bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meloidogyne izalcoensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a root-knot nematode parasitising coffee in El Salvador
Authors: Hernandez Adan , Carneiro Regina , Gomes Ana Cristina , Almeida Maria Ritta 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA new root-knot nematode parasitising coffee in the region of the Izalco volcano, Sansonate, El Salvador, is described as Meloidogyne izalcoensis n. sp. The suggested common name is El Salvador coffee root-knot nematode. The perineal pattern is characterised by the moderately high to high, squareish to rounded, dorsal arch, striae coarse, smooth to wavy, sometimes zigzaggy, usually without a distinct whorl, and similar to that of M. incognita and M. paranaensis. The female head region set off from body, sometimes annulated, and the labial disc has two prominent elevations or bumps on the ventral side that are slightly raised above the medial lips. The female stylet is robust, 15.0-16.0 μm long and with the DGO at 4.5-6.0 μm posterior to the knobs. Males have a high, round, head cap continuous with the body contour and the labial disc is fused with the medial lips to form an elongated structure. The head region is never marked by incomplete annulations. The stylet is robust, 23.0-26.0 μm long, and has rounded, backwardly sloping, knobs with the DGO located at 4.0-7.0 μm posteriorly. The stylet of second-stage juveniles is 12.0-13.0 μm long and the DGO is located 3.0-4.0 μm posterior to the stylet base; the tail is 45-48 μm long, conoid, with a rounded terminus. Biochemically, the esterase phenotype I4 (= Sa4) (Rm: 0.86, 0.96, 1.24, 1.30) is unique and is the most useful character to differentiate M. izalcoensis n. sp. from all other species.
Description of two new species of Iotonchium Cobb, 1920 (Tylenchida: Iotonchiidae) from Japan
Authors: Utai Kazuyoshi , Tsuda Kaku 
Published: March 2006

AbstractTwo new Iotonchium species are described from Japan. These species possesses four adult forms; mycetophagous female, infective female, male and insect-parasitic female. Iotonchium laccariae n. sp. is characterised by short body length of all adult forms, right-angled L-shaped spicule with beak-like distal arm, a pair of large papillae anterior to the cloacal opening, the dorso-ventrally flattened head of male and the reproductive features of the parasitic female. The mycetophagous females of I. laccariae n. sp. inhabit the fruiting bodies of four Laccaria spp. Males and infective females were also obtained from the fruiting bodies. The insect-parasitic females of I. laccariae n. sp. inhabit the haemocoel of a fungus gnat, Allodia laccariae. Iotonchium russulae n. sp. is characterised by the long body length of the infective female, parasitic female and mycetophagous female, obtuse-angled L-shaped spicule with dorsally curved slender distal arm, a pair of bifid postcloacal papillae, presence of a mid-ventral postcloacal papilla in the male and reproductive features of the parasitic female. The mycetophagous females, males and infective females of I. russulae n. sp. were obtained from the fruiting bodies of three Russula spp. and two Lactarius spp. The insect-parasitic females of I. russulae n. sp. inhabit the haemocoel of A. bipexa, a species of fungus gnat.
Defence responses of white mustard, Sinapis alba, to infection with the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Sobczak Miroslaw , Golinowski Wladyslaw , Soliman Ahmed 
Published: March 2006

AbstractResponses of two Sinapis alba cultivars (nematode susceptible cv. Albatros and nematode resistant cv. Maxi) to infection with the root-parasitic nematode Heterodera schachtii were investigated at the anatomical and cytological levels. In the susceptible cv. Albatros, male and female juveniles develop. Syncytia associated with female juveniles are induced in the procambium and they preferentially incorporate procambial cells abutting xylem vessels. The syncytial elements are greatly enlarged and interconnected by wide cell wall openings. Syncytia associated with male juveniles are induced in the pericycle and they incorporate primarily greatly enlarged pericyclic cells and sometimes less enlarged procambial cells. In the resistant cv. Maxi, most of juveniles remain as secondstage juveniles while some develop into males. Their syncytia are induced in and involve pericyclic cells only. Syncytia induced in cv. Maxi by males differ from those induced in susceptible cv. Albatros by less enlargement of nuclei, the presence of remnants of the central vacuole, and a marked presence of rough endoplasmic reticulum. At least three different defence responses could be discriminated in cv. Maxi: i) a hypersensitive response of vascular cylinder cells during/after nematode invasion; ii) degeneration of syncytia induced in the procambium; and iii) formation of a layer of necrotic cells between syncytium and xylem vessels.
An effective PCR-based diagnostic method for the detection of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) in wood samples from lodgepole pine
Authors: Rott Michael , Humble Leland , Allen Eric , Green Margaret , Leal Isabel 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA molecular diagnostic method has been designed for the detection and identification of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Heat shock protein 70 gene sequences from B. xylophilus and the closely related B. mucronatus were compared and used to design primers Bx701F and Bx701R which amplify a 171 base pair fragment from B. xylophilus by PCR. As a control, primers Bm701F and Bm701R were designed which specifically amplify a 168 base pair fragment from B. mucronatus. After optimisation, B. xylophilus primers were shown to be highly sensitive and could easily detect 23 target copies, or less than one nematode. Species-specific detection of B. xylophilus was carried out directly from concentrated Baermann funnel extracts using wood samples from lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) trees from British Columbia, Canada, containing an unknown nematode population, thus bypassing the need for culturing or recovering the nematode before analysis.
Characteristics of Tylencholaimus parvus (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) as a fungivorus nematode
Authors: Okada Hiroaki , Araki Masaak , Tsukiboshi Takaoi , Harada Hiroki 
Published: March 2006

AbstractTo analyse nematode community structures appropriately for the evaluation of soil ecosystem status and function requires information on the life history traits of K-strategic nematodes. Therefore, a K-strategic fungivorus nematode, Tylencholaimus parvus, was examined for population growth rates on nine fungal species on agar and on soil-based media. Also, the nematode was compared with an r-strategic fungivorus nematode, Aphelenchus avenae, in terms of population growth rates on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and of prey-predator relationships with nematophagus fungi, Pleurotus spp., growing on water agar. Population growth rates of T. parvus on PDA were large on three plant-pathogenic fungi, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum and Phoma herbarum. On the soilbased medium, two saprophytic fungi, Coprinus cinereus and Flammulina velutipes, also supported large population increases of the nematode, as well as F. oxysporum and P. herbarum. Tylencholaimus parvus always had significantly smaller growth rates than A. avenae, and the rates of T. parvus were 0-24% of those of A. avenae on a given fungal species. Tylencholaimus parvus was able to avoid predation of the two Pleurotus species and fed upon the fungal hyphae to reproduce, although A. avenae was killed and consumed by the fungi.
Are the protective effects of 17β-estradiol on splenic macrophages and splenocytes after trauma-hemorrhage mediated via estrogen-receptor (ER)-α or ER-β?
Authors: Hildebrand Frank , Hubbard William J , Choudhry Mashkoor A , Thobe Bjoern M , Pape Hans-Christoph , Chaudry Irshad H 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
The depression in cell-mediated immune function following trauma-hemorrhage is shown to be restored by 17β-estradiol (E2) administration. However, it remains unknown which of the two estrogen-receptors, (ER)-α or ER-β, plays the predominant role in mediating the beneficial effects of E2. Female B57BL/J6 ER-β−/− transgenic mice [knockout (KO)] and corresponding ovariectomized wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to laparotomy and hemorrhagic shock (35.0±5.0 mmHg for 90 min) and treated with E2 (50 μg/25 g) or ER-α agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT; 50 μg/25 g) following trauma-hemorrhage. Four hours after resuscitation, systemic cytokine concentrations and cytokine release by splenocytes and splenic macrophages were determined by cytometric bead array. Trauma-hemorrhage resulted in a significant increase in plasma tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10. In contrast, the release of these cytokines by splenic macrophages was decreased significantly in WT and KO animals. Administration of E2 or PPT following trauma-hemorrhage produced a significant reduction in systemic TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations in WT and KO mice. Although the suppression in the productive capacity of these cytokines following trauma-hemorrhage by macrophages and splenocyte was also prevented in E2- and PPT-treated WT mice, the release of cytokines by macrophages and splenocytes in E2- and PPT-treated KO mice was not restored to the levels observed in sham animals. These findings collectively suggest that both receptors appear to play a significant role in mediating the immunoprotective effects of E2 in different tissue compartments following trauma-hemorrhage.
Systemic suppression of interferon-γ responses in Buruli ulcer patients resolves after surgical excision of the lesions caused by the extracellular pathogen Mycobacterium ulcerans
Authors: Yeboah-Manu Dorothy , Peduzzi Elisabetta , Mensah-Quainoo Ernestina , Asante-Poku Adwoa , Ofori-Adjei David , Pluschke Gerd , Daubenberger Claudia A 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is the third most common mycobacterial infection in immunocompetent humans besides tuberculosis and leprosy. We have compared by ex vivo enzyme-linked immunospot analysis interferon-γ (IFN-γ) responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from BU patients, household contacts, and individuals living in an adjacent M. ulcerans nonendemic region. PBMC were stimulated with purified protein derivative (PPD) and nonmycobacterial antigens such as reconstituted influenza virus particles and isopentenyl-pyrophosphate. With all three antigens, the number of IFN-γ spot-forming units was reduced significantly in BU patients compared with the controls from a nonendemic area. This demonstrates for the first time that M. ulcerans infection-associated systemic reduction in IFN-γ responses is not confined to stimulation with live or dead mycobacteria and their products but extends to other antigens. Interleukin (IL)-12 secretion by PPD-stimulated PBMC was not reduced in BU patients, indicating that reduction in IFN-γ responses was not caused by diminished IL-12 production. Several months after surgical excision of BU lesions, IFN-γ responses of BU patients against all antigens used for stimulation recovered significantly, indicating that the measured systemic immunosuppression was not the consequence of a genetic defect in T cell function predisposing for BU but is rather related to the presence of M. ulcerans bacteria.
It takes nerve to tell T and B cells what to do
Authors: Kin Nicholas W , Sanders Virginia M 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe existence of an association between the brain and immunity has been documented. Data show that the nervous and immune systems communicate with one another to maintain immune homeostasis. Activated immune cells secrete cytokines that influence central nervous system activity, which in turn, activates output through the peripheral nervous system to regulate the level of immune cell activity and the subsequent magnitude of an immune response. In this review, we will focus our presentation and discussion on the findings that indicate a regulatory role for the peripheral sympathetic nervous system in modulating the level of cytokine and antibody produced during an immune response. Data will be discussed from studies involving the stimulation of the β2 adrenergic receptor expressed on CD4+ T cells and B cells by norepinephrine or selective agonists. We will also discuss how dysregulation of this line of communication between the nervous and immune systems might contribute to disease development and progression.
Longitudinal robustness of variables predicting independent gait following severe middle cerebral artery stroke: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kollen Boudewijn , Kwakkel Gert , Lindeman Eline 
Published: March 2006

Objective: To determine within the first 10 weeks post onset the most robust variables in the prediction of recovery of independent gait at six months post stroke. Design: A prospective cohort study. Subjects: One hundred and one first ever ischaemic middle cerebral artery stroke patients. None of these patients were able to walk at onset and all suffered from a marked hemiplegia. Setting: Twenty-four determinants, possibly related to recovery of gait at six months, were measured within 14 days following stroke onset. Based on Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC) independent gait was classified into present (FAC ≥ 4) or absent (FAC < 4). Bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to select determinants. Only significant determinants during the entire 10-week period were used for further weekly multivariate logistic prediction modelling of independent gait at six months post stroke. Results: After six months post onset 62% ( N = 63) regained independent gait. Age, Barthel Index, Trunk Control Test, Motricity Index of arm and leg, Brunnstrom Fugl-Meyer stage of leg motor recovery, and type of intervention were significant determinants in bivariate analysis, but age of patient and Barthel Index were the most robust determinants in the final prediction model. Weekly re-evaluation produced sensitivity values between 89% and 96% and specificity values between 53% and 62%. Conclusion: In initially non-ambulatory stroke patients age and Barthel Index were the most robust variables during the first 10-week poststroke period in the prediction of independent walking at six months. However, prediction of non-ambulation at six months proved to be less accurate.
Evaluating rehabilitation using cost-consequences analysis: an example in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gage Heather , Kaye Julie , Owen Charles , Trend Patrick , Wade Derick 
Published: March 2006

Objective: To use cost-consequences analysis to evaluate rehabilitation, and to discuss some practical limitations. Design: Case study of a cost-consequences analysis. Setting: Day hospital. Subjects: People with Parkinson's disease without major cognitive loss, and their carers. Intervention: A programme of multidisciplinary rehabilitation, delivered for one day per week over six weeks, and including 2 h of individual therapy (physical, occupational, speech and language, specialist nurse) and group activities on each occasion. Main measures: Costs: direct and overhead costs of treatment; participant travel. Consequences: patient outcomes (mobility, speech and language, disability, psychological well-being, health-related quality of life); carer outcomes (psychological well-being, health-related quality of life, strain); social service utilization; satisfaction. Results: In this example the main costs were facility's overheads and hospital-provided transport. The consequences of the intervention were improved immediate outcomes for patients that diminished over four months, discovery of unmet social services need, high satisfaction. No benefits for carers were observed. Conclusion: A cost-consequences analysis provides a clear descriptive summary for decision-makers that is easier to interpret than cost-effectiveness, cost-utility and cost-benefit analysis. It is a useful technique in rehabilitation research where multiple outcomes and several perspectives (health service, patient, carer) are relevant. However limitations remain: it is difficult to capture all consequences because of data deficiencies and long-term effects; evaluations of individual interventions are partial and do not guarantee economic rationality; local studies may not be generalizable; fixed protocols impede the evaluation of alternative service configurations.
Embedded Guideline Information without Patient Specificity in a Commercial Emergency Department Computerized Order‐entry System
Authors: Asaro Phillip V. , Sheldahl Amy L. , Char Douglas M. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Background:
Clinical practice guidelines and computerized provider order entry (CPOE) have potential for improving clinical care. Questions remain about feasibility and effectiveness of CPOE in the emergency department (ED). However, successful implementations in other settings typically incorporate decision support functions that are lacking in many commercially available ED information systems.
Objectives:
To compare acute coronary syndrome (ACS) guideline compliance before and after implementation of a locally implemented ACS guideline, first on paper and then in a commercially available ED information system without patient‐specific clinical decision support.
Methods:
Clinical data were abstracted retrospectively on patients seen before and after introduction of paper and, subsequently, CPOE versions of ACS guideline‐based order‐sets. Order‐set use was determined. Risk category assignments were made retrospectively using guideline criteria and compliance with the guideline regarding β‐blockers, heparin, and aspirin was determined. Association between order‐set use and compliance was determined.
Results:
The authors found increasing use of order‐sets over the period of study. However, there was poor association between the order‐sets used and risk stratification category. Some association between ED β‐blocker use and use of CPOE order‐sets was found, but there was no improvement in overall compliance with any of the guideline recommendations.
Conclusions:
Adherence to an ACS guideline did not improve with implementation of a commercial ED information system without provision for patient‐specific decision support. This suggests that the lack of patient‐specific decision‐support functionality in most current ED information system products may hamper progress in the development of effective decision support.
Multiple Centrally Acting Antidotes Protect against Severe Organophosphate Toxicity
Authors: Sivilotti Marco L.A. , Bird Steven B. , Lo Jean C.Y. , Dickson Eric W. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Background: Accumulation of acetylcholine in the central nervous system is believed to account for the rapid lethality of organophosphate pesticides and chemical nerve agents. Diazepam is known to supplement atropine therapy, but its specific mechanism of action is uncertain. Objectives: To test four centrally acting agents for early antidotal efficacy in severe dichlorvos poisoning in the murine model. Methods: The up‐and‐down method was used to dose four candidate antidotes: diazepam, xylazine, morphine, and ketamine. Antidotes were administered subcutaneously to unsedated adult Sprague‐Dawley rats who were pretreated with 3 mg/kg intraperitoneal glycopyrrolate. All animals received 20 mg/kg of dichlorvos subcutaneously 5 minutes later. A blinded observer adjudicated the outcomes of 10‐minute mortality and survival time. Results: All animals pretreated with either no antidote (8/8 deaths) or glycopyrrolate alone (8/8) died within 10 minutes of dichlorvos injection. Pretreatment with diazepam (3/9 deaths), or xylazine (3/9), decreased lethality substantially (Fisher p = 0.007; median effective doses, 0.12 mg/kg and 3.0 mg/kg, respectively). Intermediate doses of morphine (3.1 to 5.5 mg/kg) resulted in survival, but higher doses did not, presumably because of excessive respiratory depression (7/11 deaths; p = 0.09). Ketamine (7/8 deaths) was ineffective as an antidote. Survival times also were prolonged in the diazepam and xylazine groups (log‐rank p < 0.001) and, to a lesser degree, the morphine group (p = 0.07). Conclusions: Doses of diazepam, xylazine, and morphine below those used for deep sedation protect against severe dichlorvos poisoning, implying that several distinct central mechanisms are each sufficient to avert lethality. These findings suggest new possibilities for prophylaxis or therapy.
ST Segment Elevation Differs Depending on the Method of Measurement
Authors: Smith Stephen W. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Objectives:The literature seldom specifies the location or method of measurement of ST segment elevation (STE) for determining eligibility in reperfusion trials. The objective of this study was to assess if different methods of measurement of STE in precordial leads of patients with anterior acute myocardial infarction due to left anterior descending occlusion result in significantly different scores. Methods:This was a retrospective review of diagnostic electrocardiograms (ECGs) of consecutive patients presenting to our emergency department with acute myocardial infarction who had emergent primary percutaneous coronary intervention, left anterior descending occlusion, and no bundle branch block. STE was measured at the J point and at 60 milliseconds after the J point, relative to the PR segment, in leads V1–V6. STE by the two methods was compared for each lead, as were ST scores (sum of STE in leads V1–V6) and the sum of the STE in V2–V4. Eligibility for reperfusion therapy using 1‐mm and 2‐mm STE criteria in two consecutive anterior leads, as well as ST scores and the sum of the STE in V2–V4, were evaluated. Results:Thirty‐seven ECGs were analyzed. Mean ST measurements in every lead were significantly lower when measured at the J point versus 60 milliseconds after the J point, as were ST scores (9.7 ± 2.14 mm vs. 14.9 ± 2.69 mm; p < 0.00001). Fewer ECGs met enrollment criteria when based on STE at the J point versus at 60 milliseconds after the J point. Fewer ECGs met an ST score of 6 mm when measured at the J point (70% vs. 88%). Conclusions:In anterior STE myocardial infarction, STE measurements produce different results depending on the method of measurement. Future clinical trials should specify the method of measurement.
Improving Communication Skills: Feedback from Faculty and Residents
Authors: Sherbino Jonathan , Bandiera Glen 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Objectives:
To determine common themes in faculty and peer feedback for emergency medicine (EM) resident oral presentations.
Methods:
From January to July 2005, all EM residents received written feedback on communication skills from two faculty and two peer reviewers. The feedback forms were analyzed by using formal grounded theory. The two investigators independently reviewed 25% of the forms to generate a code of general categories and specific qualifiers. The independent codes were merged by consensus into a common code. All forms were independently coded by the two investigators using the common code. Coding disagreements were resolved by consensus, yielding a uniform inventory of feedback categories and qualifiers.
Results:
Twenty‐one of 23 residents participated. Three hundred seventy‐two data points were coded, with an interrater agreement of 85.7%. The five most common feedback themes were as follows: focus on key and relevant teaching points; increase audience participation; encourage higher level thinking; decrease content per slide; and add missing content relevant to teaching point. Peers differed from faculty, mentioning more frequently encourage higher level thinking and add missing content relevant to teaching point. Faculty differed from peers, mentioning increase clarity of teaching point and be engaging and enthusiastic more frequently. The difference in distribution of themes between faculty and peers was significant (χ2= 59.692; p = 0.01).
Conclusions:
The authors present a model for providing feedback to EM residents on communication skills that is individualized, behavior based, and includes peer comments. Faculty and peers differ in their recommendations. The findings may inform communication skills curricula for EM residents.