bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controls on marine animal biomass through geological time
Authors: PAYNE J. L. , FINNEGAN S. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTTotal animal biomass depends on four factors: (1) food supply, (2) the efficiency with which animals consume available food, (3) the efficiency with which animals convert consumed food into biomass, and (4) the rate at which animals lose biomass to the environment through respiration or death. Each of these factors may change through geological time because each is a function of animal ecology and physiology. Animal ecology and physiology, in turn, are products of interacting evolutionary and environmental factors. The direction of change in animal biomass through time may be predicted given knowledge of environmental and ecological change. At a finer level, physiological differences among phyla or other higher taxa suggest that they would have had differential responses to specific environmental changes. Physiological features shared by all of life, such as the dependence of metabolic rate on ambient temperature, suggest that even a coarse time‐series of relative changes in animal biomass may enrich understanding of biogeochemical cycling among all organisms, including phytoplankton and microbes. Changes in the abundance of skeletal material in shallow marine deposits through geological time indicate that the biomass of benthic skeletal invertebrates has fluctuated significantly on timescales from millions to hundreds of millions of years. During the Ordovician radiation, increase in the complexity of animal food webs and increase in the efficiency of animal communities in removing available food from the water column and sediment appear most likely to account for a secular increase in animal biomass. Decrease in animal biomass after the end‐Permian extinction appears to have been driven by a combination of factors but particularly decreased aggregate growth efficiency and consumption efficiency. Comparing biomass and diversity trends through other major transitions in the history of animal life has the potential to shed light on the relationship between physical environmental change and ecosystems evolution.
In situ ecological development of a bacteriogenic iron oxide‐producing microbial community from a subsurface granitic rock environment
Authors: ANDERSON C. R. , JAMES R. E. , FRU E. C. , KENNEDY C. B. , PEDERSEN K. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThe initial development and diversity of an in situ subsurface microbial community producing bacteriogenic iron oxides (BIOS) were investigated at the initiation of biofilm growth (2‐month period) and after a 1‐year period of undisturbed growth. Water chemistry data, samples of iron encrusted biofilm material and groundwater were collected from BRIC (BIOS reactor, in situ, continuous flow) apparatuses installed 297 m below sea level at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (HRL) in south eastern Sweden. Comparisons between the BIOS BRIC system and an anaerobic control (AC) BRIC revealed that water mixing at the inflow leads to profuse development of BIOS related to a slightly elevated level of O2 (up to 0.3 mg L−1 at the transition zone between BIOS development and non‐development) and elevated Eh (>120 mV) in the first 70 mm of water depth. Decreases in dissolved and particulate iron were connected to the visible appearance of BIOS biofilms. The basic phylogenetic diversity of this site was evaluated using amplified ribosomal DNA restriction enzyme analysis (ARDRA), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA. From 67 clones that were positive for 16S rDNA inserts, a total of 42 different ARDRA profiles were recognized, representing four bacterial phyla and 14 different metabolic lifestyles. DGGE profiles indicated that there are differences in the representative bacteria when considering either BIOS biofilms or groundwater. DGGE also indicated that the DNA extraction protocols and any polymerase chain reaction biases were consistent. Bacterial metabolic groups associated with indirect metal adsorption and reduction along with bacteria utilizing many alternative electron acceptors were strongly represented within the clones. This study indicates that the microbial diversity of BIOS is greater than previously thought.
Organic carbon in the silt + clay fraction of Tasmanian soils
Authors: Sparrow L. A. , Belbin K. C. , Doyle R. B. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractOrganic carbon (C) was measured in the silt + clay fraction of 78 soils from agricultural areas in Tasmania, and the relationship between C in the silt + clay fraction and the percentage by weight of particles in this fraction was compared with similar data for soils from other regions and climates. Most of the cropping soils from Tasmania followed a previously published linear relationship, which is considered an indication of the capacity of soils to store C. The soils which fell the greatest distance below this relationship were sandy soils, consistent with previous evidence that these soils in Tasmania have been degraded. Soils which showed a major positive departure from the relationship were clay loams with >60% silt + clay. Most were also pasture soils. Tasmania's cool‐temperate climate would promote plant growth and C inputs and slow C breakdown, while the high clay content would help protect C. The results for the clay loam soils are consistent with earlier observations that these soils are generally in good health.
Safety and Efficacy of Teriparatide in Elderly Women with Established Osteoporosis: Bone Anabolic Therapy from a Geriatric Perspective
Authors: Boonen Steven , Marin Fernando , Mellstrom Dan , Xie Li , Desaiah Durisala , Krege John H. , Rosen Clifford J. 
Published: March 2006

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of teriparatide in patients aged 75 and older and compare these findings with those of women younger than 75 using data from the Fracture Prevention Trial (FPT).DESIGN: The FPT was a randomized, multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.SETTING: The FPT multicenter international study.PARTICIPANTS: Postmenopausal women aged 42 to 86 were randomized to placebo (N=544) or teriparatide 20 μg (N=541) by daily self‐injection for a median of 19 months. Patients received daily oral supplements of 1,000 mg calcium and 400 to 1,200 IU vitamin D. For this analysis, subgroups were defined according to patient age younger than 75 (N=841) and 75 and older (N=244).MEASUREMENTS: The effects of teriparatide on bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and femoral neck; the incidence of new vertebral and new nonvertebral fragility fractures; bone turnover markers, including bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase; and urinary deoxypyridinoline corrected for creatinine clearance, as well as the safety of teriparatide, were investigated.RESULTS: There were no significant treatment‐by‐age interactions for the bone turnover markers, femoral neck BMD, vertebral fractures, nonvertebral fragility fractures, height loss, hyperuricemia, or hypercalcemia. A significant treatment‐by‐age interaction for lumbar spine BMD (P=.08) was due to an increase in BMD observed in the placebo group aged 75 and older. There were no treatment‐by‐age interactions for important treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), including back pain, nausea, leg cramps, and dizziness. The most important TEAEs in women aged 80 and older (23 patients from the placebo group and 25 patients from the teriparatide group) were also reviewed; no unexpected TEAEs were found in the patients treated with teriparatide. These results indicate that the clinical effects of teriparatide were consistent in the older and younger women.CONCLUSION: Age does not affect the safety and efficacy of teriparatide in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Functional Limitation in Older People: Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Authors: Fried Linda F. , Lee Jung Sun , Shlipak Michael , Chertow Glenn M. , Green Christie , Ding Jingzhong , Harris Tamara , Newman Anne B. ,   for the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Published: March 2006

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether chronic kidney disease (CKD) is independently associated with incident physical‐function limitation.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.SETTING: Two sites: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Memphis, Tennessee.PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand one hundred thirty‐five men and women aged 70 to 79 without functional limitation at baseline from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study.MEASUREMENTS: Functional limitation was defined as difficulty in walking one‐quarter of a mile or climbing 10 steps on two consecutive reports 6 months apart (in the same function). Kidney function was measured using serum cystatin C. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula (<60 versus ≥60 mL/min per 1.73 m2), was a secondary predictor. Muscle strength, lean body mass according to dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry, comorbidity, medication use, and inflammatory markers were evaluated as covariates.RESULTS: Persons in the highest (≥1.13 mg/L) quartile of cystatin C experienced a significantly higher risk of developing functional limitation than those in the lowest (<0.86 mg/L) quartile (hazard ratio (HR)=1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.40–2.07). The association between the fourth cystatin C quartile and functional limitation remained after adjustment for demographics, lean body mass, comorbidity, muscle strength, and gait speed (HR=1.41, 95% CI=1.13–1.75), although the association was attenuated after adjustment for markers of inflammation (HR=1.15, 95% CI=0.90–1.46). Similar results were found for eGFR less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, although the association with functional limitation remained after adjustment for inflammatory markers (HR=1.30, 95% CI=1.08–1.56).CONCLUSION: CKD is associated with the development of functional impairment independent of comorbidity, body composition, and tests of strength and physical performance. The mechanism may be related to a heightened inflammatory state in CKD.
Summary of the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Bacterial Contamination of Platelets: Fall 2004 impact survey
Authors: Silva Marianne A. , Gregory Kay R. , Carr‐Greer M. Allene , Holmberg Jerry A. , Kuehnert Matthew J. , Brecher Mark E. ,   Task Force
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND:  New voluntary standards in the United States regarding bacterial contamination of platelets (PLTs) led to the formation of the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Bacterial Contamination of Platelets. This article summarizes a survey conducted by the Task Force to assess the impact of bacterial detection.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  An Internet‐based survey of AABB member institutions was conducted from September 17, 2004, to October 1, 2004. The survey was designed principally to assess PLT usage, supply, and outdating and the currently used bacteria detection methods.RESULTS:  Of 900 facilities surveyed, 350 responded (38%). These facilities collected approximately 43.3 and 65.9 percent and transfused approximately 19.1 and 22.2 percent of the whole blood–derived PLT concentrates (WBPCs) and apheresis PLTs in the United States, respectively. Most facilities (64‐91%) indicated that their ability to provide PLTs for transfusion had not been affected. Approximately half (50‐57.1%) indicated no changes in their PLT inventory. Two‐thirds (66‐68%) indicated no increased PLT outdating. More than 90 percent of apheresis PLTs are tested with a culture‐based method, whereas WBPCs are tested with a variety of methods (mostly non–culture‐based) resulting in a 4.6‐fold decrease in the confirmed positive detection rate compared with apheresis PLTs (p  < 0.001).CONCLUSION:  After the implementation of AABB Standard 5.1.5.1, the majority of facilities responding to this survey experienced no (or modest) impact on PLT availability or outdating. Nevertheless, a substantial portion of facilities experienced both increased outdating and decreased availability. Some facilities were greatly impacted. Based on the data gathered, it is impossible to conclude whether such shortages resulted from production or distribution problems or were due to decreased shelf life and increased outdates.
Monocytes‐macrophages are a potential target in human infection with West Nile virus through blood transfusion
Authors: Rios Maria , Zhang Ming J. , Grinev Andriyan , Srinivasan Kumar , Daniel Sylvester , Wood Owen , Hewlett Indira K. , Dayton Andrew I. 
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND:  West Nile virus (WNV) transmission by transfusion was documented in 2002. Approximately 80 percent of WNV infections are asymptomatic and 1 percent develop severe neurological illness. In animals, Langerhans‐dendritic cells support initial viral replication, followed by replication in lymphoid tissues and dissemination to organs and possibly to the CNS. The cellular tropism of WNV infection after transfusion and the particular human blood cells that sustain viral replication remain largely unknown. Whether primary monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs) support WNV infection‐replication and produce infectious virions, with an in vitro system, was investigated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Elutriated monocytes (CD33+/CD14+) from suitable blood donors were cultured in the presence of macrophage–colony‐stimulating factor, infected with WNV‐NY99 at different time points, washed, and cultivated for up to 47 days. Supernatants were tested for WNV replication by TaqMan reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), with primers for the envelope and/or 3′NC regions, and by cDNA‐PCR to detect WNV minus‐strand RNA and for the presence of functional virions by infectivity assays in Vero cells.RESULTS:  RT‐PCR TaqMan of supernatants demonstrated productive infection of MDMs. Viral load reached 2 to 5 log above baseline in 3 to 6 days and then declined, with detectable viral replication persisting for up to 47 days. WNV minus‐strand RNA was detected in Day 4 cultures, indicating active viral replication. Infected MDM cultures showed no cytopathic changes. Supernatants that were TaqMan‐positive for the presence of WNV‐infected Vero cells and produced cytopathic effects within 3 to 5 days of culture.CONCLUSION:  The susceptibility of monocytes‐macrophages to productive infection in vitro is compatible with a potential role in initial WNV replication and propagation after transmission by transfusion.
Use of sequence variation in three highly variable regions of the mitochondrial DNA for the discrimination of allogeneic platelets
Authors: Warner Jessica B. , Bruin Elinda J. , Hannig Horst , Hellenkamp Frank , Hörning André , Mittmann Karin , Van Der Steege Gerrit , De Leij Lou F.M.H. , Garritsen Henk S.P. 
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND:  Human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphisms can be used to detect allogeneic transfused platelets. To increase the number of informative polymorphisms we investigated three hypervariable regions (HVR1, HVR2, and HVR3) within the displacement loop (D‐loop) region of the mtDNA.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  mtDNA was obtained from 119 unrelated blood donors. Forward and reverse primers were designed and conditions optimized to amplify and sequence the template mtDNA by dye terminator cycle sequencing.RESULTS:  We established a sequencing protocol for all three HVRs of the mtDNA. Polymorphic sites were found in all three regions: 66 in HVR1, 44 in HVR2, and 18 in HVR3. Combining the sequence information of HVR1, ‐2, and ‐3 resulted in 105 different genotypes of which 95 were unique. We were able to discriminate between two randomly chosen individuals with a random match probability of 1.2 percent.CONCLUSION:  The D‐loop region of mtDNA contains a wealth of informative molecular markers for chimerism and survival studies after transfusions of cellular blood components.
Effect of cyclic  guanosine‐monophosphate on porcine retinal vasomotion
Authors: Hessellund Anders , Aalkjaer Christian , Bek Toke 
Published: March 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  Vasomotion refers to periodic oscillations in vascular tone that ensure the intermittent supply of blood to adjacent microvascular units. Previous evidence from vessels outside the eye suggests that cyclic guanosine‐monophosphate (cGMP) is involved in the regulation of vasomotion, but it is unknown whether this compound has an effect on vasomotion in retinal vessels. Methods:  Retinal arterioles from porcine eyes were studied in a wire myograph. After initiation of vasomotion, the vessels were stimulated with increasing concentrations of the cGMP agonist 8‐Br‐cGMP (n = 6), the phosphodiesterase inhibitor zaprinast (n = 6) and the cGMP synthesis inhibitor L‐NAME (n = 6). High concentrations of L‐NAME blocked vasomotion, and control experiments (n = 20) using 8‐Br‐cGMP, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), adenosine and pinacidil were carried out to elucidate whether this effect was related to changes in the general tone of the vessel. Additionally, the relationship between oscillations in vascular tone and intracellular calcium concentration was studied. Results:  Induction of cGMP agonistic activity with either 8‐Br‐cGMP or zaprinast lowered the vasomotion frequency significantly, whereas L‐NAME‐induced inhibition of cGMP increased this frequency. Neither of the agents affected the amplitude of the oscillations. The control experiments indicated that the effect of cGMP on vasomotion frequency was independent of the accompanying increase in tone. The oscillations in tone during vasomotion were accompanied by similar oscillations in intracellular calcium concentration. Conclusion:  Cyclic GMP lowers the frequency without affecting the amplitude of vasomotion in isolated porcine retinal arterioles.
Developments in molecular genetics and electrophysiology in inherited retinal disorders
Authors: Andréasson Sten 
Published: March 2006

Abstract.Retinitis pigmentosa is said to be the most frequent reason for severe visual handicap among young people in Scandinavia today. Developments in the fields of electrophysiology and molecular genetics have increased our understanding of the pathophysiology of these disorders and have also improved our clinical competence, leading to a better understanding of the patient's visual handicap and his or her prognosis. This represents the first step towards fulfilling our plan for the future, which is ultimately to cure blindness caused by the different forms of hereditary retinal degeneration. This review is based on 20 years of research at the Department of Ophthalmology in Lund.
Comparison of Vaginal Cytokine Collection Methods
Authors: Faro Constance J. , Hollier Lisa M. , Bishop Karen 
Published: March 2006

ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to correlate the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) concentrations detected in patient‐collected specimens with provider‐collected specimens and compare the reproducibility of the methods.Study designAll enrolled participants underwent pelvic examination with collection of cytokine samples by the provider and also collected samples themselves using vaginal swabs. The order of sample collection was randomly assigned. All samples were frozen at −80°C for batch analysis. A commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the concentrations of IL‐6 in all samples.ResultsIL‐6 concentrations from wicks and swabs were correlated in a linear fashion (r = 0.67, P < 0.001). IL‐6 concentrations in the two swabs (r = 0.94, P < 0.001) and the two wicks (r = 0.71, P < 0.001) were correlated in a linear fashion, although there was more variability in wick specimens.ConclusionIL‐6 concentrations can be reproducibly measured using either method. The ease of patient swab collection and the correlation with provider‐collected specimens may make frequent assessment of the vaginal cytokine environment more acceptable to patients.
Identification of Evolutionary Conserved Mouse Sperm Surface Antigens by Human Antisperm Antibodies (ASA) from Infertile Patients
Authors: Paradowska Agnieszka , Bohring Claudia , Krause Eberhard , Krause Walter 
Published: March 2006

ProblemThe presence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in semen may impair sperm function leading to immunological infertility. The aim of the study was to identify the evolutionary conserved antigens on mouse sperm surface that react with human ASA in order to study the mechanism of autoimmune infertility.Methods of studyThe binding of human ASA to mouse sperm was investigated by means of indirect immunofluorescence. 2D‐electrophoresis was applied to separate the biotin‐labelled mouse membrane proteins using isoelectric focusing followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cognate antigens of ASA from seminal plasma of infertile patients were analysed by Western blotting. Performing avidin‐blots it was detected which of the proteins recognized were sperm surface proteins. The spots of interest were analysed by means of mass spectrometry.ResultsASA bound most frequently (36%) to the post‐acrosomal region and to the midpiece of mouse spermatozoa. About 30% of ASA recognized apo lactate dehydrogenase (LDHC4) as a cognate antigen, 30% voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC2). ASA of 20% bound to outer dense fibre protein and 20% of samples recognized glutathione S‐transferase mu5.ConclusionsHuman ASA bound to specific cognate antigens of mouse spermatozoa, offering the possibility to study their functional relevance in the mouse model.
Alloimmune and Autoimmune Background in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss – Successful Immunotherapy by Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Authors: Kotlan Beatrix , Padanyi Agnes , Batorfi Jozsef , Fulop Vilmos , Szigetvari Ivan , Rajczy Katalin , Penzes Maria , Gyodi Eva , Reti Marienne , Petranyi Gyozo 
Published: March 2006

ProblemImmunotherapies [leukocyte immunization, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)] introduced to treat women with recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) have still controversial results in most clinical trials. A selection of these patients would be advantageous for higher efficacy.Method of studyA complex immunological panel assay was offered to patients with reproductive failure without any other known cause. We focused here on the cellular immunological parameters.ResultsHigh cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor frequency and cell‐mediated cytotoxic activity and a rather high natural killer cell activity were found in alloimmune RSA patients. Thirty‐two patients were investigated by immunological assays and in 78% of the women an alloimmune background could be defined. The efficacy of IVIG treatment was 96% in this group.ConclusionsThe novel cellular immunological assays proved to be favourable for the indication of RSA patients and showed the usefulness of this selection process for effective immunotherapy.
Immunocontraception of Florida Feral Swine with a Single‐dose GnRH Vaccine
Authors: Killian G. , Miller L. , Rhyan J. , Doten H. 
Published: March 2006

ProblemMethods to limit fertility of feral swine are needed to reduce transmission of diseases and agricultural and ecosystem damage.Method of StudyWe evaluated a single‐shot GnRH immunocontraceptive vaccine in both male and female feral swine for its effect on fertility and functional status of the reproductive tissues. Captive feral pigs were randomly assigned to receive 1000 or 2000 μg GnRH‐KLH vaccine treatments or no treatment.ResultsAfter 36 weeks, none of the 2000‐μg‐treated females and only 20% of the 1000‐μg‐treated females were pregnant. This corresponded to reduced serum progesterone, regressed tissues within the reproductive tract and lack of evidence for follicular development leading to ovulation. Males were less responsive to the vaccine than females, but more responsive to the lower dose of the vaccine than the higher dose.ConclusionsThe single‐shot GnRH vaccine is effective in controlling fertility of female feral swine and may be useful for population reduction.