bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Infection After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Controlled Prospective Study
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil , Gopal Harsha V. , Lee Kun Hee 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis The objective was to determine whether infections occurring after endoscopic sinus surgery represent overgrowth of sinonasal flora versus de novo bacterial infection.Study Design Prospective controlled cohort study.Methods A cohort of adult patients was prospectively followed after endoscopic sinus surgery. Baseline postoperative control cultures of the ethmoid sinus were obtained. Patients with acute infectious exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis had endoscopic culture, and these results were compared with baseline culture data.Results One hundred thirteen patients were followed for a mean period of 14.5 months after endoscopic sinus surgery. Baseline postoperative culture data revealed that the ethmoid labyrinth was sterile in 23% of cases, carried oral flora in 18% of cases, and was colonized in 60% of cases. Gram‐positive cocci, particularly staphylococcal species, were the most common colonizing organisms (41% of cases). Twenty acute exacerbations were cultured in 17 patients during the follow‐up period. All infectious cultures recovered bacteria; one culture recovered only oral flora. Gram‐positive cocci predominated (56% of isolates) with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common isolate (28%). Of the 36 isolates, only 9 isolates (25%) corresponded to bacteria identified at the time of baseline culture.Conclusion Although the postoperative sinonasal cavity may be colonized by bacteria after endoscopic sinus surgery, infections arising postoperatively most commonly represent de novo infections by bacteria other than colonizing bacteria. Empirical therapy based on baseline data may be misleading; acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery should be cultured to guide optimal antibiotic therapy.
Management of Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis
Authors: Makeieff Marc , Gresillon Nicolas , Berthet Jean Philippe , Garrel Renaud , Crampette Louis , Marty‐Ane Charles , Guerrier Bernard 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjective/Hypothesis Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is caused by downward spread of neck infections and constitutes a highly lethal complication of oropharyngeal lesions. This infection previously had a much worse prognosis. In recent years, more aggressive management has been recommended. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results with the association of thoracotomy and cervicotomy, medical care in an intensive care unit, and daily washing of drained cervical and thoracic tissues.Study Design Retrospective study of 17 patients treated from 1984 to 1998.Method Descending necrotizing mediastinitis was consecutive to pharyngitis (6 cases), peritonsillar abscess (3 cases), dental abscess (6 cases), foreign body infection (1 case), and laryngitis (1 case). Corticotherapy was reported in seven cases. Twelve patients had no particular medical history. Mean age was 42 years. Mean duration of signs before diagnosis was 6 days. Thoracotomy was associated with the cervical approach in 14 cases, whereas 3 patients were treated by cervicotomy only.Results Fourteen patients of 17 (82.3%) were successfully treated. Three deaths occurred. The mean duration of hospitalization in the intensive care unit was 30 days, and the mean total duration of hospitalization was 45 days.Conclusion Descending necrotizing mediastinitis must be detected as soon as possible by computed tomography (CT) scanning in patients with persistent symptomatologia after treatment for oropharyngeal infections. Prompt surgical drainage with thoracotomy and cervicotomy in all cases of mediastinal involvement below the tracheal carena, use of CT scanning to monitor the disease evolution, and medical management in an intensive care unit significantly reduces the mortality rate to less than 20%.
Effects of restricting environmental range of data to project current and future species distributions
Authors: Thuiller Wilfried , Brotons Lluis , Araújo Miguel B. , Lavorel Sandra 
Published: March 2004

We examine the consequences of restricting the range of environmental conditions over which niche‐based models are developed to project potential future distributions of three selected European tree species to assess first, the importance of removing absences beyond species known distributions (“naughty noughts”) and second the importance of capturing the full environmental range of species. We found that restricting the environmental range of data strongly influenced the estimation of response curves, especially towards upper and lower ends of environmental ranges. This induces changes in the probability values towards upper and lower environmental boundaries, leading to more conservative scenarios in terms of changes in distribution projections.Using restricted data analogous to not capturing the fun species’ environmental range, reduces strongly the combinations of environmental conditions under which the models are calibrated, and reduces the applicability of the models for predictive purposes. This may generate unpredictable effects on the tails of the species response curves, yielding spurious projections into the future provided that probability of occurrence is not set to zero outside the environmental limits of the species. Indeed, as the restricted data does not capture the whole of the response curve, projections of future species distributions based of ecological niche modelling may be only valid if niche models are able to approach the complete response curve of environmental predictors.
Conservation of DNA methylation in dipteran insects
Authors: Marhold J. , Rothe N. , Pauli A. , Mund C. , Kuehle K. , Brueckner B. , Lyko F. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractDNA methylation is a central mechanism of epigenetic regulation. Whereas vertebrate DNA methylation requires at least four different DNA methyltransferases,Drosophila melanogasteronly utilizes a single, Dnmt2‐like enzyme. This profound difference has raised the question of the evolutionary significance of theDrosophilamethylation system. We have now identified Dnmt2‐like open reading frames in the genome sequences ofDrosophila pseudoobscuraandAnopheles gambiae. These genes represent the only candidate DNA methyltransferases in their respective genomes. Consistent with a catalytic activity of Dnmt2 proteins, we could also demonstrate low but significant levels of DNA methylation in genomic DNA from these species. Lastly, we were also able to detect highly conserved Dnmt2‐like open reading frames and concomitant DNA methylation in several additionalDrosophilaspecies, which suggests that Dnmt2‐mediated DNA methylation has been conserved over a considerable evolutionary distance.
Diversity, distribution and specificity of WO phage infection in Wolbachia of four insect species
Authors: Gavotte L. , Vavre F. , Henri H. , Ravallec M. , Stouthamer R. , Boulétreau M. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe bacteriophage WO was recently characterized in Wolbachia, a strictly intracellular bacterium that causes several reproductive alterations in its arthropod hosts. To gain insights into the phage–Wolbachia relationships, we studied the phage presence among Wolbachia infecting four insect species sharing several Wolbachia strains, two Drosophila and two of their parasitoid wasps. Based on the phage sequence of ORF7, we identified five different phages in six Wolbachia strains. Among these five bacteriophages, some are specific for a given bacterial strain whereas others are not, but globally phage infection appears stable on a large geographical scale and across insect generations. Their specificity contrasts with the absence of congruence between Wolbachia and phage phylogenies, suggesting phage exchanges between different Wolbachia lineages.
Testing biennialism in the butterfly Erebia palarica (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) by mtDNA sequencing
Authors: Vila M. , Björklund M. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe montane butterfly Erebia palarica has an unconfirmed life‐cycle length. The genus Erebia shows variability in length of diapause depending on latitude and altitude, which may lead to allochronic differentiation. To test for biennialism and possible asynchronous differentiation, we sequenced the most variable fragments of the mitochondrial control region and the cytochrome oxidase I in forty individuals from the same population, from two consecutive years. No differentiation between cohorts could be detected and therefore the idea of a current annual cycle is supported. We conclude that a biennial cycle may never have been important in this population and we further discuss adaptive strategies this species may have used to confront colder climates.
cDNA cloning and transcriptional regulation of the vitellogenin receptor from the imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Chen M.‐E. , Lewis D. K. , Keeley L. L. , Pietrantonio P. V. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractWe describe the cloning of the first hymenopteran vitellogenin receptor (VgR) cDNA from the imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, an invasive pest. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA ends, fragments encompassing the entire coding region of a putative VgR were cloned and sequenced. The complete 5764 bp cDNA encodes a 1782 residue protein with a predicted molecular mass of 201.3 kDa (=SiVgR). Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the 7.4 kb SiVgR transcript was present only in ovaries of reproductive females (virgin alates and queens). The temporal profile of transcriptional expression showed that SiVgR mRNA increased with age in virgin alate females and that this was up‐regulated by methoprene, a juvenile hormone (JH) analogue. This suggests that the SiVgR gene is JH regulated.
Are Rural People Getting HeartSmart?
Authors: Aoun Samar , Rosenberg Michael 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTObjective:  This study evaluates the impact of a cardiac rehabilitation program (HeartSmart) in a rural area on the quality of life, dietary behaviour, weight loss and physical activity participation of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or at high risk of CVD.Design:  The evaluation of the program consisted of a single group pre and post‐test design with follow‐up at 3, 6 and 12 months after program completion, complemented with a cross‐sectional survey of non‐participants as a pseudo comparison group.Setting:  The HeartSmart program is a hospital‐based cardiac rehabilitation program in Bunbury, a regional centre of Western Australia.Subjects:  A total of 203 participants and 159 non‐participants.Interventions:  The program consisted of 7 weeks of education and exercise sessions.Results:  The program had a high rate of completion (92%). Evaluation results suggested that HeartSmart participants demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life, compliance with medication, dietary behaviour, weight loss and physical activity participation. The largest changes were mostly observed between pre and post‐program stages, with sustained behaviour change at 6 months after the completion of the program. Further evidence of the HeartSmart benefits was provided through significantly better health‐related behaviour, confidence to diet and exercise, dietary fat intake, cardiac knowledge and quality of life scores among HeartSmart participants compared with non‐participants.Conclusions:  While this program has achieved its objectives, there are a few issues that need to be considered by similar programs: the post‐program stage of patient follow‐up by general practitioners; the geographical disadvantage of those living outside regional centres to access the service; enhancing the primary prevention aspect of the program; adapting the program to the needs of Aboriginal clients; facilitating evaluations by resourcing and training program staff in computer skills.What is already known on this subject?: The viability of establishing cardiac rehabilitation programs in rural Australia has been questioned and few if any have been formally evaluated, particularly using a follow‐up design and a control group.What this paper adds:  This study ascertains the benefits of secondary prevention programs in rural areas not only on the quality of life but also shows positive outcomes in lifestyle modification for program participants compared to non‐participants. The lessons learnt can improve the effectiveness of similar prevention programs.
Is Rural Medicine A Separate Discipline?
Authors: Smith Janie , Hays Richard 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTBackground:  The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine was established in 1997 to meet what rural doctors perceived as their unmet educational and professional needs. However, the issue of just how different rural practice is from urban practice remains a topic of debate. Methods:  This paper explores the scope of rural medical practice, through the use of clinical scenarios and a synthesis of the research literature, to determine if rural medical practice is emerging as a distinct discipline in Australia. Conclusion:   Rural and remote medical practice is different, and additional, to urban practice, in the context, content and process of care. Three of the four criteria for determining rural medical practice as a distinct discipline exist in Australia. The fourth criteria: sufficient external recognition of rural medicine as a distinct discipline, awaits resolution. What this paper adds:  This paper examines a key issue that has been a source of conflict between the relevant stakeholders for a decade. By placing the differences between rural and urban medical practice within a framework, supported by published work, this paper describes what is required to justify rural medical practice as a distinct discipline for the first time.
Impact of Agricultural Land‐use Change on Carbon Storage in Boreal Alaska
Authors: Grünzweig José M. , Sparrow Stephen D. , Yakir Dan , Stuart Chapin F. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractClimate warming is most pronounced at high latitudes, which could result in the intensification of the extensively cultivated areas in the boreal zone and could further enhance rates of forest clearing in the coming decades. Using paired forest‐field sampling and a chronosequence approach, we investigated the effect of conversion of boreal forest to agriculture on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics in interior Alaska. Chronosequences showed large soil C losses during the first two decades following deforestation, with mean C stocks in agricultural soils being 44% or 8.3 kg m−2lower than C stocks in original forest soils. This suggests that soil C losses from land‐use change in the boreal region may be greater than those in other biomes. Analyses of changes in stable C isotopes and in quality of soil organic matter showed that organic C was lost from soils by combustion of cleared forest material, decomposition of organic matter and possibly erosion. Chronosequences indicated an increase in C storage during later decades after forest clearing, with 60‐year‐old grassland showing net ecosystem C gain of 2.1 kg m−2over the original forest. This increase in C stock resulted probably from a combination of large C inputs from belowground biomass and low C losses due to a small original forest soil C stock and low tillage frequency. Reductions in soil N stocks caused by land‐use change were smaller than reductions in C stocks (34% or 0.31 kg m−2), resulting in lower C/N ratios in field compared with forest mineral soils, despite the occasional incorporation of high‐C forest‐floor material into field soils. Carbon mineralization per unit of mineralized N was considerably higher in forests than in fields, which could indicate that decomposition rates are more sensitive in forest soils than in field soils to inorganic N addition (e.g. by increased N deposition from the atmosphere). If forest conversion to agriculture becomes more widespread in the boreal region, the resulting C losses (51% or 11.2 kg m−2at the ecosystem level in this study) will induce a positive feedback to climatic warming and additional land‐use change. However, by selecting relatively C‐poor soils and by implementing management practices that preserve C, losses of C from soils can be reduced.
Key role of proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 in interleukin‐8 (CXCL8/IL‐8)‐mediated human neutrophil chemotaxis
Authors: Di Cioccio Vito , Strippoli Raffaele , Bizzarri Cinzia , Troiani Giulia , Cervellera Maria Neve , Gloaguen Isabelle , Colagrande Antonella , Cattozzo Elisa Margherita , Pagliei Sabrina , Santoni Angela , Colotta Francesco , Mainiero Fabrizio , Bertini Riccardo 
Published: March 2004

SummaryThe signalling pathways leading to CXCL8/IL‐8‐induced human neutrophil migration have not been fully characterized. The present study demonstrates that CXCL8 induces tyrosine phosphorylation as well as enzymatic activity of proline‐rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), a non‐receptor protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), in human neutrophils. Induction of Pyk2 tyrosine phosphorylation by CXCL8 is regulated by Src PTK activation, whereas it is unaffected by phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase activation. Inhibition of Pyk2 activation by PP1, a Src PTK inhibitor, is paralleled by the inhibition of CXCL8‐mediated neutrophil chemotaxis. Among CXCL8 receptors, Src protein tyrosine kinase activation selectively regulates CXCR1‐mediated polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) chemotaxis. Overexpression of PykM, the kinase‐dead mutant of Pyk2, blocks CXCL8‐induced chemotaxis of HL‐60‐derived PMN‐like cells, thus pinpointing the key role of Pyk2 in CXCL8‐induced chemotaxis.
Comparative studies of some properties of undehulled, mechanically dehulled and manually dehulled cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp. L.) flours
Authors: Akinjayeju Oluwole , Bisiriyu Kamoru Tolu 
Published: March 2004

SummaryA comparative evaluation was made of some physico‐chemical and rheological characteristics of undehulled, manually dehulled and mechanically dehulled cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp. L.) flours from brown and white varieties of the legume. The flours were used to prepare steamed bean paste, ‘Moinmoin’, which was analysed for some sensory parameters. Dehulling and dehulling methods had no appreciable influence on the physical characteristics and proximate composition of the flours, except ash content, which was slightly higher in undehulled flour samples. Amylograph pasting characteristics of the flours showed varying trends because of dehulling method and/or presence of seed coats. ‘Moinmoin’ samples prepared from the flours received similar ratings for all sensory attributes, with no significant differences (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), except for the low‐rated (poorer) colour of the undehulled brown product.
The effects of ingredients on popcorn popping characteristics
Authors: Ceylan Mehmet , Karababa Erşan 
Published: March 2004

SummaryResponse surface methodology was used to evaluate the effects of ingredients on popcorn popping characteristics. The effects of different ingredients on the expansion volume and unpopped kernel ratio of popcorn in a conventional popper and a microwave oven were evaluated and optimized by response surface methodology. The regression models were significant and hadR2value in the range of 0.919–0.956. The optimum levels of ingredients for microwave popping were 4.4% salt, 5.9% vegetable oil, 0% sodium bicarbonate and 16.4% butter, this formulation giving an expansion volume of 33.1 mL g−1. In the case of conventional popping, the maximum expansion volume of 37.3 mL g−1was obtained for 3.5% salt, 6% vegetable oil, 0.10% sodium bicarbonate and 12.9% butter.
Changes of glycinin conformation due to pH, heat and salt determined by differential scanning calorimetry and circular dichroism
Authors: Kim Kang Sung , Kim Seran , Yang Hye Jeong , Kwon Dae Young 
Published: March 2004

SummaryConformational changes of glycinin caused by either pH, heat or salt were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and circular dichroism (CD). Glycinin of more than 97% purity was used for the experiments. Without the presence of salt (NaCl), glycinin (protein concentration of 16%) was most stable at pH 4.5; the temperature for midpoint of transition (Tm) and enthalpy change (ΔH) were 93.5 °C and 18.1 J g−1 protein, respectively. Both parameters decreased gradually as the pH of the protein solution was increased to 9.5. The endothermic peak of glycinin disappeared when the pH was >11.5 or <3.0. DSC results showed that with increasing of salt concentration, glycinin was substantially stabilized even in acidic (pH 3.0) and alkaline (pH 11.5) conditions; the degree of stabilization was more significantly affected at the acidic pH. The CD profiles of soy glycinin were, however, not significantly altered even in acidic and alkaline conditions. Thermal denaturation was suppressed by NaCl even in 90 °C, pH 8.0, when the salt concentration was 0.45 m. The stabilizing effects of NaCl coincided with an increase in the percentage of α‐helix in glycinin. Therefore, soy glycinin appeared to have a well‐ordered structure under the pH conditions studied, especially in the presence of NaCl. The λmin signal at 222 nm remained unchanged up to 80 °C, but the negative intensity increased substantially when the temperature was >80 °C.
Mechanical and barrier properties of sodium caseinate–anhydrous milk fat edible films
Authors: Khwaldia Khaoula , Banon Sylvie , Desobry Stéphane , Hardy Joël 
Published: March 2004

SummaryEdible films were cast from solutions of sodium caseinate (NaCAS) and from emulsions of this protein with anhydrous milk fat (AMF). The moisture sorption isotherms, mechanical properties [tensile strength (TS) and elongation] and water vapour and oxygen permeabilities were determined for films based on NaCAS as a function of AMF concentration. AMF concentration significantly affected TS (P < 0.001) and elongation (P < 0.05). The increase of lipid content led to a loss of mechanical efficiency, but had little influence on water vapour barrier properties. No significant difference (P > 0.05) occurred between oxygen permeability of films at each lipid concentration.
Fatty acid composition, antioxidants and lipid oxidation in chicken breasts from different production regimes
Authors: Jahan Kishowar , Paterson Alistair , Spickett Corinne M. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryChicken breast from nine products and from the following production regimes: conventional (chilled and frozen), organic and free range, were analysed for fatty acid composition of total lipids, preventative and chain breaking antioxidant contents and lipid oxidation during 5 days of sub‐ambient storage following purchase. Total lipids were extracted with an optimal amount of a cold chloroform methanol solvent. Lipid compositions varied, but there were differences between conventional and organic products in their contents of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids and n‐6:n‐3 ratio. Of the antioxidants, α‐tocopherol content was inversely correlated with lipid oxidation. The antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase varied between products. Modelling with partial least squares regression showed no overall relationship between total antioxidants and lipid data, but certain individual antioxidants showed a relationship with specific lipid fractions.