bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biotic condition assessment and the implication for lake fish conservation: a case study of Lake Qionghai, China
Authors: Liu Yong , Zhou Feng , Guo Huaicheng , Yu Yajun , Zou Yufei 
Published: July 2009

AbstractConserving fish in lakes requires the systematic analysis and assessment of fish species. The issues, conservation needs and fish assemblage changes are described for Lake Qionghai (China). The annual fishery production (AFP) was analysed from 1949 to 2003, which indicated a high disturbance of the aquatic ecosystem in Lake Qionghai caused especially by fisheries. The continuous increase in AFP and the introduction of economically important fish species have changed the fish species structure and diversity of the lake. Only five of 20 native fish species remained extant in 2003. The alien species accounted for 83.58% of the total fish production in 2003. Scoring criteria for 10 indexes of biotic integrity (IBI metrics) were selected for Lake Qionghai. The overall IBI score decreased from 40 in the 1940s to 26 in the 1980s to 20 in 2003. Changes in biotic condition were mainly caused by the destruction of fish physical habitat, pollution, bycatch and the invasion of alien species. Based on the IBI analysis, an ecosystem approach was developed for fish conservation in Lake Qionghai, including conservation at the watershed scale, habitat improvement and restoration, rebuilding of aquatic ecosystems and adaptive ecosystem‐based fishery management.
Trihalomethanes in the drinking water of Concepción and Talcahuano, Chile
Authors: Loyola‐Sepulveda Rodrigo , Lopez‐Leal Gonzalo , Munoz Jorge , Bravo‐Linares Claudio , Mudge Stephen M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractFormation of trihalomethanes (THMs) during water disinfection has been related to several health problems, although the magnitude of these effects is under discussion. This paper quantifies the THMs in drinking water from the Bío‐Bío Region of central Chile, the first since the modification of the national reference value (Nch 409/05) to include maximal values for THMs. THMs were quantified using a solid phase micro‐extraction (SPME) method and GC‐MS. The concentration ranges were 9.7–111.6, 0.1–1.0 and 0.9–25.5 μg/L for chloroform (CHCl3), and dibromochloromethane (CHClBr2) and bromodichloromethane (CHCl2Br), respectively. Bromoform was not detected in any sample. There were good correlations (R2=0.91–0.98, P<0.001) between the THMs and the residence time of the water, the distance from the treatment plant and an inverse correlation to free chlorine in the water. The Additive Toxicity Index Value (0.07–1.00) showed that all samples were within the Chilean reference value for THMs in drinking water. However, several values were close to exceeding the maximum permitted concentration (200, 100, 100 and 60 μg/L for CHCl3, CHBr3, CHClBr2 and CHCl2Br, respectively), which may occur when the water demand is low and thus residence times are longer.
Up‐flow Clarifier for emergency water treatment
Authors: Dorea Caetano Chang , Luff Richard , Bastable Andy , Clarke Brian Adrian 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe supply of adequate amounts of safe water for drinking and hygiene during natural disasters or armed conflict can be compromised and is one of the priorities in public health interventions to prevent the spread of disease. When surface waters are the only viable source, emergency water treatment kits are usually deployed by relief agencies for the supply of water. One option is the Oxfam Field Up‐flow ‘Clarifier’ Kit, which was designed to treat raw waters with high turbidities to adequate levels [i.e. <5 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)] and at a relatively high yield (i.e. 10 m3/h). Performance data on the Clarifier from its development and during pilot and field evaluations are presented, as well as its long‐term use records during the emergency response to the Indian Ocean tsunami. This modular treatment system has been shown to be robust in being able to produce drinking water of turbidity levels considered to be acceptable during emergencies over a prolonged period.
Interferon‐Related Transcriptome Alterations in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Cells of Aicardi‐Goutières Patients†
Authors: Izzotti Alberto , Pulliero Alessandra , Orcesi Simona , Cartiglia Cristina , Longobardi Maria G. , Capra Valeria , Lebon Pierre , Cama Armando , La Piana Roberta , Lanzi Giovanni , Fazzi Elisa 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAicardi–Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a rare interferon (IFN)‐related encephalopathy with onset during the first year of life. AGS, is clinically characterized by progressive microcephaly, bilateral basal ganglia calcification, cerebral atrophy, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), lymphocytosis, delayed development of psychomotor abilities with pyramidal–extrapyramidal syndrome and mimics congenital viral infections. Microarray analysis examining the expression of 18 880 human genes has been applied to the CSF lymphocytes of 20 AGS cases (age 4.5 ± 4.4 years, mean ± standard deviation) characterized by high IFN‐alpha levels in CSF and 20 matched controls (age 4.4 ± 4.3 years, mean ± standard deviation). Gene‐expression data reveal significant differences between AGS cases and controls for all controls and 18 AGS cases. The two AGS cases unclassified as compared with controls were both older than 7 years. AGS cases presented upregulation of genes involved in IFN‐dependent pathways and lymphocyte functions, paralleled by the downregulation of genes encoding for angiopoietic activities. The cystatin F and DNAJ genes, having a negative feedback on IFN pathways, underwent a progressive age‐related increase in their expression. These gene‐expression signature parallels a progressive attenuation of clinical symptoms with age. Obtained results provide evidence that exposure to IFN‐alpha is harmful for developing brain.
Population‐specific gene expression responses to hybridization between farm and wild Atlantic salmon
Authors: Normandeau Eric , Hutchings Jeffrey A. , Fraser Dylan J. , Bernatchez Louis 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBecause of intrinsic differences in their genetic architectures, wild populations invaded by domesticated individuals could experience population‐specific consequences following introgression by genetic material of domesticated origin. Expression levels of 16 000 transcripts were quantified by microarrays in liver tissue from farm, wild, and farm‐wild backcross (i.e. F1 farm‐wild hybrid × wild; total n = 50) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) raised under common environmental conditions. The wild populations and farm strain originated from three North American rivers in eastern Canada (Stewiacke, Tusket, and Saint John rivers, respectively). Analysis of variance revealed 177 transcripts with different expression levels among the five strains compared. Five times more of these transcripts were differentiated between farmed parents and Tusket backcrosses (n = 53) than between Stewiacke backcrosses and their farmed parents (n = 11). Altered biological processes in backcrosses also differed between populations both in number and in the type of processes impacted (metabolism vs immunity). Over‐dominant gene expression regulation in backcrosses varied considerably between populations (23% in Stewiacke vs 44% in Tusket). Hence, the consequences of introgression of farm genetic material on gene expression depended on population‐specific genetic architectures. These results support the need to evaluate impacts of farm‐wild genetic interactions at the population scale.
Linkage disequilibrium and population structure in wild and domesticated populations of Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Authors: Rossi Monica , Bitocchi Elena , Bellucci Elisa , Nanni Laura , Rau Domenico , Attene Giovanna , Papa Roberto 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTogether with the knowledge of the population structure, a critical aspect for the planning of association and/or population genomics studies is the level of linkage disequilibrium (LD) that characterizes the species and the population used for such an analysis. We have analyzed the population structure and LD in wild and domesticated populations of Phaseolus vulgaris L. using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers, most of which were genetically mapped in two recombinant inbred populations. Our results reflect the previous knowledge of the occurrence of two major wild gene pools of P. vulgaris, from which two independent domestication events originated, one in the Andes and one in Mesoamerica. The high level of LD in the whole sample was mostly due to the gene pool structure, with a much higher LD in domesticated compared to wild populations. In relation to association studies, our results also suggest that whole‐genome‐scan approaches are feasible in the common bean. Interestingly, an excess of inter‐chromosomal LD was found in the domesticated populations, which suggests an important role for epistatic selection during domestication. Moreover, our results indicate the occurrence of a strong bottleneck in the Andean wild population before domestication, suggesting a Mesoamerican origin of P. vulgaris. Finally, our data support the occurrence of a single domestication event in Mesoamerica, and the same scenario in the Andes.
Qualities of a good psychiatrist
Authors: Tor Phern‐Chern , Ng Tze‐Pin , Lim Leslie , Ng Beng‐Yeong , Ang Yong‐Guan , Winslow Munidasa , Wong Sze‐Tai , Goh Lee‐Gan 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroduction: There is limited published work regarding the qualities of a good psychiatrist in Asia. With greater attention paid to psychiatry training in Singapore as a result of the Ministry of Health's National Mental Health Blueprint, there is a need to assess the qualities of a good psychiatrist to guide training.Methods: The present study consisted of two steps. First, a focus group of six senior psychiatrists was conducted to obtain a list of positive qualities of a psychiatrist. Second, an anonymous survey was sent to all psychiatry trainees and psychiatrists in Singapore to assess the relative importance of 40 qualities that were chosen from the list of qualities obtained from the focus group. Factor analysis was performed to elucidate the themes from the qualities and Friedman's χ2 test was used to compare the ratings between themes.Results: The response rate was 48.7% (74 of 152). Analysis showed four themes among the qualities assessed: “personal values”, “professional”, “relationship”, “academic‐executive”. The highly ranked themes for a good psychiatrist were personal values and professional qualities. Lowly ranked themes were relationship and academic‐executive.Discussion: A good psychiatrist in Singapore is narrowly defined by personal values and professional qualities. Training should correctly be focused on clinical skills. There may be a place to give more emphasis to qualities within the themes of relationship and academic‐executive, which are related to the all‐round development of a psychiatrist.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in mild cognitive impairment: a population‐based study
Authors: Feng Lei , Yap Philip Lin Kiat , Lee Tih Shih , Ng Tze Pin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroduction: Few studies have examined neuropsychiatric symptoms in community dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In the present study, we compared the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in older adults with normal cognition, MCI, and dementia in a population‐based sample.Methods: Subjects were selected from the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing study. Normal cognitive function was defined as Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) global score=0 and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) total score ≥24. MCI was defined as CDR global score=0.5, and dementia was defined as CDR global score ≥1. Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) was administered on reliable informants for 293 subjects (136 normal, 133 MCI, and 24 dementia).Results: The prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (at lest one symptom) was 5.9% for normal cognition, 12.8% for MCI, and 50% for dementia. The most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in subjects with MCI were depression/dysphoria (6.8%), irritability/lability (3.8%), apathy/indifference (2.3%), and agitation/aggression (2.3%). NPI total score increased with increasing CDR global score (P<0.001). The adjusted mean NPI total score was 0.07 (SEM=0.49) for normal cognition, 0.86 (SEM=0.46) for MCI, and 4.50 (SEM=0.82) for dementia.Discussion: In community dwelling Asian older adults, we found an increasing prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in subjects with normal cognition, MCI and dementia. Further studies with larger samples and strict criteria for MCI in an Asian population should be conducted.
Ganser syndrome: a case report from Thailand
Authors: Tassniyom Kanida , Paholpak Suchat , Tassniyom Sompon , Krisanaprakornkit Thawatchai , Unprai Peerada 
Published: July 2009

AbstractGanser syndrome or “syndrome of approximates” is characterized by the patient giving incorrect answers to questions, despite showing an understanding of the questions, clouding of consciousness, perceptual abnormalities and symptoms of somatic conversion. The syndrome has a sudden onset, resolves abruptly, and is followed by subsequent amnesia. It was first described by Sigbert Ganser in 1897. It was earlier described as a hysterical disorder, and debate about its classification continues today. Currently, it is categorized under the rubric of dissociative disorder. Overall, fewer than 50 cases have been reported. The etiology of Ganser syndrome remains unknown. Some precipitating stressors have been reported and in other cases patients have had organic brain syndrome. Hospital admission has been recommended, but treatment with antipsychotic medication is not necessarily advised because the syndrome can resolve without treatment. The prognosis is uncertain. The present report is of a 40‐year‐old Thai male with symptoms of clouding of consciousness, approximate answers to simple questions, reported auditory hallucinations and somatic delusions. All symptoms resolved within 5 days and the patient had no recollection of the event. Ganser syndrome is still considered a rare psychiatric syndrome requiring further exploration.
A Diagnostic Study of the Intensity of Three Tropical Cyclones in the Australian Region. Part I: A Synopsis of Observed Features of Tropical Cyclone Kathy (1984)
Authors: Lajoie France , Walsh Kevin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjective streamline analyses and digitized high-resolution IR satellite cloud data have been used to examine in detail the changes in the environmental circulation and in the cloud structure that took place in and around Tropical Cyclone Kathy (1984) when it started to intensify, and during its intensification and dissipation stages. The change of low-level circulation around Tropical Cyclone Kathy was measured by the change in the angle of inflow (α4) at a radius of 4° latitude from the cyclone center. When Kathy started to intensify, α4 increased suddenly from 20° to 42.5° in the northerly airstream to the north and northeast of the depression, and decreased to 0° to the south of the depression. At that stage the low-level circulation around the depression appeared as a giant swirl that started some 600 km to the north and northeast of the depression and spiraled inward toward its center, while trade air, which is usually cool, dry, and stable, did not enter the cyclonic circulation. The angle α4 remained the same during intensification. During the dissipation stage, α4 returned to 20° and trade air started to participate in the cyclonic circulation.Satellite cloud data were used to determine the origin, evolution, and importance of the feeder bands in the intensification of the cyclone, to follow the moist near-equatorial air that flowed through them and to estimate the maximum height of cumulonimbi that developed in them, to observe the changes in the convective activity in the central dense overcast (CDO) area, as well as in the area around the CDO. Most of the observed changes in Kathy have also been observed in other tropical cyclones during intensification and dissipation.Using the sequence of observed changes of the circulation and of convective activity in and around the CDO of Kathy, a mathematical model has been developed to forecast the intensity of a tropical cyclone. The model and its application to three tropical cyclones in the Australian region are described in Part II of this paper.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of the Lumbar Spine in Elite Horseback Riders
Authors: Kraft Clayton N. , Pennekamp Peter H. , Becker Ute , Young Mei , Diedrich Oliver , Lüring Christian , von Falkenhausen Makus 
Published: July 2009

Background Most orthopaedic problems experienced by competitive horseback riders are related to pain in the lower back, hip joint, and hamstring muscles. Riders—especially, show jumpers—are frequently hampered in their performance because of lumbar pain. To date, there has been no research into lumbar disk degeneration in elite competitive riders. Hypothesis Competitive horseback riding accelerates lumbar disk degeneration. Study Design Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Fifty-eight elite riders (18 men, 40 women; mean age, 32.4 years) and a control group of 30 nonriding volunteers (17 men, 13 women; mean age, 28.7 years) were evaluated for lumbar disk degeneration, cross-sectional area of paraspinal muscles, spondylolysis, and spondylolisthesis, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The prevalence of disk degeneration between the 2 groups was compared, and the relationship was investigated between low back pain (LBP), riding discipline, body mass index (BMI), trunk/leg-length coefficient, and MRI results. Results Eighty-eight percent of elite riders (n = 51) had a history of LBP, versus 33% of the controls ( P < .05). There was no statistical difference for the prevalence of LBP among the different riding disciplines. However, there was a high rate of pathologic T2 signal intensity of the lumbar intervertebral disk among riders—specifically, dressage riders—yet no significant increase when compared with controls. History of LBP symptoms, riding discipline, BMI, and trunk/leg-length ratio had no significant effect on the development of lumbar disk degeneration. Occult fractures of the pars interarticularis and manifest spondylolysis were not seen for any rider. Two controls had spondylolisthesis Meyerding grade 1 not associated with back pain. Conclusion Although riders have a high prevalence of LBP, there is no conclusive MRI evidence to suggest that the cause lies in undue disk degeneration, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, or pathologic changes of the paraspinal muscles of the lumbar spine.
Glomerular expression of toll-like receptor-9 in lupus nephritis but not in normal kidneys: implications for the amplification of the inflammatory response
Authors: Papadimitraki ED , Tzardi M , Bertsias G , Sotsiou E , Boumpas DT 
Published: July 2009

Toll-like receptors recognising self-derived nucleic acids may participate in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Following the description of an enhanced population of toll-like receptor-9 (TLR-9) expressing auto-antibody producing B lymphocytes in active lupus, we explored the expression of TLR-9 in the renal tissue of patients with lupus. TLR-9 expression was studied in the kidneys of 12 lupus and 10 control samples from macroscopically unaffected areas of patients with renal adenocarcinoma by immunohistochemistry. A semiquantitative score was assigned separately for tubular, interstitial and glomerular expression. TLR-9 was expressed in the renal tubules and interstitial tissue in both patients with lupus and controls. Six of 12 patients with lupus with proliferative or membranous nephritis – as compared to none of the controls – exhibited both tubulointerstitial and glomerular TLR-9 expression. Biopsies with glomerular TLR-9 expression had a higher activity index (mean ± SD, 6.3 ± 3.5 in the presence of TLR-9 glomerular expression as compared to 1.3 ± 1.8 in its absence, P = 0.015, t-test). This study documents for the first time the up-regulation of TLR-9 within the glomerulus of patients with lupus nephritis. Activation of TLR-9 expressing glomerular cells by endogenous nucleic acids (nucleosomes) may amplify the inflammatory response.
Increased T-lymphocyte apoptosis in lupus correlates with disease activity and may be responsible for reduced T-cell frequency: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Dhir V , Singh AP , Aggarwal A , Naik S , Misra R 
Published: July 2009

Apoptosis of lymphocytes is increased in patients with lupus. This may be pathogenic leading to increased load of autoantigens or may be a bystander effect of immune activation. A major unresolved issue is whether apoptosis is related to disease activity. Also its association with lymphocyte frequencies, anti-nucleosomal antibodies and serum IL 10 levels needs to be explored further. The aims of this study are to measure T- and B-lymphocyte apoptosis in patients with lupus and look at the effect of disease activity in a cross-sectional and longitudinal design and to determine frequency of T and B cells, level of anti-nucleosomal antibodies and serum IL 10 and assess their relationship with apoptosis. This study included 41 patients with SLE and 20 controls. A cutoff value of 4 in systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) was used to separate active from inactive SLE. The frequency and degree of apoptosis of T and B lymphocyte were enumerated by flow cytometry using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stained with CD3/CD19 and annexin V/PI. The data for T/B cell frequency are represented as % of these cells in the PBMC population, whereas percentage of apoptotic cells is out of total T or B cells. Serum anti-nucleosomal antibodies and IL 10 were assayed using ELISA. A repeat assessment of these parameters was carried out in 11 active patients when they became inactive. We found higher T-lymphocyte apoptosis in patients with SLE versus controls (14.8 ± 9.2, 7.2 ± 3.0; P < 0.05) and a lower frequency of T cells (72.7 ± 12.6, 79.9 ± 5.8; P < 0.05). T-lymphocyte apoptosis was higher in patients with active disease compared with inactive (18.5 ± 11.3, 11.6 ± 5.4; P = 0.05). Further, T-lymphocyte apoptosis directly correlated with SLEDAI ( r = 0.37, P < 0.05) and inversely with T-cell frequency ( r = −0.29, P < 0.05). Anti-nucleosomal antibodies correlated with SLEDAI but not apoptosis. On longitudinal follow-up, a decline in T-cell apoptosis was seen in patients with SLE, however this was not statistically significant. We confirmed a higher degree of apoptosis in T-lymphocytes in patients with SLE and found a direct correlation of T-cell apoptosis with disease activity. Patients had reduced T-cell frequency, which inversely correlated with T-cell apoptosis and may suggest a cause-effect relationship.