bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolution of the Gp‐Rbp‐1 gene in Globodera pallida includes multiple selective replacements
Authors: CARPENTIER JEAN , ESQUIBET MAGALI , FOUVILLE DIDIER , MANZANARES‐DAULEUX MARIA J. , KERLAN MARIE‐CLAIRE , GRENIER ERIC
Published: December 2011

The Globodera pallida SPRYSEC Gp‐Rbp‐1 gene encodes a secreted protein which induces effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) mediated by the Solanum tuberosum disease resistance gene Gpa2. Nonetheless, it is not known how the Andes orogeny, the richness in Solanum species found along the Cordillera or the introduction of the nematode into Europe have affected the diversity of Gp‐Rbp‐1 and its recognition by Gpa2. We generated a dataset of 157 highly polymorphic Gp‐Rbp‐1 sequences and identified three Gp‐Rbp‐1 evolutionary pathways: the ‘Northern Peru’, ‘Peru clade I/European’ and ‘Chilean’ paths. These may have been shaped by passive dispersion of the nematode and by climatic variations that have influenced the nature and diversity of wild host species. We also confirmed that, by an analysis of the selection pressures acting on Gp‐Rbp‐1, this gene has evolved under positive/diversifying selection, but differently among the three evolutionary pathways described. Using this extended sequence dataset, we were able to detect eight sites under positive selection. Six sites appear to be of particular interest because of their predicted localization to the extended loops of the B30.2 domain and/or support by several computational methods. The P/S 187 position was previously identified for its effect on the interaction with GPA2. The functional importance of the other five amino acid polymorphisms observed was investigated using Agrobacterium transient transformation assays. None of these new residues, however, appears to be directly involved in Gpa2‐mediated plant defence mechanisms. Thus, the P/S polymorphism observed at position 187 remains the sole variation sufficient to explain the recognition of Gp‐Rbp‐1 by Gpa2.
Lenalidomide in lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes with karyotypes other than deletion 5q and refractory to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents
Authors: Sibon David , Cannas Giovanna , Baracco Fiorenza , Prebet Thomas , Vey Norbert , Banos Anne , Besson Caroline , Corm Selim , Blanc Michel , Slama Bohrane , Perrier Hervé , Fenaux Pierre , Wattel Eric ,   on behalf of the Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies
Published: December 2011

Lenalidomide (LEN) has been shown to yield red blood cell (RBC) transfusion independence in about 25% of lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) without del(5q), but its efficacy in patients clearly refractory to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA) is not known. We report on 31 consecutive lower‐risk non‐del(5q) MDS patients with anaemia refractory to ESA and treated with LEN in a compassionate programme, 20 of whom also received an ESA. An erythroid response was obtained in 15 patients (48%), including 10 of the 27 (37%) previously transfusion‐dependent (RBC‐TD) patients, who became transfusion‐independent (RBC‐TI). Nine of the responders relapsed, whereas 6 (40%) were still responding and transfusion‐free after 11+–31+ months. Median response duration was 24 months. The erythroid response rate was lower in refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (27% vs. 60%) and tended to be higher in patients treated with LEN + ESA (55% vs. 36%). Response duration was significantly longer in responders who obtained RBC‐TI and in patients treated with LEN after primary resistance to ESA. The main toxicity of LEN was cytopenias. We confirm that, in a patient population of lower risk MDS without del 5q clearly resistant to ESA, LEN is an interesting second line therapeutic option. Its combination with ESAs in this context warrants prospective studies.
A methodology to estimate the maximum offset and reflection imaging radius for a 2D/3D vertical seismic profiling survey
Authors: Lou Min , Williamson Rick , Quinn Dan
Published: December 2011

We have developed a straightforward and ray based methodology to estimate both the maximum offset and reflection imaging radius for multi‐layered velocity models, which can be used for a 2D/3D VSP survey design. Through numerical examples, we demonstrate that the presence of a high‐velocity layer above a target zone significantly reduces the maximum offset and reflection imaging radius. Our numerical examples also show that including in a migration VSP data acquired beyond a recommended maximum offset, radically degrades the quality of the final VSP image. In addition, unlike the conventional straight‐line based approximation that often produces an incorrect large reflection imaging radius, our methodology predicts the VSP imaging radius with more accuracy than does the conventional approximation.
Application of serial sectioning FIB/SEM tomography in the comprehensive analysis of arrays of metal nanotubes
Authors: PHELAN R. , HOLMES J.D. , PETKOV N.
Published: December 2011

The ever‐increasing interest in nanostructured materials and shrinking dimensions of state‐of‐the‐art devices pose new challenges both in synthesis and metrology. Although an extensive range of nanotubular materials of different compositions and for various applications are reported in the literature, often detailed structural characterisation of these materials is limited. This is due to the fact that techniques and characterisation protocols for structural analysis of ‘buried’ nano‐scale features, defects or inhomogenities that are difficult to obtain by conventional imaging methods, are still not fully developed. In the case of 1D nanoporous structures, the continuity of the nano‐tubular channels, their uniformity and orientation is of particular interest. Herein, we employ a serial sectioning technique on a dual beam FIB followed by 3D volume reconstruction for comprehensive analysis of tubular metal nanostructures encapsulated within porous anodic alumina. Using this technique, we demonstrate a nano‐tomography characterisation protocol that can be used for analysis of nanoporous structures with emphasis on their channel uniformity and orientation. We demonstrate that high‐resolution nano‐tomography can be performed to visualise pores as small as 60 nm in diameter, with conical or globular shapes, and to quantitatively estimate their localisation and distribution along one‐dimensional metal structures. We specifically chose to examine Cu‐nanotubes, deposited electrochemically within anodic alumina template, because there is a great deal of debate regarding the deposition process. Hence, the comprehensive analysis shown here is not only demonstrating the applicability of the developed characterisation methodology but it is also, in conjunction with other advanced electron microscopy methods such as elemental nano‐scale STEM/EDX mapping, providing conclusive evidence of the key factors at play during the deposition process.
Oxytocin‐immunoreactive innervation of identified neurons in the rat dorsal vagal complex
Authors: Llewellyn‐Smith I. J. , Kellett D. O. , Jordan D. , Browning K. N. , Alberto Travagli R.
Published: December 2011

Background  Oxytocin (OXT) has been implicated in reproduction and social interactions and in the control of digestion and blood pressure. OXT‐immunoreactive axons occur in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC; nucleus tractus solitarius, NTS, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, DMV, and area postrema, AP), which contains neurons that regulate autonomic homeostasis. The aim of the present work is to provide a systematic investigation of the OXT‐immunoreactive innervation of dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons involved in the control of gastrointestinal (GI) function.

Methods  We studied DMV neurons identified by (i) prior injection of retrograde tracers in the stomach, ileum, or cervical vagus or (ii) induction of c‐fos expression by glucoprivation with 2‐deoxyglucose. Another subgroup of DMV neurons was identified electrophysiologically by stimulation of the cervical vagus and then juxtacellularly labeled with biotinamide. We used two‐ or three‐color immunoperoxidase labeling for studies at the light microscopic level.

Key Results  Close appositions from OXT‐immunoreactive varicosities were found on the cell bodies, dendrites, and axons of DMV neurons that projected to the GI tract and that responded to 2‐deoxyglucose and juxtacellularly labeled DMV neurons. Double staining for OXT and choline acetyltransferase revealed that OXT innervation was heavier in the caudal and lateral DMV than in other regions. OXT‐immunoreactive varicosities also closely apposed a small subset of tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive NTS and DMV neurons.

Conclusions & Inferences  Our results provide the first anatomical evidence for direct OXT‐immunoreactive innervation of GI‐related neurons in the DMV.
Seasonal dynamics and virus translocation of Grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 3 in grapevine cultivars
Authors: Tsai C. W. , Daugherty M. P. , Almeida R. P. P.
Published: December 2011

Grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 3 (GLRaV‐3) is associated with grapevine leafroll disease, one of the most economically important viral diseases of grapevines. This disease impacts on both vine health and grape quality; reduction in yield, brix and wine colour are among its detrimental effects. Many methods, including serological and molecular procedures, have been developed for the detection of GLRaV‐3; however, there is no PCR‐based assay available to quantify virus populations within plant tissues. A real‐time RT‐PCR assay with TaqMan probe was developed for specific and reliable quantitative detection of GLRaV‐3 in infected tissues. The designed primers and probes target the conserved sequence in the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain of the viral genome to prevent amplification of most subgenomic and defective RNAs. This protocol was used to examine the seasonal dynamics and translocation of GLRaV‐3 in field‐grown grapevines. The results showed that the virus spread quickly from trunks to new growing shoots and leaves early in the growing season, and most samples still harboured detectable virus during late summer and autumn. The seasonal progress of one GLRaV‐3 isolate was compared in four grapevine cultivars (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Italia and Thompson Seedless). Within cultivars there was little variability in the distribution and translocation of GLRaV‐3, except for in Thompson Seedless. This quantitative detection assay will be a valuable tool for GLRaV‐3 diagnosis, disease monitoring and population ecology studies.
Combination of biological and morphological parameters for the selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma waiting for liver transplantation
Authors: Lai Quirino , Avolio Alfonso W. , Manzia Tommaso M. , Sorge Roberto , Agnes Salvatore , Tisone Giuseppe , Berloco Pasquale B. , Rossi Massimo
Published: December 2011

Lai Q, Avolio AW, Manzia TM, Sorge R, Agnes S, Tisone G, Berloco PB, Rossi M. Combination of biological and morphological parameters for the selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma waiting for liver transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01572.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  In the last several years, there has been no agreement on how to possibly expand the Milan criteria (MC) in the selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for listing for liver transplant (LT). The aim of the study is to evaluate morphological and biological tumor parameters to identify new expanded criteria for the selection of patients with HCC as candidates for LT.

Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed 158 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent LT.

Results:  Twelve (7.6%) recurrences were observed. At multivariate analysis, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) >400 ng/mL (odds ratio [OR] 8.4, p < 0.01) and total tumor diameter (TTD) >8 cm (OR 7.4, p = 0.01) were the strongest predictors for recurrence. AFP‐TTD criteria resulted in a low five‐yr recurrence rate (4.9%) and an increased number of LT compared with the MC (22.2% increase). The five‐yr disease‐free survival rate was 74.4% in AFP‐TTD criteria in patients, with a higher effectiveness in stratifying the cohort with respect to the MC.

Conclusions:  Both AFP and TTD are good independent predictors of HCC recurrence. Their combination appears to obtain a better selection of candidates for LT without worsening patient survival and recurrence rates. This approach allows for an increase in the number of potentially transplantable patients.
Isolated intestinal transplants vs. liver‐intestinal transplants in adult patients in the United States: 22 yr of OPTN data
Authors: Desai Chirag S. , Gruessner Angelika C. , Khan Khalid M. , Fishbein Thomas M. , Jie Tun , Rodriguez Rilo Horacio L. , Gruessner Rainer W.G.
Published: December 2011

Desai CS, Gruessner AC, Khan KM, Fishbein TM, Jie T, Rodriguez Rilo HL, Gruessner RWG. Isolated intestinal transplants vs. liver‐intestinal transplants in adult patients in the United States: 22 yr of OPTN data.

Abstract:  We examined the outcomes of adult intestinal transplants (ITx); isolated ITx vs. liver‐intestinal transplants (L‐ITx) were compared using the UNOS database (1987–2009). Of 759 ITx transplants in 687 patients, 463 (61%) were isolated and 296 (39%) were L‐ITx. Patient survival for primary isolated ITx at one, three, and five yr was 84%, 66.7%, and 54.2%; and primary L‐ITx was, 67%, 53.3%, and 46% (p = 0.0005). Primary isolated ITx graft survival at one, three, and five yr was 80.7%, 57.6%, 42.8%; primary L‐ITx was 64.1%, 51%, 44.1% (p = 0.0003 at one, three yr, Wilcoxon test). For retransplants (n = 72), patient and graft survival for isolated ITx (n = 41) at five yr was 40% in era 1 (1987–2000) and 16% in era 2 (p = 0.47); for retransplanted L‐ITx (n = 31), it improved from 14% to 64% in era 2 (p = 0.01). Cox regression: creatinine >1.3 mg/dL and pre‐transplant hospitalization were negative predictors for outcome of both; bilirubin >1.3 mg/dL was a negative predictor for isolated ITx and donor age >40 yr for L‐ITx. Isolated ITx should be considered prior to liver disease for adults with intestinal failure; L‐ITx is preferable for retransplantation.
HLA‐A*02:328, a novel allele identified by sequence‐based typing in cord blood from a Korean woman
Authors: Hong S. S. , Sung H. Y. , Kang M. S. , Huh J. Y.
Published: December 2011

The novel allele A*02:328 showed one nucleotide difference with A*02:06:01 in exon 3 resulting in an amino acid change at codon 120 from Gly to Arg.
Elevated inflammatory markers at preschool age precede persistent wheezing at school age
Authors: van de Kant Kim D. G. , Jansen Maria A. , Klaassen Ester M. M. , van der Grinten Chris P. , Rijkers Ger T. , Muris Jean W. M. , van Schayck Onno C. P. , Jöbsis Quirijn , Dompeling Edward
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: van de Kant KDG, Jansen MA, Klaassen EMM, van der Grinten CP, Rijkers GT, Muris JWM, van Schayck OCP, Jöbsis Q, Dompeling E. Elevated inflammatory markers at preschool age precede persistent wheezing at school age. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 259–264.

Background:  Wheeze is a heterogeneous symptom in preschool children. At preschool age it is hard to predict whether symptoms will pass or persist and develop into asthma. Our objective is to prospectively study whether inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator interrupter resistance (Rint) assessed at preschool age, are associated with wheezing phenotypes at school age.

Methods:  Children (N = 230) were recruited from the Asthma DEtection and Monitoring (ADEM) study. At preschool age [mean (SE): 3.3 (0.1) yr], pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator Rint was assessed. EBC was collected using a closed glass condenser. Inflammatory markers (IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐8, IL‐10, sICAM) were measured using multiplex immunoassay. Wheezing phenotypes at 5 yr of age were determined based on longitudinal assessment. Children were classified as: never (N = 47), early‐transient (N = 89) or persistent wheezers (N = 94).

Results:  Persistent wheezers had elevated levels of all interleukins at preschool age compared to children who never wheezed (p < 0.05). EBC markers did not differ between the persistent and transient wheezers. There was no marked difference in Rint between wheezing phenotypes.

Conclusions:  We demonstrated that 5 yr old children with persistent wheeze already had elevated exhaled inflammatory markers at preschool age compared to never wheezers, indicating augmented airway inflammation in these children.
Responses of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and IL‐10‐secreting type I T regulatory cells to cluster‐specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis in children
Authors: Lou Wei , Wang Chengshuo , Wang Yang , Han Demin , Zhang Luo
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: Lou W, Wang C, Wang Y, Han D, Zhang L. Responses of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and IL‐10‐secreting type I T regulatory cells to cluster‐specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis in children. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011: doi: 10.1111/j.1399‐3038.2011.01249.x.

We investigated the effects of cluster specific immunotherapy (SIT) with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) on CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells and IL‐10‐secreting type I T regulatory (Tr1) cells in Der p‐sensitized children with allergic rhinitis (AR). We performed a prospective randomized study involving 46 children (aged 8–13 yr), of whom 25 children received Der p‐SIT + pharmacotherapy and 21 received only pharmacotherapy, over a period of 1 yr. Prior to and at end of treatment, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells and allergen‐specific IL‐10+IL‐4−, IFN‐γ+IL‐4−, and IL‐4+IFN‐γ‐CD4+ T cells were measured by flow cytometry. Similarly, IL‐4, IFN‐γ, and IL‐10 in supernatants from allergen‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures were measured by ELISA, and the suppressive effect of CD4+CD25high T cells on cell proliferation and cytokine release was estimated from both groups. Allergen‐specific serum IgE and IgG4 were also assessed at the beginning and end of treatment by RAST and ELISA, respectively. The levels of allergen‐specific Tr1 cells, IgG4, and allergen‐induced IL‐10 synthesis from PBMC cultures were significantly increased after SIT for 1 yr compared with baseline levels (p < 0.001 for all), with significant correlation between increased levels of Tr1 cells and improvements in nasal symptoms (r = 0.48, p < 0.05). In contrast, the levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells, allergen‐specific Th1 and Th2 cells, the production of IL‐4 and IFN‐γ, and the function of CD4+CD25high T cells were not altered in either group at the end of treatment. These data suggest that the up‐regulation of Tr1 cells may play an important role in SIT and be a useful marker of successful SIT in AR patients.
The EuroPrevall birth cohort study on food allergy: baseline characteristics of 12,000 newborns and their families from nine European countries
Authors: McBride D. , Keil T. , Grabenhenrich L. , Dubakiene R. , Drasutiene G. , Fiocchi A. , Dahdah L. , Sprikkelman A. B. , Schoemaker A. A. , Roberts G. , Grimshaw K. , Kowalski M. L. , Stanczyk‐Przyluska A. , Sigurdardottir S. , Clausen M. , Papadopoulos N. G. , Mitsias D. , Rosenfeld L. , Reche M. , Pascual C. , Reich A. , Hourihane J. , Wahn U. , Mills E. N. C. , Mackie A. , Beyer K.
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: McBride D, Keil T, Grabenhenrich L, Dubakiene R, Drasutiene G, Fiocchi A, Dahdah L, Sprikkelman AB, Schoemaker AA, Roberts G, Grimshaw K, Kowalski ML, Stanczyk‐Przyluska A, Sigurdardottir S, Clausen M, Papadopoulos NG, Mitsias D, Rosenfeld L, Reche M, Pascual C, Reich A, Hourihane J, Wahn U, Mills ENC, Mackie A, Beyer K. The EuroPrevall birth cohort study on food allergy: baseline characteristics of 12,000 newborns and their families from nine European countries. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 230–239.

It is unclear why some children develop food allergy. The EuroPrevall birth cohort was established to examine regional differences in the prevalence and risk factors of food allergy in European children using gold‐standard diagnostic criteria. The aim of this report was to describe pre‐, post‐natal and environmental characteristics among the participating countries. In nine countries across four major European climatic regions, mothers and their newborns were enrolled from October 2005 through February 2010. Using standardized questionnaires, we assessed allergic diseases and self‐reported food hypersensitivity of parents and siblings, nutrition during pregnancy, nutritional supplements, medications, mode of delivery, socio‐demographic data and home environmental exposures. A total of 12,049 babies and their families were recruited. Self‐reported adverse reactions to food ever were considerably more common in mothers from Germany (30%), Iceland, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands (all 20–22%) compared with those from Italy (11%), Lithuania, Greece, Poland, and Spain (all 5–8%). Prevalence estimates of parental asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema were highest in north‐west (Iceland, UK), followed by west (Germany, the Netherlands), south (Greece, Italy, Spain) and lowest in central and east Europe (Poland, Lithuania). Over 17% of Spanish and Greek children were exposed to tobacco smoke in utero compared with only 8–11% in other countries. Caesarean section rate was highest in Greece (44%) and lowest in Spain (<3%). We found country‐specific differences in antibiotic use, pet ownership, type of flooring and baby’s mattress. In the EuroPrevall birth cohort study, the largest study using gold‐standard diagnostic criteria for food allergy in children worldwide, we found considerable country‐specific baseline differences regarding a wide range of factors that are hypothesized to play a role in the development of food allergy including allergic family history, obstetrical practices, pre‐ and post‐natal environmental exposures.
Psychosocial Assessment Tool 2.0_General: Validity of a psychosocial risk screener in a pediatric kidney transplant sample
Authors: Pai Ahna L. H. , Tackett Alayna , Ittenbach Richard F. , Goebel Jens
Published: December 2011

Pai ALH, Tackett A, Ittenbach RF, Goebel J. Psychosocial Assessment Tool 2.0_General: Validity of a psychosocial risk screener in a pediatric kidney transplant sample.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 92–98. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: To present the preliminary psychometric properties of the PAT2.0_GEN, a brief, caregiver completed screener of psychosocial for children who were recipients of kidney transplants. Caregivers of 45 children and adolescents with kidney transplants completed the PAT2.0_GEN and the PedsQL. Internal consistency and predictive validity of the PAT2.0 were examined. Internal consistency for the PAT2.0_GEN Total score was strong. Internal consistency for the PAT2.0_GEN subscales ranged from 0.31 to 0.82. Evidence supporting convergent validity was observed; higher PAT2.0_GEN scores were significantly associated with lower caregiver‐ and self‐rated patient quality of life and poorer family communication. PAT2.0_GEN scores were also associated with an increased likelihood that a patient received or had been independently referred for psychological services within two yr of completing the PAT2.0_GEN. The PAT2.0_GEN Total score is a promising screening tool for psychosocial risk in the pediatric kidney transplant population.
Outcome of spontaneous and iatrogenic pneumothoraces managed with small‐bore chest tubes
Authors: GALBOIS A. , ZORZI L. , MEURISSE S. , KERNÉIS S. , MARGETIS D. , ALVES M. , AIT‐OUFELLA H. , BAUDEL J.‐L. , OFFENSTADT G. , MAURY E. , GUIDET B.
Published: December 2011

Background

Little is known about the efficacy of management of iatrogenic pneumothoraces with small‐bore chest tubes. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of iatrogenic pneumothoraces requiring drainage managed with a small‐bore chest tube and to compare the results to spontaneous pneumothoraces treated in the same unit with the same device. The primary outcome was requirement of video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for drainage failure; secondary outcomes were length of drainage and number of inserted chest tubes.

Methods

Patients with pneumothorax admitted between 1997 and 2007 were retrospectively identified. Traumatic pneumothoraces and those occurring under mechanical ventilation were excluded. All pneumothoraces were drained using the same small‐bore chest tube (8 French) according to our local protocol.

Results

Five hundred sixty‐one pneumothoraces were analysed, 431 (76.8%) were spontaneous pneumothoraces and 130 (23.2%) were iatrogenic. Iatrogenic pneumothoraces were associated with less requirement of video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for drainage failure [adjusted odds ratio= 0.24 (0.04, 0.86)]. Length of drainage of iatrogenic pneumothoraces was longer than for primary spontaneous pneumothoraces (3.8 ± 3.1 vs. 2.7 ± 1.8 days, P < 0.001) and shorter than for secondary spontaneous pneumothoraces (4.6 ± 2.3 days, P = 0.004). Number of inserted chest tubes per patient was not significantly different according to pneumothoraces' aetiology.

Conclusion

Small‐bore chest tubes are feasible for treatment of iatrogenic pneumothoraces and have a better rate of success and slightly longer drainage duration than when used for spontaneous pneumothoraces.
Role of active nitrogen molecules in progression of septic shock
Authors: KOTHARI N. , BOGRA J. , KOHLI M. , MALIK A. , KOTHARI D. , SRIVASTAVA S. , KESHARI R.S. , SINGH V. , BARTHWAL M.K. , DIKSHIT M.
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Active nitrogen molecules are formed as a result of cell metabolism. They are essential for cell metabolism, but when produced in excess, they contribute to the pathogenesis of several disease processes. These nitrogen molecules play an important role in vascular instability of septic shock. This study was planned to detect the role of active nitrogen molecules in the progression of septic shock.

Materials and methods

Blood samples were collected from 118 critically ill patients admitted in ICU and from 95 healthy relatives accompanying the patients. Patients were categorized into three groups: systemic inflammatory response syndrome (n = 54), sepsis (n = 35) and septic shock (n = 29). Plasma total nitrite (nitrites and nitrates), cytokines like tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and plasma lactate were measured to assess inflammatory activity and severity of septic shock.

Results

High plasma levels of nitrite and nitrate (No2‐/No3‐) were observed in critically ill patients (mean level 78.92 μmol/l in sepsis and 97.20 μmol/l in septic shock). Mean plasma TNF‐α level in sepsis was 213.50 pg/ml and septic shock was 227.38 pg/ml.

Conclusion

Plasma No2‐/No3‐ and TNF‐α levels were high in patients with sepsis and septic shock, which increased with severity of sepsis.
Lack of agreement and trending ability of the endotracheal cardiac output monitor compared with thermodilution
Authors: MØLLER‐SØRENSEN H. , HANSEN K. L. , ØSTERGAARD M. , ANDERSEN L. W. , MØLLER K.
Published: December 2011

Background

Minimally invasive monitoring systems of central haemodynamics are gaining increasing popularity. The present study investigated the precision of the endotracheal cardiac output monitor (ECOM) system and its agreement with pulmonary artery catheter thermodilution (PAC TD) for measuring cardiac output (CO) during steady state and with induced haemodynamic changes in patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients were enrolled. After induction of anaesthesia, endotracheal intubation using a dedicated ECOM tube, and insertion of the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), the patient was placed in the following successive positions: (a) supine, (b) head‐down tilt, (c) head‐up tilt, (d) supine, (e) supine with phenylephrine administration. CO was measured simultaneously using the ECOM and the PAC.

Results

Both methods showed an equally good precision < 10%. Compared to PAC TD, the ECOM system was associated with a bias in supine position of −0.45 l/min (95% confidence interval: −0.86; −0.05), limits of agreement −2.40 l/min to 1.49 l/min and a percentage error of 41.0%. There was no agreement in trending ability between the two methods, with a concordance rate of 30%, shown in a four‐quadrant plot.

Conclusion

In a direct comparison with PAC TD, the ECOM system did not show an acceptable agreement, with wide limits of agreement, a much larger percentage error than should be expected from the precision of the two methods and a very poor trending ability. Thus, the ECOM does not replace measurements done by thermodilution using a pulmonary artery catheter in cardiac surgery patients.
Physiological implications of genomic state in parthenogenetic lizards of reciprocal hybrid origin
Authors: ROBERTS J. A. , VO H. D. , FUJITA M. K. , MORITZ C. , KEARNEY M.
Published: December 2011

Parthenogenesis often evolves in association with hybridization, but the associated ecological consequences are poorly understood. The Australian geckoHeteronotia binoeiis unusual because triploid parthenogenesis evolved through reciprocal crosses between two sexual lineages, resulting in four possible cytonuclear genotypes. In this species complex, we compared the performance of these parthenogenetic genotypes with their sexual progenitors for a suite of physiological traits (metabolic rate, thermal tolerance, locomotor performance, andin vitroactivity and gene sequence divergence of a cytonuclear metabolic pathway, cytochrome C oxidase). Mass‐specific metabolic rate scaled differently with body mass for parthenogens and sexuals, while heat tolerance provided the only evidence for cytonuclear incompatibility in hybrid parthenogens. The most prominent phenotypic effects were attributable to nuclear genome dosage. Overall, our results suggest that the hybrid/polyploidy origin of parthenogeneticH. binoeihas had surprisingly few negative fitness consequences and may have produced a broader overall niche for the species.
Neuropathology and omics in motor neuron diseases
Authors: Tanaka Fumiaki , Ikenaka Kensuke , Yamamoto Masahiko , Sobue Gen
Published: December 2011

Motor neuron diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are devastating disorders and effective therapies have not yet been established. One of the reasons for this lack of therapeutics, especially in sporadic ALS (SALS), is attributed to the absence of excellent disease models reflecting its pathology. For this purpose, identifying important key molecules for ALS pathomechanisms and developing disease models is crucial, and omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, have been employed. In particular, transcriptome analysis using cDNA microarray is the most popular omics approach and we have previously identified dynactin‐1 as an important molecule downregulated in the motor neurons of SALS patients from the early stage of the disease. Dynactin‐1 is also known as a causative gene in familial ALS (FALS). Dynactin‐1 is a major component of the dynein/dynactin motor protein complex functioning in retrograde axonal transport. In motor neuron diseases as well as other neurodegenerative diseases, the role of axonal transport dysfunction in their pathogenesis always draws attention, but its precise mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In this article, we review our previous omics approach to SALS and the role of dynactin‐1 in the pathogenesis of ALS. Finally, we emphasize the need for creating novel SALS disease models based on the results of omics analysis, especially based on the observation that dynactin‐1 gene expression was downregulated in SALS motor neurons.
P/Q‐type and T‐type calcium channels, but not type 3 transient receptor potential cation channels, are involved in inhibition of dendritic growth after chronic metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 and protein kinase C activation in cerebellar Purkinje cells
Authors: Gugger Olivia S. , Hartmann Jana , Birnbaumer Lutz , Kapfhammer Josef P.
Published: December 2011

The development of a neuronal dendritic tree is modulated both by signals from afferent fibers and by an intrinsic program. We have previously shown that chronic activation of either type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1s) or protein kinase C (PKC) in organotypic cerebellar slice cultures of mice and rats severely inhibits the growth and development of the Purkinje cell dendritic tree. The signaling events linking receptor activation to the regulation of dendritic growth remain largely unknown. We have studied whether channels allowing the entry of Ca2+ into Purkinje cells, in particular the type 3 transient receptor potential cation channels (TRPC3s), P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels, and T‐type Ca2+ channels, might be involved in signaling after mGluR1 or PKC stimulation. We show that the inhibition of dendritic growth seen after mGluR1 or PKC stimulation is partially rescued by pharmacological blockade of P/Q‐type and T‐type Ca2+ channels, indicating that activation of these channels mediating Ca2+ influx contributes to the inhibition of dendritic growth. In contrast, the absence of Ca2+ ‐permeable TRPC3s in TRPC3‐deficient mice or pharmacological blockade had no effect on mGluR1‐mediated and PKC‐mediated inhibition of Purkinje cell dendritic growth. Similarly, blockade of Ca2+ influx through glutamate receptor δ2 or R‐type Ca2+ channels or inhibition of release from intracellular stores did not influence mGluR1‐mediated and PKC‐mediated inhibition of Purkinje cell dendritic growth. These findings suggest that both T‐type and P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels, but not TRPC3 or other Ca2+‐permeable channels, are involved in mGluR1 and PKC signaling leading to the inhibition of dendritic growth in cerebellar Purkinje cells.
Consent for pediatric anesthesia: an observational study
Authors: Lagana Zoe , Foster Andrew , Bibbo Adriana , Dowling Kate , Cyna Allan M.
Published: December 2011

Background:  Informed consent prior to anesthesia is an important part of the pediatric pre‐anesthetic consultation. This study aimed to observe and identify the number and nature of the anesthesia risks considered and communicated to parents/guardians and children during the pediatric informed consent process on the day of elective surgery.

Methods:  A convenience sample of anesthetists had their pre‐anesthesia consultations voice recorded, prior to elective surgery, during a 4‐month period at the largest tertiary referral centre for pediatric care in South Australia. A data collection form was used to note baseline demographic data, and voice recording transcripts were independently documented by two researchers and subsequently compared for accuracy regarding the number and nature of risks discussed.

Results:  Of the 96 voice recordings, 91 (92%) were suitable for the analysis. The five most commonly discussed risks were as follows: nausea and vomiting (36%); sore throat (35%); allergy (29%); hypoxia (25%); and emergence delirium (19%). Twenty‐seven pre‐anesthetic consultations (30%) were found to have had no discussion of anesthetic risk at all while a further 23 consultations (26%) incorporated general statements inferring that anesthesia carried risks, but with no elaboration about their nature, ramifications or incidence. The median number of risks (IQR) specifically mentioned per consultation was higher, 3 (1) vs 1 (1), P < 0.05, when the consultation was performed by a trainee rather than a consultant anesthetist and when the patient had previous anesthesia experience odds ratio 0.34, 95% CI [0.13, 0.87], P = 0.025.

Conclusions:  The pediatric anesthesia risk discussion is very variable. Trainees tend to discuss more specific risks than consultants and a patient’s previous experience of anesthesia was associated with a more limited discussion of anesthesia risk.
Is black tea consumption associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Ruxton C. H. S. , Mason P.
Published: December 2011

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease represent major causes of morbidity, which impact greatly on healthcare expenditure. Clinical studies suggest that ingestion of black tea, which contains a range of bioactive compounds, can inhibit oxidative damage and improve endothelial function. The objectives of this review are to: (1) evaluate observational evidence linking black tea consumption with the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes; (2) consider the mechanisms by which black tea may have a protective effect; and (3) examine the potential role of tea drinking in relation to public health.

The findings from epidemiological studies suggested a significant association between regular black tea consumption and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease at around three or more cups per day. For diabetes risk, the data are restricted to a few large cohort studies that suggested a beneficial association at one to four cups daily. These findings need to be confirmed by intervention trials. While some studies suggest that drinking black tea may reduce the risk of stroke, likely mechanisms remain unclear, highlighting the need for more human intervention studies. Disparities found involving studies may have been influenced by variations in reported tea intakes, limited sample sizes in intervention trials and inadequate control of confounders. In conclusion, drinking black tea may have a role in lowering the risk of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Future research should focus on controlled trials and studies to elucidate likely mechanisms of action.
Daylight photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis: an international consensus
Authors: Wiegell S.R. , Wulf H.C. , Szeimies R.‐M. , Basset‐Seguin N. , Bissonnette R. , Gerritsen M.‐J.P. , Gilaberte Y. , Calzavara‐Pinton P. , Morton C.A. , Sidoroff A. , Braathen L.R.
Published: December 2011

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an attractive therapy for non‐melanoma skin cancers including actinic keratoses (AKs) because it allows treatment of large areas; it has a high response rate and results in an excellent cosmesis. However, conventional PDT for AKs is associated with inconveniently long clinic visits and discomfort during therapy. In this article, we critically review daylight‐mediated PDT, which is a simpler and more tolerable treatment procedure for PDT. We review the effective light dose, efficacy and safety, the need for prior application of sunscreen, and potential clinical scope of daylight‐PDT. Three randomized controlled studies have shown that daylight‐mediated PDT is an effective treatment of thin AKs. Daylight‐mediated PDT is nearly pain‐free and more convenient for both the clinics and patients. Daylight‐mediated PDT is especially suited for patients with large field‐cancerized areas, which can easily be exposed to daylight. Further investigations are necessary to determine at which time of the year and in which weather conditions daylight‐mediated PDT will be possible in different geographical locations.
Trioza hopeae sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Triozidae): A pest on Hopea odorata (Malvales: Dipterocarpaceae) in Vietnam
Authors: BURCKHARDT Daniel , VU Nga Thi
Published: December 2011

Trioza hopeae sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Vietnam. Trioza hopeae develops on Hopea odorata, a valuable timber tree on which it causes serious damage by inducing leaf galls. The new species is closely related to Trioza minuta (Mathur) comb. nov. (from Ceropsylla Riley), an Indian species associated with Shorea robusta. Differences between the two species are discussed. Another five Indian species are transferred here from Ceropsylla to Trioza Foerster as T. ferruginea (Mathur, 1975) comb. nov., T. fulvida (Mathur, 1975) comb. nov., T. indica (Kandasamy, 1986) comb. nov., T. longivenata (Kandasamy, 1986) comb. nov., and T. parvus (Kandasamy, 1986) comb. nov.
Esophageal Electric Fields are Predictive of Atrial Defibrillation Thresholds
Authors: FITCH DAVID A. , SOBERMAN JUDITH , DE JONGH CURRY AMY L.
Published: December 2011

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia characterized by disorganized cardiac electrical activity. Defibrillation electrode placement has been shown to affect the amount of energy and number of shocks required to defibrillate. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between esophageal electric fields (EEFs) and atrial defibrillation thresholds (ADFTs) to determine the feasibility of using EEFs during a low‐strength shock to predict patient‐specific defibrillation electrode placements.

Methods:

AF was induced and defibrillated according to a Bayesian four‐shock protocol for 12‐electrode placements in six pigs. EEFs were measured during each of the four shocks of the protocol and during a 1‐J shock for each electrode placement. Squared EEFs (EEF2s) during all shocks were compared to the ADFTs using a linear regression.

Results:

There was a negative relationship between EEF2s during the 1‐J shocks and ADFTs, with median R2 values of 0.863 and 0.840 for anterior–anterior (AA) and anterior–posterior (AP) electrode placements, respectively. There was a strong, positive relationship between applied energy and EEF2s, with median R2 values of at least 0.866 for all animals. The placement with the highest EEF2 resulted in the lowest ADFT for both AA and AP placements in four of six pigs. In the other two animals, this held for one electrode set but not both.

Conclusions:

There was a strong negative relationship between EEF2s during 1‐J shocks and ADFTs for both AA and AP electrode placements. These preliminary results suggest that using EEF2s to predict patient‐specific electrode placements is feasible. (PACE 2011;1–6)
Cosmological Christology: Arthur Peacocke, John Polkinghorne and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin in Dialogue
Authors: O'Collins Gerald
Published: December 2011

Arthur Peacocke, a biochemist turned theologian, accepted Christ's personal resurrection but not his bodily resurrection from the grave. He argued from Paul's silence about the discovery of the empty tomb, from Christ's sharing fully in our human condition, and from the irreversible processes of nature. John Polkinghorne, a physicist turned theologian, has maintained that Paul's view of resurrection implies an empty tomb, that Christ's resurrection from the grave has revealed the transformed destiny of matter, and that, for good reasons, God can suspend and change the laws of nature. In Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's vision of an evolving world, Christ's resurrection from the grave released a new force of love and revealed the spiritual destiny of matter. With Polkinghorne he shared a hope for the transformation of the universe, a process initiated by the glorious raising of Jesus’ crucified body.
Effects of the TAT Peptide Orientation and Relative Location on the Protein Transduction Efficiency
Authors: Guo Qingguo , Zhao Guojie , Hao Fengjin , Guan Yifu
Published: December 2011

To understand the protein transduction domain (PTD)‐mediated protein transduction behavior and to explore its potential in delivering biopharmaceutic drugs, we prepared four TAT–EGFP conjugates: TAT(+)–EGFP, TAT(−)–EGFP, EGFP–TAT(+) and EGFP–TAT(−), where TAT(+) and TAT(−) represent the original and the reversed TAT sequence, respectively. These four TAT–EGFP conjugates were incubated with HeLa and PC12 cells forin vitrostudy as well as injected intraperitoneally to mice forin vivostudy. Flow cytometric results showed that four TAT–EGFP conjugates were able to traverse HeLa and PC12 cells with almost equal transduction efficiency. Thein vivostudy showed that the TAT–EGFP conjugates could be delivered into different organs of mice with different transduction capabilities. Bioinformatic analyses and CD spectroscopic data revealed that the TAT peptide has no defined secondary structure, and conjugating the TAT peptide to the EGFP cargo protein would not alter the native structure and the function of the EGFP protein. These results conclude that the sequence orientation, the spatial structure, and the relative location of the TAT peptide have much less effect on the TAT‐mediated protein transduction. Thus, the TAT‐fused conjugates could be constructed in more convenient and flexible formats for a wide range of biopharmaceutical applications.
Skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration in AMPKα2 kinase‐dead mice
Authors: Larsen S. , Kristensen J. M. , Stride N. , Wojtaszewski J. F. P. , Helge J. W. , Dela F.
Published: December 2011

Aim:

To study whether the phenotypical characteristics (exercise intolerance; reduced spontaneous activity) of the AMPKα2 kinase‐dead (KD) mice can be explained by a reduced mitochondrial respiratory flux rates (JO2) in skeletal muscle. Secondly, the effect of the maturation process on JO2 was studied.

Methods:

In tibialis anterior (almost exclusively type 2 fibres) muscle from young (12–17 weeks, n = 7) and mature (25–27 weeks, n = 12) KD and wild‐type (WT) (12–17 weeks, n = 9; 25–27 weeks, n = 11) littermates, JO2 was quantified in permeabilized fibres ex vivo by respirometry, using a substrate‐uncoupler‐inhibitor‐titration (SUIT) protocol: malate, octanoyl carnitine, ADP and glutamate (GMO3), + succinate (GMOS3), + uncoupler (U) and inhibitor (rotenone) of complex I respiration. Citrate synthase (CS) activity was measured as an index of mitochondrial content.

Results:

Citrate synthase activity was highest in young WT animals and lower in KD animals compared with age‐matched WT. JO2 per mg tissue was lower (P < 0.05) in KD animals (state GMOS3). No uncoupling effect was seen in any of the animals. Normalized oxygen flux (JO2/CS) revealed a uniform pattern across the SUIT protocol with no effect of KD. However, JO2/CS was higher [GMO3, GMOS3, U and rotenone (only WT)] in the mature compared with the young mice – irrespective of the genotype (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Exercise intolerance and reduced activity level seen in KD mice may be explained by reduced JO2 in the maximally coupled respiratory state. Furthermore, an enhancement of oxidative phosphorylation capacity per mitochondrion is seen with the maturation process.
Are systemizing and autistic traits related to talent and interest in mathematics and engineering? Testing some of the central claims of the empathizing–systemizing theory
Authors: Morsanyi Kinga , Primi Caterina , Handley Simon J. , Chiesi Francesca , Galli Silvia
Published: December 2011

In two experiments, we tested some of the central claims of the empathizing–systemizing (E‐S) theory. Experiment 1 showed that the systemizing quotient (SQ) was unrelated to performance on a mathematics test, although it was correlated with statistics‐related attitudes, self‐efficacy, and anxiety. In Experiment 2, systemizing skills, and gender differences in these skills, were more strongly related to spatial thinking styles than to SQ. In fact, when we partialled the effect of spatial thinking styles, SQ was no longer related to systemizing skills. Additionally, there was no relationship between the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the SQ, or skills and interest in mathematics and mechanical reasoning. We discuss the implications of our findings for the E‐S theory, and for understanding the autistic cognitive profile.
Semantic Applications Enabling Reasoning in Product Assembly Ontologies—Moving Past Modeling
Authors: Zhu Lijuan , Jayaram Uma , Kim OkJoon
Published: December 2011

In this paper, the authors postulate an approach to introduce reasoning capabilities into ontologies in the product assembly domain in order to truly exploit these logic-based and formal representations for product data. A model containing semantic applications with multiple reasoning units in logic reasoning layer of a layered semantic application architecture is proposed. Retrieval specifications and inference rules in SWRL/SQWRL are defined in these reasoning units. Besides, local-based user interfaces have been developed to allow product engineers to submit reasoning tasks and view querying retrievals or inference results. The approach and semantic applications are illustrated with two case studies in the product assembly domain. It is demonstrated that this approach not only enables existing product data to be queried and retrieved but also enables new product data, which is not explicitly expressed in the ontology models, to be derived. It is concluded that the reasoning mechanism exploits and extends the semantic representation made possible through the ontology and thus holds promise for improved knowledge discovery and understanding.