bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis cases display elevated antigen‐induced interleukin‐10
Authors: RODRIGUEZ B. , BEATTY R. , BELLI A. , BARRETO A. , PALACIOS X. , MARIN F. , HARRIS E. 
Published: May 2007

Summary In humans, Leishmania chagasi parasites can produce subclinical infections, atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) and visceral leshmaniasis that is potentially fatal if not treated in a timely fashion. L. chagasi parasites that cause both ACL and visceral disease appear to be genetically similar, which suggests that host factors such as the immune response play an important role in controlling infection. We evaluated the immunologic response in ACL using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 37 subjects divided into three groups: (i) active ACL cases, (ii) asymptomatic cases and (iii) persons with no history of Leishmania infection. The supernatants of stimulated PBMCs were analysed for production of IL‐10, IFN‐γ and IL‐2. Robust production of IL‐10 in response to Leishmania stimulation was observed in active ACL cases, compared to low levels in asymptomatic cases and negative controls. Serum IgE levels, measured by ELISA, were not significantly different among the three groups. In addition, ACL cases displayed depressed levels of all cytokines in response to mitogen. Thus, this first characterization of the immune response in ACL suggests a role for IL‐10 as well as partial immunosuppression.
A longitudinal study of immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum sexual stage antigens in Tanzanian adults
Authors: BOUSEMA J. T. , DRAKELEY C. J. , KIHONDA J. , HENDRIKS J. C. M. , AKIM N. I. J. , ROEFFEN W. , SAUERWEIN R. W. 
Published: May 2007

SUMMARY Next to children, adults form a substantial part of the infectious reservoir that is responsible for the spread of malaria. In this longitudinal study, we determined sexual stage immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum and infectiousness to mosquitoes in adults from an area with intense malaria transmission. A cohort of 43 Tanzanian adults was followed for 18 months. Parasitological data were collected monthly; serum once every three months. Antibody prevalences were determined for sexual stage antigens Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 and circumsporozoite protein (NANP5)(n = 199). Functional transmission reducing activity (TRA) was assessed by standard membrane feeding assay (SMFA; n = 85). Cumulative parasite prevalence was 67·4% (29/43) for asexual stages and 34·9% (15/43) for gametocytes. Enrolment antibody prevalence was 95·3% (41/43) for NANP5, 18·9% (7/37) for Pfs230 and 7% (3/43) for Pfs48/45 epitope 3. TRA > 50% reduction was seen in 48·2% (41/85) and TRA > 90% reduction in 4·7% (4/85) of the samples. Our findings of low and inconsistent sexual stage immune responses are likely to be the result of a low exposure to gametocytes in this older age group. This may in turn be caused by effective asexual stage immunity. We conclude that the infectivity of older individuals is less likely to be affected by sexual stage immunity.
Vaccination of goats with recombinant galectin antigen induces partial protection against Haemonchus contortus infection
Authors: YANMING S. , RUOFENG Y. , MULEKE C. I. , GUANGWEI Z. , LIXIN X. , XIANGRUI L. 
Published: May 2007

SUMMARY The efficacy of vaccination against Haemonchus contortus infection with two recombinant proteins, rHco‐gal‐m and rHco‐gal‐f, was studied in 9–10‐month‐old goats. Vaccination with 100 µg protein reduced faecal egg output and worm burdens by 37·25% and 41·1%, respectively. Corresponding reductions with 200 µg protein were 48·03% and 46·19%. Vaccinated groups had significantly higher IgG levels than the negative and positive controls. Significant negative correlations were detected between IgG level, mucosal homogenate IgA concentration, haemoglobin and abomasal worm burden at necropsy. By contrast a positive correlation was found between the percentage of B cells, monocytes and abomasal worm burden. These findings suggested that vaccination with a combination of recombinant rHco‐gal‐m/f proteins had a role in protecting goats against H. contortus infection.
The microvasculature of the spinal cord in the human adult
Authors: Zhang Ze‐An , Nonaka Hiroko , Hatori Tsutomu 
Published: May 2007

The microvasculature of the human spinal cord have been studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the corrosion casts of blood vessels, and light microscopy on the transparent after intra‐arterial injection of Indian ink and vascular staining specimens.On the surface of the cord, the density of the pial venous plexus was higher than the pial arterial plexus. The anterior spinal artery and vein gave off central arteries and veins, which ran posteriorly within the anterior median fissure. The number of the central arteries and veins per centimeter in length is highest in the lumbosacral cord, followed by the cervical and then the thoracic cord. In this study, the central arteries and veins were classified into types; type 1 dominated the arterial system and type 2 the venous system. The central arteries and veins sent long branches both rostrally and caudally along the axis of spinal cord. The order of their length was as follows: thoracic, cervical, lumbar and sacral cord. These blood vessels overlapped each other. The peripheral arteries terminated in the periphery of the gray matter while the peripheral veins originated within the different depth of the gray matter. The posterior spinal artery supplied the posterior horn and the substantia gelatinosa. The posteromedial veins arose in the deep posterior horns and posterior funiculus, and were occasionally connected with the anterior spinal vein within the cord. Overlapped zone which was supplied by both the central and peripheral vascular system was seen within the cord, and its extent was variable at different levels. The overlapped zone of the venous supply was broader than the arterial one. The peripheral veins appeared to drain blood not only from the white matter but also from the gray matter. The distribution of the capillary networks in the gray matter was slightly denser and showed more horizontal arrangement in the lumbosacral cord, and more sparse and longitudinal in the cervicothoracic cord. The distribution of the capillary networks in the white matter was parallel to nerve fibers which run longitudinal in the whole cord.Based on the result of present study, it was considered that the circulatory disturbances are prone to occur in the thoracic cord, and the circulatory block in the arterial system of the cord tends to cause a lesion in the gray matter, whereas the circulatory disturbances in the venous system tends to cause a lesion in the white matter.
Audit of pneumocystis pneumonia in patients seen by the Christchurch Hospital rheumatology service over a 5‐year period
Authors: Meuli K. , Chapman P. , O’Donnell J. , Frampton C. , Stamp L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim: The aim of the study was to review all cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in patients seen by the Christchurch Hospital Rheumatology service over a 5‐year period and to determine the annual incidence of PCP.Methods: The Canterbury Health Laboratory database was searched for rheumatology patients testing positive for PCP from 31 December 2000 to 31 December 2005. The rheumatology database was then searched to identify patients receiving the same immunosuppressant medication as those who developed PCP to determine the annual incidence of PCP in this group.Results: Four rheumatology patients were diagnosed with PCP during the 5‐year period. Two were receiving oral methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis and two were receiving cyclophosphamide (CYC), one each for Wegener’s granulomatosis and dermatomyositis. None of the four cases was receiving PCP chemoprophylaxis. Five hundred and forty‐seven patients commenced MTX over the same 5‐year period and 47 commenced CYC. Only 14 of 47 (29.7%) CYC‐treated patients received PCP prophylaxis. The annual incidence of PCP was 0.17% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02–0.63) and 5.33% (95%CI 0.65–19.24) in patients prescribed MTX and CYC, respectively. For the 33 patients receiving CYC without concomitant PCP prophylaxis the annual incidence was 9.50% (95%CI 1.15–34.33).Conclusion: In our study the annual incidence of PCP in patients taking MTX was low and would not support the use of routine PCP chemoprophylaxis. In patients receiving CYC without concomitant PCP chemoprophylaxis the annual incidence of PCP was higher although the number of cases was small. Given the high morbidity and mortality in this group, PCP chemoprophylaxis should be considered.
Prevalence of occult metastatic disease in patients undergoing 18F‐FDG PET for primary diagnosis or staging of lung carcinoma and solitary pulmonary nodules
Authors: Lee S. T. , Berlangieri S. U. , Poon A. M. T. , Mitchell P. , Pathmaraj K. , Tabone K. , Byrne A. J. , O’Keefe G. J. , Knight S. R. , Clarke C. P. , Scott A. M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground: Accurate staging of lung cancer is essential in determining the most appropriate management plan, as detection of occult metastasis can significantly alter management.Aims: The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence of occult metastasis in patients undergoing 2‐18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) for evaluation of suspected/proven lung carcinoma and correlate pre‐PET TNM stage with prevalence of metastasis.Methods: FDG‐PET, which identified patients with metastasis on institutional database, was re‐evaluated by a nuclear medicine physician blinded to clinical information. The confidence level of metastasis was scored on a 5‐point scale, with a score of ≥4 considered positive.Results: There were 67 of 645 (10%) patients identified with suspected occult metastasis on FDG‐PET. Twelve patients scoring ≤3 were excluded. Prevalence of occult metastasis was 10/156 (6%) in solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN); 22/319 (7%) and 23/170 (14%) in proven and suspected lung cancer, respectively. Positive predictive value of FDG‐PET for metastasis was 8/10 (80%) in solitary pulmonary nodules, 14/20 (70%) and 17/21 (81%) in proven and suspected lung cancer, respectively. 18F‐FDG‐avid lesions classified as false positives were patients with cholelithiasis, rib fractures and those with equivocal/negative bone scans or computed tomography on follow up. There was a higher incidence of true positive occult metastasis in patients in all stages of disease, particularly stage III disease.Conclusion: 18F‐FDG PET is predictive for occult metastatic disease in patients with solitary pulmonary nodules and proven or suspected lung cancer and is more likely to be present in all stages, particularly in stage III. PET findings should be actively pursued with correlative investigation to identify benign pathology in patients who remain candidates for curative treatment.
A neutral sampling formula for multiple samples and an ‘exact’ test of neutrality
Authors: Etienne Rampal S. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAs the utility of the neutral theory of biodiversity is increasingly being recognized, there is also an increasing need for proper tools to evaluate the relative importance of neutral processes (dispersal limitation and stochasticity). One of the key features of neutral theory is its close link to data: sampling formulas, giving the probability of a data set conditional on a set of model parameters, have been developed for parameter estimation and model comparison. However, only single local samples can be handled with the currently available sampling formulas, whereas data are often available for many small spatially separated plots. Here, I present a sampling formula for multiple, spatially separated samples from the same metacommunity, which is a generalization of earlier sampling formulas. I also provide an algorithm to generate data sets with the model and I introduce a general test of neutrality that does not require an alternative model; this test compares the probability of the observed data (calculated using the new sampling formula) with the probability of model‐generated data sets. I illustrate this with tree abundance data from three large Panamanian neotropical forest plots. When the test is performed with model parameters estimated from the three plots, the model cannot be rejected; however, when parameter estimates previously reported for BCI are used, the model is strongly rejected. This suggests that neutrality cannot explain the structure of the three Panamanian tree communities on the local (BCI) and regional (Panama Canal Zone) scale simultaneously. One should be aware, however, that aspects of the model other than neutrality may be responsible for its failure. I argue that the spatially implicit character of the model is a potential candidate.
Texture Synthesis using Exact Neighborhood Matching
Authors: Sabha M. , Peers P. , Dutré P. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract In this paper we present an elegant pixel‐based texture synthesis technique that is able to generate visually pleasing results from source textures of both stochastic and structured nature. Inspired by the observation that the most common artifacts that occur when synthesizing textures are high‐frequency discontinuities, our technique tries to avoid these artifacts by forcing at least one of the direct neighboring pixels in each causal neighborhood to match within a predetermined threshold. This does not only avoid deterioration of the visual quality, but also results in faster synthesis timings. We demonstrate our technique on a variety of stochastic and structured textures.
Automatic Light Source Placement for Maximum Visual Information Recovery
Authors: Vázquez P.‐P. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract The automatic selection of good viewing parameters is a very complex problem. In most cases, the notion of good strongly depends on the concrete application. Moreover, when an intuitive definition of good view is available, it is often difficult to establish a measure that brings it to the practice. Commonly, two kinds of viewing parameters must be set: camera parameters (position and orientation) and lighting parameters (number of light sources, its position and eventually the orientation of the spot). The first parameters will determine how much of the geometry can be captured and the latter will influence on how much of it is revealed (i.e., illuminated) to the user. Unfortunately, ensuring that certain parts of a scene are lit does not make sure that the details will be communicated to the user, as the amount of illumination might be too small or too high. In this paper we define a metric to calculate the amount of information relative to an object that is effectively communicated to the user given a fixed camera position. This measure is based on an information‐based concept, the Shannon entropy, and will be applied to the problem of automatic selection of light positions in order to adequately illuminate an object. In order to validate the results, we have carried out an experiment on users, this experiment helped us to explore other related measures.
Smooth Piecewise Polynomial Blending Operations for Implicit Shapes
Authors: Li Q. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract In this paper, we present a new set of blending operations for implicitly defined geometric shapes. The proposed shape operators are piecewise polynomial and blending range controllable, and can be constructed to any required degree of smoothness. The key idea behind these techniques is the introduction of the concept of the smooth absolute functions, which in turn lead to the definition of smooth maximum functions. These novel generalized absolute functions can be constructed recursively or through a recursively defined functions, and can thus be computed cheaply. In addition, the underlying mathematical descriptions of these shape operations are very simple and elegant.
A Method for Constructing Interpolatory Subdivision Schemes and Blending Subdivisions
Authors: Li G. , Ma W. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract This paper presents a universal method for constructing interpolatory subdivision schemes from known approximatory subdivisions. The method establishes geometric rules of the associated interpolatory subdivision through addition of further weighted averaging operations to the approximatory subdivision. The paper thus provides a novel approach for designing new interpolatory subdivision schemes. In addition, a family of subdivision surfaces varying from the given approximatory scheme to its associated interpolatory scheme, namely the blending subdivisions, can also be established. Based on the proposed method, variants of several known interpolatory subdivision schemes are constructed. A new interpolatory subdivision scheme is also developed using the same technique. Brief analysis of a family of blending subdivisions associated with the Loop subdivision scheme demonstrates that this particular family of subdivisions are globally C1 continuous while maintaining bounded curvature for regular meshes. As a further extension of the blending subdivisions, a volume‐preserving subdivision strategy is also proposed in the paper.
A Lagrangian Approach to Dynamic Interfaces through Kinetic Triangulation of the Ambient Space
Authors: Pons J.‐P. , Boissonnat J.‐D. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a robust and efficient Lagrangian approach for modeling dynamic interfaces between different materials undergoing large deformations and topology changes, in two dimensions. Our work brings an interesting alternative to popular techniques such as the level set method and the particle level set method, for two‐dimensional and axisymmetric simulations. The principle of our approach is to maintain a two‐dimensional triangulation which embeds the one‐dimensional polygonal description of the interfaces. Topology changes can then be detected as inversions of the faces of this triangulation. Each triangular face is labeled with the type of material it contains. The connectivity of the triangulation and the labels of the faces are updated consistently during deformation, within a neat framework developed in computational geometry: kinetic data structures. Thanks to the exact computation paradigm, the reliability of our algorithm, even in difficult situations such as shocks and topology changes, can be certified. We demonstrate the applicability and the efficiency of our approach with a series of numerical experiments in two dimensions. Finally, we discuss the feasibility of an extension to three dimensions.
Macular pigment optical density at four retinal loci during 120 days of lutein supplementation
Authors: Wenzel Adam J. , Sheehan Joseph P. , Gerweck Catherine , Stringham James M. , Fuld Kenneth , Curran‐Celentano Joanne 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground:  Increased consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin has been shown to increase macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in some individuals. Most interventions either obtained infrequent measures of MPOD or measured MPOD at a single retinal locus.Purpose:  The aim of this study was to measure acute changes in MPOD at four retinal loci during lutein intervention.Methods:  For 120 days, three subjects consumed 30 mg of lutein and 2.7 mg of zeaxanthin supplement per day. MPOD was measured with heterochromatic flicker photometry at 20′, 30′, 60′ and 120′ eccentricity three or four times per week. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to measure serum carotenoid concentrations in blood samples collected at baseline and at 30‐day intervals.Results:  At the two most central loci, MPOD significantly increased in all three subjects with a mean change of approximately 0.09 log units at 20′ eccentricity and 0.08 log units at 30′ eccentricity. MPOD significantly increased in two subjects at 60′ eccentricity, and in one subject at 120′ eccentricity. The increases in MPOD appeared to be linear and continued after treatment was ended. In all three subjects, log sensitivity at the reference locus decreased linearly. Serum lutein and serum zeaxanthin increased from baseline, reaching peak concentrations after 30 days of supplementation.Conclusion:  The changes in MPOD suggest that carotenoid deposition occurs linearly and may be biased towards the central retina. Further, carotenoid deposition may occur outside the central fovea in interventions with pharmacological doses of carotenoid, resulting in underestimations of psychophysical measures of MPOD.
An analysis of patients discharged from a hospital‐based glaucoma case‐finding clinic over a 3‐year period
Authors: Salmon Nicola J. , Terry H. P. , Farmery Andrew D. , Salmon John F. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To analyse the false positive referrals by community optometrists to a glaucoma case‐finding clinic over a 3‐year period.Methods:  A retrospective study was undertaken of the 531 patients who were referred by community optometrists and discharged after their first visit to the glaucoma case‐finding clinic at the Oxford Eye Hospital between 2003 and 2005. The number of patients who were referred on the basis of one, two or three abnormal parameters was determined. The specific reason why the presumed abnormal parameter was considered normal by a glaucoma specialist was determined from the patients’ records.Results:  The referral was based on only one presumed abnormal parameter in 65.5–74.3% of patients (minimum–maximum percentage per year, 2003–2005). Physiological cupping was present in 21.5–29.5%, asymmetrical cupping because of asymmetrical disc size in 6.4‐8.2% and asymmetrical cupping in the presence of similar disc size in 1.9–5.1%. An intraocular pressure (IOP) within the normal range was measured in 17.6–20.8% and an IOP between 22 and 25 mmHg in association with a central corneal thickness of >588 μm was found in a further 11.5–15.4%. In 11.5–16.1% of patients who were referred because of an abnormal visual field, no field defect was found when the test was repeated. A cause other than glaucoma was responsible for an abnormal visual field defect in 1.2–6%.Conclusion:  This study identifies the factors responsible for false positive referrals to a hospital‐based glaucoma case‐finding clinic. By considering these factors and by combining test data, the number of unnecessary referrals could be reduced in the future.
Biodiversity Conservation and Productivity in Intensive Agricultural Systems
Authors: Omer Amani , Pascual Unai , Russell Noel P. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis paper explores the economic effects of biodiversity loss on marketable agricultural output for intensive agricultural systems, which require an increasing level of artificial capital inputs. A theoretical bio‐economic model is used to derive a hypothesis about the effect of the state of biodiversity on the optimal crop output both in the longer run and in the transitional path towards the steady‐state equilibrium. The hypothesised positive relationship between biodiversity stock and optimal levels of crop output is empirically tested using a stochastic production frontier approach, based on data from a panel of UK specialised cereal farms for the period 1989–2000. The results support the theoretical hypothesis. Increases in biodiversity can lead to a continual outward shift in the output frontier (although at a decreasing rate), controlling for the relevant set of labour and capital inputs. Agricultural transition towards biodiversity conservation may be consistent with an increase in crop output in already biodiversity‐poor modern agricultural landscapes.