bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicted range expansion of the invasive fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, in the eastern United States based on the VEMAP global warming scenario
Authors: Morrison Lloyd W. , Korzukhin Michael D. , Porter Sanford D. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTThe red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is an invasive pest from South America that currently occupies much of the south‐eastern USA. Global warming is likely to allow range expansion of many invasive species, including S. invicta. We used a dynamic, ecophysiological model of fire ant colony growth coupled with models simulating climate change to predict the potential range expansion of S. invicta in the eastern USA over the next century. The climate change scenario predicted by the Vegetation–Ecosystem Modelling and Analysis Project (VEMAP) was used in our analyses. Our predictions indicate that the habitable area for S. invicta may increase by c. 5% over the next 40–50 years (a northward expansion of 33 ± 35 km). As the pace of global warming is expected to quicken in the latter half of the century, however, the habitable area for S. invicta in 2100 is predicted to be > 21% greater than it currently is (a northward expansion of 133 ± 68 km). Because the black imported fire ant, S. richteri Forel, occupies higher latitudes than S. invicta, the overall area of the eastern USA infested with invasive Solenopsis species could be greater than that estimated here.
A survey and audit of the first ‘Guides to Local Health Services’ produced by Primary Care Trusts in England
Authors: Noble Jenny , Hann Mark , Sheaff Rod , Marshall Martin 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackground  Providing more information for the public about the range and quality of health services is an important part of improving accountability, quality and public responsiveness. Most sources of information to date have failed to address the information needs of people about their local services. The launch in England in 2002 of a new publication, Guides to Local Health Services, was designed to address this deficiency. We conducted an audit of the first Guides, and surveyed those responsible for their production, in order to examine the Guides’ development, content, presentation and dissemination, and to critique the purpose of the initiative.Methods  A semi‐structured questionnaire survey of those responsible for producing the Guides, and an audit of the Guides produced by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).Results  Most PCTs complied with central guidance about structure and content, but in meeting multiple requirements the Guides lost their clarity of purpose. The content was dominated by information relating to financial and strategic accountability. In producing the Guides, external consultation was limited, particularly with the public but also with local partnership providers of health and social care. The main issues were the lack of a clear focus for Guide information, the level of central direction, the short production lead times, difficulties with distribution, and the many competing demands being made on PCT resources.Conclusions  Guide content should be clearly focused on information that the public wants. Greater responsibility should be devolved to front line PCT staff to determine content in consultation with local users.
Evaluating health‐care: the perspectives of sufferers with upper limb pain
Authors: Calnan M. , Wainwright D. , O'Neill C. , Winterbottom A. , Watkins C. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackground and aims  There is considerable uncertainty over the diagnosis, treatment and management of upper limb pain, which has implications for patient care. Research into patient experiences and evaluation of health‐care has been neglected and the study presented here aims to fill this gap.Methods  A two‐staged, mixed methodology was adopted. Phase 1 involved a postal survey of a random sample (n = 2781) of the working age population (25–64) of an area in south‐west England. Phase 2 consisted of follow‐up, informal face‐to‐face interviews with a purposive sample of 47 informants identified, according to pre‐defined criteria, from the survey sample.Results  Our data showed that concerns about the effectiveness of treatments for alleviating pain were fundamental to users’ evaluations of both orthodox and non‐orthodox health‐care. This took priority over the need for a diagnosis and other information. There was a general recognition that the treatments available were, at least, only partially effective and the pragmatic approach led some to eventually withdraw from both orthodox care and complementary and alternative medicines (CAM).Conclusion  Patients’ priorities for health‐care, in this context, were perceived to involve the provision of treatments which alleviated pain and were safe and painless. Orthodox and non‐orthodox care needed to be more closely integrated into primary care services.
Treatment decision aids: conceptual issues and future directions
Authors: Charles Cathy , Gafni Amiram , Whelan Tim , O'Brien Mary Ann 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackground  In the last 10 years, there has been a major growth in the development of treatment decision aids. Multiple goals have been identified for these tools. However, the rationale for and meaning of these goals at the conceptual level, the mechanisms through which decision aids are intended to achieve these goals, and value assumptions underlying the design of aids and associated values clarification exercises have often not been made explicit.Objective  In this paper, we present ideas to help inform the future development and evaluation of decision aids.Results  We suggest, (i) that the appropriateness of using any decision aid be assessed within the context of the wider decision‐making encounter within which it is embedded; (ii) that goal setting activities drive measurement activities and not the other way round; (iii) that the rationale for and meaning of goals at the conceptual level, and mechanisms through which they are intended to have an impact be clearly thought through and made explicit; (iv) that value assumptions underlying both decision aids and associated values clarification exercises be communicated to patients; (v) that taxonomies developed and used to classify various types of decision aids include a section on value assumptions underlying each tool; (vi) that further debate and discussion take place on the role of explicit values clarification exercises as a component of or adjunct to treatment decision aids and the feasibility of implementing valid measures.Conclusion  Further debate and discussion is needed on the above issues.
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF SCALE AND EUROPEAN GOVERNANCE1
Authors: JESSOP BOB 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTThis paper introduces some concepts for analysing scalar aspects of governance, governance failure, and meta‐governance. There is now a significant corpus of work on multi‐level governance in the European Union as well as an enormous literature on various modes of governance. Although the problem of scale is often posed directly for the EU case (notably in terms of the ‘multi‐level’ character of its political regime), scalar issues are also important for all forms of governance. For effective governance must take account of the specific spatio‐temporalities of its objects and mechanisms as well as the spatio‐temporal location and horizons of action of the subjects involved in its exercise. In particular, among their other relational properties, the objects of governance are more or less embedded in space, place, and scale and linked to distinctive temporal relations and emergent temporalities. This indicates the relevance of a strategic‐relational concern with space, place and scale, with spatial, local and scalar imaginaries, and with attempts to secure spatio‐temporal fixes to facilitate the reproduction of objects of governance. Given space constraints, I focus here on two sets of issues: (i) theoretically, the role of scale, scalar divisions of labour, the relativisation of scale, and multi‐scalar governance; and (ii) substantively, the now paradigmatic case of the European Union as a novel form of multi‐scalar meta‐governance.
The evolution of data analyses in Japanese psychology1
Authors: OMI YASUHIRO , KOMATA SEIJI 
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  A historical account of data analysis used in the journal, Japanese Journal of Psychology, was examined. Simple statistics were used before 1944. The number of articles that used statistical significance tests increased during the early 1950s, suggesting the occurrence of an inference revolution. This revolution mirrors what happened in the USA 5–10 years earlier. After 1960, the ANOVA overtook the t‐test as the most popular data analysis tool. Multivariate analyses became more widespread after the 1980s. The history of Japanese psychology can be segmented into four periods from the point of view of the statistical methods used: (a) the simple statistics age (1926–1944); (b) the diversification of statistical methods age (1948–1950s); (c) ANOVA, the king of statistics, age (1960s−1970s); and (d) the spread of multivariate analyses age (1980s–present). The use of a qualitative approach in psychology is discussed.
Preservation of the Fistula for Reconstruction of the Anal Canal and the Anus in Atresia Ani and Rectovestibular Fistula in 2 Dogs
Authors: Mahler Stephan , Williams Gillian 
Published: April 2005

Objective—To report a technique for correction of atresia ani and rectovestibular fistula with fistula preservation, and outcome in 2 dogs.Study Design—Case report.Animals—Two intact female puppies.Methods—The fistula was approached by episiotomy. A vertical median perineal incision was made starting dorsal to the anal region and extended to surround the fistula. The rectum and vagina were separated, and the end of the fistula was sutured to the skin.Results—Early postoperative complications included constipation, fecal incontinence, and perineal soiling, but long‐term outcome was good in both dogs.Conclusion—With careful dissection, the fistula and internal anal sphincter can be preserved and used in the surgical reconstruction of the anal canal and anus.Clinical Relevance—Preservation of the fistula may provide an internal sphincter that contributes to a better functional result during correction of atresia ani. A surgical approach that combines episiotomy and perineal incision for separation of the vagina and rectum, and preserves the fistula may decrease the risk of dehiscence.
Fixed points, stability, and harmless perturbations
Authors: Burton TA 
Published: April 2005

AbstractMuch has been written about systems in which each constant is a solution and each solution approaches a constant. It is a small step to conjecture that functions promoting such behavior constitute harmless perturbations of stable equations. That idea leads to a new way of avoiding delay terms in a functional-differential equation. In this paper we use fixed point theory to show that such a conjecture is valid for a set of classical equations.
Management of leiomyosarcomas of the spermatic cord: the role of reconstructive surgery
Authors: Enoch Stuart , Wharton Simon M , Murray Douglas S 
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Background
Leiomyosarcomas (LMS) of the spermatic cord are extremely rare. Radical inguinal orchiectomy and high ligation of the cord is the standard primary surgical procedure. The extent of surrounding soft tissue excision required and the precise role of adjuvant radiotherapy, however, remains unclear. In addition, recurrence is a commonly encountered problem which might necessitate further radical excision of adjacent soft tissues.

Methods
This article reviews the pathophysiology of spermatic cord leiomyosarcomas (LMS), and discusses the various reconstructive surgical options available to repair the inguinal region and the lower anterior abdominal wall after excision of the tumour and the adjacent soft tissues.

Results
There is paucity of literature on LMS of spermatic cord. The majority of paratesticular neoplasms are of mesenchymal origin and up to 30% of these are malignant. In adults, approximately 10% of spermatic cord sarcomas are LMS. Approximately 50% of these tumours recur loco-regionally following definitive surgery; however, the incidence decreases if resection is followed by adjuvant radiotherapy.

Conclusion
It is therefore important to achieve negative histological margins during the primary surgical procedure, even if adjuvant radiotherapy is instituted. If extensive resection is required, either during the primary procedure or following recurrence, reconstructive surgery may become necessary. This article reviews the pathophysiology of spermatic cord LMS, the reasons for recurrence, and discusses the management options including the role of reconstructive surgery.
Adhesion of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum 299v onto the gut mucosa in critically ill patients: a randomised open trial
Authors: Klarin Bengt , Johansson Marie-Louise , Molin Göran , Larsson Anders , Jeppsson Bengt 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Introduction
To achieve any possible positive effect on the intestinal mucosa cells it is important that probiotics adhere tightly onto the intestinal mucosa. It has been shown in healthy volunteers that Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp 299v) (DSM 9843), a probiotic bacterium, given orally in a fermented oatmeal formula adheres onto the intestinal mucosa, but whether this also occurs in critically ill patients is unknown.

Methods
After randomisation, nine enterally fed, critically ill patients treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics received an oatmeal formula fermented with Lp 299v throughout their stay in the intensive care unit; eight patients served as controls. Biopsies of the rectal mucosa were made at admission and then twice a week, and the biopsies were analysed blindly.

Results
Four patients in the control group were colonised with Lp 299v at admission but thereafter all their biopsies were negative (Lp 299v is an ingredient in a common functional food, ProViva®, in Sweden). Of the treated patients none was colonised at admission but three patients had Lp 299v adhered on the mucosa from the second or third biopsy and in the following samples.

Conclusion
This study shows that Lp 299v could survive the passage from the stomach to the rectum and was able adhere onto the rectal mucosa also in critically ill, antibiotic-treated patients.
Genome-scale evidence of the nematode-arthropod clade
Authors: Dopazo Hernán , Dopazo Joaquín 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
The issue of whether coelomates form a single clade, the Coelomata, or whether all animals that moult an exoskeleton (such as the coelomate arthropods and the pseudocoelomate nematodes) form a distinct clade, the Ecdysozoa, is the most puzzling issue in animal systematics and a major open-ended subject in evolutionary biology. Previous single-gene and genome-scale analyses designed to resolve the issue have produced contradictory results. Here we present the first genome-scale phylogenetic evidence that strongly supports the Ecdysozoa hypothesis.

Results
Through the most extensive phylogenetic analysis carried out to date, the complete genomes of 11 eukaryotic species have been analyzed in order to find homologous sequences derived from 18 human chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis of datasets showing an increased adjustment to equal evolutionary rates between nematode and arthropod sequences produced a gradual change from support for Coelomata to support for Ecdysozoa. Transition between topologies occurred when fast-evolving sequences of Caenorhabditis elegans were removed. When chordate, nematode and arthropod sequences were constrained to fit equal evolutionary rates, the Ecdysozoa topology was statistically accepted whereas Coelomata was rejected.

Conclusions
The reliability of a monophyletic group clustering arthropods and nematodes was unequivocally accepted in datasets where traces of the long-branch attraction effect were removed. This is the first phylogenomic evidence to strongly support the 'moulting clade' hypothesis.
A phagocytic cell line markedly improves survival of infected neutropenic mice
Authors: Spellberg Brad J , Collins Mary , French Samuel W , Edwards John E , Fu Yue , Ibrahim Ashraf S 
Published: April 2005

AbstractDisseminated candidiasis is a frequent infection in neutropenic patients, in whom it causes 50% mortality, despite antifungal therapy. As the duration of neutropenia is the strongest predictor of survival in neutropenic patients with invasive fungal infections, neutrophil transfusions are a logical, therapeutic option. However, significant technical barriers have prevented the clinical use of neutrophil transfusions. To overcome these barriers, we identified a human phagocytic cell line that could be administered to candidemic hosts in lieu of freshly harvested neutrophils. HL-60 cells killed Candida albicans in vitro. Activation of HL-60 cells with dimethyl sulfoxide and retinoic acid abrogated the cells’ proliferation and augmented their killing of C. albicans. Administration of activated HL-60 cells to candidemic, neutropenic mice significantly improved survival (53% vs. 0%). Live HL-60 cells chemotaxed to sites of infection, phagocytized C. albicans, and reduced the fungal burden in key target organs. Although unactivated HL-60 cells also reduced tissue fungal burden in vivo, they did not improve survival as a result of their toxicity in infected mice. In contrast, no toxicity as a result of activated HL-60 cells was observed at up to 2 months of follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a cell line-based immunotherapy for an infectious disease. With further refinements, activated HL-60 cells have the potential to overcome the technical barriers to neutrophil transfusions.
Time-course expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in inflammatory bowel disease and homeostatic effect of VIP
Authors: Gomariz Rosa P , Arranz Alicia , Abad Catalina , Torroba Marta , Martinez Carmen , Rosignoli Florencia , Garcia-Gómez Maria , Leceta Javier , Juarranz Yasmina 
Published: April 2005

AbstractToll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and -4 mediate signals from a great variety of bacterial gut products, giving the host a panel of microbe-recognizing receptors. Under homeostatic conditions, TLRs act as protective receptors of the intestinal epithelium. When homeostasis is disrupted in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, TLR2 and -4 are deregulated. Our study demonstrates, by using a trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis model of Crohn's disease, the constitutive expression and the up-regulation of TLR2 and -4 at messenger and protein levels in colon extracts, as well as in macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes from mesenteric lymphoid nodes. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) treatment induced a decrease of TLR2 and -4 expressions approaching ethanol control levels. Our results suggest that VIP modulation of TLR2 and -4 could be explained by two possible mechanisms. The first one would be the secondary reduction of TLR2 and -4 caused by the VIP-mediated decrease of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1β and interferon- γ, which synergize with bacterial products, contributing to the amplification of TLR presence in the intestine. The other possible mechanism would involve a VIP-mediated decrease of nuclear factor-κB, which would cause a direct down-regulation of TLR expression. In summary, the resultant physiological effect is the decrease of TLR2 and -4 expressions to homeostatic levels. Our study describes for the first time the role of a peptide present in the gut microenvironment as an effective modulator of the initial steps of acute inflammation, acting at local and systemic levels and leading to the restoration of the homeostasis lost after an established inflammatory/autoimmune disease.
Bcr-Abl regulates osteopontin transcription via Ras, PI-3K, aPKC, Raf-1, and MEK
Authors: Hickey Fionnuala B , England Karen , Cotter Thomas G 
Published: April 2005

AbstractChronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is caused by the constitutively active Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase. This fusion protein is generated by the Philadelphia translocation t(9;22). CML is a progressive condition that invariably advances from a drug-sensitive to a drug-resistant, aggressive, acute leukemia. The mechanisms responsible for this progression are largely unknown; however, in many cases, progression is accompanied by an increase in Bcr-Abl expression. Osteopontin (OPN) expression has been shown to be involved in the progression and increased aggression and invasiveness of many solid tumors. Here, we demonstrate that OPN expression is induced in a model of leukemia, and we describe the identification of specific signaling pathways required for the induction of OPN expression by p210 Bcr-Abl. We have determined that high levels of Bcr-Abl activate a signaling cascade involving the sequential activation of Ras, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, atypical protein kinase C, Raf-1, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, leading to the ultimate expression of OPN. Our results suggest that these molecules represent a single pathway and also that there is no redundancy in this pathway, as inhibition of any individual component results in a block in the induction of OPN. The data presented here define for the first time the ability of Bcr-Abl to stimulate the expression of OPN and also identify the signaling pathway involved. This may not only prove important in understanding the mechanisms of progression of CML but also highlights a pathway that may prove significant in many other cases of oncogenesis, where OPN expression is implicated.
Increased Fluorine-18 2-Fluoro-2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (FDG) Uptake in Childhood CNS Tumors Is Correlated With Malignancy Grade: A Study With FDG Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coregistration and Image Fusion
Authors: Borgwardt Lise , Højgaard Liselotte , Carstensen Henrik , Laursen Henning , Nowak Markus , Thomsen Carsten , Schmiegelow Kjeld 
Published: April 2005

Purpose Positron emission tomography (PET) has been used in grading of CNS tumors in adults, whereas studies of children have been limited. Patients and Methods Nineteen boys and 19 girls (median age, 8 years) with primary CNS tumors were studied prospectively by fluorine-18 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) PET with (n = 16) or without (n = 22) H215O-PET before therapy. Image processing included coregistration to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in all patients. The FDG uptake in tumors was semiquantitatively calculated by a region-of-interest–based tumor hotspot/brain index. Eight tumors without histologic confirmation were classified as WHO grade 1 based on location, MRI, and clinical course (22 to 42 months). Results Four grade 4 tumors had a mean index of 4.27 ± 0.5, four grade 3 tumors had a mean index of 2.47 ± 1.07, 10 grade 2 tumors had a mean index of 1.34 ± 0.73, and eight of 12 grade 1 tumors had a mean index of −0.31 ± 0.59. Eight patients with no histologic confirmation had a mean index of 1.04. For these 34 tumors, FDG uptake was positively correlated with malignancy grading (n = 34; r = 0.72; P < .01), as for the 26 histologically classified tumors (n = 26; r = 0.89; P < .01). The choroid plexus papilloma (n = 1) and the pilocytic astrocytomas (n = 3) had a mean index of 3.26 (n = 38; r = 0.57; P < .01). H215O-uptake showed no correlation with malignancy. Digitally performed PET/MRI coregistration increased information on tumor characterization in 90% of cases. Conclusion FDG PET of the brain with MRI coregistration can be used to obtain a more specific diagnosis with respect to malignancy grading. Improved PET/MRI imaging of the benign hypermetabolic tumors is needed to optimize clinical use.