bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of China's Grain for Green Project on the landscape of vulnerable arid and semi‐arid agricultural regions: a case study in northern Shaanxi Province
Authors: Cao Shixiong , Chen Li , Yu Xinxiao 
Published: January 2009

Summary

China's Grain for Green Project is a rapid landscape‐scale shift in ground cover and land use with significant implications for biodiversity. From 1998 to 2005, we carried out field studies to examine the landscape‐level impacts of this project, and to provide a practical example of the successes and failures of a large‐scale attempt to restore a vulnerable environment.
In a northern part of China's Shaanxi Province, our results indicated that the total vegetation cover in areas covered by this project increased from 29·7% in 1998 to 42·2% in 2005. However, we also found evidence that large‐scale afforestation in this vulnerable arid and semi‐arid region could increase the severity of water shortages, decrease vegetation cover in afforestation plots, and adversely affect the number of species present. The exclusion of livestock from overgrazed areas and the elimination of cultivation in marginal areas had the biggest effects on the restoration of vegetation cover, whereas tree planting had a strong negative effect in vulnerable areas.
Synthesis and applications. In practical terms, the destruction of natural vegetation cover during afforestation should be avoided, as this makes the soil surface more vulnerable to erosion and reduces species diversity. Managers should reduce the intensity of farming and grazing on fragile land rather than relying on afforestation as the primary tool for ecological restoration in arid and semi‐arid areas. Afforestation remains a valuable tool but should be limited to the planting of native or other species that will not exacerbate soil water shortages such as stable communities of natural desert steppe, maximum water‐use efficiency dwarf shrubs, and possibly even lichen species in more severely degraded environments.
Circulating biomarkers of angiogenesis as indicators of left ventricular systolic dysfunction amongst patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Patel J. V. , Abraheem A. , Chackathayil J. , Gunning M. , Creamer J. , Hughes E. A. , Lip G. Y. H. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract.Background.  Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) are often asymptomatic. Angiogenesis is implicated in the physiology of vascular repair and cardiac remodelling, and is one of many pathophysiological processes implicated in heart failure. We hypothesized that plasma indices associated with angiogenesis [angiogenin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiopoietin (Ang)‐1 and Ang‐2] would be abnormal in CAD patients with LVSD, being correlated with EF and wall motion abnormalities (wall motion score) independently of underlying CAD (coronary atheroma score). We also evaluated the specificity of angiogenic ‘biomarkers’ in their detection of LVSD [ejection fraction (EF) <40%] amongst CAD patients.Methods.  Using a cross sectional approach, we measured angiogenin, VEGF, Ang‐1 and Ang‐2 by ELISA in 194 CAD patients (aged 34–81 years) undergoing elective coronary angiography.Results.  Levels of angiogenin were inversely related with EF (r = −0.17, P = 0.02) and positively with coronary atheroma scores (r = 0.15, P = 0.04, but not independently of EF). Other angiogenic markers were unrelated to objective measures of LVSD but VEGF (P = 0.008) and Ang‐2 (P = 0.015) were lower amongst those patients with heart failure. Angiogenin levels were related to wall motion scores (r = 0.16, P = 0.024).Conclusion.  Heart failure has a modest impact on biomarkers of angiogenesis, in patients with CAD. Further research is warranted into the diagnostic and prognostic utility of biomarkers of angiogenesis, in this common cardiac condition.
Changing attitudes of medical teachers towards medical education
Authors: GALE JANET , TOMLINSON R. W. S. , ANDERSON J. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryIf medical education is to improve, this is largely dependent upon the attitudes of clinical teachers towards their own teaching and their students' learning. The aims and objectives of our workshop method of medical teacher training therefore includes some in the affective domain. Based on the theory of cognitive dissonance the experience‐linked practical problem solving approach of the workshop encourages behaviour change, presuming this to cause ‘attitude change’. Testing by means of a specially constructed and validated Likert‐type attitude scale shows that attitudes do improve significantly and consistently over the 5 days of our workshops. A follow‐up study shows these effects to be maintained and taken back to the participants' own medical schools.
Constructing a new course for undergraduate teaching of general practice
Authors: IRWIN W. G. , BAMBER J. H. , HENNEMAN J. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThis paper outlines in Part I the method used to analyse and re‐define a set of educational objectives on which a new course of teaching of general practice in the later clinical years is based. Part II describes the course, the learning methods, behavioural attainments and the techniques of evaluation to be implemented. A year was spent on the exercise by a group which comprised the professorial head, consultant senior lecturer and a senior registrar tutor from the Department of General Practice, Queen's University, Belfast, and a consultant educationalist, a senior lecturer, Department of Education, of the same University.
Impact of antenatal common mental disorders upon perinatal outcomes in Ethiopia: the P‐MaMiE population‐based cohort study
Authors: Hanlon Charlotte , Medhin Girmay , Alem Atalay , Tesfaye Fikru , Lakew Zufan , Worku Bogale , Dewey Michael , Araya Mesfin , Abdulahi Abdulreshid , Hughes Marcus , Tomlinson Mark , Patel Vikram , Prince Martin 
Published: February 2009

SummaryObjectives  To examine the impact of antenatal psychosocial stressors, including maternal common mental disorders (CMD), upon low birth weight, stillbirth and neonatal mortality, and other perinatal outcomes in rural Ethiopia.Methods  A population‐based sample of 1065 pregnant women was assessed for symptoms of antenatal CMD (Self‐Reporting Questionnaire‐20: SRQ‐20), stressful life events during pregnancy (List of Threatening Experiences: LTE) and worry about the forthcoming delivery. In a sub‐sample of 654 women from six rural sub‐districts, neonatal birth weight was measured on 521 (79.7%) singleton babies within 48 h of delivery. Information about other perinatal outcomes was obtained shortly after birth from the mother’s verbal report and via the Demographic Surveillance System.Results  After adjusting for potential confounders, none of the psychosocial stressors were associated with lower mean birth weight, stillbirth or neonatal mortality. Increasing levels of antenatal CMD symptoms were associated both with prolonged labour (>24 h) (SRQ 1–5: RR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0–1.9, SRQ ≥ 6: RR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0–2.6) and delaying initiation of breast‐feeding more than eight hours (SRQ 1–5: RR 1.4; 95% CI 0.8 to 2.4, SRQ ≥ 6: RR 2.8; 95% CI 1.3–6.1). Worry about delivery was also associated with labour longer than 24 h (RR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0–2.1).Conclusions  This study provides preliminary evidence of important public health consequences of poor maternal mental health in low‐income countries but does not replicate the strong association with low birth weight found in South Asia.
Increased elastic microfibrils and thickening of fibroblastic nuclear lamina in canine cutaneous asthenia
Authors: Bellini M. H. , Caldini E. T. E. G. , Scapinelli M. P. , Simões M. J. , Machado D. B. , Nürmberg R. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractCutaneous asthenia is a hereditary connective tissue disease, primarily of dogs and cats, resembling Ehlers–Danlos syndrome in man. Collagen dysplasia results in skin hyperextensibility, skin and vessel fragility, and poor wound healing. The purpose of this study was to describe the histological findings in a dog with a collagenopathy consistent with cutaneous asthenia. An 8‐month‐old crossbreed female dog presented with lacerations and numerous atrophic and irregular scars. The skin was hyperextensible and easily torn by the slightest trauma. Ultrastructurally, the dermis was comprised of elaunin and oxytalan microfibrils. These are immature fibres in which the fibrillar component is increased but elastin is reduced. Collagen fibres were profoundly disorganized. The fibrils had a highly irregular outline and a corroded appearance when viewed in cross‐section, and were spiralled and fragmented in a longitudinal view. Dermal fibroblasts displayed a conspicuous thickening of the nuclear lamina. Nuclear lamins form a fibrous nucleoskeletal network of intermediate‐sized filaments underlying the inner nuclear membrane. Mutations in lamins or lamin‐associated proteins cause a myriad of genetic diseases collectively called laminopathies. Disruption of the nuclear lamina seems to affect chromatin organization and transcriptional regulation of gene expression. A common link among all laminopathies may be a failure of stem cells to regenerate mesenchymal tissue. This could contribute to the connective tissue dysplasia seen in cutaneous asthenia.
Prevalence and risk factors for allergic contact dermatitis to topical treatment in atopic dermatitis: a study in 641 children
Authors: Mailhol C. , Lauwers‐Cances V. , Rancé F. , Paul C. , Giordano‐Labadie F. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  There is little information regarding the risk of sensitization associated with topical atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment.Objectives:  To assess the frequency of sensitization to topical treatment of AD in children and to determine risk factors associated with skin sensitization.Methods:  Six hundred and forty‐one children with AD were systematically patch tested with seven agents of common topical treatment: chlorhexidine, hexamidine, budesonide, tixocortol pivalate, bufexamac, sodium fusidate and with the current emollient used by the child. The following variables were recorded: age, sex, age at onset of AD, associated asthma, severity of AD, and history of previous exposure to topical agents used in the treatment of AD. Skin prick tests to inhalant and food allergens were used to explore the IgE‐mediated sensitization.Results:  Forty‐one positive patch tests were found in 40 patients (6.2%). Allergens were emollients (47.5%), chlorhexidine (42.5%), hexamidine (7.5%), tixocortol pivalate and bufexamac (2.5% each). Risk factors associated with sensitization to AD treatment were AD severity [OR: 3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.5–7.1 for moderate to severe AD], AD onset before the age of 6 months (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–6.1), and IgE‐mediated sensitization (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1–5.9).Conclusions:  Topical treatment of AD is associated with cutaneous sensitization. Antiseptics and emollients represent the most frequent sensitizers and may be included in the standard series in AD children when contact dermatitis is suspected. Risk factors associated with sensitization to AD topical treatments are AD severity, early AD onset and IgE‐mediated sensitization.
Prolonged antigen‐exposure with carbohydrate particle based vaccination prevents allergic immune responses in sensitized mice
Authors: Thunberg S. , Neimert‐Andersson T. , Cheng Q. , Wermeling F. , Bergström U. , Swedin L. , Dahlén S.‐E. , Arnér E. , Scheynius A. , Karlsson M. C. I. , Gafvelin G. , Van Hage M. , Grönlund H. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Defined particles carrying tightly bound allergens at high density have been suggested as alternatives in allergy vaccination. Carbohydrate based particles (CBP), sized 2 μm, provide a platform for covalent coupling of allergens.Objective:  To investigate the mechanisms of antigen presentation by CBP, as well as cellular and humoral responses after vaccination with the major cat allergen Fel d 1, covalently coupled to CBP.Methods:  Mice (n = 10/group) were subcutaneously vaccinated with CBP‐rFel d 1, CBP or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) before sensitization with rFel d 1 and challenged with cat dander extract. Fluorescent and 75Se‐radiolabeled tracking of allergens and particles were performed with flow cytometry and whole‐body autoradiography. Humoral, cellular and regulatory immune responses were analyzed by ELISA and flow cytometry. Cytokines were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and splenocyte cultures.Results:  CBP‐rFel d 1 prevented induction of airway inflammation and induced allergen‐specific T‐cell anergy. CBP‐rFel d 1 also induced rapid IgM and IgG1‐responses compared with soluble rFel d 1. Particles were phagocytosed by antigen‐presenting cells and transported to draining lymph nodes and spleen. Moreover, antigen coupled to CBP remained longer at the injection site compared with alum.Conclusions:  Covalent coupling of rFel d 1 to CBP induces rapid antibody production, prevents induction of allergic immune responses and systemic allergen spreading. Thus, CBP comprise several attractive adjuvant features for use in allergy vaccination.Clinical Implications:  Prolonged allergen exposure through covalent coupling to particles suitable for phagocytosis, provides an adjuvant for safer and efficient allergy vaccination.
The Morphology of the Cervico‐thoracic Sympathetic System in Donkeys (Equus asinus L.)
Authors: Ozgel O. , Duzler A. , Dursun N. , Beyaz F. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryFive adult donkeys of both sexes, used in applied anatomy classes, and perfused with formalin for teaching purposes, constituted the study material. Ganglion cervicale caudale of the examined materials has observed to exhibit individually variable situation as to extend on the left side of the median line, at the alignment of the first and second intercostal spaces and on the right side between the level of the first and third costa. The ganglion extended more caudally on the right side of median line. The lateral surface of the ganglion was determined to be covered with the m. scalenus medius. On the both sides of the median plane, the ganglion cervicale caudale was seen to be situated on the lateral surface of the m. longus colli. On the left side, the ganglion overlapped the oesophagus in two cadavers and on the right side it was situated within a groove between the m. longus colli and trachea in three cadavers. The rami communicantes received by the ganglion cervicale caudale originated from the eighth cervical and first thoracic spinal segments. The ganglion cervicale caudale was formed by the coalescence of the last cervical and first three thoracic sympathetic ganglia. The ganglion cervicale caudale gave off branches that formed the rami communicantes, plexus cardiacus, n. vertebralis and ansa subclavia. One branch extended from the ganglion to the plexus brachialis. in one specimen, two sympathetic–parasympathetic communicating branches were observed to extend from the ansa subclavia and near by the origin of the truncus sympathicus to the n. vagus. In one of the donkeys examined, a branch originating from the ganglion cervicale caudale on the left side of the median plane was determined to end on the ligamentum arteriosum. A microscopic ganglion structure suggesting the existence of the ganglion cervicale medium was determined in a donkey.
Macro‐Anatomical and Karyological Features of Two Blind Mole Rat Subspecies (Rodentia: Spalacidae) from Turkey
Authors: Kankiliç T. , ÇOlak E. , Kankiliç T. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe morphometric and karyological analyses of 52 specimens belonging to the two subspecies of Nannospalax leucodon were examined from 14 localities in Turkey. Five karyotypic forms were recorded (2n = 60, the total numbers of chromosomal arms (NF) = 74, the numbers of autosomal arms (NFa) = 70; 2n = 60, NF = 76, NFa = 72; 2n = 60, NF = 82, NFa = 78; 2n = 56, NF = 72, NFa = 68; 2n = 38, NF = 74, NFa = 70). The morphological features of two subspecies were studied using both numerical taxonomy and traditional methods. Thirty skull measurements and four baculum measurements were subjected to discriminant function analysis to find morphometric criteria allowing subspecies identification. Two subspecies were clearly separated from each other by macroanatomical characterictics and numeric characteristics. The first upper molar has four alveoli cubicles in young specimens of Nannospalax leucodon anatolicus, while M1 has 1 cubicle in Nannospalax leucodon cilicicus. In the western subspecies (N. l. anatolicus, 2n = 38), urethra openness is surrounded by three lobes. However, in the eastern subspecies (N. l. cilicicus, 2n = 60), there are two lateral lobes.
Macroanatomical Investigation of the Aorticorenal Ganglion in 1‐Day‐Old Infant Sheep
Authors: Klećkowska‐Nawrot J. , Kaczyńska K. , Jakubowska W. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe aorticorenal gland belongs to the paired splanchnic ganglion, which is the main component of the coeliac plexus. It lies near the renal artery and suprarenal gland. The research was conducted on 13 1‐day‐old infant sheep – eight males and five females. Based on the conducted studies, it was concluded that the aorticorenal ganglion is characterized by the variable location in relation to the abdominal aorta, renal artery, caudal vena cava and suprarenal gland (holotopy), the thoracic and lumbar segment of the vertebral column (skeletotopy) (between L1 and L3) and also a different shape (elongated, round, triangular, oval) as well as variable length (the aorticorenal ganglion is longer on the left side of the body; 2.72 mm) and distance from the caudal end of the suprarenal gland (longer on the left side of the body; 8.34 mm). With regard to the sex of the animal, the ganglion is the longest on the left side in ewes (3.02 mm), while in rams it is the longest on the right side (2.68 mm). Regarding the division according to sex, the longest segment was observed on the right side in ewes (9.27 mm), and the shortest segment in rams was also on the right side (6.84 mm).
Cocoon‐spinning larvae of Oriental fruit moth and Indianmeal moth do not produce aggregation pheromone
Authors: Jumean Zaid , Fazel Leila , Wood Charlene , Cowan Thomas , Evenden Maya L , Gries Gerhard 
Published: January 2009

Abstract1 Mature larvae of the Oriental fruit moth (OFM) Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and the Indianmeal moth (IMM) Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) leave their food source in search of suitable pupation sites in which to spin cocoons. These sites are typically well‐concealed cracks and crevices within the environment. Such cocooning behaviour is also observed in larvae of the codling moth (CM) Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), which aggregate prior to pupation in response to a pheromone blend produced by cocoon‐spinning conspecific larvae.2 In laboratory experiments, we tested whether cocoon‐spinning OFM and IMM larvae produce aggregation pheromones and whether CM larvae are cross‐attracted to closely‐related OFM larvae.3 Fifth‐instar OFM and IMM larvae were not attracted to, or arrested by, cocoon‐spinning conspecifics. Moreover, fifth‐instar CM larvae were not cross‐attracted to either cocoon‐spinning OFM or IMM larvae.4 Analyses of volatiles released from cocoon‐spinning OFM and IMM larvae revealed that both OFM and IMM lack components that are present in the aggregation pheromone of CM larvae. This information may help explain why CM larvae are not cross‐attracted to cocooning OFM or IMM larvae.
Does land‐use change affect biodiversity dynamics at a macroecological scale? A case study of birds over the past 20 years in Japan
Authors: Yamaura Yuichi , Amano Tatsuya , Koizumi Toru , Mitsuda Yasushi , Taki Hisatomo , Okabe Kimiko 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBecause the effects of land‐use change on biodiversity have primarily been examined at or below the regional scale, it remains unclear whether such effects scale up to the macroecological scale (i.e. nationwide or continental scale). In Japan, forests have become more mature since the cessation of most forestry efforts in the 1970s. At a nationwide scale, this forest maturation may lead to reductions in the abundance of species that depend on early successional forests (early successional species) and increases in the abundance of species that depend on mature forests (mature forest species). Japan has met its high demand for wood through imports from South‐east Asia, resulting in deforestation there. Therefore, the abundance of mature forest species that migrate long distances to overwinter in South‐east Asia may decrease. We examined changes in the range sizes of birds in Japan over the past 20 years using the living planet index (LPI). The LPI indicated that the range sizes of early successional species decreased. For mature forest species, the range sizes of long‐distance migrants decreased, whereas those of short‐distance migrants and residents increased. Our predictions were generally supported. Our results indicate that the effects of land‐use change extend to the macroecological scale and that such changes in one country can affect the biodiversity dynamics in other countries. Forest maturation in Japan and concomitant deforestation in South‐east Asia have been caused by internationally coupled socioeconomic processes. Therefore, biodiversity conservation at the macroecological scale must consider the role of land use, and such efforts will require both international and socioeconomic perspectives.
Pearson's Test, Trend Test, and MAX Are All Trend Tests with Different Types of Scores
Authors: Zheng Gang , Joo Jungnam , Yang Yaning 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPearson's test is one of the most commonly used statistics for testing genetic association of case‐control data. The trend test is another one which assumes a dose‐response model between the risk of the disease and genotypes. To apply the trend test, a set of ordered scores is assigned a priori based on the underlying genetic model. Pearson's test is model‐free and robust, but is less powerful for common genetic models. MAX is another robust test statistic, which takes the maximum of the trend tests over a family of scientifically plausible genetic models. We show that the three test statistics are all trend tests but with different types of scores; whether the scores are prespecified or data‐driven, or whether the scores are ordered (restricted) or not ordered (unrestricted). We then provide insights into power performance of the three tests when the underlying genetic model is unknown and discuss which test to use for the analyses of case‐control genetic association studies.