bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
To cut a long tail short: a review of lizard caudal autotomy studies carried out over the last 20 years
Authors: Bateman P. W. , Fleming P. A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractCaudal autotomy, the ability to shed the tail, is common in lizards as a response to attempted predation. Since Arnold's substantial review of caudal autotomy as a defence in reptiles 20 years ago, our understanding of the costs associated with tail loss has increased dramatically. In this paper, we review the incidence of caudal autotomy among lizards (Reptilia Sauria) with particular reference to questions posed by Arnold. We examine tail break frequencies and factors that determine occurrence of autotomy in natural populations (including anatomical mechanisms, predation efficiency and intensity, microhabitat preference, sex and ontogenetic differences, as well as intraspecific aggression). We also summarize the costs associated with tail loss in terms of survivorship and reproduction, focusing on potential mechanisms that influence fitness (i.e. locomotion costs, behavioural responses and metabolic costs). Finally, we examine the factors that may influence the facility with which autotomy takes place, including regeneration rate, body form and adaptive behaviour. Taking Arnold's example, we conclude with proposals for future research.
Three‐dimensional computer analysis of white shark jaw mechanics: how hard can a great white bite?
Authors: Wroe S. , Huber D. R. , Lowry M. , McHenry C. , Moreno K. , Clausen P. , Ferrara T. L. , Cunningham E. , Dean M. N. , Summers A. P. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe notorious jaws of the white shark Carcharodon carcharias are widely feared, yet poorly understood. Neither its bite force, nor how such force might be delivered using relatively elastic cartilaginous jaws, have been quantified or described. We have digitally reconstructed the jaws of a white shark to estimate maximum bite force and examine relationships among their three‐dimensional geometry, material properties and function. We predict that bite force in large white sharks may exceed c. 1.8 tonnes, the highest known for any living species, and suggest that forces may have been an order of magnitude greater still in the gigantic fossil species Carcharodon megalodon. However, jaw adductor‐generated force in Carcharodon appears unremarkable when the predator's body mass is considered. Although the shark's cartilaginous jaws undergo considerably greater deformation than would jaws constructed of bone, effective bite force is not greatly diminished.
Postexercise reduction in lung diffusion capacity is not attenuated by skin cooling
Authors: Storebø Michael L. , Hope Arvid , Vaagbø Guro , Thorsen Einar 
Published: August 2008

SummaryPulmonary diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is reduced by approximately 10% 1–6 h after maximal exercise. The mechanisms may be interstitial alveolar oedema and reduced pulmonary capillary blood volume. It was hypothesized that thermal stress following exercise contributes to the reduction in DLCO, and that skin cooling would attenuate the postexercise reduction in DLCO. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC), mean surface temperature (MST), rectal temperature and DLCO were measured before and 90 min after maximal incremental cycle exercise. Thereafter, the subjects were exposed to cold air without eliciting shivering one day and another day served as control. The measurements were repeated 120 min after exercise. Twelve healthy subjects (six male) aged 20–27 years were studied. DLCO was reduced by 7·1% (SD = 6·3%, P = 0·003) and 7·6% (SD = 5·3%, P<0·001) 90 and 120 min after exercise in the control experiment. It was reduced by 5·6% (SD = 5·5%, P = 0·014) 90 min after exercise and remained reduced by 6·1% (SD = 6·1%, P = 0·012) after cooling despite a significant reduction in CVC and in MST from 31·9 (SD = 0·6)°C to 27·4 (SD = 1·9)°C. We conclude that the postexercise reduction in DLCO is present when thermal status is restored after exercise, and that it is not influenced by further skin surface cooling.
Factors supporting self‐management in Parkinson’s disease: implications for nursing practice
Authors: Chenoweth Lynn , Gallagher Robyn , Sheriff June N. , Donoghue Judith , Stein‐Parbury Jane 
Published: August 2008

Aim.  To identify the factors associated with better self‐management in people with moderate to high levels of Parkinson’s disease following an acute illness event.Design and methods.  A prospective, descriptive study conducted with 75 persons with Parkinson’s disease over the age of 55, collected twice: within a week of an acute event and 1 month later, after resuming usual life at home. Participants completed a questionnaire on self‐rated health status, self‐efficacy, sense of coherence, symptom monitoring and medication and general self‐management.Background.  Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological condition that affects many dimensions of life, including threats to self‐identity and confidence in self‐management. Self‐management has the potential to reduce costs through decreased hospital admissions, disease progression and avoidance of complications. While evidence for the relationships between self‐management and self‐efficacy and sense of coherence has been demonstrated in some chronic illness groups, this has not previously been demonstrated in Parkinson’s disease.Results.  The independent predictors of better self‐management were not being hospitalized in the last 6 months, more frequent symptom checking and better self‐efficacy for self‐management. The influence of other factors on self‐management, such as sense of coherence, was mediated through self‐efficacy. Support of family and others was associated with better self‐efficacy both directly and through an improved sense of coherence.Conclusions and relevance to nursing practice.  The presence of informal support plays an important role in sustaining self‐efficacy and sense of coherence and hence self‐management in persons with Parkinson’s disease. Since these attributes are amenable to change, nurses are in a good position to encourage participation in Parkinson’s support groups, teach self‐management skills through regular symptom monitoring and to assess and promote self‐efficacy and sense of coherence.
Association between serum lipoprotein (a) level and progression of non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Funatsu Hideharu , Shimizu Erika , Noma Hidetaka , Mimura Tatsuya , Hori Sadao 
Published: August 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate independent risk factors related to the progression of non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) for Japanese Type 2 diabetic patients.Methods:  One hundred and six patients with NPDR were followed up for 2 years. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was determined by colour fundus photography. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess variables independently associated with the progression of NPDR. Serum concentrations of novel risk factors for atherosclerotic vascular disease, including lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and fibrinogen, were measured.Results:  Thirty‐three patients (31%) had progressed by two scale steps or more in 2 years. The progression of NPDR was significantly associated with HbA1c [odds ratio (OR) 2.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–4.87], systolic blood pressure (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.14–2.91), Lp(a) (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.09–5.12) and fibrinogen (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.03–3.08). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HbA1c (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.12–3.21) and Lp(a) level (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.06–4.33) were significant and independent predictors of the progression of NPDR.Conclusion:  These data suggest that serum Lp(a) level is an independent risk factor for the progression of NPDR in Type 2 diabetes patients. We recommend that further prospective validation of our findings be undertaken to confirm these observations.
Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Thomassen Veronica Holm , Ring Troels , Thaarup Jesper , Baggesen Kirsten 
Published: August 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  We aim to describe the first case of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome reported in Scandinavia and to underline the importance of the syndrome, which should be better known among ophthalmologists.Methods:  We report an 11‐year‐old boy who was admitted to hospital because of general fatigue and weight loss. Blood tests showed renal insufficiency and a renal biopsy revealed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. One week after admission the patient developed transitory blurred vision and flickering shadows in the left eye. Slit‐lamp examination revealed bilateral anterior non‐granulomatous uveitis and TINU syndrome was diagnosed.Results:  Because of renal insufficiency the patient was treated with systemic prednisone 50 mg/day for 3 weeks. Evolution was favourable, and prednisone was tapered over 10 weeks. Uveitis was treated with topical steroid with good effect. The only complication after 18 months of follow‐up was transitory cushingoid aspect.Conclusions:  Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome is a rare syndrome that is probably underdiagnosed in clinical practice. Co‐operation between ophthalmologists and nephrologists/paediatricians is crucial for early diagnosis and instigation of treatment. Uveitis may occur before tubulointerstitial nephritis or the renal symptoms may be so mild that the patient is unaware of them. Therefore, ophthalmologists play an important role in the initial discovery of patients with TINU syndrome. Tubulointerstitial nephritis tends to be self‐limiting, whereas uveitis tends to relapse and recurrences tend to be more severe than the initial uveitis. Therefore, the patient must be ophthalmologically monitored very carefully.
A Nonsense Mutation in the
ERG6
Gene Leads to Reduced Susceptibility to Polyenes in a Clinical Isolate of
Candida glabrata
Authors: Vandeputte Patrick , Tronchin Guy , Larcher Gérald , Ernoult Emilie , Bergès Thierry , Chabasse Dominique , Bouchara Jean-Philippe 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Unlike the molecular mechanisms that lead to azole drug resistance, the molecular mechanisms that lead to polyene resistance are poorly documented, especially in pathogenic yeasts. We investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for the reduced susceptibility to polyenes of a clinical isolate of
Candida glabrata
. Sterol content was analyzed by gas-phase chromatography, and we determined the sequences and levels of expression of several genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis. We also investigated the effects of the mutation harbored by this isolate on the morphology and ultrastructure of the cell, cell viability, and vitality and susceptibility to cell wall-perturbing agents. The isolate had a lower ergosterol content in its membranes than the wild type, and the lower ergosterol content was found to be associated with a nonsense mutation in the
ERG6
gene and induction of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. Modifications of the cell wall were also seen, accompanied by increased susceptibility to cell wall-perturbing agents. Finally, this mutation, which resulted in a marked fitness cost, was associated with a higher rate of cell mortality. Wild-type properties were restored by complementation of the isolate with a centromeric plasmid containing a wild-type copy of the
ERG6
gene. In conclusion, we have identified the molecular event responsible for decreased susceptibility to polyenes in a clinical isolate of
C. glabrata
. The nonsense mutation detected in the
ERG6
gene of this isolate led to a decrease in ergosterol content. This isolate may constitute a useful tool for analysis of the relevance of protein trafficking in the phenomena of azole resistance and pseudohyphal growth.
Population Structure Analysis of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Beijing Family Indicates an Association between Certain Sublineages and Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Iwamoto Tomotada , Yoshida Shiomi , Suzuki Katsuhiro , Wada Takayuki 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Our population-based study of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Beijing family examined the frequency of occurrence of each sublineage of this family, classified by using 10 synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The results revealed the overabundance of two evolutionary sublineages in a population of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis bacteria.
Activities of Antifungal Agents against Yeasts and Filamentous Fungi: Assessment according to the Methodology of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Mayr Astrid , Perkhofer Susanne , Hinterberger Guido , Hausdorfer Johann , Speth Cornelia , Fille Manfred 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

We compared the activities of antifungal agents against a wide range of yeasts and filamentous fungi. The methodology of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) for yeasts and spore-forming molds was applied; and a total of 349 clinical isolates of
Candida
spp., other yeast species,
Aspergillus
spp., and nondermatophyte non-
Aspergillus
spp. were investigated. The average geometric mean (GM) of the MICs of the various drugs for
Candida
spp. were as follows: amphotericin B (AMB), 0.55 μg/ml; liposomal amphotericin B (l-AMB); 0.35 μg/ml; itraconazole (ITC), 0.56 μg/ml; voriconazole (VRC), 0.45 μg/ml; posaconazole (POS), 0.44 μg/ml; and caspofungin (CPF), 0.45 μg/ml. The data indicated that the majority of
Candida
spp. were susceptible to the traditional and new antifungal drugs. For
Aspergillus
spp., the average GM MICs of AMB, l-AMB, ITC, VRC, POS, and CPF were 1.49 μg/ml, 1.44 μg/ml, 0.65 μg/ml, 0.34 μg/ml, 0.25 μg/ml, and 0.32 μg/ml, respectively. For the various zygomycetes, the average GM MICs of AMB, l-AMB, ITC, and POS were 1.36 μg/ml, 1.42 μg/ml, 4.37 μg/ml, and 1.65 μg/ml, respectively. Other yeastlike fungi and molds displayed various patterns of susceptibility. In general, the minimal fungicidal concentrations were 1 to 3 dilutions higher than the corresponding MICs. POS, AMB, and l-AMB showed activities against a broader range of fungi than ITC, VRC, and CPF did. Emerging pathogens such as
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and
Fusarium solani
were not killed by any drug. In summary, the EUCAST data showed that the in vitro susceptibilities of yeasts and filamentous fungi are variable, that susceptibility occurs among and within various genera and species, and that susceptibility depends on the antifungal drug tested. AMB, l-AMB, and POS were active against the majority of pathogens, including species that cause rare and difficult-to-treat infections.
Enhanced Bactericidal Activity of Rifampin and/or Pyrazinamide When Combined with PA-824 in a Murine Model of Tuberculosis
Authors: Tasneen Rokeya , Tyagi Sandeep , Williams Kathy , Grosset Jacques , Nuermberger Eric 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

PA-824 is in phase II clinical testing to treat tuberculosis. At a dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight, it has demonstrated bactericidal activity during the initial and continuation phases of treatment in a murine model of tuberculosis. In a prior study, substitution of PA-824 for isoniazid in the first-line regimen of rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide resulted in significantly lower CFU counts at 2 months and shorter time to culture-negative conversion. However, the study design prevented a rigorous assessment of the relapse rate after completion of therapy. The current experiment was designed to assess (i) the extent of the beneficial effect of substituting PA-824 for isoniazid in the first-line regimen, (ii) the influence of the PA-824 dose on the same effect, and (iii) the activity of each one-, two-, and three-drug combination of rifampin, PA-824, and pyrazinamide. Mice were infected by the aerosol route and initiated on treatment 14 days later with more than 7 log
10
CFU per lung. Treatment with rifampin and pyrazinamide was more effective than treatment with rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide at reducing the lung CFU count, consistent with past evidence of isoniazid's antagonism in this model. The addition of PA-824 at 12.5 and 25 mg/kg/day did not increase the activity of rifampin plus pyrazinamide, but the addition of PA-824 at 50 and 100 mg/kg/day did increase the activity in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of rifampin, PA-824 (100 mg/kg), and pyrazinamide rendered all mice culture negative after 2 months of treatment and free of relapse after 4 months of treatment, while some mice receiving rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide remained culture positive and 15% relapsed after completing 4 months of treatment. The two-drug combination of PA-824 and pyrazinamide displayed synergistic activity that was equivalent to that of the standard first-line regimen. Together, these results support the evaluation of regimens based on the combination of rifampin, PA-824, and pyrazinamide in phase II clinical trials while demonstrating several potential pitfalls in the evaluation of new drug combinations in a murine model of tuberculosis.
Toll-Like Receptors: Insights into Their Possible Role in the Pathogenesis of Lyme Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Bernardino Andrea L. F. , Myers Tereance A. , Alvarez Xavier , Hasegawa Atsuhiko , Philipp Mario T. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTLyme neuroborreliosis is likely caused by inflammatory effects of the tick-borne spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferion the nervous system. Microglia, the resident macrophage cells within the central nervous system (CNS), are important in initiating an immune response to microbial products. In addition, astrocytes, the major CNS glial cell type, also can contribute to brain inflammation. TLRs (Toll-like receptors) are used by glial cells to recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), mediate innate responses, and initiate an acquired immune response. Here we hypothesize that because of their PAMP specificities, TLR1, -2, -5, and -9 may be involved in the pathogenesis of Lyme neuroborreliosis. Previous reports have shown that the rhesus monkey is the only animal model to exhibit signs of Lyme neuroborreliosis. Therefore, we used primary cultures of rhesus astrocytes and microglia to determine the role of TLRs in mediating proinflammatory responses toB. burgdorferi. The results indicate that microglia and astrocytes respond toB. burgdorferithrough TLR1/2 and TLR5. In addition, we observed that phagocytosis ofB. burgdorferiby microglia enhances not only the expression of TLR1, -2, and -5, but also that of TLR4. Taken together, our data provide proof of the concept that astrocyte and microglial TLR1, -2, and -5 are involved in the in vivo response of primate glial cells toB. burgdorferi. The proinflammatory molecules elicited by these TLR-mediated responses could be a significant factor in the pathogenesis of Lyme neuroborreliosis.
A Nasal Interleukin-12 DNA Vaccine CoexpressingYersinia pestisF1-V Fusion Protein Confers Protection against Pneumonic Plague
Authors: Yamanaka Hitoki , Hoyt Teri , Yang Xinghong , Golden Sarah , Bosio Catharine M. , Crist Kathryn , Becker Todd , Maddaloni Massimo , Pascual David W. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have shown that mucosal application of interleukin-12 (IL-12) can stimulate elevated secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses. Since possible exposure to plague is viaYersinia pestis-laden aerosols that results in pneumonic plague, arming both the mucosal and systemic immune systems may offer an added benefit for protective immunity. Two bicistronic plasmids were constructed that encoded the protective plague epitopes, capsular antigen (F1-Ag) and virulence antigen (V-Ag) as a F1-V fusion protein but differed in the amounts of IL-12 produced. When applied nasally, serum IgG and mucosal IgA anti-F1-Ag and anti-V-Ag titers were detectable beginning at week 6 after three weekly doses, and recombinant F1-Ag boosts were required to elevate the F1-Ag-specific antibody (Ab) titers. Following pneumonic challenge, the best efficacy was obtained in mice primed with IL-12(Low)/F1-V vaccine with 80% survival compared to mice immunized with IL-12(Low)/F1, IL-12(Low)/V, or IL-12(Low) vector DNA vaccines. Improved expression of IL-12 resulted in lost efficacy when using the IL-12(High)/F1-V DNA vaccine. Despite differences in the amount of IL-12 produced by the two F1-V DNA vaccines, Ab responses and Th cell responses to F1- and V-Ags were similar. These results show that IL-12 can be used as a molecular adjuvant to enhance protective immunity against pneumonic plague, but in a dose-dependent fashion.
PipesFS
Authors: de Bruijn Willem , Bos Herbert 
Published: August 2008

This paper presents PipesFS, an I/O architecture for Linux 2.6 that increases I/O throughput and adds support for heterogeneous parallel processors by (1) collapsing many I/O interfaces onto one: the Unix pipeline, (2) increasing pipe efficiency and (3) exploiting pipeline modularity to spread computation across all available processors.
PipesFS extends the pipeline model to kernel I/O and communicates with applications through a Linux virtual filesystem (VFS), where directory nodes represent operations and pipe nodes export live kernel data. Users can thus interact with kernel I/O through existing calls like mkdir, tools like grep, most languages and even shell scripts. To support performance critical tasks, PipesFS improves pipe throughput through copy, context switch and cache miss avoidance. To integrate heterogeneous processors (e.g., the Cell) it transparently moves operations to the most efficient type of core.
virtio
Authors: Russell Rusty 
Published: August 2008

The Linux Kernel currently supports at least 8 distinct virtualization systems: Xen, KVM, VMware's VMI, IBM's System p, IBM's System z, User Mode Linux, lguest and IBM's legacy iSeries. It seems likely that more such systems will appear, and until recently each of these had its own block, network, console and other drivers with varying features and optimizations.
The attempt to address this is virtio: a series of efficient, well-maintained Linux drivers which can be adapted for various different hypervisor implementations using a shim layer. This includes a simple extensible feature mechanism for each driver. We also provide an obvious ring buffer transport implementation called vring, which is currently used by KVM and lguest. This has the subtle effect of providing a path of least resistance for any new hypervisors: supporting this efficient transport mechanism will immediately reduce the amount of work which needs to be done. Finally, we provide an implementation which presents the vring transport and device configuration as a PCI device: this means guest operating systems merely need a new PCI driver, and hypervisors need only add vring support to the virtual devices they implement (currently only KVM does this).
This paper will describe the virtio API layer as implemented in Linux, then the vring implementation, and finally its embodiment in a PCI device for simple adoption on otherwise fully-virtualized guests. We'll wrap up with some of the preliminary work to integrate this I/O mechanism deeper into the Linux host kernel.