bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiology and development of the M and S molecular forms of Anopheles gambiae in Burkina Faso (West Africa)
Authors: MOULINE K. , MAMAI W. , AGNEW P. , TCHONFIENET M. , BRENGUES C. , DABIRE R. , ROBERT V. , SIMARD F. 
Published: June 2012

In West Africa, M and S molecular forms of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (Diptera: Culicidae) Giles, frequently occur together, although with different population bionomics. The S form typically breeds in rain‐dependant water collections and is present during the rainy season only whereas the M form can thrive all year long in areas with permanent breeding opportunities. In the present study, we explored physiological and developmental trade‐offs at play in laboratory colonies and field populations of the M and S forms that originated from an area of sympatry in Burkina Faso, where M and S larvae exhibit such habitat segregation. In the laboratory, larvae of the M form developed slower than the S form (mean values 9.51 and 8.85 days, respectively, Wilcoxon's test, P < 0.001).Although wing length and dry weight at emergence showed large variations, M females were on average 8% heavier than S females of similar wing length. Higher nutritional reserves (proteins and lipids) in teneral adults explained part of this weight difference, reflecting a better ability of the M form to garner resources at the larval stage. Furthermore, a higher rate of ovarian maturation was observed in the M form after a single bloodmeal. The relevance of these findings for parasite transmission is discussed.
Different biogeographic patterns of prokaryotes and microbial eukaryotes in epilithic biofilms
Authors: RAGON MARIE , FONTAINE MICHAËL C. , MOREIRA DAVID , LÓPEZ‐GARCÍA PURIFICACIÓN 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMicrobial biogeography studies expend much effort in determining whether environmental selection or stochastic processes related to dispersal are more important in shaping community composition. While both types of factors are possibly influential, it is tacitly assumed that protists, or microbial eukaryotes in general, behave biogeographically as prokaryotes because of their small physical size. However, direct evidence for this in exactly the same environment and at the same phylogenetic depth is lacking. In this study, we compared the structure of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic components of microbial communities forming biofilms on mineral substrates in different geographic locations at the level of small‐subunit (SSU) rRNA‐based operational taxonomic units (OTUs). These microbial communities are subjected to strong environmental selection and contain significant proportions of extremophilic microorganisms adapted to desiccation and UV radiation. We find that the nature of the substrate as well as climatic variables and geography influences microbial community structure. However, constrained correspondence analyses and distance–decay curves showed that, whereas the substrate type was the most significant factor structuring bacterial communities, geographic location was the most influential factor for microbial eukaryote communities. Biological explanations implying a higher dispersal success for bacteria combined with more mobile lifestyles for predatory protists may underlie these different prokaryote versus microbial eukaryote biogeographic patterns.
Relationship between baseline impedance levels and esophageal mucosal integrity in children with erosive and non‐erosive reflux disease
Authors: Borrelli O. , Salvatore S. , Mancini V. , Ribolsi M. , Gentile M. , Bizzarri B. , Cicala M. , Lindley K. J. , de’Angelis G. L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  Baseline impedance measurement has been reported to be related to esophageal acid exposure and hypothesized to be a marker of microscopic changes of the esophageal mucosa. Aims of the study were to establish whether any relationship existed between the magnitude of intercellular space diameter (ISD) of esophageal mucosa and baseline impedance levels in children with gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and to compare baseline impedance levels between children with non erosive (NERD) and erosive (ERD) reflux disease.Methods  Fifteen children (median age: 11.2 years) with NERD, and 11 with ERD (median age: 9.6 years) were prospectively studied. All patients underwent upper endoscopy. Biopsies were taken 2–3 cm above the Z‐line, and ISD was measured using transmission electron microscopy. All patients underwent impedance pH‐monitoring, and baseline impedance levels were assessed in the most distal impedance channel.Key Results  Mean (±SD) ISD did not differ between NERD (1.0 ± 0.3 μm) and ERD (1.1 ± 0.3 μm, ns). Considering all patients together, no correlation was found between distal baseline impedance and ISD (r: −0.15; ns). Conversely, negative correlations were found between distal baseline impedance and acid exposure time (r: −0.76; P < 0.001), long‐lasting reflux episodes (r: −0.78; P < 0.001), acid reflux episodes (r: −0.62; P < 0.001), and acid clearance time (r: −0.79; P < 0.001). Distal baseline impedance was significantly lower in ERD [1455 (947–2338) Ω] than in NERD children [3065 (2253–3771) Ω; P < 0.01].Conclusions & Inferences  In children with GERD baseline impedance levels are not useful in predicting reflux‐induced ultrastructural changes in the esophageal mucosa, despite their ability to discriminate between NERD and ERD.
Reduced expression of antimicrobial PLUNC proteins in nasal polyp tissues of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Seshadri S. , Lin D. C. , Rosati M. , Carter R. G. , Norton J. E. , Suh L. , Kato A. , Chandra R. K. , Harris K. E. , W. Chu H. , Peters A. T. , Tan B. K. , Conley D. B. , Grammer L. C. , Kern R. C. , Schleimer R. P. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a disease characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. This inflammation may result in part from decreased epithelial barrier and innate immune responses, leading to frequent bacterial and fungal colonization. The objectives of this study were to investigate the expression of innate immune proteins of the palate lung and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) family in patients with CRS.MethodsNasal tissue samples were collected from control subjects and CRS patients with and without nasal polyps. Expression of the members of the PLUNC family was analyzed by real‐time PCR. Expression of SPLUNC1 and LPLUNC2 proteins was analyzed by ELISA, immunoblot, and immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsLevels of mRNA for most of the members of the PLUNC family were profoundly reduced in nasal polyps (NPs) compared to uncinate tissue from control subjects or patients with CRS. LPLUNC2 and SPLUNC1 proteins were decreased in NPs of patients with CRS compared to uncinate tissue from control subjects. Immunohistochemical data revealed that within submucosal glands of sinonasal tissues, SPLUNC1 and LPLUNC2 were differentially expressed, in serous and mucous cells, respectively. The decrease in the expression of these molecules is probably explained by a decrease in the number of glands in NPs as revealed by correlations with levels of the glandular marker lactoferrin.ConclusionsDecreased SPLUNC1 and LPLUNC2 in NPs reflect a profound decrease in the number of submucosal glands. Decreased glands may lead to a localized defect in the production and release of glandular innate defense molecules.
Human platelet antigen genotypes in Turkish and Caucasian blood donors in Germany
Authors: Hauck‐Dlimi B. , Hammon K. , Eckstein R. , Ott S. , Zimmermann R. , Dengler T. , Ringwald J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractExposition to allogenic human platelet antigens (HPAs) can lead to antibody formation causing neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT), post‐transfusion purpura or platelet (PLT) transfusion refractoriness. The frequencies of HPA differ between ethnical groups which could be associated with different potential alloimmunization risk. The Turkish population is the largest ethnic minority group living in Germany. However, no data are available about the HPA frequency among Turkish population. We compared the frequency of HPA between Caucasian and Turkish blood donors. DNA from blood samples of 119 Caucasian and 117 Turkish blood donors was isolated. The genotype of HPA‐1, ‐2, ‐3 ‐4, ‐5 and ‐15 was determined using a commercialized polymerase chain reaction kit with sequence‐specific primers. In Turkish blood donors, the gene frequencies of HPA‐1a/1b, ‐2a/2b, ‐3a/3b, ‐4a/4b, ‐5a/5b and ‐15a/15b were 0.863/0.137, 0.868/0.133, 0.607/0.393, 0.996/0.004, 0.893/0.107 and 0.474/0.256, respectively. In Caucasians, we observed 0.798/0.202, 0.908/0.092, 0.567/0.432, 1.000/0.000, 0.916/0.084 and 0.517/0.483 for HPA‐1a/1b, ‐2a/2b, ‐3a/3b, ‐4a/4b, ‐5a/5b and ‐15a/15b, respectively. No statistically significant difference between genotypes in these populations could be observed. Due to the similar distribution of HPA genotypes in both ethnical groups, no increased risk of NAIT for children of mixed couples or of post‐transfusion purpura or PLT transfusion refractoriness secondary to antibodies to HPAs for recipients of PLT concentrates from blood donors of the other ethnicity is given.
Relevance of maintenance triple‐drug immunosuppression to bridle the amplification of rat cytomegalovirus infection after experimental lung transplantation
Authors: Lehle K. , von Suesskind‐Schwendi M. , Diez C. , Michl M. , Geissler E.K. , Wottge H.U. , Schmid C. , Hirt S.W. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractImmunosuppressive therapy required to treat rejection after lung transplantation (LTx) contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease. In a weak allogeneic left LTx model in the rat (Fisher 344 [F344] to Wistar Kyoto [WKY] rats) we analyzed the influence of acute CMV infection on postoperative day (POD) 3, with application of standard triple‐drug immunosuppression (TD‐IS) (cyclosporin A, azathioprine, prednisolone) on late outcome after LTx. Native right lungs and syngeneic grafts (WKY to WKY) served as controls. Rats were sacrificed on POD 15, 30, 60, and 100. TD‐IS completely prevented acute and chronic rejection in non‐infected rats. Allografts of CMV‐infected rats treated with TD‐IS showed only mild perivascular infiltrations in 6/10 rats (POD 15 and 30), which persisted up to POD 100 in 4/10 rats. In the long‐term course, mild isolated interstitial and alveolar changes were found in 40% of these animals. In conclusion, rat CMV infection partially neutralized the immunosuppressive effect of TD‐IS. However, an amplification of CMV infection under TD‐IS can be controlled and does not result in fatal outcome.
Non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infection among lung transplant recipients: a 15‐year cohort study
Authors: Knoll B.M. , Kappagoda S. , Gill R.R. , Goldberg H.J. , Boyle K. , Baden L.R. , Fuhlbrigge A.L. , Marty F.M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of infection with non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) after lung transplant is insufficiently defined. Data on the impact of NTM infection on lung transplant survival are conflicting.MethodsTo quantify the incidence and outcomes of colonization and disease with NTM in patients after lung transplantation, the medical records, chest imaging, and microbiology data of 237 consecutive lung transplant recipients between 1990 and 2005 were reviewed. American Thoracic Society (ATS)/Infectious Diseases Society of America and Centers for Disease Control criteria were used to define pulmonary NTM disease and NTM surgical‐site infections (SSI), respectively. Incidence rates for NTM colonization and disease were calculated. Comparisons of median survival were done using the log‐rank test.Results
NTM were isolated from 53 of 237 patients (22.4%) after lung transplantation over a median of 25.2 months of follow‐up. The incidence rate of NTM isolation was 9.0/100 person‐years (95% confidence interval [CI), 6.8–11.8), and the incidence rate of NTM disease was 1.1/100 person‐years (95% CI 0.49–2.2). The most common NTM isolated was
Mycobacterium avium complex (69.8%), followed by
Mycobacterium abscessus (9.4%), and
Mycobacterium gordonae (7.5%). Among these 53 patients, only 2 patients met ATS criteria for pulmonary disease and received treatment for
M. avium. One patient had recurrent colonization after treatment, the other one was cured. Four of the 53 patients developed SSI, 3 caused by
M. abscessus and 1 caused by
Mycobacterium chelonae. Three of these patients had persistent infection requiring chronic suppressive therapy and one died from progressive disseminated disease. A total of 47 (89%) patients who met microbiologic but not radiographic criteria for pulmonary infection were not treated and were found to have only transient colonization. Median survival after transplantation was not different between patients with transient colonization who did not receive treatment and those who never had NTM isolated.ConclusionEpisodic isolation of NTM from lung transplant recipients is common. Most isolates occur among asymptomatic patients and are transient. Rapidly growing NTM can cause significant SSI, which may be difficult to cure. NTM disease rate is higher among lung transplant recipients than in the general population. In this cohort, NTM isolation was not associated with increased post‐transplantation mortality.
The effect of historical legacy on adaptation: do closely related species respond to the environment in the same way?
Authors: PRUNIER R. , HOLSINGER K. E. , CARLSON J. E. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe many documented examples of parallel and convergent evolution in similar environments are strong evidence for the role of natural selection in the evolution of trait variation. However, species may respond to selection in different ways; idiosyncrasies of their evolutionary history may affect how different species respond to the same selective pressure. To determine whether evolutionary history affects trait–environment associations in a recently diverged lineage, we investigated within‐species trait–environment associations in the white proteas, a closely related monophyletic group. We first used manovas to determine the relative importance of shared response to selection, evolutionary history and unique responses to selection on trait variation. We found that on average, similar associations to the environment across species explained trait variation, but that the species had different mean trait values. We also detected species‐specific associations of traits with the environmental gradients. To identify the traits associated uniquely with the environment, we used a structural equation model. Our analysis showed that the species differed in how their traits were associated with each of the environmental variables. Further, in the cases of two root traits (root mass and root length/mass ratio), two species differed in the direction of their associations (e.g. populations in one species had heavier roots in warmer areas, and populations in the other species had lighter roots in warmer areas). Our study shows that even in a closely related group of species, evolutionary history may have an effect on both the size and direction of adaptations to the environment.
Ultrastructure of hydathode trichomes of hemiparasitic Rhinanthus alectorolophus and Odontites vernus: how important is their role in physiology and evolution of parasitism in Orobanchaceae?
Authors: Těšitel J. , Tesařová M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe Rhinanthoid clade of the family Orobanchaceae comprises plants displaying a hemiparasitic or holoparasitic strategy of resource acquisition. Some of its species (mainly Rhinanthus spp.) are often used as models for studies of hemiparasite physiology. Although there is a well‐developed concept covering their physiological processes, most recent studies have neglected the existence of hydathode trichomes present on leaves of these hemiparasitic plants. As a first step for the proposed integration of these structures in the theory of physiological processes of the hemiparasites, we described the outer micromorphology and ultrastructure of the hydathode trichomes on leaves of hemiparasitic Rhinanthus alectorolophus and Odontites vernus with scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively). The TEM inspections of both types of trichome revealed typical ultrastructural features: labyrinthine cell wall, high content of cytoplasm in cells with numerous mitochondria and presence of plasmodesmata. All these features indicate high metabolic activity complying with their function as glandular trichomes actively secreting water. The active secretion of water by the hydathode trichomes (evidence for which is summarised here) also presents a possible mechanism explaining results of previous gas exchange measurements detecting high dark respiration and transpiration rates and a tight inter‐correlation between them in hemiparasitic Orobanchaceae. In addition, this process is hypothesised to have allowed multiple evolutionary transitions from facultative to obligate hemiparasitism and unique xylem‐feeding holoparasitism of Lathraea with a long‐lived underground stage featuring a rhizome covered by scales of leaf origin.
Biased sex ratios, mating frequency andNosemaprevalence in European corn borer, at low population densities
Authors: White J. A. , Burkness E. C. , Hutchison W. D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe widespread adoption of transgenicBtmaize in the Midwestern United States has led to historically low populations of the European corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis(Hübner). Reduced population densities might influence mating and/or disease dynamics inO. nubilalis, potentially amplifying or diminishing the benefits of areawide suppression. We hypothesized thatO. nubilalismating success and infection by the microsporidiumNosema pyraustaPaillot would be decreased in areas of low pest density. Over 2 years (2009, 2010), we collected moths from black‐light traps, evaluating sex ratio, mating status and infection byNosema. We found several locations that exhibited female‐biased sex ratios: to our knowledge, this is the first report of female‐biased sex ratios inO. nubilalisin the Midwestern United States. Despite this bias and subsequent rareness of males, proportion mating was still high (>90%) in most locations, and there were no statistically significant relationships among population density (as measured by black‐light trap catch), sex ratio and proportion of female moths that were mated.Nosemaprevalence was highly variable among locations, ranging from 0% to 87% of female moths infected.Nosemainfection was not significantly related to population density in either year, but was positively associated with sex ratio in 2009. It is possible thatNosemaor some other microbe may be manipulating reproduction inO. nubilalis. Regardless of mechanism, our results indicate thatNosemais being maintained inO. nubilalis, which is an encouraging indication that this important natural enemy may continue to provide biological control to complement transgenic technology. Additional surveys are warranted to better understand the extent of female‐biased sex ratios in low‐density populations ofO. nubilalis. Population models developed for studying the risk ofBtresistance in this pest should consider the possible impact of female‐biased sex ratios (vs. the conventional 1 : 1 sex ratio).
Larval competition within and between insecticide resistant and susceptible individuals in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Okuyama T. , Hsu J.‐C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractInsecticide resistance is a serious issue in agriculture. Ecological interactions may be used to manage the spread of resistance, but little information is currently available. In particular, virtually none is known about interactions between resistant and susceptible individuals. This study investigated competition between resistant and susceptible oriental fruit fly larvae (Bactrocera dorsalis). Competition in the larval stage was examined with an explicit consideration of individual identity (resistant or susceptible). Guava fruits were inoculated with eggs of susceptible and/or resistant flies, and their development and survival were monitored. Egg density influenced the time that larvae stayed in fruits as well as their survival. In addition, susceptible flies survived better when interacting with resistant flies than with other susceptible flies, indicating that susceptible flies are competitively superior to resistant flies. The results suggest that artificially creating environments that induce competition between susceptible and resistant flies can be useful for the management of insecticide resistance.
Effects of carbapenems and their combination with amikacin on murine gut colonisation by Candida albicans
Authors: Samonis George , Galanakis Emmanouil , Ntaoukakis Markos , Sarchianaki Emmanouela , Spathopoulou Thomai , Dimopoulou Dimitra , Kofteridis Diamantis P. , Maraki Sofia 
Published: June 2012

SummaryCarbapenems are broad‐spectrum antibiotics increasingly used for the treatment of severe infections. We evaluated the effects of four carbapenems given as monotherapies or in combination with amikacin on the level of gastrointestinal colonisation by Candida albicans in a previously established mouse model. Adult male Crl : CD1 (ICR) BR mice were fed chow containing C. albicans or regular chow. The mice fed with Candida chow had their gut colonised by the yeast. Both groups were subsequently given imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem, doripenem or their combination with amikacin or normal saline subcutaneously for 10 days. Stool cultures were performed immediately before, at the end and 1 week after discontinuation of treatment. Candida‐colonised mice treated with the antibiotics had higher counts of the yeast in their stools than control C. albicans‐colonised animals treated with saline. All four carbapenems and their combination with amikacin caused a significant increase in C. albicans concentration. Mice fed regular chow and treated with the study antibiotics or saline did not have any Candida in their stools. Dissemination of Candida was not detected in any animal. These data suggest that carbapenems and carbapenem plus amikacin induce substantial increases in the murine intestinal concentration of C. albicans.
Use of Ultrasound in the Reproductive Management of Dairy Cattle
Authors: Quintela LA , Barrio M , Peña AI , Becerra JJ , Cainzos J , Herradón PG , Díaz C 
Published: June 2012

ContentsThe significant decrease in fertility observed in dairy cattle during the last few decades and increasing requirements by the farmers have made a regular control of reproduction indispensable to urgently identify and solve potential problems affecting reproductive efficiency. Traditionally, the main diagnostic methods used for reproductive control in cattle included rectal palpation, inspection of vaginal discharge and vaginoscopy. Since the 1990s, the use of ultrasound (US) has become a common diagnostic method as a result of the new advances made in the development of US scans: smaller size, high level of autonomy, high image quality and accessible prices. Ultrasound improves accuracy in the diagnoses of stages of the oestrous cycle, ovarian and uterine pathologies, and pregnancy diagnosis. In addition, it facilitates the diagnosis of alterations during pregnancy (embryo mortality, foetal malformations, etc.) and helps determining foetal sex from day 55 of pregnancy.