bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple microbial exposures in the home may protect against asthma or allergy in childhood
Authors: Sordillo J. E. , Hoffman E. B. , Celedón J. C. , Litonjua A. A. , Milton D. K. , Gold D. R. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryBackground
Experimental animal data on the gram‐negative bacterial (GNB) biomarker endotoxin suggest that persistence, dose, and timing of exposure are likely to influence its effects on allergy and wheeze. In epidemiologic studies, endotoxin may be a sentinel marker for a microbial milieu, including gram‐positive bacteria (GPB) as well as GNB, that may influence allergy and asthma through components (pathogen‐associated molecular patterns) that signal through innate Toll‐like receptor pathways.Objective
To determine the influence of current GNB and GPB exposures on asthma and allergic sensitization in school‐aged children.Methods
We examined the relationship between bacterial biomarkers and current asthma and allergic sensitization in 377 school‐aged children in a birth cohort study. We then evaluated the effects of school‐aged endotoxin, after controlling for exposure in early life.Results
Exposure to GNB was inversely associated with asthma and allergic sensitization at school age [for >median endotoxin: prevalence odds ratio (POR)=0.34, 95% CI=0.2–0.7, for current asthma and prevalence ratio=0.77, 95% CI=0.6–0.97, for allergic sensitization]. In contrast, elevated GPB in the bed was inversely associated with current asthma (POR=0.41, 95% CI=0.2–0.9) but not with allergic sensitization (POR=1.07, 95% CI=0.8–1.4). School‐aged endotoxin exposure remained protective in models for allergic disease adjusted for early‐life endotoxin.Conclusion
Both GNB and GPB exposures are associated with decreased asthma symptoms, but may act through different mechanisms to confer protection. Endotoxin exposure in later childhood is not simply a surrogate of early‐life exposure; it has independent protective effects on allergic disease.
B lymphocytes in inflammatory airway diseases
Authors: Drolet J.‐P. , Frangie H. , Guay J. , Hajoui O. , Hamid Q. , Mazer B. D. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryB lymphocytes are key players in all facets of adaptive immune responses and are responsible for the production of IgE antibodies, initiators of allergic hypersensitivity reactions. Recent evidence indicates that B cells may be a crucial player in allergic and inflammatory airway pathology, directly populating upper and lower airway tissues. This review examines human and animal studies that directly demonstrated the presence of B lymphocytes in airway tissues and elaborates on their function as antibody‐secreting cells, antigen‐presenting cells and producers of inflammatory and regulatory cytokines. B lymphocytes appear to contribute to multiple facets of immune homeostasis in inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower airways.Cite this as: J.‐P. Drolet, H. Frangie, J. Guay, O. Hajoui, Q. Hamid and B. D. Mazer, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 841–849.
Genotype and temperature affect locomotor performance in a tiger salamander hybrid swarm
Authors: Johnson Jarrett R. , Johnson Benjamin B. , Bradley Shaffer H. 
Published: May 2010

Summary 1. Anthropogenic environmental changes have the capacity to disrupt natural population dynamics. For amphibians with complex life cycles, it is important to understand how environmental perturbations interact with variation in larval period duration to affect the timing of dispersal and the abiotic conditions under which terrestrial movements occur. 2. Widespread hybridization between California tiger salamanders and introduced tiger salamanders has created a situation in which length of larval development and metamorphic timing varies because of extrinsic variation in abiotic factors such as temperature, and also as a result of individual‐specific variation in genomic admixture. 3. We examined how line‐cross type (e.g. F1, F2, backcrosses, etc.), morphology and temperature interact to affect the performance of emigrating immature salamanders. We performed endurance trials on a mechanized treadmill to simulate dispersal following metamorphosis. Our study provides insights into the interaction of environmental change and genomic composition on locomotor performance and the spread of the hybrid swarm. 4. We found that temperature had a significant positive impact on endurance, potentially making it an important factor driving dispersal distances in the wild. Line‐cross type also affected performance, with F1 hybrids demonstrating the greatest movement capacity. However, we did not observe an interaction between line‐cross type and temperature. 5. These results demonstrate that an increase in ambient temperature may enhance the dispersal ability of hybrid individuals and accelerate the spread of the hybrid swarm. An increase in the rate of introgression of non‐native tiger salamander alleles into formerly pure native habitats places enhanced importance on the proper management of populations near the boundary of the hybrid swarm and emphasizes the need for management actions that prevent the intentional or accidental translocation of non‐native species.
Nutritional status of preoperative colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Burden S. T. , Hill J. , Shaffer J. L. , Todd C. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  The present study aimed to determine the extent of malnutrition in preoperative colorectal cancer patients. Malnutrition has been shown to affect post‐operative outcome, so it would be beneficial to identify those who are malnourished or who are at risk of becoming so preoperatively. We examine whether weight loss is related to the length of stay or changes in fat free mass.Methods:  Patients were enrolled consecutively from outpatients 2–4 weeks prior to surgery. Assessments included body mass index, percentage weight loss, dynamometry, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, Subjective Global Assessment and bioelectrical impedance. Cancer staging and hospital length of stay were recorded.Results:  One hundred and thirty‐two patients were eligible and 87 enrolled. Sixty‐seven patients were weight losing and 20% had lost >10% of their usual body weight. Handgrip strength was lower in malnourished patients compared to those who had not lost weight (mean 19.4 and 27.3 kg, respectively, P = 0.013). Mean (SD) fat free mass in patients with a weight loss >10% was 39.7 (13.5) kg and, in those with <10% weight loss, was 51.9 (12.0) kg (P = 0.001). This difference was not demonstrated for fat.Conclusions:  Over half of these patients had lost weight prior to surgery and one in five were malnourished. Body composition measurements demonstrated that malnourished patients had significantly less fat free mass compared to patients who were not clinically malnourished. Nutritional screening would be beneficial in this group preoperatively to identify weight‐losing patients at an early stage in the care pathway when they initially enter the secondary care system.
Annual incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic area of Bihar, India
Authors: Das Pradeep , Samuels Steven , Desjeux Philippe , Mittal Atul , Topno Roshan , Siddiqui Niyamat Ali , Sur Dipika , Pandey Arvind , Sarnoff Rhonda 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe study presents the findings of a population‐based survey of the annual incidence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the rural areas of one VL‐endemic district in Bihar, India. Stratified multi‐stage sampling was applied in the selection of blocks, villages, hamlets, and households. We screened 15 178 households (91 000 individuals) in 80 villages in 7 of 27 administrative blocks of the district, East Champaran. We identified 227 VL cases that occurred in the past 12 months: 149 treated individuals who survived, 14 who died from VL, and 64 active cases. The high‐incidence stratum had an estimated incidence of 35.6 cases per 10 000 persons per year (90% CI: 27.7–45.7). The annual incidence rate in the medium stratum areas was 16.8 cases per 10 000 (90% CI: 9.3–30.6). The combined annual incidence rate for the high and medium areas combined was 21.9 cases per 10 000 per year, (90% CI: 14.0–34.2). The Government of India’s VL elimination goal is to reduce the VL incidence to one case per 10 000 at the sub‐district level; thus, a 35‐fold reduction will be required in those areas with the highest VL incidence.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: FULL ARTICLE: Ghrelin increases intake of rewarding food in rodents
Authors: Egecioglu Emil , Jerlhag Elisabet , Salomé Nicolas , Skibicka Karolina P. , Haage David , Bohlooly‐Y Mohammad , Andersson Daniel , Bjursell Mikael , Perrissoud Daniel , Engel Jörgen A. , Dickson Suzanne L. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTWe investigated whether ghrelin action at the level of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a key node in the mesolimbic reward system, is important for the rewarding and motivational aspects of the consumption of rewarding/palatable food. Mice with a disrupted gene encoding the ghrelin receptor (GHS‐R1A) and rats treated peripherally with a GHS‐R1A antagonist both show suppressed intake of rewarding food in a free choice (chow/rewarding food) paradigm. Moreover, accumbal dopamine release induced by rewarding food was absent in GHS‐R1A knockout mice. Acute bilateral intra‐VTA administration of ghrelin increased 1‐hour consumption of rewarding food but not standard chow. In comparison with sham rats, VTA‐lesioned rats had normal intracerebroventricular ghrelin‐induced chow intake, although both intake of and time spent exploring rewarding food was decreased. Finally, the ability of rewarding food to condition a place preference was suppressed by the GHS‐R1A antagonist in rats. Our data support the hypothesis that central ghrelin signaling at the level of the VTA is important for the incentive value of rewarding food.
A comparison of registered and unregistered organ donors’ perceptions about transplant recipients
Authors: Hyde Melissa K. , White Katherine M. 
Published: May 2010

Hyde MK, White KM. A comparison of registered and unregistered organ donors’ perceptions about transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 444–449. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  We examined whether registered and unregistered donors’ perceptions about transplant recipients’ previous behavior (e.g., substance use) and responsibility for illness differed based on their deceased organ donor registration decisions.Methods:  Students and community members from Queensland, Australia, were surveyed about their perceptions of transplant recipients.Results:  Respondents (n = 465) were grouped based on their organ donor registration status to determine whether their perceptions about transplant recipients differed. Compared to registered respondents, a higher proportion of unregistered respondents held more negative and less favorable perceptions of recipients. Multivariate analysis of variance confirmed statistically that unregistered respondents evaluated recipients more negatively than registered respondents, F(6, 449) = 5.33, p < 0.001. Unregistered respondents were more likely to view recipients as a smoker, substance user, or alcohol dependent and as undeserving of a transplant, blameworthy, and responsible for their illness.Conclusion:  Potential donors’ perceptions of transplant recipients’ behavior and responsibility for illness differ according to their registration status. Future interventions should challenge negative perceptions about recipients’ deservingness and responsibility and promote the perspective that people from all walks of life need transplants in the aim of ultimately encouraging an increase in donor registration.
Impact of body mass index on graft loss in normal and overweight patients: retrospective analysis of 206 renal transplants
Authors: Papalia Teresa , Greco Rosita , Lofaro Danilo , Maestripieri Simona , Mancuso Domenico , Bonofiglio Renzo 
Published: May 2010

Papalia T, Greco R, Lofaro D, Maestripieri S, Mancuso D, Bonofiglio R. Impact of body mass index on graft loss in normal and overweight patients: retrospective analysis of 206 renal transplants.  Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E241–E246. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Excess body mass is increasingly prevalent in transplant recipients. Currently, most investigators consider body mass index (BMI) a categorical variable, which assumes that all risk factors and transplant outcomes will be similar in all patients within the same category. We investigated the effect of categorical and continuous BMI increments on renal transplant outcome in normal weight (NW: BMI 18.5–24.9) and overweight (OW: BMI 25–30) patients.Methods:  We retrospectively studied 206 patients. The mean BMI of our population was 24.3 ± 2.83 kg/m2. Patients of each group were similar regarding age, gender, time on dialysis, donor type, cold ischemia time, and number of HLA mismatches. The independent association of BMI with survival was determined using Cox multivariate regression.Results:  OW patients showed a higher prevalence of co‐morbidities. In patients with graft loss, there was a higher incidence of delayed graft function, chronic allograft nephropathy, acute rejection, and hypertension. Graft survival was significantly lower in OW patients compared to NW patients upon Kaplan–Meier analysis (p = 0.008). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, the initial BMI, evaluated as a continuous variable, remained an independent predictor of graft loss (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.04–1.47). However, with patient stratification into World Health Organization BMI category and, further, into quartiles of initial BMI, no significant correlation between BMI category and graft loss was found.Conclusion:  We suggest that increasing BMI value, although without categorical variation, may represent an independent risk factor for graft loss. Our retrospective analysis of a small sample population will require further studies to confirm these data.
Fusion of dispatching centres into one entity: effects on performance
Authors: MÄÄTTÄ T. , KUISMA M. , VÄYRYNEN T. , NOUSILA‐WIIK M. , PORTHAN K. , BOYD J. , KUOSMANEN J. , RÄSÄNEN P. 
Published: May 2010

Background: Dispatching centres were fused into one of the 112 entity, which caused concerns regarding whether the medical calls could be processed effectively also in the new centre. We evaluated the effects of the reform on key performance criteria in medical calls.Methods: This observational study in the Helsinki Dispatching Centre consisted of two periods: Period I 2 years before the reform and Period II 2 years after. The main outcome measures were answering and call processing times, accuracy of risk assessment and appropriate use of ambulances.Results: In Period I (n=574,276), 92.2% of all incoming phone calls were answered within 10 s and in Period II (n=758,022) 82.8% (P<0.0001). Time to dispatch a first responding fire unit increased from 98 to 113 s (P<0.0001) and an advanced life support unit in category A calls increased from 73 to 84 s (P<0.0001). In Period I 47.7%, 34.8% and 17.5% of phone calls were completed in <3, 3–5 and >5 min and in Period II 29.8%, 36.1% and 34.1% (P<0.0001). The number of three studied non‐transportation call types and unnecessary lights‐and‐siren responses increased significantly (P<0.0001 and 0.0001, respectively). Neither the accuracy of risk assessment in the three studied call types nor the rate of telephone‐guided cardiopulmonary resuscitation changed.Conclusions: The reform increased the total number of ambulance dispatches, prolonged answering and call processing times and had a negative effect on the appropriate use of ambulances. The accuracy of risk assessment was not affected. Evidence‐based data should be the basis for the future as dispatching centre processes are shown to be vulnerable during organisational reforms.
Norepinephrine causes a pressure‐dependent plasma volume decrease in clinical vasodilatory shock
Authors: NYGREN A. , REDFORS B. , THORÉN A. , RICKSTEN S.‐E. 
Published: May 2010

Background:Recent experimental studies have shown that a norepinephrine‐induced increase in blood pressure induces a loss of plasma volume, particularly under increased microvascular permeability. We studied the effects of norepinephrine‐induced variations in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) on plasma volume changes and systemic haemodynamics in patients with vasodilatory shock.Methods:Twenty‐one mechanically ventilated patients who required norepinephrine to maintain MAP ≥70 mmHg because of septic/postcardiotomy vasodilatory shock were included. The norepinephrine dose was randomly titrated to target MAPs of 60, 75 and 90 mmHg. At each target MAP, data on systemic haemodynamics, haematocrit, arterial and mixed venous oxygen content and urine flow urine were measured. Changes in the plasma volume were calculated as 100 × (Hctpre/Hctpost−1)/ (1−Hctpre), where Hctpreand Hctpostare haematocrits before and after intervention.Results:Norepinephrine doses to obtain target MAPs of 60, 75 and 90 mmHg were 0.20±0.18, 0.29±0.18 and 0.42±0.31 μg/kg/min, respectively. From 60 to 90 mmHg, increases in the cardiac index (15%), systemic oxygen delivery index (25%), central venous pressure (CVP) (20%) and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (33%) were seen, while the intrapulmonary shunt fraction was unaffected by norepinehrine. Plasma volume decreased by 6.5% and 9.4% (P<0.0001) when blood pressure was increased from 60 to 75 and 90 mmHg, respectively. MAP (P<0.02) independently predicted the decrease in plasma volume with norepinephrine but not CVP (P=0.19), cardiac index (P=0.73), norepinephrine dose (P=0.58) or urine flow (P=0.64).Conclusions:Norepinephrine causes a pressure‐dependent decrease in the plasma volume in patients with vasodilatory shock most likely caused by transcapillary fluid extravasation.
Review: Pharmacodynamic monitoring of immunosuppression in kidney transplantation
Authors: BARRACLOUGH KATHERINE A , STAATZ CHRISTINE E , ISBEL NICOLE M , MCTAGGART STEVEN J 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAdvances in immunosuppressive therapies have improved kidney transplant outcomes. However, immunosuppressant drug‐induced toxicities continue to reduce tolerability and impact patient and graft survival. A major ongoing challenge in kidney transplantation is to establish ways of tailoring immunosuppressant therapy so as to maintain efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Pharmacodynamic monitoring by direct measurement of immune cell function has the potential to personalize immunosuppression. The purpose of this review is to provide the clinician with an overview of the methodology and use of immune function monitoring in the field of kidney transplantation.
Changes in the distribution of native fishes in response to introduced species and other anthropogenic effects
Authors: Habit Evelyn , Piedra Priscila , Ruzzante Daniel E. , Walde Sandra J. , Belk Mark C. , Cussac Víctor E. , Gonzalez Jorge , Colin Nicole 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAim  Globally, one of the major threats to the integrity of native faunas is the loss of biodiversity that can result from the introduction of exotics. Here we document recent changes in the distribution of five common fish species that are linked to introductions in Chile.Location  Chile from 28° S to 54° S.Methods  We assess the extent of changes in distribution of galaxiid species by comparing their historical and current distributions based on the results of the most extensive survey of freshwater fishes in Chile to date, a range that encompasses the full latitudinal and elevational range of the Galaxiidae in Chile. We test for relationships of the distributions and abundances of native fishes with the incidence of introduced species.Results  The latitudinal range of Galaxias maculatus has declined by 26%, and most of this reduction has occurred in the northern part of its range. Aplochiton taeniatus and Brachygalaxias bullocki have experienced reductions (8–17% loss) in total drainage area occupied, and they have disappeared from, or are now extremely difficult to find, in latitudes 36° to 41° S, coincidently with areas of urban growth and intense economic activities. The distribution of Galaxias platei has, instead, increased considerably. In northern basins, G. maculatus has apparently been replaced by an introduced poeciliid Gambusia sp. High‐elevation systems remain dominated by native Galaxias platei, whereas systems at intermediate elevations, especially rivers, are now dominated by introduced salmonids. Within drainages, native galaxiids remain abundant where exotic salmonid abundance is low.Main conclusions  We suggest that negative interactions between introduced and native fish are responsible for some of the range reductions among Galaxiidae in Chile. The severity of the impacts varies with latitude and altitude and is probably related to temperature. The effects of Gambusia are restricted to warmer systems. Native fish also appear to have found temperature refugia from salmonids; impacts are low in the warmer northern and coastal systems, as well as in high‐altitude relatively cold systems. Native fish also appear less vulnerable to salmonids in lakes than in rivers. This study identifies watersheds critical for the conservation of biodiversity within the Galaxiidae.
Broad‐scale environmental response and niche conservatism in lacustrine diatom communities
Authors: Bennett Joseph R. , Cumming Brian F. , Ginn Brian K. , Smol John P. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAim  (1) To resolve theoretical debates regarding the role of environment versus dispersal limitation, the conservatism of niches across distances and the prevalence of environmental specialists in diatom communities. (2) To provide guidance on the use of diatom communities and other microbial analogues to analyse ecological response to environmental change.Location  Eight hundred and ninety‐one lakes in five regional datasets from north‐western Europe and four regional datasets from north‐eastern North America.Methods  Lacustrine diatom communities were analysed at three scales: inter‐continental, intra‐continental and regional. Nested partial redundancy analyses (RDAs) were used to determine spatial versus environmental components of community variation. Weighted‐averaging (WA) regression and calibration, as well as logistic and quadratic regressions, were used to detect niche conservatism and the prevalence of environmental specialists.Results  Community patterns indicate that dispersal limitation acts predominantly at the inter‐continental scale, while at the regional (less than c. 1,000,000 km2) scale, a single environmental variable (pH) explains more than five times the community variation as spatial (dispersal‐related) variables. In addition, pH niche components appear to be conserved at the inter‐continental scale, and environmental specialization does not impose relative rarity, as specialists apparently readily disperse to suitable environments.Main conclusions  Analysis at multiple scales is clearly important in determining the influences of community variation. For diatom communities, dispersal limitation acts most strongly at the broadest scales, giving way to environment at the scales considered by most analyses. The availability of a wide variety of propagules with consistent niches across regions indicates that diatom communities reflect the succession of taxa according to local environmental conditions, rather than disequilibrium with the environment or adaptation of local populations. While multi‐scale analyses must be undertaken for other groups to resolve debates over community drivers and determine appropriate scales for prediction, for diatoms (and probably other microbial communities), responses to environmental change can be inferred using analogue datasets from large geographic areas.