bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Esomeprazole‐Based 1‐Week Triple Therapy Directed by Susceptibility Testing for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children
Authors: Arenz Tina , Antos David , Rüssmann Holger , Alberer Martin , Buderus Stefan , Kappler Matthias , Koletzko Sibylle 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTBackground:Poor compliance to therapy and antibiotic resistance are the main causes for failure of anti‐Helicobacter pylori therapy.Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of esomeprazole‐based triple therapy directed by susceptibility testing.Methods:Symptomatic children with H. pylori infection, who underwent successful susceptibility testing and were colonized by no double‐resistant strain, received 1‐week triple therapy with esomeprazole, amoxicillin and either clarithromycin or metronidazole. Success of eradication was investigated by 13C‐urea breath test.Results:Fifty‐eight children (median age, 11.4 years; range, 2.2‐17.7 years; 81% immigrants) were included. Helicobacter pylori was resistant to clarithromycin in 5 (9%) and to metronidazole in 9 children (16%). Eradication was successful in 49 (92%) of 53 children receiving esomeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin and in all 5 children treated with metronidazole instead of clarithromycin, resulting in an eradication rate of 93% (95% confidence interval, 83%‐98%, intention‐to‐treat analysis). All 4 treatment failures occurred in immigrants with language problems; 2 of them were obviously noncompliant.Conclusion:Esomeprazole‐based 1‐week triple therapy directed by susceptibility testing is highly effective for eradication of H. pylori infection in children.
Effect of Nissen Fundoplication on Gastric Motor and Sensory Functions
Authors: Mousa Hayat , Caniano Donna A. , Alhajj Maya , Gibson Laurie , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Binkowitz Larry 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTObjectives:Bloating, abdominal pain, and early satiety have been reported in up to 30% of patients after Nissen fundoplication. We hypothesized that these postsurgical complications in children and young adults are linked to either the effects of surgery on gastric sensation, compliance or motor function or to preexisting physiological abnormalities.Methods:We prospectively evaluated the effect of Nissen fundoplication on gastric sensory and motor functions in 13 children with gastroesophageal reflux. Gastric barostat and mixed meal gastric emptying studies were performed before surgery in all patients and were repeated after surgery in 8 and 9 children, respectively.Results:Thirteen patients (median age, 7 years; range, 6 months to 18 years) underwent open Nissen (n = 6) or laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (n = 7). After fundoplication, patients had significantly higher minimal distending pressure values (10 mm Hg vs 3 mm Hg pre‐Nissen, respectively; P < 0.001), reduced gastric compliance (slope values of 8.39 mm Hg vs 9.15 mm Hg, respectively, P < 0.001) and significantly higher pain scores (P < 0.001). Presurgery and postsurgery gastric emptying at 60, 90 and 120 minutes after feeding showed no significant changes.Conclusions:After Nissen fundoplication, children with gastroesophageal reflux manifest the following: (1) reduction in gastric compliance, (2) increase in minimal gastric distending pressure, (3) exacerbation of the sensations discomfort with gastric distension and (4) no effect on gastric emptying.
Resonance Raman characterization of archaeal and bacterial Rieske protein variants with modified hydrogen bond network around the [2Fe‐2S] center
Authors: Iwasaki Toshio , Kounosu Asako , Kolling Derrick R.J. , Lhee Sangmoon , Crofts Antony R. , Dikanov Sergei A. , Uchiyama Takuro , Kumasaka Takashi , Ishikawa Hiroyuki , Kono Miwa , Imai Takeo , Urushiyama Akio 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe rate of quinol oxidation by cytochrome bc1/b6f complex is in part associated with the redox potential (Em) of its Rieske [2Fe‐2S] center, for which an approximate correlation with the number of hydrogen bonds to the cluster has been proposed. Here we report comparative resonance Raman (RR) characterization of bacterial and archaeal high‐potential Rieske proteins and their site‐directed variants with a modified hydrogen bond network around the cluster. Major differences among their RR spectra appear to be associated in part with the presence or absence of Tyr‐156 (in the Rhodobacter sphaeroides numbering) near one of the Cys ligands to the cluster. Elimination of the hydrogen bond between the terminal cysteinyl sulfur ligand (St) and Tyr‐Oη (as with the Y156W variant, which has a modified histidine Nε pKa,ox) induces a small structural bias of the geometry of the cluster and the surrounding protein in the normal coordinate system, and significantly affects some Fe‐Sb/t stretching vibrations. This is not observed in the case of the hydrogen bond between the bridging sulfide ligand (Sb) and Ser‐Oγ, which is weak and/or unfavorably oriented for extensive coupling with the Fe‐Sb/t stretching vibrations.
Nogo goes in the pure water: Solution structure of Nogo‐60 and design of the structured and buffer‐soluble Nogo‐54 for enhancing CNS regeneration
Authors: Li Minfen , Liu Jingxian , Song Jianxing 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe inability to determine the structure of the buffer‐insoluble Nogo extracellular domain retarded further design of Nogo receptor (NgR) antagonists to treat CNS axonal injuries. Very surprisingly, we recently discovered that Nogo‐60 was soluble and structured in salt‐free water, thus allowing the determination of the first Nogo structure by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. Nogo‐60 adopts an unusual helical structure with the N‐ and C‐terminal helices connected by a long middle helix. While the N‐helix has no contact with the rest of the molecule, the C‐helix flips back to pack against the 20‐residue middle helix. This packing appears to trigger the formation of the stable Nogo‐60 structure because Nogo‐40 with the last helix truncated is unstructured. The Nogo‐60 structure offered us rationales for further design of the structured and buffer‐soluble Nogo‐54, which may be used as a novel NgR antagonist. Furthermore, our discovery may imply a general solution to solubilizing a category of buffer‐insoluble proteins for urgent structural investigations.
Treating acute mental illness in rural general hospitals: Necessity or choice?
Authors: Hungerford Catherine 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective:  To identify reasons why rural general practitioners (GPs) treat a large proportion of patients with a primary psychiatric diagnosis in general beds of their local hospitals, and the barriers encountered when providing this treatment. Design:  A postal questionnaire was developed and distributed to a sample of rural GPs, asking about the treatment of patients with an acute mental illness in their local hospital. Results:  The majority of GPs agreed that they treat the acutely mentally ill in general beds of their local hospital due to lack of availability of, and inability to gain access to, mental health beds in the larger centres; and also to enable ongoing family involvement and continuity of care. Distance factors were identified as least significant. Barriers to providing care to this group of patients included a perceived lack of support by consultant psychiatrists, confidentiality issues, lack of community mental health workers to provide assistance, aggression levels of patients, inappropriate local hospital setting, and lack of confidence of GPs and general hospital nursing staff. Conclusion:  Addressing these barriers is necessary if rural Australians are to receive a quality of care that is equal to that received by those located in metropolitan Australia. Continuing research in this area is crucial.
Co‐morbid drug and alcohol and mental health issues in a rural New South Wales Area Health Service
Authors: Hoolahan Bryan , Kelly Brian , Stain Helen J. , Killen Didi 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective:  In 2003 the New South Wales (NSW) Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) conducted an analysis of co‐morbid drug and alcohol (D&A) and mental health issues for service providers and consumers in a rural NSW Area Health Service. This paper will discuss concerns raised by rural service providers and consumers regarding the care of people with co‐morbid D&A and mental health disorders. Design:  Current literature on co‐morbidity was reviewed, and local area clinical data were examined to estimate the prevalence of D&A disorders within the mental health service. Focus groups were held with service providers and consumer support groups regarding strengths and gaps in service provision. Setting:  A rural Area Health Service in NSW. Participants:  Rural health and welfare service providers, consumers with co‐morbid D&A and mental health disorders. Results:  Data for the rural area showed that 43% of inpatient and 20% of ambulatory mental health admissions had problem drinking or drug‐taking. Information gathered from the focus groups indicated a reasonable level of awareness of co‐morbidity, and change underway to better meet client needs; however, the results indicated a lack of formalised care coordination, unclear treatment pathways, and a lack of specialist care and resources. Discussion:  Significant gaps in the provision of appropriate care for people with co‐morbid D&A and mental health disorders were identified. Allocation of service responsibly for these clients was unclear. It is recommended that D&A, mental health and primary care services collaborate to address the needs of clients so that a coordinated and systematic approach to co‐morbid care can be provided.
Statistical methods for analysis of repeated measures on maternal morbidity
Authors: Islam M. Ataharul , Chowdhury Rafiqul I. , Singh Karan P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectives:  This paper applies statistical methods to identify factors associated with pregnancy‐related complications in rural Bangladesh. The results are examined in order to identify the factors that can help formulate policy for reducing pregnancy‐related morbidity. Methods:  Two statistical methods are used in this study to analyse the repeated‐measures data on pregnancy‐related complications in rural Bangladesh. One method is based on the application of linear logistic regression at each follow up, and the results are compared to identify the potential risk factors. Then the generalised estimating equation (GEE) approach is used, and the results based on each follow up are compared with those obtained from the application of the GEE approach. The maternal morbidity data collected by the Bangladesh Institute of Research for Promotion of Essential and Reproductive Health and Technologies are used in this paper. Results:  Economic status, visit for antenatal care, and histories of sexually transmitted disease, hypertension, heart disease and breathing problem are positively associated with the complications during pregnancy, while wanted pregnancy, household type, primary and secondary schooling, and five or more pregnancies are associated negatively with the response variable. Involvement with gainful employment shows a negative association by the first technique. The GEE approach failed to identify some important factors such as history of anaemia, previous pregnancy and gainful employment. However, duration of pregnancy appears to have an association with pregnancy complications, which was not found from the conditional model based on each follow up. Conclusion:  It appears that unwanted pregnancies need to be reduced through a well‐organised and targeted family planning campaign for potential mothers of all ages in rural Bangladesh. Nutritional anaemia may cause various complications, and suggestions are given for reducing anaemia among pregnant women. In the rural areas of Bangladesh, first births usually occur at teenage. The first‐birth pregnancy among teenagers can be a source of severe complications. There can be special programs to address the need for delay in the first pregnancy of those who marry at an early age.
An outbreak of acute post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis in remote Far North Queensland
Authors: Scrace Melania , Koko Karen 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  To observe and record an outbreak of acute post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) in the Lockhart River community in 2005 and the steps taken by health workers to contain the epidemic. Methods:  A descriptive study of cases of APSGN and children aged from 2 to 12 years involved in the screening program. Setting:  A remote indigenous community in Far North Queensland. Participants:  All children aged from 2 to 12 years in the Lockhart River community. Results:  Eighty‐seven children were screened. And 46% were found to have infected scabies. Conclusions:  There were 11 confirmed cases of APSGN over four months from February to May. Infected scabies was the main preceding finding in these children.
The value of structural features in tropical forest typology
Authors: WEBB L. J. , TRACEY J. G. , WILLIAMS W. T. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA pro forma is presented which is based on selected physiognomic–structural features of tropical forest vegetation. It was designed to facilitate collection of data by non‐botanists, and the occurrence of features was assessed either by presence/absence or on a four‐point scale.Data were collected in a mixture of rain forests and sclerophyll forests in North Queensland and New Guinea, and analysed by an agglomerative polythetic method to provide a classification of sites.The structural classification of the simple forests (regrowth rain forests, forests under extreme limiting conditions and eucalypt woodlands) was unsatisfactory, and floristic differentiation is necessary. However, the structural classification of the complex forests, and of mature forest vegetation over a wide environmental range, produced meaningful site‐groupings below the subformation level. The method of structural analysis is rapid and relatively inexpensive, and shows most promise in complex tropical vegetation for which floristic data are not usually available.
A comparison between two models for plant competition
Authors: TORSSELL B. W. R. , NICHOLLS A. O. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe differential equation of de Wit (1970) which predicts the growth of plant species in mixtures from their yield–density response in monocultures is compared with a simpler equation. This model is also based on the yield–density response of species grown in monocultures, but is static and predicts only the net result of plant competition during discrete time periods.Data from successive harvests in yield–density experiments in monocultures of one grass and two legume species were fitted to both models and the relative reproductive rate and the relative replacement rate were calculated from model predictions. Predictions from our model agreed more closely with observations than predictions from the de Wit model. It is concluded that our model deserves further attention in the studies of population dynamics in mixtures when the final outcome of competition is the main interest.
Counting the flowers in the forest: combining two population estimates
Authors: LAUGHLIN ROGER 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIsoneurothrips australis Bagnall lives in the flowers o, Eucalyptus trees. Knowing the mean number of thrips per flower, an estimate of the number of flowers was required so that the number of thrips in an isolated patch of scrub could be calculated. Flowers were sampled by two methods and the results compared and combined. The propriety of using probabilities higher than 0.05 for the calculation of confidence limits is discussed.
The effect of feral goats (Capra hircus L.) on the vegetation of Lord Howe Island
Authors: PICKARD JOHN 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe conflicting but informative literature relating to goats on Lord Howe Island (31° 35’5 159° 05’ E) is reviewed. Observations made in 1970–72 indicate that the effects of goats are localized. Invasion of goat camps by naturalized plants is widespread. Changes attributable to goats are considered and one well documented example is discussed in detail. The effects of goats and pigs are compared. Goats occupy different but overlapping habitats from pigs. A total of 228 goats was shot in an extermination programme. Overall density is 0·17 goats/ha but local densities may vary from 0·56 goats/ha to 26·34 goats/ha. Rumen content analyses indicate that goats are both selective and individualistic feeders. Naturalized plants are eaten in the same proportion as they occur in the flora. The relationship between naturalized weeds and goats appears to be commensal.
On the developing use of modelling in insect ecology and pest management*
Authors: GEIER P. W. , CLARK L. R. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSystems modelling in insect ecology and management is undertaken for either descriptive or prescriptive purposes, and can be either general or specific in nature. Although recent achievements in general descriptive modelling are considerable, they do not contribute greatly in the analysis, synthesis and understanding of particular systems. Conditions governing progress in specific modelling are discussed mainly from Australian examples.It is felt that a renewed emphasis should be placed on the inductive approach to the study of ecological systems. The cost of acquiring the necessary information is so great that, increasingly, empirical investigations will have to serve clearly defined, mission‐oriented goals. Consequently, in the immediate future, prescriptive modelling of particular systems for pest control may be the principal source of data and the main testing ground for generalizations.
A study of a subalpine woodland‐grassland boundary
Authors: MOORE R. M. , WILLIAMS J. D. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractReasons for the absence of trees on flat valley‐bottoms in the subalpine regions of south‐eastern Australia were studied at Seventeen Flat near Currango and other sites in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales.Temperature changes with height above terrain were measured at grassland and woodland sites by thermistors attached to a hydrogen‐filled balloon. The occurrence of nocturnal temperature inversions above grassland was established.Minimum temperatures at 80 cm above ground were recorded for thirty‐one weeks at thirteen stations along a transect across the grassland and extending into the woodland on either side. Minima were lower and frequency of temperatures below—9°C were higher in grassland than in woodland.Seedlings of subalpine woodland species and other eucalypts were planted at both grassland and woodland stations. At grassland stations seedlings of tree‐line species showed frost injury within a short time from planting and none survived two winters.The death of planted trees at grassland stations, the high frequency of temperature inversions and the low minima recorded on grassland compared with woodland suggest that temperature is a primary cause of the absence of trees in grasslands below subalpine woodlands.
An altitudinal transect in rain forest in the Barrington Tops area, New South Wales
Authors: TURNER J. C. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract On the southern slopes of Barrington Tops, N.S.W., an exploratory study was made of altitudinal gradation between subantarctic or temperate rain forest (at higher elevations) and subtropical rain forest. The former is dominated by Nothofagus moorei while the latter has no clear dominants and is floristically and structurally more complex.To sample the ecotone, a single 800 m line containing thirty‐seven 200 m2 circular plots was placed on a S.S.W.‐facing slope between altitudes of 800 and 1040 m. The inclinations of the surfaces of individual plots ranged from 5° to 35°. Measurement and analysis were restricted to trees (including coppices), vines and tree ferns, with emphasis on density, basal area and importance values. Vertical extent of the ecotone is determined rather arbitrarily as being about 90 m. Floristically, the ecotone has elements both of a mosaic and of a gradual mix of species of the upper and lower rain forests. Its areal complexity is increased by the presence of small‐scale topographic features; the typical step‐and‐terrace sequence resulting from dissection of multiple basalt flows. There is a gradual dropping out of species of the subtropical rain forest upwards along the whole transect. The rate of drop‐out is greatest at the bases of any steep steps on the slope. Certain species, notably Doryphora sassafras, are shared by the two kinds of rain forest. In physiognomy too, there is further evidence for continuity: the size and density of vines as well as leaf sizes of trees and vines decrease gradually upwards. In terms of Webb's system of structural types of Australian rain forest there is sustained gradation from notophyll‐microphyll vinefern forest (at the bottom) to microphyll fern forest. There is strong evidence that Nothofagus moorei is not regenerating within most of the ecotone. Speculation is offered about ecotonal dynamics in terms of climatic change, fire frequency and the mode of reproduction of N. moorei.
Growth and competition in annual legume—perennial grass pasture in a dry monsoonal climate
Authors: IVE J. R. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract The seasonal growth characteristics of a perennial (sabi grass (Urochloa mosambicensis))‐annual (Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis)) pasture ecosystem in the dry monsoonal region of norther Australia are described. The phases during which the botanical composition of the ecosystem may change are dry season plant survival, germination, establishment, growth and propagation. A conceptual model with general applicability for a pasture of perennial and annual species is presented and the inter‐relationships between the identified phases are indicated.For the example studied, there was a large decline in the proportion of the annual legume in the establishment phase, due to competition for restricted soil moisture. This explains the trend to grass dominance observed in sabi grass‐Townsville stylo swards, and is considered to apply generally in a perennial‐annual pasture in a dry monsoonal environment.Two distinct environmental periods occurred during the season and were reflected in the observed growth characteristics. During the first, the growth rate of Townsville stylo was slow and plant density fluctuated sharply. The growth rate of sabi grass also fluctuated sharply due to high temperature and radiation, and variable but limiting soil moisture. In the second period temperatures were lower and soil moisture was higher. During this period growth rate of sabi grass and tiller production declined but both the plant density of sabi grass and the growth rate of Townsville stylo increased.As sabi grass has a high initial growth rate and nitrogen and phosphorus contents which are nutritionally acceptable during the transition between the dry and wet seasons, monospecific sabi grass swards are suggested for grazing during this period.
Generic plant assemblages in the highland forests of Papua New Guinea
Authors: WALKER D. , GUPPY J. C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractVirtually complete tree lists from seventy‐eight sites in four regions above 1900 in a.s.l. in Papua New Guinea are analysed numerically and the results compared with classifications already in use. A major floristic break occurs between 2800 m and 3000 w a.s.l. The Upper Mountain Forest above this is tentatively divided into four nodes, the altitudinally lowest (< 3400 m) being pliysiognomically similar to the forest below. The Lower Mountain Forest below the major break has two nodes, one of which may be an assemblage of variously depauperate and less stable derivatives of the other: they are not altitudinally distinct.