bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implications of life‐history transitions on the population genetic structure of the toxigenic marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense
Authors: ALPERMANN TILMAN J. , BESZTERI BÁNK , JOHN UWE , TILLMANN URBAN , CEMBELLA ALLAN D. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractGenotypic or phenotypic markers for characterization of natural populations of marine microalgae have typically addressed questions regarding differentiation among populations, usually with reference to a single or few clonal isolates. Based upon a large number of contemporaneous isolates from the same geographical population of the toxigenic species Alexandrium tamarense from the North Sea, we uncovered significant genetic substructure and low but significant multilocus linkage disequilibrium (LD) within the planktonic population. Between the alternative molecular genotyping approaches, only amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) revealed cryptic genetic population substructure by Bayesian clustering, whereas microsatellite markers failed to yield concordant patterns. Both markers, however, gave evidence for genetic differentiation of population subgroups as defined by AFLP. A considerable portion of multilocus LD could be attributed to population subdivision. The remaining LD within population subgroups is interpreted as an indicator of frequency shifts of clonal lineages during vegetative growth of planktonic populations. Phenotypic characters such as cellular content and composition of neurotoxins associated with paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and allelochemical properties may contribute to intra‐ or inter‐annual differentiation of planktonic populations, if clonal lineages that express these characters are selectively favoured. Nevertheless, significant phenotypic differentiation for these characters among the genetically differentiated subgroups was only detected for PSP toxin content in two of the four population subgroups. By integrating the analysis of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, we developed a conceptual population genetic model to explain the importance of life‐cycle dynamics and transitions in the evolutionary ecology of these dinoflagellates.
Parasite genetic differentiation by habitat type and host species: molecular epidemiology of Schistosoma japonicum in hilly and marshland areas of Anhui Province, China
Authors: RUDGE JAMES W. , LU DA‐BING , FANG GUO‐REN , WANG TIAN‐PING , BASÁÑEZ MARÍA‐GLORIA , WEBSTER JOANNE P. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Schistosoma japonicum, a parasite of significant public health importance in parts of China and Southeast Asia, is a true generalist pathogen with over 40 species of mammals suspected as definitive host reservoirs. In order to characterize levels of parasite gene flow across host species and identify the most important zoonotic reservoirs, S. japonicum larvae (miracidia) were sampled from a range of definitive host species in two contrasting habitat types within Anhui Province, China: a low‐lying marshland region, and a hilly region, where animal reservoir populations may be predicted to differ substantially. Miracidia samples were genotyped using seven multiplexed microsatellite markers. Hierarchical F‐statistics and clustering analyses revealed substantial geographical structuring of S. japonicum populations within Anhui, with strong parasite genetic differentiation between habitat types. Within most villages, there was very little or no parasite genetic differentiation among host species, suggesting frequent S. japonicum gene flow, and thus also transmission, across species. Moreover, the data provide novel molecular evidence that rodents and dogs are potentially very important infection reservoirs in hilly regions, in contrast to bovines in the marshland regions. The parasite genetic differentiation between habitat types might therefore be associated with contrasting host reservoirs. The high levels of parasite gene flow observed across host species in sympatric areas have important implications for S. japonicum control, particularly in hilly regions where control of infection among wild rodent populations could be challenging.
Pronounced genetic diversity in tropical epiphyllous lichen fungi
Authors: BALOCH ELISABETH , GRUBE MARTIN 
Published: April 2009

AbstractLowland tropical habitats harbour an unexplored genetic diversity of epiphyllous fungi. In the shade of rainforest understoreys, lichenized fungi are specialized to an ephemeral habitat where they produce little vegetative biomass and develop reproductive structures early. In a first population genetic study of epiphyllous lichen fungi, we analysed the intraspecific genetic diversity of five leaf‐colonizing lichen mycobiont species. Sampling focused on a lowland perhumid forest plot in Costa Rica, with additional collections from other localities throughout the country. In all species we detected sympatric occurrence of highly diverged haplotypes. Haplotypes belonging to distinct clades in networks were also found on the same leaf, clearly indicating multiple independent colonization events on single leaves. Despite the unusually high genetic diversity of these leaf‐colonizing tropical fungi, we did not detect pronounced spatial structure of the haplotype distribution between geographical regions. The observed patterns suggest that the diversity of foliicolous lichens could be much higher than expected, with several cryptic genetic lineages within each morphologically characterized species.
A package of primary health care services for comprehensive family‐centred HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs in low‐income settings
Authors: Tolle Michael A. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryParticularly in resource‐limited settings, HIV/AIDS is a family concern. Separate services for children and adults may make accessing care more difficult for families than services where family members can be cared for together. Implicit in comprehensive, family‐centred approaches to care are the broader notions of longitudinal primary care and linkages to other services, including those based in communities. As highly‐active antiretroviral therapy becomes more available, and the direct burden of HIV‐associated morbidity diminishes, HIV‐infected individuals require primary care that goes beyond exclusive management of HIV and related conditions, including preventive services and the management of common medical issues. The prevention of tuberculosis, diarrhoea, and, in endemic regions, malaria; the addressing of debilitating depression; cervical screening; and the management of chronic cardiovascular disease and its risk factors are all of benefit to patients accessing HIV/AIDS care. Packaging such services is an effective means both of standardizing care within a program and of ensuring patients receives a full roster of available interventions. As family‐centred care models develop in resource‐limited settings, the availability of evidence‐based service packages such as presented here will help program designers prioritize available human and materiel resources toward those interventions that improve patients’ global health and well being.
Chronic ingestion ofPorphyromonas gingivalisinduces systemic nitric oxide response in mice
Authors: Nemec A. , Pavlica Z. , Crossley D. A. , Šentjurc M. , Jerin A. , Eržen D. , Vrecl M. , Majdič G. , Zdovc I. , Petelin M. , Skalerič U. 
Published: April 2009

Introduction: Porphyromonas gingivalisinduces nitric oxide (NO) production in various cells, systemic NO elevation being expected in chronic oral challenge.Methods: Groups of BALB/c mice were inoculated orally with either liveP. gingivalisATCC 33277 or sterile broth on days 0, 2 and 4, with or without later administration of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor 1400W. Plasma and tissues were harvested on day 42 for assays of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), nitrite and nitrate (NOx) and tissue NO, or histology and iNOS immunohistochemistry.Results: No signs of gingivitis were observed, but plasma NOx was significantly elevated (P = 0.028) as was TNF‐α (P = 0.079) inP. gingivalis‐inoculated animals compared with controls, NOx being reduced when 1400W was used. NO production in organs showed a similar trend, with significant elevation in liver (P = 0.017) and kidneys (P = 0.027), whereas concomitant treatment of inoculated animals with 1400W caused significant reductions in NO in aorta (P = 0.008) and kidneys (P = 0.046). Sham‐inoculated 1400W‐treated animals had significantly increased plasma NOx (P = 0.004) and liver NO (P = 0.04). NOx in plasma correlated significantly with NO production in lungs (0.35,P = 0.032) and kidneys (0.47,P = 0.003). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated iNOS activity in many tissues in all groups.Conclusion: Repeated oral administration ofP. gingivalisinduced systemic NO and NOx production in mice, probably by activating iNOS as suggested by the response to 1400W.
In vitro evaluation of yoghurt starter lactobacilli and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG adhesion to saliva‐coated surfaces
Authors: Stamatova I. , Kari K. , Vladimirov S. , Meurman J. H. 
Published: April 2009

Aim:  The aim of the study was to evaluate the adhesion of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG to saliva‐coated surfaces in vitro.Methods:  Fifteen radiolabeled dairy L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains and L. rhamnosus GG were tested for their ability to adhere to saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite beads and polystyrene microtiter plates and the radioactivity was measured by liquid scintillation counter. The effects of lysozyme on the adhesion of lactobacilli and of pretreatment with lactobacilli on the adhesion of Streptococcus sanguinis were also assessed.Results:  All strains tested adhered to saliva‐coated surfaces but with significantly different binding frequencies. The adhesion of the L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains remained lower in comparison to L. rhamnosus strain GG. One L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strain showed binding frequency comparable to S. sanguinis. Lysozyme pretreatment of the samples significantly increased lactobacillus adhesion to saliva‐coated surfaces.Conclusion:  The present results showed significant variations in the adhesion capacity of the Lactobacillus strains studied. Adhesion to oral surfaces is of primary importance for bacterial colonization in the mouth. Only one of the L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus dairy starter culture strains investigated had a high adhesion percentage. This strain might then be considered for further investigations in the oral environment.
Increased trait‐like impulsivity and course of illness in bipolar disorder
Authors: Swann Alan C , Lijffijt Marijn , Lane Scott D , Steinberg Joel L , Moeller F Gerard 
Published: April 2009

Background:  Impulsivity as a trait characteristic is increased in bipolar disorder and may be a core factor of the illness. We have investigated relationships between trait‐like impulsivity, measured by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11), and demographic and illness‐course characteristics of bipolar disorder.Methods:  We studied 114 subjects with bipolar disorder and 71 healthy comparison subjects. Diagnoses were based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV. In addition to impulsivity, we examined age, education, gender, psychiatric symptoms, and characteristics related to course of illness. We used general linear mixed model analysis to evaluate the manner in which the variables contributed to BIS‐11 scores.Results:  All BIS‐11 subscale scores were higher in bipolar disorder than in comparison subjects. There were less consistent independent effects of education and age. Elevated BIS‐11 scores were associated with early onset, more frequent episodes of illness, and a history of suicide attempts. These relationships persisted when age, gender, and education were taken into account.Discussion:  These results show that, after accounting for common confounding factors, trait‐like impulsivity was substantially higher in subjects with bipolar disorder than in nonbipolar comparison subjects, regardless of symptoms. Within subjects with bipolar disorder, high trait impulsivity was associated with a more severe course of illness.
Do positive emotions predict symptomatic change in bipolar disorder?
Authors: Gruber June , Culver Jenifer L , Johnson Sheri L , Nam Jennifer Y , Keller Kristine L , Ketter Terence A 
Published: April 2009

Objectives: Bipolar disorder is associated with positive emotion disturbance, though it is less clear which specific positive emotions are affected.Methods: The present study examined differences among distinct positive emotions in recovered bipolar disorder (BD) patients (n = 55) and nonclinical controls (NC) (n = 32) and whether they prospectively predicted symptom severity in patients with BD. At baseline, participants completed self‐report measures of several distinct trait positive emotions. Structured assessments of diagnosis and current mood symptoms were obtained for BD participants. At a six‐month follow‐up, a subset of BD participants’ (n = 39) symptoms were reassessed.Results: BD participants reported lower joy, compassion, love, awe, and contentment compared to NC participants. BD and NC participants did not differ in pride or amusement. For BD participants, after controlling for baseline symptom severity, joy and amusement predicted increased mania severity, and compassion predicted decreased mania severity at the six‐month follow‐up. Furthermore, amusement predicted increased depression severity and pride predicted decreased severity of depression. Awe, love, and contentment did not predict symptom severity.Conclusions: These results are consistent with a growing literature highlighting the importance of positive emotion in the course of bipolar disorder.
No altered dorsal anterior cingulate activation in bipolar II disorder patients during a Go/No‐go task: an fMRI study
Authors: Welander‐Vatn Audun S , Jensen Jimmy , Lycke Christine , Agartz Ingrid , Server Andres , Gadmar Øystein Bech , Melle Ingrid , Nakstad Per Hjalmar , Andreassen Ole A 
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  It has been reported that one of the core features in patients with bipolar disorder II (BD II) is increased impulsivity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with BD II showed decreased activation in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) as compared to healthy controls when performing a task sensitive to impulsivity.Methods:  Twenty‐seven BD II patients and 28 healthy controls performed a Go/No‐go task during a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) session. Eleven of the patients were unmedicated, and possible group differences between medicated and unmedicated patients were also assessed.Results:  The groups did not differ in behavioral performance on the Go/No‐go task.Both BD II subjects and healthy controls demonstrated dACC activity during the task, and analyses revealed no statistically significant group differences. Medicated and unmedicated patients also did not differ in the degree of fMRI activation.Conclusions:  These findings do not support the hypothesis of abnormal dACC activity during a Go/No‐go task in BD II patients.
Differential item functioning of DSM‐IV depressive symptoms in individuals with a history of mania versus those without: an item response theory analysis
Authors: Weinstock Lauren M , Strong David , Uebelacker Lisa A , Miller Ivan W 
Published: April 2009

Objectives: Although major depression is characteristic of both bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, there is disagreement as to whether there are distinct features of depression that differentiate these two conditions. The primary aim of this study was to use methods based in item response theory to evaluate differences in DSM‐IV depression symptom endorsement in an epidemiological sample of individuals with a history of mania (i.e., bipolar depression) versus those without (i.e., unipolar depression).Methods:  Clinical interview data were drawn from a subsample (n = 13,058) of individuals with bipolar or unipolar depression who had participated in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Using these data, a two‐parameter item response model was used to estimate differential item functioning of DSM‐IV depressive symptoms between these two groups.Results: Differences in severity parameter estimates revealed that suicidal ideation and psychomotor disturbance were more likely to be endorsed across most levels of depression severity in bipolar versus unipolar depression. Differences in discrimination parameter estimates revealed that fatigue was significantly less discriminating in bipolar versus unipolar depression.Conclusions: Equating for level of depression symptom severity, study results revealed that suicidal ideation and psychomotor disturbance are endorsed more frequently in bipolar versus unipolar depression. Study data also suggested that fatigue may be endorsed more frequently in unipolar relative to bipolar samples at moderate (versus low or high) levels of depression symptom severity.
Referral and treatment patterns for complex regional pain syndrome in the Netherlands
Authors: DE MOS M. , HUYGEN F. J. P. M. , VAN DER HOEVEN‐BORGMAN M. , DIELEMAN J. P. , STRICKER B. H. CH. , STURKENBOOM M. C. J. M. 
Published: April 2009

Background: Patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are seen and treated by a variety of physicians. The present study aims to describe referral and treatment patterns for CRPS patients in the Netherlands.Methods: Patients, who were selected (1996–2005) from an electronic general practice (GP) database (Integrated Primary Care Information Project), were invited for study participation, involving diagnosis verification (International Association for the Study of Pain criteria) and assessment of referrals and treatment through information retrieved from GP journals, patients' questionnaires, pharmacy dispensing lists and specialist letters if available.Results: One hundred and two patients were included. Sixty‐one percent had presented first at the GP, while 80% subsequently consulted one or more medical specialists, most frequently an anesthetist (55% of the cases) or a specialist in rehabilitation medicine (41%). Over 90% of the patients received oral or topical pharmacotherapy, 45% received intravenous therapy, 89% received non‐invasive therapy (i.e. physiotherapy) and 18% received nerve blocks. Analgesics and free radical scavengers were administered early during CRPS, while vasodilating drugs and drugs against neuropathic pain (antidepressants and anti‐epileptics) were administered later on. Pharmacotherapy was usually initiated by a medical specialist.Conclusion: The Dutch treatment guidelines, issued in 2006, recommend free radical scavenger prescription (plus physiotherapy) as the initial treatment step for CRPS. Until 2005 only half of the patients received a scavenger within 3 months after disease onset, and the majority presents first at the GP, in particular GPs may be encouraged to initiate treatment with scavengers, while waiting for the results of further specialist consultation.
Evaluation of easily applicable pain measurement tools for the assessment of pain in demented patients
Authors: PESONEN A. , KAUPPILA T. , TARKKILA P. , SUTELA A. , NIINISTÖ L. , ROSENBERG P. H. 
Published: April 2009

Background and objectives: Difficulties in communication and lack of suitable pain scales may lead to undertreatment of pain in cognitively impaired patients. We performed a study in this type of patients and evaluated the usefulness of four simple pain scales.Patients and methods: We studied 41 hospitalized elderly (76–95 years) who suffered from pain with an acute component. Cognitive function was assessed with the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) and the degree of depression was assessed on the geriatric depression scale (GDS). Pain intensity was assessed at rest and after a pain‐provoking movement three times at 2‐week intervals by repeating the test at a 10‐min interval at each test session. The pain scales were the 50 cm red wedge scale (RWS), the seven‐point faces pain scale (FPS), the 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS) and the five‐point verbal rating scale (VRS).Results: In group MMSE≥24, patients were able to use all four scales rather successfully. In the other groups (MMSE 17–23, 11–16 and ≤10), only the use of VRS was successful to a reasonable degree (64–85% on average). GDS scores did not correlate with the pain scores, with the exception of pain scores on FPS during movement (P<0.01). The estimations of intensity and frequency of pain performed by nurses failed to correlate with the patient's own pain intensity estimations.Conclusion: Scoring of pain with RWS, FPS and VAS seems to be feasible in elderly patients with a normal cognitive dysfunction. In our study VRS appeared to be applicable in the elderly with a clear cognitive dysfunction, i.e., with MMSE<17.
Signs of critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy can be seen early in the ICU course
Authors: AHLBECK K. , FREDRIKSSON K. , ROOYACKERS O. , MÅBÄCK G. , REMAHL S. , ANSVED T. , ERIKSSON L. , RADELL P. 
Published: April 2009

Background: Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy (CIPNM) is recognized as a common condition that develops in the intensive care unit (ICU). It may lead to a prolonged hospital stay with subsequent increased ICU and hospital costs. Knowledge of predisposing factors is insufficient and the temporal pattern of CIPNM has not been well described earlier. This study investigated patients with critical illness in need of prolonged mechanical ventilation, describing comprehensively the time course of changes in muscle and nerve neurophysiology, histology and mitochondrial oxidative function.Methods: Ten intensive care patients were investigated 4, 14 and 28 days after the start of mechanical ventilation. Laboratory tests, neurophysiological examination, muscle biopsies and clinical examinations were performed. Neurophysiological criteria for CIPNM were noted and measurements for mitochondrial content, mitochondrial respiratory enzymes and markers of oxidative stress were performed.Results: While all patients showed pathologic changes in neurophysiologic measurements, only patients with sepsis and steroid treatment (5/5) fulfilled the CIPNM criteria. The presence of CIPNM did not affect the outcome, and the temporal pattern of CIPNM was not uniform. All CIP changes occurred early in ICU care, while myopathy changes appeared somewhat later. Citrate synthase was decreased between days 4 and 14, and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase was increased.Conclusion: With comprehensive examination over time, signs of CIPNM can be seen early in ICU course, and appear more likely to occur in patients with sepsis and corticosteroid treatment.