bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yield, persistency and chemical composition of Lotus species and varieties (birdsfoot trefoil and greater birdsfoot trefoil) when harvested for silage in the UK
Authors: Marley C. L. , Fychan R. , Jones R. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe yield and chemical composition of thirteen Lotus corniculatus varieties and one Lotus uliginosus variety, when grown and ensiled in the UK, were investigated. Replicate plots of each variety were established in a randomized block design. Dry‐matter (DM) yield was measured over two harvest years. At cuts 1 and 2 of the first harvest year, 1 kg of each variety was ensiled and sub‐sampled for chemical analysis. At cut 2 of the second harvest year, sub‐samples of forage were analysed for condensed tannins. Two L. corniculatus varieties, Oberhaunstaedter and Lotar, had higher DM yields (with Oberhaunstaedter having the highest DM yield at cut 3) in both harvest years compared with other varieties (P < 0·001). Chemical analyses showed differences among silages of varieties of L. corniculatus (P < 0·001) and that the ammonia‐N concentration of L. uliginosus silage was higher than that of L. corniculatus (P < 0·001), despite its lactic acid concentrations being within the range observed for L. corniculatus (17 g kg−1 DM vs. 13–19 g kg−1 DM). Differences (P < 0·001) in HCl/Butanol test absorbance units were found among varieties of L. corniculatus, indicating possible differences in concentrations of condensed tannins. Overall, the variety Oberhaunstaedter was found to be the most suitable variety for silage production. Based on its agronomic performance, L. corniculatus does not compare well with other legumes such as red clover.
Effects of exposure to below‐freezing temperatures, soil moisture content and nitrogen application on phyllochron in cool‐season grasses
Authors: Bartholomew P. W. , Williams R. D. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAccumulated temperature may provide an indicator of the phenology of cool‐season grass to assist in the timing of management operations but its value is highly dependent on a reliable measure of phyllochron, i.e. time between the elongation of successive leaves. Field and controlled environment studies with Italian ryegrass (IRG, Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and tall fescue (TF, Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) measured leaf‐appearance responses to accumulated temperature with varying conditions of exposure to low temperatures, soil moisture content and nitrogen application. In a controlled environment, soil volumetric water contents below 20% (equivalent to moisture potentials greater than −0·1 MPa) or more frequent exposure to below‐freezing air temperatures increased the phyllochron values on the main tiller of IRG and TF. There was no evidence of an interaction between soil moisture content and cold exposure on phyllochron values. Nitrogen application resulted in only small reduction in phyllochron values. In field studies over 4 years the phyllochron values in IRG during the months of January to March were 184, 180, 180 and 167 accumulated °C above 0°C leaf−1, more than double the mean value measured in a controlled environment. A greater understanding of the impact of variable low temperatures and of soil moisture potential on the phyllochron is necessary before accumulated temperature can be used to indicate changes in development stages in grasses in different environments.
The relative importance of sexual and clonal reproduction for population growth in the long‐lived alpine plant Geum reptans
Authors: WEPPLER TINA , STOLL PETER , STÖCKLIN JÜRG 
Published: May 2006

Summary
Demographic studies in natural habitats are important for understanding the life history and mechanisms of population persistence of particular species. For plants living in high‐alpine habitats, it is of significant importance to what extent sexual or clonal reproduction contribute to population growth, but respective data are scarce.
We studied the demography of Geum reptans, an alpine plant which reproduces by seeds and by vegetative rosettes formed at the ends of above‐ground stolons. In three consecutive years, growth, survival, and reproduction were measured in two populations with 579 and 301 individuals, respectively. The two resulting transition matrices per population were used to calculate population growth rates (λ) and elasticities, and to perform stochastic simulations to assess the relative importance of sexual vs. clonal reproduction for population growth.
Population growth rates (λ) varied from 0.999 to 1.074 among years and populations. The frequency of seed and stolon production was relatively constant over the years. However, there was interannual variation in seed germination (0.7–2.4%) and in establishment of clonal offspring (53–74%).
Elasticity analysis showed that changes in the survival of adults had the largest effect on λ, confirming the importance of longevity and persistence in the life history of G. reptans.
Stochastic simulations showed that in G. reptans, independently of location and year, both sexual and clonal reproduction did not significantly differ in their contribution to the population growth rate λ. Establishment from seeds contributes to population growth particularly in favourable years, while the more regularly occurring reproduction by clonal offspring may ensure population growth in less favourable years.
Sexual reproduction in clonal plants is frequently explained by the short‐ and long‐term benefits of genetic variation and the need for dispersal and colonization, for which seeds are better suited than vegetative organs. Our results, however, show the importance of sexual reproduction in a clonal plant for local dynamics as well, and prove the power of matrix models to evaluate the relative contributions of the two reproductive modes.
Rapid detection of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) and extra small virus (XSV), the pathogenic agents of white tail disease of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man), by loop‐mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Pillai D , Bonami J‐R , Sri Widada J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) procedure is described for rapid diagnosis of white tail disease, a viral disease caused by Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) and extra small virus (XSV), in the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. This method was more sensitive than conventional RT‐PCR for detecting the two viruses. A set of four primers, two outer and two inner, were designed for MrNV detection. An additional pair of loop primers was also used in an accelerated LAMP reaction for detection of XSV. Time and temperature conditions were optimized for detection of the two viruses. The LAMP reaction is highly suited for disease diagnosis in developing countries as amplification of DNA can be detected without the use of agarose gel electrophoresis, by the production of whitish precipitate of magnesium pyrophosphate as a by‐product.
Older people's experience of driver licence cancellation: A phenomenological study
Authors: Whitehead Bianca J. , Howie Linsey , Lovell Robin K. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose:  This phenomenological study explored older people's experience of driver licence cancellation. Methods:  Qualitative data were derived from interviews with four men and one woman, aged between 68 and 87 years (mean age = 78.6 years). Results:  Driver licence cancellation was a deeply traumatic and shocking experience. Driving had been a normal and accepted part of life, and cancellation of their driver licences meant the loss of their independence. They lost their means of identification, and they were confronted with future losses and the deep sadness associated with these. Conclusions:  There is a need for sensitive health‐care practices that consider the devastating consequences of licence cancellation, and support older people through the difficulties associated with adjusting to life without a driver licence.
Pathway engineering for healthy phytochemicals leading to the production of novel flavonoids in tomato fruit
Authors: Schijlen Elio , Ric de Vos C.H. , Jonker Harry , Van Den Broeck Hetty , Molthoff Jos , Van Tunen Arjen , Martens Stefan , Bovy Arnaud 
Published: May 2006

SummaryFlavonoids are a large family of plant polyphenolic secondary metabolites. Although they are widespread throughout the plant kingdom, some flavonoid classes are specific for only a few plant species. Due to their presumed health benefits there is growing interest in the development of food crops with tailor‐made levels and composition of flavonoids, designed to exert an optimal biological effect. In order to explore the possibilities of flavonoid engineering in tomato fruits, we have targeted this pathway towards classes of potentially healthy flavonoids which are novel for tomato. Using structural flavonoid genes (encoding stilbene synthase, chalcone synthase, chalcone reductase, chalcone isomerase and flavone synthase) from different plant sources, we were able to produce transgenic tomatoes accumulating new phytochemicals. Biochemical analysis showed that the fruit peel contained high levels of stilbenes (resveratrol and piceid), deoxychalcones (butein and isoliquiritigenin), flavones (luteolin‐7‐glucoside and luteolin aglycon) and flavonols (quercetin glycosides and kaempferol glycosides). Using an online high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) antioxidant detection system, we demonstrated that, due to the presence of the novel flavonoids, the transgenic tomato fruits displayed altered antioxidant profiles. In addition, total antioxidant capacity of tomato fruit peel with high levels of flavones and flavonols increased more than threefold. These results on genetic engineering of flavonoids in tomato fruit demonstrate the possibilities to change the levels and composition of health‐related polyphenols in a crop plant and provide more insight in the genetic and biochemical regulation of the flavonoid pathway within this worldwide important vegetable.
Transgenesis has less impact on the transcriptome of wheat grain than conventional breeding
Authors: Baudo María Marcela , Lyons Rebecca , Powers Stephen , Pastori Gabriela M. , Edwards Keith J. , Holdsworth Michael J. , Shewry Peter R. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryDetailed global gene expression profiles have been obtained for a series of transgenic and conventionally bred wheat lines expressing additional genes encoding HMW (high molecular weight) subunits of glutenin, a group of endosperm‐specific seed storage proteins known to determine dough strength and therefore bread‐making quality. Differences in endosperm and leaf transcriptome profiles between untransformed and derived transgenic lines were consistently extremely small, when analysing plants containing either transgenes only, or also marker genes. Differences observed in gene expression in the endosperm between conventionally bred material were much larger in comparison to differences between transgenic and untransformed lines exhibiting the same complements of gluten subunits. These results suggest that the presence of the transgenes did not significantly alter gene expression and that, at this level of investigation, transgenic plants could be considered substantially equivalent to untransformed parental lines.
Acquired perforating dermatosis: clinicopathological features in twenty‐two cases
Authors: Saray Y , Seçkin D , Bilezikçi B 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground  The term of acquired perforating dermatosis (APD) comprises the perforating dermatoses occurring in adult patients. Clinical and histological features of the disease are not uniform, and may resemble any of the four classic perforating disorders: elastosis perforans serpiginosa, reactive perforating collagenosis, perforating folliculitis or Kyrle's disease. Chronic renal failure and/or diabetes mellitus usually accompany this skin disease.Objective  The aim of this study was to delineate the clinical and histopathological features of acquired perforating dermatosis and to investigate the potential relationship between this disease and associated conditions.Methods  Twenty‐two patients with acquired perforating dermatosis were enrolled in this study. Clinical findings of acquired perforating dermatosis and the spectrum of associated diseases were investigated. Haematoxylin and eosin sections were re‐examined, and immunohistochemical stainings (elastic van Gieson and Masson trichrome stains) and periodic acid‐Schiff stain were also used for histopathological evaluation.Results  Different clinical types of lesions resembling reactive perforating collagenosis, perforating folliculitis or Kyrle's disease were observed. Histopathological features were consistent with any of the four types of perforating dermatoses. Most of the patients (86.4%) had at least one systemic disease. Chronic renal failure (72.7%) and diabetes mellitus (50%) were the most commonly associated conditions. Most of the patients with diabetes mellitus (90.9%) had chronic renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy. All of the patients with chronic renal failure were on dialysis treatment. The other associated conditions were hepatitis (27.3%), anti‐HCV Ab‐positivity (13.6%), hypothyroidism (9.1%) and tuberculosis lymphadenitis (4.5%). Of the 22 patients, 13.6% were otherwise healthy, and 9.1% were renal transplant recipients.Conclusion  Clinicopathological findings of our study indicate that the cases with APD represent the broad spectrum of perforating disorders rather than the variants of the same disease. Although APD is frequently associated with diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure, this skin disorder may also develop in patients with other systemic disorders, and in those without any medical problems. This skin disease is probably linked to dialysis treatment in patients with chronic renal failure due to diabetes mellitus or other causes.
Circadian Variation of Beat‐to‐Beat QT Interval Variability in Patients with Prior Myocardial Infarction and the Effect of β‐Blocker Therapy
Authors: FURUKAWA YOSHIO , SHIMIZU HIROKI , HIROMOTO KENJI , KANEMORI TETSUZOU , MASUYAMA TOHRU , OHYANAGI MITSUMASA 
Published: May 2006

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that increased QT interval variability (QTV) is associated with a greater susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias and that patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) were prone to ventricular arrhythmias during the daytime. The goal of the present study was to investigate the circadian variation of the QTV and to determine whether β‐blocker therapy improves the temporal fluctuation of the ventricular repolarization in patients with MI.
Methods: The study population consisted of 15 MI patients who had not received β‐blocker therapy, 11 MI patients who had received β‐blocker therapy, and 12 healthy subjects. Twenty‐four hour Holter monitoring was obtained, and the RR and QT intervals were calculated automatically from 512 consecutive sinus beats for every 2 hours.
Results: In the daytime, the QT‐SD was significantly greater in the MI group than in the healthy subjects (P < 0.01), but there was no difference in the QT‐SD when comparing the β‐blocker group to the control group. Moreover, the QT variability index and the QT variance normalized for the mean QT were similar pattern with QT‐SD. The heart rate variability did not significantly differ when compared between the three study groups.
Conclusion: These data indicate that the QTV increases during the daytime in patients with MI and that this circadian effect is prevented by β‐blocker therapy. Thus, β‐blocker therapy may reverse the maladaptation of the ventricular repolarization to the change in the heart rate and may thereby reduce the ventricular arrhythmias and decrease the mortality in patients with MI.
Psychiatry in selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe: an overview of the current situation
Authors: Füredi J. , Mohr P. , Swingler D. , Bitter I. , Gheorghe M. D. , Hotujac L. , Jarema M. , Kocmur M. , Koychev G. I. , Mosolov S. N. , Pecenak J. , Rybakowski J. , Svestka J. , Sartorius N. 
Published: May 2006

Objective:  To review the current status of psychiatry in selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.Method:  A group of psychiatrists from the region evaluated the status of psychiatry at the end of 2004 based on data from their countries and information available on WHO homepages.Results:  There is a shift from traditional in‐patient facilities towards out‐patient and community services as evidenced by a decreasing number of hospital beds. Economic pressures affect the financing of psychiatric services, and reimbursement for novel psychotropics. Political changes were followed by updated legislation. Psychiatric training, pre‐, postgraduate and continuous medical education, are gradually being transformed. Scientific output as measured by publications in peer‐reviewed journals has been significantly lower than in the West.Conclusion:  The major changes in the period of transition documented in the review pose new challenges for psychiatry.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopic measurement of cerebral gamma-aminobutyric acid concentrations in patients with bipolar disorders
Authors: Wang Po W. , Sailasuta Napapon , Chandler Rebecca A. , Ketter Terence A. 
Published: May 2006

Background:Animal models of depression and psychopharmacological mechanisms of action suggest the importance of the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) system in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Mood stabilizers have overlapping effects on GABAergic neurotransmission, and antidepressant use has been associated with alterations in GABAB receptor function. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides an opportunity to noninvasively assess cerebral GABA concentrations in anterior paralimbic circuits that have been implicated in mood disorders.Methods:In bipolar disorder patients and healthy control subjects, we used MRS with a modified GABA-edited point resolved spectroscopy sequence (TE 68 ms, TR 1500 ms, 512 averages, total scan time 26 min) to assess GABA in an 18-cm3 occipital voxel. In addition, in another cohort of bipolar disorder patients and healthy control subjects, we similarly assessed GABA in a 12.5-cm3 medial prefrontal/anterior cingulate (MPF/AC) voxel. The concentration of GABA was referenced to creatine (Cr) from unedited spectra.Results:In bipolar patients and controls, we consistently detected 3.0 p.p.m. GABA peaks in occipital lobe and MPF/AC. In 16 bipolar (nine bipolar I and seven bipolar II) disorder patients, compared with six healthy control subjects, mean occipital GABA/Cr concentration was 61% higher. In addition, in 15 bipolar (five bipolar I, nine bipolar II, and one bipolar not otherwise specified) disorder patients, compared with six healthy control subjects, mean MPF/AC GABA/Cr concentration tended to be 41% higher.Conclusions:Patients with bipolar disorders may have increased cerebral GABA concentrations. Although this was more evident in the occipital lobe, MPC/AC GABA disturbance may be of greater potential interest in view the more established role of MPF/AC in affective processing. Additional studies are warranted to assess changes in GABAergic neurotransmission and the influences of diagnosis, mood state, and medication status in bipolar disorder patients.
Pattern of tooth loss in an elderly population from Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Taiwo Juliana O. , Omokhodion Folasade 
Published: May 2006

Objectives:  To determine tooth loss, edentulousness, causes of tooth loss and pattern of tooth loss in the elderly in South East Local Government area (SELGA) in Ibadan.Background data:  SELGA is one of the largest in Oyo State, Nigeria and has a population of 225 800.Design:  A cross‐sectional survey.Methodology:  A total of 690 elderly individuals who were 65 years and above living in various wards in SELGA were interviewed by two interviewers and examined by two trained and calibrated examiners whilst two record clerks recorded all the findings of the examination.Result:  Forty‐eight per cent of the subjects in the study had not lost any teeth. The mean tooth loss was 4.5 ± 7.6. Percentage edentulousness was 1.3% and this was higher in males than in females. This difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.07 p = 0.7). The total number of teeth lost was 3102, 14% of the total number of teeth examined. The study showed that caries was not a major cause of tooth loss. Only 22 (0.7%) teeth were lost as a result of caries, 19 (0.6%) were lost because of trauma and periodontal disease contributed to loss of 3061 (98.7%) teeth. Mandibular teeth exhibited a higher rate of retention than maxillary teeth. The percentage of elderly individuals with tooth loss increased with age.Conclusion:  The study highlights the high life expectancy of a tooth among the elderly in SELGA. Despite the different cause of tooth loss in this area, in comparison with developed countries, the pattern of tooth retention appeared similar.
Caregivers’ perceptions of electric versus manual toothbrushes for the institutionalised elderly
Authors: Wolden Heidi , Strand Gunhild V. , Gjellestad Åshild 
Published: May 2006

Objective:  To evaluate how caregivers feel about the use of electric vs. manual toothbrushes for the elderly in long‐term care.Materials and methods:  After electric toothbrushes had been accessible in an institution for 15 months, a self‐administered questionnaire was distributed to the nursing staff. The questions posed were whether the electric toothbrushes were being used, how much time was spent on brushing and if electric toothbrushes simplified the provision of oral care for the residents.Results:  The response rate was 79%. Of the 119 respondents, 78% replied that they always or frequently used an electric toothbrush. With regard to brushing times, 44% of the respondents reported that they spent less time on oral care procedures with an electric toothbrush than with a manual one. Equal amount of time for both types of toothbrushes was reported by 53%. Only 3% reported spending more time with an electric toothbrush than with a manual one. Oral care procedures were considered simpler with this device by 63% of the respondents, 22% registered no change and 15% found it more difficult. If patients suffering from dementia were considered separately, 45% found the procedures simpler when using electric toothbrushes, 24% registered no difference and 31% found it more difficult.Conclusion:  The findings indicate that when given the choice, the caregivers prefer to use electric toothbrushes rather than manual ones as they feel this is simpler and often less time‐consuming.
Chickenpox, chickenpox vaccination, and shingles
Authors: Welsby P D 
Published: May 2006

AbstractChickenpox in the United Kingdom, where vaccination is not undertaken, has had a stable epidemiology for decades and is a routine childhood illness. Because of vaccination, chickenpox is now a rarity in the USA. In the UK vaccination is not done because introduction of a routine childhood vaccination might drive up the age at which those who are non-immune get the illness (chickenpox tends to be more severe the older you are), and the incidence of shingles may increase. The United Kingdom is waiting to see what happens in countries where vaccination is routine.
Treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Adams L A , Angulo P 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common and may progress to cirrhosis and its complications. The pathogenesis of steatosis and cellular injury is thought to be related mostly to insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Therefore, management entails identification and treatment of metabolic risk factors, improving insulin sensitivity, and increasing antioxidant defences in the liver. Weight loss and exercise improve insulin sensitivity. Bariatric surgery may improve liver histology in patients with morbid obesity. Insulin sensitising drugs showed promise in pilot trials as have a number of hepatoprotective agents. Further randomised, well controlled trials are required to determine the efficacy of these drugs.