bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insulin2 Gene (Ins2) Transcription by NOD Bone Marrow‐derived Cells Does Not Influence Autoimmune Diabetes Development in NOD‐Ins2 Knockout Mice
Authors: Martin‐Pagola A. , Pileggi A. , Zahr E. , Vendrame F. , Damaris Molano R. , Snowhite I. , Ricordi C. , Eisenbarth G. S. , Nakayama M. , Pugliese A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractInsulin is a critical autoantigen for the development of autoimmune diabetes in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice. About 80% of NOD females and 30–40% of NOD males develop diabetes. However, Insulin2 (Ins2) knockout NOD mice develop autoimmune diabetes with complete penetrance in both sexes, at an earlier age, and have stronger autoimmune responses to insulin. The severe diabetes phenotype observed in NOD‐Ins2−/− mice suggests that lack of Ins2 expression in the thymus may compromise immunological tolerance to insulin. Insulin is a prototypical tissue specific antigen (TSA) for which tolerance is dependent on expression in thymus and peripheral lymphoid tissues. TSA are naturally expressed by medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC), stromal cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues and bone marrow (BM)‐derived cells, mainly CD11c+ dendritic cells. The natural expression of TSA by mTEC and stromal cells has been shown to contribute to self‐tolerance. However, it is unclear whether this also applies to BM‐derived cells naturally expressing TSA. To address this question, we created BM chimeras and investigated whether reintroducing Ins2 expression solely by NOD BM‐derived cells delays diabetes development in NOD‐Ins2−/− mice. On follow‐up, NOD‐Ins2−/− mice receiving Ins2‐expressing NOD BM cells developed diabetes at similar rates of those receiving NOD‐Ins2−/− BM cells. Diabetes developed in 64% of NOD recipients transplanted with NOD BM and in 47% of NOD mice transplanted with NOD‐Ins2−/− BM (P = ns). Thus, NOD‐Ins2−/− BM did not worsen diabetes in NOD recipients and Ins2 expression by NOD BM‐derived cells did not delay diabetes development in NOD‐Ins2−/− mice.
Improved time control on Cretaceous coastal deposits: new results from Sr isotope measurements using laser ablation
Authors: Burla Stefan , Oberli Felix , Heimhofer Ulrich , Wiechert Uwe , Weissert Helmut 
Published: August 2009

AbstractSr‐isotope measurements of unaltered oyster shell calcite using laser‐ablation multi‐collector ICPMS techniques represent a powerful tool capable of establishing a chronostratigraphic framework for fossil near‐shore deposits. This approach is tested on two shoal‐water successions from the Portuguese Algarve and Lusitanian basins covering Late Barremian to Albian strata. 87Sr/86Sr values derived from low‐Mg calcite of oyster shells fluctuate between 0.70717 ± 0.00001 and 0.70746 ± 0.00002; absolute values as well as stratigraphic trends match well with the global open‐marine seawater signal. The new Sr‐isotope results in combination with existing bio‐ and chemostratigraphic records allow for identification of an Early Aptian biocalcification crisis at both studied localities and show that this event has severely affected coastal environments along the evolving Atlantic. Siliciclastic intervals in the Algarve section are interpreted as near‐shore equivalents of enhanced detrital shedding into shelf and deep‐sea environments as a consequence of increased chemical weathering rates during humid climate episodes.
BFA‐induced compartments from the Golgi apparatus and trans‐Golgi network/early endosome are distinct in plant cells
Authors: Lam Sheung Kwan , Cai Yi , Tse Yu Chung , Wang Juan , Law Angus Ho Yin , Pimpl Peter , Chan Ho Yin Edwin , Xia Jun , Jiang Liwen 
Published: August 2009

SummaryBrefeldin A (BFA) is a useful tool for studying protein trafficking and identifying organelles in the plant secretory and endocytic pathways. At low concentrations (5–10 μg ml−1), BFA caused both the Golgi apparatus and trans‐Golgi network (TGN), an early endosome (EE) equivalent in plant cells, to form visible aggregates in transgenic tobacco BY‐2 cells. Here we show that these BFA‐induced aggregates from the Golgi apparatus and TGN are morphologically and functionally distinct in plant cells. Confocal immunofluorescent and immunogold electron microscope (EM) studies demonstrated that BFA‐induced Golgi‐ and TGN‐derived aggregates are physically distinct from each other. In addition, the internalized endosomal marker FM4‐64 co‐localized with the TGN‐derived aggregates but not with the Golgi aggregates. In the presence of the endocytosis inhibitor tyrphostin A23, which acts in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, SCAMP1 (secretory carrier membrane protein 1) and FM4‐64 are mostly excluded from the SYP61‐positive BFA‐induced TGN aggregates, indicating that homotypic fusion of the TGN rather than de novo endocytic trafficking is important for the formation of TGN/EE‐derived BFA‐induced aggregates. As the TGN also serves as an EE, continuously receiving materials from the plasma membrane, our data support the notion that the secretory Golgi organelle is distinct from the endocytic TGN/EE in terms of its response to BFA treatment in plant cells. Thus, the Golgi and TGN are probably functionally distinct organelles in plants.
Causes of morbidity among HIV‐infected children on antiretroviral therapy in primary care facilities in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Mubiana‐Mbewe Mwangelwa , Bolton‐Moore Carolyn , Banda Yolan , Chintu Namwinga , Nalubamba‐Phiri Mutinta , Giganti Mark , Guffey M. Brad , Sambo Pauline , Stringer Elizabeth M. , Stringer Jeffrey S. A. , Chi Benjamin H. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryObjectives  To describe the pattern of incident illness in children after initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a large public health sector programme in Lusaka, Zambia.Methods  Systematic chart review to retrospectively extract data from medical records of children (i.e. <15 years) initiating ART in the Lusaka, Zambia public sector. Incident conditions were listed separately and then grouped according to broad categories. Predictors for incident diagnoses were determined using univariate and multivariable analysis.Results  Between May 2004 and June 2006, 1705 HIV‐infected children initiated ART. Of these, 1235 (72%) had their medical records reviewed. Median age at ART initiation was 77 months and 554 (45%) were females. Eight hundred and forty‐one (68%) children had an incident condition during this period, with a median time of occurrence of 64 days from ART initiation. Twenty‐eight incident conditions were documented. When categorized, the most common were mucocutaneous conditions [incidence rate (IR): 70.6 per 100 child‐years, 95% CI: 64.5–77.2] and upper respiratory tract infection (IR: 70.1 per 100 child‐years; 95% CI: 64.0–76.7). Children with severe immunosuppression (i.e. CD4 < 10%) were more likely to develop lower respiratory tract infection (16.3%vs. 10.2%; P = 0.003) and mucocutaneous conditions (43.9% vs. 35.3%; P = 0.005) than those with CD4 ≥ 10%.Conclusion  There is a high incidence of new illness after ART initiation, emphasizing the importance of close monitoring during this period. Early initiation of ART and use of antimicrobial prophylaxis may also help to reduce the occurrence of such co‐morbidities.
Site factors may be more important than participant factors in explaining HIV test acceptance in the prevention of mother‐to‐child HIV transmission programme in Kenya, 2005
Authors: Anand Abhijeet , Shiraishi Ray W. , Sheikh Abdullahi Ahmed , Marum Lawrence H. , Bolu Omotayo , Mutsotso Winfred , Sabin Keith , Ayisi Robert , Diaz Theresa 
Published: August 2009

SummaryObjective  To determine the role of participant factors on the acceptance of a Prevention‐of‐Mother‐to‐Child (PMTCT) HIV test programme in a situation with an opt‐out testing strategy.Methods  We analysed antenatal clinic (ANC) HIV sentinel surveillance data. All 43 sites in the 2005 round of Kenya’s ANC surveillance offered opt‐out PMTCT services and recorded if women were offered PMTCT HIV testing and whether they accepted or refused. Logistic regression was used to determine the role of participant‐level factors on PMTCT acceptance.Results  During the period of sentinel surveillance, 13 026 women attended ANC and testing was offered to 12 030 women. Of those offered testing, 9690 (80.5%) accepted, with a large variation in the percent of acceptors by site. Age, residence and educational status were significant determinants of PMTCT acceptance. However, after adjusting for site none of the participant‐level factors were significant determinants of PMTCT acceptance.Conclusions  Participant level factors were not significant determinants of PMTCT HIV test acceptance after adjusting for sites. PMTCT programmes should collect and evaluate the role of site‐level (provider and testing service) factors on PMTCT acceptance. Improvement of site‐level factors could improve PMTCT uptake.
Pupal sampling for Aedes aegypti (L.) surveillance and potential stratification of dengue high‐risk areas in Cambodia
Authors: Seng Chang M. , Setha To , Nealon Joshua , Socheat Duong 
Published: August 2009

SummaryObjectives  To identify and describe the distribution of dengue vectors and factors affecting this distribution in Cambodia, with a view to practicing rational, evidence‐based dengue outbreak prevention activities.Methods  Entomological survey with a questionnaire component in 100 randomly selected households in each of 13 clusters of high or low human population density of seven Cambodian provinces. Entomological and other indices were calculated, and statistical methods used to describe factors of potential outbreak risk.Results  Aedes aegypti was the principle dengue vector in all clusters, making up 95.5% (20 555 of 21 325) of the Aedes pupae population. The majority of pupae were recovered either from large concrete water storage jars (16 230; 76.1%) or concrete water storage tanks (2819; 13.2%). There were small but significantly higher levels of dengue vector infestation in rural than urban areas. The mean pupae density over the survey was 16.4/house, which ranged between clusters from 5.2/house to 56.9/house. The ‘pupae‐per‐person’ index was 2.4 and 3.6 in urban and rural areas, respectively, and was independent of mean human population density or household water container distribution.Conclusions  High populations of household‐associated dengue vectors were present in all surveyed clusters. The highly skewed distribution of pupae in a limited number of key containers suggests adoption and further development of community‐based control measures targeting these containers holds most potential chance of controlling dengue outbreaks in Cambodia.
Monitoring for multidrug‐resistant Plasmodium falciparum isolates and analysis of pyrimethamine resistance evolution in Uige province, Angola
Authors: Menegon Michela , Pearce Richard J. , Inojosa Walter O. , Pisani Vincenzo , Abel Paulo M. , Matondo Alexandre , Bisoffi Zeno , Majori Giancarlo , Ord Rosalynn , Warhurst David C. , Roper Cally , Severini Carlo 
Published: August 2009

SummaryObjectives  To assess the extent of drug resistance in Uige through molecular genetic analysis and to test whether the dhfr triple mutant alleles present in Angola are of southeast Asian origin.Methods  Seventy‐one samples of blood from children admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Unit of Uige Provincial Hospital in 2004 were screened for resistance mutations at pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfdhfr, pfdhps and pfATPase6.Results  Mutations in pfcrt (codon76), pfmdr1 (codon86), pfdhfr (codons 51, 59, 108) and pfdhps (codons 436, 437) were common. Among the 66 isolates for which we were able to determine complete genetic information 13.7% carried all seven of these mutations. Flanking microsatellite analysis revealed the triple mutant pfdhfr was derived from the southeast Asian lineage, while the N51I+S108N double mutant pfdhfr alleles are a local origin. pfATPase6 mutations were rare and S769N was not found.Conclusion  The parasite population of Uige Angola has high frequency mutations in pfcrt, dhfr and dhps associated with resistance to chloroquine and sulphadoxine pyrimethamine, reflecting past reliance on these two drugs which were the mainstay of treatment until recently. Our findings show that drug resistance in Uige has occurred through a combination of local drug pressure and the regional and international dispersal of resistance mutant alleles.
The effect of a soap promotion and hygiene education campaign on handwashing behaviour in rural India: a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Biran Adam , Schmidt Wolf‐Peter , Wright Richard , Jones Therese , Seshadri M , Isaac Pradeep , Nathan N. A. , Hall Peter , McKenna Joeleen , Granger Stewart , Bidinger Pat , Curtis Val 
Published: August 2009

SummaryObjective  To investigate the effectiveness of a hygiene promotion intervention based on germ awareness in increasing handwashing with soap on key occasions (after faecal contact and before eating) in rural Indian households.Methods  Cluster randomised trial of a hygiene promotion intervention in five intervention and five control villages. Handwashing was assessed through structured observation in a random sample of 30 households per village. Additionally, soap use was monitored in a sub‐sample of 10 households per village using electronic motion detectors embedded in soap bars.Results  The intervention reached 40% of the target population. Germ awareness increased as well as reported handwashing (a possible indicator of perceived social norms). Observed handwashing with soap on key occasions was rare (6%), especially after faecal contact (2%). Observed handwashing with soap on key occasions did not change 4 weeks after the intervention in either the intervention arm (−1%, 95% CI −2%/+0.3%), or the control arm (+0.4%, 95% CI −1%/+2%). Data from motion detectors indicated a significant but small increase in overall soap use in the intervention arm. We cannot confidently identify the nature of this increase except to say that there was no change in a key measure of handwashing after defecation.Conclusion  The intervention proved scalable and effective in raising hygiene awareness. There was some evidence of an impact on soap use but not on the primary outcome of handwashing at key times. However, the results do not exclude that changes in knowledge and social norms may lay the foundations for behaviour change in the longer term.
Do audio‐guided decision aids improve outcomes? A randomized controlled trial of an audio‐guided decision aid compared with a booklet decision aid for Australian women considering labour analgesia
Authors: Raynes‐Greenow Camille H. , Roberts Christine L. , Nassar Natasha , Trevena Lyndal 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective  To assess the effectiveness of an audio‐guided component: an audio‐guided decision aid vs. a stand‐alone booklet decision aid.Background  Despite extensive evaluation of decision aids in clinical settings the presentation style has not been properly assessed, and audio‐guided decision aids are widely used although not supported by evidence‐based research.Design  Randomized controlled trial.Setting and participants  Two obstetric hospitals in Sydney, Australia. A total of 395 pregnant women having their first baby and approximately ≥36 weeks of gestation, planning a vaginal birth of a single infant and with self‐assessed English sufficiency to read and listen to English‐presented material.Intervention  A decision aid for labour and childbirth analgesia that was presented in two ways: an audio‐guided decision aid compared with a booklet only style decision aid.Main outcome measures  Decisional conflict, knowledge and anxiety.Results  Although both groups improved their knowledge scores and decreased their decisional conflict there were no significant differences between groups: mean knowledge score – audio‐guided group, 65.9 vs. booklet group, 64.3; mean difference, 1.7; 95% CI (–7.5, 4.2); mean decisional conflict score – audio‐guided group, 23.6 vs. booklet group, 24.3; mean difference, 0.7; 95% CI (–1.4, 2.9). Acceptability and compliance were high.Discussion and conclusions  This evaluation highlights the lack of additional benefit in using audio‐guided formats for presenting health information to consumers who are from a general English‐speaking population. These results considered together with the increase in costs and work involved in producing audio components suggests that written and pictorial methods may be sufficient for decision aids aimed at a general audience.
Medical word use in clinical encounters
Authors: Koch‐Weser Susan , DeJong William , Rudd Rima E. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective  Doctors often use medical language with their patients despite findings from a variety of studies that have shown that patients frequently misunderstand medical terminology. Little is known about the patterns of medical word use by doctors and patients during clinical encounters.Methods  A content analysis of 16 verbatim transcripts of first clinical encounters between rheumatologists and newly referred patients was conducted to assess how doctors and patients introduced medical words. Medical words were identified via a computer program using a defined list.Results  Doctors did not introduce or use more medical words than patients, but the types of words that doctors and patients introduced did differ. The majority of patient‐initiated medical words occurred during the history taking (94%). Doctors did not explain, or use as part of an explanation, the majority (79%) of the medical words they introduced, and patients seldom responded in a way that would indicate whether or not they had correctly interpreted those terms. There was relatively little repetition of medical words within or even across encounters.Conclusions  This study provides insights into how the use of medical terminology could contribute to misunderstanding. Findings suggest that steps already promoted in the literature to improve doctor–patient communication may also ameliorate potential problems arising from the use of medical terminology.
Natural egg parasitism on Helicoverpa (Heliothis) armigera Hbn. (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) on tomato in South Portugal1
Authors: Meierrose Carola , Araujo J. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractField observations on natural parasitism on Heliothis armigera eggs by Trichogramma rhenana and Telenomus sp. have been undertaken during ten weeks in 1982, on a semi‐commercial tomato field near Evora South Portugal. The field observations were conducted until the first pesticide application. The average percentage of parasitism from mid‐June to mid‐August was 80.4 %. The mean number of parasites per host egg was 1.9 with a sex‐ratio of 2 ♀:1 ♂. These results are compared with field observations on a commercial field in 1983, conducted during the whole cropping period. The traditionnal pesticide management of the commercial tomato field resulted in a significant reduction in average percentages of parasitism: only 33 % instead of 80.4 % could be observed. Parasites appeared six weeks later than their host. Percentage of parasitism by Trichogramma rhenana decreased from 74.8% to 18%, as agrochemicals interfered.ZusammenfassungNatürlicher Eiparasitismus bei Helicoverpa (Heliothis) armigera Hbn. (Lep., Noctuidae) an Tomaten in SüdportugalFeldbeobachtungen zur natürlichen Parasitierung von Heliothis armigera‐Eiern durch Tricho‐gramma rhenana und Telenomus sp. wurden 1982 während 10 Wochen auf einem halb‐kommer‐ziellen Tomatenfeld bei Evora in Südportugal durchgeführt. Die Beobachtungen endeten zum Zeitpunkt der ersten Pflanzenschutzmittelanwendung. Die durchschnittliche Parasitierungsrate von Mitte Juni bis Mitte August betrug 80,4%. Die mittlere Anzahl von Parasiten pro Wirtsei betrug 1,9 mit einem Weibchenanteil von 67 %. Diese Ergebnisse werden verglichen mit Beobach‐tungen auf einem kommerziellen Feld während der gesamten Anbausaison 1983. Übliche Pflan‐zenschutzmittelanwendungen hatten eine signifikante Verminderung der durchschnittlichen Para‐sitierungsrate zur Folge: nur 33 % statt 80,4 % wurden erreicht. Die Parasiten traten 6 Wochen spater als ihr Wirt auf. Die Parasitierungsraten durch Trichogramma rhenana verminderten sich von 74,8 % auf 18 % unter der Anwendung von Agrochemikalien im Feld.
Factors affecting inundative releases of Trichogramma minutum Ril. against the Spruce Budworm1
Authors: Smith S. M. , Hubbes M. , Carrow J. R. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractInundative releases of Trichogramma minutum Riley for biological control of the spruce bud‐worm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), were investigated in Canada's boreal forest during 1982 and 1983. The most significant factors affecting the level of egg mass parasitism were the time of release, the density of the parasitoids, and the local weather conditions. Food supply to the female parasitoids, vertical location of the host egg mass in the stand, intensity of solar radiation, and density of the host insect were less important. Parasitism was not affected by the tree species on which budworm egg masses were laid. Parasitoids reared at different temperatures and on different host eggs differed in biological characteristics and could influence the success of field releases. Geographical strains of T. minutum were not considered as important in subsequent releases as the rearing conditions because of the high degree of individual variation within each strain.ZusammenfassungEinflußfaktoren auf die Massenfreisetzung von Trichogramma minutum Riley gegen den Wickler Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)In den Wäldern der borealen Zone Kanadas wurden 1982 und 1983 Massenfreisetzungen von T. minutum zur biologischen Bekämpfung von Choristoneura fumiferana durchgeführt. Die wichtig‐sten Einflußfaktoren auf die Eiparasitierungsrate waren der Zeitpunkt der Freisetzung, die Anzahl freigesetzter Parasitoide und die örtlichen Witterungsbedingungen. Weniger wichtig waren der Futtervorrat für die Parasitoiden‐Weibchen, die vertikale Verteilung der Wirtseier im Bestand, Intensität der Sonneneinstrahlung und Wirtsdichte. Die Baumart, an der die Eier vom Wirt abgelegt wurden, war ohne Einfluß auf die Parasitierung. Parasitoide, die bei unterschiedlichen Temperaturen und in verschiedenen Wirtseiern gezüchtet wurden, unterschieden sich hinsichtlich biologischer Eigenschaften und beeinflußen dadurch den Erfolg der Freilandfreisetzungen. Die geographischen Herkünfte von T. minutum sind für die spätere Freisetzung von geringerer Bedeutung als die jeweiligen Aufzuchtsbedingungen, da innerhalb der Herkünfte große individu‐elle Unterschiede bestehen.