bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-parametric flow cytometric and genetic investigation of the peripheral B cell compartment in human type 1 diabetes
Authors: Thompson W S , Pekalski M L , Simons H Z , Smyth D J , Castro-Dopico X , Guo H , Guy C , Dunger D B , Arif S , Peakman M , Wallace C , Wicker L S , Todd J A , Ferreira R C
Published: April 2014

The appearance of circulating islet-specific autoantibodies before disease diagnosis is a hallmark of human type 1 diabetes (T1D), and suggests a role for B cells in the pathogenesis of the disease. Alterations in the peripheral B cell compartment have been reported in T1D patients; however, to date, such studies have produced conflicting results and have been limited by sample size. In this study, we have performed a detailed characterization of the B cell compartment in T1D patients (n = 45) and healthy controls (n = 46), and assessed the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 in purified B cells from the same donors. Overall, we found no evidence for a profound alteration of the B cell compartment or in the production of IL-10 in peripheral blood of T1D patients. We also investigated age-related changes in peripheral B cell subsets and confirmed the sharp decrease with age of transitional CD19+CD27−CD24hiCD38hiB cells, a subset that has recently been ascribed a putative regulatory function. Genetic analysis of the B cell compartment revealed evidence for association of the IL2–IL21 T1D locus with IL-10 production by both memory B cells (P = 6·4 × 10−4) and islet-specific CD4+T cells (P = 2·9 × 10−3). In contrast to previous reports, we found no evidence for an alteration of the B cell compartment in healthy individuals homozygous for the non-synonymous PTPN22 Trp620T1D risk allele (rs2476601; Arg620Trp). The IL2–IL21 association we have identified, if confirmed, suggests a novel role for B cells in T1D pathogenesis through the production of IL-10, and reinforces the importance of IL-10 production by autoreactive CD4+T cells.
The expression of Toll-like receptors 2, 4 and 9 in kidneys of patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis
Authors: Wang H , Gou S-J , Zhao M-H , Chen M
Published: April 2014

Increasing evidence suggested that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) were critically involved in immune responses of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). The current study aimed to investigate the expression of TLR-2, TLR-4 and TLR-9 in kidneys of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis. Renal biopsy specimens were collected from 24 patients with AAV. The expression of TLR-2, TLR-4 and TLR-9 in kidneys was detected by immunohistochemistry. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of TLRs on various kinds of cells. In renal specimens, immunohistochemical examination revealed that expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 could be detected in the glomeruli of AAV patients, while TLR-2 and TLR-4 were scarcely detected in the glomeruli of normal controls. Double immunofluorescence staining of TLR-2, TLR-4 and CD31 indicated that TLR-4 and TLR-2 were expressed on endothelial cells in the glomeruli. In the tubulointerstitial compartment, expression of TLR-2, TLR-4 and TLR-9 could be detected in both AAV patients and normal controls. The mean optical density of TLR-2 and TLR-4 in the tubulointerstitial compartment in AAV patients were significantly higher than that in normal controls. Among AAV patients, correlation analysis showed that the mean optical density of TLR-4 in the glomeruli correlated inversely with the initial serum creatinine, the proportion of total crescents and the proportion of cellular crescents in renal specimens (r = −0·419, P = 0·041; r = −0·506, P = 0·012; r = −0·505, P = 0·012, respectively). The expression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 was dysregulated in kidneys of AAV patients. The expression of TLR-4 in glomeruli was associated with the severity of renal injury.
Intestinal titres of anti-tissue transglutaminase 2 antibodies correlate positively with mucosal damage degree and inversely with gluten-free diet duration in coeliac disease
Authors: Tosco A , Auricchio R , Aitoro R , Ponticelli D , Primario M , Miele E , Rotondi Aufiero V , Discepolo V , Greco L , Troncone R , Maglio M
Published: April 2014

It has always been known that anti-tissue transglutaminase 2 (anti-TG2) antibodies are produced in the small intestine. Their serum titres correlate with mucosal damage degree and decrease on a gluten-free diet (GFD).

We aimed to correlate intestinal anti-TG2 antibodies levels with degree of mucosal damage and GFD duration.

Thirty-four active, 71 potential and 24 CD patients on GFD for at least 2 years were enrolled. Anti-TG2 deposits were detected in intestinal biopsies by double immunofluorescence. Biopsies were cultured for 24 h with medium, and with gliadin peptic tryptic digest (PTG) or A-gliadin peptide 31–43 (P31-43). Anti-TG2 antibodies secreted into supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All active CD patients secreted high titres of anti-TG2 antibodies into culture medium that increased with the worsening of mucosal injury (Spearman's r = 0·71; P < 0·0001). Seventy of 71 potential CD patients and 15 of 24 treated CD patients secreted low titres of anti-TG2 antibodies into supernatants, eight of nine negative treated patients being on GFD for more than 10 years. An inverse correlation between antibody titres and duration of GFD was found, (Spearman's r = −0·52; P < 0·01). All active, 53 of 71 potential and six of 24 treated, CD patients showed anti-TG2 mucosal deposits. Five of six positive treated CD patients had been on GFD for fewer than 6 years and were also positive for secreted anti-TG2. In treated patients, PTG/P31-43 was not able to induce secretion of anti-TG2 antibodies into culture medium.

Measurement of anti-TG2 antibodies in biopsy supernatants proved to be more sensitive than detection by immunofluorescence to reveal their intestinal production. Intestinal antiTG2 antibodies titres correlated positively with the degree of mucosal damage and inversely with the duration of GFD.
Abatacept (cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4-immunoglobulin) improves B cell function and regulatory T cell inhibitory capacity in rheumatoid arthritis patients non-responding to anti-tumour necrosis factor-α agents
Authors: Picchianti Diamanti A , Rosado M M , Scarsella M , Germano V , Giorda E , Cascioli S , Laganà B , D'Amelio R , Carsetti R
Published: April 2014

The use of biological agents combined with methotrexate (MTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients has strongly improved disease outcome. In this study, the effects of abatacept on the size and function of circulating B and T cells in RA patients not responding to anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α have been analysed, with the aim of identifying immunological parameters helpful to choosing suitable tailored therapies. We analysed the frequency of peripheral B and T cell subsets, B cell function and T regulatory cell (Treg) inhibitory function in 20 moderate/severe RA patients, according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, primary non-responders to one TNF-α blocking agent, who received abatacept + MTX. Patients were studied before and 6 months after therapy. We found that abatacept therapy significantly reduced disease activity score on 44 joints (DAS)/erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values without causing severe side effects. The size of the circulating B and T cell compartments in RA patients was not significantly different from healthy donors, but B cell proliferation and plasma cell differentiation was impaired before therapy and restored by abatacept. While Treg cell frequency was normal, its inhibitory function was absent before therapy and was partially recovered 6 months after abatacept. B and Treg cell function is impaired in RA patients not responding to the first anti-TNF-α agent. Abatacept therapy was able to rescue immune function and led to an effective and safe clinical outcome, suggesting that RA patients, in whom anti-TNF-α failed, are immunologically prone to benefit from an agent targeting a different pathway.
Type III interferons are expressed by Coxsackievirus-infected human primary hepatocytes and regulate hepatocyte permissiveness to infection
Authors: Lind K , Svedin E , Utorova R , Stone V M , Flodström-Tullberg M
Published: April 2014

Hepatitis is a common and potentially fatal manifestation of severe Coxsackievirus infections, particularly in newborn children. Little is known of the immune-mediated mechanisms regulating permissiveness to liver infection. It is well established that type I interferons (IFNs) play an important role in the host innate immune response to Coxsackievirus infections. Recent studies have highlighted a role for another IFN family, the type III IFNs (also called IFN-λ), in anti-viral defence. Whether type III IFNs are produced by hepatocytes during a Coxsackievirus infection remains unknown. Moreover, whether or not type III IFNs protects hepatocytes from a Coxsackievirus infection has not been addressed. In this study, we show that primary human hepatocytes respond to a Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection by up-regulating the expression of type III IFNs. We also demonstrate that type III IFNs induce an anti-viral state in hepatocytes characterized by the up-regulated expression of IFN-stimulated genes, including IFN-stimulated gene (ISG15), 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase 2 (OAS2), protein kinase regulated by dsRNA (PKR) and myxovirus resistance protein 1 (Mx1). Furthermore, our study reveals that type III IFNs attenuate CVB3 replication both in hepatocyte cell lines and primary human hepatocytes. Our studies suggest that human hepatocytes express type III IFNs in response to a Coxsackievirus infection and highlight a novel role for type III IFNs in regulating hepatocyte permissiveness to this clinically relevant type of virus.
Excessively redundant umbilical skin as a potential early clinical feature of Morquio syndrome and FKBP14‐related Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Aldeeri A.A. , Alazami A.M. , Hijazi H. , Alzahrani F. , Alkuraya F.S.
Published: April 2014

Several umbilical abnormalities have been linked to and utilized to aid in the clinical diagnosis of certain syndromes. For instance, umbilical skin redundancy has long been recognized as a core feature of Rieger syndrome although its association with other disorders is unknown. In this article, we report for the first time the occurrence of this distinct clinical sign in association with two other syndromes: Morquio syndrome and FKBP14‐related Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS). Our observation is clinically significant because patients with Morquio syndrome are often diagnosed only after they develop typical skeletal manifestations, which reduces the efficacy of available enzyme replacement therapy, so the umbilical sign we report here can facilitate a much earlier diagnosis. In addition, the extreme rarity of FKBP14‐related Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) can greatly delay the diagnosis of this condition unless it is recognized in the differential diagnosis of redundant umbilical skin as we argue in this report.
Evaluating a unique, specialist psychiatric genetic counseling clinic: uptake and impact
Authors: Inglis A. , Koehn D. , McGillivray B. , Stewart S.E. , Austin J.
Published: April 2014

People with psychiatric disorders and their family members have expressed interest in receiving genetic counseling (GC). In February 2012, we opened the first (to our knowledge) specialist psychiatric GC clinic of its kind, for individuals with non‐syndromic psychiatric disorders and their families. Prior to GC and at a standard 1‐month follow‐up session, clinical assessment tools are completed, specifically, the GC outcomes scale (GCOS, which measures empowerment, completed by all clients) and the Illness Management Self Efficacy scale (IMSES, completed by those with mental illness). Consecutive English‐speaking clients attending the clinic between 1 February 2012 and 31 January 2013 who were capable of consenting were asked for permission to use their de‐identified clinical data for research purposes. Descriptive analyses were conducted to ascertain demographic details of attendees, and paired sample t‐tests were conducted to assess changes in GCOS and IMSES scores from pre‐ to post‐GC. Of 143 clients, seven were unable to consent, and 75/136 (55.1%) consented. Most were female (85.3%), self‐referred (76%), and had personal experience of mental illness (65.3%). Mean GCOS and IMSES scores increased significantly after GC (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.011, respectively). In a naturalistic setting, GC increases empowerment and self‐efficacy in this population.
Noradrenergic Terminals Regulate l‐DOPA‐derived Dopamine Extracellular Levels in a Region‐dependent Manner in Parkinsonian Rats
Authors: Navailles Sylvia , Milan Léa , Khalki Hanane , Di Giovanni Giuseppe , Lagière Mélanie , De Deurwaerdère Philippe
Published: April 2014

Aims

Serotonin (5‐HT) neurons mediate the ectopic release of dopamine (DA) induced by l‐DOPA in the Parkinsonian brain. We hypothesized that the participation of noradrenalin transporters (NET) in the clearance of DA may account for the lower effect of l‐DOPA in extrastriatal regions compared with the striatum.

Methods

Using a multisite intracerebral microdialysis approach, we tested the influence of the pharmacological blockade of NET and/or the destruction of noradrenalin (NE) fibers on DA and 5‐HT release in the striatum, hippocampus (HIPP), substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats.

Results

l‐DOPA (12 mg/kg, i.p.) increased DA extracellular levels to a lesser extent in the SNr, PFC and HIPP compared with the striatum. The NET blockers desipramine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and reboxetine (3 mg/kg, i.p.) potentiated l‐DOPA effect in the PFC, SNr and HIPP but not in the striatum. The NE neurotoxin N‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐N‐ethyl‐2‐bromobenzylamine (50 mg/kg, i.p. 1 week before dialysis experiment) potentiated l‐DOPA effect in the SNr and HIPP. 5‐HT extracellular levels were enhanced only when l‐DOPA was combined to NET blockers.

Conclusion

Noradrenalin neurons are indirectly involved in the mechanism of action of l‐DOPA in part through the heterologous reuptake of DA in extrastriatal regions.
Conserving Biodiversity Through Certification of Tropical Agroforestry Crops at Local and Landscape Scales
Authors: Tscharntke Teja , Milder Jeffrey C. , Schroth Götz , Clough Yann , DeClerck Fabrice , Waldron Anthony , Rice Robert , Ghazoul Jaboury
Published: April 2014

Voluntary sustainability standards and certification offer a promising mechanism to mitigate the severe negative impacts of agricultural expansion and intensification on tropical biodiversity. From a conservation standpoint, certification of tropical agroforestry crops, especially coffee and cocoa, is of particular interest given the potentially high biodiversity value of agroforestry systems and the substantial market penetration of coffee and cocoa certification in recent years. Here, we review experience with coffee and cocoa certification, summarize evidence on conservation impacts, and explore future needs. While there is much evidence that environmental criteria behind certification support biodiversity conservation, it is less clear to what extent certification is the cause of improved conservation outcomes. Additionally, the farm‐scale focus of current certification models may limit delivery of biodiversity conservation benefits, as maintenance of biodiversity depends on processes at larger landscape scales. To address this scale mismatch, we suggest that investment and innovation in certification over the next decade prioritize landscape conservation outcomes. This may be achieved by (1) linking existing certification mechanisms with broader landscape and ecosystem service management approaches and/or (2) expanding current certification models to consider the landscape itself as the certified unit.
Challenging the Scientific Foundations for an IUCN Red List of Ecosystems
Authors: Boitani Luigi , Mace Georgina M. , Rondinini Carlo
Published: April 2014

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is currently discussing the development of a Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) that would mirror the categories and criteria used to assess the conservation status of species. The suggested scientific foundations for the RLE are being considered by IUCN for adoption as the backbone of the RLE. We identify conceptual and operational weaknesses in the draft RLE approach, the categories, and criteria. While species are relatively well‐described units, there is no consistent means to classify ecosystems for assessing conservation status. The proposed RLE is framed mostly around certain features of ecosystems such as broad vegetation or habitat types, and do not consider major global change drivers such as climate change. We discuss technical difficulties with the proposed concept of ecosystem collapse and suggest it is not analogous to species extinction. We highlight the lack of scientific basis for the criteria and thresholds proposed by the RLE, and question the need to adopt the structure of the Red List of Species for an RLE. We suggest that the proposed RLE is open to ambiguous interpretations and uncertain outcomes, and that its practicality and benefit for conservation should be carefully evaluated before final approval.
Governance Strategies for Conducting Text Messaging Interventions in Clinical Research
Authors: Anderson Nicholas , Morrison Caitlin , Griffin Jonathan , Reiter William , Baldwin Laura‐Mae , Edwards Kelly
Published: April 2014

There is increasing interest in medical text messaging interventions being used to achieve positive patient outcomes across a range of clinical research and health practice environments. Short messaging service (SMS) is a low‐cost tool that provides an easy communication route to engage potentially broad populations through text messaging, and is part of the growing social trend toward increased adoption of personal communication technologies by patient populations. Testing the effectiveness and impact of various communication strategies requires navigation of a complex web of clinical and research regulations and oversight mechanisms. We describe a case study of the implementation of SMS to provide bidirectional communications between physicians and patients involved in routine care reminders to illustrate the review processes and governance structures needed. By mapping the regulatory and approval processes required to manage and steward a research study across clinical and community boundaries, we provide a guide for other translational health researchers who may utilize similar kinds of personally owned technology interventions as research tools.
Intergenerational Risk Sharing and Endogenous Labour Supply within Funded Pension Schemes
Authors: Bonenkamp Jan , Westerhout Ed
Published: April 2014

Funded defined‐benefit pensions add to welfare on account of providing intergenerational risk sharing, but lower it on account of inducing labour supply distortions. We show that a properly designed funded defined‐benefit pension scheme involves a welfare improvement even if contributions are distortionary and even if individuals face potentially correlated wage and equity risks. Numerical calculations indicate that diversification gains from risk sharing are large compared to the losses related to labour supply distortions. This result withstands a number of extensions, like the introduction of a short‐sale constraint for individuals or the inclusion of a labour income tax.
Happiness as a Driver of Risk‐avoiding Behaviour: Theory and an Empirical Study of Seatbelt Wearing and Automobile Accidents
Authors: Goudie Robert J. B. , Mukherjee Sach , de Neve Jan‐Emmanuel , Oswald Andrew J. , Wu Stephen
Published: April 2014

Governments try to discourage risky health behaviours, yet such behaviours are bewilderingly persistent. We suggest a new conceptual approach to this puzzle. We show that expected utility theory predicts that unhappy people will be attracted to risk‐taking. Using US seatbelt data, we document evidence strongly consistent with that prediction. We exploit various methodological approaches, including Bayesian model selection and instrumental variable estimation. Using road accident data, we find strongly corroborative longitudinal evidence. Government policy may thus have to change. It may need to improve the underlying happiness of individuals instead of, or in addition to, its traditional concern with society's risk‐taking symptoms.
Cancer stem cells and their implication in breast cancer
Authors: Carrasco E. , Álvarez Pablo J. , Prados José , Melguizo Consolación , Rama Ana R. , Aránega Antonia , Rodríguez‐Serrano Fernando
Published: April 2014

Background

The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis on the origin of cancer has recently gained considerable support. CSCs are tumour cells with the capacity for self‐renewal and differentiation that direct the origin and progression of the disease and may be responsible for relapse, metastasis and treatment failures.

Design

This article reviews breast CSCs (BCSCs) phenotyping, clinical implications and clinical trials focused on BCSCs in breast cancer. Relevant studies were found through PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov databases.

Results

Cancer stem cells are identified and isolated using membrane and cell activity markers; in the case of BCSCs, these are CD44+/CD24low/− and show aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, alongside their capacity to grow and form mammospheres. The presence of stem cell properties is associated with a worse outcome. Hence, these cells have important clinical implications, and elucidation of the mechanisms underlying their activity will allow the development of novel effective therapies and diagnostic instruments, improving the prognosis of these patients.

Conclusions

Standard treatments are directed against the tumour mass and do not eliminate CSCs. There is therefore a need for specific anti‐CSC therapies, and numerous authors are investigating new targets to this end, as reported in this review. It is also necessary for clinical trials to be undertaken to allow this new knowledge to be applied in the clinical setting. However, there have been few trials on anti‐BCSCs therapies to date.
Correlated evolution in parental care in females but not males in response to selection on paternity assurance behaviour
Authors: Head Megan L. , Hinde Camilla A. , Moore Allen J. , Royle Nick J.
Published: April 2014

According to classical parental care theory males are expected to provide less parental care when offspring in a brood are less likely to be their own, but empirical evidence in support of this relationship is equivocal. Recent work predicts that social interactions between the sexes can modify co‐evolution between traits involved in mating and parental care as a result of costs associated with these social interactions (i.e. sexual conflict). In burying beetles (Nicrophorus vespilloides), we use artificial selection on a paternity assurance trait, and crosses within and between selection lines, to show that selection acting on females, not males, can drive the co‐evolution of paternity assurance traits and parental care. Males do not care more in response to selection on mating rate. Instead, patterns of parental care change as an indirect response to costs of mating for females.
Phylogenetic relatedness and the determinants of competitive outcomes
Authors: Godoy Oscar , Kraft Nathan J. B. , Levine Jonathan M.
Published: April 2014

Recent hypotheses argue that phylogenetic relatedness should predict both the niche differences that stabilise coexistence and the average fitness differences that drive competitive dominance. These still largely untested predictions complicate Darwin's hypothesis that more closely related species less easily coexist, and challenge the use of community phylogenetic patterns to infer competition. We field parameterised models of competitor dynamics with pairs of 18 California annual plant species, and then related species' niche and fitness differences to their phylogenetic distance. Stabilising niche differences were unrelated to phylogenetic distance, while species' average fitness showed phylogenetic structure. This meant that more distant relatives had greater competitive asymmetry, which should favour the coexistence of close relatives. Nonetheless, coexistence proved unrelated to phylogeny, due in part to increasing variance in fitness differences with phylogenetic distance, a previously overlooked property of such relationships. Together, these findings question the expectation that distant relatives should more readily coexist.
Equine autologous platelet concentrates: A comparative study between different available systems
Authors: Hessel L. N. , Bosch G. , van Weeren P. R. , Ionita J.‐C.
Published: April 2014

Reasons for performing study

Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) are being used increasingly in horses to enhance regeneration in tissues that have poor natural healing capabilities. Numerous APC systems, which are based on different preparation techniques and were originally developed for human patients, are now routinely used in equine cases. However, preliminary process validation and adequate in vitro biochemical characterisation of most of these systems do not exist for horses.

Objectives

To compare haematological findings and growth factor concentrations of equine APCs obtained with 4 commercially available systems and a noncommercial double‐centrifugation technique.

Study design

Nonrandomised in vitro experiment.

Methods

Blood samples from 6 horses were processed to produce APCs using one equine‐specific filtration‐based and 4 different centrifugation‐based techniques. Platelet, leucocyte, platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB and transforming growth factor‐β1 concentrations were measured in all APCs, and their respective enrichment factors were compared.

Results

Mean platelet concentration increased in all systems in comparison to baseline; however, the mean enrichment factor, which ranged from 130% to 527% depending on the APC, was statistically significant in only 2 products. One method reduced total leucocyte counts to 9% of the baseline value, while the others had a mean fold increase varying from 116 to 663% of the baseline. Differential leucocyte count also differed between the products. Moreover, the various systems had significantly different mean growth factor enrichments (184–1255% for platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB and 93–560% for transforming growth factor‐β1).

Conclusions

Haematological and biochemical characteristics varied markedly among 5 techniques used in the field to produce APCs in horses. These discrepancies could have an impact on clinical outcomes, and further studies are needed to determine their influence on the quality of tissue regeneration. Clinicians should not rely on the manufacturers’ data relating to human patients to select the most appropriate method for horses.
Genetics of upper and lower airway diseases in the horse
Authors: Gerber V. , Tessier C. , Marti E.
Published: April 2014

Genetic predispositions for guttural pouch tympany, recurrent laryngeal neuropathy and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) are well documented. There is also evidence that exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage and infectious diseases of the respiratory tract in horses have a genetic component. The clinical expression of equine respiratory diseases with a genetic basis results from complex interactions between the environment and the genetic make‐up of each individual horse. The genetic effects are likely to be due to variations in several genes, i.e. they are polygenic. It is therefore unlikely that single gene tests will be diagnostically useful in these disorders. Genetic profiling panels, combining several genetic factors with an assessment of environmental risk factors, may have greater value, but much work is still needed to uncover diagnostically useful genetic markers or even causative variants for equine respiratory diseases. Nonetheless, chromosomal regions associated with guttural pouch tympany, recurrent laryngeal neuropathy and RAO have been identified. The association of RAO with other hypersensitivities and with resistance to intestinal parasites requires further study. This review aims to provide an overview of the available data and current thoughts on the genetics of equine airway diseases.
Sensitivity and responses of diatoms to climate warming in lakes heavily influenced by humans
Authors: Berthon Vincent , Alric Benjamin , Rimet Frédéric , Perga Marie‐Elodie
Published: April 2014

Diatom communities have been shown to respond strongly to current climate warming in remote lakes, while evidence remains equivocal for lakes under strong local human pressures.

Temporal dynamics of planktonic diatoms in three subalpine lakes (Geneva, Annecy and Bourget) reconstructed from palaeolimnological approaches were used to assess the relative effects of phosphorus concentrations, fisheries management practices and climate warming in structuring communities over the last century.

Changes in total phosphorous concentration (TP), air temperature and fish predation pressure could explain the temporal dynamics of most diatom species in the sediment records. TP was found to be not only the main driver of changes in community composition but also an important factor modulating diatom sensitivity and responses to climate warming.

The diatom community of Lake Bourget showed the highest vulnerability and direct responses to climate warming, favouring spring species that can resist earlier stratification in mesotrophic lakes (such as Asterionella formosa, Aulacoseira islandica and Stephanodiscus parvus) and summer species that can make the best trade‐off between decreasing nutrient concentrations and increased water column stability (Diatoma tenuis, A. islandica). In Lake Geneva, climate warming also contributed to shaping diatom communities but through an indirect pathway; fisheries management practices and climate warming interacted to reinforce top‐down control, favouring large, colonial inedible species (Stephanodicus binderanus and A. formosa). For Lake Annecy, the most nutrient limited of the three lakes studied, no changes in diatom community structure were directly related to warmer air temperatures over the last 25 years.

All three lakes have been subjected to the same climate variability. Yet the magnitude and responses of their diatom communities to climate warming were dissimilar and strongly modulated by differences in lake trophic status and fish management practices.
Integrating molecular tools into freshwater ecology: developments and opportunities
Authors: Pauls Steffen U. , Alp Maria , Bálint Miklós , Bernabò Paola , Čiampor Fedor , Čiamporová‐Zaťovičová Zuzana , Finn Debra S. , Kohout Jan , Leese Florian , Lencioni Valeria , Paz‐Vinas Ivan , Monaghan Michael T.
Published: April 2014

Molecular genetic techniques have been used in freshwater biology for more than 30 years. Early work focussed on studies of population structure, systematics and taxonomy. More recently, the range of studies has broadened to include ecology and adaptation. Advances in analytical methods and in technology (e.g. next‐generation sequencing) and decreasing costs of data production ensure that the field will continue to develop and broaden in scope.

At least three factors make the application of molecular techniques to freshwater biology exciting. First, the highly variable nature of many aquatic habitats makes them excellent models for the study of environmental change on ecological and evolutionary time scales. Second, the mature state of the field of freshwater biology provides an extensive foundation of ecological knowledge of freshwater organisms and their distinct adaptations. Third, the methodological advances allow researchers to focus more on merging molecular and ecological research and less on designing studies around technical limitations.

We identified eight research areas in freshwater biology in which the integration of molecular and ecological approaches provides exceptional opportunities. The list is not exhaustive, but considers a broad range of topics and spans the continuum from basic to applied research. The areas identified use a combination of natural, experimental and in silico approaches.

With advancing molecular techniques, freshwater biology is in an unusually strong position to link the genetic basis and ecological importance of adaptations across a wide range of taxa, ecosystems and spatiotemporal scales. Our aim was to identify opportunities for the integration of molecular and ecological approaches, to motivate greater collaboration and crossover, and to promote exploitation of the synergies of bridging ecological and evolutionary freshwater research.
Identifying the interacting roles of stressors in driving the global loss of canopy‐forming to mat‐forming algae in marine ecosystems
Authors: Strain Elisabeth M. A. , Thomson Russell J. , Micheli Fiorenza , Mancuso Francesco P. , Airoldi Laura
Published: April 2014

Identifying the type and strength of interactions between local anthropogenic and other stressors can help to set achievable management targets for degraded marine ecosystems and support their resilience by identifying local actions. We undertook a meta‐analysis, using data from 118 studies to test the hypothesis that ongoing global declines in the dominant habitat along temperate rocky coastlines, forests of canopy‐forming algae and/or their replacement by mat‐forming algae are driven by the nonadditive interactions between local anthropogenic stressors that can be addressed through management actions (fishing, heavy metal pollution, nutrient enrichment and high sediment loads) and other stressors (presence of competitors or grazers, removal of canopy algae, limiting or excessive light, low or high salinity, increasing temperature, high wave exposure and high UV or CO2), not as easily amenable to management actions. In general, the cumulative effects of local anthropogenic and other stressors had negative effects on the growth and survival of canopy‐forming algae. Conversely, the growth or survival of mat‐forming algae was either unaffected or significantly enhanced by the same pairs of stressors. Contrary to our predictions, the majority of interactions between stressors were additive. There were however synergistic interactions between nutrient enrichment and heavy metals, the presence of competitors, low light and increasing temperature, leading to amplified negative effects on canopy‐forming algae. There were also synergistic interactions between nutrient enrichment and increasing CO2 and temperature leading to amplified positive effects on mat‐forming algae. Our review of the current literature shows that management of nutrient levels, rather than fishing, heavy metal pollution or high sediment loads, would provide the greatest opportunity for preventing the shift from canopy to mat‐forming algae, particularly in enclosed bays or estuaries because of the higher prevalence of synergistic interactions between nutrient enrichment with other local and global stressors, and as such it should be prioritized.
Soil respiration under climate warming: differential response of heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Lingli , Piao Shilong , Janssens Ivan A. , Tang Jianwu , Liu Weixing , Chi Yonggang , Wang Jing , Xu Shan
Published: April 2014

Despite decades of research, how climate warming alters the global flux of soil respiration is still poorly characterized. Here, we use meta‐analysis to synthesize 202 soil respiration datasets from 50 ecosystem warming experiments across multiple terrestrial ecosystems. We found that, on average, warming by 2 °C increased soil respiration by 12% during the early warming years, but warming‐induced drought partially offset this effect. More significantly, the two components of soil respiration, heterotrophic respiration and autotrophic respiration showed distinct responses. The warming effect on autotrophic respiration was not statistically detectable during the early warming years, but nonetheless decreased with treatment duration. In contrast, warming by 2 °C increased heterotrophic respiration by an average of 21%, and this stimulation remained stable over the warming duration. This result challenged the assumption that microbial activity would acclimate to the rising temperature. Together, our findings demonstrate that distinguishing heterotrophic respiration and autotrophic respiration would allow us better understand and predict the long‐term response of soil respiration to warming. The dependence of soil respiration on soil moisture condition also underscores the importance of incorporating warming‐induced soil hydrological changes when modeling soil respiration under climate change.
Ocean cleaning stations under a changing climate: biological responses of tropical and temperate fish‐cleaner shrimp to global warming
Authors: Rosa Rui , Lopes Ana Rita , Pimentel Marta , Faleiro Filipa , Baptista Miguel , Trübenbach Katja , Narciso Luis , Dionísio Gisela , Pegado Maria Rita , Repolho Tiago , Calado Ricardo , Diniz Mário
Published: April 2014

Cleaning symbioses play an important role in the health of certain coastal marine communities. These interspecific associations often occur at specific sites (cleaning stations) where a cleaner organism (commonly a fish or shrimp) removes ectoparasites/damaged tissue from a ‘client’ (a larger cooperating fish). At present, the potential impact of climate change on the fitness of cleaner organisms remains unknown. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of tropical (Lysmata amboinensis) and temperate (L. seticaudata) cleaner shrimp to global warming. Specifically, thermal limits (CTMax), metabolic rates, thermal sensitivity, heat shock response (HSR), lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration], lactate levels, antioxidant (GST,SODand catalase) and digestive enzyme activities (trypsin and alkaline phosphatase) at current and warming (+3 °C) temperature conditions. In contrast to the temperate species,CTMax values decreased significantly from current (24–27 °C) to warming temperature conditions (30 °C) for the tropical shrimp, where metabolic thermal sensitivity was affected and theHSRwas significantly reduced.MDAlevels in tropical shrimp increased dramatically, indicating extreme cellular lipid peroxidation, which was not observed in the temperate shrimp. Lactate levels,GSTandSODactivities were significantly enhanced within the muscle tissue of the tropical species. Digestive enzyme activities in the hepatopancreas of both species were significantly decreased by warmer temperatures. Our data suggest that the tropical cleaner shrimp will be more vulnerable to global warming than the temperateLysmata seticaudata; the latter evolved in a relatively unstable environment with seasonal thermal variations that may have conferred greater adaptive plasticity. Thus, tropical cleaning symbioses may be challenged at a greater degree by warming‐related anthropogenic forcing, with potential cascading effects on the health and structuring of tropical coastal communities (e.g. coral reefs).
Pruritus in hemodialysis patients: Results from the Japanese Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (JDOPPS)
Authors: Kimata Naoki , Fuller Douglas S. , Saito Akira , Akizawa Tadao , Fukuhara Shunichi , Pisoni Ronald L. , Robinson Bruce M. , Akiba Takashi
Published: April 2014

Pruritus affects many patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). In this study, pruritus and its relationship to morbidity, quality of life (QoL), sleep quality, and patient laboratory measures were analyzed in a large sample of Japanese patients undergoing HD. Severity of patient‐reported pruritus symptoms experienced during a 4‐week period was collected from 6480 Japanese patients undergoing HD in three phases of the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS; 1996–2008; 60–65 study facilities/phase). Adjusted linear and logistic regressions were used to identify associations of pruritus with treatment parameters and QoL outcomes. Adjusted Cox regressions examined the influence of pruritus severity on mortality. Moderate to extreme pruritus was experienced by 44% of prevalent patients undergoing HD in the Japanese Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. Many patient characteristics were significantly associated with pruritus, but this did not explain the large differences in pruritus among facilities (20–70%). Pruritus was slightly less common in patients starting HD than in patients on dialysis >1 year. Patients with moderate to extreme pruritus were more likely to feel drained (adjusted odds ratio = 2.2–5.8, P < 0.0001), have poor sleep quality (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9–3.7, P < 0.0001), and have QoL mental and physical composite scores 2.3–6.7 points lower (P < 0.0001) than patients with no/mild pruritus. Pruritus in patients undergoing HD was associated with a 23% higher mortality risk (P = 0.09). The many poor outcomes associated with pruritus underscore the need for better therapeutic agents to provide relief for the 40–50% of prevalent patients undergoing HD substantially affected by pruritus. Pruritus in new patients with end‐stage renal disease likely results from uremia or pre‐existing conditions (not HD per se), indicating the need to understand development of pruritus before end‐stage renal disease.
Hemodialysis‐related headache
Authors: Sav Murat Yusuf , Sav Tansu , Senocak Elif , Sav Nadide Melike
Published: April 2014

Headache is one of the most frequently encountered neurological symptoms during hemodialysis. According to International Classification of Headache criteria dialysis‐related headache was defined as the headache occurring during hemodialysis with no specific characteristic. It resolves spontaneously within 72 hours after the hemodialysis session ends. There are few studies in the literature investigating the clinical features of dialysis headache. The pathophysiology of hemodialysis‐related headache is not known, but various triggering factors have been identified, including changes in blood pressure, serum sodium and magnesium levels during hemodialysis sessions, caffeine deprivation and stress. The aim of this article is to evaluate and analyze features of headache in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Clearance of myoglobin by high cutoff continuous veno‐venous hemodialysis in a patient with rhabdomyolysis: A case report
Authors: Wu Buyun , Gong Dehua , Ji Daxi , Xu Bin , Liu Zhihong
Published: April 2014

Continuous veno‐venous hemodialysis using high cutoff filters (HCO‐CVVHD) is a promising technique, which may be effective to decrease the extremely high level of circulating myoglobin in patients with rhabdomyolysis (RM). Here, we report a patient with RM caused by heat stroke who was successfully treated by HCO‐CVVHD. A male patient received HCO‐CVVHD with 4 L/h dialysate for 5 days and then pre‐dilution continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration (CVVH) at a dose of 4 L/h until recovery of renal function. The clearance of myoglobin and albumin at 5 minutes, and at 4, 12, and 24 hours were calculated. The serum myoglobin level decreased from a peak of 25,400 ng/mL on admission to 133 ng/mL at discharge. During HCO‐CVVHD, the mean clearances of serum myoglobin at four timepoints were 61.3 (range, 61.0–61.6), 52.3 (38.9–65.8), 47.3 (46.8–47.9), and 43.7 (39.5–48.0) mL/min, respectively, and the mean clearances of albumin were 12.4 (range, 11.8–13.1), 3.1 (2.5–3.8), 1.2 (1.0–1.4), and 0.8 (0.6–1.0) mL/min, respectively. During CVVH, the clearance rates of myoglobin at 5 minutes and 24 hours were 17.0 and 3.8 mL/min, respectively, with a negligible clearance of albumin. HCO‐CVVHD can effectively decrease serum myoglobin in patients with RM because of much higher clearance of myoglobin than CVVH. However, attention should be paid to albumin loss during HCO‐CVVHD.
Inflammation, high ferritin, and erythropoietin resistance in indigenous maintenance hemodialysis patients from the Top End of Northern Australia
Authors: Majoni Sandawana William , Ellis Joy‐Anne , Hall Heather , Abeyaratne Asanga , Lawton Paul D.
Published: April 2014

Use of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) has improved the management of anemia in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Iron deficiency and inflammation cause ESAs resistance and are both common among indigenous people of Northern Australia. As part of quality assurance in our Renal Anaemia Management program, we observed that there was use of higher doses of ESAs and adjuvant iron therapy in our MHD patients. This study aimed to explore the relationship among iron studies, inflammation, ESA responsiveness, and ESAs and iron requirements in indigenous patients on MHD from the Top End of Northern Australia. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of anemia management in a cohort of our patients on MHD. We extracted data for 178 indigenous and 19 non‐indigenous patients from 1 March 2009 to 28 February 2010 from the Renal Anaemia Management database, which collects data prospectively in MHD patients. Ninety‐nine percent of the whole sample had a ferritin level above the international guidelines threshold of >500 µg/L. Indigenous patients had higher ferritin (1534 ± 245.5 µg/L vs. 1013 ± 323.3 µg/L, P = 0.002). C‐reactive protein (CRP) was high in 56.9% of the total cohort. One hundred percent of those with normal CRP had high ferritin (>500 µg/L). C‐reactive protein was higher in indigenous than in non‐indigenous patients. Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents hyporesponsiveness was higher in indigenous patients (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in ESAs hyporesponsiveness among different levels of CRP (P = 0.116), ferritin (P = 0.408), and transferrin saturation (P = 0.503). Indigenous patients required higher total iron dose (2820.30 [2000–4350] vs. 2336.12 [1912–2900], P = 0.02). There was no significant relationship between the high ferritin and CRP. In indigenous dialysis patients, iron therapy and ESAs use are higher. The high iron use is due to a lack of published evidence to guide the administration of iron in patients with high ferritin. The high ferritin and ESAs resistance could not be fully explained by inflammation and need further evaluation. Further studies are required to determine the safe use of iron and management of ESAs resistance in our hemodialysis population.
Characteristic Epithelium with Low‐Grade Atypia Appears on the Surface of Gastric Cancer after Successful Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy
Authors: Kitamura Yoko , Ito Masanori , Matsuo Taiji , Boda Tomoyuki , Oka Shiro , Yoshihara Masaharu , Tanaka Shinji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: April 2014

Background

The incidence of gastric cancer after successful Helicobacter pylori eradication has been increasing. We previously reported that epithelium with low‐grade atypia (ELA) appeared on the surface of gastric cancer after H. pylori eradication. Here, we investigate the clinical and biological characteristics of such ELA.

Methods

We studied 27 cases of gastric cancer detected after successful H. pylori eradication therapy. We examined the prevalence of ELA among these cases and its significance for endoscopic discovery after H. pylori eradication. We additionally investigated the mucus, p53 and Ki67 expressions in ELA.

Results

Epithelium with low‐grade atypia that continuous with the gastric tumor was detected in 22 of 27 cases (81%), a significantly greater percentage than that for controls (p < 0.01). We found that gastric‐type mucin was frequently expressed in this epithelium. Neither p53‐ nor Ki67‐positive cells were found in ELA, irrespective of their expression in tumor tissue. The presence of ELA was positively correlated with the clinical interval between H. pylori eradication and gastric cancer detection.

Conclusions

Epithelium with low‐grade atypia on gastric cancer tissue, which may develop from gastric cancer cells, is frequently present after successful eradication therapy. This phenomenon could influence the practice of endoscopic diagnosis of gastric cancers.