bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
KIR/HLA‐I mismatching and risk of relapse in paediatric patients undergoing non‐haploidentical allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Scquizzato Elisa , Zambello Renato , Teramo Antonella , Baesso Ilenia , Varotto Stefania , Albergoni Maria Paola , Boscaro Elisa , Cesaro Simone , Pillon Marta , Calore Elisabetta , Gazzola Maria Vittoria , Semenzato Gianpietro , Messina Chiara , Trentin Livio 
Published: February 2011

Scquizzato E, Zambello R, Teramo A, Baesso I, Varotto S, Albergoni MP, Boscaro E, Cesaro S, Pillon M, Calore E, Gazzola MV, Semenzato G, Messina C, Trentin L. KIR/HLA‐I mismatching and risk of relapse in paediatric patients undergoing non‐haploidentical allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:198–204. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  In HSCT setting, KIR‐driven alloreactivity might be better predicted if the donor KIR genotype is considered in addition to the recipient HLA genotype. The prediction of NK cell alloreactivity relies on the missing ligand in the recipient, a scenario that can be found in HLA‐identical and non‐identical allotransplants. The aim of this study was to investigate at genetic level the prognostic impact of recipient HLA‐I lacking for donor KIR on allotransplanted patients outcome. We analysed donors KIR genotype and HLA genotype of 60 paediatric patients who received related (n = 15) or unrelated (n = 45) transplantation. When patients were grouped based on the KIR gene type involved in the KIR/HLA‐I mismatch, we did not observe any relapse in the group of patients characterized by mismatches involving only inhibitory KIR. On the contrary, all relapses were observed in patients showing at least one activating gene involved in the mismatch (p < 0.05). Although the biological mechanism accounting for this putative genetic rule is still to be clarified, we suggest that a careful survey of KIR/HLA‐I mismatching should be taken into account in the selection of donor in related and unrelated HSCT.
DNA Analysis to Find Rare Blood Donors when Antisera is not Available
Authors: Reid Marion E. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn order to screen for antigen‐negative blood donors, it is necessary to have appropriate, potent antisera in sufficient volume. Anti‐Doa and anti‐Dob are notoriously weakly reactive antibodies, available only in small volumes, usually in sera containing other alloantibodies, and often deteriorate on storage. Thus, it has not been possible to test large numbers of blood samples to find Do (a‐) or Do (b‐) blood donors. At the NYBC, we now type selected donors for DOA and DOB by DNA analysis. Initially, we tested DNA Prepared from donors who had been typed by hemagglutination for one or both antigens. We found that four donors, whose RBCs previously typed as Do (a+b‐), had both DOA and DOB alleles, and when retested, the RBCs were Do (a+b+w). We have now tested over 300 donors for DO by PCR‐RFLP using either Eam1105 I or BseRI restriction enzymes. Blood from DOA/DOA donors has survived better than “crossmatch compatible” blood for Patients with anti‐Dob and such results suggest that anti‐Dob is a more frequent cause of transfusion reactions than reported. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that PCR‐RFLP can be used to screen for antigen‐negative donors in other blood group systems when appropriate antisera are not available. When interpreting the results, it is important to remember that the genotype may not reflect the phenotype. Our strategy has been to perform DNA analysis for the DO alleles on those donors who have been shown by hemagglutination to lack antigens corresponding to multiple alloantibodies in patients’ plasma. In this way, we have been able to supply rare blood to numerous patients, whose serum contained at least 5 additional alloantibodies of clinical significance.
Rare Blood Donors: The Past and the Future
Authors: Woodfield Graeme 
Published: February 2011

AbstractFor many years, there has been a clinical requirement for the provision of units of rare blood for patients with either single or multiple blood group antibodies present. To co‐ordinate this need, the Rare Blood Donor Working Party of the International Society of Blood Transfusion was established in 1985. Since then, the Working Party has been active in promoting information on the procedures and methods for testing, packaging, transport and delivery of rare blood internationally. The Working Party has a close relationship with the Blood Group Reference Laboratory in the United Kingdom. The availability of the World Health Organization International Donor Panel permits the rapid and accurate locating of rare blood units.The Rare Blood Donor Working Party conducts surveys, attends to technical queries and is active in education. This can assist countries that are upgrading their blood services and give them a greater understanding of the international help available when confronted with a difficult‐to‐transfuse patient.In the future, it is anticipated that a wider range of countries will contribute to the International Donor Panel. It is likely that with the many major population movements throughout the world and the potential consequent development of rare antibodies or mixtures of antibodies, the need for the availability of rare blood donations will remain for the foreseeable future.
Characterisation and natural variation of a dehydrin gene in Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.
Authors: Vornam B. , Gailing O. , Derory J. , Plomion C. , Kremer A. , Finkeldey R. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractFor the first time in sessile oak [Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.], the isolation and characterisation of a full‐length dehydrin gene and its promoter region, as well as its allelic variation in natural populations, is reported. Dehydrins (Dhn) are stress‐related genes important for the survival of perennial plants in a seasonal climate. A full‐length dehydrin gene (Dhn3) was characterised at the nucleotide level and the protein structure was modelled. Additionally, the allelic variation was analysed in five natural populations of Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. sampled along an altitudinal gradient in the French Pyrenees. The analysed sequences contain typical domains of the Kn class of dehydrins in the coding region. Also, the 5′untranslated region (promoter) of the gene was amplified, which shows typical motifs essential for drought‐ and cold‐responsive gene expression. Single nucleotide substitutions and indels (insertions/deletions) within the coding region determine large biochemical differences at the protein level. However, only low levels of genetic differentiation between populations from different altitudes were detectable.
Seed longevity and fire: germination responses of an exotic perennial herb in NW Patagonian grasslands (Argentina)
Authors: Franzese J. , Ghermandi L. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractFire affects grassland composition by selectively influencing recruitment. Some exotic species can increase their abundance as a consequence of fire‐stimulated seed germination, but response may depend on seed age. Rumex acetosella L. (Polygonaceae, sheep’s sorrel) is a cosmopolitan herb that has invaded NW Patagonia’s grasslands. This species forms persistent soil seed banks and increases after disturbances, particularly fire. We studied how fire and seed longevity influence R. acetosella germination. In 2008, we conducted laboratory experiments where we exposed different‐aged seeds (up to 19 years old) to heat, smoke, charcoal, ash and control treatments. Total percentage germination and mean germination time depended on both seed age and fire treatment. Germination of younger seeds decreased with increasing temperature. There was no general pattern in germination responses of different‐aged seeds to smoke, charcoal and ash. While smoke improved the germination of fresh seeds, charcoal decreased germination. Germination of untreated seeds was negatively correlated with seed age, and mean germination time increased with seed age. In most treatments, fresh seeds had lower germination than 1–5‐year‐old seeds, indicating an after‐ripening requirement. Smoke stimulates R. acetosella germination, causing successful recruitment during post‐fire conditions. Fresh seeds are particularly responsive to fire factors, possibly because they have not experienced physical degradation and are more receptive to environmental stimuli. Knowing the colonisation potential from the soil seed bank of this species during post‐fire conditions will allow us to predict their impact on native communities.
Potentiality of evenly distributed hypervariable microsatellite markers in marker‐assisted breeding of rice
Authors: Narshimulu Gonela , Jamaloddin Mohammed , Vemireddy Lakshminarayana R. , Anuradha Ghnata , Siddiq Eea 
Published: February 2011

With 4 figures and 1 table AbstractTo provide ready‐to‐use markers for background selection in marker‐assisted breeding of rice, we have extracted 840 hypervariable microsatellite markers (hvRMs) evenly distributed in the genome from 18 828 Class I simple sequence repeats. These hvRMs were grouped into bins of 5‐Mb intervals with 5–8 bins depending on the chromosome length. In each bin, 10 hvRMs were selected based on their microsatellite repeat number and type. Of 840, a representative of 36 hvRMs were selected and its polymorphic information content (PIC) was estimated by amplifying 24 diverse rice cultivars. The findings revealed that hvRMs show high PIC values and more alleles when compared to the 25 randomly chosen microsatellite markers. The informative hvRMs developed for background selection across cultivars in this study along with the already established molecular markers tightly linked to the genes of agronomic value could be of value for the development of a ‘MAS kit’ for speeding up the efforts of plant breeders for targeted crop improvement.
Phenotypic characterization of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] genotypes in relation to prediction of chemical quality constituents by NIRS equations
Authors: Lebot Vincent , Ndiaye André , Malapa Roger 
Published: February 2011

With 5 figures and 3 tables AbstractThis study evaluates the potential of NIRS (near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy) to predict the major constituents (starch, sugars, cellulose, proteins and minerals) of the sweet potato root. Overall, 240 accessions were morphologically described, chemically analysed and their NIR spectra recorded. No correlations were observed between aerial and underground traits, and between morphological traits and major constituents. Calibration equations, developed on 190 accessions, showed high explained variances in cross‐validation (r2cv) for starch (0.82), sugars (0.91), proteins (0.89) and minerals (0.74) but no response for cellulose (0.21). The predictions were tested on an independent set of 50 randomly selected accessions. The r2pred values for starch, sugars and proteins were, respectively, of 0.71, 0.82 and 0.87 with ratios of performance to deviation (RPD) of 2.11, 2.29 and 2.93. New calibration equations developed on 240 accessions showed improved RPD values for starch (2.65), sugars (2.75), cellulose (1.58), proteins (3.47) and minerals (2.34), indicating that larger sets could improve prediction. NIRS could be used in sweet potato breeding programmes to predict starch, sugars and proteins contents in the roots.
Clinical phenotypes associated with type II collagen mutations
Authors: Kannu Peter , Bateman John , Savarirayan Ravi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractCOL2A1 mutations give rise to a spectrum of phenotypes predominantly affecting cartilage and bone from the severe disorders that are perinatally lethal to the milder conditions that are recognised in the post‐natal period and childhood. The milder chondrodysplasias are characterised by disproportionate short stature, eye abnormalities, cleft palate and hearing loss. It remains poorly recognised that there is significant variability in the disease presentation, with early onset short stature conditions and later onset milder phenotypes. Similarly, it is under‐acknowledged that COL2A1 mutations may solely cause joint disease in the absence of the other mentioned phenotypic clues. The underlying hypothesis is that there are novel phenotypes caused by mutations in type II collagen that extend from premature arthritis through to more severe bone dysplasias. The importance of finding a COL2A1 mutation lies in the subsequent ability to accurately assess recurrence risks and offer information regarding disease natural history. Most importantly, it enables at‐risk individuals to be identified for implementation of preventative strategies and early ameliorative management of their condition. Such interventions potentially translate into a reduction in health costs associated with musculoskeletal disease.
Early functional echocardiogram and inhaled nitric oxide: Usefulness in managing neonates born following extreme preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)
Authors: Shah Dharmesh M , Kluckow Martin 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  Poor neonatal outcome of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) <24 weeks' gestational age (GA) is probably a result of abnormalities in both airway and vascular developments, ventilation perfusion mismatch, and possibly persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Perinatal mortality of 50–90% has been reported in the past, with recent literature reporting significant improvement in neonatal survival. We report our 8‐year experience in this group of infants using early diagnostic functional echocardiography (fECHO), high‐frequency ventilation (HFV) and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO).Methods:  The obstetric and neonatal databases were searched to identify babies with PPROM (<20 weeks' gestation) or rupture earlier than 25 weeks for more than 14 days.Results:  Twenty‐six infants were identified, of whom 20 were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU; mean GA 27.8 weeks, mean birth weight (BW) 1207 g). Early echocardiographic data were available in 12/15 infants requiring mechanical ventilation of whom 10 had evidence of PPHN. All infants who received iNO therapy survived to discharge and only two infants died. Survival to discharge was 69% for the whole cohort of infants and 90% for infants admitted to the NICU. In contrast, for the cohort from pre‐iNO and ‐HFV era, the overall survival to discharge was 62% and 66% for the infants admitted to the NICU.Conclusion:  Premature infants with PPROM and presumed severe hypoxemic respiratory failure because of hypoplastic lungs often have significant PPHN and may show improvement in oxygenation after treatment with HFV and iNO. Early fECHO results in earlier identification and treatment of infants with PPHN in this high‐risk group.
Caustic ingestion and oesophageal damage in children: Clinical spectrum and feeding practices
Authors: Sánchez‐Ramírez Carmen A , Larrosa‐Haro Alfredo , Vásquez Garibay Edgar M , Larios‐Arceo Francisco 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  The study aims to evaluate the association of oesophageal damage with clinical data and feeding practices in children who suffered a caustic substance ingestion (CSI).Methods:  Cross‐sectional design was used in this study. The setting was at a paediatric referral hospital in 2006. Ninety‐four children with CSI were used as study samples, with mean age of 38.4 months, and 37.2% were females. The independent variable was oesophageal damage; the dependent variables were clinical data and feeding practices.Results:  Main symptoms included salivation, oropharyngeal burns and vomiting. On endoscopy, 84.6% had second‐ or third‐degree burns. Oesophageal stricture occurred in 48.9%. Severe burns were associated with oesophageal stricture and ingestion of alkaline products; dysphagia was associated with oesophageal stricture. In about one fourth of the cases, a nutritional intervention with complete and balanced liquid diets was required to maintain the adequate daily recommended intake (DRI).Conclusions:  Alkali ingestion was associated with severe burns and oesophageal stricture. The presence of oesophageal strictures and dysphagia required changes in the feeding practices in order to maintain an adequate nutritional status and/or to complete their DRI.
Norovirus as cause of benign convulsion associated with gastro‐enteritis
Authors: Chan Chi‐man Victor , Chan Chun‐wing Desmond , Ma Che‐kwan , Chan Hin‐biu 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  Rotavirus and norovirus gastro‐enteritis (GE) are common in children. Complications, except severe dehydration, are rare. Rotavirus was known to cause seizures and even GE encephalopathy, but these complications are less described in norovirus infection. The objective of this study is to compare the demographic features, clinical manifestations including the incidence of afebrile seizure, and the outcomes in children with rotavirus and norovirus infections.Methods:  This is a retrospective review of children between age 1 month and 6 years admitted to the paediatric department of a regional hospital in Hong Kong with rotavirus and norovirus infections over a period of 3 years from 1 June 2006 to 31 May 2009. Their demographic data, clinical features, laboratory results and outcomes were compared and analysed.Results:  Two hundred and thirty‐two children with rotavirus and 173 children with norovirus GE were admitted within the study period. Afebrile seizure commonly occurred in norovirus infection (8.67% vs. 1.29%, P < 0.001). Children with rotavirus infection had higher temperature and more diarrhoea episodes, while more blood‐stained stool was noted in the norovirus group. Rotavirus‐infected patients stayed longer in hospital. All of them had full recovery without any complication. Among the 18 patients who developed afebrile convulsions, 17 of them had neuroimaging performed, which was normal. Fourteen of them had electroencephalogram (EEG) performed, demonstrating normal or non‐specific findings. None of them developed subsequent seizure attack after the GE episode.Conclusions:  Norovirus is more commonly associated with benign convulsion in GE than rotavirus. We need to identify the presence of virus, in particular norovirus, in children with GE and afebrile generalised tonic–clonic seizure. Further neuro‐investigations may not be necessary once the aetiology is established. Prognosis is excellent in this group of children and prophylactic anticonvulsant is not needed.
Childhood outcomes of neonates diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Morag Iris , Shah Prakesh S , Epelman Monica , Daneman Alan , Strauss Tzipi , Moore Aideen M 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  The study aims to determine childhood outcomes of neonates diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis (PVT).Methods:  A retrospective chart review of neonates diagnosed with PVT who had documented follow up (physical examination, laboratory tests or ultrasonographic examination) at the age of 2 years or beyond was conducted.Results:  Data were available for 70 children (71% of eligible neonates) at a median age of 5 years (range 2–8 years). Physical examination was unremarkable in all who were examined (n= 68). Twenty‐five children had liver functions assessed and only mild abnormalities were detected in nine children. Six of 25 patients tested for thrombophilia showed abnormalities. Thirty‐seven children had ultrasonographic follow up. Left lobar atrophy (LLA) was noted in 20 children (16 had isolated LLA, two had LLA and splenomegaly, and two had LLA and portal hypertension). Five children who had normal ultrasound examinations at discharge had splenomegaly (two with additional finding of LLA) at follow up. Two children with portal hypertension diagnosed during neonatal period needed porta‐caval shunting.Conclusion:  Our results show that among patients, who had PVT as neonates, 28% still had asymptomatic LLA in childhood, 7% had slowly progressive splenomegaly and 3% required shunting because of progression of portal hypertension. Ultrasonographic follow up was the most sensitive method in detecting progression associated with neonatal PVT. Until more data are available, periodic long‐term ultrasonographic follow up should be considered for neonates diagnosed with PVT.
Cardiac function in survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Krawczuk‐Rybak Maryna , Dakowicz Łucja , Hryniewicz Andrzej , Maksymiuk Agnieszka , Żelazowska‐Rutkowska Beata , Wysocka Jolanta 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  The study objective was to assess plasma N‐terminal–pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and to evaluate left ventricular mass as well as left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions in 44 children who had undergone treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma, with regard to gender, age at disease onset, time that had passed since therapy completion, cumulative dose of antracyclines and mediastinal radiotherapy applied.Methods:  The median levels of pro‐BNP were found to be higher in the whole study group as compared with the control (55.9 ± 53.1 ng/mL vs. 38.5 ± 47.7 ng/mL, P= 0.059). The pro‐BNP values >80.0 ng/mL (standard deviation score (SDS)) were noted in 11/44 patients, including those exceeding 115.0 ng/mL (2 SDS) – in 6/44 patients.Results:  No correlation was observed of pro‐BNP levels with the accumulated dose of antracyclines (r=−0.42, P= 0.79) or mediastinal radiotherapy (r= 0.197, P= 0.2). However, negative correlation was found between pro‐BNP and the time that had passed since therapy completion (r=−0.378, P= 0.009). In echocardiography, shortening and ejection fractions remained normal, whereas the indexed stroke volume was below 40 mL/m2 in 16/44 patients. The E/A index below 1.5 was found in 6/44 cases. The left ventricular systolic mass remained within the normal range. Negative correlation was noted between isovolumetric diastolic time and pro‐BNP level.Conclusions:  Increased levels of pro‐BNP after anti‐cancer treatment with the involvement of cardiotoxic substances may indicate the first symptoms of myocardial dysfunction, despite the lack of major echocardiographic disorders.
Evaluation of working memory impairment in children with primary nocturnal enuresis: Evidence from event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Yu Bing , Guo Qiyong , Fan Guoguang , Ma Hongwei , Wang Lu , Liu Na 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  To assess the working memory and explore the differential activations of brain areas in children with primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) by performing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans using the categorical N‐Back task.Methods:  Thirteen right‐handed PNE children (M/F = 7:6, average age 11.4 ± 0.8 years) and 15 age‐matched, right‐handed, healthy controls (M/F = 9:6, 11.3 ± 1.0 years) were recruited for the study. First, intelligence tests were performed using Chinese Wechsler Young Children Scales of Intelligence in PNE children and controls. The full intelligence quotient (FIQ), verbal IQ (VIQ), performance IQ (PIQ) and memory/caution (M/C) factor were measured. After intelligence tests, event‐related fMRI scans were performed using the categorical N‐Back working memory task on a 3.0T MR scanner. The percent of correct responses (PCR) and the mean reaction time to correct response (mRT) were recorded and compared; fMRI data were analysed using SPM2, the differences in activation were compared with the single subject and between‐group levels.Results:  The FIQ, VIQ and PIQ in the PNE group were within the normal range and did not significantly differ from the control group (P > 0.05). The M/C factor was statistically significantly lower in the PNE group (P < 0.05). In the N‐Back test, PNE children had lower PCR and longer mRT than controls (P < 0.05). A between‐group analysis of fMRI data revealed significant attenuation in the left posterior cerebellar lobes of PNE children.Conclusion:  PNE children had deficits in working memory, and dysfunction in the left cerebella might be associated with their working memory deficits.