bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Surgical Procedures
Authors: Vaisbrud Victor , Raveh David , Schlesinger Yechiel , Yinnon Amos M.
Published: February 2006

Objective:

To assess the practice of antimicrobial prophylaxis for surgical procedures in eight surgical departments in a 550-bed teaching hospital.

Methods:

A list of all major procedures performed in our hospital, with recommendations for prophylaxis based upon the literature, has been distributed since 1993 and is updated periodically. The practice of surgical prophylaxis between January 1 and March 31,1996, was examined by assessing four variables: (1) Did the particular procedure justify prophylaxis, and was it provided? (2) Was timing optimal, ie, within 1 hour prior to surgery? (3) Was the appropriate antimicrobial selected? (4) Was duration optimal, ie, ≤24 hours?

Results:

During the study period, 2,117 operations were performed, of which 1,631 (77%) were reviewed. Sixty-six percent were clean surgery, 28% clean-contaminated, and 6% contaminated; 72% of procedures were elective, 28% emergencies. Of 1,631 operations requiring prophylaxis, 1,142 (70%) received it, 489 (30%) did not. Of 1,631 patients, 1,392 (85%) received appropriate care: 929 (67%) appropriately received prophylaxis, and 463 (33%) appropriately did not receive prophylaxis. Of 955 patients who received prophylaxis, 26 (3%) did so inappropriately. Of 1,142 patients who should have received prophylaxis, 213 (19%) did not receive it. Female gender, clean surgery, elective operations, and infrequently performed procedures were all significant indicators of inappropriately withheld prophylaxis (P<.001). In addition, the rate of appropriately provided prophylaxis varied between departments from 71% to 97% (P<.001). Assessment of the 929 procedures for which prophylaxis was justified and given revealed that 100% of patients received it on time, the choice of antimicrobial was appropriate in 95% of cases, and duration was ≤24 hours in 91%.

Conclusions:

Audits of surgical prophylaxis are expected to detect different errors in different institutions. Conducting audits of surgical prophylaxis probably should be part of the routine activity of infection control teams. Feeding the information back to surgeons could improve adherence to recommended guidelines and might contribute to reduced wound infection rates.
Infection and Antimicrobial Use in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: McGuckin Maryanne , Shea Judy A. , Schwartz J. Sanford
Published: February 2006

Retrospective chart review of 1,702 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) revealed an overall infection rate of 2.3% and a surgical-site infection rate of 0.4%. Preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis was received by 79% of patients, but only 33% of these received the agent within 1 hour or less prior to surgery. These facts suggest that antimicrobial prophylaxis may not be necessary for low-risk LC patients.
Hospital Gangrene: The Scourge of Surgeons in the Past
Authors: Cohen Jack
Published: February 2006

Before the days of antisepsis, the infection rate on surgical wards was very high. Mortality from common operations such as limb amputations could run from 40% to 60%, mostly from infection. Hospital gangrene, a type of necrotizing infection, occurred frequently. It would spread rapidly, and the helpless surgeon could do nothing to stop it. The patient would be in agony for many days before death mercifully intervened.
Predicting interactions in protein networks by completing defective cliques
Authors: Yu Haiyuan , Paccanaro Alberto , Trifonov Valery , Gerstein Mark
Published: February 2006

Datasets obtained by large-scale, high-throughput methods for detecting protein–protein interactions typically suffer from a relatively high level of noise. We describe a novel method for improving the quality of these datasets by predicting missed protein–protein interactions, using only the topology of the protein interaction network observed by the large-scale experiment. The central idea of the method is to search the protein interaction network for defective cliques (nearly complete complexes of pairwise interacting proteins), and predict the interactions that complete them. We formulate an algorithm for applying this method to large-scale networks, and show that in practice it is efficient and has good predictive performance. More information can be found on our website

Contact:  Mark.Gerstein@yale.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary Materials are available at Bioinformatics online.
affylmGUI: a graphical user interface for linear modeling of single channel microarray data
Authors: Wettenhall James M. , Simpson Ken M. , Satterley Keith , Smyth Gordon K.
Published: February 2006

Summary: affylmGUI is a graphical user interface (GUI) to an integrated workflow for Affymetrix microarray data. The user is able to proceed from raw data (CEL files) to QC and pre-processing, and eventually to analysis of differential expression using linear models with empirical Bayes smoothing. Output of the analysis (tables and figures) can be exported to an HTML report. The GUI provides user-friendly access to state-of-the-art methods embodied in the Bioconductor software repository.

Availability: affylmGUI is an R package freely available from . It requires R version 1.9.0 or later and tcl/tk 8.3 or later and has been successfully tested on Windows 2000, Windows XP, Linux (RedHat and Fedora distributions) and Mac OS/X with X11. Further documentation is available at

Contact:  keith@wehi.edu.au
The LCB Data Warehouse
Authors: Ameur Adam , Yankovski Vladimir , Enroth Stefan , Spjuth Ola , Komorowski Jan
Published: February 2006

Summary: The Linnaeus Centre for Bioinformatics Data Warehouse (LCB-DWH) is a web-based infrastructure for reliable and secure microarray gene expression data management and analysis that provides an online service for the scientific community. The LCB-DWH is an effort towards a complete system for storage (using the BASE system), analysis and publication of microarray data. Important features of the system include: access to established methods within R/Bioconductor for data analysis, built-in connection to the Gene Ontology database and a scripting facility for automatic recording and re-play of all the steps of the analysis. The service is up and running on a high performance server. At present there are more than 150 registered users.

Availability: An open functional version is available at . User accounts are created upon request. Additional facilities including plug-ins, user documentation and a password protected data storage system are available from

Contact:  Jan.Komorowski@lcb.uu.se
FANMOD: a tool for fast network motif detection
Authors: Wernicke Sebastian , Rasche Florian
Published: February 2006

Summary: Motifs are small connected subnetworks that a network displays in significantly higher frequencies than would be expected for a random network. They have recently gathered much attention as a concept to uncover structural design principles of complex biological networks. FANMOD is a tool for fast network motif detection; it relies on recently developed algorithms to improve the efficiency of network motif detection by some orders of magnitude over existing tools. This facilitates the detection of larger motifs in bigger networks than previously possible. Additional benefits of FANMOD are the ability to analyze colored networks, a graphical user interface and the ability to export results to a variety of machine- and human-readable file formats including comma-separated values and HTML.

Availability: The tool is freely available online at and runs under Linux, Mac OS and Windows.

Contact:  wernicke@minet.uni-jena.de
Analysis of Phase of LUCIFERASE Expression Reveals Novel Circadian Quantitative Trait Loci in Arabidopsis
Authors: Darrah Chiarina , Taylor Bethan L. , Edwards Kieron D. , Brown Paul E. , Hall Anthony , McWatters Harriet G.
Published: February 2006

In response to exogenous rhythms of light and temperature, most organisms exhibit endogenous circadian rhythms (i.e. cycles of behavior and gene expression with a periodicity of approximately 24 h). One of the defining characteristics of the circadian clock is its ability to synchronize (entrain) to an environmental rhythm. Entrainment is arguably the most salient feature of the clock in evolutionary terms. Previous quantitative trait studies of circadian characteristics in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) considered leaf movement under constant (free-running) conditions. This study, however, addressed the important circadian parameter of phase, which reflects the entrained relationship between the clock and the external cycle. Here it is shown that, when exposed to the same photoperiod, Arabidopsis accessions differ dramatically in phase. Variation in the timing of circadian LUCIFERASE expression was used to map loci affecting the entrained phase of the clock in a recombinant population derived from two geographically distant accessions, Landsberg erecta and Cape Verde Islands. Four quantitative trait loci (QTL) were found with major effects on circadian phase. A QTL on chromosome 5 contained SIGNALING IN RED LIGHT REDUCED 1 and PSEUDORESPONSE REGULATOR 3, both genes known to affect the circadian clock. Previously unknown polymorphisms were found in both genes, making them candidates for the effect on phase. Fine mapping of two other QTL highlighted genomic regions not previously identified in any circadian screens, indicating their effects are likely due to genes not hitherto considered part of the circadian system.
Posttranslational Regulation of Nitrate Reductase Strongly Affects the Levels of Free Amino Acids and Nitrate, whereas Transcriptional Regulation Has Only Minor Influence
Authors: Lea Unni S. , Leydecker Marie-Thérèse , Quilleré Isabelle , Meyer Christian , Lillo Cathrine
Published: February 2006

Diurnal variations in nitrate reductase (NR) activity and nitrogen metabolites were examined in wild-type Nicotiana plumbaginifolia and transformants with various degrees of NR deregulation. In the C1 line, NR was only deregulated at the transcriptional level by placing the NR gene under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S RNA promoter. In the Del8 and S521D lines, NR was additionally deregulated at the posttranslational level either by a deletion mutation in the N-terminal domain or by a mutation of the regulatory phosphorylation site (serine-521). Posttranslational regulation was essential for pronounced diurnal variations in NR activity. Low nitrate content was related to deregulation of NR, whereas the level of total free amino acids was much higher in plants with fully deregulated NR. Abolishing transcriptional and posttranslational regulation (S521D plants) resulted in an increase of glutamine and asparagine by a factor of 9 and 14, respectively, compared with wild type, whereas abolishing transcriptional regulation (C1 plants) only resulted in increases of glutamine and asparagine by factors <2. Among the minor amino acids, isoleucine and threonine, in particular, showed enhanced levels in S521D. Nitrate uptake rates were the same in S521D and wild type as determined with 15N feeding. Deregulation of NR appears to set the level of certain amino acids, whereas diurnal variations were still determined by light/dark. Generally, deregulation of NR at the transcriptional level did not have much influence on metabolite levels, but additional deregulation at the posttranslational level resulted in profound changes of nitrogen metabolite levels.
An Ankyrin Repeat-Containing Protein, Characterized as a Ubiquitin Ligase, Is Closely Associated with Membrane-Enclosed Organelles and Required for Pollen Germination and Pollen Tube Growth in Lily
Authors: Huang Jian , Chen Feng , Del Casino Cecilia , Autino Antonella , Shen Mouhua , Yuan Shuai , Peng Jia , Shi Hexin , Wang Chen , Cresti Mauro , Li Yiqin
Published: February 2006

Exhibiting rapid polarized growth, the pollen tube delivers the male gametes into the ovule for fertilization in higher plants. To get an overall picture of gene expression during pollen germination and pollen tube growth, we profiled the transcription patterns of 1,536 pollen cDNAs from lily (Lilium longiflorum) by microarray. Among those that exhibited significant differential expression, a cDNA named lily ankyrin repeat-containing protein (LlANK) was thoroughly studied. The full-length LlANK cDNA sequence predicts a protein containing five tandem ankyrin repeats and a RING zinc-finger domain. The LlANK protein possesses ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro. RNA blots demonstrated that LlANK transcript is present in mature pollen and its level, interestingly contrary to most pollen mRNAs, up-regulated significantly during pollen germination and pollen tube growth. When fused with green fluorescent protein and transiently expressed in pollen, LlANK was found dominantly associated with membrane-enclosed organelles as well as the generative cell. Overexpression of LlANK, however, led to abnormal growth of the pollen tube. On the other hand, transient silencing of LlANK impaired pollen germination and tube growth. Taken together, these results showed that LlANK is a ubiquitin ligase associated with membrane-enclosed organelles and required for polarized pollen tube growth.
Vacuolar H+-ATPase Activity Is Required for Endocytic and Secretory Trafficking inArabidopsis
Authors: Dettmer Jan , Hong-Hermesdorf Anne , Stierhof York-Dieter , Schumacher Karin
Published: February 2006

In eukaryotic cells, compartments of the highly dynamic endomembrane system are acidified to varying degrees by the activity of vacuolar H+-ATPases (V-ATPases). In the Arabidopsis thaliana genome, most V-ATPase subunits are encoded by small gene families, thus offering potential for a multitude of enzyme complexes with different kinetic properties and localizations. We have determined the subcellular localization of the three Arabidopsis isoforms of the membrane-integral V-ATPase subunit VHA-a. Colocalization experiments as well as immunogold labeling showed that VHA-a1 is preferentially found in the trans-Golgi network (TGN), the main sorting compartment of the secretory pathway. Uptake experiments with the endocytic tracer FM4-64 revealed rapid colocalization with VHA-a1, indicating that the TGN may act as an early endosomal compartment. Concanamycin A, a specific V-ATPase inhibitor, blocks the endocytic transport of FM4-64 to the tonoplast, causes the accumulation of FM4-64 together with newly synthesized plasma membrane proteins, and interferes with the formation of brefeldin A compartments. Furthermore, nascent cell plates are rapidly stained by FM4-64, indicating that endocytosed material is redirected into the secretory flow after reaching the TGN. Together, our results suggest the convergence of the early endocytic and secretory trafficking pathways in the TGN.
Transcriptome Profiling, Molecular Biological, and Physiological Studies Reveal a Major Role for Ethylene in Cotton Fiber Cell Elongation
Authors: Shi Yong-Hui , Zhu Sheng-Wei , Mao Xi-Zeng , Feng Jian-Xun , Qin Yong-Mei , Zhang Liang , Cheng Jing , Wei Li-Ping , Wang Zhi-Yong , Zhu Yu-Xian
Published: February 2006

Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) produces the most widely used natural fibers, yet the regulatory mechanisms governing fiber cell elongation are not well understood. Through sequencing of a cotton fiber cDNA library and subsequent microarray analysis, we found that ethylene biosynthesis is one of the most significantly upregulated biochemical pathways during fiber elongation. The 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Oxidase1-3 (ACO1-3) genes responsible for ethylene production were expressed at significantly higher levels during this growth stage. The amount of ethylene released from cultured ovules correlated with ACO expression and the rate of fiber growth. Exogenously applied ethylene promoted robust fiber cell expansion, whereas its biosynthetic inhibitor l-(2-aminoethoxyvinyl)-glycine (AVG) specifically suppressed fiber growth. The brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthetic pathway was modestly upregulated during this growth stage, and treatment with BR or its biosynthetic inhibitor brassinazole (BRZ) also promoted or inhibited, respectively, fiber growth. However, the effect of ethylene treatment was much stronger than that of BR, and the inhibitory effect of BRZ on fiber cells could be overcome by ethylene, but the AVG effect was much less reversed by BR. These results indicate that ethylene plays a major role in promoting cotton fiber elongation. Furthermore, ethylene may promote cell elongation by increasing the expression of sucrose synthase, tubulin, and expansin genes.
Evidence of a local spawning site of marine eels along northeastern Japan, based on the distribution of small leptocephali
Authors: KIMURA YOBUO , MILLER MICHAEL J. , MINAGAWA GEN , WATANABE SHUN , SHINODA AKIRA , AOYAMA JUN , INAGAKI TADASHI , TSUKAMOTO KATSUMI
Published: February 2006

Evidence of recent spawning by several species of marine eels of the families Congridae, Ophichthidae, and Nettastomatidae was found over the continental shelf along the coast of northeastern Japan in October 2003. Sixty‐three leptocephali of at least three taxa that ranged from 3.8 to 12.3 mm total length were collected in a relatively small area, just to the south of Cape Shioya, primarily over the 100‐and 200‐m‐depth contours. The leptocephali of Gnathophis nystromi nystromi were the most abundant, followed by those of G. nystromi ginanago. This spawning area is located in an area that appeared to include water originating from the Tsugaru Warm Current and is further south than the typical latitude of the cold water of the Oyashio First Intrusion. These findings suggest that some species of marine eels may not migrate past the slope to spawn, and that the oceanographic features of the region may provide favorable conditions for the growth and retention of leptocephali in the area to the south of Cape Shioya.
Estimation of seasonal spawning ground locations and ambient sea surface temperatures for eggs and larvae of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) in the western North Pacific
Authors: IWAHASHI MASAYUKI , ISODA YUTAKA , ITO SHIN‐ICHI , OOZEKI YOSHIOKI , SUYAMA SATOSHI
Published: February 2006

Since there have been practically no surveys of the eggs of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) in the western North Pacific (WNP), its spawning ground (SG) distribution has been poorly resolved, based mainly on the larval distribution. This means of estimating SG distribution is imprecise because saury eggs drift for more than a week before they hatch, in a region with intense western boundary currents and their extensions. To improve our understanding of the immature saury, a large number of larvae (body length <25 mm) collected in the WNP during 1993–96 were numerically backtracked to take into account the advection by geostrophic and wind‐forced Ekman currents, and the SG locations and ambient sea surface temperatures (SSTs) for the eggs and larvae on the backtracking trajectories were estimated. The resulting seasonal distributions of SGs indicated that both the locations and the intensities of spawning change from season to season. Moreover, the ambient SSTs for eggs just after fertilization ranged from a high of around 21.5°C in early autumn (September to October) to a low of around 15.0°C in late spring (May to June) with an intermediate of around 20.0°C in winter (January to February). The ambient SSTs showed seasonally different gradients while the individuals developed from eggs to early larvae: the SSTs decreased throughout the autumn (September to December), stayed rather constant in winter (January to February), and increased throughout the spring (March to June). The ambient SSTs for the early larvae were at around 19.0°C in autumn and winter (September to February) and around 16.5°C throughout the spring (March to June).
Environmental determinants of growth rates for larval Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus in different waters
Authors: TAKASUKA AKINORI , AOKI ICHIRO
Published: February 2006

Do disparate mechanisms determine growth rates of fish larvae in the different regions? The relationship between growth rates and environmental factors (sea temperature and food availability) was examined for larval Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus in geographically and environmentally different waters, through sagittal otolith microstructure analysis. Recent 3‐day mean growth rates directly before capture were positively related with sea‐surface temperature (SST) but not with food availability (plankton density) for the larvae in the Kuroshio Extension and Kuroshio–Oyashio transition regions of the western North Pacific. On the contrary, variations in recent growth rates were attributed to food availability (plankton density) as well as SST for the larvae in the East China Sea. In the shirasu fishing ground in Sagami Bay, larval growth rates were variable under the influences of both SST and food availability (feeding incidence). On the surface, the growth–environment relationships seemed to differ among regions. However, a definite general pattern of the dome‐shaped relationship between recent growth rates and SST was observed when all the regions were combined. Growth rates were similar even among clearly different regions if at the same SST. Overall, growth rates roughly increased with SST until they reached the maximum at SST of 21–22°C (i.e. optimal growth temperature), and declined when SST went over 21–22°C. On the contrary, no clear relationship was observed between growth rate and plankton density or between SST and plankton density. Therefore, the apparent among‐region differences would be firstly caused by the differences in regional SST range. The systematic mechanism of growth determination for widespread pelagic fish species larvae would be run by primarily sea temperature and secondarily food availability, at the species level.
Distribution of the frankincense tree Boswellia papyrifera in Eritrea: the role of environment and land use
Authors: Ogbazghi Woldeselassie , Rijkers Toon , Wessel Marius , Bongers Frans
Published: February 2006

Aim  We determined the present and past distribution, and the abundance, of Boswellia papyrifera in Eritrea, and the environmental and land‐use factors determining its distribution limits.

Location  Eritrea, in the Horn of Africa.

Methods  In 1997 a Boswellia field survey was conducted in 113 village areas covering four administrative regions. Species occurrence was related to rainfall, air temperature and length of growing period. Additionally, the relationship between the abundance of Boswellia trees and selected physical and chemical soil factors, topography and land‐use types was determined for five study areas (with a total of 144 plots) situated along an altitude gradient of 800–2000 m a.s.l.

Results  The geographical distribution of B. papyrifera was limited to the south‐western and southern parts of the country between 800 and 1850 m altitude receiving a mean annual rainfall of 375–700 mm, with a growing period of 45–100 days. Species abundance was affected by, in order of importance: altitude, land‐use intensity and soil organic matter. Most trees were found in hilly areas; tree density increased from the foot slope to the hill summit; no trees occurred in valleys. Land‐use intensity, especially agriculture, fallow and grazed areas, had a profound negative effect on tree abundance. Natural regeneration of the species was promoted in areas where grazing by livestock was not allowed or regulated.

Main conclusions  The distribution of B. papyrifera in Eritrea has decreased during past decades, mainly due to an increasing human population, resulting in the conversion of woodlands into agricultural fields and increasing livestock pressure hindering natural regeneration. Consequently, Boswellia trees are found mainly in hilly areas on steep slopes with shallow soils of low fertility. The species appears to be able to adapt to these harsh growing conditions: in adjacent countries it was also found in comparable growth habitats.
Effect of N‐fixing and non N‐fixing trees and crops on NO and N2O emissions from Senegalese soils
Authors: Dick Jan , Skiba Ute , Munro Robert , Deans Douglas
Published: February 2006

Aim  Agroforestry systems incorporating N‐fixing trees have been shown to be socially beneficial and are thought to be environmentally friendly, both enriching and stabilizing soil. However, the effect of such systems on the emissions of the important greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) and the tropospheric ozone precursor nitric oxide (NO) is largely unknown.

Location  Soil was collected from the research plots of Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles at Bandia and Bambey, Senegal, West Africa, and from neighbouring farmers’ fields. Trace gas flux measurements and chemical analysis of the soil were carried out at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Edinburgh, UK.

Methods  Nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were measured following simulated rainfall events (10 and 20 mm equivalents) from repacked soil cores collected under two tree species (Acacia raddiana) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis) in each of two provenance trails. In addition, soil samples were collected in local fields growing peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and Sorghum (Sorghum vulgare), close to the species trials in Bambey. NO was measured using a flow through system and was analysed by chemiluminescence. Nitrous oxide was measured from the repacked soil core headspace and was analysed by electron capture gas chromatography. Soil mineral N was extracted with KCl and analysed by colorimetric methods on separate soil columns.

Results  Light rainfall, which increased the gravimetric soil moisture content to 20%, stimulated an increase in NO emission but there was no detectable N2O emission. A heavy rainfall event, which increased the gravimetric soil moisture to 30%, stimulated N2O emission with a subsequent peak in NO emissions when the soils became drier. Soil collected under the N‐fixing tree species emitted significantly more N2O than soil collected under the N‐fixing crop species (P < 0.01). NO and N2O emissions significantly correlated with soil available N (NH4 and NO3) (P < 0.05).

Main conclusions  Rainfall intensity, supply of mineral N from organic matter and N fixation were the prime drivers of NO and N2O emissions from seasonally dry tropical soils. The improved soil fertility underneath the trees provided a larger pool of mineral N and yielded larger rates of NO and N2O emissions.
Obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes: results from the Swedish National Diabetes Register
Authors: RIDDERSTRÅLE M. , GUDBJÖRNSDOTTIR S. , ELIASSON B. , NILSSON P. M. , CEDERHOLM J. ,   FOR THE STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE SWEDISH NATIONAL DIABETES REGISTER (NDR)
Published: February 2006

Objectives.  To compare obese with normal and overweight type 2 diabetic patients regarding body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular risk factors, and to analyse changes in weight versus risk factors.

Design and setting.  A cross‐sectional study of 44 042 type 2 patients, and a 6‐year prospective study of 4468 type 2 patients.

Results.  Obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2), 37% of all patients, had high frequencies of hypertension (88%), hyperlipidaemia (81%) and microalbuminuria (29%). Only 11% had blood pressure <130/80 mmHg. Their ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol was considerably elevated, whilst the mean total and LDL cholesterol were similar as in normal weight subjects. Obese patients had elevated odds ratios for hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and microalbuminuria: 2.1, 1.8 and 1.4 in the cross‐sectional study, similarly confirmed in the prospective 6‐year study. BMI was an independent predictor of these risk factors (P < 0.001), although only slightly associated with HbA1c and not with total or LDL cholesterol. A change in BMI during the prospective study was related to a change in HbA1c in patients treated with diet and oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs) but not with insulin. In all patients, an increase in BMI was related to the development of hypertension, and a change in BMI to change in blood pressure, also mostly confirmed when treated with diet, OHAs or insulin.

Conclusions.  The high frequencies of risk factors in obese type 2 patients implies an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and the need for therapeutic measures. The paradox that hypoglycaemic treatment accompanied by weight gain may increase cardiovascular risk factors seems to be verified here concerning hypertension but not concerning microalbuminuria.
Exploratory Investigation of the Effect of Melatonin and Caloric Restriction on the Temporal Expression of Murine Hypothalamic Transcripts
Authors: Resuehr D. , Sikes H. E. , Olcese J.
Published: February 2006

Circadian rhythms of behaviour and gene expression are coupled to endogenous neuronal oscillators located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), which are synchronised by the environmental light cycle. Besides light, other factors such as the pineal hormone melatonin, temperature and feeding have entraining properties. During senescence, the circadian system becomes weaker and susceptible to desynchronisation. It is unknown to what extent age‐related changes are the result of the deterioration of the hypothalamic master clock. Supplementing ageing mice with melatonin as well as maintaining them on a hypocaloric diet extends the life span and delays age‐related diseases. By means of DNA microarrays and the quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we have conducted an exploratory study to compare the effect of long‐term melatonin substitution (MEL) and caloric restriction (CR) on circadian gene expression in hypothalamic samples, which contained the SCN as well as other important nuclei involved in nutrient balance, reproduction, and so on. Over 4% of the hypothalamic transcripts showed an overt circadian rhythm in expression, and many of these contain E boxes in their promoter regions, suggesting a direct regulation by circadian clock genes. MEL and CR significantly influenced some of these rhythmically expressed transcripts, but often in opposite ways. Importantly, our studies emphasise that the apparent direction of treatment effects (i.e. up‐regulation versus down‐regulation) depends on the time of day at which the samples are compared.
The influence of age and dental status on elevator and depressor muscle activity
Authors: ALAJBEG I. Z. , VALENTIC‐PERUZOVIC M. , ALAJBEG I. , CIFREK M.
Published: February 2006

summary  The objective of this study was to determine whether the muscle activity at various mandibular positions is affected by age and dental status. Thirty edentulous subjects (E), 20 young dentate individuals (G1) and 20 older dentate individuals (G2) participated in this study. Surface electromyographic (EMG) recordings were obtained from the anterior temporal (T), masseter (M) and depressor muscles (D). Muscle activity was recorded during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), maximal opening (Omax) and in six different mandibular positions. One way anova and the Bonferroni tests were used to determine the differences between groups. Significant differences between the three tested groups were found at MVC and Omax for all examined muscles (P < 0·001). The differences in muscle activity in dentate subjects of different age were found in protrusion for depressor muscles (P < 0·05) and in lateral excursive positions for the working side temporal (P < 0·05) and non‐working side masseter and depressor muscle (P < 0·05). There was a significant effect regarding the presence of natural teeth or complete dentures in protrusion and maximal protrusion for all muscles (P < 0·05) and in lateral excursive positions for non‐working side temporal (P < 0·05) and working side masseter muscle (P < 0·05). Muscle activity at various mandibular positions depends greatly on the presence of the prosthetic appliance, as edentulous subjects had to use higher muscle activity levels (percentages of maximal EMG value) than age matched dentate subjects in order to perform same mandibular movement. Different elevator muscles were preferentially activated in the edentulous subjects when compared with dentate group in lateral excursive positions of the mandible. The pattern of relative muscle activity was not changed because of ageing.
Dental implants in patients with bruxing habits
Authors: LOBBEZOO F. , BROUWERS J. E. I. G. , CUNE M.S. , NAEIJE M.
Published: February 2006

summary  Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) is generally considered a contraindication for dental implants, although the evidence for this is usually based on clinical experience only. So far, studies to the possible cause‐and‐effect relationship between bruxism and implant failure do not yield consistent and specific outcomes. This is partly because of the large variation in the literature in terms of both the technical aspects and the biological aspects of the study material. Although there is still no proof for the suggestion that bruxism causes an overload of dental implants and of their suprastructures, a careful approach is recommended. There are a few practical guidelines as to minimize the chance of implant failure. Besides the recommendation to reduce or eliminate bruxism itself, these guidelines concern the number and dimensions of the implants, the design of the occlusion and articulation patterns, and the protection of the final result with a hard occlusal stabilization splint (night guard).
Prevalence of symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders in a Turkish population
Authors: NEKORA‐AZAK A. , EVLIOGLU G. , ORDULU M. , İŞSEVER H.
Published: February 2006

summary  Despite numerous studies having been published, the epidemiology of temporomandibular disorders remains uncertain and controversial. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of symptoms commonly associated with such disorders among a sample of adults in Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 1253 individuals aged 18 years were identified by using a random‐digit dialing technique. They were asked standard questions about joint and jaw muscle pain, jaw opening, and joint sounds. Additional questions on tooth grinding and clenching, sleep patterns, and treatment‐seeking behaviour were posed. Jaw pain was reported by 31% of the population. Women were more likely, than men, to respond positively to the questions concerning jaw pain. No gender‐ and age‐related differences in prevalence of dificulty opening, clicking, tooth grinding/clenching and being poorly rested were found.
Surface roughness of five different dental ceramic core materials after grinding and polishing
Authors: KOU W. , MOLIN M. , SJÖGREN G.
Published: February 2006

summary  In clinical practice, core materials can be exposed after adjustments are made to previously‐luted all‐ceramic restorations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of five different dental ceramic core materials after grinding and polishing. Five different ceramic core materials, Vita In‐Ceram Alumina, Vita In‐Ceram Zirconia, IPS Empress 2, Procera AllCeram, and Denzir were evaluated. Vita Mark II was used as a reference material. The surface roughness, Ra value (μm), was registered using a profilometer. The measurements were made before and after grinding with diamond rotary cutting instruments and after polishing with the Sof‐Lex system. The surface of representative specimens was evaluated qualitatively using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results were statistically analysed using analysis of variance (anova) supplemented with Scheffè's and Bonferroni multiple‐comparison tests. Before grinding, Procera AllCeram and Denzir had the smoothest surfaces, while IPS Empress 2 had the coarsest. After grinding, all materials except IPS Empress 2 became coarser. Polishing with Sof‐Lex provided no significant (P > 0·05) differences between Denzir, Vita Mark II and IPS Empress 2 or between Procera AllCeram and In‐Ceram Zirconia. There were no significant differences (P > 0·05) either between the ground and the polished Procera AllCeram or In‐Ceram Alumina specimens. Polishing of Denzir, IPS Empress 2 and In‐Ceram Zirconia made the surfaces smoother compared with the state after grinding, whereas the polishing effect on Procera AllCeram and In‐Ceram Alumina was ineffective. The findings of the SEM evaluation were consistent with the profilometer readings.
The sedimentology and alluvial architecture of the sandy braided South Saskatchewan River, Canada
Authors: SAMBROOK SMITH G. H. , ASHWORTH P. J. , BEST J. L. , WOODWARD J. , SIMPSON C. J.
Published: February 2006

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys of unit and compound braid bars in the sandy South Saskatchewan River, Canada, are used to test the influential facies model for sandy braided alluvium presented by Cant & Walker (1978). Four main radar facies are identified: (1) high‐angle (up to angle‐of‐repose) inclined reflections, interpreted as having formed at the margins of migrating bars; (2) discontinuous undular and/or trough‐shaped reflections, interpreted as cross‐strata associated with the migration of sinuous‐crested dunes; (3) low‐angle (< 6°) reflections, interpreted as formed by low‐amplitude dunes or unit bars as they migrate onto bar surfaces; and (4) reflections of variable dip bounded by a concave reflection, interpreted as being formed by the filling of channel scours, cross‐bar channels or depressions on the bar surface. The predominant vertical arrangement of facies is discontinuous trough‐shaped reflections at the channel base overlain by discontinuous undular reflections, overlain by low‐angle reflections that dominate the deposits near the bar surface. High‐angle inclined reflections are only found near the surface of unit bars, and are of relatively small‐scale (< 0·5 m), but can be found at a greater range of depths within compound bars. The GPR data show that a high spatial variability exists in the distribution of facies between different compound bars, with facies variability within a single bar being as pronounced as that between bars. Compound bars evolve as an amalgamation of unit bars and other compound bars, and comprise a facies distribution that is representative of the main bar types in the South Saskatchewan River. The GPR data are compared with the original model of Cant & Walker (1978) and reveal a much greater variability in the scale, proportion and distribution of facies than that presented by Cant & Walker (1978). Most notably, high‐angle inclined strata are over‐represented in the model of Cant and Walker, with many bars being dominated by the deposits of low‐ and high‐amplitude dunes. It is suggested that further GPR studies from a range of braided river types are required to properly quantify the full range of deposits. Only by moving away from traditional, highly generalized facies models can a greater understanding of braided river deposits and their controls be established.
Toxicity of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) extracts on Alternaria brassicicola, causal agent of black leaf spot of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis)
Authors: Muto M. , Mulabagal V. , Huang H.‐C. , Takahashi H. , Tsay H.‐S. , Huang J.‐W.
Published: February 2006

Root extracts of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) were analyzed for activity against isolates ABA‐31 and ABA‐104 of Alternaria brassicicola, the causal agent of black leaf spot of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis). Preliminary results showed that dried root tissues of black nightshade extracted with 70% ethanol contained antifungal properties against A. brassicicola. Ethanol root extracts were used for further fractionations using ethyl acetate, n‐butanol and water. Among the three extracts, the n‐butanol fraction showed the strongest antifungal activity by its suppression of conidial germination of A. brassicicola. The n‐butanol extract of S. nigrum roots was fractionated further into six fractions (I–VI). Among the six fractions tested, fraction V showed a strong inhibitory effect on conidial germination of A. brassicicola and thereby suppressed lesion development of black leaf spot of Chinese cabbage at a concentration of 25 ppm or higher. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated that fraction V contained a mixture of saponins, and results of further bio‐guided fractionation and bioassay suggested that saponins in fraction V were key chemical components in the control of A. brassicicola. The potential of using black nightshade for developing natural products for the control of fungal plant diseases is discussed.
Principles of Natural Regeneration of Tropical Dry Forests for Restoration
Authors: Vieira Daniel L. M. , Scariot Aldicir
Published: February 2006

Tropical dry forests are the most threatened tropical terrestrial ecosystem. However, few studies have been conducted on the natural regeneration necessary to restore these forests. We reviewed the ecology of regeneration of tropical dry forests as a tool to restore disturbed lands. Dry forests are characterized by a relatively high number of tree species with small, dry, wind‐dispersed seeds. Over small scales, wind‐dispersed seeds are better able to colonize degraded areas than vertebrate‐dispersed plants. Small seeds and those with low water content are less susceptible to desiccation, which is a major barrier for establishment in open areas. Seeds are available in the soil in the early rainy season to maximize the time to grow. However, highly variable precipitation and frequent dry spells are important sources of mortality in seeds and seedlings. Collecting seeds at the end of the dry season and planting them when soil has sufficient moisture may increase seedling establishment and reduce the time they are exposed to seed predators. Germination and early establishment in the field are favored in shaded sites, which have milder environment and moister soil than open sites during low rainfall periods. Growth of established seedlings, however, is favored in open areas. Therefore, clipping plants around established seedlings may be a good management option to improve growth and survival. Although dry forests have species either resistant to fire or that benefit from it, frequent fires simplify community species composition. Resprouting ability is a noticeable mechanism of regeneration in dry forests and must be considered for restoration. The approach to dry‐forest restoration should be tailored to this ecosystem instead of merely following approaches developed for moister forests.
Rate of Carbon Sequestration at Two Thicket Restoration Sites in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Mills Anthony J. , Cowling Richard M.
Published: February 2006

Ecosystem carbon storage in intact thicket in the Eastern Cape, South Africa exceeds 20 kg/m2, which is an unusually large amount for a semiarid ecosystem. Heavy browsing by goats transforms the thicket into an open savanna and can result in carbon losses greater than 8.5 kg/m2. Restoration of thicket using cuttings of the dominant succulent shrub Portulacaria afra could return biodiversity to the transformed landscape, earn carbon credits on international markets, reduce soil erosion, increase wildlife carrying capacity, improve water infiltration and retention, and provide employment to rural communities. Carbon storage in two thicket restoration sites was investigated to determine potential rates of carbon sequestration. At the farm Krompoort, near Kirkwood, 11 kg C/m2 was sequestered over 27 years (average rate of 0.42 ± 0.08 kg C m−2 yr−1). In the Andries Vosloo Kudu Nature Reserve, near Grahamstown, approximately 2.5 kg C/m2 was sequestered over 20 years (0.12 ± 0.03 kg C m−2 yr−1). Slower sequestration in the Kudu Reserve was ascribed to browsing by black rhinoceros and other herbivores, a shallower soil and greater stone volumes. Planting density and P. afra genotype appeared to affect sequestration at Krompoort. Closely‐packed P. afra planting may create a positive feedback through increased infiltration of rainwater. The rate of sequestration at Krompoort is comparable to many temperate and tropical forests. Potential earnings through carbon credits are likely to rival forest‐planting schemes, but costs are likely to be less due to the ease of planting cuttings, as opposed to propagating forest saplings.
Short‐Term Vegetation and Soil Responses to Mechanical Destruction of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculusL.) Warrens in an Australian Box Woodland
Authors: Eldridge David J. , Costantinides Carly , Vine Adam
Published: February 2006

We studied the impact of disturbance by rabbits on plants and soils along a gradient out from the center of ripped rabbit warrens in an Australian semiarid woodland. Five years after the warrens were ripped, the impact of rabbits was still apparent. The cover of bare soil declined, and the cryptogam cover increased with increasing distance from the warren mound. However, litter cover, plant cover, and plant diversity remained unchanged with increasing distance from the mounds. Differences in plant composition were apparent with increasing distance from the mounds, with three species,Schismus barbatus,Salsola kalivar.kali, andChenopodium melanocarpumdominating the mounds, whereas the perennial grassAustrostipa scabradominated the nonwarren control surfaces. Two species,Crassula sieberanaandS. barbatus, dominated the active soil seed bank on ripped warrens. The mounds had the lowest number of species in the soil seed bank, whereas the warren edge microsite had the greatest. Ripped and unripped warrens differed substantially in their complement of species, and ripped warrens contained an order of magnitude fewer active warren entrances compared with unripped warrens. Ripped warrens also had significantly more plant cover than unripped warrens. Taken together, our results reinforce the view that rabbits have a destructive effect on surface soils and vegetation in semiarid woodlands and suggest that restoration of the original woodland vegetation after warren ripping is likely to be a slow and ongoing process.
Recolonization Patterns of Ants in a Rehabilitated Lignite Mine in Central Italy: Potential for the Use of Mediterranean Ants as Indicators of Restoration Processes
Authors: Ottonetti Lorenzo , Tucci Lorenzo , Santini Giacomo
Published: February 2006

Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) assemblages were sampled with pitfall traps in three different habitats associated with a rehabilitated mine district and in undisturbed forests in Tuscany, Italy. The four habitats were (1) open fields (3–4 years old); (2) a middle‐age mixed plantation (10 years); (3) an old‐age mixed plantation (20 years); and (4) an oak woodland (40 years) not directly affected by mining activities. The aim of the study was to analyze ant recolonization patterns in order to provide insights on the use of Mediterranean ant fauna as indicators of restoration processes. Species richness and diversity were not significantly different among the four habitats. However, multivariate analyses showed that the assemblages in the different habitats were clearly differentiated, with similarity relationships reflecting a successional gradient among rehabilitated sites. The observed patterns of functional group changes along the gradient broadly accord with those of previous studies in other biogeographic regions. These were (1) a decrease of dominant Dolichoderinae and opportunists; (2) an increase in the proportion of cold‐climate specialists; and (3) the appearance of the Cryptic species in the oldest plantations, with a maximum of abundance in the woodland. In conclusion, the results of our study supported the use of Mediterranean ants as a suitable tool for biomonitoring of restoration processes, and in particular, the functional group approach proved a valuable framework to better interpret local trends in terms of global ecological patterns. Further research is, however, needed in order to obtain a reliable classification of Mediterranean ant functional groups.