bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of the MAPT locus with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wider C. , Vilariño‐Güell C. , Jasinska‐Myga B. , Heckman M. G. , Soto‐Ortolaza A. I. , Cobb S. A. , Aasly J. O. , Gibson J. M. , Lynch T. , Uitti R. J. , Wszolek Z. K. , Farrer M. J. , Ross O. A. 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Whilst an association between the tau gene (MAPT)‐containing H1 haplotype and supranuclear gaze palsy (PSP) has long been recognized, the effect of H1 on risk for Parkinson’s disease (PD) has remained more contentious.Methods:  Herein, we examined the association of H1 and PD in three Caucasian PD patient–control series from Ireland, Norway, and the US (combined: n = 2619), by genotyping two H1/H2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MAPT (rs1052553) and in the Saitohin gene (rs62063857) and one H1‐specific SNP (rs242557).Results:  We identified a significant association between H1/H2 and risk of PD (rs1052553 OR: 1.43, CI: 1.23–1.64; rs62063857 OR: 1.45, CI: 1.27–1.67), but no effect of the H1‐specific SNP rs242557 (OR: 0.92, CI: 0.82–1.03).Conclusions:  Our findings show that the H1 haplotype is a significant risk factor for PD. However, one H1‐specific SNP (rs242557) previously implicated in PSP did not alter the risk of PD, indicating that distinct H1 sub‐haplotypes probably drive the associations with PD and PSP.
Noninvasive monitoring of wolves at the edge of their distribution and the cost of their conservation
Authors: Echegaray J. , Vilà C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractLarge predators are recolonizing areas in industrialized countries, where they have been absent for decades or centuries. As they reach these areas, the predators often encounter unwary livestock and unprepared keepers, which translates into large economic costs. The cost per individual may have important repercussions on the conservation and management of large predators. During the years 2003–2004, we collected 136 feces preliminarily identified as belonging to gray wolves Canis lupus along the north‐eastern limit of the wolf range in the Iberia peninsula (Basque Country, Spain). Genetic analyses allowed us to identify the species of origin in 86 cases: 31 corresponded to wolves, two to red foxes Vulpes vulpes and 53 to dogs Canis familiaris. Among the wolves, we identified 16 different individuals. We estimated the cost of conserving wolves to be >€3000 per wolf per year, based on the cost of damage compensation and prevention during the 2003–2004 period. However, most of the wolf feces contained wild prey whereas dog feces contained mostly remains of domestic animals. This finding suggests that uncontrolled dogs could be responsible for some of the attacks on livestock, contributing to negative public attitudes toward wolf conservation and increasing its cost.
Biological control of the cane toad in Australia: a review
Authors: Shanmuganathan T. , Pallister J. , Doody S. , McCallum H. , Robinson T. , Sheppard A. , Hardy C. , Halliday D. , Venables D. , Voysey R. , Strive T. , Hinds L. , Hyatt A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe marine toad Bufo marinus is native to northern South America, parts of Central America and Southern Texas. It was deliberately introduced into Australia's tropical north‐east in 1935 in an unsuccessful attempt to control the cane beetle, a damaging insect pest of sugarcane crops. The toads quickly established in the new environment and began to spread. Today, they inhabit most of the Australian tropics and sub‐tropics and have reached Western Australia. Models predict that global warming will enable the toads to extend their range further south. They cause severe environmental impacts, as all life stages of B. marinus contain bufadienolides, alkaloid substances toxic to vertebrates, resulting in death of the predators ingesting it. The continental scale of this biological invasion in combination with the remoteness of the areas affected, poses a specific set of challenges to potential control approaches for cane toads. This review covers different biocontrol strategies pursued over the past 8 years, with particular focus on an immunological approach aiming at the disruption of toad metamorphosis. So far, research efforts have failed to produce a tool for large‐scale reduction of toad populations. Considerations of future research priorities and efforts are also discussed.
Percutaneous Access of the Epicardial Space for Mapping Ventricular and Supraventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With and Without Prior Cardiac Surgery
Authors: ROBERTS‐THOMSON KURT C. , SEILER JENS , STEVEN DANIEL , INADA KEIICHI , MICHAUD GREGORY F. , JOHN ROY M. , KOPLAN BRUCE A. , EPSTEIN LAURENCE M. , STEVENSON WILLIAM G. , TEDROW USHA B. 
Published: November 2009

Percutaneous Epicardial Access. Introduction: There is a paucity of data on the success rates of achieving percutaneous epicardial access in different groups of patients.
Methods and Results:
Percutaneous epicardial access was attempted in 137 patients having 149 procedures; 19 patients had supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), 25 patients had idiopathic VT and 93 patients had scar‐related ventricular tachycardia (VT). Ten patients had prior cardiac surgery. Successful epicardial access was achieved in 133 of 149 (89.3%) procedures. Access was achieved in 17 of 19 (89.5%) patients with SVT, all patients with idiopathic VT, 80 of 93 (86.0%) patients with scar‐related VT and in 2 (20%) patients with prior cardiac surgery. Attempted access failed in 16 patients; 8 had prior cardiac surgery and 3 had prior pericarditis. After an initial procedure, repeat access was attempted in 15 patients, 5.1 ± 5.4 months after initial epicardial mapping and ablation. Access was successful in 13 (86.7%) and failed in 2 patients who had pericarditis after their first procedure. Only 4 patients were given intrapericardial glucocorticoid at their first epicardial procedure. Prior cardiac surgery and a history of pericarditis predicted unsuccessful access (P < 0.01). Complications (9 patients) included pericardial bleeding (80–250 mL) and intraabdominal bleeding.
Conclusions:
In patients without prior cardiac surgery, percutaneous epicardial access can be obtained in the majority of patients. Prior cardiac surgery precludes access in the most patients and when possible adhesions may limit catheter movement. Repeat access is possible in the majority of patients without the installation of intrapericardial glucocorticoid at the first procedure. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 406–411, April 2010)
Effect of continuous light on the biology of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, on roses
Authors: Johansen Nina Svae 
Published: November 2009

AbstractContinuous light is a promising method to reduce the problems with rose powdery mildew in greenhouse rose production. The effects of such a light regime on the performance of insect pests on roses have so far not been investigated. In the present study, survival, developmental time, and reproduction during one generation of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), were characterized on roses, Rosa×hybrida cv. Passion, grown in climate chambers with long‐day conditions (L20:D4) or continuous light (L24:D0) at 21 °C and fluctuating relative humidity (mean 74%, range 47–96%). Whiteflies reared under continuous light had lower immature survival and fecundity and shorter female longevity than whiteflies reared under long‐day conditions, but immature developmental time was only slightly affected. Life‐table analysis showed that the net reproductive rate (Ro) and intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) were reduced by 85 and 76%, respectively, and the time for the population to double its size (D) was 4.2 times longer under continuous light. This mean that the whitefly population growth under continuous light was strongly reduced compared with the traditional light regime used in rose production.
Ovipositing female house flies provision offspring larvae with bacterial food
Authors: Lam Kevin , Geisreiter Christine , Gries Gerhard 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSymbiotic bacteria on house fly eggs, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), provide ovipositional cues for conspecific female flies and curtail the growth of fungi that compete with fly larval offspring for resources. Because bacteria are also essential dietary constituents for developing larvae, we tested the hypothesis that egg‐derived bacteria support development of larvae to adults. From house fly eggs, we isolated and identified 12 strains of bacteria, eight and four of which were previously shown to induce and inhibit oviposition, respectively. When larvae were provisioned with a total dose of 106–107 colony‐forming units of bacteria from either the oviposition‐inducing or inhibiting group, or from both groups together, significantly more larvae completed development. Thus, egg‐associated bacteria could be a fail‐safe mechanism that ensures a bacterial food supply for larval offspring, particularly if the resource selected by parent females is poor in bacterial food.
Bryophytes as food: comparative consumption and utilization of mosses by a generalist insect herbivore
Authors: Haines William P. , Renwick J. Alan A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractCompared with angiosperms, bryophytes are seldom fed upon by insects, despite being commonly used for shelter. Bryophytes are assumed to be unpalatable, and three classes of mechanisms have been suggested as possible barriers to bryophagy: chemical defenses, low digestibility, and low nutrient content. However, very few studies have tested these hypotheses. The present study examines pre‐ and post‐ingestive defenses of mosses. The acceptability and quality of four species of moss –Bryum argenteum Hedw. (Bryales: Bryaceae), Climacium americanum Brid. (Leucodontales: Climaciaceae), Leucobryum glaucum (Hedw.) (Dicranales: Leucobryaceae), and Sphagnum warnstorfii Russ. (Sphagnales: Sphagnaceae) – were compared with two control diets using the generalist caterpillar, Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Plusiinae). In no‐choice trials, caterpillars consumed much less of any of the mosses than lettuce or wheat germ. The only moss consumed in sufficient quantities to evaluate post‐ingestive responses was C. americanum. Digestibility, assimilation, and overall utilization efficiency of C. americanum did not differ from that of lettuce, although C. americanum and lettuce were both less digestible than artificial diet. Choice assays using leaf discs showed that ethanol extract of L. glaucum, the least consumed moss, was deterrent, implying that chemical defenses play a major role in deterring feeding on L. glaucum. This study suggested that pre‐ingestive mechanisms are more important than post‐ingestive mechanisms in discouraging herbivory on mosses, and offered evidence that mosses are not simply nutrient poor.
Mate‐finding failure as an important cause of Allee effects along the leading edge of an invading insect population
Authors: Contarini Mario , Onufrieva Ksenia S. , Thorpe Kevin W. , Raffa Kenneth F. , Tobin Patrick C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe movement of humans and goods has facilitated the arrival of non‐native insects, some of which successfully establish and cause negative consequences to the composition, services, and functioning of ecosystems. The gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar(L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), is currently invading North American forests at variable rates, spreading by local and long‐distance movement in a process known as stratified dispersal. Newly arriving colonizers often occur considerably ahead of the population front, and a key question is the degree to which they successfully establish. Prior research has highlighted mate‐finding failures in sparse populations as a cause of an Allee effect (positive density dependence). We explored this mechanism by measuring the relationship between female mating success and background male moth densities along the gypsy moth western front in Northern Wisconsin (USA) over 2 years. The mating results were then compared with analogous previous studies in southern Wisconsin, and the southern front in West Virginia and Virginia (USA). Mate‐finding failures in low‐density populations were consistently observed to be density‐dependent across all years and locations. Mate‐finding failures in low‐density populations have important ramifications to invasive species management, particularly in predicting species invasiveness, preventing successful establishment by small founder populations, and concentrating eradication efforts where they are most likely to succeed.
The combined effect of photoperiod and temperature on egg dormancy in an island and a mainland population of the hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria
Authors: Delisle Johanne , Royer Lucie , Bernier‐Cardou Michèle , Bauce Eric , Labrecque Alain 
Published: November 2009

AbstractEmbryonic dormancy characteristics of the hemlock looper (HL), Lambdina fiscellaria (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), an important coniferous defoliator, were investigated using eggs from an island (Newfoundland) and a mainland (Quebec) population in eastern Canada. We determined (1) the pre‐diapause duration or time required for eggs to change color at 15 °C, under L16:D8 and L12:D12, (2) the percent hatch and time to hatch of early‐diapausing eggs that were, as of 1 September, either (a) incubated under each combination of three photoperiods (L16:D8, L12:D12, or L8:D16) and three temperatures (15, 20, or 25 °C) or (b) stored outdoors prior to their monthly incubation (October–May) under the same treatments, and (3) the diapause duration at 15 °C. The two HL ecotypes completed their pre‐diapause phase in ca. 15 days under long‐day photoperiod. In the mainland ecotype, photoperiod did not influence the pre‐diapause duration. Regardless of photoperiod and ecotype, only eggs incubated continuously at 15 °C hatched successfully after ca. 120 days. Temperature was the most important factor modulating the dormancy of eggs acclimated outdoors, in both ecotypes. From October to December (diapause phase), percent egg hatch at 20 and 25 °C increased from low (20%) to levels similar to those obtained at 15 °C (70%). These percentages remained stable throughout the post‐diapause phase (January–May). Time to hatch, which was shorter at warmer temperatures, decreased from October to December at all temperatures. It remained stable from January to March (quiescence), however, and declined thereafter. Eggs from the island were heavier than those from the mainland and their odds of hatching were 2.3 times higher. At 15 °C, diapause lasted ca. 90 days. Our findings indicate that eggs from the two HL ecotypes (1) undergo an obligatory diapause, (2) complete diapause without pre‐exposure to cold, (3) respond similarly to photoperiod and temperature during diapause and post‐diapause, and (4) do not hatch successfully after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Incidence and diagnostic diversity in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Reay R. , Mitford E. , McCabe K. , Paxton R. , Turkington D. 
Published: November 2009

Reay R, Mitford E, McCabe K, Paxton R, Turkington D. Incidence and diagnostic diversity in first‐episode psychosis.Objective:  To investigate the incidence and range of diagnostic groups in patients with first‐episode psychosis (FEP) in a defined geographical area.Method:  An observational database was set up on all patients aged 16 years and over presenting with FEP living in a county in Northern England between 1998 and 2005.Results:  The incidence of all FEP was 30.95/100 000. The largest diagnostic groups were psychotic depression (19%) and acute and transient psychotic disorder (19%). Fifty‐four per cent of patients were aged 36 years and over. Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder only accounted for 55% of cases.Conclusion:  This clinical database revealed marked diversity in age and diagnostic groups in FEP with implications for services and guidelines. These common presentations of psychoses are grossly under researched, and no treatment guidelines currently exist for them.
α‐thalassaemia masked by β gene defects and a new polyadenylation site mutation on the α2‐globin gene
Authors: Harteveld Cornelis L. , Oosterhuis Wytze P. , Schoenmakers Christian H. H. , Ananta Hardjawardhama , Kos Snjezana , Bakker Verweij Margaretha , Van Delft Peter , Arkesteijn Sandra G. J. , Phylipsen Marion , Giordano Piero C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe report three examples of chronic anaemia involving complex combinations of α‐ and β‐globin gene defects. The first case had a potential Hb H disease caused by the classic SEA/RW deletions masked by Hb E [β26(B8)Glu→Lys] in the homozygous state. The second had an unusual Hb H disease caused by compound heterozygosity for two different α2 polyadenylation site mutations masked by a β‐thalassaemia heterozygosity. The third had an intermediate α‐thalassaemia with considerable anaemia caused by an as yet unknown polyadenylation site (AATAAA>AATAAC) mutation in combination with a common RW deletion masked by a common Hb C [β6(A3)Glu→Lys] heterozygosity. Diagnostic methods, genotype/phenotype correlations and the chance of overlooking these combinations during risk assessment in a multiethnic society are discussed.
Evidence‐based (S3) guideline for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris – Update: “Therapeutic options” and “Efalizumab”
Authors: Nast Alexander , Augustin Matthias , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Klaus Joachim , Mrowietz Ulrich , Ockenfels Hans‐Michael , Philipp Sandra , Reich Kristian , Rosenbach Thomas , Schlaeger Martin , Sebastian Michael , Sterry Wolfram , Streit Volker , Weisenseel Peter , Rzany Berthold 
Published: November 2009

SummaryIn February 2009, the European Medicines Agency's (EMEA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) had recommended the suspension of efalizumab's (Raptiva®) marketing authorization, because its benefits in the treatment of psoriasis were modest, while there was a risk of serious side effects in patients receiving the medicine, including the occurrence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The guideline group has changed the guideline accordingly.
Short‐term propagation of rainfall perturbations on terrestrial ecosystems in central California
Authors: García Mónica , Litago J. , Palacios‐Orueta A. , Pinzón J.E. , Ustin, Susan L. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractQuestion:Does vegetation buffer or amplify rainfall perturbations, and is it possible to forecast rainfall using mesoscale climatic signals?Location:Central California (USA).Methods:The risk of dry or wet rainfall events was evaluated using conditional probabilities of rainfall depending on El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. The propagation of rainfall perturbations on vegetation was calculated using cross‐correlations between monthly seasonally adjusted (SA) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), and SA antecedent rainfall at different time‐scales.Results:In this region, El Niño events are associated with higher than normal winter precipitation (probability of 73%). Opposite but more predictable effects are found for La Niña events (89% probability of dry events). Chaparral and evergreen forests showed the longest persistence of rainfall effects (0‐8 months). Grasslands and wetlands showed low persistence (0‐2 months), with wetlands dominated by non‐stationary patterns. Within the region, the NDVI spatial patterns associated with higher (lower) rainfall are homogeneous (heterogeneous), with the exception of evergreen forests.Conclusions:Knowledge of the time‐scale of lagged effects of the non‐seasonal component of rainfall on vegetation greenness, and the risk of winter rainfall anomalies lays the foundation for developing a forecasting model for vegetation greenness. Our results also suggest greater competitive advantage for perennial vegetation in response to potential rainfall increases in the region associated with climate change predictions, provided that the soil allows storing extra rainfall.
Yoga in Female Sexual Functions
Authors: Dhikav Vikas , Karmarkar Girish , Gupta Richa , Verma Myank , Gupta Ruchi , Gupta Supriya , Anand Kuljeet S. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Yoga is a popular form of complementary and alternative therapy. It is practiced both in developing and developed countries. Female sexual dysfunctions are common and do not always get adequate clinical attention. Pharmacotherapies for treating female sexual dysfunctions are available but suffer from drawbacks such as poor compliance, low efficacy, and side effects. Many patients and yoga protagonists claim that it is useful in improving sexual functions and treating sexual disorders.

Aim
To establish the effect yoga can have on female sexual functions.

Methods
We recruited 40 females (age range 22–55 years, average age 34.7 ± 8.49 years) who were enrolled in a yoga camp and were given a standardized questionnaire named Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before and after the 12 weeks session of yoga.

Main Outcome Measures
FSFI scores.

Results
It was found that after the completion of yoga sessions; the sexual functions scores were significantly improved (P &lt; 0.0001). The improvement occurred in all six domains of FSFI (i.e., desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain). The improvement was more in older women (age &gt; 45 years) compared with younger women (age &lt; 45 years).

Conclusions
Yoga appears to be an effective method of improving all domains of sexual functions in women as studied by FSFI.
Preoperative Criteria to Select Patients for Bilateral Nerve-sparing Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Novara Giacomo , Ficarra Vincenzo , D’Elia Carolina , Secco Silvia , De Gobbi Alberto , Cavalleri Stefano , Artibani Walter 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
To date, no study has analyzed the predictors of potency recovery in a robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) series. A novel risk stratification for erectile function recovery after retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) has been proposed recently by Briganti et al. from the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan, Italy.

Aim
To evaluate the potency rate in a series of consecutive patients who underwent bilateral nerve-sparing RALP, to identify the preoperative predictors of erectile function recovery, and to validate the risk-group stratification of Briganti et al.

Methods
The clinical records of all patients who underwent RALP for clinically localized prostate cancer between April 2005 and April 2009 were prospectively collected in the Prostate Cancer Padua Database. For the present study, we extracted all consecutive cases receiving a bilateral nerve-sparing technique with a minimum follow-up ≥12 months.

Main Outcome Measures
Twelve-month potency rate after RALP, defined as an International Index of Erectile Function 6 (IIEF-6) score ≥18.

Results
Data showed that 129 out of 208 enrolled patients (62%) were potent 12 months after surgery. Age (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.8; P &lt;0.001), Charlson score (HR: 2.9; P = 0.007), and baseline IIEF-6 score (HR: 0.8; P &lt;0.001) were independent predictors of potency recovery at multivariate analysis. According to Briganti et al.’s risk-group stratification, the 12-month potency rate following RALP was 81.9% in the low-risk group, 56.7% in the intermediate-risk group, and 28.6% in the high-risk group (P &lt;0.001).

Conclusions
In the era of robotic surgery, the key point for the success of the nerve-sparing technique remains the accurate selection of patients. Age ≤65 years, absence of associated comorbidities, and good preoperative erectile function are the most important preoperative factors to select those patients for whom bilateral nerve-sparing RALP can achieve the best results.