bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival of Phytophthora ramorum in Rhododendron root balls and in rootless substrates
Authors: Vercauteren A. , Riedel M. , Maes M. , Werres S. , Heungens K. 
Published: April 2012

This study assesses the survival of Phytophthora ramorum in the root ball of Rhododendron container plants as well as in different rootless forest substrates and a horticultural potting medium. Following inoculation of the root balls, the aboveground plant parts stayed symptomless, whilst the pathogen could be recovered with a novel non‐destructive baiting assay from the root balls until at least 8 months post‐inoculation. Plating of surface‐sterilized roots and direct microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of P. ramorum in the roots. Phytophthora ramorum could also be baited from the root balls of symptomless Rhododendron plants from commercial nurseries, even 2 years after acquisition. Survival of P. ramorum in rootless media was assessed after burying disks of infected leaf material below the soil surface in columns filled with four different undisturbed forest substrates or a potting medium, and incubated at an outdoor quarantine facility. Phytophthora ramorum could be recovered at least 33 months after burial from all substrates, with a significant increase in recovery after the winter period. These data suggest the possibility for long‐term symptomless presence of P. ramorum in root balls of commercial Rhododendron plants as well as survival in potting medium and different forest substrates under western European climate conditions. Symptomless presence in root balls can contribute to latent spread of this pathogen between nurseries. The novel baiting test, being non‐destructive, simple and applicable to a relatively large number of plants, can offer a valuable tool to test plants for the presence of Phytophthora species in root balls.
Sexual selection uncouples the evolution of brain and body size in pinnipeds
Authors: FITZPATRICK J. L. , ALMBRO M. , GONZALEZ‐VOYER A. , HAMADA S. , PENNINGTON C. , SCANLAN J. , KOLM N. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe size of the vertebrate brain is shaped by a variety of selective forces. Although larger brains (correcting for body size) are thought to confer fitness advantages, energetic limitations of this costly organ may lead to trade‐offs, for example as recently suggested between sexual traits and neural tissue. Here, we examine the patterns of selection on male and female brain size in pinnipeds, a group where the strength of sexual selection differs markedly among species and between the sexes. Relative brain size was negatively associated with the intensity of sexual selection in males but not females. However, analyses of the rates of body and brain size evolution showed that this apparent trade‐off between sexual selection and brain mass is driven by selection for increasing body mass rather than by an actual reduction in male brain size. Our results suggest that sexual selection has important effects on the allometric relationships of neural development.
Dietary shifts affect the gastrointestinal microflora of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Williams C. L. , Willard S. , Kouba A. , Sparks D. , Holmes W. , Falcone J. , Williams C. H. , Brown A. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryGiant pandas exhibit seasonal changes in bamboo plant part preference. The influences on the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) microbial populations were evaluated during a 14‐month period for a pair of adult male and female giant pandas housed at the Memphis Zoo using traditional culturing methods to enumerate eight bacterial groups (total anaerobes, total aerobes (TAR), streptococci (STR), total enterics, Escherichia coli, Bacteroides spp., lactobacilli and Clostridium spp.). Both the male and female pandas altered bamboo consumption behaviours, with a sharp decrease in leaf preference in April 2010 and returning to high levels of leaf preference from June to October, corresponding to significant shifts in the densities of TAR, STR, and lactobacilli and Bacteroides spp. These findings indicate seasonal changes in food preference affect the assemblages of microbial populations within the GIT of the giant panda and contribute to a better understanding of the importance of bamboo in this species’ foraging strategy.
Significance of the frequency of CD4+CD25+CD127− T‐cells in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus
Authors: SUN QIN , ZHANG QING , XIAO HEPING , CUI HAIYAN , SU BO 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus (DM) are closely associated. The objective of this study was to determine whether the expression of CD4+CD25+CD127− T‐cells (regulatory T‐cells (Treg)) is associated with diabetic pulmonary tuberculosis.Methods:  Flow cytometry was used to determine the frequencies of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25+CD127− T‐cells in peripheral blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and pleural effusions from 120 patients (30 with pulmonary tuberculosis and DM (TBDM), 30 with pulmonary tuberculosis without DM (TB), 30 with tuberculous pleurisy without DM (TBP) and 30 healthy volunteers). The concentrations of interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐10 in BALF and pleural effusions were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  Treg frequencies in peripheral blood were significantly higher in patients with TBDM, TB and TBP than in the control group, with the frequency in TBDM being the highest (P < 0.01 for all). In TBP patients, Treg frequencies were significantly lower in pleural effusions than in peripheral blood. In TB patients, Treg frequencies in BALF and peripheral blood were not significantly different. However, in TBDM patients, Treg frequencies were significantly higher in BALF than in peripheral blood. IL‐10 expression was significantly higher, and IFN‐γ expression was significantly lower in BALF of TBDM patients compared with BALF and pleural effusions of TB patients.Conclusions:  In patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and DM, the imbalance between Treg and effector T‐cells at pathological sites may be associated with weakened immunity and clinical manifestations of TB.
What has fairness got to do with it? Tackling tobacco among Australia's disadvantaged
Authors: O'BRIEN JON , SALMON ALLISON M. , PENMAN ANDREW 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIssue. While population wide smoking rates are falling steadily the rates remain high among the disadvantaged. The future we face is one where the differentials in smoking rates will continue to widen and will flow through to increased health inequalities.Approach. How best to reduce smoking rates among the disadvantaged? Alongside existing population level initiatives and social policy initiatives is an urgent need for a targeted, comprehensive approach that acknowledges the serious impact of smoking on the disadvantaged. In 2006 Cancer Council NSW embarked on a statewide, multi‐component Tackling Tobacco Program to encourage and support non‐government social and community services to address smoking among their clients.Key Findings. Tackling Tobacco Program results have shown that the 1600 staff from 400 organisations trained to provide smoking care can attain the knowledge and confidence to address tobacco and that clients are very receptive to receiving quit support from them. Improvements in quality of life for clients who do quit have been encouraging and the Tackling Tobacco Program has challenged assumptions and attitudes that disadvantaged people are uninterested and unable to quit.Implications. Alongside population and social policy approaches must be a serious investment in tackling smoking among the disadvantaged.Conclusions. Tackling Tobacco Program is an innovative example of how to engage disadvantaged smokers, de‐normalise smoking and encourage and support quitting using familiar settings. Engaging Australia's large network of social and community services as allies in this work should be vigorously pursued.[O'Brien J, Salmon AM, Penman A. What has fairness got to do with it? Tackling tobacco among Australia's disadvantaged. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:723–726]
Functional aquatic ecosystems, inland fisheries and the Millennium Development Goals
Authors: Brummett Randall E , Beveridge Malcolm C M , Cowx Ian G 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFreshwater allocation in an environment of increasing demand and declining quality and availability is a major societal challenge. While biodiversity and the needs of local communities are often in congruence, the over‐riding necessity of meeting national demands for power, food and, increasingly, mitigation of the hydrological effects of climate change, often supersedes these. Sophisticated models of ecosystem function to establish environmental flows are difficult to implement and consequently have generally failed to reduce rates of biodiversity and habitat loss, resulting in disenfranchisement of local communities resulting from dam construction and water abstraction for industry and agriculture. There are no agreed standards upon which a fairer allocation of resources can be made and thus a pragmatic approach to the resolution of these conflicts is clearly needed. While having generally negative impacts on biodiversity and traditional lifestyles, creation of new infrastructure and active management generates national economic growth and much‐needed employment. Intensification of usage in watersheds already expropriated for human enterprise can spare land needed for the biodiversity that will fuel adaptation for the future. Taking advantage of a range of mitigation technologies and building their cost into the investment plans for water management infrastructure can improve the cost/benefit ratio of water control infrastructure and may be a more practical and efficacious approach to the valuation of fisheries and the maintenance of other essential services from functional aquatic ecosystems.
Psychometric properties of functional mobility tools in hereditary spastic paraplegia and other childhood neurological conditions
Authors: ADAIR BROOKE , SAID CATHERINE M , RODDA JILLIAN , MORRIS MEG E 
Published: April 2012

Aim  To evaluate studies on the psychometric properties of measurement tools used to quantify functional mobility in children with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and other childhood neurological conditions.Method  Two independent reviewers identified measures previously used by clinicians to quantify functional mobility. Because our primary interest was HSP, the first search identified measurement tools in studies that included those with HSP. To enhance the generalizability, the second search examined the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of tools in children with a range of neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, Down syndrome, and traumatic brain injury. The Consensus‐based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments was used to rate the methodological quality of identified articles.Results  The Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ), the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), the Rivermead Motor Assessment, and the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II were identified for quantifying functional mobility. The FMS and GMFM were reliable, valid, and responsive to changes across a range of childhood neurological conditions. The FAQ was reliable and valid for measuring functional mobility in similar populations.Interpretation  The FAQ, FMS, and GMFM are valid, reliable, and responsive measures in children with a range of neurological conditions.
Applicability of BCLC stage for prognostic stratification in comparison with other staging systems: single centre experience from long‐term clinical outcomes of 1717 treatment‐naïve patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Beom Kyung , Kim Seung Up , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Park Mi Sung , Kim Eun Hye , Seong Jinsil , Lee Do Youn , Han Kwang‐Hyub 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe most informative staging system regarding survival outcomes for treatment‐naïve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains debated. We evaluated prognostic values of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage compared with other staging systems, and identified discrepancies between treatment options chosen in Korean clinical practice and BCLC guidelines.MethodsBetween 2003 and 2008, 1717 prospectively enrolled patients with treatment‐naïve HCC were analysed. Prognostic ability of each staging system was assessed using time‐dependent receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsThe most common aetiology was hepatitis B virus (1238, 72.1%); 167 (9.8%) patients were classified as BCLC stage 0, 526 (30.6%) as A, 333 (19.4%) as B, 608 (35.4%) as C and 83 (4.8%) as D. Median overall survival was 22.5 months, and 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐year survival rates were 62.6, 48.3, 39.9, 34.7, and 29.3% respectively. Of six staging systems, BCLC had the highest area under ROC (AUROC; 0.821) for overall survival, followed by JIS (0.809), Tokyo score (0.771), CLIP (0.746), CUPI (0.701) and GRETCH (0.685) system. In both subgroups stratified according to treatment strategy (curative vs. palliative), BCLC also showed the best AUROCs (curative, 0.708/palliative, 0.807) for overall survival. Regarding discrepancies between treatment options chosen in our cohort and BCLC guidelines, more than half with very early/early‐stage HCC underwent transarterial chemoembolization, rather than resection or local ablative therapy; most of those with advanced‐stage HCC received intra‐arterial chemotherapy‐based treatments rather than sorafenib.ConclusionBCLC was the best long‐term prognostic model for treatment‐naïve HCC in a large‐scale Korean cohort. However, treatment modalities did not exactly match BCLC paradigm.
Burn injury has a systemic effect on reinnervation of skin and restoration of nociceptive function
Authors: Morellini Natalie M. , Fear Mark W. , Rea Suzanne , West Adrian K. , Wood Fiona M. , Dunlop Sarah A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBurn injury can lead to abnormal sensory function at both the injury and at distant uninjured sites. Here, we used a mouse model to investigate return of nociceptive function and reinnervation of the skin at the wound and uninjured distant sites following a 3% total burn surface area full‐thickness burn injury. We have previously shown that topical application of zinc‐metallothionein‐IIA (Zn7‐MT‐IIA) accelerates healing following burn injury, and here, we investigated the potential of Zn7‐MT‐IIA to enhance reinnervation and sensory recovery. In all burn‐injured animals, there was a significant reduction in nociceptive responses (Semmes–Weinstein filaments) at locations near and distant to the wound up to 8 weeks following injury. Cutaneous nerve reinnervation (assessed using protein gene product 9.5 immunohistochemistry) of the wound center was slow in the epidermis but rapid in the dermis. In the dermis, nerves subsequently degenerated both at the wound center and in distant uninjured areas. In contrast, epidermal nerve densities in the distant uninjured areas returned to normal, uninjured levels. Zn7‐MT‐IIA did not influence return of nociceptive function nor reinnervation. We conclude that burn injury compromises nociceptive function and nerve regeneration both at the injury site and systemically; thus, therapies in addition to Zn7‐MT‐IIA should be explored to return normal sensory function.
Inverse Dynamics Analysis Evaluation of Tibial Tuberosity Advancement for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Failure in Dogs
Authors: Bush Mark A. , Sibley Pamela , Owen Mark A. , Burton Neil J. , Owen Martin R. , Colborne G. Robert 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate, using inverse dynamic analysis, the biomechanical outcome from tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgery in dogs affected by unilateral cranial cruciate ligament failure (CCLF).Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs (n = 13) 11–20 months after surgery.MethodsKinematic and force data were collected from 13 dogs 11–20 months afterTTAand inverse dynamics analysis of the dogs’ pelvic limb mechanical function performed. Angle, moment, and power were calculated for each joint. Total support moment (TSM) was calculated.ResultsSix dogs were affected on the right side (Raff) and 7 on the left (Laff). Peak stifle flexor moment was significantly larger for the right stifle compared with the left inLaff dogs, but similar inRaff dogs. Peak stifle extensor moment was significantly larger for the left stifle compared with the right inRaff dogs, and was also larger for the left stifle compared with the right inLaff dogs. Stifle power in early stance was larger on the left inRaff dogs and significantly larger on the right inLaff dogs.TSMwas larger on the right inRaff dogs and significantly larger on the right inLaff dogs.ConclusionsAffected limbs had a reduction in power of the stifle flexors. Irrespective of the side ofCCLF,TSMwas larger on the right side and the stifle extensor moment in late stance was larger on the left, perhaps indicating a mechanical limb dominance effect.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis with HLA matching – a way to save a child
Authors: INGERSLEV HANS JAKOB , HINDKJÆR JOHNNY 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPreimplantation genetic diagnosis can be used to establish a pregnancy with an embryo that is human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched to a sibling having a hematological or immunological disease and needing a life‐saving bone marrow transplantation. The ethical aspects of this procedure have been discussed intensively. The procedure applies where no unrelated HLA‐matching donor is available or when transplantation from an HLA‐matching sibling is considered a better solution. It is only offered in a limited number of centers in Europe as this is a challenging procedure. Where both HLA matching and diagnosis of a dominant disease are necessary, only a small proportion of the embryos can be used, and the procedure is not always technically feasible. The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle started is much lower than following normal in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to a high cycle cancellation rate, but the success rate is only somewhat lower when measured per transfer.
Combined intraepidermal neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ with CM2B4 negativity and p53 overexpression*
Authors: Tan Belinda H. , Busam Klaus J. , Pulitzer Melissa P. 
Published: April 2012

Primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma, also known as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), usually presents as a dermal and/or subcutaneous tumor. Rarely, it is confined to the epidermis or adnexal epithelium [MCC in situ (MCCIS)]. Little is known about the spectrum of features and biology of MCCIS. Herein, we report a case of MCCIS arising on the cheek of a 77‐year‐old Caucasian male, which was associated with squamous cell carcinoma in situ. The tumor cells of both the neuroendocrine and squamous components prominently involved adnexal structures but did not invade the dermis. The tumor cells with neuroendocrine features were immunoreactive for cytokeratin‐20, chromogranin and synaptophysin. They also expressed p53 but were non‐reactive with the monoclonal antibody CM2B4. Lack of labeling for CM2B4 is in keeping with prior observations of combined squamous and MCC. Our findings support the concept of a distinct subtype of virus‐independent cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma that differs from conventional MCC. The observed overexpression of p53 suggests that the development of this tumor type may be related to chronic ultraviolet damage.Tan BH, Busam KJ, Pulitzer MP. Combined intraepidermal neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ with CM2B4 negativity and p53 overexpression.
Risperidone and pulmonary embolism: a harmful association? Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Gallerani Massimo , Imberti Davide , Mari Elisa , Marra Anna , Manfredini Roberto 
Published: April 2012

Gallerani M, Imberti D, Mari E, Marra A, Manfredini R. Risperidone and pulmonary embolism: a harmful association? Case series and review of the literature.Objective:Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat a number of psychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolar disorders and irritability in children with autism. Moreover, it is also often administered for short-term treatment of persistent aggression in people with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's dementia. A possible association between risperidone and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been described. We intended to verify the dimension of the problem in our hospital setting.Methods:We considered all consecutive patients hospitalised in our Internal Medicine Department from January 2004 to December 2010, who were treated with risperidone and presented pulmonary embolism (PE).Results:Four cases of patients, apparently free from the well-known major risk factors for VTE (i.e. cancer, prolonged immobilisation, acute cardiac and respiratory failure, infections), who presented PE associated with risperidone therapy, were reported in details.Conclusions:A review of the available literature, discussing the possible different pathogenic reasons for this increased risk of VTE, is provided.
Serum vascular endothelial growth factor‐C combined with multi‐detector CT in the preoperative diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer
Authors: WANG Tian‐Bao , WANG Jin , WEI Xiu‐Qing , WEI Bo , DONG Wen‐Guang 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim:  To investigate whether serum vascular endothelial growth factor‐C (SVEGF‐C) and multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) can predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) in gastric cancer (GC).Methods:  The SVEGF‐C level of 80 patients with GC was examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. An MDCT scan of the abdomen was performed. Kaplan – Meier survival analysis was used to analyse survival.Results:  In patients with GC, a higher level of SVEGF‐C was found in the LNM group (650.9 ± 198.6 vs 451.0 ± 115.5 pg/mL, P = 0.000) and in patients with distant metastases (834.3 ± 80.0 pg/mL vs 557.9 ± 187.0 pg/mL, P = 0.000). With a cut‐off value of 542.5 pg/mL, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of SVEGF‐C for predicating LNM were 82.8, 81.8, 82.5, 92.3 and 64.3%, respectively. MDCT could not be employed to detect the LNM. When SVEGF‐C associated with MDCT was employed to determine LNM in GC, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 91.4, 86.4, 90.0, 94.6 and 79.2%, respectively. No difference of SVEGF‐C level was found among N1, N2 and N3 groups (P > 0.05). The 5‐year overall survival was 47.5%. A shorter mean survival time were found in patients with SVEGF‐C >834.3 pg/ml (43.3 ± 2.8 months vs 67.4 ± 2.5 months, P = 0.000) and in patients who were MDCT‐positive (42.7 ± 3.8 months vs 60.8 ± 2.2 months, P = 0.0034).Conclusion:  SVEGF‐C may be a biomarker for a preoperative diagnosis of LNM. In conjunction with MDCT, SVEGF‐C can improve the accuracy of a diagnosis of LNM in GC. A higher SVEGF‐C level and an MDCT‐positive finding could predict the poorer prognosis of GC.