bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Activity of Synthetic Peptides Against Plant Pathogenic Pectobacterium Species
Authors: Kamysz W. , Krolicka A. , Bogucka K. , Ossowski T. , Lukasiak J. , Lojkowska E. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe aim of the work was to check the antibacterial activity of three synthetic peptides: CAMEL, Iseganan and Pexiganan as well as their possible application against plant pathogenic bacteria from the species Pectobacterium carotovorum (Pc) and Pectobacterium chrysanthemi (Pch). The antibacterial activity of the three chosen synthetic peptides was evaluated with the use of two tests: minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration. The CAMEL proved to be the most effective peptide, inhibiting the growth of different species of Pectobacterium in concentrations ranging from 2 to 8 μg/ml. Iseganan and Pexiganan also demonstrated activity against Pectobacterium sp., but it was lower than CAMEL. The CAMEL was able to inhibit Pc and Pch bacterial growth and tissue maceration in pathogenicity tests performed on potato tuber slices.
Photoinhibition and Recovery of Photosynthesis in Canker‐susceptible and Resistant Needles of Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.)
Authors: Muthuchelian K. , Bertamini M. , La Porta N. , Nedunchezhian N. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe aim of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that the cypress canker caused by a fungus (Seiridium cardinale) infection induced effects on photosynthesis which could be related to photoinhibition and the process of recovery in susceptible and resistant needles. Photoinhibition of photosynthesis and recovery was studied in canker‐infected susceptible and resistant needles of cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) under controlled conditions (irradiation of detached needles to approximately 1900 μmol/m2/s). The degree of photoinhibition was determined by means of the ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and electron transport measurements. The potential efficiency of photosystem (PS) II, Fv/Fm declined, and Fo increased significantly in canker‐susceptible needles, while Fo did not change in resistant needles. In isolated thylakoids, high light (HL) decreased the rate of whole chain and PS II activity markedly more in susceptible than in resistant needles. A smaller reduction of PS I activity was noticed only in susceptible needles. Upon subsequent dark incubation, fast recovery was noticed in both needle types and reached maximum rates of PS II efficiency similar to those noticed in non‐photoinhibited needles. The artificial exogenous electron donors such as diphenyl carbazide (DPC), NH2OH and Mn2+ failed to restore the HL induced loss of PS II activity in susceptible needles, while DPC and NH2OH significantly restored it in resistant needles. The results suggest that HL inactivates the donor side of PS II in resistant and the acceptor side of PS II in susceptible needles. The results on the quantification of the PS II reaction centre protein D1 and 33 kDa protein of water‐splitting complex following HL exposure showed pronounced differences between susceptible and resistant needles. The marked loss of PS II activity in HL‐irradiated needles was due to the marked loss of D1 protein in susceptible and 33 kDa protein in resistant needles, respectively.
Current trends of space occupation by encrusting excavating sponges on Colombian coral reefs
Authors: López‐Victoria Mateo , Zea Sven 
Published: June 2005

AbstractSome sponges of the genus Cliona (Porifera, Hadromerida, Clionidae) simultaneously excavate and encrust calcareous substratum, competing aggressively for illuminated space with corals and other organisms. To interpret current trends of reef space occupation, the patterns of distribution and size of three Caribbean species were examined at San Andrés Island and Islas del Rosario in Colombia. While Cliona aprica was ubiquitous, C. caribbaea (= C. langae) preferred deep and protected reef zones, and C. tenuis shallow and wave‐exposed settings. In contrast to the effect on other excavating sponges, chronic exposure to raw sewage did not significantly increase the abundance of the studied sponges. Substratum occupation/availability ratios showed a positive tendency of the sponges toward certain coral skeletons, and a negative or neutral tendency toward calcareous rock, indicating that establishment may be easier on clean, recently dead coral than on older, heavily incrusted substratum. High relief generally limits sponge size to that of the illuminated portions of the substratum. A generally lower proportion of small individuals than of larger ones indicates currently low recruitment rates and low subsequent mortality. Successful events of higher recruitment seem to have occurred for C. tenuis. These are related to the massive acroporid coral die‐off in the early 1980s and to asexual dispersion during storms, resulting in a current 10% substratum cover. Reefs with high coral mortality were and/or are thus more susceptible to colonization and subsequent space occupation by these sponges, although relief may prevent space monopolization.
Factors affecting habitat occupancy of fish assemblage in the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Bonaca Martina Orlando , Lipej Lovrenc 
Published: June 2005

AbstractSpecies composition, richness and abundance of the fish assemblage were studied over six different inshore macrohabitats in the southern part of the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea) using the visual counts technique. Fifteen environmental variables were taken into consideration in order to determine microhabitat preferences of fish species, using canonical correspondence analysis and electivity indices. The results suggest that the structure of the fish assemblage in shallow habitats is affected by a large number of interplaying factors. Depth, type of bottom and vegetation cover – incorporating both abiotic and biotic variables – are some of the factors responsible for coastal fish distribution. Microhabitat preferences for 29 fish species are presented in the depth range from 0.5 to 3 m.
Movement patterns of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus in a marine reserve and an unprotected area in the NW Mediterranean
Authors: Hereu Bernat 
Published: June 2005

AbstractSea urchins can alter the composition and dynamics of algal communities by grazing. Changes in their displacement capability can influence their grazing and thus their effect on algal communities. The daily and monthly movement of Paracentrotus lividus inside and outside a marine reserve in the NW Mediterranean Sea was studied in order to determine the role of predation in sea urchin movements and its potential grazing impacts. During the 3‐month study, the total distance travelled by sea urchins ranged from 71.8 to 673.6 cm (mean = 379.2 cm, SD = 221.3). Home ranges (distances from the initial position) were between 50 and 302 cm (mean = 150.7 cm, SD = 99.4). Movements were not directional but random, with a mean of 150 cm around the initial position. The activity of Paracentrotus lividus was significantly higher at night than during daylight. Total displacement at the end of the experiment was significantly higher in the unprotected area than in the reserve, as was the home range. The linear distance travelled in a 24‐h period ranged between 6 and 220 cm with a mean home range of 51 cm. These results agree with those of other authors, and allow us to rule out major migratory processes of sea urchin populations in this area. Nevertheless, these results underline the role of predatory fishes in reducing herbivory pressure by trophic cascades, reinforcing the evidence that sea urchin escape behaviour may be an important factor in structuring algal communities.
A comparison of the contribution of zooplankton and nekton taxa to the near‐surface acoustic structure of three Turkish seas
Authors: Mutlu Erhan 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe bioacoustics of upper waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, and the Mediterranean Sea were studied in October 1999 with an echosounder with 120 and 200 kHz dual‐beam transducers. Net tows were taken to ground‐truth the acoustic volume backscattering. A forward solution was applied to determine significant scatterers of the three seas with regard to detection limits of the frequencies and background noise measured in each sea. The noise was 4 dB higher in the Sea of Marmara than in the other two seas. 200 kHz data showed significant correlation between measured and calculated volume backscattering strength, and density (biomass and abundance) of the taxa. Large‐sized copepods and chaetognaths in the Black Sea, Aurelia, Beroe, chaetognaths and large‐sized and abundant appendicularians in the Sea of Marmara, and fish larvae in the Mediterranean Sea contributed most to the volume backscattering.
Marine systems: moving into the genomics era
Authors: Wilson Karen , Thorndyke Michael , Nilsen Frank , Rogers Alex , Martinez Pedro 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe study of biological systems has been revolutionized by the use of genomic technologies. Most of the knowledge gathered over the last few years refers to terrestrial models. The study of marine systems using genomic technologies has, apart from a focus on microbial systems, been generally neglected although there are signs that this situation may be changing. This review analyses recent progress made in the field of marine genomics and identifies the broad areas in which this new technology is having the greatest impacts. These studies include comparative, functional and environmental genomics of metazoan animals. In many cases, as well as benefiting marine science, studies on marine taxa are having wide‐ranging impacts on our global understanding of genomes and genomics.
Prioritizing health‐care funding
Authors: O'Donnell J. L. , Smyth D. , Frampton C. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract In the face of limited resources, on what basis should we prioritize health‐care funding? The most influential consideration should be the knowledge that an intervention does something beneficial for the person who receives it. Rather than using imposed knowledge or knowledge obtained by grace, modern medicine uses knowledge obtained by rational thought. Traditionally, two philosophical schools of rational thought support medical interventions: empiricism and rationalism. Empiricist knowledge underpins the treatment of risk, while rationalist knowledge underpins the treatment of disease. To introduce reasoned order into the rationing process we must understand the limitations inherent in the application of these two forms of knowledge. Why are screening programmes for breast and uterine cervical cancer supported while severe restrictions are placed on treatments for chronic arthritis? Can the benefits of cholesterol‐lowering drugs be measured? Empiricism has achieved an unchallenged ascendancy in modern health‐care delivery. Is this ascendancy justified? There is a need for reference criteria to compare the benefits of competing interventions across disciplines. As a starting point for debate we propose that interventions should be given a priority based on how closely they fulfil five criteria: knowledge of disease pathophysiology, measurability of short‐term and long‐term benefits, incidence of serious adverse effects and affordability. It is only by using and refining such funding criteria that better public understanding of the rationing process will be achieved and political interference minimized. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 409–412)
QTc abnormalities in deliberate self‐poisoning with moclobemide
Authors: Downes M. A. , Whyte I. M. , Isbister G. K. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract Background:  Several medications have been found to prolong the QT interval in overdose. This can predispose to torsade de pointes‐type ventricular tachycardia.Aims:  To analyse the effects of moclobemide deliberate self‐poisoning on the length of both QT and corrected QT (QTc) intervals.Methods:  Electrocardiograms (ECG) of all patients presenting to a regional toxicology service with moclobemide ingestion were reviewed. Cases where a cardiotoxic agent was coingested were excluded. QT and QTc parameters were compared with a comparison group of patients ingesting paracetamol or benzodiazepines.Results:  Of 75 patients where ECG were available, the median ingested dose was 4.5 g (interquartile range (IQR): 2.4–7.5; range: 0.6–18 g) and the median age was 34 years (IQR: 26–44). The mean QT interval was 415 ms (standard deviation (SD): 51 ms) with a mean QTc of 459 ms (SD: 44 ms), and were prolonged compared with the comparison group. Twelve female patients had a QTc > 500 ms and in seven of these causality was established based on a pre‐ or post‐ECG with a QTc < 500 ms. Only 10% of the moclobemide cases had a heart rate (HR) > 100 beats per minute, making overcorrection of HR by Bazett's formula an unlikely cause of the findings. No cardiac arrythmias were observed other than one case of first‐degree heart block.Conclusions:  Moclobemide prolongs the QT and QTc intervals in overdose and a 12‐lead ECG should be done on all moclobemide deliberate self‐poisonings. Continuous cardiac monitoring for what is otherwise a relatively benign overdose would appear to be an inappropriate use of resources but can be considered in patients with a QTc > 500 ms or with known risks for QT prolongation. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 388–391)
Mediastinal adenopathy: finding the answer with endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy
Authors: Walsh P. R. , Williams D. B. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract Background:  Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (EUS FNA) is a relatively new imaging modality that has been reported to be useful for mediastinal nodal staging of lung cancer and for the evaluation of mediastinal adenopathy of unknown cause. However, the technique is not commonly used in Australia.Methods:  A retrospective review of all patients who had mediastinal EUS FNA was undertaken. Of a total of 787 patients who had undergone endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) studies from November 1999 to March 2004, 27 patients were identified to have had mediastinal EUS FNA. Details were recorded including study indication, history of malignancy, source of referral, prior attempts for tissue diagnosis, EUS and EUS FNA findings, complications, surgical pathology if available and clinical outcome after diagnosis.Results:  Mediastinal EUS FNA was performed on an outpatient basis and no complications were recorded. Diagnostic material was obtained from all patients with a mean number of three passes. Nodal stations sampled included left paratracheal, subcarinal, aortopulmonary window and inferior mediastinum. Indications for the studies included mediastinal adenopathy of uncertain cause (17), lung cancer staging (7) and gastrointestinal cancer staging (3). EUS FNA confirmed malignancy in 16/27 patients, sarcoidosis in three patients, tuberculosis in one patient and seven patients were deemed to have reactive adenopathy. Primary cytopathological diagnosis of malignancy was determined by EUS FNA in nine patients.Conclusions:  EUS FNA is a safe, efficient and effective modality for mediastinal staging of lung cancer and for the diagnosis of mediastinal adenopathy of uncertain origin. EUS FNA has the potential to significantly impact on patient management, avoiding more invasive procedures as well as unnecessary operations. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 392–398)
Phase II study of prolonged ambulatory infusion carboplatin and oral etoposide for patients progressing through hormonal therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Olver I. , Keefe D. , Myers M. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract Aim:  To develop a well‐tolerated outpatient chemotherapy regimen for hormone‐insensitive prostate cancer.Method:  Forty patients received carboplatin 20 mg/m2 by continuous ambulatory infusion with oral etoposide 50 mg/day for 21 days repeated every 6 weeks.Results:  Four patients had a partial response and 16 patients had stable disease. Two of the partial responders and three additional patients recorded falls in prostate specific antigen of 50% or more. The median freedom from progression was 24 weeks and median survival 32 weeks. Twenty‐four of 31 patients had decreasing pain scores and 20 of 34 patients recorded improved quality of life with at least one cycle of treatment. The main toxicity occurred in seven patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade 4 neutropenia and in four patients with WHO grade 3 neutropenia. Only one patient developed febrile neutropenia. Six patients had grade 3 anaemia and three patients had grade 3 thrombocytopenia. Two patients reported grade 3 lethargy whereas 11 patients had grade 2 lethargy.Conclusion:  This was a well‐tolerated regimen that improved symptomatic control of hormone‐insensitive prostate cancer. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 405–408)
Contact guidance in human dermal fibroblasts is modulated by population pressure
Authors: Sutherland Jennifer , Denyer Morgan , Britland Stephen 
Published: June 2005

AbstractMorphogenesis is underpinned by orientated cell division, motility and growth. The substratum for migrating cells in vivo comprises either extracellular matrix or the surfaces of adjacent cells and both are believed to inform the dynamic behaviour of adherent cells through contact guidance. Collisions between migrating cells in vitro can induce the phenomena of contact inhibition of locomotion and division, suggesting that their sensitivity to substratum‐derived cues may also be influenced by population density. In the present study dermal fibroblasts, which are known to be motile in culture and are fundamental to the organization of the extracellular matrix, were used to examine the influence of population pressure on the ability of substratum topography to induce contact guidance. The findings suggest that sensitivity to substratum‐derived morphogenetic guidance cues, as revealed by alignment of cells to microtopography, is modulated by population pressure.
Anatomy of the lactating human breast redefined with ultrasound imaging
Authors: Ramsay D. T. , Kent J. C. , Hartmann R. A. , Hartmann P. E. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe aim of this study was to use ultrasound imaging to re‐investigate the anatomy of the lactating breast. The breasts of 21 fully lactating women (1–6 months post partum) were scanned using an ACUSON XP10 (5–10 MHz linear array probe). The number of main ducts was measured, ductal morphology was determined, and the distribution of glandular and adipose tissue was recorded. Milk ducts appeared as hypoechoic tubular structures with echogenic walls that often contained echoes. Ducts were easily compressed and did not display typical sinuses. All ducts branched within the areolar radius, the first branch occurring 8.0 ± 5.5 mm from the nipple. Duct diameter was 1.9 ± 0.6 mm, 2.0 ± 90.7 mm and the number of main ducts was 9.6 ± 2.9, 9.2 ± 2.9, for left and right breast, respectively. Milk ducts are superficial, easily compressible and echoes within the duct represent fat globules in breastmilk. The low number and size of the ducts, the rapid branching under the areola and the absence of sinuses suggest that ducts transport breastmilk, rather than store it. The distribution of adipose and glandular tissue showed wide variation between women but not between breasts within women. The proportion of glandular and fat tissue and the number and size of ducts were not related to milk production. This study highlights inconsistencies in anatomical literature that impact on breast physiology, breastfeeding management and ultrasound assessment.
Beyond the initial axon segment of the spinal motor axon: fasciculated microtubules and polyribosomal clusters
Authors: Li Yan‐Chao , Cheng Chang‐Xie , Li Yong‐Nan , Shimada Osamu , Atsumi Saoko 
Published: June 2005

AbstractDense undercoating, microtubular fascicles and scattered polyribosomal clusters have until now been considered to be the three structural features of the initial segment, and were thought not to extend beyond the initial segment into the myelinated parts of the axon. The aim of the present study was to make clear whether there is a sudden change in morphology between the unmyelinated and myelinated part. We followed spinal motor axons from the initial segment to the first internode by conventional electron microscopy and serial sectioning, and found that the microtubular fascicles and polyribosomal clusters do exist in the internodal axoplasm. The fasciculated microtubules were observed mainly in the first paranode. The polyribosomal clusters were found along the course of the first internode at a random distance, however, they occurred mainly in the proximal part of the first internode. The proportion of sections in which ribosomes were found, i.e. the incidence of ribosomes, in the first 30‐µm‐long portion was 71 ± 24% (mean ± SD, n = 4), and significantly different from that in the second 30‐µm‐long portion (3.2 ± 1.3%) (mean ± SD, n = 4) (P < 0.005). The more distal part of the first internode was not investigated.
Functional specialisation of pelvic limb anatomy in horses (Equus caballus)
Authors: Payne R. C. , Hutchinson J. R. , Robilliard J. J. , Smith N. C. , Wilson A. M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractWe provide quantitative anatomical data on the muscle–tendon units of the equine pelvic limb. Specifically, we recorded muscle mass, fascicle length, pennation angle, tendon mass and tendon rest length. Physiological cross sectional area was then determined and maximum isometric force estimated. There was proximal‐to‐distal reduction in muscle volume and fascicle length. Proximal limb tendons were few and, where present, were relatively short. By contrast, distal limb tendons were numerous and long in comparison to mean muscle fascicle length, increasing potential for elastic energy storage. When compared with published data on thoracic limb muscles, proximal pelvic limb muscles were larger in volume and had shorter fascicles. Distal limb muscle architecture was similar in thoracic and pelvic limbs with the exception of flexor digitorum lateralis (lateral head of the deep digital flexor), the architecture of which was similar to that of the pelvic and thoracic limb superficial digital flexors, suggesting a functional similarity.
Growth patterns of fresh human crystalline lenses measured by in vitro photographic biometry
Authors: Schachar Ronald A. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to demonstrate and evaluate the use of digital‐image photography to measure the central thickness and equatorial diameter of whole fresh human crystalline lenses free of all zonular attachments. Forty‐one human donor postmortem intact clear crystalline lenses, with a mean age of 28.5 ± 16.4 years, were obtained by the contributing eye banks. The lenses were removed by the eye bank and shipped in Optisol‐GS, a physiologic preservative storage medium, at 7 °C. The lenses were stored at the same temperature and in the same preservative throughout this study. This medium has been demonstrated to maintain the morphometric characteristics of epithelial cells. After freeing the lenses of all residual zonular attachments, digital photographs were obtained within an average of 20.9 ± 13.4 h after death. The digital images were used to determine the central thickness and equatorial diameter of the crystalline lenses. By carefully calibrating the digital images and maintaining the lenses in physiological storage medium, reliable dimensional measurements were obtained. The dimensions for central thickness for each lens were compared to published, age‐matched lenses, measured in vivo, and were found to duplicate these in vivo measurements reliably.