bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the origin of the black stains in Lascaux Cave in France
Authors: Saiz‐Jimenez Cesareo , Miller Ana Z. , Martin‐Sanchez Pedro M. , Hernandez‐Marine Mariona 
Published: October 2012

SummaryLascaux Cave in France was discovered in 1940. Since being opened to visitors the cave has suffered three major microbial outbreaks. The current problem is the fast dissemination of black stains which are threatening the Palaeolithic paintings. Previous data pointed to the involvement of new fungal species in the formation of black stains on the rock walls and ceiling. However, it appears that there could be other reasons for the formation of different and extensive black stains coating the surface of the clayey sediments. Our analyses reveal that black stains on clayey sediments are mainly produced by Acremonium nepalense, a manganese oxide‐depositing fungus, widely distributed in the cave. Thus, in Lascaux Cave, the black stains have a dual origin: on limestone rocks they are mainly produced by the accumulation of fungal melanins, and on clayey sediments by the biogenic deposition of black manganese oxides.
‘CandidatusAncillula trichonymphae’, a novel lineage of endosymbiotic Actinobacteria in termite gut flagellates of the genus Trichonympha
Authors: Strassert Jürgen F. H. , Köhler Tim , Wienemann Tobias H. G. , Ikeda‐Ohtsubo Wakako , Faivre Nicolas , Franckenberg Sibylle , Plarre Rudy , Radek Renate , Brune Andreas 
Published: October 2012

SummaryTermite gut flagellates are colonized by host‐specific lineages of ectosymbiotic and endosymbiotic bacteria. Previous studies have shown that flagellates of the genus Trichonympha may harbour more than one type of symbiont. Using a comprehensive approach that combined cloning of SSU rRNA genes with fluorescence in situ hybridization and electron microscopy, we investigated the phylogeny and subcellular locations of the symbionts in a variety of Trichonympha species from different termites. The flagellates in Trichonympha Cluster I were the only species associated with ‘Endomicrobia’, which were located in the posterior part of the cell, confirming previous results. Trichonympha species of Cluster II from the termite genus Incisitermes (family Kalotermitidae) lacked ‘Endomicrobia’ and were associated with endosymbiotic Actinobacteria, which is highly unusual. The endosymbionts, for which we suggest the name ‘Candidatus Ancillula trichonymphae’, represent a novel, deep‐branching lineage in the Micrococcineae that consists exclusively of clones from termite guts. They preferentially colonized the anterior part of the flagellate host and were highly abundant in all species of Trichonympha Cluster II except Trichonympha globulosa. Here, they were outnumbered by a Desulfovibrio species associated with the cytoplasmic lamellae at the anterior cell pole. Such symbionts are present in both Trichonympha clusters, but not in all species. Unlike the intracellular location reported for the Desulfovibrio symbionts of Trichonympha agilis (Cluster I), the Desulfovibrio symbionts of T. globulosa (Cluster II) were situated in deep invaginations of the plasma membrane that were clearly connected to the exterior of the host cell.
Oxidative phosphorylation in a thermophilic, facultative chemoautotroph, Hydrogenophilus thermoluteolus, living prevalently in geothermal niches
Authors: Wakai Satoshi , Masanari Misa , Ikeda Takumi , Yamaguchi Naho , Ueshima Saori , Watanabe Kaori , Nishihara Hirofumi , Sambongi Yoshihiro 
Published: October 2012

SummaryHydrogenophilus is a thermophilic, facultative chemoautotroph, which lives prevalently in high temperature geothermal niches. Despite the environmental distribution, little is known about its oxidative phosphorylation. Here, we show that inverted membrane vesicles derived from Hydrogenophilus thermoluteolus cells autotrophically cultivated with H2 formed a proton gradient on the addition of succinate, dl‐lactate, and NADH, and exhibited oxidation activity toward these three organic compounds. These indicate the capability of mixotrophic growth of this bacterium. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that the same vesicles contained an F‐type ATP synthase. The F1 sector of the ATP synthase purified from H. thermoluteolus membranes exhibited optimal ATPase activity at 65°C. Transformed Escherichia coli membranes expressing H. thermoluteolus F‐type ATP synthase exhibited the same temperature optimum for the ATPase. These findings shed light on H. thermoluteolus oxidative phosphorylation from the aspects of membrane bioenergetics and ATPase biochemistry, which must be fundamental and advantageous in the biogeochemical cycles occurred in the high temperature geothermal niches.
Near‐future ocean acidification causes differences in microbial associations within diverse coral reef taxa
Authors: Webster N. S. , Negri A. P. , Flores F. , Humphrey C. , Soo R. , Botté E. S. , Vogel N. , Uthicke S. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryMicroorganisms form symbiotic partnerships with a diverse range of marine organisms and can be critical to the health and survival of their hosts. Despite the importance of these relationships, the sensitivity of symbiotic microbes to ocean acidification (OA) is largely unknown and this needs to be redressed to adequately predict marine ecosystem resilience in a changing climate. We adopted a profiling approach to explore the sensitivity of microbes associated with coral reef biofilms and representatives of three ecologically important calcifying invertebrate phyla [corals, foraminifera and crustose coralline algae (CCA)] to OA. The experimental design for this study comprised four pHs consistent with current IPCC predictions for the next few centuries (pHNIST 8.1, 7.9, 7.7, 7.5); these pH/pCO2 conditions were produced in flow‐through aquaria using CO2 bubbling. All reduced pH/increased pCO2 treatments caused clear differences in the microbial communities associated with coral, foraminifera, CCA and reef biofilms over 6 weeks, while no visible signs of host stress were detected over this period. The microbial communities of coral, foraminifera, CCA and biofilms were significantly different between pH 8.1 (pCO2 = 464 μatm) and pH 7.9 (pCO2 = 822 μatm), a concentration likely to be exceeded by the end of the present century. This trend continued at lower pHs/higher pCO2. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed variable and species‐specific changes in the microbial communities with no microbial taxa consistently present or absent from specific pH treatments. The high sensitivity of coral, foraminifera, CCA and biofilm microbes to OA conditions projected to occur by 2100 is a concern for reef ecosystems and highlights the need for urgent research to assess the implications of microbial shifts for host health and coral reef processes.
Probiont niche specialization contributes to additive protection against Vibrio owensii in spiny lobster larvae
Authors: Goulden Evan F. , Hall Michael R. , Pereg Lily L. , Baillie Brett K. , Høj Lone 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe development of efficient probiotic application protocols for use in marine larviculture relies on comprehensive understanding of pathogen–probiont–host interactions. The probiont combination of Pseudoalteromonas sp. PP107 and Vibrio sp. PP05 provides additive protection against vectored Vibrio owensii DY05 infection in larvae (phyllosomas) of ornate spiny lobster, Panulirus ornatus. Here, fluorescently tagged strains were used to demonstrate niche specialization of these probionts in both the live feed vector organism Artemia and in phyllosomas. The pathogen was vulnerable to direct interaction with PP05 in the bacterioplankton as well as in the Artemia gut and the phyllosoma foregut and midgut gland. In contrast, PP107 was localized on external surfaces of Artemia and phyllosomas, and direct interaction with the pathogen was limited to the bacterioplankton. While PP107 was the overall dominant ectobiont on the phyllosoma cephalothorax and inner leg segments, PP05 was the primary colonizer of outer leg segments, nutrient‐rich locales that may promote ingestion during feeding. This study shows that niche specialization can contribute to the additive probiotic effect of a probiotic mixture and highlights that probiotic enrichment of Artemia cultures can intercept the infection cycle of V. owensii DY05 in early‐stage P. ornatus phyllosomas.
Use of benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine related drugs and the risk of cancer: a population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Friis Søren , Andersen Morten , Hallas Jesper 
Published: October 2012

AimStudies of the carcinogenic potential of benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZRD) have been equivocal. A recent study reported a 35% excess cancer risk among users of hypnotics, including benzodiazepines.MethodUsing Danish nationwide registers, we conducted a matched case–control study of the association between BZRD and cancer risk. During 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2009, we identified 152 510 cases with a first time cancer who were matched (1:8) by age and gender to 1 220 317 cancer‐free controls. A new‐user design was applied by excluding all subjects who had used anxiolytics, hypnotics or sedatives during the first 2 years of available prescription data (1995–6). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. In the primary analysis, long term use of BZRD was defined by a cumulative amount of ≥500 defined daily doses of BZRD within a period of 1 to 5 years prior to the index date.ResultsThe adjusted OR for cancer associated with BZRD use was 1.09 (95% CI 1.04, 1.14). ORs were close to unity for most cancer sites, except stomach 1.40 (95% CI 1.05, 1.88), oesophagus 1.43 (95% CI 1.01, 2.02), liver 1.81 (95% CI 1.18, 2.80), lung 1.38 (95% CI 1.23, 1.54), pancreas 1.35 (95% CI 1.02, 1.79) and kidney 1.39 (95% CI 1.01, 1.91). For tobacco‐related cancers, the OR was 1.15 (95% CI 1.09, 1.22) and for the remaining cancer sites 1.01 (95% CI 0.94, 1.08). Sub‐group analyses revealed only small differences between different levels of exposure or different patient subgroups.ConclusionBZRD use was not associated with an overall increase in cancer risk, except for what is likely explained by minor lifestyle confounding, e.g. smoking.
Gela histological scoring system for post‐treatment biopsies of patients with gastric MALT lymphoma is feasible and reliable in routine practice
Authors: Copie‐Bergman Christiane , Wotherspoon Andrew C. , Capella Carlo , Motta Teresio , Pedrinis Ennio , Pileri Stefano A. , Bertoni Francesco , Conconi Annarita , Zucca Emanuele , Ponzoni Maurilio , Ferreri Andrés J. M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG) promoted this study to determine the inter‐observer agreement in the application of the Groupe d' Etude des Lymphomes de l' Adulte (GELA) histological scoring system for evaluating residual disease in post‐treatment gastric biopsies of patients with gastric Mucosa‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) lymphoma (GML). Twenty‐one patients with Helicobacter pylori ‐associated GML and treated with anti‐H. pylori therapies were considered. A total of 154 biopsy sets from follow‐up endoscopic procedures after H. pylori eradication were examined independently by seven pathologists from four European countries, following histological criteria suggested by the GELA scoring system. The overall concordance rate was 83% with a kappa value of 0·64, indicating a significant agreement among the seven observers. Most non‐concordant responses clustered across the border of complete remission (CR) and probable minimal residual disease (pMRD), a distinction that does not imply critical clinical impact. Accordingly, when the analysis considered CR/pMRD as a single entity, the responses showed an overall concordance rate of 89% with kappa value of 0·83, thus indicating a high degree of inter‐observer agreement. This study provides additional validation of the GELA histological grading system. This scheme can therefore be recommended in routine practice and deserves to be used in prospective clinical trials.
Successful isolation and expansion of CMV‐reactive T cells from G‐CSF mobilized donors that retain a strong cytotoxic effector function
Authors: Samuel Edward R. , Newton Katy , Mackinnon Stephen , Lowdell Mark W. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryCytomegalovirus (CMV) infections post‐haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be effectively controlled through the adoptive transfer of donor‐derived CMV‐specific T cells (CMV‐T). Current strategies involve a second leukapheresis collection from the original donor to manufacture CMV‐T, which is often not possible in the unrelated donor setting. To overcome these limitations we have investigated the use of a small aliquot of the original granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) mobilized HSCT graft to manufacture CMV‐T. We explored the T cell response to CMVpp65 peptide stimulation in G‐CSF mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and subsequently examined isolation of CMV‐T based on the activation markers CD154 and CD25. CD25+ enriched CMV‐T from G‐CSF mobilized PBMC contained a higher proportion of FoxP3 expression than non‐mobilized PBMC and showed superior suppression of T cell proliferation. Expanded CMV‐T enriched through CD154 were CD4+ and CD8+, demonstrated a high specificity for CMV, secreted cytotoxic effector molecules and lysed CMVpp65 peptide‐loaded phytohaemagglutinin‐stimulated blasts. These data provide the first known evidence that CMV‐T can be effectively manufactured from G‐CSF mobilized PBMC and that they share the same characteristics as CMV‐T isolated in an identical manner from conventional non‐mobilized PBMC. This provides a novel strategy for adoptive immunotherapy that abrogates the need for successive donation.
Intra‐operative parathyroid hormone kinetics and influencing factors with high baseline PTH: a prospective study
Authors: Singh Dependra N. , Gupta Sushil K. , Chand Gyan , Mishra Anjali , Agarwal Gaurav , Verma Ashok Kumar , Mishra Saroj Kanta , Shukla Manoj , Agarwal Amit 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBackground and objectiveIntra‐operative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) kinetics and therefore the efficacy of IOPTH utilization as a predictor of cure are likely to be affected by baseline IOPTH levels, vitamin D deficiency and parathyroid weight.Patients and methodsConsecutive subjects with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT, n = 51) undergoing parathyroidectomy with IOPTH monitoring were studied prospectively during the period October 2009–November 2011. Samples were collected pre‐incision, pre‐excision and post‐excision (5, 10, 15 min). Iterative analysis of IOPTH kinetics and half‐life calculation was carried out in subgroups. Nonparametric testing was used for group statistics.ResultsHypovitaminosis D (25(OH)D3 < 50 nm) was present in 39 (76%), serum PTH > 1000 ng/l in 23 (45%), and giant parathyroid adenoma (weight > 3000 mg) in 23 (45%). The percentage drop at 10 min was significantly higher in large adenomas (weight > 3000 mg). Miami and 5 min criteria showed the highest negative predictive value and maximum accuracy. The average percentage IOPTH drop observed at 5 min post‐excision was 79·8%. Kinetic analysis showed a mean half‐life of PTH of 2·57 ± 0·27 min (range: 0·07–11·55).ConclusionIOPTH monitoring is reliable even in patients with extremely high baseline IOPTH value, with a greater percentage drop at 5 and 10 min post‐excision. In patients with high baseline IOPTH, a 50% decay in PTH value at 5 min may be indicative of cure, obviating the need for 10 and 15 min samples. IOPTH kinetics are altered by adenoma weight but not affected by vitamin D status or baseline IOPTH levels.
Evaluation of maxillary sinus width on cone‐beam computed tomography for sinus augmentation and new sinus classification based on sinus width
Authors: Chan Hsun‐Liang , Suarez Fernando , Monje Alberto , Benavides Erika , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPurposeThe degree of difficulty in performing lateral window sinus augmentation may depend on the morphology of the maxillary sinus. The aim of this was to measure the distances between the medial and lateral sinus wall (sinus width [SW]) at different levels and apply those SW values to formulate a new sinus classification.Materials and methodsEdentulous sites adjacent to maxillary sinuses with inadequate ridge height (RH; <10 mm) were included from cone‐beam computed tomography database in the University of Michigan. SW was measured at the heights of 5, 7, 10, 13, and 15 mm from alveolar crest at the edentulous sites. Mean SW was stratified by residual RH into three different groups (group 1: <4 mm, group 2: ≥4 and <7, and group 3: ≥7 and <10), study sites (first and second premolars and molars), and measurement levels.ResultsThree hundred and twenty subjects (mean 50.1 years old) with 422 edentulous sites were included. Mean SW was wider at molar sites, higher measurement levels, and sites with shorter residual RH. Mean SW at the lower (average 2.3 mm from sinus floor) and higher boundary (15 mm from the alveolar crest) of lateral window osteotomy was 9.0 (2.8) and 16.0 (4.4) mm, respectively. Narrow, average, or wide sinuses were classified when the SW was <8, 8–10 and >10 mm at the lower boundary or <14, 14–17 and >17 mm at the upper boundary, respectively.ConclusionSW at levels that were relevant to lateral window sinus augmentation was measured. The proposed sinus classification could facilitate communication between health providers and determine the degree of easiness of sinus augmentation. It might be particularly useful for the selection of grafting materials and surgical approaches. Further studies are required to test its clinical implications.
Soluble mediators released by acute myeloid leukemia cells increase capillary‐like networks
Authors: Hatfield Kimberley J. , Evensen Lasse , Reikvam Håkon , Lorens James B. , Bruserud Øystein 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIncreased bone marrow angiogenesis is seen in several hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We used a co‐culture assay of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC) to investigate the effects of AML‐conditioned medium on capillary networks. We investigated primary AML cells derived from 44 unselected patients and observed that for a large subset of patients, the constitutive cytokine release by the leukemic cells stimulated endothelial cell organization into capillary‐like networks, while there were only minor or no effects for other patients. We analyzed the constitutive AML cell release of 31 cytokines for all the patients and performed a hierarchical cluster analysis of the cytokine profile which identified two major patient subsets that differed in their ability to enhance capillary‐like networks; increased capillary‐like networks was then associated with high constitutive release of several cytokines and especially high levels of several pro‐angiogenic chemokines. Significantly increased network formation was not seen for any of the 11 acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients investigated. The cytokine response by activated normal T cells inhibited endothelial network formation in our in vitro model of angiogenesis and activated normal monocytes had only a minor influence on tube formation. Our study shows that AML‐derived cytokines can induce the organization of endothelial cells into vessel‐like structures.
Spread dynamics and agricultural impact ofSorghum halepense, an emerging invasive species in Central Europe
Authors: FOLLAK S , ESSL F 
Published: October 2012

SummarySorghum halepenseis a serious weed and reservoir for pathogens of crops worldwide that has recently spread in Austria. On the basis of an exhaustive distribution data set (302 records), we analysed the spread dynamics and agricultural impact. The first record ofS. halepensewas recorded in 1871, but the species remained rare until 1970. After a moderate increase in records until 1990, it has recently expanded strongly (>70% of all records have been collected since 1990), in particular, in the lowlands of eastern and southern Austria. Invasion into fields was first documented in the 1970s, but again, since 1990,S. halepensehas spread strongly and fields now account for 32% of all records. In southern Austria, we found thatS. halepenseinvasion already puts approximately 41% of grain maize fields and 40% of oil‐pumpkin fields at risk of yield losses. In cooler regions within Austria,S. halepenseis still rarely recorded in fields.Sorghum halepenseserves as a reservoir for the maize dwarf mosaic virus, as it was found in 38% of 21 samples collected in southern Austria. Invasion ofS. halepensein fields was most likely assisted by frequent secondary dispersal and intensive maize and oil‐pumpkin cultivation. Given the fast and on‐going spread in fields, which is likely to continue under climate warming, our results provide evidence thatS. halepensewill cause serious impacts for agriculture in Austria and probably in other countries of Central Europe.
Restrictive guideline reduces platelet count thresholds for transfusions in very low birth weight preterm infants
Authors: Borges J. P. G. , dos Santos A. M. N. , da Cunha D. H. F. , Mimica A. F. M. A. , Guinsburg R. , Kopelman B. I. 
Published: October 2012

Background and Objectives  Platelet transfusions are performed almost entirely according to expert experience. This study assessed the effectiveness of a restrictive guideline to reduce platelet transfusions in preterm infants.Methods  A retrospective cohort of preterm infants with a birth weight of <1500 g had been born in 2 periods. In Period 1, a transfusion was indicated for a platelet count of <50 000/ml in clinically stable neonates or <100 000/ml in bleeding or clinically unstable infants. In Period 2, the indications were restricted to <25 000/ml in clinically stable neonates, or <50 000/ml in newborns who were either on mechanical ventilation, subject to imminent invasive procedures, within 72 h following a seizure, or extremely premature and <7 days old. A count of <100 000/ml was indicated for bleeding or major surgery.Results  Periods 1 and 2 comprised 121 and 134 neonates, respectively. The rates of ventricular haemorrhage and intrahospital death were similar in both periods. The percentage of transfused infants, the odds of receiving a platelet transfusion, the mean platelet count before transfusion and the percentage of transfusions with a platelet count >50,000/ml were greater in Period 1. Among thrombocytopenic neonates, the percentage of transfused neonates and the number of transfusions were similar in both groups.Conclusion  The restrictive guideline for platelet transfusions reduced the platelet count thresholds for neonatal transfusions without increasing the rate of ventricular haemorrhage.