bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aneruptive Fever Associated with Antibodies to
Rickettsia helvetica
in Europe and Thailand
Authors: Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Allombert Caroline , Supputamongkol Yupin , Caruso Giuseppe , Brouqui Philippe , Raoult Didier 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

We report that eight patients from France, Italy, and Thailand had serological evidence of
Rickettsia helvetica
infection. The infection presented as a mild disease in the warm season and was associated with fever, headache, and myalgia but not with a cutaneous rash.
R. helvetica
should be suspected in patients with unexplained fever, especially following a bite from an
Ixodes
sp. tick.
Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Isolated in Switzerland Contains the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin or Exfoliative Toxin Genes
Authors: Liassine Nadia , Auckenthaler Raymond , Descombes Marie-Christine , Bes Michèle , Vandenesch François , Etienne Jerome 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Among 10 strains of community-acquired methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(CA-MRSA) isolated in 2002 from patients with skin infections, seven harbored the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene, two harbored the exfoliative toxin A gene, and one harbored neither of these genes. CA-MRSA isolates producing a variety of exotoxins are currently spreading in the Swiss community.
Identification of
Bordetella pertussis
in a Critically Ill Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patient by Direct Genotypical Analysis of Gram-Stained Material and Discrimination from
B. holmesii
by Using a Unique
recA
Gene Restriction Enzyme Site
Authors: Vielemeyer Ole , Crouch Jill Y. , Edberg Stephen C. , Howe John G. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Bordetella pertussis
was diagnosed in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient by a newly developed method in which bacterial DNA is amplified directly from sputum Gram-stained slides. The validation of the method is described along with an additional new PCR-based assay that can distinguish between
B. pertussis
and
Bordetella holmesii
.
Prevalence of Vancomycin-Resistant
Enterococcus
in Prenatal Screening Cultures
Authors: Miller Melissa B. , Allen Sonia L. , Mangum Mary Ellen , Doutova Anastassia , Gilligan Peter H. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Recommendations for the perinatal treatment of women colonized with
Streptococcus agalactiae
include vancomycin prophylaxis for those with severe penicillin allergies and antibiotic-resistant organisms. Because of potential postpartum infections due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and the possible spread of vancomycin resistance, the prevalence of VRE in prenatal screening cultures was determined.
Immunologically Silent Autochthonous Acute Hepatitis E Virus Infection in France
Authors: Mansuy Jean Michel , Peron Jean Marie , Bureau Christophe , Alric Laurent , Vinel Jean Pierre , Izopet Jacques 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT
Hepatitis E is an acute and self-limiting hepatitis, and the causative agent, hepatitis E virus, is excreted in feces and orally transmitted. The disease is common in Asia and Africa, causing outbreaks or sporadic cases. In Europe, the infection is generally observed after a history of travel in an area of endemicity. We report on an autochthonous case in southwestern France in which the diagnosis was based on molecular tools rather than serological testing.
Ethical review of health research: a perspective from developing country researchers
Authors: Hyder A A , Wali S A , Khan A N , Teoh N B , Kass N E , Dawson L 
Published: February 2004

Background:Increasing collaboration between industrialised and developing countries in human research studies has led to concerns regarding the potential exploitation of resource deprived countries. This study, commissioned by the former National Bioethics Advisory Commission of the United States, surveyed developing country researchers about their concerns and opinions regarding ethical review processes and the performance of developing country and US international review boards (IRBs).Methods:Contact lists from four international organisations were used to identify and survey 670 health researchers in developing countries. A questionnaire with 169 questions explored issues of IRB review, informed consent, and recommendations.Results:The majority of the developing country researchers were middle aged males who were physicians and were employed by educational institutions, carrying out research on part time basis. Forty four percent of the respondents reported that their studies were not reviewed by a developing country IRB or Ministry of Health and one third of these studies were funded by the US. During the review process issues such as the need for local language consent forms and letters for approval, and confidentiality protection of participants were raised by US IRBs in significantly higher proportions than by host country IRBs.Conclusion:This survey indicates the need for the ethical review of collaborative research in both US and host countries. It also reflects a desire for focused capacity development in supporting ethical review of research.
Institutional ethics review of clinical study agreements
Authors: DuVal G 
Published: February 2004

Clinical Study Agreements (CSAs) can have profound effects both on the protection of human subjects and on the independence of investigators to conduct research with scientific integrity. Sponsors, institutions, and even investigators may fail to give adequate attention to these issues in the negotiation of CSAs. Despite the key role of CSAs in structuring ethically important aspects of research, they remain largely unregulated and unreviewed for adherence to ethical norms. Academic institutions routinely enter into research contracts that fail to meet adequate ethical standards. This is a failing that can have serious consequences.Accordingly, it is necessary that some independent body have the authority both to review research contracts for compliance with norms of subject protection and ethical integrity, and to reject studies that fail to meet ethical standards. Such review should take place prior to the start of research, not later. Because of its expertise and authority, the institutional ethics review board (IRB or REB) is the appropriate body to undertake such review. Much recent commentary has focused on contractual restrictions on the investigator’s freedom to publish research findings. The Olivieri experience, and that of other investigators, has brought freedom of publication issues into sharp focus. Clinical study agreements also raise a number of other ethical issues relating to human subjects and research integrity, however, including disclosures relating to patient safety, data analysis and reporting, budget, confidentiality, and premature termination of the study. This paper describes the ethical issues at stake in structuring such agreements and suggests ethical standards to guide institutional ethics review.
ON THE QUASI-ISOTROPIC INFLATIONARY SOLUTION
Authors: IMPONENTE GIOVANNI , MONTANI GIOVANNI 
Published: February 2004

In this paper we find a solution for a quasi-isotropic inflationary Universe which allows to introduce in the problem a certain degree of inhomogeneity. We consider a model which generalizes the (flat) FLRW one by introducing a first order inhomogeneous term, whose dynamics is induced by an effective cosmological constant. The 3-metric tensor is constituted by a dominant term, corresponding to an isotropic-like component, while the amplitude of the first order one is controlled by a "small" function η(t). In a Universe filled with ultra relativistic matter and a real self-interacting scalar field, we discuss the resulting dynamics, up to first order in η, when the scalar field performs a slow roll on a plateau of a symmetry breaking configuration and induces an effective cosmological constant. We show how the spatial distribution of the ultra relativistic matter and of the scalar field admits an arbitrary form but nevertheless, due to the required inflationary e-folding, it cannot play a serious dynamical role in tracing the process of structures formation (via the Harrison–Zeldovic spectrum). As a consequence, this paper reinforces the idea that the inflationary scenario is incompatible with a classical origin of the large scale structures.
Regulation of Leukocyte Function-Associated Antigen 1-Mediated Adhesion by Somatostatin and Substance P in Mouse Spleen Cells
Authors: Kang Bit-Na , Kim Ho-Jun , Jeong Kyu-Shik , Park Sang-Joon , Kim Sung-Ho , Kim Se-Ra , Kim Tae-Hwan , Ryu Si-Yun 
Published: February 2004

<i>Background:</i> Interaction of the integrin leukocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 (CD11a/CD18) with its ligands, the intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM)-1, -2, and -3 (CD54, CD102, and CD50), is pivotal to many leukocyte adhesion events. <i>Method:</i> To define the mechanism of the movement of leukocytes to the inflammatory site by somatostatin (SOM) and substance P (SP), we examined the expression of the adhesion molecule LFA-1 and inside-out signals for integrins, protein kinase C (PKC), Ras, Rap1, and phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase, in anti-CD3-, anti-CD3+SOM-, anti-CD3+SP-stimulated or unstimulated spleen cells. <i>Results:</i> SOM caused down-regulation of LFA-1 mRNA translation as well as of adhesion-stimulating molecules such as Rap1, Ras, and PI 3-kinase. On the other hand, SP slightly induced LFA-1 mRNA translation and activation signals for integrins. The early-phase alteration of LFA-1 mRNA translation after 3 h of culture may be due to the changes of CD8+ T cells rather than changes of CD4+ cells. In adhesion assays, SOM significantly decreased cell adhesion (p < 0.05). <i>Conclusion:</i> These data suggest that SOM treatment of spleen cells, especially in CD8+ T cells, leads to downregulation of LFA-1 mRNA translation, inside-out signaling molecules for integrins (Ras, Rap1 and PI 3-kinase, but not PKC), and consequently to a decrease in the LFA-1-mediated adhesion to ICAM-1.
IL-10 Inhibits Nitric Oxide Synthesis in Murine Uterus
Authors: Ogando Diego , Cella Maximiliano , Ribeiro María Laura , Weissmann Carina , Aisemberg Julieta , Franchi Ana 
Published: February 2004

<i>Objectives:</i> Recent reports point to a role for the nitric oxide/nitric oxide synthase (NO/NOS) system in implantation. It has been suggested that inducible NOS expressed at peri-implantation would lead to enhanced NO production, which could promote the attachment of the blastocyst. Short-term administration of NO donors during the pre-implantation period reduced the pregnancy rate in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, it is thought that optimal levels of NO are critical for embryo implantation, so regulation of NOS must be crucial. Taking this into consideration, interleukin-10 (IL-10), synthesized and secreted by the embryo, could be modulating NOS during implantation. In this study we have investigated the in vitro effect of IL-10 on NOS in the uterus. <i>Methods:</i> To determine the effect of IL-10, slices of uterus from estrogenized mice were pre-incubated for 60 min with different concentrations of IL-10 and NOS activity was measured. <i>Results:</i> IL-10 (50 and 100 ng/ml in vitro) diminished NOS activity. The in vivo administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 8 mg/kg) significantly increased the conversion of arginine into citrulline. This effect was abolished after 60 min of preincubation with IL-10 (100 ng/ml). The stimulatory effect of LPS and estrogen on NOS activity is exerted on the Ca-independent isoform and IL-10 in vitro abolished this increase. We observed that the uterus of pregnant mice on day 5 of gestation synthesized NO. This production was significantly inhibited by preincubation with IL-10 (100 ng/ml). <i>Conclusions:</i> This report demonstrates that IL-10 is capable of inhibiting NO synthesis in estrogenized, LPS-treated and pregnant rat uterus.
Quantitative Assessment of Gastric Antrum Atrophy Shows Restitution to Normal Histology after <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Eradication
Authors: van Grieken Nicole C.T. , Meijer Gerrit A. , Kale Ilse , Bloemena Elisabeth , Lindeman Jan , Offerhaus G. Johan A. , Meuwissen Stefan G.M. , Baak Jan P.A. , Kuipers Ernst J. 
Published: February 2004

<i>Background/Aims:</i> Grading gastric mucosal atrophy in antrum biopsy specimens remains a controversial subject because of limitations in interobserver agreement. We previously described a reliable, quantitative method for grading atrophy of the corpus mucosa with excellent reproducibility and good correlation with the Sydney scores. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the applicability of this method for the grading of antral atrophy and to study the effect of <i>Helicobacter pylori </i>eradication on the antral mucosa. <i>Methods:</i> Antrum biopsy specimens were collected from 71 gastroesophageal reflux disease patients at baseline and after 3 and 12 months. After the first endoscopy, all subjects were treated with omeprazole 40 mg daily for 12 months. After randomization, 27 of the 48 <i>H. pylori</i>-positive patients additionally received eradication therapy. In 182 hematoxylin-eosin-stained specimens, which were of sufficient quality, the proportions (volume percentages) of glands (VPGL), stroma (VPS), infiltrate (VPI), and intestinal metaplasia in the glandular zone of the antrum mucosa were measured using a point-counting method. In these specimens, mucosal atrophy was assessed by two experienced gastrointestinal tract pathologists (E.B. and J.L.) according to the updated Sydney classification as either nonatrophic mucosa (n = 47) or as mild (n = 29), moderate (n = 50), or marked (n = 56) atrophy. In addition, a group of 23 cases with difficult-to-classify grades of atrophy were included. <i>Results:</i> The mean VPGL decreased with increasing Sydney grades of atrophy (p < 0.001), while the mean VPS and VPI increased (both p < 0.001). After <i>H. pylori </i>eradication, even the cases with the lowest VPGL regressed to normal levels. <i>Conclusions:</i> Overall, a low VPGL correlates with increasing grades of antrum mucosal atrophy. The present data indicate that gastric mucosal atrophy is reversible, since almost all cases showed regression of VPGL after <i>H. pylori</i> eradication. The cases with difficult-to-classify grades of atrophy showed significantly lower VPGLs and higher VPIs than the reference cases.
Mate Attentiveness, Seasonal Timing of Breeding and Long-term Pair Bonding in the House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
Authors: Hill Geoffrey , McGraw Kevin 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn seasonally breeding birds, natural selection favors individuals that begin breeding earlier in a year because they produce more or higher quality offspring than those that begin breeding later. Among the factors that influence the timing of breeding, which include the age, health, competitive ability, or mate quality of individuals, is the longevity of the pair bond, with birds that remain mated across years initiating breeding earlier in the season than newly formed pairs. The behavioural interactions between pair members that may facilitate long-term pair bonding and early breeding onset have infrequently been studied, however. Here we report the relationship between male-female affiliative behaviour, pair-bond duration, and breeding date in house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus), a short-lived, socially monogamous passerine species in which the duration of pair bonds is highly variable within and among seasons. Finches that initiated breeding earliest in the season were those that had bred with one another in previous years. Early breeding males from returning pairs maintained significantly closer contact with their mate during the first egg-laying period of the year than did males from late-breeding, newly formed pairs. Similarly, early-breeding females from returning pairs followed their mate more closely in nest-vicinity flights during the fertile period than females from late-breeding, newly formed pairs. These results suggest that attributes of and interactions between both pair members may help to maintain stable breeding pairs and influence the timing of breeding in seasonally nesting, short-lived songbirds. Rather than advertising for or seeking extra-pair fertilization opportunities, high-quality pairs of finches may invest heavily in their mate to secure the pair bond and ensure high intrapair reproductive success.
Starlings Have Difficulty in Detecting Dot Symmetry: Implications for Studying Fluctuating Asymmetry
Authors: Ruff Douglas , Swaddle John 
Published: February 2004

AbstractSmall differences between the left and right sides of otherwise symmetric traits are related to developmental instability and can indicate how well the genome is suited to current developmental conditions. As these small asymmetries (termed fluctuating asymmetry, or FA) can reveal how well the genome is suited to the environment, researchers have postulated that FA can indicate fitness and be used by other animals as a visual cue to fitness in sexual and social encounters. Despite these claims, we know little about how animals perceive subtle symmetry differences and whether such cues could be used in nature. Here we investigate the symmetry detection abilities of wild caught European starlings Sturnus vulgaris. We presented symmetric and asymmetric images, that resemble the complex dot patterns commonly observed on starling chest plumage, through a series of operant learning sessions. Asymmetric images were produced by introducing a 40% dot number asymmetry. Following extended learning sessions, the birds were not able to accurately discriminate symmetry from asymmetry. Although complex dot patterns (similar to those studies here) are common in nature, it appears unlikely that starlings (and perhaps other birds) could use number asymmetry in such traits as a direct cue to mediate behavioural interactions.
Male and Female White-crowned Sparrows Respond Differently to Geographic Variation in Song
Authors: Nelson Douglas , Soha Jill 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBird song varies both between species and across geographic areas, and there is abundant evidence from playback experiments that both male and female birds are sensitive to these differences in song structure. Comparisons between the sexes are complicated by differences in the behavioral assays used for each sex: males are often tested in the field, i.e. in a natural setting, and females usually in the laboratory with hormone treatment. We performed a field playback experiment to male and female white-crowned sparrows on their territories to see if they made similar distinctions between songs. After we temporarily removed the females' mates from their territories, females approached and called significantly more in response to playback of conspecific song than to heterospecific song. Females gave the same responses to the local dialect as they did to songs containing phrases from a foreign dialect. In contrast, males gave significantly weaker responses to songs containing a phrase from a foreign dialect than they did to the local dialect. We discuss reasons why our results conflict with previous studies that found that females are more selective in responding to song than are males.
On the Meaning of the 'Object and Purpose' Criterion, in the Context of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, Article 19
Authors: Linderfalk Ulf 
Published: February 2004

AbstractAccording to the provisions laid down in Article 19 of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties a state that consents to be bound by a treaty may not formulate such reservations to the agreement, which are incompatible with its object and purpose. This socalled 'object and purpose criterion' has long been puzzling actors of public international law. What does it mean for a reservation to be incompatible with 'the object and purpose' of a treaty? The answer suggested below is the following: a state may not formulate a reservation, if it means (i) that an application of the treaty as modified would run counter to a telos of the treaty; or (ii) that a remaining part of the treaty would be emptied of practical meaning.
Weather Modification—a Scenario for the Future
Authors: List Roland 
Published: February 2004

The ever-increasing severe economic damage imposed on national and world wide economies by severe weather, the need for sufficient and safe water resources for an increasing world population, and the threat of adverse climate change led to this critical assessment of the state-of-the-art of weather modification (WM) and to a proposal of a road map for the future.Special attention is given to rain enhancement because it is further developed than snowpack augmentation, hail suppression, tornado and hurricane modification, and other weather-related disaster control ideas. The question of what makes a rain enhancement experiment acceptable to the scientific community is answered by the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) criteria, which address statistical evaluation, the measurement of rain, the understanding of nature's precipitation processes with the underlying physics and dynamics of clouds and cloud systems, and the transferability of experiment design. These criteria are no longer specific enough or satisfactory and will have to be reconsidered.An actual WM experiment also involves a variety of techniques and technologies, aspects that need to be complemented by numerical modeling of clouds and cloud responses to seeding. Modeling also allows assessment of the extra-area effects, that is, detrimental effects of precipitation on adjacent areas. Assimilation models may be giving better estimates of the rain at the ground because they can integrate restricted information from radar and rain gauges with mesoscale meteorological and remote sensing, as well as hydrological, data. However, massive improvements in computer capacity are required to handle these problems.Weather modification has been progressing very slowly in the past because of the enormity of the problem and the fact that the precipitation process is far from being understood. Considering that rain increases are attempted within a range of 10%–20%, the lack of knowledge at corresponding accuracy is particularly evident in the fields of cloud physics, cloud and cloud systems dynamics, weather forecasting, numerical modeling, and measuring technology.Benefits of new intensive studies of precipitation processes will not be limited to WM; they are also vital to improving weather forecasting and climate change modeling. There is one additional aspect of WM; WM can also be used to test newly developed precipitation physics and models by studying if the clouds react to seeding in the predicted manner.This article is a wake-up call to put more intellectual and financial resources into the exploration and modification of the precipitation processes in all their forms. All these points lead to the suggestion of an outline of a national precipitation research and weather modification program.