bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exfoliative rejection after intestinal transplantation in children
Authors: Ishii Tomohiro , Mazariegos George V. , Bueno Javier , Ohwada Susumu , Reyes Jorge
Published: May 2003

Abstract: Background: Graft rejection is the most significant cause of allograft failure after intestinal transplantation (ITx). Severity can vary and is based on histologic criteria, the most extreme form being exfoliation of the mucosa. We present the characteristics and outcome of children who developed exfoliative rejection (ER) after ITx. Methods: Between June 1990 and March 2002, 88 patients received 92 ITx which included isolated small bowel (SB, n = 26), combined liver‐small bowel (LSB, n = 54), and multivisceral MV n = 12) allografts performed under tacrolimus and steroid immunosuppresson. ER was diagnosed by endoscopy and confirmed by biopsy. Results: Thirteen (15%) of 88 patients developed 15 episodes of ER in 15 intestinal allografts, and included SB (n = 8), LSB (n = 5), and MV (n = 2). Time to ER after ITx ranged from 9 days to 45.5 months (median 22 days). Eight episodes of ER developed within 1 month after ITx. Ten episodes of ER were exacerbations of prior rejection. Five episodes occurred abruptly. All but one received OKT3. Fourteen of 15 allografts were lost; six patients underwent allograft enterectomy acutely as a salvage operation because of ER. The remainder of the allografts were either removed or lost to patient death as a consequence to infection or chronic rejection after resolution of ER. Retransplantation was performed in three patients, with subsequent recurrence of ER in two retransplanted allografts. Inclusion of a liver allograft was a protective factor toward decreasing the incidence of ER. The results of cross‐matching, inclusion of a colonic segment, and simultaneous bone marrow infusion did not affect the incidence of ER. Infectious complications included post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (n = 4), cytomegalovirus (n = 5), and adenovirus infection (n = 2). Conclusions: Exfoliative rejection is associated with a high morbidity and mortality after ITx. Strategies to improve survival may include up front anti‐lymphocyte antibody therapy and, when fail to respond promptly and satisfactorily, early intestinal allograft removal.
Quality of life of children and adolescents after kidney or liver transplantation: Child, parents and caregiver's point of view
Authors: Manificat S. , Dazord A. , Cochat P. , Morin D. , Plainguet F. , Debray D.
Published: May 2003

Abstract: A cross‐sectional study was performed to assess quality of life (QoL) after kidney or liver transplantation during childhood. Self‐questionnaires explored children, adolescent and parent QoL. Seventy‐five transplant children, 36 transplant adolescents, 67 mothers, 34 fathers and 67 caregivers filled out the questionnaires; they were compared with a reference population. Children reported a rather good QoL, but their extra‐family involvement appeared not as satisfactory as that of the reference population children. Adolescents reported a very high QoL when completing the structured format scale; however, their responses to open‐ended questions showed qualitative differences compared with those of a reference population: they expressed concern about their body or health, less pleasure than ordinary adolescents to manage by themselves, and a poor relationship with peers. Mothers indicated a deep impact of the child's illness on their own QoL, and the need for psychological support. In conclusion, a rather good QoL is a long‐lasting feature of kidney and liver transplantation in children. Such an assessment is mandatory to identify remaining impairments in some selected areas, either in the recipient or family.
Growth impairment at renal transplantation – A determinant of growth and final height
Authors: Englund Märta S. , Tydén Gunnar , Wikstad Ingrid , Berg Ulla B.
Published: May 2003

Abstract:  Long‐term outcome of growth and final adult height (FH) are a major concern of children after a renal transplantation (Tx). We therefore studied the yearly measurements of height (Ht), expressed as the Z‐score and bone age (BA), in 58 children (28 girls) transplanted in our departments and followed‐up for 5–18 (mean 9.6) yr after the operation. Twenty‐four children reached final adult height. Renal function was evaluated as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is estimated from the clearance of inulin. The mean Ht Z‐score at Tx was −1.3 in girls and −2.7 in boys and increased to −0.6 and −1.5, respectively, at 5 yr after Tx. The greatest increase, seen in the shortest children and those transplanted before 7 yr of age, occurred during the first 3 yr. Children aged 7–12 yr at Tx showed an increase in height during the first years after the transplant, while those transplanted at >12 yr of age were not growth‐retarded and therefore did not change their Ht Z‐score. The most growth‐retarded were also the most BA retarded. The mean FH Z‐score was −1.1. A direct correlation was seen between GFR at 1 yr after Tx and the increase in height Z‐score from Tx to 1 and 5 yr after Tx. In summary, the increment in height following Tx was the greatest in the most growth‐retarded children and most marked during the first 3 yr after the transplant. FH was within normal range in 75% of the children. A high Ht Z‐score at Tx had a positive effect on FH. Thus, growth after Tx was affected by the degree of stunting at Tx and renal function after Tx.
Use of basiliximab in pediatric liver transplantation for Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Rajwal S. R. , Stringer M. D. , Davison S. M. , Gerrard M. , Glaser A. , Tanner M. S. , McClean P.
Published: May 2003

Abstract: This report describes a 16‐month‐old girl with multi‐system Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), who developed end‐stage liver disease despite intensive chemotherapy. She underwent a liver transplant at 28 months of age while receiving maintenance chemotherapy for bony lesions. In view of previous reports of a high incidence of acute cellular rejection and post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in children transplanted for LCH, basiliximab was added to the post‐transplant immunosuppression regime of tacrolimus and prednisolone. Sixteen months post‐transplant, she has had no episodes of acute rejection or PTLD and her LCH has remained in remission. Current literature regarding liver transplantation (LTx) for LCH and the use of basiliximab in pediatric LTx is reviewed.
Does the transplantation process modify the immunogenicity of fetal adrenal grafts in rat?
Authors: Metzger R. , Parasta A. , Joppich I. , Till H.
Published: May 2003

Abstract:  The concept that fetal tissue transplants enjoy an immunologic privilege grounds on the primary immaturity of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression. However, experiences in human organ transplantation reveal that the immunogenicity of any graft could be modified by external factors such as ischemia. Consequently, the question arises, whether the process of transplantation modifies the immunogenicity of fetal grafts. In a syngeneic rat model (Lewis), fetal adrenal glands were transplanted into the greater omentum of adult hosts. After harvesting the grafts sequentially, the immunogenicity was evaluated by analyzing the expression and distribution of the MHC classes I and II and were compared with untreated organs of equivalent age. The untreated fetal adrenal gland depicted little immunogenicity. However, compared with age‐matched untreated control organs, at 2 wk after transplantation, the grafts demonstrated an increased expression of MHC I and II, upregulated throughout the entire adrenal cortex. No signs of MHC‐mediated rejection were found. The upregulation of MHC persisted until the eighth week after transplantation. At 3 months after transplantation the expression of MHC I and II returned to the normal pattern of untreated controls. As this study used a purely syngeneic model, the immunologic changes observed could not be induced by a graft vs. host incompatibility, instead they were caused by experimental factors. The expressions of MHC class I and II was increased at 2 wk, but these proteins did not induce a T‐cell mediated rejection or cellular infiltration. In conclusion, these findings question the concept of an immunologic privilege of fetal tissue transplants. Instead, experimental factors may modify the tissue's primary immaturity of its MHC. Further investigations must evaluate, whether the increase in MHC expression will have an impact on the rejection of fetal adrenal grafts in allogeneic hosts.
Feasibility of fludarabine added to VAD during induction therapy in multiple myeloma: a randomised phase II‐study
Authors: Björkstrand Bo , Rasmussen Thomas , Remes Kari , Gruber Astrid , Pelliniemi Tarja‐Terttu , Johnsen Hans E.
Published: May 2003

Multiple myeloma (MM) is considered to be an essentially incurable haematological malignant disease, probably because of the existence of resistant clonal precursor cell with self‐renewal capacity. Recent data have indicated that the myeloma cell hierarchy includes circulating clonal memory B cells, which differ considerably from the classical end‐stage plasma cells, infiltrating the bone marrow. The pathophysiological significance of these cells is unknown, but hypothetically they may serve as ‘sleeping’ myeloma stem cells responsible for and ‘feeding’ post‐treatment relapse and progression. The present study evaluates the toxicity and feasibility of fludarabine, added to the VAD‐induction regimen in MM, and investigates the effect on the myeloma cell hierarchy. Nineteen patients were randomised to receive either four cycles of VAD (n = 9) or two cycles of VAD, followed by two cycles of VAD combined with 5 days fludarabine 25 mg/m2/day i.v. (n = 10). Toxicity evaluation showed more profound neutropenia in the fludarabine‐treated patients and two infectious episodes in each study arm: three were fever of unknown origin while one, in the fludarabine‐arm, was a local skin infection at the insertion site of the central venous line. Nine of the fludarabine‐treated patients responded to treatment (two complete remission, seven partial remission), compared with five responders (all PR) in the control‐arm. The effects on the blood circulating myeloma compartments identified an increased reduction of CD19+ B cells and myeloma plasma cells in the fludarabine‐arm. In conclusion, adding fludarabine to VAD induction in multiple myeloma is feasible and may be clinically effective by reducing the myeloma clone.
The presence of a significant association between elevated PRV‐1 mRNA expression and low plasma erythropoietin concentration in essential thrombocythaemia
Authors: Johansson Peter , Andréasson Björn , Safai‐Kutti Soodabeh , Wennström Lovisa , Palmqvist Lars , Ricksten Anne , Lindstedt Göran , Kutti Jack
Published: May 2003

Approximately 45% of newly diagnosed patients with essential thrombocythaemia (ET) demonstrate subnormal plasma erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations, which constitutes a risk factor for occlusive vascular events. In 58 ET patients, a possible association between polycythaemia rubra vera‐1 (PRV‐1) overexpression and subnormal plasma EPO was investigated, which was always measured prior to the institution of platelet lowering agents. At the time when PRV‐1 expression was measured, 28 of 58 (48%) ET patients had received platelet lowering treatment. PRV‐1 expression was measured by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assay of mRNA extracted from purified peripheral blood buffy coat. The cycle threshold (CT) value of PRV‐1 was determined and was divided with the CT value for the housekeeping GAPDH gene transcript. A quotient <0.93 was defined as PRV‐1 positive. Of the ET patients 12 of 58 (21%) were PRV‐1 positive and 19 of 58 (33%) demonstrated subnormal plasma EPO. In the 58 ET patients there was a significant association between low plasma EPO and PRV‐1 positive results (P = 0.001). The 30 ET patients who had not received any platelet lowering treatment showed a significant (P = 0.005) relation between PRV‐1 positivity and subnormal plasma EPO. No such relationship was present in the 28 ET patients who had received prior treatment with the above drugs (P = 0.147).
The second generation of the International Equine Gene Mapping Workshop half‐sibling linkage map
Authors: Guérin G. , Bailey E. , Bernoco D. , Anderson I. , Antczak D. F. , Bell K. , Biros I. , Bjørnstad G. , Bowling A. T. , Brandon R. , Caetano A. R. , Cholewinski G. , Colling D. , Eggleston M. , Ellis N. , Flynn J. , Gralak B. , Hasegawa T. , Ketchum M. , Lindgren G. , Lyons L. A. , Millon L. V. , Mariat D. , Murray J. , Neau A. , Røed K. , Sandberg K , Skow L. C. , Tammen I. , Tozaki T. , Van Dyk E. , Weiss B. , Young A. , Ziegle J.
Published: May 2003

A low‐density, male‐based linkage map was constructed as one of the objectives of the International Equine Gene Mapping Workshop. Here we report the second generation map based on testing 503 half‐sibling offspring from 13 sire families for 344 informative markers using the crimap program. The multipoint linkage analysis localized 310 markers (90%) with 257 markers being linearly ordered. The map included 34 linkage groups representing all 31 autosomes and spanning 2262 cM with an average interval between loci of 10.1 cM. This map is a milestone in that it is the first map with linkage groups assigned to each of the 31 automosomes and a single linkage group to all but three chromosomes.
Differences in recombination rates on chromosome 23 between German Angus and German Simmental and breed specific linkage mapping
Authors: Weimann C. , Kraus M. , Gauly M. , Erhardt G.
Published: May 2003

Five paternal half sib families of German Angus (GA) (n = 428) and six of German Simmental (GS) (n = 378) including dams were genotyped with 11 microsatellites (INRA132, RM033, BM1815, BM1258, BOLA‐DRB1, BM1818, BM1905, BM1443, CYP21, CSSM5 and DYMS1) derived from chromosome 23. Differences in heterozygosity between the breeds were observed. Significant differences in recombination rates between GA and GS could be demonstrated for the marker intervals INRA132‐CSSM5, CYP21‐BOLA‐DRB1 and BOLA‐DRB1‐BM1818. The length of the map of GA was 90.5 cM in contrast to 117.8 cM for GS. The breed specific linkage maps show differences in length but confirmation of the order of the markers.
A radiation hybrid map of bovine chromosome 24 and comparative mapping with human chromosome 18
Authors: Kurar E. , Womack J. E. , Kirkpatrick B. W.
Published: May 2003

We present herein a bovine chromosome 24 (BTA24) radiation hybrid (RH) map using 40 markers scored on a panel of 90 RHs. Of these markers, 29 loci were ordered with odds of at least 1000:1 in a framework map. An average retention frequency of 17.4% was observed, with relatively higher frequencies near the centromere. The length of the comprehensive map was 640 centiray5000 (cR5000) with an average marker interval of approximately 17.3 cR5000. The observed locus order is generally consistent with currently published bovine linkage and physical maps. Nineteen markers were either Type I loci or closely associated with expressed sequences and thus could be used to compare the BTA24 RH map with human mapping information. All genes located on BTA24 were located on human chromosome 18, and previously reported regions of conserved synteny were extended. The comparative data revealed the presence of at least six conserved regions between these chromosomes.
Let's re‐write the scientific paper
Authors: Webster R.
Published: May 2003

The European Journal of Soil Science rapidly established itself as a leader, strong in most branches of soil science. Nevertheless, it would be even more attractive if authors would break away from the misleading formalism and stultifying style of the conventional scientific paper. Let us report our research more nearly as it happened; let us overcome our fear of revealing our humanity, our good luck, even our failings, and acknowledge the contributions from our intuition and imagination as well as the hard graft in the field and at the bench. Let us also liven our prose by writing more in the active voice and so that readers can know who did what and who is responsible. Let us convey the wonder of discovery in our writing without sacrificing scientific rigour; then soil research would be seen to be exciting with a bright future.
Effect of Al hydroxide polymers on cation exchange of montmorillonite
Authors: Janssen R.P.T. , Bruggenwert M. G.M. , Van Riemsdijk W. H.
Published: May 2003

Al hydroxide polymers (AlHO) can significantly influence the cation exchange behaviour of clays. We have determined the effect of synthesized AlHO on Ca–Na, Zn–Na and Pb–Na exchange for a series of exchanger compositions and two Al loadings at pH 6.0 and an ionic strength of 0.01 m. The preference for Ca on the siloxane surface of the clay–AlHO system (CAlHO) was greater than for the pure clay, and the average KV (Vanselow selectivity coefficient) was determined to be 2.16 and 1.24, respectively. The selectivity coefficients for the exchange reactions Zn–Na and Pb–Na were not directly determined in CAlHO systems, because heavy‐metal ions bind as well to the clay surface as to the AlHO over a wide range of pH. We have estimated the effect of the presence of AlHO on the selectivity coefficients of Zn–Na and Pb–Na exchange by extrapolation of the experimental results of Ca–Na, Zn–Na and Pb–Na exchange for pure clay and Ca–Na exchange for CAlHO. The average KV was increased by the presence of the AlHO from 1.23 to 2.16 for Zn–Na exchange and from 1.59 to 2.77 for Pb–Na exchange. The increase in the preference for the divalent cations is probably caused by parallel alignment of clay platelets by sorption of AlHO. Increasing the amount of AlHO did not change the selectivity for Ca–Na exchange, and probably the structure of the system or the arrangement of the clay platelets and AlHO particles was not substantially changed. This was supported by the linear reduction of the cation exchange capacity with amount of AlHO present at pH 6.6. It seems likely that the selectivity coefficients for Ca–Na, Zn–Na and Pb–Na exchange that we found apply in naturally occurring montmorillonite–AlHO systems.
Zinc ion adsorption on montmorillonite–Al hydroxide polymer systems
Authors: Janssen R. P. T. , Bruggenwert M. G. M. , Van Riemsdijk W. H.
Published: May 2003

Clay–Al hydroxide polymers (CAlHO) can bind heavy metals effectively and may play an important role in the adsorption behaviour and metal binding capacity of soils. We studied the dependence of Al loading and pH on the adsorption of Zn on Na‐saturated montmorillonite–Al hydroxide polymer systems. The available binding sites on Al hydroxide polymers (AlHO) had a very strong affinity for Zn ions. Zinc binding on the clay surface became important when the binding sites on the AlHO were nearly all occupied. The pH had a very strong effect on the Zn binding. At pH 6.6 much more Zn could be adsorbed to the AlHO than at pH 5.0. The effect of the Al:clay ratio on Zn binding was influenced by pH. At pH 6.6, Zn binding to the AlHO, expressed per mole AlHO, was independent of the Al:clay ratio, whereas at pH 5.0 this relation was dependent. This is related to the constant charge of the AlHO at pH 6.6, whereas at pH 5.0 the charge decreases with increasing Al:clay ratio. If clay–Al hydroxide polymers are present in the soil their Zn binding to the AlHO will strongly influence the availability of the Zn.
Effects of aluminium on the mineralization of dissolved organic carbon derived from forest floors
Authors: Schwesig D. , Kalbitz K. , Matzner E.
Published: May 2003

Aluminium (Al) is abundant in soils, but the influence of Al on the mineralization of dissolved organic carbon and thus on carbon sequestration in soil is only poorly understood. We investigated the extent and rate of mineralization of dissolved organic carbon at various Al/C ratios.

Dissolved organic carbon extracted from Oi and Oa layers under coniferous and deciduous forest was incubated with initial molar Al/C ratios from < 0.004 to 0.44 for 130 days. Mineralization was quantified by measurement of CO2. Rapidly and slowly mineralizable pools of dissolved organic C and their decomposition rate constants and half‐lives (as a measure of labile and stable C) were modelled with a double exponential equation.

Increasing initial Al/C ratios up to 0.1 led to a considerable decrease in mineralization (up to 50% compared with control samples). The half‐life of the stable C pool increased up to 4‐fold, whereas the half‐life of the labile C pool was unaffected. Ratios of Al/C > 0.1 did not further decrease the mineralization, but led to increasing concentrations of free Al3+ in solution, and to increasing Al/C ratios in the precipitate, indicating that the Al complexation capacity of dissolved organic C was exceeded. Decrease in mineralization as well as formation of particulate organic matter (up to 56% of initial dissolved organic C) affected mainly the stable pool. Mineralization of dissolved organic C can be predicted from UV absorption by use of exponential regressions, but adding an Al variable did not improve the prediction significantly.

We conclude that Al influences substantially the biodegradability of dissolved organic C percolating into the mineral soil, which may have consequences for the carbon sequestration in the soil. Declining Al concentrations would increase the mineralization of dissolved organic C only if the Al/C ratio becomes less than the ‘threshold value’ in the range of the Al complexation capacity of the dissolved organic C.
Controls on carbon accumulation and storage in the mineral subsoil beneath peat in Lakkasuo mire, central Finland
Authors: Turunen J. , Moore T. R.
Published: May 2003

What processes control the accumulation and storage of carbon (C) in the mineral subsoil beneath peat? To find out we investigated four podzolic mineral subsoil profiles from forest and beneath peat in Lakkasuo mire in central boreal Finland. The amount of C in the mineral subsoil ranged from 3.9 to 8.1 kg m−2 over a thickness of 70 cm and that in the organic horizons ranged from 1.8 to 144 kg m−2. Rates of increase of subsoil C were initially large (14 g m−2 year−1) as the upland forest soil was paludified, but decreased to < 2 g m−2 year−1 from 150 to 3000 years. The subsoils retained extractable aluminium (Al) but lost iron (Fe) as the surrounding forest podzols were paludified beneath the peat. A stepwise, ordinary least‐squares regression indicated a strong relation (R2 = 0.91) between organic C concentration of 26 podzolic subsoil samples and dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate‐extractable Fe (negative), ammonium oxalate‐extractable Al (positive) and null‐point concentration of dissolved organic C (DOCnp) (positive). We examined the ability of the subsoil samples to sorb dissolved organic C from a solution derived from peat. Null‐point concentration of dissolved C (DOCnp) ranged from 35 to 83 mg l−1, and generally decreased from the upper to the lower parts of the profiles (average E, B and C horizon DOCnp concentrations of 64, 47 and 42 mg l−1). The DOCnp was positively correlated with percentage of soil C and silt and clay content. The concentration of dissolved organic C in pore water in the peat ranged from 12 to 60 mg l−1 (average 33 mg l−1), suggesting that the sorptive capacity of the subsoil horizons for C had been exhausted. We suggest that the increase of C contents in the subsoil beneath mires is related to adsorption of dissolved organic C and slow mineralization under anaerobic conditions.
Amino acids in Quaternary soil horizons from southwest Poland
Authors: Szponar A. , Szajdak L.
Published: May 2003

Aminostratigraphy has proved to be a useful approach for dating fossils from the Quaternary. In these studies the amino acids in Quaternary soil formations were determined in an attempt to establish their stratigraphical relationships and relative ages. The sampling sites are in the southwest of Poland, in the Trzebnickie Hills. Three samples of fossil soils and two of recent soils were analysed. The absolute age of the soil samples was estimated by radiocarbon dating. We found that the total amount of amino acids decreased with the increasing age of soil. The smallest amounts of amino acids were found in the oldest fossil soil of Denekamp (Vistulian) age dated 29 600 ± 760 years bp. A sample of recent loess soil contained the most total amino acids, whereas the fossil soil of Lower Atlantic age, dated 3540 ± 230 years bp, was intermediate in respect of the total amount of amino acids, oxidation state and degree of biochemical transformation. Neutral amino acids formed a majority of all the amino acids studied. The method we describe could be useful in relative chronostratigraphical identification of fossil soils.
Dynamics of floodplain fisheries in Bangladesh, results of 8 years fisheries monitoring in the Compartmentalization Pilot Project
Authors: De Graaf G.
Published: May 2003

Floodplain fisheries were monitored from 1992 until 2000 in the Compartmentalization Pilot Project in Tangail, Bangladesh. In permanent floodplains about 165 ± 28 kg ha−1 of fish was caught annually. For seasonal floodplains, this figure was 83 ± 23 kg ha−1 yr−1. The fish catch exhibited a strong seasonal variation, with the highest catch in October, when the floodwater recedes towards the river, and the lowest catch during the dry season in April/May. The annual catch varied with the extent of flooding, with high catches in wet years and low catches in dry years. The extent of flooding was quantified through a Flood Index. Plotting the annual yields against this Flood Index provided a significant relation (P < 0.05), confirming the existence of a flood pulse. The fishing effort (f) and the catch‐per‐unit‐effort (CPUE) were significantly related (P < 0.05), whereby the fishing effort increased with increasing CPUE. The results are discussed within the frame of fisheries management in Bangladesh and highlight the need for long‐term data for proper evaluation of fisheries projects and the development of management schemes, and the difficulty of applying standard surplus production models in floodplain fisheries.
‘Effective growing days’: a simple predictive model of the response of herbaceous plant growth in a Mediterranean ecosystem to variation in rainfall and phosphorus availability
Authors: Henkin Zalmen , Seligman No’am G. , Kafkafi Uzi , Noy‐Meir Imanuel
Published: May 2003

1  Herbaceous plant production on many Mediterranean soils is severely restricted by nutrient deficiency. On such a shallow, phosphorus‐deficient soil in the western Galilee of Israel with an average annual rainfall >800 mm, a single addition of phosphorus fertilizer consistently increased herbaceous plant production in a community dominated by the dwarf shrub Sarcopoterium spinosum by a factor of 2.8–3.8 over 7 years. Regardless of phosphorus addition, interannual variation of the herbaceous vegetation remained high (C.V. = 0.33). A simple model based on climate data was developed to explain the continuing interannual variation in biomass production.

2  This interannual variation is accounted for by an ‘effective growing day’ index, G, based on an estimate of the number of days throughout the growing season during which the available water in the rooting zone can balance the current potential evaporation demand. The validity of this approach was tested on data from 7 consecutive years.

3  At given phosphate (P) availability levels, the index G was found to be highly correlated with both seasonal biomass production and P uptake of the herbaceous plant, but the regression lines intersected the G axis far to the right of the origin.

4  When the adverse effect of the winter climate on growing conditions was taken into account, the regression lines passed close to the origin. Annual biomass production and P uptake could then be well described as linear functions of G with the slope related to availability of P.

5  Average intraseasonal trends gave G‐values which were better predictors of both biomass production and P‐uptake than annual weather (temperature or potential evaporation) fluctuations.

6  Both shoot biomass and P uptake were strongly influenced by growing conditions in autumn (beginning of growing season) and in spring (main growing season), but plant production was more sensitive than P uptake to growing conditions in autumn and vice versa in spring.

7  The close relationship between G and P uptake at different P availability levels indicates that availability of P did not diminish for at least 7 years after a single application of 4.5–9.0 g m−2 P as superphosphate. Nutrient cycling, secondary effects of the dominant legume species, and small losses of P from the ecosystem are proposed as possible reasons for this phenomenon.
Neighbourhood effects in forests: implications for within‐stand patch structure
Authors: Frelich Lee E. , Sugita Shinya , Reich Peter B. , Davis Margaret B. , Friedman Steven K.
Published: May 2003

1  MOSAIC, a spatially referenced Markov model was used to show how interactions among trees in a neighbourhood may influence the patch structure of forests. A series of two‐species simulations were conducted with neighbourhood strength ranging from neutral (chances of species replacing each other independent of neighbourhood composition) to strong (chance of replacement for each species proportional to neighbourhood composition), and with neighbourhood sizes including 1–50 neighbours.

2  Neighbourhood strength was positively correlated with the degree of patchiness. Very high neighbourhood strength is necessary to form mono‐specific patches composed of hundreds of individual trees. Intermediate neighbourhood sizes (5–12 neighbours) led to the most distinct patches where individuals were arranged so that contact between species was minimized.

3  Neighbourhood effects alone are unlikely to lead to large areas (several ha) dominated by one species. However, simulations showed that neighbourhood effects can augment small differences in the environment, resulting in large mono‐specific patches.

4  Simulations with 4 and 5 species indicated that groups of species can interact to form spatially distinct communities, starting from a random mixture on a uniform environment. This implies that neighbourhood effects may be responsible for some unexplained variability in studies that attempt to relate environmental parameters to forest composition.

5  Patch structures that develop due to neighbourhood effects are usually not recognized by current vegetation classification schemes or by forest managers, and this lack of recognition could lead to the loss of certain natural spatial structures on forested landscapes.
Interactions of xylazine and detomidine with α2‐adrenoceptors in brain tissue from cattle, swine and rats
Authors: Törneke K. , Bergström U. , Neil A.
Published: May 2003

Xylazine is an α2‐adrenoceptor agonist sedative with a much higher interspecies variability in effect than detomidine, another α2‐agonist used in veterinary practice. In the present study, we have used radioligand binding in brain tissue to investigate if the high species variation in sensitivity to xylazine could be explained in terms of receptor interactions. Species known to be more (cattle) or less (swine and rats) sensitive to xylazine were used.

There was no variation in the density or the subtype pattern of the α2‐adrenoceptors that could explain the species variation recorded in vivo, as a homogenous population of the α2A/D‐subtype (200–300 fmol/mg protein) was found in all species. The species differences in the affinities of xylazine and detomidine were minor and similar for the two drugs.

The only parameter investigated where a significant species difference was found for xylazine but not for detomidine was the slope of the inhibition binding curve when the G‐protein coupling was diminished. For xylazine this slope was considerably lower than unity (i.e. 0.77 ± 0.075) using cattle preparations compared with 0.92 ± 0.037 (mean ± SE) and 0.90 ± 0.028, respectively for swine and rats, while for detomidine this parameter was close to unity in all species (cattle, swine, rat). This finding indicates that the species variation in effect for xylazine could be due to differences at the G‐protein level or further down‐stream in the effect cascade.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Pathological Findings in a Cat with Brain Contusions
Authors: Sato T. , Ikebata Y. , Koie H. , Shibuya H. , Shirai W. , Nogami S.
Published: May 2003

Necropsy was performed on a mongrel male cat of unknown age weighing 1.3 kg, which probably encountered a traffic accident. Gross pathological examination of the brain revealed reddish colour of the right cerebral hemisphere and haemorrhages on the surface of the right frontal lobe to temporal lobe. Histologically, there was diffuse vacuolation in the cortex of the right frontal lobe and extensive haemorrhages in the base of brain. These histopathological findings were consistent with areas of abnormal signals found on post‐mortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, the MRI findings were identical to that reported in human cases of head trauma as well as histopathological changes.
Variations in the Normal Activity of Esterases in Plasma and Liver of Camels (Camelus dromedarius), Cattle (Bos indicus), Sheep (Ovis aries) and Goats (Capra hircus)
Authors: Al‐Qarawi A. A. , Ali B. H.
Published: May 2003

Summary Esterases are a large group of enzymes found in plasma (or serum) and tissues, which hydrolyse a number of xenobiotics. Some of these enzymes have not yet been measured in tropical domestic animals. In the present work, we have measured the activities of three esterases, viz. aspirin esterase, cholinesterase and nitrophenylacetate esterase in the plasma and livers of male and female camels, cattle, sheep and goats. The results indicate that the enzyme activities are highest in the goat, followed by sheep and cattle (which showed broadly similar activities), and lowest in camels. Gender had no statistically significant effect, although males exhibited about 5–8% more enzyme activity in each of the four species, than females.
Acute liver failure in children: A regional experience
Authors: Ee LC , Shepherd RW , Cleghorn GJ , Lewindon PJ , Fawcett J , Strong RW , Lynch SV
Published: May 2003

Objective: To review the outcome of acute liver failure (ALF) and the effect of liver transplantation in children in Australia.

Methodology: A retrospective review was conducted of all paediatric patients referred with acute liver failure between 1985 and 2000 to the Queensland Liver Transplant Service, a paediatric liver transplant centre based at the Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, that is one of three paediatric transplant centres in Australia.

Results: Twenty‐six patients were referred with ALF. Four patients did not require transplantation and recovered with medical therapy while two were excluded because of irreversible neurological changes and died. Of the 20 patients considered for transplant, three refused for social and/or religious reasons, with 17 patients listed for transplantation. One patient recovered spontaneously and one died before receiving a transplant. There were 15 transplants of which 40% (6/15) were < 2 years old. Sixty‐seven per cent (10/15) survived > 1 month after transplantation. Forty per cent (6/15) survived more than 6 months after transplant. There were only four long‐term survivors after transplant for ALF (27%). Overall, 27% (6/22) of patients referred with ALF survived. Of the 16 patients that died, 44% (7/16) were from neurological causes. Most of these were from cerebral oedema but two patients transplanted for valproate hepatotoxicity died from neurological disease despite good graft function.

Conclusions: Irreversible neurological disease remains a major cause of death in children with ALF. We recommend better patient selection and early referral and transfer to a transplant centre before onset of irreversible neurological disease to optimize outcome of children transplanted for ALF.
Is there an increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders?
Authors: Prior M
Published: May 2003

Abstract:  This report summarizes recent prevalence estimates for autism spectrum disorders and outlines possible reasons for an apparent increase in the numbers of children diagnosed with autism and Asperger syndrome.
Emergency department attendances associated with drug‐related problems in paediatrics
Authors: Easton‐Carter KL , Chapman CB , Brien JE
Published: May 2003

Objectives:  To determine the frequency and characteristics of paediatric emergency department attendances associated with drug‐related problems (DRP) at three Victorian hospitals.

Methods:  All paediatric medical patients attending the emergency department of the Royal Children's Hospital, Geelong Hospital or Box Hill Hospital were considered for inclusion. The investigator and attending medical practitioners screened eligible patients. A multidisciplinary panel reviewed collated data. Causality, preventability and clinical significance classifications were established by the panel.

Results:  Combining data from the three hospitals, over 18 weeks of data collection, a total of 8601 patients met the eligibility criteria. Of these, 280 (3.3%, 95% CI 2.9−3.7%) were determined to have emergency department attendances associated with DRP. Of the 187 cases assessed for preventability, 51.3% were judged to be preventable.

Conclusions:  Emergency department attendances are associated with DRP in paediatrics. Given that the need to prevent DRP in adults is recognized, it is now time to act to reduce the consequences of DRP in paediatrics.
Archaeal diversity associated with in situ samplers deployed on hydrothermal vents on the East Pacific Rise (13°N)
Authors: Nercessian Olivier , Reysenbach Anna‐Louise , Prieur Daniel , Jeanthon Christian
Published: May 2003

To evaluate possible compositional changes in archaeal communities at a deep‐sea hydrothermal vent field scale, we examined five different samples obtained after deploying in situ collectors for different times on three spatially separated venting sulphide structures on the East Pacific Rise (13°N). Direct cell counts and whole‐cell hybridizations with fluorescently labelled 16S rRNA‐based oligonucleotide probes revealed that the relative abundance of archaeal populations represented from 14 to 33% of the prokaryotic community. 16S rDNA sequence analysis of the archaeal clone libraries indicated that a large percentage of clones were closely related to known archaeal isolates recovered from similar habitats. Among the 24 different phylotypes identified, Thermococcales‐related sequences were dominant in all the libraries that also included representative genera of orders Methanopyrales, Methanococcales, Archaeoglobales and Desulfurococcales. The presence of most of these phylogenetic groups was confirmed in enrichment cultures performed at temperatures from 60 to 90°C. Additional sequences with no known cultivated relatives grouped with the Marine group I Crenarchaeota, Korarchaeota and Deep‐sea Hydrothermal Vent Euryarchaeota (DHVE) within which a novel lineage was identified. Furthermore, the archaeal community composition was distinct from vent to vent within the same vent field and varied within short time scales. This study provides new insights into microbial diversity and distribution at deep‐sea hydrothermal vents.
Marinobacterium sp. strain DMS‐S1 uses dimethyl sulphide as a sulphur source after light‐dependent transformation by excreted flavins
Authors: Hirano Hiroyuki , Yoshida Takako , Fuse Hiroyuki , Endo Takayuki , Habe Hiroshi , Nojiri Hideaki , Omori Toshio
Published: May 2003

Marinobacterium sp. strain DMS‐S1 is a unique marine bacterium that can use dimethyl sulphide (DMS) as a sulphur source only in the presence of       light. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses of the culture supernatant revealed that excreted factors, which could transform DMS to dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) under light, are FAD and riboflavin. In addition, FAD appeared to catalyse the photolysis of DMS to not only DMSO but also methanesulphonate (MSA), formate, formaldehyde and sulphate. As strain DMS‐S1 can use sulphate and MSA as a sole sulphur source independently of light, the excretion of flavins appeared to support the growth on DMS under light. Furthermore, three out of 12 marine bacteria from IAM culture collection were found to be able to grow on DMS with the aid of photolysis by the flavins excreted. This is the first report that bacteria can use light to assimilate oceanic organic sulphur compounds outside the cells by excreting flavins as photosensitizers.
Isolation of human hepatocytes from livers rejected for liver transplantation on a national basis: Results of a 2-year experience
Authors: Baccarani Umberto , Sanna Andrea , Cariani Alessio , Sainz-Barriga Mauricio , Adani Gian Luigi , Zambito Anna Maria , Piccolo Giuseppe , Risaliti Andrea , Nanni-Costa Alessandro , Ridolfi Lorenza , Scalamogna Mario , Bresadola Fabrizio , Donini Annibale
Published: May 2003

The offer of liver transplantation to many patients affected by liver failure is limited by organ shortage. Clinical application of human-based liver cell therapies, such as bioartificial liver and hepatocyte transplantation, might support liver transplantation, allowing more patients to be treated and decreasing mortality in the waiting list. The development of a standardized method of hepatocyte isolation is a mainstay for large-scale application of liver cell therapy. The aim of this study is to analyze retrospectively a 2-year experience of human hepatocyte isolation from livers rejected from transplantation at organ harvesting, performed on a national basis in Italy. All the livers judged unsuitable for transplantation were considered for hepatocyte isolation. Macrosteatosis greater than 60% was the most common reason of refusal, followed by nonviral cirrhosis. Fifty-four organs were used. Human hepatocyte isolation resulted in more that 7 million liver cells/g of tissue digested with 73% ± 14% viability. Steatotic organs gave better results in terms of cell yield than cirrhotic livers. Isolated hepatocytes were able to perform specific liver functions, and evidence of factor IX and albumin messenger RNA (mRNA) production was reported when cells were plated in culture. Modifications of the traditional method of hepatocyte isolation, aimed at reducing ischemia-reperfusion damage and improving post-isolation cell conditions, showed improvements in post-isolation viability. In conclusion, we show that it is possible to use the vast majority of livers not suitable for transplantation on a national basis for human hepatocyte isolation, obtaining a large amount of viable functioning human hepatocytes that might be used for cell transplantation and therapy.
Clinical experience gained from the use of 120 steatotic donor livers for orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Verran Deborah , Kusyk Taras , Painter Dorothy , Fisher Jodi , Koorey David , Strasser Simone , Stewart Graham , McCaughan Geoffery
Published: May 2003

Steatosis of the donor liver is known to impact on patient and allograft outcome after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of increasing grades of cadaveric donor liver steatosis on recipient outcome. Between January, 1986 and December, 2000, 120 OLTs were performed with 72 mild, 25 moderate, and 23 severe steatotic donor livers. Donors of steatotic livers were more likely to be older (P = .001) and have died of intracerebral haemorrhage than donors of nonsteatotic livers. Initial poor graft function (IPF) was more common in donor livers with either moderate or severe steatosis than in donor livers with mild steatosis (P = .03). Primary graft nonfunction (PNF) occurred in only 1 donor liver with severe steatosis. PGE1 (PGE1) usage was higher in recipients of donor livers with moderate or severe steatosis versus donor livers with mild steatosis (P = .001). Allograft loss was greater at 1 year both in the moderate and severe (P = .03) steatotic liver groups. Patient survival at 3 months and overall allograft survival both were impacted negatively by increasing grades of donor liver steatosis (P = .02, P = .03). Three-month allograft survival was reduced in the steatotic donor livers if the donor was 50+ years old (P = .033). Recipient status at OLT (P = .001) and donor steatosis (P = .046) impacted on 30 day allograft survival (multivariate analysis). In conclusion, increasing grades of donor liver steatosis were associated with worse IPF and increased PGE1 usage. There was a negative impact of steatosis on both recipient and early allograft survival.
A retrospective review of sirolimus (Rapamune) therapy in orthotopic liver transplant recipients diagnosed with chronic rejection
Authors: Neff Guy W. , Montalbano Marzia , Slapak-Green Gabriel , Berney Thierry , Bejarano Pablo A. , Joshi Anand , Icardi Mike , Nery Jose , Seigo Nishida , Levi David , Weppler Debbie , Pappas Peter , Ruiz Jose , Schiff Eugene R. , Tzakis Andreas G.
Published: May 2003

Treatment options are limited for orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients suffering from chronic rejection (CR). We performed a retrospective review of OLT recipients diagnosed with CR and treated with sirolimus. The medical records of all OLT recipients treated with sirolimus between October, 1998 and October, 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis of CR was made by both clinical and histologic criteria: bile duct to hepatic artery ratio less than 0.7, histologic activity index, hepatic arterial wall thickening, and chronic elevation of liver chemistries. Two groups were defined in regard to sirolimus response: sirolimus responders (SR) and sirolimus nonresponders (SNR). Response to treatment was granted only when patients were found to have resolution of abnormal liver transaminases and an improvement in hepatic artery to bile duct ratio. Serum collections for liver chemistries were collected on days 1, 30, 60, and 90. Liver biopsies were reviewed in blinded fashion from day 1 and at least 180 days on therapy by double-blinded pathologists. Sirolimus-related complications were recorded and include drug toxicity, anemia with and without treatment, hospitalizations, infections, immunosuppression complications, lipid profile disorders, edema, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal complaints. Twenty-one patients were diagnosed with CR. The SR group included 13 of 21, and 8 of 21were in the SNR group. Anemia was diagnosed in 12 of 21 patients: SR, 7 of 13; SNR, 5 of 8; with 5 patients requiring red blood cell transfusions (2 SR, 3 SNR). Recombinant erythropoietin was started in 5 of 21 patients. Sirolimus serum levels were found to be greater than 20 ng/dL in 12 patients. Sirolimus was discontinued in 9 patients, (7 SR, 2 SNR primarily because of drug intolerance. The results show that sirolimus may help OLT recipients suffering from CR; however, a large number of patients experienced drug related side effects and were unable to tolerate therapy.