conserved residues in the C‐terminus. We report here that archaeal subunit P under the control of a strong yeast promoter could complement the lethal phenotype of a RPB12 deletion mutant and that subunit Rpb12 from yeast can functionally replace subunit P during reconstitution of the archaeal RNA polymerase. The ΔP enzyme is unable to form stable open complexes, but can efficiently extend a dinucleotide on a premelted template or RNA on an elongation scaffold. This suggests that subunit P is directly or indirectly involved in promoter opening. The activity of the ΔP enzyme can be rescued by the addition of Rpb12 or subunit P to transcription reactions. Mutation of cysteine residues in the zinc ribbon impair the activity of the enzyme in several assays and this mutated form of P is rapidly replaced by wild‐type P in transcription reactions. The conserved zinc ribbon in the N‐terminus seems to be important for proper interaction of the complete subunit with other RNA polymerase subunits and a 17‐amino‐acid C‐terminal peptide is sufficient to support all basic RNA polymerase functions in vitro.
Sequence requirements for the export of the Plasmodium falciparum Maurer's clefts protein REX2
Authors: Haase Silvia , Herrmann Susann , Grüring Christof , Heiber Arlett , Jansen Pascal W. , Langer Christine , Treeck Moritz , Cabrera Ana , Bruns Caroline , Struck Nicole S. , Kono Maya , Engelberg Klemens , Ruch Ulrike , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , Gilberger Tim‐Wolf , Spielmann Tobias
Published: December 2008

A short motif termed Plasmodium export element (PEXEL) or vacuolar targeting signal (VTS) characterizes Plasmodium proteins exported into the host cell. These proteins mediate host cell modifications essential for parasite survival and virulence. However, several PEXEL‐negative exported proteins indicate that the currently predicted malaria exportome is not complete and it is unknown whether and how these proteins relate to PEXEL‐positive export. Here we show that the N‐terminal 10 amino acids of the PEXEL‐negative exported protein REX2 (ring‐exported protein 2) are necessary for its targeting and that a single‐point mutation in this region abolishes export. Furthermore we show that the REX2 transmembrane domain is also essential for export and that together with the N‐terminal region it is sufficient to promote export of another protein. An N‐terminal region and the transmembrane domain of the unrelated PEXEL‐negative exported protein SBP1 (skeleton‐binding protein 1) can functionally replace the corresponding regions in REX2, suggesting that these sequence features are also present in other PEXEL‐negative exported proteins. Similar to PEXEL proteins we find that REX2 is processed, but in contrast, detect no evidence for N‐terminal acetylation.
The incretin hormones GIP and GLP‐1 in diabetic rats: effects on insulin secretion and small bowel motility
Authors: Edholm T. , Cejvan K. , Abdel‐halim S. M. , Efendic S. , Schmidt P. T. , Hellström P. M.
Published: December 2008

Abstract  Incretin hormones often display inhibitory actions on gut motility. The aim of this study was to investigate if altered responsiveness to glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) as regards insulin release and small bowel motility could bring further clarity to the pathophysiology of diabetes in the Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rat. The isolated perfused pancreas was studied in male GK and Wistar rats (controls) under euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions. Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (10 nmol L−1) or GLP‐1 (10 nmol L−1) were added to the medium and perfusate was collected and analysed for insulin. Moreover, GK and Wistar rats were supplied with bipolar electrodes in the small bowel and myoelectric activity was recorded during intravenous administration of GIP (1–400 pmol kg−1 min−1) or GLP‐1 (0.1–20 pmol kg−1 min−1). Finally, tissue was collected from GK and Wistar rats for RNA extraction. Under euglycemia, GIP and GLP‐1 stimulated the initial insulin response by 10‐fold in GK rats (P < 0.05). At later hyperglycemia, the insulin response to GIP and GLP‐1 was blunted to about one‐third compared with controls (P < 0.05). In the bowel GLP‐1 was about 2.6–16.7 times more potent than GIP in abolishing the migrating myoelectric complex in the GK and control rats. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed GIP and GLP‐1 receptor gene expression in pancreatic islets and in small bowel. The initially high, but later low insulin responsiveness to stimulation with GIP and GLP‐1 along with inhibition of small bowel motility in the GK rat indicates a preserved incretin response on motility in diabetes type 2.
Monogenic resistance to a new fungicide, JS399‐19, in Gibberella zeae
Authors: Chen Y. , Chen C. J. , Zhou M. G. , Wang J. X. , Zhang W. Z.
Published: December 2008

The fungicide JS399‐19 is a novel cyanoacrylate fungicide active against Gibberella zeae, and has been marketed in China for control of fusarium head blight (FHB) on wheat. Forty‐three isolates sensitive to fungicide JS399‐19 were collected from three commercial wheat fields in China. Forty‐five isolates resistant to JS399‐19, obtained from five sensitive isolates by selection for resistance to JS399‐19, were selected. Three sensitivity levels were identified: sensitive (S), moderately resistant (MR) and highly resistant (HR) to JS399‐19, based on a previous study. Eight isolates representing the three sensitivity‐level phenotypes were randomly selected for a study on the inheritance of JS399‐19 resistance by analysing the sensitivity of hybrid F1 progeny. A nitrate‐non‐utilizing mutant (nit) was used as a genetic marker to confirm that individual perithecia were the result of outcrossing. Five crosses were assessed: S × S, S × HR, MR × HR, HR × HR and MR × S. In crosses between parents with different sensitivity levels, such as S × HR, MR × HR and MR × S, the progeny fitted a 1:1 segregation ratio of the two parental phenotypes. No segregation was observed in the crosses S × S and HR × HR. It was concluded that the MR and HR phenotypes in G. zeae were conferred by different allelic mutations within the same locus. In these isolates, resistance to JS399‐19 was not affected by modifying genes or cytoplasmic components.
Modifying Antibody Specificity by Chain Shuffling of VH / VL between Antibodies with Related Specificities
Authors: Christensen P. A. , Danielczyk A. , Ravn P. , Larsen M. , Stahn R. , Karsten U. , Goletz S.
Published: December 2008

Histo‐blood group antigens are important markers of developmental stages and as such also often of tumours. Generation of antibodies towards these carbohydrate structures is still a challenging task as they may lack specificity, affinity or are only of the IgM class. We have examined four own antibodies to Lewis Y/H type 2 for their fine specificities using a large panel of mono‐ and oligosaccharides. Sequence alignment to other antibodies with similar specificity revealed an overall limited variation, and that our antibodies constitute a novel set. Based on produced and analysed chimeric mouse–human antibodies, extensive chain shuffling experiments were performed in order to analyse influences of the respective H and L chains on the specificity of the antibodies, and to generate modified antibodies with improved properties. One chIgG1 out of the shuffled antibodies revealed improved specificity and markedly enhanced functional affinity to Lewis Y compared to the parental chIgG1 antibodies. Therefore, the combinatorial approach of chain shuffling provides a platform to improve specificity and/or affinity of anti‐carbohydrate antibodies.
The Additive Contribution from Inflammatory Genetic Markers on the Severity of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Berg K. K. , Madsen H. O. , Garred P. , Wiseth R. , Gunnes S. , Videm V.
Published: December 2008

Inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis. Genetic differences in molecules related to inflammation have therefore been linked to the susceptibility for and severity of atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that the additive contribution from different genes of importance for inflammation would enhance the severity of cardiovascular disease. Blood samples were collected from 230 adults admitted for elective coronary angiography. A total of 130 patients had significant (>50%) stenosis in at least one main coronary artery branch and 100 had not. Six polymorphisms in five different genes were analysed: myeloperoxidase (MPO) −129G/A and −463G/A, toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) Asp299Gly, interleukin‐6 (IL6) −174G/C, surfactant protein D (SFTPD) Met11Thr and regulated upon normal T‐cell expressed and secreted (CCL5) −403G/A. The IL6 polymorphism was significantly associated (P = 0.017) to angiographic significant coronary artery disease, and this relation remained after adjustment for age, gender, smoking and hypercholesterolaemia (P = 0.007). The TLR4 (P = 0.050) and SFTPD (P = 0.058) polymorphisms were also associated with the presence of coronary stenosis in univariate but not in multivariate analyses. For MPO and CCL5 no associations were found. There was a significant linear association between the number of high‐risk gene variants (IL6−174CC, SFTPD 11CC and TLR4 299AA) and the proportion of patients with coronary artery disease (P < 0.0005). Inherited factors related to inflammation may increase susceptibility for severe coronary artery disease. Furthermore, the additive contribution from different inflammatory genetic markers strongly enhances the individual severity of cardiovascular disease.
Induction of Cell Death in Human Macrophages by a Highly Virulent Korean Isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the Virulent Strain H37Rv
Authors: Sohn H. , Lee K.‐S. , Kim S.‐Y. , Shin D.‐M. , Shin S.‐J. , Jo E.‐K. , Park J.‐K. , Kim H.‐J.
Published: December 2008

Recent studies have suggested that virulent strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis induce apoptosis in macrophages less often than do attenuated strains. K‐strain, which belongs to the Beijing family, is the most frequently isolated clinical strain of M. tuberculosis in Korea. In this study, we investigated the differential induction of cell death in human monocytic THP‐1 cells by K‐strain and H37Rv, a virulent but laboratory‐adapted strain of M. tuberculosis. Although no significant difference in growth rate was observed between the cells exposed to K‐strain and those exposed to H37Rv, the levels of protective cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐12p40 were lower in K‐strain‐infected cells than in H37Rv‐infected cells. Cell viability assays showed that both K‐strain and H37Rv, but not heat‐ or streptomycin‐killed bacteria, induced THP‐1 cell death in a TNF‐independent manner. In contrast, double staining with fluorochrome‐labelled inhibitors of caspase and propidium iodide and lactate dehydrogenase release assays revealed that K‐strain induced significantly higher levels of necrotic cell death, rather than apoptosis, in THP‐1 cells than did H37Rv. Anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2, Mcl‐1, Bfl‐1 and Bcl‐xL in the cells were significantly upregulated following infection with K‐strain compared with H37Rv, whereas Bax was slightly upregulated in response to infection with both H37Rv and K‐strain. These results suggest that the highly virulent K‐strain keeps cellular apoptosis as a host defense mechanism to a minimum and induces necrosis in macrophages.
Inhibition of TNF‐α‐induced Cyclooxygenase‐2 Expression by Mycobacterium bovis BCG in Human Alveolar Epithelial A549 Cells
Authors: Bansal K. , Narayana Y. , Balaji K. N.
Published: December 2008

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is implicated in pathophysiological processes associated with the initiation or maintenance of host inflammatory responses to infection. Our results demonstrates that Mycobacterium bovis BCG (M. bovis BCG) downregulates tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced COX‐2 gene expression in alveolar epithelial cells by inhibiting the phosphorylations of Raf‐1 and p38 kinases. Further, M. bovis BCG‐mediated inhibition of COX‐2 or p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase could be reversed by Calyculin A, a selective inhibitor of Ser/Thr phosphatases. Moreover, M. bovis BCG inhibited the TNF‐α‐triggered NF‐κB activation following IκB degradation. Taken together, these results suggest that the attenuation of COX‐2 expression by vaccine strain, M. bovis BCG, represents a novel strategy to maintain robust host proinflammatory responses to subsequent challenges with virulent tuberculosis bacilli.
Evaluation of Tumour‐Associated Antigen (TAA) Miniarray in Immunodiagnosis of Colon Cancer
Authors: Liu W. , Wang P. , Li Z. , Xu W. , Dai L. , Wang K. , Zhang J.
Published: December 2008

Previous studies demonstrated that cancer sera contain antibodies, which react with a unique group of autologous cellular antigens called tumour‐associated antigens (TAAs). This study determines whether a mini‐array of multiple TAAs would enhance antibody detection and be a useful approach in colon cancer detection and diagnosis. The mini‐array of multiple TAAs was composed of five TAAs including Imp1, p62, Koc, p53 and c‐myc full‐length recombinant proteins. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies against these five TAAs in 46 sera from patients with colon cancer and also 58 sera from normal individuals. Antibody frequency to any individual TAA in colon cancer was variable and ranged from 15.2% to 23.9%. With the successive addition of TAAs to a final total of five antigens, there was a stepwise increase of positive antibody reactions reaching a sensitivity of 60.9% and a specificity of 89.7% in colon cancer. Positive and negative likelihood ratio was 5.91 and 0.43 respectively, which showed that the clinical diagnostic value of parallel assay of five TAAs was high. Positive and negative predictive values were respectively 82.4% and 74.3% indicating that parallel assay of five TAAs raised the diagnostic precision greatly. Agreement rate and Kappa value were 76.9% and 0.52 respectively, which indicated that the observed value of this assay had middle range coincidence with actual value. The data from this study further support our previous hypothesis that detection of autoantibodies for diagnosis of certain type of cancer can be enhanced by using a mini‐array of several TAAs as target antigens. In 19 colon cancer sera with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) negative, 11 (57.9%) were found to have anti‐TAA antibodies. When CEA and anti‐TAAs were used together as markers in colon cancer detection, the diagnostic sensitivity could be raised from 60.9% to 82.6%. A customized antigen mini‐array using a panel of appropriately selected TAAs can enhance autoantibody detection in immunodiagnosis of colon cancer. Anti‐TAA and CEA were independent markers and the simultaneous use of these two markers significantly raised the sensitivity of colon cancer detection.
Inhibition of Human Neutrophil Apoptosis by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis: Role of Interleukin‐8
Authors: Acorci M. J. , Dias‐Melicio L. A. , Golim M. A. , Bordon‐Graciani A. P. , Peraçoli M. T. S. , Soares Â. M. V. C.
Published: December 2008

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis that presents a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Because of the great number of neutrophils polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) found in the P. brasiliensis granuloma, studies have been done to evaluate the role of these cells during the development of the infection. This fungus is found intracellularly in PMN and monocytes/macrophages, suggesting that it is capable of evading damage and surviving inside these cells. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether P. brasiliensis can prolong the lifetime of PMN, and if this process would be related with IL‐8 levels. PMN apoptosis and intracellular levels of IL‐8 were analysed by flow cytometry and culture supernatants IL‐8 levels were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We found that coincubation with P. brasiliensis yeast cells results in an inhibition of PMN apoptosis, which was associated with increase in IL‐8 production by these cells. Cocultures treatment with monoclonal antibody anti‐IL‐8 reversed the inhibitory effect of P. brasiliensis on PMN apoptosis, besides to increase spontaneous apoptosis of these cells. These data show that, in contrast to other microbial pathogens that drive phagocytes into apoptosis to escape killing, P. brasiliensis can extend the lifetime of normal human PMN by inducing autocrine IL‐8 production.
Retransfusion of filtered shed blood in everyday orthopaedic practice
Authors: Moonen A. F. C. M. , Thomassen B. J. W. , Van Os J. J. , Verburg A. D. , Pilot P.
Published: December 2008

summary The efficiency of post‐operative cell saving after major joint arthroplasty has been demonstrated in prospective studies focusing on blood management. In everyday practice, however, it is likely that transfusion policy is followed less rigorously because of a slackening in attention to blood management, with a reduced efficiency of post‐operative cell saving. The primary research question of this retrospective study was whether the number of allogeneic blood transfusions administered to patients treated with a retransfusion system was similar to the results found in a preceding prospective study. A total of 438 patients treated with the Bellovac ABT retransfusion system were analysed in which the majority was operated on a total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The amount of retransfused shed blood, the perioperative haemoglobin levels and the number of allogeneic blood transfusions were registered. The average amount of retransfusion was 152 mL in THA and 410 mL in TKA, whereas the allogeneic blood transfusion rate was 8·4 and 5·1% in both groups, respectively. The average percentage of allogeneic blood transfusions administered in this study (i.e. 7%) proved to be marginally higher than the percentage found in a preceding prospective study (i.e. 6%) because of slackening of attention for transfusion policy in everyday practice. Limited bone resection procedures such as resurfacing THA or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty were associated with very limited shed blood and low risk of allogeneic blood transfusion, indicating the doubtful cost efficiency of using a retransfusion system in these patients. It can be concluded that the efficiency of the retransfusion system in everyday practice was similar to the efficiency shown in a preceding prospective study focusing on blood management. However, continual training of the clinical team is crucial.
Influence of blood donation on levels of water‐soluble vitamins
Authors: Kalus U. , Pruss A. , Wodarra J. , Kiesewetter H. , Salama A. , Radtke H.
Published: December 2008

summary Iron depletion is a well‐known side effect of blood donation. Research evidence also suggests an increasing prevalence of vitamin deficiency in apparently healthy subjects, but there is little information regarding the relationship between blood donation and vitamin status. A total of 217 volunteers (80 first‐time and 137 repeat blood donors) were consecutively enrolled in the study. All subjects completed self‐administered medical history and food intake forms, which included questions regarding alcohol consumption and smoking as well as on vitamin supplement, iron and contraceptive use (females). Vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12 and biotin levels were measured using standard techniques. The mean vitamin levels of first‐time and repeat blood donors did not significantly differ. Vitamin deficiencies occurred in both first‐time and repeat blood donors but not on vitamin supplements. Vitamin status was affected by alcohol, nicotine and contraceptives. Blood donation does not decrease the level of water‐soluble vitamins. Vitamin deficiencies occur in apparently healthy first‐time as well as in repeat blood donors and can be prevented by vitamin supplementation.
Predictors of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp
Authors: Han D. H. , Kim S. W. , Cho S. H. , Kim D. Y. , Lee C. H. , Kim S. S. , Rhee C. S.
Published: December 2008

Background:  Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSNP) and asthma are inflammatory lesions of the respiratory epithelium. This study was conducted to evaluate predictive factors of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in patients with CRSNP.

Methods:  BHR was evaluated using a methacholine bronchoprovocation test (MBPT) in 122 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with CRSNP at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2004 to June 2006. The following parameters were analyzed and compared between the BHR and non‐BHR groups: symptoms, atopic status, current smoking, disease severity of CRSNP based on the Lund–Mackay scoring system of sinus CT, and counts of eosinophils in the serum and nasal tissues.

Results:  Thirty‐five percent of the patients were found to have BHR, and BHR was found to occur more frequently in patients that were currently suffering from sneezing (P = 0.007). In addition, the mean eosinophil counts of the serum and nasal tissues were higher in the BHR group than in the non‐BHR group (P = 0.001 for the serum, P = 0.045 for the nasal tissues), and the eosinophil counts of the serum correlated to those of the nasal tissues (r = 0.334, P = 0.013). The disease severity, as determined by the Lund–Mackay scoring system, was not different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The best cutoff serum eosinophil count for predicting BHR in CRSNP patients was determined to be 300 cells/μl (sensitivity 70%, specificity 70%).

Conclusion:  Taken together, these results indicate that moderate to severe sneezing and a serum eosinophil count ≥ 300 cells/μl may be predictive factors for BHR in patients with CRSNP.
Cigarette smoke facilitates allergen penetration across respiratory epithelium
Authors: Gangl K. , Reininger R. , Bernhard D. , Campana R. , Pree I. , Reisinger J. , Kneidinger M. , Kundi M. , Dolznig H. , Thurnher D. , Valent P. , Chen K.‐W. , Vrtala S. , Spitzauer S. , Valenta R. , Niederberger V.
Published: December 2008

Background:  The association between cigarette smoke exposure and allergic airway disease is a matter for debate. We sought to investigate in an in vitro system whether active smoking reduces the integrity and barrier function of the respiratory epithelium and thus facilitates allergen penetration.

Methods:  We cultured the human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE14o− in a transwell culture system as a surrogate for the intact respiratory epithelium. The cell monolayer was exposed to standardized cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The extent and effects of trans‐epithelial allergen penetration were measured using 125I‐labelled purified major respiratory allergens (rBet v 1, rPhl p 5 and rDer p 2) and histamine release experiments.

Results:  Exposure of cells to concentrations of CSE similar to those found in smokers induced the development of para‐cellular gaps and a decrease in trans‐epithelial resistance. CSE exposure induced a more than threefold increase in allergen penetration. Increased subepithelial allergen concentrations provoked a substantial augmentation of histamine release from sensitized basophils.

Conclusions:  Our results indicate that cigarette smoke is a potent factor capable of reducing the barrier function of the respiratory epithelium for allergens and may contribute to increased allergic inflammation, exacerbation of allergic disease and boosting of IgE memory.
New‐onset diabetes mellitus presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Nikeghbalian Saman , Eshraghian Ahad , Haghighat Mahmood , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , Bahador Ali , Kazemi Kourosh , Malek‐Hosseini Seyed Ali
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  The development of NODM is a common metabolic complication after liver transplantation. Presentation of post‐liver transplant diabetes mellitus with DKA is rare especially among pediatric patients. We reported three pediatric patients who presented with DKA after liver transplantation. The underlying diseases leading to transplantation were cryptogenic liver cirrhosis, Wilson disease, and congenital hepatic fibrosis. None of the three patients had a history of diabetes prior to transplantation and all of them were cases of NODM after transplantation. All three patients presented with severe hyperglycemia, significant ketosis, and metabolic acidosis of variable severity. All of them received tacrolimus as one of the immunosuppressant agents. The patients received a liver transplant from a DD. The patients were treated with intravenous insulin injection (0.1 U/kg/h) and recovered from DKA, but one case expired in the intensive care unit because of bacterial sepsis after recovery from DKA. Our experience suggests that PTDM may result in ketoacidosis, and we emphasize the importance of paying more attention to glucose metabolism and risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with immunosuppressive therapy, especially tacrolimus.
Percutaneous coronary intervention using drug‐eluting stents in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Sachdeva Ritu , Seib Paul M. , Frazier Elizabeth A. , Sachdeva Rajesh
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  PCI has been used for palliation of CAV in adults, but there are limited data available in children. We sought to evaluate our experience with PCIs for CAV in pediatric heart transplant recipients. Retrospective review of the medical records of all four patients who were diagnosed with CAV, including demographic data and catheterization reports was performed. Of the 149 pediatric heart transplant recipients followed at our institution, 10 were identified with CAV. Four of these 10 underwent 12 PCI procedures for CAV. One donor heart had documented coronary artery disease. Two patients had significant risk factors for coronary artery disease including morbid obesity, hyperlipidemia, and systemic hypertension. PCI involved deployment of bare metal stents (n = 2), paclitaxel‐eluting stent (n = 6), and sirolimus‐eluting stents (n = 4) with procedural success in all and no early or late mortality. One procedure was complicated by coronary dissection that was successfully treated with stent placement. One patient has been re‐transplanted while the other three are not candidates for re‐transplantation and have remained asymptomatic as palliation with PCI. PCI using coronary stents is a safe and effective palliative measure for CAV in pediatric heart transplant recipients.
Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wirk B. , Wingard J.R.
Published: December 2008

Abstract: Strongyloides stercoralis is endemic in tropical, subtropical, and even temperate regions, and infects up to 100 million people worldwide. The diagnosis of strongyloidiasis can be difficult because of intermittent larval output in stool and nonspecific symptoms with mild peripheral eosinophilia. In this case report, a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia underwent peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and was subsequently diagnosed with strongyloidiasis. Strongyloidiasis should be considered in immunocompromised patients from endemic areas who have unexplained peripheral eosinophilia. If screening tests are positive for S. stercoralis or if a patient has unexplained eosinophilia with even a remote history of travel to or residence in endemic areas, then ivermectin should be given before HSCT to prevent often fatal hyperinfection syndrome from occurring after HSCT.
Development of a recombinant antigen‐based ELISA for the sero‐detection of porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses
Authors: Brema Susanne , Lindner Iris , Goltz Michael , Ehlers Bernhard
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Background:  Xenotransplantation using pigs as donor species carries a risk for the activation of latent porcine herpesviruses and potential transmission to the human recipient. The porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses (PLHV‐1, ‐2, ‐3) are widespread in domestic pigs and closely related to the human gammaherpesviruses, Epstein–Barr virus and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus, causing lymphoproliferative disorders. PLHV‐1 has been associated with a porcine post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), affecting miniature swine after experimental transplantation. In human xenotransplantation, PLHV might be transferred to the transplant recipient and cause PTLD or related diseases. The elimination of PLHV from donor pigs is therefore necessary, and requires the availability of nucleic‐acid‐ and antibody‐based detection methods.

Methods:  The N‐ and C‐terminal parts (gB1 and gB2) of the glycoprotein B gene of PLHV‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Antisera were raised in mice. PLHV PCR was performed as published earlier.

Results:  An ELISA was developed, using recombinant glycoprotein B of PLHV‐1 as the antigen, and used for the analysis of groups of pigs, differing by age and origin. Seropositivity ranged from 38% (piglets) to 90% (gilts) and 100% (breeding sows, miniature pigs and pigs for slaughter). In comparison, PCR products of PLHV were found in the blood of 0 to 80% of the pig groups. Additionally, a group of 12 piglets was tested repeatedly after birth until the age of 156 days. A decline of antibodies was found during the first 3 weeks after birth, followed by a rise in most pigs during the weeks thereafter. PLHV PCR products in the blood were only observed later than 3 weeks after birth.

Conclusion:  Newborn pigs may be passively protected by maternal antibodies against PLHV infection during the first 3 weeks post partum. The rise of antibody titers thereafter and the appearance of PLHV sequences in the blood possibly indicates de novo infection by contact to the infected mother sow. The PLHV–ELISA may aid in breeding PLHV‐free pigs.
Experimental application of xenogenous antlerogenic cells in replacement of auricular cartilage in rabbits
Authors: Cegielski Marek , Dziewiszek Wojciech , Zabel Maciej , Dzięgiel Piotr , Iżycki Dariusz , Zatoński Maciej , Bochnia Marek
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Background:  Regenerative medicine in the recent years aims at explaining involvement of stem cells in regenerative processes and applying this knowledge in fulfilling human needs to find new, more efficient therapeutic methods. Growing antlers constitute a model organ for examining regeneration processes of tissues because they are the only mammalian appendages capable of regeneration. The rate of growth of deer antlers makes them one of the quickest growing structures in mammals. The cells taking part in this process have a considerable proliferating potential. The aim of the study was to analyze the possibility of using xenogenous antlerogenic cells (AC) in regeneration of cartilaginous tissues in non‐immunosuppressed animals.

Methods:  We undertook to use a xenogenous implant consisting of cultured antlerogenic mesenchymal cells suspended in hemostatic sponge in the reconstruction of lesions of ear cartilage in nine rabbits. A surgical site was prepared half‐way up the outer, dorsal part of the right ear. About 1 cm from the free edge of the ear, a centrally peduncled flap of skin and perichondrium was prepared, measuring 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm. The exposed cartilage was excised in an area of about 1 cm × 1 cm. In the operated rabbits, in the prepared perichondrial pocket, we placed a flake of Spongostan® saturated with the suspension of AC. Xenogenous cell survival and regeneration abilities were determined by histologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopy analysis of the grafts.

Results:  In each case, healing occurred properly and neither local inflammation, necrosis nor implant rejection was observed. The hyaline cartilage lesion was replaced by new fibrous cartilage. This is similar to the histologic process occurring in growing deer antlers. The histologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopy analysis demonstrated the presence (and thus possible participation) of exogenous cells in the reconstructive process. At the same time, the immune response was very weak, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical reactions.

Conclusion:  Implanted antlerogenic cells were not rejected and possibly took part in the reconstruction of missing sections of the scaffolding of the rabbits’ ear cartilages (although the mechanism is yet unknown). Low immunogenicity of AC, simplicity, efficiency, and low costs of production of implant material are the benefits of this method. Further research should unequivocally answer the question whether the MIC‐1 cells are or are not the long‐sought‐after ideal material for the reconstruction of cartilaginous tissue lesions in various species, including human.
Chitosan/gelatin hydrogel as immunoisolative matrix for injectable bioartificial pancreas
Authors: Yang Kai‐Chiang , Wu Chang‐Chin , Lin Feng‐Huei , Qi Zhi , Kuo Tzong‐Fu , Cheng Yung‐Hsin , Chen Moon‐Pei , Sumi Shoichiro
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Background:  The feasibility of using chitosan/gelatin hydrogel as immunoisolative matrix to provide an additional protection to the microencapsulated islet cells was demonstrated in this study. We hope that the use of hydrogel can extend the functional longevity of microencapsulated islet cells during xenotransplantation.

Methods:  Chitosan/gelatin solution with glycerol 2‐phosphate disodium salt hydrate was prepared and utilized as a cell carrier. The biocompatibility of the chitosan/gelatin hydrogel was first established by using a mouse insulinoma cell line, NIT‐1. Insulinoma cells were encapsulated in agarose as microspheres and then macroencapsulated in chitosan/gelatin hydrogel. In vitro cell activity, material‐mediated cytotoxicity, cytokine‐mediated cytotoxicity assay, and insulin secreting profiles of insulinoma/agarose microspheres macroencapsulated in chitosan/gelatin hydrogel were analyzed. For in vivo study, insulinoma/agarose microspheres with chitosan/gelatin solution was applied as an injectable bioartificial pancreas (BAPs). Insulinoma/agarose microspheres suspended in phosphate‐buffered saline or in chitosan/gelatin solution was injected into the subcutaneous layer of diabetic rats. Non‐fasting blood glucose (NFBG) concentration of rat was measured perioperatively. After pre‐determined intervals, the chitosan/gelatin hydrogel containing insulinoma/agarose microspheres was retrieved for histologic examinations.

Results: Insulinoma/agarose microspheres macroencapsulated in hydrogel revealed functional activity and secreted insulin continually for 60 days in vitro. Chitosan/gelatin hydrogel was not cytotoxic to islet cells, and in contrast, the hydrogel showed cytoprotective effects against cytokine‐mediated cytotoxicity. The NFBG of diabetic rats transplanted with free insulinoma/agarose microspheres was decreased to euglycemia but restored to hyperglycemia in 15 days. Contrarily, the NFBG of rats transplanted with insulinoma/agarose microspheres with hydrogel remained euglycemic for 42 days. Histologic sections revealed that the fibrous tissue envelopment and the infiltrated immune‐related cells contributed to the dysfunction of BAPs.

Conclusions:  This study indicates that using chitosan/gelatin hydrogel as a cell carrier is feasible and can provide an additional protection for the microencapsulated islet cells during xenotransplantation.
Topographic electroencephalogram in children during mask induction of anaesthesia with sevoflurane
Authors: SONKAJÄRVI E. , ALAHUHTA S. , SUOMINEN K. , HAKALAX N. , VAKKURI A. , LÖPPÖNEN H. , OHTONEN P. , JÄNTTI V.
Published: December 2008

Background: Epileptiform patterns, spikes, polyspikes and periodic epileptiform discharges (PED) have been reported in electroencephalograms (EEGs) during anaesthesia induction with sevoflurane in healthy adults and children. Published recordings have been performed with a limited number of channels, and therefore the topographic distributions of these patterns are not known.

Methods: Twenty ASA I children aged 4–10 years undergoing routine operations were anaesthetized with 8% sevoflurane in 50%/50% oxygen and nitrous oxide using mask induction with controlled normoventilation. An EEG was recorded with a full 10–20 electrode system including orbitofrontal and ear electrodes, and a recording band of 0.016–70 Hz. Beat‐to‐beat heart rate (HR) was calculated off‐line.

Results: Nineteen out of 20 children developed multifocal spikes and polyspikes with a maximum over the frontal lobes. Four patients developed suppression, which was almost continuous and lasted several minutes, and thereafter a continuous EEG resumed, a few spikes were seen and then a nonepileptiform pattern. In three children a couple of PED waves were seen at the onset of a continuous EEG. HR increased maximally before the onset of spikes. No motor phenomena were seen.

Conclusion: These recordings confirm the epileptogenic property of sevoflurane in mask induction. The spikes and polyspikes had frontal multifocal maxima and may be missed in recordings from frontopolar electrodes used by depth‐of‐anaesthesia monitors. PED and burst suppression were synchronous over the whole cortex. Epileptiform activity was indiscernible from epileptiform waveforms without anaesthesia, such as the patterns seen in status epilepticus.
Can video mobile phones improve CPR quality when used for dispatcher assistance during simulated cardiac arrest?
Authors: BOLLE S. R. , SCHOLL J. , GILBERT M.
Published: December 2008

Background: Because mobile telephones may support video calls, emergency medical dispatchers may now connect visually with bystanders during pre‐hospital cardio‐pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We studied the quality of simulated dispatcher‐assisted CPR when guidance was delivered to rescuers by video calls or audio calls from mobile phones.

Methods: One hundred and eighty high school students were randomly assigned in groups of three to communicate via video calls or audio calls with experienced nurse dispatchers at a Hospital Emergency Medical Dispatch Center. CPR was performed on a recording resuscitation manikin during simulated cardiac arrest. Quality of CPR and time factors were compared depending on the type of communication used.

Results: The median CPR time without chest compression (‘hands‐off time’) was shorter in the video‐call group vs. the audio‐call group (303 vs. 331 s; P=0.048), but the median time to first compression was not shorter (104 vs. 102 s; P=0.29). The median time to first ventilation was insignificantly shorter in the video‐call group (176 vs. 205 s; P=0.16). This group also had a slightly higher proportion of ventiliations without error (0.11 vs. 0.06; P=0.30).

Conclusion: Video communication is unlikely to improve telephone CPR (t‐CPR) significantly without proper training of dispatchers and when using dispatch protocols written for audio‐only calls. Improved dispatch procedures and training for handling video calls require further investigation.