bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution of Spartina pectinata Transplants to Restore Wet Prairie
Authors: Fraser A , Kindscher K 
Published: March 2005

Abstract Restoration of wet prairie in the central midwestern United States should include Prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), but historic densities of this once dominant species are not easily achieved. Spartina pectinata was transplanted into a former agricultural field in three planting strategies: 20 small plugs, 4 medium‐sized plugs, and a single large plug, with each treatment area totaling 0.6 m2. Plugs were sampled annually for 3 years to determine which planting strategy produced highest survival, area, stem density (per unit vegetated area), and height of S. pectinata It was also determined whether these factors varied with microtopography, and the resulting differences in flooding, within the restoration site. Stem density and height of restored S. pectinata were also compared to reference S. pectinata communities, including both pristine populations and the source of transplants. Because soil particle size and soil nitrogen content can influence S. pectinata stem density and height, these soil characteristics were also tested in restored and reference sites. Three years after planting, S. pectinata survived in all planted plots regardless of planting strategy or microtopography, with an overall survival rate of 89.8% at the end of the study. The small plug treatment produced the greatest area after 3 years (3.99 m2), compared with the final area of medium (1.18 m2) and large plug treatments (0.79 m2). Stem density of small and medium plugs decreased dramatically during the sampling period, whereas density of large plugs increased. Height did not vary among planting strategies, and microtopography did not affect area, stem density, or height. Reference populations of S. pectinata had greater stem density and height than the transplanted plugs in the restoration, and these differences cannot be attributed to soil particle size or soil nitrogen. This study indicates that more than 3 years is needed to create area, density, or height of S. pectinata similar to established wet prairie populations. Planting many small plugs yields the greatest area of S. pectinata, and including some large plugs may add dense physical structure to wet prairie restoration.
On Sustainability, Estuaries, and Ecosystem Restoration: The Art of the Practical
Authors: Baird R.C. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract Ecosystem restoration in highly complex, human‐dominated estuaries rests on a strong conceptual foundation of sustainability, ecosystems, and adaptive management of human‐induced environmental impacts. Successful application involves evaluating uncertainty, incorporating place‐based information, and engaging diverse constituencies in the planning process. That means integration of technical knowledge with an understanding of the “cultural milieu” inherent in all estuaries, that is, the intensity of human activity and impacts plus socioeconomic factors relevant to restoration goals. Operational definitions of what constitutes acceptable ecosystem conditions and current baselines are critical yet rest in large measure on cultural values and socioeconomic considerations. Resources for long‐term monitoring and research to assess performance and ecosystem condition are paramount. Unprecedented population growth promises additional stressors on estuarine environments worldwide, making maintenance of present conditions difficult. The art of good, practical ecosystem restoration as a management tool at multiple geographic scales promises to play a crucial role in sustainability goals.
Sustainable Coastal Development: The Dual Mandate and a Recommendation for “Commerce Managed Areas”
Authors: Weinstein M.P. , Reed De.J. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract Pitting the dynamicism and uncertainty inherent in undisturbed coastal ecosystems against the stability and predictability required of human‐dominated landscapes creates the paradox of the dual mandate. We describe a gradient of estuarine types ranging from systems that experience little human intrusion—conservation estuaries—to those that are dominated by people or extractive uses—production and urban‐industrial estuaries. Future approaches to managing these estuarine resources will require a division of the concept of marine protected areas into at least two subcategories: “conservation” managed areas (CConservationMAs) and “commerce” managed areas (CCommerceMAs). The latter includes conditions where humans are not only a core feature of the landscape but also where extractive uses drive a large part of the local, regional, and even national economy. System reliability and predictability of ecosystem services are integral components of any management scheme in CCommerceMAs. By recognizing this division managers can construct appropriate baselines that encompass the biodiversity and ecological integrity inherent in relatively undisturbed estuaries (or portions thereof), or the ecosystem health and system reliability that characterize urban‐industrial systems. The terms ecosystem restoration and ecosystem rehabilitation are also distinguished; the former term is used to describe practices that return ecosystems to optimum biological integrity, whereas the latter term is applied to the health of human‐dominated estuaries where the goal is to manage natural processes and functions. Our proposed approach does not mean that ecosystem quality is sacrificed in urban‐industrial or production systems; to the contrary, contaminant source control, suitable sediment and water quality, and the human endeavors to address them are just as important to sustaining commercial activity as they are to the well‐being of extant biota. So too, are the conservation and preservation of existing critical habitat (proximate reservoirs of biodiversity) in urban‐industrial systems, and rehabilitation of habitats that support species coadapted to the presence of humans.
The interaction Between Science and Policy in the Control of Phragmites in Oligohaline Marshes of Delaware Bay
Authors: Teal J.M. , Peterson S 
Published: March 2005

Abstract Public Service Enterprise Group of New Jersey (PSEG) restored Delaware Bay marshes to enhance fish production as part of a mitigation negotiated in the company's New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. Restoration meant control of an introduced type of the common reed, Phragmites, which had displaced Spartina alterniflora and S. patens. Phragmites dominance altered the function and structure of the brackish marshes and reduced habitat value by raising and flattening marsh surface and covering smaller tidal creeks. A common control technique is to use an herbicide—glyphosate. Public concern about herbicide use led to public meetings where the concerns were discussed and data provided. The scientific information regarding the herbicide did not satisfy the public. PSEG and New Jersey regulators agreed to test other methods for reed control and limit the amount of herbicide used. Experiments with methods of Phragmites control indicate that herbicide application over three or more growing seasons, concentrating in an area until control was complete, is the most effective control method.
No additional effect of topical calcipotriol on narrow‐band UVB phototherapy in patients with generalized vitiligo
Authors: Ada Simin , Şahin Sedef , Boztepe Gonca , Karaduman Ayşen , Kölemen Fikret 
Published: March 2005

Background/Purpose: There is no definite cure for vitiligo; however, treatment responses with photobiological modalities are quite acceptable. Of all these, narrow‐band UVB phototherapy was proposed rather recently. Calcipotriol has been shown to have stimulating activity on melanogenesis besides immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory effects. This study was performed to determine whether adding topical calcipotriol to narrow‐band UVB phototherapy enhances the efficacy of treatment.Methods: In this prospective, single‐blinded (investigator), right–left comparison clinical study, 20 patients with generalized vitiligo were enrolled. Symmetrical lesions with similar sizes, bilaterally distributed on arms, legs, hands, feet or trunk were selected as reference lesions. In addition to narrow‐band UVB, totally 96 treatment sessions, received two or three times weekly, the patients were asked to apply 0.005% topical calcipotriol on the selected side of the reference lesions twice daily. Then, they were monitored at the end of every 24‐session interval.Results: Cosmetically acceptable repigmentation was observed in 55% (11/20) of the patients without taking calcipotriol into account. There was statistically significant better response on the side that calcipotriol was not applied at the 24th session (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the calcipotriol‐treated and non‐treated sides at 48th, 72th, and 96th sessions (P>0.05).Conclusion: Our data confirm that, narrow‐band UVB phototherapy is effective by itself in vitiligo, and show that adding topical calcipotriol does not improve treatment outcome.
UVA‐1 cold light therapy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: 61 patients treated in the Leiden University Medical Center
Authors: Polderman Marloes C. A. , Wintzen Marjolein , Cessie Saskia le , Pavel Stan 
Published: March 2005

Background: UVA‐1 has been shown to be effective in the treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis. However, its optimal therapeutic conditions are not yet fully established.Methods: In an open prospective study we retrospectively compared the effect of 4 weeks therapy (32 patients) with the effect of the usual 3 weeks therapy (29 patients) in patients with atopic dermatitis, using a medium dose UVA‐1 cold light (45 J/cm2), 5 days a week.Results: Scoring atopic dermatitis index (SCORAD) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) quality of life indexes improved significantly during both 3 and 4 weeks UVA‐1. Patients who were treated for 4 weeks showed a superior improvement of the SCORAD index [23.12 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 16.09–30.16, vs. 13.32 points, 95% CI 5.61–21.04, P=0.059], and the DLQI (5.41 points, 95% CI 2.38–7.88, vs. 3.86 points, 95% CI 1.88–5.84, P=0.360), compared with patients who were treated for 3 weeks. However, the differences did not reach statistical significance. Only patients who were treated for 4 weeks were able to maintain their improvement 6 weeks after therapy. In both groups 50% of patients had intermittently used mild topical corticosteroids in the follow‐up period.Conclusion: Extension of UVA‐1 therapy from 3 to 4 weeks results in a clinically relevant improvement of the outcome, and more prolonged therapeutic effects, measured by the SCORAD index.
Evaluation of Three Immunoassay Kits for Rapid Detection of Influenza Virus A and B
Authors: Weinberg Adriana , Walker Miranda L. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACT
Influenza causes high morbidity and mortality in very young and elderly individuals, which can be controlled with antivirals and/or vaccines. The success of therapeutic measures is predicated on the rapid and precise diagnosis of the infection. We compared three rapid influenza immunoassay (RIIA) kits for the diagnosis of influenza virus A and B using 178 respiratory specimens submitted for routine testing. BD Directigen Flu A+B (Directigen), Directigen EZ Flu A+B (EZ), and NOW Flu A NOW Flu B (NOW; Binax) tests had comparable combined influenza virus A and B specificities, varying from 94 to 98%. In contrast, the sensitivity of EZ was significantly lower (39%) than that of NOW (76%) and marginally lower than that of Directigen (56%). The differences in sensitivity were most evident in patients who were >9 years old (Directigen, 53%; EZ, 32%; and NOW, 69%). Among specimens, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids yielded the most discrepant results, with sensitivities varying from 0 (EZ) to 100% (NOW), followed by nasopharyngeal swabs (sensitivities of 27 to 100%) and nasal washes (50 to 81%). The Directigen kit format allowed for faster completion but more cumbersome performance and more difficult interpretation compared with the other two kits. Overall, NOW provided the most accurate diagnoses and had user-friendly technical characteristics. However, the low overall sensitivity of the RIIAs indicates that these can be used as screening tools only.
Comparison of Antibody Repertoires against
Staphylococcus aureus
in Healthy Individuals and in Acutely Infected Patients
Authors: Dryla Agnieszka , Prustomersky Sonja , Gelbmann Dieter , Hanner Markus , Bettinger Edith , Kocsis Béla , Kustos Tamás , Henics Tamás , Meinke Andreas , Nagy Eszter 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACT

The management of staphylococcal diseases is increasingly difficult with present medical approaches. Preventive and therapeutic vaccination is considered to be a promising alternative; however, little is known about immune correlates of protection and disease susceptibility. To better understand the immune recognition of
Staphylococcus aureus
by the human host, we studied the antistaphylococcal humoral responses in healthy people in comparison to those of patients with invasive diseases. In a series of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses performed using 19 recombinant staphylococcal cell surface and secreted proteins, we measured a wide range of antibody levels, finding a pronounced heterogeneity among individuals in both donor groups. The analysis revealed marked differences in the antibody repertoires of healthy individuals with or without
S. aureus
carriage, as well as in those of patients in the acute phase of infection. Most importantly, we identified antigenic proteins for which specific antibodies were missing or underrepresented in infected patients. In contrast to the well-described transient nature of disease-induced antistaphylococcal immune response, it was demonstrated that high-titer antistaphylococcal antibodies are stable for years in healthy individuals. In addition, we provide evidence obtained on the basis of opsonophagocytic and neutralizing activity in vitro assays that circulating antistaphylococcal serum antibodies in healthy donors are functional. In light of these data we suggest that proper serological analysis comparing the preexisting antibody repertoires of hospitalized patients with different outcomes for nosocomial staphylococcal infections could be extremely useful for the evaluation of candidate vaccine antigens in addition to protection data generated with animal models.
Development of a Nanoparticle-Labeled Microfluidic Immunoassay for Detection of Pathogenic Microorganisms
Authors: Lin Frank Y. H. , Sabri Mahdi , Alirezaie Javad , Li Dongqing , Sherman Philip M. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACT

The light-scattering properties of submicroscopic metal particles ranging from 40 to 120 nm in diameter have recently been investigated. These particles scatter incident white light to generate monochromatic light, which can be seen either by the naked eye or by dark-field microscopy. The nanoparticles are well suited for detection in microchannel-based immunoassays. The goal of the present study was to detect
Helicobacter pylori
- and
Escherichia coli
O157:H7-specific antigens with biotinylated polyclonal antibodies. Gold particles (diameter, 80 nm) functionalized with a secondary antibiotin antibody were then used as the readout. A dark-field stereomicroscope was used for particle visualization in poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchannels. A colorimetric quantification scheme was developed for the detection of the visual color changes resulting from immune reactions in the microchannels. The microchannel immunoassays reliably detected
H. pylori
and
E. coli
O157:H7 antigens in quantities on the order of 10 ng, which provides a sensitivity of detection comparable to those of conventional dot blot assays. In addition, the nanoparticles within the microchannels can be stored for at least 8 months without a loss of signal intensity. This strategy provides a means for the detection of nanoparticles in microchannels without the use of sophisticated equipment. In addition, the approach has the potential for use for further miniaturization of immunoassays and can be used for long-term archiving of immunoassays.
Beneficial effects of urokinase on lipopolysaccharide-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation in rats
Authors: Asamura Risa , Ontachi Yasuo , Hayashi Tomoe , Omote Mika , Arahata Masahisa , Kadohira Yasuko , Maekawa Mio , Yamazaki Masahide , Morishita Eriko , Yoshida Tomotaka , Miyamoto Ken-Ichi , Nakao Shinji , Asakura Hidesaku 
Published: March 2005

SummaryIn a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), we used urokinase (UK) in an attempt to clarify the role of fibrinolysis and to investigate changes in plasma endothelin levels. Two kinds of experiment were performed. The first one: experimental DIC was induced by sustained infusion of 30 mg/kg LPS for 4 h via the tail vein, and two doses of UK (2.0 or 10.0 IU/g/4.5 h) were administered to rats 30 min before infusion of LPS, after which UK infusion was continued for a further 4 h. The second one: experimental DIC was induced by sustained infusion of 1 mg/kg/10 min LPS for 10 min, and two doses of UK (2.0 or 10.0 IU/g/4 h) were administered to rats at 30 min after LPS infusion. The parameters described below were determined at 4 h in the first experiment, at 4 h and 8 h in the second one. The similar results were observed in both kinds of experiment. There were no significant differences in plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex, fibrinogen or platelet number among the three DIC groups, in both kinds of experiment. Plasma levels of D-dimer were significantly increased in the LPS + higher dose of UK group when compared with the LPS group. The increased plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity seen in the LPS group was significantly suppressed in the groups receiving UK (especially higher dose of UK). In addition, the increased plasma levels of creatinine and alanine aminotransferase seen in the LPS group were significantly suppressed in the groups receiving UK (especially higher dose of UK). Plasma levels of endothelin, known to be a potent vasoconstrictive agent, were markedly elevated by LPS infusion, and were significantly suppressed in the groups receiving UK of both kinds of experiment, in a dose-dependent fashion compared with LPS group. Glomerular fibrin deposition was significantly suppressed in the groups receiving UK when compared with the LPS group. No manifestations of bleeding were observed in any of the groups. Enhanced fibrinolysis and depressed endothelin induced by UK thus appear to play an important role in preventing the development of organ failure in the LPS-induced DIC model.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis inducing disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Wang Jann-Yuan , Hsueh Po-Ren , Liaw Yuang-Shuang , Shau Wen-Yi , Yang Pan-Chyr , Luh Kwen-Tay , Lee Li-Na 
Published: March 2005

SummaryDisseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) can develop infrequently in patients with tuberculosis and has a very high mortality rate. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the incidence of tuberculosis-induced DIC and to investigate the clinical manifestation, outcome, and prognostic factors of such patients. From January 2002 to December 2003, all culture-proven tuberculosis patients who developed DIC before starting anti-tuberculosis treatments were selected for this study. Patients who had other clinical conditions or were infected by other pathogens that may have been responsible for their DIC were excluded. Survival analysis was performed for each variable with possible prognostic significance. Our results showed that 27 (3.2%) out of the 833 patients with culture-proven tuberculosis had tuberculosis-induced DIC with a mortality rate of 63.0%. The most common clinical manifestations were fever (63.0%) and multiple patches of pulmonary consolidation (59.3%). Seven (25.9%) patients had disseminated tuberculosis. Twelve (44.4%) developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and three (11.1%) were associated with hemophagocytosis. Twenty-four (88.9%) patients had findings that were unusual for an acute bacterial infection, such as positive acid-fast smear, miliary pulmonary lesions, lymphocytotic exudative pleural effusion, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Early anti-tuberculosis treatment significantly improved survival. In conclusion, tuberculosis can cause DIC. Patients with non-miliary, non-disseminated tuberculosis could also develop the rare clinical manifestation. Since the prognosis was very poor in patients not treated at an early stage, a high index of suspicion is required, especially in those with clinical findings suggestive of tuberculosis.
Glycoprotein VI is associated with GPIb-IX-V on the membrane of resting and activated platelets
Authors: Gardiner Elizabeth E. , Matzaris Maria , Taylor Simon G. , Wijeyewickrema Lakshmi , Ozaki Yukio , Kahn Mark L. , Andrews Robert K. , Berndt Michael C. , Arthur Jane F. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe platelet collagen receptor, glycoprotein (GP)VI, initiates platelet aggregation at low shear stress while GPIb-IX-V, which binds von Willebrand factor, elicits platelet aggregation under high shear conditions. To investigate the possibility that GPIb-IX-V and GPVI are associated on the platelet surface, we first ascertained that aggregation induced by a GPVI-specific agonist, collagen-related peptide, like collagen, is markedly cross-blocked by a GPIbα-specific monoclonal antibody, SZ2. Immunoprecipitation of GPIb-IX with anti-GPIbα from the 1% (v/v) Triton-soluble fraction of unstimulated platelets and immunoblot-ting with anti-GPVI demonstrated association between GPIb-IX and GPVI. This association was maintained when platelets were activated by thrombin. Pre-treatment of platelets with methyl-β-cyclodextrin to disrupt lipid rafts did not affect association in resting platelets under these conditions of detergent lysis. The association is also independent of cytoskeletal attachment, since it was unaffected by treatment with N-ethylmaleimide or DNaseI, which dissociate GPIb-IX from filamin and the actin-containing cytoskeleton, respectively. Finally, the association involves an interaction between the ectodomains of GPIbα and GPVI, since soluble fragments of GPIbα (glycocalicin) and GPVI are co-precipitated from the platelet supernatant under conditions where GPVI is shed. A contribution of GPIb-IX-V to GPVI-induced platelet responses, and vice versa, therefore warrants further investigation.
Tissue plasminogen activator in central nervous system physiology and pathology
Authors: Melchor Jerry P. , Strickland Sidney 
Published: March 2005

SummaryAlthough conventionally associated with fibrin clot degradation, recent work has uncovered new functions for the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)/plasminogen cascade in central nervous system physiology and pathology. This extracellular proteolytic cascade has been shown to have roles in learning and memory, stress, neuronal degeneration, addiction and Alzheimer’s disease. The current review considers the different ways tPA functions in the brain.
The urokinase receptor and the regulation of cell proliferation
Authors: Mazzieri Roberta , Blasi Francesco 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe urokinase receptor is a multifunctional receptor modulating both proteolytic dependent and independent processes. It binds the extracellular proteolytic enzyme urokinase and engages lateral interactions with several transmembrane receptors, including integrins and the EGFR. Both, by initiating a proteolytic cascade acting on the extracellular matrix components, and by regulating the activity of important signal transducers, uPAR participates not only in the modulation of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, but also in the control of extracellular signals determining the proliferative state of a cell. Alteration of such a complex and finely modulated mechanism results in unregulated cell proliferation and altered tissue organization, typically associated with tumor progression.