bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequencies of maternal platelet alloantibodies and autoantibodies in suspected fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, with emphasis on human platelet antigen‐15 alloimmunization
Authors: Mandelbaum M. , Koren D. , Eichelberger B. , Auerbach L. , Panzer S. 
Published: June 2005

Background and Objectives Serological evaluation of maternal sera for platelet antibodies in suspected fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAITP) discloses in only ≈ 30% of individuals a platelet‐specific antibody. Transfusion‐induced alloimmunization against human platelet antigen‐15 (HPA‐15) has been reported to be about as common as against HPA‐5, the second most common platelet antibody. Thus, anti‐HPA‐15 may also contribute significantly to yet‐unclear cases of FNAITP.Materials and Methods In this retrospective analysis, we provide data on maternal platelet antibodies from 309 mothers who delivered an offspring with suspected FNAITP.Results Genotyping maternal and paternal samples (together n = 573) revealed a gene frequency of 0·496 for HPA‐15a and a gene frequency of 0·504 for HPA‐15b. HPA‐15 antibodies were detected in 2% of all samples. Anti‐HPA‐15a and ‐15b were detected in two and three samples, respectively. One serum reacted equally with HPA‐15a and ‐15b platelets. The most frequent platelet‐specific antibodies were anti‐HPA‐1a (22%), but anti‐HPA‐5b (8·4%) were more frequent than anti‐HPA‐15. In addition, panreactive (5·5%) or autoreactive (5·2%) anti‐GPIIb/IIIa or anti‐GPIb/IX were detectable in maternal samples.Conclusions These data indicate that HPA‐15 alloimmunization needs only to be considered in subjects with suspected FNAITP if no other platelet‐specific antibody is detectable. The presence of panreactive or autoreactive antibodies should also be considered in neonatal thrombocytopenia.
Influence of site factors on the impact of Phytophthora cinnamomi in cork oak stands in Portugal
Authors: Moreira A. C. , Martins J. M. S. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryAlthough decline of cork (Quercus suber) and holm oak trees (Quercus rotundifolia) has been described in Portugal in the late years of the 19th century, its development has become a motive of high concern during the last two decades. The presence of Phytophthora cinnamomi in cork and holm oak stands was surveyed in four different regions of the country (Trás‐os‐Montes, Alentejo, Ribatejo and Algarve) during 1995–98. Tree decline severity, sudden death and site characteristics were assessed in 56 sites representing varied conditions. The pathogen was isolated from oak roots and rhizosphere samples in 27 of those places. Other plant species from natural vegetation were sampled in three active disease centres. This survey showed that 56% of the surveyed species of shrub flora were infected with P. cinnamomi, which was detected mainly on species belonging to the families Ericaceae, Cistaceae and Leguminosae. Recovery of P. cinnamomi was more frequent in shallow soils (Leptosols and complex Leptosols and Luvisols). These soils are more common in the south (Algarve), where decline has a high impact. Soils with low fertility and low mineral nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus, seemed to favour infection. Site aspect and topographic tree situation were also evaluated. Sites facing south showed higher occurrence of P. cinnamomi, which was also more frequent in slopes and valleys than on hilltops. In Algarve, a relationship could be established between the crown status and the presence of P. cinnamomi in roots and rhizosphere. Different morphotypes of P. cinnamomi could be distinguished in vitro, and their occurrence in the field was correlated with particular site characteristics. Further research needs and management strategies to limit the extension of the disease are discussed.
Variation among Italian and French elm clones in their response to Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi inoculation
Authors: Santini A. , Fagnani A. , Ferrini F. , Ghelardini L. , Mittempergher L. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryIn 1995 a clone bank of elms from across Italy was created at Antella (Florence, I) under a European Union project. In 1998 an experimental planting of some clones from this source was established in Antella together with material from a similar clone bank in France and two reference clones: Commelin (relatively susceptible) and Lobel (relatively resistant). In May 2001, the elms were inoculated with Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi and disease development was assessed throughout that summer and the next. Significant differences in susceptibility were found between taxonomic groups, with putative natural hybrids between Ulmus minor and Ulmus pumila being the most resistant and Ulmus glabra the most susceptible. Significant differences were also found within U. minor, some clones being as resistant as Lobel. For U. minor, a statistically significant relation was found with latitude, southerly clones showing less disease than more northerly ones. Relationships were also found between disease severity and times to bud burst, these relationships applying both to the different taxonomic groups and within U. minor. Relationships between growth increment and disease severity were inconsistent. These results are discussed in relation to the intrinsic genetically‐controlled differences that exist between elms and to differences in susceptibility that occur as the growing season proceeds and as a consequence of environmental influences.
Effects of Clinical Mastitis on Ovarian Function in Post‐partum Dairy Cows
Authors: Huszenicza Gy , Jánosi Sz , Kulcsár M , Kóródi P , Reiczigel J , Kátai L , Peters AR , De Rensis F 
Published: June 2005

ContentsMastitis‐induced ovarian abnormalities were studied in a field trial. At 1–3 day after calving, ≥2 parity cows not affected with chronic recurrent mastitis and yielding <400 000/ml somatic cell count (SCC) individual milk in the previous lactation, were enrolled in the study. Thereafter milk samples were collected three times weekly for 95–100 day for progesterone (P4) assay. Individual P4 profiles were used to monitor ovarian cyclicity. When mastitis was diagnosed in the first 80 day post‐partum (pp), clinical signs were recorded and scored, and aseptic milk samples were taken to identify the mastitis pathogens. Depending on the isolated pathogens the cows were blocked into one of the three sub‐groups affected by either Gram‐positive (GP), or Gram‐negative (GN) bacteria, or of those with no detected pathogens (NDP). Cows suffering from any type of mastitis between days 15 and 28 (n = 27) showed a delay in the onset of ovarian cyclicity, and estrus was postponed compared to cows affected during the first 14 day pp (n = 59) and controls (n = 175) (38.6 ± 2.3 vs 33.4 ± 2.1 and 32.0 ± 1.0 day, respectively, for onset of ovarian cyclicity and 90.7 ± 2.5 vs 80.2 ± 2.8 and 83.9 ± 2.1 day, respectively, for estrus; both p < 0.05). The percentage of cows ovulating by day 28 was lower in those affected by mastitis between days 14 and 28 compared to cows between days 1 and 14 and controls (22.2% vs 47.5 and 50.3%, respectively; p < 0.05). A significantly higher rate of premature luteolysis was observed in GN + NDP compared to GP mastitis and healthy cows (46.7% vs 8.3 and 2.0%, respectively; p < 0.001). If the mastitis outbreak occurred during the follicular phase, the duration of this cycle segment was lengthened in GN + NDP mastitis compared to GP mastitis and healthy cows (10.8 ± 0.9 vs 7.9 ± 0.1 and 7.2 ± 0.1, respectively; p < 0.001). The results indicate that mastitis can affect the resumption of ovarian activity in pp dairy cows. Mastitis may also impair reproduction also in cyclic cows: this effect can be the consequence of premature luteolysis or a prolonged follicular phase.
Relation between Physical Properties of the Zona Pellucida and Viability of Bovine Embryos after Slow‐freezing and Vitrification
Authors: Moreira da Silva F , Metelo R 
Published: June 2005

Contents In vitro‐produced bovine morulae/blastocyst embryos (n = 119) were slow‐frozen and vitrified and the physical alterations of the zona pellucida (ZP) was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to find an explanation for the loss of developmental capacity of the embryos after freezing/thawing. A control group was provided, in which embryos (n = 38) were neither frozen nor vitrified. Embryos were in vitro‐cultured in a standard CO2 Heraeus incubator and their viability was assessed 24 and 48 h after the start of culture, evaluating their morphological aspect. After 24 h of culture, embryo survival rate for slow‐freezing/thawed (n = 23), vitrified/thawed (n = 20) and control embryos (n = 20) was 39, 27 and 90%, and 35, 14 and 65% after 48 h of culture, respectively. For evaluation of physical changes occurring in ZP, 20 embryos were slow‐frozen, 18 were vitrified and 18 were used as control. All embryos were fixed, dried and examined under an SEM. Embryo's diameter, as well as the number of pores and their diameter was measured in squares of 6.4 μm width. We observed that, on average, the diameter of the embryos (92.26 ± 10.15 μm) did not differ significantly among all embryos. As far as the diameter of the pores in the outer surface of the ZP is concerned, the results revealed a significant difference (P < 0.05) between control (0.48 ± 0.0025 μm), slow‐frozen (0.34 ± 0.0007 μm) and vitrified (0.27 ± 0.0006 μm) embryos. For the number of pores, statistical differences (p < 0.05) were observed between control and vitrified embryos (45.4 ± 7.3 vs 38.2 ± 8.2). It is possible that ZP functions as a barrier which is positive when dealing with pathogens, but is harmful when nutrients were supplied from the outside, especially at 48 h of culture. Results indicate that the steps of cryopreservation cause alterations in ZP, with irreversible damage on the further developmental competence of bovine embryos.
Leptin, GH, PRL, Insulin and Metabolic Parameters Throughout the Dry Period and Lactation in Dairy Cows
Authors: Accorsi PA , Govoni N , Gaiani R , Pezzi C , Seren E , Tamanini C 
Published: June 2005

ContentsLeptin may play a role in the endocrine‐metabolic processes that guarantee the physiological course of lactation in dairy cattle. This study was aimed at determining the changes in plasma concentrations of leptin and some of the main hormones and metabolites involved in the lactogenetic process in high‐yielding dairy cows throughout lactation; we also wanted to assess whether leptin secretion is subjected to seasonal influences. Blood samples were collected from 23 Italian Friesian dairy cows from the end of a lactation to the ninth month of the subsequent one; in addition, blood was sampled from 47 dairy cows in different phases of lactation during February and July. Plasma concentrations of leptin, growth hormone (GH), insulin, prolactin (PRL), glucose, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and urea were quantified by either validated radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzymatic colorimetric methods. At the beginning of lactation, GH concentrations significantly increased, while a significant reduction occurred in leptin and insulin. This endocrine condition, such as the significant increase in NEFA plasma concentrations, is indicative of a marked lipid mobilization. In the more advanced stages of lactation, when both energy and protein balances become positive, leptin plasma concentrations increased, whereas GH and NEFA concentrations declined. During the summer months, a significant increase in leptin plasma concentrations, irrespective of the phase of lactation, was observed. Collectively, our findings suggest that, in dairy cows, leptin may represent a ‘metabolic signal’ of animal's status of fattening and nutritional level; in addition, leptin seems to be influenced by photoperiod and environmental temperature.
Validation and Usefulness of the Sperm Quality Analyzer (SQA II‐C) for Bull Semen Analysis
Authors: Hoflack G , Rijsselaere T , Maes D , Dewulf J , Opsomer G , de Kruif A , Van Soom A 
Published: June 2005

ContentsIn this study, an upgrade version of the Sperm Quality Analyzer (SQA), the SQA‐IIC was tested for the assessment of bull semen quality. In Expt 1, the device showed good repeatability of measurements within and between capillaries, as evidenced by the low coefficients of variation (CVs; <13%) at concentrations between 35 and 705 × 106 spermatozoa/ml. In Expt 2, 10 semen concentrations (1–1000 × 106/ml) were stored in HEPES TALP for 48 h at room temperature. A time‐dependent decrease in sperm motility index (SMI) values was noticed. SMI values increased linearly with increasing sperm concentrations, but remained constant around 500, corresponding to a concentration of approximately 50 × 106/ml. For sperm concentrations below 50 × 106/ml, SMI values were highly correlated with concentration (p < 0.05) and with semen parameters, expressing the overall semen quality (p < 0.05; Expt 3). In Expt 4, a correlation of only 0.44 (p < 0.05) between SMI values of frozen–thawed semen samples of 35 bulls and the corrected 56‐day non‐return rate (56dNRRc) was found. Prediction of the 56dNRRc based on the SMI value of a semen sample was inaccurate. The present study indicates that the SQA‐IIC is suitable for a rapid screening of bull semen diluted to a concentration of approximately 50 × 106/ml. Furthermore, the device seems inappropriate for fertility prediction.
Expression of Oestrogen Receptors α and β and of Aromatase in the Testis of Immature and Mature Boars
Authors: Mutembei HM , Pesch S , Schuler G , Hoffmann B 
Published: June 2005

ContentsThe boar testis secretes high amounts of oestrogens. In order to test for a likely local significance, we investigated the expression of oestrogen receptors (ER) in immature and mature boar testes using immunohistochemistry (IHC), in vitro and in situ reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Samples were from 25 boars castrated at ages of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 days. Mouse monoclonal primary antibodies against porcine ERα (clone HT227), human ERβ1 (clone PPG5/10) and human P450 aromatase (clone SM1671P) were used. Expression of the mRNA was tested utilizing primers specific for the respective porcine mRNA sequences. ER immunoreactivity was exclusively localized to the nuclei. In immature boars, 90.6 ± 1.2% of prespermatogonia and 71.0 ± 2.6% of the Leydig cells showed a strong staining for ERα; 95.5 ± 3.5% of the prespermatogonia but none of the Leydig and Sertoli cells were ERβ‐positive. In mature boars a strong staining for the ERβ was observed in virtually all Sertoli, Leydig and germ cells, except for the elongating/ed spermatids, which were clearly negative; for the ERα, strong immunoreaction signals were restricted to spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes with 93.6 ± 2.7% of these cells being positive; distinctly less intensive signals were observed in 51.4 ± 0.27% of the secondary spermatocytes, round spermatids and Leydig cells. In vitro RT‐PCR was positive for both receptors and results of in situ RT‐PCR matched those obtained by IHC. P450 aromatase immunoreaction was restricted to the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. These findings suggest that testicular ER may be important factors contributing to onset and maintenance of spermatogenesis in the boar.
Patient with Leriche's syndrome and concomitant superior mesenteric aneurysm: Evaluation with contrast‐enhanced three‐dimensional magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography
Authors: Chan HHL , Tai KS , Yip LKC 
Published: June 2005

SummaryConventional angiography is regarded as the gold standard in vascular imaging but it is invasive, and difficulty may be encountered in the evaluation of aortic occlusion disease. Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm is an uncommon disease, which can result in life‐threatening haemorrhage after rupture. With the rapid development of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), high‐quality images of the vascular system can be obtained in a non‐invasive manner. We report a case of Leriche's syndrome with concomitant superior mesenteric aneurysm using contrast‐enhanced 3‐D CTA and MRA, with digital subtraction angiography correlation.
Incidental finding of meningioma on bone scintigraphy
Authors: Thakorlal A , Wong DC , Anderson RJ 
Published: June 2005

SummaryAn incidental finding of an intracranial posterior fossa meningioma detected by bone scintigraphy is presented. Most of the published literature on the diagnosis of meningioma is on the use of CT and MRI. There is limited published literature on the detection of meningioma with bone scintigraphy.
Empiric validation of the Rural Australian Medical Undergraduate Scholarship ‘rural background’ criterion
Authors: Laven Gillian A. , Wilkinson David , Beilby Justin J. , McElroy Heather J. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractObjective:  Rural Australian Medical Undergraduate Scholarships (RAMUS) provide $10 000 per annum to selected medical students with a rural background. Eligibility criteria include having lived in a rural community for five consecutive or eight cumulative years. We sought to validate the above‐specified criterion using data from the Australian National Rural Background Study. Design:  National case control study stratified by jurisdiction. Participants:  Two thousand four hundred and fourteen Australian‐trained rural and urban general practitioners (GPs). Main outcome measure:  Whether the RAMUS rural background criterion was met or not. Results:  Doctors who met the RAMUS rural background criterion were more likely to be in rural practice (odds ratio = 2.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.97–3.18) than those who did not. This was true for all jurisdictions (except for the Northern Territory) and ranged from 1.95 for South Australia to 3.57 for Victoria. Conclusion:  Rural GPs are more likely to fulfil the RAMUS rural background criterion, supporting the existence of the RAMUS scheme.
The evaluation of a model of primary mental health care in rural Tasmania
Authors: Campbell Alistair 
Published: June 2005

AbstactObjective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a primary care mental health service. Design:  The study used a naturalistic longitudinal design to follow groups of participants who received intervention from a rural mental health worker, or ‘usual’ mental health service, or no treatment, over a period of 12 months. Setting:  The service was evaluated in a rural primary care setting. Participants:  One hundred and forty‐five primary care patients. Outcome measures:  Changes in symptomatology were assessed using the SCL‐90R summary scales, and changes in quality of life were assessed using the EuroQOL. Results:  Those participants treated by the primary mental health worker showed significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life compared to both the usual and no‐treatment groups. Conclusion:  There are few studies evaluating mental health services in rural settings. This study demonstrated that a particular model of primary mental health care was more effective than usual mental health care and no treatment at resolving symptoms and improving quality of life.
Is the originality of a species measurable?
Authors: Pavoine Sandrine , Ollier Sébastien , Dufour Anne‐Béatrice 
Published: June 2005

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce the concept of ‘originality of a species within a set’ in order to indicate the average rarity of all the features belonging to this species. Using a phylogenetic tree of 70 species of New World terrestrial Carnivora, we suggest measuring the originality by a probability distribution. This maximizes the expected number of features shared by two species randomly drawn from the set. By using this new index, we take account of branch lengths whereas current indices of originality focus on tree topology. As a supplement to Nee and May's optimizing algorithm, we find that originality must be one of the criteria used in conservation planning.
Alarm pheromone mediates production of winged dispersal morphs in aphids
Authors: Kunert Grit , Otto Susanne , Röse Ursula S. R. , Gershenzon Jonathan , Weisser Wolfgang W. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe aphid alarm pheromone (E)‐β‐farnesene (EBF) is the major example of defence communication in the insect world. Released when aphids are attacked by predators such as ladybirds or lacewing larvae, aphid alarm pheromone causes behavioural reactions such as walking or dropping off the host plant. In this paper, we show that the exposure to alarm pheromone also induces aphids to give birth to winged dispersal morphs that leave their host plants. We first demonstrate that the alarm pheromone is the only volatile compound emitted from aphid colonies under predator attack and that emission is proportional to predator activity. We then show that artificial alarm pheromone induces groups of aphids but not single individuals to produce a higher proportion of winged morphs among their offspring. Furthermore, aphids react more strongly to the frequency of pheromone release than the amount of pheromone delivered. We suggest that EBF leads to a ‘pseudo crowding’ effect whereby alarm pheromone perception causes increased walking behaviour in aphids resulting in an increase in the number of physical contacts between individuals, similar to what happens when aphids are crowded. As many plants also produce EBF, our finding suggests that aphids could be manipulated by plants into leaving their hosts, but they also show that the context‐dependence of EBF‐induced wing formation may hinder such an exploitation of intraspecific signalling by plants.
Cheaters, diffusion and nutrients constrain decomposition by microbial enzymes in spatially structured environments
Authors: Allison Steven D. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractExtracellular enzymes allow microbes to acquire carbon and nutrients from complex molecules and catalyse the rate‐limiting step in nutrient mineralization. Because the factors regulating enzyme production are poorly understood, I used a simulation model to examine how competition, nutrient availability and spatial structure affect microbial growth and enzyme synthesis. In simulations where enzyme‐producing microbes competed with cheaters (who do not synthesize enzymes but take‐up product), higher enzyme costs favoured cheaters, while lower rates of enzyme diffusion favoured producers. Cheaters and producers coexisted in highly organized spatial patterns at intermediate enzyme costs and diffusion rates. Simulations with varying nutrient inputs showed that nitrogen supply can limit carbon mineralization, microbial growth and enzyme production because of the nitrogen‐demanding stoichiometry of enzymes (C : N = c.3.5 : 1). These results suggest that competition from cheaters, slow diffusion and nitrogen limitation may constrain microbial foraging and the enzymatic decomposition of complex compounds in natural environments.
Duelling timescales of host movement and disease recovery determine invasion of disease in structured populations
Authors: Cross Paul C. , Lloyd‐Smith James O. , Johnson Philip L. F. , Getz Wayne M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe epidemic potential of a disease is traditionally assessed using the basic reproductive number,R0. However, in populations with social or spatial structure a chronic disease is more likely to invade than an acute disease with the sameR0, because it persists longer within each group and allows for more host movement between groups. Acute diseases ‘perceive’ a more structured host population, and it is more important to consider host population structure in analyses of these diseases. The probability of a pandemic does not arise independently from characteristics of either the host or disease, but rather from the interaction of host movement and disease recovery timescales. TheR*statistic, a group‐level equivalent ofR0, is a better indicator of disease invasion in structured populations than the individual‐levelR0.