bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic identification of antigens protective against coccidia
Authors: BLAKE D. P. , SHIRLEY M. W. , SMITH A. L. 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY The Eimeria species, causative agents of the disease coccidiosis, are genetically complex protozoan parasites endemic in livestock. Drug resistance remains commonplace among the Eimeria, and alternatives to chemotherapeutic control are being sought. Vaccines based upon live formulations of parasites are effective, but production costs are high, stimulating demand for a recombinant subunit vaccine. The identity of antigens suitable for inclusion in such vaccines remains elusive. Selection of immunoprotective antigens of the Eimeria species as vaccine candidates based upon recognition by the host immune system has been unsuccessful, obscured by the considerable number of molecules that are immunogenic but not immunoprotective. This is a common problem which characterizes work with most eukaryotic parasites. The identification of a selective criterion to directly access genetic loci that encode immunoprotective antigens of Eimeria maxima using a mapping strategy based upon parasite genetics, immune selection and DNA fingerprinting promises to revolutionize the process of antigen discovery. Linkage analyses of DNA markers amplified from populations of recombinant parasites defined by an ability to escape parent‐specific deleterious selection by strain‐specific immunity and chemotherapy has revealed four discrete regions within the E. maxima genome linked to escape from a protective immune response. These regions now form the basis of detailed study to identify antigens as candidates for inclusion in future vaccination strategies.
Resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) induced by L. biglobosa and chemical defence activators in field and controlled environments
Authors: Liu S. Y. , Liu Z. , Fitt B. D. L. , Evans N. , Foster S. J. , Huang Y. J. , Latunde‐Dada A. O. , Lucas J. A. 
Published: March 2006

Effects of pretreatment of Brassica napus leaves with ascospores of Leptosphaeria biglobosa or chemical defence activators [acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM) or menadione sodium bisulphite (MSB)] on infection by ascospores of Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) and development of disease were studied in controlled‐environment (phoma leaf spot) and field (phoma leaf spot and stem canker) experiments. In controlled‐environment experiments, pretreatment of oilseed rape leaves (cv. Madrigal) with L. biglobosa, ASM or MSB delayed the appearance of L. maculans phoma leaf spot lesions. These pretreatments also decreased the phoma leaf spot lesion area in both pretreated leaves (local effect) and untreated leaves (systemic effect). In winter oilseed rape field experiments in the 2002/03 and 2003/04 growing seasons, pretreatment with L. biglobosa or ASM in October/November decreased not only the number of phoma leaf spot lesions per leaf caused by L. maculans in autumn/winter, but also the severity of phoma stem canker in the subsequent spring/summer. Effects were greater in 2002/03 (when natural L. maculans ascospore release began in September 2002) than in 2003/04 (when ascospore release began in December following a period of dry weather in August/September 2003). These results suggest that pretreatment with biological or chemical defence activators can induce local and systemic resistance to L. maculans, with both short‐term effects on the development of phoma leaf spotting and long‐term effects on the development of stem canker 8 months later.
Fine scale spatial structuring of sex and mitochondria inSilene vulgaris
Authors: Olson M. S. , Graf A. V. , Niles K. R. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractFine scale spatial structure (FSSS) of cytoplasmic genes in plants is thought to be generated via founder events and can be amplified when seeds germinate close to their mother. In gynodioecious species these processes are expected to generate FSSS in sex ratio because maternally inherited cytoplasmic male sterility genes partially influence sex expression. Here we document a striking example of FSSS in both mitochondrial genetic markers and sex in roadside populations of Silene vulgaris. We show that in one population FSSS of sexes influences relative fruit production of females compared to hermaphrodites. Furthermore, FSSS in sex ratio is expected to persist into future generations because offspring sex ratios from females are female-biased whereas offspring sex ratios from hermaphrodites are hermaphrodite-biased. Earlier studies indicated that pollen limitation is the most likely mechanism underlying negative frequency dependent fitness of females. Our results support the theoretical predictions that FSSS in sex ratio can reduce female fitness by decreasing the frequency at which females experience hermaphrodites. We argue that the influence of FSSS on female fitness is complementary to the influence of larger scale population structure on female fitness, and that population structure at both scales will act to decrease female frequencies in gynodioecious species. Better comprehension of the spatial structure of genders and genes controlling sex expression at a local scale is required for future progress toward understanding sex ratio evolution in gynodioecious plants.
Productivity of Bahiagrass Pastures in South‐western Japan: Synthesis of Data from Grazing Trials
Authors: Hirata M. , Ogawa Y. , Koyama N. , Shindo K. , Sugimoto Y. , Higashiyama M. , Ogura S. , Fukuyama K. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis study examined the rate of herbage production and herbage quality of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) using data from five grazing trials in the low‐altitude region of Kyushu, south‐western Japan, in an effort to (a) evaluate productivity of bahiagrass pastures, (b) analyse its relationship to meteorological, vegetational and managerial variables, and (c) obtain implications for better management of bahiagrass pastures. The rate of herbage production, ranging from −56 to 213 kg DM ha−1 day−1, tended to increase from spring (April–May) to mid‐summer (July) and decrease thereafter. The rate was expressed by a multiple regression equation where nitrogen fertilizer rate, air temperature, rainfall and herbage mass had positive effects. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) and crude protein (CP) concentration of herbage were in the range of 471–727 and 84–161 g kg−1 DM respectively. DMD was expressed by a regression equation where the day number from 1 April and herbage mass had negative effects, and the sampling height and nitrogen rate had positive effects. CP concentration was expressed by an equation showing a positive effect of nitrogen rate and a negative effect of herbage mass. The results indicate that management of bahiagrass pastures should aim at maintaining herbage mass closely above the critical level below which intake by grazing animals is restricted, in order to increase quality and ensure quantity. This is particularly important when nitrogen fertilizer is applied.
Development of a Model of Lodging for Barley
Authors: Berry P. M. , Sterling M. , Mooney S. J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractLodging in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) can result either from buckling of any part of the stem (stem lodging) or failure of the root–soil anchorage system (root lodging). A framework for calculating the risk of stem lodging is developed which takes account of the shoot's height, ear area, natural frequency, weight, the flexural rigidity of the stem and changes in stem strength along its length. The model predicted that stem lodging in barley cultivars would occur half way up the stem, and stem lodging in wheat would occur close to the soil surface. These predictions are consistent with general observations of stem lodging in barley and wheat. The higher position of stem lodging in barley, compared with wheat, was caused by the greater flexibility of the barley stems and a more rapid reduction in stem strength up the stem. A sensitivity analysis showed that the stem diameter of the middle internodes had the greatest effect on the risk of stem lodging. Changes to ear area, drag coefficient, crop height, shoot natural frequency and the strength of the stem wall had a moderate influence. Measurements of anchorage strength in barley and wheat plants indicated that the mechanism of anchorage failure was the same for both species and that a model of root lodging developed for wheat could be successfully adapted for barley.
Dietary amino acids fed in free form and as protein components do not differently affect postprandial plasma insulin, glucagon, growth hormone and corticosterone responses in rats
Authors: Nolles J. A. , Van Straten E. M. E. , Bremer B. I. , Koopmanschap R. E. , Verstegen M. W. A. , Schreurs V. V. A. M. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryThis study examined, whether the postprandial fate of dietary amino acids from different amino acid sources is regulated by the responses of insulin, glucagon, corticosterone and growth hormone (GH). Male Wistar rats were cannulated in the vena jugularis and assigned to dietary groups. The diets contained 21% casein or the same amino acids in free form. In the free amino acid diets, methionine level was varied between the groups. The feed was supplied in two distinct meals. In previous experiments it was established that oxidative amino acid losses of the free amino acid diets and protein diets were different. After 3 weeks on those diets, it appeared that the differences in postprandial oxidative losses had been diminished. GH was measured every 12 min, from 144 min before the start of the experimental meal over the following 144 min. Insulin and corticosterone were measured six times from the start of the meal until 270 min after the meal. No differences have been observed between the hormonal responses to both meals at day 5 and at day 26. In conclusion, it has been found that the differences in the oxidative losses between protein and free amino acid meals are not mediated by the combined action of the insulin, glucagon, corticosterone and GH. Postprandial catabolism of amino acids is most probably regulated by substrate induction.
Optimized trap lure for male Melolontha cockchafers
Authors: Reinecke A. , Ruther J. , Mayer C. J. , Hilker M. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Melolontha cockchafer males search for mates using green leaf volatiles (GLV), released by host plants after female feeding. Thus, the feeding‐induced plant volatiles act as sexual kairomones. Males of both Melontha hippocastani and Melontha melolontha are strongly attracted by the GLV (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol (Z‐3‐ol). Sex pheromones enhance the attractiveness of Z‐3‐ol and have been identified as toluquinone (TQ) in M. melolontha, and 1,4‐benzoquinone (BQ) in M. hippocastani. Additionally, phenol acts as a male attractant in both species. From the perspective of potential application, we investigated by field experiments with volatile‐baited traps the ways of enhancing the number of captured males by the use of specific binary or ternary blends of Z‐3‐ol with phenol, and TQ or BQ respectively. The data show that in both species binary lures containing Z‐3‐ol combined with TQ or BQ at a ratio of 10 : 1 are the most potent male attractants.
Primary gastrointestinal lymphomas: A radiological–pathological review. Part 2: Small intestine
Authors: Mendelson RM , Fermoyle S 
Published: March 2006

SummaryPrimary lymphoma of the small intestine is a heterogeneous group of diseases reflected in its protean imaging features. This review illustrates the widespread appearances seen on imaging methods (primarily CT and barium studies) with pathological correlation.
Coronary artery anomalies diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Welker M , Salanitri J , Deshpande VS , Shea SM , Li D , Pereles FS 
Published: March 2006

SummaryCoronary artery anomalies are uncommon entities that may be associated with sudden death. Because of its 2‐D projection imaging nature, conventional X‐ray coronary angiography may not accurately delineate the origins and course of aberrant coronary arteries with respect to the great vessels. Non‐invasive, cross‐sectional imaging techniques such as coronary CT angiography and magnetic resonance angiography are increasingly used in clinical practice to diagnose coronary artery anomalies. Although this study reviews coronary artery anatomy and selected anomalies as seen with true fast imaging with steady‐state precession magnetic resonance angiography, the information provided is equally applicable to electrocardiogram‐gated coronary CT angiography.
Preoperative ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology for axillary staging in breast carcinoma
Authors: Popli MB , Sahoo M , Mehrotra N , Choudhury M , Kumar A , Pathania OP , Thomas S 
Published: March 2006

SummaryAxillary lymph node (ALN) status is considered to be the single most important prognostic indicator in patients with breast cancer. It can be assessed by various radiological, pathological and surgical techniques, the most accurate being histological examination of lymph nodes after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). This prospective study was conducted to assess the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of preoperative ultrasound (US) and ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology (USG‐FNAC) of ALN in patients with breast cancer. Thirty patients with FNAC‐proven breast cancer, planned for definitive surgery with axillary clearance, were included in this study. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the axillae of these patients was conducted for alterations in size, shape, contour and cortical morphology of lymph nodes that could reflect presence of underlying metastases. Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology of the ALN was done in 24 of these patients. These findings were evaluated, with the ALN status determined by histological examination after ALND. Out of the 30 patients, eight had T1, 16 had T2, five had T3, and one had T4 lesions. Ultrasound evaluation of the ALN had a sensitivity of 86.3%, a specificity of 41.6%, a positive predictive value of 79%, a negative predictive value of 50% and a diagnostic accuracy of 73.3%. Sensitivity of USG‐FNAC was 78.95%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100%, negative predictive value was 55.56% and diagnostic accuracy was 83.33%. Our study concludes that preoperative USG‐FNAC of ALN is a simple, minimally invasive, easily available and reliable technique for the initial determination of ALN status in patients with breast cancer. Those who are USG‐FNAC positive can be directed towards ALND straight away, and only those who are USG‐FNAC negative should be considered for sentinel lymph node biopsy. This will save considerable operating time, especially where facilities for sentinel lymph node biopsy (costly dye, gamma camera, nuclear medicine facilities) are restricted or not available.
Magnetic resonance imaging of thickened pituitary stalk proceeding to Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a child
Authors: Halefoglu AM 
Published: March 2006

SummaryMagnetic resonance imaging has shown isolated pituitary stalk thickening in certain cases of idiopathic or secondary central diabetes insipidus (DI) due to infiltrative processes. We present a 4‐year‐old boy who was initially diagnosed as having central DI. The MRI showed isolated pituitary stalk thickening with prominent homogeneous contrast enhancement. The remaining findings on MRI were within normal limits. The patient's personal and family history and laboratory and clinical findings were unremarkable; therefore, he was initially diagnosed as having idiopathic DI. Since central DI and isolated pituitary stalk thickening may be considered to be the first manifestations of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, we decided to follow up the patient. After 5 months, following the initial diagnosis, on skeletal X‐ray survey, the patient did indeed develop multiple lytic skull lesions which, on biopsy, were histologically typical bone lesions of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Preoperative embolization of a large vaginal leiomyoma: Report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Bapuraj JR , Ojili V , Singh SK , Prasad GRV , Khandelwal N , Suri S 
Published: March 2006

SummaryLeiomyoma of the vagina is a very rare tumour of the lower urogenital tract. These slow‐growing masses may be asymptomatic or present with pain, dyspareunia or urinary symptoms. Rarely, these tumours may present with life‐threatening haemorrhage. These hypervascular tumours are treated by surgical excision. Preoperative embolization therefore may aid in devascularization of these tumours before surgical excision. We present the MRI features of a case of vaginal leiomyoma, which was managed by preoperative embolization and was then excised in toto. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report where preoperative embolization was performed before excision of a vaginal leiomyoma with minimal peroperative blood loss.
Filarial dance in a breast mass on colour Doppler imaging
Authors: Rathi V , Bhargava SK , Gupta A , Jain S 
Published: March 2006

SummaryFilarial dance in breast lesions is a very rare entity. It is difficult to show the characteristic vigorous movement of the adult worms on static images although pulse wave Doppler and colour power Doppler have been used. Filarial dance on colour Doppler imaging has not been reported earlier to the best of our knowledge.
Managing peripherally inserted central catheter‐related venous thrombosis: How I do it
Authors: Chaitowitz I , Heng R , Bell K 
Published: March 2006

SummaryImaging‐guided insertion of central venous catheters, either in the form of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) or through a subclavian or a jugular approach, is becoming the preferred method of acquiring long‐term venous access for a variety of therapeutic purposes. The most significant complication from central venous catheters is thrombosis of the catheterized vein. Venous thrombosis related to the insertion of PICC lines is conventionally treated with line removal followed by anticoagulation. Direct thrombolysis with urokinase, using the lumen of the PICC line to facilitate the insertion of the infusion catheter is a simple, safe and effective treatment option. In this article, we describe our experience with this procedure and the technique used.
T1N0/T2N0 glottic carcinoma: A comparison of two fractionation schedules
Authors: Short S , Krawitz H , Macann A , West T , Morton RP , McIvor NP , Chaplin J , Simcock P , Gathercole J , Dorman B , Hindley A 
Published: March 2006

SummaryThe aim of this paper is the retrospective comparison of accelerated/hypofractionated radiotherapy regimen (AHFX) with standard fractionation regimen (SFX) for patients with early glottic carcinoma. One hundred and forty‐five patients with T1–T2 glottic cancer between 1986 and 1998 were eligible. Before 1992, patients received 60–66 Gy in 30–33 fractions over 6–6.5 weeks (SFX) with 60Co and 6‐MV beams. After 1992, patients received 52.5–55 Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks (AHFX) using 6‐MV beams. The end‐points were overall survival, laryngectomy‐free survival (LFS), loco‐regional control and toxicity. One hundred and two were stage T1N0; 43 were stage T2N0. Median follow up was 4.9 years. The 5‐year overall survival was 78%. Five‐year loco‐regional control in T1N0 patients was higher in AHFX than in SFX group (95 vs 75%, P = 0.002). Loco‐regional control in T2N0 patients was similar for AHFX and SFX (81 vs 80%, P = 0.813). Overall LFS was 88%. T1N0 AHFX patients had 5‐year LFS of 95% compared with 75% for SFX (P = 0.003). For T2N0 AHFX patients, overall LFS was 92% compared with 80% for the SFX group (P = 0.291). No grade 4 or 5 late toxicity occurred. One AHFX patient developed grade 3 toxicity; two of 51 SFX patients developed grade 2 toxicity versus five of 94 AHFX patients. AHFX using 6‐MV beams for treatment of early glottic cancer resulted in equivalent LFS and toxicity when compared with SFX.
Indwelling trans‐anastomotic rectal tubes in colorectal surgery: a survey of usage in UK and Ireland
Authors: Gurjar S. V. , Forshaw M. J. , Ahktar N. , Stewart M. , Parker M. C. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground  The use of rectal tubes in colorectal surgery appears to be a matter of individual choice, with little documented evidence to support their use. This study assesses the current practice of rectal tubes amongst consultant members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain & Ireland (ACPGBI).Methods  A piloted questionnaire was sent to practising ACPGBI consultant members listed in the 2003–04 directory. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and Fishers exact test.Results  Three hundred and thirty‐nine replies were received from 579 posted questionnaires (response rate = 58.5%). Rectal tubes were used by 116 (35%) of responding surgeons. Rectal tubes were more commonly used by surgeons with less than 10 years practice as a consultant (P < 0.005). The main indications for tube placement were following ileo‐anal or colonic pouch surgery (73%), after any anterior resection (36%) (rectal tubes were reserved for only low anterior resections by 16% of surgeons) and in the rectal stump after total or subtotal colectomy for acute colitis (11%). Twenty‐three percent of these practising surgeons would use a rectal tube as an alternative to a diverting stoma, predominantly in selected patients following ileo‐anal pouch surgery. A Foley catheter was the commonest type of tube used (70%) and this was usually placed above the anastomosis (80%). Rectal tubes were left in situ for a median of 5 days (range = 1–13 days). Three surgeons (2.6%) reported serious complications including tube perforation of the bowel or anastomosis. Several different mechanisms were suggested for the purpose and functioning of the rectal tube, the commonest being to decompress the rectum and/or pouch.Conclusion  Rectal tube placement is simple and safe and is used by a third of colorectal surgeons in UK and Ireland. Given their simplicity, the efficacy of rectal tubes in reducing local anastomotic complications requires further evaluation within the confines of a randomised controlled trial.
Which is the optimal bowel preparation for colonoscopy – a meta‐analysis
Authors: Tan J. J Y. , Tjandra J. J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjective  To assess which bowel preparation agent is most effective.Methods  A search of randomized trials between January 1990 and July 2005 was obtained, using MEDLINE and PubMed databases, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Meta‐analysis was performed using the Forest plot review.Results  Sodium phosphate (NaP) was more effective in bowel cleansing than polyethylene glycol (PEG) – odds ratio 0.75 (95%CI: 0.65–0.88; P = 0.0004); and sodium picosulphate (SPS) – odds ratio 0.52 (95%CI: 0.34–0.81; P = 0.004). PEG and SPS were comparable in bowel cleansing ability, odds ratio 1.69 (95%CI: 0.92–3.13; P = 0.09). NaP was more easily completed by patients compared to PEG, odds ratio 0.16 (95%CI: 0.09–0.29; P < 0.00001). More patients were able to complete SPS than PEG, but this was not statistically significant – odds ratio 0.56 (95%CI: 0.28–1.13; P = 0.11). NaP and PEG were comparable in terms of adverse events, odds ratio 0.98 (95%CI: 0.82–1.17; P = 0.81), although NaP resulted in more asymptomatic hypokalaemia and hyperphosphataemia. NaP and SPS appeared to have similar incidence of adverse events. PEG resulted in more adverse events than SPS, odds ratio 3.82 (95%CI: 1.60–9.15; P = 0.003).Conclusions  NaP was more effective in bowel cleansing than PEG or SPS and was comparable in terms of adverse events. Patients have more difficulty completing PEG than NaP and SPS. Biochemical changes associated with a small‐volume preparation like NaP, albeit largely asymptomatic, mandate caution in patients with cardiovascular or renal impairment.