bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross‐reactivity of Anisakis simplex: possible role of Ani s 2 and Ani s 3
Authors: Guarneri Fabrizio , Guarneri Claudio , Benvenga Salvatore 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground  Anisakis simplex is a fish parasite that can cause allergy in humans. The multiple cross‐reactivities of this nematode make diagnostic tests for allergy unreliable, because of frequent false‐positive results. To date, only four allergens of A. simplex have been characterized, but their role in cross‐reactivity is largely unknown.Methods  We performed an amino acid sequence homology analysis, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) criteria, to identify allergens likely to be cross‐reactive with Ani s 2 (paramyosin) and Ani s 3 (tropomyosin) of A. simplex. Next, within segments shared by Ani s 2 or Ani s 3 and homologous proteins, we searched for the occurrence of binding motifs of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles (DRB1*1502, DQB1*0601, or DRB1*0404) known to be genetic risk factors for the development of allergy to A. simplex.Results  We identified a number of proteins belonging to various organisms, which are significantly similar to (and therefore are likely to cross‐react with) Ani s 2 and Ani s 3. The presence of binding motifs of HLA DRB1*0404 in Ani s 2, Ani s 3, and homolog proteins also supports our hypothesis.Conclusions  Our results provide a possible molecular explanation of some cross‐reactivities reported for A. simplex, and suggest additional ones.
Decision aids in routine practice: lessons from the breast cancer initiative
Authors: Silvia Kerry A. , Sepucha Karen R. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground  Many decision aids have been developed to help patients make treatment and screening decisions; however, little is known about implementing them into routine clinical practice.Objective  To assess the feasibility of implementing a patient decision aid (PtDA) for the early stage breast cancer surgical decision into routine clinical care.Design  Structured individual interviews.Setting and participants  A convenience sample of providers from nine sites, including two community resource centres, a community hospital and six academic centres.Main outcome measures  Usage data, barriers to and resources for implementing the PtDAs.Results  Six of the nine sites were using the PtDAs with patients. Two sites were primarily using a scheduling system and four sites relied on a lending system. For the academic centres, the keys to successful implementation included integrating the PtDA into the flow of patients through the centre and having physicians who recommended it to patients. At the community centres, the keys to successful implementation included an informed staff and the flexibility to get the PtDAs to patients in different ways. Barriers that limited or prevented sites from using the PtDA included a lack of clinical support, a lack of system support, competing priorities and scheduling problems.Conclusions  It is feasible to implement a breast cancer PtDA into routine clinical care at academic centres and community resource centres. Future research should assess the effectiveness of PtDAs in routine clinical care as well as resources and barriers to their implementation in community hospitals.
Behavioural Response of Bats to Perceived Predation Risk While Foraging
Authors: Baxter Daniel J. M. , Psyllakis Jennifer M. , Gillingham Michael P. , O'Brien Erin L. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe ability to detect and respond to predation risk while foraging may have important fitness consequences for prey organisms. Anti‐predator behaviours may reduce the probability of mortality because of predation, but they may also be associated with reduced foraging efficiency. Several behaviours of bats have been suggested to serve as anti‐predator responses, and there is evidence that predation, particularly by avian predators such as owls, may be an important cause of bat mortality. Previous studies have attempted to determine whether predator presence affects bat behaviour when emerging from roost sites, but few have examined effects of predator presence on bat behaviour while foraging. In this study, we investigated whether foraging bats respond to predator cues by presenting bats with an acoustic cue simulating the presence of an owl. Within matched trials, which were conducted at different locations each of 18 nights, significantly fewer bat detections were recorded at owl playback stations than at control stations (no auditory cue), suggesting an avoidance response by bats. An acoustic control (i.e. station playing woodpecker calls), however, did not have significantly more detections than the stations playing the owl calls, suggesting that bats may simply be avoiding noise and more detailed investigation is warranted. Although evidence for owl predation on bats is minimal in North America, results of this study may indicate that the perceived presence of owls may represent a factor influencing the behaviour of bats while foraging.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Slovak Isolate of Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV) Provides Further Evidence of a Close Molecular Relationship Among Central European ZYMV Isolates*
Authors: Glasa M. , Pittnerová S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe complete nucleotide sequence of a Slovak isolate of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV‐Kuchyna) was determined. The viral genome contains 9593 nucleotides, excluding the poly(A) tail, and encodes a putative polyprotein of 3080 amino acid residues. All characteristic motifs of potyviral proteins’ fundamental viral properties and vector transmission are conserved in the ZYMV‐Kuchyna genome. The entire sequence shares identities of 90.4–98.8% and 78–98.8% with 12 sequenced ZYMV isolates at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete capsid protein (CP) sequences of more than 50 geographically different ZYMV isolates has shown that Central European isolates are closely related and form a phylogenetically homogeneous group.
Molecular Detection of Verticillium dahliae Kleb. in Asymptomatic Olive Trees
Authors: Karajeh M. R. , Masoud S. A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractTo test and compare the sensitivity of single and nested PCR‐based assays with a standard plating procedure in detecting the infection of Verticillium dahliae, especially in asymptomatic olive trees at different tree heights, two symptomatic and two asymptomatic V. dahliae‐infected trees were sampled during the period of the minimal V. dahliae activity in olive tissues in summer at 10, 40, 70, 100, and 130 cm heights from the trunk base. The branch samples were subjected for standard plating and DNA extraction and amplification by V. dahliae‐specific single and nested PCR oligonucleotide primers derived from the internal transcribed spacer regions of nuclear ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes of V. dahliae. The single PCR‐based assay was highly sensitive compared with the standard plating detecting V. dahliae at most tree heights. More detection of V. dahliae was in symptomatic trees than asymptomatic trees and the intensity of the PCR decreased with increasing distance from the trunk base. The nested PCR allowed more specific amplification of V. dahliae than did the single PCR resulting in detecting the fungus in all heights of the asymptomatic trees. The single or nested PCR‐based assays could be used as a powerful diagnostic tool to detect V. dahliae latent infection in olive trees before symptom development and disease spread to newly established orchards.
Effects of Seasonal and Physiological Variations on the Serum Chemistry, Vitamins and Thyroid Hormone Concentrations in Sheep
Authors: Yokus B. , Cakir D. U. , Kanay Z. , Gulten T. , Uysal E. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of the reproductive status and seasonal variations on the serum chemistry and vitamin status and their relationships with the thyroid hormones in Sakiz‐Awassi crossbreed sheep. The sheep (n = 34) were divided into two groups. The first group (n = 22) was mated; the second group (n = 12) was not mated. Their serum samples were collected four times a year at the each season and under reproductive status. The periods are 1, early pregnancy (October); 2, late pregnancy (January); 3, lactation (April); and 4, dry season (July). The results of this study indicated that (1) total protein (TP), globulin, cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid and T4/T3 vary with reproductive status but not seasonal variations; (2) alanine aminotransferase, T4, fT4 concentrations in serum vary only with reproductive status; (3) the urea, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, amylase, albumin, triglyceride, VLDL, Vit A–E, T3 and fT3 concentration could vary with both reproductive status and seasonal variations; (4) the glucose,γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, folate concentrations were altered neither season of the year nor the reproductive status; (5) a single reference interval for folate,γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glucose, TP, globulin, cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid and T4/T3 can be used for both mated and non‐mated sheep because of no differences were found due to the reproductive status. Taking the results together suggests that reproductive status and seasonal variations have to be taken into consideration for a correct interpretation of the serum chemistry values of sheep. Nutritional supplements are required for sheep during certain periods to avoid a decline of their performance, which would then represent consequent economic, loses.
Effects of Age and Reproductive Stage on Certain Serum Biochemical Parameters of Chios Sheep Under Greek Rearing Conditions
Authors: Roubies N. , Panousis N. , Fytianou A. , Katsoulos P. D. , Giadinis N. , Karatzias H. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to determine the normal ranges of the most commonly used serum biochemical parameters of sheep reared under Greek breeding conditions, as well as to test for the effects of the age and reproductive status of the animals on the normal values of these parameters. In total, 200 clinically healthy Chios sheep from 10 farms were used in the experiment. For the determination of the effect of age 150 sheep were assigned in three groups. Group A consisting of 50 lambs aged 2–6 months (mean ± SD: 4.15 ± 1.08), group B of 50 non‐pregnant ewes into lactation aged 1–3 years (mean ± SD: 2.12 ± 0.86) and group C of 50 non‐pregnant ewes into lactation aged more than 3 years (mean ± SD: 5.98 ± 1.66). For evaluating the effect of reproductive status 50 pregnant ewes in dry period were used, 15–30 days before the expected day of lambing (group D), along with the 100 non‐pregnant ewes into lactation of groups B and C (group E). Blood sampling was performed once, in dry ewes from December to January, and in lambs and lactating ewes from March to May. The results showed that of the 14 biochemical parameters determined in serum, six were significantly affected by the age and eight by the reproductive stage of the animals.
Intestinal Cryptosporidiosis in Turkeys in Iran
Authors: Gharagozlou M. J. , Dezfoulian O. , Rahbari S. , Bokaie S. , Jahanzad I. , Razavi A. N. E. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryNaturally occurring cryptosporidiosis is reported in turkey poults suffering from diarrhoea and unthriftness in Iran. Histological and ultrastructural studies revealed high number of Cryptosporidium developmental stages mainly located in the mid and terminal portions of small intestine of the poults. Other portions of the intestinal tract were less frequently infected. Oocyst shedding was detected only in 29% of the histologically positive birds. Based on host species, clinical signs, pathology and tissue location of the parasites, Cryptosporidium meleagridis was most likely responsible for these infections. This parasite was also reported recently in a child with diarrhoea in Iran.
Medial meniscus posterior root attachment injury and degeneration: MRI findings
Authors: Jones AO , Houang MTW , Low RS , Wood DG 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe posterior root attachment of the medial meniscus is readily identifiable on MRI. Unless specifically reviewed, injuries involving this structure may be overlooked. Significant meniscal root pathology may cause functional incompetence of the meniscus, with consequent early onset cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis. This review article emphasizes the importance of positive identification of an intact meniscal root and illustrates the known association of meniscal root injury or tear with medial extrusion of the medial meniscus by greater than 3 mm beyond the joint margin.
Stratification of radiological test ordering: Its usefulness in reducing unnecessary tests with consequential reduction in costs
Authors: Phan TD , Lau KKP , De Campo J 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThis study examines the effectiveness of an automated, stratified system of radiological test ordering, known as ‘Traffic Lights’, in reducing the number of unnecessary tests and their associated costs. The system involves stratification of radiological tests into three groups, denoted by red, amber and green colours. ‘Red’ tests must be authorized by a consultant. ‘Amber’ tests must be signed by a registrar or authorized by a consultant. ‘Green’ tests can be ordered directly by residents or interns. In the 4 months after the introduction of ‘Traffic Lights’, each radiological method showed a reduction in both the number of tests and their associated costs. The reduction was consistent across both medical and surgical groups. Analysis of data 20 months immediately after the introduction of ‘Traffic Lights’ also showed a consistent reduction in the total number of tests, suggesting that the changes are sustainable and unlikely to be due to seasonal variation. Combined with evidence‐based medicine protocols, this stratified system of radiological test ordering should ensure the safety, quality and appropriateness of imaging tests and minimize overall patient radiation dose.
Diagnostic error due to vicarious excretion of rectal iodinated contrast
Authors: Low VHS , Chu BK 
Published: July 2006

SummaryIntroduction of iodinated contrast into the intact colon is not expected to result in imaging‐visible renal excretion of this contrast and is a phenomenon that has only rarely been described. We present a case in which such vicarious renal excretion was misinterpreted as a recto‐vesical fistula which resulted in unnecessary delay in the patient’s management.
Solid and cystic papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas in an 11‐year‐old girl: Imaging features with pathological correlation
Authors: Thambugala GM , Pereira J , Sugo E , Henry G , Cohn RJ 
Published: July 2006

SummarySolid and cystic papillary epithelial neoplasms (SCPEN) of the pancreas are rare tumours seen in young women. Pancreatic masses in children are extremely rare and SCPEN should be considered in the radiological differential diagnosis. Although there have been many series of SCPEN reported in the published literature in adults, only two series have focused on paediatric patients. The radiological and histopathological features of SCPEN in a paediatric patient are presented.
Direct sac puncture and N‐butyl cyanoacrylate embolization of medial canthal arteriovenous malformation supplied by the external carotid artery and the internal carotid artery branches
Authors: Phadke RV , Diwakar H , Mohan S , Parihar A , Singh T 
Published: July 2006

SummaryWe report a periorbital arteriovenous fistula that was treated with direct sac puncture N‐butyl cyanoacrylate embolization under controlled inflow and outflow. The efficacy of this technique in a periorbital lesion is discussed.
Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava
Authors: Bonura A , Saade C , Sharma P 
Published: July 2006

SummaryLeiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava is a rare primary tumour. We present a case report of a 67‐year‐old man with a long history of abdominal pain and gastroesophageal reflux, who was found to have a large retroperitoneal mass confirmed to be a leiomyosarcoma. The clinical and imaging features are outlined, and in addition the treatment and prognosis.
Nodding off or switching off? The use of popular media as a sleep aid in secondary‐school children
Authors: Eggermont Steven , Van den Bulck Jan 
Published: July 2006

Aim:  To describe the use of media as a sleep aid in adolescents and relate this to their sleep routines and feelings of tiredness.Methods:  A questionnaire about using media as a sleep aid, media presence in bedrooms, time to bed and time out of bed on average weekdays and average weekend days, and questions regarding level of tiredness in the morning, at school, after a day at school and after the weekend was completed by 2546 seventh and 10th grade children in a random sample of 15 schools.Results:  Of the adolescents, 36.7% reported watching television to help them fall asleep. In total, 28.2% of the boys and 14.7% of the girls used computer games as a sleep aid. Music was used to fall asleep by 60.2% of the adolescents in this sample. About half of the adolescents read books to fall asleep. Except for reading books, using media as a sleep aid is negatively related to respondents’ time to bed on weekdays, their number of hours of sleep per week and their self‐reported level of tiredness.Conclusion:  Using media as a sleep aid appears to be common practice among adolescents. Those who reported using music, television, and computer games more often as a sleeping aid slept fewer hours and were significantly more tired.
Impacts of differential consumption by the grazing fish, Plecoglossus altivelis, on the benthic algal composition in the Chikuma River, Japan
Authors: Abe Shin‐ichiro , Kiso Katsuhiro , Katano Osamu , Yamamoto Satoshi , Nagumo Tamotsu , Tanaka Jiro 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARYGrazing effects of ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis Temminck et Schegel, on the benthic algal assemblages were investigated in the Chikuma River, Japan. Comparison of the algal composition on boulders with and without intensively grazed patches indicated that fish grazing decreased the abundance of diatoms and prostrate filamentous cyanobacteria and caused upright filamentous cyanobacteria to predominate. Differential consumption by ayu was estimated by comparing the relative abundance of algae in the stomach contents of ayu and that in the algal assemblages within the grazed patches. The results showed that ayu consumed the prostrate filamentous cyanobacteria proportionally to their abundance, whereas they ingested diatoms and the upright filamentous cyanobacteria in a larger and lower quantity, respectively, than that expected from their abundance. Differential consumption would involve the change in the algal composition toward the predominance of upright filamentous cyanobacteria under fish grazing conditions.
Ultrastructural and immunocytological studies on the rhizoplast in the chrysophycean alga Ochromonas danica
Authors: Uemori Chihiro , Nagasato Chikako , Kato Atsushi , Motomura Taizo 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARYThe rhizoplast, a striated band elongating from the flagellar basal body to the nucleus, is conspicuous in cells of Ochromonas danica Prings. In interphase cells, it runs from the basal body of the anterior flagellum to the space between the nucleus and the Golgi body. In O. danica, the rhizoplast duplicates during mitosis and the two rhizoplasts serve as mitotic poles. In the present study, we reinvestigated mitosis of O. danica using transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy, especially focusing on the rhizoplast. The nuclear envelope became dispersed during metaphase, and the rhizoplasts from two sets of the flagellar basal bodies functioned as the mitotic poles. Immunofluorescence microscopy using anti‐α‐tubulin, anti‐centrin and anti‐γ‐tubulin antibodies showed that centrin molecules were localized at the flagellar basal bodies, whereas γ‐tubulin molecules were detected at the rhizoplast during the whole cell cycle.
Ultrasonographic guidance in pediatric regional anesthesia. Part 2: techniques
Authors: ROBERTS STEVE 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe benefits of regional anesthesia are well documented. The downsides of such techniques have been a significant failure rate and a potential for serious complications. Nearly, all regional blocks were first described as essentially ‘blind’ techniques. The development of high‐resolution portable ultrasound (US) has made the use of US for regional anesthesia possible. Improved understanding of sonographic anatomy should lessen both the failure rate and the possibility of incurring serious complications. Natural caution has dictated that only a selection of blocks used in adults has been commonly used in pediatric practice, but with the aid of US, the repertoire of blocks for infants and children may be widened. The second part of this review will concentrate on the practice of both peripheral and central blocks.
A geometric morphometric analysis of the shape of the first upper molar in mice of the genus Mus (Muridae, Rodentia)
Authors: Macholán M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPhenotypic variation in the shape of the first upper molar among 595 mice, representing nine extant and three extinct taxa of the genus Mus, was studied with thin‐plate spline analysis. The reliability of classification of individual specimens into known groups based on their molars varied from 75 to 100%, depending on group and method used. Including 13 sliding semilandmarks to the analysis improved the detection of different kinds of size and shape variation as well as visualization of shape differences between studied groups. Correlation between phylogenetic and morphometric distances suggested about 80% contribution of phylogenetic inertia to the molar shape variation; moreover, the importance of localized versus global shape changes was similar in the detection of phylogenetic signals. Finally, shape changes along individual evolutionary lineages were revealed, suggesting a few cases of reversals, convergence and/or retention of ancestral shape. The evolution of mouse molars has thus been driven by random effects of drift together with stabilizing selection and convergence.
The peninsula effect on bird species in native eucalypt forests in a wood production landscape in Australia
Authors: Tubelis D. P. , Lindenmayer D. B. , Cowling A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe peninsula effect – a decrease in species richness from the base to the tip of a peninsula – has been tested for a diverse range of taxa at continental and regional scales. We investigated the peninsula effect at a local scale by examining bird species occurrence in riparian strips (peninsulas) of native eucalypt forest within a radiata pine plantation in the Tumut region, south‐eastern Australia. Peninsulas were elongated but ‘blind’ extensions of a core area of native eucalypt forest. Birds were surveyed by the area search method, within 1.0‐ha quadrats established along peninsulas (n=14), in October and November 2002. Data were analysed using generalized linear mixed models. A significant decrease in bird species richness from the base towards the tip of the peninsulas was observed. The proportion of large bird species recorded per quadrat showed a significant decrease from the base towards the tip of the peninsulas. This pattern was not observed for small birds. Several species were more abundant at the base of the peninsulas than away from the core area of eucalypt forest. The peninsula effect can occur locally in landscape mosaics. Factors leading to the observed patterns of species occurrence may be distinct from those proposed in investigations of the peninsula effect with a biogeographical (macroscale) context. In our microscale study, foraging incursions of individual birds from the core area of native forest through peninsulas were a major factor giving rise to higher bird species richness in the more basal portions of peninsulas.