bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘My life's been a total disaster but I feel privileged’: care‐leavers’ access to personal records and their implications for social work practice
Authors: Murray Suellen , Humphreys Cathy
Published: August 2012

In Australia, there is no binding protocol that proscribes the processes by which the release of personal records of adults who grew up in care occurs. Individual agencies that hold the records – both government and non‐government organizations – have their own policy and practice guidelines. While not specific to care‐leavers, the existence of freedom of information and privacy legislation means that the subject of the records is entitled to access information about themselves, but this is not unproblematic. Drawing on qualitative in‐depth interviews with a group of Australian care‐leavers, this paper discusses their experiences of accessing personal records. Accessing these records was often highly significant to identity formation, but could produce both positive and negative effects. The negative aspects of the records were that, typically, at least in part, they were incomplete, insulting, incorrect and/or incomprehensible. Currently, the range of support provided to those accessing their records varies significantly across agencies. The findings of this research suggest the need for the greater provision of supported release and the implications for social work practice are discussed.
Serum levels and mesenteric fat tissue expression of adiponectin and leptin in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Rodrigues V S , Milanski M , Fagundes J J , Torsoni A S , Ayrizono M L S , Nunez C E C , Dias C B , Meirelles L R , Dalal S , Coy C S R , Velloso L A , Leal R F
Published: August 2012

Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by inflammation and an aetiology that is still unknown. Hypertrophy of mesenteric fat is a reflection of disease activity, as this fat covers the entire length of the affected area. Adipocytes synthesize leptin and adiponectin, adipocytokines responsible for pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, we evaluated serum levels of adiponectin and leptin, as well as mesenteral expression of adiponectin in active CD and those in remission. Sixteen patients with ileocaecal CD followed at the Outpatient Clinic, Coloproctology Unit of University of Campinas Clinical Hospital, participated in the study. Analysis of serum adiponectin and leptin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed in patients with active CD (ACD group), remission CD (RCD group) and in six healthy controls. Ten patients with active ileocaecal CD (FCD group) and eight patients with non-inflammatory disease selected for surgery were also studied. The specimens were snap-frozen and the expression of adiponectin was determined by immunoblot of protein extracts. Serum C-reactive protein levels were higher in the ACD group when compared to the others and no difference of body mass index was observed between the groups. Serum adiponectin was lower in the ACD group when compared to control, but no differences were seen when comparing the ACD and RCD groups. Mesenteric adiponectin expression was lower in the FCD group when compared to the FC group. Serum leptin was similar in all groups. The lower levels of serum and mesenteric adiponectin in active CD suggest a defective regulation of anti-inflammatory pathways in CD pathogenesis.
Spatiotemporal variation in the distribution of chytrid parasites in diatom host populations
Authors: GSELL ALENA S. , DE SENERPONT DOMIS LISETTE N. , NAUS‐WIEZER SUZANNE M. H. , HELMSING NICO R. , VAN DONK ELLEN , IBELINGS BAS W.
Published: August 2012

1. Many host–parasite interaction dynamics show distinct seasonality. Parasite population growth and invasion success are generally explained by host density dependence, while the direct influence of environmental factors on parasite life history traits has been underreported.

2.  In waterbodies, resource availability and environmental conditions change with season (temperature, irradiance and rainfall patterns) and with depth (light, temperature and chemical gradients). Hence, hosts and parasites live in a spatially and temporally variable environment. Such environmental variation leads to structured populations, which in turn have implications for host–parasite interaction dynamics. Nevertheless, time‐series data on the vertical distribution of aquatic hosts and their parasites are rare.

3.  We present a dataset spanning 1.5 years (2008–2010) of weekly sampling in Lake Maarsseveen (the Netherlands) focussing on the dynamics of the diatomAsterionella formosaand its parasite, the chytridZygorhizidium planktonicum, at four depths. Environmental variables measured included ice cover, temperature, global irradiance, light extinction, pH, soluble reactive silicate (SRSi), dissolved nitrate and ortho‐phosphate.

4.  We observed four host blooms, two in early spring and one each in summer and autumn. Each host bloom was followed by a time‐lagged parasite epidemic. Blooms and epidemics started in the uppermost water layers and showed a time lag in onset date with increasing depth.

5.  Host abundance was related to SRSi, global irradiance, Schmidt stability and parasite abundance in the upper 10 m, whereas at 15 m only a relationship with parasite abundance prevailed. Parasite abundance was related to host abundance, light extinction, temperature, SRSi, stability and global irradiance within the upper 10 m; again, at 15 m, parasite abundance correlated only with host abundance and disease prevalence.

6.  Host vertical distribution was less aggregated during isothermal conditions than during thermal stratification, when host abundance was higher in the mixed, photic epilimnion and lower in the dark, colder hypolimnion. Parasite vertical distribution was patchy most of the year. Parasite epidemics seemed to reduce host vertical patchiness as they impacted higher density patches in the photic zone more strongly, a result of both higher host abundance and favourable environmental conditions for the parasite.

7.  Seasonal variability and vertical gradients in biotic and abiotic factors expose host and parasite individuals to different environmental conditions even within a single population. Environmental variability affects parasite transmission rates through changes in host abundance and through changes in the strength and outcome of host–parasite interactions.
Combining limnological and palaeolimnological data to disentangle the effects of nutrient pollution and climate change on lake ecosystems: problems and potential
Authors: BATTARBEE R. W. , ANDERSON N. J. , BENNION H. , SIMPSON G. L.
Published: August 2012

1. As long‐term observational lake records continue to lengthen, the historical overlap with lake sediment records grows, providing increasing opportunities for placing the contemporary ecological status of lakes in a temporal perspective.

2. Comparisons between long‐term data sets and sediment records, however, require lake sediments to be accurately dated and for sediment accumulation rates to be sufficiently rapid to allow precise matching with observational data.

3. The critical role of the sediment record in this context is its value in tracking the changing impact of human activity on a lake from a pre‐disturbance reference through to the present day.

4. Here, we use data from a range of lakes across Europe presented as case studies in this Special Section. The seven sites considered all possess both long‐term observational records and high‐quality sediment records. Our objective is to assess whether recent climate change is having an impact on their trophic status and in particular whether that impact can be disentangled from the changes associated with nutrient pollution.

5. The palaeo‐data show clear evidence for the beginning of nutrient pollution varying from the mid‐nineteenth century at Loch Leven to the early and middle twentieth century at other sites. The monitoring data show different degrees of recovery when judged against the palaeo‐reference.

6. The reason for limited recovery is attributed to continuing high nutrient concentrations related to an increase in diffuse nutrient loading or to internal P recycling, but there is some evidence that climate change may be playing a role in offsetting recovery at some sites. If this is the case, then lake ecosystems suffering from eutrophication may not necessarily return to their pre‐eutrophication reference status despite the measures that have been taken to reduce external nutrient loading.

7. The extent to which future warming might further limit such recovery can be evaluated only by continued monitoring combined with the use of palaeo‐records that set the pre‐eutrophication reference.
Insights into historical drainage evolution based on the phylogeography of the chevron snakehead fish (Channa striata) in the Mekong Basin
Authors: ADAMSON ELEANOR A. S. , HURWOOD DAVID A. , MATHER PETER B.
Published: August 2012

1. The phylogeography of freshwater taxa is often integrally linked with landscape changes such as drainage re‐alignments that may present the only avenue for historical dispersal for these taxa. Classical models of gene flow do not account for landscape changes and so are of little use in predicting phylogeography in geologically young freshwater landscapes. When the history of drainage formation is unknown, phylogeographical predictions can be based on current freshwater landscape structure, proposed historical drainage geomorphology, or from phylogeographical patterns of co‐distributed taxa.

2. This study describes the population structure of a sedentary freshwater fish, the chevron snakehead (Channa striata), across two river drainages on the Indochinese Peninsula. The phylogeographical pattern recovered for C. striata was tested against seven hypotheses based on contemporary landscape structure, proposed history and phylogeographical patterns of co‐distributed taxa.

3. Consistent with the species ecology, analysis of mitochondrial and microsatellite loci revealed very high differentiation among all sampled sites. A strong signature of historical population subdivision was also revealed within the contemporary Mekong River Basin (MRB). Of the seven phylogeographical hypotheses tested, patterns of co‐distributed taxa proved to be the most adequate for describing the phylogeography of C. striata.

4. Results shed new light on SE Asian drainage evolution, indicating that the Middle MRB probably evolved via amalgamation of at least three historically independent drainage sections and in particular that the Mekong River section centred around the northern Khorat Plateau in NE Thailand was probably isolated from the greater Mekong for an extensive period of evolutionary time. In contrast, C. striata populations in the Lower MRB do not show a phylogeographical signature of evolution in historically isolated drainage lines, suggesting drainage amalgamation has been less important for river landscape formation in this region.
Geometrid outbreak waves travel across Europe
Authors: Tenow Olle , Nilssen Arne C. , Bylund Helena , Pettersson Rickard , Battisti Andrea , Bohn Udo , Caroulle Fabien , Ciornei Constantin , Csóka György , Delb Horst , De Prins Willy , Glavendekić Milka , Gninenko Yuri I. , Hrašovec Boris , Matošević Dinka , Meshkova Valentyna , Moraal Leen , Netoiu Constantin , Pajares Juan , Rubtsov Vasily , Tomescu Romica , Utkina Irina
Published: August 2012

We show that the population ecology of the 9‐ to 10‐year cyclic, broadleaf‐defoliating winter moth (Operophtera brumata) and other early‐season geometrids cannot be fully understood on a local scale unless population behaviour is known on a European scale.

Qualitative and quantitative data on O. brumata outbreaks were obtained from published sources and previously unpublished material provided by authors of this article. Data cover six decades from the 1950s to the first decade of twenty‐first century and most European countries, giving new information fundamental for the understanding of the population ecology of O. brumata.

Analyses on epicentral, regional and continental scales show that in each decade, a wave of O. brumata outbreaks travelled across Europe.

On average, the waves moved unidirectionally ESE–WNW, that is, toward the Scandes and the Atlantic. When one wave reached the Atlantic coast after 9–10 years, the next one started in East Europe to travel the same c. 3000 km distance.

The average wave speed and wavelength was 330 km year−1 and 3135 km, respectively, the high speed being incongruous with sedentary geometrid populations.

A mapping of the wave of the 1990s revealed that this wave travelled in a straight E–W direction. It therefore passed the Scandes diagonally first in the north on its way westward. Within the frame of the Scandes, this caused the illusion that the wave moved N–S. In analogy, outbreaks described previously as moving S–N or occurring contemporaneously along the Scandes were probably the result of continental‐scale waves meeting the Scandes obliquely from the south or in parallel.

In the steppe zone of eastern‐most and south‐east Europe, outbreaks of the winter moth did not participate in the waves. Here, broadleaved stands are small and widely separated. This makes the zone hostile to short‐distance dispersal between O. brumata subpopulations and prevents synchronization within meta‐populations.

We hypothesize that hostile boundary models, involving reciprocal host–herbivore–enemy reactions at the transition between the steppe and the broadleaved forest zones, offer the best explanation to the origin of outbreak waves. These results have theoretical and practical implications and indicate that multidisciplinary, continentally coordinated studies are essential for an understanding of the spatio‐temporal behaviour of cyclic animal populations.
Synergistic Effects of A1896, T1653 and T1762/A1764 Mutations in Genotype C2 Hepatitis B Virus on Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lyu H. , Lee D. , Chung Y.‐H. , Kim J. A. , Lee J.‐H. , Jin Y.‐J. , Park W. , Mathews P. , Jaffee E. , Zheng L. , Yu E. , Lee Y. J.
Published: August 2012

The effects of genomic changes in hepatitis B virus (HBV) on the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still unclear, especially in relation to the genotype of HBV. In this study, we examined the effects of genomic changes in HBV of genotype C2 on the development of HCC. A total of 318 patients with HBV‐associated HCC and 234 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were studied. All of HCC cases were diagnosed histologically and treated with surgical resection. The whole of the X, S, basal core promoter (BCP) and precore regions of the viral genome from sera or liver tissues were sequenced. All subjects had HBV of genotype C2. The prevalence of the T1653 mutation in the X region and the A1896 mutation in the precore region of HBV was significantly higher in the HCC group than in the control CHB group (22% vs 11%, P = 0.003; 50% vs 23%, P < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, the T1762/A1764 mutations in the BCP region in combination with either T1653 or A1896 were more common in the HCC compared with the CHB group (BCP+X1653: 18% vs 11%, P = 0.05; BCP+PC, 40% vs 15%, P < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, T1653 and A1896 were revealed to be independent risk factors for HCC development. G1896A in the precore region and C1653T mutation in the X region of genotype C2 HBV are important risk factors for HCC development. Also, the A1762T/G1764A double mutation may act in synergy with C1653T to increase the risk of HCC in patients chronically infected with HBV genotype C2.
Farms, pastures and woodlands: the fine‐scale distribution of Palearctic Culicoides spp. biting midges along an agro‐ecological gradient
Authors: RIGOT T. , VERCAUTEREN DRUBBEL M. , DELÉCOLLE J.‐C. , GILBERT M.
Published: August 2012

The spatial epidemiology of Bluetongue virus (BTV) at the landscape level relates to the fine‐scale distribution and dispersal capacities of its vectors, midges belonging to the genus Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Although many previous researches have carried out Culicoides sampling on farms, little is known of the fine‐scale distribution of Culicoides in the landscape immediately surrounding farms. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of Culicoides populations at increasing distances from typical dairy farms in north‐west Europe, through the use of eight Onderstepoort‐type black‐light traps positioned along linear transects departing from farms, going through pastures and entering woodlands. A total of 16 902 Culicoides were collected in autumn 2008 and spring 2009. The majority were females, of which more than 97% were recognized as potential vectors. In pastures, we found decreasing numbers of female Culicoides as a function of the distance to the farm. This pattern was modelled by leptokurtic models, with parameters depending on season and species. By contrast, the low number of male Culicoides caught were homogeneously distributed along the transects. When transects entered woodlands, we found a higher abundance of Culicoides than expected considering the distance of the sampling sites to the farm, although this varied according to species.
Deletion of mitochondrial associated ubiquitin fold modifier protein Ufm1 in Leishmania donovani results in loss of β‐oxidation of fatty acids and blocks cell division in the amastigote stage
Authors: Gannavaram Sreenivas , Connelly Patricia S. , Daniels Mathew P. , Duncan Robert , Salotra Poonam , Nakhasi Hira L.
Published: August 2012

Recently, we described the existence of the ubiquitin fold modifier 1 (Ufm1) and its conjugation pathway in Leishmania donovani. We demonstrated the conjugation of Ufm1 to proteins such as mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP) that catalyses β‐oxidation of fatty acids in L. donovani. To elucidate the biological roles of the Ufm1‐mediated modifications, we made an L. donovani Ufm1 null mutant (Ufm1−/−). Loss of Ufm1 and consequently absence of Ufm1 conjugation with MTP resulted in diminished acetyl‐CoA, the end‐product of the β‐oxidation in the Ufm1−/− amastigote stage. The Ufm1−/− mutants showed reduced survival in the amastigote stage in vitro and ex vivo in human macrophages. This survival was restored by re‐expression of wild‐type Ufm1 with concomitant induction of acetyl‐CoA but not by re‐expressing the non‐conjugatable Ufm1, indicating the essential nature of Ufm1 conjugation and β‐oxidation. Both cell cycle analysis and ultrastructural studies of Ufm1−/− parasites confirmed the role of Ufm1 in amastigote growth. The defect in vitro growth of amastigotes in human macrophages was further substantiated by reduced survival. Therefore, these studies suggest the importance of Ufm1 in Leishmania pathogenesis with larger impact on other organisms and further provide an opportunity to test Ufm1−/− parasites as drug and vaccine targets.
Apolipoprotein B is a new target of the GDNF/RET and ET‐3/EDNRB signalling pathways
Authors: Evangelisti C. , Bianco F. , Pradella L. M. , Puliti A. , Goldoni A. , Sbrana I. , Rossi M. , Vargiolu M. , Seri M. , Romeo G. , Stanghellini V. , de Giorgio R. , Bonora E.
Published: August 2012

Background  GDNF/RET and Endothelin‐3 (ET‐3)/EDNRB regulate survival, differentiation, migration, and proliferation of neural crest‐derived cells. Although several RET and EDNRB signalling mediators have been characterized, most of the genes targeted by these two pathways are still largely unknown. We focused our study on apolipoprotein B (APOB) as a novel target gene of the RET and EDNRB pathways, based on previous data obtained using a Caenorhabditis elegans strain mutant for the homologue of mammalian ECE1.

Methods  Molecular and cellular studies of Apob were performed in the murine Neuro2a cells, an in vitro model for studying neural crest‐derived cell development, along with a mouse knock‐in for the Hirschsprung‐associated mutation RetC620R. Silencing for Apob and Ret has been performed via shRNA.

Key Results  GDNF/RET and ET‐3/EDNRB cooperated in inducing neuronal differentiation resulting in Apob activation in Neuro2a cell line. Apob expression was downregulated in mouse embryos homozygous for the RetC620R mutation and presenting a severe Hirschsprung phenotype. Ret silencing prevented Apob expression increase. MAPK P38 kinase activation evoked Apob expression via GDNF/RET signalling in Neuro2a cells. A p53‐dependent repressor element in Apob promoter resulted in a reduced Apob expression. Silencing of Apob reduced HuD protein expression.

Conclusions & Inferences  Apob is a novel downstream target of the RET/EDNRB pathways with a role in neuronal survival and maintenance, as indicated by its effect on HuD expression. Our data provide a conceptual framework to investigate and establish the role of APOB gene in severe gut dysmotility.
The effect of a sitting vs supine posture on normative esophageal pressure topography metrics and Chicago Classification diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders
Authors: Xiao Y. , Read A. , Nicodème F. , Roman S. , Kahrilas P. J. , Pandolfino J. E.
Published: August 2012

Background  Although, the current protocol for high resolution manometry (HRM) using the Chicago Classification is based on the supine posture, some practitioners prefer a sitting posture. Our aims were to establish normative esophageal pressure topography data for the sitting position and to determine the effect of applying those norms to Chicago Classification diagnoses.

Methods  Esophageal pressure topography studies including test swallows in both a supine and sitting position of 75 healthy volunteers and 120 patients were reviewed. Integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), distal contractile integral (DCI), contractile front velocity (CFV), and distal latency were measured and compared between postures. Normative ranges were established from the healthy volunteers and the effect of applying sitting normative values to the patients was analyzed.

Key Results  Normative values of IRP, DCI, and CFV all decreased significantly in the sitting posture. Applying normative sitting metrics to patient studies [27% reduction in IRP (15 to 11 mmHg), 69% reduction in DCI (8000–2500 mmHg‐s‐cm)] reclassified 13/120 (11%) patients as having abnormal esophagogastric junction relaxation and 26/120 (22%) as hypercontractile. Three patients with an abnormal supine IRP normalized when sitting with elimination of a vascular artifact.

Conclusions & Inferences  Clinical HRM studies should include both a supine and sitting position to minimize misdiagnoses attributable to anatomical factors. However, until outcome studies demonstrating the significance of isolated abnormalities of IRP or DCI in the sitting position are available, the Chicago Classification of esophageal motility disorders should continue to be based on supine swallows using normative data from the supine posture.
Dwarf and deformed flower 1, encoding an F‐box protein, is critical for vegetative and floral development in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Duan Yuanlin , Li Shengping , Chen Zhiwei , Zheng Leilei , Diao Zhijuan , Zhou Yuanchang , Lan Tao , Guan Huazhong , Pan Runsen , Xue Yongbiao , Wu Weiren
Published: August 2012

Recent studies have shown that F‐box proteins constitute a large family in eukaryotes, and play pivotal roles in regulating various developmental processes in plants. However, their functions in monocots are still obscure. In this study, we characterized a recessive mutant dwarf and deformed flower 1‐1 (ddf1‐1) in Oryza sativa (rice). The mutant is abnormal in both vegetative and reproductive development, with significant size reduction in all organs except the spikelet. DDF1 controls organ size by regulating both cell division and cell expansion. In the ddf1‐1 spikelet, the specification of floral organs in whorls 2 and 3 is altered, with most lodicules and stamens being transformed into glume‐like organs and pistil‐like organs, respectively, but the specification of lemma/palea and pistil in whorls 1 and 4 is not affected. DDF1 encodes an F‐box protein anchored in the nucleolus, and is expressed in almost all vegetative and reproductive tissues. Consistent with the mutant floral phenotype, DDF1 positively regulates B‐class genes OsMADS4 and OsMADS16, and negatively regulates pistil specification gene DL. In addition, DDF1 also negatively regulates the Arabidopsis LFY ortholog APO2, implying a functional connection between DDF1 and APO2. Collectively, these results revealed that DDF1, as a newly identified F‐box gene, is a crucial genetic factor with pleiotropic functions for both vegetative growth and floral organ specification in rice. These findings provide additional insights into the molecular mechanism controlling monocot vegetative and reproductive development.
Standard karyotyping concentrates microfilaria and can be a valid concentrating technique for their detection
Authors: Kerketta Lily S. , Rao Vundinti Babu , Ghosh Kanjaksha
Published: August 2012

During karyotype preparation from the bone marrow aspirates of 209 haematological malignancy cases, microfilaria were detected in four samples, whereas routine marrow and peripheral blood smears of these four cases did not show any parasite. The patients were recalled, and their peripheral blood was processed by karyotyping and standard concentration techniques. Karyotype preparation from peripheral blood was performed with and without addition of colchicine. When the blood was processed for karyotyping with colchicine, microfilaria were detected in the peripheral blood of all four patients. In samples without added colchicine, no parasite was observed. The same samples were processed by Knott’s concentration technique, which showed microfilariae only in one of the four patients. Routine thick and thin smears of these patients showed no parasite. It seems that the standard karyotype preparation technique with colchicine concentrates the microfilariae in samples where parasite load is small and not demonstrable with standard techniques. Serological tests are available for W. bancrofti and costly, whereas no regular serodiagnosis is available for B. malayi. In a country like India, both parasites are endemic and patients are treated on clinical suspicion when parasitaemia could be low. Low parasitaemia is common because of repeated infection and partial immunity. In such circumstances, a cost‐effective concentration technique like this may be useful.
Aggressive lung donor management increases graft procurement without increasing renal graft loss after transplantation
Authors: Miñambres Eduardo , Ballesteros Maria A. , Rodrigo Emilio , García‐Miguélez Ana , Llorca Javier , Ruiz Juan C. , Arias Manuel
Published: August 2012

Background

To determine the impact of an aggressive protocol on the rate of lung grafts available for transplant. We analyzed the impact of this management on kidney graft survival after kidney transplantation.

Methods

A cohort study. Lung donors and kidney recipients from 2009 and 2010 were considered the prospective cohort with 2003–2008 as the historical control period. The number of lungs available for transplantation was the main outcome measures. For recipients, kidney graft survival was the main outcome measure.

Results

We quadrupled the number of lung donors in the period 2009–2010 compared with the historical control. Management in the prospective cohort included higher use of positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) (p < 0.0001), increased use of hormonal resuscitation therapy (HRT) (p < 0.0001), and lower level of central venous pressure (p < 0.05) than historical control. The probability of renal graft survival at one yr after transplant was 88.6% (CI 95%: 74.8–95.1) in historical control and 94.7% (CI 95%: 81–98.7%) in the prospective cohort (p = 0.226).

Conclusions

Aggressive management strategy in potential lung donors, which includes ventilator recruitment maneuvers, PEEP ≥8 cm H2O, the use of HRT, and restrictive fluid balance increases the rate of lung grafts available for transplantation without adverse effect on kidney graft survival.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*13:19, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Wang L. , Zhixin Z. , Xiaoyan S. , Dongmei W. , Li D.
Published: August 2012

The HLA‐B*13:19 allele differs from the closest matching allele B*13:02:01 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 3 at nt 268(A‐>G).
Mucormycosis in a liver allograft: salvage re‐transplantation and targeted immunosuppressive management
Authors: Gurevich M. , Levi I. , Steinberg R. , Shonfeld T. , Shapiro R. , Israeli M. , Sprecher H. , Shalit I. , Mor E.
Published: August 2012

Zygomycetes infection is associated with a high mortality in transplant populations. We describe a child with liver allograft Rhizopus oryzae infection who was salvaged by liver re‐transplantation. A 10‐year‐old child presented with anastomotic bile leak that was repaired. A combined antibiotics and voriconazole regimen was introduced for Escherichia coli and Candida krusei growth in the peritoneal fluid. Despite broad antibiotic and antifungal coverage, the patient continued to have an ongoing infection. A follow‐up computed tomography scan 8 weeks later showed 2 liver abscesses infiltrating the stomach and the diaphragm, with splenic infarcts and pericardial effusion. Aspirated samples from the liver abscess and the pericardial fluid revealed R. oryzae. Immunosuppression was discontinued and an antifungal regimen combining amphotericin B, posaconazole, and caspofungin was introduced. After 3 weeks of treatment with control of the systemic signs of infection, a positron emission tomography showed the fluorescence stain limited to the liver. With infection confined to the liver, the child underwent liver re‐transplantation, splenectomy, and partial gastrectomy. Immunosuppression was reintroduced with recovery of the immune response observed by the CD4 cells adenosine triphophate release (Cylex™ ImmuKnow® assay) and posaconazole was continued for another year. At 3‐year follow‐up, the child maintained normal graft function. We conclude that discontinuation of immunosuppression combined with a modern antifungal regimen may allow salvage re‐transplantation in patients with liver mucormycosis.
Early identification of infectious complications in lung transplant recipients using procalcitonin
Authors: Suberviola B. , Castellanos‐Ortega A. , Ballesteros M.A. , Zurbano F. , Naranjo S. , Miñambres E.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine how sequential measurements of procalcitonin (PCT) could improve the diagnosis of early infectious complications after lung transplantation, and to compare this molecule with other commonly used markers (serum C‐reactive protein [CRP] and leukocyte count).

Methods

Prospective observational study in a 34‐bed university hospital intensive care unit (ICU). All lung transplant (LT) recipients between January and November 2010 were included. Biomarkers were measured just before surgery, on ICU admission, and daily on postoperative days 2, 3, 4, and 7.

Results

A total of 25 patients were included. Those patients with infectious complications presented with significantly higher levels of PCT as early as the first day after transplantation and during subsequent days. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve for PCT as a predictor of infection ranged between 0.83 and 0.97. PCT cutoff of 8.18 ng/mL on day 2 had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 100% for prediction of infection development. Neither CRP levels nor leukocyte count could discriminate between the patients with and without infections at any time.

Conclusions

In contrast with CRP levels and leukocyte counts, measurement of PCT appears to be a useful diagnostic tool in detecting early infectious complications in LT patients.
Variation of aluminium tolerance in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
Authors: Singh D. , Dikshit H. K. , Singh R.
Published: August 2012

With 5 figures and 5 tables

Aluminium (Al) tolerance of 60 genotypes was evaluated using the growth response and haematoxylin staining methods. Major traits used to evaluate Al tolerance were score of root staining, root regrowth after staining, root and shoot length, dry weight of roots and shoots, and pods/plant. Significant variability was noted for tolerance to Al toxicity among the lentil genotypes for all traits except score of root staining. Score of haematoxylin root staining did not show any correlation with growth response method. However, root regrowth after staining showed significant correlation with root and shoot length, dry weight of roots and shoots, and pods/plant. In a further long‐term experiment, the Al tolerance of three tolerant (‘L‐7903’, ‘L‐4602’ and ‘ILL‐6002’) and two sensitive (‘L‐4147’ and ‘BARI Massor‐4’) lines was assessed at the adult stage to evaluate the consistency of Al tolerance. This study also showed that Al tolerance of lentil does not vary with plant growth stage, so selection for increased Al tolerance can be carried out at the seedling growth stage.
High expression of ALDH1 and SOX2 diffuse staining pattern of oral squamous cell carcinomas correlates to lymph node metastasis
Authors: Michifuri Yoshitaka , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Torigoe Toshihiko , Miyazaki Akihiro , Kobayashi Junichi , Sasaki Takanori , Fujino Jyunki , Asanuma Hiroko , Tamura Yasuaki , Nakamori Kenji , Hasegawa Tadashi , Hiratsuka Hiroyoshi , Sato Noriyuki
Published: August 2012

One of the major factors involved in the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients is metastasis. Recent progress in cancer stem‐like cell/cancer‐initiating cell (CSC/CIC) research indicates that CSCs are related to metastasis. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 – (ALDH1) and SRY‐related HMG‐box gene 2 (SOX2) have recently been shown to be putative CSC markers for several human malignancies. The aim of this study was to determine the association of ALDH1 and SOX2 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with lymph node metastasis. Immunohistochemical staining of ALDH1, SOX2 and Ki67 was performed in 80 OSCC tissues. High expression rates of ALDH1 (2%–40%) were found to be related to lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0017). Interestingly, we found that SOX2 staining could be classified into two patterns: (i) peripheral staining pattern; and (ii) diffuse staining pattern. The diffuse staining pattern showed a significant correlation with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001). No correlation was found between Ki67 staining and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.4724). The ALDH1 positive staining rates in metastatic lymph nodes were higher than that in corresponding primary OSCC tissues. These results indicate that high expression rates of ALDH1 and SOX2 diffuse staining patterns might be novel prediction markers for OSCC lymph node metastasis.
The origin of litter chemical complexity during decomposition
Authors: Wickings Kyle , Grandy A. Stuart , Reed Sasha C. , Cleveland Cory C.
Published: August 2012

The chemical complexity of decomposing plant litter is a central feature shaping the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle, but explanations of the origin of this complexity remain contentious. Here, we ask: How does litter chemistry change during decomposition, and what roles do decomposers play in these changes? During a long‐term (730 days) litter decomposition experiment, we tracked concurrent changes in decomposer community structure and function and litter chemistry using high‐resolution molecular techniques. Contrary to the current paradigm, we found that the chemistry of different litter types diverged, rather than converged, during decomposition due to the activities of decomposers. Furthermore, the same litter type exposed to different decomposer communities exhibited striking differences in chemistry, even after > 90% mass loss. Our results show that during decomposition, decomposer community characteristics regulate changes in litter chemistry, which could influence the functionality of litter‐derived soil organic matter (SOM) and the turnover and stabilisation of soil C.
Agrobacteria lacking ornithine lipids induce more rapid tumour formation
Authors: Vences‐Guzmán Miguel Ángel , Guan Ziqiang , Bermúdez‐Barrientos José Roberto , Geiger Otto , Sohlenkamp Christian
Published: August 2012

Ornithine lipids (OLs) are phosphorus‐free membrane lipids that are widespread among Gram‐negative bacteria. Their basic structure consists of a 3‐hydroxy fatty acyl group attached in amide linkage to the α‐amino group of ornithine and a second fatty acyl group ester‐linked to the 3‐hydroxy position of the first fatty acid. It has been shown that OLs can be hydroxylated within the amide‐linked fatty acyl moiety, the secondary fatty acyl moiety or within the ornithine moiety. These modifications have been related to increased stress tolerance and symbiotic proficiency in different organisms such as Rhizobium tropici or Burkholderia cenocepacia. Analysing the membrane lipid composition of the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens we noticed that it forms two different OLs. In the present work we studied if OLs play a role in stress tolerance and pathogenicity in A. tumefaciens. Mutants deficient in the OLs biosynthesis genes olsB or olsE were constructed and characterized. They either completely lack OLs (ΔolsB) or only form the unmodified OL (ΔolsE). Here we present a characterization of both OL mutants under stress conditions and in a plant transformation assay using potato tuber discs. Surprisingly, the lack of agrobacterial OLs promotes earlier tumour formation on the plant host.
Enrichment of previously uncultured bacteria from natural complex communities by adhesion to solid surfaces
Authors: Gich Frederic , Janys Monika Anna , König Melanie , Overmann Jörg
Published: August 2012

The adhesion to inert solid surfaces was explored as a novel approach for the enrichment of previously uncultured bacteria from natural microbial communities. Enrichments on solid steel, glass and synthetic polymeric surfaces were established using samples from five freshwater lakes, a marine microbial mat and an alpine soil, and were subsequently analysed by molecular fingerprinting and sequencing of their 16S rRNA gene fragments. The majority of the enriched phylotypes grouped with the Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria or Bacteroidetes and in several cases were related to typical biofilm‐forming species and genera. Most enrichments were most closely related to previously uncultured phylotypes and none had previously been cultivated from the original environments even when applying improved high throughput liquid cultivation techniques. Of the 13 phylotypes enriched from freshwater samples, seven were previously unknown, three matched so‐far uncultured environmental clones, and three were identical to previously cultivated bacteria. Of the 17 phylotypes recovered from soil, 12 were previously unknown with five of these phylotypes representing novel genera, whereas five phylotypes were identical to previously cultured soil bacteria. The feasibility of the biofilm‐enrichment approach was exemplified by the successful isolation of a not‐yet cultured Betaproteobacterium that constituted a discernible component of the alpine soil microbial community in situ and exhibited only 93% similarity to its closest cultured relative. Based on these results, cultivation on solid surfaces represents a promising approach to recover isolates that have so far escaped cultivation as suspended cultures in liquid media.
Phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships of the Polypedates leucomystax complex (Amphibia)
Authors: KURAISHI NORIHIRO , MATSUI MASAFUMI , HAMIDY AMIR , BELABUT DAICUS M. , AHMAD NORHAYATI , PANHA SOMSAK , SUDIN AHMAD , YONG HOI S. , JIANG JIAN‐PING , OTA HIDETOSHI , THONG HO T. , NISHIKAWA KANTO
Published: August 2012

Kuraishi, N., Matsui, M., Hamidy, A., Belabut, D. M., Ahmad, N., Panha, S., Sudin, A., Yong, H. S., Jiang, J.‐P., Ota, H., Thong, H. T. & Nishikawa, K. (2012). Phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships of the Polypedates leucomystax complex (Amphibia). —Zoologica Scripta, 42, 54–70.

We investigated the phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships and estimated the history of species diversification and biogeography in the Asian rhacophorid genus Polypedates, focusing on the Polypedates leucomystax complex, whose members are notoriously difficult to classify. We first estimated phylogenetic relationships within the complex using 2005‐bp sequences of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA, tRNAval and 16S rRNA genes with maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian methods of inference. Polypedates exhibits well‐supported monophyly, with distinct clades for P. otilophus, P. colletti, P. maculatus and the P. leucomystax complex, consisting of P. macrotis, and the Malay (Polypedates sp. from Malay Peninsula), North China (P. braueri), South China (Polypedates cf. mutus 1), Indochina (P. megacephalus), Sunda (P. leucomystax) and Laos (Polypedates cf. mutus 2) clades. In a subsequent phylogenetic analysis of 4696‐bp sequences of the nuclear brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), sodium/calcium exchanger 1 (NCX), POMC, Rag‐1, Rhod and Tyr genes using Bayesian methods of inference, all of these clades were recovered. Some clades of the P. leucomystax complex occur sympatrically and show high genetic diversity or morphological and acoustic differences. Similar tendencies were observed between some allopatric clades. Therefore, we consider each of these groups to be distinct specifically. We also estimated absolute divergence times within the genus using Bayesian methods. Divergence in Polypedates began with the divergence of a primarily South Asian Clade from the common ancestor of secondarily South‐East Asia P. maculatus and South‐East Asian members. The divergence between the latter occurred much later. The P. leucomystax complex diverged in the Pliocene, much later than other congeners, and seems to have been greatly affected by human‐related dispersal after the Pleistocene.
Regional distribution and molecular interaction of caveolins in bladder smooth muscle
Authors: Sullivan Maryrose P. , Cristofaro Vivian , Radisavljevic Ziv M. , Yalla Subbarao V.
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Caveolae are specialised regions of bladder smooth muscle (BSM) cell membranes where specific signalling pathways are regulated. Caveolin proteins are involved in caveolar biogenesis and function as signal transduction regulators. Expression of caveolin‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 has been previously identified in the bladder; however, the distribution and relative expression of these proteins have not been defined.

The present data show significant differences in the spatial distribution of caveolin proteins throughout the bladder wall. Region dependent variations in the co‐localisation of caveolin subtypes in detrusor SM were also detected. These findings support the premise that the unique spatial pattern of caveolin proteins associated with BSM cells may enable regionally distinct functional responses to common stimuli.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the regional expression profile of caveolin isoforms (integral membrane proteins abundant in caveolae), the spatial relationships among caveolin proteins within specific smooth muscle (SM) regions and the extent of their molecular interactions in bladder SM (BSM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Regional differences in the expression of caveolin family members were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot of RNA and protein extracted from the base, body and dome of rat bladders.

To evaluate the distribution of caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1), Cav‐2 and Cav‐3 within the bladder, longitudinal tissue sections from the base to dome were processed for confocal microscopy and quantified for intensity of immunoreactivity (IR) and extent of co‐localisation.

Interactions among Cav‐1, Cav‐2 and Cav‐3 were determined by co‐immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

Differential expression of Cav‐1 and Cav‐3 was detected among bladder regions, with lowest expression in the bladder base relative to the dome.

Cav‐1 was highly expressed in all regions, although an increase in IR from submucosa to serosa was detected in each region.

The distribution of Cav‐2 IR generally paralleled Cav‐1, but progressively decreased from submucosa to serosa in each region.

Cav‐3 expression predominated in the medial region of BSM increasing progressively from base to dome, but was poorly expressed in the outer SM layer particularly in the dome.

Cav‐1 co‐precipitated extensively with both Cav‐2 and Cav‐3. Co‐precipitation between Cav‐3 and Cav‐2 was also detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The isoform‐specific spatial distribution and distinct molecular interactions among caveolins in BSM may contribute to the contractile heterogeneity of BSM cells and facilitate differential modulation of responses to local stimuli.

As BSM caveolae regulate key signalling processes involved in contraction, altered expression of caveolin proteins may generate a regional imbalance in contraction/relaxation responses, thus leading to bladder dysfunction.
Public opinion and drug policy in Australia: Engaging the ‘affected community’
Authors: Lancaster Kari , Ritter Alison , Stafford Jennifer
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Policy should be informed by the people it directly affects; however, the voices of people who use illicit drugs have been marginalised from drug policy debate. In Australia, the majority of survey data regarding attitudes to drug policy are collected at the population level and the opinions of people who inject drugs remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate how people who inject drugs perceive drug policy in Australia and whether these opinions differ from those of the broader general population.

Methods

Drug‐related policy questions were drawn from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) and added to the 2011 Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) Survey (n = 868). The results were analysed for the full IDRS sample and by recent drug use. IDRS responses were compared with the general population using the 2010 NDSHS.

Results

There was a high level of support among IDRS participants for measures to reduce the problems associated with heroin, but heterogeneity in levels of support for legalisation and penalties for sale/supply across different drug types. Differences between the opinions of the IDRS sample and the NDSHS sample were identified regarding support for harm reduction, treatment, legalisation and penalties for sale/supply.

Discussion

These findings provide a springboard for further investigation of the attitudes of people who use illicit drugs towards drug policy in Australia, and challenge us to conceptualise how the opinions of this community should be solicited, heard and balanced in drug policy processes.
The nonlinear effects of conscientiousness on overall job performance and performance dimensions in the Chinese context
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Zhou Mingjie , Zhang Jianxin , Chen Shuang
Published: August 2012

The relationship between conscientiousness and job performance has been found to be nonlinear in the West, which challenges conceptually and empirically the traditional assumption of the single linear relationship. In this research, we examined the nonlinear effects of conscientiousness on both overall job performance and performance dimensions (i.e., task performance, adaptive performance and contextual performance) in the Chinese context. The results of our two studies supported some evidence for the nonlinear effect of conscientiousness on overall job performance. In addition, it was found that conscientiousness has different (linear or nonlinear) effects on performance dimensions. These findings suggest that the nonlinear effects of conscientiousness on job performance deserve further investigation, and a distinction should be made with regard to job performance in personnel evaluation. Results are discussed in terms of the significance of considering the nonlinear relationship between conscientiousness and performance criteria.