bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The significance of ratios of detritus types and micro‐organism productivity to competitive interactions between aquatic insect detritivores
Authors: YEE DONALD A. , KAUFMAN MICHAEL G. , JULIANO STEVEN A. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryInvestigations of competitive interactions emphasize non‐detrital resources, even though detritus is a major component of most food webs. Studies of competing species focus usually on single resource types, although consumers in nature are likely to encounter mixtures of resource types that may affect whether competition results in exclusion or coexistence.The invasive mosquitoAedes albopictusis capable of excluding the native mosquitoOchlerotatus triseriatusin competition for single detritus types in laboratory and field microcosms. In this study, we used nine ratios of two detritus types (animal and leaf) common in natural containers to test whether detritus ratios affect the outcome of competition.Under intraspecific and interspecific competition,A. albopictusattained higher survival and estimated population growth rate than didO. triseriatus. Unlike past studies, both species had positive growth and high adult survival, with little evidence of competitive effects, under one resource ratio (10 : 1 ratio of leaf : animal detritus) regardless of mosquito densities, suggesting potential coexistence.Path analysis showed that densities of larvae had negative effects on population growth forO. triseriatusbut not forA. albopictus, indicating competitive superiority ofA. albopictus. Population growth of both species was affected strongly by the direct paths from animal (positive) and leaf (negative) detritus, and the indirect effect of leaf detritus via bacterial production (positive).Field sampling established that detritus entered real tree holes in ratios similar to those in our experiment, suggesting that natural variation in detritus ratios may influence local coexistence of these species. Seasonal variation in ratios of plant and animal detritus indicated that temporal as well as spatial variation in inputs may be important for potential coexistence.
Effects of a nationwide programme: interventions to reduce perceived barriers to collaboration and to increase structural one‐on‐one contact
Authors: Heideman Jantien , Laurant Miranda , Verhaak Peter , Wensing Michel , Grol Richard 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjective  To describe the implementation of a nationwide programme and to determine the effects of specific quality improvement (QI) interventions within this programme on perceived barriers to collaboration between general practitioner (GPs) and mental health professionals and frequency of structural one‐on‐one contact regarding individual patients.Methods  The implementation of regional QI‐interventions, perceived barriers to collaboration, and frequency of structural one‐on‐one contact, were assessed in a cohort study involving two surveys (2001 and 2003) among a random sample of 2757 GPs.Results  1336 and 1358 GPs returned baseline and follow‐up questionnaires respectively. Most of the interventions were only offered to a minority of GPs. Less than 25% of GPs that had been offered interventions actually participated. The frequency of structural one‐on‐one contact with mental health professionals did not change, but barriers to collaboration decreased between 2001 and 2003. For GPs who actually participated in interactive small group meetings or in intervention in which mental health professionals were integrated in general practice, a reduction of perceived barriers could be observed as well as an increase in the frequency of structural one‐on‐one contact.Conclusion  Interventions that could be characterized as interactive small group meetings as well as interventions that involved the integration of mental health professionals in general practice led to a reduction of perceived barriers as well as an increase in the frequency of structural one‐on‐one contact. These findings add to the knowledge of which interventions have an effect on the collaboration between different health care providers.
Overall self‐rated health as an outcome indicator in primary care
Authors: Rohrer James E. , Arif Ahmed , Denison Anne , Young Rodney , Adamson Steve 
Published: August 2007

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  The ultimate goal of health care systems is to improve overall health from the patient’s point of view. However, overall self‐rated health is not routinely monitored as a performance indicator. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using a measure normally employed in community health surveys as a quality indicator in primary care clinics.Methods  In order to do so, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey of community medicine patients treated in five clinics in Amarillo, Texas to test the theory that, in primary care patients, a single‐item measure of self‐rated health is significantly related to the usual risk factors found in community health surveys (environmental factors, demographic characteristics and health behaviours).Results  Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, race, frequent mental distress, current smoking and health confidence were independently related to the odds of reporting good health.Conclusion  Our results support using a single‐item measure of self‐rated health in primary care. Our data also suggest that encouragement of health confidence would appear to be in the best interests of patients.
Virus isolation vs RT‐PCR: which method is more successful in detecting VHSV and IHNV in fish tissue sampled under field conditions?
Authors: Knüsel R , Bergmann S M , Einer‐Jensen K , Casey J , Segner H , Wahli T 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis study compared the results of reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and traditional virus isolation on cell culture in detection of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) and infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV). RT‐PCR was used for 172 tissue sample pools (total of 859 fish) originating from a field survey on the occurrence of VHSV and IHNV in farmed and wild salmonids in Switzerland. These samples represented all sites with fish that were either identified as virus‐positive by means of virus isolation (three sites, four positive tissue sample pools) and/or demonstrated positive anti‐VHSV‐antibody titres (83 sites, 121 positive blood samples) in a serum plaque neutralization test (SPNT). The RT‐PCR technique confirmed the four VHSV‐positive tissue sample pools detected by virus isolation and additionally identified one VHSV‐positive sample that showed positive anti‐VHSV‐AB titres, but was negative in virus isolation. With IHNV, RT‐PCR detected two positive samples not identified by virus isolation while in these fish the SPNT result had been questionable. One of the IHNV‐positive samples represents the first detection of IHNV‐RNA in wild brown trout in Switzerland. Compared to SPNT, the RT‐PCR method detected, as with virus isolation, a much lower number of positive cases; reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Our results indicate that RT‐PCR can not only be successfully applied in field surveys, but may also be slightly more sensitive than virus isolation. However, in a titration experiment under laboratory conditions, the sensitivity of RT‐PCR was not significantly higher when compared with virus isolation.
Pancreas disease in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), in Norway
Authors: Taksdal T , Olsen A B , Bjerkås I , Hjortaas M J , Dannevig B H , Graham D A , McLoughlin M F 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe present paper describes, for the first time, clinical signs and pathological findings of pancreas disease (PD) in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), in sea water in Norway. Similarities and differences with reports of PD from Ireland and Scotland are discussed. Samples of 68 rainbow trout from disease outbreaks on 14 farms and from 155 Atlantic salmon from outbreaks on 20 farms collected from 1996 to 2004 were included in the present study. The histopathological findings of PD in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout in sea water were similar. Acute PD, characterized by acute necrosis of exocrine pancreatic tissues, was detected in nine Atlantic salmon and three rainbow trout. Salmonid alphavirus (SAV) was identified in acute pancreatic necroses by immunohistochemistry. Most fish showed severe loss of exocrine pancreatic tissue combined with chronic myositis. Myocarditis was often but not consistently found. Kidneys from 40% and 64% of the rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon, respectively, had cells along the sinusoids that were packed with cytoplasmic eosinophilic granules. These cells resembled hypertrophied endothelial cells or elongated mast cell analogues. Histochemical staining properties and electron microscopy of these cells are presented. SAV was identified by RT‐PCR and neutralizing antibodies against SAV were detected in blood samples.
Alphavirus infections in salmonids – a review
Authors: McLoughlin M F , Graham D A 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe first alphavirus to be isolated from fish was recorded in 1995 with the isolation of salmon pancreas disease virus from Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in Ireland. Subsequently, the closely related sleeping disease virus was isolated from rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), in France. More recently Norwegian salmonid alphavirus (SAV) has been isolated from marine phase production of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout in Norway. These three viruses are closely related and are now considered to represent three subtypes of SAV, a new member of the genus Alphavirus within the family Togaviridae. SAVs are recognized as serious pathogens of farmed Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout in Europe. This paper aims to draw together both historical and current knowledge of the diseases caused by SAVs, the viruses, their diagnosis and control, and to discuss the differential diagnosis of similar pathologies seen in cardiomyopathy syndrome and heart and skeletal muscle inflammation of Atlantic salmon.
Molecular cloning and function analysis of the stay green gene in rice
Authors: Jiang Huawu , Li Meiru , Liang Naiting , Yan Hongbo , Wei Yubo , Xu Xinlan , Liu Jian , Xu Zhifang , Chen Fan , Wu Guojiang 
Published: August 2007

SummaryChloroplasts undergo drastic morphological and physiological changes during senescence with a visible symptom of chlorophyll (Chl) degradation. A stay green mutant was identified and then isolated from the japonica rice (Oryza sativa) cv. Huazhiwu by γ‐ray irradiation. The stay green mutant was characterized by Chl retention, stable Chl–protein complexes, and stable thylakoid membrane structures, but lost its photosynthetic competence during senescence. The gene, designated Stay Green Rice (SGR), was cloned by a positional cloning strategy encoding an ancient protein containing a putative chloroplast transit peptide. SGR protein was found in both soluble and thylakoid membranes in rice. SGR, like the gene for pheophorbide a oxygenase (PaO), was constitutively expressed, but was upregulated by dark‐induced senescence in rice leaves. Senescence‐induced expression of SGR and PaO was enhanced by ABA, but inhibited by cytokinin. Overexpression of SGR reduced the number of lamellae in the grana thylakoids and reduced the Chl content of normally growing leaves. This indicates that upregulation of SGR increases Chl breakdown during senescence in rice. A small quantity of chlorophyllide a accumulated in sgr leaves, but this also accumulated in wild‐type rice leaves during senescence. Some pheophorbide a was detected in sgr leaves in the dark. According to these observations, we propose that SGR may be involved in regulating or taking part in the activity of PaO, and then may influence Chl breakdown and degradation of pigment‐protein complex.
Arabidopsis GCP2 and GCP3 are part of a soluble γ‐tubulin complex and have nuclear envelope targeting domains
Authors: Seltzer Virginie , Janski Natacha , Canaday Jean , Herzog Etienne , Erhardt Mathieu , Evrard Jean‐Luc , Schmit Anne‐Catherine 
Published: August 2007

SummaryIn higher plants, microtubules (MTs) are assembled in distinctive arrays in the absence of a defined organizing center. Three MT nucleation sites have been described: the nuclear surface, the cell cortex and cortical MT branch points. The Arabidopsis thaliana (At) genome contains putative orthologues encoding all the components of characterized mammalian nucleation complexes: γ‐tubulin and γ‐tubulin complex proteins GCP2 to GCP6. We have cloned the cDNA encoding AtGCP2, and show that γ‐tubulin, AtGCP2 and AtGCP3 are part of the same tandem affinity‐purified complex and are present in a large membrane‐associated complex. In addition, small soluble γ‐tubulin complexes of the size expected for a γ‐tubulin core complex are recruited to isolated nuclei. Using immunogold labelling, AtGCP3 is localized to both the nuclear envelope (NE) and the plasma membrane. To identify domains that could play a role in targeting complexes to these nucleation sites, truncated AtGCP2‐ and AtGCP3‐green fluorescent protein fusion proteins were expressed in BY‐2 cells. Several domains from AtGCP2 and AtGCP3 are capable of targeting fusions to the NE. We propose that regulated recruitment of soluble γ‐tubulin‐containing complexes is responsible for nucleation at dispersed sites in plant cells and contributes to the formation and organization of the various MT arrays.
A novel antagonist of CRTH2 blocks eosinophil release from bone marrow, chemotaxis and respiratory burst
Authors: Royer J. F. , Schratl P. , Lorenz S. , Kostenis E. , Ulven T. , Schuligoi R. , Peskar B. A. , Heinemann A. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  Chemoattractant receptor‐homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) has been revealed to be a novel receptor for prostaglandin (PG) D2, which is a major mast cell product released during the allergic response. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a newly developed small molecule antagonist of CRTH2, Cay10471, on eosinophil function with respect to recruitment, respiratory burst and degranulation.Methods:  Chemotaxis of guinea pig bone marrow eosinophils and human peripheral blood eosinophils were determined using microBoyden chambers. Eosinophil release from bone marrow was investigated in the in situ perfused guinea pig hind limb preparation. Respiratory burst and degranulation were measured by flow cytometry.Results:  Cay10471 bound with high affinity to recombinant human and guinea pig CRTH2, but not DP, receptors. The antagonist prevented the PGD2‐induced release of eosinophils from guinea pig bone marrow, and inhibited the chemotaxis of guinea pig bone marrow eosinophils and human peripheral blood eosinophils. Pretreatment with PGD2 primed eosinophils for chemotaxis towards eotaxin, and this effect was prevented by Cay10471. In contrast, PGD2 inhibited the C5a‐induced up‐regulation of CD63, a cellular marker of degranulation, in a Cay10471‐sensitive manner. Finally, Cay10471 abolished the respiratory burst of eosinophils upon stimulation by PGD2.Conclusion:  These data further emphasize the importance of CRTH2 in eosinophil function and show that Cay10471 is a highly potent and selective antagonist of PGD2‐induced eosinophil responses. Cay10471 might hence be a useful compound for the treatment of allergic diseases.
Effect of grass pollen immunotherapy with Alutard SQ® on quality of life in seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Powell R. J. , Frew A. J. , Corrigan C. J. , Durham S. R. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  Treatment of allergic rhinitis with subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy is effective in terms of reductions in symptoms and seasonal use of reliever medication. Its effect on quality of life (QoL), reflecting the impact of symptoms on work/school performance and leisure activities is, however, important and often overlooked.Aims of the study:  To assess effect on QoL of specific immunotherapy with two doses of Alutard SQ®Phleum pratense in patients with moderately to severe seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis inadequately controlled by standard drug therapy.Methods:  Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of 410 patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Participants were randomized (2 : 1 : 1) to receive Alutard SQ®P. pratense (ALK‐Abelló) at maintenance doses of 100 000 SQ‐U (203 subjects), 10 000 SQ‐U (104 subjects) or placebo (103 subjects) given by subcutaneous injections. The groups were well matched for demographics and baseline symptoms. Quality of life was assessed using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire which covers seven domains of health before and in the peak of the pollen season.Results:  While all domain scores were significantly improved when comparing 100 000 SQ‐U with placebo, two domain scores were significantly improved when comparing 10 000 SQ‐U with placebo. When comparing 100 000 SQ‐U with 10 000 SQ‐U, four domain scores were significantly improved.Conclusion:  Treatment with Alutard SQ® significantly improved the seasonal QoL of patients suffering from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The improvement was more pronounced and wider ranging in patients who received the higher 100 000 SQ‐U maintenance dose.
No consumption of IgE antibody in serum during allergic drug anaphylaxis
Authors: Guttormsen A. B. , Johansson S. G. O. , Öman H. , Wilhelmsen V. , Nopp A. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  The general understanding is that a blood sample for analysis of immunoglobulin (Ig) E antibodies to an allergen suspected to cause an anaphylaxis cannot be drawn until several weeks after the reaction. As this is most unpractical, the changes in IgE antibody levels during anaphylaxis were studied to evaluate the possibility of using samples drawn at the time of the reaction.Methods:  Immunoglobulin E antibodies to suxamethonium were quantitated with ImmunoCAP before, during and after an anaphylactic reaction occurring during anaesthesia using neuromuscular blocking agents.Results:  Serum IgE antibody concentrations against suxamethonium in blood samples collected up to 6 h after the reaction were not different from those in samples drawn before or days and weeks after the anaphylaxis.Conclusions:  A serum sample intended to trace the drug involved in an IgE‐mediated anaphylactic reaction can be drawn in direct relation to the reaction.
Limitations of arterial pulse pressure variation and left ventricular stroke volume variation in estimating cardiac pre‐load during open heart surgery*
Authors: Rex S. , Schälte G , Schroth S. , De Waal E. E. C. , Metzelder S. , Overbeck Y. , Rossaint R. , Buhre W. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  In addition to their well‐known ability to predict fluid responsiveness, functional pre‐load parameters, such as the left ventricular stroke volume variation (SVV) and pulse pressure variation (PPV), have been proposed to allow real‐time monitoring of cardiac pre‐load. SVV and PPV result from complex heart–lung interactions during mechanical ventilation. It was hypothesized that, under open‐chest conditions, when cyclic changes in pleural pressures during positive‐pressure ventilation are less pronounced, functional pre‐load indicators may be deceptive in the estimation of ventricular pre‐load.Methods:  Forty‐five patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting participated in this prospective, observational study. PPV and SVV were assessed by pulse contour analysis. The thermodilution technique was used to measure the stroke volume index and global and right ventricular end‐diastolic volume index. Trans‐oesophageal echocardiography was used to determine the left ventricular end‐diastolic area index. All parameters were assessed before and after sternotomy, and, in addition, after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass before and after chest closure (pericardium left open). Patients were ventilated with constant tidal volumes (8 ± 2 ml/kg) throughout the study period using pressure control.Results:  SVV and PPV decreased after sternotomy and increased after chest closure. However, these changes could not be related to concomitant changes in the ventricular pre‐load. The stroke volume index was correlated with SVV and PPV in closed‐chest conditions only, whereas volumetric indices reflected cardiac pre‐load in both closed‐ and open‐chest conditions. SVV and PPV were correlated with left and right ventricular pre‐load in closed‐chest–closed‐pericardium conditions only (with the best correlation found for the right ventricular end‐diastolic volume index).Conclusions:  SVV and PPV may be misleading when estimating cardiac pre‐load during open heart surgery.
Bowel function after bowel surgery: morphine with ketamine or placebo; a randomized controlled trial pilot study
Authors: McKay W. P. , Donais P. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  Morphine decreases gut peristalsis, and ketamine decreases morphine use after surgery, and does not slow peristalsis. Thus, the combination should result in faster return of bowel function after surgery than morphine alone.Method:  A double‐blind randomized controlled trial of saline vs. ketamine with intravenous patient‐controlled‐analgesia morphine for post‐operative pain control was conducted on 42 patients having bowel resection. Bowel function was assessed by auscultation, time to passage of flatus and stool, and time to first retained oral intake; pain by visual analog scale. Time to return of all four measures of bowel function was the primary outcome.Results:  Despite a ketamine dose that in other studies had decreased morphine use without side‐effects, there was no difference in bowel function, pain control, or morphine use between the two groups. Ketamine resulted in hallucinations in six out of 19 patients, with none in the placebo group (P =0.018).Conclusion:  Low‐dose ketamine was not efficacious for hastening return of bowel function, or for decreasing post‐operative pain after surgery for bowel resection. It resulted in hallucinations in some patients. Those reporting hallucinations all wished to remain in the study.
Pathogen fitness components and genotypes differ in their sensitivity to nutrient and temperature variation in a wild plant–pathogen association
Authors: LAINE A.‐L. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractUnderstanding processes maintaining variation in pathogen life‐history stages affecting infectivity and reproduction is a key challenge in evolutionary ecology. Models of host–parasite coevolution are based on the assumption that genetic variation for host–parasite interactions is a significant cause of variation in infection, and that variation in environmental conditions does not overwhelm the genetic basis. However, surprisingly little is known about the stability of genotype–genotype interactions under variable environmental conditions. Here, using a naturally occurring plant–pathogen interaction, I tested whether the two distinct aspects of the infection process – infectivity and transmission potential – vary over realistic nutrient and temperature gradients. I show that the initial pathogen infectivity and host resistance responses are robust over the environmental gradients. However, for compatible responses there were striking differences in how different pathogen life‐history stages and host and pathogen genotypes responded to environmental variation. For some pathogen genotypes even slight changes in temperature arrested spore production, rendering the developing infection ineffectual. The response of pathogen genotypes to environmental gradients varied in magnitude and even direction, so that their rankings changed across the abiotic gradients. Hence, the variable environment of spatially structured host–parasite interactions may strongly influence the maintenance of polymorphism in pathogen life‐history stages governing transmission, whereas evolutionary trajectories of infectivity may be unaffected by the surrounding environment.