bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental multivisceral xenotransplantation
Authors: Galvão Flávio Henrique Ferreira , Pompeu Eduardo , De Mello Evandro Sobroza , Da Costa Lino Costa Anderson , Mory Eduardo , Dos Santos Rafael Miyashiro , Santos Vinicius Rocha , Machado Marcel Cesar , Bacchella Telésforo 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Background:  Organ shortage impairs the proposition of multivisceral transplantation to treat multiple organ failure. Interspecies (xeno) transplantation is a valid solution for organ shortage; however, suitable models of this advance are lacking. We describe an effective model of multivisceral xenotransplantation to study hyperacute rejection.Methods:  Under general anesthesia, we in block recovered the distal esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys from donors and implanted heterotopically in the lower abdomen of recipients. Animals were divided into four groups: I—canine donor, swine recipient (n = 6); II – swine donor, canine recipient (n = 5); III—canine donor, canine recipient (n = 4); and IV—swine donor, swine recipient (n = 5). Groups I and II comprised experimental (xenotransplantation) and III and IV control groups (allotransplantation). During the experiment, we appraised recipient evolution and graft modification by sequential biopsy up to 3 h. At this time, we killed animals for autopsy (experimental end point).Results:  We accomplished all experiments successfully. Every grafts attained customary appearance and convenient urine output immediately after unclamp. Around 15 min after reperfusion, xenografts achieved signs of progressive hyperacute rejection and absence of urine output. At the end of experiments we observed moderate to severe hyperacute rejection at small bowel, colon, mesenteric lymph node, liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidney, while stomach and esophagus achieved mild lesions. In contrast, allograft achieved normal or minimum ischemia/reperfusion injury and constant urine output.Conclusion:  The present procedure assembles a simple and effective model to study multivisceral xenotransplantation and may ultimately spread researches toward hyperacute rejection.
Local expression of IDO, either alone or in combination with CD40Ig, IL10 or CTLA4Ig, inhibits indirect xenorejection responses
Authors: Mulley William R. , Li Yu Qin , Wee Janet L. , Dodge Natalie , Christiansen Dale , Simeonovic Charmaine , Ierino Francesco L. , Sandrin Mauro S. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Background:  To overcome cell‐mediated xenorejection by transgenic expression of immunomodulatory molecules by a graft, it is likely that expression of multiple molecules will be required. Previous studies support the use of the immunomodulatory agents indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), CD40Ig, interleukin 10 (IL10), and CTLA4Ig for suppression of rejection responses. We examined the effects of local expression of these molecules by a porcine cell line (PIEC) on indirect murine xenorejection responses in vitro and in vivo.Methods:  The PIEC stable lines expressing IDO, CD40Ig, and IL10 as single molecules were generated. In addition, PIEC lines expressing IDO with either CD40Ig, IL10 or CTLA4Ig were generated to produce cell lines expressing two molecules. BALB/c mice were primed with wild type PIEC, followed by harvesting splenocytes used as responder cells and PIEC expressing immunomodulatory molecules as stimulators, in proliferation and cytokine assays. In vivo effects of modified PIEC were examined by transplantation of PIEC lines expressing the immunomodulatory molecules under the renal capsule of naïve mice. PIEC grafts were harvested for histological evaluation at days 7 and 14.Results:  Proliferation of primed BALB/c splenocytes was inhibited most significantly by IDO compared with control cells (49%, P = 0.02). In addition both Th1 (interferon‐gamma) and Th2 (IL4 and IL10) cytokines were markedly inhibited in vitro by IDO expression. IL10 expressing cells did not inhibit proliferation as potently (37%, P = 0.03) whilst CD40Ig lead to an increase in proliferative responses (59%, P = 0.02). Co‐expression of CD40Ig, IL10, and CTLA4Ig with IDO resulted in further modest reductions in proliferation compared with IDO expression alone. When transplanted under the renal capsule of BALB/c mice, those grafts expressing IDO demonstrated significantly lower levels of lymphocyte infiltration at days 7 and 14 than control grafts and those expressing CD40Ig, CTLA4Ig or IL10 alone. Grafts co‐expressing IDO and a second molecule were no better protected than those expressing IDO alone. Graft cell viability (PIECs) was reduced in some IDO expressing grafts suggesting high levels of IDO expression may inhibit PIEC viability, however, grafts co‐expressing IDO‐CTLA4Ig and IDO‐IL10 were not affected in this way.Conclusion:  Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase appears to be a potent molecule for protecting xenografts from cell‐mediated rejection responses activated via the indirect pathway. Co‐expression of IDO with both CTLA4Ig and IL10 warrants further investigation. Overall these findings support pursuing further studies, in larger animal models, to determine whether increased IDO activity within the graft itself can attenuate xenorejection responses.
Sexual imprinting on continuous variation: do female zebra finches prefer or avoid unfamiliar sons of their foster parents?
Authors: SCHIELZETH H. , BURGER C. , BOLUND E. , FORSTMEIER W. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSexual imprinting on discrete variation that serves the identification of species, morphs or sexes is well documented. By contrast, sexual imprinting on continuous variation leading to individual differences in mating preferences within a single species, morph and sex has been studied only once (in humans). We measured female preferences in a captive population of wild‐type zebra finches. Individual cross‐fostering ensured that all subjects grew up with unrelated foster parents and nest mates. Females from two cohorts (N = 113) were given a simultaneous choice between (two or four) unfamiliar males, one of which was a genetic son of their foster parents (SFP). We found no significant overall preference for the SFP (combined effect sized = 0.14 ± 0.15). Additionally, we tested if foster parent traits could potentially explain between‐female variation in preferences. However, neither the effectiveness of cooperation between the parents nor male contribution to parental care affected female preferences for the son of the foster father. We conclude that at least in zebra finches sexual imprinting is not a major source of between‐individual variation in mating preferences.
Morph‐ratio variation, population size and female reproductive success in distylous Pulmonaria officinalis (Boraginaceae)
Authors: BRYS R. , JACQUEMYN H. , BEECKMAN T. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTheory predicts that morph ratios in heterostylous populations are governed by negative frequency‐dependent selection typically resulting in equal morph ratios at equilibrium. Previous work on the distylous perennial herb Pulmonaria officinalis, however, showed asymmetric mating between floral morphs and a weak self‐incompatibility system, with the long‐styled morph (L‐morph) producing significantly higher seed set following intramorph crosses and even selfing than the short‐styled morph (S‐morph), two aspects thought to affect female fecundity and morph‐ratio variation. Here, we evaluated morph ratios and population size of all known P. officinalis populations in the northern part of Belgium. Morph ratios deviated significantly from 1 : 1 (range 0.09–1 L‐morph frequency, mean = 0.58). Relative fecundity of the S‐morph (i.e. mean seed set of the S‐morph/mean seed set of the L‐morph) was on average 0.73, was positively related to the frequency of the L‐morph, and reached 1 (similar levels of female fecundity) at an average L‐morph frequency of 0.66 in the population. As some small populations had the S‐morph in majority, our results suggest that local morph ratios are influenced both by the relative fecundity of L‐ and S‐morph individuals and by stochastic processes in small populations.
Sperm competition within a dominance hierarchy: investment in social status vs. investment in ejaculates
Authors: TAMARA MONTROSE V. , Edwin Harris W. , MOORE A. J. , MOORE P. J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThere is increasing recognition that male–male competition can take many forms, but as yet the form is not predictable a priori. Many recent studies have focused attention on how males in disadvantaged mating roles compensate through sperm competition. However, mating systems in which subordinate males are reproductively suppressed, particularly through the stress of social interactions, may limit the ability of males to respond by increasing investment in sperm quality. We examined the interaction between social status and ejaculate tactics in Nauphoeta cinerea, a cockroach that has a mating system with well‐characterized dominance hierarchies. Both social experience with other males and social status influenced aspects of ejaculates. The stress of social interactions reduced the size of the ejaculate and number of sperm inseminated. In ejaculates formed prior to social experience, however, males that go on to become dominant inseminated more sperm than males that go on to become subordinate, suggesting innate differences among males. Our results show that though selection for increased success in sperm competition for subordinate males in a hierarchy can occur, both the traits and the way in which the balance between pre‐ and post‐copulatory strategies is negotiated will depend on specific details of the mating system. These details will include how the physiological effects of social interactions may limit selection through male–male competition.
Condition dependence of sexually dimorphic colouration and longevity in the ambush bug Phymata americana
Authors: PUNZALAN D. , COORAY M. , HELEN RODD F. , ROWE L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSexually selected traits that are costly are predicted to be more condition dependent than nonsexually selected traits. Assuming resource limitation, increased allocation to a sexually selected trait may also come at a cost to other fitness components. To test these predictions, we varied adult food ration to manipulate condition in the colour dimorphic bug, Phymata americana. We compared the degree of condition dependence in a sexually selected trait expressed in males to a nonsexually selected trait expressed in males and females. We also evaluated the effects of condition on longevity of both sexes. We found that the expression of these colour pattern traits was strongly influenced by both diet and age. As expected, the strength of condition dependence was much more pronounced in the sexually selected, male‐limited trait but the nonsexual trait also exhibited significant condition dependence in both sexes. The sexually selected male trait also exhibited a higher coefficient of phenotypic variation than the nonsexually selected trait in males and females. Diet had contrasting effects on male and female longevity; increased food availability had positive effects on female lifespan but these effects were not detected in males, suggesting that males allocated limited resources preferentially to sexually selected traits. These results are consistent with the expectation that optimal allocation to various fitness components differs between the sexes.
The expression of genes involved in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway in Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis biofilms exposed to fluconazole
Authors: Borecká‐Melkusová Silvia , Moran Gary P. , Sullivan Derek J. , Kucharíková Soňa , Chorvát Jr Dušan , Bujdáková Helena 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe expression of the ERG1, ERG3, ERG7, ERG9, ERG11 and ERG25 genes in response to incubation with fluconazole and biofilm formation was investigated using reverse‐transcription PCR and real‐time PCR in Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis clinical isolates. The viability of biofilm was measured using an 2,3‐bis(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium‐5‐carboxanilide (XTT) reduction assay and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). Expression of the ERG11 gene was found to be low or moderate and it was regulated by fluconazole addition more so than by biofilm formation. Very low or non‐detectable expression of ERG1, ERG7 and ERG25 genes was detected in C. albicans. The expression of the ERG9 increased in the presence of fluconazole in some isolates. Following incubation with fluconazole, formation of biofilm by C. dubliniensis was coupled with up‐regulation of the ERG3 and ERG25 genes as have been observed previously in C. albicans. Planktonic cells of both Candida species released from biofilm displayed similar resistance mechanisms to fluconazole like attached cells. The XTT reduction assay and CSLM revealed that although incubation with fluconazole decreased the biofilm thickness, these were still comprised metabolically active cells able to disseminate and produce biofilm. Our data indicate that biofilm represents a highly adapted community reflecting the individuality of clinical isolates.
Carriage rate and virulence attributes of oral Candida albicans isolates from patients with oral lichen planus: a study in an ethnic Chinese cohort
Authors: Zeng Xin , Hou Xiaohui , Wang Zhi , Jiang Lu , Xiong Chunrong , Zhou Min , Chen Qianming 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe objectives of this study are to investigate the carriage rate of Candida albicans from the patients with oral lichen planus (OLP, erosive and non‐erosive subtypes) and the healthy control individuals in a Chinese cohort and then to compare the virulence attributes of these isolates. Oral C. albicans isolates from 300 patients with OLP as well as 128 healthy controls were isolated and a total of 112 isolates from patients with erosive OLP (62), non‐erosive OLP (24) and healthy control (26) were screened for phospholipase activity by using an in vitro plate assay method. Adhesion ability of the above isolates was also studied by using buccal epithelial cells assay. Statistically, the carriage rate of C. albicans from the patients with erosive OLP (44.29%) was higher than that of patients with non‐erosive OLP (15.00%) or the healthy control group (20.31%) (P < 0.001). The adhesion to buccal epithelial cells of the isolates from the erosive OLP group (3.950 ± 1.436) was more marked (P < 0.001) than that from healthy control (2.2112 ± 0.4833). The phospholipase activity of these isolates either from erosive (0.4170 ± 0.029) or non‐erosive OLP groups (0.4327 ± 0.028) was higher (P < 0.001) than that from healthy controls (0.5259 ± 0.074). Some C. albicans isolates with special virulence attributes might be co‐factors, which contribute to the development of OLP, especially erosive OLP.
Pseudomembranous‐like tinea of the scrotum: report of six cases
Authors: Lu Sha , Xi Li‐yan , Zhang Jun‐min , Lu Chang‐ming 
Published: July 2008

SummarySix cases of tinea of the scrotum with atypical clinical features were observed in the dermatology department of our hospital between 2001 and 2007. The age of onset ranged from 14 to 26 years. Unusual clinical presentations of pseudomembranous‐like disease were observed in every patient. Causative agents were Microsporum gypseum in five patients and Trichophyton rubrum in one patient. Three of the M. gypseum isolates had atypical morphologies. All six isolates were identified by cultural morphologies and DNA sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA.
Growth of Candida species on complete dentures: effect of microwave disinfection
Authors: Sanitá Paula Volpato , Vergani Carlos Eduardo , Giampaolo Eunice Teresinha , Pavarina Ana Cláudia , Machado Ana Lucia 
Published: July 2008

SummaryMicrowave disinfection of complete dentures has been recommended to treat denture stomatitis in non‐immune compromised patients. Oral candidiasis is a frequent manifestation of HIV infection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave irradiation on the disinfection of complete dentures inoculated with American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and HIV isolates of five species of Candida. Fifty dentures were made, sterilised and inoculated with the tested microorganisms (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis). After incubation (37 °C/48 h), dentures were microwaved (650 W/3 min). Non‐irradiated dentures were used as positive controls. Replicate aliquots of suspensions were plated at dilutions 10−1 to 10−4 and incubated (37 °C/48 h). Colony counts (cfu ml−1) were quantified. Dentures were also incubated at 37 °C for 7 days. Data were analysed with 2‐way anova and Tukey HSD tests (α = 0.05). Dentures contaminated with all Candida species showed sterilisation after microwave irradiation. All control dentures showed microbial growth on the plates. The cfu ml−1 for C. glabrata was higher than those of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis whereas the cfu ml−1 for C. krusei was lower. The cfu ml−1 for clinical isolates was higher than those of ATCC yeast. Microwave irradiation for 3 min at 650 W resulted in sterilisation of all complete dentures.
Susceptibility of Candida albicans to common and novel antifungal drugs, and relationship between the mating type locus and resistance, in Lebanese hospital isolates
Authors: Basma Raida , Barada Ghyda , Ojaimi Naim , Khalaf Roy A. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe incidence of antifungal resistance is on the increase worldwide and novel drugs are constantly being developed to counter this trend. One hundred and sixteen clinical isolates of Candida albicans were collected from Lebanese hospitals in order to first determine the degree of resistance of Lebanese isolates to four common azoles: fluconazole (FL), itraconazole (IT), ketoconazole (KE), and voriconazole (VO), in addition to amphotericin B (AP) and caspofungin (CS) through the Epsilometer test method and second, determine any relationship between the allelic compositions of the mating type loci (MTLa, MTL α, MTLa/α) with drug resistance. Results showed that resistance, among C. albicans isolates, was the highest with 12% for IT, followed by 7.7% for VO, 6% for KE, 5% for FL, 1.7% for AP and 0% for CS. Three isolates (2.6%) were resistant to all azoles tested, including one that was resistant to all drugs used except CS. Eleven isolates were homozygous at the MTL locus (9.5%), five of which (45%) were resistant to at least one antifungal drug whereas 14 of the 105 heterozygous strains (13%) exhibited similar resistance (P = 0.02), indicating a strong correlation between MTL locus homozygosity and resistance.
Microbial profile and drug resistance ofCandidastrains isolated from the blood of children: an 11‐year study
Authors: Małafiej Eugeniusz , Adamiec Anna Ciebiada , Tworzyańska Urszula 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe latest observations indicate a continuous increase in the frequency of fungal infections, particularly in hospital patients, accompanied by changes in both the profile of the isolated strains and their drug susceptibility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the trend in the incidence of candidaemia and susceptibility of antifungal drugs in the Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital over an 11‐year period. Blood samples taken from the hospitalised children were sent to the Department of Clinical Microbiology for diagnostic purposes. A total of 195Candidastrains were isolated: 47.7%Candida albicansand 52.3% non‐albicans.Candida parapsilosiswas isolated in 65.7% of non‐albicansstrains. The prevalence ofCandidaspp. decreased from 16.9–20.5% in the years 1996–1997 to 3.1–2.1% in the years 2005–2006. In the years 2000–2005, non‐albicansstrains were more prevalent. AllC. albicansstrains were susceptible to amphotericin B, 2.94% of non‐C. albicansstrains were semisusceptible to amphotericin B, 98.92% ofC. albicansand 85.29% of non‐albicansstrains were susceptible to 5‐fluorocytosine.Candidaspp. strains are predominant pathogens in fungaemia in children in our hospital. Over the last few years,C. albicanshave been replaced by non‐albicansstrains (predominantlyC. parapsilosis), which exhibit a higher level of drug resistance. The number ofCandidaspp. isolated from blood decreased during the 11‐year study.
Knowledge and perceptions about sunburn and solar keratoses in Australia
Authors: Raasch Beverly A , Buettner Petra G 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYAn omnibus telephone survey of 1200 adult Australians determined self‐reported prevalence of and attitudes to sunburn and sunspots, knowledge of the term solar keratosis and prevalence of skin checks. Half reported they had been sunburnt in the previous year. Seventy‐eight per cent considered sunburn to be extremely or very serious, while 73% considered sunspots as serious or very serious. While 29% reported currently having sunspots, 69% had never heard of the term solar keratosis, 30% had never had a skin check and 28% had their last skin check more than 12 months ago. Respondents 18–29 years old (odds ration [OR] = 2.6; P = 0.002) and men (OR = 2.4; P < 0.001) were most likely to experience multiple sunburn. Persons living in capital cities (OR = 0.63; P = 0.006) and having a university degree (OR = 0.52; P = 0.001) had reduced OR for multiple sunburns. Men (OR = 0.45; P < 0.001) were less likely to consider sunburn serious or extremely serious than women. Compared with respondents 18–29 years old, those 55 years or older were 7.4‐fold more likely to have had a skin check (P < 0.001). Sun‐protection campaigns need to continue using evidence‐based interventions targeting younger people and men to reduce sunburn. The terms used in health promotion need to be understood by the target audience.
Eosinophilic annular erythema: A subset of Wells' syndrome or a distinct entity?
Authors: Howes Renae , Girgis Laila , Kossard Steven 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYA 52‐year‐old woman with a 6‐year history of a persistent non‐pruritic cutaneous annular eruption, forming polycyclic and arcuate plaques that commenced as erythematous papules and nodules, is presented. Lethargy and arthralgia were associated symptoms. We have followed this patient for the last 3 years, and during this period she has continued to have a florid annular eruption of unknown cause. Laboratory tests, including an eosinophil count, examination of stool samples for parasites, and a computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, failed to detect any abnormalities. Skin biopsies demonstrated a superficial to deep cellular infiltrate consisting of numerous eosinophils, with lymphocytes and isolated neutrophils. Eosinophilic dust, flame figures and granulomatous inflammation were not seen. In addition, strands of mucin were present through the dermis, and prominent basal vacuolar change was evident at the dermoepidermal junction; these features may represent new findings that help define a distinct form of eosinophilic annular erythema.
Poliosis circumscripta associated with neurofibromatosis 1
Authors: Sandoval‐Tress Cecilia , Nava‐Jiménez Gabriela 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYA 38‐year‐old man presented with axillary freckling, multiple café au lait macules and neurofibromas on the scalp, trunk and extremities. In addition, he had a patch of white hair on the right parieto‐occipital area overlying a scalp neurofibroma. He was diagnosed with poliosis circumscripta associated with neurofibromatosis 1.