bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical evolution of galaxies – I. A composition-dependent SPH model for chemical evolution and cooling
Authors: Martínez-Serrano F. J. , Serna A. , Domínguez-Tenreiro R. , Mollá M.
Published: June 2008

We describe an smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model for chemical enrichment and radiative cooling in cosmological simulations of structure formation. This model includes: (i) the delayed gas restitution from stars by means of a probabilistic approach designed to reduce the statistical noise and, hence, to allow for the study of the inner chemical structure of objects with moderately high numbers of particles; (ii) the full dependence of metal production on the detailed chemical composition of stellar particles by using, for the first time in SPH codes, the Qij matrix formalism that relates each nucleosynthetic product to its sources and (iii) the full dependence of radiative cooling on the detailed chemical composition of gas particles, achieved through a fast algorithm using a new metallicity parameter ζ(T) that gives the weight of each element on the total cooling function. The resolution effects and the results obtained from this SPH chemical model have been tested by comparing its predictions in different problems with known theoretical solutions. We also present some preliminary results on the chemical properties of elliptical galaxies found in self-consistent cosmological simulations. Such simulations show that the above ζ-cooling method is important to prevent an overestimation of the metallicity-dependent cooling rate, whereas the Qij formalism is important to prevent a significant underestimation of the [α/Fe] ratio in simulated galaxy-like objects.
Effect of Glomus mosseae on concentrations of rosmarinic and caffeic acids and essential oil compounds in basil inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. basilici
Authors: Toussaint J.‐P. , Kraml M. , Nell M. , Smith S. E. , Smith F. A. , Steinkellner S. , Schmiderer C. , Vierheilig H. , Novak J.
Published: June 2008

This study investigated the potential of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus mosseae to protect basil (Ocimum basilicum) against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. basilici (Fob). It was hypothesised that G. mosseae could confer a bioprotective effect against Fob as a result of increases in leaf rosmarinic (RA) and caffeic acids (CA) or essential oil concentrations. Glomus mosseae conferred a bioprotective effect against Fob by reducing plant mortality to 20% compared to 33% in non‐mycorrhizal (NM) plants. This bioprotective effect was not related to improved phosphorus (P) nutrition, as AM and NM plants treated with Fob had similar shoot P concentrations (6 and 8 mg g−1 dry weight (DW), respectively). Both AM and NM plants treated with Fob had similar leaf and root RA and CA concentrations. Furthermore, phenolic (40–70 mg CA g−1 DW) or essential oil concentrations (0·1–0·6 mg g−1 DW) were not increased in plants treated with the AM fungus and Fob. Therefore, the bioprotective effect conferred by G. mosseae was not a result of increases in the phytochemicals tested in this study. However, under the AM symbiosis, basil plants treated with Fob had lower methyleugenol concentrations in their leaves (0·1 mg g−1 DW) than NM plants treated with the pathogen (0·6 mg g−1 DW).
Direct molecular evidence supports long‐spored microsclerotial isolates of Verticillium from crucifers being interspecific hybrids
Authors: Clewes E. , Edwards S. G. , Barbara D. J.
Published: June 2008

There is no published evidence directly supporting the suggestion that long‐spored isolates of Verticillium dahliae are interspecific hybrids. Retention in the nuclear genome of long‐spored (amphihaploid) isolates of two sequence types where non‐hybrid short‐spored (haploid) isolates carry only single sequence types would provide such evidence. PCR amplicons for a partial β‐tubulin gene and a 5S rRNA‐associated sequence were cloned and sequenced to provide multiple sequences for individual isolates. For the 5S rRNA sequence, two sequence types were found for long‐spored isolates, but only one for the haploid isolates. For the β‐tubulin gene, two or three sequence types were found in long‐spored isolates, but only one in most haploid isolates. One haploid isolate gave two sequence types, one like that from the other haploid isolates and the second like the short‐sequence type from some long‐spored isolates. These results support the long‐spored isolates being interspecific hybrids between a ‘parental’ species similar to V. dahliae (haploid) and an unidentified second species. The presence of a sequence type in some long‐spored isolates similar to that in one haploid isolate suggests a third ‘parental’ species may have been involved, possibly via a short‐spored isolate that was itself hybrid.
Causes of incipient rot and rot in regrowthEucalyptus diversicolor(karri) trees
Authors: Davison E. M. , Tay F. C. S.
Published: June 2008

Eucalyptus diversicolor(karri) is the second most important commercial timber tree in Western Australia. Sawlogs from regrowth trees often have a discoloration in the heartwood that is more abundant than in sawlogs from mature trees. Other symptoms in regrowth logs include white rot, white pocket rot and brown rot. Fungal isolations and pathogenicity tests were conducted to determine whether this discoloration was incipient rot, and if so, what caused it and which rot(s) would eventually develop. A combined sample of 329 discs from recently felled trees and freshly cut scantling had discoloration in 48%, white rot in 14%, white pocket rot in 12% and brown rot in 4% of pieces of wood.Hymenochaete semistupposawas isolated from 22% of discoloured wood and 39% of white pocket rot samples.Stereum hirsutumwas isolated from 4% of discoloured wood and 13% of white rot samples. Koch's postulates in regrowth karri trees showed thatH. semistupposacaused extensive discoloration, with white pocket rot developing in the heartwood within 4 years, whileS. hirsutumcaused extensive discoloration, with white rot developing in both the heartwood and sapwood within 2 years. It was concluded that the discoloration was incipient rot, which would eventually develop into either white rot or white pocket rot.
Quantifying the effects of fungicides and disease resistance on greenhouse gas emissions associated with wheat production
Authors: Berry P. M. , Kindred D. R. , Paveley N. D.
Published: June 2008

A method is presented to quantify the net effect of disease management on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per hectare of crop and per tonne of crop produce (grain, animal feed, flour or bioethanol). Calculations were based on experimental and survey data representative of UK wheat production during the period 2004–06. Elite wheat cultivars, with contrasting yields and levels of disease resistance, were compared. Across cultivars, fungicides increased yields by an average of 1·78 t ha−1 and GHG emissions were reduced from 386 to 327 kg CO2 eq. t−1 grain. The amount by which fungicides increased yield – and hence reduced emissions per tonne – was negatively correlated with cultivar resistance to septoria leaf blotch (Mycosphaerella graminicola, anamorph Septoria tritici). GHG emissions of treated cultivars were always less than those of untreated cultivars. Without fungicide use, an additional 0·93 Mt CO2 eq. would be emitted to maintain annual UK grain production at 15 Mt, if the additional land required for wheat production displaced other UK arable crops/set aside. The GHG cost would be much greater if grassland or natural vegetation were displaced. These additional emissions would be reduced substantially if cultivars had more effective septoria leaf blotch resistance. The GHGs associated with UK fungicide use were calculated to be 0·06 Mt CO2 eq. per annum. It was estimated that if it were possible to eliminate diseases completely by increasing disease resistance without any yield penalty and/or developing better fungicides, emissions could theoretically be reduced further to 313 kg CO2 eq. t−1 grain.
Sedimentology and architecture of the Douglas Creek terminal splay, Lake Eyre, central Australia
Authors: FISHER JOHN A. , KRAPF CARMEN B. E. , LANG SIMON C. , NICHOLS GARY J. , PAYENBERG TOBIAS H. D.
Published: June 2008

Douglas Creek terminal splay, sited on the western shoreline of Lake Eyre North, central Australia, covers a surface area of approximately 4 km2 with a down‐system length of 2·5 km from the distributary channels terminus to the splay fringe. Two distributary channels feed two sediment lobes which have amalgamated to form the terminal splay. Three primary facies associations have been identified sub‐dividing the creek terminus into distributary channel, proximal and distal splay sections. Proximal splay sediments are characterized by erosionally based, relatively thick (> 100 mm), stacked sheets of coarse to medium sand which commonly display trough and planar cross‐bedding, whereas the distal splay is characterized by thin (generally < 50 mm) massive beds of very fine sand, silt and clay. The change in splay sedimentology is interpreted as reflecting the transition from bedload‐dominated deposition to suspended load‐dominated deposition from decelerating sheetfloods as they spread out from the channel onto the dry lake bed. A proximal to distal splay transition zone is also noted where deposits of both facies associations interfinger laterally and vertically. In scale, geometry and facies associations, the Douglas Creek terminal splay is very different to the often cited Neales terminal splay complex located 70 km to the north. It is suggested that these architectural differences reflect variations in discharge volume, input sediment distribution and the degree of vegetation cover. Understanding the variation in terminal splay architecture has very significant implications for the modelling of analogous subsurface petroleum systems, which at present relies on few modern‐day analogues.
Effect of the presence or absence of J chain on expression of recombinant anti‐Kell immunoglobulin M
Authors: Gilmour J. E. M. , Pittman S. , Nesbitt R. , Scott M. L.
Published: June 2008

summary The aim of this study was to determine the effect of expressing a recombinant anti‐Kell immunoglobulin (Ig) M from two cell lines, CH0 and NS0, on its ability to function as a diagnostic antibody. As a polymeric immunoglobulin, IgM is able to directly agglutinate red blood cells (RBCs), making it a useful blood grouping reagent. To simplify expression, recombinant human IgM (rIgM) from NS0 (a mouse myeloma line) and CHO (Chinese hamster ovary line) cells was expressed in the absence of human J chain. Whereas NS0 expresses mouse J chain, rIgM expressed from CH0 cells lack J chain. Although the ability to polymerize resides within the tailpiece of IgM heavy chain, J chain can influence the polymeric state. This in turn could affect the ability of rIgM to bind its antigen. The variable region of the heavy chain of an anti‐Kell IgG was grafted onto the constant region of human IgM and co‐expressed with light chain derived from the same antibody. rIgM was purified from each cell line and the strength of direct agglutination assessed. Both cell lines produced polymeric rIgM that was able to specifically bind the target antigen and to directly agglutinate RBCs to the same degree. The presence or absence of J chain did not affect the ability of the rIgM to bind the Kell antigen or the strength of agglutination. The presence of J chain is not required for the production of a functional rIgM for use as a diagnostic reagent. CHO and NS0 lines are both suitable for production of such a reagent.
Fibrinogen concentrate for acquired hypofibrinogenaemic states
Authors: Weinkove R. , Rangarajan S.
Published: June 2008

summary This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of fibrinogen concentrate in acquired hypofibrinogenaemic states. Cryoprecipitate is standard treatment for replacement of fibrinogen in acquired hypofibrinogenaemia. A virally inactivated fibrinogen concentrate (Haemocomplettan®; CSL Behring, Marburg, Germany) is licensed in some European countries. Clinical data for its use in acquired hypofibrinogenaemic states are scarce. Demographic and pretreatment clinical data of patients treated with fibrinogen concentrate for acquired hypofibrinogenaemia were retrospectively reviewed. Pretreatment and posttreatment fibrinogen levels, transfusion requirements, outcomes and adverse events were recorded. Thirty adult patients who received fibrinogen concentrate for acquired hypofibrinogenaemia (fibrinogen <1·5 g L−1) were included in the study. Causes of hypofibrinogenaemia included placental abruption, disseminated intravascular coagulation as a result of massive blood loss and transfusion, liver failure and cardiac surgery. Following a median dose of 4 g fibrinogen concentrate, median Clauss fibrinogen level rose from 0·65 to 2·01 g L−1, with a median fibrinogen increment of 0·25 g L−1 per 1 g fibrinogen concentrate administered. Forty‐six per cent of patients stopped bleeding with blood components and fibrinogen concentrate alone, and a further 29% stopped bleeding with surgical or endoscopic intervention. Inpatient mortality was 40%. No venous thromboses were observed. Four patients with massive perioperative haemorrhage and hypotension (including three postcardiothoracic surgery) had arterial ischaemic events, none of which was attributable to fibrinogen overreplacement. The cost of fibrinogen concentrate was comparable with that of cryoprecipitate. Purified, virally inactivated fibrinogen concentrate appears effective in the management of acquired hypofibrinogenaemic states and enables rapid administration of a known fibrinogen dose in an emergency setting.
Transfusion practice in military trauma
Authors: Hess J. R. , Holcomb J. B.
Published: June 2008

summary Modern warfare causes severe injuries, and despite rapid transportation to theater regional trauma centers, casualties frequently arrive coagulopathic and in shock. Conventional resuscitation beginning with crystalloid fluids to treat shock causes further dilutional coagulopathy and increased hemorrhagic loss of platelets and coagulation factors. Established coagulopathy was difficult to reverse in the face of uncontrolled hemorrhage. Because many of the casualties met conventional plasma and platelet transfusion criteria on admission, thawed AB plasma was prepositioned in the trauma receiving area and used in a 1:1 ratio with red cells for resuscitation and fresh whole blood was used as a source of platelets. Retrospective assessments of this 1:1 therapy strongly suggested that it resulted in improved hemostasis, shorter ventilator times, and improved survival. Component therapy, when available, appears to be as effective as fresh whole blood. In field emergencies, fresh whole blood can be lifesaving.
Molecular basis of D variants between Uigur and Han blood donors in Xinjiang
Authors: Li Q. , Ye L.‐Y. , Guo Z.‐H. , Zhang Y.‐X. , Wang L.‐L. , Zhu Z.‐Y.
Published: June 2008

summary The D antigen is the most antigenic in the Rh blood group system. Variation in the D antigen may have the potential to cause alloimmunization. D variant may have different molecular backgrounds in people of different ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to investigate serological and molecular differences related to the D antigen among Chinese ethnic groups. Blood samples of six different races in Xinjiang were screened for D variants using serological test. The suspected D variants were further analyzed by using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing to determine the RHD genotype. Fourteen D elute phenotypes (DELs), included 11 Han, 2 Uigur and 1 Hui, were detected together with two weak Ds, one in the Han and one in the Uigur. The 14 DELs possessed the RHD (K409K) allele. The weak D found in the Han was of type 15, but the Uigur phenotype was of weak D type 5. Our results suggest that the Uigur population has both Han and Caucasian characteristics in the Rh blood group system, but the RHD genotypes of other minorities settled in China need to be further studied. A different strategy for Rh typing based on ethnic specificity should be used to detect D variants.
Anti‐hepatitis C virus‐positive blood donors: are women any different?
Authors: Narciso‐Schiavon J. L. , Schiavon L. L. , Carvalho‐Filho R. J. , Freire F. C. F. , Cardoso J. R. , Bordin J. O. , Silva A. E. B. , Ferraz M. L. G.
Published: June 2008

summary We sought to assess clinical, epidemiological, biochemical, serological and histological characteristics of anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive female blood donors and compare them with men. As women are frequently the minority among blood donors, studies evaluating this population usually reflect characteristics of male gender. This retrospective study included 380 blood donors with confirmed positive anti‐HCV. The mean age was 36·9 ± 11·3 years and 33·2% were women. Compared with men, female donors showed higher prevalence of prior transfusion of blood products (P = 0·031) and lower prevalence of intravenous drug use (P = 0·001) and alcohol abuse (P < 0·001). Women exhibited lower medians of alanine aminotransferase (P < 0·001) and gamma‐glutamyltransferase (P < 0·001). They also showed higher platelet count (P < 0·001) and prothrombin activity (P = 0·049), and a lower frequency of antibody against core antigen of hepatitis B virus (anti‐HBc) positivity (P = 0·032). A higher proportion of spontaneous viral clearance (P = 0·001) and a lower frequency of viraemia (P < 0·001) were observed among women. On liver biopsy, women had lower prevalence of fibrosis stage ≥ 2. Multivariate analysis identified age (OR = 1·050, 95% CI: 1·019–1·081, P = 0·001) and anti‐HBc positivity (OR = 2·184, 95% CI: 1·010–4·722, P = 0·047) as independent predictors of significant fibrosis. Female blood donors presented higher prevalence of spontaneous viral clearance as well as biochemical and histological evidence of less advanced liver disease. These findings could be because of intrinsic characteristics of female gender or secondary to associated factors such as younger age or anti‐HBc positivity.
Haemostatic effects of polymerized albumin particles carrying fibrinogen γ‐chain dodecapeptide as platelet substitutes in severely thrombocytopenic rabbits
Authors: Okamura Y. , Fujie T. , Nogawa M. , Maruyama H. , Handa M. , Ikeda Y. , Takeoka S.
Published: June 2008

summary Our purpose was to produce a platelet substitute that could enhance haemostatic ability using rabbits with severe thrombocytopenia. We have developed polymerized albumin particles (polyAlb) for treatment of bleeding and focused on a dodecapeptide, HHLGGAKQAGDV (H12), as a useful ligand for activated platelet. This sequence occurs only at the carboxy‐terminus of the fibrinogen γ‐chain (γ 400–411). H12 was conjugated to the surface of polyAlb modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains to produce blood‐compatible particles (H12–PEG–polyAlb) that had prolonged blood residence time and enhanced stability in vitro and in vivo. The H12–PEG–polyAlb was administered intravenously to rabbits with severe thrombocytopenia, and the ear bleeding time was measured in order to evaluate the haemostatic effect. The H12–PEG–polyAlb significantly shortened the ear bleeding time of severely thrombocytopenic rabbits and showed no effect on the inhibition or promotion of endogenous and exogenous coagulation activities. Furthermore, we could assess the haemostatic capacity of the H12–PEG–polyAlb, based on the relationship between transfused platelet count and the bleeding time. The H12–PEG–polyAlb may be a suitable candidate for an alternative to human platelet concentrates infused to treat bleeding in patients with severe thrombocytopenia.
Use of red blood cell indices for the identification of iron deficiency among blood donors
Authors: Nadarajan V. , Sthaneshwar P. , Eow G. I.
Published: June 2008

summary The objective of this study was to identify haematological parameters useful in screening for iron deficiency among blood donors. Iron deficiency is a common complication of blood donation and often goes unrecognized until anaemia develops. Biochemical markers such as soluble transferrin receptor (TfR), ferritin and log(TfR/F) have been proposed as more valid indicators of body iron status. Red blood cell (RBC) parameters are, however, more easily measured and have also been proposed as indicators of iron depletion. We measured ferritin and TfR in 192 blood donors together with RBC analysis, performed on two haematology analysers. Thirteen donors had parameters suggestive of haemoglobinopathy and were excluded from further analysis. Overall, 10% (18/179) of the remaining donors had iron deficiency, as defined by log(TfR/F) exceeding the 95th percentile of the value in the population of first‐time donors. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the sensitivity of ferritin was 100%, with a specificity of 90% at a cut‐off of 15 μg L−1. The sensitivity and specificity of RBC‐Y at a cut‐off of 152 for detecting iron deficiency were 81 and 89%, respectively. Haemoglobin content of reticulocytes, meanwhile, showed sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 93% when a cut‐off of 28 pg was used. Both measures compare favourably with haemoglobin which only showed a sensitivity of 50%, although specificity was 91% at a cut‐off value of 125 g L−1. The parameter RBC‐Y can be useful as a screening measure for iron deficiency in blood donors.
Haemolytic disease of the newborn because of rare anti‐Vel
Authors: Van Gammeren A. J. , Overbeeke M. A. M. , Idema R. N. , Van Beek R. H. T. , Ten Kate‐Booij M. J. , Ermens A. A. M.
Published: June 2008

summary Routine screening for maternal immunization in a 36‐year‐old woman revealed an alloimmunization against the high‐incidence Vel antigen during a second pregnancy. Because of the development of immunoglobulin G‐type anti‐Vel, the infant developed haemolytic disease of the newborn, with severe jaundice and reticulocytosis. Phototherapy was needed to reduce hyperbilirubinaemia.
Use of statistical process control in the production of blood components
Authors: Magnussen K , Quere S , Winkel P
Published: June 2008

summary Introduction of statistical process control in the setting of a small blood centre was tested, both on the regular red blood cell production and specifically to test if a difference was seen in the quality of the platelets produced, when a change was made from a relatively large inexperienced occasional component manufacturing staff to an experienced regular manufacturing staff. Production of blood products is a semi‐automated process in which the manual steps may be difficult to control. This study was performed in an ongoing effort to improve the control and optimize the quality of the blood components produced and gives an example of how to meet EU legislative requirements in a small‐scale production centre. Data included quality control measurements in 363 units of red blood cells, 79 units of platelets produced by an occasional staff with 11 technologists and 79 units of platelets produced by an experienced staff with four technologists. We applied statistical process control to examine if time series of quality control values were in statistical control. Leucocyte count in red blood cells was out of statistical control. Platelet concentration and volume of the platelets produced by the occasional staff were out of control, which was not the case with the experienced staff. Introduction of control charts to a small blood centre has elucidated the difficulties in controlling the blood production and shown the advantage of using experienced regular component manufacturing staff.
Genetic influence of the nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class I molecule MICB in multiple sclerosis susceptibility
Authors: Fernandez‐Morera J. L. , Rodriguez‐Rodero S. , Tunon A. , Martinez‐Borra J. , Vidal‐Castineira J. R. , Lopez‐Vazquez A. , Rodrigo L. , Rodrigo P. , González S. , Lahoz C. H. , Lopez‐Larrea C.
Published: June 2008

It has been widely reported that the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II region provides the main genetic contribution to multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. However, recent studies have suggested that the MHC class I region may also contribute to the development of MS. In this study, we investigated the possible association of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B, MHC class I chain‐related gene B (MICB) and MHC class I chain‐related gene A (MICA) genes, located in the MHC class I region, with MS susceptibility. For this purpose, we analyzed the distribution of HLA‐DR, HLA‐B, MICB and MICA alleles in 121 MS patients and 156 healthy controls. Neither HLA‐B nor MICA alleles were found to be associated with MS susceptibility, and only the frequency of HLA‐DRB1*01 allele was found to be increased in controls (31% vs 14%, Pc = 0.011). However, MICB*004 allele frequency was significantly increased in MS patients (46.3% vs 23.3%, Pc < 0.001, odds ratio = 2.82, 95% confidence interval = 1.68–4.73). Although, MICB*004 and HLA‐DRB1*15 belong to the AH 7.1 ancestral haplotype, the association of MICB*004 to MS susceptibility was found to be independent of HLA‐DRB1*15 in our population. This and previous studies clearly suggest that the MHC class I, in addition to class II, could be involved in MS susceptibility.
Patient selection critical for calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal in pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Weintraub Lauren , Li Li , Kambham Neeraja , Alexander Steven , Concepcion Waldo , Miller Kim , Wong Cynthia , Salvatierra Oscar , Sarwal Minnie
Published: June 2008

Abstract:  CNI withdrawal may be employed as a “rescue” strategy for patients with established renal allograft injury and/or declining allograft function, with the aim at eliminating CNI‐associated nephrotoxic effects. This analysis reviews outcomes in a pediatric population and identifies risk factors for adverse events post‐CNI withdrawal. We performed a retrospective analysis of 17 pediatric renal transplants who underwent CNI withdrawal, with conversion to sirolimus and MMF. Mean CrCl decreased from 64.3 ± 22 to 59.38 ± 28.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.04) at six months and 57.46 ± 31.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.02) at 12 months post‐withdrawal. Forty‐one percent of patients experienced AR. Increased risk for AR was associated with prior AR history, lower sirolimus trough levels, and lower CNIT biopsy scores. Graft loss (24%) was associated with worse CrCl, proteinuria, and histologic chronicity. Proteinuria (spot protein/creatinine ratio) increased from 0.75 ± 1.0 to 1.71 ± 2.0 (p = 0.03), unrelated to de novo sirolimus use. Four patients returned to CNI‐based immunosuppression due to AR (n = 3) and gastrointestinal side effects (n = 1). Careful selection of pediatric candidates for CNI withdrawal is recommended. Worsening graft function and graft loss may be minimized by selecting patients with high CNIT scores and low biopsy chronicity and excluding patients with prior AR history.
No occurrence of Pneumocystis jiroveci (carinii) pneumonia in 120 adults undergoing myeloablative unrelated cord blood transplantation
Authors: Tomonari A. , Takahashi S. , Ooi J. , Tsukada N. , Konuma T. , Kato S. , Kasahara S. , Iseki T. , Tojo A. , Asano S.
Published: June 2008

Abstract:
The incidence of pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii (PCP) (organism now renamed Pneumocystis jiroveci) during the early period after cord blood transplantation (CBT) was studied in 120 adults. Initially 89 patients (74%) received oral administration of 2 single‐strength trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMZ) tablets twice daily from day −21. In 45 of 89 patients (51%), TMP‐SMZ administration for a scheduled duration was completed. In the remaining 44 patients (49%), however, TMP‐SMZ administration was discontinued prior to day −3 because of toxicity. Among these patients, 42 subsequently received aerosolized pentamidine (AP) on a median of day −13 (range, −20 to −6). Thirty‐one patients (26%) received AP without TMP‐SMZ administration on a median of day −14 (range, −21 to −9). None of the 120 patients were diagnosed with PCP within 100 days or 2 years after CBT; however, one patient who received AP before CBT but no prophylaxis after CBT developed cerebral toxoplasmosis on day +91. Pre‐transplant prophylaxis against PCP did not significantly affect transplantation‐related mortality or disease‐free survival at 2 years after CBT. The results suggest that PCP during the early period after CBT can be effectively prevented by any pre‐transplant prophylactic method.
Chorioretinitis and vitreitis due to Tropheryma whipplei after transplantation: case report and review
Authors: Razonable R.R. , Pulido J.S. , Deziel P.J. , Dev S. , Salomão D.R. , Walker R.C.
Published: June 2008

Abstract: Whipple's disease is a very rare chronic multisystemic bacterial disease characterized by diarrhea, malabsorption, fever, and polyarthritis. Ocular manifestations occur very rarely. Previous reports have suggested that the use of immunosuppressive drugs appears to accelerate or exacerbate the clinical course of Whipple's disease; however, the illness has yet to be reported in the setting of transplantation. Herein, we describe what we believe is the first reported case of Whipple's disease after transplantation. The patient is a 51‐year‐old woman who developed progressive visual floaters and blurring of vision 30 years after living‐related kidney transplantation for an autosomal‐dominant polycystic kidney disease. Her allograft was functioning well on maintenance immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine and prednisone when she developed visual abnormalities. Transient weight loss, gastrointestinal symptoms, and migratory polyarthralgia predated the onset of ocular disease by several years. The diagnosis of Whipple's bilateral vitreitis and chorioretinitis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrating Tropheryma whipplei nucleic acid in vitreous fluid and peripheral blood sample as well as by demonstration of the bacilli by cytopathology. Intraocular vancomycin, intravenous ceftriaxone, and prolonged course of oral trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole therapy led to clinical improvement and recovery of visual acuity.
Effects of seeding date and canola species on seedling damage by flea beetles in three ecoregions
Authors: Cárcamo H. A. , Otani J. K. , Dosdall L. M. , Blackshaw R. E. , Clayton G. W. , Harker K. N. , O’Donovan J. T. , Entz T.
Published: June 2008

Flea beetles (Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius), Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) and Psylliodes punctulata Melsheimer) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are chronic threats to canola seedling establishment throughout the Northern Great Plains of North America. We conducted field studies in AB, Canada, from 2001 to 2004 at Lethbridge, Lacombe and Beaverlodge in the southern, central and northern regions of the province, respectively, to assess the impacts of seeding date (fall, April, May), and canola species (Brassica rapa L., Brassica napus L.) on flea beetle damage to canola. Flea beetle damage was generally low at Lacombe but reached economic threshold levels at other sites. Although our results were not consistent in all years, seeding date had opposite effects on flea beetle damage to canola seedlings at the southern and northern sites. In the south, both canola species planted in April escaped flea beetle damage unlike the May‐seeded plots, which required insecticide spraying in 2003. The numbers of flea beetles on sticky cards sampled during the seedling stage of canola were also lower in early‐planted plots than in those planted in May. In the north, flea beetle damage was lower in the May‐planted plots compared with those planted earlier. To maximize yields, canola growers need to plant as early as possible in all agro‐ecoregions; our study showed that crops in the central and northern regions will be at greater risk of flea beetle damage than in southern regions.
A holocyclic life cycle in a gall‐forming adelgid, Adelges japonicus (Homoptera: Adelgidae)
Authors: Sano M. , Tabuchi K. , Ozaki K.
Published: June 2008

While the family Adelgidae (Homoptera) is typically holocyclic and periodically host‐alternating between a primary and secondary host, some anholocyclic species may persist exclusively on the primary or secondary host. In this study, we investigated the life cycle of Adelges japonicus, an anholocyclic species that utilizes either Picea jezoensis and Picea sitchensis (Pinaceae) as the primary hosts. Transfer experiments conducted in Hokkaido, the northern‐most island of Japan, revealed that A. japonicus also includes holocyclic forms that can migrate to the secondary host, Larix kaempferi. The holocyclic forms differed from anholocyclic forms in the date of gall dehiscence, oviposition preference of gallicolae and development of wax gland plates of gallicola adults. However, we treated these two forms as the same species because of a lack of information on their phylogenetic relationships and genetic isolation. Sequence of generations and developmental stages of each generation in the holocyclic forms were reported. Morphology of wax gland plates of first‐instar exulis was consistent with those of the subgenus Cholodkovskya, but different from those of the subgenus Adelges, to which A. japonicus has been assigned. Morphological comparison of gallicola adults suggests that the holocyclic forms were introduced to Hokkaido from central Japan.
Field efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae against the Mediterranean flat‐headed rootborer Capnodis tenebrionis
Authors: Morton A. , García‐del‐Pino F.
Published: June 2008

The Mediterranean flat‐headed rootborer, Capnodis tenebrionis (L.) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is an economically important pest of stone fruit and seed fruit in Mediterranean areas. The potential control of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (strain Bpa), isolated from a dead C. tenebrionis larva, was tested in a cherry tree orchard in Ullastrell, Barcelona (Spain). Nematode infective juveniles (IJs) were applied by drench and injection. In both the treatments, a rate of 1 million IJs was applied per tree every week during 4 or 8 weeks, with a total dose of 4 × 106 IJs/tree and 8 × 106 IJs/tree. Number, stage and localization of insects in each tree trunk were recorded. In both the experiments, S. feltiae significantly reduced the population of C. tenebrionis providing control ranging from 88.3% to 97%. No significant differences were recorded between the different treatments. Persistence of nematodes was recorded until 6 weeks after application. Results indicate that the application of S. feltiae (Bpa) provides adequate control of C. tenebrionis in cherry trees.
Relationship among five populations of Bactrocera dorsalis based on mitochondrial DNA sequences in western Yunnan, China
Authors: Chen P. , Ye H.
Published: June 2008

Genetic variation in the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), was analysed using five populations from western Yunnan, China, to elucidate the distribution and likely dispersal patterns of this fly. A 503‐bp portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene was sequenced from a minimum of seven individuals from each of five fly populations; 25 haplotypes were observed among 57 individuals in these populations. High genetic diversity within populations was detected. Genetic distances between haplotypes reached 1.2%. Mantel tests did not indicate any isolation because of geographic distance. The Ruili (RL) population was significantly isolated from the others (pairwise Fst ranging from 0.10 to 0.21, and average genetic distances being higher than for all other four population comparisons). RL is geographically separated from the other sites by the Gaoligong Mountains. The Liuku (LK) population had a close genetic relationship with the Lujiangba (LJB) population, suggesting that the LK population probably originated from LJB that is located in the same valley to the south. The Baoshan (BS) and Dali (DL) populations were also geographically isolated from the others, not originating from LJB and RL, where the fly is present year‐round. The north‐south orientation of mountains and valleys in western Yunnan appears to prevent latitudinal gene exchange by dispersing flies and thus divides the five populations into four relatively independent zones, namely BS, DL, LK‐LJB and RL. In addition, air currents that generally flow south to north appear to assist dispersing flies, especially in valleys between the mountain chains.
Linyphiid spider populations in sustainable wheat‐clover bi‐cropping compared to conventional wheat‐growing practice
Authors: Gravesen E.
Published: June 2008

Linyphiid web densities in wheat‐clover bi‐crop systems where winter wheat was grown in an under‐storey of white clover were compared with web densities estimated in conventional wheat‐growing systems. The web densities in the wheat‐clover bi‐crop systems were on average between 200 and 250 webs per square‐metre when the densities peaked, while the estimated average web density peak levels under conventional growing practices were 100–150 webs per square‐metre. Repeated Measure anova tests show significant differences between the estimated mean web density levels of the bi‐crop systems compared to the mean density levels of the conventional growing systems in two consecutive growing seasons. Particularly, Bathyphantes gracilis and Tenuiphantes tenuis took advantage of the more heterogeneous conditions with high secondary vegetation layer density and high food animal supply in the bi‐crop plots compared to the more homogeneous conditions under conventional wheat‐growing practices with low food animal supply. Structural equation modelling with a data set pooled from four different wheat‐growing practices shows that the linyphiid juvenile production is influenced by the number of collembolans accessible as food animals for the adult females. The modelling demonstrates the importance of the detritus food chain, particularly for the juvenile recruitment.
Molecular Identification of Banana streak virus Isolates in Kenya
Authors: Karanja Laura , Wangai Anne , Harper Glyn , Pathak Ram Sumer
Published: June 2008

Banana streak virus (BSV) is a significant constraint to banana production in Kenya. The ability to quickly and reliably detect BSV is important for the management of the virus. Hence, detection of the variability of BSV was necessary for the optimization of a suitable diagnostic protocol to be used for routine screening of tissue cultured material. In this study, 215 potentially infected banana plants from nine major banana growing regions in Kenya were tested for BSV using serological and molecular techniques. Virus particles were detected by immunosorbent electron microscopy (ISEM) in seven of the ten tested samples confirming the presence of BSV. Immuno‐capture‐polymerase chain reaction (IC‐PCR) using a degenerate primer was used on extracted viral DNA and on immune‐captured viral particles from 80 samples. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmed the presence of BSV in 200 samples and IC‐PCR in 38 of the 80 tested samples. A total of 33 sequences were obtained from eight samples by PCR (EMBL accession numbers AM 905900–AM905905) across the conserved reverse transcriptase/RNaseH region of the genome. Pairwise comparison of the sequences suggested that they represented seven different isolates with sequence identity thresholds of 90–100%. Southern blotting and hybridization with a radiolabelled probe of the Lisulya clone, confirmed that both integrated and episomally replicating viral DNA may be present in at least one of the Kenya samples. Therefore, the presence of BSV in Kenya and some diversity within the Kenyan population was confirmed. The diagnostic protocol was optimized for the confirmed isolates.
Transmission of a Stolbur Phytoplasma by the Agalliinae Leafhopper Anaceratagallia ribauti (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Cicadellidae)
Authors: Riedle‐Bauer Monika , Sára Anita , Regner Ferdinand
Published: June 2008

Seventeen Auchenorrhyncha species were studied for their ability to transmit stolbur phytoplasma. Adult insects were collected alive in Bois Noir infected vineyards, transferred to Vicia faba seedlings (two leaf stage) in cylindrical pot cages and kept in a growth chamber at 23°C (L16:D8). After 5 weeks, plants were inspected visually and sampled for PCR analysis. Anaceratagallia ribauti, Dryodurgades reticulatus and Euscelis incisus were also reared in the laboratory. Insects trapped in the vineyard were allowed to oviposit on V. faba seedlings. Hatching nymphs were transferred to cubical breeding cages containing potted V. faba seedlings and stolbur‐infected Convolvulus arvensis collected in the vineyard. Plants in these cubical cages were routinely tested by PCR for stolbur infections. Adults raised in these cubical cages were subjected to further pot cage experiments with V. faba seedlings. In five of 40 experiments with field‐trapped A. ribauti, stolbur transmission was observed. Laboratory‐reared A. ribauti transmitted stolbur phytoplasma to seven of 23 broad beans in the cubical breeding cages. Laboratory‐reared A. ribauti adults transmitted stolbur phytoplasma in one of 13 pot cage experiments. No transmission of stolbur phytoplasma with any other Auchenorrhyncha species was observed. Furthermore, we characterized Austrian stolbur isolates by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis of the tuf gene. Plant samples were collected in 17 symptomatic vineyards all over eastern Austria. Vicia faba plants from transmission experiments were also analysed. All isolates belonged to tuf‐type II.
First Report of Erwinia amylovora Fire Blight in Belarus
Authors: Lagonenko Alexander L. , Komardina Veronika S. , Nikolaichik Yevgeny A. , Evtushenkov Anatoli N.
Published: June 2008

Erwinia amylovora is a phytopathogenic bacterium that causes fire blight, an economically important disease of Rosaceae. Several isolates from pears and apples with fire blight symptoms from Belarus were identified as E. amylovora. All tested isolates were yellow and mucoid on MM2Cu medium, positive in levan production and showed pathogenicity in immature pear fruits. These isolates have identical total protein patterns with E. amylovora 1/79. The PCR with specific primers for E. amylovora harpin gene also gave positive results.
Exo‐β‐1,3‐Glucanase from Yeast Inhibits Colletotrichum lupini and Botrytis cinerea Spore Germination
Authors: Oelofse Dean , Dubery Ian , Berger Dave K.
Published: June 2008

Yeast exo‐β‐1,3‐glucanase (EXG1) was evaluated as an inhibitory agent of Colletotrichum lupini and Botrytis cinerea. Extracts obtained from yeast transformed with the exg1 gene, expressing high levels of EXG1 activity, or control untransformed yeast cultures that lacked EXG1 activity, were added to different starting concentrations of C. lupini fungal spore suspensions (2.5 × 103 to 80 × 103 spores per flask), and mycelial dry weight was measured after 5 days. Inhibition of C. lupini mycelial growth by EXG1 compared with control extracts ranged from 41 to 20% when added to starting fungal spore concentrations of 2.5 × 103 to 80 × 103, respectively. EXG1 activity in the extracts from the transformed yeast remained high over the 5‐day incubation period. Addition of the EXG1 extract after C. lupini spore germination resulted in lower inhibition, indicating that the EXG1 targets the β‐glucan in the cell walls of the fungal spores at an early stage of germination. Furthermore, the yeast EXG1 extracts were also shown to inhibit Botrytis cinerea spore germination and growth. Thus, the use of the yeast exg1 gene for protection of crops, such as lupin and pear in transgenic strategies against C. lupini and B. cinerea, respectively, could be considered.
Satisfaction of care in a tertiary level diabetes clinic: Correlations with diabetes knowledge, clinical outcome and health‐related quality of life
Authors: Koves Ildiko H , Boucher Andrew , Ismail Dunia , Donath Susan , Cameron Fergus J
Published: June 2008

Aim:  Patient satisfaction is regarded as an integral component of the quality of medical care. Therefore, as part of an ongoing process of outcome assessment, we analysed levels of satisfaction of care among patients and parents in our diabetes clinic and its relationship to short‐term metabolic control outcome, diabetes knowledge and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods:  In 2004, parents and their children aged 5–18 years attending the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) diabetes clinic completed questionnaires reporting their satisfaction with care provided, HRQOL and diabetes knowledge. Concurrent HbA1c levels were also recorded. The reporting profile was 83 patients, 24 fathers and 110 mothers.

Results:  Generally, both patients and parents were satisfied with diabetes care provided at our tertiary centre. Satisfaction of care was not associated with the clinical outcome of metabolic control (measured by HbA1c levels), diabetes knowledge or HRQOL measures.

Conclusion:  Most patients and their parents in the RCH diabetes clinic appear generally satisfied with their diabetes care. The degree of satisfaction of care cannot be presumed according to clinical outcome, diabetes knowledge or HRQOL measures.
Peripheral precocious puberty: A retrospective study for six years in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Zou Chao Chun , Liang Li , Dong Guan Ping , Zhao Zheng Yan
Published: June 2008

Aim:  To evaluate the clinical and aetiopathogenesis of peripheral precocious puberty (PPP) in Chinese children.

Methods:  A total of 91 PPP children were reviewed. Clinical features including age, gender, stage of pubertal development, presenting symptoms, features and aetiopathogenesis were investigated.

Results:  They were 65 girls (71.4%) and 26 boys (28.6%) with a median age of 3.6 years. The median age of girls and boys were 3.7 and 3.4 years, respectively, with a significant difference (P = 0.048). Congenital adrenal cortical hyperplasia (CAH) patients with a median age of 0.2 years were younger than other patients. The major complaint was the appearance of breast buds (56.6%), followed by menstruation (5.5%), vaginal discharge (5.5%) and vomiting (4.4%). Heterosexual PPP was common in CAH girls (10 cases) while exogenic sexual steroid exposure was common in boys (10 cases). Major cause of PPP was gonadal abnormalities (34.1%), including 24 girls with autonomous isolated ovarian cysts, one with Sertoli's cell ovarian tumour, five with testicular tumours and one with testotoxicosis. CAH was the most common cause of PPP in boys. Exogenous sexual steroid exposure was the third cause. MeCune–Albright syndrome was also found in three cases. It was noted that the causes of 24 cases (26.4%), including 20 girls and 4 boys, were still unknown.

Conclusion:  The results imply that PPP is a common matter of children in the department of endocrinology. It is more frequently in girls. History, physical examination, clinical suspicion and imaging detection should be considered carefully to diagnose and investigate the aetiopathogenesis.