bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics of C-reactive protein and complement factor H have an epistatic effect on carotid artery compliance: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Authors: Jylhävä J , Eklund C , Pessi T , Raitakari O T , Juonala M , Kähönen M , Viikari J S A , Lehtimäki T , Hurme M
Published: November 2008

Atherosclerosis is characterized by a prominent inflammatory component and C-reactive protein (CRP) has been implicated to modulate the complement activity in atherosclerotic arteries via complement factor H (CFH) binding. In this study, we examined whether the gene-gene interactions between CRP haplotypes and CFH Tyr402His functional polymorphism exerted an effect on early atherosclerosis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CFH (Tyr402His) and CRP (−717A > G, −286C > T > A, +1059G > C, +1444C > T and +1846G > A) were genotyped in the participants of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study (n = 1698, aged 24–39 years). The CRP SNPs were further constructed into haplotypes and their interactive effects with the CFH Tyr402His polymorphism on the early atherogenic vascular changes [i.e. carotid artery compliance (CAC) and intima-media thickness (IMT)] were examined. After risk factor adjustment, a significant gene-gene interaction (P = 0·007) on CAC was observed between CRP haplotype ATGTG and CFH Tyr402His polymorphism in males. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis verified the risk-modifying interactive effect on CAC between these loci (OR 3·70, 95% CI 1·37–10·02, P = 0·010). No effects on CAC were observed in females and no effects on IMT were detected in either sex. We conclude that the combined presence of CRP haplotype ATGTG and CFH 402His allele may be disadvantageous to carotid artery elasticity in males.
Level, phenotype and activation status of CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in patients chronically infected with human immunodeficiency virus and/or hepatitis C virus
Authors: Rallón N I , López M , Soriano V , García-Samaniego J , Romero M , Labarga P , García-Gasco P , González-Lahoz J , Benito J M
Published: November 2008

CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells have been involved in impaired immunity and persistence of viral infections. Herein, we report the level, phenotype and activation status of Treg cells in patients chronically infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Expression of CD25, CD45RA, CD27, CD127 and CD38 was assessed on these cells using polychromatic flow cytometry in 20 healthy controls, 20 HIV-monoinfected, 20 HCV-monoinfected and 31 HIV/HCV-co-infected patients. Treg cells were defined as CD4+forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+. The percentage of Treg cells was increased significantly in HIV patients compared with controls. Moreover, there was a significant inverse correlation between CD4 counts and Treg cell levels. Fewer than 50% of Treg cells expressed CD25, with differences in terms of CD127 expression between CD25+ and CD25(–) Treg cells. CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells displayed predominantly a central memory phenotype (CD45RA–CD27+), without differences between patients and healthy controls. Activated Treg cells were increased in HIV patients, particularly considering the central memory subset. In summary, HIV infection, but not HCV, induces an up-regulation of highly activated Treg cells, which increases in parallel with CD4 depletion. Hypothetically, this might contribute to the accelerated course of HCV-related liver disease in HIV-immunosuppressed patients.
Long‐term experience of pegvisomant therapy as a treatment for acromegaly
Authors: Higham C. E. , Chung T. T. , Lawrance J. , Drake W. M. , Trainer P. J.
Published: November 2008

Aims  To evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of pegvisomant as a treatment for acromegaly.

Design  Retrospective analysis of clinical and trial data from all patients treated with pegvisomant since 1997 at two centres with common protocols.

Results  Fifty‐seven patients (age range 27–78 years) have been treated with pegvisomant since 1997 for up to 91 months (median 18 months). Before commencing pegvisomant, patients had an IGF‐I above the upper limit of normal (ULN) of the age‐related reference range (median 1·8 × ULN, range 1·2–4·1). Ninety‐five per cent normalized IGF‐I using a median dose of 15 mg daily (range 10 mg alternate day to 60 mg daily) with no influence of gender on dose requirement. Five patients had combination therapy with either somatostatin analogues (SSA) or cabergoline. Two patients initially controlled on 10 mg and 20 mg required dose increases (to 20 mg + 40 mg) over 24 months to reduce IGF‐I. Twenty‐seven patients stopped pegvisomant. Reasons included side‐effects [abnormal liver function tests (LFTs)] and patient choice. Two patients developed elevated liver transaminases, which normalized on stopping pegvisomant. Patients had 6–12‐monthly pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. One patient had significant tumour size increase.

Conclusion  This long‐term experience in 57 patients indicates pegvisomant to be effective, safe and well‐tolerated. Raised transaminases occurred within the first month of therapy in two patients, and tumour growth was seen in one patient (tumour was growing prior to pegvisomant). In two patients increasing doses of pegvisomant were required to keep IGF‐I within the target range.
Familial vasopressin‐sensitive ACTH‐independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (VPs‐AIMAH): clinical studies of three kindreds
Authors: Gagliardi Lucia , Hotu Cheri , Casey Graeme , Braund Wilton J. , Ling King‐Hwa , Dodd Thomas , Manavis James , Devitt Peter G. , Cutfield Richard , Rudzki Zbigniew , Scott Hamish S. , Torpy David J.
Published: November 2008

Objective  Cushing's syndrome due to familial ACTH‐independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH) has been reported in small kindreds. In vasopressin‐sensitive AIMAH (VPs‐AIMAH), VP stimulates an aberrant, ACTH‐independent increase in cortisol. The aims of this study were to (i) delineate the preclinical phenotype of VPs‐AIMAH in a three‐generation kindred (AIMAH‐01) and two smaller kindreds (AIMAH‐02 and AIMAH‐03) and (ii) investigate the aetiology of VP sensitivity in AIMAH‐01.

Design  Clinical studies of three kindreds for adrenal tumours or early Cushing's and molecular studies of adrenal tumours (AIMAH‐01).

Patients  Thirty‐three individuals, from three kindreds, were screened for perturbations of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis or adrenal tumours.

Measurements  Patients underwent clinical, biochemical and adrenal imaging investigations. Evaluation included low‐dose (1 IU/70 kg) VP stimulation. Adrenal VP receptor (AVPR1A, AVPR1B, AVPR2) expression (AIMAH‐01) was assessed using RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC for VP was also performed.

Results  AIMAH‐01 had three siblings with Cushing's, and four individuals with suppressed ACTH/aberrant VP responses and/or adrenal nodules. In AIMAH‐02, a father and son were affected. AIMAH‐03 had three siblings with Cushing's.

RT‐PCR showed adrenal overexpression of AVPR1A and AVPR1B. IHC detected AVPR1A. The adrenal tumour from one patient also stained weakly for VP and AVPR2.

Conclusion  Adrenal nodules, suppressed ACTH and increased VP sensitivity may represent preclinical disease, allowing early detection, and treatment, of affected individuals. In AIMAH‐01, increased VP sensitivity may be due to adrenal VP receptor overexpression. In these kindreds, VPs‐AIMAH is familial, and autosomal dominant inheritance is most likely.
Low‐dose pioglitazone and low‐dose flutamide added to metformin and oestro‐progestagens for hyperinsulinaemic women with androgen excess: add‐on benefits disclosed by a randomized double‐placebo study over 24 months
Authors: Ibáñez Lourdes , López‐Bermejo Abel , Díaz Marta , Enríquez Goya , Del Río Luis , De Zegher Francis
Published: November 2008

Context and aim  Metformin plus oestro‐progestagen is a combination treatment for non‐obese women with hyperinsulinaemic androgen excess. We explored whether low‐dose pioglitazone (Pio) and flutamide (Flu) has readily detectable add‐on effects.

Design patients, intervention  Randomized, double‐placebo pilot study over 24 months; 38 women with hyperinsulinaemic androgen excess (mean age 20 years; BMI 23·7 kg/m2); all women received metformin and an oestro‐progestagen for 24 months, and add‐on Flu (62·5 mg/day; 21/28 days) for 18 months. A first randomization was performed at start of the study, for Pio (7·5 mg/day; 21/28 days) vs. Pio‐placebo, with a cross‐over of Pio subgroups at 18 month. A second randomization was performed at 18 months, for Flu vs. Flu‐placebo until 24 months.

Main outcomes  Intima media thickness (IMT); body composition by absorptiometry; abdominal fat partitioning by magnetic resonance; circulating glucose, insulin, IGF‐I, androgens, LDL : HDL ratio, RBP4, vaspin.

Results  Add‐on effects of Pio included a gain of lean mass (mirrored by a loss of fat) and an accelerated lowering of IMT (P ≤ 0·001). Add‐on effects of flutamide included a further reduction of androgen excess. Between 0 and 18 months, women lost a quarter of their visceral fat (P < 0·001; independently of Pio); beyond 18 months, a rebound of visceral fat occurred in women who had stopped Pio and Flu. Between 0 and 24 months, insulin sensitivity increased, as did circulating RBP‐4 and vaspin (all P = 0·001).

Conclusion  Low‐dose Pio and Flu further improve long‐term markers – such as IMT, lean mass and visceral fat – when jointly added to a treatment of metformin plus an oestro‐progestagen in non‐obese women with hyperinsulinaemic androgen excess.
Comprehensive assessment of carbon productivity, allocation and storage in three Amazonian forests
Authors: MALHI YADVINDER , ARAGÃO LUIZ EDUARDO O. C. , METCALFE DANIEL B. , PAIVA ROMILDA , QUESADA CARLOS A. , ALMEIDA SAMUEL , ANDERSON LIANA , BRANDO PAULO , CHAMBERS JEFFREY Q. , Da COSTA ANTONIO C. L. , HUTYRA LUCY R. , OLIVEIRA PAULO , PATIÑO SANDRA , PYLE ELIZABETH H. , ROBERTSON AMANDA L. , TEIXEIRA LILIANE M.
Published: November 2008

The allocation and cycling of carbon (C) within forests is an important component of the biospheric C cycle, but is particularly understudied within tropical forests. We synthesise reported and unpublished results from three lowland rainforest sites in Amazonia (in the regions of Manaus, Tapajós and Caxiuanã), all major sites of the Large‐Scale Biosphere–Atmosphere Programme (LBA). We attempt a comprehensive synthesis of the C stocks, nutrient status and, particularly, the allocation and internal C dynamics of all three sites. The calculated net primary productivities (NPP) are 10.1±1.4 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 (Manaus), 14.4±1.3 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 (Tapajós) and 10.0±1.2 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 (Caxiuanã). All errors bars report standard errors. Soil and leaf nutrient analyses indicate that Tapajós has significantly more plant‐available phosphorus and calcium. Autotrophic respiration at all three sites (14.9–21.4 Mg C ha yr−1) is more challenging to measure, with the largest component and greatest source of uncertainty being leaf dark respiration. Comparison of measured soil respiration with that predicted from C cycling measurements provides an independent constraint. It shows general good agreement at all three sites, with perhaps some evidence for measured soil respiration being less than expected. Twenty to thirty percent of fixed C is allocated belowground. Comparison of gross primary productivity (GPP), derived from ecosystem flux measurements with that derived from component studies (NPP plus autotrophic respiration) provides an additional crosscheck. The two approaches are in good agreement, giving increased confidence in both approaches to estimating GPP. The ecosystem carbon‐use efficiency (CUEs), the ratio of NPP to GPP, is similar at Manaus (0.34±0.10) and Caxiuanã (0.32±0.07), but may be higher at Tapajós (0.49±0.16), although the difference is not significant. Old growth or infertile tropical forests may have low CUE compared with recently disturbed and/or fertile forests.
Controls on long‐term root and leaf litter decomposition in neotropical forests
Authors: CUSACK DANIELA F. , CHOU WENDY W. , YANG WENDY H. , HARMON MARK E. , SILVER WHENDEE L. ,   THE LIDET TEAM
Published: November 2008

Litter decomposition represents one of the largest annual fluxes of carbon (C) from terrestrial ecosystems, particularly for tropical forests, which are generally characterized by high net primary productivity and litter turnover. We used data from the Long‐Term Intersite Decomposition Experiment (LIDET) to (1) determine the relative importance of climate and litter quality as predictors of decomposition rates, (2) compare patterns in root and leaf litter decomposition, (3) identify controls on net nitrogen (N) release during decay, and (4) compare LIDET rates with native species studies across five bioclimatically diverse neotropical forests. Leaf and root litter decomposed fastest in the lower montane rain and moist forests and slowest in the seasonally dry forest. The single best predictor of leaf litter decomposition was the climate decomposition index (CDI), explaining 51% of the variability across all sites. The strongest models for predicting leaf decomposition combined climate and litter chemistry, and included CDI and lignin (R2=0.69), or CDI, N and nonpolar extractives (R2=0.69). While we found no significant differences in decomposition rates between leaf and root litter, drivers of decomposition differed for the two tissue types. Initial stages of decomposition, determined as the time to 50% mass remaining, were driven primarily by precipitation for leaf litter (R2=0.93) and by temperature for root litter (R2=0.86). The rate of N release from leaf litter was positively correlated with initial N concentrations; net N immobilization increased with decreasing initial N concentrations. This study demonstrates that decomposition is sensitive to climate within and across tropical forests. Our results suggest that climate change and increasing N deposition in tropical forests are likely to result in significant changes to decomposition rates in this biome.
Storage and turnover of carbon in grassland soils along an elevation gradient in the Swiss Alps
Authors: LEIFELD JENS , ZIMMERMANN MICHAEL , FUHRER JÜRG , CONEN FRANZ
Published: November 2008

Amount, composition, and rate of turnover of soil organic carbon (SOC) in mountainous cold regions is largely unknown, making predictions of future responses of this carbon (C) to changing environmental conditions uncertain. We hypothesized increasing amounts and declining turnover times of soil organic matter (SOM) under permanent grassland with increasing elevation and decreasing temperature. Samples from an irrigated transect in the Swiss Alps (880 to 2200 m elevation, mean annual temperatures +8.9 to +0.9 °C) were analyzed. Soil C stocks ranged from 49 to 96 t C ha−1 (0–20 cm) and were not related to elevation, though the highest site stored least C. Particulate organic carbon (POC) increased significantly with elevation and accounted for > 80% of the total soil C at 2200 m (0–5 cm). Mean residence times (MRTs) of POC computed by means of radiocarbon dating were in the order of years to decades and were positively related to elevation in the topsoil. At higher elevations, the estimated total C flux through the soil profile mainly depended on this fraction. MRT of mineral‐associated matter ranged from decades to centuries and was not systematically related to elevation, but positively related to the soil mineral surface area and it increased with soil depth. Turnover rates from simulations with the soil C model RothC exceeded those from 14C measurements by a factor of 1.7–3.3 which suggests that C dynamics at these sites is overestimated by the model. Size of model pools and amount of C in soil fractions were only weakly correlated, thereby challenging previously postulated hypotheses concerning the correspondence of pools and fractions for grasslands at higher elevations.
Species traits explain recent range shifts of Finnish butterflies
Authors: PÖYRY JUHA , LUOTO MISKA , HEIKKINEN RISTO K. , KUUSSAARI MIKKO , SAARINEN KIMMO
Published: November 2008

This study provides a novel systematic comparative analysis of the species characteristics affecting the range margin shifts in butterflies towards higher latitudes, while taking phylogenetic relatedness among species into account. We related observed changes in the northern range margins of 48 butterfly species in Finland between two time periods (1992–1996 and 2000–2004) to 11 species traits. Species with positive records in at least ten 10 km × 10 km grid squares (in the Finnish National Butterfly Recording Scheme, NAFI) in both periods were included in the study. When corrected for range size change, the 48 butterfly species had shifted their range margins northwards on average by 59.9 km between the study periods, with maximum shifts of over 300 km for three species. This rate of range shifts exceeds all previously reported records worldwide. Our findings may be explained by two factors: the study region is situated in higher latitudes than in most previous studies and it focuses on the period of most prominent warming during the last 10–15 years. Several species traits exhibited a significant univariate relationship with the range margin shift according to generalized estimation equations (GEE) taking into account the phylogenetic relatedness among species. Nonthreatened butterflies had on average expanded their ranges strongly northwards (84.5 km), whereas the distributions of threatened species were stationary (−2.1 km). Hierarchical partitioning (HP) analysis indicated that mobile butterflies living in forest edges and using woody plants as their larval hosts exhibited largest range shifts towards the north. Thus, habitat availability and dispersal capacity of butterfly species are likely to determine whether they will be successful in shifting their ranges in response to the warming climate.
Precipitation pulses enhance respiration of Mediterranean ecosystems: the balance between organic and inorganic components of increased soil CO2 efflux
Authors: INGLIMA I. , ALBERTI G. , BERTOLINI T. , VACCARI F. P. , GIOLI B. , MIGLIETTA F. , COTRUFO M. F. , PERESSOTTI A.
Published: November 2008

In regions characterized by arid seasons, such as the Mediterranean basin, soil moisture is a major driver of ecosystem CO2 efflux during periods of drought stress. Here, a rain event can induce a disproportional respiratory pulse, releasing an amount of CO2 to the atmosphere that may significantly contribute to the annual ecosystem carbon balance. The mechanisms behind this pulse are unclear, and it is still unknown whether it is due to the stimulation of autotrophic, heterotrophic and/or inorganic CO2 fluxes. On the Mediterranean island of Pianosa, eddy flux measurements showed respiratory pulses after rain events following prolonged drought periods, which occurred in the summer of 2003 and 2006. To investigate the mechanisms of this observed enhanced respiration fluxes and partition of the soil CO2 sources, two water manipulation experiments were performed. The first was designed to estimate the effect of soil rewetting on soil CO2 efflux, in the different ecosystem types existing on the island (i.e. woodland, ex‐agricultural and Mediterranean shrubland). The second was a soil CO2 partitioning experiment to investigate the relative contribution of inorganic and organic CO2 sources to soil respiration, under dry and wet soil conditions. Our results suggest that the pulse in the CO2 efflux is primarily due to the enhancement of heterotrophic respiration, likely caused by the degradation of easily decomposable substrates, accumulated in soils during the dry period. In fact, the vegetation at the site was senescent and did not play any significant role in CO2 exchange, as suggested by the absence of diurnal CO2 uptake in eddy covariance measurements. In addition, soil rewetting did not significantly enhance inorganic CO2 efflux.
Chronic exposure to increasing background ozone impairs stomatal functioning in grassland species
Authors: MILLS GINA , HAYES FELICITY , WILKINSON SALLY , DAVIES WILLIAM J.
Published: November 2008

Two species found in temperate calcareous and mesotrophic grasslands (Dactylis glomerata and Leontodon hispidus) were exposed to eight ozone treatments spanning preindustrial to post‐2100 regimes, and late‐season effects on stomatal functioning were investigated. The plants were grown as a mixed community in 14 L containers and were exposed to ozone in ventilated solardomes (dome‐shaped greenhouses) for 20 weeks from early May to late September 2007. Ozone exposures were based on O3 concentrations from a nearby upland area, and provided the following seasonal 24 h means: 21.4, 39.9 (simulated ambient), 50.2, 59.4, 74.9, 83.3, 101.3 and 102.5 ppb. In both species, stomatal conductance of undamaged inner canopy leaves developing since a midseason cutback increased linearly with increasing background ozone concentration. Imposition of severe water stress by leaf excision indicated that increasing background ozone concentration decreased the ability of leaves to limit water loss, implying impaired stomatal control. The threshold ozone concentrations for these effects were 15–40 ppb above current ambient in upland UK, and were within the range of ozone concentrations anticipated for much of Europe by the latter part of this century. The potential mechanism behind the impaired stomatal functioning was investigated using a transpiration assay. Unlike for lower ozone treatments, apparently healthy green leaves of L. hispidus that had developed in the 101.3 ppb treatment did not close their stomata in response to 1.5 μm abscisic acid (ABA); indeed stomatal opening initially occurred in this treatment. Thus, ozone appears to be disrupting the ABA‐induced signal transduction pathway for stomatal control thereby reducing the ability of plants to respond to drought. These results have potentially wide‐reaching implications for the functioning of communities under global warming where periods of soil drying and episodes of high vapour pressure deficit are likely to be more severe.
Linking seed dispersal and genetic structure of trees: a biogeographical approach
Authors: Voigt Friederike A. , Arafeh Rami , Farwig Nina , Griebeler Eva M. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin
Published: November 2008

Aim  Natural and human‐induced differences in frugivore assemblages can influence the seed dispersal distances of trees. An important issue in seed dispersal systems is to understand whether differences in seed dispersal distances also affect the genetic structure of mature trees. One possible approach to test for a relationship between seed dispersal and the genetic structure of mature trees is to compare the genetic structure of two closely related tree species between two biogeographical regions that differ in frugivore assemblages and seed dispersal distances. Previous studies on two Commiphora species revealed that Commiphora guillauminii in Madagascar has a much lower seed dispersal distance than Commiphora harveyi in South Africa. We tested whether the lower seed dispersal distance might have caused decreased gene flow, resulting in a stronger genetic structure in Madagascar than in South Africa.

Location  Madagascar and South Africa.

Methods  Using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers we investigated the genetic structure of 134 trees in Madagascar and 158 trees in South Africa at a local and a regional spatial scale.

Results  In concordance with our hypothesis, kinship analysis suggests that gene flow was restricted mostly to 3 km in Madagascar and to 30 km in South Africa. At the local spatial scale, the genetic differentiation among groups of trees within sample sites was marginally significantly higher in Madagascar (FST = 0.069) than in South Africa (FST = 0.021). However, at a regional spatial scale genetic differentiation was lower in Madagascar (FST = 0.053) than in South Africa (FST = 0.163).

Main conclusions  Our results show that lower seed dispersal distances of trees were linked to higher genetic differentiation of trees only at a local spatial scale. This suggests that seed dispersal affects the genetic population structure of trees at a local, but not at a regional, spatial scale.
Speciation chronology of rockhopper penguins inferred from molecular, geological and palaeoceanographic data
Authors: De Dinechin Marc , Ottvall Richard , Quillfeldt Petra , Jouventin Pierre
Published: November 2008

Aim The Southern Ocean is split into several biogeographical provinces between convergence zones that separate watermasses of different temperatures. Recent molecular phylogenies have uncovered a strong phylogeographic structure among rockhopper penguin populations,Eudyptes chrysocome sensu lato, from different biogeographical provinces. These studies suggested a reclassification as three species in two major clades, corresponding, respectively, to warm, subtropical and cold sub‐Antarctic watermasses rather than to geographic proximity. Such a phylogeographic pattern, also observed in plants, invertebrates and fishes of the Southern Ocean, suggests that past changes in the positions of watermasses may have affected the evolutionary history of penguins. We calculated divergence times among various rockhopper penguin clades and calibrated these data with palaeomagmatic and palaeoceanographic events to generate a speciation chronology in rockhopper penguins.

Location Southern Ocean.

Methods Divergence times between populations were calculated using five distinct mitochondrial DNA loci, and assuming a molecular clock model as implemented inmdiv. The molecular evolution rate of rockhopper penguins was calibrated using the radiochronological age of St Paul Island and Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean. Separations within other clades were correlated with palaeoceanographic data using this calibrated rate.

Results The split between the Atlantic and Indian populations of rockhopper penguins was dated as 0.25 Ma, using the date of emergence of St Paul and Amsterdam islands, and the divergence between sub‐Antarctic and subtropical rockhopper penguins was dated asc. 0.9 Ma (i.e.during the mid‐Pleistocene transition, a major change in the Earth’s climate cycles).

Main conclusions The mid‐Pleistocene transition is known to have caused a major southward shift in watermasses in the Southern Ocean, thus changing the environment around the northernmost rockhopper penguin breeding sites. This ecological isolation of northernmost populations may have caused vicariant speciation, splitting the species into two major clades. After the emergence of St Paul and Amsterdam islands in the subtropical Indian Ocean 0.25 Ma, these islands were colonized by penguins from the subtropical Atlantic, 6000 km away, rather than by penguins from the sub‐Antarctic Indian Ocean, 5000 km closer.
Ideas and thoughts of Italian teachers on the professional future of persons with disability
Authors: Nota L. , Soresi S.
Published: November 2008

Background  The literature places special focus on the quality of life (QoL) of individuals with disability and on their self‐determination and social and work participation. The field of vocational guidance also considers the satisfaction these individuals experience concerning their future crucial to their QoL. At the same time, however, persons with disability are at great risk of not making highly advantageous choices for their future. Hence, teachers and career counsellors can play an important role in vocational guidance for persons with disability.

Methods  The present study was aimed at investigating the ideas of a group of teachers asked to describe in writing the future of hypothetical students with disability. Their descriptions were first analysed to verify whether any reference was made to the construct of QoL and whether a significant role was attributed to aspects of work inclusion and work satisfaction. Response category differences were then compared for curricular teachers vs. specialised teachers, elementary school teachers vs. middle school teachers, and low self‐efficacy vs. high self‐efficacy teachers.

Results  Teachers describing the future of a hypothetical student with Down's syndrome mentioned some aspects of QoL and emphasised certain features over others. Several category type differences teachers emerged, although not always in line with expectations.

Conclusions  Teachers' ideas on the future of individuals with intellectual disability are characterised by a certain bias towards the restrictions that impairment can imply. In consideration of our findings, the need for training actions is highlighted.
Introgressive hybridization of human and rodent schistosome parasites in western Kenya
Authors: STEINAUER MICHELLE L. , HANELT BEN , MWANGI IBRAHIM N. , MAINA GEOFFREY M. , AGOLA LELO E. , KINUTHIA JOSEPH M. , MUTUKU MARTIN W. , MUNGAI BEN N. , WILSON WADE D. , MKOJI GERALD M. , LOKER ERIC S.
Published: November 2008

Hybridization and introgression can have important consequences for the evolution, ecology and epidemiology of pathogenic organisms. We examined the dynamics of hybridization between a trematode parasite of humans, Schistosoma mansoni, and its sister species, S. rodhaini, a rodent parasite, in a natural hybrid zone in western Kenya. Using microsatellite markers, rDNA and mtDNA, we showed that hybrids between the two species occur in nature, are fertile and produce viable offspring through backcrosses with S. mansoni. Averaged across collection sites, individuals of hybrid ancestry comprised 7.2% of all schistosomes collected, which is a large proportion given that one of the parental species, S. rodhaini, comprised only 9.1% of the specimens. No F1 individuals were collected and all hybrids represented backcrosses with S. mansoni that were of the first or successive generations. The direction of introgression appears highly asymmetric, causing unidirectional gene flow from the rodent parasite, S. rodhaini, to the human parasite, S. mansoni. Hybrid occurrence was seasonal and most hybrids were collected during the month of September over a 2‐year period, a time when S. rodhaini was also abundant. We also examined the sex ratios and phenotypic differences between the hybrids and parental species, including the number of infective stages produced in the snail host and the time of day the infective stages emerge. No statistical differences were found in any of these characteristics, and most of the hybrids showed an emergence pattern similar to that of S. mansoni. One individual, however, showed a bimodal emergence pattern that was characteristic of both parental species. In conclusion, these species maintain their identity despite hybridization, although introgression may cause important alterations of the biology and epidemiology of schistosomiasis in this region.
Parental age as a risk factor for isolated congenital malformations in a Polish population
Authors: Materna‐Kiryluk Anna , Wiśniewska Katarzyna , Badura‐Stronka Magdalena , Mejnartowicz Jan , Wiȩckowska Barbara , Balcar‐Boroń Anna , Czerwionka‐Szaflarska Mieczyslawa , Gajewska Elzbieta , Godula‐Stuglik Urszula , Krawczyński Marian , Limon Janusz , Rusin Jozef , Sawulicka‐Oleszczuk Henryka , Szwalkiewicz‐Warowicka Ewa , Walczak Mieczyslaw , Latos‐Bieleńska Anna
Published: November 2008

Currently available data on the relationship between the prevalence of isolated congenital malformations and parental age are inconsistent and frequently divergent. We utilised the data from the Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations (PRCM) to accurately assess the interplay between maternal and paternal age in the risk of isolated non‐syndromic congenital malformations.

Out of 902 452 livebirths we studied 8683 children aged 0–2 years registered in the PRCM. Logistic regression was used to simultaneously adjust the risk estimates for maternal and paternal age. Our data indicated that paternal and maternal age were independently associated with several congenital malformations. Based on our data, young maternal and paternal ages were independently associated with gastroschisis. In addition, young maternal age, but not young paternal age, carried a higher risk of neural tube defects. Advanced maternal and paternal ages were both independently associated with congenital heart defects. Moreover, there was a positive association between advanced paternal age and hypospadias, cleft palate, and cleft lip (with or without cleft palate).

No significant relationships between parental age and the following congenital malformations were detected: microcephaly, hydrocephaly, oesophageal atresia, atresia or stenosis of small and/or large intestine, ano‐rectal atresia or stenosis, renal agenesis or hypoplasia, cystic kidney disease, congenital hydronephrosis, diaphragmatic hernia and omphalocele.
Determinants of unplanned antiretroviral treatment interruptions among people living with HIV in Yaoundé, Cameroon (EVAL survey, ANRS 12‐116)
Authors: Marcellin Fabienne , Boyer Sylvie , Protopopescu Camelia , Dia Aissata , Ongolo‐Zogo Pierre , Koulla‐Shiro Sinata , Abega Séverin‐Cécile , Abé Claude , Moatti Jean‐Paul , Spire Bruno , Carrieri Maria Patrizia ,   the EVAL Study Group
Published: November 2008

Objective  To identify correlates of self‐reported antiretroviral therapies (ART) interruptions among people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Cameroon.

Methods  Analyses were based on data collected in the national survey EVAL (ANRS 12‐116) among 533 ART‐treated PLWHA in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon, and its neighbourhood. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with self‐reported ART interruptions longer than two consecutive days during the previous 4 weeks.

Results  ART interruptions were reported by 68 patients (12.8%). After adjustment for gender, education and household income, characteristics independently associated with interruptions were pharmacy stock shortages [OR (95%CI):3.25 (1.78–5.90)], binge drinking [2.87 (1.39–5.91)] and the number of self‐reported slimming symptoms [1.23 (1.02–1.48)].

Conclusion  In poor‐resource settings where access to second and third‐line regimens is still limited, food supply programs and interventions to minimise ART shortage may reduce the risk of ART interruptions.
Choledochal cyst in two pediatric heart transplant patients
Authors: Tantemsapya Niramol , Pahl Elfriede , Melin‐Aldana Hector , Superina Riccardo
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Choledochal cyst is a relatively uncommon entity in Western countries. No reports of choledochal cyst in heart transplant patients have been reported to date. We report two cases of choledochal cyst in pediatric heart transplant recipients, one with post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) within the cyst. The first patient had abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes and was seropositve for Epstein‐Barr virus. A choledochal cyst with PTLD was removed 4 years after heart transplantation. The second patient presented 14 years after heart transplantation with a choledochal cyst that was excised for severe abdominal pain. This previously unreported association between choledochal cysts in conjunction with PTLD and heart transplantation is interesting and a possible common pathogenesis is proposed. The management and alternative treatments were briefly noted. We recommend an aggressive treatment for patients with suspected choledochal cyst after heart transplantation because of the increased potential for malignant transformation.
Two‐dose daclizumab induction in pediatric renal transplantation
Authors: Jain Amrish , Valentini Rudolph P. , Gruber Scott A. , West Miguel S. , Mattoo Tej K. , Imam Abubakr A.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  DCZ, an IL‐2 receptor antagonist, has been widely used for induction therapy in pediatric and adult solid organ transplantation. Originally, it was recommended as a five‐dose regimen; however, fewer doses may be efficacious and less costly for prevention of rejection. There is limited experience with the use of fewer doses in pediatric renal transplantation. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 26 primary pediatric renal transplants performed at a single center between June 2004 and May 2007 receiving induction therapy with two‐dose DCZ (1.5 mg/kg preoperatively and day seven post‐transplant). Maintenance immunosuppression included tacrolimus, MMF, and prednisone in all patients. Forty‐six percent were African American and 92% were deceased‐donor transplants. After a mean follow‐up of 17.8 ± 7.5 months, acute rejection was noted in 11.5% and graft survival was 92.3%. CMV infection occurred in 11.5%, but no case of BK nephropathy or post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder was observed. Our preliminary results suggest that induction therapy with two‐dose DCZ was convenient, economical, and effective in preventing rejection episodes without an increase in adverse events or hospital stay. Larger randomized clinical trials with longer duration of follow‐up are needed to more fully validate the use of this regimen in pediatric renal transplantation.
Continuous infusion of thymoglobulin for induction therapy in pediatric heart transplant recipients; experience and outcomes with a novel strategy for administration
Authors: Pollock‐BarZiv Stacey M. , Allain‐Rooney Tina , Manlhiot Cedric , Babu Anita , Nalli Nadya , McCrindle Brian W. , Dipchand Anne I.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Minimal data exist on the perioperative use of TG for induction in pediatric HTx recipients. We report our experience using continuous infusion of TG on (i) perioperative adverse events, (ii) rejection, (iii) CAV, and (iv) PTLD. TG was infused via peripheral intravenous intra‐ and perioperatively as a continuous infusion (24 h/day). Starting dose was 1.5 mg/kg/day titrated to achieve target lymphocyte count of 0.1–0.3 × 109/L. Fifty‐five patients received TG; mean age at HTx was 4.4 yr (1 day–17.8 yr). The mean duration of TG was three and a half days (2–7 days). Median platelet count during TG infusion was 95 × 109/L (28–228). Five patients had TG stopped for low platelets (at 4–6 days post‐HTx) – all started maintenance immunosuppression. There was no perioperative mortality due to infection. Mean follow‐up of 46 survivors was 2.3 yr (0.6–5.8 yr). Fifty‐one percent had ≥ ISHLT 2R rejection at a median time of 33 days post‐HTx (7 days–2 yr). One patient developed PTLD 1.4 yr post‐HTx; three patients developed mild‐moderate CAV. TG as a continuous infusion appears to have a good safety profile. Though mild thrombocytopenia was prevalent, there was no bleeding attributable solely to TG. Whether early depletion of T‐cell function will translate into long‐term benefits remains to be determined.
Hemodynamic failure as an indication to urgent liver transplantation in infants with giant hepatic hemangiomas or vascular malformations – Report of four cases
Authors: Markiewicz‐Kijewska Malgorzata , Kasprzyk Weronika , Broniszczak Dorota , Bacewicz Ludmila , Ostoja‐Chyzynska Anna , Ismail Hor , Kosciesza Andrzej , Dembowska‐Baginska Bozenna , Teisseyre Joanna , Kluge Przemyslaw , Brzezinska‐Rajszys Grazyna , Jankowska Irena , Kalicinski Piotr
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to present acute hemodynamic failure as a rare indication for liver transplantation in neonates and infants with liver hemangiomatosis. We report four patients aged one to six months with giant liver hemangiomas, with huge arterio‐venous shunting within these malformations. In three, many skin hemangiomas were found. All children developed right ventricular failure. In two, a trial of pharmacological reduction was attempted with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. In one patient, the arterio‐venous fistulas were embolized without any improvement in hemodynamic status. Two children underwent rescue hepatic artery surgical ligation, which did not prevent heart and then multiorgan failure including liver failure. After unsuccessful conventional therapy, all infants were considered for urgent liver transplantation; in three cases, it was performed with a living‐related donor, and in one case with a deceased donor. All patients are alive and well with the follow‐up between nine and 37 months after transplantation. Liver transplantation should be considered as a rescue treatment in children with hepatic vascular malformations leading to hemodynamic insufficiency when conventional therapy is unsuccessful and multiorgan failure develops.
Intracellular distribution and binding state of aluminum in root apices of two common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes in relation to Al toxicity
Authors: Rangel Andrés Felipe , Rao Idupulapati Madhusudana , Horst Walter Johannes
Published: November 2008

The role of the intracellular distribution and binding state of aluminum (Al) in Al toxicity, using Al exchange and Al fractionation methodologies, were studied in two common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes differing in Al resistance. These two genotypes are characterized by a similar initial period (4 h) of Al sensitivity followed by a contrasting recovery period (8–24 h). A higher initial Al accumulation in Quimbaya (Al resistant) in the 5‐mm root apex compared with VAX‐1 (Al sensitive) could be related to its higher content of unmethylated pectin and thus higher negative charge of the cell walls (CWs). The binding state and cellular distribution of Al in the root apices revealed that the root elongation rate was significantly negatively correlated with the free apoplastic and the stable‐bound, not citrate‐exchangeable CW Al representing the most important Al fraction in the root apex (80%), but not with the symplastic and the labile‐bound, citrate‐exchangeable CW Al. It is postulated that the induced and sustained recovery from the initial Al stress in the Al‐resistant genotype Quimbaya requires reducing the stable‐bound Al in the apoplast thus allowing cell elongation and division to resume.
Current issues relating to the transfusion of stored red blood cells
Authors: Zimrin A. B. , Hess J. R.
Published: November 2008

The development of blood storage systems allowed donation and transfusion to be separated in time and space. This separation has permitted the regionalization of donor services with subsequent economies of scale and improvements in the quality and availability of blood products. However, the availability of storage raises the question of how long blood products can and should be stored and how long they are safe and effective. The efficacy of red blood cells was originally measured as the increment in haematocrit and safety began with typing and the effort to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. Appreciation of a growing list of storage lesions of red blood cells has developed with our increasing understanding of red blood cell physiology and our experience with red blood cell transfusion. However, other than frank haemolysis, rare episodes of bacterial contamination and overgrowth, the reduction of oxygen‐carrying capacity associated with the failure of some transfused cells to circulate, and the toxicity of lysophospholipids released from membrane breakdown, storage‐induced lesions have not had obvious correlations with safety or efficacy. The safety of red blood cell storage has also been approached in retrospective epidemiologic studies of transfused patients, but the results are frequently biased by the fact that sicker patients are transfused more often and blood banks do not issue blood products in a random order. Several large prospective studies of the safety of stored red blood cells are planned.
Across‐arc geochemical variation of Quaternary lavas in West Java, Indonesia: Mass‐balance elucidation using arc basalt simulator model
Authors: Sendjaja Yoga A. , Kimura Jun‐Ichi , Sunardi Edy
Published: November 2008

The Sunda Arc of Indonesia developed along the convergent margin between the Eurasian and the Australian Plates. More than 100 Quaternary volcanic centers occur along the arc. The West Java Arc is a segment of the Sunda Arc in which more than 10 volcanic centers are located, corresponding to the 120 to 200 km depth contours of the Wadati–Benioff zone. The geochemistry of 207 Quaternary lavas from six centers across the arc was investigated. The lavas range from basalt to dacite. Incompatible element abundances increase from the volcanic front to the rear‐arc in response to a change from low‐K to high‐K suites. Nd–Sr isotope compositions of the basalts scatter between mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) source mantle and Indian Ocean sediment (SED) compositions, with volcanic front low‐K basalts having more radiogenic Nd than the rear‐arc basalts. It is suggested that mixing between slab‐derived fluids mainly from the SED and melt from MORB source mantle played a significant role in determining the geochemistry of the West Java basalts. Incompatible element patterns in primitive mantle normalized multi‐element plots are almost identical across the arc, except for greater inclination and weaker positive Sr spikes in the rear‐arc basalts. This suggests a lower degree of partial melting in the rear‐arc mantle, accompanied by change in SED fluid composition between the volcanic front and the rear‐arc. The latter is confirmed by fluid‐fluxed melting model calculations using multiple trace elements and Nd and Sr isotopes. All the West Java Arc lavas require deficit of Sr from the slab SED. This may occur due to selective breakdown of Sr‐rich hydrous silicate minerals, such as zoisite, at shallower depths before the SED component reaches the depth of dehydration effective for magma genesis. The rear‐arc basalts need further Sr deficits along with lesser fluid. These features are commonly observed in many arc basalts, and are likely attributable to the same mechanism.
Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of the Andaman–Sumatra subduction margin: Current understanding
Authors: Chakraborty Partha P. , Khan Prosanta K.
Published: November 2008

The Andaman–Sumatra margin displays a unique set‐up of extensional subduction–accretion complexes, which are the Java Trench, a tectonic (outer arc) prism, a sliver plate, a forearc, oceanic rises, inner‐arc volcanoes, and an extensional back‐arc with active spreading. Existing knowledge is reviewed in this paper, and some new data on the surface and subsurface signatures for operative geotectonics of this margin is analyzed. Subduction‐related deformation along the trench has been operating either continuously or intermittently since the Cretaceous. The oblique subduction has initiated strike–slip motion in the northern Sumatra–Andaman sector, and has formed a sliver plate between the subduction zone and a complex, right‐lateral fault system. The sliver fault, initiated in the Eocene, extended through the outer‐arc ridge offshore from Sumatra, and continued through the Andaman Sea connecting the Sagaing Fault in the north. Dominance of regional plate dynamics over simple subduction‐related accretionary processes led to the development and evolution of sedimentary basins of widely varied tectonic character along this margin. A number of north–south‐trending dismembered ophiolite slices of Cretaceous age, occurring at different structural levels with Eocene trench‐slope sediments, were uplifted and emplaced by a series of east‐dipping thrusts to shape the outer‐arc prism. North–south and east–west strike–slip faults controlled the subsidence, resulting in the development of a forearc basins and record Oligocene to Miocene–Pliocene sedimentation within mixed siliciclastic–carbonate systems. The opening of the Andaman Sea back‐arc occurred in two phases: an early (∼11 Ma) stretching and rifting, followed by spreading since 4–5 Ma. The history of inner‐arc volcanic activity in the Andaman region extends to the early Miocene, and since the Miocene arc volcanism has been associated with an evolution from felsic to basaltic composition.