bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Near-infrared integral field spectroscopy of the Homunculus nebula around η Carinae using Gemini/cirpass
Authors: Teodoro M. , Damineli A. , Sharp R. G. , Groh J. H. , Barbosa C. L. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
This work presents the first integral field spectroscopy of the Homunculus nebula around η Carinae in the near-infrared spectral region (J band). We confirmed the presence of a hole on the polar region of each lobe, as indicated by previous near-IR long-slit spectra and mid-IR images. The holes can be described as a cylinder of height (i.e. the thickness of the lobe) and diameter of 6.5 and 6.0 × 1016 cm, respectively. We also mapped the blue-shifted component of He i λ10830 seen towards the NW lobe. Contrary to previous works, we suggested that this blue-shifted component is not related to the Paddle but it is indeed in the equatorial disc.
We confirmed the claim of N. Smith and showed that the spatial extent of the Little Homunculus matches remarkably well the radio continuum emission at 3 cm, indicating that the Little Homunculus can be regarded as a small H ii region. Therefore, we used the optically thin 1.3 mm radio flux to derive a lower limit for the number of Lyman-continuum photons of the central source in η Car. In the context of a binary system, and assuming that the ionizing flux comes entirely from the hot companion star, the lower limit for its spectral type and luminosity class ranges from O5.5 iii to O7 i. Moreover, we showed that the radio peak at 1.7 arcsec NW from the central star is in the same line-of-sight of the ‘Sr-filament’ but they are obviously spatially separated, while the blue-shifted component of He iλ10830 may be related to the radio peak and can be explained by the ultraviolet radiation from the companion star.
Differential activation and suppression of potato defence responses by Phytophthora infestans isolates representing US‐1 and US‐8 genotypes
Authors: Wang X. , El Hadrami A. , Adam L. R. , Daayf F. 
Published: May 2008

Defence responses were investigated in two potato cultivars with different levels of resistance to late blight, Russet Burbank (susceptible) and Kennebec (moderately resistant), after inoculation with single isolates representing Phytophthora infestans genotypes US‐1 (previously predominant, mildly aggressive) and US‐8 (currently predominant, highly aggressive). The accumulation of brown lignin‐like materials and an increase in the cell wall affinity to trypan blue 24 h after inoculation were observed in cv. Kennebec inoculated with US‐1, but not in Kennebec inoculated with US‐8, or cv. Russet Burbank inoculated with either US‐1 or US‐8. The expression of PAL‐1, HMG‐2, PR‐1 and PR‐5 was investigated in three leaf strata (local, proximal and distal) and at different times after inoculation, using SYBR real‐time RT‐PCR. The activation of these defence‐related genes was affected not only by P. infestans genotype, but also by the potato cultivar and the proximity to the inoculation site. These genes were up‐regulated earlier in Kennebec than in Russet Burbank and in response to US‐1 than to US‐8. Over all, the earliest and strongest up‐regulation of these genes occurred in Kennebec inoculated with US‐1. Furthermore, PAL‐1 and HMG‐2 were down‐regulated at the site of infection while such down‐regulation was not observed for PR‐1 or PR‐5. In parallel, the accumulation level and location of phenolics and rishitin matched those of PAL‐1 and HMG‐2 transcripts, respectively. These results strongly suggest that changes in either the activation or suppression of defence responses by the pathogen shape the level of susceptibility of potato cultivars to late blight.
Variation in sex ratio, morph‐specific reproductive ecology and an experimental test of frequency‐dependence in the gynodioecious Kallstroemia grandiflora (Zygophyllaceae)
Authors: CUEVAS E. , PARKER I. M. , MOLINA‐FREANER F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAn enduring puzzle in gynodioecious species is the great variation in female frequency seen among populations. We quantified sex ratio in 44 populations of gynodioecious Kallstroemia grandiflora. Then, we measured pollinator visitation, pollen deposition, autonomous selfing rate and pollen limitation of females. Finally, using experimental populations, we tested whether female fitness responds to the frequency of female plants. We found broad variability in sex ratio among populations (0–44% female). Hermaphrodite flowers received more pollinator visits and pollen grains than females, and bagged hermaphrodite flowers produced fruits. However, we found no evidence of pollen limitation in females. In experimental populations, female plants showed no evidence of frequency‐dependent pollinator visitation, fruit set, seed set or total seed mass. These results do not support frequency‐dependent variation in fitness as a major mechanism affecting female frequencies in K. grandiflora. Within the context of this study, pollinators are abundant and pollinator movement appears to operate at a large enough scale to overcome the potential reproductive disadvantages of producing solely female flowers.
Stimuli affecting selection of oviposition sites by female peach twig borer, Anarsia lineatella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Sidney M. , Brown K. , Judd G. J. R. , Gries G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn laboratory and field experiments, stimuli were tested that might affect oviposition decisions by female peach twig borer moths, Anarsia lineatella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). When given a choice between immature green peach fruits, green mature peach fruits and soft‐ripe peach fruits, the latter received the fewest eggs. Fuzzy halves of peach fruits received ten times more eggs then shaved hairless halves. Volatiles from both almond and peach shoots induced more oviposition by females than by control stimuli. Similarly, volatiles from immature green peach fruits, mature green or mature hard‐ripe peach fruits induced more oviposition than their respective control stimuli. In a choice experiment, volatiles from immature peach fruit stimulated three times more oviposition than those from soft‐ripe peach fruit. Discrimination against mature soft‐ripe peach fruits as potential oviposition sites may lie in the phenology of A. lineatella and host peach fruits. Larval development to the pupal stage takes 15–27 days. Therefore, any eggs laid on a ripe fruit 14 days before it falls from the tree will not likely develop into adult insects because developing larvae will only reach third or fourth instar before the fruit is decomposed, and only first and second instar larvae can overwinter.
Comedication of caspofungin acetate and cyclosporine A after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation leads to negligible hepatotoxicity
Authors: Christopeit Maximilian , Eikam Martin , Behre Gerhard 
Published: May 2008

SummaryInfections and adverse drug reactions both contribute substantially to mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. It is therefore crucial to the transplant physician to develop an optimal anti‐infective strategy, i.e. one which is highly effective and shows few side effects. Caspofungin acetate, the founding member of the echinocandins, is widely used against invasive fungal infections. We retrospectively assessed the hepatotoxicity of caspofungin acetate when administered with cyclosporine A. We reviewed the medical charts of 20 recipients of an allogeneic transplant. In detail, the median value of alanine amino transferase before, during and after administration of caspofungin acetate was 0.39 [standard error of the mean (SEM) 0.65], 0.77 (17) and 0.56 (0.77) μmol l−1. The maximal value was 4‐, 104‐ and 3.3‐fold the upper normal level. The median value of aspartate amino transferase was 0.28 (SEM 0.45), 0.71 (26.26) and 0.60 (0.84) μmol l−1. The maximal value before, during and after the administration of caspofungin acetate was 3.6‐, 203‐ and 5.3‐fold the upper normal level. The median value of gamma glutamyl transferase before, during and after administration of caspofungin acetate was 1.27 (SEM 1.78), 2.33 (3.41) and 1.77 (4.32) μmol l−1. The maximal value was 1.38‐, 2.53‐ and 1.93‐fold the upper normal level. The median value of alkaline phosphatase before, during and after administration of caspofungin acetate was 1.11 (SEM 0.4), 1.97 (2.30) and 1.66 (5.48) μmol l−1. The maximal value was 0.88‐, 4.2‐ and 8.42‐fold the upper normal level, respectively. The median value of total bilirubin before, during and after administration of caspofungin acetate was 23 (SEM 19.69), 38 (55.41) and 20 (67.23) μmol l−1. The maximal value was 4.18‐, 14.18‐ and 17.88‐fold the upper normal level. Taken together, the elevations observed fell after the discontinuation of caspofungin acetate. This report is in accordance with published data. As expected, we did not find any evidence pointing to an increase in nephrotoxicity by caspofungin acetate.
Nephrotoxicity in the setting of invasive fungal diseases
Authors: Ullmann Andrew J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAmphotericin B, a broad spectrum antifungal agent, is widely used despite significant adverse events including nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity occurs frequently in patients receiving amphotericin B. Different definitions for nephrotoxicity are reviewed in the context of outcome in patients with invasive fungal diseases. In most publications, mortality was higher in patients experiencing nephrotoxicity and mean hospital length of stay was prolonged. As a consequence, the use of less nephrotoxic antifungal agents could improve treatment outcomes.
Efficacy of caspofungin in invasive candidiasis and candidemia – de‐escalation strategy
Authors: Lichtenstern C. , Nguyen T. H. , Schemmer P. , Hoppe‐Tichy T. , Weigand M. A. 
Published: May 2008

Summary Candida species constitute the majority of nosocomial fungal pathogens in non‐neutropenic patients. Candida infections are still connected with substantial mortality. Recent epidemiological observations indicate a shift to non‐albicans species, especially because of a rise of infections caused by C. glabrata, which frequently shows fluconazole‐resistance. New therapeutic options like caspofungin, as the first licensed echinocandin, new broad‐spectrum azoles, and lipid preparations of amphotericin B emerged in the last decade as efficient alternatives to fluconazole and amphotercin B deoxycholate. In invasive candidiasis, a delayed treatment initiation is associated with an increased mortality, thus risk stratification and empirical therapy strategies become vitally important. This review reflects the efficacy of caspofungin in the treatment of Candida infections, especially in the setting of empirical therapy in critically ill patients, and considers the option of de‐escalation to fluconazole.
Caspofungin for treatment of invasive aspergillus infections
Authors: Heinz W. J. , Einsele H. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryInvasive aspergillosis showed an increasing incidence during the last decades. Especially for immune‐suppressed haematological patients as well as for solid organ transplant recipients, this infection remains a life‐threatening complication. Voriconazole has replaced conventional amphotericin B as standard therapy of invasive aspergillus infections and new compounds have been licensed for second‐line treatment; in addition posaconazole has been introduced for antifungal prophylaxis. Despite all new afore mentioned substances, substantial further progress in the therapy of aspergillus infections is needed. The best choice, duration and sequence of antifungal agents are a matter of debate. Caspofungin, as the first representative from the echinocandin class, has been tested in a broad range of trials and clinical situations. Due to its alternative target as well as its broad range of clinical evaluations and favourable safety profile, it can be a suitable choice and partner in the anti‐aspergillus therapy. Current knowledge of treating invasive aspergillosis with caspofungin as well as factors impacting the choice of antifungal therapy will be discussed.
Experiences with the use of caspofungin in paediatric patients
Authors: Lehrnbecher Thomas , Groll Andreas H. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryInvasive fungal infections are important causes for treatment‐related morbidity and mortality in severely immunocompromised paediatric patients with haematological malignancies or in children undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In addition, neonates, in particular preterm infants, are at risk for invasive mycoses. The past decade witnessed a major expansion of antifungal drug research, which has resulted in the development of new antifungal agents. Caspofungin is the first licensed compound of the novel class of echinocandin lipopeptides. Although the compound is not yet licensed in the paediatric population, caspofungin is increasingly prescribed in children. This article reviews the clinical pharmacology of caspofungin and the published experience with the drug in neonates and immunocompromised children.
Using overseas registered nurses to fill employment gaps in rural health services: Quick fix or sustainable strategy?
Authors: Francis Karen , Chapman Ysanne , Doolan Glenn , Sellick Ken , Barnett Tony 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective:  This study sought to identify and evaluate approaches used to attract internationally trained nurses from traditional and non‐traditional countries and incentives employed to retain them in small rural hospitals in Gippsland, Victoria. Design:  An exploratory descriptive design. Setting:  Small rural hospitals in Gippsland, Victoria. Participants:  Hospital staff responsible for recruitment of nurses and overseas trained nurses from traditional and non‐traditional sources (e.g. England, Scotland, India, Zimbabwe, Holland, Singapore, Malaysia). Results and Conclusion:  Recruitment of married overseas trained nurses is more sustainable than that of single registered nurses, however, the process of recruitment for the hospital and potential employees is costly. Rural hospitality diffuses some of these expenses by the employing hospitals providing emergency accommodation and necessary furnishings. Cultural differences and dissonance regarding practice create barriers for some of the overseas trained nurses to move towards a more sanguine position. On the positive side, single overseas registered nurses use the opportunity to work in rural Australian hospitals as an effective working holiday that promotes employment in larger, more specialized hospitals. Overall both the registered nurses and the employees believe the experience to be beneficial rather than detrimental.
Partnerships to promote mental health of NSW farmers: The New South Wales Farmers Blueprint for Mental Health
Authors: Fragar Lyn , Kelly Brian , Peters Mal , Henderson Amanda , Tonna Anne 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective:  To describe the process and outcome of development of a framework for planning and implementation of a range of interventions aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and farm families in New South Wales (NSW). Design:  In response to a major drought in New South Wales (NSW), key agencies were invited to participate in a longer‐term collaborative program aimed at improving the mental health and well‐being of the people on NSW farms. These agencies became the NSW Farmers Mental Health Network. Setting:  The Australian National Action Plan for Promotion, Prevention & Early Intervention for Mental Health 2000 proposed a population health approach base encompassing the range of risk and protective factors that determine mental health at the individual, family and community and society levels. It incorporated three traditional areas of health activity into programs aimed at achieving improved mental health for the Australian population – mental health promotion, prevention activities and early intervention. Although the farming population was not identified as a priority population, research has identified this population to be at high risk of suicide, and of having difficulty in coping with the range of pressures associated with life and work in this industry. Participants:  Participants were agencies providing services across rural NSW in the fields of farmer and country women's organisations, financial counselling services, government departments of primary industries and health, mental health advisory and support services, charitable organisations and others. Results:  The NSW Farmers Blueprint for Mental Health (http://www.aghealth.org.au/blueprint) was developed to be ‘a simplified summary of key issues that need to be addressed, and the major actions that we can be confident will be effective in achieving our purpose’. It has identified ‘steps’ along ‘pathways to breakdown’ from the range of known mental health and suicide risk factors that are relevant to the NSW farming population, and 23 areas of current and potential action that would contribute to improving mental health, as key steps along ‘pathways to health’. For each of the areas of action there is described the rationale and basis for action, and the lead agency or individual who has accepted responsibility for coordinating and reporting further activity to the Network.Conclusion:  It is suggested that the NSW Farm Blueprint and the activities being implemented by the NSW Farmers Mental Health Network partners represent a model for implementation of a mental health promotion in identified at‐risk Australian populations.
Cholestatic liver disease in long‐term infantile nephropathic cystinosis
Authors: Cornelis Tom , Claes Kathleen , Gillard Pieter , Nijs Els , Roskams Tania , Lombaerts Rita , Nevens Frederik , Cassiman David 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground:  Cystinosis is a metabolic disease characterized by accumulation of cystine in different organs and tissues, leading to potentially life‐threatening organ dysfunction. Infantile cystinosis typically leads to end‐stage renal disease, necessitating renal replacement therapy. Liver disease in cystinosis is rare and is mostly reported as nodular regenerative hyperplasia leading to portal hypertension.Methods:  Two patients with infantile cystinosis developed cholestatic liver disease (increasing alkaline phosphatases, gamma‐glutamyltransferase and mild increase in transaminases). Severe accumulation of cystine was demonstrated on liver biopsy, predominantly localized in Kupffer cells, together with morphological signs of sclerosing cholangitis on liver biopsy. One patient showed changes compatible with sclerosing cholangitis on magnetic resonance imaging. Therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid led to biochemical improvement in one and stabilization in the other patient.Conclusion:  Long‐term infantile nephropathic cystinosis can be associated with a form of sclerosing cholangitis, which can respond to therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid.
Helicobacter pylori infection does not accelerate the age‐related progression of arteriosclerosis: A 4‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Honda Chie , Adachi Kyoichi , Arima Noriyuki , Tanaka Shino , Yagi Junko , Morita Terumi , Tanimura Takashi , Furuta Kenji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been reported to correlate with the onset of cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between H. pylori infection and the progression of arteriosclerosis has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to clarify the possible role of H. pylori infection in the development of arteriosclerosis.Methods:  Study subjects were 258 cases who attended their annual medical check‐ups and were twice investigated by the parameters of arteriosclerosis at a 4‐year interval. Arteriosclerotic parameters (systolic blood pressure [SBP]), ankle brachial index [ABI], and pulse wave velocity [PWV]) were measured non‐invasively using an automatic device. H. pylori‐infection status was determined by assaying serum anti‐H. pylori IgG antibodies. The changes in the arteriosclerotic parameters during the 4 years were compared between H. pylori‐seropositive and seronegative individuals.Results:  A total of 166 subjects (64.3%) were H. pylori‐seropositive. After adjustment for gender, age, body mass index, and smoking and drinking habits, there were no differences in any of the arteriosclerotic parameters between the groups, not only at enrollment but after the 4 years, although the high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of the seropositive groups were significantly lower than those of seronegative groups. SBP and PWVs were significantly increased during 4 years in both the seropositive and seronegative groups. The percentage of changes in SBP and PWVs, which were calculated by ([values after 4 years – values at enrollment/values at enrollment] × 100), did not differ between the groups.Conclusion:  H. pylori infection does not accelerate the age‐related progression of arteriosclerosis in Japanese individuals.
Segmental heterogeneity in Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bax expression in rat tubular epithelium after ischemia‐reperfusion
Authors: VALDÉS FRANCISCO , PÁSARO EDUARDO , DÍAZ INMACULADA , CENTENO ALBERTO , LÓPEZ EDUARDO , GARCÍA‐DOVAL SANDRA , GONZÁLEZ‐ROCES SEVERINO , ALBA ALFONSO , LAFFON BLANCA 
Published: May 2008

Summary: Aims:  Studies in rats with bilateral clamping of renal arteries showed transient Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bax expression in renal tubular epithelium following ischemia‐reperfusion. However, current data on the preferential localization of specific mRNAs or proteins are limited because gene expression was not analysed at segmental level. This study analyses the mRNA expression of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bax in four segments of proximal and distal tubules localized in the renal cortex and outer medulla in rat kidneys with bilateral renal clamping for 30 min and seven reperfusion times versus control animals without clamp.Methods:  Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), distal convoluted tubule (DCT), proximal straight tubule (PST) and medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL) were obtained by manual microdissection. RT‐PCR was used to analyse mRNA expression at segmental level.Results:  Proximal convoluted tubule and MTAL showed early, persistent and balanced up‐regulation of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bax, while PST and DCT revealed only Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL, when only Bax was detected in PST. DCT expressed Bcl‐xL initially, and persistent Bcl‐2 later.Conclusion:  These patterns suggest a heterogeneous apoptosis regulatory response in rat renal tubules after ischemia‐reperfusion, independently of cortical or medullary location. This heterogeneity of the expression patterns of Bcl‐2 genes could explain the different susceptibility to undergo apoptosis, the different threshold to ischemic damage and the different adaptive capacity to injury among these tubular segments.