bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transient anomalies in genital appearance in some extremely preterm female infants may be the result of foetal programming causing a surge in LH and the over activation of the pituitary–gonadal axis
Authors: Greaves Ronda , Hunt Rodney W. , Zacharin Margaret 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAim  Animal studies have linked foetal programming with the development of the polycystic ovarian syndrome, and metabolic syndrome, in adulthood. The objective is to describe the investigation of four extreme‐premature female infants born between 25 and 29 weeks’ gestation with apparent genital abnormalities in association with unusually high androgens and gonadotrophins, to postulate a cause and to raise awareness of pitfalls in assessment of these infants.Methods  Clinical examination and biochemical evaluation of four infants referred for apparent congenital ambiguity.Results  Female gender was assigned at birth. Chromosome analysis confirmed 46XX, urine steroid profiles demonstrated no evidence of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and only the expected levels of foetal adrenal steroids.Elevated LH (up to 162 IU/l), testosterone (up to 2·6 nmol/l), Δ4 androstenedione (up to > 35 nmol/l) and dehydro‐epiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) (up to 26·6 µmol/l) were seen in all four infants. These decreased over time but were significantly different from a control population of premature infants of similar gestational age.Conclusions  We postulate that the clinical pattern of apparent clitoral enlargement in some extremely premature infants may reflect true temporary virilization due to an unusually high (or excessive) LH surge, in turn causing high foetal androgens. Foetal programming of gonadotrophin excess is probably the primary cause of androgen increase, in turn causing virilization, in some extreme‐premature infants. These may potentially be a group at future risk of polycystic ovary or metabolic syndrome, however, further work needs to be conducted to substantiate this hypothesis.
Increase in the fracture toughness and bond energy of clay by a root exudate
Authors: Zhang B. , Hallett P. D. , Zhang G. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryRoot exudates help drive the formation of the rhizosphere by binding soil particles, but the underlying physical mechanisms have not been quantified. This was addressed by measuring the impact of a major component of root exudates, polygalacturonic acid (PGA), on the interparticle bond energy and fracture toughness of clay. Pure kaolinite was mixed with 0, 1.2, 2.4, 4.9 or 12.2 g PGA kg−1to form test specimens. Half of the specimens were washed repeatedly to remove unbound PGA and evaluate the persistence of the effects, similar to weathering in natural soils. Fracture toughness,KIC, increased exponentially with added PGA, with washing increasing this trend. In unwashed specimensKICranged from 54.3 ± 2.5 kPa m−1/2for 0 g PGA kg−1to 86.9 ± 4.7 kPa m−1/2for 12.2 g PGA kg−1. Washing increasedKICto 61.3 ± 1.2 kPa m−1/2for 0 g PGA kg−1and 132.1 ± 4.9 kPa m−1/2for 12.2 g PGA kg−1. The apparent bond energy, γ, of the fracture surface increased from 5.9 ± 0.6 J m−2for 0 g kg−1to 12.0 ± 1.1 J m−2for 12.2 g kg−1PGA in the unwashed specimens. The washed specimens had γ of 13.0 ± 1.9 J m−2for 0 g kg−1and 21.3 ± 2.6 J m−2for 12.2 g PGA kg−1. Thus PGA, a major component of root exudates, has a large impact on the fracture toughness and bond energy of clay, and is likely to be a major determinant in the formation of the rhizosphere. This quantification of the thermodynamics of fracture will be useful for modelling rhizosphere formation and stability.
Impacts of long‐term waste‐water irrigation on the development of sandy Luvisols: consequences for metal pollutant distributions
Authors: VanOort F , Jongmans A. G. , Lamy I. , Baize D. , Chevallier P. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryStudies relating macro‐ and microscopic aspects of impacts of long‐term contaminative practices on soils are scarce. We performed such an approach by assessing the fate of metal pollutants in an area close to Paris, where sandy Luvisols were irrigated for 100 years with urban waste water. As a result, these soils display strong accumulation of organic matter, dissolved salts and metal pollutants in surface horizons, but also migration of metals to depth. We examined soil development and metal distribution patterns in two irrigated soils, in comparison with a non‐irrigated reference soil. Soil macromorphological characteristics were studied in the field. Soil micromorphology and micro‐scale metal distributions were both studied in situ in thin sections, the latter by synchrotron X‐ray mapping. Microscopic study focussed on characteristic parts of the Ap and Bt horizons, mainly involved in metal retention. For Ap horizons, both large and diffuse metal concentrations were revealed, mainly associated with organic matter and dissolved components added by irrigation water. For Bt horizons, zinc accumulation was detected on clay‐iron coatings. Our results suggest that with time, a double metal‐filtering capacity has developed in these sandy Luvisols: in the Ap horizon, an anthropogenic filter resulted from input of metal pollutants together with highly reactive organic matter, carbonates and phosphates, thus favouring metal immobilization and limiting migration to depth. In the Bt horizon, the evidence is of a second, natural filter. However, this filtering capacity is endangered by clay destruction due to ferrolysis, as revealed by micromorphology. Ferrolysis, here initiated by intensive irrigation practices, leads to a reduction of the natural filtering potential and an increasing risk of metal transfer towards the groundwater.
The cellular prion protein is preferentially expressed by CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Isaacs Jeremy D. , Garden Oliver A. , Kaur Gurman , Collinge John , Jackson Graham S. , Altmann Daniel M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryPost‐translational modification of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) is intimately associated with the pathogenesis of prion disease, yet the normal function of the protein remains unclear. PrPC is expressed in lymphoid cells and is known to be a T‐cell activation antigen. Further, transcription profiling studies of regulatory T cells have shown preferential overexpression of PrPC, suggesting a possible role in regulatory function. We report that both the expression of PrP message and cell surface PrPC levels are increased in murine CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells compared with CD4+ CD25− cells. However, PrP0/0 mice do not show altered regulatory T‐cell numbers or forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression levels, or impaired regulatory T‐cell function in vitro. Nevertheless, the preferential expression of surface PrPC by regulatory T cells raises the possibility that therapeutic ligation of PrPC might alter immune regulation.
A review of instruments measuring two aspects of meaning: search for meaning and meaning in illness
Authors: Fjelland Joyce E. , Barron Cecilia R. , Foxall Martha 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTitle.  A review of instruments measuring two aspects of meaning: search for meaning and meaning in illness. Aim.  This paper is a report of narrative review of psychosocial instruments measuring two aspects of meaning: the search for meaning and meaning in illness.Background.  Studies have shown that meaning has significance for well‐being, particularly for those experiencing illness/negative events. Understanding a person’s ascription of meaning to a stressful event can facilitate planning of supportive nursing interventions.Method.  A literature search was conducted using Medline, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, CINAHL, ProQuest, Ebsco and MasterFile Premier for the period 1956–2006. The search terms were: meaning instruments, search for meaning, meaning in illness, significance of meaning and positive meaning. Only studies that employed measurement of one of these two aspects of meaning were included.Findings.  Twelve instruments were retrieved from the search. Five were measures of search for meaning and seven were measures of meaning in illness. With a few exceptions these instruments were conceptually and operationally congruent and had acceptable psychometric properties. Limiting factors were the infrequent use of some of the instruments clinically or in research, and lack of evidence that cultural or age‐specific factors had been considered in the development of the instruments.Conclusion.  Progress with research into meaning and clinical use of meaning instruments may be augmented by refinement of instruments in the areas of conceptual clarity, operational congruence, psychometric properties and cultural and age‐specific considerations. Good quantitative assessment will facilitate analysis of the relationship between ascriptions of meaning and psychosocial functioning, and lead to improved nursing interventions.
Elucidating empowerment in El Proyecto Bienestar (the Well‐Being Project)
Authors: Postma Julie 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTitle. Elucidating empowerment in El Proyecto Bienestar (the Well‐Being Project).Aim. This paper describes differences in how socioculturally diverse participants in one community‐based participatory research project negotiated ‘empowerment’, and the implications of those differences for nurses involved in farmworker health and safety efforts.Background. Internationally, empowerment and community participation are increasingly being used as strategies to reduce health disparities. Theories of empowerment vary in the academic literature and their connotations vary across cultures.Method. Study participants were part of El Proyecto Bienestar, a community‐based participatory research (CBPR) project whose aim was to identify and respond to occupational and environmental health threats in one Mexican‐American farmworker community in the United States of America. Participant observation was used to audiorecord 18 participants in the third year (2006) of this 4‐year project discussing future project activities. Discourse analysis was used to analyse the transcripts.Results. While participants agreed that ‘empowerment’ was central to the project, they had different perspectives on what the term meant and the role that the project should play in empowering the farmworker community. Empowerment discourses positioned the project in three ways: (1) as an instrument used to strengthen farmworkers’ collective political voice, (2) as an instrument used to represent multiple community interests and (3) as an instrument used to advocate on behalf of farmworkers. Individuals used multiple discourses signifying the complexity in participants’ roles and obligations.Conclusions. Balancing power and developing knowledge collaboratively requires understanding multiple approaches to empowerment. Community empowerment as an outcome should not come at the expense of individual empowerment as part of the CBPR process.
Italian oncology nurses’ knowledge of complementary and alternative therapies: national survey
Authors: Zanini Antonietta , Quattrin Rosanna , Goi Debora , Frassinelli Barbara , Panariti Mateo , Carpanelli Ivana , Brusaferro Silvio 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTitle.  Italian oncology nurses’ knowledge of complementary and alternative therapies: national survey. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to investigate the knowledge of Italian oncology nurses in relation to complementary and alternative therapies.Background.  In the last decade, the use of complementary and alternative therapies by the general public has increased dramatically. As primary care providers who play a key role in healthcare delivery, it is likely that nurses will be asked about these therapies by their patients. Only if they have an adequate knowledge base, however, can nurses give useful information and counsel patients effectively to allow them to make informed healthcare decisions.Method.  A survey was carried out in 2007 with, 270 nurses registered with the Italian Association of Oncology Nursing. A self‐administered questionnaire was used and the response rate was of 57·4% (155/270).Findings.  Ninety‐four (60·6%) nurses claimed to have knowledge about complementary and alternative therapies. Over two‐thirds (60·6%, 57/94) reported that books were a primary source of their knowledge. Other common sources included other healthcare workers (50%, 47/94), the Internet (48·9%, 46/94), workshops and seminars (29·8%, 28/94), and formal nursing education (17·0%, 16/94). Only 5·3% (5/94) reported that professional journals were a source of knowledge. During their professional activities, 71·6% (111/155) of the nurses encountered patients using complementary and alternative therapies, while 47·1% (73/155) treated patients asking for information about these techniques.Conclusion.  The fact that nurses are responding to demands for these therapies without a solid knowledge base makes it imperative that the nursing curriculum be expanded to include these topics.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Coalescent analyses support multiple mainland‐to‐island dispersals in the evolution of Malagasy Triaenops bats (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae)
Authors: Russell Amy L. , Goodman Steven M. , Cox Murray P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim  We investigate the directionality of mainland‐to‐island dispersals, focusing on a case study of an African‐Malagasy bat genus, Triaenops (Hipposideridae). Taxa include T. persicus from east Africa and three Triaenops species from Madagascar (T. auritus, T. furculus, and T. rufus). The evolution of this bat family considerably post‐dated the tectonic division of Madagascar from Africa, excluding vicariance as a viable hypothesis. Therefore, we consider three biogeographical scenarios to explain these species' current ranges: (A) a single dispersal from Africa to Madagascar with subsequent speciation of the Malagasy species; (B) multiple, unidirectional dispersals from Africa to Madagascar resulting in multiple, independent Malagasy lineages; or (C) early dispersal of a proto‐species from Africa to Madagascar, with later back‐dispersal of a descendant Malagasy taxon to Africa.Location  East Africa, Madagascar, and the Mozambique Channel.Methods  We compare the utility of phylogenetic and coalescent methodologies to address the question of directionality in a mainland‐to‐island dispersal event for recently diverged taxa. We also emphasize the application of biologically explicit demographic systems, such as the non‐equilibrium isolation‐with‐migration model. Here, these methods are applied to a four‐species haploid genetic data set, with simulation analyses being applied to validate this approach.Results  Coalescent simulations favour scenario B: multiple, unidirectional dispersals from Africa to Madagascar resulting in multiple, independent Malagasy bat lineages. From coalescent dating, we estimate that the genus Triaenops was still a single taxon approximately 2.25 Ma. The most recent Africa to Madagascar dispersal occurred much more recently (c. 660 ka), and led to the formation of the extant Malagasy species, T. rufus.Main conclusions  Haploid genetic data from four species of Triaenops are statistically most consistent with multiple, unidirectional dispersals from mainland Africa to Madagascar during the late Pleistocene.
Factors associated with health‐related quality of life in patients and significant others one month after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Rantanen Anja , Kaunonen Marja , Sintonen Harri , Koivisto Anna‐Maija , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi , Tarkka Marja‐Terttu 
Published: May 2008

Aim.  To describe and compare the health‐related quality of life of patients and their significant others and to identify factors associated with health‐related quality of life one month after coronary artery bypass surgery.Background.  Heart disease and coronary artery bypass surgery affect the life of patients and their significant others. Following surgery, some patients might feel their quality of life is poor. Significant others are a major source of support for patients; therefore, it is important to know how their health‐related quality of life is affected.Methods.  This study is part of a major longitudinal research project. The questionnaire data for the study were collected one month after the surgical procedure from 270 patients and 240 significant others at one Finnish university hospital. Data analysis was by descriptive and inferential statistics. Stepwise linear regression analysis was used as a multivariate method.Results.  Coronary artery bypass grafting patients had a poorer health‐related quality of life than both the age and gender‐standardised general population and their significant others. Significant others, on the other hand, had the same health‐related quality of life as the general population. In patients, health‐related quality of life was associated with the occurrence of cardiac symptoms and New York Heart Association class; in significant others, it was explained by chronic illnesses, employment, gender and emotional support received from members of the support network.Conclusion.  In the early stages of recovery, the health‐related quality of life of coronary artery bypass grafting patients is inferior to that of the general population. There are also differences in the health‐related quality of life of patients and their significant others.Relevance to clinical practice.  Postcoronary artery bypass grafting rehabilitation programmes should provide support for both patients and significant others through networks that involve both professionals and peer supporters.
Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus infection in M. rosenbergii (de Man) with white tail disease cultured in Taiwan
Authors: Wang C S , Chang J S , Wen C M , Shih H H , Chen S N 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWhite tail disease (WTD) is a serious problem in Macrobrachium rosenbergii hatcheries and nursery ponds in Asia. The causative agents have been identified as M. rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) and its associated extra small virus. This is the first report demonstrating MrNV virus in M. rosenbergii displaying WTD signs in Taiwan by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Amplified fragments of 850 and 425 bp for RNA‐1 and RNA‐2 of MrNV, respectively, were obtained by RT‐PCR. RT‐PCR products of about 850 and 1121 bp for RNA‐1 and RNA‐2 of MrNV were also obtained using different primer pairs. The amplicons were individually cloned into pGEM‐T vector and sequenced. Using this recombinant plasmid of MrNV RNA‐2 as DNA template, the non‐radioactive DNA probes were prepared by PCR amplification with DIG–11‐dUTP. The probes were used to successfully detect MrNV infection in the striated muscle tissues of WTD‐diseased prawns using in situ hybridization. The 1121 bp genomic fragment of RNA‐2 of MrNV consisted of a unique open reading frame with 1116 nucleotides, and it encoded a structural protein with 371 amino acids. The nucleotide sequence of the partial genome of MrNV RNA‐2 revealed a 97% identity with an Indian isolate. A phylogenetic tree constructed using the nucleotide sequence of the viral capsid gene from insect and fish nodaviruses revealed that the MrNV Taiwan isolate could be interpreted as a new genus within the family Nodaviridae. However, its position showed more affinity with Alphanodavirus than with Betanodavirus. The study confirmed the presence of MrNV infection in freshwater prawns cultured in Taiwan suffering from WTD.
Activity of the antimicrobial polypeptide piscidin 2 against fish ectoparasites
Authors: Colorni A , Ullal A , Heinisch G , Noga E J 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe antiparasitic effects of piscidin 2, an antimicrobial polypeptide (AMPP) first isolated from mast cells of hybrid striped bass, were tested against three protistan ectoparasites of marine fish (the ciliates Cryptocaryon irritans and Trichodina sp., and the dinoflagellate Amyloodinium ocellatum) and one ciliate ectoparasite of freshwater fish (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis). I. multifiliis was the most susceptible parasite, with all theronts killed at 6.3 μg mL−1 piscidin 2. The most resistant parasite was Trichodina, where a few cells were killed at 12.5 μg mL−1, but several were still alive even at 100 μg mL−1. C. irritans was of intermediate sensitivity, with some theronts killed at 12.5 μg mL−1 and all killed at 25 μg mL−1. High parasite density apparently exhausted the piscidin 2 before it could attain its maximal effect, but surviving parasites were often visibly damaged. The lower efficacy of piscidin 2 against marine parasites compared with the freshwater ciliate might be related to the inhibitory effects of high sea water cation levels. The tissue concentration of piscidins estimated in healthy hybrid striped bass gill (40 μg mL−1) suggests that piscidin 2 is lethal to the parasites tested at physiological concentrations and is thus an important component of innate defence in fish expressing this type of AMPP.
Aquatic birnavirus infection activates the transcription factor NF‐κB via tyrosine kinase signalling leading to cell death
Authors: Hong J‐R , Guan B‐J , Her G M , Evensen O , Santi N , Wu J‐L 
Published: May 2008

AbstractOur previous studies found that infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) induces host apoptotic cell death, possibly through a newly synthesized protein trigger. Here, we examine whether IPNV infection can induce NF‐κB activation through tyrosine kinase signalling of CHSE‐214 cell death (host cell death). Using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) to detect transcription factor activation, we found that NF‐κB is apparently activated 6–8 h post‐IPNV infection. Using genistein (100 μg mL−1; a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) to determine whether NF‐κB activation requires tyrosine kinase activation, we found genistein blocks NF‐κB activation at 8 h post‐infection (p.i), and either enhances cell viability up to 50% at 12 h p.i. or blocks DNA fragmentation at 24 h p.i. Furthermore, the proteasome inhibitors PSI‐I and PSI‐II (both at 40 μm) also effectively blocked the NF‐κB activation as well as stimulating a 30% increase in cell viability (30% decrease in apoptosis) at 8 and 12 h p.i. Taken together our data suggest that IPNV may induce NF‐κB activation through tyrosine kinase signalling, which may be associated with induction of apoptosis.
Genetic relatedness in early associations ofPolistes dominulus: from related to unrelated helpers
Authors: ZANETTE LORENZO R. S. , FIELD JEREMY 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIndirect benefits obtained through the reproduction of relatives are fundamental in the formation and maintenance of groups. Here, we examine the hypothesis that females of the temperate paper waspPolistes dominuluspreferentially form groups with close relatives. Genetic relatedness data were obtained for 180 groups of females collected at the early stages of the nesting cycle of a large population ofP. dominulusin two sites in southwestern Spain. Average within‐group relatedness values ranged from 0.189 to 0.491. Foundresses on early nests were significantly more closely related than females in winter aggregations or in stable groups (just before workers emerged). Within‐group relatedness values were independent of group size. The vast majority of worker‐producing nests (c. 85%) had one or more females that were unrelated (or distantly related) to the remaining members of the group. These results provide further support to the hypothesis that indirect fitness benefits alone are unlikely to explain whyP. dominulusfoundresses form cooperative associations.