bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The historical spread of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. in France from herbarium records
Authors: Chauvel Bruno , Dessaint Fabrice , Cardinal‐Legrand Catherine , Bretagnolle François 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim  The problems in public health and field management in France caused by Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. require a better knowledge of the introduction and naturalization of this species in both the past and present.Location  France.Methods  The pattern of spread of A. artemisiifolia was investigated through the study of herbarium specimens. More than 1200 specimens were found in 58 herbaria and virtual herbaria in France and in bordering countries. The spread was analysed by mapping the localities for each 30‐year period since 1863. Specific indications as ‘new plant’ were used to determine the timing of the introduction of the species into a new area.Results  It seems that the spread of A. artemisiifolia is not linked to its presence in botanical gardens. The study of specimen labels indicates that this species has been introduced in France in seed crops at various independent geographical points and at various times since its introduction in natural habitats. Commercial trade and American troops have contributed to its spread.Main conclusions  The spread of the species in area and in time over France showed no clear front: new localities separated by large distances were colonized simultaneously. Cumulative numbers of localities show a continuous increase during the twentieth century. Herbarium specimens can be used to follow the spread of A. artemisiifolia.
Systematic position of copepods of the genus Achtheres (Crustacea: Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) parasitizing perch, Perca fluviatilis L., and zander, Sander lucioperca (L.)
Authors: Kempter J , Piasecki W , Więski K , Krawczyk B 
Published: January 2006

AbstractParasitic copepods of the genus Achtheres commonly infect perch, Perca fluviatilis, and zander, Sander lucioperca, in Europe. The aim of this study was to verify the specific identity of these copepods. The parasites were examined morphologically, biometrically and genetically. Statistical processing of the biometrical data was based on both empirical measurements and transformed data related to total length and genital trunk width. Principal component analysis was applied to both sets of data. DNA of both parasite ‘forms’ was amplified using two sets of primers (EU5.8S + EU18S and 18SF1 +28SR) and the products were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Morphological differences were found in the overall shape of the copepod bodies as well as in the details of the armament of some appendages. The morphometric study emphasized the importance of second maxillae and genital process as the variables most distinctly distinguishing the two ‘forms’. The two ‘forms’ of Achtheres differed in the DNA sequence amplified by one set of primers. RFLP revealed even more extensive differences between these two copepods. We concluded that the copepods parasitizing perch should be referred to as Achtheres percarum von Nordmann, 1832, whereas a long‐forgotten name, A. sandrae Gadd, 1901, should be applied to the copepods from zander.
Associations between Tomicus destruens and Leptographium spp. in Pinus pinea and P. pinaster stands in Tuscany, central Italy
Authors: Peverieri G. Sabbatini , Capretti P. , Tiberi R. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe association between Tomicus destruens and fungi of the genus Leptographium was studied in Pinus pinea and P. pinaster forests in Tuscany, central Italy. Fungi were isolated from adult beetles and from pine tissues from infested trees. On average, Leptographium spp. were associated with 18% of beetles in breeding galleries, 35% of emergent brood beetles and 18% of beetles undergoing maturation feeding in pine twigs. The fungal species most frequently identified were Leptographium wingfieldii and L. lundbergii while L. guttulatum and L. serpens were also found.
Population structure of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus within single Pinus thunbergii trees inoculated with two nematode isolates
Authors: Aikawa T. , Kikuchi T. , Kosaka H. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryA study was performed to clarify the population structure of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, within single Pinus thunbergii trees after double infection of nematode populations using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. Two nematode isolates, which had different levels or the same level of virulence, were inoculated into 6‐year‐old trees at the same or different times and then the propagated nematodes were collected from the trees after 1, 6 and 9 months. When a virulent and an avirulent isolate were inoculated into a single tree, an overwhelming propagation of the virulent isolate was observed there irrespective of the inoculation order of isolates or collection time of nematodes. However, when two virulent isolates were inoculated, propagation through the interbreeding between the two isolates was observed. In the case of the staggered inoculations with two virulent isolates, the frequency of nematodes with a PCR‐RFLP pattern of the primarily inoculated isolate increased with the time after nematode inoculations. This suggested that the population structure of B. xylophilus within a single tree varied by the virulence level of nematode populations transmitted and their transmission order.
Molecular‐based identification and phylogeny of Armillaria species from Serbia and Montenegro
Authors: Keča N. , Bodles W. J. A. , Woodward S. , Karadžić D. , Bojović S. 
Published: January 2006

Summary Armillaria causes problems of root rot, kill trees and decay wood in the forests of Serbia and Montenegro, but the species involved have not hitherto been identified. The aim of this study was to identify field isolates collected on 25 localities. Identification was based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of intergenic spacer 1 (IGS1) region and comparisons of IGS1 sequence with those available on NCBI database. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on sequence information from selected isolates to determine possible interrelationships between isolates with different banding patterns and previously identified tester isolates of five European Armillaria species. Five Armillaria species were identified in 90 isolates obtained from forests in Serbia and Montenegro. Armillaria gallica was most frequently isolated, followed by A. cepistipes, A. mellea, A. ostoyae and A. tabescens; two isolates remained unidentified. Restriction digestion of IGS1 amplification products with AluI produced 10 RFLP patterns. Patterns G4 (400, 250, 180) for A. gallica and pattern X (400, 180, 140) for isolates 74 and 79 are reported for the first time in European isolates. Eight RFLP patterns were observed after restriction with TaqI. Two patterns each were observed for A. ostoyae and A. gallica, and one each for A. cepistipes, A. mellea, A. tabescens and isolates 74 and 79. Parsimony analyses based on the IGS1 region placed the isolates into four clades: one including A. mellea, the second containing A. gallica–A. cepistipes isolates, while isolates of A. ostoyae and A. borealis were in the third clade. Armillaria tabescens differed from all annulate species. Phylogenetic analysis supported the conclusion that European Armillaria species are closely related and separated from a common ancestor in the near past. According to this survey five European Armillaria species are present in the forests of Serbia and Montenegro, while A. borealis is not present in the studied ecosystems.
Cysteinyl leukotrienes and leukotriene B4 mediate vasoconstriction to arginine vasopressin in rat basilar artery
Authors: Trandafir Cristina C , Nishihashi Tsuyoshi , Ji Xu , Wang Aimin , Kurahashi Kazuyoshi 
Published: January 2006

Summary1. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) has been reported to be involved in the development of cerebral vasospasm after haemorrhage and cerebral oedema following ischaemia. Endogenously produced 5‐lipoxygenase metabolites are able to contract isolated endothelium‐preserved arterial strips and modulate vascular permeability. The present study addresses the role of 5‐lipoxygenase and its products, namely cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) and leukotriene (LT) B4, in the contraction induced by AVP in rat basilar artery.2. Contractile responses to LTD4, LTC4, LTB4 or AVP were assessed in spiral preparations of rat endothelium‐intact basilar artery. Contractions to AVP were determined in the absence or presence of 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitors or CysLT1 or BLT receptor antagonists. Contractile responses to leukotrienes and AVP are expressed as a percentage of the contraction induced by 80 mmol/L KCl.3. Leukotriene D4, LTC4 and LTB4 acted as vasoconstrictor agents in rat basilar artery, causing contractions (all at concentrations of 1 µmol/L) of 42 ± 13, 54 ± 15 and 25 ± 6% of the response to 80 mmol/L KCl, respectively. A concentration–response curve was constructed for AVP over the range 1 pmol/L to 10 nmol/L and an EC50 value of 0.19 ± 0.02 nmol/L (n = 30) was determinted. The presence of the 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitors ZM 230487 (10 nmol/L and 0.1 and 1 µmol/L) and AA 861 (1, 3, 10, and 30 µmol/L), the CysLT1 receptor antagonist MK 571 (3, 10 and 30 µmol/L) or the BLT receptor antagonists CP 105696 and LY 255283 (3, 10 and 30 µmol/L for both) in the organ bath significantly attenuated the contractions induced by AVP in rat basilar artery (P < 0.05).4. The experimental results of the present study provide the first evidence for the involvement of CysLTs and LTB4 in the in vitro constriction induced by AVP in rat basilar artery. In the context of previously reported involvement of AVP in the development of cerebral vasospasm and oedema, the present study draws attention to the potential role played by the 5‐lipoxygenase pathway in these pathological processes.
The neuroprotective agent sipatrigine blocks multiple cardiac ion channels and causes triangulation of the ventricular action potential
Authors: Gao Zhan , Milnes James T , Choisy Stéphanie C M , Leach Michael J , Hancox Jules C , James Andrew F 
Published: January 2006

Summary1. Sipatrigine (BW 619C89), a blocker of neuronal Na+ and Ca2+ channels that is structurally related to lamotrigine, has been shown to be neuroprotective in models of cortical ischaemia. Although associated with cardiovascular effects in animal models in vivo, there is no published information concerning the effects of sipatrigine on cardiac ion currents and action potentials (AP).2. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of sipatrigine on the delayed rectifier currents (IKr and IKs), the inward rectifier current (IK1), the L‐type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) and the fast Na+ current (INa), as well as on AP duration at 30% (APD30) and 90% (APD90) repolarization, in guinea‐pig isolated ventricular myocytes.3. Each of the currents was inhibited by sipatrigine, demonstrating the drug to be a relatively broad‐spectrum blocker of cation channels in the heart. However, sipatrigine was a comparatively more potent inhibitor of IKr (IC50 = 0.85 µmol/L) and IKs (IC50 = 0.92 µmol/L) than of IK1 (IC50 = 5.3 µmol/L), ICa,L (IC50 = 6.0 µmol/L) and INa (IC50 = 25.5 µmol/L).4. Consistent with block of IKr, IKs and IK1, sipatrigine (1–30 µmol/L) produced a concentration‐dependent prolongation of APD90. Although lower concentrations of sipatrigine (≤ 3 µmol/L) caused APD30 prolongation, higher concentrations (≥ 10 µmol/L) shortened APD30, consistent with an involvement of ICa,L blockade. The contrasting effects of sipatrigine on APD30 and APD90 at higher concentrations resulted in a marked concentration‐dependent triangulation of the AP.5. The results of the present study demonstrate that sipatrigine, at concentrations previously shown to be neuroprotective in vitro, modulates cardiac K+, Ca2+ and Na+ currents and repolarization of the cardiac ventricular action potential.
Prevalence of Obesity in Sweden
Authors: Neovius M. , Janson A. , Rössner S. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryAlthough the prevalence of obesity in Sweden still is low in an international perspective, the development during the last decades is alarming in adults, adolescents and children alike. The prevalence of obesity [body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg m−2] in adults has doubled during the last two decades and is now approximately 10% in both men and women, according to estimates based on self‐reported BMI from repeated random samples of the population. However, prevalence estimates based on measured BMI from the WHO MONICA study indicate that the self‐reported data result in underestimates. In military conscripts, the prevalence of obesity (BMI > 30 kg m−2) almost quadrupled to 3.2% from 1971 to 1995, while the overweight fraction (BMI > 25 kg m−2) more than doubled to 16.3%. The development in younger age groups seems to be similar; the prevalence of overweight [International Obesity Task Force (IOTF)/Cole] in children aged 10 years in Gothenburg has doubled to 18% (2.9% obese) during the last decade, and similar figures have been reported in other studies. However, most reports on childhood overweight stem from the larger metropolitan areas, and hence may be underestimates because of the urban–rural influence on obesity‐status. Recent data from non‐urban areas in the northern part of Sweden estimate the prevalence of overweight (BMI > 20 kg m−2) in 10‐year‐olds to above 30%. In the most comprehensive study in children, including both rural and urban areas, BMI was measured among all children aged 10 years (n = 5517; 92.7% of the population) in the county of Ostergotland, and the prevalence of overweight (IOTF/Cole) was 22% in both boys and girls, of which 4% and 5% were obese respectively.
Development of microsatellite markers for the barley stem gall midge, Mayetiola hordei (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)
Authors: MEZGHANI‐KHEMAKHEM MAHA , VANLERBERGHE‐MASUTTI FLAVIE , MAKNI MOHAMED , CHAVIGNY PASCAL , MARRAKCHI MOHAMED , MAKNI HANEM 
Published: January 2006

AbstractTen microsatellites were isolated from the barley stem gall midge, Mayetiola hordei. Polymorphism at each locus was tested on 40 individual midges, among which 34 were collected on barley and six on wheat crops in Tunisia. Six loci were polymorphic with the number of alleles ranging from two to seven. The observed heterozygosity varied between 0.025 and 0.2. These microsatellite loci revealed a strong effect of host plant on the population genetic structure of M. hordei.
Microsatellite DNA markers for Plasmopara viticola, the causal agent of downy mildew of grapes
Authors: DELMOTTE F. , CHEN W. J. , RICHARD‐CERVERA S. , GREIF C. , PAPURA D. , GIRESSE X. , MONDOR‐GENSON G. , CORIO‐COSTET M. F. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMicrosatellite loci were isolated from Plasmopara viticola (Oomycetes), the causal agent of downy mildew of grape, one of the most damaging fungal diseases of grapevine worldwide. Seven polymorphic loci were obtained from an enriched partial genomic library. A low genetic diversity was observed at all loci, with a mean observed allele number of 3.75 and an observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.074 to 0.547. Cross‐amplification tests on three closely related taxa indicated that two loci could be used in other Oomycetes species. These microsatellite loci were proved to be useful for population genetic analysis.
An integrated vendor–buyer inventory model with perfect and monopolistic competitions: an educational note
Authors: Yang P. C. , Wee H. M. , Wee K. P. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractCustomers encountering shortages will respond differently according to the type of commodity and the market environment. Complete backordering is only likely to occur in a monopolistic competition, whereas a complete lost sale is only likely to occur in a perfect competition. In reality, neither market environment exists. Therefore, in an environment with perfect and monopolistic markets, the consideration of partial backordering is a practical approach. In this study, we develop an integrated vendor–buyer inventory model with perfect and monopolistic competitions. Significant cost reduction can be achieved when partial backordering is considered. The inventory model can therefore be used to study the effect of partial backordering in a competitive market.
Plexiform Fibrohistiocytic Tumor in Three Children
Authors: Jafarian Fatemeh , McCuaig Catherine , Kokta Victor , Hatami Afshin , Savard Pascal 
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor is a very rare fibrohistiocytic tumor of intermediate malignancy. It can occur at any age but is more prevalent in children and in young adults. Here we present the clinicopathologic findings of three girls with this tumor. The patients were 8 months, 14 months, and 7 years of age. They each presented with a solitary, nontender, subcutaneous nodule or plaque. Light microscopy and immunohistochemical study findings were compatible with plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor. We also review the previously published cases in the English‐language literature.
The Epidemiology of Childhood Alopecia Areata in China: A Study of 226 Patients
Authors: Xiao Feng‐Li , Yang Sen , Liu Jiang‐Bo , He Ping‐Ping , Yang Jie , Cui Yong , Yan Kai‐Lin , Gao Min , Liang Yan‐Hua , Zhang Xue‐Jun 
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  To study the clinical and epidemiologic profile of childhood alopecia areata, we performed a survey in which a total of 226 childhood patients less than 16 years old were enrolled. Statistical analysis and heritability were performed using EPI INFO 6.0, SPSS10.0, and the Falconer method. The median age of onset was 10 years. The majority of patients (84.96%) presented with limited alopecia. The male : female ratio was 1.4:1. Boys appeared to have more severe involvement. The earlier the age of onset, the greater the severity of the disease. Sixty‐seven patients (29.65%) had previous episodes of alopecia areata. Greater severity and longer duration were seen in the relapsing patients than in the primary patients. Six patients (2.65%) had an associated disease. A positive family history was reported in 25 patients (11.06%). The prevalence figures for alopecia areata in first‐, second‐, and third‐degree relatives of the probands were 2.87%, 0.40%, and 0.13%, respectively. The heritabilities of AA in first‐, second‐, and third‐degree relatives were 51.20%, 46.25%, and 25.65%, respectively. It can be speculated that the effect of genetic factors is important in the occurrence of this disease.
Slow Pathway Ablation for Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Using a Right Internal Jugular Vein Approach: A Case Series
Authors: SALEM YASSER S. , BURKE MARIN C. , KIM SUSAN S. , MORADY FRED , KNIGHT BRADLEY P. 
Published: January 2006

Background: Inferior venous access to the right heart is not possible in some patients due to congenital or acquired obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Although right‐sided electrophysiology procedures have been performed successfully in patients with a previously placed IVC filter by direct placement of catheters through the filter, an alternative approach is necessary in some patients.
Methods: This case series describes three patients with an IVC filter who underwent successful ablation of the slow pathway for typical atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia using a superior vena cava (SVC) approach via the right internal jugular (IJ) vein. Two separate introducer sheaths were placed into the IJ vein using separate punctures. This permitted placement of a standard deflectable ablation catheter and an additional catheter in the right atrium to monitor for ventriculoatrial conduction during the junctional rhythm associated with ablation of the slow AV nodal pathway.
Results: Catheter ablation was successful in each patient. The number of radiofrequency current applications was 7, 17, and 27. There were no procedural complications and no patient had recurrent tachycardia during follow‐up.
Conclusions: Catheter ablation of the slow AV nodal pathway can be performed successfully and safely in patients with inferior venous barriers to the right heart using an SVC approach via the right IJ vein.
Narrow band Ultraviolet B 311 nm in the treatment of vitiligo: two right–left comparison studies
Authors: El Mofty M. , Mostafa W. , Esmat S. , Youssef R. , Azzam O. , Hunter N. , El Hanafi G. , Fawzi M. 
Published: January 2006

Aim: Evaluation of narrow band ultraviolet B (NB UVB 311 nm) in the treatment of vitiligo by two independent studies. The first study compared NB UVB with a well‐established therapeutic modality, psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA), and the second study was conducted to find out whether psoralen might add to its efficacy.Methods: In the first study, 15 patients were exposed on the left half of their body to UVB 311 nm and then exposed on their right half to UVA after ingestion of psoralen. In the second study, 20 patients were exposed to UVB 311 nm on the left side of the body, followed by ingestion of psoralen and exposure to NB UVB 311 nm 90 min later to the right side of the body. In both studies, while exposing one side, the other was protected by an UV‐proof gown. Thus two right–left comparative studies were carried out simultaneously, namely: UVB 311 nm vs. PUVA and UVB 311 nm vs. PUVB 311 nm.Results: In the first study, comparison of PUVA and NB UVB 311 nm showed no difference either in the degree of response or in the incidence of complications. In the second study, comparison of PUVB and UVB showed equal clinical improvement on both sides. The cumulative dose needed to achieve the same response on the PUVB side was lower than that on the UVB side, but the difference was not statistically significant. The incidence of phototoxic reactions was significantly higher on the PUVB treated body half.Conclusion: NB UVB 311 nm has similar repigmentary effects as PUVA. The addition of psoralen does not increase its efficacy.
Relationship between dementia and length of stay of general medical patients admitted to acute care
Authors: King Bellinda , Jones Catherine , Brand Caroline 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  To determine the contributing factors that lead to increased length of stay (LOS) of patients with dementia.Methods:  A case‐controlled study in a tertiary metropolitan hospital general medical unit was conducted. Patients were aged 65 and over, 26 cases with dementia were identified and 26 controls without dementia were randomly selected.Results:  The mean (± SD) LOS for patients with dementia was significantly longer than for those without dementia (20.59 ± 15.38 days vs. 9.6 ± 6.45 days, P = 0.02). In addition to dementia, severity of illness, referral to the aged care assessment team, and day of week admitted were also significant independent predictors of increased LOS.Conclusion:  Reasons for increased LOS of patients with dementia remain unclear. Cognitive impairment due to dementia is likely to increase within the context of an increasing and ageing population. Specific strategies may be required within in‐hospital clinical pathways to assist the needs of this group.