bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Horizontal gene transfer: sustaining pathogenicity and optimizing host–pathogen interactions
Authors: KADO CLARENCE I. 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYSuccessful host–pathogen interactions require the presence, maintenance and expression of gene cassettes called ‘pathogenicity islands’ (PAIs) and ‘metabolic islands’ (MAIs) in the respective pathogen. The products of these genes confer on the pathogen the means to recognize their host(s) and to efficiently evade host defences in order to colonize, propagate within the host and eventually disseminate from the host. Virulence effectors secreted by type III and type IV secretion systems, among others, play vital roles in sustaining pathogenicity and optimizing host–pathogen interactions. Complete genome sequences of plant pathogenic bacteria have revealed the presence of PAIs and MAIs. The genes of these islands possess mosaic structures with regions displaying differences in nucleotide composition and codon usage in relation to adjacent genome structures, features that are highly suggestive of their acquisition from a foreign donor. These donors can be other bacteria, as well as lower members of the Archaea and Eukarya. Genes that have moved from the domains Archaea and Eukarya to the domain Bacteria are true cases of horizontal gene transfer. They represent interdomain genetic transfer. Genetic exchange between distinct members of the domain Bacteria, however, represents lateral gene transfer, an intradomain event. Both horizontal and lateral gene transfer events have been used to facilitate survival fitness of the pathogen.
Chemical signals and habitat selection by three zooplankters in Andean Patagonian ponds
Authors: TROCHINE C. , MODENUTTI B. E. , BALSEIRO E. G. 
Published: November 2008

Summary1. Zooplankton may react differently to chemical signals produced by macrophytes in shallow systems. They may be attracted by macrophytes, as the plants may be used as a refuge against predators, or the plants may have a repellent effect (e.g. when the plants are a habitat for numerous invertebrate predators or fish). In fishless Patagonian ponds, the structural complexity provided by macrophytes modulates the rate of predation on zooplankton by the invertebrate predator Mesostoma ehrenbergii (Turbellaria).2. We performed a field study to analyse the coexistence of M. ehrenbergii and three of its prey (two copepods, the calanoid Boeckella gracilis and the cyclopoid Acanthocyclops robustus, and the cladoceran Ceriodaphnia dubia) in four ponds. In two of the ponds, we carried out day and night sampling to evaluate the influence of macrophytes on the distribution of these zooplankters.3. In laboratory experiments, we analysed the response of the zooplankters to the chemical signals produced by macrophytes (the emergent Juncus pallescens and the submerged Myriophyllum quitense), the predator M. ehrenbergii and the ‘alarm signal’ provided by a homogenate of conspecifics.4. Our field studies demonstrated the coexistence of M. ehrenbergii and the selected prey in different seasons and that A. robustus and C. dubia choose the vegetated area (a mixed bed of J. pallescens and M. quitense) over the non‐vegetated area. The habitat choice experiments indicated that the presence of M. ehrenbergii may directly affect the habitat selection of B. gracilis, because this zooplankter swam away from the predator. In addition, Mesostoma may indirectly affect the habitat selection of the cyclopoid copepod A. robustus and the cladoceran C. dubia as both zooplankters exhibited a negative response to the alarm signal produced by crushed conspecifics.5. The presence of the submerged M. quitense did not affect the horizontal movements of any of the zooplankters studied. In contrast, the emergent macrophyte J. pallescens elicited a positive response of B. gracilis, suggesting that this aquatic plant may act as a predation refuge.6. Our results suggest that predator avoidance behaviour can occur in fishless environments in response to a tactile invertebrate predator like Mesostoma. In addition, the refuge effect of emergent macrophytes, enhancing the survival of pelagic zooplankters, may act as a key factor in stabilizing predator–prey interactions in fishless Patagonian ponds, as has been widely recorded in northern temperate lakes with fish.
Differing effects of suspended sediments on the performance of native and exotic Daphnia
Authors: SOEKEN‐GITTINGER LORI A. , STOECKEL JAMES A. , HAVEL JOHN E. 
Published: November 2008

Summary1. Although large cladocerans are usually uncommon in large rivers, Daphnia lumholtzi (an exotic species in North America) is widespread and occasionally abundant. We collected zooplankton on the Illinois River (Illinois, U.S.A.) in 1995 and 1996 and found that the peak density of D. lumholtzi (25 L−1) typically exceeded that of all native species combined. Maximum density occurred during warm periods (up to 27 °C) when concentrations of inorganic suspended sediments were high (>50 mg L−1).2. Using a life table experiment, we examined the effects of variation in suspended sediment (0 and 80 mg L−1) and food (104 and 105Ankistrodesmus cells mL−1) on fitness of D. lumholtzi and the native Daphnia parvula. Daphnia lumholtzi had greater survivorship than D. parvula in most treatments and higher life‐time fertility than D. parvula in all treatments. Both species achieved their fastest intrinsic rates of growth in treatments with high food, but their responses to suspended solids differed. The growth rate of D. lumholtzi in high food was slightly increased by higher turbidity, whereas that of D. parvula was depressed.3. Results suggest that the ability of D. lumholtzi to tolerate suspended solids is an important factor contributing to its success in invading North American rivers.
Different stresses, similar morphogenic responses: integrating a plethora of pathways
Authors: POTTERS GEERT , PASTERNAK TARAS P. , GUISEZ YVES , JANSEN MARCEL A. K. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTExposure of plants to mild chronic stress can cause induction of specific, stress‐induced morphogenic responses (SIMRs). These responses are characterized by a blockage of cell division in the main meristematic tissues, an inhibition of elongation and a redirected outgrowth of lateral organs. Key elements in the ontogenesis of this phenotype appear to be stress‐affected gradients of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants, auxin and ethylene. These gradients are present at the the organismal level, but are integrated on the cellular level, affecting cell division, cell elongation and/or cell differentiation. Our analysis of the literature indicates that stress‐induced modulation of plant growth is mediated by a plethora of molecular interactions, whereby different environmental signals can trigger similar morphogenic responses. At least some of the molecular interactions that underlie morphogenic responses appear to be interchangeable. We speculate that this complexity can be viewed in terms of a thermodynamic model, in which not the specific pathway, but the achieved metabolic state is biologically conserved.
Micronutrient status indicators in individuals single‐ or double‐infected with HIV and Wuchereria bancrofti before and after DEC treatment
Authors: Nielsen Nina O. , Simonsen Paul E. , Kæstel Pernille , Krarup Henrik , Magnussen Pascal , Magesa Stephen , Friis Henrik 
Published: November 2008

SummaryObjective  To identify possible associations between selected micronutrient status indicators (serum ferritin, retinol, β‐carotene, α‐tocopherol, and the acute phase reactant α‐1 antichymotrypsin) and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or Wuchereria bancrofti, and to assess the effect of the antifilarial drug diethylcarbamazine (DEC) on the micronutrient status indicators in individuals positive for one or both of the two infections.Methods  Serum concentrations of ferritin, retinol, β‐carotene, α‐tocopherol and the acute phase reactant α‐1 antichymotrypsin were examined in 59 individuals with HIV, W. bancrofti infection, or both, in Tanga Region, Tanzania, before and 12 weeks after treatment with DEC.Results  HIV infection, but not W. bancrofti infection, was associated with higher serum ferritin concentrations and lower β‐carotene and α‐tocopherol. Neither HIV infection nor W. bancrofti infection was associated with serum retinol. The four micronutrient status indicators and α‐1 antichymotrypsin were generally lower at 12 weeks after treatment both in the DEC and the placebo groups.Conclusions  The negative association between HIV infection and the antioxidant vitamins β‐carotene and α‐tocopherol may be due to infection‐induced oxidative stress, whereas W. bancrofti infection seemed not to be associated with oxidative stress. The drop in antioxidant vitamin concentrations after treatment may be due to oxidative stress induced by HIV progression (HIV infected) and inflammation around dead adult worms and microfilariae (W. bancrofti infected) rather than to an effect of DEC.
Determinants of survival in AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy in a rural centre in the Far‐North Province, Cameroon
Authors: Sieleunou Isidore , Souleymanou Mohamadou , Schönenberger Anne‐Marie , Menten Joris , Boelaert Marleen 
Published: November 2008

SummaryObjective  To analyse the outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in routine conditions in a rural hospital in the Far‐North province of Cameroon.Method  Retrospective cohort study of 1187 patients >15 years who started ART between July 2001 and December 2006. The survival time was estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to explain survival.Results  Upon enrolment, 90.4% patients were in WHO stage III or IV and 56.1% had a BMI <18.5. Median CD4 count was 105 cells/mm³ (IQR 40–173). At the end of the study period, 338/1187 had died and 59/1187 were lost to follow‐up. The survival probability was 77% at 1 year [95% CI: 75–80] and 47% at 5 years [95% CI: 40–55]. The median survival time was 58 months. CD4 count, haemoglobin, BMI, sex and clinical stage at enrolment were independent predictors of mortality.Conclusion  This study confirms the clinical benefit of ART programs in a remote and resource‐constrained setting operating in routine conditions. The challenge ahead is to secure earlier access to ART and to maintain its longer‐term benefit.
Field evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests for meningococcal meningitis in Niger
Authors: Boisier P. , Elhaj Mahamane A. , Amadou Hamidou A. , Sidikou F. , Djibo S. , Nato F. , Chanteau S. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryObjective  To evaluate dipstick rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for meningococcal meningitis in basic health facilities.Methods  Health facility staff received a one‐day training. During the meningitis season, they performed RDTs on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from suspected cases of meningitis. A frozen aliquot of CSF was later tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to establish the reference diagnosis. RDTs used in health facilities were archived to allow checking the concordance between reported diagnosis and observed results. Reported diagnosis was also compared to PCR diagnosis. A second RDT was performed on each CSF specimen at the reference laboratory.Results  Using RDTs, health facilities reported 382 negative results (73.9%), 114 NmA (22.1%), 12 NmW135 (2.3%) and nine uninterpretable results (1.7%), the latter corresponding to the misuse of a reagent by three agents. The agreement between reported diagnosis and archived dipsticks was excellent (kappa = 0.98). The agreement between PCR diagnosis and reported RDTs results was strong (kappa = 0.82). In health facilities, the sensitivity of RDTs for N. meningitidis A was Se = 0.91. The kappa coefficient measuring the agreement between RDTs operated in the reference laboratory and RDTs operated in health facilities was κ = 0.78.Conclusion  We confirmed that dipstick RDTs to identify N. meningitidis serogroups A, C, W135 and Y can be reliably operated by non‐specialized staff in basic health facilities. RDTs proved very useful to recommend vaccination in NmA epidemics, and also to avoid vaccination in epidemics due to serogroups not included in vaccines (NmX).
Integration of immunization services with other health interventions in the developing world: what works and why? Systematic literature review
Authors: Wallace A. , Dietz V. , Cairns K. L. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryObjective  To assess benefits, challenges and characteristics of integrating child and maternal health services with immunization programmes.Methods  Literature review using journal databases and grey literature. Papers meeting the inclusion criteria were rated for the quality of methodology and relevant information was systematically abstracted.Results  Integrated services were vitamin A supplementation, bednet distribution, deworming tablet distribution, Intermittent Preventive Therapy for infants and referrals for family planning services. Two key characteristics of success were compatibility between interventions and presence of a strong immunization service prior to integration. Overburdened staff, unequal resource allocation and logistical difficulties were mentioned as risks of integration, whereas rapid uptake of the linked intervention and less competition for resources were listed as two key benefits of integration.Conclusion  The theoretical strengths of integrating other health services with immunization services remain to be rigorously proved in practice. When additional interventions are carefully selected for compatibility and when they receive adequate support, coverage of these interventions may improve, provided immunization coverage is already high. Evidence for the effectiveness of integration in increasing efficiency of resource use was insufficient and most benefits and challenges were not statistically quantified. More substantive information about the costs of integrated vs. vertical programmes and full documentation of the impacts of integration on immunization services should be published.
ExploringChenopodium albumadaptive traits in response to light and temperature stresses
Authors: MAHONEY K J , SWANTON C J 
Published: November 2008

SummaryWeeds within canopies are depleted in photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and red to far‐red light ratio (R/FR) throughout their lifespan. Growth cabinet studies isolated PPFD and R/FR effects and explored the adaptive traits of a model invasive weed,Chenopodium album, to light and temperature. Reproductive development progressed rapidly at high temperature, yet the rate of leaf appearance was insensitive to temperatures of 25:15 and 10:5°C (day:night). Low R/FR effects were detected early in the life cycle, but by seed set, growth was influenced by low PPFD.C. albumadapted to the simulated canopy environments by delaying seed set, growing taller and producing more leaf area per mol of accumulated incident PPFD. Low PPFD reduced seed number per plant and the carbon/nitrogen ratio of those seeds, but not seed weight. PPFD was a primary cue for many shade avoidance traits and only under low PPFD did R/FR modify the expression of these traits. This study elucidates the adaptive strategies that makeC. albuma persistent weed.
Hybridisation between wheat and Aegilops geniculata and hybrid fertility for potential herbicide resistance transfer
Authors: LOUREIRO I , ESCORIAL C , GARCÍA BAUDIN J‐M , CHUECA M‐C 
Published: November 2008

SummaryHybridisation between wheat and Aegilops geniculata was quantified in a 4‐year crossing experiment in the glasshouse, using three wheat cultivars as pollen donors and herbicide resistance as a phenotypic marker. Hybridisation rates ranged from 5% to 74%. Most of the hybrids were self‐sterile. However, seven F2 seeds were obtained from 165 A. geniculata–wheat hybrids. Hybrid seeds were found in all backcross (BC1) combinations at average rates of 4.2% (0–26.3%) and 5.88% (0–34%) under glasshouse and field experiments, respectively, with significant differences among years and cultivars. Wheat cultivars, F1 and BC1 plants, were resistant to herbicides while A. geniculata plants were susceptible. In the subsequent generations, although few plants were available, the BC1F1 had a certain degree of fertility and the fertility increased in the F2 plants, with one plant that reached 66.7%. The commercial growing of genetically modified herbicide‐tolerant wheat is expected to have the potential for the inserted gene to escape from the crop and become incorporated in a closely related wild species, conferring a competitive advantage to these conferring weeds. Determining the frequency of crop‐wild transgene flow and the fertility of the formed hybrids is a necessity for risk assessment. Data presented here provide new knowledge on the potential A. geniculata–wheat herbicide resistance transfer.
Bilateral Testicular Mixed Germ Cell‐sex Cord‐stromal Tumours in a Stallion
Authors: Brito LFC , Engiles JB , Turner RM , Getman LM , Ebling A 
Published: November 2008

ContentsAn 18‐year‐old Friesian stallion was examined approximately one week after reportedly presenting scrotal swelling due to torsion of the spermatic cords. Upon presentation no scrotal swelling was noted, the testes were normally oriented, and no abnormalities of the spermatic cords were noted. However, both testes were smaller than expected for a mature stallion and deep palpation revealed that the consistency of the testes was nodular. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the testes revealed diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma with multiple hypoechoic nodular areas. Grossly, the testicular parenchyma was effaced by multiple gray‐tan nodules of varying consistency interspersed with gray‐white bands of tissue. Microscopic analysis revealed multiple pleomorphic neoplastic foci disseminated throughout both testes. Histological and immunohistochemical features were atypical and consistent with the diagnosis of bilateral testicular mixed germ cell‐sex cord stromal tumours. Bilateral testicular tumours and testicular mixed cell tumours are extremely rare in stallions and this is the first report of bilateral testicular mixed germ cell‐sex cord‐stromal tumours in a stallion. Our findings indicate that certain ultrasonographic characteristics are suggestive of testicular tumour and that immunohistochemistry markers can be used to better characterize testicular neoplasms in stallions.
Otago Glaucoma Surgery Outcome Study: long‐term results of 841 trabeculectomies
Authors: Bevin Tui H , Molteno Anthony CB , Herbison Peter 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:  To describe the long‐term outcomes of trabeculectomies performed at Dunedin Hospital and followed in the Otago Glaucoma Surgery Outcome Study.Methods:  Prospective non‐comparative case series of 841 eyes of 607 patients who had first trabeculectomies for primary open‐ or closed‐angle glaucoma at Dunedin Hospital between 1976 and 2005 and followed for a mean of 7.5 years (standard deviation 6.0).Results:  The probability of a trabeculectomy controlling the intraocular pressure at 21 mmHg or less at 1, 10 and 20 years was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95, 0.97), 0.86 (95% CI 0.83, 0.89) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.74, 0.83), respectively. Visual acuity was maintained or improved between preoperative assessment and final follow up in 68% of cases. The probability of not being blind following trabeculectomy at 1, 10 and 20 years was 0.98 (95% CI 0.96, 0.98), 0.83 (95% CI 0.80, 0.87) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.64, 0.76), respectively. The proportion of those with glaucomatous field loss increased during follow up from 16% (44/283) at 0–5 years to 50% (10/20) for those with 21 or more years of follow up. A repeat drainage procedure was required in 65 eyes (8%) (56 Molteno implant insertions and 9 repeat trabeculectomies).Conclusions:  Intraocular pressure was well controlled by trabeculectomy; however, a steady decline in intraocular pressure control, visual acuity and visual field occurred during follow up.
The long‐term cost‐effectiveness of fetal monitoring during labour: a comparison of cardiotocography complemented with ST analysis versus cardiotocography alone
Authors: Heintz E , Brodtkorb T‐H , Nelson N , Levin L‐Å 
Published: November 2008

Objective To assess the cost‐effectiveness of the use of cardiotocography (CTG) complemented with fetal electrocardiography and ST analysis compared with the use of CTG alone in term deliveries when a decision has been made to use fetal monitoring with a scalp electrode.Design A cost‐effectiveness analysis based on a probabilistic decision model incorporating relevant strategies and lifelong outcomes.Setting Maternity wards in Sweden.Population Women with term fetuses after a clinical decision had been made to apply a fetal scalp electrode for internal CTG.Methods A decision model was used to compare the costs and effects of two different treatment strategies. Baseline estimates were derived from the literature. Discounted costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were simulated over a lifetime horizon using a probabilistic model.Main outcome measures QALYs, incremental costs, and cost per QALY gained expressed as incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER).Results The analysis found an incremental effect of 0.005 QALYs for ST analysis compared with CTG; the ST analysis strategy was also moreover associated with a €56 decrease in costs, thus dominating the CTG strategy. The probability that ST analysis is cost‐effective in comparison with CTG is high, irrespective of the willingness‐to‐pay value for a QALY.Conclusions Compared with CTG alone, ST analysis is cost‐effective when used in term high‐risk deliveries in which there is a need for internal fetal monitoring.
Characterising the local immune responses in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis
Authors: Woo YL , Sterling J , Damay I , Coleman N , Crawford R , Van Der Burg SH , Stanley M 
Published: November 2008

Introduction  Immunological competence influences the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to invasive cancer. Information on the local immunological changes during the natural course of CIN is central for the development of new therapies.Objective  This study defines the populations of tissue‐infiltrating immune cells in a cross‐sectional cohort of different grades of CIN and also in a longitudinal cohort of regressing, persistent and progressing low‐grade (LG)‐CIN.Design  A cohort of 125 women with LG cytological atypia was recruited, of which 64/125 (51%) women with LG‐CIN were followed prospectively for 1 year. Paraffin‐embedded entry and exit cervical biopsies were used for immunohistochemistry analysis (CD4, CD8, CD56, FOXP3, CD1a and granzyme B).Results  At recruitment, 74/125 (59%), 39/125 (31%) and 12/125 (10%) women referred with LG smears had histologically proven LG‐CIN, high‐grade (HG) and normal biopsies, respectively. Seventeen of 64 (24.6%) women with LG‐CIN progressed to HG‐CIN within 1 year. In both LG‐CIN and HG‐CIN, the predominant intraepithelial cell population were cytotoxic T cells, while CD4+ and FOXP3+ T cells predominated the stromal compartment. Women with LG‐CIN who later on regressed displayed a significantly higher number of cytotoxic (granzyme B+) cells in their entry samples. In addition, the ratio between CD8+ cells and granzyme B+ cells was close to 1, suggesting that all infiltrating CD8+ T cells were highly active. In contrast, this ratio was three‐fold lower in women, in whom the lesions persisted or progressed.Conclusions  This study suggests that the early infiltration of lesions by highly cytotoxic effector cells protects against progression.