bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel substitution I381V in the sterol 14α‐demethylase (CYP51) of Mycosphaerella graminicola is differentially selected by azole fungicides
Authors: FRAAIJE B. A. , COOLS H. J. , KIM S‐H. , MOTTERAM J. , CLARK W. S. , LUCAS J. A. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYThe recent reduction in the efficacy of azole fungicides in controlling Septoria leaf blotch of wheat, caused by Mycosphaerella graminicola, has prompted concerns over possible development of resistance, particularly in light of the recent emergence of widespread resistance to quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs). We have recently implicated alterations in the target‐encoding sterol 14α‐demethylase protein (CYP51), and over‐expression of genes encoding efflux pumps, in reducing sensitivity to the azole class of sterol demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) in M. graminicola. Here we report on the prevalence and selection of two CYP51 alterations, substitution I381V and deletion of codons 459 and 460 (ΔY459/G460), in populations of M. graminicola. Neither alteration has previously been identified in human or plant pathogenic fungi resistant to azoles. The presence of ΔY459/G460 showed a continuous distribution of EC50 values across isolates with either I381 or V381, and had no measurable effect on azole sensitivity. Data linking fungicide sensitivity with the presence of I381V in M. graminicola show for the first time that a particular CYP51 alteration is differentially selected by different azoles in field populations of a plant pathogen. Substitution I381V although not an absolute requirement for reduced azole sensitivity, is selected by tebuconazole and difenoconazole treatment, suggesting an adaptive advantage in the presence of these two compounds. Prochloraz treatments appeared to select negatively for I381V, whereas other azole treatments did not or only weakly impacted on the prevalence of this substitution. These findings suggest treatments with different members of the azole class of fungicides could offer a resistance management strategy.
Increased mite parasitism as a cost of testosterone in male striped plateau lizards Sceloporus virgatus
Authors: COX ROBERT M. , JOHN‐ALDER HENRY B. 
Published: February 2007

Summary

Testosterone (T) co‐ordinates the seasonal and sex‐specific expression of numerous physiological, behavioural and morphological traits that contribute to male reproductive success. However, increased susceptibility to parasitism has been proposed as a potential cost of elevated plasma T.
During the spring breeding season, male striped plateau lizards Sceloporus virgatus harbour significantly more ectoparasitic mite larvae (Acari: Trombiculidae) than females. Plasma T levels are also elevated in males at this time, suggesting that sex differences in mite parasitism may be driven by underlying sex differences in circulating T.
We tested this hypothesis experimentally by manipulating plasma T levels of yearling males via surgical castration and exogenous T implants. Upon recapture of free‐living animals, we found significantly fewer mites on castrated males relative to either intact controls or castrated males that received T implants.
After removing variance attributable to treatment effects, we observed (1) a positive correlation between residual measures of plasma T and mite load, and (2) a negative correlation between residual measures of mite load and growth rate. These correlations suggest a growth cost associated with mite parasitism.
Previous studies have shown that exogenous T increases parasitism, but ours is one of the few to show that castration also reduces parasitism. This result, coupled with the fact that our induced plasma T levels remain within physiological limits, makes this one of the clearest demonstrations of a functional relationship between T and parasitism in any free‐living vertebrate.
Differential induction of CD94 and NKG2 in CD4 helper T cells. A consequence of influenza virus infection and interferon‐γ?
Authors: Graham Christine M. , Christensen Jillian R. , Thomas D. Brian 
Published: February 2007

SummaryInfluenza A virus causes worldwide epidemics and pandemics and the investigation of memory T helper (Th) cells that help maintain serological memory following infection is important for vaccine design. In this study we investigated CD94 and NKG2 gene expression in memory CD4 T‐cell clones established from the spleens of C57BL/10 (H‐2b) and BALB/c (H‐2d) mice infected with influenza A virus (H3N2). CD94 and NKG2A/C/E proteins form heterodimeric membrane receptors that are involved in virus recognition. CD94 and NKG2 expression have been well characterized in natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T cells. Despite CD94 being potentially an important marker for Th1 cells involved in virus infection, however, there has been little investigation of its expression or function in the CD4 T‐cell lineage and no studies have looked at in‐vivo‐generated Th cells or memory cells. We show in this study that in‐vivo‐generated CD4 Th1 cells, but not Th2 cells, exhibited full‐length CD94 and NKG2A gene expression following activation with viral peptide. For NKG2A, a novel ‘short’ (possibly redundant) truncated isoform was detectable in a Th2 cell clone. Another member of the NK receptor family, NKG2D, but not NKG2C or E, was also differentially expressed in Th1 cells. We show here that CD94 and NKG2A may exist as multiple isoforms with the potential to distinguish helper T‐cell subsets.
Decrease and dysfunction of dendritic cells correlate with impaired hepatitis C virus‐specific CD4+ T‐cell proliferation in patients with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Della Bella Silvia , Crosignani Andrea , Riva Antonio , Presicce Pietro , Benetti Alberto , Longhi Renato , Podda Mauro , Villa Maria L. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThrough the production of stimulatory and suppressive cytokines, dendritic cells (DCs) regulate virus‐specific immune responses that are crucial to virus eradication. To explore a possible role of DCs in the persistence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, in this study we analysed peripheral blood DCs (PBDCs) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) compared with those in both healthy seronegative (HSN) controls and a group of subjects who had spontaneously resolved infection, defined as healthy HCV‐seropositive (HSP), and we evaluated the relationships between PBDCs and HCV‐specific CD4+ T‐cell reactivity. The number of PBDCs, their immunophenotype and expression of regulatory cytokines were evaluated by flow cytometry on whole‐blood samples. HCV‐specific CD4+ T‐cell activation, proliferation and cytokine production were evaluated in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated in vitro with HCV peptides. We found that PBDCs from CHC subjects were numerically reduced and showed lower interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and higher IL‐10 expression than those from HSN controls. PBDCs from HSP subjects were similar to those from HSN controls. HCV‐specific CD4+ T‐cell proliferation was less frequent and vigorous in CHC than in HSP patients and was directly related to the number of PBDCs and their IL‐12 production but inversely related to their IL‐10 production. Taken together, these results seem to suggest that cytokines of DC origin contribute to the regulation of HCV‐specific immunity in CHC patients and indicate that PBDCs may represent a novel non‐invasive tool for immune monitoring of these patients.
Sealer area associated with cold lateral condensation of gutta‐percha and warm coated carrier filling systems in canals prepared with various rotary NiTi systems
Authors: Gulsahi K. , Cehreli Z.C. , Kuraner T. , Dagli F.T. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  To compare the area of sealer surrounding root fillings completed by two coated carrier systems (Thermafil Obturator and System GT Obturator) and the cold lateral compaction technique, following root canal preparation with two different NiTi rotary systems (Profile ISO and System GT).Methodology  Sixty extracted human mandibular premolars were instrumented with ProFile ISO 0.06 taper and System GT instruments (n = 30 each). The teeth were divided into four subgroups (n = 15) for filling as following: group 1: ProFile + Thermafil Obturator, group 2: ProFile + Cold Lateral Compaction, group 3: System GT + GT Obturator, and group 4: System GT + Cold Lateral Compaction. In all groups the canals were prepared to a final size of 40, 0.06 taper in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and Topseal was used as a sealer. Horizontal sections were obtained every 1 mm up to 12 mm from the apical foramen. Sections were digitally photographed under a stereomicroscope and the images were transferred to an IBM‐compatible PC for image analysis. The cross‐sectional area of the root canal and the area filled by sealer were calculated for each section and compared statistically both at all levels and by grouping the data as apical, middle and coronal segments; using the Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni correction and chi‐square tests (P = 0.05).Results  In the apical third (1–4 mm), the GT Obturator (group 3) had significantly less area of sealer (P < 0.05), while the difference between groups 1 and 2 was not significant (P > 0.05). For the middle and coronal thirds, both coated‐carrier systems had significantly less area of sealer compared with their laterally compacted counterparts (P < 0.05).Conclusions  With the combined use of ProFile + Thermafil Obturator and System GT + GT Obturator, significantly less area of sealer occurred than that achieved with both NiTi preparation systems followed by cold lateral compaction.
A comparison between two electronic apex locators: an ex vivo investigation
Authors: Venturi M. , Breschi L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  To compare ex vivo the performance of the Apex Finder and the Root ZX apex locators, with and without irrigant, in canals having different diameters.Methodology  Sixty canals in 60 teeth were prepared using stainless steel hand files and 0.04 taper NiTi rotary instruments. During preparation the narrowest diameter of the canal was transported to the apical root surface. The canals were irrigated with RC‐Prep and 5% NaOCl solution. Six groups were obtained, each with 10 canals having the same diameter of foramen, either 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.40, 0.60 and 0.80 mm. A size 15 K‐file was advanced into each canal until its tip was observed under ×10 magnification to reach the foramen and the corresponding length recorded. The measurements were performed to an accuracy of 0.25 mm as a base unit of length. The teeth were then fixed to a plastic bar suspended over a glass container filled with 0.9% NaCl solution. Each apex locator was tested when the K‐file was at the foramen, or 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm short; with the root apex immersed into the solution; with the canal dry or irrigated with NaCl. To evaluate the accuracy of both electronic apex locators (EALs) each electronically determined distance was compared with the actual length and the data analysed using the General Linear Model and the Student t‐test.Results  Out of 2400 measurements 100 were electrically unstable, all with the Root ZX. In total, 521 measurements located the position of the file tip beyond the apex, in general, in high conductive conditions with the Root ZX and in low conductive conditions with the Apex Finder. No significant difference in terms of accuracy was found between the two EALs when the file tip was at the foramen (Root ZX mean +0.12 mm, SD 1.22 mm; Apex Finder mean +0.57 mm, SD 1.16 mm). Comparing all the measurements performed with the file tip within 2 mm of the foramen, in all the different conditions tested, the accuracy was affected (P < 0.025) by diameter of the foramen, type of EAL, distance to the apex, and by several interactions.Conclusions  Under the different ex vivo conditions both EALs provided accurate measurements when the file tip was at the foramen. The accuracy of the Apex Finder was negatively influenced by high conductive conditions, whilst the Root ZX provided inaccurate and unstable measurements mostly in low conductive conditions.
Cytotoxicity of new resin‐, calcium hydroxide‐ and silicone‐based root canal sealers on fibroblasts derived from human gingiva and L929 cell lines
Authors: Eldeniz A. U. , Mustafa K. , Ørstavik D. , Dahl J. E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  To assess ex vivo the cytotoxic effects of five new root canal sealers (RC Sealer, Epiphany, EndoREZ, GuttaFlow and Acroseal) and three existing products (AH Plus, RoekoSeal and Apexit) using primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and a mouse fibroblast cell line, L929.Methodology  Eight samples of each sealer were fabricated in sterile cylindrical Teflon blocks, 4.4 mm diameter and 2 mm height and then divided into two groups, fresh and aged specimens. Extraction of fresh specimens was carried out after setting whilst aged specimens were placed in Petri dishes and kept in a humid chamber at 37 °C for 7 days before extraction in cell culture medium using the ratio 1.25 cm2 mL−1. Undiluted eluates were used for the dimethylthiazol diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay with HGF and L‐929. Morphology of HGF cells was also examined by an inverted microscope using undiluted eluates of the sealers. The results were analysed using a two‐tailed t‐test (α = 0.05) between groups.Results  Resin‐based (Epiphany and EndoREZ) and calcium hydroxide‐based (Apexit and Acroseal) sealers were significantly more cytotoxic than other sealers (P < 0.05). However, L929 cells were more sensitive to Apexit and EndoREZ than HGF cells. RC Sealer showed mild cytotoxicity to HGF at both setting times. AH Plus did not exert any cytotoxic effect to HGF and aged specimens appeared to induce cellular proliferation. RoekoSeal and GuttaFlow also demonstrated mild cytotoxicity. GuttaFlow was slightly more cytotoxic to both cultures, especially when tested fresh.Conclusions  Toxicity varied but RC Sealer and GuttaFlow were the least toxic new sealers.
The impact of predator control on lapwing Vanellus vanellus breeding success on wet grassland nature reserves
Authors: BOLTON MARK , TYLER GLEN , SMITH KEN , BAMFORD ROY 
Published: February 2007

Summary

Whilst the widespread declines in breeding grassland waders in many parts of Europe have been associated with changes in agriculture, there is concern that predation may compromise recovery of wader populations, even in situations where habitat is suitable, such as nature reserves managed for breeding waders.
An 8‐year cross‐over experiment was used to examine the effect of red fox Vulpes vulpes and carrion crow Corvus corone control on breeding performance and population trends of lapwing Vanellus vanellus on 11 lowland wet grasslands.
Predator densities in the absence of control measures were highly variable among sites, and consequently the numbers of predators removed were similarly variable. Overall, predator control measures resulted in a 40% decline in adult fox numbers and a 56% reduction in territorial crows.
There was no overall effect of predator control on the failure rate of 3139 lapwing nests. However, the effect of predator control varied significantly among sites, reflecting the variation in predator densities. Predator control measures were more likely to result in increased nest survival at sites where predator densities were high.
Nest‐temperature loggers deployed at seven sites indicated that 88% of nest predations occurred during darkness, suggesting nocturnal mammalian predators.
At seven sites predator control had no overall effect on chick survival, monitored by radio‐tracking 459 chicks, but there were differences in the effect of predator control among sites. Densities of predators were low during years without predator control measures at the majority of these sites.
At six further sites breeding success, assessed from the proportion of adults accompanied by young late in the season, was twice as high in years when predators were controlled.
There was no overall effect of predator control on lapwing population trends across the experimental sites.
Synthesis and applications. This study highlights the need for information on predator densities and the impact of predators on nest and chick survival, before embarking on predator control measures at a particular site. A decision tree for determining the circumstances in which fox and/or crow control may be both necessary and effective is recommended.
Personality disorders in people with learning disabilities: a community survey
Authors: Khan A. , Cowan C. , Roy A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe prevalence of personality disorders has been determined by studies of both the general population and mental handicap hospitals. The present study attempts to determine the prevalence of personality disorders in a community sample and to check the implications for treatment A community sample of learning disability service users was surveyed by obtaining a rating from a good informant to establish demographic data, level of functioning and the nature of personality disorders, if any, using the ICD‐I0 version of the Standardized Assessment of Personality (SAP). Fifty per cent of the sample had personality abnormalities, and 31% had sufficient impairment of the social and occupational domains and personal distress to warrant a diagnosis of personality disorder. These findings are compared with previous studies. Paranoid, schizoid, impulsive and dissocial personality abnormalities were seen to be associated with a high referral rate to psychiatric services and needed considerable therapeutic input The prevalence of personality abnormalities in community populations with a learning disability is high. The SAP is a useful instrument for screening. This sub‐population makes significant demands on community psychiatric services.
A follow‐up study of prescribing for people with learning disabilities previously in National Health Service care in Leicestershire, England
Authors: Branford D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA 6‐year follow‐up was undertaken of 486 people with learning disabilities who in 1990 had lived in institutional care. Despite changes to the nature of accommodation and an extensive drug review programme, the overall proportion of people receiving the different categories of psychotropic drugs remained similar in 1990 and 1996. Only the prescribing of antidepressants was markedly changed. Contrary to expectations the prevalence of prescribing of many psychotropic drugs rose in the community settings.
Comments on the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behaviour and its factor structure
Authors: Reiss S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSturmey's factor analysis of the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behaviour is based upon several significant errors, some of which are of general interest because misuse of factor analysis is common (Ford et al. 1986). In this commentary, the author discusses: the concept of factor robustness; appropriate samples for evaluating the factor structure of a dual diagnosis instrument; the differences between exploratory and confirmatory analyses; and how the Reiss Screen was intended to fulfill its purpose. In the Sturmey study, the Reiss Screen may have actually performed well under adverse conditions. The criteria for conducting valid factor analytic studies of dual diagnosis instruments are identified in order to encourage future research evaluating the Reiss Screen and other instruments.
Diagnosis of sensory impairment in people with intellectual disability in general practice
Authors: Evenhuis H. M. , Mul M. , Lemaire E. K. G. , de Wijs J. P. M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe present authors have participated in the development of a Dutch consensus on the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of hearing and visual impairment in children and adults with intellectual disability. They argue that the early detection of sensory impairment in babies and children with intellectual disability should primarily be a responsibility of paediatricians and youth health physicians. General practitioners should be aware of the necessity of screening and should check whether this has been done when children visit the surgery. It is stressed that the general practitioner should play a more active role in the detection of age‐related sensory loss in older adults with intellectual disability, and the assessment of younger adults whose sensory functions have never or incompletely been evaluated. Annual sensory screening is certainly not necessary, but annual otoscopy to detect impacted earwax or unidentified middle ear infection, as well as checks of the proper use of glasses and hearing aids, are suggested. Most adults with mild or moderate intellectual disability can be assessed with methods that are normally used by general practitioners.Uncooperative people should be referred for screening with specialized methods. A low‐threshold referral system (e.g. via district expert teams) has been outlined.
A population‐based health survey of maladaptive behaviours associated with dementia in elderly people with learning disabilities
Authors: Cooper S.‐A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMaladaptive behaviours are known to present as a feature of dementia amongst people from the general population, but there has been little research to examine whether this has implications for people with learning disabilities who develop dementia. Out of 143 people with learning disabilities aged 65 years and over living in Leicestershire, England, 134 (93.7%) participated in the study. Twenty‐nine people diagnosed as having dementia were compared against 99 people without dementia; six people with possible dementia were excluded from the analysis. Comparisons were made on the results of a checklist of maladaptive behaviours. Seventeen out of the 22 maladaptive behaviours examined were found to be more prevalent amongst the people with dementia. The behaviours which were significantly more prevalent in the group with dementia included lack of energy, lack of sense of danger, sleep disturbance, agitation, incontinence, excessively uncooperative, mealtime/ feeding problem, irritability and aggression. Dementia is becoming more prevalent amongst people with learning disabilities because of their increasing life span. Maladaptive behaviours are commonly associated with dementia. This can cause a significant burden for individuals and their carers, which may influence the viability of a person's residential placement.
Measuring staff perceptions of challenging behaviour: the Challenging Behaviour Attributions Scale (CHABA)
Authors: Hastings R. P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCausal attributions may interact with other variables to determine staff responses to challenging behaviour. Furthermore, staff perceptions of the causes of challenging behaviour are likely to change as a result of theoretical and practical training. However, there is no established simple method for measuring staff attributions that could facilitate research in these areas. The present paper describes the development and preliminary psychometric analysis of the Challenging Behaviour Attributions Scale (CHABA).