bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered physiology of acid secretion in depression‐prone Flinders rats results in exacerbated NSAID and stress‐induced gastric damage
Authors: Padol I. T. , Wang C. , Hunt R. H.
Published: November 2011

Background  Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rats are characterized by hypersensitivity to cholinergic stimuli and have been extensively used for studying depressive disorders. A link between depression and peptic ulcers has long been established; however, there is a lack of data from animal models.

Methods  We studied the physiology of acid secretion in FSL and Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) rats in vivo and in vitro. We also examined the susceptibility of Flinders rats to water immersion restraint stress (WIRS) or NSAID‐induced gastric damage and explored the effect of an anticholinergic agent, atropine, in reversing this effect.

Key Results  Basal acid output was more than twofold greater in FSL compared with FRL rats in vivo, 213.5 and 92.8 μEq/3 h/100 g (P = 0.02), respectively. Carbachol was a more potent secretagog in vitro, and somatostatin was a less potent inhibitory agent, while paradoxically stimulating acid secretion over and above the carbachol response in gastric glands from FSL rats. The FSL rats were more susceptible to indomethacin and WIRS‐induced gastric mucosal damage compared with FRL rats. Atropine reduced acid output, which resulted in a reduction in indomethacin and stress‐induced gastric damage in FSL rats.

Conclusions & Inferences  Our study, for the first time, demonstrates that the altered vagally mediated physiology of acid secretion in depression‐prone FSL rats contributes to gastric hypersecretion and, consequently, results in exacerbated stress and NSAID‐induced gastric damage. Flinders rats may be a useful animal model for studying acid‐related and also gastrointestinal functional disorders in depression.
The novel allele HLA‐B*35:167 differs from HLA‐B*35:03:01 by the amino acid exchange Val152Glu
Authors: Gras C. , Immenschuh S. , Eiz‐Vesper B. , Blasczyk R. , Figueiredo C.
Published: November 2011

HLA‐B*35:167 allele differs from HLA‐B*35:03:01 and HLA‐B*35:70 by an amino acid exchange at position 152.
Donor cell‐derived acute myeloid leukemia after second allogenic cord blood transplantation in a patient with Fanconi anemia
Authors: Gustafsson Britt , Moell Jacob , LeBlanc Katarina , Barbany Gisela , Söderhäll Stefan , Winiarski Jacek
Published: November 2011

Gustafsson B, Moell J, LeBlanc K, Barbany G, Söderhäll S, Winiarski J. Donor cell‐derived acute myeloid leukemia after second allogenic cord blood transplantation in a patient with Fanconi anemia. Pediatr Transplantation 2011. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  DCL following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been reported in approximately 5% of all leukemic relapses. There have been several reports on DCL, mainly AML after umbilical cord blood transplantation. In this case study, we present a young boy diagnosed with Fanconi anemia who underwent an umbilical cord blood transplantation. Because of the graft failure, he was retransplanted one month later, also with a cord blood transplant. Two years after the second transplant, he developed AML, where 100% of the cells were of female donor origin. The donor, a now 14‐yr‐old female, was recently reported healthy.
Transjugular liver biopsy in pediatric patients with left split liver transplantation and severe coagulation impairment
Authors: Miraglia Roberto , Maruzzelli Luigi , Spada Marco , Riva Silvia , Luca Angelo , Gridelli Bruno
Published: November 2011

Miraglia R, Maruzzelli L, Spada M, Riva S, Luca A, Gridelli B. Transjugular liver biopsy in pediatric patients with left split liver transplantation and severe coagulation impairment.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 58–62. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The aim of this study is to report our experience in TJLB performed in pediatric patients who underwent partial LT using a left lateral segments graft. Eight consecutive TJLBs were performed in six patients with contraindication to percutaneous biopsy owing to severe coagulation impairment and ascites. All procedures were performed using an 18‐gauge automated core needle biopsy. Median age of the patients was 44 months (range, 11–198). Median patients’ weight was 13 kg (range, 8–45). Technical success was achieved in all cases without complications. The specimens were adequate for the diagnosis in all cases.
Significant background rates of HBV and HCV infections in patients and risks of blood transfusion from donors with low anti‐HBc titres or high anti‐HBc titres with high anti‐HBs titres in Japan: a prospective, individual NAT study of transfusion‐transmitted HBV, HCV and HIV infections
Authors: Tani Y. , Aso H. , Matsukura H. , Tadokoro K. , Tamori A. , Nishiguchi S. , Yoshizawa H. , Shibata H. ,   JRC NAT Screening Research Group
Published: November 2011

Background  The Japanese Red Cross (JRC) conducted a prospective study to evaluate the frequency of transfusion‐transmitted HBV, HCV and HIV infections to assess the risk of transfusion of blood components routinely supplied to hospitals.

Study Design and Methods  Post‐transfusion specimens from patients at eight medical institutes were examined for evidence of infection with HBV (2139 cases), HCV (2091) and HIV (2040) using individual nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT). If these specimens were reactive, pre‐transfusion specimens were also examined for the virus concerned by individual NAT. In the event that the pre‐transfusion specimen was non‐reactive, then all repository specimens from implicated donors were tested for the viruses by individual donation NAT. In addition, a further study was carried out to evaluate the risk of transfusion of components from donors with low anti‐HBc titres or high anti‐HBc with high anti‐HBs titres.

Results  Transfusion‐transmitted HCV and HIV infections were not observed. One case of post‐transfusion HBV infection was identified (rate, 0·0004675; 95% CI for the risk of transmission, 1 in 451–41 841). The background rates of HBV, HCV and HIV infections in patients prior to transfusion were 3·4% (72/2139), 7·2% (150/2091) and 0% (0/2040), respectively. Sixty‐four anti‐HBc‐ and/or anti‐HBs‐reactive blood components were transfused to 52 patients non‐reactive for anti‐HBc or anti‐HBs before and after transfusion (rate, 0; 95% CI for the risk of transmission, <1 in 22).

Conclusion  This study demonstrated that the current criteria employed by JRC have a low risk, but the background rates of HBV and HCV infections in Japanese patients are significant.
Testing the Threat‐Sensitive Hypothesis with Predator Familiarity and Dietary Specificity
Authors: Crawford Brian A. , Hickman Caleb R. , Luhring Thomas M.
Published: November 2011

In a system with multiple predators, the threat‐sensitive predator avoidance hypothesis predicts that prey respond differently to predators relative to the risks each poses (e.g., degree of dietary specialization). Aquatic animals often rely heavily on detecting predators via chemical cues (kairomones) and respond with a suite of behaviors including detection and avoidance. However, little is known about how animals respond to kairomones of specialist versus generalist predators. In laboratory experiments, we compared behavioral responses of a poorly studied aquatic salamander, the greater siren (Siren lacertina), to cues from specialist and generalist predator snakes to evaluate threat‐sensitive responses. Sirens exhibited a novel behavior (gill‐flushing) most often in the presence of specialist predator cues. Avoidance behavior (reversing direction following cue detection) was higher in response to specialist predator and novel animal control cues and lowest in response to generalist predator cues. An intermediate response to the animal control, an unfamiliar amphibian predator, indicated that sirens respond cautiously to a novel cue. The gradient of observed responses to different snake cues indicates that sirens may be evaluating predation potential of animals based on their foraging specificity and familiarity.
Occurrence of Hop Stunt Viroid in Mulberry (Morus alba) in Lebanon and Italy
Authors: Elbeaino Toufic , Kubaa Raied Abou , Choueiri Elia , Digiaro Michele , Navarro Beatriz
Published: November 2011

The presence of Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) was detected using RT‐PCR and Northern blot hybridization in five of 60 samples from symptomless mulberry trees (Morus alba) collected in Italian and Lebanese orchards in July 2010. Infection levels were c. 10% in Lebanese and 8% in Italian samples. Nucleotide alignments showed that sequences of the mulberry HSVd isolates shared 95–96% identity with those of the same viroid occurring elsewhere. In a phylogenetic tree, mulberry HSVd isolates clustered together with those of HSVd‐citrus, regardless of their geographical origin. This is the first report of infection in mulberry trees by HSVd.
First Report of Rhizoctonia solani AG 8 on Wheat in Turkey
Authors: Ünal Fİlİz , Sara Dolar Fatma
Published: November 2011

A survey was conducted in Ankara and Eskisehir provinces of Turkey for determining anastomosis groups and pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia species associated with root and crown rot of wheat. Pathogenicity tests revealed that Rhizoctonia solani AG 8 caused the common symptoms of damping‐off and stunting.
Spatial Pattern of Phomopsis Cane and Leaf Spot Symptoms in Commercial Vineyards in Ohio
Authors: Nita Mizuho , Ellis Michael A. , Madden Laurence V.
Published: November 2011

Spatial patterns of incidence of Phomopsis cane and leaf spot were examined using 57 data sets obtained from a statewide survey of grape vineyards in Ohio from 2002–2004. To characterize small‐scale patterns at the vine scale or below, discrete‐distributional analyses were used to quantify the heterogeneity of disease incidence within vineyards. The number of diseased leaves and internodes (out of 15) per sampling unit was better fitted by the beta‐binomial than the binomial distribution in 67% and 91% of the cases, respectively. The index of aggregation was significantly >1 for 78% and 98% of the cases for diseased leaves and internodes, respectively. These results indicated aggregation of this disease at an individual vine scale (or lower). Conversely, there was little evidence of aggregation at scales larger than a vine (e.g. disease foci extending beyond individual vines) for most vineyards based on Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs (SADIE). SADIE analysis suggested a random pattern of the count of diseased leaves and internodes in the majority (>86%) of the cases. Based on SADIE, there was significant (P ≤ 0.05) evidence of association between leaf and internode disease counts per vineyard in 75% of cases, indicating that the dispersal of inoculum from the previously infected wood tissues (canes) affected both leaf and internode in the same manner. In contrast, association of disease counts from one year to the next was only significant in approximately 15% of the cases, indicating the difficulty in predicting the level of disease in a section of a vineyard based on the previous year’s observations alone.
A Comovirus Infecting Rocket (Eruca sativa) in Brazil
Authors: Picoli Marcelo Henrique Savoldi , De Souto Eliezer Rodrigues , Da Silva Jaqueline Mnzatti , Carnelossi Patrícia Rosin , Garcia Alexandre , Almeida Álvaro Manuel Rodrigues
Published: November 2011

A virus related to Radish mosaic virus and Turnip ringspot virus (TuRSV) was found infecting rocket plants in Brazil. Predicted amino acids from partial viral RNA sequences placed it closer to TuRSV. We describe here the identification and partial characterization of the first comovirus found infecting a crucifer species in Brazil.
Male Sterility in three crop Lupinus species
Authors: Clements Jon C. , Wilson Julia , Sweetingham Mark W. , Quealy John , Francis Gordon
Published: November 2011

With 2 figures and 6 tables

Male sterility is described for the first time in lupin crop species Lupinus angustifolius L. and Lupinus luteus L. and is also characterized in the Andean lupin, Lupinus mutabilis Sweet. In L. angustifolius and L. luteus, male‐sterile plants were identified in artificially induced mutation populations, while in L. mutabilis, both naturally occurring and induced male‐sterile plants were selected. For L. angustifolius artificially induced sterility, the segregation ratios in F1, F2 and backcrosses showed a single‐gene recessive inheritance and was concluded to be of a nuclear rather than cytoplasmic form. In L. luteus, male‐sterile plants were recovered from an M3 mutation population derived from cv. ‘Wodjil’, and several were consistent with that of single recessive gene, most likely nuclear. A naturally occurring sterility in L. mutabilis was concluded to be cytoplasmic with identification of restorer and maintainer genotypes. The trait in L. mutabilis has greatly increased the rate of F1 seed set with zero selfing. Male sterility could be useful for increasing crossing efficiency in breeding programmes, for exploiting heterosis and for interspecific hybridization.
Phosphorylated α‐synuclein immunoreactivity in the posterior pituitary lobe
Authors: Homma Taku , Mochizuki Yoko , Mizutani Toshio
Published: November 2011

Parkinson's disease is now recognized as a major form of α‐synucleinopathy involving both the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, no research has focused on the posterior pituitary lobe (PPL), despite the fact that this organ also plays an important role in systemic homeostasis. In the present study, we aimed to distinguish phosphorylated α‐synuclein (pαSyn)‐positive deposits in the PPL, as is observed in Lewy body‐ and non‐Lewy body‐related disorders. PαSyn deposits were immunohistochemically analyzed using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded PPL specimens obtained from 60 autopsy cases. Among the cases with Lewy body‐related disorders, PPL pαSyn deposits were observed in almost all cases of Parkinson's disease (22/23), and in one case of dementia with Lewy bodies (1/1). On the other hand, only 3/36 cases of non‐Lewy body‐related disorders had pαSyn immunoreactivity in the PPL. The present study confirms the presence of pαSyn‐positive deposits, as demonstrated by high specificity (97.1%) and sensitivity (88.5%), in both Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, suggesting that this finding can be a useful hallmark of Lewy body‐related disorders.
Differential effects of anthropogenic edges and gaps on the reproduction of a forest‐dwelling plant: The role of plant reproductive effort and nectar robbing by bumblebees
Authors: MAGRACH AINHOA , SANTAMARÍA LUIS , LARRINAGA ASIER R.
Published: November 2011

Forest fragmentation produces sharp changes in the spatial configuration of remnant forest patches, which include the increasing influence of patch edges on the interior of forest patches (‘edge effects’). Human activities responsible for forest fragmentation tend also to change the internal characteristics of remnant patches, for example, through the creation of gaps by selective logging. While edges and gaps can be expected to cause comparable changes in the micro‐environmental conditions of the forest, their effects on forest‐dwelling species and their interactions are not necessarily comparable. This study compares the effect of forest edges and anthropogenic gaps on the reproductive success of a self‐incompatible epiphytic plant (Mitraria coccinea), mediated by changes in its relationship with mutualists (pollinators) and antagonists (flower larcenists). Mitraria coccinea's flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and robbed by the bumblebee Bombus dahlbomii. Edges and gaps had comparable positive effects on flower production and fruit set; however, nectar robbing was up to sevenfold higher in patches with numerous gaps and resulted in lower reproductive success (fruit set and total fruit crop). Forest fragmentation studies should therefore avoid treating forest remnants as homogeneous units (i.e. focusing exclusively on their characteristics and connectivity), without taking into account the internal heterogeneity caused by anthropogenic pressures (e.g. gaps and edge effects).
Experimental evidence for a phylogenetic Janzen–Connell effect in a subtropical forest
Authors: Liu Xubing , Liang Minxia , Etienne Rampal S. , Wang Yongfan , Staehelin Christian , Yu Shixiao
Published: November 2011

Ecology Letters (2011)

Observational evidence increasingly suggests that the Janzen–Connell effect extends beyond the species boundary. However, this has not been confirmed experimentally. Herein, we present both observational and experimental evidence for a phylogenetic Janzen–Connell effect. In a subtropical forest in Guangdong province, China, we observed that co‐occurring tree species are less phylogenetically related than expected. The inhibition effects of neighbouring trees on seedling survival decreased with increasing phylogenetic distance between them. In a shade‐house experiment, we studied seedling survival of eight species on soil collected close to Castanopsis fissa relative to their survival on soil close to their own adult trees, and found that this relative survival rate increased with phylogenetic distance from C. fissa. This phylogenetic signal disappeared when seedlings were planted in fungicide‐treated soil. Our results clearly support negative effects of phylogenetically similar neighbouring trees on seedling survival and suggest that these effects are caused by associated host‐specific fungal pathogens.
Rapid successions affect microbial N‐acetyl‐glucosamine uptake patterns during a lacustrine spring phytoplankton bloom
Authors: Eckert Ester M. , Salcher Michaela M. , Posch Thomas , Eugster Bettina , Pernthaler Jakob
Published: November 2011

The vernal successions of phytoplankton, heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) and viruses in temperate lakes result in alternating dominance of top‐down and bottom‐up factors on the bacterial community. This may lead to asynchronous blooms of bacteria with different life strategies and affect the channelling of particular components of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) through microbial food webs. We followed the dynamics of several bacterial populations and of other components of the microbial food web throughout the spring phytoplankton bloom period in a pre‐alpine lake, and we assessed bacterial uptake patterns of two constituents of the labile DOM pool (N‐acetyl‐glucosamine [NAG] and leucine). There was a clear genotypic shift within the bacterial assemblage, from fast growing Cytophaga–Flavobacteria (CF) affiliated with Fluviicola and from Betaproteobacteria (BET) of the Limnohabitans cluster to more grazing resistant AcI Actinobacteria (ACT) and to filamentous morphotypes. This was paralleled by successive blooms of viruses and HNF. We also noted the transient rise of other CF (related to Cyclobacteriaceae and Sphingobacteriaceae) that are not detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization with the general CF probe. Both, the average uptake rates of leucine and the fractions of leucine incorporating bacteria were approximately five to sixfold higher than of NAG. However, the composition of the NAG‐active community was much more prone to genotypic successions, in particular of bacteria with different life strategies: While ‘opportunistically’ growing BET and CF dominated NAG uptake in the initial period ruled by bottom‐up factors, ACT constituted the major fraction of NAG active cells during the subsequent phase of high predation pressure. This indicates that some ACT could profit from a substrate that might in parts have originated from the grazing of protists on their bacterial competitors.
Chironomid midges: a forgotten model of developmental biology research
Authors: Thorat Leena J. , Nath Bimalendu B.
Published: November 2011

For more than a century, embryologists have been exploring various model systems to gain insights into developmental processes. This article presents an overview of the role of chironomid midges in embryology research since their introduction as model organisms in the 19th century. We present the vestiges of bibliography since the days of Weismann (1834–1914), who raised preliminary queries to unravel many unique features of insect embryogenesis using midges as a crucible. Unfortunately, over the years, chironomid midges got lost into obscurity as a model for developmental biology, which is evident from the paucity of developmental biology–related literature on midges in the past decades. Through this essay, the authors intend to share reminiscences of the heydays of chironomid research with the wider community of zoologists with an aim of reviving chironomid embryology. Midges not only possess the basic qualities essential for an ideal model system, but being one of the ancestral dipteran stocks, they can also prove an excellent test system for evo‐devo, transgenetic, and embryogenomic investigations that utilize methodologies at the interface of developmental biology and high‐throughput molecular genetic and genomics approach. An introspection of re‐introducing chironomid midgesas model system will be rewarding for the contemporary developmental biologists.
Laptops meet schools, one‐one draw: m‐learning for secondary students with literacy difficulties
Authors: CONWAY PAUL F. , AMBERSON JESSICA
Published: November 2011

Mobile technology‐enhanced literacy initiatives have become a focus of efforts to support learning for students with literacy difficulties. The Laptops Initiative for Post‐Primary Students with Dyslexia or other Reading/Writing Difficulties offers insights into and addresses questions about ICT policy making regarding m‐learning technologies for students with literacy difficulties. Thirty‐one schools participated in this initiative. Adopting an intepretive perspective, research and data analysis centred on four school case studies and involved classroom observations, teacher, student and principal interviews as well as a survey of teachers in other participating schools. Findings are presented under three headings: laptop deployment models (fixed, floating and fostered), constraints and supports for teacher and student agency, and technology‐enhanced literacy pedagogy. We conclude by noting the increasing appeal of m‐learning to support literacy and how schools mediate access to laptops and associated literacy learning.
Which way next? What is the real choice for students leaving a special school?
Authors: ELSON NICOLA
Published: November 2011

Warnock advocated that all young people with learning difficulties should be entitled to an appropriate education beyond the compulsory age of 16. The purpose of the study was to investigate attitudes to post‐16 educational provision for students with special educational needs. What are the strengths and weaknesses of current provision and is it deemed adequate from the perspective of the student? The study reveals that despite many of Warnock's visions becoming a reality, many have not. For students with moderate learning difficulties the doors have, by and large, been opened to access mainstream further education provision at least to some extent. However, for those students with more severe difficulties, including autistic spectrum condition and profound and multiple learning difficulties, provision appears to be either inadequate or simply unavailable.
Effectiveness of the Coping Power Program in middle‐school children with disruptive behaviours and hyperactivity difficulties
Authors: JURECSKA DIOMARIS E. , HAMILTON ELIZABETH B. , PETERSON MARY A.
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this article is to discuss the effectiveness of the Coping Power Program (CPP); an evidence‐based treatment delivered in a group format to at‐risk middle‐school children. Initially, two groups were randomised and formed: an intervention group of 24 CPP sessions and a control group. All students were enrolled in public schools from two rural counties in the United States. Out of the 119 total participants 63 (37 male) were in the intervention and 56 (35 male) were in the control group. From the larger intervention group, a subset of students was identified as ‘significantly improved’. Using the Behavior Assessment Scale for Children‐2 (BASC‐2), a pre‐ and post‐intervention measure showed that students with clinically significant hyperactivity and behavioural difficulties scores were the most sensitive to the group intervention.
The impact of a professional development programme on teachers' attitudes towards inclusion
Authors: MALE DAWN B.
Published: November 2011

This article describes a study that aimed to answer the following question: ‘Will a programme of professional development in the area of special and inclusive education be effective in achieving attitudinal shift in teachers?’ Forty‐eight teachers who were enrolled on a Master's programme in Special and Inclusive Education were surveyed via a questionnaire at the beginning and end of a ten‐week introductory module. The results indicated overall attitudinal shift and attitudinal shift for four categories of inclusion to suggest more positive attitudes at the end of the module, compared with at the beginning. The implications for providers of pre‐ and in‐service education and training courses for teachers are discussed.
WORLD IMBALANCES AND MACROECONOMIC ADJUSTMENTS: A THREE‐COUNTRY STOCK‐FLOW CONSISTENT MODEL WITH FIXED OR FLEXIBLE PRICES
Authors: Mazier Jacques , Tiou‐Tagba Aliti Gnanonobodom
Published: November 2011

World macroeconomic adjustments are analysed with a three‐country Stock‐Flow Consistent (SFC) models. Three SFC models are considered, the first one with a fixed dollar–yuan parity including a version with Chinese foreign reserves' diversification, the second with a flexible dollar–yuan parity which can be freely floating or following a more managed float, the third one being a generalization of the two others with flexible prices instead of constant prices. The fixity of the dollar–yuan parity limits the adjustments facing shocks and world imbalances while a more flexible dollar–yuan exchange rate appears as a powerful adjustment mechanism to reduce these imbalances.
A NEO‐KALECKIAN MODEL OF PROFIT SHARING, CAPACITY UTILIZATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: Lima Gilberto Tadeu
Published: November 2011

This paper sets forth a Neo‐Kaleckian model of capacity utilization and growth with distribution featuring a profit‐sharing arrangement. While a given proportion of firms compensate workers with only a base wage, the remaining proportion do so with a base wage and a share of profits. Consistent with the empirical evidence, workers hired by profit‐sharing firms have a higher productivity than their counterparts in base‐wage firms. While a higher profit‐sharing coefficient raises capacity utilization and growth irrespective of the distribution of compensation strategies across firms, a higher frequency of profit‐sharing firms does likewise only if the profit‐sharing coefficient is sufficiently high.
Alpha‐adrenergic receptor gene polymorphisms and cardiovascular reactivity to stress in Black adolescents and young adults
Authors: Kelsey Robert M. , Alpert Bruce S. , Dahmer Mary K. , Krushkal Julia , Quasney Michael W.
Published: November 2011

Cardiovascular reactivity to stress and α‐adrenergic receptor (α‐AR) function may contribute to the development of hypertension. As Black Americans have an increased risk of hypertension, we evaluated associations between α1A‐AR (Arg492Cys), α2A‐AR (‐1291C/G), and α2B‐AR (Ins/Del301‐303) gene variants and cardiovascular reactivity in 500 normotensive Black youth. Heart rate, preejection period, total peripheral resistance, and blood pressure were measured during cold and psychological stress. The Arg492Cys polymorphism in the α1A‐AR gene was associated with heart rate reactivity to stress, but the association depended on sex. The ‐1291C/G promoter polymorphism in the α2A‐AR gene was associated with vascular reactivity to stress; vasoconstriction increased as a linear function of the number of copies of the variant G allele. Thus, specific associations emerged between genetic variations in α‐Ars and cardiovascular reactivity in young Blacks.
Different mental rotation strategies reflected in the rotation related negativity
Authors: ter Horst Arjan C. , Jongsma Marijtje L.A. , Janssen Lieneke K. , van Lier Rob , Steenbergen Bert
Published: November 2011

In a mental rotation task of objects, typically, reaction time (RT) increases and the rotation related negativity (RRN) increases in amplitude with increasing angles of rotation. However, in a mental rotation task of hands, different RT profiles can be observed for outward and inward rotated hands. In the present study, we examined the neurophysiological correlates of these asymmetries in the RT profiles. We used a mental rotation task with stimuli of left and right hands. In line with previous studies, the behavioral results showed a linear increase in RT for outward rotations, but not for inward rotations as a function of angular disparity. Importantly, the ERP results revealed an RRN for outward rotated stimuli, but not for inward rotated stimuli. This is the first study to show that the behaviorally observed differences in a mental rotation task of hands is also reflected at the neurophysiological level.
New genes that extend Caenorhabditis elegans’ lifespan in response to reproductive signals
Authors: McCormick Mark , Chen Kan , Ramaswamy Priya , Kenyon Cynthia
Published: November 2011

In Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila, removing germline stem cells increases lifespan. In C. elegans, this lifespan extension requires DAF‐16, a FOXO transcription factor, and DAF‐12, a nuclear hormone receptor. To better understand the regulatory relationships between DAF‐16 and DAF‐12, we used microarray analysis to identify downstream genes. We found that these two transcription factors influence the expression of distinct but overlapping sets of genes in response to loss of the germline. In addition, we identified several new genes that are required for loss of the germline to increase lifespan. One, phi‐62, encodes a conserved, predicted RNA‐binding protein. PHI‐62 influences DAF‐16‐dependent transcription, possibly by collaborating with TCER‐1, a putative transcription elongation factor, and FTT‐2, a 14‐3‐3 protein known to bind DAF‐16. Three other genes encode proteins involved in lipid metabolism; one is a triacylglycerol lipase, and another is an acyl‐CoA reductase. These genes do not noticeably affect bulk fat storage levels; therefore, we propose a model in which they may influence production of a lifespan‐extending signal or metabolite.
A comprehensive assessment of mitochondrial protein synthesis and cellular proliferation with age and caloric restriction
Authors: Miller Benjamin F. , Robinson Matthew M , Bruss Matthew D. , Hellerstein Marc , Hamilton Karyn L.
Published: November 2011

It is proposed that caloric restriction (CR) increases mitochondrial biogenesis. However, it is not clear why CR increases an energetically costly biosynthetic process. We hypothesized that 40% CR would decrease mitochondrial protein synthesis and would be regulated by translational rather than transcriptional mechanisms. We assessed cumulative mitochondrial protein synthesis over 6 weeks and its transcriptional and translational regulation in the liver, heart, and skeletal muscle of young (6 month), middle (12 month), and old (24 month) male B6D2F1 mice that were lifelong CR or ad lib (AL) controls. Mitochondrial protein synthesis was not different between AL and CR (fractional synthesis over 6 weeks (range): liver, 91–100%; heart, 74–85%; skeletal muscle, 53–72%) despite a decreased cellular proliferation in liver and heart with CR. With CR, there was an increase in AMP‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation/total (P:T) in heart and liver, and an increase in peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐α mRNA in all tissues, but not protein. Ribosomal protein S6 was decreased with CR. In conclusion, CR maintained mitochondrial protein synthesis while decreasing cellular proliferation during a time of energetic stress, which is consistent with the concept that CR increases somatic maintenance. Alternative mechanisms to global translation initiation may be responsible for selective translation of mitochondrial proteins.
Novel SLC39A4 Mutation in Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
Authors: Coromilas Alexandra , Brandling‐Bennett Heather A. , Morel Kimberly D. , Chung Wendy K.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is a rare autosomal‐recessive disorder characterized by dermatitis, alopecia, diarrhea, and retardation of growth and development. AE maps to 8q24.3 and is associated with mutations in the intestinal zinc transporter ZIP4 encoded by the gene SLC39A4. We describe a novel homozygous mutation, 1191insC, in SLC39A4 in a patient from Sierra Leone and suggest that AE should be considered within the differential diagnosis for acrodermatitis in children from Sierra Leone. Genetic testing for this founder mutation can be easily performed for this treatable disorder.
Atypical Diaper Dermatitis: Contact Allergy to Mercapto Compounds
Authors: ONKEN ANNA THERESA , BAUMSTARK JULIA , BELLONI BENEDETTA , RING JOHANNES , SCHNOPP CHRISTINA
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  We present a case of allergic contact dermatitis in an 18‐month‐old boy caused by type‐IV allergy to mercapto mix and mercaptobenzothiazole as components of the elastic border of diapers. Allergic contact dermatitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of diaper dermatitis, especially in difficult‐to‐treat cases or atypical clinical presentation.
Changing Age of Acne Vulgaris Visits: Another Sign of Earlier Puberty?
Authors: Goldberg Jamie L. , Dabade Tushar S. , Davis Scott A. , Feldman Steven R. , Krowchuk Daniel P. , Fleischer Alan B.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  The objective of the current study was to assess changes in the onset of pubertal maturation by determining whether acne is occurring at an earlier age. We assessed the age at which acne is occurring by assessing trends in the age of people seeking medical attention for acne. The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database was used to analyze physician visits for acne vulgaris in children aged 6 to 18 from 1979 to 2007. The data were used to assess trends in the mean age of children with acne and to compare these trends according to race and sex. Regression analysis revealed a significant decrease in the mean age of children seeking treatment for acne over this 28‐year period (p < 0.001). There was no significant change in the mean age of black children seeking treatment for acne. Black girls had the lowest mean age whereas white boys had the highest mean age. There has been a decrease in the average age of children seeking treatment for acne that may be indicative of earlier acne onset. This finding provides supporting evidence of the increasingly earlier onset of puberty in girls.
Phacomatosis Pigmentokeratotica: A Further Case without Extracutaneous Anomalies and Review of the Condition
Authors: Chantorn Rattanavalai , Shwayder Tor
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Epidermal nevus syndrome is the term for the association of an epidermal nevus and extracutaneous anomalies, including neurologic, ophthalmic, and skeletal defects. Epidermal nevus syndromes include different disorders that share the feature of mosaicism. Phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica (PPK) is a distinctive new epidermal nevus syndrome first described in 1996 characterized by the presence of multiple organoid nevi with sebaceous differentiation, a speckled lentiginous nevus, and skeletal and neurologic abnormalities. Only a handful of cases of PPK without extracutaneous manifestations have been reported. We report here an individual with PPK with only cutaneous signs and confirm this distinctive syndrome has two subtypes according to the presence or absence of extracutaneous involvement.
A Challenging Case: Symmetrical Drug Related Intertriginous and Flexural Exanthem, Fixed Drug Eruption, or Both?
Authors: Özkaya Esen , Babuna Goncagül
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  We herein report a 12‐year‐old boy with amoxicillin‐induced, recurrent, site‐specific, symmetrical, sharply demarcated reddish plaques on the buttocks and the major flexural and intertriginous areas. The lesions resolved with topical corticosteroids, leaving hyperpigmentation. Histopathology showed nonspecific features of inflammation and dermal melanophages. Amoxicillin was the probable inducer based on oral provocation test with Amoksina® tablet, however patch testing with amoxicillin on previously affected and unaffected skin remained negative. The diagnosis was challenging because of the overlapping features of symmetrical drug‐related intertriginous and flexural exanthema and fixed drug eruption. This one represents a unique and challenging one with overlapping clinical features of symmetrical drug‐related intertriginous and flexural exanthem (SDRIFE) and fixed drug eruption (FDE). We discuss the possible immunopathogenetic mechanisms leading to the simultaneous occurrence of different phenotypes of drug eruption in the same patient.
Comparison of nanofiltration efficacy in reducing infectivity of centrifuged versus ultracentrifuged 263K scrapie‐infected brain homogenates in “spiked” albumin solutions
Authors: Cardone Franco , Simoneau Steve , Arzel Aude , Puopolo Maria , Berardi Vito Angelo , Abdel‐Haq Hanin , Galeno Roberta , De Pascalis Angela , Sbriccoli Marco , Graziano Silvia , Valanzano Angelina , Porte Pierre , Diringer Heino , Brown Paul , Flan Benoît , Pocchiari Maurizio
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: The safety of plasma‐derived products is of concern for possible transmission of variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease. The absence of validated screening tests requires the use of procedures to remove or inactivate prions during the manufacture of plasma‐derived products to minimize the risk of transmission. These procedures need proper validation studies based on spiking human plasma or intermediate fractions of plasma fractionation with prions in a form as close as possible to that present in blood.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Human albumin was spiked with low‐speed or high‐speed supernatants of 263K scrapie‐infected hamster brain homogenates. Spiked albumin was then passed through a cascade of filters from 100 nm down to 20 to 15 nm. Residual infectivity was measured by bioassay.

RESULTS: The overall removal of infectivity spiked into albumin through serial nanofiltration steps was 4 to 5 logs using low‐speed supernatant and 2 to 3 logs with high‐speed supernatant.

CONCLUSION: These findings confirm the utility of nanofiltration in removing infectivity from plasma (or other products) spiked with scrapie brain homogenate supernatants. However, efficiency is diminished using supernatants that have been ultracentrifuged to reduce aggregated forms of the infectious agent. Thus, filtration removal data based on experiments using “standard” low‐speed centrifugation supernatants might overestimate the amount of prion removal in plasma or urine‐derived therapeutic products.
Donors' perspectives on their postdonation information (PDI) event: a qualitative interview study of PDI donors
Authors: Wilkinson Susan L. , Vij Vibha , Steele Whitney R. ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II)
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Postdonation information (PDI) occurs when a donor fails to report a risk that would have resulted in deferral, but at some subsequent point is disclosed. Donors' perspectives on and perceived reasons for their PDIs have not been previously studied.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative interview study was conducted with PDI, appropriately deferred (and not PDI), and accepted donors from the six REDS‐II blood centers. Telephone interviews were conducted with donors using semistructured discussion guides after their most recent donation or donation attempt. Salient themes were identified within and across the three donor categories using interview recordings and notes.

RESULTS: Sixty‐six donors were interviewed (35 PDIs, 21 appropriately deferred, and 10 accepted). Cases could be grouped into one of three broad clusters according to the apparent primary reason for the PDI event: perceived changes in rules or application of more intensive screening procedures at this visit versus prior visit(s), issues of recall or interpretation of a question, and discrepancies in recollections of timing.

CONCLUSIONS: While descriptive and demographic information exists on the numbers and types of PDI events and donors, there has never been a qualitative study exploring donation experiences and possible reasons for their PDIs. This exploratory study based on semistructured interviews of donors identified several potentially actionable areas including the need for screeners to clarify the meaning of and answers to certain questions and helping donors accurately remember the details and dates of deferrable activities.
DARCalleles and Duffy phenotypes in African Americans
Authors: Schmid Pirmin , Ravenell Kanaeko R. , Sheldon Sherry L. , Flegel Willy A.
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND:TheDARC(Duffy blood group, chemokine receptor) gene encodes for a transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as a chemokine transporter, is a receptor forPlasmodium vivaxandP. knowlesi, and expresses the Duffy blood group antigens (Fy). The Fy(a−b−) phenotype found in people of African descent is typically associated with a −67t>c mutation in the 5′‐untranslated region (UTR), which prevents red blood cells being invaded byP. vivaxandP. knowlesi. The aim of this study was to establishDARCallele frequencies in an African American blood donor cohort, determine a phylogenetic tree forDARC, and compare human and NeandertalDARCgenes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:TheDARCnucleotide sequence of 54 African American blood donors was determined from genomic DNA. Heterozygous substitutions were resolved by sequencing of haplotype‐specific amplifications. A phylogenetic tree forDARCwas established using the neighbor‐joining method withPan troglodytesas root.

RESULTS:A total of 108 haplotypes of theDARCgene could be unambiguously determined from nucleotide position −300 in the 5′ UTR to +300 in the 3′ UTR. Eleven different alleles were found, including the clinically relevantFY*A,FY*B,FY*B‐67C,FY*B298A, andFY*Xalleles. All phenotype predictions based on genotypes matched the serologically determined phenotypes exactly: 52% Fy(a−b−), 28% Fy(a−b+), and 20% Fy(a+b−).

CONCLUSIONS:The nucleotide sequencing approach using one amplicon is a practical genotyping method forDARCand allows the determination of haplotypes even in heterozygous constellations. We developed a phylogenetic tree forDARCalleles and postulated a distinctFY*Ballele as ancestral for the extantDARCalleles in humans.
Platelet transfusion alters CD40L blood level and release capacity in patients suffering from thrombocytopenia
Authors: Wenzel Folker , Günther Wiebke , Baertl Anja , Gruber Wolfgang , Sorg Rüdiger Volker , Haas Rainer , Giers Günther
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT)‐derived cytokines, such as soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), play an important role in the development of adverse transfusion reactions associated with the administration of PLT products. In this study, we determined sCD40L concentration and release capacity in patients with thrombocytopenia before and after receiving a PLT transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study included 12 patients suffering from chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia. sCD40L levels and release capacity were measured in plasma samples of the patients before and after PLT administration as well as in the respective plateletpheresis concentrates by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Sixteen healthy blood donors served as a control group.

RESULTS: In PLT concentrates, elevated sCD40L levels (2567 ± 134 pg/mL) were observed in comparison to plasma sCD40L levels in controls (238.4 ± 35.3 pg/mL). sCD40L plasma concentration of patients with thrombocytopenia was significantly reduced (86.3 ± 16.7 pg/mL) before transfusion and increased to nearly normal levels (204.4 ± 24.8 pg/mL) after PLT administration. In parallel, the sCD40L release capacity per PLT showed no significant difference between controls and patients with thrombocytopenia before transfusion (33.3 ± 2.6 and 29.3 ± 4.6 ag/PLT, respectively) but was significantly reduced after PLT transfusion (22.4 ± 2.7 compared to 29.3 ± 4.6 ag/PLT).

CONCLUSIONS: In patients with thrombocytopenia, sCD40L levels were clearly influenced by PLT transfusions: PLT administration led to a normalization of sCD40L plasma concentration. Nevertheless, adverse transfusion reactions did not occur in these patients. The sCD40L release capacity was enhanced by PLT administration dependent on the increase in the amount of PLT count.
Microbiologic Characteristics and In Vitro Susceptibility to Antimicrobials in a Large Population of Patients with Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Infection
Authors: JAN EMILIE , CAMOU FABRICE , TEXIER‐MAUGEIN JEANNETTE , WHINNETT ZACHARY , CAUBET OLIVIER , PLOUX SYLVAIN , PELLEGRIN JEAN‐LUC , RITTER PHILIPPE , METAYER PHILIPPE L. , ROUDAUT RAYMOND , HAISSAGUERRE MICHEL , BORDACHAR PIERRE
Published: November 2011

Microbiologic Characteristics and In Vitro Susceptibility to Antimicrobials.

Introduction: The incidence of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is steadily increasing. However, no consensus has been reached with respect to the type and duration of antimicrobial therapy in this specific population of patients. The role played by new anti‐Staphylococcus agents has not been defined. The aims of this study were to describe the microbiological characteristics of a large population of patients with CIED infections and to test the in vitro susceptibility of the various strains to different antimicrobials.

Methods: Two hundred eighty‐six patients with CIED infection were included. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of 9 antimicrobials, including linezolid, tigecycline, and daptomycin were measured against all strains of staphylococci isolated.

Results: Microbiologic confirmation was obtained in 252 (88%) patients, the vast majority were from Staphylococcus species (86%), 90% of these were coagulase negative strains and 10% were Staphylococcus aureus; 30.5% were methicillin‐resistant. All strains were susceptible to vancomycin, nearly 15% of coagulase negative strains were nonsusceptible to teicoplanin, and nearly 100% of the strains were susceptible to the 3 new antimicrobials.

Conclusions: In this large contemporary study, we show that Staphylococcus is by far the most common cause of CIED infections, with the majority due to coagulase negative strains. Methicillin‐resistance is common in this population. Currently, we would recommend vancomycin as first‐line empirical therapy. However, given that not all patients tolerate vancomycin, we believe that newer antimicrobial therapies should now be tested in clinical trials to establish their clinical effectiveness in treating patients with device infections.