bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mannan‐Binding Lectin (MBL) and MBL‐Associated Serine Protease 2 (MASP‐2) Genotypes in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ytting H. , Christensen I. J. , Steffensen R. , Alsner J. , Thiel S. , Jensenius J. C. , Hansen U. , Nielsen H. J. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMannan‐binding lectin (MBL) and MBL‐associated serine protease 2 (MASP‐2) are key factors of the lectin pathway of complement activation. Polymorphisms of the MBL2 and MASP‐2 genes affect serum levels of MBL and MASP‐2. In patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), the MBL and MASP‐2 serum levels are increased and high MASP‐2 levels are associated with recurrence and poor survival, whereas low MBL levels predict post‐operative pneumonia. It is not known whether these associations are genetically based. In this study, the MBL and MASP‐2 genotypes are investigated in 593 patients with CRC and 348 healthy controls. The potential association between genetic profile and infections, recurrence and survival is evaluated. Four single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MBL2 were analysed using TaqMan assays, with characterization of MBL2 wildtype A, variants B, C and D and alleles H/L, Y/X and P/Q. The SNP D120G for MASP‐2 was determined. Serum levels of MBL and MASP‐2 were measured. The MBL2 and MASP‐2 genotype distribution was similar among patients with CRC and healthy controls and MBL2 genotype significantly associated with MBL concentration in serum (P < 0.0001). No significant association between MBL2/MASP‐2 genotype and post‐operative infectious complications (P = 0.33 and 0.22), recurrent cancer or survival (P = 0.74 and P = 0.61 respectively) was found. Thus, the increased serum levels of MBL and MASP‐2 found in patients with CRC are not explained for by genetic profiles. In contrast to what has been demonstrated for serum levels of MBL and MASP‐2, the genotypes do not predict disease course of the CRC patients.
Natural Cytotoxicity of NC‐2+ Cells Against the Growth and Metastasis of WEHI‐164 Fibrosarcoma
Authors: Shirzad H. , Burton R. C. , Smart Y. C. , Rafieian‐kopaei M. , Shirzad M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractWe have previously reported a new receptor (NC‐2) for natural cytotoxicity (NC) on murine leucocytes, identified by monoclonal antibody D9 (mAb D9). Pretreatment of mouse spleen cells with different concentrations of mAb D9 in vitro blocked NC against WEHI‐164, whereas natural killing (NK) activity against YAC‐1 was unaffected. This paper reports the immune surveillance against the growth of WEHI‐164 tumour cells in mice by NC‐2+ Cells. The kinetics of in vivo reduction in NC activity were investigated by treating BALB/c and (CBA × C57BL/6) F1 mice with a single injection of 40 μg of mAb D9 and monitoring splenic NC activity by 51Cr‐release assay at intervals from 24 h to 3 weeks. Control mice were injected with OKT8 irrelevant antibody. Results showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in splenic NC activity within 24 h which persisted for up to 1 week. Similar results were also obtained when (CBA × C57BL/6) F1 mice were employed (P < 0.001). In vivo tumour studies were undertaken to investigate the role of NC‐2+ cells in surveillance against tumour growth and metastasis of the WEHI‐164 fibrosarcoma. When syngeneic BALB/c mice were injected with 40 μg of mAb D9 and then challenged with 5 × 105 WEHI‐164 cells, results showed significantly increased growth rate of the transplanted WEHI‐164 fibrosarcoma and tumour nodules in the lungs of animals, when compared to control mice with normal NC activity. Our data support an innate surveillance in metastasis and growth of WEHI‐164 fibrosarcoma in mice.
Enhanced resolution of interstitial fibrosis in pediatric renal allograft biopsies using image analysis of trichrome stain
Authors: Birk Patricia E. , Gill John S. , Blydt‐Hansen Tom D. , Gibson Ian W. 
Published: October 2010

Birk PE, Gill JS, Blydt‐Hansen TD, Gibson IW. Enhanced resolution of interstitial fibrosis in pediatric renal allograft biopsies using image analysis of trichrome stain. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14: 925–930. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The Banff classification is ill suited to detect subtle histologic progression in renal allografts. We present image analysis methodology to precisely quantify IF in pediatric renal allograft biopsies routinely stained with MT. The mean area %IF was determined in 105 pediatric renal allograft biopsies. Associations between %IF or Banff ci scores and estimated GFR were determined using GEE modeling. Logistic regression was used to estimate IF progression. Percent IF (mean ± s.d.) was 6.83% ± 3.94, 10.39 ± 5.23%, and 20.53 ± 8.74 in patients with ci0, ci1, and ci2, respectively. The difference in %IF between biopsies with ci0, ci1, and ci2 was not proportionately incremental: compared to ci2, ci0 had 67% less IF (p < 0.0001), while ci1 had 48% less IF (p < 0.0001). AR had no impact on the precision of %IF measurements. Each 0.5% decrement in %IF was associated with a 1 mL/min per 1.73 m2 increase in GFR (p < 0.004). Histologic progression was demonstrated by increasing %IF values (p < 0.0001) and could be estimated by IF = 2.61 × (months) + 6.43. This readily adaptable methodology may be used for the longitudinal assessment of IF in pediatric protocol renal allograft biopsies.
PLUTO First report
Authors: Otte Jean‐Bernard , Meyers Rebecka 
Published: October 2010

Otte J‐B, Meyers R. PLUTO First report. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14: 830–835. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The PLUTO is a registry developed by an international collaboration of the Liver Tumors Strategy Group (SIOPEL) of the SIOP. Although the number of patients collected in PLUTO to date is too small to add any analytic power to the existing literature, this new registry has great promise. It has been created to clarify issues regarding the role of liver transplantation in the treatment of children with unresectable liver tumors. By reviewing the results to date, we hope we can motivate more centers to participate, enroll patients, complete data entry, and boost the potential impact of the collaborative effort. To achieve this goal, a large number of patients are needed, which requires an intensified international collaboration. Pediatric oncologists, pediatric surgical oncologists, and pediatric liver transplant surgeons are all encouraged to participate and contribute. This is a preliminary glimpse of what we hope to be a series of interim reports over the next decade from the steering committee to help guide therapy in this very challenging group of children.
Tackling the spectrum of transition: What can be done in pediatric settings?
Authors: Annunziato Rachel A. , Shemesh Eyal 
Published: October 2010

Annunziato RA, Shemesh E. Tackling the spectrum of transition: What can be done in pediatric settings? Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14: 820–822. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Transition to adulthood is a complicated process for children with special health care needs. During adolescence, patients must begin to assume responsibility for their medical care as family member’s transition health care management from caregivers to patients. At some specific point, patients will also transfer out of pediatrics to adult‐oriented services. We present a compilation of manuscripts that describe, study, and offer solutions for these two related challenges as faced by pediatric transplant recipients.
Prevalence of leucocyte antibodies in the Dutch donor population
Authors: Middelburg R.A. , Porcelijn L. , Lardy N. , Briët E. , Vrielink H. 
Published: October 2010

Introduction  Donor leucocyte antibodies have been associated with transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) and can be present in allo‐exposed donors. Donor deferral policies aiming at excluding allo‐exposed donors are increasingly implemented worldwide. We aimed at assessing the prevalence of leucocyte antibodies in different subgroups of allo‐exposed donors in the Dutch donor population.Methods  Consecutive donors were enrolled during routine whole blood donation. Donors filled out a questionnaire on allo‐exposure history. Blood samples were tested for human leucocyte antigens (HLA) (LifeScreen Deluxe and the Lifecodes LSA I/II assays) and granulocyte‐reactive (GIFT, GAT, and MAIGA) antibodies.Results  Six thousand and thirty‐four consecutive donors (60% men) were included. A total of 2·5% reported a history of blood transfusions, and 51% (of female donors) reported a history of pregnancy. In never allo‐exposed donors, the prevalence of granulocyte‐reactive antibodies was 2·0% (95% CI: 1·6–2·4), and for HLA antibodies, it was 7·0% (95% CI: 6·3–7·8). In previously pregnant donors, the prevalence of granulocyte‐reactive antibodies was increased to 3·0% (95% CI: 2·0–4·0), and for HLA antibodies, it was increased to 33% (95% CI: 30–36). Prevalence of leucocyte antibodies of all types depended on transfusion history, number of pregnancies, time since last pregnancy, and pregnancy outcome.Conclusions  Fourteen percent of Dutch blood donors are allo‐immunized against HLA or granulocyte antigens. Deferral of all self‐reported allo‐exposed donors will decrease this prevalence to 9%. Deferral of all female donors and transfused male donors will result in a similar prevalence among remaining donors but approximately twice as many deferrals.
Latitudinal variation in the aerial/aquatic ratio of oxygen consumption of a supratidal high rocky‐shore crab
Authors: Lardies Marco A. , Muñoz José Luis , Paschke Kurt A. , Bozinovic Francisco 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe colonisation of the terrestrial environment by crustaceans is more apparent in tropical latitudes because of the high diversity of semi‐terrestrial and terrestrial crabs. However, in temperate regions there are also great numbers of crustaceans that inhabit ecological niches at the water–air interface. Grapsidae crabs (Decopoda) are especially important in studies of water‐to‐land transition as the family contains species occupying the intertidal and adjacent regions. A way to evaluate the ability of intertidal invertebrates to breathe air is to measure the aerial/aquatic oxygen consumption ratio. The objective of this study was to test the effect of thermal variation on the aquatic and aerial metabolism. We selected as study model the decopoda crab Cyclograpsus cinereus Dana and utilised five populations of the species spread over 2000 km along the Chilean coast. To determine the compensation capacity in respiration with respect to latitude, we evaluated metabolic rate at the same temperature in a common garden design in the laboratory, to examine the extent to which variation in crab physiology is environmentally determined. Whereas in our study, mb (body mass) varied significantly with latitude, the difference in mass‐independent metabolism both in air and water persisted, indicating that observed differences in MR (Metabolic Rate) were not an effect of differences in body size. We demonstrated that C. cinereus is able to breath oxygen from air and water as expected for an amphibious crab. Almost all the studied populations of C. cinereus show a aerial/aquatic metabolism ratio near 1. The pattern found indicates an increase in metabolic rate, both aerial and aquatic, in low latitudes and therefore does not support the latitudinal compensation hypothesis for temperate habitats. Finally, these kinds of studies are required to make the necessary link between ecological physiology and macroecology and to help develop a global understanding of organismal function in marine systems.
Spatial patterns of epifaunal communities in San Francisco Bay eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds
Authors: Carr Lindsey A. , Boyer Katharyn E. , Brooks Andrew J. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractEpifaunal invertebrate species, such as amphipods and isopods, have been shown to play key but varying roles in the functioning of seagrass habitats. In this study, we characterized patterns in the poorly known epifaunal communities in eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds in San Francisco Bay as a first step in understanding the individual and collective importance of these species, while testing predictions on spatial patterns derived from previous studies in other regions. Surveys conducted at five beds across multiple time periods (April, June, August and October 2007) showed that San Francisco Bay eelgrass beds varied strongly in epifaunal community composition, total, and relative abundance, and that abundance differed markedly among time periods. In contrast to findings by others, morphologically complex flowering shoots frequently harbored greater numbers of epifauna (>2× and up to 10× more individuals) than vegetative shoots, but not different species assemblages. Similar to previous studies, several abiotic factors did not explain patterns in distribution and abundance among beds. The proportion of introduced species was very high (>90% of all individuals), a finding unique among seagrass epifaunal studies to date. Defining numerical patterns in epifaunal communities will inform related efforts to understand effects of epifaunal species and assemblages on eelgrass growth dynamics, seed production, and higher order trophic interactions over space and time.
Steroidogenesis and the Influence of MAPK Activity During In Vitro Maturation of Porcine Cumulus Oocyte Complexes
Authors: Ebeling S , Töpfer D , Meinecke B 
Published: October 2010

ContentsThe aim of this study was to investigate steroidogenesis within porcine cumulus oocyte complexes during in vitro maturation and to examine the possible influence of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Porcine cumulus oocyte complexes were matured in vitro with and without the MAPK kinase inhibitor U0126 for 0, 5, 26 and 46 h. The 17β‐estradiol and progesterone concentration in the culture medium were then determined. In addition, the mRNA levels of StAR, Cyp11A1, 3β‐HSD and Cyp19A1 in cumulus cells were analysed by RT‐PCR. Using an immunoblot, the MAPK phosphorylation in cumulus cells and oocytes was examined. During the first 26 h of in vitro maturation, 17β‐estradiol secretion was predominant, whereas, after a culture period of 46 h, the progesterone secretion decreased conspicuously. Under the influence of U0126, the secretion of 17β‐estradiol increased progressively during the complete maturation period, while progesterone secretion was completely inhibited. The mRNA levels of StAR and Cyp11A1 were not altered by U0126; however, corresponding to the hormone secretion, the gene expression of Cyp19A1 was up‐regulated and the expression of 3β‐HSD down‐regulated. The results suggested an influence of the MAPK on steroidogenesis in cumulus cells comparable to a luteinization factor. Hormone synthesis in cumulus cells during oocyte maturation seems to be regulated by altering expression of Cyp19A1 and 3β‐HSD.
Influence of Cysteine in Conjunction with Growth Factors on the Development of In Vitro‐Produced Bovine Embryos
Authors: Lott WM , Anchamparuthy VM , McGilliard ML , Mullarky IK , Gwazdauskas FC 
Published: October 2010

ContentsCysteine supplementation to in vitro maturation (IVM) media of bovine oocytes increases cellular glutathione production. Beneficial effects of growth factors for improving the rate of blastocyst development have been reported, but combined effects are unknown. This study was conducted to determine the additive effect of cysteine with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and/or insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) on embryo development. Bovine oocytes from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured in TCM‐199 (control), with or without the addition of 0.6 mm cysteine (C) at 0 or 12 h of maturation. After in vitro fertilization, embryos were allocated to culture treatments containing synthetic oviductal fluid medium. Culture treatments included fetal calf serum (FCS, 4%) alone; IGF‐I (100 ng/ml); EGF (10 ng/ml); and IGF‐I + EGF (100 + 10 ng/ml). Although rates for blastocysts development were not different among treatments, an increased proportion of embryos attaining morula formation was achieved when cysteine was added to the maturation media (12 h C IGF‐I + EGF, 41.4%; 0 h C EGF, 40.0%) as compared to control (FCS: 34.6%). When cysteine treatments were combined, percent cleavage was greater for IGF‐I + EGF (70.8%) compared to FCS (61.2%). The abundance of mRNA from the apoptotic genes, Bax and Bcl‐2, and the oxidative stress genes, copper (Cu)‐zinc (Zn) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and manganese (Mn) SOD in embryos was assessed. No treatment effect was observed on the expression of these genes. In conclusion, supplementation of cysteine during IVM of oocytes, in conjunction with growth factors could effectively be used as a replacement for FCS.
Gene expression analysis of the emergence of epileptiform activity after focal injection of kainic acid into mouse hippocampus
Authors: Motti Dario , Le Duigou Caroline , Eugène Emmanuel , Chemaly Nicole , Wittner Lucia , Lazarevic Dejan , Krmac Helena , Marstrand Troels , Valen Eivind , Sanges Remo , Stupka Elia , Sandelin Albin , Cherubini Enrico , Gustincich Stefano , Miles Richard 
Published: October 2010

AbstractWe report gene profiling data on genomic processes underlying the progression towards recurrent seizures after injection of kainic acid (KA) into the mouse hippocampus. Focal injection enabled us to separate the effects of proepileptic stimuli initiated by KA injection. Both the injected and contralateral hippocampus participated in the status epilepticus. However, neuronal death induced by KA treatment was restricted to the injected hippocampus, although there was some contralateral axonal degeneration. We profiled gene expression changes in dorsal and ventral regions of both the injected and contralateral hippocampus. Changes were detected in the expression of 1526 transcripts in samples from three time‐points: (i) during the KA‐induced status epilepticus, (ii) at 2 weeks, before recurrent seizures emerged, and (iii) at 6 months after seizures emerged. Grouping genes with similar spatio‐temporal changes revealed an early transcriptional response, strong immune, cell death and growth responses at 2 weeks and an activation of immune and extracellular matrix genes persisting at 6 months. Immunostaining for proteins coded by genes identified from array studies provided evidence for gliogenesis and suggested that the proteoglycan biglycan is synthesized by astrocytes and contributes to a glial scar. Gene changes at 6 months after KA injection were largely restricted to tissue from the injection site. This suggests that either recurrent seizures might depend on maintained processes including immune responses and changes in extracellular matrix proteins near the injection site or alternatively might result from processes, such as growth, distant from the injection site and terminated while seizures are maintained.
Cortical‐evoked potentials reflect speech‐in‐noise perception in children
Authors: Anderson Samira , Chandrasekaran Bharath , Yi Han‐Gyol , Kraus Nina 
Published: October 2010

AbstractChildren are known to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of noise on speech perception, and it is commonly acknowledged that failure of central auditory processes can lead to these difficulties with speech‐in‐noise (SIN) perception. However, little is known about the mechanistic relationship between central processes and the perception of SIN. Our aims were twofold: to examine the effects of noise on the central encoding of speech through measurement of cortical event‐related potentials and to examine the relationship between cortical processing and behavioral indices of SIN perception. We recorded cortical responses to the speech syllable [da] in quiet and multi‐talker babble noise in 32 children with a broad range of SIN perception. Outcomes suggest inordinate effects of noise on auditory function in the bottom SIN perceivers compared with the top perceivers. The cortical amplitudes in the top SIN group remained stable between conditions, whereas amplitudes increased significantly in the bottom SIN group, suggesting a developmental central processing impairment in the bottom perceivers that may contribute to difficulties in encoding and perceiving speech in challenging listening environments.
In vitro and in vivo expression of virulence genes in Vibrio isolates belonging to the Harveyi clade in relation to their virulence towards gnotobiotic brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana)
Authors: Ruwandeepika H. A. Darshanee , Defoirdt Tom , Bhowmick Patit Paban , Karunasagar Indrani , Karunasagar Iddya , Bossier Peter 
Published: October 2010

SummaryVibrios belonging to the Harveyi clade are pathogenic marine bacteria affecting both vertebrates and invertebrates, thereby causing a severe threat to the aquaculture industry. In this study, the expression of haemolysin, metalloprotease, serine protease, the quorum sensing master regulator LuxR and the virulence regulator ToxR in different Harveyi clade isolates was measured with reverse transcriptase real‐time PCR with specific primers. There was relatively low variation in the in vitro expression levels of the quorum sensing master regulator luxR (sevenfold), whereas for the other genes, the difference in expression between the isolates showing lowest and highest expression levels was over 25‐fold. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between expression levels of toxR and luxR and between the expression levels of these regulators and the protease genes. The expression levels of luxR, toxR and haemolysin were negatively correlated with the survival of brine shrimp larvae challenged with the isolates. Finally, a non‐virulent, a moderately virulent and a strongly virulent isolate were selected to study in vivo expression of the virulence genes during infection of gnotobiotic brine shrimp larvae. The in vivo gene expression study showed a clear difference in virulence gene expression between both virulent isolates and the non‐virulent isolate.
Cryptic diversity and species assignment of large lantern sharks of the Etmopterus spinax clade from the Southern Hemisphere (Squaliformes, Etmopteridae)
Authors: Straube Nicolas , Kriwet Jürgen , Schliewen Ulrich Kurt 
Published: October 2010

Straube, N., Kriwet, J. & Schliewen, U. K. (2010). Cryptic diversity and species assignment of large lantern sharks of the Etmopterus spinax clade from the Southern Hemisphere (Squaliformes, Etmopteridae). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 61–75.Many species of the speciose deep‐sea shark family Etmopteridae (lantern sharks) are a regular by‐catch component of deepwater trawl and longline commercial fisheries. As for many elasmobranchs, the low fecundity, late sexual maturation and extreme longevity of the lantern sharks increase their susceptibility to overfishing. However, the taxonomic uncertainty within etmopterids and the poorly known patterns of dispersal of these shark species hampers the establishment of reasonable monitoring efforts. Here, we present the first molecular approach to clarify the taxonomy and distribution of a morphologically uniform group of lantern sharks comprising Etmopterus granulosus and closely related congeners by using nucleotide sequence data from the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I gene and amplified fragment length polymorphisms. Samples were collected from several locations in the Southern Hemisphere, where the species occur. Our analyses reveal a high level of cryptic diversity. E. granulosus is not endemic to Chile, but instead has a widespread distribution in the Southern Hemisphere being synonymous to New Zealand Etmopterus baxteri. Conversely, specimens previously assigned to E. baxteri from off South Africa apparently represent a distinct species. Our results provide the basis for the re‐description of E. granulosus and E. baxteri which will help in the establishment of useful monitoring and management strategies.