bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A global overview of the conservation status of tropical dry forests
Authors: Miles Lera , Newton Adrian C. , DeFries Ruth S , Ravilious Corinna , May Ian , Blyth Simon , Kapos Valerie , Gordon James E 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAim  To analyse the conservation status of tropical dry forests at the global scale, by combining a newly developed global distribution map with spatial data describing different threats, and to identify the relative exposure of different forest areas to such threats.Location  Global assessment.Methods  We present a new global distribution map of tropical dry forest derived from the recently developed MODIS Vegetation Continuous Fields (VCF) product, which depicts percentage tree cover at a resolution of 500 m, combined with previously defined maps of biomes. This distribution map was overlaid with spatial data to estimate the exposure of tropical dry forests to a number of different threats: climate change, habitat fragmentation, fire, human population density and conversion to cropland. The extent of tropical dry forest currently protected was estimated by overlaying the forest map with a global data set of the distribution of protected areas.Results  It is estimated that 1,048,700 km2 of tropical dry forest remains, distributed throughout the three tropical regions. More than half of the forest area (54.2%) is located within South America, the remaining area being almost equally divided between North and Central America, Africa and Eurasia, with a relatively small proportion (3.8%) occurring within Australasia and Southeast Asia. Overall, c. 97% of the remaining area of tropical dry forest is at risk from one or more of the threats considered, with highest percentages recorded for Eurasia. The relative exposure to different threats differed between regions: while climate change is relatively significant in the Americas, habitat fragmentation and fire affect a higher proportion of African forests, whereas agricultural conversion and human population density are most influential in Eurasia. Evidence suggests that c. 300,000 km2 of tropical dry forest now coincide with some form of protected area, with 71.8% of this total being located within South America.Main conclusions  Virtually all of the tropical dry forests that remain are currently exposed to a variety of different threats, largely resulting from human activity. Taking their high biodiversity value into consideration, this indicates that tropical dry forests should be accorded high conservation priority. The results presented here could be used to identify which forest areas should be accorded highest priority for conservation action. In particular, the expansion of the global protected area network, particularly in Mesoamerica, should be given urgent consideration.
Human‐mediated Foot‐and‐mouth Disease Epidemic Dispersal: Disease and Vector Clusters
Authors: Rivas A. L. , Kunsberg B. , Chowell G. , Smith S. D. , Hyman J. M. , Schwager S. J. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryDisease clusters were retrospectively explored at national level using a geo‐referenced dataset from the 2001 Uruguayan Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease (FMD) epidemic. Disease location and time (first 11 epidemic weeks) were analysed across 250 counties (of which 160 were infected), without and with control for human mobility related factors (human population and road densities). The null hypothesis of random disease distribution over space and/or time was assessed with: (i) purely temporal; (ii) purely spatial; and (iii) space/time tests. At least within epidemic weeks 2 and 6, a principal disease cluster was observed in 33 contiguous counties (P < 0.01). Two secondary clusters, located at >100 km from each other, were also observed (P < 0.01). The purely spatial test that controlled for human population density identified two non‐contiguous clusters (P < 0.01). Space and time analysis also revealed the same 33 counties as members of the principal cluster, of which 31 were also clustered when human population was controlled (P < 0.01). No clusters were reported by the spatial test when road density was assessed. The hypothesis that human mobility related factors autocorrelate with disease was empirically supported by two pieces of information: (i) removal of human population/road densities eliminated >93.9% of the counties included in the principal disease cluster; and (ii) statistically significant correlations (P < 0.05) were observed in the first three epidemic weeks between road density and the number of cases. Clusters where human population density was associated with 47% greater number of cases/sq. km than that of the principal cluster indicated possible roles as disease vectors (vector clusters). Selective control policy in vector clusters is recommended. Periodic (i.e. weekly) cluster and correlation analyses of both disease and other covariates may facilitate disease surveillance and help design space‐specific control policy.
Lpp34, a Novel Putative Lipoprotein fromMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis
Authors: Gioffré A. , Caimi K. , Zumárraga M. J. , Meikle V. , Morsella C. , Bigi F. , Alito A. , Santángelo M. P. , Paolicchi F. , Romano M. I. , Cataldi A. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryAMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisexpression library in lambda ZAP was screened with immunized mice sera. One clone was selected, sequenced and further characterized. The sequence analysis of the hypothetical open‐reading frame (ORF) predicts a protein of 20.8 kDa with a probable signal sequence compatible with Cys‐acylation at Cys24, characteristic of lipoproteins. In consequence, the protein was termed Lpp34. Recombinant expression of Lpp34 was achieved by cloning thelpp34gene into the histidine‐tag expression vector pRSET‐A. Western blot analysis showed a protein band with a molecular weight of 34 kDa. The native protein was localized in the membrane fraction ofM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisand extracted in the detergent phase of Triton X‐114. Southern blot and polymerase chain reaction showed that the gene is absent from all the non‐M. aviumcomplex mycobacterial genomes tested. Humoral reactivity using bovine sera demonstrated that this protein is widely recognized by both the infected and non‐infected animals. This could partly be due to the conserved sequence in close‐related environmental bacteria such asM. aviumsubsp.aviumand to the presence of a conserved epitope in other bacteria such asEscherichia coli. In conclusion, these findings show that Lpp34 is a membrane protein and a putative lipoprotein present inM. aviumcomplex mycobacteria and absent in theM. tuberculosiscomplex.
Immune Complex‐based Vaccine for Pig Protection against Parvovirus
Authors: Roić B. , ČAjavec S. , Ergotić N. , Lipej Z. , Madić J. , Lojkić M. , Pokrić B. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe insoluble immune complexes (ICs) were prepared under the conditions of double immunodiffusion in gel, using the suspension of the ultrasound treated PK‐15 cell‐line infected with porcine parvovirus (PPV) containing both viral particles and viral proteins, as well as pig or rabbit anti‐PPV polyclonal immune sera. The immunodiffusion performed in an agarose gel allows only viral subunits with a molecular mass equal to or less than 1000 kDa, rather than the viral particles, to diffuse through the gel and reach the point where the immunoprecipitate is to be formed. The immunoprecipitation under the conditions of the diffusion ensures the optimal, i.e. equimolar ratio of both immunoprecipitating components, antibody/antigen in the IC. The sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the Western blot analyses showed the ICs were composed of two proteins, a protein in which molecular mass corresponded to the VP2 of the PPV and a protein with a molecular mass of the IgG. This suggests that the ICs are mainly composed of the VP2 antigen and IgG class antibodies. The potency of the IC‐vaccines prepared in the form of a water‐in‐oil‐in‐water emulsion was compared with that of a commercially available, inactivated oil vaccine. The vaccination of gilts, 6 weeks before mating, with the IC containing allogeneic pig antibodies, resulted in the development of high and long‐lasting anti‐PPV antibody titres, similar to those generated by the licenced vaccine (P > 0.01). The content of the virus material administered by the IC was twice lower than that in the licenced vaccine. Neither systemic nor local reactions were observed in the gilts during the period of the trial with the IC vaccine. The number of viable piglets per litter varied between 9 and 12 and no signs of the PPV infection were detected. Rabbits were used as one of the alternative laboratory animal models accepted for the testing of the vaccine against the PPV. The rabbit humoral immune response generated by the IC containing the allogeneic antibodies were higher than that generated by the ICs containing the xenogeneic pig antibodies. It was similar to that generated by two‐times higher content of the virus material administered by a commercially available vaccine. The IC‐based vaccines belong to non‐replicating, subunit vaccines, which are both ecologically convenient and the safest vaccines of all.
Detection ofLawsonia intracellularisin Wild Boar and Fallow Deer Bred in One Game Enclosure in the Czech Republic
Authors: Dezorzova‐Tomanova K. , Smola J. , Trcka I. , Lamka J. , Pavlik I. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe prevalence ofLawsonia intracellularisbetween wild boar (Sus scrofa) and fallow deer (Dama dama) bred in one game reserve was investigated using the nested PCR method. In the study, 88 clinically healthy wild boars of different age categories and two fallow deer bagged in the game reserve were examined.Lawsonia intracellulariswas demonstrated in the mucous membrane of the intestine of eight (9.1%) wild boars and one fallow deer. Of the nine wild boar whose tissues of corresponding lymph nodes were examined in addition to the mucous membrane of the ileum, one tested positive for the microorganism. A relationship between the occurrence ofL. intracellularisand age of wild boar was demonstrated. Because wild boar and fallow deer are bred together in one game reserve, the possibility of inter‐species transfer ofL. intracellularisshould be borne in mind.
Outbreak of Disseminated Zygomycosis and Concomitant Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Breeder Layer Cockerels
Authors: Mukaratirwa S. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryDisseminated zygomycosis and concomitant pulmonary aspergillosis were diagnosed in breeder layer cockerels. Five‐ to 9‐week‐old breeder layer cockerels with a history of an increased mortality rate were presented to a diagnostic laboratory for examination. On necropsy, large, multifocal, firm, tan, nodules were observed in the lungs, air sacs, peritoneum, livers, spleens and kidneys. On histopathology, mixed populations of zygomycetes and Aspergillus hyphae were observed in the granulomas in the lungs, and zygomycete hyphae were observed in the granulomas in the air sacs, peritoneum, livers, spleens and kidneys. No bacteria were isolated from any of the lesions. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from the lung lesions only and hyphae that were consistent with those of a Rhizopus spp. were isolated from the lesions in several organs. Pullets, which were kept together with the cockerels from the day they were hatched, were not affected. The absence of infection in the pullets, which were kept together with the cockerels, suggests that the cockerels were either infected during incubation, with the fungi penetrating the egg shell, or that they were infected during hatching before they were mixed with the pullets.
Application of PCR for Detection of Clostridium botulinum Type D in Bovine Samples
Authors: Chaffer M. , Baum M. , Grinberg K. , Molad T. , Elad D. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryDiagnosis of botulism in cows is obtained by detecting the neurotoxin and/or Clostridium botulinum in the suspected animal. The standard method for detecting the toxin is the mouse bioassay. However, in recent years, the use of mice has become very costly and inconvenient in some facilities, and public pressure has been increasing to find alternatives to live animal bioassays. In this manuscript, we describe the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures in the diagnosis field cases of bovine type D botulism. Bovine samples from clinical cases diagnosed as C. botulinum type D according by clinical symptoms and bioassay resulted in expected PCR product (∼497 bp) similar to the C. botulinum type D NCTC 8265 strain while the gene product was confirmed by sequence data.
Association of celiac disease with non‐cirrhotic portal fibrosis
Authors: Sharma Brijesh Chander , Bhasin Deepak Kumar , Nada Ritambhra 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBoth celiac disease and non‐cirrhotic portal fibrosis are known to be associated with various autoimmune diseases and have numerous immunological abnormalities. Herein two patients with celiac disease having associated non‐cirrhotic portal fibrosis are reported. An autoimmune link between the two conditions is likely to explain coexistence in the same patient.
Rheumatoid‐like nodules in the spleen: New extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn’s disease?
Authors: Holstein Andreas , Egberts Eick‐Hartwig , Von Herbay Axel 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA 26‐year‐old, HLA‐B27 positive man with steroid dependent Crohn’s disease presented with abdominal lymphadenopathy and multiple abscess‐like masses in the spleen and liver 2 years after the initial diagnosis. A biopsy of one of the liver lesions showed epitheloid cell granuloma, no microorganisms were detected despite intensive investigations. The liver lesions and the lymphadenopathy repeatedly disappeared completely in response to prednisolone pulse therapy while the lesions in the spleen remained practically unchanged. One year later, on immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine and low‐dose prednisolone, the patient’s condition exacerbated with development of fever, disseminated arthritides and enlargement of the splenic lesions. Following ineffective antimicrobial treatment, a splenectomy was carried out. Histology showed that the splenic parenchyma was filled with abacterial, rheumatoid granulomas. After a renewed flare‐up of severe extraintestinal symptoms, the patient is now asymptomatic on immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine and prednisolone. Abdominal lymphadenopathy is no longer present and the liver lesions are regressing. The intermittent course and the positive response to immunosuppressive therapy point to a further extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn’s disease.
Does stress exacerbate liver diseases?
Authors: Chida Yoichi , Sudo Nobuyuki , Kubo Chiharu 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAlthough anecdotal comments on detrimental effects of psychosocial stress on liver diseases can be found even in the early literature, only recently has scientific evidence been reported. The present article reviewed such evidence to demonstrate how stress exacerbates liver diseases. A search of the literature from the last two decades was performed using MEDLINE by pairing ‘psychological stress’ with ‘liver’ or ‘hepatitis.’ Additional research was conducted by screening the bibliographies of articles retrieved in the MEDLINE search. The search results showed that the principal effectors of the activated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, glucocorticoids, can exert a facilitative effect on the hepatic inflammatory response and even increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. For certain liver diseases, defective HPA axis activation, which probably contributed to the exacerbation of the liver disease, has been reported. The efferent sympathetic/adrenomedullary system mainly contributes to the stress‐induced exacerbation of liver diseases via its neurotransmitters, the catecholamines. In contrast, the efferent parasympathetic nervous system elicits an inhibitory effect on the development of hepatic inflammation. In conclusion, the pathophysiological interaction between stress and the liver appears to be regulated by the complex, dynamic networks of both the endocrine and autonomic nervous systems, which implies a further need for basic research into the involved mechanisms and for clinical evidence to apply psychosocial support to patients with chronic liver diseases.
Evaluation of endoscopic and histological findings in Helicobacter pylori‐positive Japanese young adults
Authors: Kamada Tomoari , Sugiu Kuniaki , Hata Jiro , Kusunoki Hiroaki , Hamada Hiroshige , Kido Soichiro , Nagashima Yuichi , Kawamura Yuzuru , Tanaka Shinji , Chayama Kazuaki , Haruma Ken 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Many studies have shown that Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric carcinoma in adults. However, little is known about these associations in the younger population. The aim of this study was to clarify endoscopic and histological findings in H. pylori‐positive young adults.Methods:  Two hundred consecutive outpatients younger than 29 years old undergoing esophago‐gastroduodenal endoscopy at four hospitals between 2001 and 2002 were eligible for this study. At endoscopy, three biopsy specimens were obtained from the mid‐antrum, the angulus and the mid‐corpus. Endoscopic and histological interpretations were based on the updated Sydney System. H. pylori infection was determined by histology and serology.Results:  The rates of H. pylori infection were 1.2% (1/86) in normal, 95.8% (46/48) in gastritis, 97.8% (45/46) in duodenal ulcers, 100% (17/17) in gastric ulcers, and 100% (3/3) in gastric carcinomas. Endoscopic findings in 112 H. pylori‐positive patients were 25 normal (22.3%), 38 atrophy (33.9%), 18 erosion (16.1%), and 31 nodularity (27.7%). Histological findings of H. pylori‐positive patients in the anturm revealed mononuclear cell and neutrophil infiltration in 100%, and atrophy in 27.7%. Histological findings of H. pylori‐positive patients in the corpus revealed mononuclear cell infiltration in 75%, neutrophil infiltration in 60.7%, and atrophy in 28.6%.Conclusions:  The study shows that H. pylori infection is strongly associated with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, and that histological corpus gastritis was found with high frequency in Japanese young adults.
Effect of the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug sulindac on colorectal adenomas of uncolectomized familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Matsumoto Takayuki , Nakamura Shotaro , Esaki Motohiro , Yao Takashi , Iida Mitsuo 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of sulindac on uncolectomized familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).Methods:  Seven FAP patients (SU group) without proctocolectomy were given sulindac 300 mg/day orally for 12 months. Six FAP patients without sulindac (non‐SU group) served as controls. Colorectal lesions were assessed by protrusion index (no. radiolucent areas/cm2; PI) under barium enema examination and non‐polypoid lesion were assessed under chromoscopy prior to and at the end of the observation period. In the SU group, germline adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutation was determined by protein truncation test.Results:  In the SU group, PI decreased significantly in the distal colon (from 3.0 ± 1.1 to 1.1 ± 0.8/cm2, P < 0.02) and in the proximal colon (from 3.4 ± 2.4 to 0.9 ± 1.3/cm2, P < 0.02). The PI in the non‐SU group slightly but significantly increased in the distal colon (from 1.0 ± 0.8 to 1.2 ± 0.9/cm2; P < 0.05) and it remained unchanged in the proximal colon (from 0.6 ± 0.3 to 0.7 ± 0.3/cm2; P > 0.05). Chromoscopy at the end of observation identified non‐polypoid lesions in five patients in the SU group, whereas such lesions were not found in the non‐SU group (71% vs 0%, P = 0.016). Decrease in PI was not different among distal APC mutation (exons 1–9), proximal APC mutation (exons 10–15) and negative mutation.Conclusion:  Sulindac reduces colorectal adenomas of protruding type in uncolectomized FAP. The effect of sulindac may be unrelated to genotype of FAP.
Effectiveness of minocycline‐based triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Murakami Kazunari , Sato Ryugo , Okimoto Tadayoshi , Watanabe Koichiro , Nasu Masaru , Fujioka Toshio , Kodama Masaaki , Abe Toshinori , Sato Shunzo , Arita Tsuyoshi 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:  Widespread use of eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori has increased the prevalence of clarithromycin‐resistant strains. The purpose of the present paper was to measure the in vitro antibacterial activity of minocycline against H. pylori, and study the effectiveness of minocycline‐based first‐ and second‐line eradication therapies.Methods:  For first‐line therapy, 79 patients were randomly assigned to the treatment with rabeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin or with rabeprazole, amoxicillin, and minocycline. For second‐line therapy, 88 patients were tested for sensitivity to metronidazole: 67 patients with metronidazole‐sensitive strains received a 7‐day course of rabeprazole, minocycline, and metronidazole; the remaining 21 patients were given a 7‐day course of rabeprazole, minocycline, and faropenem.Results:  There was virtually no resistance to minocycline among the strains tested. The eradication rate of H. pylori infection in first‐line therapy was significantly lower for minocycline‐containing regimen (38.5%, 15/39) than for clarithromycin‐containing regimen (82.5%, 33/40; P < 0.01). For second‐line therapy, a high eradication rate against metronidazole‐sensitive strains was obtained with rabeprazole, minocycline and metronidazole (85%, 57/67).Conclusions:  A combination of rabeprazole, minocycline, and metronidazole is safe and effective for second‐line therapy of H. pylori infection. Because this regimen can be administered to patients with penicillin allergy and patients who suffer adverse reactions to amoxicillin, such as diarrhea and other digestive symptoms, it should be considered useful for second‐ and third‐line eradication therapy.
Development and validation of a Functional Dyspepsia‐Related Quality of Life (FD‐QOL) scale in South Korea
Authors: Lee Eun‐Hyun , Hahm Ki‐Baik , Lee Jun Haeng , Park Jong‐Jae , Lee Dong Ho , Kim Seong Kook , Choi Seok Reyol , Lee Soo Teik 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground: Quality of life (QOL) in patients with functional dyspepsia in South Korea has never been studied, mostly due to the lack of a psychometrically validated disease‐specific instrument for measuring the QOL. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a QOL scale for patients with functional dyspepsia.Methods: A Functional Dyspepsia‐Related QOL (FD‐QOL) scale was developed and validated as follows: item generation, pilot test, and psychometric test. Patients with functional dyspepsia (n = 220) were recruited from seven university hospitals. The participants were asked to complete the preliminary item‐generated FD‐QOL, the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), and the Index of Dyspepsia Symptoms‐Korean (IDS‐K). The data were analyzed using factor analysis, correlation,anova, and Cronbach’s alpha.Results: Twenty‐three items were generated based upon content validity. Factor analysis extracted a four‐factor solution, and two items were deleted because they were not loaded significantly on any factor. The FD‐QOL was correlated with the SF‐36 subscales, of which scores were differentiated according to the levels of dyspepsia symptoms. Cronbach’s alpha of the FD‐QOL was 0.94.Conclusions: The FD‐QOL scale is a rapid and easily applicable instrument with excellent psychometric properties of content, factorial, convergent, and known‐groups validity, and internal consistency reliability in Korean patients with functional dyspepsia.