bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular phylogenetic relationships of pangasiid and schilbid catfishes in Thailand
Authors: Karinthanyakit W. , Jondeung A.
Published: May 2012

In this study, the phylogenetic relationships among 13 pangasiids and six schilbids of Thailand were reconstructed based on the almost complete mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b), 12S rRNA, tRNA‐Val and 16S rRNA, as well as the partial nuclear recombination‐activating gene 1 (rag1) sequences by using the maximum likelihood and the Bayesian inference methods of phylogenetic reconstruction. The reconstructed phylogeny based on the concatenated sequence data set recovered Pangasiidae and Schilbidae as reciprocally monophyletic groups. Within Pangasiidae, four major clades were recovered, which according to the cyt b genetic distances can be categorized into four genera: Pangasius, Pseudolais, Helicophagus and Pangasianodon. The genus Pangasianodon was strongly supported as the most basal taxon within pangasiids, whereas Pseudolais + Helicophagus were recovered as a sister group of Pangasius. Within the latter, the giant pangasius Pangasius sanitwongsei was recovered as a sister group of the spot pangasius Pangasius larnaudii, Pangasius krempfi as a sister group of Pangasius nasutus + Pangasius conchophilus and Pangasius polyuranodon as a sister species of Pangasius macronema. Other internal phylogenetic relationships, however, were unresolved. Within Schilbidae, Pseudeutropius was supported as the most basal lineage. Eutropiichthys was recovered as a sister group of Clupisoma. The enigmatic Clupisoma sinense was recognized as more closely related to Laides longibarbis than to Clupisoma prateri. Thus, based on the cyt b genetic distances, a recategorization of C. sinense to the genus Laides is suggested. On the basis of a relaxed clock fossil calibration, the divergence of pangasiids and schilbids was estimated to have occurred 14·93 million years before present (b.p.) during the Miocene epoch. The separation between Pangasiidae and Schilbidae took place c. 13·12 Mb.p. during the early middle Miocene. The estimated divergence time of pangasiids is similar to the age of the calibrated fossil, Cetopangasius chaetobranchus, which was discovered in north‐central Thailand. This suggests that the oldest pangasiid ancestor diverged into diverse genera in the area.
Echoes from the Past: Intergenerational Memories in Cyprus
Authors: Leonard Madeleine
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this article is to describe young people's awareness of their parents’ and grandparents’ stories of the events of 1974 in Cyprus and to evaluate the extent to which they perceive teachers as other key figures in their lives endorsing family accounts of history. The article is based on focus group discussions with 20 Turkish Cypriot and 20 Greek Cypriot teenagers from two schools in Cyprus. The article describes how in some cases, young people appropriate these memories as their own, while in other cases, they acknowledge how the passing of time dilutes the significance of past events and allows some young people to envisage a different collective future.
Multicenter study of preservative sensitivity in patients with suspected cosmetic contact dermatitis in Korea
Authors: LEE Sang S. , HONG Dong K. , JEONG Nam J. , LEE Jeung H. , CHOI Yun‐Seok , LEE Ai‐Young , LEE Cheol‐Heon , KIM Kea J. , PARK Hae Y. , YANG Jun‐Mo , LEE Ga‐Young , LEE Joon , EUN Hee C. , MOON Kee‐Chan , SEO Seong J. , HONG Chang K. , LEE Sang W. , CHOI Hae Y. , LEE Jun Y.
Published: May 2012

As many new cosmetic products are introduced into the market, attention must be given to contact dermatitis, which is commonly caused by cosmetics. We investigate the prevalence of preservative allergy in 584 patients with suspected cosmetic contact dermatitis at 11 different hospitals. From January 2010 to March 2011, 584 patients at 11 hospital dermatology departments presented with cosmetic contact dermatitis symptoms. These patients were patch‐tested for preservative allergens. An irritancy patch test performed on 30 control subjects using allergens of various concentrations showed high irritancy rates. Preservative hypersensitivity was detected in 41.1% of patients. Allergens with the highest positive test rates were benzalkonium chloride (12.1%), thimerosal (9.9%) and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) (5.5%). Benzalkonium chloride and chlorphenesin had the highest irritancy rate based on an irritancy patch test performed using various concentrations. Seven of 30 normal subjects had a positive irritant patch reading with 0.1% benzalkonium chloride and eight of 30 normal subjects had a positive irritant patch reading at 4 days with 0.5% chlorphenesin in petrolatum. Although benzalkonium chloride was highly positive for skin reactions in our study, most reactions were probably irritation. MCI/MI and thimerosal showed highly positive allergy reactions in our study. The optimum concentration of chlorphenesin to avoid skin reactions is less than 0.5%.
Evidence of HIV epidemics among non‐injecting drug users in Iran: a systematic review
Authors: Amin‐Esmaeili Masoumeh , Rahimi‐Movaghar Afarin , Haghdoost Ali‐akbar , Mohraz Minoo
Published: May 2012

Aims

In Iran, injecting drug users have been recognized as a high‐risk group for HIV/AIDS for years. However, evidence of HIV epidemics in non‐injecting drug users (non‐IDUs) has also been found in recent years. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of HIV in non‐IDUs in Iran.

Methods

International and regional databanks, including Pubmed, ISI, CINAHL, ASCI and IMEMR, as well as domestic databanks such as IranPsych, IranMedex SID and research reports were searched, and extensive personal contacts were made. All studies with HIV testing conducted between 1998 and 2007, which included non‐IDU subjects, were gathered and their qualities were assessed. HIV prevalence was pooled for each gender and stratified to several categories. The prevalence of HIV in non‐IDUs and IDUs was compared using pooled odds ratios in a fixed meta‐analysis model.

Results

Overall, 10 studies with 2275 non‐IDU samples were included. Six of the studies were conducted in prison settings, two in treatment centres, one in a community setting and one in a shelter setting. Four studies were performed in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. The pooled HIV prevalence was 5.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.7–7.4] after 2005, which was significantly higher than the prevalence before 2005 [1.6% (95% CI 1.0–2.3)]. IDUs were 4.36 (95% CI 2.63–7.24) times more likely to be infected with HIV than non‐IDUs.

Conclusion

Iran is facing a major HIV epidemic among non‐injecting illicit drug users, which necessitates an urgent preventive response.
Spatial and temporal variation of fish assemblage in two intermittent streams in north‐western Zimbabwe
Authors: Kadye Wilbert T. , Chakona Albert
Published: May 2012

This study examined the spatial and temporal variation in fish assemblage composition within two intermittent streams in north‐western Zimbabwe. Eight sites were sampled during three different periods of flow. Twenty‐five species in eight families, dominated by cichlids and cyprinids, were collected. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to explore the relationship between species and their environmental correlates. According to variation partition, 68.1% of assemblage variation was explained by both habitat and temporal variables. Most species were associated with large pools, whereas small species were associated with habitats that had gravel and boulders. The temporal aspect suggested a pattern associated with high catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the mormyrids, Clarias gariepinus and Labeo altivelis, during the early rain period. By comparison, the late rain period was associated with high CPUE for Labeo cylindricus, Labeobarbus marequensis, Chiloglanis neumanni and Oreochromis mortimeri, whereas the rest of the species had high CPUE during both the late rain and dry periods. The assemblage composition was more diverse during the late rain period. Refuge availability during the dry period appeared to be essential for the assemblage of the intermittent streams. Protection of these temporal habitats is therefore important in conserving fish assemblages within intermittent streams of the Lake Kariba area.
Association of polymorphisms in calpain 1, (mu/I) large subunit, calpastatin, and cathepsin D genes with meat quality traits in double‐muscled Piemontese cattle
Authors: Ribeca Cinzia , Bonfatti Valentina , Cecchinato Alessio , Albera Andrea , Maretto Fabio , Gallo Luigi , Carnier Paolo
Published: May 2012

Five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the calpain 1, (mu/I) large subunit (CAPN1), calpastatin (CAST), and cathepsin D (CTSD) genes were analyzed in a large sample of Piemontese cattle. The aim of this study was to evaluate allele and genotype frequencies of these SNPs and to investigate associations of CAPN1, CAST, and CTSD gene variants with meat quality traits. Minor allele frequencies ranged from 30 to 48%. The presence of the A allele at CAPN530 increased yellowness and drip loss. The CAST282 G allele was associated with an increased drip loss compared to the C allele, and the CAST2959 A allele decreased redness compared to the G allele.
Thyroid testing in pregnant women with thyroid dysfunction in Tayside, Scotland: the thyroid epidemiology, audit and research study (TEARS)
Authors: Vadiveloo Thenmalar , Mires Gary J. , Donnan Peter T. , Leese Graham P.
Published: May 2012

Objective

To investigate the rate of thyroid testing during pregnancy.

Design

Population‐based, retrospective record‐linkage study.

Setting

Health care data on pregnant women in Tayside, Scotland.

Participants

All pregnant women who were 18 years and above and who delivered between 1 January 1993 and 31 March 2011 in Tayside were identified. Patients were included in the study if they have had at least three thyroxine prescriptions prior to pregnancy of which at least one prescription was within 6 months prior to pregnancy.

Main outcome measures

Number of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) assays performed during pregnancy and the changes in dosage of thyroxine prescribed during pregnancy.

Results

We identified 950 pregnancies that had thyroxine prescribed prior to pregnancy. Overall, 96·9% (95% CI: 96–98) of these pregnancies had at least one TSH assay performed during or just prior to pregnancy, with 81·2% (95% CI: 79–84) in the first trimester. The prescription of thyroxine was increased in 60·0% (95% CI: 57–63) at any time during pregnancy and in 34·0% (95% CI: 31–37) of pregnancies during the first trimester. Overall, 60% (95% CI: 57–63) of pregnancies had at least one elevated serum TSH during pregnancy with 55% (95% CI: 51–58) in the first trimester.

Conclusion

The TSH concentration is raised in many pregnancies in women taking long‐term thyroxine.
Microseismic feasibility studies – assessing the probability of success of monitoring projects
Authors: Freudenreich Yann , Oates Stephen J. , Berlang Wilfred
Published: May 2012

In this paper we present a workflow for microseismic feasibility studies that allows a thorough assessment of the probability of success of the monitoring project to be made. The workflow includes the following elements: assessment of the value of information to establish the business case; identification of hardware options to investigate deployment options; survey of analogue cases to confirm the do‐ability of the project; modelling of event location errors and detectability to establish the most favourable array geometry; generation of full waveform synthetics to anticipate undesired seismic features. A study comprising all these elements provides the reference frame for discussions with service companies, limiting misunderstandings and avoiding missed opportunities.
Treatment patterns, health‐related quality of life and adherence to prophylaxis among haemophilia A patients in the United States
Authors: DUNCAN N. , SHAPIRO A. , YE X. , EPSTEIN J. , LUO M. P.
Published: May 2012

Summary.  Prophylaxis and adherence to prophylaxis are increasingly recognized as important factors for the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of haemophilia patients. This study aims to assess treatment practices over time, HRQOL and adherence among severe haemophilia A patients in the US. Severe haemophilia A patients or their caregivers participated in a 2009 cross‐sectional survey. HRQOL was measured using either PEDS‐QL or SF‐12; adherence was measured using the VERITAS‐Pro. Student t‐tests evaluated differences between children vs. adults and self‐infusion status. A total of 117 respondents participated in the survey, capturing data for 64 adults (mean age = 37.9 years) and 53 children (mean age = 10.5 years). Although 96% of paediatric patients were currently receiving prophylaxis, only 32 (50%) adults reported receiving prophylaxis at some point in their life. Adults who have always been on prophylaxis reported better physical functioning and physical HRQOL (both P < 0.05) than adults who had not. The paediatric group reported better adherence compared to the adult group on the total scale (38 vs. 45.8, P < 0.05). Children <12 years had higher adherence than adolescents 12–18 years old (35.5 vs. 40.8; P < 0.05). Paediatric patients infused by family members showed better adherence than paediatric self‐infusers (P < 0.05). This study showed different treatment patterns between paediatric and adult patients and how the patterns impacted HRQOL. It also provided the first standardized evaluation of adherence using the VERITAS‐Pro in a US national sample. This study enhances understanding of treatment practices and adherence for the US haemophilia population and may offer insight into where adherence can be improved.
Continuous chelation irrigation improves the adhesion of epoxy resin‐based root canal sealer to root dentine
Authors: Neelakantan P. , Varughese A. A. , Sharma S. , Subbarao C. V. , Zehnder M. , De‐Deus G.
Published: May 2012

Neelakantan P, Varughese AA, Sharma S, Subbarao CV, Zehnder M, De‐Deus G. Continuous chelation irrigation improves the adhesion of epoxy resin‐based root canal sealer to root dentine. International Endodontic Journal

Aim  To test the impact of continuous chelation by NaOCl+ etidronic acid (HEBP) during instrumentation, and a final rinse of EDTA or NaOCl + HEBP on the dentine bond strength of an epoxy resin sealer (AH Plus).

Methodology  Single‐rooted teeth (n = 100) were divided into five groups (n = 20) based on the irrigation protocol and their root canals instrumented using a rotary Ni‐Ti system: 2.5% NaOCl during instrumentation followed by bi‐distilled water (G1) or 17% EDTA (G2) as final rinse; 1 : 1 mixture of 5% NaOCl and 18% HEBP during instrumentation, and the same mixture (G3), 17% EDTA (G4) or bi‐distilled water (G5) as final rinse. Canals were filled with AH Plus. Roots were sectioned, and push‐out tests were performed in coronal, middle and apical root thirds. Results were analysed using analysis of variance (anova) and Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons. The alpha‐type error was set at 0.05 for all the analyses.

Results  Push‐out bond strength was highest in coronal and lowest in apical root thirds (P < 0.05). Groups that used NaOCl + HEBP irrigation during instrumentation had significantly higher bond strengths than groups following the NaOCl‐EDTA irrigation in all root thirds (P < 0.05). The use of a strong chelator as final flush further increased bond strengths (G4, P < 0.05).

Conclusion  The continuous chelation irrigation protocol optimizes the bond strength of an epoxy resin sealer to dentine.
Establishment of an ex vivo pulpitis model by co‐culturing immortalized dental pulp cells and macrophages
Authors: Yonehiro J. , Yamashita A. , Yoshida Y. , Yoshizawa S. , Ohta K. , Kamata N. , Okihara T. , Nishimura F.
Published: May 2012

Yonehiro J, Yamashita A, Yoshida Y, Yoshizawa S, Ohta K, Kamata N, Okihara T, Nishimura F. Establishment of an ex vivo pulpitis model by co‐culturing immortalized dental pulp cells and macrophages. International Endodontic Journal.

Aim  To establish an ex vivo pulpitis model by co‐culturing dental pulp cells with macrophages.

Methodology  As dental pulp cells, immortalized human dental pulp cells, named DP‐1, were used, whilst as macrophage cell lines, the differentiated human monocytic cell line, THP‐1, was used. In some experiments, primary dental pulp cells were isolated and used to confirm the results obtained in the experiments using immortalized cells. Co‐culturing was performed using transwell systems. Inflammatory responses were evaluated by measuring cytokines produced by the cells.

Results  Co‐culturing both cell types markedly up‐regulated inflammatory cytokine production as compared with the cells cultured independently, suggesting that both cell types interact with each other to synergistically produce higher amounts of inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, both DP‐1 and primary dental pulp cells appeared to produce molecules stimulating macrophages to produce tumour necrosis factor‐α‐.

Conclusion  Co‐culturing immortalized dental pulp cells and macrophages may be a new ex vivo model for studying the pathophysiology of reversible pulpitis.
Modelling and simulation of bottle rinsing
Authors: Meister Claus , Velten Kai , Methner Frank‐Jürgen
Published: May 2012

This study describes newly developed mathematical models of bottle rinsing. Our approach is based on 3D‐CFD models of turbulent two‐phase flow (water and air), which have been implemented based on the freely available open source software OpenFOAM. The models are validated using data obtained with a standard injection nozzle and then used to evaluate the performance of two fictitious modified nozzle types w.r.t. cleaning efficiency, water consumption and water drainage. Maps of the interior walls of the bottles showing the distribution of important parameters such as wall shear stresses or water coverage were derived from the simulations. The simulations suggest that rotating or pulsating injection nozzles may perform better than standard nozzle configurations.
Gamma radiation effect on quality changes in vacuum‐packed squid (Illex argentinus) mantle rings during refrigerated (4–5 °C) storage
Authors: Tomac Alejandra , Yeannes María Isabel
Published: May 2012

The effect of gamma radiation (0, 1.8, 3.3 and 5.8 kGy) on microbiological, chemical and colour characteristics of vacuum‐packed squid (Illex argentinus) mantle rings was studied. Total viable counts; psychrotrophic bacteria counts, Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens; total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) and colour difference were analysed during 29 days of storage at 4–5 °C. Higher doses of gamma radiation significantly reduced Total Viable, phychrotrophic counts and TVBN production (P < 0.05) in a dose‐dependent way, delaying squid spoilage. Colour difference of non‐irradiated samples with respect to first day significantly increased while it was constant in radiated samples during 22 days (P < 0.05). Independently from the dose, radiation avoided colour changes of squid rings. Gamma irradiation was effective in delaying deterioration reactions, improving microbiological, chemical and colour quality of vacuum‐packed squid rings stored at 4–5 °C.
B‐type natriuretic peptide in the evaluation and management of dyspnoea in primary care
Authors: Burri E. , Hochholzer K. , Arenja N. , Martin‐Braschler H. , Kaestner L. , Gekeler H. , Hatziisaak T. , Büttiker M. , Fräulin A. , Potocki M. , Breidthardt T. , Reichlin T. , Socrates T. , Twerenbold R. , Mueller C.
Published: May 2012

Abstract.  Burri E, Hochholzer K, Arenja N, Martin‐Braschler H, Kaestner L, Gekeler H, Hatziisaak T, Büttiker M, Fräulin A, Potocki M, Breidthardt T, Reichlin T, Socrates T, Twerenbold R, Mueller C (University Hospital Basel, Basel; University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland). B‐type natriuretic peptide in the evaluation and management of dyspnoea in primary care. J Intern Med 2012; 272: 504–513.

Objectives.  The rapid and accurate diagnosis of heart failure in primary care is a major unmet clinical need. We evaluated the additional use of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.

Design.  A randomized controlled trial.

Setting.  Twenty‐nine primary care physicians in Switzerland and Germany coordinated by the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.

Subjects.  A total of 323 consecutive patients presenting with dyspnoea.

Interventions.  Assignment in a 1 : 1 ratio to a diagnostic strategy including point‐of‐care measurement of BNP (n = 163) or standard assessment without BNP (n = 160). The total medical cost at 3 months was the primary end‐point. Secondary end‐points were diagnostic certainty, time to appropriate therapy, functional capacity, hospitalization and mortality. The final diagnosis was adjudicated by a physician blinded to the BNP levels.

Results.  Heart failure was the final diagnosis in 34% of patients. The number of hospitalizations, functional status and total medical cost at 3 months [median $1655, interquartile range (IQR), 850–3331 vs. $1541, IQR 859–2827; P = 0.68] were similar in both groups. BNP increased diagnostic certainty as defined by the need for further diagnostic work‐up (33% vs. 45%; P = 0.02) and accelerated the initiation of the appropriate treatment (13 days vs. 25 days; P = 0.01). The area under the receiver‐operating characteristics curve for BNP to identify heart failure was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.93).

Conclusions.  The use of BNP levels in primary care did not reduce total medical cost, but improved some of the secondary end‐points including diagnostic certainty and time to initiation of appropriate treatment.
Classic clover cline clues
Authors: OLSON MATTHEW S. , LEVSEN NICHOLAS
Published: May 2012

Adaptive clines are striking examples of natural selection in action, yet few have been studied in depth. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Kooyers & Olsen (2012) introduce modern analyses and thinking towards studies of a classical example of the rapid and repeated evolution of latitudinal and altitudinal clines in cyanogenesis in white clover, Trifolium repens L. Recognizing that adaptive clines represent trade‐offs in the selective benefits of traits at different ends of a geographical transect, these researchers focus on whether evidence for selection can be found at regional (coarse) and local (fine) scales. After adjusting for population genetic patterns generated by demographic processes, Kooyers and Olsen provide evidence that the cyanogenesis cline is adaptive across a transect from Louisiana to Wisconsin, USA. Within local populations, divergent selection on coupling dominant and recessive alleles that underlie cyanogenesis is predicted to drive populations to gametic phase disequilibrium (LD), a pattern that has been found in several other studies reviewed by Kooyers and Olsen. The absence of LD within any sampled populations in this study leads the authors to suggest that selective patterns within these clines may be more complex than previously proposed, perhaps even following theoretical predictions of a geographic mosaic.
‘Back to the future’: How archaeological remains can describe salmon adaptation to climate change
Authors: BLANCHET SIMON , DUBUT VINCENT
Published: May 2012

A strategy for species to survive climate change will be to change adaptively their way of life. Understanding rapid adaptation to climate change is therefore a priority for current research. In this issue, Turrero et al. (2012) use an original approach to unravel life history trait responses to climate change in two fish species (Salmo trutta and S. salar). Going against the flow, the authors adopt the strategy of going back to the future by investigating the responses of fish to the warming periods that followed the Last Glacial Period (approximately 30–20 000 years BP). To do this, they analysed Salmo vertebrae from well‐dated archaeological sites in northern Spain in order to uncover key life history traits, which they then compared to those of contemporary specimens. They found that, as the climate got warmer, Salmo species tended to reduce the time spent in growing areas and reached spawning areas at a younger age; this tendency began approximately 15 000 years BP and accelerated in contemporary periods. The implication is a lower age at maturity and a lower reproductive success, which they tentatively related to recent declines in population growth rate. This innovative study demonstrates how changes in life history traits are linked both to the population growth rate and to the evolutionary rate under climatic constraints, which may serve as a basis for future conservation research.
Dynamics of introgressive hybridization assessed by SNP population genomics of coding genes in stocked brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: LAMAZE FABIEN C. , SAUVAGE CHRISTOPHER , MARIE AMANDINE , GARANT DANY , BERNATCHEZ LOUIS
Published: May 2012

Salmonid fishes rank among species being most severely affected by introgressive hybridization as a result of a long tradition of stocking with hatchery‐reared conspecifics. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the genetic consequences of stocking and resulting introgression rates on the genetic integrity of natural populations of brook charr, (ii) to identify genomic regions potentially associated with adaptation to natural and artificial rearing environments, and (iii) to test the null hypothesis that introgression from domesticated brook charr into wild populations is homogeneous among loci. A total of 336 individuals were sampled from nine lakes, which were stocked at different intensities with domestic fish. Individuals were genotyped at 280 SNPs located in transcribed regions and developed by means of next‐generation sequencing. As previously reported with microsatellites, we observed a positive relationship between stocking intensity and genetic diversity among stocking groups, and a decrease in population differentiation. Individual admixture proportions also increased with stocking intensity. Moreover, genomic cline analysis revealed 27 SNPs, seven of which were also identified as outliers in a genome scan, which showed an introgression rate either more restricted or enhanced relative to neutral expectations. This indicated that selection, mainly for growth‐related biological processes, has favored or hampered the introgression of genomic blocks into the introgressed wild populations. Overall, this study highlights the usefulness of investigating the impact of stocking on the dynamics of introgression of potentially adaptive genetic variation to better understand the consequences of such practice on the genomic integrity of wild populations.
The gene flow and mode of reproduction of Dothistroma septosporum in the Czech Republic
Authors: Tomšovský M. , Tomešová V. , Palovčíková D. , Kostovčík M. , Rohrer M. , Hanáček P. , Jankovský L.
Published: May 2012

Since 1911, dothistroma needle blight, caused by Dothistroma septosporum, has been recorded in most European countries. In the Czech Republic, the fungus has become an important disease of pines since 2000, especially Austrian pines in plantations of Christmas and ornamental trees. The aim of this study was to analyse the population structure, gene flow and mode of reproduction of this pathogen. Microsatellite and mating‐type markers were analysed in a Dothistroma population in the southeastern part of the country using reference isolates from other European countries. The haplotypic diversity was high, with 87 unique and 13 shared haplotypes (probable clones) identified in 121 samples. Based on structure analysis, the isolates were divided into two populations, with an uneven distribution over the sampling sites. The grouping of the sites to the populations did not follow a geographical pattern because certain isolates that were sympatrically co‐occurring at the same site were placed in different populations. Tests for random mating (the index of association and a parsimony tree‐length permutation test) showed a significant clonal mode of reproduction in most cases, but the intrapopulation haplotypic diversity is unexpectedly high. Although a teleomorphic stage of D. septosporum has not been previously observed in the Czech Republic, the high intrapopulation haplotypic diversity can be explained by infrequent sexual reproduction consistent with the occurrence of both mating types.
Genetic differentiation of the wheat leaf rust fungus Puccinia triticina in Europe
Authors: Kolmer J. A. , Hanzalova A. , Goyeau H. , Bayles R. , Morgounov A.
Published: May 2012

The objective of this study was to determine whether genetically differentiated groups of Puccinia triticina are present in Europe. In total, 133 isolates of P. triticina collected from western Europe, central Europe and Turkey were tested for virulence on 20 lines of wheat with single leaf rust resistance genes, and for molecular genotypes with 23 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. After removal of isolates with identical virulence and SSR genotype within countries, 121 isolates were retained for further analysis. Isolates were grouped based on SSR genotypes using a Bayesian approach and a genetic distance method. Both methods optimally placed the isolates into eight European (EU) groups of P. triticina SSR genotypes. Seven of the groups had virulence characteristics of isolates collected from common hexaploid wheat, and one of the groups had virulence characteristics of isolates from tetraploid durum wheat. There was a significant correlation between the SSR genotypes and virulence phenotypes of the isolates. All EU groups had observed values of heterozygosity greater than expected and significant fixation values, which indicated the clonal reproduction of urediniospores in the overall population. Linkage disequilibria for SSR genotypes were high across the entire population and within countries. The overall values of RST and FST were lower when isolates were grouped by country, which indicated the migration of isolates within Europe. The European population of P. triticina had higher levels of genetic differentiation compared to other continental populations.
Overwintering and epidemiology of Puccinia dracunculina, the causal agent of rust in open tarragon fields
Authors: Cohen R. , Anikster Y. , Vintal H. , Manisterski J. , Shtienberg D.
Published: May 2012

Rust, caused by Puccinia dracunculina, is the main foliar disease of open‐field tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) crops in Israel. As not much is known about the biology or epidemiology of this pathogen, the long‐term objective of the current study was to accumulate the knowledge needed to develop an effective, environmentally friendly means of adequately managing the disease. Puccinia dracunculina is an autoecious brachy‐form pathogen, but it is not known whether the life cycle is completed under field conditions in Israel. Field observations and greenhouse studies revealed that although the telial stage is produced, the pathogen overwinters in the uredinial stage. In vitro experiments were used to quantify the temperature and wetness requirements for urediniospore germination and to calculate the daily duration of conducive weather (DDCW); DDCW was defined as the number of hours during which temperature ranged between 15 and 25°C and RH was >90%. Cumulative DDCW values (CDDCW) were a good predictor of disease under natural conditions in two growing seasons. Disease onset occurred when CDDCW values reached a level of 10 and the relationship between log CDDCW values and season‐long severity values (in logit) was highly significant, explaining 90·6% of the variation.
No increased mortality from donor or recipient hepatitis B‐ and/or hepatitis C‐positive serostatus after related‐donor allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Tomblyn M. , Chen M. , Kukreja M. , Aljurf M.D. , Al Mohareb F. , Bolwell B.J. , Cahn J.‐Y. , Carabasi M.H. , Gale R.P. , Gress R.E. , Gupta V. , Hale G.A. , Ljungman P. , Maziarz R.T. , Storek J. , Wingard J.R. , Young J.‐A.H. , Horowitz M.M. , Ballen K.K.
Published: May 2012

Limited data exist on allogeneic transplant outcomes in recipients receiving hematopoietic cells from donors with prior or current hepatitis B (HBV) or C virus (HCV) infection (seropositive donors), or for recipients with prior or current HBV or HCV infection (seropositive recipients). Transplant outcomes are reported for 416 recipients from 121 centers, who received a human leukocyte antigen‐identical related‐donor allogeneic transplant for hematologic malignancies between 1995 and 2003. Of these, 33 seronegative recipients received grafts from seropositive donors and 128 recipients were seropositive. The remaining 256 patients served as controls. With comparable median follow‐up (cases, 5.9 years; controls, 6.7 years), the incidence of treatment‐related mortality, survival, graft‐versus‐host disease, and hepatic toxicity, appears similar in all cohorts. The frequencies of hepatic toxicities as well as causes of death between cases and controls were similar. Prior exposure to HBV or HCV in either the donor or the recipient should not be considered an absolute contraindication to transplant.
Toxoplasmosis in cord blood transplantation recipients
Authors: Bautista G. , Ramos A. , Forés R. , Regidor C. , Ruiz E. , de Laiglesia A. , Navarro B. , Bravo J. , Portero F. , Sanjuan I. , Fernández M.N. , Cabrera R.
Published: May 2012

Toxoplasmosis is a devastating opportunistic infection that can affect immunocompromised patients such as cord blood transplantation (CBT) recipients. The clinical characteristics of 4 toxoplasmosis CBT patients treated at our institution are reviewed, together with 5 cases collected from the literature. The rate of toxoplasmosis in our hospital was 6% in CBT recipients and 0.2% in other types of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (P < 0.001). Five patients (56%) presented disseminated toxoplasmosis and 4 patients (44%) had localized infection in the central nervous system. In 5 of the 9 patients considered (56%), cytomegalovirus viral replication had been detected before the clinical onset of toxoplasmosis. Seven patients (78%) had previously developed graft‐versus‐host disease. All patients who exhibited disseminated disease died due to Toxoplasma infection. Pre‐transplant serology was positive in 1 patient, negative in 3 patients, and not performed in another. Only 1 of these 5 patients with disseminated disease had received Toxoplasma prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole. It could be concluded that mortality in CBT patients with disseminated toxoplasmosis is unacceptably high. The negative results of serology in the majority of these cases, and its unspecific clinical presentation, makes diagnosis exceedingly difficult. Better diagnostic tests and prophylaxis strategy are needed in CBT recipients.
Pneumocystis pneumonia in hospitalized patients: a detailed examination of symptoms, management, and outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected and HIV‐uninfected persons
Authors: McKinnell J.A. , Cannella A.P. , Kunz D.F. , Hook 3rd E.W. , Moser S.A. , Miller L.G. , Baddley J.W. , Pappas P.G.
Published: May 2012

Background

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a life‐threatening infection for immunocompromised individuals. Robust data and clear guidelines are available for prophylaxis and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐related PCP (HIV‐PCP), yet few data and no guidelines are available for non‐HIV‐related PCP (NH‐PCP). We postulated that prevention and inpatient management of HIV‐PCP differed from NH‐PCP.

Methods

We performed a retrospective case review of all pathologically confirmed cases of PCP seen at the University of Alabama Medical Center from 1996 to 2008. Data on clinical presentation, hospital course, and outcome were collected using a standardized data collection instrument. Bivariate analysis compared prophylaxis, adjunctive corticosteroids, and clinical outcomes between patients with HIV‐PCP and NH‐PCP.

Results

Our analysis of the cohort included 97 cases of PCP; 65 HIV and 32 non‐HIV cases. Non‐HIV cases rarely received primary prophylaxis (4% vs. 38%, P = 0.01) and received appropriate antibiotics later in the course of hospitalization (5.2 days vs. 1.1 days, P < 0.005). Among transplant patients, NH‐PCP was diagnosed a mean of 1066 days after transplantation and most patients were on low‐dose corticosteroids (87%) at the time of disease onset. No significant differences in adjunctive corticosteroid use (69% vs. 77%, P = 0.39) and 90‐day mortality (41% vs. 28%, P = 0.20) were detected.

Conclusions

Patients who have undergone organ or stem cell transplant remain at risk for PCP for many years after transplantation. In our cohort, patients who developed NH‐PCP were rarely given prophylaxis, and initiation of appropriate antibiotics was significantly delayed compared to cases of HIV‐PCP. Medical providers should be aware of the ongoing risk for NH‐PCP, even late after transplantation, and consider more aggressive approaches to both prophylaxis and earlier empirical therapy for PCP.
Depression in bipolar disorder versus major depressive disorder: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions
Authors: Moreno Carmen , Hasin Deborah S , Arango Celso , Oquendo Maria A , Vieta Eduard , Liu Shangmin , Grant Bridget F , Blanco Carlos
Published: May 2012

Moreno C, Hasin DS, Arango C, Oquendo MA, Vieta E, Liu S, Grant BF, Blanco C. Depression in bipolar disorder versus major depressive disorder: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 271–282. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  To compare the clinical features and course of major depressive episodes (MDEs) occurring in subjects with bipolar I disorder (BD‐I), bipolar II disorder (BD‐II), and major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods:  Data were drawn from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (2001–2002), a nationally representative face‐to‐face survey of more than 43000 adults in the USA, including 5695 subjects with lifetime MDD, 935 with BD‐I and lifetime MDE, and 494 with BD‐II and lifetime MDE. Differences on sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features, course, and treatment patterns of MDE were analyzed.

Results:  Most depressive symptoms, family psychiatric history, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use disorders, and personality disorders were more frequent—and number of depressive symptoms per MDE was higher—among subjects with BD‐I, followed by BD‐II, and MDD. BD‐I individuals experienced a higher number of lifetime MDEs, had a poorer quality of life, and received significantly more treatment for MDE than BD‐II and MDD subjects. Individuals with BD‐I and BD‐II experienced their first mood episode about ten years earlier than those with MDD (21.2, 20.5, and 30.4 years, respectively).

Conclusions:  Our results support the existence of a spectrum of severity of MDE, with highest severity for BD‐I, followed by BD‐II and MDD, suggesting the utility of dimensional assessments in current categorical classifications.
Six‐month outcomes of customized adherence enhancement (CAE) therapy in bipolar disorder
Authors: Sajatovic Martha , Levin Jennifer , Tatsuoka Curtis , Micula‐Gondek Weronika , Fuentes‐Casiano Edna , Bialko Christopher S , Cassidy Kristin A
Published: May 2012

Sajatovic M, Levin J, Tatsuoka C, Micula‐Gondek W, Fuentes‐Casiano E, Bialko CS, Cassidy KA. Six‐month outcomes of customized adherence enhancement (CAE) therapy in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 291–300. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Background:  There are few psychosocial interventions specifically focused on improved treatment adherence in people with bipolar disorder (BD). Customized adherence enhancement (CAE) is a needs‐based, manualized approach intended to improve medication adherence in individuals with BD. This was a six‐month prospective trial of a CAE among 43 medication non‐adherent individuals with BD who were receiving treatment in a community mental health clinic (CMHC).

Methods:  CAE was flexibly administered in modules applied as indicated by an initial adherence vulnerabilities screening. Screening identified reasons for non‐adherence and modules were then administered using pre‐set criteria. CAE effects were evaluated at six‐week, three‐month, and six‐month follow‐up. The six‐month follow‐up was our primary time point of interest. The primary outcome was change from baseline in adherence using the Tablets Routine Questionnaire (TRQ) and pill counts. Secondary outcomes included change from baseline in BD symptoms [Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)].

Results:  Subjects completed 86% of scheduled sessions, with only two individuals (5%) not participating in any sessions. The number of dropouts at six months was 12 (28%). Mean baseline non‐adherence by TRQ was 48% [standard error (SE) 4.8%] missed tablets within the previous week and 51% (4.1%) missed tablets within the previous month. At six‐month follow‐up, mean TRQ non‐adherence improved to 25% (6.8%) missed tablets for the previous week (p = 0.002) and 21% (5.5%) for the previous month (p < 0.001). Symptoms improved, with a change in the baseline mean (SE) BPRS of 43.6 (1.8) versus an endpoint of 36.1 (2.3) (p = 0.001), and baseline mean (SE) HAM‐D of 17.8 (1.1) versus an endpoint of 15.3 (1.6) (p = 0.044).

Conclusion:  CAE was associated with improvements in adherence, symptoms, and functional status. Controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Hippocampal volumes in bipolar disorders: opposing effects of illness burden and lithium treatment
Authors: Hajek Tomas , Cullis Jeffrey , Novak Tomas , Kopecek Miloslav , Höschl Cyril , Blagdon Ryan , O’Donovan Claire , Bauer Michael , Young L Trevor , MacQueen Glenda , Alda Martin
Published: May 2012

Hajek T, Cullis J, Novak T, Kopecek M, Höschl C, Blagdon R, O’Donovan C, Bauer M, Young L T, MacQueen G, Alda M. Hippocampal volumes in bipolar disorders: opposing effects of illness burden and lithium treatment.  Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 261–270. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  Hippocampal volume decrease associated with illness burden is among the most replicated findings in unipolar depression. The absence of hippocampal volume changes in most studies of individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) may reflect neuroprotective effects of lithium (Li).

Methods:  We recruited 17 BD patients from specialized Li clinics, with at least two years of regularly monitored Li treatment (Li group), and compared them to 12 BD participants with < 3 months of lifetime Li exposure and no Li treatment within two years prior to the scanning (non‐Li group) and 11 healthy controls. All BD patients had at least 10 years of illness and five episodes. We also recruited 13 Li‐naïve, young BD participants (15–30 years of age) and 18 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls. We compared hippocampal volumes obtained from 1.5‐T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using optimized voxel‐based morphometry with small volume correction.

Results:  The non‐Li group had smaller left hippocampal volumes than controls (corrected p < 0.05), with a trend for lower volumes than the Li group (corrected p < 0.1), which did not differ from controls. Young, Li‐naïve BD patients close to the typical age of onset had comparable hippocampal volumes to controls.

Conclusions:  Whereas patients with limited lifetime Li exposure had significantly lower hippocampal volumes than controls, patients with comparable illness burden, but with over two years of Li treatment, or young Li‐naïve BD patients, showed hippocampal volumes comparable to controls. These results provide indirect support for neuroprotective effects of Li and negative effects of illness burden on hippocampal volumes in bipolar disorders.
Prevalence of the Defoliating Pathotype of Verticillium dahliae on Cotton in Central China and Virulence on Selected Cotton Cultivars
Authors: Xu Fei , Yang Long , Zhang Jing , Guo Xiaoping , Zhang Xianlong , Li Guoqing
Published: May 2012

Three hundred and forty‐one isolates of Verticillium dahliae from upland cotton collected from 2007 to 2009 in central China (Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui and Jiangsu provinces) were tested for vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) and PCR‐based genotyping. Approximately 332 (97%) isolates belonged to VCG1A, whereas the remaining 9 (3%) isolates belonged to VCG2. PCR‐based genotyping also divided the isolates into two groups, namely PCR patterns A and C. There is a complete correspondence between the VCGs and genotypes (VCG1A to PCR pattern A and VCG2 to PCR pattern C). Representative isolates (10 VCG1A isolates, nine VCG2 isolates) were tested for virulence on seedlings of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum cultivars E Mian 24 and Yin Rui 361). The VCG1A isolates caused cotton defoliation with the values of the disease severity index and the plant mortality being significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those caused by the VCG2 isolates, which did not cause any defoliation. Two isolates (one of each VCG) were also tested for virulence on 12 popular commercial upland cotton cultivars adapted in central China. Results showed that both isolates, particularly the defoliating pathotype (D pathotype) VCG1A isolate, were virulent on all the tested cotton cultivars. These results suggest that the D pathotype of V. dahliae is widely distributed and has become prevalent in central China.
Phomopsis cotoneastri as a Pathogen Associated with Trunk Cankers and Death of Young Apple Trees cv. Cripps Pink
Authors: Abreo Eduardo , Martínez Sebastián , Sessa Lucía , Bettucci Lina , Lupo Sandra
Published: May 2012

This is the first report of Phomopsis cotoneastri as a pathogen isolated from sunken cankers in trunks of young apple trees cv. Cripps Pink that had died in the first year after planting. Phomopsis cotoneastri was identified by sequence analysis of part of the translation elongation factor 1‐alpha gene (EF1‐α). Pathogenicity of two isolates of P. cotoneastri was demonstrated in field conditions.
Many faces of pancreaticobiliary reflux
Authors: Williams Nicholas E. , Gundara Justin S. , Hugh Thomas J. , Samra Jaswinder S.
Published: May 2012

Pancreaticobiliary reflux may occur either as a result of an anatomically abnormal pancreaticobiliary junction or because of a functionally impaired sphincter despite a normal radiological appearance. It is associated with a wide spectrum of biliary diseases, including gall bladder and bile duct carcinoma. Pancreaticobiliary maljunction and related biliary reflux have been studied extensively in Southeast Asian populations and associations with choledochal cyst and biliary malignancy defined. However, reflux in the absence of ductal malunion has only been described relatively recently and its significance with respect to biliary malignancy requires clarification. We present four cases of pancreaticobiliary reflux to demonstrate the varied associations of this under‐recognized disorder and review the related management issues.