bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructure of the Mature Egg and Fertilization in the Fern Ceratopteris thalictroides
Authors: Cao Jian‐Guo , Yang Nai‐Ying , Wang Quan‐Xi 
Published: March 2009

Abstract The ultrastructure of the mature egg and fertilization in the fern Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that the mature egg possesses an obvious egg membrane at the periphery of the egg. Furthermore, a fertilization pore was identified in the upper egg membrane of the mature egg. The structure of the pore is described for the first time. The fertilization experiment indicated that spermatozoids crowd into the cavity above the egg through the neck canal of the archegonium; however, only one of these can penetrate into the egg through the fertilization pore. Immediately on penetration of the spermatozoid, the egg begins to shrink. The volume of the fertilized egg decreases to almost one‐half that of the unfertilized egg. As a result, the protoplasm of the fertilized egg becomes dense and opaque, which may lead to a situation where the organelles of both the egg and the fertilizing spermatozoid become indistinguishable. Simultaneously, abundant vesicles containing concentric membranes or opaque materials appear near the fertilization pore in the cytoplasm of the fertilized egg. These vesicles are considered to act as a barrier that prevents polyspermy. The present study provides a new insight into the ultrastructure of the mature egg and the cytological mechanism of fertilization in ferns.
Growth and Contaminant Removal Effect of Several Plants in Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Cheng Xiu‐Yun , Liang Ming‐Qiu , Chen Wen‐Yin , Liu Xu‐Cheng , Chen Zhang‐He 
Published: March 2009

Abstract The aim of the present study is to probe the relation between plant growth and its decontamination effect in constructed wetlands. Four species were studied in the small‐scale mono‐cultured constructed wetlands, which were fed with domestic wastewater. Plant growth indexes were correlated with contaminant removal performance of the constructed wetlands. Wetlands planted with Cyperus flabelliformis Rottb. showed the highest growth indexes such as shoot growth, biomass, root activity, root biomass increment, and the highest contaminant removal rates, whereas wetlands planted with Vetiveria zizanioides L. Nash had the lowest growth indexes and the lowest removal rates. Above‐ground biomass and total biomass were significantly correlated with ammonia nitrogen removal, and below‐ground biomass with soluble reactive phosphorus removal. Photosynthetic rate had higher correlation with nitrogen removal in these species. Root activity and root biomass increment was more correlated with 5 d biochemical oxygen demand removal. Chemical oxygen demand removal had lower correlations with plant growth indexes. All four species had higher removal rates in summer and autumn. The results suggest that the effect of plant growth on contaminant removal in constructed wetlands were different specifically in plants and contaminants.
ENUMERATING CHROMOGENIC AGAR PLATES USING THE COLOR QCOUNT AUTOMATED COLONY COUNTER
Authors: GARRY EILEEN , OUATTARA GRACE , WILLIAMS PATRICK , PESTA MEREDITH 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT This study compared colony counts of mixed bacterial cultures on chromogenic spread plates using manual and Color QCount (Spiral Biotech, Inc., Norwood, MA) automated methods. Inoculum levels spanned 30–300 cfu/mL, 26 agar types were used and 581 plates were analyzed. Plates were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions, manually counted once by two scientists and counted in duplicate automatically. The correlation coefficient comparing automated and manual counts for the pooled population of data was 0.987. The slope and intercept for the linear regression line were 1.0067 and 0.031, respectively. The mean log value difference between automated and manual counts for pooled data was−0.042. The mean log value differences between manual and automated counts demonstrated that 83.8% of plates analyzed were within 0.1 log, and 98.2% were within 0.2 log. These results demonstrate that the Color QCount automatic counter is a suitable alternative to the standard method of manually counting colored colonies on chromogenic agar plates.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSA variety of microbiology applications require users to count bacterial colonies on agar plates. Colonies are counted to 1) assess levels of contamination in the environment, water, food and dairy products; 2) conduct preservative and efficacy studies; and 3) determine the quality of pharmaceutical and medical products with microbial limits testing. There are several sources of variability in plating including inoculating errors, sampling errors, incubation errors, and counting errors. Errors in counting may worsen with user fatigue.Using an automated colony counter to complete the tedious job of manually counting bacterial colonies on agar plates will not only improve efficiency in microbiology laboratories by saving valuable time for alternative tasks but also may improve the accuracy and consistency of the counts.
RAPID DETECTION OF GERMINATING BACILLUS CEREUS CELLS USING FLUORESCENT IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION
Authors: LAFLAMME CHRISTIAN , GENDRON LOUIS , TURGEON NATHALIE , FILION GENEVIEVE , HO JIM , DUCHAINE CAROLINE 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT Methods for the specific detection of Bacillus spores are needed in many situations such as the recognition of food poisoning. This study presents an experimental design in order to find the best combination of germination conditions leading to a rapid and detectable fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) signal from Bacillus cereus spores present in pure cultures and milk samples.B. cereus ATCC 14579 and HER 1414 were incubated in 20 different growth media by using a combination of various germinants such as sugars, amino acids and dipicolinic acid. Also, three different germination factors were tested: incubation temperature, inoculum concentration and a heat shock treatment. Permeabilization procedure and hybridization time were optimized on the best germination condition found. B. cereus‐specific FISH probes were validated under the optimized condition and in detection of spiked B. cereus spores in 1% ultra heat‐treated milk samples. FISH‐labeled cells were detected by using flow cytometry, and the results were confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. The optimal condition allows the detection of B. cereus spores in less than 2 h. Overall, a ninefold reduction in total time for detection was achieved when comparing with previous works. Therefore, the permeabilization and hybridization optimizations mentioned in this study are major improvements for the detection time of B. cereus spores.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBy using the optimized conditions of germination/outgrowth, permeabilization and hybridization, the detection of 103 cfu/mL of Bacillus cereus spores using fluorescent in situ hybridization is possible within 2 h in milk sample.
Long‐term results of transarticular pinning for surgical stabilisation of coxofemoral luxation in 20 cats
Authors: Sissener T. R. , Whitelock R. G. , Langley‐Hobbs S. J. 
Published: March 2009

Objectives:The objective of this study was to describe initial and long‐term results of open reduction and transarticular pinning for treatment of coxofemoral luxations in cats.Methods:Cats were treated by open reduction and transarticular pinning for coxofemoral luxation over a five year period at two institutions. Follow‐up assessment included orthopaedic examination, radiography and owner questionnaires.Results:Twenty cats were included in the study (14 males and six females). One cat was affected bilaterally. Mean time to follow‐up was 21 months. Seventeen joints were stabilised with a 1·6 mm pin, three with 2·0 mm pins and a 1·2 mm pin was used in the remaining joint. An Ehmer sling was not utilised in any case. All transarticular pins except one were removed (mean 3·5 weeks), with all hips still in reduction The overall success rate was 77 per cent, with two reluxations and one resorbed femoral head noted on radiographs of 13 joints followed long term. All 20 owners reported good to excellent long‐term functional outcome for their cats.ClinicalSignificance:Results from this study indicate that transarticular pinning for stabilisation of coxofemoral luxation in cats can provide a good long‐term outcome without sacrificing the integrity of the coxofemoral joint.
Clinical evaluation of 51 dogs treated conservatively for disc‐associated wobbler syndrome
Authors: De Decker S. , Bhatti S. F. M. , Duchateau L. , Martlé V. A. , Van Soens I. , Van Meervenne S. A. E. , Saunders J. H. , Van Ham L. M. L. 
Published: March 2009

Objectives:To evaluate the clinical evolution and potential risk factors of 51 dogs treated conservatively for disc‐associated wobbler syndrome.Methods:Medical records of dogs treated conservatively for disc‐associated wobbler syndrome were reviewed, and owners were contacted regarding clinical evolution and survival of their animals. Relationships between age, treatment before diagnosis, type of neurological signs, results of medical imaging and outcome were determined.Results:Fifty‐one dogs underwent conservative treatment for disc‐associated wobbler syndrome. A successful outcome was achieved in 45 per cent (23 of 51) of the patients. Median follow‐up period was 18.5 months, and median survival time was 47 months. In 85 per cent of the dogs in which euthanasia was performed because of disc‐associated wobbler syndrome, this was carried out in the first year after diagnosis. Outcome score was influenced by type of neurological signs and additional radiographic and/or myelographic abnormalities. Outcome score was not significantly associated with age, number of protruded intervertebral discs, occurrence, type and results of treatment before diagnosis.ClinicalSignificance:Conservative treatment of disc‐associated wobbler syndrome is associated with a guarded prognosis. It can be considered in cases where all four limbs are not affected and no additional radiographic and/or myelographic abnormalities are detected.
Rabies Control in Finland: A 12‐Year Experience of Human and Veterinary Surveillance
Authors: Rimhanen‐Finne R. , Jakava‐Viljanen M. , Lyytikäinen O. , Davidkin I. , Kuusi M. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryLittle is known about the public health burden of rabies in rabies‐free countries. In these countries, the surveillance of suspected and treated cases serves as a substitute for estimating the risk and burden of human rabies because deaths due to rabies are extremely rare. Suspected rabies exposures among Finnish inhabitants were characterized using data from the National Infectious Disease Registry as well as animal surveillance data from the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, 1995–2006. In total, 195 suspected rabies exposures were reported (incidence 3/million inhabitants/year). Exposures were equally common among both genders and the median age was 35 years. Exposures were more common among 20‐ to 49‐year olds than among other age groups. Less than one‐third of the exposures occurred in Finland (incidence of indigenous exposures 0.9/million inhabitants/year). Indigenous rabies exposures were most frequently reported in southeastern Finland, with cats and dogs as the main sources. The high prevalence in the Baltic countries and Russia poses a risk for rabies reintroduction. The present control of wildlife rabies appears successful and important. The import of animals from endemic areas, however, remains a risk, which can be reduced by increasing public awareness of the disease, vaccination of imported animals and better rabies control in endemic countries.
Streptococcal Cellulitis Following Preparation of Fresh Raw Seafood
Authors: Koh T. H. , Sng L.‐H. , Yuen S. M. , Thomas C. K. , Tan P. L. , Tan S. H. , Wong N. S. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryWe describe three zoonotic streptococcal soft tissue infections resulting from fresh seafood contact. One was a localized thumb infection with Streptococcus iniae in an immunocompetent healthy young male resulting from a puncture wound from a crab pincer. The other two were cases of ascending upper limb cellulitis associated with bacteraemia in mastectomy patients. One of these infections was caused by S. iniae while the other was caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae, a species that has not been previously described as a cause of zoonotic infection. Hence when cleaning raw seafood, protective equipment should be used to minimize the risk of percutaneous injuries.
Comparison of a phased experimental approach and a single randomized clinical trial for developing multicomponent behavioral interventions
Authors: Collins Linda M , Chakraborty Bibhas , Murphy Susan A , Strecher Victor 
Published: March 2009

Background Many interventions in today's health sciences are multicomponent, and often one or more of the components are behavioral. Two approaches to building behavioral interventions empirically can be identified. The more typically used approach, labeled here the classical approach, consists of constructing a likely best intervention a priori, and then evaluating the intervention in a standard randomized controlled trial (RCT). By contrast, the emergent phased experimental approach involves programmatic phases of empirical research and discovery aimed at identifying individual intervention component effects and the best combination of components and levels. Purpose The purpose of this article is to provide a head-to-head comparison between the classical and phased experimental approaches and thereby highlight the relative advantages and disadvantages of these approaches when they are used to select program components and levels so as to arrive at the most potent intervention. Methods A computer simulation was performed in which the classical and phased experimental approaches to intervention development were applied to the same randomly generated data. Results The phased experimental approach resulted in better mean intervention outcomes when the intervention effect size was medium or large, whereas the classical approach resulted in better mean intervention outcomes when the effect size was small. The phased experimental approach led to identification of the correct set of intervention components and levels at a higher rate than the classical approach across all conditions. Limitations Some potentially important factors were not varied in the simulation, for example the underlying structural model and the number of intervention components. Conclusions The phased experimental approach merits serious consideration, because it has the potential to enable intervention scientists to develop more efficacious behavioral interventions. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 5—15. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Recruitment methods employed in the prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trial
Authors: Gren Lisa , Broski Karen , Childs Jeffery , Cordes Jill , Engelhard Deborah , Gahagan Betsy , Gamito Eduard , Gardner Vivien , Geisser Mindy , Higgins Darlene , Jenkins Victoria , Lamerato Lois , Lappe Karen , Lowery Heidi , McGuire Colleen , Miedzinski Mollie , Ogden Sheryl , Tenorio Sally , Watt Gavin , Wohlers Bonita , Marcus Pamela 
Published: March 2009

Background The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO) is a US National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate whether certain screening tests reduce mortality from prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer. To obtain adequate statistical power, it was necessary to enroll over 150,000 healthy volunteers. Recruitment began in 1993 and ended in 2001. Purpose Our goal is to evaluate the success of recruitment methods employed by the 10 PLCO screening centers. We also provide estimates of recruitment yield and cost for our most successful strategy, direct mail. Methods Each screening center selected its own methods of recruitment. Methods changed throughout the recruitment period as needed. For this manuscript, representatives from each screening center provided information on methods utilized and their success. Results In the United States between 1993 and 2001, ten screening centers enrolled 154,934 study participants. Based on participant self-report, an estimated 95% of individuals were recruited by direct mail. Overall, enrollment yield for direct mail was 1.0%. Individual center enrollment yield ranged from 0.7% to 3.8%. Cost per enrolled participant was $9.64—35.38 for direct mail, excluding personnel costs. Limitations Numeric data on recruitment processes were not kept consistently at individual screening centers. Numeric data in this manuscript are based on the experiences of 5 of the 10 centers. Conclusions Direct mail, using rosters of names and addresses from profit and not-for-profit (including government) organizations, was the most successful and most often used recruitment method. Other recruitment strategies, such as community outreach and use of mass media, can be an important adjunct to direct mail in recruiting minority populations. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 52—59. http://ctj.sagepub.com
A web-based endpoint adjudication system for interim analyses in clinical trials
Authors: Nolen Tracy L , Dimmick Bill F , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis , Kendrick Amy S , Sable Carole , Ngai Angela , Wallace Dennis 
Published: March 2009

Background A data monitoring committee (DMC) is often employed to assess trial progress and review safety data and efficacy endpoints throughout a trail. Interim analyses performed for the DMC should use data that are as complete and verified as possible. Such analyses are complicated when data verification involves subjective study endpoints or requires clinical expertise to determine each subject's status with respect to the study endpoint. Therefore, procedures are needed to obtain adjudicated data for interim analyses in an efficient manner. In the past, methods for handling such data included using locally reported results as surrogate endpoints, adjusting analysis methods for unadjudicated data, or simply performing the adjudication as rapidly as possible. These methods all have inadequacies that make their sole usage suboptimal. Purpose For a study of prophylaxis for invasive candidiasis, adjudication of both study eligibility criteria and clinical endpoints prior to two interim analyses was required. Because the study was expected to enroll at a moderate rate and the sponsor required adjudicated endpoints to be used for interim analyses, an efficient process for adjudication was required. Methods We created a web-based endpoint adjudication system (WebEAS) that allows for expedited review by the endpoint adjudication committee (EAC). This system automatically identifies when a subject's data are complete, creates a subject profile from the study data, and assigns EAC reviewers. The reviewers use the WebEAS to review the subject profile and submit their completed review form. The WebEAS then compares the reviews, assigns an additional review as a tiebreaker if needed, and stores the adjudicated data. Results The study for which this system was originally built was administratively closed after 10 months with only 38 subjects enrolled. The adjudication process was finalized and the WebEAS system activated prior to study closure. Some website accessibility issues presented initially. However, once these issues were resolved, the reviewers found the system user-friendly and easy to navigate. Limitations Web-based data adjudication depends upon expeditious data collection and verification. Further, ability to use web-based technologies, in addition to clinical expertise, must be considered in selecting EAC members. Conclusion The automated nature of this system makes it a practical mechanism for ensuring timely endpoint adjudication. The authors believe a similar approach could be useful for handling endpoint adjudication for future clinical trials. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 60—66. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Mindfulness meditation training to reduce symptom distress in transplant patients: rationale, design, and experience with a recycled waitlist
Authors: Gross Cynthia R , Kreitzer Mary Jo , Reilly-Spong Maryanne , Winbush Nicole Y , Schomaker E Katherine , Thomas William 
Published: March 2009

Background Solid organ transplant recipients must take immune suppressive medications that have side effects, cause complications, and lead to distressing symptoms that reduce health-related quality of life (QOL). Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce these symptoms in other patient populations, and it is unlikely to interfere with the immune suppressive medication regimen.Purpose This article describes the design and rationale of a clinical trial to determine whether training in mindfulness meditation can reduce depression, anxiety and insomnia after transplantation, and summarizes baseline characteristics of the participants.Methods Transplant recipients were randomized in equal numbers to one of three arms: a Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program consisting of 8 weeks of group instruction, home practice and telephone monitoring; a time and attention control Health Education program; or a waitlist arm. After serving 6 months as waitlist controls, these participants were re-randomized to MBSR or Health Education. Evaluations were obtained at baseline (prior to the active interventions), 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year (after randomization to MBSR or Health Education only). The primary analysis will compare composite symptom scores between MBSR and Health Education, initially or after serving in the waitlist. Subsequent analyses will compare these two groups on depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptom scales and secondary outcomes of health-related QOL, actigraphy, and health care utilization. A separate analysis, using only data collected before re-randomization, will compare short-term outcomes between the waitlist and active treatment arms.Results One hundred fifty recipients were randomized and 72% of waitlist participants (31/43) were recycled to an active intervention after 6 months. Patient characteristics were balanced across trial arms after initial and secondary randomizations.Limitations Transplant recipients are a very select population. Their adherence to the intervention and willingness to serve as waitlist controls prior to re-randomization may be atypical. Participants were not blinded to treatment and primary outcomes are self-reports.Conclusion The innovative design used in the trial enabled the waitlist group to directly contribute to the number in the primary analysis of active arms, and to also serve as an internal validation test. The trial may be a useful model for trials involving very small target populations. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 76—89. http://ctj.sagepub.com