bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Larval environmental stress altersAedes aegypticompetence for Sindbis virus
Authors: Muturi Ephantus J. , Kim Chang‐Hyun , Alto Barry W. , Berenbaum May R. , Schuler Mary A. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryObjective To evaluate how stress at the larval stage alters adult mosquito performance and susceptibility to viral infection.Methods We used a model system consisting of Sindbis virus (SINV) and the yellow fever mosquitoAedes aegypti.Larvae were either reared under optimal conditions (control) or exposed to one of four types of stressors; suboptimal nutrients, starvation, elevated temperature, and a low dose of the insecticide malathion and adult females were fed SINV infectious blood meal. Differential expressions of stress, immune‐specific and detoxification genes was measured in fourth instar larvae (HSP70, HSP83, cecropin, defensin, transferrin and CYP6Z6) and 3‐day‐old females (cecropin, defensin, transferrin) to identify plausible molecular mechanisms associated with mosquito response to stress.Results There were stress‐specific variations in mosquito performance (survival, development time, female size), but all stressors had a consistent effect of significantly increasing susceptibility to viral infection and dissemination relative to the controls. Three genes were up‐regulated in fourth instar larvae exposed to temperature stress (cecropin, defensin and CYP6Z6) compared to single genes in suboptimal nutrient (cecropin) and malathion (transferrin) stress treatments and down‐regulation of all the six genes in starvation treatments. In adult samples, transferrin was up‐regulated in all but starvation treatments while defensin was up‐regulated in starvation and temperature stress treatments.Conclusions Stress during larval development may cause alterations in adult mosquito phenotype and immunity that can increase their susceptibility to pathogens.
Efficacy of Chloroquine and Sulphadoxine‐Pyrimethamine either alone or in combination before introduction of ACT as first‐line therapy in uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal, India
Authors: Mullick Shrabanee , Das Sonali , Guha Subhasish K. , Bera Dilip K. , Sengupta Samudra , Roy Debasis , Saha Pabitra , Biswas Asit , Das Madhusudan , Ray Krishnangshu , Kundu Pratip K. , Maji Ardhendu K. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryObjective  In India, till recently, Chloroquine was used as first‐line therapy in areas with Chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases. The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) has introduced artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) as first‐line option to treat all P. falciparum cases in the country. This study was carried out to ascertain the efficacy of Chloroquine and Sulphadoxine‐Pyrimethamine, either alone or in combination, before the launch of ACT by NVBDCP.Methods  A total of 300 P. falciparum malaria cases were enrolled randomly in three study arms, Chloroquine (CQ), Sulphadoxine‐Pyrimethamine (SP) and Chloroquine plus Sulphadoxine‐Pyrimethamine (CQ + SP). All patients were followed up for 28 days as per WHO (Assessment and Monitoring of Antimalarial Drug Efficacy for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria, Geneva, 2003) Protocol. Paired blood samples of treatment failure cases were collected and subjected to MSP 1, MSP 2 and GLURP genotyping for differentiation between re‐infection and recrudescence. The data were analysed by Kaplan–Meier survival curve according to WHO standard procedures.Results  The overall failure rate including both early treatment failure (ETF) and late treatment failure (LTF) of CQ, SP and CQ + SP were 61%, 14% and 8%, respectively, in the study area. Of 60 recurrent malaria cases, genotyping was successful in 49 cases, revealing that most of the (46/49; 94%) cases of recurrent malaria were due to recrudescence.Conclusion  In Jalpaiguri District the overall failure rate of CQ was 61% and of SP 14%, which was well above the WHO recommended cut‐off threshold level (10%) for change of drug policy.
Non‐target‐site‐based resistance should be the centre of attention for herbicide resistance research: Alopecurus myosuroides as an illustration
Authors: DÉLYE C , GARDIN J A C , BOUCANSAUD K , CHAUVEL B , PETIT C 
Published: May 2011

Délye C, Gardin JAC, Boucansaud K, Chauvel B & Petit C (2011). Non‐target‐site‐based resistance should be the centre of attention for herbicide resistance research: Alopecurus myosuroides as an illustration. Weed Research51, 433–437.SummaryNon‐target‐site‐based resistance (NTSR) mechanisms can confer unpredictable resistance to herbicides with different chemistries or modes of action. In two French fields, 18% and 40% individual plants of Alopecurus myosuroides (black‐grass), respectively, were resistant via NTSR to all the most effective herbicides approved for A. myosuroides control in wheat (fenoxaprop, clodinafop, pinoxaden, iodosulfuron+mesosulfuron and pyroxsulam) and to the broad‐leaf‐selective herbicide quizalofop. Pinoxaden and pyroxsulam had never been applied to these populations. In the absence of new herbicide modes of action, this renders a purely chemical control of A. myosuroides in winter cereals much more complex in these fields. A segregation analysis showed that multi‐resistant phenotypes were endowed by multiple NTSR genes, underlining the complexity of NTSR. Yet, despite the threat posed to weed control, our lack of knowledge on NTSR is obvious. NTSR should therefore become the priority in herbicide resistance research.
Over 500 pancreas transplants by a single team in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Perosa Marcelo , Crescentini Fabio , Noujaim Huda , Mota Leonardo T. , Branez Juan Rafael , Ianhez Luiz Estevam , Ferreira Gustavo , de Oliveira Rodrigo Azevedo , Genzini Tércio 
Published: May 2011

Perosa M, Crescentini F, Noujaim H, Mota LT, Branez JR, Ianhez LE, Ferreira G, de Oliveira RA, Genzini T. Over 500 pancreas transplants by a single team in São Paulo, Brazil. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E422–E429. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Pancreas transplantation (PT) remains a developing practice in Latin America.From 1996 to 2009, 506 PTs were performed by our team in the following categories: simultaneous pancreas–kidney (SPK), simultaneous deceased donor pancreas and living‐donor kidney (SPLK), pancreas after kidney (PAK), and pancreas transplant alone (PTA). Enteric drainage was preferred for SPK and bladder drainage for solitary PT or SPLK. Immunosuppression was with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids, and anti‐lymphocytic drugs were used to induce solitary PT and SPLK.The series includes 254 SPK, 60 SPLK, 94 PAK, and 98 PTA. The one‐yr patient survivals were 82% for SPK, 90% for SPLK, 95% for PTA, and 93% for PAK. The one‐yr pancreas graft survivals were 70% for SPK, 86% for SPLK, 86% for PAK, and 77% for PTA. The one‐yr kidney graft survivals were 77.5% for SPK and 89% for SPLK.This represents the largest reported PT series in Latin America. Results comparable to those of developed countries were achieved, with the exception of the SPK category. This has led our program to prioritize solitary PT and SPLK.
Manipulating developmental stress reveals sex‐specific effects of egg size on offspring phenotype
Authors: LOVE O. P. , WILLIAMS T. D. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe general lack of experimental evidence for strong, positive effects of egg size on offspring phenotype has led to suggestions that avian egg size is a neutral trait. To better understand the functional significance of intra‐specific variation in egg size as a determinant of offspring fitness within a life‐history (sex‐specific life‐history strategies) and an environmental (poor rearing conditions) context, we experimentally increased developmental stress (via maternal feather‐clipping) in the sexually size‐dimorphic European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and measured phenotypic traits in offspring across multiple biological scales. As predicted by life‐history theory, sons and daughters had different responses when faced with developmental stress and variation in egg size. In response to developmental stress, small egg size in normally faster‐growing sons was associated with catch‐up growth prior to attaining larger adult size, resulting in a reduction in developmental stability. Daughters apparently avoided this developmental instability by reducing growth rate and eventual adult body mass and size. Interestingly, large egg size provided offspring with greater developmental flexibility under poor growth conditions. Large‐egg sons and daughters avoided the reduction in developmental stability, and daughters also showed enhanced escape performance during flight trials. Furthermore, large egg size resulted in elevated immune responses for both sexes under developmental stress. These findings show that there can be significant, but complex, context‐specific effects of egg size on offspring phenotype at least up to fledging, but these can only be demonstrated by appreciating variation in the quality of the offspring environment and life histories. Results are therefore consistent with egg size playing a significant role in shaping the phenotypic outcome of offspring in species that show even greater intra‐specific variation in egg size than starlings.
Beiträge zur Frage der Körperentwicklung und Futterverwertung des schwarzbunten Niederungsrindes im zweiten Lebensjahr
Authors: Schmidt J. , Vogel H. , Duckstein F. 
Published: May 2011

ZusammenfassungDie Untersuchungen stellen die Fortsetzung früherer Arbeiten der Verfasser dar, welche sich mit der Körperentwicklung und Futterverwertung des schwarzbunten Niederungsrindes im 1. und 2. Lebenshalbjahr befassen. Das Versuchsmaterial bildeten schwarzbunte Niederungsrinder des Versuchsgutes Friedland des Tierzucht‐Instituts der Universität Göttingen. Die Versuchstiere kamen zu Anfang des 2. Lebensjahres mit einem Durchschnittsgewicht von 320 kg in den Versuch und wogen am Ende des 2. Lebensjahres durchschnittlich 452 kg; die durchschnittliche tägliche Zunahme der Versuchstiere betrug im 2. Lebensjahre demnach 362 g. Die Entwicklung der Körperform wurde durch periodische Abnahme der wichtigsten Körpermaße festgestellt. Während der Weidezeit erfolgte keine Beifütterung; in der Stallfütterungsperiode wurde nach einem einheitlichen Futterplan gefüttert, der für die 83.—104. Lebenswoche nur Heu, Stroh und Futterrüben ohne Kraftfutterzulage vorsah. In dieser Zeit waren zur Erzeugung von 100 kg Zuwachs 48,2 kg verdauliches Eiweiß in 746,3 kg Stärkewerten nötig. Unter Verwendung der Versuchsergebnisse wurde ein Fütterungsplan aufgestellt, welcher einen Anhalt für die Fütterung von Jungrindern geben soll.
Case–control study of statin prevention of mould infections
Authors: Thompson Jessica N. , Huycke Mark M. , Greenfield Ronald A. , Kurdgelashvili George , Gentry Chris A. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryInvasive mould infections (IMI) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In vitro studies have demonstrated that hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have activity against several pathogenic moulds including Zygomycetes and Aspergillus spp. The aim of our study was to determine if statin use is a preventive factor for the development of IMI. This was a retrospective case–control study of 10 United States Veterans Affairs Medical Centers that comprise the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 16. Cases with IMI and controls were identified from 2001 to 2008. Controls were matched by age, facility, history of transplantation, presence of chronic steroid use and presence of human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). Two hundred and thirty‐eight patients were included. Independent variables associated with the development of IMI were history of solid malignant tumours (OR 2.63, 1.41–4.87) and hypertension (OR 2.29, 1.13–4.68). Statin use within 3 months of index date was not an independent variable for prevention or development of IMI. No level of exposure to a statin drug appeared to influence the development of infection. This retrospective case–control study suggests that despite evidence of in vitro activity, statins may not decrease risk of IMI. Prospective, controlled trials may be necessary to investigate any potential clinical benefit.
Current issues in the clinical management of invasive candida infections – the AGIHO, DMykG, ÖGMM and PEG web‐based survey and expert consensus conference 2009
Authors: Karthaus M. , Rüping M. J. G. T. , Cornely O. A. , Steinbach A. , Groll A. H. , Lass‐Flörl C. , Ostermann H. , Ruhnke M. , Vehreschild J. J. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe objectives of this study were to identify unsolved issues in the management of invasive candidiasis, identify controversies and achieve consensus. The German Speaking Mycological Society (Deutschsprachige Mykologische Gesellschaft, DMykG e.V.) asked other German infectious diseases (ID) and mycological societies to submit unsolved issues concerning the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections. Based on these contributions, a digital web‐based questionnaire of 12 questions on Candida infections was designed to be completed by experts of the participating societies. Controversial results were identified by a mathematical model and were discussed at a consensus conference during the 43rd Annual Meeting of the DMykG e.V. in Cologne, Germany. Forty‐two individuals completed the questionnaire. Analysis showed a strong consensus on treatment indications, choice of antifungals for clinical situations, handling of central venous catheters, duration of treatment and role of susceptibility testing. Opinions diverged on: initial treatment of haemodynamically stable neutropenic and haemodynamically unstable non‐neutropenic patients, step down to oral treatment and the differential role of the echinocandins. These questions were presented for discussion at the expert consensus conference. In three of four questions, consensus was achieved. A two‐step approach – web‐based survey plus classical panel discussion – allows to capture expeditiously the opinions of a large and diverse group of individuals, to identify controversial issues and to resolve them in a personal, interactive setting. Thus, expert consensus was achieved on nine of 12 important questions on how to treat invasive candidiasis.
Non‐invasive estimation of liver fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease using the 13C‐caffeine breath test
Authors: Park Gordon J‐H , Wiseman Elke , George Jacob , Katelaris Peter H , Seow Francis , Fung Caroline , Ngu Meng C 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Fibrotic progression in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with impaired hepatic function. The 13C‐caffeine breath test (CBT) is a non‐invasive, quantitative test of liver function. We sought to determine the utility of the CBT in detecting hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD.Methods:  The CBT was applied to 48 patients with NAFLD. CBT results were compared to clinical, biochemical and histological data. Twenty‐four healthy subjects served as controls.Results:  Patients with simple steatosis had similar CBT values (2.28 ± 0.71 Δ‰ per 100 mg caffeine) to controls (2.31 ± 0.85, P = 1.0). However, CBT was significantly reduced in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (1.59 ± 0.65, P = 0.005) and cirrhosis (1.00 ± 0.73, P < 0.001). CBT significantly correlated with Brunt's fibrosis score (r = −0.49, P < 0.001) but not with steatosis (P = 0.23) or inflammation (P = 0.08). CBT also correlated with international normalized ratio (r = −0.61, P < 0.001), albumin (r = 0.37, P = 0.009), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (r = −0.34, P = 0.018) and platelets (r = 0.31, P = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.042–1.203, P = 0.002) and CBT (OR 0.264, 95% CI 0.084–0.822, P = 0.02) were independent predictors of significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2). CBT yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.86 for the diagnosis of cirrhosis.Conclusions:  The CBT reflects the extent of hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD and represents a non‐invasive predictor of fibrosis severity in this condition.
Conflicting clinical environment about the management of antithrombotic agents during the periendoscopic period in Japan
Authors: Ono Satoshi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Uedo Noriya , Yokoi Chizu , Akiyama Junichi , Sugawara Masaki , Oda Ichiro , Suzuki Shoko , Fujita Yoshiyuki , Tsubata Shunsuke , Hirano Masaaki , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Kataoka Mikinori , Kamoshida Toshiro , Hirai Shinji , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Kondo Hitoshi , Yamamoto Yorimasa , Okada Kazuhisa , Morita Yoshinori , Fujiwara Shoko , Morishita Shinji , Matsumoto Masao , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Although there are guidelines for the management of antithrombotic agents during the periendoscopic period, gaps between various guidelines create a confusing situation in daily clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to examine the current management of antithrombotic agents during the periendoscopic period in Japan.Methods:  This is a prospective cohort study in 12 high‐volume endoscopy centers in Japan. A total of 970 outpatients receiving antithrombotic agents underwent endoscopies (705 esophagogastroduodenoscopies and 265 colonoscopies) with or without invasive procedures. Main outcome measures are adverse events in these patients.Results:  Need for cessation of antithrombotics before endoscopy was mostly determined by non‐gastroenterologists (51%) who are unfamiliar with the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) guideline, although cessation periods after endoscopy for most patients were determined by endoscopists (78%). Consequently, most patients underwent endoscopy without cessation (25%) or after a cessation period of 6–7 days (33%), indicating low permeation of the JGES guideline in Japan. Among 970 patients, two patients experienced major complications that may be related to thromboembolic events or gastrointestinal bleeding (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0–0.7%). One of these patients died due to sudden onset ventricular tachycardia. Invasive procedures, including 40 biopsies and two mucosal resections, were performed in 42 patients without cessation of antithrombotics, and no patients experienced major complications (95% CI: 0–8.4%).Conclusions:  This study revealed a conflicting clinical environment due to absence of a unified guideline in Japan. Further accumulation of data is mandatory to establish a unified guideline based upon solid evidence.
Biology of hepatic cancer stem cells
Authors: Tong Carol Man , Ma Stephanie , Guan Xin‐Yuan 
Published: May 2011

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy of the liver and is the third most frequent cause of cancer death worldwide. Although advances in HCC detection and treatment have increased the likelihood of a cure at early stages of the disease, HCC remains largely incurable because of late presentation and tumor recurrence. Only 25% of HCC patients are deemed suitable for curative treatment, with the overall survival at just a few months for inoperable patients. Additionally, this disease is particularly difficult to treat because of the high recurrence rate, its chemotherapy‐resistant nature and the premalignant nature of surrounding cirrhotic liver disease. In the past few years, compelling evidence has emerged in support of the hierarchic cancer stem cell (CSC)/tumor‐initiating cell (T‐IC) model for solid tumors, including HCC. Understanding the characteristics and function of CSCs in the liver has also shed light on HCC management and treatment, including the implications for prognosis, prediction and treatment resistance. In this review, a detailed summary of the recent progress in liver CSC research with regard to identification, regulation and therapeutic implications will be discussed.
Intrahepatic response markers in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with peginterferon alpha‐2a and adefovir
Authors: Takkenberg Bart , Terpstra Valeska , Zaaijer Hans , Weegink Christine , Dijkgraaf Marcel , Jansen Peter , Beld Marcel , Reesink Hendrik 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  We investigated whether intrahepatic markers could predict response in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients treated with peg‐interferon and adefovir for 48 weeks.Methods:  Intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), total intrahepatic HBV DNA and the proportion of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) positive hepatocytes in 16 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive and 24 HBeAg negative patients were measured at baseline and at end of treatment.Results:  Baseline intrahepatic markers were not associated with sustained virological response (SVR) defined as HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL and persistent normal alanine aminotransferase levels at the end of follow‐up (week 72). At end of treatment, intrahepatic cccDNA and total intrahepatic HBV DNA in HBeAg positive patients were significantly lower in patients with HBeAg seroconversion (P = 0.016 and P = 0.010) with positive predictive values (PPV) for SVR of 80% and 80%, respectively. In HBeAg negative patients, intrahepatic cccDNA and total intrahepatic HBV DNA had declined significantly at end of treatment (P = 0.035 and P = 0.041) and corresponding PPV for SVR was 73% and 82%. In HBeAg positive patients, median proportion of HBcAg positive hepatocytes declined significantly (P = 0.002) at end of treatment. In HBeAg negative patients, the proportion of HBsAg positive hepatocytes had declined significantly at end of treatment (P = 0.0009). Using HBsAg ≤ 7.5% as a limit, PPV for SVR in HBeAg negative patients was 83%.Conclusions:  At end of treatment in HBeAg positive patients, intrahepatic cccDNA and total intrahepatic HBV DNA were predictive for SVR. In HBeAg negative patients a proportion of < 7.5% HBsAg positive hepatocytes at end of treatment was a strong predictor for SVR.
Reduction of natural killer and natural killer T cells is not protective in cisplatin‐induced acute renal failure in mice
Authors: KIM HYE‐RYOUN , LEE MI‐KYUNG , PARK AE‐JA , PARK EON‐SEOB , KIM DONG‐SEOK , AHN JIHYUN , KIM JAETACK , KIM SU‐HYUN , OH DONG‐JIN 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT:Aims:  A recent report showed that fractalkine (CX3CL1), which functions as both a potent chemoattractant and adhesion molecule for monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells was significantly increased in cisplatin‐induced acute renal failure (CisARF) in mice. Therefore, we developed the hypothesis that increased CX3CL1 expression in CisARF initiates NK cell infiltration in the kidney. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of NK cells in CisARF in mice.Methods:  Time course of pan‐NK positive cells in CisARF was investigated by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD49b. Pan‐NK positive cells were reduced by using anti‐NK1.1 mAb. The model of pan‐NK positive cells reduction was confirmed by flow cytometry of the spleen and IHC of the kidney. The expression of granzyme A and caspase‐1 was examined, and the activity of caspase‐1 was also determined. We performed a study on whether there was significant protection of renal function after reduction of pan‐NK positive cells.Results:  (i) Infiltration of pan‐NK positive cells was prominent on day 3 after cisplatin administration. (ii) granzyme A expression was significantly increased in CisARF and CisARF+NK1.1 Ab compared to vehicle. (iii) Caspase‐1 expression and activity was significantly increased in CisARF mice compared to vehicle and CisARF+NK1.1 Ab. (iv) Reduction of pan‐NK positive cells was not protective in cisplatin‐induced acute renal failure in mice.Conclusions:  Although infiltration of pan‐NK cells was significantly increased in CisARF, reduction of infiltration of pan‐NK cells into the kidney was not protective against CisARF in mice.