bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine‐scale heterogeneity in beetle assemblages under co‐occurring Eucalyptus in the same subgenus
Authors: Barton Philip S. , Manning Adrian D. , Gibb Heloise , Lindenmayer David B. , Cunningham Saul A. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAim  Insect biodiversity is often positively associated with habitat heterogeneity. However, this relationship depends on spatial scale, with most studies focused on differences between habitats at large scales with a variety of forest tree species. We examined fine‐scale heterogeneity in ground‐dwelling beetle assemblages under co‐occurring trees in the same subgenus: Eucalyptus melliodora A. Cunn. ex Schauer and E. blakelyi Maiden (Myrtaceae).Location  Critically endangered grassy woodland near Canberra, south‐eastern Australia.Methods  We used pitfall traps and Tullgren funnels to sample ground‐dwelling beetles from the litter environment under 47 trees, and examined differences in diversity and composition at spatial scales ranging from 100 to 1000 m.Results  Beetle assemblages under the two tree species had distinctive differences in diversity and composition. We found that E. melliodora supported a higher richness and abundance of beetles, but had higher compositional similarity among samples. In contrast, E. blakelyi had a lower abundance and species richness of beetles, but more variability in species composition among samples.Main conclusions  Our study shows that heterogeneity in litter habitat under co‐occurring and closely related eucalypt species can influence beetle assemblages at spatial scales of just hundreds of metres. The differential contribution to fine‐scale alpha and beta diversity by each eucalypt can be exploited for conservation purposes by ensuring an appropriate mix of the two species in the temperate woodlands where they co‐occur. This would help not only to maximize biodiversity at landscape scales, but also to maintain heterogeneity in species richness, trophic function and biomass at fine spatial scales.
Epitheliocystis in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., farmed in fresh water in Ireland is associated with ‘Candidatus Clavochlamydia salmonicola’ infection
Authors: Mitchell S O , Steinum T , Rodger H , Holland C , Falk K , Colquhoun D J 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIntracellular inclusions containing chlamydia‐like organisms are frequently observed in the gill epithelial cells of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., cultured in fresh water in Ireland. In this study, the causative agent was identified in four separate freshwater sites, using 16s rRNA sequencing, as ‘Candidatus Clavochlamydia salmonicola’. Histopathology and real‐time (RT) PCR were used to further assess infections. The prevalence of infection ranged from 75–100% between sites and infection intensity was highly variable. No significant lesions were associated with these infections. As a diagnostic tool, RT‐PCR proved marginally more sensitive than histopathology. The fate of ‘Candidatus Clavochlamydia salmonicola’ in Atlantic salmon post‐seawater transfer was investigated in a 12‐week marine longitudinal study. Both RT‐PCR and histopathological examination indicate that the organism disappears from the gills 4–6 weeks post‐transfer.
The effects of a fruit and vegetable promotion intervention on unhealthy snacks during mid‐morning school breaks: results of the Dutch Schoolgruiten Project
Authors: Tak N. I. , Te Velde S. J. , Singh A. S. , Brug J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground:  Ample fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake has been associated with a decreased risk of chronic disease. The health‐enhancing effects of increased F&V consumption, however, would be even more apparent if the increased F&V consumption additionally led to a lower intake of unhealthy, high calorie snacks. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether a primary school‐based intervention (the Dutch Schoolgruiten Project) that promoted F&V intake could additionally reduce the intake of unhealthy, high calorie snacks during school breaks.Methods:  The study applied a longitudinal design with baseline and two follow‐up measurements. Children were aged 9–10 years old at baseline; 705 children were included. The main strategy was a F&V scheme that improved the availability, accessibility and exposure to F&V at school by providing one serving of fruit or vegetables twice a week at no cost. The amounts of F&V and unhealthy snacks for consumption at school were measured using a single‐item question included in a questionnaire. Multilevel autoregressive logistic regression models with a three‐level structure (school, child and time) were used to assess the effect of the intervention on both F&V and unhealthy snack consumption.Results:  The children of the intervention group brought F&V from home to school at follow‐up significantly more often than the children of the control schools [odds ratio (OR) = 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04; 1.90] and brought fewer unhealthy snacks (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34; 0.92).Conclusion:  The present study provides some evidence that the Schoolgruiten intervention effect on F&V intake also reduced unhealthy snacking during school breaks.
Spurious correlations and inference in landscape genetics
Authors: CUSHMAN SAMUEL A. , LANDGUTH ERIN L. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractReliable interpretation of landscape genetic analyses depends on statistical methods that have high power to identify the correct process driving gene flow while rejecting incorrect alternative hypotheses. Little is known about statistical power and inference in individual‐based landscape genetics. Our objective was to evaluate the power of causal‐modelling with partial Mantel tests in individual‐based landscape genetic analysis. We used a spatially explicit simulation model to generate genetic data across a spatially distributed population as functions of several alternative gene flow processes. This allowed us to stipulate the actual process that is in action, enabling formal evaluation of the strength of spurious correlations with incorrect models. We evaluated the degree to which naïve correlational approaches can lead to incorrect attribution of the driver of observed genetic structure. Second, we evaluated the power of causal modelling with partial Mantel tests on resistance gradients to correctly identify the explanatory model and reject incorrect alternative models. Third, we evaluated how rapidly after the landscape genetic process is initiated that we are able to reliably detect the effect of the correct model and reject the incorrect models. Our analyses suggest that simple correlational analyses between genetic data and proposed explanatory models produce strong spurious correlations, which lead to incorrect inferences. We found that causal modelling was extremely effective at rejecting incorrect explanations and correctly identifying the true causal process. We propose a generalized framework for landscape genetics based on analysis of the spatial genetic relationships among individual organisms relative to alternative hypotheses that define functional relationships between landscape features and spatial population processes.
Treatment of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease: the new kids to block
Authors: Blondeau K. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractRefractory gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD), defined as persistent symptoms despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, is an increasingly prevalent condition and is becoming a major challenge for the clinician. Since non‐acidic reflux may be associated with symptoms persisting during PPI treatment, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the most important barrier protecting against reflux, has become an important target for the treatment of (refractory) GERD. Preclinical research has identified several receptors that are involved in the control of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs), the predominant mechanism of both acid and non‐acidic reflux events, and several drugs have now been tested in humans. The GABAB agonist baclofen has demonstrated to effectively reduce the rate of TLESRs and the amount of reflux in both GERD patients and healthy volunteers. Nevertheless, the occurrence of central side effects limits its clinical use for the treatment of GERD. Several analogues are being developed to overcome this limitation and have shown promising results. Additionally, metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) receptor antagonists have shown to reduce both acid and non‐acidic reflux in GERD patients and several molecules are currently being evaluated. Although CB1 antagonists have been shown to reduce TLESRs, they are also associated with central side effects, limiting their clinical applicability. Despite the identification of several potentially interesting drugs, the main challenge for the future remains the reduction of central side effects. Moreover, future studies will need to demonstrate the efficacy of these treatments in patients with refractory GERD.
The role of hen’s egg‐specific IgE, IgG and IgG4 in the diagnostic procedure of hen’s egg allergy
Authors: Ahrens B. , Lopes de Oliveira L. C. , Schulz G. , Borres M. P. , Niggemann B. , Wahn U. , Beyer K. 
Published: July 2010

To cite this article: Ahrens B, Lopes de Oliveira LC, Schulz G, Borres MP, Niggemann B, Wahn U, Beyer K. The role of hen’s egg‐specific IgE, IgG and IgG4 in the diagnostic procedure of hen’s egg allergy. Allergy 2010; 65: 1554–1557.AbstractBackground:  Hen’s egg (HE) allergy is a common disease in childhood. HE‐specific serum IgE has been correlated with the outcome of oral food challenge tests, and diagnostic decision points have been described as helpful but still not sufficient to reduce the requirement for oral food challenges. The aim of the study was to correlate HE‐specific IgE, IgG and IgG4 levels with the outcome of double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) in patients with suspected HE allergy to improve diagnostic procedures.Methods:  HE‐specific IgE, IgG, and IgG4 levels were compared between 150 children with suspected HE allergy based on sensitization and/or patient’s history who underwent DBPCFC. Sixty‐six patients were HE‐allergic (HE‐sensitized with a positive DBPCFC), 48 HE‐sensitized but tolerant (negative DBPCFC), and 36 patients were nonsensitized and tolerant (negative DBPCFC). Prior to food challenge HE‐specific serum IgE, IgG, and IgG4 were measured with the Phadia CAP‐system.Results:  HE‐specific IgE was significantly higher in HE‐allergic patients than in clinically tolerant ones. However, there was no difference in HE‐specific IgG and IgG4 concentrations between the patient groups.Conclusion:  A proposed cut‐off level of 12 kU/l IgE would identify children above this level correctly as HE‐allergic. The level of HE‐specific IgG or IgG4 in serum of children with suspected HE allergy does not add any additional information in the diagnostic procedure of HE allergy. For diagnostic purposes, specific IgG or IgG4 should not routinely be tested.
Gastrointestinal tuberculosis in renal transplant recipients: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jarrett O. , Grim S.A. , Benedetti E. , Clark N.M. 
Published: July 2010

O. Jarrett, S.A. Grim, E. Benedetti, N.M. Clark. Gastrointestinal tuberculosis in renal transplant recipients: case report and review of the literature Transpl Infect Dis 2011:13:52–57. All rights reservedAbstract:Mycobacterium tuberculosisis an important opportunistic pathogen following renal transplantation and is often associated with adverse outcomes. Gastrointestinal tuberculosis (GITB) is an infrequent manifestation of TB but a potentially lethal one. We present a case of a renal allograft recipient with GITB 18 months after transplant and review other published cases to identify the typical presenting symptoms, risk factors, and natural history. Treatment of GITB is also discussed.
Effect of cinnamtannin B‐1 on cholecystokinin‐8‐evoked responses in mouse pancreatic acinar cells
Authors: Rivera‐Barreno Ramon , Castillo‐Vaquero Angel del , Salido Gines M , Gonzalez Antonio 
Published: July 2010

Summary1. Cinnamtannin B‐1 is a naturally occurring A‐type proanthocyanidin that belongs to a class of polyphenols widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom and exhibiting anti‐oxidant properties.2. In the present study, we examined the effects of cinnamtannin B‐1 on cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK‐8)‐evoked Ca2+mobilization, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and amylase secretion in the exocrine pancreas.3. Stimulation of cells with 1 nmol/L CCK‐8 led to a transient increase in the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c), followed by a decrease towards a value close to the prestimulation level. In the presence of 10 μmol/L cinnamtannin B‐1, stimulation of cells with CCK‐8 resulted in a smaller [Ca2+]cpeak response, a faster rate of decay of [Ca2+]cand lower values for the steady state of [Ca2+]c, compared with the effect of CCK‐8 alone. Cinnamtannin B‐1 decreased Ca2+influx after depletion of intracellular stores by either CCK‐8 or thapsigargin (1 μmol/L). Conversely, CCK‐8 increased the fluorescence of 5‐(and‐6)‐chloromethyl‐2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate acetyl ester (CM‐H2DCFDA), reflecting an increase in oxidation. Cinnamtannin B‐1 reduced CCK‐8‐induced oxidation of CM‐H2DCFDA. Cholecystokinin‐8 had a biphasic effect on amylase secretion, producing maximum at a concentration of 0.1 nmol/L and reducing secretion at higher concentrations. Pre‐incubation of cells with 10 μmol/L cinnamtannin B‐1 significantly attenuated the inhibition of enzyme secretion in response to high concentrations of CCK‐8 (i.e. >10−10 mol/L). Finally, the anti‐oxidant protected acinar cells against CCK‐8‐induced cell death.4. The beneficial effects of cinnamtannin B‐1 appear to be mediated by a reduction in intracellular Ca2+overload, ROS production and intracellular accumulation of digestive enzymes, which is a common pathological precursor that mediates pancreatitis.
Dobutamine‐induced mechanical alternans is a marker of poor prognosis in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hirashiki Akihiro , Izawa Hideo , Cheng Xian Wu , Unno Kazumasa , Ohshima Satoru , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: July 2010

Summary1. To date, few prognostic indicators for ambulatory patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) have been identified. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the occurrence of dobutamine‐induced mechanical alternans (MA) and prognosis in ambulatory patients with IDCM.2. Left ventricular pressure was measured during right atrial pacing and after intravenous infusion of dobutamine at incremental doses in 90 ambulatory patients with IDCM in sinus rhythm. Endomyocardial biopsy specimens were also obtained for quantitative analysis of gene expression. The patients were followed up for a mean of 2.5 years.3. Patients were classified into three groups: (i) 60 patients who exhibited neither pacing‐ nor dobutamine‐induced MA (Group N); (ii) 20 patients who manifested only pacing‐induced MA (Group P); and (iii) 10 patients who developed both pacing‐ and dobutamine‐induced MA (Group D). The sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a : phospholamban mRNA ratio was significantly higher in Group D patients than in patients in Groups N or P. Multivariate analysis revealed that dobutamine‐induced MA (odds ratio 4.05; 95% confidence interval 1.35–12.2) was a significant independent predictor of cardiac events. Cardiac event‐free survival in Group D was significantly lower than in Groups N or P, as determined by Kaplan–Meier analysis (P = 0.002).4. The occurrence of dobutamine‐induced MA is a potentially useful clinical predictor of poor prognosis in ambulatory patients with IDCM in sinus rhythm.
Hepatitis B virus genotype B results in better immediate, late and sustained responses to peginterferon‐alfa in hepatitis‐B‐e‐antigen‐positive patients
Authors: Chen Chien‐Hung , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Hung Chao‐Hung , Wang Jing‐Houng , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Changchien Chi‐Sin , Lu Sheng‐Nan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  This study investigated outcome predictors in hepatitis‐B‐e‐antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients treated with peginterferon alfa‐2a.Methods:  A total of 88 HBeAg‐positive patients receiving peginterferon alfa‐2a for 6 months and followed up for at least 24 weeks were prospectively analyzed. Precore and core promoter genes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) were sequenced from the serial serum samples of 88 patients.Results:  After 24 weeks of follow up, 38.6% and 28.4% of patients achieved HBeAg clearance and combined response, respectively. Multivariate analysis disclosed that pretreatment HBeAg sample to cut‐off (S/Co) ratio ≤ 200, alanine aminotransferase > 200 IU/mL, HBV genotype B and T1846 were independent factors for HBeAg clearance, and HBeAg S/Co ratio ≤ 200 and HBV genotype B were major determinants for combined response. HBeAg S/Co ratio ≤ 10 at week 12 of therapy was the useful factor for treatment response and had a greater power (P = 0.012) to predict HBeAg clearance than HBV DNA. Patients with HBeAg clearance had a higher frequency of A1896 mutation at baseline and during therapy than those without HBeAg clearance, and the frequency of A1896 decreased during treatment. During follow up, delayed HBeAg seroconversion and reactivation of HBV after HBeAg clearance were observed in eight non‐responders and 20 patients with HBeAg clearance, respectively. HBV genotype B was a significant factor to predict both responses.Conclusions:  Pretreatment HBeAg S/Co ratio ≤ 200 and HBV genotype B were major determinants for treatment response to peginterferon. Genotype‐B‐infected patients had higher probability of delayed HBeAg clearance and sustained response. Rapid decrease of HBeAg titer was useful on treatment predictor.
Neurodevelopmental and audiological outcome of healthy term newborns with moderately severe non‐haemolytic hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Heimler Ruth , Sasidharan Ponthenkandath 
Published: July 2010

Objective:  Our objective was to examine the outcome of term infants who developed moderate non‐haemolytic jaundice as information regarding the neurodevelopmental outcome of term infants with moderately severe non‐haemolytic hyperbilirubinemia remains controversial.Study design:  Thirty‐nine term infants rehospitalised with non‐haemolytic hyperbilirubinemia (serum bilirubin levels: 20–30 mg/dL) during the first 2 weeks of life (study group), were assessed and compared to 36 children born at term who did not develop neonatal jaundice (control group). Assessment consisted of the Bailey 2 test, speech evaluation, behavioural hearing test and a neurological examination.Results:  The subjects were assessed at a mean age of 3 years. There was no difference between the groups with regard to background data, except for the mean gestational age (38 + 1.3 weeks (study group) vs. 39.5 + 1.4 weeks (control group), P= 0.01). There were no significant differences between the groups in outcome parameters initially, and after correcting for possible confounding factors. None of the children in either of the groups had a neurosensory hearing deficit or any significant neurological deficiency. There was no correlation of outcome parameters with the admission serum Bilirubin levels or with the duration of hyperbilirubinemia.Conclusion:  No untoward outcome was found in term healthy infants with moderately severe non‐haemolytic hyperbilirubinemia. Moreover, we did not find a correlation of outcome with serum bilirubin levels or with the duration of the hyperbilirubinemia in the study group.
Recent consumption of a large meal does not affect measurements of lung function
Authors: CHU Elise , BURTON Debbie , MCARDLE Nigel , GAIN Kevin 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  It is currently recommended that patients avoid large meals prior to their lung function tests. The aim of this study is to determine whether this recommendation is necessary in clinical practice.Methods:  A randomized controlled cross‐over trial was conducted. Subjects performed lung function tests (spirometry, measurement of lung volumes and gas transfer) prior to, directly following and 2 h after consuming a large breakfast. On the control arm, subjects performed the same lung function tests while fasting for the duration of the morning. The study subjects comprised 12 healthy subjects, 10 COPD patients and 10 patients with interstitial lung disease.Results:  There were no significant differences between measurements on the meal and control days for FEV1, FVC, TLC or DLCO. There were no significant changes with time in any of these parameters over the course of either the meal or control morning.Conclusions:  Common measures of lung function are not affected by the prior consumption of a large meal and it is unnecessary to advise patients to avoid a large meal prior to lung function assessment.
Urokinase‐type plasminogen activator system and human cationic antimicrobial protein 18 in serum and induced sputum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: JIANG Yuanyuan , XIAO Wei , ZHANG Yi , XING Ying 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  There is increasing evidence that the innate immune system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. The objective of this study was to quantify several innate immune biomarkers in serum and induced sputum of COPD patients, and healthy non‐smokers and smokers.Methods:  Serum and induced sputum levels of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA), urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), urokinase‐type plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI‐1) and human cationic antimicrobial protein 18 (CAP18) were measured by ELISA, in 13 patients with stage I or stage II COPD (COPD I + II), 15 patients with stage III or stage IV COPD (COPD III + IV), 18 healthy non‐smokers and 14 healthy smokers. In addition, membrane‐bound uPAR in peripheral blood and induced sputum was assessed by flow cytometry.Results:  Levels of uPAR, PAI‐1 and CAP18 were elevated in induced sputum of COPD I + II and COPD III + IV patients, compared with healthy non‐smokers (P < 0.05) and healthy smokers (P < 0.05). uPAR, PAI‐1 and CAP18 levels were significantly higher in COPD III + IV patients compared with COPD I + II patients (P < 0.05). The expression of uPAR on induced sputum neutrophils and macrophages was significantly higher in COPD patients compared with healthy non‐smokers (P < 0.05) and healthy smokers (P < 0.05). Sputum uPAR and CAP18 levels showed significant inverse correlations with FEV1% and 6MWD, and significant positive correlations with St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores.Conclusions:  In COPD patients, increased induced sputum levels of uPAR, PAI‐1 and CAP18 were associated with airflow limitation, health status and exercise tolerance, suggesting that these biomarkers may be implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD.