bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐gall induction performance of Adelges Abietis (L.) (Homoptera: Adelgidae) is influenced by clone, shoot length, and density of colonising gallicolae
Authors: FLAHERTY LEAH , QUIRING DAN , KERSHAW JOHN A.
Published: November 2009

1. We evaluated the effect of clone (one susceptible and one resistant clone), shoot length, crown level, and gallicola density on post‐gall induction performance of Adelges abietis. Galls that had been successfully induced by one fundatrix on a range of shoot sizes were selected, and the number of gallicolae that could colonise the gall was manipulated.

2. Post‐induction gall development success was inversely related to shoot length and was higher on the susceptible clone than on the resistant clone. As gallicola density did not influence the proportion of galls that successfully completed development, reduced post‐induction gall development on large shoots was not likely to be result of an insufficient stimulus from gallicolae.

3. Clone was the only factor that significantly influenced gall volume and galls were larger on the susceptible clone than on the resistant clone. As gall volume did not increase when more gallicolae attempted to colonise a gall, competition within a gall increased. Gallicola survival was inversely related to the number of colonising gallicolae. Our results suggest that gall size may be limiting at natural densities.

4. Previous studies report positive relationships between gall induction success and fundatrix density, and between gall size and fundatrix density. As each fundatrix produces one egg mass of gallicolae, this study suggests that there may be a trade‐off between the successful induction of a large gall and subsequent survival of gallicolae.

5. In the present study, clone influenced all measures of post‐gall induction performance. Performance was always higher on the susceptible than on the resistant clone.
Complex influences of low‐head dams and artificial wetlands on fishes in a Colorado River tributary system
Authors: BEATTY R. J. , RAHEL F. J. , HUBERT W. A.
Published: November 2009

Abstract  Low‐head dams in arid regions restrict fish movement and create novel habitats that have complex effects on fish assemblages. The influence of low‐head dams and artificial wetlands on fishes in Muddy Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River system in the USA was examined. Upstream, fish assemblages were dominated by native species including two species of conservation concern, bluehead sucker, Catostomus discobolus Cope, and roundtail chub, Gila robusta Baird and Girard. The artificial wetlands contained almost exclusively non‐native fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, and white sucker, Catostomus commersonii (Lacepède). Downstream, fish assemblages were dominated by non‐native species. Upstream spawning migrations by non‐native white suckers were blocked by dams associated with the wetlands. However, the wetlands do not provide habitat for native fishes and likely inhibit fish movement. The wetlands appear to be a source habitat for non‐native fishes and a sink habitat for native fishes. Two non‐native species, sand shiner, Notropis stramineus (Cope), and redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus (Richardson), were present only downstream of the wetlands, suggesting a beneficial role of the wetlands in preventing upstream colonisation by non‐native fishes.
Potential reasons for the changes in the abundance of pike, Esox lucius, in the western Gulf of Finland, 1939–2007
Authors: LEHTONEN H. , LESKINEN E. , SELÉN R. , REINIKAINEN M.
Published: November 2009

Abstract  Pike, Esox lucius L., catch‐per‐unit‐effort (CPUE) in rod and line fishing fluctuated considerably in the western Gulf of Finland between 1939 and 2007. Since the beginning of the 1980s, CPUE has been only 3–4% of the highest CPUE during the period, suggesting a drastic decrease in population size. The collapse of the population coincided with a rise in the nutrient level in the Baltic Sea and consequent changes in productivity, turbidity and vegetation. The differences in the food web that followed the environmental change may partly explain the variation both in CPUE and in the mean weight of pike caught. Long‐term fluctuations in salinity and temperature, however, did not seem to affect the population size. The mean weight of pike fluctuated inversely with CPUE, indicating changes in the recruitment of pike to the study area.
Influences of human activity and climate on the stock‐recruitment dynamics of whitefish, Coregonus lavaretus, in Lake Geneva
Authors: ANNEVILLE O. , SOUISSI S. , MOLINERO J. C. , GERDEAUX D.
Published: November 2009

Abstract  Analysis of long‐term catches from the deep peri‐alpine Lake Geneva, showed a shift in the stock‐recruitment relationship of Coregonus lavaretus (L.), a target species of commercial fishing. This change was mainly related to large‐scale meteorological factors. Higher spring water temperatures may have improved larval survival and hence recruitment of whitefish via: (1) a better match between the hatching date of whitefish larvae and development of their zooplankton prey; and (2) the positive temperature effect on larval growth. In Lake Geneva, changes in regulatory mechanisms coupled with stocking and improved water‐quality have led to an explosion in the C. lavaretus population in recent years. These results highlight the relevance of long‐term changes in the stock‐recruitment relationship for management of aquatic ecosystems that are sensitive to climate forcing.
Distance separated simultaneous sweeping, for fast, clean, vibroseis acquisition
Authors: Bouska Jack
Published: November 2009

Distance separated simultaneous sweeping DS3 is a new vibroseis technique that produces independent records, uncontaminated by simultaneous source interference, for a range of offsets and depths that span all target zones of interest. Use of DS3 on a recent seismic survey in Oman, resulted in a peak acquisition rate of 1024 records per hour. This survey employed 15 vibrators, with a distance separation of 12 km between simultaneous active sources, recorded by 8000 active channels across 22 live lines in an 18.5 km × 11 km receiver patch. Broad distribution of simultaneous sources, across an adequately sized recording patch, effectively partitions the sensors so that each trace records only one of the simultaneous sources. With proper source separation, on a scale similar to twice the maximum usable source receiver offset, wavefield overlap occurs below the zone of interest. This yields records that are indistinguishable from non‐simultaneous source data, within temporal and spatial limits. This DS3 technique may be implemented using a wide variety of acquisition geometries, optimally with spatially large recording patches that enable appropriate source separation distances. DS3 improves acquisition efficiency without data quality degradation, eliminating the requirement for special data processing or noise attenuation.
A review of long‐term prophylaxis in the rare inherited coagulation factor deficiencies
Authors: TODD T. , PERRY D. J.
Published: November 2009

Summary.  The rare inherited coagulation factor deficiencies (deficiencies of factors I, II, V, VII, XI, XIII, combined FV + FVII deficiency, combined deficiency of the vitamin K dependent factors and von Willebrand disease type 3) have an aggregate prevalence of approximately 1:100 000. They may cause recurrent life or function threatening haemorrhage. In this article we review the available literature on long‐term prophylaxis and, where possible, make recommendations on this important area.
Sonic extracts from a bacterium related to periapical disease activate gelatinase A and inactivate tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2
Authors: Sato Y. , Kishi J. , Suzuki K. , Nakamura H. , Hayakawa T.
Published: November 2009

Aim  To examine the effects of sonicated bacterial extracts (SBEs) from three related to periapical disease bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. endodontalis and F. nucleatum) on the activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP‐2) and the inactivation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2).

Methodology  Each SBE was added to cultures of human periodontal ligament (PL) cells or HT1080 cells and their supernatants were analysed by zymography for MMP‐2. Each SBE was added to PL cell cultures, and the amount of TIMP‐1 was determined by ELISA. P. gingivalis SBE was incubated with HT1080 cell culture supernatants, and the amounts of TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 were determined by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed with the paired Student’s t‐test.

Results  In extracts of PL cells that had been incubated in the presence of P. gingivalis SBE, one representing pro‐MMP‐2 (72 kDa) and a band corresponding to the active MMP‐2 (66 kDa) were observed; but in the other extracts it was not detected. When HT1080 cells were treated with P. gingivalis SBE, the pro‐MMPs was processed into 86‐ and 66‐kDa fragments, but in the other extracts, the processing did not occur when the other SBEs were used. When PL cells were incubated with the same SBEs, the amount of TIMP‐1 was markedly decreased (P < 0.01), but in the other extracts, it was not. The amounts of both TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 were decreased in a dose‐dependent manner when HT1080 cell culture supernatant was incubated with P. gingivalis SBE.

Conclusions  These findings suggest that P. gingivalis SBE may cause connective tissue to be destroyed, contributing to the process of periapical disease, by activating pro‐MMP‐2 as well as by inactivating TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2.
Habitat selection as an antipredator behaviour in a multi‐predator landscape: all enemies are not equal
Authors: Morosinotto Chiara , Thomson Robert L. , Korpimäki Erkki
Published: November 2009

1. Breeding territory choice constitutes a crucial antipredator behaviour for animals that determines reproductive success and survival during the breeding season. On arrival to breeding grounds migrant prey face a multitude of ‘waiting’ predators already settled within the landscape.

2. We studied territory selection and reproductive investment of migrant pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) relative to breeding pygmy owls (POs) (Glaucidium passerinum) and Tengmalm’s owls (TOs) (Aegolius funereus). Diurnal POs present a greater predation threat to adult flycatchers (up to 80% songbirds in diet) compared with nocturnal TOs (up to 36%).

3. During territory selection, pied flycatchers strongly avoided POs (occupation: 42% in presence vs. 92% in absence of owl nest) but not TOs (80% vs. 75%). This suggests that flycatchers are able to distinguish between two potential predators, avoiding dangerous POs but not obviously responding to the less risky TOs.

4. Flycatchers responded to presence of PO nests with c. 4‐day delay in the start of egg‐laying. A significantly prolonged nest building period contributed to this potentially costly breeding delay. Flycatchers further significantly reduced initial reproductive investment in presence of POs by laying 8·2% smaller clutch sizes, even if laying date was controlled. No breeding delay and clutch size reduction was found relative to TO presence.

5. Our results highlight flexibility in breeding territory selection and reproductive strategies as antipredator responses to perceived risk in a multi‐predator environment. This supports the idea that for prey, not all predators are equal.
A cautionary note on substituting spatial subunits for repeated temporal sampling in studies of site occupancy
Authors: Kendall William L. , White Gary C.
Published: November 2009

1. Assessing the probability that a given site is occupied by a species of interest is important to resource managers, as well as metapopulation or landscape ecologists. Managers require accurate estimates of the state of the system, in order to make informed decisions. Models that yield estimates of occupancy, while accounting for imperfect detection, have proven useful by removing a potentially important source of bias. To account for detection probability, multiple independent searches per site for the species are required, under the assumption that the species is available for detection during each search of an occupied site.

2. We demonstrate that when multiple samples per site are defined by searching different locations within a site, absence of the species from a subset of these spatial subunits induces estimation bias when locations are exhaustively assessed or sampled without replacement.

3. We further demonstrate that this bias can be removed by choosing sampling locations with replacement, or if the species is highly mobile over a short period of time.

4. Resampling an existing data set does not mitigate bias due to exhaustive assessment of locations or sampling without replacement.

5. Synthesis and applications. Selecting sampling locations for presence/absence surveys with replacement is practical in most cases. Such an adjustment to field methods will prevent one source of bias, and therefore produce more robust statistical inferences about species occupancy. This will in turn permit managers to make resource decisions based on better knowledge of the state of the system.
Utilization of tissue habitats byMyxobolus wuliiLandsberg & Lom, 1991 in different carp hosts and disease resistance in allogynogenetic gibel carp: redescription ofM. wuliifrom China and Japan
Authors: Zhang J Y , Yokoyama H , Wang J G , Li A H , Gong X N , Ryu‐Hasegawa A , Iwashita M , Ogawa K
Published: November 2009

Myxobolus wulii(=Myxosoma magna) was first described from the gills of goldfish,Carassius auratus auratus,in China. Subsequently, a myxosporean infecting the hepatopancreas of allogynogenetic gibel carp,C. auratus gibelio, was designated as a different species,Myxobolus guanqiaoensis, although the morphological features were almost identical to those ofM. wulii. In Japan, an unidentifiedMyxobolussp. was found in the gills and hepatopancreas of goldfish. Morphological and molecular analyses in the present study identified these myxosporeans asM. wulii, which was thus shown to use different habitats in the host fish. Phylogenetic analyses of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences showed thatM. wuliiis closely related to two gill‐infectingMyxobolusspecies,M. ampullicapsulatusandM. longisporus. Fish infected withM. wuliiin the hepatopancreas exhibit swollen abdomens and chronic mortality. Hepatopancreas tissues are virtually destroyed and replaced with plasmodia ofM. wulii. A remarkable difference in susceptibility toM. wuliibetween two clones of allogynogenetic gibel carp was observed, suggesting that resistance to the myxosporean infection was established in a clone of fish bred by allogynogenesis.
A PBPK model for midazolam in four avian species
Authors: CORTRIGHT K. A. , WETZLICH S. E. , CRAIGMILL A. L.
Published: November 2009

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed for midazolam in the chicken and extended to three other species. Physiological parameters included organ weights obtained from 10 birds of each species and blood flows obtained from the literature. Partition coefficients for midazolam in tissues vs. plasma were estimated from drug residue data obtained at slaughter. The avian models include separate compartments for venous plasma, liver, kidney, muscle, fat and all other tissues. An estimate of total body clearance from an earlier in vitro study was used as a starting value in the model, assuming almost complete removal of the parent compound by liver metabolism. The model was optimized for the chicken with plasma and tissue data from a pharmacokinetic study after intravenous midazolam (5 mg/kg) dose. To determine which parameters had the most influence on the goodness of fit, a sensitivity analysis was performed. The optimized chicken model was then modified for the turkey, pheasant and quail. The models were validated with midazolam plasma and tissue residue data in the turkey, pheasant and quail. The PBPK models in the turkey, pheasant and quail provided good predictions of the observed tissue residues in each species, in particular for liver and kidney.
Modulating the bacterial surface with small RNAs: a new twist on PhoP/Q‐mediated lipopolysaccharide modification
Authors: Overgaard Martin , Kallipolitis Birgitte , Valentin‐Hansen Poul
Published: November 2009

In recent years, small non‐coding RNAs have emerged as important regulatory components in bacterial stress responses and in bacterial virulence. Many of these are conserved in related species and act on target mRNAs by sequence complementarity. They are tightly controlled at the transcription level, and are frequently elements of global regulatory systems. In Escherichia coli and Salmonella, almost one‐third of the functional characterized small RNAs participate in control of outer membrane protein production. A subset of these genes is under the control of the σE‐signalling system that monitors the folding status of the envelope and interacts with other regulatory systems to integrate multiple signals into a co‐ordinated cellular response. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Moon and Gottesman describe a novel baseparing small RNA that participates in modulation of bacterial surface properties by regulating lipopolysaccharide modification. The small RNA is expressed as part of the PhoP/PhoQ two‐component system that plays a major role in virulence of pathogenic species. This work expands the list of global regulators known to control small RNA expression in enterobacteria and reinforces the idea that one central role of bacterial small regulatory RNAs is to modulate and fine‐tune cell surface composition and structure.
Micro‐scale water potential gradients visualized in soil around plant root tips using microbiosensors
Authors: HERRON PATRICK M. , GAGE DANIEL J. , CARDON ZOE G.
Published: November 2009

Water availability and movement in soil are critical determinants of resource availability to, and interactions among, members of the soil community. However, it has been impossible to observe gradients in soil water potential empirically at millimetre spatial scales. Here we describe progress towards that goal using output from two microbial biosensors, Pantoea agglomerans BRT98/pPProGreen and Pseudomonas putida KT2442/pPProGreen, engineered with a reporter system based on the osmotically sensitive proU promoter from Escherichia coli. The proU‐GFP construct in both microbiosensors produced green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a function total water potential in nonsterile soil. Controlled experiments in liquid culture showed that dramatically different microbiosensor growth rates (resulting from exposure to different salts as osmolytes) did not alter the GFP output as a function of water potential in either sensor, but P. agglomerans' GFP levels at a given water potential were strongly influenced by the type of carbon (energy) source available to the microbes. In non‐sterile rhizosphere soil along Zea mays L. roots, though GFP expression was quite variable, microbiosensors reported statistically significantly more negative soil water potentials as a function of axial distance from root tips, reflecting the gradient in soil water potential hypothesized to develop during transpiration.
Evaluation of type I fusarium head blight resistance of wheat using non‐deoxynivalenol‐producing fungi
Authors: Gosman N. , Srinivasachary  , Steed A. , Chandler E. , Thomsett M. , Nicholson P.
Published: November 2009

A series of experiments was conducted to determine whether type I resistance (resistance to initial infection) to fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat could be assessed using fungal species/isolates that do not produce deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin critical to the spread of Fusarium graminearum in the wheat spike. It was shown that, while the non‐toxin‐producing species Microdochium nivale and M. majus could infect following spray inoculation of wheat spikes, they were unable to spread within the spike following point inoculation. However, although these species might reveal type I resistance, they are not highly pathogenic towards wheat. A nivalenol (NIV)‐producing isolate of F. graminearum caused high levels of disease following spray inoculation, but spread only very slowly within the spike and rarely induced bleaching above the point of inoculation. It is proposed that spray inoculation with an appropriate, aggressive, non‐DON‐producing FHB pathogen may be used to characterize type I resistance to complement point inoculation with a DON‐producing isolate to assess type II resistance (resistance to spread within the spike).
Insights into the role of ethylene perception in tomato resistance to vascular infection by Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Pantelides I. S. , Tjamos S. E. , Paplomatas E. J.
Published: November 2009

A Tobacco rattle virus (TRV)‐based virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) system was employed to investigate the role of the tomato ethylene receptor ETR4. By comparing wilting symptoms of verticillium wilt in wild‐type, ethylene‐insensitive Never ripe (Nr) mutant tomato plants and ETR4‐silenced plants, it was demonstrated that disease severity in the Nr and ETR4‐silenced plants was statistically reduced compared to wild‐type plants. Disease incidence and severity were reduced by 11 and 20%, respectively, in the Nr plants compared to the wild‐type plants, at 33 days post‐inoculation (d.p.i.). In the ETR4‐silenced plants, disease incidence and severity were reduced by 14 and 15%, respectively, compared to the TRV‐only‐inoculated plants, at 37 d.p.i. Quantification of Verticillium dahliae by qPCR revealed that the reduction in symptom severity in the Nr plants was associated with significant reduction of growth of the pathogen in the vascular tissues of the Nr plants compared to that in the wild‐type plants, suggesting that impaired perception of ethylene via the Never‐ripe receptor results in increased disease resistance. Fungal reduction was evident at each sampling day in the Nr plants, ranging from 1·5 to 1·75 times less than that in the wild‐type plants. Fungal quantification in the ETR4‐silenced and TRV‐only‐inoculated plants showed similar levels of fungal biomass.
One year period prevalence of blood transfusion
Authors: Madsen J. T. , Kimper‐Karl M. L. , Sprogøe U. , Georgsen J. , Titlestad K.
Published: November 2009

Transfusion practice is reported to differ considerably between countries. Comparisons often rely on transfusion rates, incidence ‐ or prevalence rates. In this paper, the one‐year period prevalence rate (1‐YPPR) of transfusion of red cells (RBC) is presented.

Transfusion data, demographic data and patient data were retrospectively combined to calculate sex and diagnosis specific and age standardized 1‐YPPR s of RBC transfusion for the complete population in a Danish county. During the calendar year of 2006, 4427 patients received RBC transfusion in Funen County. The crude 1‐YPPR of RBC transfusion was 9.2/1000 citizens. Most of the transfused patients had a main diagnosis of neoplasm (22% of recipients), diseases of the circulatory system (15%), the digestive system (15%), injuries (13%) and diseases of the blood (8%). Age standardization reversed the relation between sex specific 1‐YPPRs, yielding a statistically significantly higher 1‐YPPR in males (6.8/1000) vs. females (6.3/1000). The method for calculating a diagnosis specific 1‐YPPR of transfusion of RBC is presented and proposed as an option for comparison of transfusion practice with other transfusion centres. The crude and the diagnosis specific 1‐YPPR s are found to increase with age. Thus, age standardization of crude prevalence rates is necessary for meaningful comparisons between populations.
Conducting implementation research in community‐based primary care: a qualitative study on integrating patient decision support interventions for cancer screening into routine practice
Authors: Frosch Dominick L. , Singer Kirsty J. , Timmermans Stefan
Published: November 2009

Background  Despite a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of patient decision support interventions (DESI), little is known about their implementation in community‐based primary care practices.

Objective  The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of integrating the use of DESIs for cancer screening in primary care practices serving patients from diverse backgrounds and learn more about the potential barriers and facilitators of integration.

Setting  12 community‐based primary care practices in metropolitan Los Angeles.

Main variables studied  Qualitative field notes documented the roles played by staff and physicians in accomplishing project goals, the impact of the programmes on the clinical work‐flow in the practices and other noteworthy observations.

Results  Practices that were better able to integrate the project had adequate clinic infrastructure, a relatively well‐matched patient pool, and positive work and patient care environments. The remaining identified components, including staff facilitation and the physician’s role accounted for higher level differences between the clinics, acting as barriers and facilitators that distinguished practices that were able to work independently from those that required more assistance and, to a lesser extent, those clinics that did and those that did not meet the project goals.

Discussion and conclusions  This study suggests that implementation of DESIs to be used immediately before a consultation is feasible if the practice infrastructure can provide sufficient basic accommodation and physician and staff are dedicated to patient care goals that are implicit in the use of these tools. Overall, the physician’s role appeared to be the most important factor in determining whether project integration was successful.
State of the art and new horizons in the diagnosis and management of egg allergy
Authors: Benhamou A. H. , Caubet J.‐C. , Eigenmann P. A. , Nowak‐We˛grzyn A. , Marcos C. P. , Reche M. , Urisu A.
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Benhamou AH, Caubet J‐C, Eigenmann PA, Nowak‐We˛grzyn A, Marcos CP, Reche M, Urisu A. State of the art and new horizons in the diagnosis and management of egg allergy. Allergy 2010; 65: 283–289.

Egg allergy is one of the most frequent food allergies in children below the age of three. Common symptoms of egg allergy involve frequently the skin as well as the gut and in more severe cases result in anaphylaxis. Non‐IgE‐mediated symptoms such as in eosinophilic diseases of the gut or egg‐induced enterocolitis might also be observed. Sensitization to egg white proteins can be found in young children in absence of clinical symptoms. The diagnosis of egg allergy is based on the history, IgE tests as well as standardized food challenges. Ovomucoid is the major allergen of egg, and recent advances in technology have improved the diagnosis and follow‐up of patients with egg allergy by using single allergens or allergens with modified allergenic properties. Today, the management of egg allergy is strict avoidance. However, oral tolerance induction protocols, in particular with egg proteins with reduced allergenic properties, are promising tools for inducing an increased level of tolerance in specific patients.
Herpes simplex virus sepsis and acute liver failure
Authors: Riediger C. , Sauer P. , Matevossian E. , Müller M.W. , Büchler P. , Friess H.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Acute liver failure is a life threatening disease mostly triggered by drug‐induced or toxic liver damage or viral hepatitis. Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is rare and accounts for only 1% of all acute liver failures. The importance of HSV‐induced acute liver failure is based on its extremely severe clinical course with lethality rates of almost 75%. HSV hepatitis is just one of several clinical manifestations of HSV sepsis leading more frequently to encephalitis, pneumonia and esophagitis. Local herpes infection or recurrence of dermal lesions (herpes labialis, herpes genitalis), however, is common and account for the high prevalence of HSV‐1 or HSV‐2 infection in adults. Another rare entity is visual dissemination, which mostly affects immunocompromised patients. Compromised cellular immunity is a major risk factor for HSV sepsis because of either primary infection or reactivation of occult chronic HSV infection. Delayed diagnosis without antiviral therapy significantly contributes to the unfavorable outcome. Typically, anicteric hepatitis is seen in patients with HSV hepatitis. Because of its low incidence, however, and the lack of dermal manifestations, HSV hepatitis is rarely considered in the context of acute liver failure. In addition, diagnostic tests might not always be available. Therefore, it is a generally accepted consensus to begin antiviral therapy pre‐emptively with acyclovir in cases of acute liver failure of unknown origin, in which high urgency (HU) liver transplantation remains the only therapeutical option. Even in the case of early specific therapy, sepsis may prevail and the indication for HU transplantation must be evaluated carefully. The outcome after liver transplantation for HSV‐induced liver failure with reported survival rates of more than 40% is good. Because of the risk of recurrence, lifelong prophylaxis with acyclovir is recommended.
Rescue allocation for liver transplantation within Eurotransplant: the Heidelberg experience
Authors: Schemmer Peter , Nickkholgh Arash , Gerling Till , Weitz Jürgen , Büchler Markus W. , Schmidt Jan
Published: November 2009

Organ shortage has driven many transplant centers to extend their criteria for organ acceptance. Graft allocation policies have been modified accordingly. This report focuses on the impact of applying the so‐called rescue allocation (RA) strategy for liver transplantation (LT) in a single center within the Eurotransplant (ET) area. Liver grafts are considered for RA when the regular organ allocation is declined by at least three centers or is averted because of donor instability/unfavorable logistical reasons, thus entering a competitive or a single‐recipient rescue organ offer procedure, respectively. The accepting center has the advantage to select a recipient from its own waiting list for these RA grafts. Among 253 livers accepted at the University of Heidelberg between January 2004 and December 2006, we transplanted 85 (34%) rescue‐allocated livers. The indications for LT were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, 43%), chronic liver disease (55%), and acute liver failure (2%). Median cold ischemia time for RA grafts was 10 h (range: 4–17). The MELD score (mean ± SD) was 13 ± 7 (range: 6–40) and was 12 ± 7 for recipients with HCC. Three (3.5%) primary non‐functions (PNF) occurred after transplantation of RA livers. One‐year patient and graft survival were 84% and 75%, respectively. A comparison between the recipients of RA livers and regularly allocated livers revealed no significant difference regarding initial poor function (IPF), PNF, and surgical complications. Furthermore, a median follow‐up of 16 months revealed no significant difference regarding patient and graft survival between the two groups. The use of RA organs has increased the donor pool and transplantation dynamics with satisfying results. The unique possibility to match livers with recipients, which is left to the discretion of accepting center, should be judged according to the center’s experience to decrease the waiting times for a timely rescue of organs/recipients while avoiding futile transplantations.
Beyond Milan criteria – chances and risks of expanding transplantation criteria for HCC patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Koschny Ronald , Schmidt Jan , Ganten Tom M.
Published: November 2009

Abstract: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is, apart from resection, one important curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in liver cirrhosis, and especially attractive because it eliminates both the tumor and the underlying liver disease. The application of restrictive inclusion criteria for OLT in HCC patients resulted in favorable long‐term recurrence‐free survival. These criteria, however, exclude a subgroup of patients which, despite advanced tumor size, demonstrate an acceptable outcome. As a consequence, expansion of the strict Milan criteria has been discussed. However, this will also deteriorate the average outcome of OLT in HCC patients. Considering that we run short of donor organs, more sophisticated prediction models for survival after OLT for HCC patients are needed to identify patients who benefit best from OLT. Neoadjuvant treatment that is frequently applied as a bridging technique for patients on the waiting list for OLT could provide useful information on tumor behavior to better predict the risk of post‐OLT tumor recurrence. This might also allow expansion of the Milan criteria to patients with good response to downstaging methods without negatively affecting post‐OLT survival. Furthermore, alternative scoring systems have been suggested to identify HCC patients that might still benefit from resection instead of OLT, and molecular tools are being explored to provide predictive information on HCC biology. This review discusses the advantages and risks of extended inclusion criteria for OLT and the currently available data on alternative prediction models and bridging methods in HCC patients.
Intranasal cooling with or without intravenous cold fluids during and after cardiac arrest in pigs
Authors: COVACIU L. , ALLERS M. , LUNDERQUIST A. , RUBERTSSON S.
Published: November 2009

Background: Intranasal balloon catheters circulated with cold saline have previously been used for the induction and maintenance of selective brain cooling in pigs with normal circulation. In the present study, we investigated the feasibility of therapeutic hypothermia initiation, maintenance and rewarming using such intranasal balloon catheters with or without addition of intravenous ice‐cold fluids during and after cardiac arrest treatment in pigs.

Material and methods: Cardiac arrest was induced in 20 anaesthetised pigs. Following 8 min of cardiac arrest and 1 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), cooling was initiated after randomisation with either intranasal cooling (N) or combined with intravenous ice‐cold fluids (N+S). Hypothermia was maintained for 180 min, followed by 180 min of rewarming. Brain and oesophageal temperatures, haemodynamic variables and intracranial pressure (ICP) were recorded.

Results: Brain temperatures reductions after cooling did not differ (3.8 ± 0.7 °C in the N group and 4.3 ± 1.5 °C in the N+S group; P=0.47). The corresponding body temperature reductions were 3.6 ± 1.2 °C and 4.6 ± 1.5 °C (P=0.1). The resuscitation outcome was similar in both groups. Mixed venous oxygen saturation was lower in the N group after cooling and rewarming (P=0.024 and 0.002, respectively) as compared with the N+S group. ICP was higher after rewarming in the N group (25.2 ± 2.9 mmHg; P=0.01) than in the N+S group (15.7 ± 3.3 mmHg).

Conclusions: Intranasal balloon catheters can be used for therapeutic hypothermia initiation, maintenance and rewarming during CPR and after successful resuscitation in pigs.
Body positions and esophageal sphincter pressures in obese patients during anesthesia
Authors: DE LEON A. , THÖRN S.‐E. , OTTOSSON J. , WATTWIL M.
Published: November 2009

Background: The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) play a central role in preventing regurgitation and aspiration. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the UES, LES and barrier pressures (BP) in obese patients before and during anesthesia in different body positions.

Methods: Using high‐resolution solid‐state manometry, we studied 17 patients (27–63 years) with a BMI≥35 kg/m2 who were undergoing a laparoscopic bariatric surgery before and after anesthesia induction. Before anesthesia, the subjects were placed in the supine position, in the reverse Trendelenburg position (+20°) and in the Trendelenburg position (−20°). Thereafter, anesthesia was induced with remifentanil and propofol and maintained with remifentanil and sevoflurane, and the recordings in the different positions were repeated.

Results: Before anesthesia, there were no differences in UES pressure in the different positions but compared with the other positions, it increased during the reverse Trendelenburg during anesthesia. LES pressure decreased in all body positions during anesthesia. The LES pressure increased during the Trendelenburg position before but not during anesthesia. The BP remained positive in all body positions both before and during anesthesia.

Conclusion: LES pressure increased during the Trendelenburg position before anesthesia. This effect was abolished during anesthesia. LES and BPs decreased during anesthesia but remained positive in all patients regardless of the body position.
Potassium‐dependent wood formation in poplar: seasonal aspects and environmental limitations
Authors: Ache P. , Fromm J. , Hedrich R.
Published: November 2009

Potassium availability and acquisition are pivotal for the generation of biomass and thus wood formation in growing poplar trees. Here, we focus on the role of potassium (K+) in wood production, transitions between dormancy and active growth, and limiting environmental conditions. Molecular mechanisms, such as expression and activity of K+ transporters and channels controlling seasonal changes in wood formation, are discussed.
Poplar volatiles – biosynthesis, regulation and (eco)physiology of isoprene and stress‐induced isoprenoids
Authors: Schnitzler J.‐P. , Louis S. , Behnke K. , Loivamäki M.
Published: November 2009

Plants interact with their environment through a wide variety of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), with isoprenoids (≡ terpenes), i.e. isoprene, mono‐ and sesquiterpenes, playing an important role. Isoprene, a hemiterpene, is the simplest isoprenoid compound mainly emitted by tree species like poplars, oaks and willows. Woody plants alone comprise 75% of the global isoprene emitted to the atmosphere. Due to its significant influence on atmospheric chemistry, research has been focused on this C5 compound, with poplar being the most prominent model system. Recent studies indicate that isoprene can enhance thermotolerance or quench oxidative stress, while also interfering with the attraction of herbivores and parasitoids to plants. In this paper, we report on biosynthesis, regulation and function of isoprene and other stress‐induced volatile isoprenoids in poplar, and discuss the future scientific challenges in this genus with respect to the importance of plant volatiles in high‐density poplar biomass plantations.
Histological intestinal alterations in chickens fed low protein diet
Authors: Buwjoom T. , Yamauchi K. , Erikawa T. , Goto H.
Published: November 2009

To demonstrate whether that hypotrophied histological alterations of intestinal villi and epithelial cells are observed in chickens fed low crude protein (CP) diet, 36 male chickens were allotted into 10%, 16% and 22% CP diets groups for 35 days. The 10% CP group showed a lower value of weight gain and feed efficiency than the other two CP groups (p < 0.05). On the relative weight of visceral organs, the 10% CP group showed a heavier gizzard than the 22% CP group, a heavier jejunum than the other two CP groups and a heavier value of ileum and caeca than the 22% CP group (p < 0.05). On the relative length of intestines, the 10% CP group showed a longer value of duodenum and caeca than the other two CP groups, a longer jejunum than the 16% CP group and a longer colon than the 22% CP group (p < 0.05). The villus height and villus area of all intestinal segments did not change in all groups. The duodenal cell areas and cell mitosis numbers tended to be lower in 10% CP group than in the other two protein groups, and the jejunal cell area and duodenal cell mitosis numbers were decreased in the 10% crude protein group (p < 0.05). In relation to the protuberated cells in the higher CP groups, the 10% CP group showed only faintly protuberated cells on the duodenal and jejunal villus apical surface. The ileal villi did not show specific alterations among each group. The chronic feeding of low CP diet induced a hypotrophied histological alteration. This suggests that the hypotrophied histological alterations can assess that the fed‐diet is not so well‐balanced diets, nutritionally.
The influence of geological, geochemical, and biogenic habitat heterogeneity on seep biodiversity
Authors: Cordes Erik E. , Cunha Marina R. , Galéron Joëlle , Mora Camilo , Olu‐Le Roy Karine , Sibuet Myriam , Van Gaever Saskia , Vanreusel Ann , Levin Lisa A.
Published: November 2009

Cold seeps are among the most heterogeneous of all continental margin habitats. Abiotic sources of heterogeneity in these systems include local variability in fluid flow, geochemistry, and substrate type, which give rise to different sets of microbial communities, microbial symbiont‐bearing foundation species, and associated heterotrophic species. Biogenic habitats created by microbial mats and the symbiotic species including vesicomyid clams, bathymodiolin mussels, and siboglinid tubeworms add an additional layer of complexity to seep habitats. These forms of habitat heterogeneity result in a variety of macrofaunal and meiofaunal communities that respond to changes in structural complexity, habitat geochemistry, nutrient sources, and interspecific interactions in different ways and at different scales. These responses are predicted by a set of theoretical metacommunity models, the most appropriate of which for seep systems appears to be the ‘species sorting’ concept, an extension of niche theory. This concept is demonstrated through predictable patterns of community assembly, succession, and beta‐level diversity. These processes are described using a newly developed analytical technique examining the change in the slope of the species accumulation curve with the number of habitats examined. The diversity response to heterogeneity has a consistent form, but quantitatively changes at different seep sites around the world as the types of habitats present and the size‐classes of fauna analyzed change. The increase in beta diversity across seep habitat types demonstrates that cold seeps and associated biogenic habitats are significant sources of heterogeneity on continental margins globally.
Quantification of Connexin43 Gap Junctions in Porcine Myometrium by Confocal Microscopy and Stereology
Authors: Romek M , Karasinski J
Published: November 2009

Contents

The aim of this study was to quantify the number and size of connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctions in the circular and longitudinal layers of myometrium of the non‐pregnant pig. We developed a novel approach to measure the mean surface area (), numerical density (Nv) and surface density (Sv) of gap junctions using confocal microscopy and stereological analysis. Immunolabelled Cx43 gap junctions were measured in the subendometrial and deep regions of the circular layer and in the longitudinal layer of the myometrium of pre‐pubertal pig and mature pig at pre‐ovulatory and secretory stages of the oestrous cycle. In the circular subendometrial region, all investigated stereological parameters of Cx43 gap junctions (, Nv and Sv) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the circular deep region and the longitudinal layer in all three groups of animals. These results indicate the large‐scale heterogeneity of the number and size of Cx43 gap junctions across the myometrium in non‐pregnant pig and emphasize the existence of functional diversity among myometrial cells.
‘We've fallen into the cracks’: Aboriginal women's experiences with breast cancer through photovoice
Authors: Poudrier Jennifer , Mac‐Lean Roanne Thomas
Published: November 2009

Despite some recognition that Aboriginal women who have experienced breast cancer may have unique health needs, little research has documented the experiences of Aboriginal women from their perspective. Our main objective was to explore and to begin to make visible Aboriginal women's experiences with breast cancer using the qualitative research technique, photovoice. The research was based in Saskatchewan, Canada and participants were Aboriginal women who had completed breast cancer treatment. Although Aboriginal women cannot be viewed as a homogeneous group, participants indicated two areas of priority for health‐care: (i) Aboriginal identity and traditional beliefs, although expressed in diverse ways, are an important dimension of breast cancer experiences and have relevance for health‐care; and (ii) there is a need for multidimensional support which addresses larger issues of racism, power and socioeconomic inequality. We draw upon a critical and feminist conception of visuality to interrogate and disrupt the dominant visual terrain (both real and metaphorical) where Aboriginal women are either invisible or visible in disempowering ways. Aboriginal women who have experienced breast cancer must be made visible within health‐care in a way that recognizes their experiences situated within the structural context of marginalization through colonial oppression.
Chromosomal abnormalities of clear cell renal cell carcinoma: Frequent gain of chromosome 7
Authors: Kuroda Naoto , Tamura Masato , Shiotsu Tomoyuki , Nakamura Shoichiro , Taguchi Takahiro , Tominaga Akira , Hes Ondrej , Michal Michal , Kawada Chiaki , Shuin Taro , Lee Gang‐Hong
Published: November 2009

Gain of chromosome 7 is well known to be a characteristic abnormality of papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The purpose of the present study was to perform cytogenetic analysis of G‐band karyotype in 16 clear cell RCC obtained from nephrectomy. The age of patients ranged from 50 to 79 years and the tumor size in largest dimension ranged from 1.8 to 6.2 cm. As a result, the structural abnormality of chromosome 3 was most frequently observed (eight clones). Loss of chromosome 3 and gain of chromosome 7 followed (four clones). Among four clones showing gain of chromosome 7, two were associated with the abnormality of chromosome 3 and the remaining two were devoid of the abnormalities of chromosome 3. In addition, none of all four tumors showing gain of chromosome 7 demonstrated any foci of papillary growth pattern. The present study shows that gain of chromosome 7 is not exclusive to papillary RCC, but it can be found in clear cell RCC as well, and this finding may represent a diagnostic pitfall in distinguishing clear cell RCC from papillary RCC.
Intraductal oncocytic papillary carcinoma of the pancreas showing numerous hyaline globules in the lumen
Authors: Tajiri Takuma , Inagaki Tomoko , Ohike Nobuyuki , Omatsu Mutsuko , Kasugai Hisashi , Kunimura Toshiaki , Shiokawa Akira , Mitsuya Toshiyuki , Morohoshi Toshio
Published: November 2009

Two cases of intraductal oncocytic papillary carcinoma (IOPC) treated surgically were analyzed on light microscopy and immunohistochemistry: that of a 61‐year‐old man and that of a 55‐year‐old man. There were no clinical symptoms in either case. Pancreatic abnormalities were discovered incidentally on CT. Various clinical examinations were carried out, and the preoperative diagnosis was intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC) in both cases. Surgery was performed. Macroscopic observation of tissue cross‐sections indicated multilocular cystic mass containing polypoid lesions encapsulated by the dilated pancreatic duct. Histologically, the cyst walls were lined by columnar epithelial cells with complex papillary projections associated with oxyphilic cytoplasm, and they were strongly immunoreactive with anti‐mitochondrial antibody in the cytoplasm. Electron microscopy showed numerous mitochondria in the cytoplasm. IOPC was diagnosed. Interestingly, amorphous hyaline globules were produced from the oxyphilic cells, which exhibited a bud‐like appearance. The hyaline globules were not positive for mucin staining. No case of IPMC with hyaline globules has been reported to date. The production of hyaline globules may be related to oncocytic differentiation. It is suggested that hyaline globules should be regarded as a characteristic of IOPC.