bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in resistance to mixed, predominantly Teladorsagia circumcincta nematode infections of sheep: from heritabilities to gene identification
Authors: STEAR M. J. , BOAG B. , CATTADORI I. , MURPHY L. 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARY In cool temperate areas, such as Scotland, sheep are infected by a variety of nematodes but the dominant nematode is Teladorsagia circumcincta. Resistant animals have one or more of the following features: fewer adult nematodes, more inhibited larvae, shorter adult nematodes and decreased production of nematode eggs. In lambs at the end of the first grazing season, the heritability of adult worm length is very strong, whereas the heritability of egg production is moderate. The heritability of worm number is low while there is no detectable genetic variation in the number of inhibited larvae. The major mechanisms underlying resistance to T. circumcincta appear to be the IgA mediated suppression of worm growth and the mast cell mediated regulation of worm number. Mast cell responses are slow to develop, possibly because they are responsible for protein loss and reduced growth of the host. Two genes have been repeatedly associated with resistance to T. Circumcincta: the MHC class II DRB1 locus on chromosome 20 and the interferon‐γ locus on chromosome 3. Although the causative mutations are still unknown both genes are plausible candidates.
Effect of consistent condom use on 6‐month prevalence of bacterial vaginosis varies by baseline BV status
Authors: Yotebieng Marcel , Turner Abigail Norris , Hoke Theresa Hatzell , Van Damme Kathleen , Rasolofomanana Justin Ranjalahy , Behets Frieda 
Published: February 2009

SummaryObjectives  Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition characterized by a disturbed vaginal ecosystem which fluctuates in response to extrinsic and intrinsic factors. BV recurrence is common. To explore whether consistent condom use was associated with BV occurrence or recurrence, we compared the effect of condom use on BV prevalence after 6 months, among women with and without BV at baseline.Methods  We used data from a randomized controlled trial, conducted among female sex workers in Madagascar during 2000–2001, that assessed the impact of adding clinic‐based counselling to peer education on sexual risk behaviour and sexually transmitted infection incidence. BV was diagnosed at two time points (baseline and 6 months) according to modified Amsel criteria. Consistent condom users were women reporting no unprotected sex acts with clients in the past month or non‐paying partners in the past year. Adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariable regression models.Results  At baseline, 563 (56%) women had BV. Of those, 360 (72%) had BV at 6 months, compared to 158 (39%) without BV at baseline. The adjusted 6‐month PR for BV comparing consistent to inconsistent condom users was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.85–1.13) among women with BV at baseline and 0.57 (95% CI: 0.30–0.94) among women without BV at baseline.Conclusions  Consistent condom use was associated with reduced BV prevalence at 6 months for women who were BV‐negative at baseline, but had no effect among women who were BV‐positive at baseline. Male condoms appeared to protect against BV occurrence, but not BV recurrence.
Using stochastic dynamic programming to support weed management decisions over a rotation
Authors: BENJAMIN L R , MILNE A E , PARSONS D J , CUSSANS J , LUTMAN P J W 
Published: February 2009

Benjamin LR, Milne AE, Parsons DJ, Cussans J & Lutman PJW (2009). Using stochastic dynamic programming to support weed management decisions over a rotation. Weed Research49, 207–216.SummaryThis study describes a model that predicts the impact of weed management on the population dynamics of arable weeds over a rotation and presents the economic consequences. A stochastic dynamic programming optimisation is applied to the model to identify the management strategy that maximises gross margin over the rotation. The model and dynamic programme were developed for the weed management decision support system –‘Weed Manager’. Users can investigate the effect of management practices (crop, sowing time, weed control and cultivation practices) on their most important weeds over the rotation or use the dynamic programme to evaluate the best theoretical weed management strategy. Examples of the output are given in this paper, along with discussion on their validation. Through this study, we demonstrate how biological models can (i) be integrated into a decision framework and (ii) deliver valuable weed management guidance to users.
Soil biota, but not soil nutrients, facilitate the invasion of Bidens pilosa relative to a native species Saussurea deltoidea
Authors: CUI Q‐G , HE W‐M 
Published: February 2009

Cui Q‐G & He W‐M (2009). Soil biota, but not soil nutrients, facilitate the invasion of Bidens pilosa relative to a native species Saussurea deltoidea. Weed Research49, 201–206.SummaryExisting evidence has shown that soil biota and nutrient availability in the introduced ranges are drivers of plant invasions. Bidens pilosa, an invasive species, grows better in rich soil from under shrubs than in poor soil from spaces between the shrubs. Here, we hypothesise that soil biota will benefit B. pilosa more than the native herb Saussurea deltoidea and that B. pilosa will also be favoured over S. deltoidea in nutrient‐rich soil compared with soil lower in nutrients. To test both hypotheses, we conducted an experiment in which B. pilosa and S. deltoidea were subjected to non‐sterile and sterile soils from both shrubs and gaps. Sterilisation had greater negative effects on the growth of B. pilosa than S. deltoidea indicating that mutualists appear to have stronger effects on the invasive than on the native plant. Although shrub soil was significantly richer in nutrients than gap soil, this difference did not affect biomass production of B. pilosa. In contrast, B. pilosa had greater total biomass in non‐sterile shrub soil than in non‐sterile gap soil. These findings suggest that successful invasions of B. pilosa are because of the shrub‐dependent effect of soil biota in the introduced ranges and that its habitat association appears to be closely linked to soil biota, but not soil nutrients.
Major complications after 400 continuous popliteal sciatic nerve blocks for post‐operative analgesia
Authors: COMPÈRE V. , REY N. , BAERT O. , OUENNICH A. , FOURDRINIER V. , ROUSSIGNOL X. , BECCARI R. , DUREUIL B. 
Published: February 2009

Background: A continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block (CPSNB) has been performed with increasing frequency for post‐operative analgesia after foot surgery. Major complications associated with the placement of a perineural catheter remain rarely studied. The aim of this study was to prospectively determine the incidence of major complications (neurological and infectious) in post‐operative adult patients with a continuous popliteal catheter inserted by the anatomical posterior approach for analgesia after foot surgery.Methods: All popliteal catheters were placed pre‐operatively under sterile conditions with the aid of a nerve stimulator technique. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of major complications including infection and neuropathy. As a secondary outcome, adverse effects as well as other complications were also evaluated. Data were expressed as median [25th–75th percentiles].Results: A total of 400 patients were included in the study during a 2‐year period. The median time the catheter remained indwelling was 47 h [23, 54]. Major complications included three events (0.75%) with one infection (0.25%) and two neuropathies (0.50%). Three blocks were unsuccessful and the catheter insertion was difficult in 12 patients (3%). During the CPSNB procedure, one patient reported slight paraesthesia during stimulation. Patient satisfaction was scored at 4 for 89%, 3 for 6% and 2 for 5% on the analogue scale.Conclusions: Major complications after the use of CPSN are not in fact rare. The incidence of severe neuropathy or infection complications is, respectively, 0.50% and 0.25%. However, the insertion of CPSN could be considered effective and is associated with only a few minor complications.
The use of desflurane or propofol in combination with remifentanil in myasthenic patients undergoing a video‐assisted thoracoscopic‐extended thymectomy
Authors: GRITTI P. , CARRARA B. , KHOTCHOLAVA M. , BORTOLOTTI G. , GIARDINI D. , LANTERNA L. A. , BENIGNI A. , SONZOGNI V. 
Published: February 2009

Background: Although several studies of the use of desflurane in anesthesia have revealed many desirable qualities, there are no data on the use and effects especially on the neuromuscular function of desflurane on myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of either desflurane or propofol, both combined with remifentanil, in patients with MG undergoing a video‐assisted thoracoscopic‐extended thymectomy (VATET).Methods: Thirty‐six MG patients who underwent VATET were enrolled. Nineteen patients were anesthetized with remifentanil and propofol infused with a target‐controlled infusion plasma model, and 17 patients with desflurane and remifentanil. No muscle relaxant was used. The intubating conditions, hemodynamic and respiratory changes, neuromuscular transmission and post‐operative complications were evaluated.Results: Neuromuscular transmission was significantly decreased in the desflurane group (6.7%, from 3% to 9% during anesthesia P=<0.05). The intubating conditions were good in all 36 patients and 35 patients were successfully extubated in the operating room. The time‐to‐awakening, post‐operatory pH and base excess were significantly different in the two groups, with a decreasing mean arterial pressure in the group administered with desflurane. No patients required reintubation due to myasthenic or cholinergic crisis, or respiratory failure. No other significant differences between the two groups studied were observed.Conclusion: Our experience indicates that anesthesia with desflurane plus remifentanil in patients with MG could determine a reversible muscle relaxation effect, but with no clinical implication, allowing a faster recovery with no difference in extubation time and post‐operative complications in the two groups.
Peritoneal albumin leakage: 2 year prospective cardiovascular event occurrence and patient survival analysis
Authors: ELSURER RENGIN , AFSAR BARIS , SEZER SIREN , OZDEMIR F NURHAN , HABERAL MEHMET 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARY:Aim:  High peritoneal transport status is a determinant of morbidity and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. It was hypothesized that 24 h peritoneal albumin leakage predicted 2 year prospective cardiovascular outcome and survival in patients receiving PD.Methods:  Sixty‐six patients were included. A simplified peritoneal equilibration test was performed and 24 h peritoneal albumin leakage was calculated. Patients were followed up for 2 years. Patient outcome (alive or dead) and occurrence of a cardiovascular event were recorded.Results:  During a 2 year follow‐up period, 10 (15.2%) patients had suffered from a cardiovascular event and seven (10.6%) patients had died. Patients who had suffered from a cardiovascular event during the follow up period were older (54.0 ± 9.4 years vs 44.3 ± 14.5 years, P = 0.025), had lower serum pre‐albumin concentrations (29.3 ± 10.0 g/dL vs 36.0 ± 9.2 g/dL, P = 0.034) and had higher 24 h peritoneal albumin leakage (median, 3.4 g/day (1.66–15.4 g/day) vs 2.4 g/day (0.76–7.31 g/day), P = 0.011) than patients who did not suffer from a cardiovascular event. In the Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis of factors which differed significantly between patients with and without a cardiovascular event (age, serum pre‐albumin and 24 h peritoneal albumin leakage), only advanced age (hazards ratio, 1.083; 95% confidence interval, 1.023–1.147, P = 0.006) was an independent predictor of a cardiovascular event.Conclusion:  In contrast to the hypothesis, 24 h peritoneal albumin leakage is not a predictor of 2 year prospective cardiovascular outcome and patient survival. Only advanced age independently predicts the occurrence of a cardiovascular event in patients receiving PD.
Predictors of poor outcomes in steroid therapy for immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: SHIMIZU ARI , TAKEI TAKASHI , UCHIDA KEIKO , TSUCHIYA KEN , NITTA KOSAKU 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYBackground:  Steroid therapy appears to be beneficial in patients of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), as it causes a reduction in the proteinuria and improves the renal survival.Methods:  A retrospective review of the 5 year follow‐up data of 60 patients with IgAN who were treated with steroids was conducted. Steroid non‐responders were defined as patients in whom the primary end‐point of a 30% decrease of the estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline was reached. The patients were divided into two groups, namely, the steroid responder group (n = 47) and the steroid non‐responder group (n = 13), and the clinicopathophysiological characteristics were compared between the two groups.Results:  Significant decrease of the proteinuria was observed in the responder group over the 5 year follow‐up period, whereas no significant change of the urinary protein excretion was observed in the non‐responder group during the same period. In regard to the pathological findings, significantly higher ratios of glomerular obsolescence and glomerular tuft adhesion to the Bowman's capsule, and significantly higher severity of interstitial fibrosis at the time of diagnosis in the non‐responder group than in the responder group were found. The rates of glomerular obsolescence and glomerular tuft adhesion to the Bowman's capsule, the severity of interstitial fibrosis, serum albumin and urinary protein excretion were identified as independent risk factors influencing the rate of renal function deterioration.Conclusion:  To develop effective therapeutic modalities, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the clinicopathophysiological characteristics of IgAN patients showing poor treatment response to steroids (non‐responder group in this study).
Accumulation of trehalose in response to desiccation and salt stress in the terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc commune
Authors: Sakamoto Toshio , Yoshida Takayuki , Arima Hiromi , Hatanaka Yuji , Takani Yayoi , Tamaru Yoshiyuki 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYChanges in photosynthetic activity and trehalose levels in field‐isolated, natural colonies of the terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc commune responding to desiccation and salt stress were investigated. As the water content decreased in N. commune colonies during desiccation, photosynthetic O2‐evolving activity decreased and no activity was detected in desiccated colonies. A high level of O2 evolution was restored in the colonies as they absorbed atmospheric moisture, indicating that only a small amount of water is required for reactivation of photosynthesis. No detectable trehalose was found in fully hydrated N. commune colonies; however, trehalose accumulation occurred in response to water loss during desiccation and high levels of trehalose were detected in the air‐dried colonies. Moreover, a 0.2 M NaCl treatment also induced trehalose accumulation to a level equivalent to that by desiccation. Photosynthetic O2 evolution was inhibited by 0.2 M NaCl, indicating that N. commune can tolerate only low levels of salt. These results suggest that cessation of photosynthesis and trehalose accumulation occur in response to both matric water stress (desiccation) and osmotic water stress (high salt concentration), and that while trehalose may be a less effective osmoprotective compound than others, it is important for the extreme tolerance to desiccation observed in terrestrial cyanobacterium.
Enrolment of patients to clinical trials in haematological cancer in New South Wales: current status, perceived barriers and opportunities for improvement
Authors: Murray P. , Kerridge I. , Tiley C. , Catanzariti A. , Welberry H. , Lean C. , Sinclair S. , Bishop J. , Bradstock K. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground: Enrolment of cancer patients in clinical trials is associated with significant positive outcomes. There are, however, limited Australian data on enrolment of patients with haematological malignancies to clinical trials.Aim: The aim of this study is to document the number of patients with haematological malignancies enrolled on clinical trials in NSW, to establish the barriers to trial recruitment and to examine possible means by which clinical trials participation may be improved.Methods: Quantitative data on clinical trial accrual were obtained from all sites participating in clinical trials in haematological malignancies in NSW from 2004 to 2007 and were compared with the cancer incidence data for that period. Qualitative data on barriers and strategies for improvement were gathered using semi‐structured interviews with clinical trials professionals from throughout NSW.Results: Between 2004 and 2007 there were significant increases in the number of active centres, clinical trials and trial participation, and by 2007, 10.5% of all eligible patients with haematological malignancies in NSW were enrolled in relevant clinical trials. Resource constraints were the greatest perceived barrier to participation, but the success of clinical trials is also challenged by difficulties associated with communication, ethics review, trial coordination, trial design and support for emerging centres.Conclusion: While participation in clinical trials in haematological cancer in NSW improved between 2004 and 2007, participation in clinical trials remains suboptimal. The development of specific strategies to address barriers to participation may facilitate increased enrolment and ultimately improve clinical outcomes in patients with haematological malignancies.
Measuring performance to drive improvement: development of a clinical indicator set for general medicine
Authors: Brand C. , Lam S. K. L. , Roberts C. , Gorelik A. , Amatya B. , Smallwood D. , Russell D. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground: There are delays in implementing evidence about effective therapy into clinical practice. Clinical indicators may support implementation of guideline recommendations.Aim: To develop and evaluate the short‐term impact of a clinical indicator set for general medicine.Methods: A set of clinical process indicators was developed using a structured process. The indicator set was implemented between January 2006 and December 2006, using strategies based on evidence about effectiveness and local contextual factors. Evaluation included a structured survey of general medical staff to assess awareness and attitudes towards the programme and qualitative assessment of barriers to implementation. Impact on documentation of adherence to clinical indicators was assessed by auditing a random sample of medical records before (2003–2005) and after (2006) implementation.Results: Clinical indicators were developed for the following areas: venous thromboembolism, cognition, chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, low trauma fracture, patient written care plans. The programme was well supported and incurred little burden to staff. Implementation occurred largely as planned; however, documentation of adherence to clinical indicators was variable. There was a generally positive trend over time, but for most indicators this was independent of the implementation process and may have been influenced by other system improvement activities. Failure to demonstrate a significant impact during the pilot phase is likely to have been influenced by administrative factors, especially lack of an integrative data documentation and collection process.Conclusion: Successful implementation in phase two is likely to depend upon an effective data collection system integrated into usual care.
Rolling contact fatigue mechanism of a plasma‐sprayed and laser‐remelted Ni alloy coating
Authors: ZHANG X. C. , XU B. S. , TU S. T. , XUAN F. Z. , ZHANG Y. K. , WANG H. D. , WU Y. X. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTThe rolling contact fatigue behaviour of the plasma‐sprayed and laser‐remelted Ni‐Cr‐B‐Si alloy coatings under two different tribological conditions of contact pressure was investigated. Two sets of fatigue‐life data of coatings were characterized by Weibull distributions. The failure mode of the coatings was identified on the basis of worn morphologies as observed at the surfaces of the failed coatings. The tribological mechanism leading to the formation of the fatigue spall was discussed on the basis of the subsurface morphologies observed in the failed coating. Experimental results showed that, the mean life and characteristic life of the coating decreased with increasing the contact pressure. The failure of the coatings can be termed as spalling‐type failure. A refined ‘ring‐crack model' was proposed to explain the formation of the fatigue spall. In the refined model, it was postulated that the joining of the ring‐type cracks and subsurface branched cracks was directly responsible for the spall formation.
Influence of water limitation on endogenous oxidative stress and cell death within unsaturated Pseudomonas putida biofilms
Authors: Chang Woo‐Suk , Li Xiaohong , Halverson Larry J. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryHere we examined how water limitation (matric stress) and high osmolarity (solute stress) influence the extent of endogenous oxidative stress and cell death patterns within Pseudomonas putida biofilms. The temporal dynamics and spatial organization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and dead cells in biofilms developed under water‐replete and solute stress conditions were similar to each other. Arrays of dead cells, typically one cell width in diameter, were distributed throughout the biofilm and occasionally they spanned the entire depth of the biofilm. These arrays of dead cells were not observed under water‐limiting conditions, although the extent of ROS accumulation and cell death was substantially greater. Despite the greater death rate under water‐limiting conditions, culturable population sizes were transiently maintained at levels comparable to those under water‐replete and solute stress conditions. There was greater spatial stratification of dead cells under water‐limiting than water‐replete conditions with viable cells primarily located at the air interface, which could facilitate cell dispersal following a wetting event. Under water‐limiting conditions, ROS accumulation is greater in an ΔalgD mutant compared with the wild type, suggesting that the exopolysaccharide alginate attenuates the extent of dehydration‐mediated oxidative stress. We conclude that endogenous ROS accumulation is correlated with cell death within P. putida biofilms, although mechanisms contributing to their accumulation may differ under water‐replete and water‐limiting conditions.