bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary pathology of rapidly fatal transfusion‐related acute lung injury reveals minimal evidence of diffuse alveolar damage or alveolar granulocyte infiltration
Authors: Danielson Constance , Benjamin Richard J. , Mangano Mark M. , Mills Charles J. , Waxman Dan A. 
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion‐associated death in the United States. Its diagnosis is based on clinical and radiographic changes that are indistinguishable from acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). TRALI is presumed to be a form of ALI/ARDS; however, it differs in its triggering events and associated mortality. Two cases of rapidly fatal TRALI in which the postmortem pathology differed from that classically associated with ALI/ARDS are reported.CASE REPORT: Two men (aged 75 and 83 years) developed rapidly fatal TRALI after receiving single units of plasma for correction of elevated international normalized ratios. The donors were found to have white blood cell (WBC) antibodies that included specificities for WBC antigens expressed by the recipient (HLA Class I or Class II and/or HNA‐3b [5a] antibody). Autopsy findings in both patients revealed bilateral pleural effusions and extensive patchy areas of alveoli filled with proteinaceous fluid. The pulmonary capillaries were congested with red blood cells and WBCs. Diffuse alveolar damage, including interstitial inflammation, intraalveolar granulocyte infiltration, and hyaline membrane formation, were not identified in either case.CONCLUSION: In both patients the clinical and radiographic findings were indicative of TRALI and indistinguishable from ALI/ARDS. However, diffuse alveolar damage, the classic autopsy finding in ARDS, was not identified, suggesting a different pathogenesis. Further studies are needed on the role of polymorphonuclear cells in the initiating events of TRALI that lead to ALI and the resulting breakdown of the permeability integrity of the alveolar walls.
Monitoring the physiologic stress response: a novel biophysical approach for the rapid detection of bacteria in platelet concentrate
Authors: Rieder Ronald , Zavizion Boris 
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Currently approved culture‐based methods for the bacterial testing of platelet concentrates (PCs) require an extended period of time to obtain results. A new approach based on the monitoring of the bacterial response to physiologic stress is presented. Because the stress response is independent of the growth rate, decisive results can be obtained in near real time.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PCs were spiked with Gram‐positive Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli organisms commonly implicated in posttransfusion septic reactions. All suspensions were treated with Triton X‐100 at concentrations that caused human cell lysis while acting as a stressor for bacterial cells. Normalized impedance response (NIR) profiles of these suspensions were recorded using the BioSense Technologies differential impedance sensing platform specifically designed to monitor subtle changes in the dielectric properties of biologic suspensions. Further development of the approach included measurement of NIRs for spiked PCs treated with nonlysing chemical stressors.RESULTS: NIR profiles for bacteria conventionally growing under optimal conditions were characterized by an overall increase in the NIR values. In contrast, the corresponding responses from chemically stressed bacteria revealed immediate and continuous decreases in value—enabling bacterial detection in less than 30 minutes.CONCLUSION: These pilot experiments demonstrated that monitoring of the bacterial stress response is a fast and effective way to detect bacteria in PCs. In addition, special culture conditions are not required for detecting anaerobes and fastidious species.
Genetic and environmental factors reducing the incidence of the storage pest Sitotroga cerealella in maize
Authors: Butrón A. , Romay M. C. , Ordás A. , Malvar R. A. , Revilla P. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is found worldwide and infests maize grains in the field and during storage. Transgenic maize resistant to kernel attack by S. cerealella has been developed, but could pose a nutritional risk to humans and livestock. Therefore, alternative sources of resistance posing no threat to consumption should be identified. In this study, our main objectives were to assess genetic variability for kernel damage by S. cerealella under natural infestation and to determine genetic and environmental factors contributing to genotype, year, and genotype*year variability. Factorial regression was performed to obtain a biological explanation for the number of kernels damaged per ear. Seventy‐seven Spanish maize landraces along with six hybrid checks were evaluated in 2004, 2005, and 2006. There was variability for kernel damage by natural infestation of S. cerealella among the landraces: popcorn landraces were among the least damaged, whereas hybrid checks were among the most susceptible genotypes. Plant characteristics associated with ear appearance could be the main stimulatory factors for oviposition and feeding of S. cerealella moths, followed by husk coverage of the ear. It was confirmed that temperature is the main environmental factor affecting S. cerealella development. Genotypes sensitive to infestation by S. cerealella were more negatively affected by higher temperatures than the least attractive genotypes, and lower temperatures reduced the number of kernels damaged on the most susceptible genotypes more than on the least susceptible.
Differential uncertainties and risk attitudes between conventional and organic producers: the case of Spanish arable crop farmers
Authors: Serra Teresa , Zilberman David , Gil José M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe growing importance of economic factors in farmers' decisions to go organic has raised interest in characterizing the economic behavior of organic versus conventional farms. In general, published analyses so far have not considered differential uncertainties, abilities to control production risk, and farmers' risk preferences between conventional and organic practices when comparing these techniques. Our article attempts to assess this issue. We use a model of farmer decision under risk to analyze the differential values between organic and conventional Spanish arable crop farms and to assess the incentives for adoption of organic practices. Results show that organic and conventional farms do have different production risks as well as different aversions to risk. Organic price premiums and subsidies are found to be powerful instruments to motivate adoption of organic techniques.
Horticulture, livelihoods, and urban transition in Africa: evidence from South‐West Cameroon
Authors: Parrot Laurent , Dongmo Clovis , Ndoumbé Michel , Poubom Christine 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis article documents change in periurban horticulture using repeat surveys in 1995 and 2004 of about 300 households around Muea, Cameroon. Real household incomes increased by 14%, with a large shift from farm to nonfarm income. Within agriculture, activity shifted from staple crops to horticulture, both for sale and in home consumption. In 1995, there were large remittances from farmers involved in periurban horticulture to their village of origin; in 2004 remittances continued and horticultural farmers were also heavily involved in informal financial associations. Periurban horticulture is disproportionately practiced by women and older workers, and plays an important and growing role in African livelihoods.
Molecular response of nasal mucosa to therapeutic exposure to broad‐band ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Mitchell David , Paniker Lakshmi , Sanchez Guillermo , Bella Zsolt , Garaczi Edina , Szell Marta , Hamid Qutayba , Kemeny Lajos , Koreck Andrea 
Published: July 2008

AbstractUltraviolet radiation (UVR) phototherapy is a promising new treatment for inflammatory airway diseases. However, the potential carcinogenic risks associated with this treatment are not well understood. UV‐specific DNA photoproducts were used as biomarkers to address this issue. Radioimmunoassay was used to quantify cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and (6–4) photoproducts in DNA purified from two milieus: nasal mucosa samples from subjects exposed to intranasal phototherapy and human airway (EpiAirway™) and human skin (EpiDerm™) tissue models. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect CPD formation and persistence in human nasal biopsies and human tissue models. In subjects exposed to broadband ultraviolet radiation, DNA damage frequencies were determined prior to as well as immediately after treatment and at increasing times post‐treatment. We observed significant levels of DNA damage immediately after treatment and efficient removal of the damage within a few days. No residual damage was observed in human subjects exposed to multiple UVB treatments several weeks after the last treatment. To better understand the molecular response of the nasal epithelium to DNA damage, parallel experiments were conducted in EpiAirway and EpiDerm model systems. Repair rates in these two tissues were very similar and comparable to that observed in human skin. The data suggest that the UV‐induced DNA damage response of respiratory epithelia is very similar to that of the human epidermis and that nasal mucosa is able to efficiently repair UVB induced DNA damage.
Parkin‐mediated ubiquitination regulates phospholipase C‐γ1
Authors: Dehvari Nodi , Sandebring Anna , Flores‐Morales Amilcar , Mateos Laura , Chuan Yin‐Choy , Goldberg Matthew S. , Cookson Mark R. , Cowburn Richard F. , Cedazo‐Mínguez Angel 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMutations in parkin cause autosomal recessive forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), with an early age of onset and similar pathological phenotype to the idiopathic disease. Parkin has been identified as an E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates different types of ubiquitination, which has made the search for substrates an intriguing possibility to identify pathological mechanisms linked to PD. In this study, we present PLCγ1 as a novel substrate for parkin. This association was found in non‐transfected human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells as well as in stable cell lines expressing parkin WT and familial mutants R42P and G328E. Analysis of cortical, striatal and nigral human brain homogenates revealed that the interaction between parkin and PLCγ1 is consistent throughout these regions, suggesting that the interaction is likely to have a physiological relevance for humans. Unlike many of the previously identified substrates, we could also show that the steady‐state levels of PLCγ1 is significantly higher in parkin KO mice and lower in parkin WT human neuroblastoma cells, suggesting that parkin ubiquitination of PLCγ1 is required for proteasomal degradation. In line with this idea, we show that the ability to ubiquitinate PLCγ1 in vitro differs significantly between WT and familial mutant parkin. In this study, we demonstrate that parkin interacts with PLCγ1, affecting PLCγ1 steady state protein levels in human and murine models with manipulated parkin function and expression levels. This finding could be of relevance for finding novel pathogenic mechanisms leading to PD.
The peroxynitrite evoked contractile depression can be partially reversed by antioxidants in human cardiomyocytes
Authors: Hertelendi Zita , Tóth Attila , Borbély Attila , Galajda Zoltán , Édes István , Tósaki Árpád , Papp Zoltán 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to determine the contribution of peroxynitrite‐dependent sulfhydryl group (SH) oxidation to the contractile dysfunction in permeabilized left ventricular human cardiomyocytes using a comparative approach with the SH‐oxidant 2,2′‐dithiodipyridine (DTDP). Additionally, different antioxidants: dithiothreitol (DTT), reduced glutathione (GSH) or N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) were employed to test reversibility. Maximal isometric active force production (Fo) and the maximal turnover rate of the cross‐bridge cycle (ktr,max) illustrated cardiomyocyte mechanics. SH oxidation was monitored by a semi‐quantitative Ellman’s assay and by SH‐specific protein biotinylation. Both peroxynitrite and DTDP diminishedFoin a concentration‐dependent manner (EC50,peroxynitrite= 49 μM; EC50,DTDP= 2.75 mM). However,ktr,maxwas decreased only by 2.5‐mM DTDP, but not by 50 μM peroxynitrite. The diminution ofFoto zero by DTDP was paralleled by the complete elimination of the free SH groups, while the peroxynitrite‐induced maximal reduction in free SH groups was only to 58 ± 6% of the control (100%). The diminutions inFoand free SH groups evoked by 2.5‐mM DTDP were completely reverted by DTT. In contrast, DTT induced only a partial restoration inFo(ΔFo,:∼13%;P< 0.05) despite full reversion in protein SH content after 50 μM peroxynitrite. Although, NAC or DTT were equally effective onFoafter peroxynitrite exposures, NAC or GSH did not restoreFoorktr,maxafter DTDP treatments. Our results revealed that the peroxynitrite‐evoked cardiomyocyte dysfunction has a small, but significant component resulting from reversible SH oxidation, and thereby illustrated the potential benefit of antioxidants during cardiac pathologies with excess peroxynitrite production.
Technical limits of comparison of step‐sectioning,immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR on breast cancer sentinel nodes: a study on methacarn‐fixed tissue
Authors: Daniele Lorenzo , Annaratone Laura , Allia Elena , Mariani Sara , Armando Enrico , Bosco Martino , Macrì Luigia , Cassoni Paola , D’Armento Giuseppe , Bussolati Gianni , Cserni Gabor , Sapino Anna 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe optimal pathological assessment of sentinel nodes (SLNs) in breast cancer is a matter of debate. Currently, multilevel histological evaluation and immunohistochemistry (IHC) are recommended, but alternative RT‐PCR procedures have been developed. To assess the reliability of these different procedures, we devised a step‐sectioning protocol at 100 micron‐intervals of 74 SLNs using methacarn fixation. mRNA was extracted from sections collected from levels 4 to 5. Mammaglobin, CEA and CK19 were used for RT‐PCR. mRNA extraction was successful in 69 SLNs. Of these, 7 showed macrometastases (>2mm), 2 showed micrometastases (<2 mm) and 7 showed isolated tumour cells (ITC) by IHC. RT‐PCR was positive for the three markers in 6 of 7 macrometastases and in 1 of 2 micrometastases. In the 2 RT‐PCR negative cases, metastases were detected only on sections distant from those analysed by RT‐PCR. CEA and/or CK19 were positive by RT‐PCR in 3 of 7 ITC and in 23 morphologically negative SLNs. In conclusion, the main goal of our study was to show that the use of alternate sections of the same sample for different procedures is the key reason for the discrepancies between molecular and morphological analyses of SLN. We believe that only prospective studies with quantitative mRNA analysis of specific metastatic markers on the whole lymph node can elucidate the utility of molecular assessments of SLN.
Immunological features of α‐synuclein in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Roodveldt Cintia , Christodoulou John , Dobson Christopher M. 
Published: July 2008

Introduction
Importance of inflammation processes in PD pathology
Stimulation of microglia by αSyn
αSyn‐triggered stimulation of the innate immune system
Other proteins up‐regulated by αSyn‐triggered microglial activation
αSyn and apoptosis of immune cells
Links between αSyn and astrocytes or oligodendrocytes
αSyn and the humoural immune system in PD
Expression of αSyn in immunocompetent cells
Prospects for αSyn‐ and immune‐based therapeutic approaches in PD
Concluding remarks
AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized pathologically by the presence, in the brain, of intra‐cellular protein inclusions highly enriched in aggregated α‐synuclein (αSyn), known as Lewy bodies. The onset of PD is accompanied by a local immune reaction in regions of the brain affected by the inclusions, although the mechanism that leads to pathogenesis is far from clear. It is, however, established that disease onset and progression are characterized by sustained activation of microglia, which is linked to significant dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra. A recent body of evidence indicates that aggregated or modified αSyn can indeed trigger the activation of microglia, inducing a lethal cascade of neuroinflammation and eventually, neuronal loss, pointing at aggregated and modified forms of αSyn as a primary cause of PD pathogenesis. By releasing toxic factors, or by phagocy‐tosing neighbouring cells, activated microglia and astrocytes may form a self‐perpetuating cycle for neuronal degeneration. Additional findings suggest a link between αSyn and humoural‐mediated mechanisms in PD. In this review, we attempt to recapitulate our current understanding of PD physiopathology focused on αSyn and its links with the immune system, as well as of novel and promising therapeutic avenues for the treatment of PD and of other synucleinopathies.
Trypanosoma cruzi in non‐human primates with a history of stillbirths: a retrospective study (Papio hamadryas spp.) and case report (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Grieves Jessica L. , Hubbard Gene B. , Williams Jeff T. , VandeBerg John L. , Dick, Jr Edward J. , López‐Alvarenga Juan C. , Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch Natalia E. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi has been described in humans and experimental work has been conducted with mice, but not with non‐human primates (NHPs).Methods  We conducted a retrospective study of female baboons (Papio hamadryas spp.) naturally seropositive or seronegative for T. cruzi with history of fetal loss, and we report a stillbirth in a cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) with placental T. cruzi amastigotes.Results  There were no differences in menstrual cycle parameters and the number of fetal losses between seropositive and seronegative baboons with history of fetal loss. The amount of parasite DNA detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR) in M. fascicularis placenta was within the range detected in infected baboon tissues.Conclusions  There is no evidence that chronic maternal T. cruzi infection causes fetal loss in baboons. Q‐PCR is a useful diagnostic tool to study archived NHP placentas.
Spontaneous heart disease in the adult chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Seiler Brittany M. , Dick Jr Edward J. , Guardado‐Mendoza Rodolfo , VandeBerg John L. , Williams Jeff T. , Mubiru James N. , Hubbard Gene B. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  A high incidence of heart disease, especially idiopathic cardiomyopathy (IC), is seen in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).Methods  We reviewed clinical records and necropsy reports of 87 adult chimpanzees for possible causes of heart disease/IC. We examined age, sex, cause of death, weight, diet, environment, infectious diseases, experimental uses and clinical pathology.Results  The overall prevalence of heart disease in chimpanzees was 67.81%; the prevalence of IC was 51.72%. The prevalence of IC was significantly higher in males (60.32%) than that in females (29.17%, P = 0.009). The prevalence of other heart disease was higher in females (25%) than that in males (12.70%, P = 0.165). Heart failure occurred in 47.13% of chimpanzees. Heart disease was the primary cause of death in 34.49% of chimpanzees; 29.88% died of unknown causes.Conclusions  We found no evidence that diet, environment, viral agents, experimental use or disease exposure contributed to the deaths resulting from IC in chimpanzees.
Natural Chagas disease in four baboons
Authors: Williams Jeff T. , Dick Jr Edward J. , VandeBerg John L. , Hubbard Gene B. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Chagas disease is common in Central and South America and the southern United States. The causative agent is Trypanosoma cruzi (order Kinetoplastida, family Trypanosomatidae), a kinetoplastid protozoan parasite of humans and other vertebrates. It is a serious public health issue and the leading cause of heart disease and cardiovascular death in Central and South America. In 1984, a colony baboon was discovered to be infected with T. cruzi.Methods  As the initial diagnosis was made by microscopic observation of the amastigote forms of T. cruzi in myocardial fibers, T. cruzi amastigotes have been identified in three additional baboons.Results  The primary findings were similar in all four baboons and were congestive heart failure with edema of dependent areas, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, and multifocal to diffuse lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis.Conclusions  A baboon animal model of Chagas disease could contribute significantly to the development of therapies for the disease in humans.
Paediatricians' attitudes and practices towards HPV vaccination
Authors: Ishibashi Kimiko L. , Koopmans Joy , Curlin Farr A. , Alexander Kenneth A. , Ross Lainie Friedman 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim: In June 2006, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil, was licensed for use in the United States. We examined whether paediatricians would recommend the vaccine, obstacles they encountered and characteristics associated with not recommending the HPV vaccine to all eligible patients.Methods: Four hundred fifty general paediatricians, 200 members of the section of infectious diseases and 200 members of the section of adolescent medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics web‐based directory were surveyed.Results: Of 752 eligible paediatricians, 373 (50%) responded. Eighty‐eight percent (292 of 332) of respondents stated that they would give the vaccine to all, 36 (11%) would give it to some and 4 (1%) would give it to none of their eligible patients. The main obstacles were cost and safety; a minority expressed concern about the vaccine's potential impact on adolescent sexual activity. Physicians who would not recommend HPV vaccination to all eligible patients were more likely to be generalists, have higher intrinsic religiosity, self‐describe as conservative, report later adoption of new drugs/vaccines, and would not encourage vaccinating their own daughter or the daughter of a close friend.Conclusion: Although paediatricians are highly supportive of the HPV vaccine, certain characteristics may predict reluctance to immunize.
Reduction in hospitalizations of children
Authors: Santos Erica , Gonçalves de Sousa Alexandre , Marques Ana Paula Lerner , Bussamra Maria Helena CF , Zukerman Eliova , Schvartsman Cláudio 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim: The aim of the study was to reduce the number of hospitalizations in a population of children enrolled in the Einstein Program of the Paraisópolis Community, in São Paulo, Brazil, particularly hospitalizations caused by respiratory diseases.Methods: All hospitalizations of this paediatric population enrolled in the Einstein Program of the Paraisópolis Community Outpatient Clinic were followed up between 2002 and 2004. The following four strategies to reduce or control respiratory diseases with an impact on hospitalizations were established: specific protocol, educational activities, vaccination against pneumococci and vaccination against influenza.Results: In 2002, 1025 hospitalizations due to all causes were recorded. This number significantly decreased to 862 hospitalizations in 2004 after implementation of the program, corresponding to a reduction of 15.9% (p < 0.0001). Hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases decreased by 23.37% (p < 0.02), and those due to cases of wheezing bronchitis fell by 51.61% (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The strategies chosen and implemented in the Einstein Program of the Paraisópolis Community Outpatient Clinic over the first 6 months of 2003 were effective in reducing the number of children's hospital admissions due to respiratory disease.