bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abundance of six tetracycline resistance genes in wastewater lagoons at cattle feedlots with different antibiotic use strategies
Authors: Peak Nicholas , Knapp Charles W. , Yang Richard K. , Hanfelt Margery M. , Smith Marilyn S. , Aga Diana S. , Graham David W. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryThe abundance of six tetracycline resistance genes tet(O), tet(Q), tet(W), tet(M), tet(B) and tet(L), were quantified over time in wastewater lagoons at concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) to assess how feedlot operation affects resistance genes in downstream surface waters. Eight lagoons at five cattle feedlots in the Midwestern United States were monitored for 6 months. Resistance and 16S‐rRNA gene abundances were quantified using real‐time PCR, and physicochemical lagoon conditions, tetracycline levels, and other factors (e.g. feedlot size and weather conditions) were monitored over time. Lagoons were sorted according to antibiotic use practice at each site, and designated as ‘no‐use’, ‘mixed‐use’ or ‘high‐use’ for comparison. High‐use lagoons had significantly higher detected resistance gene levels (tetR; 2.8 × 106 copies ml−1) relative to no‐use lagoons (5.1 × 103 copies ml−1; P < 0.01) and mixed‐use lagoons (7.3 × 105 copies ml−1; P = 0.076). Bivariate correlation analysis on pooled data (n = 54) confirmed that tetR level strongly correlated with feedlot area (r = 0.67, P < 0.01) and ‘total’ bacterial 16S‐rRNA gene level in each lagoon (r = 0.51, P <  0.01), which are both characteristic of large CAFOs. tet(M) was the most commonly detected gene, both in absolute number and normalized to 16S‐rRNA gene level, although tet(O), tet(Q) and tet(W) levels were also high in the mixed and high‐use lagoons. Finally, resistance gene levels were highly seasonal with abundances being 10–100 times greater in the autumn versus the summer. Results show that antibiotic use strategy strongly affects both the abundance and seasonal distribution of resistance genes in associated lagoons, which has implications on water quality and feedlot management practices.
Initiation of insulin glargine in suboptimally controlled patients with type 2 diabetes: sub‐analysis of the AT.LANTUS trial comparing treatment outcomes in subjects from primary and secondary care in the UK
Authors: Davies M. , Evans R. , Storms F. , Gomis R. , Khunti K. 
Published: August 2006

Aim:  The AT.LANTUS study compared insulin glargine initiation and titration using one of two algorithms in suboptimally controlled subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on a primary outcome of severe hypoglycaemia. Secondary outcomes included other categories of hypoglycaemia, glycaemic control, weight changes and insulin dose. Here, we report the results of a subanalysis of the trial, which investigated whether insulin glargine can be initiated and titrated as effectively in primary [general practitioner (GP)] as secondary (hospital) care in patients with T2DM in the UK.Methods:  The main study was a multicentre (n = 611), multinational (n = 59), open‐label, 24‐week randomized trial in 4588 suboptimally controlled subjects with T2DM. Insulin glargine was titrated to target fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels of ≤5.5 mmol/l according to algorithm 1 (clinic‐driven titration) or algorithm 2 (patient‐managed titration). In this substudy, 819 subjects (GP, n = 215; hospital, n = 604) from 57 primary and 130 secondary care centres were included in the subanalysis; subjects were switched to once‐daily insulin glargine from baseline treatments that consisted primarily of oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) (38%) only or premixed insulin +/− OAD (23%).Results:  Both the GP and the hospital groups of subjects experienced a low incidence of severe hypoglycaemia (<1%), with significant decreases in HbA1c levels (−0.51 and −0.95% respectively; p < 0.001), large reductions in FBG levels (−2.72 and 3.0 mmol/l respectively; p < 0.001) and modest weight gain of 1 and 1.2 kg respectively (p < 0.05). With the exception of absolute reductions in HbA1c and reductions in basal and prandial insulin made on switching to insulin glargine, there were few significant differences in subjects managed in primary compared with secondary care.Conclusions:  This study shows that despite differences in diabetes duration and baseline glycaemic control, an insulin glargine–based therapy can be safely and effectively initiated in a diverse range of suboptimally controlled subjects with T2DM in both primary and secondary care settings in the UK. Rates of hypoglycaemia were low and consistent with the results of the main study. Absolute reductions in HbA1c were greatest in the secondary care setting, but similar levels of glycaemic control were achieved in both groups due to differences in baseline HbA1c. In the patients managed in primary care, there was an overall reduction in prandial and basal insulin used when switching to a basal insulin regimen and a lack of titration of prandial insulin. Therefore, the role of prandial insulin, its initiation and titration, appears to be an area that requires more focus in primary care.
The role of leptin and ghrelin in the regulation of food intake and body weight in humans: a review
Authors: Klok M. D. , Jakobsdottir S. , Drent M. L. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryLeptin and ghrelin are two hormones that have been recognized to have a major influence on energy balance. Leptin is a mediator of long‐term regulation of energy balance, suppressing food intake and thereby inducing weight loss. Ghrelin on the other hand is a fast‐acting hormone, seemingly playing a role in meal initiation. As a growing number of people suffer from obesity, understanding the mechanisms by which various hormones and neurotransmitters have influence on energy balance has been a subject of intensive research. In obese subjects the circulating level of the anorexigenic hormone leptin is increased, whereas surprisingly, the level of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin is decreased. It is now established that obese patients are leptin‐resistant. However, the manner in which both the leptin and ghrelin systems contribute to the development or maintenance of obesity is as yet not clear. The purpose of this review is to provide background information on the leptin and ghrelin hormones, their role in food intake and body weight in humans, and their mechanism of action. Possible abnormalities in the leptin and ghrelin systems that may contribute to the development of obesity will be mentioned. In addition, the potentials of leptin and ghrelin as drug targets will be discussed. Finally, the influence of the diet on leptin and ghrelin secretion and functioning will be described.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Netherlands
Authors: Schokker D. F. , Visscher T. L. S. , Nooyens A. C. J. , Van Baak M. A. , Seidell J. C. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryThis paper shows the trends in the prevalence of overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg m−2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2) in the Netherlands. Overweight (obesity) prevalence in adult males increased from 37% (4%) in 1981 to 51% (10%) in 2004, and in adult females from 30% (6%) in 1981 to 42% (12%) in 2004, according to self‐reported data. In boys and girls, obesity prevalence doubled or even tripled from 1980 to 1997, and again from 1997 to 2002–2004 a two‐ or threefold increase was seen for almost all ages. According to the most recent data, overweight (obesity) prevalence figures range, depending on age, from 9.2% to 17.3% (2.5–4.3%) in boys, and from 14.6% to 24.6% (2.3–6.5%) in girls. There is a lack of data on the national prevalence of overweight and obesity based on measured height and weight and on prevalences in different subgroups of the population. Regular national representative health examination surveys that measure height and weight are needed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its distribution over subgroups in the population, and to properly direct and evaluate prevention activities.
FACING THREATS TO EARTHLY FELICITY
Authors: Hoffman Kevin 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThis essay offers a close reading of Fear and Trembling against the backdrop of what the author thinks are weaknesses in how the work has been interpreted by others. Some read the text allegorically, as containing a distinctively Christian message about Pauline soteriology. Others read it anagogically, with an emphasis on the moral psychology of Abraham as a human character. In partial disagreement with each, the present essay assembles and interprets the textual evidence around the threat to human happiness posed by our problematic reliance on what Aristotle calls external goods.
Regeneration, tissue injury and the immune response
Authors: Godwin James W. , Brockes Jeremy P. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe involvement of the immune system in the response to tissue injury has raised the possibility that it might influence tissue, organ or appendage regeneration following injury. One hypothesis that has been discussed is that inflammatory aspects may preclude the occurrence of regeneration, but there is also evidence for more positive roles of immune components. The vertebrate eye is an immunoprivileged site where inflammatory aspects are inhibited by several immunomodulatory mechanisms. In various newt species the ocular tissues such as the lens are regenerative and it has recently been shown that the response to local injury of the lens involves activation of antigen‐presenting cells which traffic to the spleen and return to displace and engulf the lens, thereby inducing regeneration from the dorsal iris. The activation of thrombin from prothrombin in the dorsal iris is one aspect of the injury response that is important in the initiation of regeneration. The possible relationships between the immune response and the regenerative response are considered with respect to phylogenetic variation of regeneration in general, and lens regeneration in particular.
Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity by N1‐acetyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine, a brain metabolite of melatonin
Authors: León Josefa , Escames Germaine , Rodríguez María I. , López Luis C. , Tapias Víctor , Entrena Antonio , Camacho Encarnación , Carrión María D. , Gallo Miguel A. , Espinosa Antonio , Tan Dun‐Xian , Reiter Russel J. , Acuña‐Castroviejo Darío 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe assessed the effects of melatonin, N1‐acetyl‐N 2‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (AFMK) and N1‐acetyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (AMK) on neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activity in vitro and in rat striatum in vivo. Melatonin and AMK (10−11−10−3 m), but not AFMK, inhibited nNOS activity in vitro in a dose–response manner. The IC50 value for AMK (70 µm) was significantly lower than for melatonin (>1 mm). A 20% nNOS inhibition was reached with either 10−9 m melatonin or 10−11 m AMK. AMK inhibits nNOS by a non‐competitive mechanism through its binding to Ca2+‐calmodulin (CaCaM). The inhibition of nNOS elicited by melatonin, but not by AMK, was blocked with 0.05 mm norharmane, an indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase inhibitor. In vivo, the potency of AMK to inhibit nNOS activity was higher than that of melatonin, as a 25% reduction in rat striatal nNOS activity was found after the administration of either 10 mg/kg of AMK or 20 mg/kg of melatonin. Also, in vivo, the administration of norharmane blocked the inhibition of nNOS produced by melatonin administration, but not the inhibition produced by AMK. These data reveal that AMK rather than melatonin is the active metabolite against nNOS, which may be inhibited by physiological levels of AMK in the rat striatum.
Biochemical and functional characterization of high‐affinity urotensin II receptors in rat cortical astrocytes
Authors: Castel Hélène , Diallo Mickaël , Chatenet David , Leprince Jérôme , Desrues Laurence , Schouft Marie‐Thérèse , Fontaine Marc , Dubessy Christophe , Lihrmann Isabelle , Scalbert Elisabeth , Malagon Maria , Vaudry Hubert , Tonon Marie‐Christine , Gandolfo Pierrick 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe urotensin II (UII) gene is primarily expressed in the central nervous system, but the functions of UII in the brain remain elusive. Here, we show that cultured rat astrocytes constitutively express the UII receptor (UT). Saturation and competition experiments performed with iodinated rat UII ([125I]rUII) revealed the presence of high‐ and low‐affinity binding sites on astrocytes. Human UII (hUII) and the two highly active agonists hUII4‐11 and [3‐iodo‐Tyr9]hUII4‐11 were also very potent in displacing [125I]rUII from its binding sites, whereas the non‐cyclic analogue [Ser5,10]hUII4‐11 and somatostatin‐14 could only displace [125I]rUII binding at micromolar concentrations. Reciprocally, rUII failed to compete with [125I‐Tyr0,D‐Trp8]somatostatin‐14 binding on astrocytes. Exposure of cultured astrocytes to rUII stimulated [3H]inositol incorporation and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in a dose‐dependent manner. The stimulatory effect of rUII on polyphosphoinositide turnover was abolished by the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122, but only reduced by 56% by pertussis toxin. The GTP analogue Gpp(NH)p caused its own biphasic displacement of [125I]rUII binding and provoked an affinity shift of the competition curve of rUII. Pertussis toxin shifted the competition curve towards a single lower affinity state. Taken together, these data demonstrate that rat astrocytes express high‐ and low‐affinity UII binding sites coupled to G proteins, the high‐affinity receptor exhibiting the same pharmacological and functional characteristics as UT.
Microsatellites for Lindera species
Authors: ECHT C. S. , DEEMER D. , KUBISIAK T. , NELSON C. D. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractMicrosatellite markers were developed for conservation genetic studies of Lindera melissifolia (pondberry), a federally endangered shrub of southern bottomland ecosystems. Microsatellite sequences were obtained from DNA libraries that were enriched for the (AC)n simple sequence repeat motif. From 35 clone sequences, 20 primer pairs were designed and evaluated. Eleven primer pairs amplified polymorphic marker loci in pondberry while two did so in Lindera benzoin (spicebush). In 46 samples from a single pondberry site the number of microsatellite alleles ranged from two to 11 per locus with observed heterozygosity values of 0.07–0.91.
Amplification success rate of DNA from museum skin collections: a case study of stoats from 18 museums
Authors: MARTÍNKOVÁ N. , SEARLE J. B. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThere are large museum collections of mammalian skins and we wished to determine their usefulness for DNA‐based evolutionary and conservation studies. Methods derived from the ancient DNA approach were used to process samples from skins of the stoat (Mustela erminea) from 18 museums in 11 countries. Successful polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was achieved in 56%, 46% and 40% of all samples for 0.65‐, 0.70‐ and 0.78‐kb PCR products of mitochondrial DNA, respectively. Some of the best‐preserved skin samples were those in tight‐fitting containers in a dry and cold environment. With care in their preservation, mammalian skin collections may be a good source of DNA.
The whole mitochondrial genome sequence of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: MOSSMAN JIM A. , BIRKHEAD TIM R. , SLATE JON 
Published: August 2006

AbstractHere we describe the complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome (16 583/4 bp) of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Primers were designed based on highly conserved regions of an alignment of three passerine complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences. A combination of overlapping long polymerase chain reaction (PCR) purification, followed by fully nested PCR and sequencing was used to determine the complete mtDNA genome. Six birds, from distinct maternal lineages of a pedigreed population were sequenced. Five novel haplotypes were identified. These sequences provide the first data for sequence variation across the whole mitochondrial genome of a passerine bird species.
Anonymous nuclear markers for the eastern fence lizard, Sceloporus undulatus
Authors: ROSENBLUM E. B. , BELFIORE N. M. , MORITZ C. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe present results from a screen for de novo variable nuclear loci using a genomic library approach in Sceloporus undulatus, the eastern fence lizard. We tested amplification success for 77 primer pairs in S. undulatus, Sceloporus occidentalis and Sceloporus grammicus. Many loci amplified in all three species suggesting that our primers will be useful for developing sequencing or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping markers in other sceloporine lizards. We also sequenced 19 loci, containing 158 variable sites, for 91 S. undulatus individuals. We report high levels of nucleotide variation in this species with an average of 38 SNPs per kilobase.
Burrow and mate fidelity in the Little PenguinEudyptula minorat Lion Island, New South Wales, Australia
Authors: ROGERS T. , KNIGHT C. 
Published: August 2006

Although both mate and nest fidelity are thought to exist in Little PenguinsEudyptula minor, few studies have statistically assessed the relationship between both types of fidelity and breeding success. Observations of the breeding biology of the Little Penguin were carried out between 1990 and 1998 at Lion Island, New South Wales, Australia. The existence of fidelity and the effect of breeding success on subsequent fidelity were assessed for this population. Strong evidence for the existence of nest and mate fidelity was found with high rates of return to the same burrow and mate being recorded for both sexes. For all years of the study, the average number of female and male birds faithful to their nest was 76 and 79%, respectively, with only two noted cases of intraseasonal burrow swapping. The rate of divorce varied widely between years, with a range of 0–40%. A marginal association of a log linear model showed a highly significant relationship (P < 0.001) between success of a clutch in one year and fidelity to a mate in the following year. Consequently, parents successfully raising a fledgling in one year were more likely to reunite in the following year than were pairs that attempted unsuccessfully to breed. Pairs failing to fledge chicks were much more likely to separate owing to the absence of one parent in the following year. We were unable to detect any association between breeding success in one year and subsequent change of nest in the next.
Breeding biology of the White‐rumped Swallow Tachycineta leucorrhoa in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Authors: MASSONI VIVIANA , BULIT FLORENCIA , REBOREDA JUAN CARLOS 
Published: August 2006

We conducted a study of the breeding biology of the White‐rumped Swallow Tachycineta leucorrhoa nesting in nestboxes in a flat, farming landscape in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. White‐rumped Swallow nesting attempts were detected from the end of September to mid December, with most clutches laid during October. Birds laid clutches of 4–6 eggs with a mode of five eggs; most broods hatched synchronously (58%), but hatching spread could last up to 4 days. Nestling growth curves adjust well to logistic functions, and at day 15 nestlings attain the asymptotic weight of 21.6 g. Clutch size in White‐rumped Swallows declined significantly as the season progressed. In addition, late‐season eggs were smaller and late‐season nestlings had a shorter nestling period and lower weight at day 15, probably leaving the nest lighter than early‐season nestlings. These data suggest that the Swallows would benefit greatly from laying early in the season, which would provide nestlings with better survival prospects. However, both major sources of nest mortality, interspecific competition for nest‐sites and nestling mortality during bad weather, decreased through the season. White‐rumped Swallows follow the pattern found for other southern species, as it has smaller clutch size, lower growth rate and remains longer at the nest than its Northern Hemisphere congener the Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor.
To what degree is amelioration of angina following coronary revascularization associated with improvement in myocardial perfusion?
Authors: Johansen Allan , Høilund‐Carlsen Poul F. , Vach Werner , Christensen Henrik W. , Møldrup Mette , Haghfelt Torben 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective:  To examine the association between changes in chest pain and changes in perfusion following revascularization as assessed by clinical evaluation and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients with stable angina.Design:  In a prospective series of 380 patients (58·8 ± 8·8 years) referred to angiography because of known or suspected stable angina, changes in chest discomfort and changes in perfusion after 2 years were assessed in 144 patients, who underwent revascularization, and 236, who did not. The decision to treat invasively was made without knowledge of the result of MPI.Results:  In revascularized patients, the presence of typical/atypical angina was reduced from 93% to 36% and the improvement was associated with improvement in perfusion. A small improvement in perfusion induced a high frequency of change from angina to no pain, whereas a further reduction caused little extra change. In non‐revascularized patients the change in chest discomfort was not related to changes in perfusion, which were rarely present.Conclusion:  Alleviation of chest discomfort 2 years after revascularization is associated with improvements in perfusion. This association appeared to be an all‐or‐nothing phenomenon. Non‐revascularized patients also exhibited improvements in chest discomfort despite insignificant changes in perfusion.
The added value of ECG‐gating for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction using myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and artificial neural networks
Authors: Gjertsson Peter , Lomsky Milan , Richter Jens , Ohlsson Mattias , Tout Deborah , Van Aswegen Andries , Underwood Richard , Edenbrandt Lars 
Published: August 2006

SummaryTo assess the value of ECG‐gating for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction using myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) and an artificial neural network. A total of 422 patients referred for MPS were studied using a one day 99mTc‐tetrofosmin protocol. Adenosine stress combined with submaximal dynamic exercise was used. The images were interpreted by one of three experienced clinicians and these interpretations regarding the presence or absence of myocardial infarction were used as the standard. A fully automated method using artificial neural networks was compared with the clinical interpretation. Either perfusion data alone or a combination of perfusion and function from ECG‐gated images were used as input to different artificial neural networks. After a training session, the two types of neural networks were evaluated in separate test groups using an eightfold cross‐validation procedure. The neural networks trained with both perfusion and ECG‐gated images had a 4–7% higher specificity compared with the corresponding networks using perfusion data only, in four of five segments compared at the same level of sensitivity. The greatest improvement in specificity, from 70% to 77%, was seen in the inferior segment. In the septal and lateral segments the specificity rose from 73% to 77% and from 81% to 85%, respectively. In the anterior segment, the increase in specificity from 93% to 94% by adding functional data was not significant. The addition of functional information from ECG‐gated MPS is of value for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction using an automated method of interpreting myocardial perfusion images.