bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Not a slow snail: Rapid rise of environmental awareness and ecological insights regarding invasive island apple snails (Pomacea insularum)
Authors: Burks Romi , Van Dyke Jess 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background/Question/Methods

Exotic invaders routinely move faster than scientific publication processes. Lacking aerial dispersal stages, snails generally match descriptions of slow colonizers. However, reminiscent of the pace with which zebra mussels gained notoriety, a growing sense of urgency has emerged from management communities regarding established populations of exotic, invasive island apple snails (Pomacea insularum). Recently separated by mitochondrial markers as a related, yet distinct, species, P. insularum sits poised to follow along the invasive trajectory of its better known relative, the golden apple snail (P. canaliculata). Literature studies examining mechanisms that promote invasiveness suggest family history of invasion serves as a sufficient enough warning sign. Furthermore, a paucity of natural history information exists on this larger (max wet weight 166-g), more fecund (2000 eggs as average clutch size) aquatic plant consumer. Without insights into basic life history, actions within management agencies often stall. In just the past five years, multiple introductions gave rise to established reproductive populations across the entire Gulf Coast, from Texas to Florida and even northward to South Carolina. Using a combination of empirical results from multiple experiments and recently compiled insights from researchers studying invasive apple snails (encapsulated as a blog: http://snailbusters.wordpress.com/), we explore three questions. First, what patterns in life history emerge for P. insularum? Second, what natural history aspects appear missing? And third, how can dissemination of new findings shape future studies?

Results/Conclusions

Synthesis of experiments and observations from Texas provide compelling (i.e. statistically significant) evidence that P. insularum preferentially chooses to deposit clutches on emergent plants. Snails favor plants with strong circular stems, particularly wild taro (Colocasia esculenta). Unfortunately, easy to measure clutch characteristics (e.g. length, width, depth, volume) fail to predict hatching success. Female P. insularum snails tend to oviposit clutches substantially higher on plant stems than smaller female P. canaliculata. Permanent inundation of newly laid clutches completely prevents hatching, although the impact of water stress on clutch hatching efficiency varies with stress intensity and frequency. Complimentary research also notes differences depending in clutch developmental stage. Among managers and researchers, agreement clearly exists that the egg stage represents our best chance at slowing down the invasion. Relatively few studies focus on interactions (i.e. competition, predation) with native organisms. In conclusion, because clear time-pressure exists to protect native biodiversity, rise in popularity of non-traditional formats (i.e. blogs) to speed research along and increase networking has started in the case of invasive apple snails.
Are stem cells a cure for diabetes?
Authors: McCall Michael D. , Toso Christian , Baetge Emmanuel E. , Shapiro A. M. James 
Published: October 2009

With the already heightened demand placed on organ donation, stem cell therapy has become a tantalizing idea to provide glucose-responsive insulin-producing cells to Type 1 diabetic patients as an alternative to islet transplantation. Multiple groups have developed varied approaches to create a population of cells with the appropriate characteristics. Both adult and embryonic stem cells have received an enormous amount of attention as possible sources of insulin-producing cells. Although adult stem cells lack the pluripotent nature of their embryonic counterparts, they appear to avoid the ethical debate that has centred around the latter. This may limit the eventual application of embryonic stem cells, which have already shown promise in early mouse models. One must also consider the potential of stem cells to form teratomas, a complication which would prove devastating in an immunologically compromised transplant recipient. The present review looks at the progress to date in both the adult and embryonic stem cells fields as potential treatments for diabetes. We also consider some of the limitations of stem cell therapy and the potential complications that may develop with their use.
Benefit of downsizing hepatocellular carcinoma in a liver transplant population
Authors: JANG J. W. , YOU C. R. , KIM C. W. , BAE S. H. , YOON S. K. , YOO Y. K. , KIM D. G. , CHOI J. Y. 
Published: October 2009

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 415–423SummaryBackground  Long‐term results after downstaging hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prior to liver transplantation (LT) remain unknown.Aims  To investigate dropouts and post‐transplant outcome among patients with downstaged HCC by transarterial chemo‐lipiodolization (TACL).Methods  Between 2000 and 2007, 386 patients with HCC initially exceeding Milan criteria underwent TACL for tumour downstaging and were consecutively enrolled.Results  Overall, 160 (41.5%) patients achieved successful downstaging of HCC to within Milan criteria. During the follow‐up, 82 eventually dropped off the waiting list for LT, with estimated dropout rates at 1, 2 and 5 years of 46.7%, 70.2%, and 87.2%, respectively. The overall post‐transplant survival rates at 1, 2 and 5 years were 89.2%, 70.3% and 54.6% and the corresponding rates for recurrence‐free survival were 74.7%, 71.8% and 66.3% respectively. Multivariate analysis indentified alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels ≥100 ng/mL at LT (P = 0.003), maximum tumour size ≥7 cm (P = 0.002) and the lack of complete necrosis by TACL (P = 0.048) as independent predictors of HCC recurrence after LT. Patients with none of these risk factors had an excellent post‐transplant outcome, with an 87.5% probability of recurrence‐free survival up to 6 years.Conclusions  These long‐term results may contribute to the database for optimizing management of LT candidates with downstaged HCC. Based on our data, patients with a maximum tumour size <7 cm who achieve complete necrosis together with AFP levels <100 ng/mL at LT may be the best candidates for LT following downstaging using TACL.
A bench study of ventilation via two self‐assembled jet devices and the Oxygen Flow Modulator in simulated upper airway obstruction
Authors: Hamaekers A. E. W. , Borg P. A. J. , Enk D. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryIn managing an obstructed upper airway, an emergency transtracheal ventilation device needs to function as a bidirectional airway, allowing both insufflation of oxygen and egress of gas. The aim of the present study was to determine the capability of two self‐assembled, three‐way stopcock based jet devices and the Oxygen Flow Modulator to function as a bidirectional airway in conjunction with a small lumen catheter. For each device the effective pressures at the catheter’s tip during the expiratory phase and the achievable minute volumes were determined in a laboratory set‐up. Using the three‐way stopcock based jet devices, changing the connection position of the transtracheal catheter from the in‐line port to the side port of the three‐way stopcock resulted in a decrease of expiratory pressure at the catheter’s tip from a dangerous mean (SD) of 71.1 (0.08) cmH2O to −14.71 (0.05) cmH2O. Yet this negative expiratory pressure did not facilitate the egress of gas. All devices tested impeded the expiratory outflow and hence decreased the achievable minute volume. This decrease in minute volume was smallest with the Oxygen Flow Modulator.
A proposal for standardization in forensic equine DNA typing: allele nomenclature for 17 equine‐specific STR loci
Authors: Van De Goor L. H. P. , Panneman H. , Van Haeringen W. A. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryIn this study, a proposal is presented for the allele nomenclature of 17 polymorphic STR loci (AHT4, AHT5, ASB2, ASB17, ASB23, CA425, HMS1, HMS2, HMS3, HMS6, HMS7, HTG4, HTG6, HTG7, HTG10, LEX3 and VHL20) for equine genotyping (Equus caballus). The nomenclature is based on sequence data of the polymorphic region of the STR loci as recommended by the DNA commission of the International Society for Forensic Genetics for human DNA typing. For each STR locus, several alleles were selected and animals homozygous for those alleles were subjected to sequence analysis. The alleles of the 17 STR loci consisted either of simple (10), compound (6) or complex repeat patterns (1). Only a limited number of alleles with the same fragment size showed different repeat structures. The allele designation described here was based on the number of repeats, including all variable regions within the amplified fragment.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome in the United Kingdom
Authors: Taylor C. Mark , Machin Sam , Wigmore Stephen J. , Goodship Tim H. J. ,   on behalf of a working party from the Renal Association, the British Committee for Standards in Haematology and the British Transplantation Society
Published: October 2009

SummaryAtypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with a poor prognosis with regard to survival at presentation, recovery of renal function and transplantation. It is now established that aHUS is a disease of complement dysregulation with mutations in the genes encoding both complement regulators and activators, and autoantibodies against the complement regulator factor H. Identification of the underlying molecular abnormality in an individual patient can now help to guide their future management. In these guidelines we make recommendations for the investigation and management of aHUS patients both at presentation and in the long‐term. We particularly address the role of renal transplantation alone and combined liver‐kidney transplantation.
Sequential phase II Southwest Oncology Group studies (S0112 and S0301) of daunorubicin and cytarabine by continuous infusion, without and with ciclosporin, in older patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Chauncey Thomas R. , Gundacker Holly , Shadman Mazyar , List Alan F. , Dakhil Shaker R. , Erba Harry P. , Slovak Marilyn L. , Chen I‐Ming , Willman Cheryl L. , Kopecky Kenneth J. , Appelbaum Frederick R. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryAttempts to overcome multi‐drug resistance in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) have been limited by toxicities. To investigate the effect of reducing peak drug levels, we performed sequential phase II studies using continuous infusion daunorubicin and cytarabine without (AD) and then with ciclosporin (ADC) in older patients with AML. Untreated patients (age 56+ years) received daunorubicin (45 mg/m2 per day for 3 d) and cytarabine (200 mg/m2 per day for 7 d), both by continuous infusion, without (S0112, 60 patients) and then with (S0301, 50 patients) the addition of ciclosporin. Complete response (CR) rates were 38% on S0112 and 44% on S0301. Fatal induction toxicities occurred in 17% and 12% respectively, arising primarily from infection and haemorrhage. Median overall and relapse‐free survival was 7 and 8 months for AD respectively, and 6 and 14 months for ADC. Patients with phenotypic or functional P‐glycoprotein had somewhat higher CR rates with ADC than AD, although confidence intervals overlapped. In these sequential trials, continuous infusion AD produced CR rates comparable to those with bolus daunorubicin. The addition of ciclosporin did not cause undue toxicities, produced a similar CR rate, and possibly improved relapse‐free survival. Further correlate analyses did not identify a subpopulation specifically benefitting from the addition of ciclosporin.
A population pharmacokinetic model for pegylated‐asparaginase in children
Authors: Hempel Georg , Müller Hans‐Joachim , Lanvers‐Kaminsky Claudia , Würthwein Gudrun , Hoppe Antje , Boos Joachim 
Published: October 2009

SummaryWe analysed 1221 serum activity measurements in 168 children from the Berlin‐Frankfürt‐Münster acute lymphoblastic leukaemia studies, ALL‐BFM (Berlin‐Frankfürt‐Münster) 95 and ALL‐BFM REZ, in order to develop a pharmacokinetic model describing the activity‐time course of pegylated (PEG)‐asparaginase for all dose levels. Patients received 500, 750, 1000 or 2500 U/m2PEG‐asparaginase on up to nine occasions. Serum samples were analysed for asparaginase activity and data analysis was done using nonlinear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM Vers. VI, Globomax, Hanouet, MD, USA). Different linear and nonlinear models were tested. The best model applicable to all dosing groups was a one‐compartmental model with clearance (Cl) increasing with time according to the formula: Cl=Cli *e(0·0793 *t)where Cli = initial clearance andt = time after dose. The parameters found were: volume of distribution (V) 1·02 ± 26% l/m2, Cli59·9 ± 59% ml/d per m2(mean ± interindividual variability). Interoccasion variability was substantial with 0·183 l/m2forVand 44·7 ml/d per m2for Cl, respectively. A subgroup of the patients showed a high clearance, probably due to the development of inactivating antibodies. This is the first model able to predict the activity‐time course of PEG‐asparaginase at different dosing levels and can therefore be used for developing new dosing regimens.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a rescue therapy for leukaemic children with pulmonary failure
Authors: Meister Bernhard , Zelger Bettina , Kropshofer Gabriele , Klein‐Franke Andreas , Crazzolara Roman , Frühwirth Martin , Neu Nikolaus 
Published: October 2009

SummaryIn patients with leukaemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to intensified chemotherapy‐induced immunosuppression is a devastating disorder resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Compared to standard indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), cytopenia further increases the risks of infection and bleeding. We describe the use of ECMO in four children with ARDS and leukaemia. Two patients (50%) survived, pulmonary function recovered and they are in prolonged first remission. The two other patients died from ARDS and pulmonary leukaemic infiltration. Although ECMO support is a high‐risk setup for nosocomial infection we observed no additional septic episodes. All patients had a highly increased demand for packed platelet and red blood cell transfusions. This increased demand and unmanageable chronic bleeding into both lungs in one patient were probably caused by a combination of coagulopathy from the primary illness, the use of anticoagulants, chemotherapy‐induced cytopenia, and a reduced survival rate of platelets and red cells due to permanent contact to foreign surface. We concluded that ECMO is a supportive tool to reduce the incidence of early death, treatment‐related mortality and, ultimately, to improve overall survival in childhood leukaemia.
Superior survival after replacing oral with intravenous busulfan in autologous stem cell transplantation for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma with busulfan, cyclophosphamide and etoposide
Authors: Dean Robert M. , Pohlman Brad , Sweetenham John W. , Sobecks Ronald M. , Kalaycio Matt E. , Smith Stephen D. , Copelan Edward A. , Andresen Steven , Rybicki Lisa A. , Curtis Julie , Bolwell Brian J. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryAutologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with cyclophosphamide, etoposide and oral busulfan (BuCyVP) is an effective therapy for relapsed or refractory non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Substituting intravenous for oral busulfan reduces variability in drug exposure, potentially improving the safety and efficacy of the BuCyVP regimen. We retrospectively compared the outcomes of 604 consecutively treated patients who underwent ASCT for NHL with BuCyVP using oral (n = 468) or IV (n = 136) busulfan, without measurement of busulfan levels for pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis. Patients who received oral busulfan experienced more severe oral mucositis and a higher incidence of nonrelapse mortality. Median overall survival (OS) after ASCT was 72 months with oral busulfan but was not reached for the IV busulfan group. IV busulfan was associated with a lower rate of relapse, and superior relapse‐free survival (RFS) and OS. In multivariate models, the route of busulfan administration was an independent prognostic factor for relapse (P = 0·01), RFS (P = 0·002) and OS (P = 0·001). IV busulfan appears to provide better efficacy and lower toxicity than oral busulfan in ASCT with BuCyVP for NHL. Whether PK‐based busulfan dosing can achieve further improvements in this setting is worthy of study.
Prognostic relevance of TLX3 (HOX11L2) expression in childhood T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster (BFM) protocols containing early and late re‐intensification elements
Authors: Attarbaschi Andishe , Pisecker Markus , Inthal Andrea , Mann Georg , Janousek Dasa , Dworzak Michael , Pötschger Ulrike , Ullmann Reinhard , Schrappe Martin , Gadner Helmut , Haas Oskar A. , Panzer‐Grümayer Renate , Strehl Sabine ,   on behalf of the Austrian Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster (BFM) Study Group
Published: October 2009

Summary TLX3 expression (TLX3+) in childhood T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) seems to be associated with a poor prognosis when treated with regimens that lack early and/or late re‐intensification therapy elements. Because such elements are essential components of the ALL‐BFM (Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster) protocols, we evaluated whether TLX3+ T‐ALL patients benefit from this type of therapy. Thirty‐one/131 childhood T‐ALL cases (24%) enrolled into four population‐based Austrian ALL‐BFM therapy studies were TLX3+. The male to female ratio was 3·5:1 and median age and leucocyte count at diagnosis were 8·7 years and 58·9 × 109/l, respectively. Twenty‐four patients (77%) were good responders to prednisone. All were in complete remission after induction therapy. After a median observation time of 4·9 years (range 0·4–16·1 years) 28/31 TLX3+ cases remained in first complete remission after chemotherapy with one after additional stem cell transplantation. Although molecular disease was frequently present after a 4‐drug induction therapy, final treatment outcome was excellent indicating that TLX3+ T‐ALL cases may benefit from a BFM‐type of ALL therapy with early and late re‐intensification elements. Moreover, the fact that 2/3 relapses were also NUP214‐ABL1+ suggests that these cases might represent the particular risk‐prone TLX3+ subgroup that could benefit from a targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
IRF4 is modulated by CD40L and by apoptotic and anti‐proliferative signals in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Aldinucci Donatella , Rapana’ Barbara , Olivo Karin , Lorenzon Debora , Gloghini Annunziata , Colombatti Alfonso , Carbone Antonino 
Published: October 2009

SummaryThe effects of proliferative, apoptotic and anti‐proliferative stimuli on interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) expression by Reed‐Sternberg (RS) cells were analysed using a panel of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)‐derived cell lines. IRF4 expressed by HL cells was consistently upregulated after CD40 engagement; IRF4 was downregulated by agonistic anti‐CD95 antibodies in the FAS‐sensitive HDLM‐2 cells and after treatment with Adriamycin and Dacarbazine, two chemotherapic agents commonly used for HL treatment. These results demonstrated, for the first time, that IRF4 was up‐modulated by CD40 engagement, and down‐modulated by apoptotic and anti‐proliferative signals, suggesting an involvement of IRF4 also in HL pathobiology.
An alternative design for small‐scale school health experiments: does daily walking produce benefits in physical performance of school children?
Authors: Mønness E. , Sjølie A. N. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground  The mainstream randomized clinical trial is not always feasible in a school setting. There might be practical and ethical issues that make dividing school classes into an intervention and a control group impossible or undesirable, and there is a need to explore the validity of alternative designs and analyses.Methods  An alternative to a randomized clinical trial in a physical performance experiment at a school is introduced and evaluated. The before‐intervention data are utilized as control data for the intervention data in addition to adjust for pre‐intervention differences. The strict class year structure of school data makes this possible. In a rural school in inland Norway, all school children joined the project of walking in a rugged terrain outside school for 20 min every school day during one school year. Measurements of low back static endurance, hamstrings flexibility, standing balance and cardiovascular fitness were made before and after the intervention. As intervention and ‘aging’ were confounded, the special use of the pre‐intervention data, ‘age‐adjusted’, is proposed to solve this issue. A comparison with having an independent control group is performed.Results  The alternative analysing method is judged to yield valid results without having an independent control group. The age‐adjusted analyses showed 11% increase in low back static endurance, 8% increase in hamstrings flexibility, 69% increase in balance and 6–13% increase in cardiovascular fitness. The effects were largest among those children who had the lowest performances before the intervention.Conclusion  The introduced statistical methods display that, in a school population, evaluations from an experiment can be made without an independent control group. A 20‐min walk during school time for 1 year seemed to improve physical performance.
Avian seasonal metabolic variation in a subtropical desert: basal metabolic rates are lower in winter than in summer
Authors: Smit Ben , McKechnie Andrew E. 
Published: October 2009

Summary

Most small birds inhabiting temperate latitudes in the Holarctic increase basal metabolic rate (BMR) in winter, a pattern thought to reflect the up‐regulation of metabolic machinery required for enhanced winter cold tolerance. In contrast, patterns of seasonal BMR variation in birds inhabiting subtropical latitudes are largely unknown. In this study, we investigate seasonal BMR changes in species from subtropical latitudes, and analyse global variation in the direction and magnitude of these responses.
We estimated winter and summer BMR in five species resident in the Kalahari Desert, using flow‐through respirometry to measure O2 consumption and CO2 production in birds held overnight in a field laboratory.
In all five species, mass‐specific BMR was significantly lower in winter than in summer, with mean reductions of 23% in African scops‐owls (Otus senegalensis), 30% in pearl‐spotted owlets (Glaucidium perlatum), 35% in fork‐tailed drongos (Dicrurus adsimilis), 29% in crimson‐breasted shrikes (Laniarius atrococcinneus), and 17% in white‐browed sparrow‐weavers (Plocepasser mahali).
An analysis of global variation in seasonal BMR changes reveals that their magnitude and direction vary with latitude, ranging from pronounced winter increases at high latitudes where winters are extremely cold, to the opposite pattern in warmer, subtropical environments.
Our empirical results for five species, taken together with the analysis of global variation, are consistent with the hypothesis that winter metabolism in subtropical environments is driven primarily by the need for energy and/or water conservation rather than cold tolerance.