bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Vaginal Expression of Interleukin‐1 System Cytokines in the Presence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in Pregnant Women
Authors: Doh Kunihiko , Barton Parrin T. , Korneeva Irina , Perni Sriram C. , Bongiovanni Ann Marie , Tuttle Sara L. , Skupski Daniel W. , Witkin Steven S. 
Published: November 2004

Objective: The genital mycoplasmas, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis, are commonly identified in the vagina of healthy pregnant women. However, these microorganisms are the most common isolates from the amniotic fluids of women in preterm labor. The mechanisms responsible for vaginal colonization and ascent
to the uterus remain undetermined. We evaluated the association between U. urealyticum and M. hominis vaginal colonization and the presence of pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory interleukin‐1 system
components in asymptomatic pregnant women of different ethnicities.Methods: Vaginal specimens, obtained from 224 first trimester pregnant women, were assayed for interleukin‐ 1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) concentrations by ELISA. U. urealyticum and M. hominis vaginal colonization were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: Vaginal colonization with M. hominis was identified in 37 (16.5%) women, and was more prevalent in black (18.9%) and Hispanic (20.9%) than in white (4.2%) women (p = 0.01). U. urealyticum was present in 84 (37.5%) women and there was no ethnic disparity in its detection. M. hominis colonization was associated with elevated median vaginal IL‐1β concentrations in both black women (p=0.02) and Hispanic women (p = 0.04), and was unrelated to vaginal IL‐1ra concentrations. In marked contrast, U. urealyticum colonization was associated with elevations in vaginal IL‐1ra levels, but not with IL‐1β concentrations, in black women (p = 0.02) and Hispanic women (p < 0.0001) and marginally in white women (p = 0.06).Conclusion:M. hominis colonization in healthy pregnant women is associated with localized pro‐inflammatory immune activation, while U. urealyticum colonization is associated with immune suppression.
Usage of Antifungal Drugs for Therapy of Genital CandidaInfections, Purchased as Over‐the‐Counter Products or by Prescription: 1. Analyses of a Unique Database
Authors: Mårdh Per-Anders , Wågström Jolanta , Landgren Maria , Holmén Jan 
Published: November 2004

Objectives: To present sales figures of antifungal drugs for treatment of genital Candida infections in females, which had been purchased in the Swedish county of Skåne (with approximately 1.2 million inhabitants) during
the 1990s. To study the relative proportions of the drugs sold by prescription and as over‐the‐counter (OTC) products.Methods: Sales figures of antifungal drugs for therapy of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and such recurrent infections (RVVC), for the years 1990–99, were collected from the ‘ACS’ database of the National Corporation
of Swedish Pharmacies.Results: The study showed an increase in sales of the type of drugs studied from 45 000 packages in 1990 until mid‐93/94, when approximately 70 000 packages were sold (mainly azoles for topical use and fluconazole for oral intake). Thereafter there was a decrease until the end of November 1999, when 54 000 packages were
purchased. Of the total sales, 93% were OTC products. Sales of clotrimazole and econazole (for vaginal installation) in 1993–1994 were equal to 85–90 packages/1000 women in the age group 15–45 years. Extremely high sales volumes of fluconazole and itraconazole, for one single year each, could be explained by marketingrelated activities directed to the medical community.Conclusions: As many women with RVVC are not cured by iatrogenic initiatives and women consider themselves able to diagnose episodes of genital Candida infection, affected women generally turn to selfmedication
with antifungal OTC products. This stresses the role of pharmacy counseling. Short‐term marked alterations in sales volumes may be due to marketing factors rather than changes in the epidemiology of genital Candida infections.
Experience With Routine Vaginal pH Testing in a Family Practice Setting
Authors: Pavletic Adriana J. , Hawes Stephen E. , Geske Jenenne A. , Bringe Kathy , Polack Susan H. 
Published: November 2004

Background: Despite recommendations by Centers for Disease Control and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pH testing is infrequently performed during the evaluation of vaginitis. Consequently, little information exists on its use in a primary care setting.Objective: The aim of this study was to describe our experience with routine pH testing, particularly the relationship between symptoms, pH and wet‐mount microscopy.Method: A retrospective chart review was performed on 203 consecutive cases evaluated for vaginitis by wet‐mount microscopy.Results: Of the 203 cases, 21 had normal pH and no symptoms and 182 had symptoms, elevated pH or both; 85% of cases had abnormal wet‐mount findings, including 75% with clue cells, 14% withTrichomonas vaginalis, 13% with yeast and 14% with mixed infections. Asymptomatic infection was present in 42% of cases with clue cells alone, 44% of cases with Trichomonas vaginalis alone, 38% of all trichomoniasis cases and 33% of cases with mixed infections. Elevated pH was associated with clue cells (p < 0.001), trichomoniasis (p = 0.01) and mixed infections (p = 0.003). Normal pH was associated with negative wet mount (p < 0.001) and to a lesser degree with uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis (p = 0.06).Conclusion: Routine pH testing increased detection of trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis by prompting microscopy in a significant proportion of asymptomatic cases.
Early literacy achievement of children with a history of speech problems
Authors: Hesketh Anne 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackground: There are conflicting reports in the research literature of the literacy outcome of children with speech disorder. The link between phonological awareness and literacy in typically developing and literacy delayed children is well established, but there is less research specifically into children with an isolated speech disorder (i.e. with age‐appropriate language skills). There is a clinical need for clarification on their likely outcome as a group and for a means of predicting those individuals who might need support in literacy development.Aims: To assess literacy and phonological awareness skills at age 6;6–7;6 years in children with a history of speech disorder, and to identify factors in their early profile that were predictive of later achievement.Methods & Procedures: Thirty‐five children who had participated in an earlier therapy research study agreed to further assessment of their speech, language and literacy abilities. The children had originally been recruited between the ages of 3;6 and 5;0 years as having a moderate‐to‐severe speech disorder, and there were measures at that time of their non‐verbal, language, phonological output and phonological awareness abilities. Follow‐up assessments of phonological awareness, speech and early literacy were undertaken.Outcomes & Results: As a group, the children had made good progress in speech and showed phonological awareness and literacy development at an age‐appropriate level. However, a small number of children had phonological awareness and literacy delay. Phonological awareness at 3;6–5;0 years was the best predictor of literacy achievement.Conclusions: Speech and language therapists can be confident about the early literacy achievement of most children with isolated speech disorder, but should undertake assessment of phonological awareness to identify those children whose phonological awareness skills after speech intervention continue to be low.
Adenylyl Cyclase Expression and Regulation During the Differentiation of Dictyostelium Discoideum
Authors: Kriebel Paul , Parent Carole 
Published: November 2004

AbstractCyclic AMP metabolism is essential for the survival of the social amoebae Dictyostelium discoideum. Three distinct adenylyl cyclases are expressed and required for the normal development of this simple eukaryote. The adenylyl cyclase expressed during aggregation, ACA, is related to the mammalian and Drosophila G protein‐coupled enzymes and is responsible for the synthesis of cAMP that is required for cell‐cell signaling in early development. ACB harbors histidine kinase and response‐regulator domains and is required for terminal differentiation. Finally, the adenylyl cyclase expressed during germination, ACG, acts as an osmosensor and is involved in controlling spore germination. Together, these enzymes generate the various levels of cAMP that are required for D. discoideum to transition from uni‐ to multi‐cellularity. This review will highlight the properties of these enzymes and describe the signaling cascades that lead to their activation. IUBMB Life, 56: 541‐546, 2004
Harmonic maps 𝐌³→𝐒¹ and 2-cycles, realizing the Thurston norm
Authors: Katz Gabriel 
Published: December 2004

Let

M
3

M^3

be an oriented 3-manifold. We investigate when one of the fibers or a combination of fiber components,

F

b
e
s
t

F_{best}

, of a harmonic map

f
:

M
3

→

S
1

f: M^3 \rightarrow S^1

with Morse-type singularities delivers the Thurston norm

χ
−

(
[

F

b
e
s
t

]
)

\chi _-([F_{best}])

of its homology class

[

F

b
e
s
t

]
∈

H
2

(

M
3

;

Z

)

[F_{best}] \in H_2(M^3; \mathbb {Z})

. In particular, for a map

f
f

with connected fibers and any well-positioned oriented surface

Σ
⊂
M

\Sigma \subset M

in the homology class of a fiber, we show that the Thurston number

χ
−

(
Σ
)

\chi _-(\Sigma )

satisfies an inequality
\[

χ
−

(
Σ
)
≥

χ
−

(

F

b
e
s
t

)
−

ρ
∘

(
Σ
,
f
)
⋅
V
a

r

χ
−

(
f
)
.

\chi _-(\Sigma ) \geq \chi _-(F_{best}) - \rho ^\circ (\Sigma , f)\cdot Var_{\chi _-}(f).

\]
Here the variation

V
a

r

χ
−

(
f
)

Var_{\chi _-}(f)

is can be expressed in terms of the

χ
−

\chi _-

-invariants of the fiber components, and the twist

ρ
∘

(
Σ
,
f
)

\rho ^\circ (\Sigma , f)

measures the complexity of the intersection of

Σ
\Sigma

with a particular set

F
R

F_R

of “bad" fiber components. This complexity is tightly linked with the optimal “

f
~

\tilde f

-height" of

Σ
\Sigma

, being lifted to the

f
f

-induced cyclic cover

M
~

3

→

M
3

\tilde M^3 \rightarrow M^3

. Based on these invariants, for any Morse map

f
f

, we introduce the notion of its twist

ρ

χ
−

(
f
)

\rho _{\chi _-}(f)

. We prove that, for a harmonic

f
f

,

χ
−

(
[

F

b
e
s
t

]
)
=

χ
−

(

F

b
e
s
t

)

\chi _-([F_{best}]) = \, \chi _-(F_{best})

if and only if

ρ

χ
−

(
f
)
=
0

\rho _{\chi _-}(f) = 0

.
Intergenerational Transfers and Private Savings: an Experimental Study
Authors: Heijden Eline CM. van der , Nelissen Jan H.M. , Potters Jan J.M. , Verbon Harrie A.A. 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYThis paper presents the results of an overlapping‐generations experiment on the individual choice between intergenerational transfers and savings. One dominant finding of our experiment is that if savings are possible individuals choose to (gradually) opt out of the intergenerational transfer system. In that case the average individual pay‐offs are lower but their distribution among individuals is less volatile. This suggests that risk aversion is a driving force behind the decline of intergenerational transfers. The willingness to give to previous generations does not disappear completely, however. Moreover, the degree of cohesion between successive generations, measured by (lie correlation between current and past transfers does not diminish significantly after the introduction of (he savings option.ZUSAMMIENEASSUNGDicser Artikcl präsentierl die ErgebnisseeinesOvcrlapping‐Generations‐Experitnents, indent sich die Tcilnehmer zwisehen tnlergenerationalcn Transfers und Sparen entscheiden mussten. Eines der Hauptergcbnisse besteht darin, dass die Einführung der Mögliehkeit zur individuellen Zukunfts‐vorsorge durch Sparen zu einer (allmählichen) Zurückdrängung von intergencrationalen Transfers führt. Im Fall des Sparens isl die durehschnittliche individuclle Auszahlung zwar geringer, dafür aber weniger unsieher. Die Zurückdrangung intergenerationaler Transfers lässt sich dahcr durch Risikoaversion erklären. Dennoch verschwindct die Bereitschaft, an die vorausgehende Generation abzugeben, nicht völlig. Ausserdein vennindert sich die Stärke des Zusatnnienhalts zwisehen aufcinanderlolgcnden Generalionen, getnessen durch die Korrelation zwisehen gegenwärtigen und früheren Transfers, nicht wesentlich durch die Einführung der Mögliehkeit des Sparens.RÉSUMÉLe papier présente des résultats expérimentaux sur les choix individuels entre transferts inter‐génération et épargnc. Un des résultats principaux est que s'il est possible d'épargncr, alors (progressivement) les agents passent du système de transfer! inter‐générationnelausystème d'épargne. Dans de cas le payoff moyen des agents est plus faible mais la distribution des payoffs est inoins volatile. Ceei suggère que l'aversion pour le risque est l'une des prineipales causes du déclin des transferts intergénération. Cependant, les transferts inter‐génération ne disparaissent pas totalement. De plus, le degré de cohesion entre les génération successives, mesuré par la corrélation entre les transferts présents et passés, ne diminue pas significativemenl apres l'introduction de la possibilityé d'épargncr.
Estimates of a Hedonic Ageing Equation for Partner Search
Authors: Cameron Samuel , Collins Alan 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYThis paper presents the first attempts by economists to estimate an equation of the demand curve for sexual relationship partner attributes. The focus is on the age of partner sought as the item demanded. A sample of newspaper ‘personal ads' is used to construct the demand curve. The estimates show clear evidence of age trade offs in partner search which vary by gender. There is evidence that financially constrained men will trade down in terms of market desirability, i.e., up in partner age, but also that women will offer to buy younger partners with financial signalling.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDieser Artikel präsentiert die ersten Versuche von Ökonomen, eine Gleichung für die Nachfragekurve nach Eigenschaften von Partnern bei der Partnersuche zu schätzen. Das Hauptinteresse liegt dabei auf dem Alter des Partners. Eine Stichprobe aus Kontaktanzeigen in Tageszeitungen dient dazu, die Nachfragekurve zu konstruieren. Die Schätzungen zeigen deutlich, dass Altersunterschiede bei der Partnersuche kompensiert werden müssen. So wurden Beweise dafür gefunden, dass Männer mit beschränkter finanzieller Ausstattung vom Markt weniger nachgefragt werden, also nur altere Partner finden, und Frauen versuchen, jüngere Partner durch finanzielle Anreize zu kaufen.RÉSUMÉCet article nous présente les premières tentatives faites par les économistes afin d'évaluer la courbe de dernande portant sur les caractéristiques du partenaire sexuel. L'accent est mis sur l'a&#x030c;ge du partenaire recherché comme étant le critère essentiel. C'est gra&#x030c;ce à un échantillon de ‘petites annonces' parues dans les journaux que la courbe a été tracée. Ainsi les hommes ayant des contraintes financières se montreront plus conciliants quant à l'a&#x030c;ge. En d'autres termes, ils accepteront des partenaires plus a&#x030c;gées tandis que les femmes jouissant des moyens financiers se proposeront d'acheter des partenaires plus jeunes.
Effects of Prescribed Fire on Nutrient Pools and Losses from Glades Occurring Within Oak‐Hickory Forests of Central Kentucky
Authors: Trammell T. L. E. , Rhoades C. C. , Bukaveckas P. A. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract Forest openings, also known as glades, arise through a variety of mechanisms including disturbance (fire and blow downs) and local variation in soil or bedrock geology. They are common in many forest types and are often dominated by locally rare herbaceous species. Prescribed burning is increasingly used as a management approach for maintaining glades although little is known about the effects of fire on these habitats. Of particular concern is the potential for nutrient loss during and after fire because glades are often characterized by nutrient‐poor soils. We quantitated nutrient losses through combustion and leaching for glade and adjacent forest habitats subjected to a prescribed burn. Our findings suggest that spring burns do not result in appreciable loss of nutrient capital from glades in comparison with those observed in the surrounding forest. Fire resulted in a substantial loss of litter mass (37%) in the forest but no measurable loss in the glade. Nitrogen losses through combustion were significant in the forest and were equivalent to 4.5 years of atmospheric inputs. Fire significantly increased soil nitrate pools in forest but not in glade plots. No detectable increases in nitrogen, phosphorus, or base cation leaching were observed in either forest or glade habitats within 4 months after the burn. These findings suggest that plant and microbial nutrient uptake rapidly reestablish control over leaching losses when burns are conducted at the start of the growing season. Biotic retention minimizes fire impacts on nutrient loss from the ecosystem.
Sensitivity of C Sequestration in ReintroducedSphagnumto Water‐Level Variation in a Cutaway Peatland
Authors: Tuittila Eeva‐Stiina , Vasander Harri , Laine Jukka 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe reintroduction ofSphagnumfragments has been found to be a promising method for restoring mire vegetation in a cutaway peatland. Although it is known that moisture controlsSphagnumphotosynthesis, information concerning the sensitivity of carbon dynamics on water‐level variation is still scarce. In a 4‐year field experiment, we studied the carbon dynamics of reintroducedSphagnum angustifoliummaterial in a restored (rewetted) cutaway peatland. Cutaway peatland restored bySphagnumreintroduction showed high sensitivity to variation in water level. Water level controlled both photosynthesis and respiration. Gross photosynthesis (PG) had a unimodal response to water‐level variation with optimum level at −12 cm. The range of water level for highPG(above 60% of the maximum light‐saturatedPG) was between 22 and 1 cm below soil surface. Water level had a dual effect on total respiration. When the water level was below soil surface, peat respiration increased rapidly along the lowering water level until the respiration rate started to slow down at approximately −30 cm. Contrary to peat respiration, the response ofSphagnumrespiration to water‐level variation resembled that of photosynthesis with an optimum at −12 cm. In optimal conditions,Sphagnumreintroduction turned the cutaway site from carbon source to a sink of 23 g C/m2per season (mid‐May to the end of September). In dry conditions, lowered photosynthesis together with the higher peat respiration led to a net loss of 56 g C/m2. Although the water level above the optimum amplitude restricted CO2fixation, a decrease in peat respiration led to a positive CO2balance of 9 g C/m2.
Endangered Cactus Restoration: Mitigating the Non‐Target Effects of a Biological Control Agent (Cactoblastis cactorum) in Florida
Authors: Stiling Peter , Moon Daniel , Gordon Doria 
Published: November 2004

Abstract The moth Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg), the poster child of weed biological control in Australia, has recently invaded the United States and threatens native cacti. Concern is greatest for the endangered semaphore cactus, Opuntia corallicola, of which only two known populations exist in the wild. We made three separate outplantings of O. corallicola, designed to bolster the number of extant cacti and to test the effectiveness of three different treatments to protect the cacti from Cactoblastis. In one outplanting, we tested the associational susceptibility hypothesis and found that cacti planted more than 20 m away from the common prickly pear cactus, Opuntia stricta, which act as a reservoir of Cactoblastis, were just as frequently attacked and killed by Cactoblastis as cacti planted within 5 m. In addition, Cactoblastis attack was greater in the shade than in the sun. In the second outplanting, we minimized the attack from Cactoblastis by using protective cages planted at least 500 m from O. stricta in areas not inhabited by cacti. Cages attracted the attention of local animals, which destroyed the cages and trampled the cacti inside to death. Crown rot caused high mortality in this outplanting. In the third outplanting, again conducted at least 500 m away from O. stricta, fertilization did not reduce crown rot mortality. We suggest that increasing populations of O. corallicola in Florida, by means of outplantings, will remain a challenge because of death from Cactoblastis when planted in areas where cacti normally grow and because of death from crown rot in areas where they do not. Because Cactoblastis is moving rapidly northward and westward and has already reached Charleston, South Carolina, rare cacti in the rest of the U.S. Southeast may be in danger. Eventually, many cactus species in the U.S. South, Southwest, and Mexico will likely be threatened by this moth.
Review article: indications for anti‐reflux surgery and endoscopic anti‐reflux procedures
Authors: Palmer K. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryGastro‐oesophageal reflux disease is a motor disorder principally caused by defective function of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs alleviate symptoms, heal oesophagitis and improve quality of life but do not address the underlying motor disorder, and prolonged treatment is often needed. The efficacy of anti‐reflux operations is comparable to PPIs. Indications for surgical referral include ineffective medical therapy, intolerance to PPIs, the aspiration to avoid drugs and treatment of complications (particularly peptic stricture and respiratory diseases). Pre‐operative assessment should include endoscopy, pH monitoring and oesophageal manometry.The efficacy of anti‐reflux surgery is well established but endoscopic anti‐reflux procedures currently have an uncertain role. These procedures are based on endoscopic suturing, injection of materials around the lower oesophageal sphincter and radio frequency ablation. Published series show that all procedures may be effective in selected patients. Although the mechanisms for this efficacy are unclear, they may include correction of the underlying motor defect, physical barrier to reflux and decreased oesophageal sensitivity caused by denervation. Comparative studies are needed before endoscopic anti‐reflux procedures can be recommended outside of clinical trials.
Review article: Helicobacter pylori and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease − the European perspective
Authors: McColl K. E. L. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThere is substantive epidemiological evidence of a negative association between Helicobacter pylori infection and reflux disease and its malignant complications. A plausible mechanism by which the infection might protect against reflux disease is by its propensity to produce atrophic gastritis and consequently reduce gastric acid secretion. Gastric acid is a key factor in the pathophysiology of reflux oesophagitis. It is well recognised that acid secretion decreases with age in H. pylori infected populations whereas acid secretion is maintained throughout life in H. pylori negative populations. The tendency for H. pylori infection to induce atrophy and reduce acid secretion is more marked in Eastern Europe and the Far East than in Western Europe, and this may be due to the influence of environmental and host genetic co‐factors. This difference may also explain why the negative association between H. pylori infection and reflux disease is more marked in these areas than in Western Europe. If H. pylori infection is indeed protecting against reflux disease, then one would predict a rise in incidence of this disease and its malignant complications in these Eastern countries as the incidence of H. pylori infection decreases.