bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population genetic structure of a rare high‐elevation black fly,Metacnephia coloradensis, occupying Colorado lake outlet streams
Authors: FINN DEBRA S. , ADLER PETER H. 
Published: October 2006

Summary1. Using a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene, we evaluated the population genetic structure of a geographically rare black fly (Metacnephia coloradensis) that is a habitat specialist in outlet streams of large, productive, alpine lakes in Colorado, U.S.A. Given its rarity and life history traits that restrict dispersal, we hypothesised that genetic structure would show a signature of allopatric fragmentation associated with climatic warming since Pleistocene glaciations.2. We tested for genetic isolation by distance (IBD) and applied nested clade analysis (NCA) to ask whether current genetic structure is primarily a consequence of historic fragmentation or if there is evidence of ongoing gene flow.3. Only four populations were located despite a thorough search of potential sites, and they demonstrated a significant degree of genetic structure (FST = 0.17). However, there was some evidence of IBD in a plot of genetic versus geographic distance, and NCA further supported IBD and restricted ongoing gene flow in clades at all nested levels. Compared with a more widespread alpine black fly (Prosimulium neomacropyga) in the same region,M. coloradensisdemonstrated significantly less population genetic structure.4. Although these results counterintuitively implicate limited ongoing gene flow driving current population structure, significant IBD may be a signature of historic gene flow, especially if migration–drift equilibrium has not yet been reached since a late‐Pleistocene fragmentation event. Extraordinarily dense local populations probably allowedM. coloradensisto maintain large effective population sizes and minimise genetic drift rates.5. Despite large local populations,M. coloradensisis vulnerable to continued rapid environmental change because of its limited geographic distribution and high habitat specificity.
Spatial patterns of litter decomposition in the littoral zone of boreal lakes
Authors: LARMOLA TUULA , ALM JUKKA , JUUTINEN SARI , KOPPISCH DOROTHEA , AUGUSTIN JÜRGEN , MARTIKAINEN PERTTI J. , SILVOLA JOUKO 
Published: October 2006

Summary1. We studied the patterns of litter decomposition in lake littoral habitats and investigated whether decay rates, as an integrating proxy for environmental conditions in the sediment, would co‐vary with net carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange and methane (CH4) efflux. These gas fluxes are known to be sensitive to environmental conditions. Losses in the mass of cellulose, root, rhizome and moss litter were measured during 2 years in boreal littoral wetlands in Finland and compared with published data on concurrently measured gas fluxes. Four study sites covered a range of sediment types and hydrological conditions.2. Decomposition was not linearly related to the duration of flooding but depended on sediment type. Readily decomposable litter fractions, such as cellulose and rhizome litter, lost mass at a faster rate in marshes with a longer period of flooding but wide water level fluctuations that hinder establishment of a Sphagnum cover, than in peat‐forming fens. In marshes, the mean first‐year mass losses were 83–99% and 19–62% for cellulose and rhizomes, respectively. In fens, the respective losses were 40–53% and 33%. In the first year, the loss in the mass of the more recalcitrant root litter did not differ between sites (mean 19–30%) and moss litter lost no mass.3. The estimated first‐year carbon loss from belowground litter was about 0.1–0.3 times ecosystem respiration and roughly similar to net carbon gas (CO2, CH4) efflux, suggesting that vascular plants and recent plant residues contribute substantially to ecosystem release of carbon gases. On the other hand, at least 40% of the mass of the belowground litter remained on a littoral site after the first 2 years of decomposition. Slow decomposition may indicate the accumulation of organic‐rich sediments. The accumulated carbon could explain the excess CO2 release found in most littoral sites. In continuously inundated sites decomposition rates were similar to those in periodically flooded sites, but ecosystem‐atmosphere CO2 exchange fell to close to zero. This discrepancy implies that the released CO2 is dissolved in water and may be exported into the pelagic zone of the lake.
Pressure Ulcer: prevention protocols and prevalence
Authors: Wilborn Doris , Halfens Ruud , Dassen Theo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAims and objectives  The aim of this paper is to analyse the protocols used in German hospitals and nursing homes for the prevention of pressure ulcers with regard to their contents and accordance with the national standard of the Deutsches Netzwerk für Qualitätsentwicklung in der Pflege (DNQP) and the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) and Royal College of Nursing (RCN) guidelines. Additionally, it is to show the relation between the existence and contents of the protocols of pressure ulcer prevention and pressure ulcer prevalence in the institutions.Methods  On a fixed date trained nursing staff gathers data regarding the frequency of pressure ulcers during a prevalence survey. The existence of a pressure ulcer is established by physical examination after the risk assessment with the Braden‐Scale. The patient’s or resident’s informed consent is a precondition for his or her participation in the survey. The protocols are available as hard copies on paper or electronic files.Results  Only two out of the 21 protocols developed in‐house are completely concurrent with the expert standard. The EPUAP and RCN guidelines include the aspect of training and further education that is missing in the in‐house protocols and the DNQP expert standard. Evaluation of the data reveals that there is no relation between the availability of protocols and pressure ulcer prevalence. Neither is there any relation between the contents and pressure ulcer prevalence. The institutions currently developing protocols have the lowest prevalence rates.Conclusion  It is obvious that, while developing in‐house protocols, the discussion about pressure ulcer prevention has led to a higher problem awareness in nurses and thus to an increased attentiveness in daily nursing practice which then results in improved outcomes. Two years after its publication, the expert standard is still not very well known, therefore this concentrated form of the most up‐to‐date knowledge is not available to all nursing staff as a basis for evidence‐based practice. In addition, the sometimes outdated knowledge of nursing staff impedes the implementation of evidence‐based practice guidelines. A systematic implementation strategy that assists guidelines being applied in practice is therefore required.
Seven reasons why health professionals search clinical information‐retrieval technology (CIRT): toward an organizational model
Authors: Pluye Pierre , Grad Roland M. , Dawes Martin , Bartlett Joan C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractRationale and aim  Clinical Information‐Retrieval Technology (CIRT) is increasingly used, for example in accessing drug databases. However, no comprehensive framework exists to understand why health professionals search for information using CIRT. The present article aims to propose such organizational framework.Background  Our literature review suggests six reasons, of which three refer to cognitive objectives (C1, C2, C3) and three to organizational objectives (O1, O2, O3): (C1) to answer‐solve‐support a clinical question‐problem‐decision; (C2) to fulfil an educational‐research objective; (C3) to search in general or for curiosity; (O1) to share information with patients; (O2) to exchange information with other health professionals; (O3) to plan‐manage‐monitor tasks with other health professionals.Methods  The case study examined the use and impact of the InfoRetriever software on handheld computers in a Canadian family practice centre. Using the Critical Incident Technique, six family doctors were interviewed on specific events. A thematic analysis assigned extracts of interviews to reasons for use.Findings and conclusion  Findings illustrate the six reasons, and suggest a seventh reason that refers to a cognitive objective, namely (C4) to overcome the limits of health professional memory. These seven reasons are interpreted according to the literature on information science and organization studies, which suggest ordering reasons at three levels of stimulation of learning and knowledge: none (objective not achieved), moderate (cognitive objective achieved), and high (organizational objective achieved). This paves the way toward a new evaluation of relevance of CIRT in everyday practice (judgement based on professionals’ objective achievement) using an organizational model of information‐retrieving processes.
Clinical aspects of epidermodysplasia verruciformis and review of the literature
Authors: Gül Ülker , Kılıç Arzu , Gönül Müzeyyen , Çakmak Seray Külcü , Bayis Seçil Soylu 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), is an unusual genodermatosis characterized by persistent human papilloma virus infection with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Clinically, it is characterized by flat wart‐like lesions, scaly hypo‐ and hyperpigmented macules and/or patches, which resemble pityriasis versicolor, and development of early beginning nonmelanoma cutaneous carcinomas.Methods The epidemiological and clinical features of seven cases with EV that have been followed up for 5 years were included in the study.Results Seven cases consisted of four males and three females. All seven cases were working outdoors. Three cases were the product of consanguineous marriages. The onset of the lesions was between the ages of 1–20 years (the average age was 9.29 years). The initial appearance of cutaneous tumors were between the ages 15–34 years (average age: 21.28 years). Six of seven cases had malignant cutaneous tumors, of which histopathological examination revealed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Three of our cases had radiotherapy previously for the existing SCCs. These cases had more early malignant transformations.Conclusion Radiotherapy applied against the SCC previously, together with sunlight exposure may cause early malignant transformation of skin lesions and the destructive tumors.
From genesis to gene sequencing: historical progress in the understanding of skin color
Authors: Millington George W. M. , Levell Nick J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSince at least biblical times, humans have pondered on why there might be variation in skin color and what might constitute the nature of that difference. In this article, two historical trails are followed, one beginning with the Ancient Greeks, the other with the Ancient Chinese. These two paths converge to provide us with some historical evidence to back recent scientific discoveries in the dynamic regulation of skin pigmentation, focusing on melanocyte‐stimulating hormone and its natural antagonist agouti‐signaling protein.
Office‐based radiation therapy for cutaneous carcinoma: Evaluation of 710 treatments
Authors: Hernández‐Machin Buenaventura , Borrego Leopoldo , Gil‐García Miguel , Hernández Buenaventura H. 
Published: October 2006

Skin cancers are the most common malignancies and, historically, ionizing radiation has played an important role in their treatment. However, less experienced dermatologists generally consider radiation last in the line of therapeutic options. The authors sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of office‐based elective radiation therapy for cutaneous carcinoma.A retrospective study of 604 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and 106 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) irradiated between 1971–96 was performed. The percentage of patients who developed tumor recurrence during the follow‐up period was calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Cox's proportional model was used to assess the prognostic factors that might have influenced the recurrences.The recurrence rates for BCC and SCC were 11.5 and 16.5 per 1000 patient‐years, respectively. The 5‐year cure rates were 94.4% for BCC and 92.7% for SCC, and the 15‐year cure rates were 84.8% and 78.6%, respectively. Tumor location on the nasolabial fold (OR 4.4; 95% IC, 1.3–14.7) and tumor size ≥ 10 mm (OR 2.14; 95% IC, 1.03–4.45) were independent predictors of BCC recurrence. This study suggested that radiation therapy is an effective treatment for BCC and SCC and should be considered as a first option in many cases.
Carpegen® real‐time polymerase chain reaction vs. anaerobic culture for periodontal pathogen identification
Authors: Verner C. , Lemaitre P. , Daniel A. , Giumelli B. , Lakhssassi N. , Sixou M. 
Published: October 2006

Background/aims:  The aim of this study was to compare two methods of microbiological diagnosis, anaerobic bacterial culture and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for the detection of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Treponema denticola.Methods:  Seventy‐two samples were collected from 18 patients who were suffering from aggressive periodontitis. The data obtained were compared for the two methods.Results:  The results obtained with real‐time PCR were different from those obtained with bacterial culture. The detection differences were 3% for A. actinomycetemcomitans, 8.33% for P. intermedia, and 12.5% for F. nucleatum. However, the differences for P. gingivalis and T. forsythia were 51.39% and 36.11%, respectively. No comparison was possible for T. denticola because it cannot be identified in culture. The variations found were the result of the better detection level (102 pathogens) of the PCR probe. Unlike bacterial culture, PCR allows the detection of T. denticola, which does not forming colonies and is oxygen sensitive. For F. nucleatum, T. forsythia and P. gingivalis, the real‐time PCR technique was more sensitive than culture.Conclusion:  Good results were obtained with the real‐time PCR technique for the six periopathogens targeted. This method seems to be indicated for its simplicity, rapidity and reproducibility but it cannot analyze data for an antibiotic susceptibility test. The periodontist must therefore choose one of these two methods according to his specific clinical objective: to obtain rapid, specific detection even with weak initial concentrations (but for targeted periopathogens only) or to be non‐specific and analyze the pathological activity with an antibiogram.
Comparison of three bacterial detection methods under routine conditions
Authors: Schmidt M. , Karakassopoulos A. , Burkhart J. , Deitenbeck R. , Asmus J. , Müller T. H. , Weinauer F. , Seifried E. , Walther‐Wenke G. 
Published: October 2006

Background and Objectives  Since 2004, bacterial screening of platelets has been required in the USA and is also done on a voluntary basis in many European countries. The German Red Cross blood donor services conducted a prospective multicentre study in order to investigate the prevalence of bacterially contaminated pool platelet concentrates and apheresis platelet concentrates. This substudy compares three different bacterial detection systems.Study Design and Methods  Platelet concentrates were tested in parallel with BacT/ALERT, Scansystem‘ and Pall eBDS (n = 6307) in pool platelets. Apheresis platelets were tested in parallel with BacT/ALERT and Pall eBDS (n = 4730). All initially positive results were evaluated by a standardized procedure including evaluation by a microbiology reference laboratory.Results  One in 6307 pool platelets were confirmed positive by BacT/ALERT, whereas Pall eBDS and Scansystem failed to detect these samples. Only three samples were initially reactive with Pall eBDS without proof of any bacteria strains. The rate of false‐positive results was substantially higher for BacT/ALERT (0·25%, 28 in 11 037 tested samples) than for eBDS (0·03%, 3 in 11 037 tested samples) or Scansystem (0·0%, 0 in 6307 tested samples). Three of 4730 apheresis platelets were confirmed positive by BacT/ALERT. These were negative with Pall eBDS.Conclusion  Sensitivity was best for BacT/ALERT, whereas specificity was enhanced for Pall eBDS and Scansystem. Scansystem required specially trained staff, whereas BacT/ALERT and Pall eBDS were easy, quick, user‐friendly and objective methods.
Dissemination of the Gene Encoding Exfoliative Toxin ofStaphylococcus intermediusAmong Strains Isolated from Dogs During Routine Microbiological Diagnostics
Authors: Lautz S. , Kanbar T. , Alber J. , Lämmler C. , Weiss R. , Prenger‐Berninghoff E. , Zschöck M. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryPhenotypic properties and species‐specific PCR tests based on thenucgene ofStaphylococcus intermediusandS. aureus, and a conserved region of 16S rDNA were used to identify 45S. intermediusand fourS. aureusisolated from samples of dogs during routine diagnostics. FourS. pseudintermediusstrains used for control purposes reacted positively with theS. intermedius nucPCR showing the close relationship between both species. Investigating the 45S. intermediusand fourS. pseudintermediusstrains for the prevalence of the exfoliative toxin SIET encoding gene yielded the presence of the gene for 21 of theS. intermediusand two of theS. pseudintermediusstrains. Partial sequencing of the toxin gene of a singleS. intermediusstrain and comparing this sequence with that obtained from GenBank revealed an almost complete identity. The presence of the exfoliative toxin gene could mainly be found amongS. intermediusisolated from skin and wound infections and from otitis externa possibly indicating a role of this toxin for the clinical symptoms.
Morphological and gene expression similarities suggest that the ascidian neural gland may be osmoregulatory and homologous to vertebrate peri‐ventricular organs
Authors: Deyts Carole , Casane Didier , Vernier Philippe , Bourrat Franck , Joly Jean‐Stéphane 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe central nervous system (cerebral ganglion) of adult ascidians is linked to the neural gland complex (NGC), which consists of a dorsal tubercle, a ciliated duct and a neural gland. The function of the NGC has been the subject of much debate. The recent publication of the complete genomic sequence of Ciona intestinalis provides new opportunities to examine the presence and distribution of protein families in this basal chordate. We focus here on the ascidian neuropeptide G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), the vertebrate homologues of which are involved in homeostasis. In situ hybridization revealed that five Ciona GPCRs [vasopressin receptor, somatostatin receptor, CRH (corticotropin‐releasing hormone) receptor, angiotensin receptor and tachykinin receptor] are expressed in the NGC of adult ascidians. These findings, together with histological and ultrastructural data, provide evidence to support a role for the ascidian NGC in maintaining ionic homeostasis. We further speculate about the potential similarities between the ascidian NGC and the vertebrate choroid plexus, a neural peri‐ventricular organ.
Dietary restriction changes behaviours in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor heterozygous mice: role of serotonergic system
Authors: Koizumi Hiroki , Hashimoto Kenji , Iyo Masaomi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAccumulating evidence has suggested that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in eating behaviours, and that BDNF‐heterozygous (+/–) mice exhibit abnormal behaviours (e.g. obesity, anxiety and aggression). The present study was undertaken to determine whether or not dietary restriction (DR) alters the behaviours in BDNF+/– mice, as DR has been shown to exert a number of beneficial effects on the brain. Eight‐week‐old male wild‐type (+/+) and BDNF+/– mice were divided into two groups, ad libitum (AL) diet group and DR group, for 16 weeks. After carrying out a behavioural evaluation, we determined the BDNF mRNA levels, as well as mRNA levels for subtypes (5‐HT1A, 5‐HT1B, 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT2C) of the 5‐HT receptor and 5‐HT transporter (5‐HTT), protein levels of BDNF and concentrations of 5‐HT and 5‐HIAA in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and frontal cortex. DR significantly ameliorated behaviours including obesity, anxiety and aggression in BDNF+/– mice. The concentrations of 5‐HT and 5‐HIAA in the frontal cortex, and 5‐HT in the hippocampus, of BDNF+/– mice were significantly lower than those of wild‐type mice. Interestingly, DR significantly increased the levels of 5‐HT and 5‐HIAA in the frontal cortex of BDNF+/– mice. These findings suggest that DR may alter the behaviours in BDNF+/– mice, and that the 5‐HT system may be implicated in the beneficial effects of DR on these behaviours.
The slow Wallerian degeneration gene in vivo protects motor axons but not their cell bodies after avulsion and neonatal axotomy
Authors: Adalbert Robert , Nógrádi Antal , Szabó András , Coleman Michael P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe slow Wallerian degeneration gene (WldS) delays Wallerian degeneration and axon pathology for several weeks in mice and rats. Interestingly, neuronal cell death is also delayed in some in vivo models, most strikingly in the progressive motoneuronopathy mouse. Here, we tested the hypothesis that WldS has a direct protective effect on motoneurone cell bodies in vivo. Cell death was induced in rat L4 motoneurones by intravertebral avulsion of the corresponding ventral roots. This simultaneously removed most of the motor axon, minimizing the possibility that the protective effect toward axons could rescue cell bodies secondarily. There was no significant difference between the survival of motoneurones in control and WldS rats, suggesting that the WldS gene has no direct protective effect on cell bodies. We also tested for any delay in apoptotic motoneurone death following neonatal nerve injury in WldS rats and found that, unlike WldS mice, WldS rats show no delay in cell death. However, the corresponding distal axons were preserved, confirming that motoneurone cell bodies and motor axons die by different mechanisms. Thus, WldS does not directly prevent death of motoneurone cell bodies. It follows that the protection of neuronal cell bodies observed in several disease and injury models where axons or significant axonal stumps remain is most probably secondary to axonal protection.