bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of oil palm fruit phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activities using spectrophotometric methods
Authors: Neo Yun Ping , Ariffin Azis , Tan Chin Ping , Tan Yew Ai
Published: September 2008

There is scarce information on the phenolics of oil palm fruits (Elaeis guineensis). In this study, phenolics were extracted from oil palm fruits and analysed using spectrophotometry for information on the different types of palm phenolics and their antioxidative activities. Analyses of the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), o‐diphenols index, hydroxycinnamic acid index, flavonols index and phenol index showed ranges between 5.64 and 83.97 g L−1 gallic acid equivalent (GAE), 0.31–7.53 g L−1 catechin equivalent, 4.90–93.20 g L−1 GAE, 23.74–77.46 g L−1 ferulic acid equivalent, 3.62–95.33 g L−1 rutin equivalent and 15.90–247.22 g L−1 GAE, respectively. The antioxidant assay, 2,2‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, showed antioxidative activities in all the extracts with results ranging from 4.41 to 61.98 g L−1 trolox equivalent. The high antioxidant activities of the oil palm fruit phenolics were also found to increase with increasing TPC and TFC.
The effect of shape, blanching methods and flour on characteristics of restructured sweetpotato stick
Authors: Utomo Joko S. , Che Man Yaakob B. , Rahman Russly A. , Said Saad Mohd.
Published: September 2008

The blanching methods and controlling dry matter content used in the preparation of mashed sweetpotato (SP) for producing restructured sweetpotato stick (RSS) were studied. The two shapes of trimmed tuber were sliced and diced. Blanching was conducted by (i) boiling for 2 min in water at 100 °C and (ii) blanching in water at 100 °C containing 1% (w/v) sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) for 2 min. Controlling the dry matter content of dough was conducted by adding SP flour (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%). Chemical and physical characteristics were determined on the final product. The results from this study showed that blanching in 1% STP for 2 min improves colour and ash content of fried stick. Mixing of 5% SP flour with mashed SP produces suitable dough for further processing. RSS can be produced by a combination of blanching in 1% STP and mixing with 5% SP flour produce an intermediate hardness, high lightness and low redness colouration of RSS.
Governing nursing through reflection: a discourse analysis of reflective practices
Authors: Fejes Andreas
Published: September 2008

Title.  Governing nursing through reflection: a discourse analysis of reflective practices.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to analyse reflection as discourse and a technology of confession which produces a certain desirable subjectivity within nursing practice.

Background.  Reflection and reflective practice are common themes in nursing practices and in the literature on nursing. These practices are often construed as positive and empowering, and more critical analyses of them are needed.

Method.  A Foucauldian‐inspired discourse analysis based on the concepts of governmentality and technologies of the self was conducted. Transcripts of interviews conducted in 2006–07 with 42 managers, supervisors, teachers and participants in an in‐service programme to prepare healthcare assistants to become Licensed Practice Nurses in the elder care sector were analysed.

Findings.  Reflection as confession operates as a governing technology within the nursing practice analysed. Programme participants are encouraged to reflect and scrutinize themselves about their work as a way to improve their competencies and practice. Through appraisals, they are invited to reflect about themselves as way to achieve their desires. In this way, active, responsible, problem‐solving, self‐governing practitioners are constructed.

Conclusion.  Through a Foucauldian reading of reflective practices it is possible to illustrate that reflection is not a neutral or apolitical practice. Instead, it is a governing practice that does something, in discursive terms, to nursing subjectivity – something that can create a space for reflection about what reflection discursively does to subjectivity.
Cardiac misconceptions: comparisons among nurses, nursing students and people with heart disease in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yu‐Ping , Furze Gill , Spilsbury Karen , Lewin Robert J.P.
Published: September 2008

Title.  Cardiac misconceptions: comparisons among nurses, nursing students and people with heart disease in Taiwan.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to examine the misconceived and potentially maladaptive beliefs (cardiac misconceptions) about heart disease held by nurses, nursing students and people with heart disease in Taiwan.

Background.  Research suggests that misconceived and maladaptive beliefs about heart disease influence outcomes in people with heart disease, and that eliciting and dispelling incorrect beliefs can reduce disability in this population. However, nurses do not routinely elicit maladaptive beliefs or attempt to dispel them.

Method.  Between October 2005 and March 2006, a survey was conducted using version 1 of the York Cardiac Beliefs Questionnaire to measure cardiac misconceptions in 64 hospital‐based nurses (13 of whom were cardiac nurses), 134 nursing students and 238 people with heart disease.

Results.  Nursing students held fewer cardiac misconceptions than nurses (P = 0·042). There were no statistically significant differences in the numbers of misconceptions between cardiac and general nurses, and no statistically significant associations between level of qualification, years of nursing experience and number of misconceptions. Nurses with higher levels of education were more likely to hold fewer misconceptions (P = 0·24). Patients held statistically significantly more misconceptions about heart problems than nurses (P < 0·001).

Conclusion.  Nurses who are involved in the care for people with heart disease have a responsibility to assess and dispel people’s misconceptions about their condition, and therefore continuing professional education is required to develop this clinical expertise. Future research should focus on methods of dispelling cardiac misconceptions in both nursing and patient education.
The palliative care link nurse role in nursing homes: barriers and facilitators
Authors: Hasson Felicity , Kernohan W. George , Waldron Mary , Whittaker Evelyn , Mclaughlin Dorry
Published: September 2008

Title.  The palliative care link nurse role in nursing homes: barriers and facilitators.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore link nurses’ views and experiences regarding the development, barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the role in palliative care in the nursing home.

Background.  The delivery of palliative care in nursing homes is widely advocated; one approach is to develop the link nurse role to cascade good practice and training to nurses and other care staff to enhance patient care.

Method.  A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with a purposive sample of 14 link nurses from 10 nursing homes in Northern Ireland during 2006. Three focus groups, composed of all Registered Nurses currently acting as link nurses in their nursing homes participated, and the data were audio recorded, fully transcribed and content analysed.

Findings.  The link nurse system shows potential to enhance palliative care within nursing homes. However, link nurses experienced a number of difficulties in implementing education programmes. Facilitators of the role included external support, monthly meetings, access to a resource file and peer support among link nurses themselves. Lack of management support, a transient workforce and lack of adequate preparation for link nurses were barriers to fulfilling this role.

Conclusion.  Whilst palliative care link nurses can improve care for residents in nursing homes, consideration must be given to overcome the types of barriers identified in order to enable the link nurse system to function effectively.
Multi‐scale analysis of species introductions: combining landscape and demographic models to improve management decisions about non‐native species
Authors: Brown Kerry A. , Spector Sacha , Wu Wei
Published: September 2008

Non‐native, invasive species can affect biological patterns and processes at multiple ecological scales. The multi‐scalar effects of invasions can influence community structure, ecosystem processes and function, and the nature and intensity of ecological interactions. Consequently, efforts to assess the spread of invasive species may benefit from a multi‐scale analytic approach.

We analysed results from landscape‐ and population‐scale models for Syzygium jambos, a non‐native tree in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico, to demonstrate a multi‐scale approach that can be used to inform management decisions about invasive plants. At the landscape‐level, we used an Ecological Niche Modelling approach to predict environmentally suitable habitats for the target plant. At the population‐level, we constructed matrix projection models to determine the finite rate of population increase (λ) for S. jambos. We then extrapolated λ values to the landscape‐scale to obtain a distribution map of λ values for the Luquillo forest.

The landscape analyses suggested that the most environmentally suitable habitats were those most similar to where S. jambos had already been observed. The population‐level analyses showed that four of the seven populations had λ values less than 1, indicating that they were projected to be below replacement. The λ distribution map showed that S. jambos growth was highest in areas where it was most common and lowest in areas where it was most rare.

Our analyses further suggested that the importance of different drivers of invasion and the environmental variables that mediate them appear to be strongly scale‐dependent. Past disturbances seemed most important for controlling invasions at fine‐spatial scales; while abiotic environmental variables modulated coarse‐scale invasion dynamics.

Synthesis and applications. We have shown that a multi‐scale analytic approach can be used to manage invasive species by simultaneously targeting susceptible life stages and rapidly growing populations in a landscape. The utility of this approach stems from an ability to: (i) map the distribution of habitats that can potentially sustain λ values above replacement; (ii) identify populations to manage or monitor during selected stages of an invasion; (iii) forecast the probability for a target species to increase above a critical threshold abundance; and (iv) set priorities for control and monitoring actions.
Temporal shifts in dung beetle community structure within a protected area of tropical wet forest: a 35‐year study and its implications for long‐term conservation
Authors: Escobar Federico , Halffter Gonzalo , Solís Ángel , Halffter Violeta , Navarrete Darío
Published: September 2008

Throughout much of the tropics, habitat loss is increasing and intensifying on the unprotected land surrounding conservation areas. The influence of these land‐use changes on biodiversity is poorly understood. This study used data on dung beetles, a taxonomic group widely acknowledged to be an effective ecological indicator of anthropogenic disturbance, to evaluate temporal changes in diversity inside a natural protected area.

Using data from quantitative sampling events over the last 35 years along with an exhaustive review of the information available in museums and the literature, we present evidence suggesting that the dung beetles community structure has shifted dramatically over time at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica.

To date, 50 dung beetle species have been reported from La Selva. Of these, 10 (20%) were consistently collected within the study timeframe while 21 species (42%) were uncommon. Our results indicate a tendency toward decreasing species richness and changes in species composition over time.

Analysis of the community structure revealed a decrease in diversity (H′), an increase in dominance (D) and a decrease in evenness (J) over the 35‐year period; all of which can be linked to an increase in the dominance of one species (Onthophagus acuminatus). These changes were also reflected in the proportional abundance of major species guilds.

Synthesis and applications. Despite the relatively low human impact within La Selva, this study suggests that the dung beetle community has changed as result of habitat loss in the surrounding landscape and the progressive increasing isolation of the reserve over the last 35 years. Our findings, together with studies of other biota in the reserve, indicate a worrying decline in the conservation value of La Selva in recent decades. This shift in the diversity and composition of native forest biota needs to be taken into account in future studies that continue to rely on La Selva as providing an intact baseline for comparative research. More importantly, we suggest that the size of the reserve may need to be increased if its ecological integrity is to be restored. This study provides further evidence that isolated protected areas may often fail to safeguard biodiversity in the long term, and that to be viable, conservation strategies urgently need to adopt a wider landscape perspective.
Modelling and predicting fungal distribution patterns using herbarium data
Authors: Wollan Anders K. , Bakkestuen Vegar , Kauserud Håvard , Gulden Gro , Halvorsen Rune
Published: September 2008

Aim  The main aims of this study are: (1) to test if temperature and related parameters are the primary determinants of the regional distribution of macrofungi (as is commonly recognized for plants); (2) to test if the success of modelling fungal distribution patterns depends on species and distribution characteristics; and (3) to explore the potential of using herbarium data for modelling and predicting fungal species’ distributions.

Location  The study area, Norway, spans 58–71° N latitude and 4–32° E longitude, and embraces extensive ecological gradients in a small area.

Methods  The study is based on 1020 herbarium collections of nine selected species of macrofungi and a set of 75 environmental predictor variables, all recorded in a 5 × 5‐km grid covering Norway. Primarily, generalized linear model (GLM; logistic regression) analyses were used to identify the environmental variables that best accounted for the species’ recorded distributions in Norway. Second, Maxent analyses (using variables identified by GLM) were used to produce predictive potential distribution maps for these species.

Results  Variables relating to temperature and radiation were most frequently included in the GLMs, and between 24.8% and 59.8% of the variation in single‐species occurrence was accounted for. The fraction of variation explained by the GLMs ranged from 41.6% to 59.8% for species with restricted distributions, and from 24.8% to 39.3% for species with widespread/scattered and intermediate distributions. The two‐step procedure of GLM followed by Maxent gave predictions with very high values for the area under the curve (0.927–0.997), and maps of potential distribution were generally credible.

Main conclusions  We show that temperature is a key factor governing the distribution of macrofungi in Norway, indicating that fungi may respond strongly to global warming. We confirm that modelling success depends partly on species and distribution characteristics, notably on how the distribution relates to the extent of the study area. Our study demonstrates that the combination of GLM and Maxent may be a fruitful approach for biogeography. We conclude that herbarium data improve insight into factors that control the distributions of fungi, of particular value for research on fleshy fungi (mushrooms), which have largely cryptic life cycles.
Evolution of bird migration in a biogeographical context
Authors: Bruderer Bruno , Salewski Volker
Published: September 2008

We infer from the literature that migratory habits of birds evolved in various phylogenetic lineages and biogeographical contexts, either after gradual range expansion into seasonal habitats, or due to environmental changes within established breeding ranges. Shifts of breeding ranges are the results of interactions between colonization due to dispersal and extinction due to deteriorating conditions. Range expansions provide a platform for the evolution of migration from the newly colonized areas towards seasonally favourable non‐breeding areas. A comparison of palaeoclimatic changes with concurrent evolution and distribution of passerine birds suggests that at least some of the basic genera of the Passerida radiated on the northern continents when quasi‐tropical or subtropical climates prevailed. The Passerida may be a special case, but they suggest that ‘tropical origin’ does not necessarily imply a ‘southern origin’ of migratory species. Climate deterioration required adaptations either towards on‐site survival under harsh conditions or towards escape movements allowing improved non‐breeding survival in less seasonal climates or with reversed seasonality. Taxon‐specific life‐history traits and environmental conditions favoured either sedentary or migratory lines of adaptation. Repeated climate variation induced range shifts and concurrent increases or decreases in the expression of migratory behaviour. Two examples of waders suggest that the principle of range shift, followed by the development of migratory habits, is also applicable for other taxonomic groups.
C‐reactive protein and coronary heart disease: a critical review
Authors: Casas J. P. , Shah T. , Hingorani A. D. , Danesh J. , Pepys M. B.
Published: September 2008

Modestly elevated baseline concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP), the classical acute phase protein, are associated with the long‐term risk of coronary heart disease in general populations, whilst the major acute phase response of CRP following myocardial infarction is associated with death and cardiac complications. The pathogenic and clinical significance of these associations is controversial. Here we critically review the evidence and describe large‐scale epidemiological studies, novel experiments and possible specific therapies which will rigorously inform the debate. We distinguish between the potential pathogenicity of high acute phase circulating CRP concentrations in individuals with substantial tissue damage and modest but persistent increases in baseline values in generally healthy subjects.
Patterns and rates of nucleotide substitution, insertion and deletion in the endosymbiont of ants Blochmannia floridanus
Authors: GÓMEZ‐VALERO L. , LATORRE A. , GIL R. , GADAU J. , FELDHAAR H. , SILVA F. J.
Published: September 2008

Genome reduction is a general process that has been studied in numerous symbiotic bacteria associated with insects. We investigated the last stages of genome degradation in Blochmannia floridanus, a mutualistic bacterial endosymbiont of the ant Camponotus floridanus. We determined the tempo (rates of insertion and deletion) and mode (size and number of insertion–deletion events) of the process in the last 200 000 years by analysing a total of 16 intergenic regions in several strains of this endosymbiont from different ant populations. We provide the first calculation of the reduction rate for noncoding DNA in this endosymbiont (2.2 × 10−8 lost nucleotides/site/year) and compare it with the rate of loss in other species. Our results confirm, as it has been observed in other organisms like Buchnera aphidicola or Rickettsia spp., that deletions larger than one nucleotide can still appear in advanced stages of genome reduction and that a substitutional deletion bias exists. However, this bias is not due to a higher proportion of deletion over insertion events but to a few deletion events being larger than the rest. Moreover, we detected a substitutional AT bias that is probably responsible for the increase in the number of the small and moderate indel events in the last stages of genome reduction. Accordingly, we found intrapopulational polymorphisms for the detected microsatellites in contrast to the stability associated with these in free‐living bacteria such as Escherichia coli.
Neonatal jaundice: a risk factor for infantile autism?
Authors: Maimburg Rikke Damkjær , Væth Michael , Schendel Diana Elizabeth , Bech Bodil Hammer , Olsen Jørn , Thorsen Poul
Published: September 2008

In a previous study, we found that infants transferred to a neonatal ward after delivery had an almost twofold increased risk of being diagnosed with infantile autism later in childhood in spite of extensive controlling of obstetric risk factors. We therefore decided to investigate other reasons for transfer to a neonatal ward, in particular hyperbilirubinaemia and neurological abnormalities.

We conducted a population‐based matched case–control study of 473 children with autism and 473 matched controls born from 1990 to 1999 in Denmark. Cases were children reported with a diagnosis of infantile autism in the Danish Psychiatric Central Register. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals [CI] and likelihood ratio tests were used to test for effect modification.

We found an almost fourfold risk for infantile autism in infants who had hyperbilirubinaemia after birth (OR 3.7 [95% CI 1.3, 10.5]). In stratified analysis, the association appeared limited to term infants (≥37 weeks gestation). A strong association was also observed between abnormal neurological signs after birth and infantile autism, especially hypertonicity (OR 6.7 [95% CI 1.5, 29.7]). No associations were found between infantile autism and low Apgar scores, acidosis or hypoglycaemia. Our findings suggest that hyperbilirubinaemia and neurological abnormalities in the neonatal period are important factors to consider when studying causes of infantile autism.
From birth to adulthood in rural Ethiopia: the Butajira Birth Cohort of 1987
Authors: Byass Peter , Fantahun Mesganaw , Mekonnen Wubegzier , Emmelin Anders , Berhane Yemane
Published: September 2008

Long‐term birth cohorts from developing countries are uncommon. Here a unique birth to 18‐years cohort based on all births during 1987 in a rural area of Ethiopia is presented. This was the first year of the ongoing Butajira Rural Health Programme, since when the sampled population has been followed up in regular household visits. A total of 1884 livebirths in 1987 formed the cohort, corresponding to a birth rate of 0.31 per woman per year; the male : female ratio was 1.10.

Perinatal mortality was 22 per 1000 livebirths, and infant mortality 65 per 1000 livebirths. Survival from birth to 18 years was 760 per 1000. Living in Butajira town had a considerable survival advantage compared with the surrounding villages. Most deaths were due to infections. Four per cent of the cohort experienced the death of their mothers before the age of 18 years, and 15 of the girls delivered their own children, suggesting that 1 in 25 women may bear a child before their eighteenth birthday in this community. The children in the cohort received no consequent special care or attention, and so they probably accurately represent the harsh realities of growing up in rural Ethiopia at the turn of the Millennium. The huge gaps between their experience and that of their contemporaries in more affluent settings are a scandal of the 21st century.
Flavones and flavonols play distinct critical roles during nodulation of Medicago truncatula by Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Zhang Juan , Subramanian Senthil , Stacey Gary , Yu Oliver
Published: September 2008

Flavonoids play critical roles in legume–rhizobium symbiosis. However, the role of individual flavonoid compounds in this process has not yet been clearly established. We silenced different flavonoid‐biosynthesis enzymes to generate transgenic Medicago truncatula roots with different flavonoid profiles. Silencing of chalcone synthase, the key entry‐point enzyme for flavonoid biosynthesis led to flavonoid‐deficient roots. Silencing of isoflavone synthase and flavone synthase led to roots deficient for a subset of flavonoids, isoflavonoids (formononetin and biochanin A) and flavones (7,4′‐dihydroxyflavone), respectively. When tested for nodulation by Sinorhizobium meliloti, flavonoid‐deficient roots had a near complete loss of nodulation, whereas flavone‐deficient roots had reduced nodulation. Isoflavone‐deficient roots nodulated normally, suggesting that isoflavones might not play a critical role in M. truncatula nodulation, even though they are the most abundant root flavonoids. Supplementation of flavone‐deficient roots with 7, 4′‐dihydroxyflavone, a major inducer of S. meliloti nod genes, completely restored nodulation. However, the same treatment did not restore nodulation in flavonoid‐deficient roots, suggesting that other non‐nod gene‐inducing flavonoid compounds are also critical to nodulation. Supplementation of roots with the flavonol kaempferol (an inhibitor of auxin transport), in combination with the use of flavone pre‐treated S. meliloti cells, completely restored nodulation in flavonoid‐deficient roots. In addition, S. meliloti cells constitutively producing Nod factors were able to nodulate flavone‐deficient roots, but not flavonoid‐deficient roots. These observations indicated that flavones might act as internal inducers of rhizobial nod genes, and that flavonols might act as auxin transport regulators during nodulation. Both these roles of flavonoids appear critical for symbiosis in M. truncatula.
Two small protein families, DYNAMIN‐RELATED PROTEIN3 and FISSION1, are required for peroxisome fission in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Xinchun , Hu Jianping
Published: September 2008

Peroxisomes are multi‐functional organelles that differ in size and abundance depending on the species, cell type, developmental stage, and metabolic and environmental conditions. The PEROXIN11 protein family and the DYNAMIN‐RELATED PROTEIN3A (DRP3A) protein have been shown previously to play key roles in peroxisome division in Arabidopsis. To establish a mechanistic model of peroxisome division in plants, we employed forward and reverse genetic approaches to identify more proteins involved in this process. In this study, we identified three new components of the Arabidopsis peroxisome division apparatus: DRP3B, a homolog of DRP3A, and FISSION1A and 1B (FIS1A and 1B), two homologs of the yeast and mammalian FIS1 proteins that mediate the fission of peroxisomes and mitochondria by tethering the DRP proteins to the membrane. DRP3B is partially targeted to peroxisomes and causes defects in peroxisome fission when the gene function is disrupted. drp3A drp3B double mutants display stronger deficiencies than each single mutant parent with respect to peroxisome abundance, seedling establishment and plant growth, suggesting partial functional redundancy between DRP3A and DRP3B. In addition, FIS1A and FIS1B are each dual‐targeted to peroxisomes and mitochondria; their mutants show growth inhibition and contain peroxisomes and mitochondria with incomplete fission, enlarged size and reduced number. Our results demonstrate that both DRP3 and FIS1 protein families contribute to peroxisome fission in Arabidopsis, and support the view that DRP and FIS1 orthologs are common components of the peroxisomal and mitochondrial division machineries in diverse eukaryotic species.
Three novel subunits of Arabidopsis chloroplastic NAD(P)H dehydrogenase identified by bioinformatic and reverse genetic approaches
Authors: Takabayashi Atsushi , Ishikawa Noriko , Obayashi Takeshi , Ishida Satoshi , Obokata Junichi , Endo Tsuyoshi , Sato Fumihiko
Published: September 2008

Chloroplastic NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) plays a role in cyclic electron flow around photosystem I to produce ATP, especially in adaptation to environmental changes. Although the NDH complex contains 11 subunits that are homologous to NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I; EC 1.6.5.3), recent genetic and biological studies have indicated that NDH also comprises unique subunits. We describe here an in silico approach based on co‐expression analysis and phylogenetic profiling that was used to identify 65 genes as potential candidates for NDH subunits. Characterization of 21 Arabidopsis T‐DNA insertion mutants among these ndh gene candidates indicated that three novel ndf (NDH‐dependent cyclic electron flow) mutants (ndf1, ndf2 and ndf4) had impaired NDH activity as determined by measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence. The amount of NdhH subunit was greatly decreased in these mutants, suggesting that the loss of NDH activity was caused by a defect in accumulation of the NDH complex. In addition, NDF1, NDF2 and NDF4 proteins co‐migrated with the NdhH subunit, as shown by blue native electrophoresis. These results strongly suggest that NDF proteins are novel subunits of the NDH complex. Further analysis revealed that the NDF1 and NDF2 proteins were unstable in the mutants lacking hydrophobic subunits of the NDH complex, but were stable in mutants lacking the hydrophilic subunits, suggesting that NDF1 and NDF2 interact with a hydrophobic sub‐complex. NDF4 protein was predicted to possess a redox‐active iron–sulfur cluster domain that may be involved in the electron transfer.
Liver retransplantation with external biliary diversion for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1: A case report
Authors: Usui Masanobu , Isaji Shuji , Das Bidhan C. , Kobayashi Motoyuki , Osawa Ichiro , Iida Taku , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Tabata Masami , Yorifuji Toru , Egawa Hiroto , Uemoto Shinji
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  PFIC1, originally described as “Byler disease,” is characterized by cholestatic feature and chronic diarrhea. Many patients require LT for the cure, but intractable diarrhea and prolonged growth retardation after LT are serious complications limiting the ultimate outcome of LT for this disease. EBD has recently been shown to be a promising and effective treatment. Recently, we successfully treated a five‐yr‐old boy with PFIC1 employing EBD after re‐transplantation. The patient received LDLT at the age of one yr. Six months after initial transplantation, he developed repeated attacks and diarrhea followed by the development of liver dysfunction and ascites. Liver biopsy at three yr after LDLT revealed the features of chronic graft rejection. With a diagnosis of chronic graft rejection with liver failure, we performed a repeat LDLT with EBD in which the jejunal loop used for hepaticojejunostomy was taken out of the body surface through the abdominal wall. Ten months after surgery, he is doing well, having no attack of diarrhea.
Calcineurin‐inhibitor‐induced pain syndrome after a second allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for a child with aplastic anemia
Authors: Nishikawa Takuro , Okamoto Yasuhiro , Tanabe Takayuki , Shinkoda Yuichi , Kodama Yuichi , Tsuru Yumiko , Kawano Yoshifumi
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  We report a 10‐yr‐old boy who developed CIPS after a second allogeneic BMT for severe aplastic anemia. He received the second BMT from the same HLA‐matched sibling donor 16 months after the first BMT due to secondary graft failure. The preparative regimen for the second BMT consisted of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and anti‐thymocyte globulin. Prophylaxis for acute GVHD was tacrolimus and oral PSL. Engraftment was achieved on day 15. On day 19, he suddenly complained of intermittent pain in the bilateral lower limbs. Electric shock‐like pain continued for a few minutes in succession. This intractable pain was not ameliorated by various analgesic drugs including pentazocine. MRI demonstrated bone marrow edema with high T2 signal intensity in the femur. He was diagnosed as CIPS based on his symptoms and MRI findings. The trough concentration of tacrolimus (10.1 ng/mL) at the onset of CIPS was within the therapeutic range. Bouts of severe pain naturally resolved after day 43 without the discontinuation of tacrolimus. CIPS is a rare complication in HSCT. This is the first non‐malignant, and the first pediatric, case who developed CIPS after HSCT.
Lymphocyte subset reconstitution patterns in children with small bowel transplantation induced with steroid‐free rabbit anti‐human thymocyte globulin
Authors: Talukdar Anjan J. , Ashokkumar Chethan , Wilson Patrick , Gupta Ankit , Sun Qing , Boig Linda , Abu‐Elmagd Kareem , Mazariegos George , Green Michael , Sindhi Rakesh
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Multiple measurements (n = 212) of lymphocyte subsets in 67 children treated with steroid‐free Tacrolimus, and rabbit anti‐human thymocyte globulin induction demonstrate early reconstitution of T‐cytotoxic and NK cells. Reconstitution of CD4+ cells is complete after the second post‐transplant year. During the period at risk for rejection, NK and T‐cytotoxic cell counts are significantly higher among Rejectors. During periods at increased risk for EBV viral infection, CD4 counts bear a significant inverse relationship to EBV viral load in a subset of at‐risk recipients. Rejection‐prone children also demonstrate significantly higher counts of total lymphocytes, Tc and NK cells prior to SBTx, and may illustrate one basis for enhanced baseline immunocompetence.
Arteriovenous fistula for chronic hemodialysis in pediatric candidates for renal transplantation: Technical details and refinements
Authors: Tannuri Uenis , Tannuri Ana Cristina Aoun , Watanabe Andréa
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  AVFs may be considered the best type of venous access for chronic hemodialysis in pediatric patients with more than 20 kg who are not likely to receive a kidney transplant or be transitioned to peritoneal dialysis within one yr. The aim of the study was to report the experience in the creation of AVFs in pediatric candidates for renal transplantation using microsurgical vascular techniques, with emphasis on the details of the surgical technique. Forty children underwent 50 fistula creations – 31 radial–cephalic, 11 brachial–cephalic, five brachial–basilic and three saphenous–femoral. The vein was anastomosed to the artery in an end‐to‐lateral fashion by using two separate 8/0 prolene running sutures. The overall patency rate was 76.0%:22 (70.9%) of the radial–cephalic fistulas, nine (81.8%) of the brachial–cephalic, five (100.0%) of the brachial–basilic and two (66.6%) of the saphenous–femoral. There was no significant difference in patency rates between the brachial–cephalic, brachial–basilic and radial–cephalic fistulas. The incidences of fistula patency were not different for patients weighing <20 kg compared with patients weighing >20 kg. AVF remains as a satisfactory method for providing hemodialysis in children. The utilization of microsurgical techniques with some technical refinements described herein permits the achievement of high fistula patency rates.
Improved outcome with immunosuppressive monotherapy after renal transplantation in Schimke‐immuno‐osseous dysplasia
Authors: Lücke Thomas , Kanzelmeyer Nele , Baradaran‐Heravi Alireza , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Burg Michael , Ehrich Jochen H. H. , Pape Lars
Published: September 2008

Abstract: SIOD is a multisystem disorder caused by a mutant chromatin remodelling protein. The main clinical findings are spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia with disproportionate growth restriction, defective cellular immunity, and steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome secondary to biopsy proven FSGS leading to ESRF. Concerning ESRF, kidney transplantation is the therapy of choice since FSGS does not recur in the graft. However, with respect to the underlying immune disorder and the increased susceptibility to life threatening infections, the question of the optimal immunosuppressive therapy after renal transplantation remains unresolved. Under conventional immunosuppressive regimens some SIOD patients have developed severe disseminated cutaneous papilloma virus infections or EBV associated lymphoproliferative disease. We present several cases of children with SIOD (four of five had SMARCAL1 mutations) and monotherapy maintenance immunosuppression after renal transplantation and compare them with 13 patients from the SIOD registry. We have found that post‐renal transplantation immunosuppressive monotherapy results in a good outcome with a reduced number of severe infections. Due to the underlying immunodeficiency in SIOD, limited immunosuppression may be possible without increasing the risk of acute or chronic rejection.
Respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis: A survey of pediatric solid organ transplant centers
Authors: Michaels Marian G. , Fonseca‐Aten Monica , Green Michael , Charsha‐May Deborah , Friedman Barry , Seikaly Mouin , Sánchez Pablo J.
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  RSV can cause respiratory illness after SOT, yet preventive recommendations are lacking for this population. To ascertain current preventive practices against RSV disease in pediatric SOT candidates and recipients, a survey was developed. The survey was mailed to 108 SOT programs in the United States (liver, 42; heart, 28; lung, 11; intestinal, 25; and heart‐lung, 2). Results were tabulated and analyzed using standard methods. Sixty‐two percent (67/108) of surveys were completed. Forty‐nine percent (33/67) of programs reported using RSV prophylaxis; palivizumab was used at 97% (32/33) of centers with 26 giving palivizumab to candidates and 27 to recipients. Prophylaxis was provided to infants aged 0–12 months by 27/29 (93%) of responding centers; 23/29 of centers extended its use to infants aged 0–24 months. Three centers gave prophylaxis to children between ages two and four yr and two centers for those over four yr. RSV prophylactic strategies, and in particular the use of palivizumab, are employed by almost 50% of responding pediatric SOT centers. Strategies varied at centers based on age and organ type. Data on RSV hospitalization and outcome are needed to refine approaches to RSV immunoprophylaxis in these high‐risk patients.
Contrasting nuclear and cytoplasmic exchanges between phylogenetically distant oak species (Quercus suberL. andQ. ilexL.) in Southern France: inferring crosses and dynamics
Authors: Mir C. , Jarne P. , Sarda V. , Bonin A. , Lumaret R.
Published: September 2008

Gene flow is particularly frequent in the genusQuercus(oaks), especially between closely related species. We focus here onQuercus ilexand the cork‐producingQuercus suber, which occasionally hybridize although they are phylogenetically markedly separated. Morphological observations were combined with both allozymic and chloroplastic diagnostic markers to characterize hybridization and introgression and to infer their dynamics in two French regions (French Catalonia and Provence), which are separated by several hundred kilometres. Some hybrids were found in both regions, indicating recent hybridization events. As expected from previous studies, most hybrids resulted from ♀Q. ilex × ♂Q. subercrosses, but our data showed that the reciprocal cross is also possible. Partial independence between nuclear and chloroplastic introgression was observed in the two species. Nuclear introgression was limited in both species and both regions, with no preferred direction. In Provence, chloroplastic introgression was very rare in both species. Conversely, allQ. suberindividuals from French Catalonia were introgressed byQ. ilexchlorotypes. This might be explained by introgression in the Iberian Peninsula antedating the first occurrence of the two species in French Catalonia. We also observed a new chlorotype that was created locally, and was exchanged between the two species. However, the two species still remain genetically differentiated. The dynamics and complexity of exchanges and the factors determining them (including human management ofQ. suber) are discussed.
The cell wall of kiwifruit pollen tubes is a target for chromium toxicity: alterations to morphology, callose pattern and arabinogalactan protein distribution
Authors: Speranza A. , Taddei A. R. , Gambellini G. , Ovidi E. , Scoccianti V.
Published: September 2008

Trivalent chromium has previously been found to effectively inhibit kiwifruit pollen tube emergence and elongation in vitro. In the present study, a photometric measure of increases in tube wall production during germination showed that 25 and 50 μm CrCl3 treatment induced a substantial reduction in levels of polysaccharides in walls over those in controls. Moreover, chromium‐treated kiwifruit pollen tubes had irregular and indented cell walls. Callose, the major tube wall polysaccharide, was deposited in an anomalous punctuate pattern. Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), which are integral in maintaining correct tube growth and shape in kiwifruit pollen, were found to be strongly altered in their distribution after CrCl3 treatment compared to control tube walls. Transmission electron microscopy–immunogold analysis using four monoclonal antibodies (JIM8, JIM13, JIM14 and MAC207) revealed discontinuous AGP distribution within the treated tube walls. Such clearly discernable alterations in the molecular and morphological architecture of pollen tube walls may be detrimental in vivo for the male gametophyte to accomplish its vital role in the fertilisation process.
FLUID FLOW IN DISTENSIBLE VESSELS
Authors: Bertram CD
Published: September 2008

Flow in single vascular conduits is reviewed, divided into distended and deflated vessels.

In distended vessels with pulsatile flow, wave propagation and reflection dominate the spatial and temporal distribution of pressure, determining the shape, size and relative timing of measured pressure waveforms, as well as the instantaneous pressure gradient everywhere. Considerable research has been devoted to accessing the information on pathological vascular malformations contained in reflected waves. Slow waves of contraction of vessel wall muscle, responsible for transport of oesophageal, ureteral and gut contents, have also been modelled.

The pressure gradient in a vessel drives the flow. Flow rate can be predicted both analytically and numerically, but analytical theory is limited to idealized geometry. The complex geometry of biological system conduits necessitates computation instead. Initially limited to rigid boundaries, numerical methods now include fluid–structure interaction and can simultaneously model solute transport, thus predicting accurately the environment of the mechanosensors and chemosensors at vessel surfaces.

Deflated vessels display all phenomena found in distended vessels, but have additional unique behaviours, especially flow rate limitation and flow‐induced oscillation. Flow rate limitation is widespread in the human body and has particular diagnostic importance in respiratory investigation. Because of their liquid lining, the pulmonary airways are also characterized by important two‐phase flows, where surface tension phenomena create flows and determine the patency and state of collapse of conduits.

Apart from the vital example of phonation, sustained self‐excited oscillation is largely avoided in the human body. Where it occurs in snoring, it is implicated in the pathological condition of sleep apnoea.
CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF GRANULOCYTE COLONY‐STIMULATING FACTOR IN ANGIOTENSIN II‐INDUCED CARDIAC REMODELLING
Authors: Jia Nan , Dong Peixin , Huang Qiuping , Jin Wei , Zhang Jianjun , Dai Qiuyan , Liu Shaowen
Published: September 2008

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is reported to have a beneficial effect on cardiac dysfunction in postinfarction and doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of G‐CSF on cardiac remodelling in angiotensin (Ang) II‐induced hypertrophy.

Four groups of mice were investigated. The first group served as a control group. The second group was injected with recombinant human G‐CSF (10 µg/kg per day, s.c.) on the first 5 days of each week and treatment was continued for 4 weeks. An osmotic minipump was implanted subcutaneously into each mouse in the third group so that pressor doses of AngII (2.88 mg/kg per day) or saline could be administered over a period of 4 weeks. The fourth group was infused with AngII (2.88 mg/kg per day) and injected with G‐CSF (10 µg/kg per day, s.c.) for 4 weeks.

Angiotensin II treatment significantly elevated blood pressure and caused cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice. Treatment of mice with G‐CSF did not reduce the AngII‐induced increase in blood pressure, but ameliorated the development of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. Infusion of AngII induced upregulation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) expression and downregulation of ACE2 expression. Treatment with G‐CSF reduced cardiac levels of ACE and increased ACE2 expression. In addition, G‐CSF treatment reduced the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and phospho‐p70S6 kinase, which were upregulated by AngII infusion.

These results suggest that G‐CSF reduces AngII‐induced hypertrophy. Modulation of the expression of the ACE isoforms contributes to regression of AngII‐induced cardiac hypertrophy. The effect of G‐CSF to prevent cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy may be mediated, in part, via inhibition of OPN expression and p70S6 kinase phosphorylation.
ENDOCRINE REGULATION OF CALCIUM TRANSPORT IN EPITHELIA
Authors: Khanal Ramesh C , Nemere Ilka
Published: September 2008

Calcium (re)absorption occurs in epithelia, including the intestine, kidney, mammary glands, placenta and gills (in the case of fish).

Calcium is transported across epithelia by two transport mechanisms, paracellular and transcellular, and the movement is regulated by a complex array of transport processes that are mediated by hormonal, developmental and physiological factors involving the gastrointestinal tract, bone, kidney and the parathyroids.

Clear understanding of the calcium transport pathways and their endocrine regulation is critical for minimizing various metabolic and health disorders at different physiological stages. Here, we first briefly review the calcium transport mechanisms before discussing in detail the endocrine factors that regulate calcium transport in the epithelia.
Quantifying the evidence for ecological synergies
Authors: Darling Emily S. , Côté Isabelle M.
Published: September 2008

There is increasing concern that multiple drivers of ecological change will interact synergistically to accelerate biodiversity loss. However, the prevalence and magnitude of these interactions remain one of the largest uncertainties in projections of future ecological change. We address this uncertainty by performing a meta‐analysis of 112 published factorial experiments that evaluated the impacts of multiple stressors on animal mortality in freshwater, marine and terrestrial communities. We found that, on average, mortalities from the combined action of two stressors were not synergistic and this result was consistent across studies investigating different stressors, study organisms and life‐history stages. Furthermore, only one‐third of relevant experiments displayed truly synergistic effects, which does not support the prevailing ecological paradigm that synergies are rampant. However, in more than three‐quarters of relevant experiments, the outcome of multiple stressor interactions was non‐additive (i.e. synergies or antagonisms), suggesting that ecological surprises may be more common than simple additive effects.