bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of extent of tau pathology in patients with frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP‐17), frontotemporal lobar degeneration with Pick bodies and early onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Shiarli A.‐M. , Jennings R. , Shi J. , Bailey K. , Davidson Y. , Tian J. , Bigio E. H. , Ghetti B. , Murrell J. R. , Delisle M. B. , Mirra S. , Crain B. , Zolo P. , Arima K. , Iseki E. , Murayama S. , Kretzschmar H. , Neumann M. , Lippa C. , Halliday G. , MacKenzie J. , Khan N. , Ravid R. , Dickson D. , Wszolek Z. , Iwatsubo T. , Pickering‐Brown S. M. , Mann D. M. A.
Published: July 2006

In order to gain insight into the pathogenesis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), the mean tau load in frontal cortex was compared in 34 patients with frontotemporal dementia linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP‐17) with 12 different mutations in the tau gene (MAPT), 11 patients with sporadic FTLD with Pick bodies and 25 patients with early onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD). Tau load was determined, as percentage of tissue occupied by stained product, by image analysis of immunohistochemically stained sections using the phospho‐dependent antibodies AT8, AT100 and AT180. With AT8 and AT180 antibodies, the amount of tau was significantly (P < 0.001 in each instance) less than that in EOAD for both FTDP‐17 (8.5% and 10.0% respectively) and sporadic FTLD with Pick bodies (16.1% and 10.0% respectively). With AT100, the amount of tau detected in FTDP‐17 was 54% (P < 0.001) of that detected in EOAD, but no tau was detected in sporadic FTLD with Pick bodies using this particular antibody. The amount of insoluble tau deposited within the brain in FTDP‐17 did not depend in any systematic way upon where the MAPT mutation was topographically located within the gene, or on the physiological or structural change generated by the mutation, regardless of which anti‐tau antibody was used. Not only does the amount of tau deposited in the brain differ between the three disorders, but the pattern of phosphorylation of tau also varies according to disease. These findings raise important questions relating to the role of aggregated tau in neurodegeneration – whether this represents an adaptive response which promotes the survival of neurones, or whether it is a detrimental change that directly, or indirectly, brings about the demize of the affected cell.
The olfactory route for cerebrospinal fluid drainage into the peripheral lymphatic system
Authors: Walter B. A. , Valera V. A. , Takahashi S. , Ushiki T.
Published: July 2006

Drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid through the olfactory nerves into the nasal lymphatics has been suggested repeatedly. To investigate precisely the morphology of this pathway, India ink was injected into the subarachnoidal space of the rat brain, and samples including the olfactory bulbs, olfactory tracts and the nasal mucosa were observed by light and electron microscopy. Under the dissecting microscope, ink particles were found within the subarachnoid space and along the olfactory nerves. At the nasal mucosa, a lymphatic network stained in black was identified near the olfactory nerves, which finally emptied into the superficial and deep cervical lymph nodes. Light microscopically, ink particles were found in the subarachnoid space, partially distributed around the olfactory nerves and within the lymphatic vessels. By electron microscopy, the subarachnoid space often formed a pocket‐like space in the entrance of the fila olfactoria. The olfactory nerves were partially surrounded by ink particles within the space between perineurial cells and epineurial fibroblasts. At the nasal mucosa, the lymphatics were frequently located close to the nerves. These results indicate that the cerebrospinal fluid drains from the subarachnoid space along the olfactory nerves to the nasal lymphatics, which in turn, empties into the cervical lymph nodes. This anatomical communication, thus, allows the central nervous system to connect with the lymphatic system. The presence of this route may play an important role in the movement of antigens from the subarachnoidal space to the extracranial lymphatic vessels, resulting in inducement of an immune response of the central nervous system.
Serum and cerebral spinal fluid levels of chemokines and Th2 cytokines in Schistosoma mansoni myeloradiculopathy
Authors: SOUSA‐PEREIRA S. R. , TEIXEIRA A. L. , SILVA L. C. S. , SOUZA A. L. S. , ANTUNES C. M. , TEIXEIRA M. M. , LAMBERTUCCI J. R.
Published: July 2006

Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy (SMR) is the most common neurological form of Schistosoma mansoni infection. In this study we investigated the expression of chemokines and Th2 cytokines in serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of SMR patients. SMR patients presented increased serum levels of CCL11/eotaxin and CCL24/eotaxin‐2 when compared to controls. SMR patients also had higher levels of IL‐13 in CSF. Thus, SMR patients present enhancement of both IL‐13 and CCR3 acting chemokines, both of which may facilitate the expression of a Th2 response and Th2‐dependent damage to the spinal cord. As this cytokine is responsible for promoting Th2 responses, this finding is in accordance to the view that Th2 cells are important in the immunological process against the S. mansoni.
Immune reconstitution disease associated with parasitic infections following antiretroviral treatment
Authors: LAWN S. D. , WILKINSON R. J.
Published: July 2006

HIV‐associated immune reconstitution disease (IRD) is the clinical presentation or deterioration of opportunistic infections that results from enhancement of pathogen‐specific immune responses among patients responding to antiretroviral treatment (ART). The vast majority of reported cases of IRD have been associated with mycobacterial, chronic viral and invasive fungal infections; such cases result from dysregulated augmentation of cell‐mediated type 1 cytokine‐secreting host immune responses. However, the spectrum of infections now recognized as associated with IRD is expanding and includes a number of parasitic infections, which may be mediated by different immunopathological mechanisms. These include leishmaniasis (visceral, cutaneous, mucosal and post kala azar dermal leishmaniasis), schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis. Since the major burden of HIV lies in resource‐limited countries where access to ART is now rapidly expanding, increased awareness and knowledge of these phenomena is important. Here we review the clinical spectrum and pathogenesis of IRD associated with parasitic infections.
T‐cell Control of IL‐12p75 Production
Authors: Abdi K. , Singh N. , Matzinger P.
Published: July 2006

It is currently thought that IL‐12, produced by dendritic cells (DC) early after stimulation by bacterial pathogens or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), acts as a pro‐inflammatory cytokine bridging the innate and adaptive immune responses. We found, however, that it is only the p40 subunit and not the IL‐12p75 heterodimer that is secreted early in copious amounts in response to LPS. Neither naïve T cells, nor a variety of microbial products, were able to induce IL‐12p75 production unless the DC were conditioned by the presence of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) or by encounter with previously activated T cells. The inability of naïve T cells or of bacterial products to induce IL‐12 argues against its early role as the initiator of innate and adaptive immune responses.
A Three‐cell Model for Activation of Naïve T Helper Cells
Authors: Corthay A.
Published: July 2006

It is generally assumed that the activation of naïve T helper (Th) cells is the result of a two‐cell interaction between the Th cell and a dendritic cell (DC) and that three signals are required. Signal one or stimulation is the recognition by the T‐cell receptor (TCR) of antigenic peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Signal two or co‐stimulation is mainly provided by the triggering of CD28 on the T cell by CD80 and CD86 molecules on the DC. Signal three or polarization directs T‐cell differentiation into various effector phenotypes such as Th1 and Th2. Both signals, two and three, are often assumed to result from the binding of microbial products or endogenous molecular danger signals to germline‐encoded receptors such as toll‐like receptors (TLR) on the DC. However, recent data challenge this two‐cell model by revealing that Th1 polarization requires the presence of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) provided by a third cell. I propose here a three‐cell model for naïve Th‐cell activation. In this model, delivery of signal three by the DC is dependent on help provided by other innate immune cells such as NK cells, NK T cells, γδ T cells, mast cells, eosinophils and basophils. The rationale behind this model is that the innate immune system has been designed by evolution to select an appropriate class of immune response to protect the host.
Mapping indicators of sexually transmitted infection services in the South African public health sector
Authors: Kleinschmidt Immo , Ramkissoon Arthi , Morris Natashia , Mabude Zonke , Curtis Bronwyn , Beksinska Mags
Published: July 2006

Background  Prevention and early treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a high public health priority in South Africa. In 2002 a national survey of public health care (PHC) facilities was conducted to develop measurable indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the National STI programme. In this paper we present maps of key indicators obtained from the survey, and discuss their programmatic implications. We also address some methodological issues that arise in the context of producing appropriate maps.

Methods  A national sample, stratified by subdistrict/municipality, of 962 PHC facilities was randomly selected. In each facility the senior nurse was telephonically contacted and interviewed to answer questions related to the implementation of STI prevention and management from a structured questionnaire. Responses were validated through a second phone call, and inconsistencies recorded. The following key variables were mapped: stock‐outs of drugs and condoms, knowledge of correct treatment procedures, consistent record keeping, number of STI clients seen per month per 1000 adult population, number of condoms distributed per adult male, and number of trained nurses per 1000 population. Using conditional autoregressive models and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation, smoothed subdistrict level clinic responses were computed and 95% confidence limits estimated.

Results and Discussion  Drug stock‐outs were reported by 13% [95% CI 10–15%] and condom stock‐outs were reported by 4% [95% CI 2–5%] of facilities. Underlying geographical patterns of risk were more clearly observed when maps had been smoothed and were not dominated by sampling error. Smoothed maps show that there is a finite, low risk of drug stock‐outs in all areas with higher risk regions more clearly identified. The maps of indicators of STI services at PHC facilities show that there are important differences in quality of service within South Africa and underscore the usefulness of facility level routine data both for local programme monitoring and planning and for providing a national ‘bird's eye view’ of programme performance.

Keywords  sexually transmitted infections

clinic services

surveys

maps

autoregressive models
Serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae causing invasive disease in The Gambia 1996–2003
Authors: Adegbola Richard A. , Hill Philip C. , Secka Ousman , Ikumapayi Usman N. , Lahai George , Greenwood Brian M. , Corrah Tumani
Published: July 2006

Objectives  To describe the characteristics of pneumococcal isolates obtained from patients with invasive pneumococcal disease in The Gambia.

Methods  Pneumococcal isolates were obtained from children aged ≤6 years with invasive pneumococcal disease during a Haemophilus influenzae vaccine effectiveness study (1997–2002) and from patients with invasive pneumococcal disease admitted to the MRC hospital, Fajara, for routine care (1996–2003). Isolates were identified, serotyped and tested for antibiotic susceptibility.

Results  Five hundred and thirty one pneumococcal isolates were obtained from 518 patients; 55 (10.6%) patients died; 415 isolates (79%) were from blood culture, 84 (16%) from CSF, and 42 (8%) from lung aspirates. Forty serogroups and serotypes were identified; six accounted for 64% and 16 for 86% of all episodes; 33.7% were of serotypes 1 and 5. 23.5% were of a 7‐valent vaccine serotype, 57.1% were of a 9‐valent vaccine serotype; 56% were of a 7‐valent serogroup and 78% were of a 9‐valent serogroup. There was a significant increase in the proportion of isolates of non‐vaccine serogroup with increasing age (P < 0.0001). Antibiotic resistance had not significantly increased over time; but intermediate non‐susceptibility to penicillin had risen and resistance to chloramphenicol had fallen in isolates of vaccine serotype compared with those of non‐vaccine serotype.

Conclusions  The majority of invasive pneumococcal disease in The Gambia is caused by pneumococci of relatively few serogroups. A conjugate vaccine would be expected to reduce the pneumococcal disease burden substantially and to have a beneficial effect on pneumococcal antibiotic resistance to penicillins.
Effects of climate and different management strategies on Aedes aegypti breeding sites: a longitudinal survey in Brasília (DF, Brazil)
Authors: Favier Charly , Degallier Nicolas , Ribeiro Vilarinhos Paulo de Tarso , De Carvalho Maria do Socorro Laurentino , Cavalcanti Yoshizawa Maria Amelia , Britto Knox Monique
Published: July 2006

Objective  To determine the influence of climate and of environmental vector control with or without insecticide on Aedes aegypti larval indices and pupae density.

Methods  An 18‐month longitudinal survey of infestation of Ae. aegypti immature stages was conducted for the 1015 residences (premises) of Vila Planalto, an area of Brasilia where the Breteau Index was about 40 before the study. This area was divided into five zones: a control zone with environmental management alone and four zones with insecticide treatment (methoprene, Bti, temephos). We tested for significant differences between infestation levels in the control and insecticide‐treated areas, for relationships between climatic variables and larval indices, and to determine risk factors of infestation for certain types of premises and containers.

Results  Environmental vector control strategies dramatically decreased infestation in the five areas. No significant differences could be detected between control strategies with insecticide and without. Some premises and container types were particularly suitable for breeding. The influence of climate on the emergence of Ae. aegypti adults for the area is described.

Conclusion  In a moderately infested area such as Brasilia, insecticides do not improve environmental vector control. Rather, infestations could be further reduced by focusing on residences and containers particularly at risk. The nature of the link between climate and larval population should be investigated in larger‐scale studies before being used in forecasting models.

Keywords  Aedes aegypti

management strategies

longitudinal survey

breeding sites

larval Stegomyia indices

pupae
Low efficacy of the combination artesunate plus amodiaquine for uncomplicated falciparum malaria among children under 5 years in Kailahun, Sierra Leone
Authors: Grandesso Francesco , Hagerman Andres , Kamara Sarian , Lam Eva , Checchi Francesco , Balkan Suna , Scollo Giuseppe , Durand Rémy , Guthmann Jean‐Paul
Published: July 2006

Objective  In 2004, Sierra Leone adopted artesunate plus amodiaquine as first‐line antimalarial treatment. We evaluated the efficacy of this combination in Kailahun, where a previous study had shown 70.2% efficacy of amodiaquine in monotherapy.

Methods  Method and outcome classification of the study complied with WHO guidelines. Children 6–59 months with uncomplicated malaria were followed‐up for 28 days. PCR genotyping was used to distinguish recrudescence from reinfection. Reinfections were reclassified as cured.

Results  Of 172 children who were referred to the study clinic, 126 satisfied inclusion criteria and were enrolled. No early treatment failures were reported. The day 14, efficacy was 98.2% (95% CI: 93.8–99.8). Of 65 recurrent parasitaemias analysed by PCR, 17 were recrudescences. The PCR‐adjusted day 28 efficacy was 84.5% (95% CI: 76.4–90.7). All true failures occurred in the last 8 days of follow‐up. Of 110 children who completed the 28‐day follow‐up, 54 (49.1%) experienced a novel infection.

Conclusion  The efficacy of this combination was disappointing. The high reinfection rate suggested little prophylactic effect. In Kailahun a more efficacious combination might be necessary in the future. The efficacy of AS + AQ needs to be monitored in Kailahun and in the other regions of Sierra Leone.
Variation in reproductive characteristics of Eupatorium adenophorum populations in different habitats
Authors: YU X‐J , MA K‐P
Published: July 2006

The invasive plant, Eupatorium adenophorum, produces large numbers of small seeds with a high germination rate. However, this investigation showed that E. adenophorum populations in an evergreen broad‐leaved forest had a high proportion of seedlings when compared with clonal plants. Whereas an opposite pattern was found in a deciduous broad‐leaved forest and in a roadside site. A seed addition experiment where E. adenophorum seeds were added to each of the three habitats did not increase the number of E. adenophorum seedlings at any of the three field sites. Field and greenhouse experiments demonstrated that a soil litter layer significantly reduced the number of E. adenophorum seedlings during the early seedling emergence period. However, at later periods, the litter cover did not affect survival and growth of individuals. The emergence of E. adenophorum seedlings was significantly increased in field experiments when there was no litter, and parental plants were removed. Finally, the growth of seedlings was significantly reduced when planted with their parental plants in a root box experiment. In the low‐resource environment of the evergreen broad‐leaved forest, E. adenophorum reproduced primarily by its abundant seed production. In the more open deciduous broad‐leaved forest and roadside site, the populations reproduce primarily by vegetative clones that can grow quickly, are better competitors and could take advantage of the high‐resource environment.
Herbicidal potential of allelochemicals from Lantana camara against Eichhornia crassipes and the alga Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: KONG C H , WANG P , ZHANG C X , ZHANG M X , HU F
Published: July 2006

In the field, the growth of the aquatic weed Eichhornia crassipes and the alga Microcystis aeruginosa may be inhibited by fallen leaves of Lantana camara. This study showed that extracts of L. camara leaves and their fractions reduced the biomass of E. crassipes and M. aeruginosa within 7 days under laboratory conditions. Two fractions with highly inhibitory activity from the extract were isolated and subsequently identified as the pentacyclic triterpenoids, lantadene A and lantadene B. Both compounds significantly inhibited E. crassipes and M. aeruginosa growth, even at a low concentration. At all concentrations tested, their inhibitory activities were much higher than that of salicylic acid, a putative allelochemical from L. camara. The results indicated that the predominant allelochemicals involved in L. camara against either E. crassipes or M. aeruginosa are not phenolic acids, but lantadene A and lantadene B. Field trials showed that released levels of lantadene A and lantadene B were significantly correlated with amounts and decomposition periods of L. camara leaves floated in water. The amount released from 5 kg L. camara leaves was over the inhibition threshold of both E. crassipes and M. aeruginosa and reached a maximum at days 15–20. This study suggested that allelochemicals of L. camara could potentially be used to improve the management of weeds and algae in aquatic systems.
Action of two herbicides on the microbial activity of soil cultivated with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in conventional‐till and no‐till systems
Authors: SANTOS J B , JAKELAITIS A , SILVA A A , COSTA M D , MANABE A , SILVA M C S
Published: July 2006

The effects of application of the herbicides fluazifop‐p‐butyl and fomesafen and the commercial mixture of these herbicides on the microbial activity of a soil, cultivated with common bean under no‐till (NTS) and conventional‐till (CTS) systems, were evaluated. Microbial respiration was monitored for 63 days after application (DAA) of the herbicides, and the following evaluated at 12 and 51 DAA: microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial quotient (qMIC), metabolic quotient (qCO2), percentage of bean root colonisation by mycorrhizal fungi and grain yield at the end of the cycle. A greater microbial respiratory rate was observed under NTS, with fluazifop‐p‐butyl providing the lowest respiration. At 12 DAA, MBC andqMIC were most affected negatively by fomesafen and by the commercial mixture of the two herbicides. Mycorrhizal colonisation was affected by the herbicides only at 12 DAA under CTS; however, in both periods, the highest value was found under NTS. All the herbicides caused a decrease in the MBC andqMIC values at 51 DAA; theqCO2, which is related to the soil system stability, indicated a greater NTS balance over CTS. The herbicide fomesafen induced lower stability in the system. Lower grain yield was obtained without weed control (no herbicides) and with fomesafen‐only treatments, which may be attributed to the high weed infestation in the experimental area.
Genome‐wide microarray analysis of the effect of a surfactant application in Arabidopsis
Authors: MADHOU P , RAGHAVAN C , WELLS A , STEVENSON T W
Published: July 2006

Herbicides provide growers with the means to chemically manage weeds; surfactants are often an effective way of improving the performance of these herbicides. However, the mode of action of surfactants at the molecular level is not well understood. As a preliminary step towards understanding the molecular mechanism of action of an etheramine surfactant, plant gene expression in response to foliar application of surfactant NUL1026 was analysed in Arabidopsis thaliana, using the commercially available Affymetrix ATH1‐121501 chip. One hundred and ninety‐six genes were found to be significantly altered 1 h after plants were treated with 0.2% (V/V) of surfactant NUL1026. Functional category analysis of these genes revealed that the largest categories included metabolism, physiological processes, transport, protein metabolism, response to stimulus and transcription. A number of genes encoding detoxification proteins, such as cytochrome P450, glutathione S‐transferase and members of the multidrug‐resistance associated proteins, were upregulated. Interestingly, microarray results showed a number of genes encoding enzymes involved in the jasmonic acid biosynthesis pathway and also the 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate synthase gene for ethylene production were upregulated, indicating that treatment with surfactant NUL1026 affects the expression of a number of genes involved in the detoxification and signalling pathways.
Weed suppression by Passiflora edulis and its potential allelochemicals
Authors: KHANH T D , CHUNG I M , TAWATA S , XUAN T D
Published: July 2006

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is grown in the tropics for its edible fruits and for its many ethno‐pharmacologic and pharmacological properties. Our study revealed that the plant contains a strong allelopathic potential. In a bioassay, aqueous extracts of P. edulis strongly suppressed germination and growth of lettuce, radish and two major paddy rice weeds, Echinochloa crusgalli and Monochoria vaginalis. In glasshouse and field experiments, P. edulis also strongly inhibited the growth of paddy rice weeds. Application of 2 t ha−1 dry plant material of P. edulis reduced weed biomass by 70% and increased rice yield by 35% compared with the unweeded control. Ten newly identified substances in P. edulis extracts, including coumarin, long‐chain fatty acids and lactones, may be responsible for the inhibitory activity of P. edulis. Coumarin and the lactones showed greater inhibition of germination and growth of E. crusgalli than the fatty acids. The authors suggest that P. edulis may be used as a natural herbicide to reduce the dependency on synthetic herbicides.
German cockroach proteases regulate matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Page K. , Hughes V. S. , Bennett G. W. , Wong H. R.
Published: July 2006

Background:  Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) digest extracellular matrix proteins and may play a role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. MMP‐9 levels are increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and sputum of asthmatics compared with that of controls. As exposure to cockroaches is an environmental risk factor for asthma, we sought to investigate the role of German cockroach fecal remnants (frass) on MMP‐9 expression.

Methods:  Human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE14o‐) and primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells were treated with cockroach frass in the absence or presence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α. MMP‐9 mRNA, protein levels and pro‐MMP‐9 activity were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and zymogram assays. Pretreatment of frass with aprotinin abolished protease activity. PD98059, a chemical inhibitor of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), and SLIGKV, an activator of protease‐activated receptor (PAR)‐2 were also used. AP‐1DNA binding was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and ERK phosphorylation by Western blot analysis.

Results:  Cockroach frass augmented TNFα‐mediated MMP‐9 mRNA and protein expression by a mechanism dependent on active serine proteases within frass and not on endogenous endotoxin. Frass increased ERK phosphorylation, and chemical inhibition of ERK attenuated cockroaches’ effects on MMP‐9. Serine proteases are known to activate the PAR‐2 receptor. We found that selective activation of PAR‐2 using the peptide SLIGKV augmented TNFα‐induced MMP‐9 protein levels and increased ERK phosphorylation. Frass and SLIGKV each increased AP‐1 translocation and DNA binding.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that German cockroach frass contains active serine proteases which augment TNFα‐induced MMP‐9 expression by a mechanism involving PAR‐2, ERK and AP‐1.
Skin testing for immediate hypersensitivity to betalactams: comparison between two commercial kits
Authors: Rodríguez‐Bada J. L. , Montañez M. I. , Torres M. J. , Mayorga C. , Canto G. , Perez‐Inestrosa E. , Suau R. , Blanca M.
Published: July 2006

Introduction: Skin testing with major and minor determinants of benzylpenicillin is the recommended standard practice to evaluate subjects with immediate hypersensitivity to betalactams. The withdrawal of these products from the market has set us back to the early days, before the introduction of reagents forin vivotesting.

Objectives: To compare a recently released kit of benzylpenicillin conjugated to poly‐l‐lysine (PPL) and minor determinants mixture (MDM) with the previously existing kit in a positive control group of subjects sensitized to major and/or minor determinants of benzylpenicillin.

Methods: Skin tests with both kits were made in a group of positive subjects previously diagnosed with immediate hypersensitivity to penicillins and with positive results to PPL and/or MDM and in a negative control group. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition assays with a pool of sera and individual samples were carried out to compare the inhibition capacity of PPL and MDM of both kits.

Results: Of 22 cases selected from our historical group, 14 were positive: eight to PPL, three to MDM and three to both. These results were equivalent for both kits. RAST inhibition studies showed similar potencies in the inhibition of PPL and MDM.

Conclusions: Both tests show similar results in terms of RAST inhibition assays and skin tests sensitivity and specificity in the groups selected. The new assay can be used for the same purpose and indications as the previous test.
Impaired psychosocial outcome of donors after living donor liver transplantation: a qualitative case study
Authors: Walter Marc , Papachristou Christina , Pascher Andreas , Danzer Gerhard , Neuhaus Peter , Klapp Burghard F. , Frommer Jörg
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) of the right hepatic lobe has been developing into an established therapy for treating pre‐terminal liver diseases. There is little experience available on the psychosocial outcome of living donors. The aim of this first qualitative case study was to investigate the patterns for impaired psychosocial outcome in donors after LDLT. Donor hepatectomies were performed in 30 donors at the Charité Berlin. Six months after surgery, the six of the 30 donors with negative moods and physical complaints in psychometric monitoring were examined. The post‐operative interviews were transcribed and analysed using current qualitative research methods. These six donors (20%) reported various unspecific complaints and psychological conflicts. Sadness was expressed about organ rejection and death of the recipient. Anxieties about the recipient and their own health were verbalized. Disappointment and anger refer to the experience that they were not as fully appreciated by the medical system and their social environment as expected. The negative emotions of donors with impaired psychosocial outcome could be related to a decrease in self‐esteem in the post‐operative course. Adequate medical and psychological treatment opportunities for these donors should be provided.
Difference in the xylitol sensitivity of acid production among Streptococcus mutans strains and the biochemical mechanism
Authors: Miyasawa‐Hori H. , Aizawa S. , Takahashi N.
Published: July 2006

Xylitol inhibits the glycolysis and growth of Streptococcus mutans, but to different degrees among strains. Thus, we studied the biochemical mechanism through which the inhibition varies, using S. mutans strains ATCC 31989, NCTN 10449, and NCIB 11723, which are highly sensitive, moderately sensitive, and resistant to xylitol, respectively, under strictly anaerobic conditions such as those found in deep layers of dental plaque. Xylitol (30 mm) decreased the rate of acid production from glucose (10 mm) in ATCC 31989, NCTC 10449, and NCIB 11723 by 86, 26, and 0%, respectively. The activities of the xylitol : phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system (PEP‐PTS) relative to those of glucose : PEP‐PTS were 120, 16, and 3%, respectively. In ATCC 31989 and NCTC 10449, intracellular accumulation of xylitol 5‐phosphate and decreases of fructose 1,6‐bisphosphate and glucose 6‐phosphate were observed. Furthermore, in the presence of xylitol (30 mm), glucose : PEP‐PTS activities decreased by 34, 17, and 0%, respectively. These findings indicated that the higher the xylitol : PEP‐PTS activity was and the more effectively xylitol decreased glucose : PEP‐PTS activity, the more sensitive the strain was to xylitol. These results suggest that the following inhibitory mechanisms are active in the xylitol‐sensitive mutans streptococci: direct inhibition of glycolytic enzymes by xylitol 5‐phosphate derived from xylitol : PEP‐PTS and, possibly, indirect inhibition through competition for the phosphoryl donor, HPr‐P, between glucose and xylitol : PEP‐PTSs.
Expression of interleukin‐8 and its receptor IL‐8RA in chronic hyperplastic candidosis
Authors: Ali A. , Rautemaa R. , Hietanen J. , Järvensivu A. , Richardson M. , Konttinen Y. T.
Published: July 2006

Introduction:  Neutrophils are the main opponents of Candida albicans in chronic hyperplastic candidosis. They migrate from the circulation to the epithelium where they form microabscesses. We therefore hypothesized that the neutrophil chemokine interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) might play a role in the neutrophil–Candida interaction.

Methods:  Biopsies from patients with chronic hyperplastic candidosis (n = 10) were stained using the avidin–biotin–peroxidase complex protocol for IL‐8 and IL‐8 receptor A and were compared to healthy control mucosa (n = 3). A set of C. albicans agar sections was similarly analysed.

Results:  In chronic hyperplastic candidosis lesions IL‐8 was strongly expressed in both vascular endothelium and mucosal epithelium. Many resident and immigrant inflammatory cells, including intraepithelial neutrophils, were IL‐8 receptor A positive. In addition, IL‐8 (or an analogue) was found in the candidal mother cell in chronic hyperplastic candidosis and in agar, whereas the tips of the hyphae expressed IL‐8 receptor A (or an analogue).

Conclusion:  IL‐8 may play a role in the recruitment of neutrophils from the vascular compartment to the epithelial microabscesses. C. albicans may have developed an ability to sense IL‐8. The IL‐8 ligand–receptor interaction may help to direct the growth of the IL‐8‐receptor‐containing tips of the hyphae away from the IL‐8‐producing candidal cell body (a centrifugal growth pattern to facilitate host tissue penetration). Later, this ability might help to keep the vulnerable hyphal tips away from areas with high concentrations of host IL‐8 and candidacidal neutrophils. We suggest that this phenomenon, in contrast to chemotropism, is named chemophobia.
Inactivation of DNA adenine methyltransferase alters virulence factors in Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Wu H. , Lippmann J. E. , Oza J. P. , Zeng M. , Fives‐Taylor P. , Reich N. O.
Published: July 2006

DNA adenine methyltransferase (DAM) plays critical roles in diverse biological pathways in gram‐negative bacteria, and specifically in regulating the expression of virulence genes in several organisms. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans plays an important role in the pathogenesis of juvenile and adult periodontal disease, yet little is known about its mechanisms of gene regulation. DAM is shown here to directly or indirectly affect well‐known A. actinomycetemcomitans virulence factors. A mutant A. actinomycetemcomitans strain lacking the dam gene was created by homologous recombination and shows normal growth phenotypes when grown exponentially. This mutant strain has four sixfold increased levels of extracellular leukotoxin, altered cellular levels of leukotoxin, and significant changes in bacterial invasion of KB oral epithelial cells. These results provide a basis for further characterization of regulatory mechanisms that control A. actinomycetemcomitans virulence.
Incidence, etiology, and risk factors for liver dysfunction in children following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Subbarao Girish , Haut Paul R. , Johnson Cynthia S. , Gowan Darla , Molleston Jean P.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Aims:  To identify risk factors which predispose children to develop liver dysfunction (LD) during the initial 100 days following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods:  Retrospective analysis of all patients (<21 yr) who had undergone HSCT from July 1998 to June 2003. LD was defined by the presence of clinical jaundice and/or elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) (1.5 times normal).

Results:  One hundred and six patients underwent HSCT during the study period. LD was seen in 91 (85.5%) patients and the majority (58.2%) had moderate to severe LD. The primary cause of LD could be ascertained in 2/3 of patients and was multifactorial in the rest. The odds ratio and 95% CI for risk factors associated with LD following HSCT on univariate analysis were as follows: allogeneic source of stem cells 4.2 (1.2–14.2), engraftment >12 days 4.3 (1.3–14.2), total parenteral nutrition >35 days 8.2 (1.1–66.2), pretransplant ALT >40 U/L 7.4 (0.9–58.6), use of cyclosporine and methotrexate 9.5 (1.2–77.9), and use of amphotericin‐B 3.1 (0.9–10.6). On multivariate analysis only elevated pre transplantation ALT and delayed engraftment were associated with post‐HSCT LD. LD was seen in all 13 patients who died within 100 days following HSCT, and it was felt to be the primary cause of death in six (46%) patients. The factors associated with increased risk of mortality were: allogeneic source of stem cells, delayed engraftment (>18 days), higher mean peak GGT (>250 U/L), and total bilirubin (>6 mg/dL).

Conclusion:  LD was common and severe in the majority of children following HSCT. Risk of LD was higher in children who had elevated pretransplantation ALT or had delayed engraftment. LD contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality following HSCT.
Evaluation and management of patients with propionic acidemia undergoing liver transplantation: A comprehensive review
Authors: Barshes Neal R. , Vanatta Jason M. , Patel Akash J. , Carter Beth A. , O'Mahony Christine A. , Karpen Saul J. , Goss John A.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Propionic acidemia is a rare metabolic disorder that often results in episodic hyperammonemia, basal ganglia infarction, mental retardation, and cardiomyopathy. OLT has been used as a treatment for propionic acidemia, but its benefit in patients with this disease is unclear. The current study was undertaken to clarify the role of OLT in the management of this disease. The medical literature, a national registry of US OLT recipients, and a single institution liver transplant experience were reviewed for cases of OLT for propionic acidemia. Accumulated cases demonstrate that OLT has resulted in clear evidence of clinical improvement in several patients, often obviating the need for dietary restriction or other forms of medical management. OLT appears to halt the decline in neurocognitive function often associated with propionic acidemia. In total, 12 patients with propionic acidemia have undergone a total of 14 OLTs. A quantitative analysis of outcomes shows an overall patient survival rate of 72.2% at one year after OLT. In conclusion, OLT should be considered a treatment option for patients with propionic acidemia who continue to experience episodes of hyperammonemia in spite of maximal medical therapy. Early OLT may limit the development of mental retardation and/or cardiomyopathy.
Cross‐species patterns in the coordination between leaf and stem traits, and their implications for plant hydraulics
Authors: Wright Ian J. , Falster Daniel S. , Pickup Melinda , Westoby Mark
Published: July 2006

Through identifying and understanding ecologically important dimensions of plant trait variation we gain insight into why particular trait combinations are favoured and into the implications of trait differences among species. Here, we describe relationships among several poorly understood leaf and stem traits across species from several Australian vegetation types. Species with lower wood density (WD) consistently deployed more leaf area per unit shoot mass (LA/SM), as did the larger‐leaved species within forested sites. Higher LA/SM is likely to lead to faster growth rates, implying a previously unrecognized implication to interspecific variation in leaf size and WD. Leaf : sapwood area ratio is one of several important traits contributing to a plant's water‐use strategy, yet, we still only poorly understand how plants vary in the extent to which hydraulic properties and traits such as leaf size, WD and LM/SM are coordinated, and what the implications of this variation may be.
The transpiration response by four topographically distributed Eucalyptus species, to rainfall occurring during drought in south eastern Australia
Authors: Eberbach Philip L , Burrows Geoffrey E
Published: July 2006

Vegetation covers a substantial proportion of the terrestrial Earth surface and where removed from human influence has evolved influenced mainly by climatic and edaphic constraints. Over the past 200 years, substantial tracts of the wheat‐sheep belt of southern Australia has been cleared of native vegetation and replaced by annual crop and pasture species. As a consequence, there has been a change in the water balance of many catchments as now more water leaks beneath the roots of introduced plants, contributing to groundwater rise and expansion in the amount of land affected by salinization. In an attempt to arrest root zone leakage, scientists and managers acknowledge the need for new agricultural practices which mimic the ecohydrological behaviour patterns of remnant vegetation.

In this paper, we examine the water use characteristics of four woodland Eucalyptus species growing in different topographic and edaphic environments in south eastern Australia. Eucalyptus sideroxylon and E. rossii were the sub‐ and dominant species inhabiting the stony ridges, while in the adjacent valleys E. macrorhyncha and E. albens were the sub‐ and dominant species, respectively. At the two locations, sub‐dominant species were highly responsive to episodic rainfall events both during and following drought, and exhibited distinct seasonality in daily transpiration rate; while the dominant species at each location was less responsive to rainfall and water use appeared to be less seasonally dependent. Analysis of the water use response indicated that the two sub‐dominant species had shallower roots while the major of roots of the dominant trees were likely to be located deeper in the substratum. This suggested that the stony ridges may store water deeper in the substratum than previously thought, to sustain some remnant vegetation over the dry summers, and ultimately, contribute less recharge to groundwater.
The effect of esmolol‐induced controlled hypotension in combination with acute normovolemic hemodilution on cerebral oxygenation
Authors: Han S.‐H. , Bahk J.‐H. , Kim J.‐H. , Lim Y.‐J. , Park C.‐D. , Do S.‐H. , Park Y.‐S.
Published: July 2006

Background:  It is possible to perform acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) in combination with controlled hypotension (CH). In this randomized prospective study, we examined the effect of the combination of ANH and CH on cerebral oxygenation using near‐infrared spectroscopy.

Methods:  Fifty‐six patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery were randomly assigned to either group A (ANH only) or group CH (CH in combination with ANH). In group CH, CH was induced with esmolol. The regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) was monitored continuously and was compared between the two groups before and after ANH, 30 min (OP30) and 90 min (OP90) after the beginning of surgery and after the completion of surgery.

Results:  The value of rSO2 was the same in both groups in the absence of CH (at baseline: group A, 70.1 ± 6.0%; group CH, 69.9 ± 6.7%; after surgery: group A, 64.5 ± 4.9%; group CH, 64.3 ± 5.8%). However, in the presence of CH, rSO2 values were significantly lower in group CH than in group A (at OP30: group A: 60.4 ± 3.4%; group CH, 55.9 ± 7.3%; P < 0.01; at OP90: group A, 58.3 ± 5.2%; group CH, 53.5 ± 6.5%; P < 0.001). The number of patients with rSO2 < 50% was significantly higher in group CH (14.3%) than in group A (3.8%).

Conclusion:  ANH in combination with esmolol‐induced CH causes a significant decrease in cerebral oxygen saturation compared with ANH alone.
Progressive decrease in glucose clearance during surgery
Authors: Sicardi Salomón Z. , Rodhe P. , Hahn R. G.
Published: July 2006

Background:  Anaesthesia and surgery reduce the clearance of glucose. We studied how surgical procedures of different magnitude affect the clearance of a glucose load.

Methods:  An intravenous infusion of 10 ml/kg/h of 2.5% buffered glucose was given over 80 min to 26 patients with a mean age of 50 years. The infusion started with the skin incision during minor surgery (inguinal hernia repair), medium‐range surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) and major surgery (aortic surgery, gastrectomy or colorectal surgery). General anaesthesia was induced in all patients and was supplemented by thoracic epidural analgesia for those undergoing major surgery. Plasma glucose was measured repeatedly for comparison of the clearance and endogenous glucose production during and after the infusion.

Results:  Metabolic changes affected the shape of the plasma glucose curves more than the peak values. In those undergoing minor surgery, the clearance after the infusion was 65% of that recorded during the actual administration of glucose. The corresponding values for medium‐range and major surgery were 37% and 60%, respectively (P < 0.001). The limited decrease in clearance in major surgery can probably be attributed to the epidural analgesia. In all three groups, the estimated endogenous glucose production decreased by the same magnitude as the clearance. The volume of distribution for glucose averaged 10.3 l.

Conclusion:  The hyperglycaemic effect of anaesthesia and surgery was not fully expressed within 80 min, regardless of the extent of surgery, and therefore appears to develop slowly. Even minor surgical trauma affected the metabolism of glucose.
Pre‐operative coronary revascularization: an optimal therapy for high‐risk vascular surgery patients?
Authors: Kertai M. D. , Bogar L. , Gal J. , Poldermans D.
Published: July 2006

Cardiac complications are the leading cause of peri‐operative morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing vascular surgery. This high incidence of cardiac complications is related to the presence of underlying coronary artery disease. The optimal treatment strategy for these high‐risk patients, including the use of pre‐operative coronary revascularization for the purpose of improving peri‐operative and long‐term cardiac outcomes, has been controversial for several decades. Recently, the results of the Coronary Artery Revascularization Prophylaxis (CARP) trial showed that in the short term there is no reduction in the number of post‐operative myocardial infarctions, deaths or length of stay in the hospital, or in long‐term outcomes in patients who underwent pre‐operative coronary revascularization compared with patients who received optimized medical therapy. In this review, we summarize the role of pre‐operative revascularization before elective vascular surgery using current evidence from the CARP trial and of those from published studies.
Transfusion audit of fresh‐frozen plasma in southern Taiwan
Authors: Yeh C.‐J. , Wu C.‐F. , Hsu W.‐T. , Hsieh L.‐L. , Lin S.‐F. , Liu T.‐C.
Published: July 2006

Background and Objectives  The demand for transfusions has increased rapidly in southern Taiwan. Between 1993 and 2003, requests for fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) in particular rose dramatically at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUH). Transfusion orders were not tightly regulated, and inappropriate use of blood products was common.

Materials and Methods  We carried out a prospective analysis of transfusion requests from October 2003 to January 2004 at KMUH, and then repeated the audit for another 3‐month period after the clinical faculty had undergone five sessions of education on transfusion guidelines. Later, our consultant haematologist applied computerized guidelines to periodic audits.

Results  A 5·2% decrease in inappropriate FFP usage followed the educational programme and a further 30% reduction took place after the application of computerized transfusion guidelines. With the guidelines and periodic audits, FFP transfusions decreased by 74·6% and inappropriate requests from 65·2% to 30%.

Conclusions  Hospital policy, computerized transfusion guidelines and periodic audits greatly reduced inappropriate FFP transfusions. An educational campaign had a more limited effect.