bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokine Reporter Mice: The Special Case of IL‐10
Authors: Bouabe H. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIL‐10 is one of the key cytokines preventing inflammation‐mediated tissue damage. In an attempt to identify IL‐10‐producing cells in vivo, several groups have recently developed IL‐10 reporter mouse strains. Up until now, in total, eight IL‐10 reporter strains have been published. This incomparable interest in IL‐10 reporter mice emphasizes the importance and difficulties in tracking and subsequently investigating the role of IL‐10‐producing cells in infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune and cancer diseases. In this review, I summarize and compare the properties of those published IL‐10 reporter mouse models. I also discuss the necessity to develop new strategies to generate ‘multi‐cytokine’ reporter mouse models enabling highly sensitive in/ex vivo detection of many cytokines in the same single cell. Such ‘multi‐cytokine’ reporter mice will enable to reconsider the dichotomy ‘T‐effector versus T‐regulatory’ paradigm and to provide an accurate revised model for cellular sources of cytokines. Finally, I propose to launch cooperative, international initiatives to promote and coordinate the generation of accurate, combinatorial, reporter mice for every individual murine cytokine.
The Palaeocene/Eocene boundary section at Zumaia (Basque‐Cantabric Basin) revisited: new insights from high‐resolution magnetic susceptibility and carbon isotope chemostratigraphy on organic matter (δ13Corg)
Authors: Storme Jean‐Yves , Devleeschouwer Xavier , Schnyder Johann , Cambier Geoffrey , Baceta Juan Ignacio , Pujalte Victoriano , Di Matteo Antonietta , Iacumin Paola , Yans Johan 
Published: March 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 310–317, 2012AbstractThe Zumaia section, the most complete and representative section of the early Palaeogene (hemi)‐pelagic succession of the Pyrenees, is widely acknowledged as a key reference for the Palaeocene–Eocene boundary. New high‐resolution δ13Corg of the Zumaia section (−23.8 to −28.8‰) confirms the position of the Carbon Isotope Excursion and enhances the distinction between the different steps of the CIE/PETM event. According to new magnetic susceptibility data and detailed cycle counting, the entire duration of the CIE/PETM in Zumaia is estimated in ∼168 ± 16 ka. Moreover, the investigation of palynofacies and low‐field magnetic susceptibility reveal significant detrital influx during the interval. Several magnetic susceptibility phases and trends are recognised and are interpreted in terms of sea‐level fluctuations before, during and after the PETM. Coupled with results from other sections, our data reveal the presence of an unconformity followed by an eustatic sea‐level rise (TST) in the latest Palaeocene.
Results of Duchenne muscular dystrophy family screening in practice: leaks rather than cascades?
Authors: McGowan Ruth , Challoner Benjamin R. , Ross Sarah , Holloway Susan , Joss Shelagh , Wilcox Douglas , Holden Simon T. , Tolmie John , Longman Cheryl 
Published: March 2012

McGowan R, Challoner BR, Ross S, Holloway S, Joss S, Wilcox D, Holden ST, Tolmie J, Longman C. Results of Duchenne muscular dystrophy family screening in practice: leaks rather than cascades?Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the gene that encodes the protein dystrophin. Approximately 2 of 3 affected boys inherit their mutation from their carrier mother whereupon other female relatives are at risk of carrying the mutation. Female carriers are also at risk of developing cardiomyopathy and regular cardiac screening is recommended. Clinical genetics services offer genetic counselling and carrier tests for consenting relatives of DMD patients known as ‘cascade screening’. We retrospectively analysed data from two genetics centres, West of Scotland and South East Thames where the latter centre operated a computer‐held DMD register. Over the period, 1971–2008, a total of 843 potential carriers, in 195 West of Scotland families, were tested: 16% of 1st degree relatives and 48% of 2nd degree and more distant relatives were not tested. In South East Thames, a total of 1223 potential carriers in 349 families were tested: 49% of 1st degree and 65% of 2nd degree and more distant relatives were not tested. These data are similar to Becker muscular dystrophy/DMD carrier screening results recently reported from the Netherlands. Retrospective results from three countries indicate that despite efforts to offer extended cascade screening, significant numbers of potential carriers of DMD remain unaware of their reproductive and health risks.
Modification of risk for cancer as a coincidental finding in DNA array investigation
Authors: Rostasy K , Fauth C , Gautsch K , Laimer I , Krabichler B , Wimmer K , Frühmesser A , Kotzot D , Moshir S 
Published: March 2012

Rostasy K, Fauth C, Gautsch K, Laimer I, Krabichler B, Wimmer K, Frühmesser A, Kotzot D, Moshir S. Modification of risk for cancer as a coincidental finding in DNA array investigation.The high resolution of modern DNA arrays has the implification of unintended coincidental detection of gene deletions predisposing to late‐onset neurological and oncological disorders. Here, we report the case of an 18‐year‐old girl with mild intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms, and a microdeletion of approximately 6.3 Mb on 22q12.1q12.3 including NF2, the gene for neurofibromatosis type 2, and CHEK2, a modifier gene for breast cancer. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed she had already developed bilateral vestibular schwannomas. The challenge of DNA arrays and the consequences for genetic counselling and informed consent will be discussed in the light of this unique case with a microdeletion including both a high risk and a moderate risk cancer predisposition gene.
NTproBNP as a marker of rejection in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Knecht Kenneth R. , Alexander Molly L. , Swearingen Christopher J. , Frazier Elizabeth A. 
Published: March 2012

Knecht KR, Alexander ML, Swearingen CJ, Frazier EA. NTproBNP as a marker of rejection in pediatric heart transplant recipients.Abstract:  Acute rejection is a major morbidity in heart transplant recipients; diagnosis is difficult, and rejection must often be treated reactively. Various serum biomarkers have been investigated for non‐invasive monitoring of the cardiac allograft. NTproBNP is produced by the ventricular myocardium and may increase with evolving rejection allowing earlier diagnosis. Retrospective review of serum NTproBNP levels in pediatric heart transplant recipients has been carried out to evaluate the association with episodes of acute rejection. Repeated measures logistic regression was used to model associations for variables with first rejection and within an individual for change in NTproBNP and first rejection. Odds ratios for rejection risk given an increase in serum NTproBNP were calculated. Correlation of NTproBNP levels with renal function as estimated by modified Schwartz equation was performed to look for confounding. Higher serum NTproBNP level was associated with increased risk of rejection, but intersubject variability was wide. However, increase in an individual subject’s serum level showed increased risk of rejection, greater with greater rise. Serum NTproBNP levels appear not greatly affected by renal function. NTproBNP shows promise in surveillance for pediatric heart transplant recipients. The greatest use appears to be in following trends for an individual instead of using an absolute value.
Discoloration and associated fungi in stems of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) following logging damage
Authors: Vasaitis R. , Bakys R. , Vasiliauskas A. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryStudy aim was to investigate discoloration and associated fungi in 50‐ to 70‐year‐old stems of Betula pendula damaged by logging. Investigated wounds (on 70 stems) were inflicted 4–18 years previously, and all of them had discoloration with mean radial spread (±SD) 2.9 ± 2.9 cm and longitudinal spread 50.3 ± 24.0 cm. Both wound area and length had a strong impact on a total length of discoloration (r = 0.665 and r = 0.745, respectively; p < 0.001), but had no influence on its spread beyond wound margins (r = −0.035 and r = −0.079). There was no correlation between the age of an injury and spread of the discoloration neither in vertical (r = −0.110) nor in radial (r = −0.280) direction. Average wound closure rate was 1.2 ± 0.5 cm year −1. The difference between discoloration length in stems with open and occluded injuries was insignificant (t‐test, p = 0.769). The principal fungi isolated from the wounds were ascomycetes (Epicoccum, Cadophora, Neonectria, Alternaria spp.) that were able to cause discoloration of wood with little effect on its mechanical properties and capable only for limited spread inside a stem of a living tree. In conclusion, results of the present study demonstrate that the amount of discoloured wood beyond logging wounds in B. pendula is mainly restricted to the damaged portion of a stem and that the associated loss of wood production remains low during about 10 years since the damage.
Monitoring codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in orchards treated with pear ester and sex pheromone combo dispensers
Authors: Knight A. , Light D. , Chebny V. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMonitoring codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), with its sex pheromone (E,E)‐8,10‐dodecadien‐1‐ol (codlemone) alone or in combination with plant volatiles (PH‐plant volatile lures) with and without the addition of an acetic acid (AA) lure was compared in apple and walnut orchards treated with PVC Cidetrak® dispensers (CM‐DA Combo) loaded with 60 mg pear ester, ethyl (E, Z)‐2,4‐decadienoate (PE) and 185 mg codlemone. Lures were also evaluated in untreated apple and walnut orchards and apple orchards treated with Cidetrak® dispensers (CM) loaded with 120 mg codlemone. Traps with codlemone lures caught more moths than PE plus AA but similar numbers as traps with the PH‐PE lure in untreated apple and walnut orchards. The PH‐PE outperformed codlemone lures in apple orchards treated with CM dispensers. Codlemone outperformed PH‐PE lures in apple but not in walnut orchards treated mid‐season with CM‐DA Combo dispensers. Combining AA with PE significantly increased moth catch and together they performed similarly to the PH‐PE lure in all dispenser treatments in apple orchards. However, adding AA with the PH‐PE lure did not increase moth catches. The addition of AA to any of the lures tested except codlemone alone significantly increased the catch of females. Adding AA to either PE or the PH‐PE lure created a similarly attractive lure in orchards treated with CM‐DA Combo dispensers. Combining (E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nonatriene (DMNT) with codlemone in a combinational lure plus AA performed as well as any lure tested in apple orchards treated with CM‐DA Combo dispensers. Combinational lures loaded with either (E,E)‐farnesol, (E)‐β‐farnesene or DMNT performed significantly better than the PH‐PE lure in apple orchards treated with CM‐DA Combo dispensers only in the first generation. Both PH‐DMNT and PH‐farnesol lures were comparable to PH‐PE, except that the PH‐farnesol lure was less attractive to female moths.
The photokinetics of thermo‐tolerance in Symbiodinium
Authors: Jones Alison , Berkelmans Ray 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThere is currently much debate about the ecological advantages for reef corals of hosting multiple types of the symbiotic dinoflagellate Symbiodinium. Amongst these is their apparent capacity to tolerate higher than normal water temperatures. There is strong photokinetic evidence that the trait of heat‐tolerance in plants is accompanied by energetic tradeoffs but little such evidence yet exists for corals. We use rapid light curves (RLCs) to investigate the photokinetic basis for thermo‐tolerance in the reef coral Acropora millepora with symbionts of contrasting thermal tolerance for which there are measured differences in energetics. Our results show that under non‐stressful temperatures, corals with heat‐tolerant type D Symbiodinium had a 41% lower maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax) and lower light absorption efficiency (α) due to lower cell Chl a content compared with corals with heat‐sensitive type C2 symbionts. Our results provide support for a photokinetic link between heat tolerance and deficits in holobiont (coral + symbiont) growth, lipid stores and reproduction. Reduced electron transport rate and light absorption capacity may be genotype‐specific attributes that enable clade D symbionts and their cnidarian hosts to cope with temperature stress but they inherently influence the photosynthetic function of the symbionts and thus have negative downstream effects on the coral.
Lobomycosis: an emerging disease in humans and delphinidae
Authors: Paniz‐Mondolfi A. , Talhari C. , Sander Hoffmann L. , Connor D. L. , Talhari S. , Bermudez‐Villapol L. , Hernandez‐Perez M. , Van Bressem M. F. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryLobomycosis, a disease caused by the uncultivable dimorphic onygenale fungi Lacazia loboi, remains to date as an enigmatic illness, both due to the impossibility of its aetiological agent to be cultured and grown in vitro, as well as because of its unresponsiveness to specific antifungal treatments. It was first described in the 1930s by Brazilian dermatologist Jorge Lobo and is known to cause cutaneous and subcutaneous localised and widespread infections in humans and dolphins. Soil and vegetation are believed to be the chief habitat of the fungus, however, increasing reports in marine mammals has shifted the attention to the aquatic environment. Infection in humans has also been associated with proximity to water, raising the hypothesis that L. loboi may be a hydrophilic microorganism that penetrates the skin by trauma. Although its occurrence was once thought to be restricted to New World tropical countries, its recent description in African patients has wrecked this belief. Antifungals noted to be effective in the empirical management of other cutaneous/subcutaneous mycoses have proven unsuccessful and unfortunately, no satisfactory therapeutic approach for this cutaneous infection currently exists.
Monitoring trough voriconazole plasma concentrations in haematological patients: real life multicentre experience
Authors: Racil Zdenek , Winterova Jana , Kouba Michal , Zak Pavel , Malaskova Ludmila , Buresova Lucie , Toskova Martina , Lengerova Martina , Kocmanova Iva , Weinbergerova Barbora , Timilsina Shira , Rolencova Monika , Cetkovsky Petr , Mayer Jiri 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThe objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate results from voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in haematological patients in routine clinical practice. Between 2005 and 2010, 1228 blood samples were obtained from 264 haematological patients (median 3 samples/patient; range 1–27) receiving voriconazole for targeted/preemptive treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) (46.3% of samples), empirical therapy (12.9%) or prophylaxis (40.8%). A high‐pressure liquid chromatography assay was used to analyse voriconazole concentrations. Clinical and laboratory data were analysed retrospectively. The median of the detected voriconazole plasma concentration was 1.00 μg ml−1 (range <0.20–13.47 μg ml−1). Significant inter‐ and intra‐patients variability of measured concentrations (81.9% and 50.5%) were identified. With the exception of omeprazole administration, there was no relevant relationship between measured voriconazole concentrations and drug dose, route administration, age, gender, CYP2C19*2 genotype, gastrointestinal tract abnormality, administration via nasogastric tube, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes. However, per patient analysis identified significant role of individual voriconazole dose and drug form change on measured plasma concentration. Measured voriconazole concentrations did not correlate with the treatment outcome of patients with IA. We only identified a limited number of adverse events related to voriconazole therapy; however, the median plasma concentration was not different from concentrations measured in samples without reported toxicity. Our retrospective study has suggested that routine monitoring of voriconazole plasma concentrations has probably only a limited role in daily haematological practice.
Factors associated with cerebral white matter hyperintensities in haemodialysis patients
Authors: NAGANUMA TOSHIHIDE , TAKEMOTO YOSHIAKI , SHOJI TETSUO , SHIMA HIDEAKI , ISHIMURA EIJI , OKAMURA MIKIO , NAKATANI TATSUYA 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), comprising periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) and deep and subcortical white matter hyperintensity (DSWMH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have been reported to be markers of ischaemic cerebral small‐vessel disease and risk factors for future stroke, cognitive impairment and dementia in the general population. However, there have been only a few reports describing WMHs in haemodialysis (HD) patients and these previous studies have been relatively small population studies with little investigation on prevalence and risk factors according to the regional subtypes of WMHs.Methods:  Cranial MRI was performed on 179 HD patients and 58 healthy control subjects and we investigated the prevalence of WMHs (PVH and/or DSWMH) and the clinical factors associated with the presence of WMHs.Results:  The prevalence of WMHs was significantly higher in the HD patients than in the healthy subjects. In the HD patients, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that independent and significant factors associated with the presence of PVH were age, female gender and systolic blood pressure and those associated with the presence of DSWMH were age, female gender, systolic blood pressure and body mass index.Conclusions:  These findings indicated a high prevalence of WMHs in HD patients. Older age, female gender and high blood pressure were strong factors associated with the presence of both PVH and DSWMH. Moreover, excess body weight was a significant factor associated with the presence of DSWMH only, indicating that there may be differences in risk factors according to the subtype of WMHs.
Rates of visual field progression in distinct optic disc phenotypes
Authors: Schor Kenneth S , De Moraes Carlos G , Teng Christopher C , Tello Celso , Liebmann Jeffrey M , Ritch Robert 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  To determine if optic disc phenotype is correlated with the rate of glaucomatous visual field progression.Design:  Retrospective cohort.Participants or Samples:  Treated glaucoma patients.Methods:  The optic disc stereophotographs of glaucoma patients were reviewed by two investigators masked to all clinical and perimetric data. Each disc was classified as focal ischaemic, myopic, senile sclerotic and generalized enlargement. Visual field progression (defined as at least two adjacent test points in the same hemifield progressing by more than 1.0 dB/year at P < 0.01) was evaluated using automated pointwise linear regression.Main Outcome Measures:  Association between optic disc phenotypes and other clinical variables and rates of visual field progression.Results:  264 optic disc stereophotographs (127 generalized enlargement, 41 focal ischaemic, 54 myopic and 42 senile sclerotic) were evaluated. In the univariate analyses, it was found that patients with senile sclerotic discs were older (p = 0.002) and those with generalized enlargement had better baseline visual field mean deviation (p < 0.001) and higher intraocular pressure (p = 0.006) compared with the other groups. More disc haemorrhages were detected in the focal ischaemic and senile sclerotic groups (p = 0.010). After adjusting for other risk factors (intraocular pressure, age, central corneal thickness, disc haemorrhage), there were no differences among groups regarding the risk (p = 0.58) and velocity (p = 0.21) of visual field progression.Conclusions:  Visual field progression was similar among the four optic disc phenotypes in treated glaucoma after adjusting for other known risk factors. The division of disc appearance into clinical phenotypes does not appear to provide independent information regarding the risk of progression in clinical practice.
Long‐term risk of intraocular pressure elevation and glaucoma escalation after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty
Authors: Musa Fayyaz U , Patil Savita , Rafiq Omar , Galloway Peter , Ball James , Morrell Andrew 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  To determine the prevalence and severity of intraocular pressure changes after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and its effect on visual function.Design:  Retrospective cohort study.Participants:  All patients undergoing deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty procedures at a tertiary referral centre (Leeds University Hospitals, UK) using a manual dissection technique.Methods:  Case note review of all cases between the 1st of January 2000 and the 31st of December 2005.Main Outcome Measures:  Raised intraocular pressure, glaucoma incidence or escalation.Results:  Data were collected for 69 of eyes of 58 patients. The mean period of follow‐up was 54.9 months (median 60, range 6–95 months). The initial diagnosis was keratoconus in 56 cases (81%), corneal scarring in four cases (5.8%), herpes simplex keratitis in four cases (5.8%), lattice dystrophy in four cases (5.8%) and one case of corneal dermoid. Temporarily intraocular pressure was thought to be related to topical steroid use occurred in 12 (17%) cases. Ocular hypertension requiring treatment occurred in three eyes. None of these eyes had progressive disc changes or visual field defects suggestive of glaucoma, and all had well‐controlled intraocular pressure on topical, single‐drug therapy. Overall, there was a small insignificant rise in intraocular pressure after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (P = 0.11).Conclusions:  The long‐term risk of glaucoma following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using the manual dissection technique appears to be low. Ocular hypertension after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty is infrequent and can be controlled on topical medication alone.
Population‐based study of presbyopia in Shahroud, Iran
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Jafarzadehpur Ebrahim , Mehravaran Shiva , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Yekta AbbasAli , Shariati Mohammad , Fotouhi Akbar 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  There is limited information regarding the prevalence of presbyopia in different parts of the world. The add power and the prevalence of presbyopia by age and gender in general population of Shahroud, north of Iran, were studied.Design:  Population‐based cross‐sectional study.Participants:  Using random cluster sampling, 6311 people from the 40‐ to 64‐year‐old population of Shahroud were invited. Of the invited population, 5190 individuals (82.2%) participated in the study.Methods:  Presbyopia was defined as the correction of near vision to logMAR 1 (N8 point) with at least 1 D of add power.Main Outcome Measures:  Near visual acuity of participants was evaluated with a logMAR chart at a distance of 40 cm.Results:  Mean add power in the age groups of 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59 and 60–64 years was 0.65, 1.30, 1.70, 1.87 and 2.08 D, respectively. For each 5‐year increase in age, a 0.35 D increase in add power was noted. The prevalence of presbyopia was 58.15% (95% confidence interval: 56.46–59.84). Presbyopia was more prevalent in women (P < 0.001) and increased with ageing more in women than in men (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in the 60–64‐year‐old age group, 11% of men and 23% of women were not presbyopic.Conclusions:  Compared with other reports, the add power in different age groups was 0.5 D less, and presbyopia was less prevalent. More than 50% of the over 45‐year‐old individuals were presbyopic and 17% of the over 60 individuals were free of this condition.