bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malaria, sexual development and transmission: retrospect and prospect
Authors: SINDEN R. E. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYIt is difficult to recapture the excitement of recent research into the malaria parasites.Plasmodiumhas shown itself to be a most elegant, resourceful and downright devious cell. To reveal any of its manifold secrets is a hard-won privilege. The thrill of this intellectual endeavour, however, has to be tempered by the realism that we have made unremarkable progress in attacking malaria in the field, where it remains almost as omnipresent as it ever was in the 19th and 20th centuries, and both the parasite and vector have become more difficult to control than ever before. This personal view looks back at the significant progress made, and forward to the challenges of the future, focusing on work on sexual development.
Flea infestation reduces the life span of the common vole
Authors: DEVEVEY G. , CHRISTE P. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYParasitism is often a source of variation in host's fitness components. Understanding and estimating its relative importance for fitness components of hosts is fundamental from physiological, ecological and evolutionary perspectives. Host-parasite studies have often reported parasite-induced reduction of host fecundity, whereas the effect of parasitism on host survival has been largely neglected. Here, we experimentally investigated the effect of infestation by rat fleas (Nosopsyllus fasciatus) on the life span of wild-derived male common voles (Microtus arvalis) bred in captivity. We found that the mean life span of parasitized voles was reduced by 36% compared to control voles. Parasitized voles had a smaller body size, but a relatively larger heart and spleen than control voles. These results indicate an effect of flea infestation on host life span and our findings strongly suggest that ectoparasites should be taken into account in the studies of host population dynamics.
Detection ofNeospora caninumin aborted bovine fetuses and dam blood samples by nested PCR and ELISA and seroprevalence in Beijing and Tianjin, China
Authors: YAO L. , YANG N. , LIU Q. , WANG M. , ZHANG W. , QIAN W. F. , HU Y. F. , DING J. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYNeospora caninuminfection is a significant cause of abortion in cattle. We investigated the tissue distribution ofN. caninumin aborted bovine fetuses and dam blood samples by a nested PCR assay, and compared the nested PCR with ELISA in the diagnosis ofN. caninuminfection. In total, 26 aborted fetuses and 813 blood samples were collected from 8 dairy herds in Beijing (n=212) and Tianjin (n=601), China. Fifteen fetuses (57·7%) were testedN. caninum-positive by the nested PCR.N. caninumDNA was detected from the brain of 52%, kidneys of 22%, skeletal muscle of 18%, and heart of 4% of the aborted fetuses. The PCR-positive cases (55%, 11/20) were higher than seropositive cows (40%, 8/20) in a subset of 20 fetuses, but the PCR results of blood samples of the 20 cows were all negative. The seroprevalence of the 813 samples was 15·5% (43·4% of samples from Beijing, 5·7% of samples from Tianjin), compared to the PCR-positive blood samples of 0·9%. Our study showed that the nested PCR is a valuable diagnostic tool for the primary diagnosis ofN. caninumin aborted fetuses, while ELISA is the preferred assay for testing blood samples collected from cows. The two assays are complementary in determining whether abortions are associated withN. caninuminfection in cattle.
“Not a very nice subject.” Changing views of parasites and parasitology in the twentieth century
Authors: VICKERMAN KEITH 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYThe man in-the-street who frequently asks the question “Why am I here?” finds even more difficulty with the question “Why are parasites here?” The public's distaste for parasites (and by implication, for parasitologists!) is therefore understandable, as maybe was the feeling of early 20th century biologists that parasites were a puzzle because they did not conform to the then widely held association between evolution and progress, let alone the reason why a benevolent Creator should have created them. In mid-century, the writer, contemplating a career in parasitology was taken aback when he found that extolled contemporary biologists disdained parasites or thought little of parasitology as an intellectual subject. These attitudes reflected a lack of appreciation of the important role of parasites in generating evolutionary novelty and speciation, also unawareness of the value of parasite life-cycle studies for formulating questions of wider significance in biology, deficiencies which were gratifyingly beginning to be remedied in the latter half of the century.
Being successful in the world of narrow opportunities: transmission patterns of the trematode Ichthyocotylurus pileatus
Authors: FALTÝNKOVÁ A. , KARVONEN A. , JYRKKÄ M. , VALTONEN E. T. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYParasites with complex life cycles face 2 major challenges for transmission in northern latitudes. They have to cope with the general unpredictability associated with the series of transmission events required for completion of the cycle, and transmission has to be completed within a narrow temporal window because of strong seasonality. Despite this, some parasites show high transmission success, suggesting the operation of effective transmission mechanisms. We explored the transmission of Ichthyocotylurus pileatus (Trematoda) from its snail (Valvata macrostoma) to fish (Perca fluviatilis) hosts by examining some key characteristics in the dynamics of the cercarial emergence from snails. Transmission took place within a few weeks mainly in July, thus verifying the narrow temporal window for transmission. The output of the short-lived cercariae from the snails was low and variable in magnitude, but nevertheless resulted in a rapid and high rate of infection in newly hatched fish. The cercarial emergence showed a strong circadian rhythm with most of the cercariae emerging in early evening and night, which might represent the most likely mechanism underlying the high rate of transmission in this species. We emphasize the importance of holistic approaches combining aspects of multiple host species in studies on transmission of complex life-cycle parasites.
The evolution of the pulmonary arterial sling syndrome, with particular reference to the need for reoperations because of untreated tracheal stenosis
Authors: Loukanov Tsvetomir S. , Sebening Christian , Springer Wolfgang , Hagl Siegfried , Karck Matthias , Gorenflo Mathias 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundWe present a group of infants and children with pulmonary arterial sling and tracheal stenosis. In some of the patients, the anomalously located pulmonary artery had previously been reimplanted, but without simultaneous repair of the trachea.MethodsFrom 1992 to 2007, we reimplanted the left pulmonary artery in 13 children with a pulmonary arterial sling. Their median age was 8 months, with a range from 1 to 72 months. We also performed tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis, or complex tracheal reconstructions. In 5 patients, the reoperation was indicated because of persistent tracheal stenosis not treated initially at first correction of the arterial sling. All patients presented with stridor and respiratory distress. Cardiac catheterization, bronchoscopy and multidetecting computer tomography angiography were performed in all cases prior to the operation. All operations were performed under cardiopulmonary bypass.ResultsThere was no operative or late mortality. The patients were extubated under bronchoscopic control. The mean period of intubation was 18 plus or minus 8 days, and the average follow-up was 8 plus or minus 4 years. The patients showed no signs of tracheal re-stenosis clinically or on bronchoscopy. The group of the patients under reoperations, however, required longer periods of intubation and hospitalization.ConclusionOur experience demonstrates that, in patients with a pulmonary arterial sling, any associated tracheal stenosis should be explored at the initial operation, since decompression of the trachea by reimplanting the anomalously located pulmonary artery fails to provide relief. The funnel trachea, if present, undergoes progressive stenosis, and will require surgical repair. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass permitted extensive mobilization of the tracheobronchial tree, and allowed us to perform a tension-free anastomotic reconstruction of the trachea.
Single-stage correction, with extensive pulmonary arterial reconstruction, of a pulmonary arterial sling associated with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Goksel Onur S. , Tireli Emin , Çelebi Ahmet 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPulmonary arterial sling, rare in itself, is even rarer when associated with tetralogy of Fallot. Successful single-stage correction of this combination, with extensive pulmonary arterial reconstruction, has been reported only occasionally. We describe our experience with an 18 month-old girl, showing that extensive reconstruction of both the pulmonary arteries and the right ventricular outflow tract can permit single-stage correction in selected patients, resulting in favourable physiology and anatomy.
An Ontology for Designing Models of Epidemics
Authors: Frank Geoffrey , Wheaton William , Bakalov Vesselina , Cooley Phillip , Wagener Diane 
Published: August 2009

AbstractModels of epidemics allow decision makers to explore the consequences of different interventions. The Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) project has been collecting studies, models, data supporting the models, and publications providing historical evidence about epidemics.An ontology has been developed for MIDAS to support the collection, documentation, and dissemination of models. It uses relations to link taxonomies (including a subset of the infectious disease ontology) that define the scope of its models and supporting documentation.The ontology is used to aid in the navigation process that is part of the user interface for identifying which studies and publications are available in the MIDAS repository (MREP) that are consistent with the many parameters associated with a particular study.
Exciting Collaboration Turns Cluttering Fascinating: A Story Told by a Person Who Clutters and a Speech and Language Therapist From Norway
Authors: Kvenseth Helene , Sønsterud Hilda 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to describe some ways in which a person who clutters and a speech and language therapist from Norway have worked together to spread awareness about cluttering. The article outlines how a consumer and a therapist can complement each other by combining their perspectives. The content of the article has implications for the development of cluttering awareness programs worldwide.
Improving phylogenetic analyses by incorporating additional information from genetic sequence databases
Authors: Liang Li-Jung , Weiss Robert E. , Redelings Benjamin , Suchard Marc A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMotivation: Statistical analyses of phylogenetic data culminate in uncertain estimates of underlying model parameters. Lack of additional data hinders the ability to reduce this uncertainty, as the original phylogenetic dataset is often complete, containing the entire gene or genome information available for the given set of taxa. Informative priors in a Bayesian analysis can reduce posterior uncertainty; however, publicly available phylogenetic software specifies vague priors for model parameters by default. We build objective and informative priors using hierarchical random effect models that combine additional datasets whose parameters are not of direct interest but are similar to the analysis of interest.Results: We propose principled statistical methods that permit more precise parameter estimates in phylogenetic analyses by creating informative priors for parameters of interest. Using additional sequence datasets from our lab or public databases, we construct a fully Bayesian semiparametric hierarchical model to combine datasets. A dynamic iteratively reweighted Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm conveniently recycles posterior samples from the individual analyses. We demonstrate the value of our approach by examining the insertion–deletion (indel) process in the enolase gene across the Tree of Life using the phylogenetic software BALI-PHY; we incorporate prior information about indels from 82 curated alignments downloaded from the BAliBASE database.Contact: liangl@ucla.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The role of marine habitat mapping in ecosystem-based management
Authors: Cogan Christopher B. , Todd Brian J. , Lawton Peter , Noji Thomas T. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractCogan, C. B., Todd, B. J., Lawton, P., and Noji, T. T. 2009. The role of marine habitat mapping in ecosystem-based management. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 2033–2042. Ecosystem-based management (EBM) and the related concept of large marine ecosystems (LMEs) are sometimes criticized as being too broad for many management and research applications. At the same time, there is a great need to develop more effectively some substantive scientific methods to empower EBM. Marine habitat mapping (MHM) is an example of an applied set of field methods that support EBM directly and contribute essential elements for conducting integrated ecosystem assessments. This manuscript places MHM practices in context with biodiversity models and EBM. We build the case for MHM being incorporated as an explicit and early process following initial goal-setting within larger EBM programmes. Advances in MHM and EBM are dependent on evolving technological and modelling capabilities, conservation targets, and policy priorities within a spatial planning framework. In both cases, the evolving and adaptive nature of these sciences requires explicit spatial parameters, clear objectives, combinations of social and scientific considerations, and multiple parameters to assess overlapping viewpoints and ecosystem functions. To examine the commonalities between MHM and EBM, we also address issues of implicit and explicit linkages between classification, mapping, and elements of biodiversity with management goals. Policy objectives such as sustainability, ecosystem health, or the design of marine protected areas are also placed in the combined MHM–EBM context.
A novel polymorphism in ABCB1 gene, CYP2B6*6 and sex predict single‐dose efavirenz population pharmacokinetics in Ugandans
Authors: Mukonzo Jackson K. , Röshammar Daniel , Waako Paul , Andersson Maria , Fukasawa Takashi , Milani Lili , Svensson Jan Olof , Ogwal‐Okeng Jasper , Gustafsson Lars L. , Aklillu Eleni 
Published: August 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Efavirenz is metabolized by highly polymorphic enzymes, CYP2B6 and CYP3A. The effect of the different variant alleles on efavirenz population pharmacokinetics has not yet been fully explored.• CYP2B6*6 influences efavirenz steady‐state pharmacokinetics. Together with sex it explains 11% of the between‐subject variability in apparent oral clearance, but predictions could potentially be improved if additional alleles causing reduced drug metabolism were identified.• ABCB1 (3435C→T) may have effect on efavirenz single‐dose and steady‐state pharmacokinetics. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • A new polymorphism in ABCB1 gene (rs3842) and CYP2B6*11 in addition to sex and CYP2B6*6 genotype predict efavirenz single‐dose pharmacokinetics.• A combined population pharmacogenetic/pharmacokinetic modelling approach allows determination and simulation of determinant factors for efavirenz single‐dose pharmacokinetics based on data on gender, biochemical variables and genetic factors in relevant genes (a total of 30 SNPs in CYP2B6, ABCB1 and CYP3A4 genes) in Ugandan population.AIMSEfavirenz exhibits pharmacokinetic variability causing varied clinical response. The aim was to develop an integrated population pharmacokinetic/pharmacogenetic model and investigate the impact of genetic variations, sex, demographic and biochemical variables on single‐dose efavirenz pharmacokinetics among Ugandan subjects, using nonmem.METHODSEfavirenz plasma concentrations (n= 402) from 121 healthy subjects were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Subjects were genotyped for 30 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of which six were novel SNPs in CYP2B6, CYP3A5 and ABCB1. The efavirenz pharmacokinetics was described by a two‐compartment model with zero‐ followed by first‐order absorption.RESULTSApparent oral clearance (95% confidence interval) was 4 l h l−1 (3.5, 4.5) in extensive metabolizers. In the final model, incorporating multiple covariates, statistical significance was found only for CYP2B6*6 and CYP2B6*11 on apparent oral clearance as well as ABCB1 (rs3842) on the relative bioavailability. Subjects homozygous for CYP2B6*6 (G516T, A785G) and *11 displayed 21 and 20% lower apparent oral clearance, respectively. Efavirenz relative bioavailability was 26% higher in subjects homozygous for ABCB1 (rs3842). The apparent peripheral volume of distribution was twofold higher in women compared with men.CONCLUSIONSThe model identified the four factors CYP2B6*6, CYP2B6*11, a novel variant allele in ABCB1 (rs3842) and sex as major predictors of efavirenz plasma exposure in a healthy Ugandan population after single‐dose administration. Use of mixed‐effects modelling allowed the analysis and integration of multiple pharmacogenetic and demographic covariates in a pharmacokinetic population model.
Evidence for oxazepam as anin vivoprobe of UGT2B15: oxazepam clearance is reduced byUGT2B15D85Y polymorphism but unaffected byUGT2B17deletion
Authors: He Xi , Hesse Leah M. , Hazarika Suwagmani , Masse Gina , Harmatz Jerold S. , Greenblatt David J. , Court Michael H. 
Published: August 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 2B15 is a major drug glucuronidation enzyme expressed in human liver.• Oxazepam is an isoform‐selective probe drug that is being used forin vitrostudies of UGT2B15.• The most commonUGT2B15missense polymorphisms (D85Y and K523T) are correlated with variable oxazepam glucuronidation in human liver bank samples.• UGT2B17 is also expressed in liver and has high sequence homology and substrate specificity overlap with UGT2B15.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• UGT2B15D85Y polymorphism is identified as a major determinant of oxazepam disposition, accounting for as much as 34% of interindividual variability in oxazepam apparent oral clearance.• An effect of theUGT2B15K523T or theUGT2B17deletion polymorphisms on oxazepam disposition could not be detected.• Provides evidence supporting the use of oxazepam as an isoform‐selectivein vivoprobe for studies of variability in UGT2B15 activity.AIMSAlthoughin vitrostudies indicate that oxazepam is an isoform‐selective substrate probe for UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 2B15, the utility of this drug as anin vivoprobe is uncertain. The main aim of this study was to determine whether common missense polymorphisms in theUGT2B15gene (D85Y and K523T) are associated with altered oxazepam pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. We also determined the possible influence of a common deletion polymorphism in the gene encoding UGT2B17, which shows substantial substrate specificity overlap with UGT2B15.METHODSThirty healthy male subjects were administered 15 mg of oxazepam by mouth followed by plasma oxazepam concentration monitoring for 36 h, and pharmacodynamic testing for 8 h. Genotypes were determined by genomic polymerase chain reaction and commercial 5′‐nuclease assays.RESULTSAllele frequencies for D85Y, K523T,UGT2B17del were 47%, 23% and 19%, respectively. Median oxazepam apparent oral clearance was significantly lower in 85YY subjects (1.62 ml min−1 kg−1) compared with 85DD subjects (3.35 ml min−1 kg−1;P= 0.003, Student–Newman–Keuls test), whereas 85DY subjects were intermediate (2.34 ml min−1 kg−1;P= 0.018vs.85DD,P= 0.034vs.85YY). Regression analysis indicated thatUGT2B15D85Y genotype accounted for 34% of interindividual variability. However, neitherUGT2B15K523T norUGT2B17del was associated with altered oxazepam disposition. Furthermore, no differences in pharmacodynamic measures, including quantitative electroencephalography, digit‐symbol substitution test, self‐ or observer‐rated visual analogue scales, could be demonstrated for any of the polymorphisms evaluated.CONCLUSIONSThese results identifyUGT2B15D85Y as a major determinant of oxazepam clearance, and indicate that oxazepam may be useful as anin vivoprobe for glucuronidation by UGT2B15.
Effects of aquatic macrophytes on organic matter deposition, resuspension and phosphorus entrainment in a lowland river
Authors: KLEEBERG ANDREAS , KÖHLER JAN , SUKHODOLOVA TATIANA , SUKHODOLOV ALEXANDER 
Published: August 2009

Summary1. Although macrophytes play a key role in the structure and functioning of lowland rivers, most of the basic plant, hydrodynamic and sediment‐water interactions have only been described qualitatively. We therefore studied quantitatively, the seasonal dynamics of matter deposition and mobilisation inside and outside (free path) a representative patch of arrowhead, Sagittaria sagittifolia, in the lowland River Spree, NE Germany, in August 2006. Our in situ study combined resuspension experiments, a hydrodynamically calibrated erosion chamber and concurrent measurements of the prevailing flow characteristics and bed load.2. Increasing entrainment rates (E) of particles (ESPM) and total P (ETP), with increments of shear velocity (U*) from 0.53 to 2.42 cm s−1, were significantly higher inside the plant patch than outside. Indeed, ESPM and ETP at the lowest U* were 8‐ and 12‐fold higher inside than outside the patch, reflecting the resuspension potential of the upper nutrient‐enriched layer and the extent of pulsed P inputs even at small increases in U*.3. Vertical distribution of velocity (u) revealed a flow pattern of a mixing layer inside the S. sagittifolia patch, and that of a boundary layer in the free path. The highest gradient of u in the mixing layer was located in the water column at about 0.5 m depth, whereas the highest gradient of u for the boundary layer was found near the riverbed. The maximum of U* (1.65 cm s−1) was only 4 mm above the sediment.4. A plant mosaic provides a low‐energetic environment promoting extensive particle trapping and the accumulation of a fine‐grained, nutrient‐enriched sediment, and forming a large resuspension potential. Consequently, after plant decay and the concomitant increase of U* this material is preferentially entrained at higher rates. Hence, the key role of submerged macrophytes in lowland rivers is more directly related to modifying the dynamic equilibria between vegetation trapping and resuspension, than to the retention of nutrients, particularly P, and the reduction of P loads downstream to other waters.