bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fungi associated with a natural epizootic in Fiorinia externa Ferris (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) populations
Authors: Marcelino J. A. P. , Gouli S. , Giordano R. , Gouli V. V. , Parker B. L. , Skinner M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractStands of eastern hemlock [(Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière] in the northeastern United States are in decline, in part from the attack of elongate hemlock scale, Fiorinia externa Ferris (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). From 2001 to the present, a natural epizootic has been observed in populations of F. externa. Initially discovered at the Mianus River Gorge Preserve in Bedford, New York, the epizootic has also been detected in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut. Understanding and assessing the identity of the pathogenic micro‐organisms responsible for this natural mortality is crucial for developing biological controls for this pest. We have isolated and taxonomically and genetically identified entomopathogens, phytopathogens and endophytic fungi associated with F. externa. Isolates of the following were obtained: Colletotrichum sp., Lecanicillium lecanii, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhiziopsis microspora, Myriangium sp., Mycosphaerella sp. anamorph, Nectria sp., Botrytis sp., Phialophora sp. and Fusarium sp.
Evaluating Tripsacum‐introgressed maize germplasm after infestation with western corn rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Prischmann D. A. , Dashiell K. E. , Schneider D. J. , Eubanks M. W. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) is a valuable commodity throughout the world, but corn rootworms (Chrysomelidae: Diabrotica spp.) often cause economic damage and increase production costs. Current rootworm management strategies have limitations, and in order to create viable management alternatives, researchers have been developing novel maize lines using Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides L.) germplasm, a wild relative of maize that is resistant to rootworms. Ten maize Tripsacum‐introgressed inbred lines derived from recurrent selection of crosses with gamagrass and teosinte (Zea diploperennis Iltis) recombinants and two public inbred lines were assessed for susceptibility to western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) and yield in a two‐year field study. Two experimental maize inbred lines, SDG11 and SDG20, had mean root damage ratings that were significantly lower than the susceptible public line B73. Two other experimental maize inbred lines, SDG12 and SDG6, appeared tolerant to rootworm damage because they exhibited yield increases after rootworm infestation in both years. In the majority of cases, mean yield per plant of experimental maize lines used in yield analyses was equal to or exceeded that of the public inbred lines B73 and W64A. Our study indicates that there is potential to use Tripsacum‐introgressed maize germplasm in breeding programs to enhance plant resistance and/or tolerance to corn rootworms, although further research on insect resistance and agronomic potential of this germplasm needs to be conducted in F1 hybrids.
A new culture method for lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus
Authors: Rice S. J. , Lambkin T. A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA new culture method for lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), was developed to provide large numbers of adult lesser mealworms of approximately the same age for insecticide resistance testing. Culturing entailed allowing 100 adults to reproduce for 4 days in a wheat‐based culture medium contained inside a plastic culture box, removing the adults from the medium, and then rearing their progeny to adulthood therein, in approximately 56 days at 32°C and 55% RH. During their development, progeny were supplied water via apple slices at 0, 21 and 35 days, and a foam substrate in which to pupate, also at 35 days. During 2004–2005, adult lesser mealworms were collected from six broiler‐house populations and then cultured with this method. Each population produced 4500 adults required to complete resistance testing with one insecticide within ten culture boxes, at an average of 798 adults per culture box.
Effect of temperature on development and survival of immature stages of Bactrocera invadens (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Rwomushana I. , Ekesi S. , Ogol C. K. P. O. , Gordon I. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe development and survival of immature stages of Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta and White (Dipt.: Tephritidae), a new invasive fruit fly pest in Africa, was studied in the laboratory at five constant temperatures of 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C and 35°C and photoperiod of L12:D12. The developmental time of eggs was 5.71 days at 15°C, decreasing to 1.24 days at 35°C. Larval development periods decreased from 35.95 days at 15°C to 6.64 days at 35°C. Pupal development at 15°C took 34.08 days while no adults emerged at 35°C, this being the most lethal temperature. The longest total development period occurred at 15°C (75.74 days) and was shortest at 30°C (17.76 days). The linear model provided a reliable fit of development rates vs. temperature for the immature stages. Lower developmental thresholds that were estimated from linear regression equations for the egg, larva and pupal stages were 8.8, 9.4 and 8.7, respectively. Total degree‐day (DD) accumulation was estimated at 376 DD for development from egg to adult emergence. The highest adult survival given as the mean of emergence from a cohort of 50 eggs occurred at 20–30°C. At the egg stage, survivorship was highest at 20–30°C and at the larva and pupa stages, it was at 25°C. The practical implication of the findings is discussed in relation to mass rearing of B. invadens and understanding its biology and ecology.
Suitability of the tomato borer Tuta absoluta as prey for Macrolophus pygmaeus and Nesidiocoris tenuis
Authors: Urbaneja A. , Montón H. , Mollá O. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe tomato borer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lep.: Gelechiidae), is an important tomato pest native to South America, which appeared in eastern Spain at the end of 2006. Prey suitability of T. absoluta eggs and larval instars was examined under laboratory conditions to evaluate whether two indigenous predators, Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur) and Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Hem.: Miridae), can adapt to this invasive pest. Both predators preyed actively on T. absoluta eggs and all larval stages, although they preferred first‐instar larvae. Our results demonstrate that both mirids can adapt to this invasive pest, contributing to their value as biological control agents in tomato crops.
Infectious endophthalmitis: clinical features, management and visual outcomes
Authors: Fan Jennifer C , Niederer Rachael L , Von Lany Hirut , Polkinghorne Philip J 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim:  To identify the clinical features and outcomes of infectious endophthalmitis in New Zealand.Methods:  A retrospective review was performed on all patients presenting at Auckland Public Hospital with presumed infectious endophthalmitis between 1996 and 2004.Results:  One hundred and six patients were diagnosed with infectious endophthalmitis over the 9‐year study period. More than half the infections occurred in the perioperative setting (58.5%), with the next most common group being patients with a history of ocular trauma (18.9%). Endogenous endophthalmitis accounted for 16.0% of the cases while a small percentage arose from other causes. The mean interval between the onset of symptoms and presentation was 4.2 ± 7.9 days. There was no significant difference in outcomes between clinical settings (P = 0.616) or between gram‐positive, gram‐negative and fungal infections (P = 0.090). Evisceration/enucleation was more likely in Pacific peoples and those with poor presenting visual acuity.Conclusions:  The most common clinical scenario for patients presenting with presumed infectious endophthalmitis in this series was in the perioperative setting. We did not find that the prognosis was influenced by the microbiological isolate or clinical setting. However, those patients presenting with poor acuities typically had the worst outcomes. Pacific ethnicity was also associated with increased rate of complications.
Butterflies and black lacy patterns: the prevalence and characteristics of Charles Bonnet hallucinations in an Australian population
Authors: Vukicevic Meri , Fitzmaurice Kerry 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:  Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is characterized by vivid, elaborate and recurrent visual hallucinations in psychologically normal people. It most often occurs in older, visually impaired persons. The prevalence of the syndrome has been reported at 1–40% in Asia, Europe and North America. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of CBS in the older aged, visually impaired population in Australia.Methods:  Two hundred consecutive patients attending ophthalmology clinics aged more than 60 years with best‐corrected visual acuity of 6/12 or less were screened for CBS. Those who reported experiencing visual hallucinations were asked to participate in the project. They were then interviewed and asked demographic, general health and visual hallucination‐related questions. A group of 30 non‐hallucinating participants was chosen for comparison of demographic data.Results:  The prevalence was found to be 17.5%. Participants experiencing hallucinations were predominantly female with a mean age of 77.7 years. Correlations were found between the living situation, level of education and characteristics of the hallucinations such as the duration, length of time the participant had been experiencing them and their frequency.Conclusion:  The prevalence of CBS in the older‐aged, low‐vision population is 17.5%. Several demographic and syndrome‐specific characteristics were found to be consistent enabling a profile of a CBS sufferer in this group of participants to be compiled.
Australian Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of ocular and periocular Melanoma: an evidence‐based literature analysis
Authors: Skalicky Simon E , Holt Phoebe E , Giblin Michael , Taylor Simon , Conway R Max 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:  With recent advances in the diagnosis and management of ocular and periocular melanoma, many of which are based on results from randomized control trials, there is an increasing need for an evidence‐based review of the literature for the Australasian population. The Australian Cancer Network has recently redeveloped the evidence‐based Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Melanoma, including a chapter on ocular melanoma. These are the first evidence‐based guidelines on ocular melanoma to be created by the Australian Cancer Network.Methods:  The primary research questions were formed and a detailed literature search was undertaken. Each relevant article was assessed and graded I–IV according to the level of evidence. Articles were grouped into bodies of evidence which were then assessed.Results:  A total of 107 relevant articles were identified and grouped into 12 bodies of evidence. Guidelines based on this analysis were formulated and graded. These are presented below.Conclusions:  The management of ocular melanoma has benefited from recent advances in imaging, molecular biology and cytogenetics, and tumours today are detected earlier and with greater accuracy than 25 years ago. With improved treatment ocular and periocular melanomas can be controlled locally, with good preservation of vision in many patients. However, there remains no cure for metastatic disease.
Obesity Policy Action framework and analysis grids for a comprehensive policy approach to reducing obesity
Authors: Sacks G. , Swinburn B. , Lawrence M. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryA comprehensive policy approach is needed to control the growing obesity epidemic. This paper proposes the Obesity Policy Action (OPA) framework, modified from the World Health Organization framework for the implementation of the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, to provide specific guidance for governments to systematically identify areas for obesity policy action. The proposed framework incorporates three different public health approaches to addressing obesity: (i) ‘upstream’ policies influence either the broad social and economic conditions of society (e.g. taxation, education, social security) or the food and physical activity environments to make healthy eating and physical activity choices easier; (ii) ‘midstream’ policies are aimed at directly influencing population behaviours; and (iii) ‘downstream’ policies support health services and clinical interventions. A set of grids for analysing potential policies to support obesity prevention and management is presented. The general pattern that emerges from populating the analysis grids as they relate to the Australian context is that all sectors and levels of government, non‐governmental organizations and private businesses have multiple opportunities to contribute to reducing obesity. The proposed framework and analysis grids provide a comprehensive approach to mapping the policy environment related to obesity, and a tool for identifying policy gaps, barriers and opportunities.
The effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on vitamin D levels and insulin sensitivity is dose related in vitamin D‐deficient HIV‐1‐infected patients
Authors: Van Den Bout‐van den Beukel CJP , Van Den Bos M , Oyen WJG , Hermus Ad RMM , Sweep FCGJ , Tack CJJ , Bosch MEW , Burger DM , Koopmans PP , Van Der Ven AJAM 
Published: August 2008

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on vitamin D levels, bone mineral density (BMD), body fat distribution and insulin sensitivity in vitamin D‐deficient HIV‐1‐infected patients.MethodsTwenty vitamin D‐deficient HIV‐1‐infected patients were prospectively treated with 2000 IU cholecalciferol/day for 14 weeks, whereafter treatment was continued with half this dosage until 48 weeks. BMD, body fat distribution, 1,25‐dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), fasting glucose, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were measured at baseline, and at 24 and 48 weeks. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25‐hydroxy vitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], cholesterol and triglycerides were measured at baseline, and at 12, 24 and 48 weeks.ResultsAfter 24 weeks, cholecalciferol supplementation significantly increased 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels and decreased PTH and insulin sensitivity. After 48 weeks, however, only 25(OH)D3 levels remained significantly different from baseline, while the other parameter levels returned to baseline, suggesting a dose–response effect. Cholecalciferol had no effect on BMD, adipokines and triglycerides.ConclusionsThe effect of cholecalciferol treatment in this cohort appears to be dose dependent. Cholecalciferol dosages of ≥2000 IU are necessary to achieve 1,25(OH)2D3 levels that significantly decrease PTH, but also negatively affect insulin sensitivity. The results of this hypothesis‐driven explorative study need to be confirmed in larger clinical trials.
Lipoatrophy among HIV‐infected patients is associated with higher levels of depression than lipohypertrophy
Authors: Crane HM , Grunfeld C , Harrington RD , Uldall KK , Ciechanowski PS , Kitahata MM 
Published: August 2008

ObjectivesWe sought to determine the association between body morphology abnormalities and depression, examining lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy separately.MethodsAn observational cross‐sectional study of 250 patients from the University of Washington HIV Cohort was carried out. Patients completed an assessment including measures of depression and body morphology. We used linear regression analysis to examine the association between lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy and depression. Analysis of variance was used to examine the relationship between mean depression scores and lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy in 10 body regions.ResultsOf 250 patients, 76 had lipoatrophy and 128 had lipohypertrophy. Mean depression scores were highest among patients with moderate‐to‐severe lipoatrophy (16.4), intermediate among those with moderate‐to‐severe lipohypertrophy (11.7), mild lipohypertrophy (9.9) and mild lipoatrophy (8.5), and lowest among those without body morphology abnormalities (7.7) (P=0.002). After adjustment, mean depression scores for subjects reporting moderate‐to‐severe lipoatrophy were 9.2 points higher (P<0.001), scores for subjects with moderate‐to‐severe lipohypertrophy were 4.8 points higher (P=0.02), and scores for subjects with mild lipohypertrophy were 2.8 points higher (P=0.03) than those for patients without body morphology abnormalities. Facial lipoatrophy was the body region associated with the most severe depression scores (15.5 vs. 8.9 for controls; P=0.03).ConclusionsIn addition to long‐term cardiovascular implications, body morphology has a more immediate effect on depression severity.
Assessing the effects of resource availability and parity on reproduction in female Cape ground squirrels: resources do not matter
Authors: Pettitt B. A. , Waterman J. M. , Wheaton C. J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe reproductive output of iteroparous females is influenced by parity and resource availability. To gain a better understanding of the reproductive decisions made when animals are faced with potential trade‐offs between current and future reproduction; we investigated the relationship of parity and resources availability on reproductive intervals and success by comparing the performance of primiparous and multiparous female Cape ground squirrels Xerus inauris from two study sites that differed in resource availability. Our study included the correlation of reproductive behavioral data with fecal hormonal information to establish a normative endocrine profile for pregnancy and lactation. Parity had a major influence on juvenile emergence with multiparous females having more juveniles emerge successfully. Resource availability did not influence reproductive output, either because of an interaction among multiple resource components including quantity, predictability and length of time those resources were available or because other factors (such as predation or parasitism) have a greater impact on reproductive success.
Comparison of forced mating behaviour in four taxa of Anonconotus, the Alpine bushcricket
Authors: Vahed K. , Carron G. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractForced or coercive copulation is known to occur in a variety of insect taxa but until recently, this behaviour had not been recorded in crickets and bushcrickets (Orthoptera: Ensifera). The aim of the present study was to investigate forced mating behaviour in four taxa of Anonconotus Camerano 1878 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), comparing the recently documented forced mating behaviour in the Alpine bushcricket Anonconotus alpinus ghilianii with those of Anonconotus alpinus alpinus, Anonconotus pusillus and Anonconotus baracunensis occidentalis under both laboratory and semi‐natural field conditions. In all four taxa, males did not sing to attract females, but instead initiated copulation by stalking the female before leaping onto her and using the sharply pointed cercal spurs to maintain a hold on the female's abdomen. In A. a. ghilianii and A. a. alpinus, the positioning of the male's hind legs appeared to impede the movement of the female's hind legs during copulation. In Anonconotus baracunensis, the duration of copulation was considerably longer than in the other species, lasting a mean of 153 min in the laboratory and 40 min in field enclosures (compared with a mean of 7–9 min in the other taxa). This longer duration of copulation, which occurred following spermatophore attachment, is interpreted as functioning to prolong ejaculate transfer by preventing the female from eating the external portions of the spermatophore. In support of this, male A. baracunensis were found to produce a significantly greater ejaculate mass compared with the other Anonconotus taxa. We propose that members of the genus Anonconotus would make an excellent novel model system for the study of forced copulation from a sexual conflict perspective.
The role of the information specialist in supporting knowledge transfer: a public health information case study
Authors: Wilkinson A. , Papaioannou D. , Keen C. , Booth A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives:  To create research bulletins for public health professionals that support knowledge transfer and evidence‐based practice.Methods:  The methodology for the bulletins comprises five stages: scoping the topic, searching for relevant literature, selecting and obtaining relevant articles, assessing the quality of articles including evidence grading, producing a comment on quality and implications for practice and writing the research bulletin. An ABC—applicability, brevity and clarity—is considered at each stage to ensure that bulletins meet the needs of their intended audience.Results:  Nine research bulletins have been produced on a range of health promotion topics. Bulletins are distributed to Welsh health professionals and are available online. The bulletins have developed since their inception to incorporate evaluation and feedback. Most significant among these developments has been introduction of an Implications for Practice section to promote uptake of research.Conclusions:  Research bulletins support busy health professionals in evidence‐based practice by assigning a level of evidence, highlighting implications for practice and providing a comment on quality. The bulletins further develop the extended role for information professionals in knowledge transfer and dissemination.
Association Between Sleep and Physical Function in Older Men: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Sleep Study
Authors: Dam Thuy‐Tien L. , Ewing Susan , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Ensrud Kristine , Redline Susan , Stone Katie ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Research Group
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether sleep quality is associated with physical function in older men.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Six U.S. centers.PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand eight hundred sixty‐two community‐dwelling men.MEASUREMENTS: Total hours of nighttime sleep (TST), wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep latency (SL), and sleep efficiency (SE) measured using actigraphy; sleep stage distribution, respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and hypoxia measured using polysomnography; measures of physical function: grip strength, walking speed, chair stand, and narrow walk.RESULTS: In age‐adjusted models, <6 or >8 hours TST, SE less than 80%, WASO of 90 minutes or longer, RDI of 30 or greater, and hypoxia were associated with poorer physical function. (Mean grip strength was 2.9% lower and mean walking speed was 4.3% lower in men with WASO ≥90 minutes than men with WASO <90 minutes.) After adjusting for potential covariates, differences in grip strength and walking speed remained significantly associated with WASO of 90 minutes or longer, SE less than 80%, and hypoxia but not with TST or RDI of 30 or greater.CONCLUSION: Greater sleep fragmentation and hypoxia are associated with poorer physical function in older men.