bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It's up to you: a multi‐message, phased driver facility campaign to increase organ donation registration rates in Illinois
Authors: Quick Brian , Harrison Tyler R. , King Andy J. , Bosch Dave
Published: August 2013

Background

The present project applied successful strategies employed in previous driver facility campaigns occurring during the inception of a registry to examine whether these approaches are effective in growing a mature registry, a registry where the majority of individuals have had the opportunity to register as an organ donor.

Methods

Driver facilities (N = 40) in Illinois with high (n = 20) and low (n = 20) organ donation registration percentages were selected and served as either intervention or control sites for the campaign.

Results

Among facilities with historically high and low registration percentages, support for the campaign was found with the intervention facilities experiencing higher organ donation registration rates compared with control facilities. In addition, the results provide partial support for the effectiveness of employing a multi‐message, phased driver facility intervention in states with a mature registry.

Conclusion

The practical implications of utilizing driver facility campaigns in states with an established first‐person consent registry also are discussed.
Regional and temporal patterns of natural recruitment in a California endemic oak and a possible ‘research reserve effect’
Authors: McLaughlin Blair C. , Zavaleta Erika S.
Published: August 2013

Aim

The perceived absence of young cohorts in many long‐lived trees, particularly Quercus species, has raised concerns about their long‐term viability. While there is a robust body of literature on valley oak (Quercus lobata) planting experiments, conducted mainly on research reserves, an assessment of natural recruitment across a range of climate and land use types has been lacking. At a regional scale over time, we explored patterns of natural recruitment in this endemic California oak reported to be experiencing persistent recruitment failure.

Location

California.

Methods

We conducted a regional‐scale study, including dendroecology and historical resurveys, field surveys and published planting experiments to elucidate the prevalence, timing, distribution and relation to environmental drivers of valley oak sapling recruitment.

Results

We detected a substantial increase in the presence of recruitment over time at 10 sites originally surveyed between 20 and 40 years ago (sites with sapling recruitment increased from 10% to 70%), potentially related to a corresponding period of relatively wetter years. We found saplings recruiting from a range of years in a variety of land management regimes, and surprisingly, sites designated as research reserves had lower recruitment than other sites. Sapling recruitment did not appear to be synchronous or episodic.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that sapling recruitment failure is not a persistent condition across our sites, and long‐term conservation prospects for the species may be better than previously reported. Research reserves had lower natural sapling recruitment and lower seedling survival in experimental controls than other sites, and our findings highlight the importance of field data from sites with a representative range of climate and land use regimes.
Species turnover and geographic distance in an urban river network
Authors: Rouquette James R. , Dallimer Martin , Armsworth Paul R. , Gaston Kevin J. , Maltby Lorraine , Warren Philip H.
Published: August 2013

Aim

Understanding the relationships between species turnover, environmental features and the geographic distance between sites can provide important insights into the processes driving species diversity. This is particularly relevant where the effective distance between sites may be a function of the habitat or topographic features of the landscape and the means of dispersal of the organism. River networks, in particular in human‐modified landscapes, are a striking example of such a situation. Here, we use data for both aquatic and terrestrial organisms across an urban river network to examine patterns of species turnover and to determine whether these patterns differ between different taxonomic groups.

Location

Sheffield area, UK.

Methods

Aquatic (macroinvertebrates, diatoms) and terrestrial (birds, plants, butterflies) organisms were surveyed at 41 sites across an urban river network. We assessed the relationship between turnover and three alternative geographic distance measures (Euclidean, network and flow distance), whilst also taking into account the environmental distance between sites, using Mantel and partial Mantel tests.

Results

Turnover of all taxonomic groups apart from butterflies was significantly correlated with at least one measure of geographic distance. The aquatic taxonomic groups showed the strongest correlations with the geographic distance measures, and in particular with network distance. Terrestrial taxa were more closely associated with environmental than any of the geographic distance measures, although network distance remained significant for birds and some plant groups after removing the effect of environmental distance. Water‐dispersed and neophyte plant groups were significantly related to network and flow distance.

Main conclusions

The results suggest that aquatic communities are strongly influenced by spatial processes occurring within the river network. Terrestrial taxa have a more complex relationship with distance, with different components of these communities displaying different responses. Nevertheless, it is clear that connectivity along the river corridor is important for both aquatic and terrestrial communities.
Arthropod assemblage homogenization in oceanic islands: the role of indigenous and exotic species under landscape disturbance
Authors: Florencio Margarita , Cardoso Pedro , Lobo Jorge M. , de Azevedo Eduardo Brito , Borges Paulo A.V.
Published: August 2013

Aims

Human landscape disturbance can drive the degradation of natural environments, thereby contributing to indigenous (endemic and native non‐endemic) species extinctions, facilitating the establishment of exotic species and ultimately resulting in more similar species compositions over time and space. We assessed whether similarities in epigean arthropod assemblages differ between indigenous and exotic species in an oceanic archipelago, and we also examined whether such assemblage similarities depend on the most dominant species, the island, the type of habitat, the degree of landscape disturbance or local environmental variables.

Location

Four oceanic islands in the Azores archipelago, Portugal.

Methods

We examined the degree of assemblage similarity and the effect of environmental variables and spatial disturbance to explain the epigean arthropod distributions for indigenous and exotic species.

Results

Exotic species increased overall assemblage similarity. Distinct arthropod assemblages occurred on the different islands and in the different habitats. Assemblage differences between the habitats depended on the island. This pattern was largely explained by the abundance patterns of the most abundant indigenous and exotic species (ten indigenous and ten exotic species accounted for 75% of total individuals). In comparison with the high explanatory capacity of the habitats and islands per se, local environmental variables and disturbance hardly explained the assemblage composition in both groups of species.

Main conclusions

We demonstrate that exotic species promote assemblage homogenization on these oceanic islands, and that such process is contingent and independent between islands and habitats. General habitat characteristics seemed to be the main driver of assemblage structure, independently of the different climatic conditions or disturbance levels.
Effects of iloprost on pain‐free walking distance and clinical outcome in patients with severe stage IIb peripheral arterial disease: the FADOI 2bPILOT Study
Authors: Mazzone Antonino , Di Salvo Michelangelo , Mazzuca Salvatore , Valerio Antonella , Gussoni Gualberto , Bonizzoni Erminio , Campanini Mauro , Vescovo Giorgio , Nozzoli Carlo
Published: August 2013

Background

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) at stage IIb, pain‐free walking distance (PFWD) less than 100 m and unsuitable for revascularization have both impaired quality of life and severe clinical outcome. Aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the prostacyclin analogue iloprost, added to standard therapy, in these patients.

Material and methods

Patients were randomized to receive standard medical therapy (Group A) or standard therapy plus iloprost (Group B), for 1 year. Iloprost was administered for 10 days every 3 months. Treadmill test was performed every 3 months, in Group B before starting the 10‐day iloprost cycle.

Results

Fifty patients in Group A and 51 in Group B were enrolled. Mean baseline and 12‐month PFWD values were 75·4 ± 21·3 and 128·9 ± 62·9 for iloprost group and 70·3 ± 21·6 and 99·6 ± 62·6 m for controls. Patients treated with iloprost had significantly higher PFWD at 9 and 12 months. This finding was confirmed after carrying forward the last valid observation (124·7 ± 63·4 vs. 88·4 ± 63·1 m, P < 0·01). Major cardiovascular events occurred in 32·0% and 3·9% of patients in Group A and Group B, respectively (P < 0·001). Five patients in Group A died vs. none in Group B (P = 0·02). No serious unexpected adverse reactions occurred in patients receiving iloprost.

Conclusions

Iloprost, added to standard therapy, significantly increases exercise capacity in patients with PAD at severe stage IIb. The percentage of patients who died or experienced major cardiovascular events was significantly lower in patients receiving iloprost. Future studies should focus on the effects of this therapy on clinical outcome.
Toward a Hermeneutical Theory of International Human Rights Education
Authors: Al‐Daraweesh Fuad , Snauwaert Dale T.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this essay is to articulate and defend the epistemological foundations of international human rights education from the perspective of a hermeneutical interpretive methodology. Fuad Al‐Daraweesh and Dale Snauwaert argue here that this methodology potentially alleviates the challenges that face the cross‐cultural implementation of human rights education. While acknowledging the necessity of global human rights awareness, the authors maintain that local cultural conceptualization is imperative to the negotiated, local embrace of human rights. A critical, interpretive pedagogy emerges from grounding human rights education in a hermeneutic methodology. Thus, Al‐Daraweesh and Snauwaert advocate taking a hermeneutical approach in order to enlarge the scope and meaning of international human rights education.
Assessment of intrapathovar variability of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. commiphorae through phenotypic and molecular markers
Authors: Samanta J. N. , Mandal K.
Published: August 2013

Gummosis of guggal (Commiphora wightii) caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. commiphorae (Xac) is one of the major reasons for drastic reduction in guggal population under natural plant stand. The pathogen spreads mainly through human activities (tapping). We isolated 43 Xac strains from 14 locations representing four different regions spread over three districts of Gujarat state, India. A polyphasic approach was followed to characterize these strains and to measure phenotypic and genetic variations among them. All strains were identical in colony morphology and were virulent on guggal. Some of the strains showed differential reactions towards certain biochemical tests viz., acid production from carbon sources. Whole cell protein profiles were apparently uniform for all strains with similarity coefficients ranging between 0.75 and 1.00. Clustering based on sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis banding patterns showed heterogeneity among the isolates, but strains originating from same zone had similar protein profiles. Inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR)‐based and repetitive elements (rep)‐based PCR analyses revealed genetic heterogeneity among the strains. Both these methods were equally effective in deciphering variability among the strains and indicated similar types of variability with highly significant correlation (r = 0.91) on the similarity matrices. The variation matrix analysis on combined ISSR‐ and rep‐PCR data suggested 66.1% variability among Xac strains. The present study established that Xac strains from different geographical locations had profound genetic heterogeneity.
Purification of the toxin protein PC from Arthrinium phaeospermum and its effect on the defence enzymes of Bambusa pervariabilis × Dendrocalamopsis grandis varieties
Authors: Li S.‐j. , Zhu T.‐h.
Published: August 2013

Bamboo blight in hybrid Bambusa pervariabilis × Dendrocalamopsis grandis is caused by the fungus Arthrinium phaeospermum. One component designated as PC with pathogenic activity and a molecular weight of about 27 kDa was obtained from this fungus by ammonium sulphate precipitation, polyethylene glycol concentration, Sephadex G‐100 gel chromatography and Q‐Sepharose Fast Flow anion exchange resin. The toxin PC was shown to cause the same typical symptoms caused by the pathogen itself, although the reaction of the toxin was quicker than the pathogen in all four hybrid bamboo varieties. A threshold toxic dose of 10–20 μg/ml was observed for two resistant varieties, while only 5–10 μg/ml was observed for two susceptible varieties. Moreover, effects of the purified toxic protein on the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, phenylalanine amonnialyase, polyphenol oxidase, chitinase and β‐1,3 glucanase in the different bamboo varieties were analysed using the impregnation and leaf disc methods. The results showed a positive correlation between the resistance of bamboo and the activities of all six enzymes. The activities of all enzymes except β‐1,3 glucanase decreased over the time course of investigation. These results proved the important role played by toxic proteins in the pathogenicity of A. phaeospermum and their potential for selecting resistant varieties or identify the resistance of this bamboo.
Anti‐c‐MET Nanobody® – a new potential drug in multiple myeloma treatment
Authors: Slørdahl Tobias Schmidt , Denayer Tinneke , Moen Siv Helen , Standal Therese , Børset Magne , Ververken Cedric , Rø Torstein Baade
Published: August 2013

Background

c‐MET is the tyrosine kinase receptor of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). HGF‐c‐MET signaling is involved in many human malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM). Recently, multiple agents have been developed directed to interfere at different levels in HGF‐c‐MET signaling pathway. Nanobodies® are therapeutic proteins based on the smallest functional fragments of heavy‐chain‐only antibodies. In this study, we wanted to determine the anticancer effect of a novel anti‐c‐MET Nanobody in MM.

Methods

We examined the effects of an anti‐c‐MET Nanobody on thymidine incorporation, migration, adhesion of MM cells, and osteoblastogenesis in vitro. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of the Nanobody on HGF‐dependent c‐MET signaling by Western blotting.

Results

We show that the anti‐c‐MET Nanobody effectively inhibited thymidine incorporation of ANBL‐6 MM cells via inhibition of an HGF autocrine growth loop and thymidine incorporation in INA‐6 MM cells induced by exogenous HGF. HGF‐induced migration and adhesion of INA‐6 were completely and specifically blocked by the Nanobody. Furthermore, the Nanobody abolished the inhibiting effect of HGF on bone morphogenetic protein‐2‐induced alkaline phosphatase activity and the mineralization of human mesenchymal stem cells. Finally, we show that the Nanobody reduced phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in c‐MET, MAPK, and Akt. We also compared the Nanobody with anti‐c‐MET monoclonal antibodies and revealed the similar or better effect.

Conclusions

The anti‐c‐MET Nanobody inhibited MM cell migration, thymidine incorporation, and adhesion, and blocked the HGF‐mediated inhibition of osteoblastogenesis. The anti‐c‐MET Nanobody might represent a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of MM and other cancers driven by HGF‐c‐MET signaling.
Successful treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia in a patient with ataxia telangiectasia
Authors: Onoda Tadashi , Kanno Miyako , Meguro Toru , Sato Hiroko , Takahashi Noriyuki , Kawakami Takako , Mitsui Tetsuo , Hayasaka Kiyoshi
Published: August 2013

Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare autosomal recessive multisystem disorder characterised by cerebellar degeneration, immunodeficiency and cancer predisposition. Around 10% of AT patients develop lymphoid malignancies, but the development of myeloid leukaemia with AT (AT‐AML) is extremely rare, and there have been no previous publications regarding suitable therapies. Here, we first describe a successful therapeutic experience in a patient with AT‐AML (FAB‐M1) who attained remission after induction therapy and maintained stable disease for a year. To minimise therapy‐induced toxicity, low‐dose induction was applied first, though this was obviously insufficient and the patient subsequently responded well to dose‐intensified short‐term chemotherapy. In this report, we suggest a curative therapeutic approach for AT‐AML, though the issue of how best to manage patients with cancer complicated by immunodeficiency remains undecided.
Rapid monitoring of immune reconstitution after allogeneic stem cell transplantation ‐ a comparison of different assays for the detection of cytomegalovirus‐specific T cells
Authors: Abu‐Khader Ahmad , Krause Stefan
Published: August 2013

Objectives

Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) play an important role in controlling cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The purpose of this study was to compare four different assays to detect CMV antigen‐specific T cells for the monitoring of CMV‐specific immune reconstitution after HSCT.

Methods

Comparative monitoring of CMV‐specific T cells was performed using HLA tetramer, interferon‐gamma enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT), intracellular IFN‐γ (IC‐FACS), and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays with immunodominant CMV pp65‐HLA‐A2‐restricted peptide and recombinant pp65‐protein in 18 patients after allogeneic HSCT.

Results

Using pp65‐peptide to stimulate T cells in HLA‐A2‐positive patients, antigen‐specific T cells have been detected in 43% (10 of 23) by IC‐FACS, 62% (13 of 21) by tetramer, 68% (15 of 22) by RT‐PCR, and 53% (10 of 19) by ELISPOT. No T‐cell responses were detected in HLA‐A2‐negative patients by all assays. Stimulating with combination of both pp65‐peptide and pp65‐protein detected 72% (18/25) by IC‐FACS, 88% (22/25) by RT‐PCR, and 59% (12/22) by ELISPOT. Comparing the different methods of T‐cell detection we found a significant positive correlation between RT‐PCR and tetramer analysis, IC flow cytometry and ELISPOT assay. Using pp65‐protein for T‐cell activation overcomes the HLA restriction of the HLA‐A2‐restricted pp65‐peptide stimulation, thus increasing the detection limit of antigen‐specific T cells.

Conclusion

CMV‐specific T cells have been most frequently detected using RT‐PCR suggesting a higher sensitivity compared with IC‐FACS, tetramer, and ELISPOT assays. This technique allows rapid and sensitive monitoring of CMV‐specific immune reconstitution after HSCT, which could guide prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to avoid active CMV disease.
Effect of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin on clinical outcomes of patients with coagulopathy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ikezoe Takayuki , Takeuchi Asako , Chi SungGi , Takaoka Masato , Anabuki Kazuki , Kim Tsukie , Sakai Mizu , Taniguchi Ayuko , Togitani Kazuto , Yokoyama Akihito
Published: August 2013

From 2001 to 2012, 71 individuals with hematological diseases received HSCT in our institution. Of these, 41 developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in association with various underlying conditions. The patients who developed DIC after 2008 (n = 23) were treated by recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM), and the others (n = 11) were treated by either heparin and/or antithrombin III concentrate. Seven patients did not receive any anticoagulant therapy. Of note, treatment for coagulopathy by rTM significantly improved clinical outcomes of patients at day 100 and dramatically prolonged their overall survival (P = 0.044). Taken together, rTM is useful to improve clinical outcomes of transplant recipients with coagulopathy.
Awareness and attitudes related to dental erosive wear among 18‐yr‐old adolescents in Oslo, Norway
Authors: Skudutyte‐Rysstad Rasa , Mulic Aida , Skeie Marit Slåttelid , Skaare Anne B
Published: August 2013

The aim of the present study was to describe awareness and attitudes related to dental erosive wear among 18‐yr‐old adolescents in Oslo and to explore attitudinal differences between participants with and without the condition. All 18‐yr‐old subjects scheduled for their routine examination at the Public Dental Service clinics during 2008 (n = 3,206) were invited, and 1,456 agreed to participate (a response rate of 45%). The data were collected using structured questionnaires and by clinical examination of the participants. Dental erosive wear was assessed using a pictorial manual – the Visual Erosion Dental Examination scoring system – as a guide. Overall, 88% of participants had heard about dental erosive wear; however, of participants with erosive lesions only 56% were aware of, and only 47% could recall their dentist mentioning, the condition. Participants with erosive wear were more likely to have low or moderate positive attitudes towards acidic drink consumption and to be reluctant to change. In multivariate analyses controlling for gender and behavioural variables, weak or moderate positive awareness of acidic drinks remained significantly associated with higher erosion risk. This study emphasizes the importance of assessment and understanding of awareness and attitudinal aspects in relation to dental erosive wear.
Influence of oxygen‐inhibited layer on dentin bond strength of chemical‐cured resin composite
Authors: Yamaji Ayumi , Koga Kensaku , Tsujimoto Akimasa , Shimizu Yusuke , Tsubota Keishi , Takamizawa Toshiki , Miyazaki Masashi
Published: August 2013

This study evaluated the influence of an oxygen‐inhibited layer on the surface free energies of three single‐step self‐etch adhesives and on the bond strength of chemical‐cured resin. Adhesives were applied to bovine dentin and light irradiated, and the oxygen‐inhibited layer was either retained or removed. Surface free energies were determined by measuring the contact angles of test liquids placed on the cured adhesives. Dentin bond strengths of chemical‐cured resin with and without the oxygen‐inhibited layer were measured. Ultrastructural observation of the restorative–dentin interface was made by scanning electron microscopy. For all surfaces, values of the estimated surface tension component, Lifshitz‐Van der Waals force (γSLW), were relatively constant. Values for the Lewis acid (γS+) component increased slightly when the oxygen‐inhibited layer was removed, whereas those of the Lewis base (γS−) component decreased significantly. The bond strength of the chemical‐cured resin composite was significantly higher in specimens without an oxygen‐inhibited layer (7.6–8.0 MPa) than in those with an oxygen‐inhibited layer (4.8–5.2 MPa). Small gaps between adhesive and resin composite were found for the group with an oxygen‐inhibited layer. These results indicate that the absence of an oxygen‐inhibited layer in single‐step self‐etch adhesives promotes higher dentin bond strength of the chemical‐cured resin.
Anthropogenic modification disrupts species co‐occurrence in stream invertebrates
Authors: Larsen Stefano , Ormerod Steve J.
Published: August 2013

The question of whether species co‐occurrence is random or deterministic has received considerable attention, but little is known about how anthropogenic disturbance mediates the outcomes. By combining experiments, field surveys and analysis against null models, we tested the hypothesis that anthropogenic habitat modification disrupts species co‐occurrence in stream invertebrates across spatial scales. Whereas communities in unmodified conditions were structured deterministically with significant species segregation, catchment‐scale conversion to agriculture and sediment deposition at the patch‐ or micro‐habitat scale apparently randomized species co‐occurrences. This shift from non‐random to random was mostly independent of species richness, abundance and spatial scale. Data on community‐wide life‐history traits (body size, dispersal ability and predatory habits) and beta‐diversity indicated that anthropogenic modification disrupted community assembly by affecting biotic interactions and, to a lesser extent, altering habitat heterogeneity. These data illustrate that the balance between predictable and stochastic patterns in communities can reflect anthropogenic modifications that not only transcend scales but also change the relative forces that determine species coexistence. Research into the effects of habitat modification as a key to understanding global change should extend beyond species richness and composition to include species co‐occurrence, species interactions and any functional consequences.
Testing simulations of intra‐ and inter‐annual variation in the plant production response to elevated CO2 against measurements from an 11‐year FACE experiment on grazed pasture
Authors: Li Frank Yonghong , Newton Paul C. D. , Lieffering Mark
Published: August 2013

Ecosystem models play a crucial role in understanding and evaluating the combined impacts of rising atmospheric CO2 concentration and changing climate on terrestrial ecosystems. However, we are not aware of any studies where the capacity of models to simulate intra‐ and inter‐annual variation in responses to elevated CO2 has been tested against long‐term experimental data. Here we tested how well the ecosystem model APSIM/AgPasture was able to simulate the results from a free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiment on grazed pasture. At this FACE site, during 11 years of CO2 enrichment, a wide range in annual plant production response to CO2 (−6 to +28%) was observed. As well as running the full model, which includes three plant CO2 response functions (plant photosynthesis, nitrogen (N) demand and stomatal conductance), we also tested the influence of these three functions on model predictions. Model/data comparisons showed that: (i) overall the model over‐predicted the mean annual plant production response to CO2 (18.5% cf 13.1%) largely because years with small or negative responses to CO2 were not well simulated; (ii) in general seasonal and inter‐annual variation in plant production responses to elevated CO2 were well represented by the model; (iii) the observed CO2 enhancement in overall mean legume content was well simulated but year‐to‐year variation in legume content was poorly captured by the model; (iv) the best fit of the model to the data required all three CO2 response functions to be invoked; (v) using actual legume content and reduced N fixation rate under elevated CO2 in the model provided the best fit to the experimental data. We conclude that in temperate grasslands the N dynamics (particularly the legume content and N fixation activity) play a critical role in pasture production responses to elevated CO2, and are processes for model improvement.
Decreased CD1a+, CD83+ and factor XIIIa+ dendritic cells in cervical lymph nodes and palatine tonsils of AIDS patients
Authors: Gondak Rogério , Mauad Thais , Schultz Luciana , Soares Fernando , Kowalski Luiz P , Vargas Pablo A
Published: August 2013

Aims

The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the density of dendritic cells (DCs) in cervical lymph nodes (LNs) and palatine tonsils (PTs) of AIDS and non‐AIDS patients.

Methods and results

Factor XIIIa, CD1a and CD83 antibodies were used to identify migratory DCs by immunohistochemistry in LNs and PTs of 32 AIDS patients and 21 HIV‐negative control patients. Quantification was performed by the positive pixel count analytical method. AIDS patients presented a lower density of factor XIIIa+ cells (P < 0.001), CD1a+ cells (P < 0.05) and CD83+ cells (P < 0.001) in cervical LNs and PTs compared to the non‐AIDS control group.

Conclusion

Overall depletion of DCs in lymphoid tissues of AIDS patients may be predictive of the immune system's loss of disease control.
Increased SOX2 expression in less differentiated breast carcinomas and their lymph node metastases
Authors: Huang Yu‐Hua , Luo Ming‐Hua , Ni Yun‐Bi , Tsang Julia Y S , Chan Siu‐Ki , Lui Philip C W , Yu Alex M C , Tan Puay‐Hoon , Tse Gary M
Published: August 2013

Aims

SOX2 is a key regulatory gene in embryonic stem cells. Although it has been implicated in cancer progression, its role in breast carcinoma is poorly understood.

Materials and methods

Fifty‐seven ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS), 552 invasive breast carcinomas and 107 corresponding metastatic lymph nodes were evaluated immunohistochemically for the expression of SOX2. Its correlation with clinicopathological features, other biomarker profiles and patients’ outcomes were analysed.

Results

SOX2 was detected in 19.0% (105 of 552) of invasive breast carcinomas and 12.3% (seven of 57) of DCIS. Expression correlated with larger tumour size (P = 0.005) and higher grade (P = 0.002). It was associated negatively with ER (P = 0.015) and PR (P = 0.046) expression, but positively with Ki67 index (P = 0.013). Interestingly, it was also associated with neuroendocrine marker expression (synpatophysin and chromogranin/synaptophysin, P = 0.048 and 0.028, respectively). Expression appeared to be independent from that of common stem cell markers, namely CD44, CD24 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1). Furthermore, a higher rate of expression was observed in metastatic lymph nodes than in the corresponding primary tumours (P = 0.034). High SOX2 expression was correlated with poor disease‐free survival (log‐rank=9.489, P = 0.012) and was an independent prognostic factor (HR=2.918, P = 0.015) in patients with high nodal stages.

Conclusions

In summary, SOX2 expression was related to adverse breast carcinoma profile and poor outcome in selected patient groups.
Viscosity and Fragility of Alkaline‐Earth Sodium Boroaluminosilicate Liquids
Authors: Smedskjaer Morten M. , Potuzak Marcel
Published: August 2013

Understanding the composition and temperature dependence of viscosity of silicate liquids is of the highest importance not only for geological processes but also for production of industrial glass. In this work, we have determined the temperature dependence of equilibrium liquid viscosity of 36 alkaline‐earth sodium boroaluminosilicate liquids as a function of the Si/Al ratio and the type of alkaline‐earth oxide (MgO, CaO, SrO, or BaO). We demonstrate that the isokom temperature at 1012 Pa s (i.e., the glass transition temperature) generally increases with increasing Si/Al ratio, whereas the isokom temperatures at 104 and 101.5 Pa s exhibit a decrease with increasing [Al2O3] in the peraluminous regime. The isokom temperatures decrease with increasing alkaline‐earth size in the peralkaline regime, whereas they increase with increasing alkaline‐earth size in the peraluminous regime. The liquid fragility index m exhibits a minimum value at an intermediate Si/Al ratio, with the position of the minimum increasing to a higher value of [Al2O3] with increasing alkaline‐earth size. We have discussed our findings in terms of the underlying structural and topological changes as a function of composition and temperature.
Consequences for diversity when animals are prioritized for conservation of the whole genome or of one specific allele
Authors: Engelsma K.A. , Veerkamp R.F. , Calus M.P.L. , Windig J.J.
Published: August 2013

When animals are selected for one specific allele, for example for inclusion in a gene bank, this may result in the loss of diversity in other parts of the genome. The aim of this study was to quantify the risk of losing diversity across the genome when targeting a single allele for conservation when storing animals in a gene bank. From a small Holstein population, genotyped for 54 001 SNP loci, animals were prioritized for a single allele while maximizing the genomewide diversity using optimal contribution selection. Selection for a single allele was done for five different target frequencies: (i) no restriction on a target frequency; (ii) target frequency = original frequency in population; (iii) target frequency = 0.50; (iv) target frequency of the major allele = 1 (fixation); and (v) target frequency of the major allele = 0 (elimination). To do this, optimal contribution selection was extended with an extra constraint on the allele frequency of the target SNP marker. Results showed that elimination or fixation of alleles can result in substantial losses in genetic diversity around the targeted locus and also across the rest of the genome, depending on the allele frequency and the target frequency. It was concluded that losses of genetic diversity around the target allele are the largest when the target frequency is very different from the current allele frequency.
Application of Ripple Mapping with an Electroanatomic Mapping System for Diagnosis of Atrial Tachycardias
Authors: JAMIL‐COPLEY SHAHNAZ , LINTON NICK , KOA‐WING MICHAEL , KOJODJOJO PIPIN , LIM PHANG BOON , MALCOLME‐LAWES LOUISA , WHINNETT ZACHARY , WRIGHT IAN , DAVIES WYN , PETERS NICHOLAS , FRANCIS DARREL P. , KANAGARATNAM PRAPA
Published: August 2013

Ripple Mapping: A Novel 3D EGM Display

Background

Three‐dimensional (3D) mapping is often used to guide ablation in atrial tachycardia (AT), but maps can be susceptible to annotation and interpolation errors. Ripple Mapping (RM) is a technique that displays electrogram time–voltage data simultaneously as dynamic bars on the surface shell to overcome these limitations.

Objectives

We hypothesized that RM would be superior to established 3D activation mapping.

Methods

CARTO‐XPTM maps of ATs were collected without any manual annotation and studied on a CARTO‐based offline RM system. Paired unannotated CARTO‐XP and Ripple Maps were presented to experienced CARTO users with limited RM training. These assessors were allowed to annotate the CARTO‐XP maps, but were blinded to conventional EP data.

Results

CARTO‐XP maps of AT (10 patients) were studied in RM format and the diagnosis was confirmed by entrainment in all cases and with termination of tachycardia in 9/10 cases. Blinded assessors (n = 11) reached the correct diagnosis using RM in 35/44 (80%) compared to 22/44 (50%) using CARTO‐XP (P = 0.029). The time to the correct diagnosis was also shorter with RM (136 seconds vs. 212 seconds; P = 0.022). The causes of diagnostic errors using RM (insufficient point density, particularly in low‐voltage areas, and the operator not assessing all available views) were overcome with an improved MatLab version showing both scar and dynamic bars on the same shell.

Conclusion

RM does not need any manual annotation of local activation time and enables rapid diagnosis of AT with higher diagnostic accuracy than conventional 3D activation mapping.
Public spirometry for primary prevention of COPD
Authors: Zirlik Sabine , Wich Christina , Frieser Markus , Hildner Kai , Kleye Christin , Neurath Markus F. , Fuchs Florian S.
Published: August 2013

Background

The most effective action for primary prevention of chronic obstructive lung disease is smoking cessation early enough. In secondary prevention, smokers with airway obstruction were more likely to quit smoking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a public spirometry on smoking habits in terms of primary prevention.

Methods

Spirometry with its medical analysis was offered to visitors of a local public event called ‘Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften’ (‘Long night of sciences’). The impact of results on smoking habits was evaluated in all smokers with an anonymized questionnaire afterwards.

Results

Two hundred fifty‐seven people with the median age of 30 years (interquartile range 22–46) were examined. Out of 44 current smokers (17.1%), only two individuals showed a prebronchodilator FEV1/forced vital capacity‐value <0.7. Fourteen smokers stated to have an increased motivation to quit smoking whereas 28 smokers declared that their motivation to quit smoking was independent of spirometry result. These smokers were significantly younger (median age 28 vs. 40 years, P = 0.025) without differences in spirometry results or smoking habits.

Conclusion

In an unselected population with a high amount of younger adults, normal spirometry did not show a short‐term benefit for primary prevention of chronic obstructive lung disease in terms of increasing motivation to quit smoking.
In vitro and in vivo efficacy of drugs against the protozoan parasite Azumiobodo hoyamushi that causes soft tunic syndrome in the edible ascidian Halocynthia roretzi (Drasche)
Authors: Park K H , Zeon S‐R , Lee J‐G , Choi S‐H , Shin Y K , Park K‐I
Published: August 2013

It was discovered recently that infection by a protozoan parasite, Azumiobodo hoyamushi, is the most probable cause for soft tunic syndrome in an edible ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi (Drasche). In an attempt to develop measures to eradicate the causative parasite, various drugs were tested for efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Of the 20 antiprotozoal drugs having different action mechanisms, five were found potent (24‐h EC50 < 10 mg L−1) in their parasite‐killing effects: formalin, H2O2, bithionol, ClO2 and bronopol. Moderately potent drugs (10 < 24‐h EC50 < 100 mg L−1) were quinine, fumagillin, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, povidone‐iodine, chloramine‐T and benzalkonium chloride. Seven compounds, metronidazole, albendazole, paromomycin, nalidixic acid, sulfamonomethoxine, KMnO4, potassium monopersulphate and citric acid, exhibited EC50 > 100 mg L−1. When ascidians were artificially infected with A. hoyamushi, treated using 40 mg L−1 formalin, bronopol, ClO2, or H2O2 for 1 h and then monitored for 24 h, very low mortality was observed. However, the number of surviving parasite cells in the ascidian tunic tissues was significantly reduced by treating with 40 mg L−1 formalin or ClO2 for 1 h. The data suggest that we might be able to develop a disinfection measure using a treatment regimen involving commonly available drugs.
Characterization of Mycobacterium salmoniphilum as causal agent of mycobacteriosis in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., from a freshwater recirculation system
Authors: Aro L , Correa K , Martínez A , Ildefonso R , Yáñez J M
Published: August 2013

Thirty Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., with low corporal condition relative to other fish present in the culture system, were sampled from a freshwater recirculation pisciculture located in Chile. The most characteristic signs and lesions were cachexia and presence of multiple greyish‐white granulomas within internal organs. The external and internal lesions, along with the microscopic, histologic and biochemical findings, were consistent with mycobacteriosis. The identification of Mycobacterium salmoniphilum as the causal agent of the lesions was possible through the use of molecular analyses. This study represents the first report of Mycobacterium salmoniphilum in a freshwater recirculation system and the first case of fish mycobacteriosis described in Chile.
Impacts of chloramine‐T treatment on antioxidant enzyme activities and genotoxicity in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Boran H , Altinok I
Published: August 2013

Juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) were exposed to therapeutic, and higher concentrations of chloramine‐T (Cl‐T) to assess the effects of this chemical on the antioxidant enzyme system and genetic structure. Red blood cells acetylcholinesterase, ∆‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, paraoxonase and liver glutathione S‐transferase activity were increased at 10 and 20 mg L−1 Cl‐T‐exposed fish, while they were decreased at 30 mg L−1 Cl‐T‐exposed fish. On the other hand, liver catalase activity and liver protein levels increased at 10 mg L−1 and decreased at 20 and 30 mg L−1 concentrations of Cl‐T. Liver super‐oxide dismutase activity decreased at 10 mg L−1 and 20 mg L−1 Cl‐T and increased at 30 mg L−1 of Cl‐T. Compared to control, comet assay indicated that Cl‐T did not cause significant DNA damage to red blood cells of the fish. Results indicate that 10 or 20 mg L−1 Cl‐T can be safely used to prevent or treat external parasitic and bacterial infection of rainbow trout.
Efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) extract applied as a therapeutic immersion treatment for Neobenedenia sp. management in aquaculture
Authors: Militz T A , Southgate P C , Carton A G , Hutson K S
Published: August 2013

Garlic, Allium sativum L., extract administered as a therapeutic bath was shown to have antiparasitic properties towards Neobenedenia sp. (MacCallum) (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea) infecting farmed barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch). The effect of garlic extract (active component allicin) immersion on Neobenedenia sp. egg development, hatching success, oncomiracidia (larvae) longevity, infection success and juvenile Neobenedenia survival was examined and compared with freshwater and formalin immersion. Garlic extract was found to significantly impede hatching success (5% ± 5%) and oncomiracidia longevity (<2 h) at allicin concentrations of 15.2 μL L−1, while eggs in the seawater control had >95% hatching success and mean oncomiracidia longevity of 37 ± 3 h. At much lower allicin concentrations (0.76 and 1.52 μL L−1), garlic extract also significantly reduced Neobenedenia infection success of L. calcarifer to 25% ± 4% and 11% ± 4%, respectively, compared with 55% ± 7% in the seawater control. Juvenile Neobenedenia attached to host fish proved to be highly resistant to allicin with 96% surviving 1‐h immersion in 10 mL L−1 (15.2 μL L−1 allicin) of garlic extract. Allicin‐containing garlic extracts show potential for development as a therapy to manage monogenean infections in intensive aquaculture with the greatest impact at the egg and larval stages.
Experimental Lactococcus garvieae infection in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792: a comparative histopathological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Avci H , Birincioglu S S , Tanrikul T T , Epikmen E T , Metin N , Avsever M L
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to induce Lactococcus garvieae infection in young and adult fish through different routes [intraperitoneal (IP) and immersion (IM)] and to investigate the pathogenesis and histopathological and immunohistochemical findings comparatively. For this purpose, a total of 180 rainbow trout (90 young, 20 ± 5 g and 90 adult, 80 ± 10 g) obtained from a commercial fish farm were used. The fish were divided into eight groups, four experimental groups (Young‐Adult IP groups and Young‐Adult IM groups, each contain 30 fish) and four control groups (Young‐Adult IP Control groups and Young‐Adult IM control groups, each contain 15 fishes). The experimental study was conducted using L. garvieae, and confirmatory identification was performed by PCR. The sequence result of the PCR amplicon of 16S rDNA from isolate L. garvieae LAC1 was determined and deposited in the GenBank database under accession number KC883976. Fish in the IP groups were intraperitoneally administered an inoculate containing 106 cfu mL−1 bacteria 0.1 mL. In the IM groups, fish were kept in inoculated water containing 108 cfu mL−1 bacteria for 20 min. Mortality as well as clinical and pathological findings was recorded daily, and significant differences in macroscopic and microscopic results were observed between the IP and IM administration groups. All tissue samples were immunohistochemically stained by the avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex and immunofluorescence (IF) methods using polyclonal antibody to detect L. garvieae antigens. In immunoperoxidase staining in the IP groups, positive reactions to bacterial antigens were most commonly seen in the spleen, kidney, heart, liver, peritoneum and swim bladder. In the IM groups, bacterial antigens were most commonly found in the eye, gill, spleen and kidney. In the IF method, the distribution of antigens in tissue and organs was similar to the reactions with immunoperoxidase staining. Finally, in this experimental study, an important correlation was seen between the distribution of L. garvieae antigens and lesions developing in many organ and tissues.
Relative prevalence ofMycobacterium marinumin fish collected from aquaria and natural freshwaters in central Europe
Authors: Slany M , Makovcova J , Jezek P , Bodnarova M , Pavlik I
Published: August 2013

A survey was carried out on occurrence ofMycobacterium marinumin fish kept in aquaria and those living in their natural environment. Species‐specificqPCRtargeting theerpand IS2404genes together with the conventional culture method were used. The analysis of 72 ornamental fish (n = 216 samples: gills, muscle and intestine) collected from aquaria revealed the presence ofM. marinumin 30 individuals (41.7%) of whom 17 (23.6%) were later culture positive. Culture‐independent detection revealed the presence ofM. marinumin 16 of 83 environmental samples (19.3%) collected in aquaria. The presence of viableM. marinumcells was later confirmed in 5 samples (6.0%). NoqPCRor culture positivity was observed when 123 groundwater fish and their corresponding environmental samples (n = 142) were analysed.
Thelohanellus testudineus n. sp. (Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) infecting the skin of allogynogenetic gibel carp Carassius auratus gibelio (Bloch) in China
Authors: Liu Y , Jia L , Huang M J , Gu Z M
Published: August 2013

A Thelohanellus species was encountered during a survey on Thelohanellus diversity of Carassius auratus gibelio (Bloch) in China. The infection is characterized by the presence of large cysts of 1.4–3.2 cm in diameter in the skin of host. Mature spores were ampullaceous in frontal view and testudinate in lateral view, measuring 19.7 ± 0.7 (18.6–20.8) μm long, 7.6 ± 0.4 (6.6–8.4) μm wide and 7.3 ± 0.5 (6.6–8.8) μm thick. The single polar capsule was elongated pyriform, with 11.1 ± 0.5 (10.0–11.9) μm long and 5.3 ± 0.3 (4.3–5.8) μm wide. Polar filaments coiled with 7–8 turns. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a smooth spore surface with flat side and convex side. The sutural line was straight or ‘S’ like, running near the middle of the valves. Histologically, the large cysts consisting of numerous small plasmodia developed in the dermis of the skin. The BLAST search indicated that the newly obtained ssrRNA gene sequences did not match any available sequences in GenBank and phylogenetic analysis placed it in the Thelohanellus clade. Based on morphology and molecular differences with reported Thelohanellus spp., this parasite was described as a new species of genus Thelohanellus.
Effects of in vitro exposure to mercury on male gonads and sperm structure of the tropical fish tuvira Gymnotus carapo (L.)
Authors: Vergílio C S , Moreira R V , Carvalho C E V , Melo E J T
Published: August 2013

This study investigated the progressive effects of HgCl2 in the testis and sperm of the tropical fish tuvira Gymnotus carapo L. exposed to increasing Hg concentrations (5–30 μm) and increasing exposure times (24–96 h). Histopathology and metal concentrations in the testis were observed. Hg concentrations in the testis reached 5.1 and 5.2 μg g−1 in fish exposed to 20 and 30 μm of Hg, respectively. Hg effects on testicular tissue were observed even at low Hg concentrations, with no alterations in gonadosomatic index. However, the quantitative analysis of the induced alterations (lesion index) demonstrated that the Hg effects in testis became more severe after exposure to higher concentrations (20 and 30 μm) and during longer exposure (72 and 96 h), probably leading to partial or total loss of the organ function. Hg exposure (20 μm) also affected sperm count and altered sperm morphology. This study showed that HgCl2 caused progressive damage to testicular tissue, reduced sperm count and altered sperm morphology. These results are important in establishing a direct correlation between Hg accumulation and severity of lesions.