bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upland deforestation triggered an ecosystem state‐shift in a kettle peatland
Authors: Ireland Alex W. , Booth Robert K. 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. European settlement of eastern North America resulted in dramatic changes to ecosystems, although the dynamics and underlying causes of these changes are not always obvious. For example, land clearance likely exposed soils to increased wind erosion, potentially impacting downwind ecosystems indirectly through subsequent enhancement of dust deposition. We hypothesized that otherwise undisturbed wetlands were altered through this indirect disturbance mechanism, increasing nutrient availability and initiating a cascade of ecosystem‐level changes.2. We tested this hypothesis in a floating kettle peatland located in north‐western Pennsylvania, USA, using an interdisciplinary approach. A series of peat cores were collected along a transect oriented parallel to the dominant wind direction. Palaeoecological techniques were used to identify signatures of upland deforestation and mineral matter deposition within the peat profiles. Elemental analyses were used to reconstruct historic availability of major macronutrients, plant community dynamics were reconstructed using plant macrofossils and tree rings (Pinus strobus) and testate amoebae were used as a proxy for microbial community dynamics.3. Strong correlations between the concentration of ragweed (Ambrosia) pollen and fine‐grained mineral matter linked upland deforestation to enhanced dust deposition on the peatland surface. Elemental analyses indicated that nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentrations increased coincident with dust deposition. Plant communities shifted from Sphagnum dominance to vascular‐plant dominance coincident with enhanced dust deposition, including increased recruitment of P. strobus onto the peatland. Testate amoeba communities shifted towards those adapted to highly variable microenvironmental conditions and likely reflect broader changes in microbial communities.4. Synthesis. Upland deforestation by European settlers triggered a cascade of ecological changes on a nutrient‐poor peatland by enhancing dust deposition and nutrient delivery on the surface. These results demonstrate that indirect, unintended and often overlooked human disturbances can lead to dramatic structural and functional alterations of carbon‐rich wetland ecosystems, highlighting the potential vulnerability of these systems in human‐dominated landscapes.
Evidence for selection at cytokine loci in a natural population of field voles (Microtus agrestis)
Authors: TURNER ANDREW K. , BEGON MIKE , JACKSON JOSEPH A. , PATERSON STEVE 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIndividuals in natural populations are frequently exposed to a wide range of pathogens. Given the diverse profile of gene products involved in responses to different types of pathogen, this potentially results in complex pathogen‐specific selection pressures acting on a broad spectrum of immune system genes in wild animals. Thus far, studies into the evolution of immune genes in natural populations have focused almost exclusively on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). However, the MHC represents only a fraction of the immune system and there is a need to broaden research in wild species to include other immune genes. Here, we examine the evidence for natural selection in a range of non‐MHC genes in a natural population of field voles (Microtus agrestis). We concentrate primarily on genes encoding cytokines, signalling molecules critical in eliciting and mediating immune responses and identify signatures of natural selection acting on several of these genes. In particular, genetic diversity withinInterleukin 1 betaandInterleukin 2appears to have been maintained through balancing selection. Taken together with previous findings that polymorphism within these genes is associated with variation in resistance to multiple pathogens, this suggests that pathogen‐mediated selection may be an important force driving genetic diversity at cytokine loci in voles and other natural populations. These results also suggest that, along with the MHC, preservation of genetic variation within cytokine genes should be a priority for the conservation genetics of threatened wildlife populations.
Treatment outcome of dogs with meticillin‐resistant and meticillin‐susceptibleStaphylococcus pseudintermediuspyoderma
Authors: Bryan Jacqueline , Frank Linda A. , Rohrbach Barton W. , Burgette Laura J. , Cain Christine L. , Bemis David A. 
Published: February 2012

Background – The prevalence of meticillin‐ and multidrug‐resistantStaphylococcus pseudintermedius(MRSP) in canine pyoderma has been increasing in recent years; thus, treatment of these cases has become challenging.Hypothesis/Objectives – To compare treatment outcome (clinical resolution and treatment duration), adverse effects of medication, and concurrent diseases and medications in dogs with meticillin‐susceptibleS. pseudintermedius(MSSP) and MRSP pyoderma.Animals/Methods – Medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and 123 MSSP and 93 MRSP clinical cases between January 2008 and April 2010 were included.Results – In MSSP infections, cefalexin and cefpodoxime were the most commonly prescribed antimicrobials, accounting for 43.2 and 34.4% of cases, respectively. In MRSP infections, chloramphenicol and doxycycline were most commonly prescribed, accounting for 52.6 and 14.4% of cases, respectively. Adverse effects were reported in seven MSSP and 31 MRSP cases. The most commonly reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal, prompting antibiotic discontinuation in three MSSP and 20 MRSP cases. Chloramphenicol was associated with the highest incidence of adverse reactions (27 of 51 cases). Of 164 cases with follow up, 43 of 88 MSSP infections and 29 of 76 MRSP infections achieved complete clinical resolution at the first recheck examination. Three MSSP and seven MRSP cases failed to improve or resolve at subsequent visits assessed at 3–4 week intervals.Conclusions and clinical importance – Results from this study showed that the majority of pyodermas resolved regardless of meticillin susceptibility. Although some cases of MRSP pyoderma took longer to treat, this is likely to be because of chronicity and not the organism. In addition, adverse effects were frequently associated with chloramphenicol administration.
Prevalence of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) from skin and carriage sites of dogs after treatment of their meticillin‐resistant or meticillin‐sensitive staphylococcal pyoderma
Authors: Beck Karri M. , Waisglass Stephen E. , Dick Hani L. N. , Weese J. Scott 
Published: February 2012

Background –  Meticillin‐resistant staphylococci are significant pathogens in veterinary dermatology, yet longitudinal studies of the impact of routine antimicrobial therapy on emergence or resolution of resistance are lacking.Objectives –  To determine the prevalence of meticillin‐resistant staphylococci on skin and carriage sites in dogs with bacterial pyoderma and evaluate the prevalence of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) colonization after successful treatment of pyoderma.Animals –  One hundred and seventy‐three dogs that presented to a dermatology referral service with pyoderma and 41 healthy control dogs.Methods –  Skin, nasal and rectal swabs for bacterial culture were collected at the time of referral and after clinical resolution of the pyoderma. Meticillin resistance was confirmed by demonstration of penicillin binding protein 2a antigen.Results –  Initially, skin cultures yielded MRSP in 70 (40.5%) dogs, meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in three (1.7%) and meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus schleiferi ssp. coagulans (MRSScoag) in five (2.9%). Samples collected from the nose and rectum (carriage sites) yielded MRSP in 59 (34.1%) dogs, MRSA in 11 (6.4%) and MRSScoag in seven (4.0%). One hundred and two dogs were available for follow‐up cultures after clinical cure. Of 42 dogs initially diagnosed with MRSP pyoderma, MRSP was isolated at follow‐up from skin in 19 (45.2%) and carriage sites in 20 (47.6%). Of 60 dogs that did not have MRSP pyoderma initially, MRSP was isolated post‐treatment from the skin in 17 (28.3%), and MRSP from carriage sites increased from 7.8% (initially) to 26.7% (P = 0.0022).Conclusions and clinical importance –  Colonization by MRSP often persists after resolution of MRSP pyoderma. Acquisition of MRSP during treatment appears to be common.
Gene flow between imidazolinone‐tolerant and – susceptible winter oilseed rape varieties
Authors: KRATO C , PETERSEN J 
Published: February 2012

Krato C & Petersen J (2012). Gene flow between imidazolinone‐tolerant and – susceptible winter oilseed rape varieties. Weed Research 52, 187–196.SummaryImidazolinone‐tolerant (IT) spring oilseed rape was developed in 1987 using conventional breeding methods and first marketed in Canada in 1996. IT winter oilseed rape will be introduced into the European market. On the one hand, the IT cropping system provides the opportunity for post‐emergence weed control in oilseed rape. On the other hand, the introduction of a new herbicide‐tolerance (HT) trait into the European cropping systems may lead to new challenges for weed control in crop rotations containing winter oilseed rape. In this study, a 2‐year field and glasshouse study was carried out to determine the transfer frequency of the HT trait from IT winter oilseed rape plants to adjacently grown susceptible winter oilseed rape plants. Furthermore, cross‐resistance to sulfonylureas and differences in herbicide response of heterozygous and homozygous IT winter oilseed rape varieties to triflusulfuron‐methyl were examined. The transfer frequency of the resistance trait and zygosity of the F1‐generation was investigated using a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Outcrossing frequencies ranged from 2.05% in a westerly direction and 0.57% in an easterly direction at the closest distance of 2 m between pollen donor (IT oilseed rape plants) and pollen acceptor (imidazolinone‐susceptible plants). Outcrossing events decreased significantly with increasing distance from the pollen donor, but IT F1‐plants were still found at a distance of 45 m. Of the analysed F1‐oilseed rape plants, 84% showed both independent tolerance genes for imidazolinone‐tolerance (PM1 and PM2) and were heterozygous for both genes. IT winter oilseed rape plants showed a cross‐tolerance against triflusulfuron‐methyl, and the corresponding resistance factors were higher for homozygous biotypes compared with heterozygous ones. Consequently, outcrossing can result practically in IT volunteers with cross‐tolerance to triflusulfuron‐methyl.
Lung transplantation in patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis
Authors: Hayes Don , Diaz‐Guzman Enrique , Davenport Daniel L. , Zwischenberger Joseph B. , Khosravi Mehdi , Absher Kimberly J. , Hoopes Charles W. 
Published: February 2012

Hayes D Jr., Diaz‐Guzman E, Davenport DL, Zwischenberger JB, Khosravi M, Absher KJ, Hoopes CW. Lung transplantation in patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.Abstract:  Patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) can develop chronic respiratory failure and require lung transplantation. A retrospective review was performed of the 712 referrals and 143 patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral lung transplantation at the University of Kentucky Medical Center between January 1999 and July 2009. Twenty‐one of the 712 referrals (3%) had a diagnosis of CWP with eight patients eventually undergoing lung transplant (six single, two bilateral). The mean age of the cohort was 53 ± 5 (mean ± SD) yr (range 45–59). There was no increased risk of perioperative or postoperative complications. Six patients (75%) remain alive after a mean follow‐up of 1013 ± 857 d with the two deaths attributable to sepsis 683 and 145 d after transplant, respectively. There were no pulmonary complications because of the native lung in patients after a single lung transplant, with otherwise good clinical outcomes seen after lung transplantation.
Current status of immunosuppressive agents for solid organ transplantation in children
Authors: Coelho Tracy , Tredger Michael , Dhawan Anil 
Published: February 2012

Coelho T, Tredger M, Dhawan A. Current status of immunosuppressive agents for solid organ transplantation in children.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 106–122. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Immunosuppression after organ transplantation is complex and ever evolving. Over the past two decades, newer immunosuppressive agents have been introduced with an aim to provide better patient and graft survival. Improved therapeutic strategies have been developed offering the option to use combinations of drugs with non‐overlapping toxicities. There are, however, only a few clinical studies with robust data to rationalize the use of these agents in children. This review will discuss the newer immunosuppressive agents used for solid organ transplant, their current status in post‐transplant management and prevention of allograft rejection.
Successful resolution of inflammation and increased regulatory T cells in sirolimus‐treated post‐transplant allograft hepatitis
Authors: Ekong Udeme D. , Mathew James , Melin‐Aldana Hector , Wang Deli , Alonso Estella M. 
Published: February 2012

Ekong UD, Mathew J, Melin‐Aldana H, Wang D, Alonso EM. Successful resolution of inflammation and increased regulatory T cells in sirolimus‐treated post‐transplant allograft hepatitis.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 165–175. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  This retrospective case series reviews our center’s experience with sirolimus and a CNI as alternative therapy for the treatment of PTAH. It also characterizes regulatory T cells (Tregs) in PTAH. LT recipients with PTAH who had received or were receiving treatment with sirolimus were retrospectively identified (n = 12). Liver enzymes, immunohistochemistry, and histology were compared in all 12 patients. Immunophenotyping for Tregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed on LT recipients with PTAH on conventional therapy with CNI, azathioprine ± prednisone (CT) (n = 11), recipients with PTAH on sirolimus, CNI ± prednisone (n = 8), recipients without PTAH (n = 25), and pre‐transplant patients (n = 5). Severity of necro‐inflammatory changes markedly improved with sirolimus. Treg frequency and number were significantly lower in recipients with PTAH on CT compared to (i) those on sirolimus (p = 0.002 and p = 0.01, respectively), and (ii) recipients without PTAH (p = 0.07 and p = 0.009, respectively). Treg frequency was significantly higher in recipients with PTAH on sirolimus compared to recipients without PTAH under CNI therapy (p = 0.027). Sirolimus in addition to a CNI is successful in reversing inflammation in LT recipients with PTAH. This is associated with significantly higher circulating Tregs.
Pediatric en bloc kidney transplantation into pediatric recipients: The French experience
Authors: Afanetti Mickael , Niaudet Patrick , Niel Olivier , Faust Marie Saint , Cochat Pierre , Berard Etienne 
Published: February 2012

Afanetti M, Niaudet P, Niel O, Saint Faust M, Cochat P, Berard E. Pediatric en bloc kidney transplantation into pediatric recipients: The French experience.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 183–186. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Chronic shortage of available donor organs has led to re‐evaluation of the use of en bloc kidney transplants. Although excellent results have been reported in adult patients, experience in pediatric patients remains limited because of potential early complications and poor long‐term graft outcome. We report 14 pediatric en bloc renal transplantations into 14 pediatric recipients, performed between 1990 and 2007 in France. We retrospectively analyzed demographic data, postoperative complications, and graft function with a median follow‐up of five yr. Donor age ranged from four to 54 months. Complications were vascular graft thrombosis in four patients, leading to graft loss in two cases, and to excellent long‐term graft function in the two others. Two hemorrhagic complications resulted in death in one case and in graft loss in the other. Six acute rejection episodes occurred in four patients. Median glomerular filtration rate at three months, one, five, and 10 yr was 90.8, 106, 87.8, and 66.1 mL/1.73 m2/min. We believe that en bloc transplantation may be an option for children with end‐stage kidney disease.
Pharmacodynamic monitoring by residual NFAT‐regulated gene expression in stable pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Billing Heiko , Breil Thomas , Schmidt Jan , Tönshoff Burkhard , Schmitt Claus , Giese Thomas , Engelmann Guido 
Published: February 2012

Billing H, Breil T, Schmidt J, Tönshoff B, Schmitt C, Giese T, Engelmann G. Pharmacodynamic monitoring by residual NFAT‐regulated gene expression in stable pediatric liver transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 187–194. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Pharmacokinetic monitoring of CNI is unsatisfactory, because at comparable CNI blood concentrations frequency and severity of adverse effects vary considerably among individual patients. Determining the RGE of NFAT‐regulated genes in leukocytes is a new pharmacodynamic approach to measure directly the functional consequences of calcineurin inhibition in T‐lymphocytes. We compared clinical outcome parameters and RGE of activated T‐cells after pLtx. We measured prospectively RGE of NFAT regulated genes in 33 pLTX recipients in the maintenance period after pLTX. CsA‐treated patients with recurrent infections had significantly lower RGE rates (27%) than children without recurrent infections (50%; p = 0.04), whereas pharmacokinetic parameters of CsA and the concomitant immunosuppressive therapy were comparable between both groups. In patients on tacrolimus‐based IS therapy NFAT RGE was only slightly reduced (90%). Pharmacodynamic monitoring of CsA by measurement of RGE in T‐lymphocytes has the potential to identify over‐immunosuppressed pediatric liver transplant recipients on a CsA‐based IS therapy, while in children on low‐dose tacrolimus therapy, RGE measurement does not provide additional clinically useful information.
Liver transplantation for a patient with homocystinuria
Authors: Lin Niang‐Cheng , Niu Dau‐Min , Loong Che‐Chuan , Hsia Cheng‐Yuan , Tsai Hsin‐Lin , Yeh Yi‐Chen , Tsou Mei‐Yung , Liu Chin‐Su 
Published: February 2012

Lin N‐C, Niu D‐M, Loong C‐C, Hsia C‐Y, Tsai H‐L, Yeh Y‐C, Tsou M‐Y, Liu C‐S. Liver transplantation for a patient with homocystinuria.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  A 24‐yr‐old man was diagnosed with HCU during neonatal screening and remained on a pyridoxine, vitamin B12, folic acid, and betaine regimen with dietary methionine restriction for more than 10 yr. He had normal mental development, marfanoid appearance, myopia because of lens dislocation, and recurrent ankle subluxation during adolescence. Thereafter, he was a poor adherent to the conventional diet‐restrictive therapy, and LT was considered when he developed hypertension and multiple infarctions over the right cerebellum early in the second decade of his life despite taking aspirin as a prophylaxis from 17 yr of age. In November 2009, he received a deceased whole LT from a blood group compatible donor. Along with the success of the transplantation, he was completely disease free without dietary or nutritional control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of LT intended to cure HCU, and with promising results. This case provides an insight into the role of LT for this congenital metabolic disease, for which the decision should be made by judging between the severity of the disease and the risk of the operation, as well as the life quality of the patient.
The last year of the German Research Foundation sponsored Transregio Research Group “Xenotransplantation”, the planning of the future: “Biology of xenogeneic cell and organ transplantation – from bench to bedside”
Authors: Reichart Bruno 
Published: February 2012

In April this year, the final year of our German Xenotransplantation Research Group began, a consortium of animal biotechnologists, immunologists, virologists and clinical transplantat specialists. Many advances included
new molecular insights in xenogeneic responses (Thrombomodulin, HLA‐E, PDL‐1, HO‐1, A20, LEA)
successful viral gene transfer expressing e.g., thymosine
generation of a unique toolbox comprising mono‐(human thrombomodulin, HO‐1, A20, LEA29Y, HLA‐E/β2m TRAIL) and multitransgenic pigs (hTM based on α1,3‐GalKO/CD46 supplied by Revivicor)
sensitive PERV diagnosis (RT‐PCR) and inhibition (utilizing siRNA techniques)
successful porcine islet cell transplantation in NOD SCIDmice
successful introduction of xenogeneic heterotopic thoracic heart transplantation in the pig to baboon model.
From April next year on a Collaborative Research Center is planned to strengthen xenogeneic islet cell transplantation in cooperation with the already existing diabetes group from the Dresden University which includes outstanding basic scientists. At the moment this is the only existing German clinical (allogenic) islet cell transplantation program. Tolerance induction will be a further topic together with novel immunosuppressive treatments – tools which might help to prevent acute humoral rejection of the solid organ xenongeneic transplants for the first time.
Differences in human and porcine platelet oligosaccharides may influence phagocytosis by liver sinusoidal cells in vitro
Authors: Paris Leela L. , Chihara Ray K. , Sidner Richard A. , Joseph Tector A. , Burlak Christopher 
Published: February 2012

Paris LL, Chihara RK, Sidner RA, Tector AJ, Burlak C. Differences in human and porcine platelet oligosaccharides may influence phagocytosis by liver sinusoidal cells in vitro. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 31–39. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Acute thrombocytopenia was revealed as a limiting factor to porcine liver xenotransplantation from in vitro and in vivo studies using porcine liver in human and baboon transplant models. The asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1) on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) and macrophage antigen complex‐1 (Mac‐1) on Kupffer cells (KC) mediate platelet phagocytosis and have carbohydrate‐binding sites that recognize galactose and N‐acetyl glucosamine in the beta conformation. Analysis of these receptor carbohydrate‐binding domains and surface carbohydrates on human and porcine platelets may shed light on the mechanism of xenotransplantation‐induced thrombocytopenia.Methods:  An amino acid sequence comparison of human and porcine ASGR1 lectin‐binding domains was performed. Using fluorescent labeled‐lectins, human platelets, domestic and α1,3 galactosyltransferase knockout/human decay accelerating factor, porcine platelets were characterized by flow cytometry and lectin blot analyses. After desialylation, human and porcine platelets were examined by flow cytometry to determine whether sialic acid capping of galactose and N‐acetyl glucosamine oligosaccharides in the beta conformation was a factor. Further, desialylated human platelets were studied on primary porcine liver sinusoidal cells with regard to binding and phagocytosis.Results:  Human platelets have four times more exposed galactose β1‐4 N‐acetyl glucosamine (Galβ) and N‐acetyl glucosamine β1‐4 N‐acetyl glucosamine (βGlcNAc) than fresh porcine platelets. Galβ and βGlcNAc moieties on porcine platelets were not masked by sialic acid. Removal of sialic acid from human platelets increased binding and phagocytosis by LSEC and KC.Conclusions:  Differences between human and porcine ASGR1 and Mac‐1, in combination with a significantly higher number of galactose and N‐acetyl glucosamine‐containing oligosaccharides on human platelets contribute, in part, to platelet loss seen in porcine liver xenotransplantation.