bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of two distinct species of Arvicanthis (Rodentia: Muridae) in West Africa: cytogenetic, molecular and reproductive evidence
Authors: Ducroz J. F. , Granjon L. , Chevret P. , Duplantier J. M. , Lombard M. , Volobouev V. 
Published: March 2009

The unstriped grass rat, Arvicanthis Lesson 1842, is one of the most common genera of murid rodents in African savannas. However, from a systematic viewpoint, very little is known about this group. Following recent investigations which showed karyotypic variability within the species A. niloticus, the present study attempts to clarify the nature and distribution of these chromosomal variants, as well as to determine their taxonomic rank.The chromosomes of 15 individuals from different West African localities were prepared from fibroblast cultures, and R‐ and C‐banded karyotypes were constructed. In addition, the levels of genetic divergence (DNA/DNA hybridization) and reproductive isolation (attempted crossbreeding in captivity) were examined. The results confirm the existence of two differentiated karyomorphs, differing by numerous chromosomal rearrangements such as pericentric inversions and translocations, as well as differences in the quantity of constitutive heterochromatin. These karyomorphs appear to be genetically and reproductively isolated and are parapatrically distributed; their areas of distribution correspond to the sahelian and sudano‐guinean domains, respectively. The distinctness of these karyomorphs, the absence of hybrids in laboratory crosses, and the pronounced genetic divergence provide good evidence for the recognition of two distinct sibling species. We propose to keep the designation A. niloticus for the northern sahelian form and discuss the naming alternatives for the other.
Mechanical properties of the rostrum of the whale Mesoplodon densirostris, a remarkably dense bony tissue
Authors: Zioupos P. , Currey J. D. , Casinos A. , De Buffrénil V. 
Published: March 2009

The rostrum of the toothed whale Mesoplodon densirostris is notable for the density of its bone. We examined the mechanical, fractographic, and chemical properties of the rostral material for two purposes: 1) to determine the properties of bone of an extreme density, and to compare these properties with other similar, and also more ordinary, bone; 2) to determine whether the mechanical properties could give any clues as to the function of the very dense rostral bone.The bone was found to be the most highly mineralized, stiffest, and hardest bone known. It was very weak in bending. The salient properties of the bone, and those of two others which are given for comparison are: The specific mechanical properties as such are very poor and it is difficult to envisage a particular mechanical function for the rostrum. Being weak, it is unlikely that it would be useful in intra‐ or interspecific fighting. It is possible that the high density has a significance in the emission of sonar signals.
Reproduction and life history in the red‐tailed phascogale, Phascogale calura (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae): the adaptive‐stress senescence hypothesis
Authors: Bradley A. J. 
Published: March 2009

A population of the red‐tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura), a marsupial with a restricted distribution, was studied during a three‐year period at a small reserve in the South‐Westem Wheatbelt of Western Australia. This species shows a life‐history pattern which is typical of many Antechinus species and is characterized by a synchronized winter mating period followed by a complete male post‐mating mortality. Mating occurs during a three‐week period in July. In the field, males live only 11.5 months while females may live up to 36 months. Females are monoestrous and polyovular and have eight teats which are usually all occupied by pouch young. The production of supernumerary young is common. Pregnant females become aggressive toward the males.To explain the semelparous life history in this species, an adaptive‐stress‐senescence hypothesis is proposed. As males enter the mating period they make major physiological adjustments which are beneficial to the success of mating. However, there may be a longer‐term cost, that of hormonally accelerated ageing and senescence, which is finally expressed in impairment of feedback control of adrenocortical function.
Food habits of three carnivore species (Viverricula indica, Herpestes urva, and Melogale moschata) in Fushan Forest, northern Taiwan
Authors: Chuang Shun‐An , Lee Ling‐Ling 
Published: March 2009

The food habits and degrees of dietary overlap of lesser oriental civet (Viverricula indica), crab‐eating mongoose (Herpestes urva), and ferret badger (Melogale moschata) inhabiting the Fushan Forest, northern Taiwan, were studied using faecal analysis between February 1993 and June 1994. Laboratory analysis of 154 civet faeces, and 174 mongoose faeces showed that both species fed on a wide variety of food items, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, crustaceans, insects, oligochaetes, gastropods, chilopods, arachnids, and plants. Insects, oligochaetes, plants, and mammals were the four most important food items in the civets' diet, whereas crustaceans, insects, amphibians, and reptiles were the four most important food items consumed by mongooses. Amphibians were the only vertebrates, together with invertebrates and plants, found in the 64 ferret badger faeces we analysed, and oligochaetes, insects, and amphibians were the most important food items consumed by ferret badgers. The diversity of diet was highest in the mongoose, followed by the civet, and was lowest in the ferret badger.The degree of dietary overlap was greatest between the civet and the ferret badger, followed by that of the civet and mongoose. The mongoose and ferret badger had the lowest degree of dietary overlap. However, the degree of dietary overlap varied in different seasons. Invertebrates were the most important food source for the carnivores in Fushan Forest.
The two‐humped camel (Camelus bactrianus): new light on its distribution, management and medical treatment in the past
Authors: Peters Joris , Driesch Angela von den 
Published: March 2009

Eastern and north‐eastern Iran and the adjacent Kopet Dagh foothills in south‐western Turkmenistan have been postulated to be the region where the domestication of the two‐humped camel took place. However, none of the evidence so far brought forward for in situ domestication in this area holds up to closer serutiny. Moreover, the postpleistocene distribution of the wild camel (Csmelus ferus) did not include Central Asia. Consequently, we claim that the region where the two‐humped camel was domesticated must lie further to the east.Among the peoples with a long‐standing tradition in camel husbandry are the Chinese, as is illustrated by the antiquity of the texts on camel diseases and their treatment. In this contribution, the oldest camel treatise handed down in literature is presented and discussed.
Relation between physical fitness and gross motor capacity in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: VERSCHUREN OLAF , KETELAAR MARJOLIJN , GORTER JAN WILLEM , HELDERS PAUL J M , TAKKEN TIM 
Published: March 2009

Aim  To examine the relation between physical fitness and gross motor capacity in children with cerebral palsy (CP) who were classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I or II.Method  In total, 68 children with CP (mean age 12y 1mo, SD 2y 8mo; 44 males, 24 females; 45 classified as having spastic unilateral CP, 23 as having spastic bilateral CP) participated in this study. All participants performed a maximal aerobic exercise test (10m Shuttle Run Test), a short‐term muscle power test (Muscle Power Sprint Test), an agility test (10×5m sprint test), and a functional muscle strength test (30s repetition maximum) within 2 weeks. Gross motor capacity was concurrently assessed using dimensions D (standing) and E (walking, running, and jumping) of the 88‐item version of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM).Results  No relation between aerobic capacity, body mass index, and dimensions D and E of the GMFM was found. The correlations between short‐term muscle power, agility, functional muscle strength, and dimensions D and E of the GMFM were moderate to high (r∼0.6–0.7).Interpretation  The relations found between short‐term muscle power, agility, functional muscle strength, and gross motor capacity indicate the importance of these components of physical fitness, and may direct specific interventions to maximize gross motor capacity in children and adolescents with CP.
Trends in prevalence and characteristics of cerebral palsy among Icelandic children born 1990 to 2003
Authors: SIGURDARDÓTTIR SOLVEIG , THÓRKELSSON THÓRDUR , HALLDÓRSDÓTTIR MARGRÉT , THORARENSEN ÓLAFUR , VIK TORSTEIN 
Published: March 2009

Aim  To describe trends in cerebral palsy (CP) prevalence, severity, and associated impairments among 139 Icelandic children (65 males, 74 females) born from 1990 to 1996 (period one) and 1997 to 2003 (period two).Method  A population‐based study using systematically collected data on motor functioning and associated impairments of children with CP. Mean age at assessment was 5 years 5 months (SD 7.68 mo) in period one and 5 years 5 months (SD 10.44mo) in period two. Infants with postneonatal CP were excluded.Results  Prevalence of CP per 1000 live births was 2.2 in period one and 2.3 in period two (p=0.862); it decreased from 1.5 to 0.9 for children born at term, was stable for preterm births, but increased from 33.7 to 114.6 for very preterm births (p=0.002). Concurrently, neonatal and infant mortality rates decreased in Iceland. The proportion of children born preterm increased over time (p=0.002), whereas improvements in gross motor function assessed with the Gross Motor Function Classification System were confined to term births (p=0.009). The proportion of children with diplegia increased, accompanied by a decrease in the proportion with quadriplegia (p=0.047). Furthermore, among term births there was a significant reduction over time in the proportion of children with epilepsy (p=0.030) and in the proportion with two or more associated impairments (p=0.030).Interpretation  Although CP prevalence remained stable over 14 years, we observed a decrease in prevalence and severity of the disability among term births.
RVU Ready? Preparing Emergency Medicine Resident Physicians in Documentation for an Incentive‐based Work Environment
Authors: Carter Kelly A. , Dawson Brian C. , Brewer Kori , Lawson Luan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives:  The emergency medicine (EM) job market is increasingly focused on incentive‐based reimbursement, which is largely based on relative value units (RVUs) and is directly related to documentation of patient care. Previous studies have shown a need to improve resident education in documentation. The authors created a focused educational intervention on billing and documentation practices to meet this identified need. The hypothesis of this study was that this educational intervention would result in an increase in RVUs generated by EM resident physicians and the average amount billed per patient.Methods:  The authors used a quasi‐experimental study design. An educational intervention included a 1‐hour lecture on documentation and billing, biweekly newsletters, and case‐specific feedback from the billing department for EM resident physicians. RVUs and charges generated per patient were recorded for all second‐ and third‐year resident physicians for a 3‐month period prior to the educational intervention and for a 3‐month period following the intervention. Pre‐ and postintervention data were compared using Student’s t‐test and repeated‐measures analysis of variance, as appropriate.Results:  The evaluation and management (E/M) chart levels billed during each phase of the study were significantly different (p < 0.0001). The total number of RVUs generated per hour increased from 3.17 in the first phase to 3.71 in the second phase (p = 0.0001). During the initial 3‐month phase, the average amount billed per patient seen by a second‐ or third‐year resident was $282.82, which increased to $301.94 in the second phase (p = 0.0004).Conclusions:  The educational intervention positively affected resident documentation resulting in greater RVUs/hour and greater billing performance in the study emergency department (ED).
Mean or green: which values can promote stable pro‐environmental behavior?
Authors: De Groot Judith I. M. , Steg Linda 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn most cases, pro‐environmental behavior does not maximize individual interests, but mainly benefits other people or the environment. We propose that although acting on the basis of egoistic considerations may result in pro‐environmental behavior, altruistic and biospheric considerations provide the most stable basis for pro‐environmental behavior. We present two strategies to promote stable pro‐environmental behavior. The first way is increasing the saliency of altruistic and biospheric values in specific situations, thereby reducing the relative strength of egoistic values. The second way is making the often “anti‐environmental” egoistic values compatible with “pro‐environmental” altruistic and biospheric values. We explain these options and translate it to possible interventions, policy implications, and follow‐up research to promote “green” behavior.
Clinical and histological findings after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin®) in a porcine model of choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Lassota Nathan , Prause Jan Ulrik , Scherfig Erik , Kiilgaard Jens Folke , La Cour Morten 
Published: March 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  To examine the effect of intravitreally injected bevacizumab (Avastin®) on the histological and angiographic morphology of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a masked and placebo‐controlled animal study.Methods:  Choroidal neovascularization was induced surgically in 11 porcine eyes by perforating Bruch’s membrane with a retinal perforator. After closure of the ports used for the vitrectomy, which was performed to facilitate the Bruch’s membrane rupture, 0.05 ml of either bevacizumab or Ringer‐Lactat (placebo) was injected into the vitreous cavity. Eyes were enucleated after 14 days. Fundus photographs and fluorescein angiograms (FAs) were obtained immediately prior to enucleation. Sections of formalin‐ and paraffin‐embedded eyes were examined by light microscopy and by immunohistochemical staining.Results:  Placebo‐injected eyes exhibited the highest propensity to leak, with five of six eyes leaking on FA, whereas only one of five bevacizumab‐injected eyes exhibited leakage. On histological examination, all 11 eyes contained CNV membranes of similar size, regardless of treatment. The number of vascular endothelial cells was significantly reduced (p = 0.03) in CNV membranes from eyes that had been injected with bevacizumab when compared with CNV membranes from placebo‐injected eyes. There was a trend towards more retinal pigment epithelium cells (p = 0.16) and fewer glial fibres (p = 0.08) in membranes from bevacizumab‐treated eyes compared with placebo‐treated eyes. Bevacizumab was identified immunohistochemically in the inner limiting membrane (ILM) and to a lesser degree in the remaining retina. Strong staining was also detected in both retinal blood vessels and entire CNV membranes with no cellular predisposition. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression was found in the CNV membranes, in the ILM, in the ganglion cell layer, in Müller cells throughout the neuroretina and in retinal blood vessels.Conclusions:  Bevacizumab significantly reduced the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells in CNV membranes and showed a strong trend towards a reduction of leakage from these membranes. After a single injection, bevacizumab did not exhibit a size reducing effect on CNV, but it was still present in the membranes 14 days after intravitreal injection.
Antifungal Combinations against Simulated
Candida albicans
Endocardial Vegetations
Authors: Pai Manjunath P. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

The in vitro effects of flucytosine (5FC), liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB), and micafungin (Mica) combinations against two
Candida albicans
strains that simulated 24-hour-old endocardial vegetations were studied. Mica was superior to 5FC or L-AmB, and the 5FC-L-AmB-Mica combination was superior to all other treatments for one strain but no different from the dual combination of L-AmB-Mica for the other strain.
Tetracycline Susceptibility Testing and Resistance Genes in Isolates of
Acinetobacter baumannii
-
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
Complex from a U.S. Military Hospital
Authors: Akers Kevin S. , Mende Katrin , Yun Heather C. , Hospenthal Duane R. , Beckius Miriam L. , Yu Xin , Murray Clinton K. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Infections with multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
-
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
complex bacteria complicate the care of U.S. military personnel and civilians worldwide. One hundred thirty-three isolates from 89 patients at our facility during 2006 and 2007 were tested by disk diffusion, Etest, and broth microdilution for susceptibility to tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, and tigecycline. Minocycline was the most active in vitro, with 90% of the isolates tested susceptible. Susceptibilities varied significantly with the testing method. The acquired tetracycline resistance genes
tetA, tetB
, and
tetA
(39) were present in the isolates.
Identification of the Efflux Transporter of the Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Ciprofloxacin in Murine Macrophages: Studies with Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Cells
Authors: Marquez Béatrice , Caceres Nancy E. , Mingeot-Leclercq Marie-Paule , Tulkens Paul M. , Van Bambeke Françoise 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTCiprofloxacin, the most widely used totally synthetic antibiotic, is subject to active efflux mediated by a MRP-like transporter in wild-type murine J774 macrophages. To identify the transporter among the seven potential Mrps, we used cells made resistant to ciprofloxacin obtained by long-term exposure to increasing drug concentrations (these cells show less ciprofloxacin accumulation and provide a protected niche for ciprofloxacin-sensitive intracellularListeria monocytogenes). In the present paper, we first show that ciprofloxacin-resistant cells display a faster efflux of ciprofloxacin which is inhibited by gemfibrozil (an unspecific MRP inhibitor). Elacridar, at a concentration known to inhibit P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), only slightly increased ciprofloxacin accumulation, with no difference between resistant and wild-type cells. Analysis at the mRNA (real-time PCR) and protein (Western blotting) levels revealed an overexpression of Mrp2 and Mrp4.Mrp4transcripts, however, were overwhelmingly predominant (45% [wild-type cells] to 95% [ciprofloxacin-resistant cells] of allMrptranscripts tested [Mrp1toMrp7]). Silencing ofMrp2andMrp4with specific small interfering RNAs showed that only Mrp4 is involved in ciprofloxacin transport in both ciprofloxacin-resistant and wild-type cells. The study therefore identifies Mrp4 as the most likely transporter of ciprofloxacin in murine macrophages but leaves open a possible common upregulation mechanism for both Mrp4 and Mrp2 upon chronic exposure of eukaryotic cells to this widely used antibiotic.
Long-Term Follow-Up Trial of Oral Rifampin-Cotrimoxazole Combination versus Intravenous Cloxacillin in Treatment of Chronic Staphylococcal Osteomyelitis
Authors: Euba G. , Murillo O. , Fernández-Sabé N. , Mascaró J. , Cabo J. , Pérez A. , Tubau F. , Verdaguer R. , Gudiol F. , Ariza J. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Oral therapies alternative to fluoroquinolones against staphylococcal chronic osteomyelitis have not been evaluated in comparative studies. Consecutive nonaxial
Staphylococcus aureus
chronic osteomyelitis cases were included in a comparative trial after debridement. Fifty patients were randomized: group A (
n
= 22) was treated with cloxacillin for 6 weeks intravenously plus 2 weeks orally (p.o.), and group B (
n
= 28) was treated with rifampin-cotrimoxazole for 8 weeks p.o. During follow-up (10 years), five relapses occurred: two (10%) in group A and three (11%) in group B. Foreign-body maintenance was associated with relapse (
P
= 0.016). Oral rifampin-cotrimoxazole treatment showed outcomes comparable to those for intravenous cloxacillin treatment.
Genital Tract, Cord Blood, and Amniotic Fluid Exposures of Seven Antiretroviral Drugs during and after Pregnancy in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected Women
Authors: Yeh Rosa F. , Rezk Naser L. , Kashuba Angela D. M. , Dumond Julie B. , Tappouni Hiba L. , Tien Hsiao-Chuan , Chen Ya-Chi , Vourvahis Manoli , Horton Amanda L. , Fiscus Susan A. , Patterson Kristine B. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to measure antiretroviral exposures in four physiological compartments during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. This prospective, open-label, longitudinal study collected paired blood plasma (BP) and genital tract (GT) aspirates antepartum, at delivery, and up to 12 weeks postpartum. Antiretroviral cord BP and amniotic fluid concentrations were also measured. Drug concentrations were analyzed by validated high-performance liquid chromatography/UV and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry methods, with secondary compartment concentrations presented as the percentage of BP. Fourteen women taking lamivudine plus zidovudine and either lopinavir-ritonavir (
n
= 7), nelfinavir (
n
= 6), or nevirapine (
n
= 1) were enrolled; four also received tenofovir. GT penetration relative to BP was highest for the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors compared to the protease inhibitors and nevirapine. Only antepartum nelfinavir GT penetration was significantly higher than in the second trimester (geometric mean ratio [GMR], 179.3) or third trimester (GMR, 41.9). Compared to nonpregnant historical controls, antepartum GT penetration was significantly lower (
P
< 0.05) for zidovudine (GMR, 0.25) and lopinavir (GMR, 0.03); postpartum lopinavir GT penetration continued to be significantly lower (GMR, 0.27). Cord BP exposures were highest for lamivudine and tenofovir (≥100%), with cord BP levels of the remaining drugs ranging from 49 to 86% of that of the respective BP level. Amniotic exposures for lamivudine, zidovudine, tenofovir, and nelfinavir were ≥100%, nevirapine exposure was 53%, and lopinavir and ritonavir exposures were ≤6% that of BP. We conclude that GT, cord BP, and amniotic fluid exposures vary within and between antiretroviral drug classes and biologic sites. Measurement of antiretroviral exposure in maternal genital secretions, cord BP, and amniotic fluid may be needed to identify signals of subtherapeutic or supratherapeutic drug exposure.