bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of pesticide policies and regulations for urban amenity areas in seven European countries
Authors: KRISTOFFERSEN P , RASK A M , GRUNDY A C , FRANZEN I , KEMPENAAR C , RAISIO J , SCHROEDER H , SPIJKER J , VERSCHWELE A , ZARINA L 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAn analysis of the regulations of herbicide use for weed control in non‐agricultural/urban amenity areas, including actual pesticide use, was carried out as a joint survey of seven European countries: Denmark, Finland, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Sweden and United Kingdom. Herbicides constitute the major part of the pesticides used in urban amenity areas. Herbicide use on hard surfaces is the largest in terms of volume and potential contamination of surface and groundwater. The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in political interest and public debate on the ‘use of pesticides in public urban amenity areas’, regulations within each country at national, regional and local levels, possible use of alternative weed control methods and the amounts of pesticides used on urban amenity areas. A comparative analysis revealed major differences in political interest, regulations and availability of statistics on pesticide use. Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Germany have, or have had, a strong public and political interest for reducing the use of herbicides to control weeds in urban amenity areas and also have very strict regulations. The UK is currently undergoing a period of increasing awareness and strengthening regulation, while Latvia and Finland do not have specific regulations for weed control in urban amenity areas or on hard surfaces. Statistics on pesticide/herbicide use on urban amenity areas were only available in Denmark and the Netherlands. Developing this kind of information base reveals the differences in herbicide use, regulations and policies in European countries and may enhance the transfer of knowledge on sustainable weed control across countries.
Physiological and molecular bases of glyphosate resistance in Conyza bonariensis biotypes from Spain
Authors: DINELLI G , MAROTTI I , BONETTI A , CATIZONE P , URBANO J M , BARNES J 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe physiological and molecular bases of glyphosate resistance in one susceptible (S) and four resistant (R) Conyza bonariensis biotypes (sampled in orchards from Andalusia, Spain) were investigated. Resistance index (RI) values of the four R biotypes ranged between 2.9 and 5.6. The main physiological difference between S and R biotypes was the dissimilar mobility of glyphosate in the whole plant. In R biotypes, the herbicide was translocated less from leaves to culm and root, and more from culm to leaves compared with the S biotype. The upward mobility of glyphosate via xylem suggests that the herbicide may be sequestered to the apoplast or the vacuole. The hypothesis of an insensitive 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) was provisionally discarded on the basis of shikimate accumulation in R plant tissues after glyphosate treatment. At the molecular level, the relative abundance of EPSPS mRNA prior to glyphosate treatment was approximately double in two R biotypes compared with the S standard and the other R biotypes. Moreover, the two R biotypes having both no translocation and doubled EPSPS mRNA levels had also the highest RI. These results suggest that two factors may be related to glyphosate resistance in the R biotypes: (i) impaired translocation and (ii) high basal EPSPS transcript levels. The comparison between these findings and earlier results on glyphosate resistance mechanism in Conyza canadensis biotypes from the USA, suggests that similar agronomic factors (repeated application of glyphosate, no crop and herbicide rotation, no tillage) have selected similar traits on different genetic pools of the resistance‐prone Conyza genus.
Soil water availability affects green area and biomass growth of Cynodon dactylon
Authors: DE ABELLEYRA D , VERDÚ A M C , KRUK B C , SATORRE E H 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a stoloniferous and rhizomatous prostrate weed displaying high growth rates under non‐limiting conditions. Radiation has been considered the major factor affecting C. dactylon patch extension and biomass growth, but little is known about the influence of water availability on those processes. C. dactylon green area and biomass growth were analysed in response to different soil water conditions. Four experiments comprising eight drought treatments were carried out during 2 years at different dates, to generate a wide range of soil water and evaporative demand conditions. Significant reductions in weed green area and biomass growth were found between treatments when low soil water conditions were imposed. Reductions in green area were of greater magnitude than reductions in biomass, suggesting a higher effect of drought on green area increment. There were significant (P < 0.05) relationships between green area increment and cumulative incident radiation, although slopes [relative green area growth rates (RGAGR)] differed among treatments. A strong logistic relationship was found between RGAGR and the ratio of plant‐available soil water to potential evapotranspiration. The approach and parameters generated in this work can be used to predict C. dactylon growth changes under rain‐fed conditions.
A rare case of leishmaniasis recidiva cutis evolving for 31 years caused by Leishmania tropica
Authors: Stefanidou Maria P. , Antoniou Maria , Koutsopoulos Athanassios V. , Neofytou Yiannakis T. , Krasagakis Konstantinos , Krüger‐Krasagakis Sabine , Tselentis Yiannis , Tosca Adroniki D. 
Published: May 2008

A 64‐year‐old woman presented with erythematous, infiltrative plaques with a central atrophic area on both zygomatic regions. Several yellow‐reddish papules were seen at the periphery of the plaques and showed an “apple‐jelly” color on diascopy (Fig. 1). No visceral involvement was detected.Erythematous, infiltrative plaque with a central atrophic areaimageThe past medical history revealed that, at 3 years of age, she had developed an “Oriental sore” on both cheeks that healed with permanent scars. Thirty years later, she noticed an erythematous patch around the scars. She reported a hospital admission 22 years earlier for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL); this was treated with pentavalent antimonial therapy for 10 days with partial improvement, when she refused further treatment. The lesions worsened in the summer and gradually became disfiguring, which prompted her to seek medical consultation.Laboratory findings were normal. Leishmania antibody titers were negative. Tissue samples were obtained by biopsy from the border of the lesion for culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and histopathologic examination. Histology revealed a dermal infiltrate with tuberculoid granulomas surrounded by lymphocytes, histiocytes, and some plasma cells, but no caseation necrosis. A few Leishmania organisms were found on careful searching (Fig. 2). Leishmania tropica was identified by culture and PCR.(A) Granulomatous infiltrate intermingled with lymphocytes and histiocytes in the dermis (hematoxylin and eosin, ×40). (B) Granulomas lack caseation necrosis (hematoxylin and eosin, ×200). (C) Leishmania organisms in the cytoplasm of a giant cell (Giemsa stain, × 600)imageA diagnosis of leishmaniasis recidiva cutis (LRC) was made on the basis of the anamnestic data together with the clinical, histopathologic, biologic, and molecular findings. Complete regression was achieved with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) given intramuscularly (15 mg SbV/kg/day for 15 days) and cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen. No recurrence was noted during a 12‐month follow‐up period.
Concordant over‐expression of transcription factor Sp1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Chen Si‐Yuan , Takeuchi Satoshi , Moroi Yoichi , Hayashida Sayaka , Kido Makiko , Uchi Hiroshi , Takahara Masakazu , Uenotsuchi Takeshi , Tu Ya‐Ting , Urabe Kazunori , Furue Masutaka 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) is a transcription factor and shown to be a sequence‐specific DNA‐binding protein that activate a broad and diverse spectrum of mammalian gene, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene. But the expression of Sp1 and VEGF has not previously been investigated in extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD).Methods  To investigate the expression of Sp1 and VEGF proteins in EMPD and to assess their relationships and potential contribution to malignant transduction of EMPD, paraffin‐embedded EMPD specimens (35 tissue samples from 33 patients with primary EMPD, including two samples of metastatic lymph nodes from two patients) were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for Sp1 and VEGF.Results  All of the 35 EMPD specimens, including all of six invasive EMPD and two metastatic lymph node specimens, showed strong nuclear positive staining for Sp1 and strong cytoplasmic positive staining for VEGF. The expression levels (% positive cells) of Sp1 and VEGF in EMPD were significantly higher than those of normal skin (NS). There was a significantly high correlation between expression levels of Sp1 and VEGF in EMPD.Conclusions  The present study reveals that the concordant over‐expression of Sp1 and VEGF may play a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis and further malignant transduction of EMPD.
Impact of smoking on pemphigus
Authors: Valikhani Mahin , Kavusi Suzan , Chams‐Davatchi Cheyda , Hallaji Zahra , Esmaili Nafiseh , Ghandi Narges , Farahani Farzaneh , Lajevardi Vahide 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  A positive history of smoking is less common in patients with pemphigus than in healthy subjects. The aim of this case–control study was to compare the remission rate and clinical locations involved in smokers and nonsmokers with pemphigus vulgaris.Methods  Seventy patients with pemphigus vulgaris, treated with a uniform protocol, were enrolled. The sites of involvement, average time needed for disease control, and number of relapses were compared in smokers and nonsmokers. At the end of the first and second years of treatment, the rate of remission was compared in the two groups.Results  Ten of the patients were current cigarette smokers, but the other 60 (85.7%) had no history of smoking. There was no difference in the rate of cutaneous or mucosal involvement between smokers and nonsmokers. The predominant subtype was the mucocutaneous type in both groups. Smokers with pemphigus vulgaris achieved partial remission more frequently than nonsmokers at the end of the first year of treatment. The number of patients in remission at the end of the second year of therapy was significantly higher for smokers with pemphigus than for nonsmokers. The main reason for disease activity in both groups was recurrence.Conclusions  Cigarette smoking may not affect the rate of cutaneous or mucosal involvement in pemphigus; however, the data indicate that remission may be achieved sooner in pemphigus patients who smoke.
The effect of gastric Helicobacter pylori eradication on recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Karaca Semsettin , Seyhan Muammer , Senol Mustafa , Harputluoglu M. Muhip , Ozcan Atilla 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been suggested to be associated with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) as well as many other diseases.Methods  We conducted a prospective study on a total of 23 patients with RAS to investigate the relationship between H. pylori and RAS as well as the effect of eradication therapy on the recurrence. All patients underwent endoscopic examination and gastric biopsy. The biopsy materials were examined histopathologically whether they contained H. pylori or not. The density of H. pylori was also noted. The patients with H. pylori infection were followed up for up to 1 year after starting the eradication therapy.Results  Gastric mucosal H. pylori colonization was (+) in 39%, (++) in 39%, (+++) in 9%, and (–) in 13% of the patients, respectively. There were statistically significant decreases in the recurrence rate and amelioration time of RAS by eradication therapy. There were no significant correlations among the intensity of H. pylori with the recurrence rate, number, diameter, and amelioration time of the lesions in 1‐year follow‐up.Conclusions  We concluded that eradication of H. pylori may have reducing effects on the recurrence and amelioration period of the RAS.
Reducing the variation in performance of antibody titrations
Authors: AuBuchon J. P. , De Wildt‐Eggen J. , Dumont L. J. ,   for the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion Collaborative,   the Transfusion Medicine Resource Committee of the College of American Pathologists
Published: May 2008

Background  Antibody titration is difficult to standardize. We investigated whether a detailed, uniform procedure for antibody titration would reduce variation in both tube‐based and gel card titres in an international study.Methods  Laboratories (n = 35) tested proficiency testing material provided by the College of American Pathologists each according to (i) their routine method; (ii) a detailed, uniform method; and (iii) the uniform method titrating the serum sample against a red cell of specified phenotype (D+ C– c+ E+ e– for anti‐D; A1 for anti‐A) instead of the red cell of the same phenotype provided in the proficiency testing kit. Uniform method results were reported with 1+ and w+ end‐points. Paired statistical analyses of variance were conducted using the F‐test.Results  The variance between laboratories was not significantly reduced with the uniform method using a 1+ end‐point. However, a statistically significant reduction in the variance of anti‐D and anti‐A titres by the tube‐based uniform technique after 37°C incubation and conversion to the antiglobulin (AHG) phase was seen when 19 laboratories reanalysed their results using a w+ end‐point. Too few laboratories reported results with a w+ end‐point in gel card testing to allow analysis. Titration against red cells of the specified phenotype provided by the participating laboratory did not appear to introduce additional variance. Overall, results reported based on the gel card technique at the AHG phase (1+ end‐point) showed reduced variance compared to tube‐based techniques.Conclusions  A detailed, uniform method for antibody titration at 37°C and read at the AHG phase in a tube‐based method with a w+ end‐point reduced interlaboratory variability.
Normal Cross – Sectional Anatomy of the Bovine Digit: Comparison of Computed Tomography and Limb Anatomy
Authors: Raji A. R. , Sardari K. , Mohammadi H. R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to define the structures of the digits and hoof in Holstein dairy cattle by using computed tomography scan (CT scan). Transverse, sagital and dorsoplantar CT images of two isolated cattle cadaver digits were obtained using a Siemens ARTX2 Somatom. The CT images were compared to corresponding frozen cross‐sections. Relevant anatomical structures were identified and labelled at each level. The CT images provided anatomical detail of the digits and hoof in Holstein dairy cattle. Transversal images provided excellent depiction of anatomical structures when compared to corresponding frozen cross‐sections. The information presented in this paper would serve as an initial reference to the evaluation of CT images of the digits and hoof in Holstein dairy cattle.
Bovine Meroanencephaly and Gastroschisis: a Macro and Microscopic Study
Authors: Alberto M. L. V. , Trujillo H. A. G. , Riveros A. C. G. , Lima E. B. , Miglino M. A. , Santos J. M. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryCongenital malformations correspond to one of the main causes of embryonic loss during the gestational process. They result from interaction of several factors such as multifactor heredity, chromosomal and genetic alterations and environmental agents; however, unknown aetiology also can be present. In this article, we have used 10 embryos, from a frigorific area of Dracena, SP, Brazil, which were fixed in Bouin solution for a macro‐ and micro‐scopic description. We could verify the presence of an encephalic tissue mass on the embryo’s dorsal cranial area, resulting from the non‐formation of part of the cranial cap and from the non‐closing of cephalic neuropore and consequent neuroepithelial cells disorganization. In the abdominal area, the embryos did not show the complete fusion of the body lateral pleats during the abdominal wall formation, and the liver extruded into the amniotic cavity without involvement of the intestine.
Upper airway dimensions in children using rigid video‐bronchoscopy and a computer software: description of a measurement technique
Authors: DALAL PRITI G. , MURRAY DAVID , FENG ANGELA , MOLTER DAVID , McALLISTER JOHN 
Published: May 2008

SummaryBackground:  Pediatric airway management decisions are based primarily on results derived from indirect measures of laryngeal and tracheal dimensions. More recent methods could provide more direct information about absolute and relative changes in airway dimensions associated with growth and development.Study Objectives:  The aims of this study were (i) to determine whether a ‘video‐bronchoscopic’ measurement method could be used to reliably measure airway dimensions in children and (ii) to provide a preliminary assessment of dimensions of the glottis and cricoid in children of various ages.Methods:  Following approval from the institutional review board, validation experiments were performed to determine whether measurements obtained from the video image from the bronchoscope provided accurate measurements of tubular objects of known dimensions. The reliability of the measurements was determined by using two independent trained observers to measure video‐bronchoscopic images of the larynx at the level of the glottis and the cricoid in 11 children. The observers measured the video‐bronchoscopic images and airway measurements were obtained in 16 additional children to determine the utility of the measurement method.Results:  There was good agreement between the direct and video‐bronchoscopic measurement techniques (Bland and Altman plot) for both the cross‐sectional area (CSA) and the diameter of objects. The interobserver measures for cricoid and glottis were reproducible as indicated by the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) for cricoid anteroposterior diameter (CCC = 0.98, r = 0.98, accuracy = 0.99) and transverse diameter (CCC = 0.93, r = 0.8, accuracy = 0.99) as well as for the glottic anteroposterior diameter (r = 0.8, accuracy = 0.8, CCC = 0.6) and the glottic transverse diameter(r = 0.8, accuracy = 0.74, CCC = 0.6). Overall, for the 27 children studied [mean age 73 months (±24.7, range 30–140], the mean value of the cricoid CSA [45.3 mm2 (±13.9)] was found to be greater than the glottic CSA [16.2 mm2 (±10.1)].Conclusions:  The video‐bronchoscopic imaging method provided an accurate, reliable measure of pediatric airway dimensions. This technique could be applied to assess absolute and relative airway size associated with growth and development. The relationship between glottic and cricoid dimensions during growth and development in children needs further investigation across various age groups.
Efficacy of ketamine and midazolam as co‐induction agents with propofol for laryngeal mask insertion in children
Authors: GOEL SHIBA , BHARDWAJ NEERJA , JAIN KAJAL 
Published: May 2008

SummaryObjectives:  Use of midazolam and ketamine lowers the induction dose of propofol (co‐induction) producing hemodynamic stability.Background:  Large doses of propofol needed for induction and laryngeal mask (LM) insertion in children may be associated with hemodynamic and respiratory effects. Co‐induction has the advantage of reducing dose and therefore maintaining hemodynamic stability.Aim:  To examine the effect of co‐induction on hemodynamics, LM insertion and recovery in children.Methods/Materials:  A prospective, randomized, double‐blind, controlled study was conducted in 60 ASA I/II children, age 1–8 years. Normal saline, ketamine 0.5 mg·kg−1, midazolam 0.05 mg·kg−1 were administered in groups P (propofol), PK (propofol–ketamine) and PM (propofol–midazolam), respectively, 2 min prior to the administration of the induction dose of propofol. Propofol 3.5 mg·kg−1 (group P) or 2.5 mg·kg−1 (groups PK and PM) was used for induction, LM inserted 30 s later and insertion conditions assessed. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded immediately after propofol bolus, then every min till 2 min after LMA insertion. Recovery was assessed using Steward’s Score.Result:  In group P, systolic blood pressure (SBP) showed a significantly greater decrease compared to group PK and group PM (P < 0.005). Only 5% of patients in groups PK and PM showed >20% fall in SBP compared to 89% in group P (P < 0.005). More children in groups PK and PM had acceptable conditions for LM insertion compared to group P (P < 0.05). The time to achieve Steward Score of 6 was longer in groups PK and PM compared to group P (P < 0.005).Conclusion:  In children, the combination of propofol with ketamine or midazolam produces stable hemodynamics and improved LM insertion conditions but is associated with delayed recovery.
Ultrasound‐guided serial ilioinguinal nerve blocks for management of chronic groin pain secondary to ilioinguinal neuralgia in adolescents
Authors: SURESH SANTHANAM , PATEL AMISH , PORFYRIS SUZANNE , RYEE MI‐YOUNG 
Published: May 2008

SummaryWe examined the efficacy of serial ilioinguinal nerve blocks using ultrasound guidance for management of chronic inguinal pain secondary to persistent ilioinguinal neuralgia in adolescents. This case series consists of two adolescents who had persistent inguinal pain secondary to ilioinguinal neuralgia who were treated with conventional pain medications that did not relieve the pain. One patient had pain immediately following surgery while the other had pain several months after an injury. Serial ilioinguinal nerve blocks were performed with local anesthetic solution using ultrasound guidance in an outpatient setting. Both the adolescents had complete relief of pain symptoms and were able to resume normal activities. There were no adverse effects associated with the blocks. Performance of serial ilioinguinal nerve blocks using ultrasonography in an outpatient setting in adolescents and adolescents with ilioinguinal neuralgia may reduce pain and allow these adolescents to resume their normal activities.