bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic data in population viability analysis: case studies with ambystomatid salamanders
Authors: Greenwald K. R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractParameterization of population viability models is a complicated task for most types of animals, as knowledge of population demography, abundance and connectivity can be incomplete or unattainable. Here I illustrate several ways in which genetic data can be used to inform population viability analysis, via the parameterization of both initial abundance and dispersal matrices. As case studies, I use three ambysomatid salamander datasets to address the following question: how do population viability predictions change when dispersal estimates are based on genetic assignment test data versus a general dispersal–distance function? Model results showed that no local population was large enough to ensure long‐term persistence in the absence of immigration, suggesting a metapopulation structure. Models parameterized with a dispersal–distance function resulted in much more optimistic predictions than those incorporating genetic data in the dispersal estimates. Under the dispersal–distance function scenario all local populations persisted; however, using genetic assignments to infer dispersal revealed local populations at risk of extinction. Viability estimates based on dispersal–distance functions should be interpreted with caution, especially in heterogeneous landscapes. In these situations I promote the idea of model parameterization using genetic assignment tests for a more accurate portrayal of real‐world dispersal patterns.
Characteristics of sentinel lymph nodes’ metastatic involvement in early stage of vulvar cancer
Authors: KLÁT Jaroslav , ŠEVČÍK Libor , ŠIMETKA Ondřej , GRÁF Petar , WALOSCHEK Tomáš , KRAFT Otakar , JALUVKOVÁ Zdena , PROCHÁZKA Martin 
Published: December 2009

Background:  Nodal involvement is one of the most significant prognostic factors in early‐stage vulvar cancer.Aims:  To determine the diagnostic accuracy of sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in early‐stage vulvar cancer and to describe the characteristics of metastatic lymph node involvement.Methods:  Of 23 women with early‐stage squamous cell vulvar cancer included in the study, five had lateral lesions and 18 had midline lesions. SLN detection was performed by using a radioactive tracer and blue dye, followed by radical vulvectomy or radical wide excision with uni/bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, depending on tumour size and localization. SLNs were subsequently examined with haematoxylin–eosin and immunohistochemistry.Results:  The SLN detection was successful in all 23 women (100%) and in 38 of 41 groins (92.3%) tested. The total number of SLNs was 67, with an average of 1.76 per groin. In total, 20 positive SLNs were detected in 14 of 23 patients. From a total of 20 positive SLNs, micrometastases were found in five SLNs and isolated tumour cells in one SLN. We experienced one case with a false negativity of SLN. Sensitivity, negative predictive value, accuracy and false negativity of SLN detection were 93.3%, 88.8%, 95.6% and 7.1% respectively.Conclusion:  The SLN biopsy performed by an experienced team is a feasible method, with high accuracy in patients with early‐stage vulvar cancer. Prognostic value of micrometastases should be confirmed in further studies.
Trends in induction of labour, 1998–2007: A population‐based study
Authors: MEALING N. M. , ROBERTS C. L. , FORD J. B. , SIMPSON J. M. , MORRIS J. M. 
Published: December 2009

Background:  Increasing rates of induction have been reported in the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia since the early 1990s; however, there is a lack of population‐based studies on trends and pharmacological management of induction of labour.Aims:  To determine population trends in induction of labour and predictors of failed induction (in caesarean section, specifically for failure to progress with cervix dilation ≤3 cm).Methods:  Trends in induction were determined for women in NSW who laboured at ≥ 32 weeks from 1998 to 2007 (N = 739 904). To determine the predictors of failed induction, 92 359 deliveries of live singletons for whom linked birth and hospital data were available (2001–2005) were examined using logistic regression analysis.Results:  The rate of induction increased over the decade from 25.3 to 29.1%; however, among those induced with prostaglandin alone, it decreased from 33.5 to 23.8%. Oxytocin alone was the most commonly used labour induction agent overall (51%) and in most population subgroups. The predictors of failed induction in both nullipara and multipara included increasing maternal age, pre‐term and post‐term birth and the use of prostaglandin or mechanical methods of induction (neither oxytocin nor prostaglandin).Conclusions:  The pharmacological agents used for induction of labour have changed over the past decade. An important area for future research is to investigate how the dosage of oxytocin and prostaglandin affects pregnancy outcomes.
The St. George Homebirth Program: An evaluation of the first 100 booked women
Authors: McMURTRIE Jane , CATLING‐PAUL Christine , TEATE Ali , CAPLICE Shea , CHAPMAN Michael , HOMER Caroline 
Published: December 2009

Background:  The St. George Homebirth Program was the first publicly funded homebirth model of care set up in New South Wales. This program provides access to selected women at low obstetric risk the option of having their babies at home. There are only four other publicly funded homebirth programs operating in Australia.Aims:  To report the outcomes of the first 100 women booked at the St. George Homebirth Program.Methods:  A prospective descriptive study was undertaken. Data were collected on the first 100 women who gave birth between November 2005 and March 2009. Two databases were accessed and missing data were followed up by review of the relevant charts.Results:  Of the first 100 booked women, 63 achieved a homebirth, 30 were transferred to hospital or independent midwifery care in the antenatal period and seven were transferred intrapartum. Two women were transferred to hospital in the early postnatal period, one for a postpartum haemorrhage and one for hypotension. One baby suffered mild respiratory distress, was treated in the emergency department and was discharged home within four hours.Conclusion:  The St. George Hospital homebirth program has provided reassuring outcomes for the first 100 women it has cared for over the past four years. Wider availability of this service could be achieved provided there is the appropriate close collaboration between providers and effective processes for consultation, referral and transfer. The outcomes of women and babies in publicly funded homebirth programs deserve further study, and the development of a national prospective database of all planned homebirths would contribute to this knowledge.
Simultaneous Vasomotor Reactivity Testing in the Middle Cerebral and Basilar Artery with Suboccipital Probe Fixation Device
Authors: Hong Ji Man , Joo In Soo , Huh Kyoon , Sheen Seung Soo 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND We assess the feasibility of using the newly designed suboccipital probe fixation device (SPFD) as a convenient and reliable tool for simultaneous measurement of vasomotor reactivity (VMR) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and basilar artery (BA). METHODS We analyzed 30 healthy volunteers’ VMR values by using both SPFD and conventional handheld method. The VMR values were measured as percentage increase of the mean flow velocity on transcranial Doppler (TCD) in response to hypercapnia induced by the rebreathing method. The VMR tests were performed three times: (1) for both MCAs, (2) for the index MCA (the better signal window) and the BA by using the SPFD, and (3) for the index MCA and the BA by using the handheld technique. RESULTS The VMR values of the right and left MCAs were similar (P > .05). Although the VMR values of the index MCA and the BA obtained by SPFD application and the handheld technique were similar (P > .05), the correlation coefficient of VMR values obtained by using the SPFD was higher (r= .827, P < .001 vs. r= .568, P= .001). CONCLUSION The SPFD is a convenient and reliable tool for the evaluation of relative VMR between the MCA and BA during TCD monitoring.
Isolated and Reversible Lesions of the Corpus Callosum: A Distinct Entity
Authors: Garcia‐Monco Juan Carlos , Martínez Amaia , Brochado Ana Pinedo , Saralegui Ibone , Cabrera Alberto , Beldarrain Marian Gomez 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT The Reversible Splenial Lesion Syndrome represents a distinct clinicoradiological syndrome, associated with several disorders, including infection, high altitude cerebral edema, antiepileptic drug withdrawal, and severe metabolic disturbances (hypoglycemia and hypernatremia). Clinical presentation is nonspecific, most frequently as an encephalopathy or encephalitis. Outcome is favorable in most patients unless there is a severe underlying disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging findings are restricted to the splenium and consist of a nonenhancing oval lesion, hyperintense on T2‐weighted images, including FLAIR. Findings on diffusion‐weighted imaging are consistent with cytotoxic edema except for high‐altitude cerebral edema, where vasogenic edema is present. Resolution after weeks or months is the rule. J Neuroimaging 2010;20:1‐2.
The association of Fcγ receptor IIIb genetic polymorphism and susceptibility to periodontitis in Taiwanese individuals
Authors: Ho Ya‐Ping , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Ho Kun‐Yen , Wu Yi‐Min , Tsai Chi‐Cheng 
Published: December 2009

Ho Y‐P, Yang Y‐H, Ho K‐Y, Wu Y‐M, Tsai C‐C. The association of Fcγ receptor IIIb genetic polymorphism and susceptibility to periodontitis in Taiwanese individuals. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 145–151. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2009.01507.x.AbstractAim: The allelic polymorphism of FcγRIIIb, the neutrophil‐specific receptor involved in the phagocytosis of immunoglobulin G‐opsonized bacteria, has functionally distinct capacities that are important in host defence mediated by neutrophils. The aim of this study was to identify whether the polymorphism of FcγRIIIb is associated with periodontitis in Taiwanese individuals.Materials and methods: This case–control study included of 93 aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients, 372 chronic periodontitis (CP) patients and 158 healthy controls (HC). The FcγRIIIb genotypes were determined by PCR using allele‐specific primers. The risk for periodontitis associated with genotypes was calculated as the odds ratio (OR).Results: A significant difference was observed in the distribution of the FcγRIIIb genotype between either AgP and HC, or AgP and CP, but not between CP and HC. The OR for carriage of the NA2 allele (NA1NA2+NA2NA2 versus NA1NA1) in AgP was 3.27 [95% confidence interval (CI)=1.57–7.51, p=0.0027] and 2.94 (95% CI=1.49–6.48, p=0.0037), as compared with HC and CP. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, the association was still significant.Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that subjects carrying at least one copy of the FcγRIIIb‐NA2 allele might be associated with susceptibility to AgP. However, the clinical implications of the FcγRIIIb allelic polymorphism should be determined by further studies.
A multi‐centre and cross‐sectional study of dentine hypersensitivity in China
Authors: Que Kehua , Ruan Jianping , Fan Xu , Liang Xiao , Hu Deyu 
Published: December 2009

Que K, Ruan J, Fan X, Liang X, Hu D. A multi‐centre and cross‐sectional study of dentine hypersensitivity in China. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 631–637. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2009.01513.x.AbstractAim: The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) in Chinese urban adults and the possible effects of smoking on DH.Materials and Methods: A total of 2640 subjects were distributed equally in 12 communities in Chengdu and Xian City, respectively, and of all age groups (10 years for an age group) including the same number of male and female subjects in each community. Each subject completed a structured interview and the subjects who reported hypersensitivity symptoms were examined with cold air from a dental triple syringe in order to confirm the diagnosis of DH. Attachment loss and gingival recession of sensitive teeth were measured by a Williams periodontal probe.Results: The diagnosis of DH established following a clinical assessment yielded an overall prevalence of 25.5%. The 50–59‐year‐old age group had the greatest number of subjects with DH (p<0.05). 78.6% and 31.4% of sensitive teeth were associated with attachment loss and gingival loss, respectively. Subjects who smoked did not have more sensitive teeth on average than subjects who did not smoke (p>0.05).Conclusions: The prevalence of DH in a selected community population was 25.5%.
Re‐integrating earthworm juveniles into soil biodiversity studies: species identification through DNA barcoding
Authors: RICHARD B. , DECAËNS T. , ROUGERIE R. , JAMES S. W. , PORCO D. , HEBERT P. D. N. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSpecies identification of earthworms is usually achieved by careful observation of morphological features, often sexual characters only present in adult specimens. Consequently, juveniles or cocoons are often impossible to identify, creating a possible bias in studies that aim to document species richness and abundance. DNA barcoding, the use of a short standardized DNA fragment for species identification, is a promising approach for species discrimination. When a reference library is available, DNA‐based identification is possible for all life stages. In this study, we show that DNA barcoding is an unrivaled tool for high volume identification of juvenile earthworms. To illustrate this advance, we generated DNA barcodes for specimens of Lumbricus collected from three temperate grasslands in western France. The analysis of genetic distances between individuals shows that juvenile sequences unequivocally match DNA barcode clusters of previously identified adult specimens, demonstrating the potential of DNA barcoding to provide exhaustive specimen identification for soil ecological research.
Predictive and prognostic value of antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor in primary Sjogren’s syndrome
Authors: HUO An‐Ping , LIN Kuan‐Chia , CHOU Chung‐Tei 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAims:  To assess the predictive and prognostic value of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).Methods:  This retrospective study includes 201 patients that fulfilled the 1993 European preliminary classification criteria for pSS. The patients were further categorized by the 2002 revised criteria, with or without the inclusion of ANA and RF as classification criteria, and were further subgrouped by the presence of ANA, RF, anti‐SS‐A, and anti‐SS‐B, and different ANA titers. The clinical manifestations, serological markers, and results of lip biopsies among these subgroups were compared.Results:  Our results showed pSS patients who are seropositive for one of the following markers: ANA, RF, anti‐SS‐A, or anti‐SS‐B are younger, predominantly female, and had more serological abnormalities than those with seronegativity of ANA, RF, anti‐SS‐A, or anti‐SS‐B. Higher ANA titers (≥ 1 : 640) correlated with higher frequency of serum anti‐SS‐A+ and anti‐SS‐B+, and elevations of serum immunoglobulin G and A in all three different classification criteria groups. The clinical manifestations and laboratory results in the 2002 revised criteria groups with or without the inclusion of ANA and RF as classification criteria items were highly concordant.Conclusion:  Regardless of the classification criteria for pSS, patients who are seropositive for one of the ANA, RF, anti‐SS‐A and anti‐SS‐B biomarkers are more likely to have autoimmune‐related Sjögren’s syndrome. ANA and RF have shown to possess the predictive and prognostic values for those who do not fulfill the higher stringent 2002 revised criteria but are indicated for immunomodulatory therapy. Thus we suggest that ANA and RF should be reconsidered as items of classification criteria for pSS.
An efflux pump is required for siderophore recycling by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Yeterian Emilie , Martin Lois W. , Lamont Iain L. , Schalk Isabelle J. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryPyoverdine (PVDI) is a siderophore produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in order to obtain iron. This molecule is composed of a fluorescent chromophore linked to an octapeptide. Following secretion from the bacteria, PVDI chelates iron ions and the resulting Fe‐PVDI complexes are taken up by the bacteria through a cell surface receptor protein. The iron is released in the periplasm and the resulting PVDI is recycled, being secreted out of the bacteria by a previously unknown mechanism. Three genes with the potential to encode an efflux system are adjacent to, and coregulated with, genes required for PVDI‐mediated iron transport. Mutation of genes encoding this efflux pump (named PvdRT‐OpmQ) prevented recycling of PVDI from the periplasm into the extracellular medium. Fluorescence microscopy showed that in the mutant bacteria PVDI accumulated in the periplasm. Gallium (Ga3+), a metal that cannot be removed from PVDI by reduction, is taken up by P. aeruginosa when chelated by PVDI. Recycling did not occur after transport of PVDI–Ga3+ and fluorescence accumulated in the periplasm even when the PvdRT‐OpmQ efflux pump was functional. Cellular fractionation showed that PVDI‐synthesizing bacteria lacking PvdRT‐OpmQ secreted PVDI but had an approximately 20‐fold increase in the amount of PVD present in the periplasm, consistent with an inability to recycle PVDI. Collectively, these data show that PvdRT‐OpmQ is involved in recycling of PVDI from the periplasm to the extracellular medium and recycling requires release of the metal ion from PVDI.
Bacterial populations and metabolites in the feces of free roaming and captive grizzly bears
Authors: Schwab Clarissa , Cristescu Bogdan , Boyce Mark S. , Stenhouse Gordon B. , Gänzle Michael 
Published: December 2009

Gut physiology, host phylogeny, and diet determine the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos horribilis ) belong to the Order Carnivora, yet feed on an omnivorous diet. The role of intestinal microflora in grizzly bear digestion has not been investigated. Microbiota and microbial activity were analysed from the feces of wild and captive grizzly bears. Bacterial composition was determined using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. The feces of wild and captive grizzly bears contained log 9.1 ± 0.5 and log 9.2 ± 0.3 gene copies·g–1, respectively. Facultative anaerobes Enterobacteriaceae and enterococci were dominant in wild bear feces. Among the strict anaerobes, the Bacteroides – Prevotella – Porphyromonas group was most prominent. Enterobacteriaceae were predominant in the feces of captive grizzly bears, at log 8.9 ± 0.5 gene copies·g–1. Strict anaerobes of the Bacteroides–Prevotella–Porphyromonas group and the Clostridium coccoides cluster were present at log 6.7 ± 0.9 and log 6.8 ± 0.8 gene copies·g–1, respectively. The presence of lactate and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) verified microbial activity. Total SCFA content and composition was affected by diet. SCFA composition in the feces of captive grizzly bears resembled the SCFA composition of prey-consuming wild animals. A consistent data set was obtained that associated fecal microbiota and metabolites with the distinctive gut physiology and diet of grizzly bears.
The impact of pond depth and environmental conditions on sunlight inactivation of Escherichia coli and enterococci in wastewater in a warm climate
Authors: Maïga Ynoussa , Wethe Joseph , Denyigba Kokou , Ouattara Aboubakar Sidiki 
Published: December 2009

Microcosm experiments were carried out under dark and real sunlight conditions in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) to investigate the survival of faecal indicators ( Escherichia coli and enterococci) in secondary wastewater. Light damage was estimated by loss of bacterial culturability. The results clearly show that sunlight has a deleterious effect on the survival of both indicators. The mean dark inactivation coefficients for E. coli and enterococci were 0.045 and 0.047 h–1,respectively, whereas inactivation coefficients in the shallowest microcosm (0.1 m) in illuminated conditions were 0.796 and 0.559 h–1, respectively. No significant effect of pond depth (0.1–0.9 m) on the inactivation of both indicators was observed in the dark. However, the effect of depth was significant in the microcosms exposed to sunlight, probably because of attenuation. In illuminated conditions, enterococci were broadly inactivated more rapidly than E. coli (T90 = 26.81 h for E. coli and 15.67 h for enterococci in the 0.4 m microcosm). However, E. coli presented greater variability in the survival capabilities, suggesting difficulties in interpreting data using only E. coli as an indicator. Therefore, the use of both indicators together should be advisable for the assessment of effluent quality from waste stabilization ponds in the Sahelian region.
Changes inPPARgene expression and myocardial tolerance to ischaemia: relevance to pleiotropic effects of statinsThis article is one of a selection of papers published in a special issue on Advances in Cardiovascular Research.
Authors: Ravingerová Táňa , Adameová Adriana , Kelly Tara , Antonopoulou Efthymia , Pancza Dezider , Ondrejčáková Mária , Khandelwal Vinoth Kumar Megraj , Čarnická Slávka , Lazou Antigone 
Published: December 2009

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), which are key transcriptional regulators of lipid metabolism and energy production, have been suggested to play an important role in myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. Their role in cardioprotection, however, is not yet fully elucidated. Statins have shown beneficial effects on I/R damage beyond lipid lowering, and some of their cardioprotective cholesterol-independent effects may be related to the regulation of PPAR. To clarify this issue, we explored a potential link between a response to I/R and changes in cardiac PPARα protein and gene expression in simvastatin-treated normocholesterolaemic rats. After 5 days of treatment with simvastatin (10 mg/kg per day, p.o.), Langendorff-perfused hearts were subjected to 30 min regional ischaemia (occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery) or global ischaemia and 2 h reperfusion for the evaluation of the infarct size (triphenyltetrazolium chloride and planimetry; as percentage of risk area), ischaemic arrhythmias, and postischaemic contractile recovery. Baseline PPARα mRNA and protein levels were increased by 3-fold and 2-fold, respectively, in simvastatin-treated hearts compared with the untreated controls. Simvastatin-treated hearts exhibited smaller size of infarction (11.5% ± 0.4% vs. 33.7% ± 4% in controls; p < 0.01), improved postischaemic contractile recovery, and lower severity of arrhythmias during ischaemia and early reperfusion. Enhanced resistance to I/R injury was associated with preservation of mRNA and protein levels of PPARα in contrast to their marked downregulation in controls. In conclusion, statin-induced changes in the expression of PPARα may contribute to attenuation of myocardial I/R injury and thus suggest the involvement of cardioprotective mechanisms independent of inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase.