bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The unicellular freshwater cyanobacterium Synechococcus and mixotrophic flagellates: evidence for a functional association in an oligotrophic, subalpine lake
Authors: CALLIERI CRISTIANA , CARAVATI EMANUELE , MORABITO GIUSEPPE , OGGIONI ALESSANDRO 
Published: December 2005

Summary1. We applied Reynolds's approach to the study of phytoplankton ecology through functional associations of species to identify possible algal species, which associate with the freshwater cyanobacterium Synechococcus. Previously an association among Synechococcus spp. and small‐celled chlorophytes (association Z) has been recognised by evaluating phytoplankton associations according to functional criteria.2. Biomass data for phytoplankton and picocyanobacteria from Lago Maggiore spanning more years were organised in a matrix and a cluster analysis was performed. The results showed four groups separated at a linkage distance of 0.20. Mixotrophic species which clustered with Synechococcus spp. were Ceratium hirundinella, Chrysochromulina parva, Cryptomonas erosa, Cryptomonas ovata, Dinobryon bavaricum, Dinobryon sociale, Rhodomonas minuta and Uroglena americana. The redundancy analysis (RDA) consolidated the association of Synechococcus with C. hirundinella and R. minuta showing greater probability of occurrence than random aggregates of species.3. The association Synechococcus spp. –C. hirundinella also appeared from temporal variation of their biomass. In early summer both these species increased at the same time; later, the peak of C. hirundinella (potential predator) coincided with a minimum of Synechococcus spp. suggesting a possible predator‐prey interaction. This implied that phytoplankton assemblages which form a functional group cannot only have similar adaptations and requirements but can also exhibit trophic interactions.4. We propose to enlarge the association Z and create an association ZMX (where MX stands for mixotrophs) which would include Synechococcus spp. and C. hirundinella as the most representative of the mixotrophic species found in the oligotrophic Lago Maggiore.
Gas saturation prediction and effect of low frequencies on acoustic impedance images at Foinaven Field
Authors: Wagner Sean R. , Pennington Wayne D. , MacBeth Colin 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTLow frequencies are necessary in seismic data for proper acoustic impedance imaging and for petrophysical interpretation. Without lower frequencies, images can be distorted leading to incorrect reservoir interpretation and petrophysical predictions. As part of the Foinaven Active Reservoir Management (FARM) project, a Towed Streamer survey and an Ocean Bottom Hydrophone (OBH) survey were shot in both 1995 and 1998. The OBH surveys contain lower frequencies than the streamer surveys, providing a unique opportunity to study the effects that low frequencies have on both the acoustic impedance image along with petrophysical time‐lapse predictions. Artefacts that could easily have been interpreted as high‐resolution features in the streamer data impedance volumes can be distinguished by comparison with the impedance volumes created from the OBH surveys containing lower frequencies.In order to obtain results from the impedance volumes, impedance must be related to saturation. The mixing of exsolved gas, oil and water phases involves using the Reuss (uniform) or Voigt (patchy approximation) mixing laws. The Voigt average is easily misused by assuming that the end‐points correspond to 0% and 100% gas saturation. This implies that the patches are either 0% gas saturation or 100% gas saturation, which is never the case. Here, the distribution of gas as it comes out of solution is assumed to be uniform until the gas saturation reaches a sufficiently high value (critical gas saturation) to allow gas to flow. Therefore, at low gas saturations the distribution is uniform, but at saturations above critical, it is patchy, with patches that range from critical gas saturation to the highest gas saturation possible (1 minus residual oil and irreducible water saturation).
Luminal bacterial antigen‐specific CD4+ T‐cell responses in HLA‐B27 transgenic rats with chronic colitis are mediated by both major histocompatibility class II and HLA‐B27 molecules
Authors: Qian Bi‐Feng , Tonkonogy Susan L. , Balfour Sartor R. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryRats transgenic (TG) for the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I HLA‐B27 and β2‐microglobulin genes develop chronic colitis under specific pathogen‐free (SPF) but not sterile (germ‐free, GF) conditions. We investigated the role of antigen‐presenting molecules involved in generating immune responses by CD4+ mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells from colitic HLA‐B27 TG rats to commensal enteric micro‐organisms. All TG MLN cells expressed HLA‐B27. A higher level of MHC class II was expressed on cells from TG rats, both SPF and GF, compared to non‐TG littermates. In contrast, rat MHC class I expression was lower on TG than non‐TG cells. Both TG and non‐TG antigen presenting cells (APC) pulsed with caecal bacterial antigens induced a marked interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) response in TG CD4+ T lymphocytes but failed to stimulate non‐TG cells. Blocking MHC class II on both TG and non‐TG APC dramatically inhibited their ability to induce TG CD4+ T cells to produce IFN‐γ. Blocking HLA‐B27 on TG APC similarly inhibited IFN‐γ responses. When the antibodies against MHC class II and HLA‐B27 were combined, no APC‐dependent IFN‐γ response was detected. These data implicate both native rat MHC class II and TG HLA‐B27 in CD4+ MLN T‐cell IFN‐γ responses to commensal enteric microflora in this colitis model.
Penetratin tandemly linked to a CTL peptide induces anti‐tumour T‐cell responses via a cross‐presentation pathway
Authors: Pouniotis Dodie S. , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Pietersz Geoffrey A. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryRecently there has been increasing evidence to suggest that membrane translocating peptides enter cells by a receptor‐dependent pathway. There have been some studies on the mechanism of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I presentation of membrane translocating peptides incorporating cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes. However, these have been on different cell lines and only a limited number of inhibitors of the antigen presentation pathway were used. Herein, we demonstrate a comprehensive study utilizing a full spectrum of inhibitors to various pathways of MHC class I to elucidate the mechanism of the membrane translocating peptide, penetratin from Antennapedia (Int). It is clear that Int, RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK when tandemly linked to a cytotoxic T lymphocyte peptide of ovalbumin, SIINFEKL (IntSIIN) is endocytosed via phagocytosis or macropinocytosis by dendritic cells in an ATP‐dependent manner and is processed by a proteasome‐ and tapasin‐independent pathway for presentation and loading to MHC class I molecules. In addition, the majority of antigen is taken up by negatively charged receptors. IntSIIN activates T cells in vitro and in vivo and protects mice against challenge with an ovalbumin‐expressing tumour.
Cytotoxic herpes simplex type 2‐specific, DQ0602‐restricted CD4+ T‐cell clones show alloreactivity to DQ0601
Authors: Reichstetter Sandra , Standifer Nathan E. , Geubtner Kelly A. , Liu Andrew W. , Agar Stacy L. , Kwok William W. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryAlloreactivity is one of the most serious problems in organ transplantation. It has been hypothesized that pre‐existing alloreactive T cells are actually cross‐reacting cells that have been primed by the autologous major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and a specific peptide. CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes that are alloreactive and recognize a virus‐peptide that is presented by the autologous MHC have been reported. Here we demonstrate a cross‐reactivity that exists between DQ0602 restricted, herpes simplex type 2 VP16 40–50 specific CD4+ T‐cell clones, which can be alloreactive to DQ0601. Though most of the DQ0602 restricted T‐cell clones we isolated from two different donors were not alloreactive, weakly cross‐reacting T‐cell clones could be isolated from both donors. Two strongly cross‐reacting T‐cell clones with high affinity interaction of their T‐cell receptor (TCR) with both DQ0602/VP16 40–50 and DQ0601 could be isolated from one donor. DNA sequencing of the a fragment of the Vβ gene used in their TCR confirmed that these two T cells indeed are two independent clones. These clones are cytotoxic and produce cytokines of a T helper 2‐like pattern. Possible implications in a DR‐matched transplantation setting are discussed.
A preliminary phylogenetic analysis of Poecilochaetidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) at the species level
Authors: Eibye‐Jacobsen Danny 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA phylogenetic analysis of the polychaete family Poecilochaetidae is presented. The ingroup consisted of 24 of the 27 species presently regarded as valid, as well as two forms previously reported but not formally described. The outgroup consisted of the type species of the genera Apistobranchus and Trochochaeta. The analysis provides strong evidence that Trochochaetidae is the sister group of Poecilochaetidae and that the latter is a well defined monophyletic group. Poecilochaetidae is composed of two major subgroups, one consisting of forms with a papillate body surface and lacking a dorsal postchaetal lobe on chaetiger 1, the other containing forms with an elongate nuchal organ and a dorsal chitinous tooth on chaetiger 9. The hypothesized evolution of a number of characters within the family is discussed, most importantly the distribution of ampullaceous postchaetal lobes, the occurrence of various forms of nuchal organs, and the occurrence of different kinds of chaetae in the posterior notopodia.
An analysis of morphological characters of Owenia useful to distinguish species: description of three new species of Owenia (Oweniidae: Polychaeta) from Australian waters
Authors: Ford Evan , Hutchings Pat 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPopulations of Owenia from various localities around Australia were examined in detail and a large number of measurements were made on several individuals from each location. Using the means of these measurements a variety of statistical analyses were carried out which identified three major groups of Owenia and the various characters that delineate these groups. Each of these groups is described as a new species and the diagnostic features of all the described species of Owenia are provided. A cladistic analysis was undertaken to investigate the relationships of these species to other described species from the region. This study shows the usefulness of morphometrics in distinguishing species in this morphological conservative genus and provides further support that the so called ‘cosmopolitan species’O. fusiformis delle Chiaje 1841 does not occur in Australian waters.
Topical nitroglycerin versus lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure: prospective, randomized trial
Authors: Mishra Rajnish , Thomas Shaji , Maan Mohender S. , Hadke Niladhar S. 
Published: December 2005

Introduction:  Topical nitroglycerin (GTN) is one of the medical treatments of choice in chronic anal fissure. The present prospective, randomized, clinical trial was conducted to study the symptomatic relief, healing, and changes in the maximum anal resting pressure (MARP) in patients with chronic anal fissure comparing topical GTN and lateral sphincterotomy.Methods:  Forty consecutive patients with chronic anal fissure were randomized for treatment with either topical GTN or internal sphincterotomy (20 patients in each group). Anal manometry was done before treatment in all patients, and 1 h after application of GTN or sphincterotomy. Patients were followed at 2‐weekly intervals for 6 weeks for symptomatic relief and healing.Results:  Both GTN and sphincterotomy brought about a highly significant, but comparable drop in the MARP after treatment (P < 0.0001 in both groups). Sphincterotomy relieved pain much earlier compared to GTN (70% vs 40% at 2 weeks, P = 0.0032); but after 4 weeks of treatment, pain relief in both groups was comparable. Healing in the sphincterotomy group was also earlier than with GTN (55% vs 0% at 2 weeks, P < 0.0001; and 85% vs 30% at 4 weeks, P < 0.0001); but after 6 weeks, healing in both groups was comparable. Sphincterotomy had a significant incidence of minor, short‐term complications; it also required surgical expertise, theatre time, and day‐care beds. Nitroglycerin is safe, with mild and tolerable side‐effects of headache and local burning sensation.Conclusion:  Topical GTN should be the initial treatment in chronic anal fissure. Lateral sphincterotomy should be reserved for patients with severe disabling pain (because pain relief is much faster), and for patients not responding to at least 4 weeks of GTN therapy.
Protective effect of erythropoietin on renal ischemia and reperfusion injury
Authors: Ates Ersin , Yalcin Ahmet Ugur , Yilmaz Sezgin , Koken Tulay , Tokyol Cigdem 
Published: December 2005

Background:  Multiple protective effects of erythropoietin (EPO), such as antiapoptotic, antioxidant, angiogenic and neuroprotective effects, against ischemia have been demonstrated in cell culture and animal models. Genistein is also a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of EPO on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury and to determine the role of the tyrosine kinase pathway on this process.Methods:  Sprague−Dawley rats were assigned to five groups: (i) sham (Group I); (ii) control with renal ischemia (right nephrectomy and clamping on the left renal pedicle for 45 min and reperfusion; Group II); (iii) EPO + ischemia (Group III); (iv) genistein (an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase) + ischemia (Group IV); and (v) EPO + genistein + ischemia (Group V). Recombinant human EPO (1000 IU/kg) and genistein (10 mg/kg) were given 2 hours before ischemia. Blood samples and the left kidney were obtained after 45 min of reperfusion from half of the rats and after 24 h from the other half.Results:  The blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, tumour necrosis factor‐α (P < 0.05) and interleukin‐2 (P < 0.01) levels, and renal tissue lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) were significantly lower in Group III than in Group II at 45 min of reperfusion. Following 24 h of reperfusion, EPO decreased tissue peroxidation and histopathological injury, whereas genistein reversed it. The most prominent ischemic injury was observed in Group IV in which genistein was administered. There was no significant difference between Groups II and V.Conclusions:  These results suggest that EPO is effective in attenuating renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, and this effect may be related to tyrosine kinase activity.
Use of the internet by colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Powell S. M. , McStay R. A. , Hanson J. M. , Plusa S. M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective  To identify the frequency of Internet use by colorectal cancer patients.Materials and methods  Fifty patients interviews.Results  Only four patients (8%) had used the internet to access information about colorectal cancer though 36% would have used it if a site had been recommended.Conclusion  The Internet is a resource rarely used by patients but there is potential for its use as an adjunct to written and verbal information.
Day case stapled haemorrhoidopexy for prolapsing haemorrhoids
Authors: Beattie G. C. , McAdam T. K. , McIntosh S. A. , Loudon M. A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective  Conventional surgical management of prolapsing haemorrhoids is by excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Postoperative pain has restricted the application of such procedures in the day case setting. These operations remain associated with a period of restricted activity. The use of circular stapling devices as an alternative to the excisional approach in the management of haemorrhoids has been described. This study reports our experience of stapled haemorrhoidopexy as a day case procedure.Methods  Patients with third or fourth degree haemorrhoids were eligible for the procedure. Patients were considered suitable candidates for day case surgery based on conventional parameters. Symptoms were assessed using a previously validated symptom severity rating score. Stapled haemorrhoidopexy was carried out using a circular stapling device. Pain scores were obtained prior to discharge. Patients were admitted if pain was uncontrolled despite oral analgesia. Symptoms were re‐scored at six‐week follow‐up.Results  Over a 70‐month period 168 consecutive stapled haemorrhoidopexies were performed or directly supervised by one consultant colorectal surgeon. One hundred and ten (65%) patients were considered appropriate candidates for day case surgery by conventional criteria. Ninety‐six (87.3%) patients successfully underwent stapled haemorrhoidopexy on a day case basis. Fourteen (12.7%) patients required admission on the day of surgery (5 for early postoperative bleeding, 4 for pain necessitating continuing opiate analgesia, two for urinary retention and three for surgery performed late in the day). Six (5%) patients were re‐admitted postoperatively; four for pain relief and two because of urinary retention. Of the day case patients, 91 (82.7%) and 56 (50.9%) had been seen for 6 week and 6 month review, respectively, at the time of analysis. Symptom scores were 6 (pre‐operatively) vs 0 (postoperatively) (P < 0.01). 76/91 (83.5%) patients reviewed at 6/52 were asymptomatic.Conclusion  Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is a safe and effective procedure that can be carried out on selected patients on a day case basis. Complications are of a similar nature to excisional haemorrhoidectomy.
The Colorectal Development Unit: impact on functional outcome for the electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter
Authors: Saunders J. R. , Darakhshan A. A. , Eccersley A. J. P. , Lee J. E. , Allison M. E. , Lunniss P. J. , Williams N. S. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective  A Colorectal Development Unit (CDU) was established to treat patients with end stage faecal incontinence with the electrically stimulated gracilis neoanal sphincter (ESGN). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the CDU on functional outcome and complications.Methods  From March 1997 to March 2003, 53 patients underwent ESGN formation. Results were compared with 65 patients undergoing ESGN surgery prior to the establishment of the unit (pre‐CDU) between 1988 and 1997, which were similar with regard to age, sex, aetiology and follow‐up.Results  Thirty‐three (70%) CDU patients had a good functional outcome defined as continence to solid and liquid stool, a significant improvement when compared to the pre‐CDU group, successful in 29 (45%) (P = 0.01). Episodes of technical complications leading to stimulator replacement were significantly reduced, from 25 to 3 over time (P < 0.001). Severe septic episodes were significantly reduced from 21 to four (P = 0.003) but there was no significant change in the incidence of postoperative evacuatory dysfunction.Conclusion  Since setting up a CDU, a successful outcome has been achieved in 33 (70%) of 47 patients undergoing ESGN surgery, which represents a significant improvement over time. This is probably related to improved patient assessment and selection, more reliable equipment and increased operative and peri‐operative experience that come with a multidisciplinary team approach.
A red alga‐specific phycoerythrin gene for biodiversity surveys of callithamnioid red algae
Authors: YANG EUN CHAN , BOO SUNG MIN 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe introduce a photosynthetic pigment‐encoding phycoerythrin gene, consisting of alpha (cpeA) and beta (cpeB) units that can be used for biodiversity surveys of callithamnioid red algae. A set of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed to amplify an approximately 1‐kb fragment of the gene from 14 taxa. These have been proven useful in isolating the gene from samples mixed with diatoms. Pairwise distance and synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution rates of the cpeA and cpeB regions are described. This is the first study to examine the phycoerythrin sequences for use in red alga biodiversity surveys.
Do Physicians Always Flee from HMOs? New Results Using Dynamic Panel Estimation Methods
Authors: Brown Timothy T. , Coffman Janet M. , Quinn Brian C. , Scheffler Richard M. , Schwalm Douglas D. 
Published: December 2005

Objective. To assess the impact of changes in relative health maintenance organization (HMO) penetration on changes in the physician‐to‐population ratio in California counties when changes in the economic conditions in California counties relative to the U.S. average are taken into account.Data Sources. Data on physicians who practiced in California at any time from 1988 to 1998 were obtained from the AMA Masterfile. The analysis was restricted to active, patient care physicians, excluding medical residents. Data on other covariates in the model were obtained from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, InterStudy, the Area Resource File, and the California state government. Data were merged using county FIPS codes.Study Design. Changes in the physician‐to‐population ratio in California counties include the effects of both intrastate migration and interstate migration. A reduced‐form model was estimated using the Arellano–Bond dynamic panel estimator. Economic conditions in California relative to the U.S. were measured as the ratio of county‐level real per capita income to national‐level real per capita income. Relative HMO penetration in California was measured as the ratio of county‐level HMO penetration to HMO penetration in the U.S. relative HMO penetration was instrumented using five identifying variables to address potential endogeneity. Omitted‐variable bias was controlled for by first differencing the model. The model also incorporated eight other covariates that may be associated with the demand for physicians: the percentage of the population enrolled in Medicaid, beds in short‐term hospitals per 100,000 population, the percentage of the population that is black, the percentage of the population that is Hispanic, the percentage of the population that is Asian, the percentage of the population that is below age 18, the percentage of the population that is aged 65 and older, and the percentage of the population that are new legal immigrants in a given year. All of the above variables were lagged one period. The lagged physician‐to‐population ratio was also included to control for the supply of physicians. Separate equations were estimated for primary care physicians and specialist physicians.Principal Findings. Changes in lagged relative HMO penetration are negatively associated with changes in specialist physicians per 100,000 population. However, this effect of HMO penetration is attenuated and at times reversed in areas where the magnitude of the difference in relative economic conditions is sufficiently large. We did not find any statistically significant effects for primary care physicians.Conclusions. Consistent with prior studies, we find that changes in physician supply are associated with changes in relative HMO penetration. Relative economic conditions are an important moderator of the effect of changes in relative HMO penetration on physician migration.