bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning the flagellar motor
Authors: Thormann Kai M. , Paulick Anja
Published: March 2010

Many bacteria are motile by means of flagella, semi-rigid helical filaments rotated at the filament's base and energized by proton or sodium-ion gradients. Torque is created between the two major components of the flagellar motor: the rotating switch complex and the cell-wall-associated stators, which are arranged in a dynamic ring-like structure. Being motile provides a survival advantage to many bacteria, and thus the flagellar motor should work optimally under a wide range of environmental conditions. Recent studies have demonstrated that numerous species possess a single flagellar system but have two or more individual stator systems that contribute differentially to flagellar rotation. This review describes recent findings on rotor–stator interactions, on the role of different stators, and on how stator selection could be regulated. An emerging model suggests that bacterial flagellar motors are dynamic and can be tuned by stator swapping in response to different environmental conditions.
Regulation of flagellar, motility and chemotaxis genes in Rhizobium leguminosarum by the VisN/R-Rem cascade
Authors: Tambalo Dinah D. , Del Bel Kate L. , Bustard Denise E. , Greenwood Paige R. , Steedman Audrey E. , Hynes Michael F.
Published: March 2010

In this paper, we describe the regulatory roles of VisN, VisR and Rem in the expression of flagellar, motility and chemotaxis genes inRhizobium leguminosarumbiovarviciaestrains VF39SM and 3841. Individual mutations in the genes encoding these proteins resulted in a loss of motility and an absence of flagella, indicating that these regulatory genes are essential for flagellar synthesis and function. Transcriptional experiments involvinggusA–gene fusions in wild-type and mutant backgrounds were performed to identify the genes under VisN/R and Rem regulation. Results showed that the chemotaxis and motility genes ofR. leguminosarumcould be separated into two groups: one group under VisN/R-Rem regulation and another group that is independent of this regulation. VisN and VisR regulate the expression ofrem, while Rem positively regulates the expression offlaA,flaB,flaC,flaD,motA,motB,che1andmcpD. All of these genes exceptmcpDare located within the main motility and chemotaxis gene cluster ofR. leguminosarum. Other chemotaxis and motility genes, which are found outside of the main motility gene cluster (che2operon,flaHfor VF39SM, andflaG) or are plasmid-borne (flaEandmcpC), are not part of the VisN/R-Rem regulatory cascade. In addition, all genes exhibited the same regulation pattern in 3841 and in VF39SM, exceptflaEandflaH.flaEis not regulated by VisN/R-Rem in 3841 but it is repressed by Rem in VF39SM.flaHis under VisN/R-Rem regulation in 3841, but not in VF39SM. A kinetics experiment demonstrated that a subset of the flagellar genes is continuously expressed in all growth phases, indicating the importance of continuous motility forR. leguminosarumunder free-living conditions. On the other hand, motility is repressed under symbiotic conditions. Nodulation experiments showed that the transcriptional activators VisN and Rem are dramatically downregulated in the nodules, suggesting that the symbiotic downregulation of motility-related genes could be mediated by repressing the expression of VisN/R and Rem.
Stereospecific recognition of pyochelin and enantio-pyochelin by the PchR proteins in fluorescent pseudomonads
Authors: Youard Zeb A. , Reimmann Cornelia
Published: March 2010

The siderophore pyochelin ofPseudomonas aeruginosapromotes growth under iron limitation and induces the expression of its biosynthesis genes via the transcriptional AraC/XylS-type regulator PchR.Pseudomonas fluorescensstrain CHA0 makes the optical antipode of pyochelin termed enantio-pyochelin, which also promotes growth and induces the expression of its biosynthesis genes when iron is scarce. Growth promotion and signalling by pyochelin and enantio-pyochelin are highly stereospecific and are known to involve the pyochelin and enantio-pyochelin outer-membrane receptors FptA and FetA, respectively. Here we show that stereospecificity in signalling is also based on the stereospecificity of the homologous PchR proteins ofP. aeruginosaandP. fluorescenstowards their respective siderophore effectors. We found that PchR functioned in the heterologous species only if supplied with its native ligand and that the FptA and FetA receptors enhanced the efficiency of signalling. By constructing and expressing hybrid and truncated PchR regulators we showed that the weakly conserved N-terminal domain of PchR is responsible for siderophore specificity. Thus, both uptake and transcriptional regulation confer stereospecificity to pyochelin and enantio-pyochelin biosynthesis.
Structure analysis of the two-peptide bacteriocin lactococcin G by introducing d-amino acid residues
Authors: Oppegård Camilla , Rogne Per , Kristiansen Per Eugen , Nissen-Meyer Jon
Published: March 2010

The importance of 3D structuring in the N- and C-terminal ends of the two peptides (39-mer LcnG-αand 35-mer LcnG-β) that constitute the two-peptide bacteriocin lactococcin G was analysed by replacing residues in the end regions with the correspondingd-isomeric residues. When assayed for antibacterial activity in combination with the complementary wild-type peptide, LcnG-αwith fourd-residues in its C-terminal region and LcnG-βwith fourd-residues in either its N- or its C-terminal region were relatively active (two- to 20-fold reduction in activity). 3D structuring of the C-terminal region in LcnG-αand the C- and N-terminal regions in LcnG-βis thus not particularly critical for retaining antibacterial activity, indicating that the 3D structure of these regions is not vital for interpeptide interactions or for interactions between the peptides and cellular components. The 3D structure of the N-terminal region in LcnG-αmay be more important, as LcnG-αwith four N-terminald-residues was the least active of these four peptides (10- to 100-fold reduction in activity). The results are consistent with a proposed structural model of lactococcin G in which LcnG-αand -βform a transmembrane parallel helix–helix structure involving approximately 20 residues in each peptide, starting near the N terminus of LcnG-αand at about residue 13 in LcnG-β. Upon expressing the lactococcin G immunity protein, sensitive target cells became resistant to all of thesed-residue-containing peptides. The end regions of the two lactococcin G peptides are consequently not involved in essential structure-dependent interactions with the immunity protein. The relatively high activity of most of thed-residue-containing peptides suggests that bacteriocins with increased resistance to exopeptidases may be generated by replacing their N- and C-terminal residues withd-residues.
The cytomorphologic spectrum of Wilms tumour on fine needle aspiration: a single institutional experience of 110 cases
Authors: Nayak A. , Iyer V. K. , Agarwala S.
Published: March 2010

A. Nayak, V.K. Iyer and S. Agarwala  The cytomorphologic spectrum of Wilms tumour on fine needle aspiration: a single institutional experience of 110 cases

Objective:  To analyse the cytomorphologic spectrum of Wilms tumour (WT) on aspirates, the largest series reported to date.

Study design:  Adequate aspirates from paediatric renal tumours over a period of 17 years were reviewed and selected if subsequent excision showed WT or aspirates were diagnostic for WT and clinical/radiological evidence consistent with that diagnosis. Smears were re‐examined for the proportion of components, degree of pleomorphism and mitosis.

Results:  Of 110 aspirates, smears were triphasic in 44 (40.0%), biphasic (blastema and tubules) in 36 (32.7%) and monophasic (blastema alone) in 30 (27.3%). Stromal predominance was seen in 11 aspirates (10.0%) and five showed rhabdomyoblastic differentiation; all 11 were triphasic. Mean mitotic rate was 9.3/5000 cells (range 4–39/5000). Nuclear atypia not amounting to anaplasia and without atypical mitoses was seen in 15 (13.6%); these presented diagnostic problems. Two aspirates (1.8%) were considered anaplastic (unfavourable), both having atypical mitoses. Criteria similar to histology (i.e. 3‐fold or more variation in nuclear size, marked hyperchromasia with bizarre nuclei and atypical mitoses in a biphasic or triphasic aspirate) helped in distinguishing anaplastic WT. Histopathological correlation in 67 cases showed good correlation of blastemal predominance, stromal predominance and anaplastic histology with the corresponding cytology. However, 9/27 (33.3%) triphasic tumours had only blastemal cells on corresponding aspiration because of sampling error. Cytokeratin was positive in 4 of 20 aspirates with blastema alone.

Conclusions:  Aspirates from WT were triphasic or biphasic in the majority (72.7%), permitting cytological diagnosis, which was improved by cytokeratin immunocytochemistry. Blastemal and stromal predominance on histology correlated well with cytology, but many triphasic tumours showed only blastema on aspiration. Anaplastic WT can be detected on aspirates using criteria similar to histology.
Neuroendocrine ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: cytological features in 32 cases
Authors: Kawasaki T. , Nakamura S. , Sakamoto G. , Kondo T. , Tsunoda‐Shimizu H. , Ishii Y. , Nakazawa T. , Mochizuki K. , Yamane T. , Inoue M. , Inoue S. , Katoh R.
Published: March 2010

T. Kawasaki, S. Nakamura, G. Sakamoto, T. Kondo, H. Tsunoda‐Shimizu, Y. Ishii, T. Nakazawa, K. Mochizuki, T. Yamane, M. Inoue, S. Inoue and R. Katoh  Neuroendocrine ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: cytological features in 32 cases

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to clarify the cytological features of neuroendocrine ductal carcinoma in situ (NE‐DCIS) of the breast.

Methods:  We analysed the cytopathological findings in 22 fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears and 17 nipple discharge smears obtained from 32 Japanese patients with NE‐DCIS.

Results:  The background of the FNA smears was clear (59%), mucoid (23%), haemorrhagic (14%) or necrotic (5%). Most of the FNA smears (95%) showed high cellularity. Characteristically, NE‐DCIS cells were loosely arranged in three‐dimensional solid clusters or singly dispersed. Well‐developed vascular cores with or without malignant cells were occasionally recognized. The tumour cells were polygonal or spindle‐shaped with a fine granular, abundant cytoplasm. Nuclei with finely granular chromatin were round or oval and often eccentrically located (plasmacytoid appearance). Mitotic figures were infrequent. Nuclear grade was estimated to be low in 86%. Most nipple discharge smears had fairly low cellularity with poorly preserved cell clusters in a markedly haemorrhagic background, although two (12%) were extremely cellular with cytological characteristics similar to those of the FNA smears. Pre‐operative cytological malignant diagnoses were made in 42% of FNA smears and 0% of nipple discharge smears. Immunohistochemistry for neuroendocrine markers (chromogranin A and synaptophysin) confirmed the neuroendocrine nature of this tumour in adequate cytological specimens.

Conclusions:  NE‐DCIS has distinctive cytological features and can therefore be diagnosed as a neuroendocrine tumour in most FNAs and some nipple discharge smears by cytological examination employing immunohistochemical techniques. We emphasize that a breast lesion with these features may be in situ and not invasive, and also that there is a risk of under‐diagnosis.
Thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology: a review of the National Cancer Institute state of the science symposium
Authors: Layfield L. J. , Cibas E. S. , Baloch Z.
Published: March 2010

L. J. Layfield, E. S. Cibas and Z. Baloch Thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology: a review of the national cancer institute state of the science symposium

In October 2007, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the United States sponsored a conference reviewing the state of the science of thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA). Multiple issues were reviewed including pre‐FNA requirements, training specifications, criteria for the selection of patients to undergo FNA, diagnostic categories and criteria, ancillary testing and post‐FNA follow‐up and treatment options. A summation of conclusions covering three of these topics, followed by a question and answer session, was subsequently presented at the 35th European Congress of Cytology (ECC) in Lisbon, Portugal in September of 2009. At the ECC, the findings of the NCI committee proposals regarding the indications for FNA of thyroid nodules, diagnostic categories and criteria, and post‐FNA options for follow‐up and treatment were discussed. Herein we review the presentations given at that conference.
Diagnostic terminology for reporting thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology: European Federation of Cytology Societies thyroid working party symposium, Lisbon 2009
Authors: Kocjan G. , Cochand‐Priollet B. , De Agustin P. P. , Bourgain C. , Chandra A. , Daneshbod Y. , Deery A. , Duskova J. , Ersoz C. , Fadda G. , Fassina A. , Firat P. , Jimenez‐Ayala B. , Karakitsos P. , Koperek O. , Matesa N. , Poller D. , Thienpont L. , Ryska A. , Schenck U. , Sauer T. , Schmitt F. , Tani E. , Toivonen T. , Tötsch M. , Troncone G. , Vass L. , Vielh P.
Published: March 2010

G. Kocjan, B. Cochand‐Priollet, P. P. de Agustin, C. Bourgain, A. Chandra, Y. Daneshbod, A. Deery, J. Duskova, C. Ersoz, G. Fadda, A. Fassina, P. Firat, B. Jimenez‐Ayala, P. Karakitsos, O. Koperek, N. Matesa, D. Poller, L. Thienpont, A. Ryska, U. Schenck, T. Sauer, F. Schmitt, E. Tani, T. Toivonen, M. Tötsch, G. Troncone, L. Vass and P. Vielh Diagnostic terminology for reporting thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology: European Federation of Cytology Societies thyroid working party symposium, Lisbon 2009

A European Federation of Cytology Societies (EFCS) working party of 28 members from 14 European countries met at the European Congress of Cytology in Lisbon in September 2009, with two observers from the USA, to discuss the need for standardising thyroid FNA nomenclature in the light of the National Institute of Cancer (NCI) recommendations resulting from the State of the Science conference in Bethesda in 2007. The data were obtained through two questionnaires sent by email and a transcript of the live discussion at the congress, which is presented in full.

The surveys and discussion showed that there were currently no national terminologies for reporting thyroid FNA in the different European countries except in Italy and the UK. Personal, ‘local’, surgical pathology and descriptive terminologies were in use. All but one of the working party members agreed that thyroid FNA reporting should be standardised. Whilst almost a third would adopt the NCI Bethesda terminology, which offers the advantages of a ‘risk of cancer’ correlation and is linked to clinical recommendations, more than half favoured a translation of local terminology as the first step towards a unified nomenclature, as has been done recently in the UK. There was some disagreement about the use of: a) the six‐tiered as opposed to four or five‐tiered systems, b) the use of an indeterminate category and c) the ‘follicular neoplasm‘ category, which was felt by some participants not to be different from the ‘suspicious of malignancy‘ category.

The conclusions will be passed to the different national societies of cytology for discussion, who will be asked to map their local terminologies to the Bethesda classification, observe its acceptance by clinicians and audit its correlation with outcome.
Competitive interactions between two meadow grasses under nitrogen and phosphorus limitation
Authors: Venterink Harry Olde , Güsewell Sabine
Published: March 2010

1. Different grass species dominate grasslands fertilized with nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P), possibly due to the impact of N : P stoichiometry on competitive interactions. How species compete for nutrients, and whether the mechanisms are similar for N and P, is still not fully understood.

2. We investigated whether the outcome of competition between Alopecurus pratensis and Agrostis capillaris depends on N : P stoichiometry, and on the ability to acquire supplied N or P. Monocultures and mixtures of the two species were grown in pots at nine combinations of N and P supply (N : P ratios 1·7, 15 and 135, all at three supply levels). After 3 months, we determined plant biomass, morphological traits and nutrient concentrations of plant tissues.

3. N : P supply ratios had similar effects on the growth of the two species but contrasting effects on their competitive strength, as assessed by comparing growth in competition to growth in monoculture: Alopecurus was the stronger competitor under N limitation (N : P ratio 1·7), whereas Agrostis was an equal or stronger competitor under P limitation (N : P ratio 135). This result resembled patterns of species distribution observed in the field.

4. The strong competitive response of Alopecurus at the low N : P supply ratio was associated with a high investment in root biomass and root length, and a high nitrogen productivity. The competitive response of Agrostis at the high N : P supply ratio was associated with low root mortality and high root phosphatase activity.

5. Our results obtained under N limitation support the pre‐emption theory in which plants with the highest root length are able to acquire more N from the soil than their competitors, and therefore can suppress their growth. Under P limitation, however, plant investment in root length could not explain competitor suppression. Here, other factors important in competition for P, such as mycorrhizal hyphal length, root longevity, or exudation rates of P releasing compounds, merit investigation.
Long foraging distances impose high costs on offspring production in solitary bees
Authors: Zurbuchen Antonia , Cheesman Stephanie , Klaiber Jeannine , Müller Andreas , Hein Silke , Dorn Silvia
Published: March 2010

1. Solitary bees are central place foragers returning to their nests several times a day with pollen and nectar to provision their brood cells. They are especially susceptible to landscape changes that lead to an increased spatial separation of suitable nesting sites and flower rich host plant stands. While knowledge of bee foraging ranges is currently growing, quantitative data on the costs of foraging flights are very scarce, although such data are crucial to understand bee population dynamics.

2. In this study, the impact of increased foraging distance on the duration of foraging bouts and on the number of brood cells provisioned per time unit was experimentally quantified in the two pollen specialist solitary bee species Hoplitis adunca and Chelostoma rapunculi. Females nesting at different sites foraged under the same environmental conditions on a single large and movable flowering host plant patch in an otherwise host plant free landscape.

3. The number of brood cells provisioned per time unit by H. adunca was found to decrease by 23%, 31% and 26% with an increase in the foraging distance by 150, 200 and 300 m, respectively. The number of brood cells provisioned by C. rapunculi decreased by 46% and 36% with an increase in the foraging distance by 500 and 600 m, respectively.

4. Contrary to expectation, a widely scattered arrangement of host plants did not result in longer mean duration of a foraging bout in H. adunca compared to a highly aggregated arrangement, which might be due to a reduced flight directionality combined with a high rate of revisitation of already depleted flowers in the aggregated plant arrangement or by a stronger competition and disturbance by other flower visitors.

5. The results of this study clearly indicate that a close neighbourhood of suitable nesting and foraging habitats is crucial for population persistence and thus conservation of endangered solitary bee species.
Asthma prediction in school children; the value of combined IgE‐antibodies and obstructive airways disease severity score*
Authors: Lødrup Carlsen K. C. , Söderström L. , Mowinckel P. , Håland G. , Pettersen M. , Munthe Kaas M. C. , Devulapalli C. S. , Buchmann M. , Ahlstedt S. , Carlsen K.‐H.
Published: March 2010

To cite this article: Lødrup Carlsen KC, Söderström L, Mowinckel P, Håland G, Pettersen M, Munthe Kaas MC, Devulapalli CS, Buchmann M, Ahlstedt S, Carlsen K‐H. Asthma prediction in school children; the value of combined IgE‐antibodies and obstructive airways disease severity score. Allergy 2010; 65: 1134–1140.

Background:  Allergic sensitisation increases the risk for asthma development. In this prospective birth cohort (Environment and Childhood Asthma) study, we hypothesized that combining quantitative measures of IgE antibodies (Σ‐IgE) and Severity score of obstructive airways disease (OAD) at 2 years of age (Severity score) is superior to predict current asthma (CA) at 10 years than either measure alone. Secondarily, we assessed if gender modified the prediction of CA.

Methods:  A follow‐up study at 10 years of age was performed in 371 2‐year‐old children with recurrent (n = 219) or no (n = 152) bronchial obstruction with available serum analysed for Σ‐IgE to common food and inhalant allergens through a panel test, Phadiatop Infant® (Phadia, Uppsala, Sweden). Clinical variables included allergic sensitisation and exercise testing to characterise children with CA vs not CA at 10 years and the Severity score (0–12, 0 indicating no OAD) was used to assess risk modification.

Results:  Severity score alone explained 24% (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.24) of the variation in CA, whereas Σ‐IgE explained only 6% (R2 = 0.06). Combining the two increased the explanatory capacity to R2 = 0.30. Gender interacted significantly with Σ‐IgE; whereas Severity score predicted CA in both genders, the predictive capacity of Σ‐IgE for CA at 10 years was significant in boys only.

Conclusion:  Combining Σ‐IgE to inhalant allergens and Severity score at 2 years was superior to predict asthma at 10 years than either alone. Severity score predicted CA in both genders, whereas Σ‐IgE significantly predicted CA in boys only.
Evaluation of living related kidney donors in China: policies and practices in a transplant center
Authors: Zhao Wen‐Yu , Zhang Lei , Han Shu , Zhu You‐Hua , Wang Li‐Ming , Zhou Mei‐Sheng , Zeng Li
Published: March 2010

Zhao W‐Y, Zhang L, Han S, Zhu Y‐H, Wang L‐M, Zhou M‐S, Zeng L. Evaluation of living related kidney donors in China: policies and practices in a transplant center. Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2010.01229.x. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Rigorous donor evaluation is essential for living related donor kidney transplantation (LRDKT). However, guidelines for living kidney donor evaluation are absent in China. The aim of this study is to describe the initial experience in the living kidney donor evaluation process in a single transplant center in China.

Methods:  The evaluation process of our center is sequentially divided into five steps: outpatient consultation and information, preliminary evaluation, comprehensive evaluation, final informed consent, and ethics committee oversight.

Results:  Between June 2007 and March 2009, 124 potential living donors were evaluated in our center, of whom 82 (66.1%) became effective donors and the remaining 42 (33.9%) were excluded. The exclusion reasons were related to clinical problems in 27 cases, psychosocial problems in seven cases, and suspected organ trading in eight cases.

Conclusion:  Although strongly forbidden by Chinese laws, organ trading remains a threat to the healthy development of LRDKT in China. To prohibit organ trading, the kinship between the donor and recipient should be carefully identified. Guidelines for living donor evaluation appropriate to the actual situation in China should be set up for the sake of safety and to protect the rights and interests of both donors and recipients.
Liver transplantation in patients aged 65 and over: a case–control study
Authors: Montalti R. , Rompianesi G. , Di Benedetto F. , Ballarin R. , Gerring R. C. , Busani S. , De Pietri L. , De Ruvo N. , Iemmolo R. M. , Guerrini G. P. , Smerieri N. , Gerunda G. E.
Published: March 2010

Montalti R, Rompianesi G, Di Benedetto F, Ballarin R, Gerring RC, Busani S, De Pietri L, De Ruvo N, Iemmolo RM, Guerrini GP, Smerieri N, Gerunda GE. Liver transplantation in patients aged 65 and over: a case–control study. Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2010.01230.x. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Introduction:  The average age of patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is consistently increasing. The aim of this case–control study is to evaluate survival and outcome of patients ≥65 yr compared to younger patients undergoing LT.

Materials and methods:  From 10/00 to 4/08 we performed 330 primary LT, 31 (9.4%) of these were in patients aged 65–70. Following a case–control approach, we compared these patients with 31 patients aged between 41 and 64 yr and matched according to sex, LT indication, viral status, cadaveric/living donor, LT timing, and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.

Results:  There were no statistically significant differences in demographic and surgical donor characteristics. The mean MELD score was under 18 in both groups. Post‐LT complications occurred with a similar incidence in the two groups. one‐, three‐, and five‐yr survival was 83.9%, 80.6%, and 80.6%, respectively, for the elderly group, and 80.6%, 73.8%, and 73.8%, respectively, for the young group (p = 0.61).

Discussion:  Patients aged between 65 and 70 with low MELD score who undergo LT have the same short‐ and middle‐term survival expectancy, morbidity, and outcome quality as younger patients with the same indication and same pre‐LT pathology severity, whatever they might be. Thus, chronological age alone should not deter LT workup in patients >65 and <70.
MHC class II deficiency cured by unrelated mismatched umbilical cord blood transplantation: Case report and review of 68 cases in the literature
Authors: Siepermann M. , Gudowius S. , Beltz K. , Strier U. , Feyen O. , Troeger A. , Göbel U. , Laws H. J. , Kögler G. , Meisel R. , Dilloo D. , Niehues T.
Published: March 2010

Siepermann M, Gudowius S, Beltz K, Strier U, Feyen O, Troeger A, Göbel U, Laws HJ, Kögler G, Meisel R, Dilloo D, Niehues T. MHC class II deficiency cured by unrelated mismatched umbilical cord blood transplantation: Case report and review of 68 cases in the literature. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: E80–E86. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  MHC class II deficiency is a rare and fatal form of primary combined immunodeficiency caused by a lack of T‐cell‐dependent humoral and cellular immune response to foreign antigens, which can only be cured by allogenic stem cell transplantation. In the literature search, we identified 68 cases of HSCT in MHC class II deficiency in the last 14 yr. Pre‐ and post‐transplant MHC class II deficiency is complicated by overwhelming viral infections, a high incidence of GvHD, and graft failure with a poor overall survival rate below 50%. We report an eight‐month‐old boy presenting with severe respiratory infections and chronic diarrhea, whose sister died at the age of four yr from septicemia. MHC II deficiency was caused by an RFXANK‐mutation and treated successfully by 4/6 mismatched unrelated CBT after a myeloablative conditioning regimen based on anti‐thymocyte globulin, busulfane, fludarabine, and cyclophosphamide. At present, our patient is well with full immune reconstitution 3 yr after CBT. CB may represent an alternative source of stem cells for children with MHC class II deficiency without a suitable donor.
The outcome of sperm competition is affected by behavioural and anatomical reproductive traits in a simultaneously hermaphroditic land snail
Authors: GAREFALAKI M.‐E. , TRIANTAFYLLIDIS A. , ABATZOPOULOS T. J. , STAIKOU A.
Published: March 2010

Sperm competition is important in species with reproductive strategies that involve multiple mating and prolonged sperm storage such as the simultaneously hermaphroditic land snail Cornu aspersum. Double mating trials in this species have revealed that mating order and courtship behaviour affect paternity success. We investigated the effect of behavioural and anatomical reproductive traits on paternity success from triple mating trials. Triple mating resulted in triple fertilization in 58% of the cases whereas zero paternity was observed in 16% of sperm donors. Third sperm donors achieved higher paternity followed by first and second sperm donors. Snails with a longer epiphallus, the spermatophore forming organ, sired more offspring regardless of their mating order. Genetic compatibility between sperm donor and recipient did not influence paternity success. The results of the present study identified mating order and epiphallus length, as traits affecting the outcome of sperm competition in this species.
Identification of a molecular marker linked to apomixis in Brachiaria humidicola (Poaceae)
Authors: Zorzatto C. , Chiari L. , De Araújo Bitencourt G. , Do Valle C. B. , De Campos Leguizamón G. O. , Schuster I. , Pagliarini M. S.
Published: March 2010

With 1 figure and 1 table

A bulked segregant analysis using RAPD technique was carried out to identify molecular markers linked to apomixis in a Brachiaria humidicola F1 population that segregated 1 : 1 for the mode of reproduction (apomixis and sexual). A marker related to the apo‐locus was found. Segregation data, together with this marker were used to generate a map of the region. This marker was located at 4.61 cM of the target locus, and it can be used in deploying marker‐assisted selection for mode of reproduction in the hybrid progenies of this species.
Association of polymorphisms within the transforming growth factor‐β1 gene with diabetic nephropathy and serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations
Authors: VALLADARES‐SALGADO ADÁN , ANGELES‐MARTÍNEZ JAVIER , ROSAS MARISOL , GARCÍA‐MENA JAIME , UTRERA‐BARILLAS DOLORES , GÓMEZ‐DÍAZ RITA , ESCOBEDO‐DE LA PEÑA JORGE , PARRA ESTEBAN J , CRUZ MIGUEL
Published: March 2010

Aim:  The TGF‐β gene participates in the development of chronic kidney disease. We investigated whether the 869 T > C, 915 G > C and −800 G > A polymorphisms of TGF‐β1 are associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods:  Polymorphisms were genotyped in 439 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, 233 with diabetic nephropathy (DN+) and 206 without (DN–). The sample was characterized for relevant clinical and biochemical parameters.

Results:  The 869 T > C (P = 0.016; odds ratio (OR) = 1.818, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.128–2.930) and the 915 G > C polymorphisms (P = 0.008, OR = 4.073, 95% CI = 1.355–12.249) were associated with diabetic nephropathy. The 869 T > C variant was associated with total cholesterol levels: CC + CT genotypes had a mean cholesterol concentration of 5.62 ± 1.40 mmol/L vs a mean concentration of 5.15 ± 1.40 mmol/L for the TT genotype (P = 0.011). Triglycerides were also higher in CC + CT genotypes (2.49 ± 1.56 mmol/L) in comparison with TT homozygotes (2.1 ± 1.22 mmol/L, P = 0.042). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the polymorphisms 869 T > C and 915 G > C were independent predictors for DN (P = 0.049 and 0.046, respectively).

Conclusion:  The 869 T > C and 915 G > C polymorphisms within the TGF‐β1 gene were associated with DN+. Lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels were observed in TT homozygotes for the 869 T > C polymorphism. The TGF‐β1 869 T allele seems to confer protection against DN+.
Comparison of immunohistochemistry assays and real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction for analyzing hormone receptor status in human breast carcinoma
Authors: Oda Miyo , Arihiro Koji , Kataoka Tsuyoshi , Osaki Akihiko , Asahara Toshimasa , Ohdan Hideki
Published: March 2010

The estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) status of 163 surgical breast cancer specimens determined on real‐time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using frozen tumor tissue were compared with that determined using three automated immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays including Dako (Glostrup, Denmark), Ventana (Tucson, AZ, USA) and BioGenex (San Ramon, CA, USA) assay. All specimens were semiquantified according to the Allred score and J‐score. The cut‐offs for ER determined by log (ER/glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH)) were −3.6 and −3.2 based on the Allred score and J‐score, respectively, and those for PgR determined by log (PgR/GAPDH) were −3.2 and −2.8, respectively. The Allred total score (TS) and the J‐score for ER and PgR on IHC were significantly correlated with the result on RT‐PCR (P < 0.00001). There was a high degree of concordance among ER and PgR status on IHC and those on RT‐PCR, suggesting that RT‐PCR is a useful method for evaluation of ER and PgR status. Some discrepancies between the IHC and RT‐PCR results were identified, however. Accordingly, further studies of RT‐PCR assays for hormone receptor (HR) are necessary with regard to biological behavior and responsiveness to hormone therapy.
IgG4‐related disease: Historical overview and pathology of hematological disorders
Authors: Sato Yasuharu , Notohara Kenji , Kojima Masaru , Takata Katsuyoshi , Masaki Yasufumi , Yoshino Tadashi
Published: March 2010

IgG4‐related diseases comprise a recently recognized systemic syndrome characterized by mass‐forming lesions in mainly exocrine tissue that consist of lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates and sclerosis. There are numerous IgG4‐positive plasma cells in the affected tissues, and the serum IgG4 level is increased in these patients. The present study describes the history, autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), IgG4‐related lymphadenopathy and lymphomagenesis based upon ocular adnexal IgG4‐related disease. Lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis, a prototypal histological type of AIP, is now recognized as a systemic IgG4‐related disease. Lymph node lesions can be subdivided into at least five histological subtypes, and systemic IgG4‐related lymphadenopathy should be distinguished from multicentric Castleman's disease. Interleukin‐6 and CRP levels are abnormally high in multicentric Castleman's disease, but are normal in the majority of systemic IgG4‐related lymphadenopathy. Ocular adnexal IgG4‐related disease frequently involves bilateral lacrimal glands swelling, and obliterative phlebitis is rare. Moreover, some malignant lymphomas, especially mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, arise from ocular adnexal IgG4‐related disease. In addition, IgG4‐producing lymphoma also exists.
Management of spleen injuries: the current profile
Authors: Mikocka‐Walus Antonina , Beevor Harriet C. , Gabbe Belinda , Gruen Russell L. , Winnett Jason , Cameron Peter
Published: March 2010

Background:  There has been a shift from operative to conservative management of splenic injuries in the last two decades, but the current practice in Australia is not known. This study aims to determine the profile of splenic injury in major trauma victims and the approach to treatment in Victoria for the last 2 years.

Methods:  A review of prospectively collected data from the Victorian State Trauma Registry (VSTR) from July 2005 to June 2007 was conducted. Demographic data, details of the event, clinical observations, management and associated outcomes were extracted from the database. The patients were categorized into four groups according to management (conservative, splenectomy, embolization and repair) and were compared accordingly. Multivariate binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of treatment (conservative versus splenectomy) on arrival.

Results:  Of the 318 major trauma patients with splenic injuries, 186 (59%) were treated conservatively, 103 (32%) with splenectomy, 17 (5%) with arterial embolization and 12 (4%) with repair. Of these, 14 (14%) splenectomy cases and 2 (12%) embolization cases did not receive their respective treatments within 24 h. The severity of the spleen injury (as measured by the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS)) and age were identified as significant independent predictors of the form of treatment provided.

Conclusion:  In Victoria, conservative management is the preferred approach in patients with minor (AIS = 2) to moderate (AIS = 3) splenic injuries. The low rates of embolization warrant further research into whether splenectomy is overused.
Surgical history of ancient China: part 2
Authors: Fu Louis
Published: March 2010

In this second part of ancient Chinese surgical history, the practice of bone setting in China began around 3000 years ago. Throughout this period, significant progress was made, some highlights of which are cited. These methods, comparable with Western orthopaedic technique, are still being practised today. In conclusion, the possible reasons for the lack of advancement in operative surgery are discussed, within context of the cultural, social and religious background of ancient China.
Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma
Authors: Wall Christopher J. , Lynch Joan , Harris Ian A. , Richardson Martin D. , Brand Caroline , Lowe Adrian J. , Sugrue Michael
Published: March 2010

Background:  Acute compartment syndrome is a serious and not uncommon complication of limb trauma. The condition is a surgical emergency, and is associated with significant morbidity if not managed appropriately. There is variation in management of acute limb compartment syndrome in Australia.

Methods:  Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma were developed in accordance with Australian National Health and Medical Research Council recommendations. The guidelines were based on critically appraised literature evidence and the consensus opinion of a multidisciplinary team involved in trauma management who met in a nominal panel process.

Results:  Recommendations were developed for key decision nodes in the patient care pathway, including methods of diagnosis in alert and unconscious patients, appropriate assessment of compartment pressure, timing and technique of fasciotomy, fasciotomy wound management, and prevention of compartment syndrome in patients with limb injuries. The recommendations were largely consensus based in the absence of well‐designed clinical trial evidence.

Conclusions:  Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma have been developed that will support consistency in management and optimize patient health outcomes.
Making sense of emergency surgery in New South Wales: a position statement
Authors: Deane Stephen A. , MacLellan Donald G. , Meredith Gavin L. , Cregan Patrick C.
Published: March 2010

Background:  Emergency surgery is a major component of the provision of surgical services and makes up a substantial volume of the workload of surgeons in many hospitals. It is often more complex and surgically challenging than elective surgery. However, little attention has been concentrated on the management or resource requirements of emergency surgery.

Method:  This article identifies principles for models of emergency surgery care and describes how they can be incorporated into a redesign of emergency surgery. They have been developed and are endorsed by experienced surgical staff routinely coping with the challenges of emergency surgery.

Results:  The benefits of redesigning emergency surgery will be realized by an active partnership between managers, surgeons and surgical teams. The anticipated clinical benefits include improved patient outcomes, enhanced patient and surgical team satisfaction, and increased trainee supervision in emergency surgery. Significant management benefits will ensue from high rates of emergency operating theatre utilization, reduced patient cancellations and reduction in after‐hours costs. This unplanned but predictable workload will be managed in a planned and predictable fashion.

Conclusion:  Reform of emergency surgery services is a necessity and not a choice. The development of the emergency surgery guidelines for New South Wales is a step in the right direction. The principles identified in the guidelines should be adapted and implemented across Australia if sustainable, safe and efficient emergency surgery services are to be provided. Patients will expect nothing less.
Chemotherapy‐induced reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Han C. H. , Findlay M. P.
Published: March 2010

Reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome is a neurological condition seen in various areas of acute medicine, including the administration of antineoplastic therapies used in haemato‐oncology patients. It is a rare complication that has been increasingly recognized. It is characterized by altered mental status, visual disturbance, headache and seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging typically shows vasogenic oedema in the posterior regions of the brain. Although its name suggests reversibility, it may result in an irreversible brain injury without prompt treatment. Therefore, it is vital for treating clinicians to recognize this syndrome. We describe the case of a 55‐year‐old woman with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, who developed clinical and radiological manifestations consistent with this syndrome as a complication of gemcitabine monotherapy.
Fly ash concrete subjected to thermal cyclic loads
Authors: KHAN M. S. , PRASAD J.
Published: March 2010

The present study describes the behaviour of concrete as well as fly ash concrete when subjected to varying number of high temperature heating cycles. A Concrete mix (1:2.37:2.98) with 340 kg/m3 cement and w/cm ratio 0.45 was prepared. Cement was replaced by varying percentages (0%, 20%, 40%, 50% and 60%) of fly ash by weight of cement. The concrete was subjected to a constant temperature of 200°C for 7, 14, 21 and 28 heating cycles. One heating cycle corresponds to 8 h heating and subsequent cooling in 24 h. Subsequently the effect of temperature on the properties of the concrete was investigated and compared with that of the properties of unheated concrete. The compressive strength of plain as well as fly ash concrete increased when it was subjected to thermal cyclic loads. Moreover, the compressive strength increased with an increase in number of heating cycles. Thermal conductivity of concrete was found to decrease with an increase in the fly ash content.
On crack tip shielding due to plasticity‐induced closure during an overload
Authors: COLOMBO C. , DU Y. , JAMES M. N. , PATTERSON E. A. , VERGANI L.
Published: March 2010

The mechanisms underlying the plasticity‐induced shielding of a crack tip during fatigue are investigated at both constant amplitude loading and in a case with a substantial single‐cycle overload. A recently developed mathematical model of the stress field around the crack was fitted to maps of isochromatic fringe data obtained from phase‐stepped photoelastic images captured during crack opening and closing in a polycarbonate compact tension specimen. The model is derived using Muskhelishvili's approach and contains additional terms to describe the interfacial shear at the elastic–plastic boundary around the crack and the normal stresses retarding crack growth. These stress fields are characterized by stress intensity factors, KS and KR, respectively, which during and after the overload exhibited substantial changes in behaviour that can be explained in terms of the development of an enlarged plastic zone.
Study of the fatigue lifetimes and crack propagation behaviour of a high speed steel as a function of the R value
Authors: ISHIHARA S. , YOSHIFUJI S. , MCEVILY A. J. , KAWAMOTO M. , SAWAI M. , TAKATA M.
Published: March 2010

High speed steels, such as the alloy H‐13, when used as forging dies are subjected to both wear and cyclic loading, and both of these factors can affect the useful life of such dies. It follows that it is of some importance to determine the fatigue characteristics of such steels. However, fatigue studies of such alloys are limited, especially with respect to fatigue crack propagation (FCP) behaviour as a function of mean stress, and therefore more detailed studies are necessary.

In the present study, the fatigue lifetimes and the crack propagation behaviour of a high speed steel were experimentally investigated in laboratory air under different stress ratios, R. A modified linear‐elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) approach was applied to analyze the experimentally‐obtained FCP behaviour. The predicted S–N curves and crack growth behaviour for a wide range of R ratios agree well with the experimental data, and the modified LEFM approach is therefore considered to be useful for evaluation of the fatigue behaviour of this class of high strength steels.
Fatigue life determination of plasma nitrided medical grade CoCrMo alloy
Authors: BAYRAK Ö. , YETİM A. F. , ALSARAN A. , ÇELİK A.
Published: March 2010

In this paper, the fatigue behaviour of plasma nitrided medical grade forged CoCrMo alloy was studied. Since metallic biomaterials are used for implant applications where high and/or cyclic stresses along with corrosive effects of human body are of concern, enhancing mechanical and surface properties of implant alloys is crucial. Plasma nitriding was implemented at three different temperatures as 600, 700 and 800 °C for time intervals of 1 and 4 h. S–N curves of untreated and nitrided specimens were obtained via axial tension compression fatigue tests. It was found that plasma nitriding treatment reduces the fatigue resistance of forged CoCrMo alloy by the ratios of 7–23% depending on the surface roughness, phase structure and hardness of the modified layer which are determined by the treatment parameters.
Tensile tests and analyses of notched specimens fabricated from high strength steels using a generalized yield model
Authors: WANG W. , QIAN X. , SU R. , WANG X.
Published: March 2010

This article summarises the uniaxial tension tests for 20 notched bars fabricated from high strength steel Q345 specified in Chinese National Standards. The effects of the notch radius, r, and that of the notch depth ratio, d/D, on the ductility and fracture resistance of this high strength steel are examined. The experimental data are further analyzed using a generalized yield model together with an elliptical fracture stress envelope originally proposed by the first author. The experimental results demonstrate that cracks initiate at the notched section, with the fracture surface filled with many dimples and shearing marks. Specimens with a sharper notch radius (a smaller r) and a larger notch depth (a smaller d/D ratio) show poor ductility, but high fracture strength. The stress field computed from the numerical procedure including the generalized yield model indicates that the crack initiation occurs at the centre of the notched section which experiences the highest stress triaxiality ratio (σm/σseq). As the stresses at the notched section reach the limiting values determined from the elliptical fracture criterion, macroscopic fracture failure in the notched bar occurs.
Long fatigue life critical crack lengths*
Authors: PLUMTREE A. , UNTERMANN N.
Published: March 2010

A model based on surface strain redistribution and crack closure is presented for prediction of the endurance or fatigue limit stress by determining the threshold stress and critical length of short cracks that develop under microstructural control. The threshold stress first decreases with crack size to a local minimum then increases to a local maximum corresponding to the fatigue limit stress. This occurs at the critical crack length corresponding to about four grain diameters. The model is capable of determining the threshold stress range and depth of propagating and non‐propagating surface cracks as a function of stress ratio, material and grain size. The microstructure is shown to be particularly significant in the very long life regime (Nf ≈ 109 cycles). When the surface cracks become non‐propagating, internally initiated cracks continue growing slowly, eventually reaching the critical crack length with failure occurring after a very high number of cycles (107 < Nf < 109 cycles).