bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal cline in a hybrid zone population between Fraxinus excelsior L. and Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl
Authors: GERARD PIERRE R. , FERNANDEZ‐MANJARRES JUAN F. , FRASCARIA‐LACOSTE NATHALIE 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe two closely related ash species Fraxinus excelsior L. (common ash) and Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl (narrow‐leaved ash) have a broad contact zone in France where they hybridize. However, little is known about the local structure of hybrid zone populations and the isolation mechanisms. We assessed the potential effect of floral phenology on the structure of a riparian ash hybrid zone population in central France. The distribution of flowering times was unimodal and lay between the flowering periods of the two species. Using microsatellite markers, we detected isolation by time, which has possibly originated from assortative mating. Multivariate analyses indicated that morphological variation is not distributed at random with respect to flowering times. Spatial autocorrelation analyses showed that temporal and spatial patterns were tightly linked. Interestingly, despite the fact that the population shows isolation by time, neighbourhood size and historical dispersal variance (σ̂ = 63 m) are similar to those detected in pure stands of F. excelsior where individuals flower rather synchronously and hermaphrodites are not the most frequent sexual type. Trees flowering at intermediate dates, which comprised the majority of the population, produced on average more flowers and fruits. We detected no significant differences in floral parasite infections relative to reproductive timing, although there was a tendency for late flowering trees to suffer from more gall attack. We discuss the impact of temporal variation in fitness traits and their possible role in the maintenance of the hybrid zone.
Mixed‐stock analysis reveals the migrations of juvenile hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Caribbean Sea
Authors: BOWEN B. W. , GRANT W. S. , HILLIS‐STARR Z. , SHAVER D. J. , BJORNDAL K. A. , BOLTEN A. B. , BASS A. L. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractHawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) migrate between nesting beaches and feeding habitats that are often associated with tropical reefs, but it is uncertain which nesting colonies supply which feeding habitats. To address this gap in hawksbill biology, we compile previously published and new mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype data for 10 nesting colonies (N = 347) in the western Atlantic and compare these profiles to four feeding populations and four previously published feeding samples (N = 626). Nesting colonies differ significantly in mtDNA haplotype frequencies (ΦST = 0.588, P < 0.001), corroborating earlier conclusions of nesting site fidelity and setting the stage for mixed‐stock analysis. Feeding aggregations show lower but significant structure (ΦST = 0.089, P < 0.001), indicating that foraging populations are not homogenous across the Caribbean Sea. Bayesian mixed‐stock estimates of the origins of juveniles in foraging areas show a highly significant, but shallow, correlation with nesting population size (r = 0.378, P = 0.004), supporting the premise that larger rookeries contribute more juveniles to feeding areas. A significant correlation between the estimated contribution and geographical distance from nesting areas (r = −0.394, P = 0.003) demonstrates the influence of proximity on recruitment to feeding areas. The influence of oceanic currents is illustrated by pelagic stage juveniles stranded in Texas, which are assigned primarily (93%) to the upstream rookery in Yucatan. One juvenile had a haplotype previously identified only in the eastern Atlantic, invoking rare trans‐oceanic migrations. The mixed‐stock analysis demonstrates that harvests in feeding habitats will impact nesting colonies throughout the region, with the greatest detriment to nearby nesting populations.
Bacillus sphaericus mosquitocidal toxin (MTX) and pierisin: the enigmatic offspring from the family of ADP‐ribosyltransferases
Authors: Carpusca Irina , Jank Thomas , Aktories Klaus 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe mosquitocidal toxin (MTX) from Bacillus sphaericus and the apoptosis‐inducing pierisin‐1 from the cabbage butterfly Pieris rapae are two of the most intriguing members of the family of ADP‐ribosyltransferases. They are both ∼100 kDa proteins, composed of an N‐terminal ADP‐ribosyltransferase (∼27 kDa) and a C‐terminal putative binding and translocation domain (∼70 kDa) consisting of four ricin‐B‐like domains. While they both share structural homologies, with an overall amino acid sequence identity of ∼30% that becomes ∼50% at the level of the catalytic core, and functional similarities, notably in terms of enzyme regulation, they seem to largely differ with regard to their targets or cell internalization mechanisms. MTX ADP‐ribosylates numerous proteins in lysates of target insect cells at arginine residues, whereas pierisin‐1 modifies DNA of insect and mammalian cells by ADP‐ribosylation at 2′‐deoxyguanosine residues resulting in DNA adducts, mutations and eventually apoptosis. This target specificity differentiates pierisin‐1 from all other ADP‐ribosyltransferases described so far, and implies that the enzyme must reach the nucleus of target cells. The recently solved crystal structure of MTX catalytic domain is helpful to reveal new insights into structural organization, catalytic mechanisms, proteolytic activation and autoinhibition of both enzymes. The uptake and processing of the ADP‐ribosyltransferases is discussed.
Transplantation of human CD34+ stem cells from umbilical cord blood to rats with thioacetamide‐induced liver cirrhosis
Authors: Sáez‐Lara María José , Frecha Cecilia , Martín Francisco , Abadía Francisco , Toscano Miguel , Gil Ángel , Fontana Luis 
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  Background:  Liver fibrosis results from accumulation of extracellular matrix components and is associated with many chronic hepatic diseases. There is to date no specific therapy for this disease, and patients receive treatment for its associated complications. Specific progenitor cells, known as oval cells, are present in the liver. As oval cells express markers such as CD34, they are thought to arise from a hematopoietic precursor. The aim of this work was to investigate whether transplantation of hematopoietic CD34+ stem cells could improve hepatic fibrosis by their differentiation into hepatocytes.Methods:  CD34+ stem cells from human umbilical cord blood were purified, transduced with a lentiviral vector containing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and injected via portal vein into rats with liver cirrhosis induced by the 4‐month administration of thioacetamide. Rats were killed 15 and 60 days post‐transplantation.Results:  Up to 37% and 22% fluorescent cells were observed in the blood of control and cirrhotic rats, respectively, at 15 days post‐transplantation. At 60 days post‐transplantation, however, fluorescent cells were completely absent from the blood. Fluorescence was not detected in liver sections at either 15 or 60 days post‐transplantation. Polymerase chain‐reaction study to detect the GFP gene ruled out silencing of the transgene.Conclusions:  These results suggest that the transplanted cells did not engraft in the liver and were eliminated from the rats.
Cardiac output – pulse contour analysis vs. pulmonary artery thermodilution
Authors: ØStergaard M. , Nielsen J. , Rasmussen J. P. , Berthelsen P. G. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  The aims of this study were to determine the agreement between pulmonary artery thermodilution (PA‐TD), transpulmonary thermodilution (TP‐TD) and the pulse contour method, and to test the ability of the pulse contour method to track changes in cardiac output.Methods:  Cardiac output was determined twice before cardiac surgery with both PA‐TD and TP‐TD. The precision (two standard deviations of the difference between repeated measurements) and agreement of the two methods were calculated. Post‐operatively, cardiac output was determined with the PA‐TD and pulse contour methods, and the bias and limits of agreement were again calculated. Finally, in patients with heart rates below 60 beats/min or a cardiac index of less than 2.5 l/min/m2, atrial pacing was started and the haemodynamic consequences were monitored with the PA‐TD and pulse contour methods.Results:  Twenty‐five patients were included. The precisions of PA‐TD and TP‐TD were 0.41 l/min [95% confidence interval (CI), ± 0.07] and 0.48 l/min (95% CI, ± 0.08), respectively. The bias and limits of agreement between PA‐TD and TP‐TD were – 0.46 l/min (95% CI, ± 0.11) and ± 1.10 l/min (95% CI, ± 0.19), respectively. Post‐operatively, the bias and limits of agreement between the PA‐TD and pulse contour methods were 0.07 l/min and ± 2.20 l/min, respectively. The changes in cardiac output with atrial pacing were in the same direction and of the same magnitude in 15 of the 16 patients.Conclusion:  The precision of cardiac output measurements with PA‐TD and TP‐TD was very similar. The transpulmonary method, however, overestimated the cardiac output by 0.46 l/min. Post‐operatively, cardiac output measurements with the PA‐TD and pulse contour methods did not agree, but the pulse contour method reliably tracked pacing‐induced changes in cardiac output.
Influence of hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 in pulmonary neutrophil recruitment and acute lung injury during polymicrobial sepsis in rats
Authors: Feng X. , Ren B. , Xie W. , Huang Z. , Liu J. , Guan R. , Duan M. , Xu J. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Acute lung injury (ALI) is a progressive syndrome associated with significant mortality in sepsis patients. Neutrophils are key cells in the inflammatory response that characterizes ALI. This study was designed to explore the effects of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 (a novel plasma substitute) on pulmonary neutrophil recruitment and associated ALI in a rat sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).Methods:  Animals were randomly assigned to six groups [saline control; CLP and saline; CLP and HES (7.5, 15 and 30 ml/kg); and HES control], subjected to CLP and infused with or without HES 130/0.4 4 h after CLP. Six hours later, the pulmonary capillary permeability (PCP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, lung histological changes, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant levels, P‐selectin mRNA expression and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activation were measured.Results:  Resuscitation with HES 130/0.4 significantly attenuated the CLP‐induced increase in PCP, MPO activity, cytokine/chemokine levels, mRNA expression of P‐selectin and NF‐κB activation, all of which are involved in the recruitment of neutrophils. Groups receiving the higher doses of HES 130/0.4 (15 and 30 ml/kg) were more adequately resuscitated.Conclusion:  HES 130/0.4 can inhibit CLP‐induced neutrophil recruitment and subsequent ALI by attenuating cytokines/chemokines, adhesion molecule‐mediated inflammation and NF‐κB activation.
Fentanyl reduces desflurane‐induced airway irritability following thiopental administration in children
Authors: Lee J. , Oh Y. , Kim C. , Kim S. , Park H. , Kim H. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Airway irritation is a major drawback of desflurane anesthesia. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of intravenous fentanyl given before thiopental induction on airway irritation caused by a stepwise increase in desflurane in children.Methods:  Eighty children (2–8 years) were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blind study. Forty received saline and 40 received 2 μg/kg of fentanyl intravenously; this was followed by thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg in both groups. Patients were assistant‐ventilated with desflurane 1%, which was then increased by 1% every six breaths up to 10%. During this period, cough, secretion, excitation and apnea were graded and the desflurane concentration at which airway irritation symptoms first occurred was recorded. The results were analyzed using Pearson’s chi‐squared test.Results:  The incidence of typical airway irritation events was lower with fentanyl than with saline (cough, 2.5% vs. 42.5%; secretion, 27.5% vs. 82.5%; excitation, 10% vs. 82.5%; apnea, 20% vs. 65%; P < 0.05). The mean expired desflurane concentration at which the first airway irritation symptom occurred was greater with fentanyl than with saline (7.3% vs. 5.5%, P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Intravenous fentanyl in children reduces airway complications caused by desflurane.
Naloxone and epinephrine are equally effective for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a rat asphyxia model
Authors: Chen M.‐H. , Xie L. , Liu T.‐W. , Song F.‐Q. , He T. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  It is not known whether naloxone is as efficacious as epinephrine during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The aim of the study was to compare the effects of naloxone and epinephrine on the outcomes of CPR following asphyxial cardiac arrest in rats.Methods:  Cardiac arrest was induced with asphyxia by clamping the tracheal tubes. Twenty‐four Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized prospectively into a saline group (treated with normal saline, 1 ml intravenously, n = 8), an epinephrine group (treated with epinephrine, 0.04 mg/kg intravenously, n = 8) or a naloxone group (treated with naloxone, 1 mg/kg intravenously, n = 8) in a blind fashion during resuscitation after asphyxial cardiac arrest. After 5 min of untreated cardiac arrest, conventional manual CPR was started and each drug was administered at the same time.Results:  The rates of restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were one of eight (12.5%), seven of eight (87.5%) and seven of eight (87.5%) in the saline, epinephrine and naloxone groups, respectively. The rates of ROSC in the epinephrine and naloxone groups were equal and significantly greater than that in the saline group (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively).Conclusion:  The administration of naloxone or epinephrine alone may increase the resuscitation rate, and both drugs are equally effective for CPR in a rat asphyxia model. However, the mechanism by which naloxone produces its efficacy during CPR remains unclear and further experimentation will be necessary.
Improvement Strategies in Ovine Artificial Insemination
Authors: Anel L , Alvarez M , Martinez‐Pastor F , Garcia‐Macias V , Anel E , De Paz P 
Published: September 2006

ContentsArtificial insemination in ram is scarcely widespread comparing with other domestic species. This has been due not only to fertility results being irregular and low but also because of the difficulty in the application of enhancements such as the use of frozen‐thawed sperm. Although there is a lot of information on the use of different options to improve these AI results (such as transcervical application, the use of thawed sperm, etc.) commercial programmes can be classified on two general categories: those using refrigerated semen (15°C) by superficial intracervical deposition (vaginal), and, more restricted, those using thawed sperm by intrauterine deposition (laparoscopy). In the present work, we have summarized our viewpoint on three general research lines for the improvement of AI results in sheep: semen preservation, AI procedures and semen assessment. Briefly, in ram it is necessary to develop a medium term methodology of sperm refrigeration (3–5 days), which would allow the distribution of sperm doses to a widespread area. Nevertheless, it is also necessary to develop an intrauterine transcervical AI technique, which allows thawed semen to be applied by vaginal insemination. Besides, the low predictive value of classic assessment techniques limits the ability to adjust the number of spermatozoa per dose according to its actual fertility.
Seasonal Endocrine Changes and Breeding Activity in Mediterranean Wild Ruminants
Authors: Santiago‐Moreno J , Gómez‐Brunet A , Toledano‐Díaz A , Picazo R , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A , López‐Sebastián A 
Published: September 2006

ContentsThe methods of assisted reproduction commonly used in domestic animals are currently being applied to non‐domestic species. This is because of the limitation of maintaining the genetic variability in the wild, as it occurs in wild ruminants of the Mediterranean Basin. Despite the apparent progress of the technology, success of the offspring to grow and become healthy adult individuals has remained low in wild species. Difficulties usually arise from insufficient information about basic reproductive biology, such as the seasonal changes in ovarian and testicular activity. Directional adaptive evolution involves development of specie‐specific physiological reproductive patterns to cope with various environmental factors. Thus, species originating and living at the same latitude display different reproductive strategies to entrain the breeding activity at an optimal time of the year. The aim of this paper was to present current knowledge on reproductive physiology of Mediterranean wild ruminants as a basic prerequisite for the successful use of assisted reproduction methods. Special emphasis is given to seasonal endocrine changes, ovarian cycles and testicular activity of Iberian wild ruminants, together with the role of social interactions on the regulation of these events.
Imaging of vascular disorders of the female pelvis
Authors: Pui M 
Published: September 2006

SummaryClinical presentation of vascular disorders of female pelvis including placental adhesion, retained product of conception, ovarian venous thrombosis, varices, torsion and haemorrhagic infarct of ovary is often non‐specific. Because of its availability, safety, and cost‐effectiveness, ultrasound is the first investigation of choice. Computed tomography and MRI clearly depict the pelvic and retroperitoneal anatomy. This pictorial essay illustrates the complementary role of US, CT, and MRI in diagnosing vascular disorders of female pelvis.
Peripherally inserted central catheters and upper extremity deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Ong B , Gibbs H , Catchpole I , Hetherington R , Harper J 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe purpose of the study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for venous thrombosis in patients with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). A retrospective study of all upper extremity venous duplex scans was carried out in the Vascular Medicine department from year 2000 to 2002 inclusive. A chart review of positive scans was undertaken to identify possible thrombotic risk factors. Of 317 upper extremity venous duplex scans carried out, 115, or 32%, were positive for upper extremity deep vein thrombosis. Three main risk factors were identified – presence of a central line, malignancy and administration of chemotherapy. PICC were the most common central line present. Symptomatic thrombosis occurred in 7% of PICC inserted for chemotherapy compared with 1% of PICC inserted for other reasons. Ten per cent of the patients receiving chemotherapy through a PICC developed a thrombosis. The post‐thrombotic syndrome was infrequent following upper extremity deep vein thrombosis. Patients receiving chemotherapy through a PICC are at increased risk of thrombosis. There may be a role for prophylactic low‐dose anticoagulation in these high‐risk patients.
Use of topical misoprostol to reduce radiation‐induced mucositis: Results of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Veness MJ , Foroudi F , Gebski V , Timms I , Sathiyaseelan Y , Cakir B , Tiver KW 
Published: September 2006

SummaryRadiation‐induced mucositis is an acute reaction of the mucosa of patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy. It can have debilitating and dose‐limiting consequences. There is no consensus on an accepted intervention that significantly reduces its severity. Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue, with properties of a mucosal cytoprotectant. We designed a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of misoprostol in patients with head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to determine if topical misoprostol was effective in reducing the severity of radiation‐induced mucositis in patients receiving radical dose radiotherapy. The effect of this intervention on a patient’s general well‐being was also investigated. The primary end‐point of the study was the incidence of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade 3 mucositis. Between 1999 and 2002, 83 patients were recruited into the study at Westmead and Nepean Hospitals, Sydney. Forty‐two patients were randomized to receive misoprostol and 41 to receive a placebo. Most patients received radiotherapy in the adjuvant setting (52 of the 83) and had either an oral cavity (42 of the 83) or an oropharyngeal (16 of the 83) cancer. We could not identify any significant difference in the incidence of severe mucositis based on whether patients were allocated to receive misoprostol or placebo. There was no significant difference in the mean area under the mucositis curve (13.2 vs 16.6; P = 0.1). Patients allocated to misoprostol did report slightly increased soreness (7.6 vs 6.9; P = 0.04) and a greater use of analgesics. However, this difference did not translate into a worse feeling of general well‐being as measured by a simple visual analogue scale (5.8 vs 5.2; P = 0.3). In conclusion, we were unable to identify a reduction in radiation‐induced mucositis in patients receiving misoprostol. There is a paucity of high‐level evidence on potentially useful interventions and a continued need for new and innovative research, incorporating quality‐of‐life measurements, in patients experiencing radiation‐induced mucositis.
Bilateral lipoma arborescens of the subdeltoid bursa
Authors: Pandey T , Alkhulaifi Y 
Published: September 2006

SummaryLipoma arborescens is a rare cause of chronic monoarticular arthritis. It is most commonly seen in the knees, but only a few cases involving other joints, especially the subdeltoid bursa, have been described. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of lipoma arborescens involving bilateral subdeltoid bursae. Although it is associated with joint effusion, synovial cysts and erosions, the presence of reactive bone formation has not been reported. Magnetic resonance imaging is a very effective method for the diagnosis of this rare condition because of its ability to do tissue characterization.