bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centromere mapping in the Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) through half‐tetrad analysis in gynogenetic diploid families
Authors: Nie H. , Li Q. , Kong L.
Published: September 2011

Centromere mapping is an essential prerequisite for our understanding of the composition and structure of genomes. For centromere mapping, in two meiogynogenetic families of the Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai), we screened 97 microsatellite markers that cover all linkage groups from a currently available abalone linkage map. Microsatellite analysis showed that no unique paternal allele was found in all gynogenetic progeny, which confirmed 100% success of induction of gynogenesis. In the control crosses, all 97 microsatellite loci were compatible with Mendelian inheritance, while in meiogynogenetic progeny, 5.2% of the microsatellite loci showed segregation distortions from an expected 1:1 ratio of two homozygote classes. The second division segregation frequency of the microsatellites ranged from 0.037 to 0.950 with a mean of 0.399, indicating the existence of interference. Heterogeneity among linkage groups in the crossover distribution was observed. Centromere location was mostly in accordance with the abalone karyotype, but differences in marker order between linkage and centromere maps occurred. Information on the positions of centromeres in relation to the microsatellite loci will represent a contribution towards assembly of genetic maps in the commercially important abalone species.
Matching parenting support needs to service provision in a universal 13‐month child health surveillance visit
Authors: Wilson C. , Thompson L. , McConnachie A. , Wilson P.
Published: September 2011

Background  The Glasgow Parenting Support Framework is an intervention to support families with preschool children. It provides structured support through universal and targeted interventions. Two routine family visits by health visitors have been piloted, one involving a home assessment when the child is 13 months old.

Aims  To establish the need for parenting support in the population at 13 months and whether or not the home assessment improved the match of service provision to need.

Methods  Health visitors were asked to collect data on existing problems and service provision to families, the mental state of the child's principal carer, an observation of the parent–child relationship and details of management plans. Data from the Child Health Surveillance System were also used.

Results  Data were obtained for 549 families. Nine families were noted to have problems in the parent–child relationship. Carers in these families had poorer mental health. In all, 20% of families had a revisit scheduled: they were also more likely to have poor mental health. All families with possible problems in the relationship had a revisit scheduled. Depression scores measured during the pilot were a significant predictor of revisiting and referral, with an odds ratio of 1.37 for every one point increase in score on the Adult Wellbeing Scale depression subscale.

Conclusions  Current service provision matches need to some extent but routine visits focused on parenting difficulties at 13 months, particularly parental depression, may help to identify families needing support who would not otherwise have received it.
Optimizing specimen collection and laboratory procedures reduces the non‐diagnostic rate for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of solid lesions of the pancreas
Authors: Weynand B. , Borbath I. , Galant C. , Piessevaux H. , Deprez P. H.
Published: September 2011

Objectives:  Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is a routine technique to assess solid pancreatic lesions. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of optimizing laboratory procedures for specimen preparation on the rate and accuracy of the procedure.

Methods:  All EUS‐FNAs of solid pancreatic lesions performed during the year 2000 (Period 1) and from May 2003 to May 2004 (Period 2) were analysed. During Period 1, one experienced gastroenterologist performed all EUS‐FNAs, making direct smears and retrieving small fragments if present on the smear for histology. In Period 2, two endoscopists performed the EUS‐FNAs and all the material was emptied into a vial containing a fixative. Slide preparation was carried out in the pathology laboratory: one slide was processed using cytocentrifugation and cell blocks were made from left‐over material. Neither period utilized rapid on‐site evaluation.

Results:  During the two periods, 67 and 102 FNAs were analysed and showed significantly different (P < 0.001) non‐diagnostic rates of 22.8% and 4.2%, respectively. The increased diagnostic yield can be explained by the modified laboratory procedures and to a lesser extent by the increased experience of the gastroenterologists. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy in the second time period were, respectively, 90.6%, 100%, 100%, 81.8% and 93.4%, not significantly different from the first time period.

Conclusion:  This study shows that accurate EUS‐FNA results may be obtained with a low non‐diagnostic rate comparable to those reported for rapid on‐site evaluation by optimizing laboratory specimen processing in a setting of solid pancreatic lesions.
Personalized medicine for lung cancer: new challenges for pathology
Authors: Kerr Keith M
Published: September 2011

Kerr K M  (2011) Histopathology 60, 531–546 Personalized medicine for lung cancer: new challenges for pathology

Recent advances in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy mean the relatively simple discrimination between small‐cell and ‘non‐small‐cell’ carcinoma is insufficient to determine the best treatment for individual patients. Safety, efficacy and prescribing requirements mandate more specific subtyping of NSCLC for several new drugs: practice made difficult by the tumour heterogeneity combined with the paucity of tissue in most diagnostic samples. Immunohistochemical approaches have emerged as accurate predictors of probable tumour histotype. P63 and/or cytokeratins 5 and 6 and thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) are among the best predictors, respectively, of squamous and adenocarcinoma histology. Molecular characteristics may predict response to both newer molecular targeted agents and traditional cytotoxic agents. Specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene as predictors of response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (erlotinib, gefitinib) is the first example of markers which predict response to targeted agents. Actual drug targets [e.g. thymidilate synthase (TS) – pemetrexed] or markers of the tumour’s ability to repair cytotoxic drug‐induced damage [e.g. excision repair cross‐complementation group 1 (ERCC1) – cisplatin] may well also complement NSCLC diagnosis. This extended diagnostic requirement from increasingly limited material provided by minimally invasive biopsy techniques poses major challenges for pathology.
Understanding the role of behavioural integration in ISD teams: an extension of transactive memory systems concept
Authors: Lin Tung‐Ching , Hsu Jack Shih‐Chieh , Cheng Kuang‐Ting , Wu Sheng
Published: September 2011

The transactive memory system (TMS) has been considered as one critical element for effective teamwork. However, viewing TMS as a second‐order construct that mixes cognitive (specialty and credibility) and behavioural (coordination) components leads to confusion and increases the difficulty in interpreting study results. This study follows the concept proposed by one recent study and attempts to distinguish between behavioural and cognitive components. Furthermore, drawing on the need for diverse members to be integrated behaviourally, we also attempt to extend the TMS research stream by proposing a more comprehensive behavioural component of TMS. We argue that to obtain better teamwork outcomes, information system development (ISD) team members need to integrate the expertise possessed by each individual, make decisions jointly and interlink all individual actions. In light of this, our study aims to replace coordination with team behavioural integration, a more comprehensive behavioural consequence of cognition and explore the critical role of behavioural integration in ISD teams by understanding its impact on ISD teamwork project team performance. The study result, based on data collected from 205 information system project managers, supports our hypotheses that expertise specialty, credibility and their interaction positively affect team behavioural integration. This, in turn, leads to enhanced project team performance.
The use of focus groups in complex and pressurised IS studies and evaluation using Klein & Myers principles for interpretive research
Authors: O'hEocha Colm , Wang Xiaofeng , Conboy Kieran
Published: September 2011

Studies of information systems (IS) often involve many complexities, uncertainties and restrictions. As a result, researchers have to adopt innovative research approaches or tailor and extend existing ones. This paper describes and evaluates an innovative focus group approach used to study three IS development teams, which had to cope with the application of a broad, polymorphous framework, untested in practice, seeking to elicit potentially highly sensitive opinions and judgements in a highly pressurised, time‐restricted environment. This paper makes two significant contributions. To conduct this evaluation, the researchers operationalised the Klein & Myers seven principles for interpretive study for the first time, creating a set of questions that other IS researchers can now use to evaluate their own interpretive studies. The paper also applies these to the design of the focus groups and develops a set of recommendations for future IS researchers to consider based on lessons learned in this study.
Marine dispersal as a pre‐requisite for Gondwanan vicariance among elements of the galaxiid fish fauna
Authors: Burridge Christopher P. , McDowall Robert M. , Craw Dave , Wilson Mark V. H. , Waters Jonathan M.
Published: September 2011

Aim  The aim of this study was to determine the contributions of Gondwanan vicariance and marine dispersal to the contemporary distribution of galaxiid fishes. This group has been central in arguments concerning the roles of dispersal and vicariance in the Southern Hemisphere, as some taxa have marine life history stages through which transoceanic dispersal may have been facilitated, yet other galaxiids are entirely restricted to freshwaters.

Location  Southern Hemisphere land masses of Gondwanan derivation.

Methods  Biogeographic hypotheses of Gondwanan vicariance and marine dispersal were tested using four lines of evidence: (1) concordance of species–area phylogenetic relationships, (2) molecular estimates of lineage divergence times with a priori expectations based on plate tectonics, (3) reconstructions of ancestral dispersal capabilities, and (4) reconstructions of distribution inheritance scenarios (using the dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model to infer historical ranges and dispersal and extinction events).

Results  Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed from 4531 mitochondrial and nuclear nucleotide characters, and 181 morphological characters, across 53 of the 56 presently recognized species. Phylogenetic relationships were generally well resolved and supported among galaxiids using the combined dataset, and conflicting relationships between molecular and morphological datasets typically received low topological support from either or both datasets. Transoceanic disjunctions were exhibited at 16 nodes, but only three pre‐dated relevant continental fragmentation events; furthermore, ancestral distribution inheritance scenarios for two of these nodes reflected cladogenesis within, rather than between, Gondwanan land masses, and ancestral marine dispersal capability could not be rejected for all three. Instead, the four lines of evidence surveyed suggest that Gondwanan vicariance occurred twice, but in both instances was preceded by marine dispersal between land masses, and in at least one instance was initiated by the cessation of marine dispersal subsequent to continental fragmentation.

Main conclusions  Gondwanan vicariance appears to have been preceded by marine dispersal in the few instances where it may explain contemporary galaxiid distribution, such that these biogeographic mechanisms may sometimes have a synergistic relationship.
Context‐dependent benefits from ant–plant mutualism in three sympatric varieties of Chamaecrista desvauxii
Authors: Baker‐Méio Beatriz , Marquis Robert J.
Published: September 2011

1. Mutualistic interactions are characterized by conditional outcomes that depend on both the biotic and the abiotic context. However, limited information is available on the factors that affect the strength of ant–plant interactions among sympatric congeneric species.

2. We compared the benefits gained from attracting ants via extrafloral nectaries – i.e. lowered herbivory and increased seed set – of three co‐occurring varieties in the Chamaecrista desvauxii complex (Leguminosae) in a cerrado area in Uberlândia, Brazil. Using whole‐individual exclusion experiments, we tested the hypotheses (i) that the relative strength of those benefits is higher in the variety with the largest extrafloral nectaries and (ii) that those benefits are conditional on the presence of predispersal seed predators.

3. Extrafloral nectaries are larger, produce more nectar and attract more ants in var. brevipes than in the other two varieties included in the study. Var. modesta has intermediate‐sized nectaries, while a third, undescribed variety has small nectaries, and both attract relatively few ants.

4. For var. brevipes, extrafloral nectary (EFN) removal significantly increased folivory and attack on fruits by sucking insects, decreasing the relative number of flowers, fruits and seeds produced per individual. For the other two varieties, in contrast, ant effects were reduced, and ants did not significantly improve reproductive success. In addition, effects of EFN removal were less pronounced or absent when seed predators were excluded from fruits of var. brevipes.

5. Synthesis. We showed experimentally that benefits from interactions of three co‐occurring varieties of Chamaecrista desvauxii with ants are context‐dependent both within and among taxa. Variation in the strength of mutualisms among sympatric taxa may potentially reinforce ecological reproductive isolation and contribute to diversification in this group.
Prevalence and different characteristics of two serotypes of Streptococcus parauberis isolated from the farmed olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck and Schlegel), in Korea
Authors: Han S Y , Kang B K , Kang B J , Shin S P , Soen B H , Kim J M , Kim J H , Choresca C H , Han J E , Jun J W , Park S C
Published: September 2011

The prevalence of two serotypes of Streptococcus parauberis isolated from the olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, was evaluated in a total of 29 isolates between 2003 and 2010 in Korea. Streptococcus parauberis isolates were divided into two serologically distinct types (serotype 1 and serotype 2), except for one strain (S1091), using an agglutination assay with rabbit antiserum, and serotype 1 was identified as the dominant type (24 of 29 isolates) in this study. To identify the characteristics of the two serotypes of S. parauberis, we conducted a biochemical test using the API 20 Strep kit, a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) assay, sequence analysis of 16S‐23S rRNA intergenic spacer region (ISR) and a pathogenicity test. In TEM, both serotypes possessed polysaccharide capsule layers around the cell surface when bacterial cells were treated with a homologous serotype of rabbit antiserum. However, we were unable to discriminate serotype‐specific biochemical characteristics and genetic characteristics of 16S‐23S rRNA ISR between the two serotypes. In the pathogenicity test, the serotype 1 strains induced significantly higher mortality than the serotype 2 strains in olive flounder when experimentally inoculated via the intraperitoneal route.
Experimental evidence for direct in situ binding of IgM and IgT to early trophonts of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Fouquet) in the gills of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: von Gersdorff Jørgensen L , Heinecke R D , Skjødt K , Rasmussen K J , Buchmann K
Published: September 2011

Freshwater fish are able to mount a protective immune response against the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) following a non‐lethal exposure. Factors involved in immunity comprise cellular and humoral factors, but antibodies have been suggested to play a prominent role in protection. However, host antibodies have not yet been demonstrated to bind to the parasite in situ. By the use of immunohistochemical techniques, this study demonstrated that IgT and IgM bind to surface structures, including cilia, on the early feeding stage of the parasite in the gills of immune rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, shortly (2 h) after invasion. No binding of IgT and no or only a weak binding of IgM was observed on the parasites in the gills of similarly exposed but naïve rainbow trout. This study indicates that antibodies play an important part in the protection of immune fish against Ich although additional humoral and cellular factors may contribute to this reaction.
Mycobacterium salmoniphilum infection in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Zerihun M A , Nilsen H , Hodneland S , Colquhoun D J
Published: September 2011

Multiple greyish‐white visceral nodules containing abundant rapidly growing and acid‐fast bacteria, subsequently identified as Mycobacterium salmoniphilum, were detected in moribund and newly dead market‐sized fish during a period of increased mortality in an Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, farm in western Norway. Isolates cultured from diseased fish were phenotypically consistent with Mycobacterium sp. previously isolated from Atlantic salmon [MT 1890 (= NCIMB13533), MT1892, MT1900 and MT1901] in the Shetland Isles, Scotland. Partial sequences of 16S rDNA, ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS1), 65‐kDa heat‐shock protein (Hsp65) and β subunit of RNA polymerase (rpoB) revealed 97‐99% similarity with M. salmoniphilum type strain ATCC 13758T. The source of infection was not confirmed. Koch’s postulates were fulfilled following experimental challenge of Atlantic salmon with field isolate NVI6598 (FJ616988). Mortality was recorded in experimentally infected fish; however, the infection remained subclinical in the majority of affected fish over the 131‐day challenge period.
The sea louse Lepeophtheirus acutus (Caligidae, Siphonostomatoida, Copepoda) as a pathogen of aquarium‐held elasmobranchs
Authors: Kik M J L , Janse M , Benz G W
Published: September 2011

Lepeophtheirus acutus
Heegaard, 1943 (Caligidae, Siphonostomatoida, Copepoda), was collected from or observed on four of six elasmobranch species held at Burgers’ Zoo (Arnhem, The Netherlands). Circumstantial evidence suggested that a zebra shark, Stegostoma fasciatum (Hermann), from the wild carried the infection into the facility, where copepods reproduced and colonized additional hosts. Copepods typically attached on and about the eyes, in the mouth and occasionally about the cloaca and on the claspers. Severe ocular lesions were associated with infections on zebra sharks, a grey reef shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos (Bleeker), whitetip reef sharks, Triaenodon obesus (Rüppell), and giant shovelnose ray, Rhinobatos typus Bennett, while blacktip reef sharks, Carcharhinus melanopterus (Quoy & Gaimard), and blacktip sharks, Carcharhinus limbatus (Valenciennes), living in infested aquaria showed no sign of infection. Water treatments using trichlorfon were considered primarily responsible for the eradication of copepods from hosts and infested aquaria. This case is the first report of a copepod infection being closely associated with disease and death of an aquarium‐held elasmobranch. Given its ability to infect a wide variety of elasmobranchs and promote life‐threatening lesions on some hosts, L. acutus should be considered a dangerous pathogen of captive elasmobranchs.
Health professionals' attitudes and emotions towards working with adults with intellectual disability (ID) and mental ill health
Authors: Rose N. , Kent S. , Rose J.
Published: September 2011

Objectives  Mainstream mental health services are providing more care for individuals with an intellectual disability (ID); this has implications for staff and service users. Attitudes of staff towards people with ID in mental health services may be negative and negative staff attitudes may have a detrimental impact on service provision.

Design  A cross‐sectional design was used.

Methods  A questionnaire designed to investigate the attitudes and emotions of staff towards delivering mental health care to adults with ID was completed by 84 staff from mainstream and specialist ID services.

Results  Staff in both services experienced more positive emotions when working with clients whom they are currently employed to work with. When the frequency of contact with adults with ID, the number of individuals worked with and the amount of formal ID training received were considered, there was no significant difference between the attitudes of staff in both services. Positive correlations were found between attitude scores and positive emotional experiences in both services.

Conclusions  The research suggests that numerous factors, including the role of emotional experience and a number of environmental aspects, need to be considered in the context of providing mental health services to adults with ID to ensure the highest quality. Research limitations and clinical implications of the study are also considered.
Effects of aberrations and specimen structure in conventional, confocal and two‐photon fluorescence microscopy
Authors: SIMMONDS R. D. , WILSON T. , BOOTH M. J.
Published: September 2011

Specimen‐induced aberrations cause a reduction in signal levels and resolution in fluorescence microscopy. Aberrations also affect the image contrast achieved by these microscopes. We model the effects of aberrations on the fluorescence signals acquired from different specimen structures, such as point‐like, linear, planar and volume structures, when imaged by conventional, confocal and two‐photon microscopes. From this we derive the image contrast obtained when observing combinations of such structures. We show that the effect of aberrations on the visibility of fine features depends upon the specimen morphology and that the contrast is less significantly affected in microscopes exhibiting optical sectioning. For example, we show that point objects become indistinguishable from background fluorescence in the presence of aberrations, particularly when imaged in a conventional fluorescence microscope. This demonstrates the significant advantage of using confocal or two‐photon microscopes over conventional instruments when aberrations are present.
Cellular protein quality control and the evolution of aggregates in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3)
Authors: Seidel K. , Meister M. , Dugbartey G. J. , Zijlstra M. P. , Vinet J. , Brunt E. R. P. , van Leeuwen F. W. , Rüb U. , Kampinga H. H. , den Dunnen W. F. A.
Published: September 2011

K. Seidel, M. Meister, G. J. Dugbartey, M. P. Zijlstra, J. Vinet, E. R. P. Brunt, F. W. van Leeuwen, U. Rüb, H. H. Kampinga and W. F. A. den Dunnen (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 548–558

Cellular protein quality control and the evolution of aggregates in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3)

Aims: A characteristic of polyglutamine diseases is the increased propensity of disease proteins to aggregate, which is thought to be a major contributing factor to the underlying neurodegeneration. Healthy cells contain mechanisms for handling protein damage, the protein quality control, which must be impaired or inefficient to permit proteotoxicity under pathological conditions. Methods: We used a quantitative analysis of immunohistochemistry of the pons of eight patients with the polyglutamine disorder spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. We employed the anti‐polyglutamine antibody 1C2, antibodies against p62 that is involved in delivering ubiquitinated protein aggregates to autophagosomes, antibodies against the chaperones HSPA1A and DNAJB1 and the proteasomal stress marker UBB+1. Results: The 1C2 antibody stained neuronal nuclear inclusions (NNIs), diffuse nuclear staining (DNS), granular cytoplasmic staining (GCS) and combinations, with reproducible distribution. P62 always co‐localized with 1C2 in NNI. DNS and GCS co‐stained with a lower frequency. UBB+1 was present in a subset of neurones with NNI. A subset of UBB+1‐containing neurones displayed increased levels of HSPA1A, while DNAJB1 was sequestered into the NNI. Conclusion: Based on our results, we propose a model for the aggregation‐associated pathology of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: GCS and DNS aggregation likely represents early stages of pathology, which progresses towards formation of p62‐positive NNI. A fraction of NNI exhibits UBB+1 staining, implying proteasomal overload at a later stage. Subsequently, the stress‐inducible HSPA1A is elevated while DNAJB1 is recruited into NNIs. This indicates that the stress response is only induced late when all endogenous protein quality control systems have failed.
Contribution of Innate Immune Responses towards Resistance to African Trypanosome Infections
Authors: Namangala B.
Published: September 2011

During the course of African trypanosomiasis, an intact monocytic cell system appears to be crucial for the initiation and maintenance of antitrypanosome responses and could be critical for the survival of trypanosome‐infected host. Monocytic cells in turn require support from other components of the innate immunity as well as adaptive immunity for effective and sustained control of trypanosome infections. In this review, the contribution of specific components of the innate immune system towards resistance to African trypanosomes is discussed in the context of host survival and the ideas presented are expected to stimulate more debate and research on host innate mechanisms of defence against African trypanosomiasis.
The Effects of Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein on Functional Responses in the NK Cell Line YTS
Authors: Dominguez‐Villar M. , Garcia‐Cozar F. J. , Chambers B. J.
Published: September 2011

Hepatitis C virus infection affects more than 170 million people worldwide. More than 80% of the patients are not able to eliminate the virus and progress to a chronic infection that usually culminates in complications such as cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the adaptive immune response has been widely shown to be essential for viral clearance, the role of natural killer (NK) cells is not clearly understood. In this study, the effect of HCV core protein is examined on NK cell function, i.e., cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion. The expression of core protein in the YTS NK cell line led to an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells soon after transduction. The surviving cells exhibited decreased cytotoxicity associated with decreases in perforin and granzyme B expression. Furthermore, the HCV core protein–transduced YTS NK cells had reduced IFNγ production as well as an altered surface receptor expression pattern. These features may correspond to a state of functional anergy similar to that seen in T cells transduced with HCV core protein. Together, these data suggest that HCV core protein may alter NK cell function.
IgG Rheumatoid Factors Against the Four Human Fc‐gamma Subclasses in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (The Swedish TIRA Project)
Authors: Kanmert D. , Kastbom A. , Almroth G. , Skogh T. , Enander K. , Wetterö J.
Published: September 2011

Rheumatoid factor (RF), i.e. a family of autoantibodies against the Fc part of IgG, is an important seromarker of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Traditional particle agglutination without disclosing the antibody isotype remains the predominating diagnostic method in clinical routine. Although IgG‐RF attracts pathogenic interest, its detection remains technically challenging. The present study aimed at developing a set of tests identifying IgG‐RFs directed against the four IgG subclasses. IgG‐RF against either subclass of human IgG‐Fc were analysed with four novel enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) utilizing four recombinant human Fc‐gamma fragments (hIgG1–4) as sources of antigen. Sera from 40 patients with recent onset RA (20 seropositive and 20 seronegative by IgM‐RF and IgA‐RF‐isotype‐specific ELISA) were analysed. Sera from 20 healthy blood donors served as reference. Among the IgM‐/IgA‐RF‐positive RA‐sera, IgG‐RF was found directed against hIgG1 and hIgG2, but not against hIgG3 or hIgG4. Significant correlations were seen between IgG‐RF against hIgG2‐Fc and IgM‐RF (r = 0.666) levels. Further prospective studies are warranted to elucidate any correlation to disease course and outcome.
Regulatory T cells Contribute to Diabetes Protection in Lipopolysaccharide‐Treated Non‐Obese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Caramalho I. , Rodrigues‐Duarte L. , Perez A. , Zelenay S. , Penha‐Gonçalves C. , Demengeot J.
Published: September 2011

It is well established that viral, parasitic or bacterial infections can prevent type 1 diabetes (T1D) occurrence in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice. On the other hand, defects in CD4+ Regulatory T cell (Treg) numbers and/or function contribute to T1D aetiology in NOD mice and in humans. In this work, we formally tested whether the protective role of the bacterial product lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on diabetes incidence results from enhanced Treg activity. We first report that weekly administration of LPS to young prediabetic NOD mice, presenting or not insulitis at the time of treatment, afforded full protection from diabetes. Taking advantage from the high but incomplete penetrance of diabetes in NOD mice raised in specific pathogen free (SPF) conditions we compared untreated disease‐free old animals with gender‐ and age‐matched LPS‐treated mice. Histological and flow cytometry analysis indicated that LPS treatment did not prevent islet infiltration or priming of diabetogenic T cells but increased Foxp3+ and CD103+ Treg frequency and numbers. By performing adoptive transfer experiments into alymphoid NOD/SCID recipients, we further demonstrated that CD25+ cells from LPS‐treated NOD mice, but not from naturally protected animals, maintained diabetogenic cells at check. Our study suggests that T cell regulation represents a cellular mechanism to explain the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ and reinforces the notion that immune activity consolidates dominant tolerance.
BRCA1/2 testing: uptake, phenocopies, and strategies to improve detection rates in initially negative families
Authors: Fischer C , Engel C , Sutter C , Zachariae S , Schmutzler R , Meindl A , Heidemann S , Grimm T , Goecke TO , Debatin I , Horn D , Wieacker P , Gadzicki D , Becker K , Schäfer D , Stock F , Voigtländer T ,   on behalf of the German Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Published: September 2011

Fischer C, Engel C, Sutter C, Zachariae S, Schmutzler R, Meindl A, Heidemann S, Grimm T, Goecke TO, Debatin I, Horn D, Wieacker P, Gadzicki D, Becker K, Schäfer D, Stock F, Voigtländer T, on behalf of the German Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer. BRCA1/2 testing: uptake, phenocopies, and strategies to improve detection rates in initially negative families.

In families with clustering of breast and ovarian cancer, molecular testing of the major susceptibility genes BRCA1/2 helps to identify patients with disease mutations and healthy persons at high risk who can participate in targeted intervention programs. We investigated 5559 families from the German Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer included between 1997 and 2008 and treated under clinical routine conditions. In each family an index patient/person had been screened for deleterious mutations in BRCA1/2. Healthy relatives agreed to predictive testing in 888 of 1520 BRCA1/2 mutation‐positive families (58%). Of 2646 eligible unaffected first‐degree relatives 1143 decided to be tested (43%). In 325 families with BRCA1/2‐positive index patients one related BC/OC patient was tested and 39 (12.0%; 95% confidence interval: 8.7–16.0%) discrepant cases found. A second related individual was screened in 163 of 3388 (4.9%) families with BRCA1/2‐negative index patient and in eight families a BRCA1/2 mutation was found. In BRCA1/2 mutation‐positive families, BC/OC patients lacking the familial mutation have to be expected at a rather high rate. In families with BRCA1/2‐negative index patient we recommend a second screening if another patient with a high probability of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation is available.
The effect of HLA disparity on clinical outcome after HLA‐haploidentical blood and marrow transplantation
Authors: Huo Ming‐Rui , Xu Lan‐Ping , D Li , Liu Dai‐Hong , Liu Kai‐Yan , Chen Huan , Han Wei , Chen Yu‐Hong , Y Wang , Wang Jing‐Zhi , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Zhao Xiang‐Yu , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: September 2011

Huo M‐R, Xu L‐P, Li D, Liu D‐H, Liu K‐Y, Chen H, Han W, Chen Y‐H, Wang Y, Wang J‐Z, Zhang X‐H, Zhao X‐Y, Huang X‐J. The effect of HLA disparity on clinical outcome after HLA‐haploidentical blood and marrow transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01499.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The relative importance of various human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci has not been established for unmanipulated HLA‐mismatched/haploidentical transplantation. To address this question, we analyzed the impact of HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DRB3, HLA‐DRB4, and HLA‐DRB5 on the outcome of HLA‐haploidentical transplantation. Four hundred and eighty‐one donor–recipient pairs were fully typed before transplantation. In univariate analysis, HLA‐B mismatch not only demonstrated significant adverse effects on acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and transplant‐related mortality but also was associated with reduced overall survival and leukemia‐free survival (LFS). In multivariate analysis, HLA‐B mismatch remained the independent risk factor for acute GVHD and transplant‐related mortality. The high risk of disease and the female donor were found to be significant factors for reduced overall survival and LFS. Furthermore, multiple mismatch of the HLA locus was found to have no synergistic adverse effect on outcomes. Our results suggest that prospective matching of patients and donors for HLA‐B antigen in the unshared HLA haplotype is warranted for HLA‐mismatched/haploidentical transplantation.
Impact of stable PGI2analog iloprost on early graft viability after liver transplantation: a pilot study
Authors: Bärthel Erik , Rauchfuß Falk , Hoyer Heike , Habrecht Olaf , Jandt Karin , Götz Max , Voigt Rigo , Heise Michael , Marx Gernot , Settmacher Utz
Published: September 2011

Bärthel E, Rauchfuß F, Hoyer H, Habrecht O, Jandt K, Götz M, Voigt R, Heise M, Marx G, Settmacher U. Impact of stable PGI2analog iloprost on early graft viability after liver transplantation: a pilot study.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: E38–E47.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Background: Ischemia/reperfusion injury after liver transplantation (LT) may be associated with primary graft dysfunction (PDF) or non‐function. Prostaglandins were demonstrated to be beneficial in reducing ischemic injury by improving microcirculation and protecting endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the continuously administered prostaglandin I2analog iloprost on allograft function after LT.

Methods: Eighty patients were prospectively randomized and assigned to two groups. Patients in the treatment group received iloprost for seven d after transplantation, and those in the control group did not. The primary end point was graft dysfunction.

Results: The incidence of PDF was 20% (n = 8) in the control group and 5% (n = 2) in the treatment group, respectively (p = 0.087). Four patients in the control group underwent re‐transplantation for initial non‐function (INF). There was no evidence for INF in the treatment group. Iloprost was associated with improved allograft function. Clinical course and outcome were comparable.

Conclusions: We suggest iloprost to be beneficial for early post‐transplant liver function. If the rate of PDF can be significantly reduced with this treatment concept, it should be analyzed in a larger number of patients (ISRCTN95672167).
Cryopreserved iliac artery allograft for primary arterial revascularization in adult liver transplantation
Authors: Mabrut Jean‐Yves , Abdullah Siraj Saadaldin , Rode Agnes , Bourgeot Jean‐Paul , Eljaafari Assia , Baulieux Jacques , Ducerf Christian
Published: September 2011

Mabrut J‐Y, Abdullah SS, Rode A, Bourgeot J‐P, Eljaafari A, Baulieux J, Ducerf C. Cryopreserved iliac artery allograft for primary arterial revascularization in adult liver transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: E12–E16.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Arterial allograft represents a material of choice for primary arterial revascularization in liver transplantation (LT) when interposition of a vascular conduit is required. In case of non‐availability of such graft, the use of cryopreserved vessels should be an interesting option. Three patients were grafted using a cryopreserved iliac artery allograft (CIAA) previously harvested and stored at −140°C in a tissue bank. An auxiliary partial LT was performed in one patient for acute liver failure. During follow‐up, an efficient regeneration of the native hemi‐liver was observed while atrophy of the auxiliary graft occurred, leading to functional portal vein and hepatic artery thrombosis at six and nine months, respectively. Two other patients presented with celiac trunk compression because of arcuate ligament without available arterial allograft in the donor. Late arterial thrombosis occurred at six months in one patient without impairment of graft function. The last patient was alive and symptom free 29 months after LT with a patent cryopreserved arterial conduit. Our preliminary results suggest that CIAA might represent an efficient solution as vessel interposition for primary arterial hepatic revascularization in LT setting when no other suitable graft is available. However, long‐term patency of CIAA remains questionable.
Extracorporeal life support as a bridge to high‐urgency heart transplantation
Authors: Barth Emeline , Durand Michel , Heylbroeck Christophe , Rossi‐Blancher Marine , Boignard Aude , Vanzetto Gerald , Albaladejo Pierre , Chavanon Olivier
Published: September 2011

Barth E, Durand M, Heylbroeck C, Rossi‐Blancher M, Boignard A, Vanzetto G, Albaladejo P, Chavanon O. Extracorporeal life support as a bridge to high‐urgency heart transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01525.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) represents an effective, emergent therapy for patients with end‐stage heart failure or cardiac arrest. However, ECLS is typically not used as a bridge to heart transplantation because of the limited duration of ECLS. In France, high‐urgency priority heart transplantation remains a possibility for transplant patients who are on ECLS. In this article, we present our experience with high‐urgency priority heart transplantation after ECLS. From July 2004 to December 2009, 242 patients underwent emergent ECLS. Heart transplantation was performed in eight of these patients. Time of ECLS was 6.3 ± 4.6 d. Before heart transplantation, all patients on ECLS had decreased organ dysfunctions and four were conscious. Despite frequent post‐operative complications, no death occurred during the first year after transplantation. In our experience, ECLS is a valid method of supporting patients awaiting high‐urgency heart transplantation and can be used as a short‐term bridge to heart transplantation.
Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions are early events in narciclasine‐induced programmed cell death in tobacco Bright Yellow‐2 cells
Authors: Lu Hongxia , Wan Qi , Wang Huahua , Na Xiaofan , Wang Xiaomin , Bi Yurong
Published: September 2011

Narciclasine (NCS) is a plant growth inhibitor isolated from the secreted mucilage ofNarcissus tazettabulbs. It is a commonly used anticancer agent in animal systems. In this study, we provide evidence to show that NCS also acts as an agent in inducing programmed cell death (PCD) in tobacco Bright Yellow‐2 (TBY‐2) cell cultures. NCS treatment induces typical PCD‐associated morphological and biochemical changes, namely cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation and nuclear DNA degradation. To investigate possible signaling events, we analyzed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the function of mitochondria during PCD induced by NCS. A biphasic behavior burst of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was detected in TBY‐2 cells treated with NCS, and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) loss occurred after a slight increase. Pre‐incubation with antioxidant catalase (CAT) andN‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) not only significantly decreased the H2O2production but also effectively retarded the decrease of MTP and reduced the percentage of cells undergoing PCD after NCS treatment. In conclusion, our results suggest that NCS induces PCD in plant cells; the oxidative stress (accumulation of H2O2) and the MTP loss play important roles during NCS‐induced PCD.
Identification of avocado (Persea americana) root proteins induced by infection with the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi using a proteomic approach
Authors: Acosta‐Muñiz Carlos H. , Escobar‐Tovar Lina , Valdes‐Rodríguez Silvia , Fernández‐Pavia Silvia , Arias‐Saucedo Luis J. , de la Cruz Espindola Barquera Maria , Gómez Lim Miguel Á.
Published: September 2011

Avocado root rot, caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, is the most important disease that limits avocado production. A proteomic approach was employed to identify proteins that are upregulated by infection with P. cinnamomi. Different proteins were shown to be differentially expressed after challenge with the pathogen by two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel electrophoresis. A densitometric evaluation of protein expression indicated differential regulation during the time‐course analyzed. Some proteins induced in response to the infection were identified by standard peptide mass fingerprinting using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry and sequencing by MALDI LIFT‐TOF/TOF tandem mass spectrometry. Of the 400 protein spots detected on 2‐D gels, 21 seemed to change in abundance by 3 hours after infection. Sixteen proteins were upregulated, 5 of these were only detected in infected roots and 11 showed an increased abundance. Among the differentially expressed proteins identified are homologs to isoflavone reductase, glutathione S‐transferase, several abscisic acid stress‐ripening proteins, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, cinnamoyl‐CoA reductase, cysteine synthase and quinone reductase. A 17.3‐kDa small heat‐shock protein and a glycine‐rich RNA‐binding protein were identified as downregulated. Our group is the first to report on gene induction in response to oomycete infection in roots from avocado, using proteomic techniques.
Normal Feline Brain: Clinical Anatomy Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Mogicato G. , Conchou F. , Layssol‐Lamour C. , Raharison F. , Sautet J.
Published: September 2011

With 6 figures

The purpose of this study was to provide a clinical anatomy atlas of the feline brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brains of twelve normal cats were imaged using a 1.5 T magnetic resonance unit and an inversion/recovery sequence (T1). Fourteen relevant MRI sections were chosen in transverse, dorsal, median and sagittal planes. Anatomic structures were identified and labelled using anatomical texts and Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, sectioned specimen heads, and previously published articles. The MRI sections were stained according to the major embryological and anatomical subdivisions of the brain. The relevant anatomical structures seen on MRI will assist clinicians to better understand MR images and to relate this neuro‐anatomy to clinical signs.
Intact brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) in diets of weaned piglets: effects on performance, gut bacteria and morphology and plasma oxidative status
Authors: Michiels J. , Skrivanova E. , Missotten J. , Ovyn A. , Mrazek J. , De Smet S. , Dierick N.
Published: September 2011

The aim was to assess the effects of intact dried Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed on piglet performances, gut bacteria and function and plasma oxidative status. A total of 160 weaned piglets (21 days, 6.59 ± 0.91 kg) were allocated to four dietary treatments with eight pen replicates of five animals each for 28 days: a control diet; based on cereals, soybean meal and milk products, and three basal diets supplemented with either 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 g dried seaweed per kg. At day 12/13 one piglet from each pen was sacrificed. Plasma samples were taken to determine parameters of oxidative status. Digesta were sampled for microbiological plate countings onto selective media and molecular analysis using PCR‐DGGE. Small intestinal tissue was taken for morphological and electro‐physiological determinations. Data were analysed by a linear model with treatment as fixed effect. A. nodosum supplementation had no effect on daily weight gain, nor did it alter feed conversion ratio. Plate countings failed to reveal differences among treatments. Dendograms prepared using PCR‐DGGE banding patterns did not indicate clustering of microbial profiles based on diet supplement. Plasma oxidative status and outcome of morphology and of electro‐physiological measurements from gut tissues were similar for all treatments. Thus, the addition of A. nodosum seaweed to well digestible diets did not enhance performances of piglets nor some gut health parameters and plasma oxidative status.
Recurrent selection for increased seed germination in sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii)
Authors: Springer Tim L.
Published: September 2011

With 1 table

Under field conditions, water is often inadequate for satisfactory seedling establishment (germination and emergence). This research was designed to improve the germination of sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii Hack.) populations ‘AB‐medium Syn‐0’ and ‘CD‐tall Syn‐0’ at low water potentials. Two cycles of recurrent selection were used to develop populations ‘AB‐medium Syn‐1’, ‘AB‐medium Syn‐2’, ‘CD‐tall Syn‐1’ and ‘CD‐tall Syn‐2’. Cycle 1 consisted of germinating 3500 open‐pollinated seeds of each Syn‐0 population in a −0.8 MPa D‐mannitol solution for seven days. All germinated seeds (approximately 250 of each population) were selected to create the Syn‐1 populations. Cycle 2 selection was similar to Cycle 1, except that Syn‐1 populations were used to create Syn‐2 populations. To test the effects of selection, four 50‐spikelet samples of the six populations were germinated at −0.8 MPa for seven days. Germination of Syn‐1 seeds was 6.7% higher than that of Syn‐0 seeds, and Syn‐2 seeds were 10.2% higher than that of Syn‐1 seeds. Thus, it was possible to select for increased seed germination of sand bluestem Syn‐0 populations at the water potential used herein.