bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blinding in peer review: the preferences of reviewers for nursing journals
Authors: Baggs Judith Gedney , Broome Marion E. , Dougherty Molly C. , Freda Margaret C. , Kearney Margaret H. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTitle.  Blinding in peer review: the preferences of reviewers for nursing journals. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to assess the beliefs and preferences of reviewers for nursing journals about blinding of authors to reviewers, reviewers to authors, neither or both.Background.  Blinding of author and reviewer names in the manuscript review process has been of interest to nursing editors, but reports that are based on data rather than simply opinion concern the editorial practices of biomedical rather than nursing journals. There has been no study of nursing journal reviewer beliefs and preferences related to blinding.Method.  A descriptive web‐based survey was conducted. The sample included 1675 anonymous reviewers, recruited through 52 editors of nursing journals from their review panels. Data were collected in 2007.Findings.  Double‐blinding of reviews was the most common method reported. Ninety per cent of respondents reported that the papers they received to review did not include author names. When author names were blinded, 62% of reviewers could not identify the authors of papers; another 17% could identify authors ≤10% of the time. Double‐blinding was the method preferred by 93·6% of reviewers, although some identified some advantages to an unblinded open review process.Conclusion.  Nursing journal reviewers are generally very satisfied with double‐blinding and believe it contributes to the quality of papers published. Editors or editorial boards interested in a more open review process could consider alternatives such as offering authors and reviewers the option to unblind themselves. Simply announcing that the review process will henceforth be unblinded would probably lead to loss of reviewers.
Host‐driven divergence in the parasitic plant Orobanche minor Sm. (Orobanchaceae)
Authors: THOROGOOD C. J. , RUMSEY F. J. , HARRIS S. A. , HISCOCK S. J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMany parasitic angiosperms have a broad host range and are therefore considered to be host generalists. Orobanche minor is a nonphotosynthetic root parasite that attacks a range of hosts from taxonomically disparate families. In the present study, we show that O. minor sensu lato may comprise distinct, genetically divergent races isolated by the different ecologies of their hosts. Using a three‐pronged approach, we tested the hypothesis that intraspecific taxa O. minor var. minor and O. minor ssp. maritima parasitizing either clover (Trifolium pratense) or sea carrot (Daucus carota ssp. gummifer), respectively, are in allopatric isolation. Morphometric analysis revealed evidence of divergence but this was insufficient to define discrete, host‐specific taxa. Intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker‐based data provided stronger evidence of divergence, suggesting that populations were isolated from gene flow. Phylogenetic analysis, using sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers derived from ISSR loci, provided strong evidence for divergence by clearly differentiating sea carrot‐specific clades and mixed‐host clades. Low levels of intrapopulation SCAR marker sequence variation and floral morphology suggest that populations on different hosts are probably selfing and inbreeding. Morphologically cryptic Orobanche taxa may therefore be isolated from gene flow by host ecology. Together, these data suggest that host specificity may be an important driver of allopatric speciation in parasitic plants.
Determination of TAP1 and TAP2 polymorphism in the Chinese Han population by real‐time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Feng M. L. , Yin B. , Shen T. , Huang H. , Zheng J. W. , Qian K. C. , Liu D. Z. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe heterodimeric transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) complex plays a key role in immune surveillance. TAP1 and TAP2 typing was usually performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–restriction fragment length polymorphism and PCR–sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probe. As an alternative to these methods, we have established TaqMan assays to determine the frequencies of the TAP1 and TAP2 alleles. We have used these new TaqMan assays to genotype the polymorphisms in 339 unrelated Chinese Hans residing in North and South China. We detected five TAP1 and four TAP2 alleles. All the loci conform to the Hardy–Weinberg expectations. The most frequent alleles in Chinese Hans were TAP1*0101 (79.79%) and TAP2*0101 (82.74%). The two‐locus haplotype analysis showed highly significant positive linkage disequilibrium for one TAP1–TAP2 haplotype (TAP1*020101–TAP2*0102), three TAP1–DRB1 haplotypes (TAP1*020101–DRB1*03, TAP1*020102–DRB1*13, and TAP1*0301–DRB1*16), and three TAP2–DRB1 haplotypes (TAP2*0102–DRB1*09, TAP2*0103–DRB1*04, and TAP2*0201–DRB1*01). The three‐locus haplotype analysis showed highly significant positive linkage disequilibrium for TAP1*0101–TAP2*0101–DRB1*07, TAP1*0101–TAP2*0103–DRB1*04, TAP1*020101–TAP2*0101–DRB1*03, and TAP1*020101–TAP2*0102–DRB1*13. Comparison of the allele frequencies with those of other populations showed that the TAP1 allele distribution was very similar in all the groups, except for the Guarani, Kaingang, and Anatolian populations, but TAP2 distribution was significantly different from that of the other populations. The new TaqMan method provides relatively accurate, high‐resolution, simple, and fast assays for TAP genotyping.
Differential cytokine expression and regulation of human anti‐pig xenogeneic responses by modified porcine dendritic cells
Authors: Layton Daniel Stuart , Bean Andrew Gerard , Dodge Natalie Michelle , Strom A. David G. , Sandrin Mauro Sergio , Ierino Francesco Libero 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Background:  Porcine dendritic cells (DC) are likely to be pivotal cells in the initiation of stimulatory and potential tolerogenic responses to xenoantigens, however, there are limited studies characterizing these antigen presenting cells.Methods:  Porcine PBMC (CD172a+) were cultured with GM‐CSF and IL‐4 and phenotype and functional capabilities assessed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), IL‐10, and IL‐3 were added to the GM‐CSF/IL‐4 DC cultures to determine phenotypic and functional changes. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for key cytokines was performed and the modified porcine DC were further assessed by primary mixed lymphocyte reaction to determine the effect of LPS, IL‐10, and IL‐3 on stimulatory capability.Results:  Porcine PBMC (CD172+) cultured with GM‐CSF and IL‐4 produced cells with DC morphology, which were major histocompatability complex (MHC) class II+, CD14−/lo, and CD1alo. Addition of IL‐10 or IL‐3 to GM‐CSF/IL‐4 DC cultures produced cells with lower levels of MHC class II and higher levels of antigen uptake consistent with less mature DC. Quantitative real‐time PCR of DC showed the addition of IL‐10 induced an increase in IL‐10 mRNA, no detectable IL‐12, and reduced IL‐6 mRNA. The addition of IL‐3 to DC cultures decreased IL‐12, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), with no change in IL‐10 mRNA. GM‐CSF/IL‐4 DC induced strong human lymphocyte proliferation, compared with significantly reduced stimulatory capacity induced by IL‐10 and IL‐3 treated DC cultures.Conclusions:  The profound effect on differential DC cytokine profile and reduced human anti‐pig responses has important therapeutic implications in xenotransplantation. The mechanism of altered regulation warrants further investigation.
Clinical versatility of porcine hepatocytes in the light of interspecies differences in cytochrome P450 regulation and expression
Authors: Kleine Moritz , Schrem Harald , Borlak Jürgen , Klempnauer Jürgen 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Background and aims:  In fulminant hepatic failure, the clinical use of bioartifical liver support with porcine hepatocytes is the subject of a controversial debate. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolic functions have relevant implications for drug metabolism and detoxification. In this study, we investigate interspecies differences in CYP gene expression between human and porcine primary hepatocytes and the impact of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) exposition mimicking cytokine release in fulminant hepatic failure.Methods:  Primary hepatocyte cultures were isolated from human resection specimens and from German landrace pigs. Cell cultures (single and co‐cultures) were exposed to porcine vs. human IL‐6 and TNF‐α, respectively. Changes in quantitative CYP gene expression were investigated by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR.Results:  Significant differences in species‐specific CYP gene expression by human and porcine hepatocytes were found after exposure to species‐identical IL‐6 (10 ng/ml) for CYP 1A1, CYP 2C, CYP 3A (P = 0.002, 0.022, 0.017, respectively) or species‐identical TNF‐α (30ng/ml) for CYP 1A2 and CYP 2A (P = 0.037, 0.023, respectively). In single vs. co‐culture, human hepatocytes demonstrated stronger repression of CYP 1A1, 2C8 and 3A4 expression after dosage with human IL‐6 (10ng/ml) (P = 0.022, 0.031,  0.014, respectively).Conclusion:  Our findings demonstrate significant species‐specific differences in CYP gene expression and regulation when high doses of IL‐6 and TNF‐α are used (10  and 30 ng/ml, respectively). These findings may point to species‐specific physiological incompatibilities of porcine hepatocytes and thus limit their clinical versatility.
Graft rejection in the xenogeneic transplantation of mice: diagnosis with in vivo MR imaging using the homing trait of macrophages
Authors: Mun Han Song , Kang Hee Jung , Lim Keun Ho , Sohn Jin Young , Chang Hyeujin , Lee Kyoung Geun , Lee Jin Seong 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Background:  To evaluate the feasibility of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to depict the in vivo recruitment of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)‐labeled macrophages and to diagnose graft rejection in xenogeneic transplantation.Methods:  We transplanted the trachea of SD rat (xenogeneic) or C3H/HeN mouse (syngeneic) into the left thighs of six male C3H/HeN mice. The SPIO‐labeled macrophage was administered through the tail vein 2 days (acute) or 14 days (chronic) after transplantation in each group. The left thighs of the mice were imaged on a 4.7‐T MR scanner 24 h after macrophage administration. We evaluated the extent and pattern of the susceptibility effect (macrophage distribution) and compared them in the two groups. The MR findings were then correlated with the histopathologic results. We also measured in both groups the monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 level before and 2 days, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after transplantation.Results:  The band‐shaped lower signal intensity (SI) zone was noted around the graft in the acute and chronic phases of xenogeneic group and in the acute phase of syngeneic group, but it was not noted in the chronic phase of syngeneic transplantation. The lower SI zone corresponded to the distribution of SPIO‐labeled macrophages on histopathological analyses. On histologic examination, the severe inflammation developed around the xenogeneic graft, but only slightly around the syngeneic graft. MCP‐1 was elevated 2 days after transplantation in both groups, but then gradually decreased in the syngeneic group; in xenogenic group, the MCP‐1 value decreased by week 2 but then increased by week 4.Conclusions:  This study demonstrates that the homing of intravenously administered SPIO‐labeled macrophages can be monitored on MR imaging and is correlated with the MCP‐1 level and the histopathologic findings of the xenograft rejection.
Aurintricarboxylic acid inhibits endothelial activation, complement activation, and von Willebrand factor secretion in vitro and attenuates hyperacute rejection in an ex vivo model of pig‐to‐human pulmonary xenotransplantation
Authors: Kim Hyun Kyung , Kim Ji‐Eun , Wi Hyun Cho , Lee Sang Woo , Kim Ji Yeon , Kang Hee Jung , Kim Young Tae 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Background:  In the xenotransplantation of vascularized organs, such as the lung, a large area of endothelial cell layer is a big hurdle to be overcome. We investigated the potential protective effect of aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA), a known inhibitor of platelet adhesion, on endothelial damage induced by xenogeneic serum. We also assessed its role in hyperacute xenograft rejection using a porcine ex vivo lung perfusion model.Methods:  Porcine endothelial cells were incubated with human serum and other inflammatory stimuli. For the evaluation of von Willebrand factor (vWF) secretion and tissue factor (TF) expression, we used human endothelial cells. E‐selectin expression, complement activation, TF expression and platelet activation were investigated by flow cytometry. In an ex vivo porcine lung perfusion model, the porcine lungs were perfused with fresh human whole blood: unmodified blood (n = 5), ATA‐treated blood (n = 5), and ATA and lepirudin‐treated blood (n = 5).Results:  Aurintricarboxylic acid significantly inhibited TNF‐α‐ or lipopolysaccharide‐induced endothelial E‐selectin expression in a dose‐dependent manner. ATA also prevented human serum induced‐E‐selectin expression and human monocytic cell adhesion to porcine endothelial cells. Moreover, ATA abolished thrombin‐induced vWF secretion as well as complement activation. However, ATA induced endothelial TF expression and platelet activation in vitro. In ex‐vivo experiments, ATA treatment improved pulmonary function and attenuated sequestration of leukocytes. Although ATA did not influence thrombin generation, we were able to minimize its activity by adding lepirudin to the blood with ATA.Conclusions:  Our study demonstrated in vitro protective effect of ATA on the inhibition of endothelial activation and vWF secretion and confirmed detrimental effect of ATA on induction of endothelial TF and platelet activation. The combination of ATA and lepirudin may act beneficially by preventing coagulation perturbation while maintaining improved xenograft survival.
Dissecting the instant blood‐mediated inflammatory reaction in islet xenotransplantation
Authors: Goto Masafumi , Tjernberg Jenny , Dufrane Denis , Elgue Graciela , Brandhorst Daniel , Ekdahl Kristina Nilsson , Brandhorst Heidi , Wennberg Lars , Kurokawa Yoshimochi , Satomi Susumu , Lambris John D. , Gianello Pierre , Korsgren Olle , Nilsson Bo 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Background:  A massive destruction of transplanted tissue occurs immediately following transplantation of pancreatic islets from pig to non‐human primates. The detrimental instant blood‐mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR), triggered by the porcine islets, is a likely explanation for this tissue loss. This reaction may also be responsible for mediating an adaptive immune response in the recipient that requires a heavy immunosuppressive regimen.Materials and methods:  Low molecular weight dextran sulfate (LMW‐DS) and the complement inhibitor Compstatin were used in a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies designed to dissect the xenogeneic IBMIR in a non‐human primate model of pancreatic islet transplantation. Adult porcine islets (10 000 IEQs/kg) were transplanted intraportally into three pairs of cynomolgus monkeys that had been treated with LMW‐DS or heparin (control), and the effects on the IBMIR were characterized. Porcine islets were also incubated in human blood plasma in vitro to assess complement inhibition by LMW‐DS and Compstatin.Results:  Morphological scoring and immunohistochemical staining revealed that the severe islet destruction and macrophage, neutrophilic granulocyte, and T‐cell infiltration observed in the control (heparin‐treated) animals were abrogated in the LMW‐DS‐treated monkeys. Both coagulation and complement activation were significantly reduced in monkeys treated with LMW‐DS, but IgM and complement fragments were still found on the islet surface. This residual complement activation could be inhibited by Compstatin in vitro.Conclusions:  The xenogeneic IBMIR in this non‐human primate model is characterized by an immediate binding of antibodies that triggers deleterious complement activation and a subsequent clotting reaction that leads to further complement activation. The effectiveness of LMW‐DS (in vivo and in vitro) and Compstatin (in vitro) in inhibiting this IBMIR provides the basis for a protocol that can be used to abrogate the IBMIR in pig‐human clinical islet transplantation.
Engraftment of human hepatocytes in the livers of rats bearing bone marrow reconstructed with immunodeficient mouse bone marrow cells
Authors: Igarashi Yuka , Tateno Chise , Tanaka Yuka , Tachibana Asato , Utoh Rie , Kataoka Miho , Ohdan Hideki , Asahara Toshimasa , Yoshizato Katsutoshi 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Background:  Previously, we created, a chimeric mouse (humanized mouse), a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse whose liver was >90% repopulated with human (h)‐hepatocytes, which are useful for the testing of drug metabolism and toxicity, as well as a hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus‐susceptible animal model. However, their small body size and small total blood volume limited the utilization for analytical purposes, which led us to develop a method to create a chimeric rat bearing h‐hepatocyte‐repopulated liver.Methods:  F344 nude rats devoid of T cells were irradiated with X‐rays and injected with bone marrow cells (BMCs) from SCID mice (mSCID). The rate of replacement with mSCID‐BMCs was evaluated by two‐color flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). After mSCID‐BMCs repopulated the host bone marrow (BM), the rats were treated with retrorsine, partially hepatectomized (PHx), and transplanted with 5 × 106 h‐hepatocytes isolated from the chimeric mice. h‐Albumin (h‐Alb) concentrations in the host blood and the expression levels of protein and mRNA of hepatocyte differentiation markers in the h‐hepatocytes were evaluated by ELISA, immunostaining, and reverse transcription‐PCR, respectively.Results:  The mSCID‐BMCs successfully repopulated the rats, the percentage of mouse cells reaching 94% among host (rnudeF344) PBMCs at 4 weeks after m‐BMC transplantation. h‐Hepatocytes isolated from the chimeric mice were transplanted to the liver of the mSCID‐BMC‐repopulated rats. The engrafted h‐hepatocytes expressed h‐Alb and h‐cytochrome P450 (CYP) subtypes and survived showing normal phenotypes until at least 3 weeks post‐h‐hepatocytes transplantation (h‐HPCT). However, the blood concentrations of h‐Alb declined at 4 weeks post‐HPCT, concomitant with the emergence of both rnudeF344‐ and mSCID‐macrophages, suggesting the rejection of h‐hepatocytes due to the activation of macrophages.Conclusion:  We developed a novel method to create a rat that bears the liver engrafted with h‐hepatocytes, utilizing a rat with the BM composed of mSCID‐BMCs as a host. This h‐hepatocyte‐bearing rat will be a valuable model for studying the immunologic mechanisms involved in xenogeneic transplantation and for generating rats with higher rates of repopulation with h‐hepatocytes.
Macroevolutionary patterns in the origin of mutualisms involving ants
Authors: OLIVER T. H. , LEATHER S. R. , COOK J. M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAnts are a diverse and abundant insect group that form mutualistic associations with a number of different organisms from fungi to insects and plants. Here, we use a phylogenetic approach to identify ecological factors that explain macroevolutionary trends in the mutualism between ants and honeydew‐producing Homoptera. We also consider association between ant–Homoptera, ant–fungi and ant–plant mutualisms. Homoptera‐tending ants are more likely to be forest dwelling, polygynous, ecologically dominant and arboreal nesting with large colonies of 104–105individuals. Mutualistic ants (including those that garden fungi and inhabit ant‐plants) are found in under half of the formicid subfamilies. At the genus level, however, we find a negative association between ant–Homoptera and ant–fungi mutualisms, whereas there is a positive association between ant–Homoptera and ant–plant mutualisms. We suggest that species can only specialize in multiple mutualisms simultaneously when there is no trade‐off in requirements from the different partners and no redundancy of rewards.
Presentation, complications, and treatment outcome of brucellosis in Turkish children
Authors: Tanir Gonul , Tufekci Sehra B. , Tuygun Nilden 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground: Brucellosis constitutes a public health problem in Turkey. In endemicBrucella melitensisareas such as Turkey, children represent 20–25% of cases.Methods: Hospital records of 90 children with brucellosis admitted during a 9 year period, 1997–2006, were evaluated retrospectively.Results: Of 90 patients, 27 (30%) were female and 63 (70%) were male (P < 0.05). Patients were aged between 1 and 16 years of age. The mean age was 9.02 ± 3.59 years. Fifty‐two patients (57.8%) were from rural areas of Turkey. The mode of transmission was consumption of unpasteurized milk and milk products in 64 patients (71.1%). Parents of 41 patients (45.6%) worked in animal breeding. A positive family history for brucellosis was noted in 14 patients (15.6%). The most frequently involved joint with arthralgia was the knee joint. Arthritis was found in six patients (6.7%), and five of the six had monoarthritis. Serum agglutination test was ≥1/160 in 82 patients (91.1%). The joint symptoms rapidly responded to the treatment and the majority of the patients had significant improvement. The duration of treatment was 6 weeks in 81 patients (90%). Six patients experienced relapse. Four patients presented with complications that included neurobrucellosis, discitis and sclerosis of the hip joint.Conclusions: Treatment of childhood brucellosis with co‐trimoxazole + rifampicin or doxycycline + rifampicin, according to patient age, is effective and has low relapse rates. Complications and relapse were successfully treated with triple‐drug regimens with a low sequelae rate.
Developmental outcomes in persistent pulmonary hypertension treated with nitric oxide therapy
Authors: Hosono Shigeharu , Ohno Tutomu , Kimoto Hirofumi , Shimizu Masaki , Takahashi Shigeru , Harada Kensuke 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to assess 3 year auditory and neurodevelopmental outcomes of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) before and after introducing inhaled nitric oxide (i‐NO) therapy, and to detect the clinical factors affecting poor outcome.Methods:  A retrospective historical cohort study of 26 survivors with PPHN with oxygenation index (OI) ≥25 (13 infants without i‐NO therapy, control group; 13 with i‐NO therapy, i‐NO group) was performed. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) at 6 and 12 months and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years of age were evaluated.Results:  ABR abnormalities at 6 months were observed in one infant in the i‐NO group and six in the control group (P = 0.04). At 1 year, one infant in the i‐NO group and two of six infants in the control group still had ABR abnormality. In the i‐NO group, two children had abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes, as compared with five children in the control group at 3 year follow up. Two children in the control group and no children in the i‐NO group had hearing loss at 3 years of age. Hypocapnea (P = 0.04) and elevated creatine phosphokinase (P = 0.04) were found to be most predictive for neurodevelopmental abnormality.Conclusion:  Avoidance of excessive hypocapnea via introduction of i‐NO therapy might reduce both ABR and neurodevelopmental abnormalities.