bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability of Colletotrichum kahawae in Relation to Other Colletotrichum Species from Tropical Perennial Crops and the Development of Diagnostic Techniques
Authors: Bridge P. D. , Waller J. M. , Davies D. , Buddie A.G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTwenty‐six isolates of Colletotrichum kahawae, the causal agent of coffee berry disease, from coffee in Africa, and 25 isolates, mostly of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, from coffee and other tropical perennial crops, were examined for the ability to metabolize citrate and tartrate and their molecular genetic variability was assessed using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) and variable number tandem repeats (VNTR). Twenty‐four isolates of C. kahawae were also assessed using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP). Vegetative compatibility within a collection of nine isolates, including two of C. gloeosporioides was also assessed. All isolates of C. kahawae from across Africa failed to metabolize citrate or tartrate, but all other isolates metabolized one or both. Colletotrichum kahawae isolates also showed minimal variability using the molecular techniques with two isolates from Cameroon showing slightly different banding patterns in RFLP analysis. All other isolates had variable VNTR and RFLP banding patterns. AFLP analysis failed to detect variability within 12 isolates from Kenya, but did detect differences between isolates from other countries. Five isolates from Kenya were vegetatively compatible but differed from two from Cameroon and from two C. gloeosporioides isolates. Results demonstrate some geographic variability within C. kahawae isolates, although this is small, probably due to the relatively young age of C. kahawae populations. The biochemical and molecular techniques used showed clear differences from other Colletotrichum isolates, and can be used to distinguish the species. Lack of citrate and tartrate metabolism provides a readily applicable diagnostic method.
Characterization of Iranian Pectobacterium carotovorum Strains from Sugar Beet by Phenotypic Tests and Whole‐cell Proteins Profile
Authors: Fassihiani A. , Nedaeinia R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThirty isolates of Pectobacterium carotovorum from soft rot‐affected sugar beet plants in the Fars province of Iran were characterized phenotypically and by analysis of whole‐cell protein electrophoresis patterns. The isolates were found to be heterogeneous based on the results of physiological and biochemical tests and protein profiles. The results of numerical analysis of phenotypic characteristics and protein patterns showed that only 27% of the collected isolates (phenon 4) could be identified as P. betavasculorum when compared with reference strains. Strains of the first, second, third and fifth phenon shared similar characters with those of P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, P. betavasculorum and P. carotovorum subsp. odoriferum, but were distinct from these subspecies. Inoculation of phenon 4 isolates into wounded sugar beet petioles led to black streaking, root rot and vascular necrosis. Other isolates were incapable of causing systemic symptoms in inoculated plants.
Population Genetics of Three Important Head Blight Pathogens Fusarium graminearum, F. pseudograminearum and F. culmorum
Authors: Miedaner T. , Cumagun C. J. R. , Chakraborty S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractHomothallic Fusarium graminearum (teleomorph Gibberella zeae) and anamorphic F. culmorum are destructive pathogens causing Fusarium head blight (FHB) of small‐grain cereals worldwide, while heterothallic F. pseudograminearum (G. coronicola) seems to be restricted to Australia as a FHB pathogen. In a comprehensive treatise of pathogen population genetics, this review summarizes global knowledge of genetic diversity among isolates sampled at various spatial and temporal scales, examines the mechanisms that generate this diversity and explores the implications of pathogen diversity and plasticity to resistance breeding. Despite their different modes of reproduction, there is large variation among isolates of all three species originating from different countries and continents. With a few exceptions, haplotype diversity ranges from 60 to 100% even within populations from individual fields. In F. graminearum, over 90% of the variation is found within populations, even when samples are collected from areas as small as 0.25 m2. Variation among populations is low (4–8%) with negligible population subdivision. This indicates a high level of gene flow (Nm = 8–71) with linkage equilibrium for the majority of selectively neutral molecular marker loci analysed. These findings for F. graminearum point to large random mating populations driven by occasional outcrossing, high gene flow across large geographical distances and a relatively low host‐mediated directional selection. Similar conclusions can be drawn for the Canadian population of F. pseudograminearum, but not for populations from Australia, where different pathogen ecology may have reduced the frequency of sexual recombination. Phylogenetic analyses indicate delineation of lineages in F. graminearum, often along geographically separated lines, while the related F. pseudograminearum is a single recombining species with limited or no lineage development. The anamorphic F. culmorum shows no obvious clonal structure in its population as might have been expected. High levels of diversity within fields may have been caused by balancing selection from frequent alternation between saprophytic and parasitical life cycle and/or a hidden or recently extinct teleomorph. Other mechanisms including parasexual cycles or active transposable elements may also be involved but these have not been investigated as yet. Crosses between and among F. graminearum lineages have shown a rather simple, additive inheritance of pathogenicity and aggressiveness with frequent transgressive segregation in crosses among isolates with moderate aggressiveness. This raises the spectre of highly aggressive and/or toxigenic isolates evolving if a limited range of quantitative trait locus for FHB resistance is deployed on a large scale. Combining more than one genetically distinct sources of resistance, possibly with different modes of action against the pathogen, will be necessary to avoid severe FHB outbreaks in the future.
A large encrusting clionaid sponge in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Vacelet Jean , Bitar Ghazi , Dailianis Thanos , Zibrowius Helmut , Perez Thierry 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAn excavating sponge, which covers extensive areas of limestone rock, has been found at several locations of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This zooxanthellate clionaid, brown with yellow oscula, may have an extension of several square meters under the β‐form, similar to what has been described in coral reef areas. It has been observed at 3–30 m depth, generally in clear water in the Ionian Sea, Crete, Cyprus and Lebanon. The gross morphology and the spicule characters are described from all the collected specimens. The spicule complement, with variable tylostyles and rare, sometimes absent, thin spirasters, is compared with that of Cliona parenzaniCorriero & Scalera‐Liaci 1997 from the Apulian coast (Ionian Sea, Mediterranean Sea), and of several Caribbean and Indo‐Pacific clionaid species, which display the same morphology and rather similar spicule characters. The sponge is tentatively identified as C. parenzani, although there are some differences with the type specimens in the highly variable spiculation, suggesting that it may represent a species complex similar to what is known for other species in the Caribbean and Indo‐Pacific areas. Although the sponge appears to be closely related to large brown spreading clionaids from tropical areas and was previously practically overlooked in the Eastern Mediterranean, it does not appear to be a recent introduction. It is suggested that it could be a survivor in the warmer area of the Mediterranean of an ancient thermophilous fauna, which did not survive in the colder Western Basin during glacial episodes of the Pleistocene.
Efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin in drug‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes and mild hyperglycaemia*
Authors: Scherbaum W. A. , Schweizer A. , Mari A. , Nilsson P. M. , Lalanne G. , Jauffret S. , Foley J. E. 
Published: February 2008

Aim:  This study was conducted to assess efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin in drug‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes and mild hyperglycaemia.Methods:  Multicentre, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study of 52‐week treatment with vildagliptin (50 mg q.d.) in 306 drug‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes (A1C = 6.2–7.5%). A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and measures of prandial glucose control and beta‐cell function determined during standard meal tests were assessed.Results:  Baseline A1C and FPG averaged 6.7% and 7.1 mmol/l, respectively, in patients randomized to vildagliptin (n = 156) and 6.8% and 7.2 mmol/l in those randomized to placebo (n = 150). A1C decreased modestly in vildagliptin‐treated patients (Δ = −0.2 ± 0.1%) and increased in patients receiving placebo (Δ = 0.1 ± 0.1%). The between‐group difference (vildagliptin − placebo) in adjusted mean change (AMΔ) in A1C was −0.3 ± 0.1% (p < 0.001). FPG increased in patients receiving placebo (Δ = 0.5 ± 0.1 mmol/l) and to a significantly lesser extent in vildagliptin‐treated patients (between‐group difference in AMΔ FPG = −0.4 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.032). Relative to placebo, 2‐h postprandial glucose (PPG) decreased (−0.9 ± 0.4 mmol/l, p = 0.012), and insulin secretory rate (ISR) relative to glucose [ISR area under the curve (AUC)0–2 h/glucose AUC0–2 h] increased (+5.0 ± 1.2 pmol/min/m2/mM, p < 0.001). Mean body weight decreased by 0.5 ± 0.3 kg in vildagliptin‐treated patients and by 0.2 ± 0.3 kg in patients receiving placebo. The side‐effect profile of vildagliptin was similar to that of placebo, and one hypoglycaemic episode occurred in one patient receiving placebo.Conclusions:  In drug‐naïve patients with mild hyperglycaemia, relative to placebo, 52‐week treatment with vildagliptin 50 mg q.d. significantly decreases A1C, FPG and PPG and improves beta‐cell function without weight gain or hypoglycaemia.
The effects of a type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitor and the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist tolterodine tartrate on detrusor overactivity in female rats with bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Kaiho Yasuhiro , Nishiguchi Jun , Kwon Dong Duek , Chancellor Michael B. , Arai Yoichi , Snyder Peter B. , Yoshimura Naoki 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of the selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 4 inhibitor IC485 and the widely used antimuscarinic drug tolterodine tartrate on bladder activity in rats with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), as inhibition of PDE4 leads to elevation of intracellular cAMP levels and relaxation of smooth muscle.MATERIALS AND METHODSBOO was induced in female Sprague‐Dawley rats by tying a silk ligature around the urethra. Six weeks after inducing BOO, conscious rats were assessed by cystometry with the urethral ligature intact. The effects of IC485 (5, 10 and 50 mg/kg intravenous, i.v.) were examined and compared with those of tolterodine (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg i.v.).RESULTSIC485 (5–50 mg/kg i.v.) decreased the number and amplitude of non‐voiding contractions during the storage phase by 63–88% and 49–83%, respectively; IC485 also increased bladder capacity by 28–37%. There was no change in blood pressure after applying IC485. Tolterodine tartrate (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) significantly decreased the number and amplitude of non‐voiding contractions by 38–74% and 29–44%, respectively, and increased bladder capacity by 19–51%. Whereas voiding efficiency and maximum voiding pressure were not altered by IC485 at any dose, tolterodine significantly reduced both, by 35–67% and 19–34%, respectively.CONCLUSIONBoth IC485 and tolterodine tartrate reduced detrusor overactivity in rats with BOO. In addition, doses of IC485 that suppressed non‐voiding contractions had no effect on voiding function. Therefore, selective PDE4 inhibitors deserve further study as potential agents for treating detrusor overactivity in patients with BOO.
Change in acetylcholine release from rat bladder with partial outlet obstruction
Authors: Murakami Shigetaka , Yoshida Masaki , Masunaga Koichi , Maeda Yoshihiro , Ueda Shoichi 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate changes in acetylcholine release from the bladder of rats with partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), as partial BOO leads to hypertrophy and an alteration in the contractions of the detrusor smooth muscle, and acetylcholine plays an important role in urinary bladder contractions but there is little available information on acetylcholine release after BOO.MATERIAL AND METHODSPartial BOO was induced in adult female rats by ligating the proximal urethra over a 1 mm angiocatheter; sham‐operated rats served as controls. The rats were killed 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months after induction of BOO. We investigated the contractions induced by carbachol, KCl (80 mm), ATP and electrical‐field stimulation (EFS, 2.5–40 Hz), and collected the dialysate obtained from a microdialysis probe inserted into the muscle strips during EFS, and measured the amount of acetylcholine in the dialysate fraction by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electro‐chemical detection. S‐100 immunohistochemical staining of the bladder preparations was used for histological examination in BOO and control rats.RESULTSThe bladder weight gradually increased after BOO. There were no significant changes in KCl‐induced contractions throughout the experimental period in either group. There were no significant changes in carbachol‐induced contractions until 3 months after BOO but there was a significant reduction at 6 months. ATP‐induced contractions were significantly increased 2 weeks and 3 months after BOO. EFS‐induced contractions were gradually reduced after BOO. Acetylcholine release from the bladder strips was not significantly different between the groups until 2 weeks after BOO. However, acetylcholine release in BOO rats was significantly decreased 3–6 months after BOO, being significantly lower than that of the control rats. In the histological study, the number of nerve fibres in the BOO rats was significantly lower than in the control rats.CONCLUSIONSWe suggest that the prolonged BOO caused a decrease in EFS‐induced acetylcholine release and the number of nerves in the rat urinary bladder, which might contribute to bladder underactivity in BOO.
Differences in urinary incontinence between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic white women: a population‐based study
Authors: Daneshgari Firouz , Imrey Peter B. , Risendal Betsy , Dwyer Andrea , Barber Matthew D. , Byers Tim 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVETo compare the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic White women in a population‐based study.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThe prevalence of moderate to severe UI, defined as Sandvik severity score of ≥3, was assessed in relation to ethnicity by stratification, age adjustment and logistic regression models among 250 Hispanic and 491 non‐Hispanic White women in Colorado, USA, who were participants in a breast cancer case‐control study.RESULTSHispanic women reported more stress UI (odds ratio 1.7, P = 0.005) and mixed UI (odds ratio 1.8, P = 0.005) than did non‐Hispanic White women. These higher prevalences were largely associated with ethnic differences in parity, body mass index, diabetes, hysterectomy and bilateral oopherectomy.CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of moderate to severe UI in Colorado is higher among Hispanic women than among non‐Hispanic white women. This difference is largely compatible with differences in reproductive history, adiposity and diabetes.
Urinary cytology and nuclear matrix protein 22 in the detection of bladder cancer recurrence other than transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Hutterer Georg C. , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Zippe Craig , Lüdecke Gerson , Boman Hans , Sanchez‐Carbayo Marta , Casella Roberto , Mian Christine , Friedrich Martin G. , Eissa Sanaa , Akaza Hideyuki , Serretta Vincenzo , Hedelin Hans , Rupesh Raina , Miyanaga Naoto , Sagalowsky Arthur I. , Perrotte Paul , Lotan Yair , Marberger Michael J. , Shariat Shahrokh F. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess the value of nuclear matrix protein‐22 (NMP22), compared with urinary cytology, in predicting the recurrence of bladder cancer that is not transitional cell carcinoma (non‐TCC).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe tested the sensitivity, specificity and the predictive accuracy of NMP22 in the context of non‐TCC bladder cancer recurrence, and compared it to the performance of urinary cytology. The study group comprised 2687 patients with history of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer from 10 centres across four continents.RESULTSThe mean patient age was 64.8 years and 75.4% were men; of all patients, 513 (19.1%) had positive urinary cytology, 906 (33.7%) had a positive NMP22 test (≥10 units/mL) and 80 (3.0%) had non‐TCC recurrence. Most of these, i.e. 60 (75%), were stage ≥T2. The sensitivity and specificity of urinary cytology were, respectively, 20.0% and 94.8%, vs 77.5% and 81.8% for NMP22 of ≥10 units/mL. The predictive accuracy of urinary cytology was 57.5%, vs 87.1% for NMP22 ≥ 10 units/mL. A combined model that included dichotomized NMP22 and urinary cytology was 85.3% accurate.CONCLUSIONThe ability of a NMP22 level of ≥10 units/mL to predict non‐TCC recurrence was better than that of urinary cytology, suggesting that NMP22 might have a role in the surveillance of patients at risk of non‐TCC recurrence.
Stage migration and pilot studies of reduced chemotherapy supported by positron‐emission tomography findings suggest new combined strategies for stage 2 nonseminoma germ cell tumour
Authors: Haba Yasser , Williams Michael V. , Neal David E. , Ong Josephine Y. , Ostrowski M. Joe , Ell Peter J. , Nargund Vinod , Shamash Jonathan , Oliver R. Tim D. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVETo examine the nodal (N+) vs extranodal (M+) staging in each of the International Germ Cell Consensus Classification Group (IGCCCG) subgroups in an audit of 437 patients treated in The Anglian Germ Cell Cancer Group, where chemotherapy was the primary management, as there is an increasingly earlier presentation of patients with less advanced disease who thus face potentially unnecessary treatment.PATIENTS AND METHODSClinicians from seven centres prospectively registered patients in a central database, and the follow‐up was coordinated by one of the authors.RESULTSBetween 1982 and 2002, 436 patients (median follow‐up 60 months) were registered; 63% of IGCCCG good risk (298), 42% of intermediate (62) and 8% poor risk (77) were stage II; 79% of N+M0 intermediate and poor risk cases (29) were alive, vs only 60% of M+ stage IV cases (92, P < 0.05). The trend was similar in IGCCCG good risk patients, with 92% of N+ stage II (156) alive vs only 85% (94) of stage IV M+ (not significant). The frequency of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection after chemotherapy increased from 26% (1983–1993) to 34% (1994–2002), and survival from 89% to 94%. There were no relapses in eight patients who elected to stop treatment after two courses. Four of six patients with positive findings on positron emission tomography had a durable complete response, assessed by standard uptake values, when tested at 72–96 h.CONCLUSIONExtra‐lymphatic spread, although prognostically important within the IGCCCG subgroups, is only statistically significant for intermediate and poor risk combined. The observation that there might be N+ patients cured by two chemotherapy courses alone suggests that there might be opportunities to reduce the morbidity of treatment.
Upper‐pole puncture in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a retrospective review of treatment safety and efficacy
Authors: Raza Asif , Moussa Sami , Smith Gordon , Tolley David A. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVETo review the safety and efficacy of supracostal puncture during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for renal calculi.PATIENTS AND METHODSOver a 12‐year period, 66 patients had either an upper‐pole puncture alone or combined with middle‐ or lower‐pole puncture during PCNL for renal calculi. All punctures were made by an experienced uroradiologist and were either supra‐ or subcostal. We retrospectively reviewed all case notes and radiographs to determine stone‐clearance rates and complications associated with the site and number of punctures.RESULTSThere was an overall stone‐free rate of 78% with upper‐pole puncture alone or combined with middle‐ or lower‐pole puncture. There was a 3% thoracic complication rate with upper pole punctures, and an overall complication rate of 30% for both thoracic and non‐thoracic complications.CONCLUSIONUpper‐pole puncture in PCNL is associated with minimum morbidity if done by an experienced urologist or radiologist. The stone‐free rate appears to be more dependent on stone size and complexity than the site of puncture.
Spatial patterns of woody plant and bird diversity: functional relationships or environmental effects?
Authors: Kissling W. Daniel , Field Richard , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAim To understand cross‐taxon spatial congruence patterns of bird and woody plant species richness. In particular, to test the relative roles of functional relationships between birds and woody plants, and the direct and indirect environmental effects on broad‐scale species richness of both groups.Location Kenya.Methods Based on comprehensive range maps of all birds and woody plants (native species > 2.5 m in height) in Kenya, we mapped species richness of both groups. We distinguished species richness of four different avian frugivore guilds (obligate, partial, opportunistic and non‐frugivores) and fleshy‐fruited and non‐fleshy‐fruited woody plants. We used structural equation modelling and spatial regressions to test for effects of functional relationships (resource–consumer interactions and vegetation structural complexity) and environment (climate and habitat heterogeneity) on the richness patterns.Results Path analyses suggested that bird and woody plant species richness are linked via functional relationships, probably driven by vegetation structural complexity rather than trophic interactions. Bird species richness was determined in our models by both environmental variables and the functional relationships with woody plants. Direct environmental effects on woody plant richness differed from those on bird richness, and different avian consumer guilds showed distinct responses to climatic factors when woody plant species richness was included in path models.Main conclusions Our results imply that bird and woody plant diversity are linked at this scale via vegetation structural complexity, and that environmental factors differ in their direct effects on plants and avian trophic guilds. We conclude that climatic factors influence broad‐scale tropical bird species richness in large part indirectly, via effects on plants, rather than only directly as often assumed. This could have important implications for future predictions of animal species richness in response to climate change.