bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of DNA synthesis in bacteria: analysis of the Bates/Kleckner licensing/initiation‐mass model for cell cycle control
Authors: Cooper Stephen 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBates and Kleckner have recently proposed that bacterial cell division is a licensing agent for a subsequent initiation of DNA replication. They also propose that initiation mass for DNA replication is not constant. These two proposals do not take into account older data showing that initiation of DNA replication can occur prior to the division event. This critical analysis is derived from measurements of DNA replication during the division cycle in cells growing at different, and more rapid, growth rates. Furthermore, mutants impaired in division can initiate DNA synthesis. The data presented by Bates and Kleckner do not support the proposal that initiation mass is variable, and the proposed pattern of DNA replication during the division cycle of the K12 cells analysed is not consistent with prior data on the pattern of DNA replication during the division cycle.
Thiosulphate oxidation in the phototrophic sulphur bacterium Allochromatium vinosum
Authors: Hensen Daniela , Sperling Detlef , Trüper Hans G. , Brune Daniel C. , Dahl Christiane 
Published: September 2006

SummaryTwo different pathways for thiosulphate oxidation are present in the purple sulphur bacterium Allochromatium vinosum: oxidation to tetrathionate and complete oxidation to sulphate with obligatory formation of sulphur globules as intermediates. The tetrathionate:sulphate ratio is strongly pH‐dependent with tetrathionate formation being preferred under acidic conditions. Thiosulphate dehydrogenase, a constitutively expressed monomeric 30 kDa c‐type cytochrome with a pH optimum at pH 4.2 catalyses tetrathionate formation. A periplasmic thiosulphate‐oxidizing multienzyme complex (Sox) has been described to be responsible for formation of sulphate from thiosulphate in chemotrophic and phototrophic sulphur oxidizers that do not form sulphur deposits. In the sulphur‐storing A. vinosum we identified five sox genes in two independent loci (soxBXA and soxYZ). For SoxA a thiosulphate‐dependent induction of expression, above a low constitutive level, was observed. Three sox‐encoded proteins were purified: the heterodimeric c‐type cytochrome SoxXA, the monomeric SoxB and the heterodimeric SoxYZ. Gene inactivation and complementation experiments proved these proteins to be indispensable for thiosulphate oxidation to sulphate. The intermediary formation of sulphur globules in A. vinosum appears to be related to the lack of soxCD genes, the products of which are proposed to oxidize SoxY‐bound sulphane sulphur. In their absence the latter is instead transferred to growing sulphur globules.
Colombia and Cuba, contrasting models in Latin America's health sector reform
Authors: Vos Pol De , Ceukelaire Wim De , Stuyft Patrick Van der 
Published: September 2006

SummaryLatin American national health systems were drastically overhauled by the health sector reforms the 1990s. Governments were urged by donors and by the international financial institutions to make major institutional changes, including the separation of purchaser and provider functions and privatization. This article first analyses a striking paradox of the far‐reaching reform measures: contrary to what is imposed on public health services, after privatization purchaser and provider functions are reunited. Then we compare two contrasting examples: Colombia, which is internationally promoted as a successful – and radical – example of ‘market‐oriented’ health care reform, and Cuba, which followed a highly ‘conservative’ path to adapt its public system to the new conditions since the 1990s, going against the model of the international institutions. The Colombian reform has not been able to materialize its promises of universality, improved equity, efficiency and better quality, while Cuban health care remains free, accessible for everybody and of good quality. Finally, we argue that the basic premises of the ongoing health sector reforms in Latin America are not based on the people's needs, but are strongly influenced by the needs of foreign – especially North American – corporations. However, an alternative model of health sector reform, such as the Cuban one, can probably not be pursued without fundamental changes in the economic and political foundations of Latin American societies.Keywords Latin America , Cuba , Colombia , health sector reform , privatization , national health system
Point‐of‐use water treatment and diarrhoea reduction in the emergency context: an effectiveness trial in Liberia
Authors: Doocy Shannon , Burnham Gilbert 
Published: September 2006

SummaryCommunicable diseases are of particular concern in conflict and disaster‐affected populations that reside in camp settings. In the acute emergency phase, diarrhoeal diseases have accounted for more than 40% of deaths among camp residents. Clear limitations exist in current water treatment technologies, and few products are capable of treating turbid water. We describe the findings of a 12‐week effectiveness study of point‐of‐use water treatment with a flocculant–disinfectant among 400 households in camps for displaced populations in Monrovia, Liberia. In intervention households, point‐of‐use water treatment with the flocculant–disinfectant plus improved storage reduced diarrhoea incidence by 90% and prevalence by 83%, when compared with control households with improved water storage alone. Among the intervention group, residual chlorine levels met or exceeded Sphere standards in 85% (95% CI: 83.1–86.8) of observations with a 95% compliance rate.
Comprehensive findings on clinical, bacteriological, histopathological and therapeutic aspects of cutaneous tuberculosis
Authors: Umapathy K. C. , Begum R. , Ravichandran G. , Rahman F. , Paramasivan C. N. , Ramanathan V. D. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryObjective  To define the bacteriological and histological correlates of the three predominant clinical forms of cutaneous tuberculosis and to evaluate the efficacy of a 9‐month daily regimen containing rifampicin and isoniazid.Methods  In the dermatological clinics of two major teaching hospitals in Chennai, 213 patients with suspected clinical manifestations of cutaneous tuberculosis underwent examination and a skin biopsy for bacteriological and histological tests. They were treated with a daily regimen of rifampicin and isoniazid for 9 months and follow‐up for 3 years.Results  Bacteriological and/or histological confirmation of tuberculosis was obtained in 88% of the cases. Lupus vulgaris lesions were seen mainly in the extremities and verrucosa cutis occurred predominantly on the sole and foot, while the cervical and axillary regions were the commonest sites for scrofuloderma. Ninety‐two per cent of the patients showed resolution of the lesions within the first 6 months of chemotherapy; 1% failed to respond to this regimen. There was no relapse in any of the cases during the follow‐up period of 3 years.Conclusions  Clinical findings were adequate to identify major forms of cutaneous tuberculosis as evidenced by bacteriological and histopathological examination. A daily regimen of rifampicin and isoniazid for 9 months was effective in treating cutaneous tuberculosis.
Domestic violence during pregnancy and risk of low birthweight and maternal complications: a prospective cohort study at Mulago Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Kaye Dan K. , Mirembe Florence M. , Bantebya Grace , Johansson Annika , Ekstrom Anna Mia 
Published: September 2006

SummaryObjectives  To investigate whether domestic violence during pregnancy is a risk factor for antepartum hospitalization or low birthweight (LBW) delivery.Methods  A prospective cohort study was conducted in Mulago hospital, Kampala, Uganda, among 612 women recruited in the second pregnancy trimester and followed up to delivery, from May 2004 through July 2005. The exposure (physical, sexual or psychological violence during pregnancy) was assessed using the Abuse Assessment Screen. The relative and attributable risks of LBW and antepartum hospitalization were estimated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results  The 169 women [27.7% 95% CI (24.3–31.5%)] who reported domestic violence during pregnancy did not differ significantly from the unexposed regarding sociodemographic characteristics, but differed significantly (P < 0.05) regarding domicile variables (had less household decision‐making power, more resided in extended families and more had unplanned pregnancy). They delivered babies with a mean birthweight 2647.5 ± 604 g, on average 186 g [(95% CI 76–296); P = 0.001] lower than those unexposed. After adjusting for age, parity, number of living children, pregnancy planning, domicile and number of years in marriage, the relative risk (RR) of LBW delivery among women exposed to domestic violence was 3.78 (95% CI 2.86–5.00). Such women had a 37% higher risk of obstetric complications (such as hypertension, premature rupture of membranes and anaemia) that necessitated antepartum hospitalization [RR 1.37 (95% CI 1.01–1.84)].Conclusion  In this pregnancy cohort, domestic violence during pregnancy was a risk factor for LBW delivery and antepartum hospitalization.
Local terminology for medicines to treat fever in Bougouni District, Mali: implications for the introduction and evaluation of malaria treatment policies
Authors: Patterson Amy E. , Winch Peter J. , Gilroy Kate E. , Doumbia Seydou 
Published: September 2006

SummaryObjective  To explore Bambara language terminology and classification for locally available antimicrobial medicines in order to better target promotional messages and improve evaluation measures in Bougouni District, Mali.Methods  Mothers (n = 20) and drug vendors (n = 15) were asked to freelist medicines used to treat childhood illnesses, and to identify all medicines that corresponded to each of the listed terms from an array of medicines displayed with their packaging.Results  Each Bambara language medicine term can refer to numerous modern medicines, and each modern medicine has several Bambara names. The term nivakini (Nivaquine), often translated as ‘chloroquine’, refers to a wide range of medicines commonly used to treat malaria, many with no antimalarial effect. Antibiotics were also identified as common treatments for malaria. Mothers and vendors used slightly different terminology when discussing treatments for malaria, and sometimes employed the same term to refer to different medicines. Neither mothers nor vendors clearly differentiated between antimalarial medicines. Colour, shape and packaging play a large role in their recognition, classification and use.Conclusions  Current household survey methods are likely to provide inaccurate estimates of appropriate treatment of febrile illness, and thus alternative approaches are recommended. In introducing new malaria treatments, malaria control programmes should differentiate recommended treatments from other medications through distinctive packaging, drug appearance and appropriate Bambara language terms.Keywords malariatreatmenthome managementprivate sectorterminologycognitive anthropology
Prehatching maternal investment and offspring immunity in the pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca)
Authors: KILPIMAA J. , ALATALO R. V. , SIITARI H. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMaternal investment in offspring immunity via egg quality may be an adaptive evolutionary strategy shaped by natural selection. We investigated how maternal investment in eggs can influence offspring immunity by conducting two experiments. First, we manipulated foraging performance of the mothers before egg laying by attaching a small weight to their back feathers. During the nestling period, we investigated offspring total antibody production at the age of 7 days and after antibody challenge, and conducted a partial cross‐fostering design to separate the effects of the experiment and rearing‐related variation on offspring immunity. In a separate experiment, partial cross‐fostering with antibody challenging without female pied flycatcher manipulation was conducted for another set of nests. Total antibody levels at the age of 7 days were reduced in nestlings of the experimental female pied flycatchers when compared with the set of unmanipulated nests. Maternal investment in the eggs may affect some aspects of offspring immunity during the early nestling period and this investment is costly. However, antibody response to a set of novel antigens (sheep red blood cells) at the end of the nestling period was not affected by the female pied flycatchers treatment. Instead our results suggest that general antibody responsiveness is mainly determined by the rearing environment and total antibody levels before the injection.
Effect of Organic and Inorganic Nutrients for Soil Quality Conservation and Yield of Rainfed Low Land Rice in Sub‐tropical Plateau Region
Authors: Banik P. , Ghosal P. K. , Sasmal T. K. , Bhattacharya S. , Sarkar B. K. , Bagchi D. K. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe effect of organic sources of nutrients and inorganic fertilizers, was studied on grain yield of lowland rice and some aspect of soil quality parameters in a field experiment at Agricultural Experimental Farm of Indian Statistical Institute, Giridih, situated at eastern plateau region of India, during consecutive years 1997–2002. Chemical fertilizers and various organic matters were applied to two rice cultivars, Sabita and Subarna. The highest mean grain yield was 3.53 t ha−1 and maximum agronomic efficiency was 60.3 % with the application of inorganic fertilizer followed by cow dung, where 3.47 t ha−1 grain yield was recorded with an agronomic efficiency of 57.5 %. Grain yield of rice recorded under organic sources of nutrients was not significantly different from that of inorganic fertilization though there was improvement in soil quality parameters under organic sources. Soil organic carbon (0.72 %), microbial biomass‐C (279.23 μg g−1 dry soil), urease activity with buffer (33.54 μg urea hydrolyzed g−1 oven‐dry soil) and non‐buffer (21.97 μg urea hydrolyzed g−1 of oven‐dry soil) methods and acid phosphatase activity (2.24 μg para‐nitrophenol released g−1 of oven‐dry soil) analysed following the harvest of the crop were highest under cow dung manure treatment; the most efficient organic source under the experiment. Mean grain yield of rice was significantly higher in Sabita cultivar over Subarna. The regression analyses among the variables have shown that there was linear relationship among soil parameters and grain yield of rice.
Modelling Biomass Accumulation and Partitioning in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Soltani A. , Robertson M. J. , Rahemi‐Karizaki A. , Poorreza J. , Zarei H. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractQuantitative information regarding biomass accumulation and partitioning in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is limited or inconclusive. The objective of this study was to obtain baseline values for extinction coefficient (KS), radiation use efficiency (RUE, g MJ−1) and biomass partitioning coefficients of chickpea crops grown under well‐watered conditions. The stability of these parameters during the crop life cycle and under different environmental and growth conditions, caused by season and sowing date and density, were also evaluated. Two field experiments, each with three sowing dates and four plant densities, were conducted during 2002–2004. Crop leaf area index, light interception and crop biomass were measured between emergence and maturity. A KS value of 0.5 was obtained. An average RUE of 1 g MJ−1 was obtained. Plant density had no effect on RUE, but some effects of temperature were detected. There was no effect of solar radiation or vapour pressure deficit on RUE when RUE values were corrected for the effect of temperature. RUE was constant during the whole crop cycle. A biphasic pattern was found for biomass partitioning between leaves and stems before first‐seed stage. At lower levels of total dry matter, 54 % of biomass produced was allocated to leaves, but at higher levels of total dry matter, i.e. under favourable and prolonged conditions for vegetative growth, this portion decreased to 28 %. During the period from first‐pod to first‐seed, 60 % of biomass produced went to stems, 27 % to pods and 13 % to leaves. During the period from first‐seed to maturity, 83 % of biomass was partitioned to pods. It was concluded that using fixed partitioning coefficients after first‐seed are not as effective as they are before this stage. Environmental conditions (temperature and solar radiation) and plant density did not affect partitioning of biomass.
Accumulation of Secondary Metabolites Formed by Field Fungi in Autumn‐Saved Herbage
Authors: Golinski P. , Opitz von Boberfeld W. , Kostecki M. , Kaczmarek Z. , Golinski P. K. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractTaking into consideration the fact that in recent years weather conditions were sufficient to feed cattle on pasture until late autumn or early winter, an experiment was carried out during the years 2000 and 2003 on a low input pasture to show the effect of the pre‐utilization date (June, July, August) and the harvest date in the autumn/winter period (November, December, January) on the accumulation of the following secondary metabolites formed by fungi: ergosterol (ERG), ochratoxin A (OA) and zearalenone (ZEA) in the autumn‐saved herbage. The highest levels of concentration of these metabolites were 470.3, 1.63 and 34.9 ng g−1 respectively. Lower ERG levels were influenced by later pre‐utilization, which is a logical consequence of the shorter period of time for field toxigenic fungi development. Pre‐utilization in August is strongly recommended as the concentration of ochratoxin A (OA) in the autumn‐saved herbage in January was the lowest (not much changed in comparison with earlier harvest). Later harvest was also affected by higher ZEA concentrations in the analysed samples, which indicates that, under conditions of prolonged pasture utilization, field toxigenic fungi (producing ZEA) increased their population and had proper weather conditions stimulating the biosynthesis of the toxin. The later suggests that the final harvest of autumn‐saved herbage should be made rather in December than in January. Higher levels of humidity influenced higher concentrations of ERG and ZEA in the autumn‐saved herbage.
Trend and Stability Analysis to Interpret Results of Long‐Term Effects of Application of Fertilizers and Manure to Cotton Grown on Rainfed Vertisols
Authors: Blaise D. , Ravindran C. D. , Singh J. V. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA field experiment was conducted from 1985–1986 to 2002–2003 on Vertisols under rainfed conditions to evaluate the effect of cropping systems and application of fertilizers and manure on seed cotton yield. To determine the long‐term effects, trends and stability analyses were performed. Soil samples (0–0.15 and 0.15–0.30 m) were collected at the end of year 18 and analysed for available P and AB‐DTPA extractable Zn. Among cropping systems, Asiatic diploid cotton (Gossypium arboreum) yielded 233 kg ha−1more seed cotton than the upland tetraploid cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Yield trend was positive forG. arboreumcompared withG. hirsutum. However, the slope was not significant. Stability analyses indicated overall higher yield stability forG. arboreumthanG. hirsutum. Compared with monocroppingG. hirsutum,G. hirsutum–sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL.) (H‐S) rotation was significantly more stable. Soil samples (0–0.30 m) of the manure‐amended plots had significantly greater P and Zn content (above the critical limit) compared to those receiving inorganic fertilizers alone. With regard to nutrient management practices, seed cotton yield was the highest for the integrated nutrient management (INM) treatment receiving a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Among primary nutrients, the effect of P was significant while that of K was not. Balanced fertilizer application was significantly better than treatments receiving N and NK. Yield trends were, in general, not significant. However, a positive trend was noticed for treatments receiving manure compared to fertilizer alone. Stability analysis, on the other hand, indicated that the slopes were, in general, significant. Among the nutrients, mean yield response with and without P was 1007 and 672 kg ha−1respectively. Combined application of manure and fertilizer (INM) resulted in the highest mean yield response (1218 kg ha−1) and the slope was highly significant (P < 0.004). In the manure‐amended plots, a better nutrient status probably imparted a greater degree of yield stability. The present study suggests that compared to trend analysis, stability analysis being sensitive as it recognizes the treatment × environment interaction, is a better option to interpret results from long‐term agronomic experiments.
The Tripartite Symbiosis Formed by Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi,Bradyrhizobium japonicumand Soya Bean Under Field Conditions
Authors: Antunes P. M. , De Varennes A. , Zhang T. , Goss M. J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe tripartite symbiosis formed by indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF),Bradyrhizobium japonicum(Kirchner) Jordan and soya bean (Glycine maxL. Merr. cv. Evans) was investigated under field conditions to test the hypotheses that: (i) the tripartite symbiosis enhances nodulation and nodule activity; and (ii) its establishment does not rely on improved phosphorus (P) uptake through the fungal partner. Soil tillage was used to produce treatments with contrasting AMF colonization potentials while the amount ofB. japonicuminoculum was kept constant. Nodulation, AMF colonization and the P and nitrogen (N) nutrition of plants were evaluated at 10 and 51 (full‐bloom) days after emergence. N2fixation was estimated by the difference method and by the isotopic dilution method. At the early stage of plant growth, AMF hyphal colonization and nodulation were, respectively, 16 % and 33 % greater in plants from untilled than from rototilled soil. The establishment of the tripartite symbiosis was observed under field conditions, and factors other than P nutrition were critical to its formation. However, the tripartite symbiosis did not promote N2fixation under the high soil P conditions of this study.
Application of Stress Indices for Heat Tolerance Screening of Common Bean
Authors: Porch T. G. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractCommon bean is adapted to relatively cool climatic conditions and temperatures of >30 °C during the day or >20 °C at night result in yield reduction. The long‐term goal of breeding for heat tolerance is the development of germplasm with improved field level tolerance under variable temperature conditions. Using previously developed stress indices, this study presents results from high temperature screening of 14 genotypes in both the greenhouse and field in Puerto Rico. A total of three sets of paired trials were conducted in the field and in the greenhouse under high temperature (stress) and lower temperature (low‐stress) conditions. The geometric mean (GM), stress tolerance index (STI) and stress susceptibility index (SSI) were used to evaluate the genotypic performance under stress and low‐stress conditions. The results indicate that it was possible to identify superior genotypes for heat tolerance based on their stress indices. In this evaluation of heat tolerance indices, STI and GM, although correlated, were found to be effective stress indices for the selection of genotypes with good yield potential under stress and low‐stress conditions.