bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecology of juvenile grouse during the transition to adulthood
Authors: Hannon S. J. , Martin K. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractInformation on survival and habitat use of juvenile animals during the transition period from parental independence to adulthood is sparse, yet survival during this period may be critical for maintaining populations. We review studies on habitat use and survival of juvenile grouse from hatch to recruitment to breeding populations the next spring. Mortality of juveniles was highest during the first 2 weeks after hatch, caused primarily by predation and exposure. Survival of juveniles during their first autumn and winter was usually lower than adults, particularly in autumn. Predation, mainly by raptors, was the main mortality agent. Juveniles did not appear to be more susceptible than adults to hunting, although hunting mortality was additive to overwinter mortality for several species or populations. For most species, juvenile survival was not related to movement distances or patterns. However, studies on grouse in forest habitats disconnected by extensive logging showed that dispersal distances increased and survival was reduced. During the first few weeks of life, chicks eat primarily insects and brood hens seek habitats that optimize a trade‐off between insect abundance and cover. Vegetation must provide sufficient cover to impede predation but be sparse enough to allow movement of chicks. For most species, juveniles and adults used similar habitats in autumn and winter, although juveniles had higher variation in habitat use than adults, possibly due to the greater distances moved by juveniles during dispersal. Habitat use varied more between genders than age classes. Management actions should be directed towards the two demographic bottlenecks for juvenile survival: the first 2 weeks after hatch and the period of autumn when independent young are dispersing. The most direct management actions are the retention or restoration of brood‐rearing habitats, the reduction of habitat fragmentation and the reduction of hunting during autumn movements and in source populations.
PCOS according to the Rotterdam consensus criteria: change in prevalence among WHO‐II anovulation and association with metabolic factors
Authors: Broekmans FJ , Knauff EAH , Valkenburg O , Laven JS , Eijkemans MJ , Fauser BCJM 
Published: July 2006

Objective  The current report aims to compare the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosed according to the new Rotterdam criteria (Rott‐PCOS) versus the previous criteria as formulated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (NIH‐PCOS) in women with normogonadotropic (WHO‐II) anovulation and assess the frequency of obesity and related factors determined in these women.Design  Cohort study based on large anovulation screening database.Setting  Two large tertiary referral centres for reproductive medicine.Population  WHO‐II normogonadotropic, anovulatory, infertility cases.Methods  WHO‐II cases were extracted from the screening database and classified according to both the Rotterdam and NIH criteria for PCOS. Within these two classes, the prevalence of obesity, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance was assessed and compared and their relation to the difference in diagnostic criteria applied was analysed.Main outcome measures  Prevalence of diagnosis PCOS in the WHO‐II anovulation group. Prevalence of obesity, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance in the two diagnostic classes.Results  The Rott‐PCOS group appeared to be more than 1.5 times larger than the group classified as NIH‐PCOS (91 versus 55% of the WHO‐II cohort). Especially, women with ovarian dysfunction and polycystic ovaries at ultrasound scan, but without hyperandrogenism, were added to the PCOS diagnostic group. The Rott‐PCOS exhibited a lower frequency of obesity, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance compared with the NIH‐PCOS group. Obese women in the Rott‐PCOS group without androgen excess had a different metabolic profile compared with obese women in the NIH‐PCOS group, with lower rates of hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinism, despite comparable distributions of body weight.Conclusion  The present findings indicate that with the new Rotterdam consensus criteria, oligo/anovulatory women with less severe metabolic derangement will be added to the heterogeneous group of women with PCOS.
The substrate specificity of a neuronal glutamate transporter is determined by the nature of the coupling ion
Authors: Menaker David , Bendahan Annie , Kanner Baruch I. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractGlutamate transporters are essential for terminating synaptic transmission. Glutamate is translocated together with three sodium ions. In the neuronal glutamate transporter EAAC1, lithium can replace sodium. To address the question of whether the coupling ion interacts with the ‘driven’ substrate during co‐transport, the kinetic parameters of transport of the three substrates, l‐glutamate and d‐ and l‐aspartate by EAAC‐1 in sodium‐ and lithium‐containing media were compared. The major effect of the substitution of sodium by lithium was on Km. In the presence of sodium, the values for Km and Imax of these substrates were similar. In the presence of lithium, the Km for l‐aspartate was increased around 13‐fold. Remarkably, the corresponding increase for l‐glutamate and d‐aspartate was much larger, around 130‐fold. In marked contrast, the Ki values for a non‐transportable substrate analogue were similar in the presence of either sodium or lithium. The preference for l‐aspartate in the presence of lithium was also observed when electrogenic transport of radioactive substrates was monitored in EAAC1‐containing proteoliposomes. Our results indicate that, subsequent to substrate binding, the co‐transported solutes interact functionally in the binding pocket of the transporter.
DNA‐based identification of preys from non‐destructive, total DNA extractions of predators using arthropod universal primers
Authors: PONS JOAN 
Published: July 2006

AbstractHere, I show that prey sequences can be detected from DNA of tiger beetles of the genus Rivacindela using whole specimens, nondestructive methods, and universal cytochrome b primers for arthropods. BLAST searches of the obtained sequences against public databases revealed that the diet of Rivacindela is mostly composed of flies but also termites and other beetles. Accurate determination of order, family and even genus was achieved in most cases but rarely to species level. Results suggest that stored DNA samples extracted from whole predatory specimens could be an alternative to dissected gut contents as starting source for DNA‐based dietary studies.
Experience of antitumor necrosis factor‐α therapies in Taiwan
Authors: James Cheng‐Chung WEI , Joung‐Liang LAN , Der‐Yuan CHEN , Chung‐Tei CHOU , Ming‐Chih CHOU , Gregory J. TSAY 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  Etanercept (Enbrel), was the first approved biologics in Taiwan for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile RA (JRA), psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Approximately 500 patients with RA were under etanercept therapy by April 2006.Aim:  We aimed to review the current status of biological agents use in the treatment of rheumatic diseases in Taiwan.Methods:  MEDLINE database (January 1966 to February 2006) was searched by MeSH terms, limited to Taiwan by author affiliations. All known principal clinical investigators and pharmaceutical companies in Taiwan were contacted for unpublished information about this issue.Results:  Six articles including two clinical trials, two case series and two preclinical studies were found in MEDLINE since January 1966. A 12‐week double‐blind placebo‐controlled study of 58 patients with active adult RA in Taiwan revealed better efficacy than results in Western countries. For JRA, two studies reported good results in polyarticular type JRA but fair response in systemic type. Adalimumab (Humira, Abbott) and Alefacept (Ameviev, Biogen) had completed their local trials in RA and psoriasis but they are not yet available in Taiwan. Widespread usage of biologics has been limited due to restricted insurance coverage policy only to the refractory patients with RA. Some herbs demonstrating TNF‐α inhibition properties are under exploratory clinical trials.Conclusions:  Etanercept showed better efficacy in patients with adult RA in Taiwan than Western countries. Some herbs demonstrated TNF‐α inhibition and are under laboratory and clinical investigations.
Philippine guidelines on the screening for tuberculosis prior to the use of biologic agents
Authors: LICHAUCO Juan Javier T. , TANKEH‐TORRES Sandra A. , NAVARRA Sandra V. , DANS for the Task Force for TB Screening Prior to Use of Bio Leonila F. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim:  To develop practice guidelines in tuberculosis screening of patients and their households and close contacts, prior to the use of biologic agents.Method:  A technical research committee formulated an evidence‐based draft, based on existing literature regarding the tests used in tuberculosis screening among immunocompromised patients. The evidence‐based draft was then circulated to an expert panel. An en banc meeting of the panelists was held and a consensus was declared if more than 50% agreed on a recommendation. Issues not resolved by consensus were discussed by correspondence and voted upon. The guidelines were presented in a public forum and feedback by stakeholders were reviewed and integrated into the final draft.Recommendations:  1. Patients for biologic therapy should be screened for latent and active tuberculosis prior to initiating treatment. 2. All patients who are candidates for biologic agents should be screened by tuberculin skin test for latent TB, and a chest radiograph for active tuberculosis. 3. Household and close contacts of candidate patients should be screened for active tuberculosis. 4. All household and close contacts of candidate patients should be screened for active TB using chest radiograph. 5. Treat latent and active tuberculosis according to local guidelines. 6. Delay treatment with biologic agents in patients with latent or active tuberculosis. 7. Administer tuberculosis prophylaxis to the patient for biologic therapy exposed to household contacts with active tuberculosis.Conclusion:  These recommendations emphasize the importance of screening patients, household and close contacts for latent and active tuberculosis prior to initiating biologic therapy.
Infliximab versus placebo in rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving concomitant methotrexate: a preliminary study from China
Authors: ZHANG Feng‐Chun , HOU Yong , HUANG Feng , WU Dong‐Hai , BAO Chun‐De , NI Li‐Qing , YAO Chen 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim:  To report the efficacy and safety of infliximab in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Chinese patients.Methods:  This is a multicentre double‐blind placebo controlled study. Patients with active RA despite being on a stable dose of methotrexate were randomly assigned to receive either infliximab 3 mg/kg body weight or placebo infusion at weeks 0, 2, 6 and 14. All patients continued their stable dose of methotrexate throughout the study. Patients were assessed at weeks 0, 2, 6, 14 and 18 for the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20%, 50% and 70% response (ACR20, 50 and 70, respectively). Health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), c‐reactive protein (CRP), duration of morning stiffness and adverse effects were monitored.Results:  Infliximab was effective in improving the disease activity of RA with significant ACR20 response observed at week 2 (infliximab vs. placebo 52.87%vs. 13.95%, P < 0.05). Significant differences in the ACR20 and ACR50 response rates between the two treatment groups were also observed at week 18 (75.86% and 43.68% of patients receiving infliximab vs. 48.84% and 25.58% and 13.95% of patients on placebo, P = 0.0003 and P = 0.011, respectively). Infliximab was generally well tolerated. The rate of adverse events and withdrawal due to adverse events were similar between the two groups. Most adverse reactions were transient. One patient in the infliximab group developed tuberculosis during the study. One patient in the placebo group developed antinuclear antibodies without obvious signs of systemic lupus erythematosus.Conclusion:  In this preliminary study, infliximab infusions, at a dose of 3 mg/kg body weight given at various intervals over 14 weeks, were effective in controlling the signs and symptoms of active RA in Chinese. Infliximab also appeared to be well tolerated. Further studies involving a larger number of patients over a more prolonged period will further evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of infliximab in this group of patients.
Consensus on the use and monitoring of anti‐TNF‐α therapies for rheumatic diseases in Hong Kong 2005
Authors:   Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe development and use of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists is a major breakthrough in the treatment of many rheumatic diseases. Although these novel agents are undoubtedly superior to conventional therapeutic modalities, their costs and potential adverse effects are of concern. The current consensus statements were developed in early 2005 to help practicing rheumatologists identify which adult patients may benefit from anti‐TNF therapies and highlight their potential toxicities. The Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology has developed a registry on the use of the biologics in our local patients with chronic rheumatic disorders. Because the indications and novel data regarding the TNF inhibitors are ever changing, this consensus will be updated regularly.
The efficacy of infliximab for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan: results of 5000 cases by post‐marketing surveillance data
Authors: OKA Hiroshi , NISHIOKA Kusuki , TOGO Masanori , OCHI Takahiro 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim:  To clarify the efficacy of infliximab (INF) for active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Japan by nationwide postmarketing surveillance (PMS) data.Method:  The data of 5000 cases with active RA, despite treatment with methotrexate, were collected to Tanabe Seiyaku Co., Ltd and all of these were analysed in detail for efficacy and adverse reactions. Overall efficacy was evaluated by physicians to three grades: markedly improved, improved and unchanged.Results:  Overall efficacy was 34.0% markedly improved, 57.6% improved and 8.4% unchanged at 22 weeks after INF therapy, respectively. Overall of adverse reactions were 28.0% and serious adverse reactions were 6.2%.Conclusion:  Iinfliximab was proven to be very effective and safe by nationwide PMS data in Japan. Longer observation is needed for further evaluation of INF therapy, especially efficacy forpreventing joint damage.
Validation of the Revised Patient Perception of Migraine Questionnaire: Measuring Satisfaction With Acute Migraine Treatment
Authors: Revicki Dennis A. , Kimel Miriam , Beusterien Kathy , Kwong Jackie W. , Varner Julie A. , Ames Michael H. , Mahajan Sunny , Cady Roger K. 
Published: July 2006

Objective.—To evaluate the psychometric properties of the revised Patient Perception of Migraine Questionnaire (PPMQ‐R), which measures satisfaction with migraine treatment.Background.—The original version of the PPMQ was developed prior to the introduction of newer migraine treatments, which may have attributes that influence treatment satisfaction.Methods.—Literature review, patient focus groups, and one‐on‐one patient interviews guided revisions to the original PPMQ. The revised questionnaire was tested in 200 migraine patients visiting neurologists and primary care clinics. At baseline, all subjects completed the PPMQ‐R, a migraine‐specific quality‐of‐life measure, and a migraine experience questionnaire; and 125 subjects completed assessments 24 hours after each migraine attack and within 30 days post‐baseline. Factor analysis was performed to inform the development of a scoring algorithm, and reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the PPMQ‐R were evaluated.Results.—Factor analyses confirmed that the revised questionnaire has five domains measuring satisfaction with efficacy, functionality, ease of use, medication cost, and bothersomeness of medication side effects. A total score can be created by taking the average of efficacy, functionality, and ease of use scores. The PPMQ‐R scale scores and Total score demonstrated internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α: 0.80 to 0.98) and test–retest reliability (intra‐class correlation coefficient: 0.79 to 0.91). Except for the Cost domain, the PPMQ‐R scores discriminated among migraine pain severity levels (allP< .05) and levels of impairment in ability to work and perform usual activities (allP< .05). Except for the Ease of Use and Cost domains, mean PPMQ‐R scores were significantly higher among patients with no change in treatment and whose pain improved between two consecutive migraine attacks (allP< .01).Conclusion.—The PPMQ‐R is a reliable and valid measure of patient satisfaction with acute migraine treatment in women with frequent migraine attacks.
Construction of a Medication Dependence Questionnaire in Headache Patients (MDQ‐H) Validation of the French Version
Authors: Radat Françoise , Irachabal Sandrine , Lafittau Magali , Creac'h Christelle , Dousset Virginie , Henry Patrick 
Published: July 2006

Objectives.—To construct and validate a questionnaire measuring dependence on analgesics and on migraine attack treatments in headache patients.Method.—The items were obtained using the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) (DSM‐IV) diagnostic criteria for dependence. The construct validity of the scale was investigated by confirmatory analysis in a sample of 156 patients. Regression analysis was used to explore predictive validity.Results.—The 21 items of the scale were grouped into seven first‐order factors corresponding to seven dependence items described in the DSM‐IV. There was a second‐order factor that may be considered as a general dependence factor. The global questionnaire score predicted the number of units of treatment taken per week, the number of days of headache, the number of days medications were taken, and emotional distress. Patients with headache associated with chronic substance use had a significantly higher score (P < .000) than migraine and tension headache patients.Conclusion.—It is a practical and valid tool for measuring medication dependence, including the behavioral dimension of dependence, in patients with headache associated with chronic substance use. It can prevent patients and clinicians from only focusing on pharmacological dependence.
Classification of Black Powder Toners on the Basis of Integrated Analytical Information Provided by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
Authors: Trzcińska Beata M. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT:Differentiating between black powder toners used in laser printers and copiers can be challenging for forensic examiners. One hundred and sixty‐two samples from 82 different types of cartridges produced by 21 manufacturers that are currently available on the Polish market were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT‐IR) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The spectra obtained by these two methods were classified into 14 groups and 28 groups using FT‐IR and XRF, respectively. These classifications served as a basis for the development of an analytical scheme for differentiating black powder toners. This scheme can be used with any two methods that supply different information about an examined sample. The research will show that if two samples are similar in polymer composition (e.g., FT‐IR spectra), additional quantitative elemental composition from XRF analyses may provide more discrimination. It was possible to differentiate 82.5% pairs of examined samples using only FT‐IR, 90.8% pairs of examined samples using only XRF, and 95.8% pairs of examined samples using these two methods.Obtained spectra and all the available information could be used to create/build a database. The results obtained confirm the multiplicity and compatibility of toners. Additionally, it was stated that not all the samples were original (OEM).
Close‐range, in‐flight integration of olfactory and visual information by a host‐seeking bark beetle
Authors: Campbell Stuart A. , Borden John H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA long‐standing controversy questions whether foraging bark beetles assess the suitability of individual host trees using cues at close range while flying or engage in random landing followed by contact assessment. In most cases, visual discrimination mechanisms are ignored. We show that pheromone‐responding mountain pine beetles (MPB), Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), can visually discriminate between ‘host’ (black) and ‘non‐host’ (white) traps arranged in small clusters, in the absence of additional host olfactory information, and that males (but not females) demonstrate a greater preference for combined host visual and olfactory cues. However, white, non‐host traps baited with a host volatile were as attractive as unbaited, black host traps. Our results support the hypotheses that when deciding to land, the MPBs integrate visual and olfactory information and can process cues in both sensory modes at relatively close range (≤2 m). Thus, host selection mechanisms in this species are unlikely to be random with respect to either sensory mode.
Temporal variation in arthropod sampling effectiveness: the case for using the beat sheet method in cotton
Authors: Wade Mark R. , Scholz Brad C.G. , Lloyd Richard J. , Cleary Amanda J. , Franzmann Bernie A. , Zalucki Myron P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPredatory insects and spiders are key elements of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes in agricultural crops such as cotton. Management decisions in IPM programmes should to be based on a reliable and efficient method for counting both predators and pests. Knowledge of the temporal constraints that influence sampling is required because arthropod abundance estimates are likely to vary over a growing season and within a day. Few studies have adequately quantified this effect using the beat sheet, a potentially important sampling method. We compared the commonly used methods of suction and visual sampling to the beat sheet, with reference to an absolute cage clamp method for determining the abundance of various arthropod taxa over 5 weeks. There were significantly more entomophagous arthropods recorded using the beat sheet and cage clamp methods than by using suction or visual sampling, and these differences were more pronounced as the plants grew. In a second trial, relative estimates of entomophagous and phytophagous arthropod abundance were made using beat sheet samples collected over a day. Beat sheet estimates of the abundance of only eight of the 43 taxa examined were found to vary significantly over a day. Beat sheet sampling is recommended in further studies of arthropod abundance in cotton, but researchers and pest management advisors should bear in mind the time of season and time of day effects.