bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tobacco and myocardial infarction in middle‐aged women: a study of factors modifying the risk
Authors: Janzon E. , Hedblad B. , Berglund G. , Engström G. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract.Background.  Although myocardial infarction (MI) is strongly related to smoking, few have studied why some smokers are more vulnerable than others. This study explored how the risk of MI in current and former smokers is modified by other cardiovascular risk factors.Methods.  Incidence of MI (fatal and nonfatal) amongst 10619 women, 48.3 ± 8.2 years old, were studied in relation to smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes, marital status and occupational level over a mean follow‐up of 14 years.Results.  Of the 3738 smokers, one‐third had at least one major biological risk factor besides smoking; 228 women had MI during follow‐up. Smoking and hypertension showed a synergistic effect on incidence of MI. The adjusted relative risks (RR) were 12.2 (95% CI: 7.5–19.8) for smokers with hypertension, 5.3 (CI:3.3–8.1) for smokers with normal blood pressure and 2.4 (CI:1.4–4.3) for never‐smokers with hypertension (reference: normotensive never‐smokers). The corresponding RRs for diabetic smokers and diabetic never‐smokers were 19.0 (CI: 10.2–35.4) and 8.8 (CI: 4.4–17.4), respectively (reference: nondiabetic never‐smokers). In terms of attributable risks, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes accounted for 12.9, 11.5 and 7.2%, respectively, of MI in female smokers. Low socio‐economic level and being unmarried accounted for 19.6 and 1.6%, respectively.Conclusions.  Although smoking is a major risk factor for MI, the risk varies widely between women with similar tobacco consumption. The results illustrate the need of a global risk factor assessment in female smokers and suggest that female smokers should be targets both for intensified risk factor management and programmes to stop smoking.
Anaemia of chronic disease in AA amyloidosis is associated with allele 2 of the interleukin‐1β‐511 promoter gene and raised levels of interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐18
Authors: Maury C. P. J. , Liljeström M. , Laiho K. , Tiitinen S. , Kaarela K. , Hurme M. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract.Objective.  In amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis the receptor for advanced glycation end products is a target for the circulating amyloid precursor protein (SAA) resulting in upregulation of the proinflammatory cytokine pathway. Besides inducing hepatic SAA synthesis the interleukin‐1 cytokine family is involved in the regulation of haematopoiesis. We therefore studied the relationship between the circulating levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), a new member of the IL‐1 complex, as well as polymorphisms within the IL‐1 cluster with the occurrence of anaemia in patients with AA amyloidosis.Design, setting and subjects.  The study included 54 adult patients with biopsy‐proven reactive amyloidosis allocated into three groups on the basis of haemoglobin (Hb) level: group I included all patients with Hb < 110 g L−1 (n = 16); group II patients (Hb > 110 g L−1, n = 16) were selected to match group I patients with respect to sex, age, underlying disease (seropositive, erosive rheumatoid arthritis) and renal function; and group III patients (n = 38) represented all patients (unselected) with Hb ≥ 110 g L−1. Gene polymorphisms were studied by polymerase chain reaction restriction length assay and included the base exchange at position‐889 of the IL‐1α gene, the polymorphic region at position‐511 and the polymorphic locus at exon 5, position +3954 of the IL‐1β gene, as well as the IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) exon 2 polymorphism caused by the 86‐bp tandem repeats. Plasma IL‐1β, IL‐1α, IL‐18, IL‐1 Ra, SAA, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor and erythropoietin levels were studied by enzyme immunoassays.Results.  Circulating IL‐β and IL‐18 were significantly raised in the anaemic patients with AA amyloidosis when compared with group II patients (matched, Hb > 110 g L−1) as well as group III patients (nonmatched, Hb ≥ 110 g L−1). A significant inverse relationship was found between IL‐1β and haemoglobin levels, as well as between IL‐18 and haemoglobin levels. The frequency of allele 2 (T) of the IL‐1β‐511 promoter gene was significantly increased and that of allele 1 (C) decreased in anaemic amyloid patients (group I) when compared with group II and III patients. Circulating IL‐1β levels tended to be higher amongst the IL‐1β‐511 allele 2 carriers than amongst the noncarriers, as well as amongst the anaemic amyloid patients filling all criteria of anaemia of chronic disease.Conclusion.  The occurrence of anaemia in patients with AA amyloidosis is associated with allele 2 (T) of the IL‐1β‐511 promoter gene and elevated levels of circulating IL‐1β and IL‐18. In AA amyloidosis the raised cytokine levels may generate a vicious cycle leading to accelerated amyloidogenesis, suppression of erythropoiesis and aggravation of the underlying inflammatory disorder.
Suspicion of pulmonary embolism in outpatients: nonspecific chest pain is the most frequent alternative diagnosis
Authors: Bernard Bagattini S. , Bounameaux H. , Perneger T. , Perrier A. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract.Objectives.  Several recent studies have focused on identifying clinical predictors of embolism. However, although pulmonary embolism is ruled out in 70–85% of the patients in whom it is suspected, data on the clinical characteristics and discharge diagnosis of such patients are scarce. Our aim was to evaluate whether clinical characteristics would allow predicting alternative diagnoses other than pulmonary embolism thereby ruling out venous thromboembolism.Design.  Retrospective analysis.Setting.  Emergency centres of two teaching and general hospitals.Subjects.  A total of 1090 consecutive outpatients admitted for clinically suspected pulmonary embolism and a diagnosis established by a validated algorithm and a 3‐month follow‐up.Outcomes.  Discharge diagnoses of patients in whom pulmonary embolism was ruled out were identified and regrouped into two categories: (i) nonspecific chest pain and (ii) diagnosis other than pulmonary embolism. Predictive accuracy of clinical and laboratory variables for diagnosing nonspecific chest pain was assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis.Results.  In patients without pulmonary embolism, nonspecific chest pain (parietal chest pain, chest pain of unknown origin and pleuritis) was the most frequent discharge diagnosis (n = 334, 31% of the entire cohort, 43% of the patients without pulmonary embolism). Other patients without pulmonary embolism had a wide variety of diagnoses, of which the most frequent were bronchopneumonia (6.0% of the entire cohort) and heart failure (5.2%). In the multivariate analysis, seven variables were strongly associated with nonspecific chest pain: younger age (below 40 years), female gender, respiratory rate below 20 min−1, heart rate below 100 min−1, and absence of recent immobilization, dyspnoea and haemoptysis. Two of the 24 patients in whom all those characteristics were present had pulmonary embolism (8%, 95% CI 3–22%).Conclusions.  The most frequent discharge diagnosis in emergency ward patients in whom pulmonary embolism is ruled out is nonspecific chest pain. A clinical model did not allow to predict nonspecific chest pain with enough accuracy to rule out pulmonary embolism without further testing. Whether a more precise characterization of chest pain might allow an accurate identification of such patients deserves further study.
Below‐ground competition between trees and grasses may overwhelm the facilitative effects of hydraulic lift
Authors: Ludwig F. , Dawson T. E. , Prins H. H. T. , Berendse F. , de Kroon H. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractUnder large East African Acacia trees, which were known to show hydraulic lift, we experimentally tested whether tree roots facilitate grass production or compete with grasses for below‐ground resources. Prevention of tree–grass interactions through root trenching led to increased soil water content indicating that trees took up more water from the topsoil than they exuded via hydraulic lift. Biomass was higher in trenched plots compared to controls probably because of reduced competition for water. Stable isotope analyses of plant and source water showed that grasses which competed with trees used a greater proportion of deep water compared with grasses in trenched plots. Grasses therefore used hydraulically lifted water provided by trees, or took up deep soil water directly by growing deeper roots when competition with trees occurred. We conclude that any facilitative effect of hydraulic lift for neighbouring species may easily be overwhelmed by water competition in (semi‐) arid regions.
Arbuscular mycorrhizae and terrestrial ecosystem processes
Authors: Rillig Matthias C. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; phylum Glomeromycota) are ubiquitous in terrestrial ecosystems. Despite their acknowledged importance in ecology, most research on AMF has focused on effects on individual plant hosts, with more recent efforts aimed at the level of the plant community. Research at the ecosystem level is less prominent, but potentially very promising. Numerous human‐induced disturbances (including global change and agro‐ecosystem management) impinge on AMF functioning; hence study of this symbiosis from the ecosystem perspective seems timely and crucial. In this paper, I discuss four (interacting) routes via which AMF can influence ecosystem processes. These include indirect pathways (through changes in plant and soil microbial community composition), and direct pathways (effects on host physiology and resource capture, and direct mycelium effects). I use the case study of carbon cycling to illustrate the potentially pervasive influence of AMF on ecosystem processes. A limited amount of published research on AMF ecology is suited for direct integration into ecosystem studies (because of scale mismatch or ill‐adaptation to the ‘pools and flux’ paradigm of ecosystem ecology); I finish with an assessment of the tools (experimental designs, response variables) available for studying mycorrhizae at the ecosystem scale.
Mechanisms responsible for the positive diversity–productivity relationship in Minnesota grasslands
Authors: Lambers Janneke Hille Ris , Harpole W. Stanley , Tilman David , Knops Johannes , Reich Peter B. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSpecies’ extinctions have spurred debate on whether interactions among few or among many species cause a positive diversity–productivity relationship in experimentally assembled grasslands. We addressed this question by quantifying the productivity of 14 species across an experimental diversity gradient in Minnesota. We found that interspecific interactions leading to coexistence and competitive displacement both determine which species overyield; i.e. are more productive at high diversity. Overyielding species were either superior N competitors (C4 grasses) or N fixers (legumes). Surprisingly, these species were not most productive in monoculture, thus, the ‘selection’ of productive species in diverse plots did not cause the positive diversity–productivity relationship. Both positive (with legumes) and negative interspecific interactions (with C4 grasses) determined whether individual species overyielded. Foliar pathogens did not cause overyielding, although other natural enemies may be responsible. Overyielding species are not displacing underyielding species over time, implying that other diversity‐promoting interactions also operate in this experiment.
Differentiation in sex investment by clones and populations of Daphnia
Authors: Tessier Alan J. , Cáceres Carla E. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractDormancy is an ecological strategy by which organisms avoid stressful environments, but it also can have genetic consequences. Many facultative parthenogens shift from asexual to sexual reproduction to enter dormancy. Hence, conditions that favour dormancy are predicted to select for more sex, which should increase clonal diversity. We examined lake populations of Daphnia that face different ecological risks to remaining active year‐round, and quantified the extent to which they have differentiated in their investment in dormancy and sex. There was substantial genetic variation among populations and clones for sex induction and production of dormant eggs, and striking evidence of gender specialization. We also observed a positive association between the magnitudes of population‐level investment in dormancy and of variance among clones in sex induction. These results document an ecological gradient in dormancy that is manifest as a genetic gradient in clonal variation for the propensity to engage in sex.
West Nile virus: pending crisis for greater sage‐grouse
Authors: Naugle David E. , Aldridge Cameron L. , Walker Brett L. , Cornish Todd E. , Moynahan Brendan J. , Holloran Matt J. , Brown Kimberly , Johnson Gregory D. , Schmidtmann Edward T. , Mayer Richard T. , Kato Cecilia Y. , Matchett Marc R. , Christiansen Thomas J. , Cook Walter E. , Creekmore Terry , Falise Roxanne D. , Thomas Rinkes E. , Boyce Mark S. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractScientists have feared that emerging infectious diseases could complicate efforts to conserve rare and endangered species, but quantifying impacts has proven difficult until now. We report unexpected impacts of West Nile virus (WNv) on radio‐marked greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a species that has declined 45–80% and is endangered in Canada and under current consideration for federal listing in the US. We show that WNv reduced late‐summer survival an average of 25% in four radio‐marked populations in the western US and Canada. Serum from 112 sage‐grouse collected after the outbreak show that none had antibodies, suggesting that they lack resistance. The spread of WNv represents a significant new stressor on sage‐grouse and probably other at‐risk species. While managing habitat might lessen its impact on sage‐grouse populations, WNv has left wildlife and public health officials scrambling to address surface water and vector control issues in western North America.
The effect of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) oil on oviposition, development and reproductive potentials of Sesamia calamistis Hampson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Bruce Yaovi Anani , Gounou Saka , Chabi‐Olaye Adenirin , Smith Homa , Schulthess Fritz 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  1 The effect of different treatments of neem oil (0, 0.075, 0.1 and 0.15 mL/plant) and their persistence (0, 5 and 10 days after application; DAA) on the oviposition behaviour and the bionomics of the noctuid Sesamia calamistis and the pyralid Eldana saccharina were tested in laboratory and greenhouse experiments.2 For most variables, no difference was found between DAA, showing that the treatments had a long‐term effect, and pooled analyses across DAA were performed. Compared with the control (0 mL/plant), mean reductions due to neem in numbers of egg batch and eggs laid were 70 and 88% for S. calamistis and 50 and 49% for E. saccharina, respectively, but no differences were found among neem concentrations.3 For both species, larval and pupal development time was shortest in the control and longest with the highest oil concentration. Immature survival, larval weight and fecundity were highest in the control and similar in the neem treatments.4 No differences were found in sex ratios. Egg viability was highest in the control (approximately 87%) and lowest (72%) with the highest oil concentration. As a result of lower fecundity and longer developmental time, on average, the intrinsic rates of increase in the neem treatments were 30% lower than in the control.5 In view of the low oviposition rates, immature survival, fecundity and egg viability in the neem treatments, and the relatively high persistence of neem oil, it can be expected that the reduction in densities of the two borers species in the field will be considerable.
Spatial distribution of populations of solitarious adult desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria Forsk.) on the coastal plain of Sudan
Authors: Woldewahid Gebremedhin , Van Der Werf Wopke , Van Huis Arnold , Stein Alfred 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  1 Densities of solitarious adult desert locusts were measured on regular grids of up to 126 sample sites in the southern part of the coastal plain of Sudan during the winters of 1999/2000 and 2000/2001. Geostatistical procedures were used to characterize spatial dependence of locust density, to evaluate the possibility of estimating locust densities at unvisited sites, based on information obtained at surveyed sites, and to create density maps.2 Sample variograms indicate that population densities were spatially correlated over ranges from 5 to 24 km. The range of spatial correlation decreased as dry conditions towards the end of the rainy season concentrated the locusts in contracting areas of sufficient humidity and availability of green vegetation. The rather small ranges of spatial correlation indicate that sampling needs to be conducted at a refined scale (< 24 km between sample points) to avoid missing hot spots of desert locust.3 Locust densities were highly correlated with cover abundance of the wild plant Heliotropium arbainense and cultivated millet, Pennisetum typhoidum. The association of locusts with these host plants can be used to target sampling and enhance detection chance.4 The relationship between sampling intensity and kriging variance was explored. Implications for monitoring of desert locust are discussed.
Effect of trap height and within‐planting location on captures of cranberry fruitworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in highbush blueberries
Authors: Sarzynski Erin M. , Liburd Oscar E. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  1 Winged traps baited with synthetic sex pheromone lures [(E,Z)‐8,10‐pentadecadien‐1‐ol and (E)‐9‐pentadecen‐1‐ol acetate] were evaluated for their effectiveness in monitoring cranberry fruitworm, Acrobasis vaccinii Riley, in highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum L., plantings. Trap effectiveness was compared at different heights within the bush canopy and different locations within plantings.2 In our trap height study, three positions were evaluated: (i) at the top of bush canopy (15 cm below the uppermost branch); (ii) centrally within bush canopy (60 cm below the uppermost branch); and (iii) at the bottom of the bush, 20 cm above ground level. Traps placed 15 and 60 cm below the uppermost branch captured significantly more male moths compared with traps placed 20 cm above ground level at two organic sites.3 In our trap location study, four treatments were evaluated based on trap location relative to adjacent woodlands: (i) in trees within 1 m of the woodland boundary; (ii) in blueberry bushes adjacent to woodlands, 15 m from the woodland boundary; (iii) in blueberry bushes in the centre of the planting, 75 m from the woodland boundary; and (iv) in blueberry bushes furthest away from woodlands, 150 m from the woodland boundary. Traps located within 1 m of woodland boundary captured significantly more male moths compared with traps located centrally (15 and 75 m) within plantings.
Impact and management of the eriophyoid mite Trisetacus juniperinus on the evergreen cypress Cupressus sempervirens
Authors: Simoni S. , Cantini R. , Castagnoli M. , Battisti A. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  1 In the Mediterranean region, the eriophyoid mite Trisetacus juniperinus causes considerable damage to the evergreen cypress, Cupressus sempervirens L., particularly in nurseries and young stands, disturbing the apical growth of the tree.2 The impact of mites on survival and apical growth of two commercial clones of cypress (Agrimed and Bolgheri), as well as the results of differently timed pesticide applications to suppress mite population on newly grafted trees, were evaluated.3 Mites easily infested clonal scions from rootstocks that were previously infested in the nursery, inducing tip deformation and disturbance of the growth. Apical growth was significantly lower in infested than in control trees 2 years following the graft.4 Deformed apical buds were left early by mites, which dispersed in the crown and may have incurred high mortality. This is interpreted as a defensive reaction of the cypress to the mite attack, which involves costs resulting in reduced apical growth in both clones. However, mites partly overcame tree defences in the Bolgheri clone.5 Healthy rootstock and graft material should be used to limit damage and maintain plant growth because natural infestations rarely occur. In case of attack, a pesticide should be applied as soon as possible because precocious mite infestation has a log‐lasting effect on tree growth, with considerable economic damage.
Oviposition by autumn gum moth (Mnesampela privata) in relation to Eucalyptus globulus defoliation, larval performance and natural enemies
Authors: Rapley Luke P. , Allen Geoff R. , Potts Brad M. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract  1 Eucalyptus globulus Labill. exhibited consistent intraspecific variation in oviposition choice by Mnesampela privata (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in field surveys of host plants that had been designated, based on the prior season's defoliation levels, as resistant or susceptible to M. privata. At both field sites significantly fewer egg batches were found on resistant compared to susceptible trees.2 In cage bioassays we demonstrated a significant oviposition preference by M. privata, with over two‐fold greater number of egg batches laid on foliage sprigs from susceptible compared to resistant trees. Despite differences in tree oviposition choice, we found no evidence in the field or the laboratory of adult females adjusting egg batch size in accordance to oviposition preference.3 Caged larval survival, development times and pupal weight did not vary significantly between resistant and susceptible trees. Similarly, in a laboratory feeding experiment, neonates utilized resistant and susceptible foliage equally.4 Larval mortality in the field attributed to natural enemies did not vary significantly between resistant and susceptible trees, nor did the percentage of Telenomus sp. parasitism of M. privata eggs within a batch and batches per tree.5 Failure to associate either larval performance or natural enemy efficacy with the observed intraspecific variation in E. globulus susceptibility to M. privata oviposition indicates that some other unidentified factors drive the evolution of host selection for oviposition.