bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parasites make male pipefish careless
Authors: Mazzi D. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Parasite-mediated sexual selection is expected to favour the avoidance of matings with infected individuals. However, the extent to which the costs and benefits of discriminating against parasitized mates trade off may depend upon numerous factors. I investigated the effects of sex and infection status on choosiness in sex-role reversed deep-snouted pipefish (Syngnathus typhle L.) that were either artificially infected with the trematode parasite Cryptocotyle sp. or sham-infected. Sham-infected males were significantly more likely to associate with a sham-infected female rather than with a Cryptocotyle-infected female. Infected males failed to discriminate against infected potential partners. Males were choosier the larger they were relative to the females available for choice. Females were not discriminatory, regardless of their infection status. Given an inverse relation between female fecundity and parasite load, choosy unparasitized males may gain enhanced reproductive success from their choice decisions. In contrast, more heavily infected wild-caught males gave birth to slightly fewer, but not smaller offspring than did uninfected or lightly infected males, suggesting only a low direct premium on choosy females. The detrimental effects of parasitism on male choosiness, and the lack of female discrimination against infected males likely have profound repercussions on the strength of sexual selection acting on the two sexes and on the dynamics of host–parasite interactions in this system.
Effects of egg yolk testosterone on growth and immunity in a precocial bird
Authors: Andersson S. , Uller T. , Lõhmus M. , Sundström F. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
In oviparous vertebrates, maternal steroid allocation to eggs can have important fitness consequences for the offspring. However, elevated testosterone levels are not only associated with beneficial postnatal effects, such as enhanced growth and high social status, but may also entail costs by suppressing the immune system. In this study, testosterone levels in eggs of Chinese painted quail (Coturnix chinensis) were experimentally manipulated to evaluate its effects on growth and immunocompetence. Testosterone did not affect embryonic development, body size or growth during the first 20 days. However, elevated testosterone levels during embryonic development were immunosuppressive for chicks with inherently higher growth rate. Adaptive scenarios where only beneficial effects of increased testosterone levels are considered may therefore need to be re-evaluated.
Plant-like mating in an animal: sexual compatibility and allocation trade-offs in a simultaneous hermaphrodite with remote transfer of sperm
Authors: Pemberton A. J. , Sommerfeldt A. D. , Wood C. A. , Flint H. C. , Noble L. R. , Clarke K. R. , Bishop J. D. D. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The importance of sexual compatibility between mates has only recently been realized in zoological research into sexual selection, yet its study has been central to botanical research for many decades. The reproductive characteristics of remote mating, an absence of precopulatory mate screening, internal fertilization and embryonic brooding are shared between passively pollinated plants and a phylogenetically diverse group of sessile aquatic invertebrates. Here, we further characterize the sexual compatibility system of one such invertebrate, the colonial ascidian Diplosoma listerianum. All 66 reciprocal pairings of 12 genetic individuals were carried out. Fecundities of crosses varied widely and suggested a continuous scale of sexual compatibility. Of the 11 animals from the same population c. 40% of crosses were completely incompatible with a further c. 20% having obvious partial compatibility (reduced fecundity). We are unaware of other studies documenting such high levels of sexual incompatibility in unrelated individuals. RAPD fingerprinting was used to estimate relatedness among the 12 individuals after a known pedigree was successfully reconstructed to validate the technique. In contrast to previous results, no correlation between genetic similarity and sexual compatibility was detected. The blocking of many genotypes of sperm is expected to severely modify realized paternity away from ‘fair raffle’ expectations and probably reduce levels of intra-brood genetic diversity in this obligatorily promiscuous mating system. One adaptive benefit may be to reduce the bombardment of the female reproductive system by outcrossed sperm with conflicting evolutionary interests, so as to maintain female control of somatic : gametic investment.
Between-year variation of MHC allele frequencies in great reed warblers: selection or drift?
Authors: Westerdahl H. , Hansson B. , Bensch S. , Hasselquist D. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are extremely polymorphic and this variation is assumed to be maintained by balancing selection. Cyclic interactions between pathogens and their hosts could generate such selection, and specific MHC alleles or heterozygosity at certain MHC loci have been shown to confer resistance against particular pathogens. Here we compare the temporal variation in allele frequencies of 23 MHC class I alleles with that of 23 neutral microsatellite markers in adult great reed warblers (a passerine bird) in nine successive cohorts. Overall, the MHC alleles showed a significantly higher variation in allele frequencies between cohorts than the microsatellite alleles, using a multi-variate genetic analysis (amova). The frequency of two specific MHC alleles, A3e (P = 0.046) and B4b (P = 0.0018), varied more between cohorts than expected from random, whereas none of the microsatellite alleles showed fluctuations exceeding the expectation from stochastic variation. These results imply that the variation in MHC allele frequencies between cohorts is not a result of demographic events, but rather an effect of selection favouring different MHC alleles in different years.
Microbial Threat – the Copenhagen Recommendations Initiative of the EU
Authors: Frimodt‐Møller N. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe Microbial Threat was the name of an invitational EU conference held in Copenhagen in 1998, which for the first time made antibiotic resistance an official EU issue. The initiative resulted in a set of conclusions, which together with a summary of the conference was published as The Copenhagen Recommendations. This was soon followed by an EU Council Recommendation in 2001 exhorting the member states to follow and enact the recommendations from the Copenhagen meeting. Funding from EU research funds was later provided for projects monitoring resistance as well as antibiotic use, both of which have been lacking in most EU countries until now. The initiative is a good example of a major health issue being lifted by a concerted and official EU action.
Spread of Resistant Bacteria and Resistance Genes from Animals to Humans – The Public Health Consequences
Authors: Mølbak K. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe paper reviews the lines of evidence which link the use of antimicrobial drugs for food animals with the emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance in bacteria pathogenic to humans, with a particular focus on the public health aspects. Deductions from the epidemiology of food‐borne infections, ecological studies, outbreak investigations, typing studies and direct epidemiological observations show that resistant bacteria are transferred from food animals to man. In addition to transfer in the food chain, exchange of mobile genetic elements among commensal and pathogenic bacteria contributes to the emergence of drug resistance. There is growing evidence that this has measurable consequences for human public health. One consequence is increased transmission supported by unrelated use of anti‐microbials in humans. Other consequences are related to reduced efficacy of early empirical treatment, limitations in the choices for treatment after confirmed microbiological diagnosis, and finally a possible coselection of virulence traits. Recent epidemiological studies have measured these consequences in terms of excess mortality associated with resistance, increased duration of illness, and increased risk of invasive illness or hospitalization following infections with resistant Salmonella.
Evidence of an Association Between Use of Anti‐microbial Agents in Food Animals and Anti‐microbial Resistance Among Bacteria Isolated from Humans and the Human Health Consequences of Such Resistance
Authors: Angulo F. J. , Nargund V. N. , Chiller T. C. 
Published: December 2004

SummarySeveral lines of evidence indicate that the use of anti‐microbial agents in food animals is associated with anti‐microbial resistance among bacteria isolated from humans. The use of anti‐microbial agents in food animals is most clearly associated with anti‐microbial resistance among Salmonella and Campylobacter isolated from humans, but also appears likely among enterococci, Escherichia coli and other bacteria. Evidence is also accumulating that the anti‐microbial resistance among bacteria isolated from humans could be the result of using anti‐microbial agents in food animals and is leading to human health consequences. These human health consequences include: (i) infections that would not have otherwise occurred and (ii) increased frequency of treatment failures and increased severity of infection. Increased severity of infection includes longer duration of illness, increased frequency of bloodstream infections, increased hospitalization and increased mortality. Continued work and research efforts will provide more evidence to explain the connection between the use of anti‐microbial agents in food animals and anti‐microbial‐resistant infections in humans. One particular focus, which would solidify this connection, is to understand the factors that dictate spread of resistance determinants, especially resistant genes. With continued efforts on the part of the medical, veterinary and public health community, such research may contribute to more precise guidelines on the use of anti‐microbials in food animals.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria from Food‐producing Animals. Risk Management Tools and Strategies
Authors: Grugel C. , Wallmann J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe application of antimicrobial agents has proved to be the main risk factor for development, selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This link applies to the use of antimicrobial agents in human and in veterinary medicine. Furthermore, antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria and resistant genes can be transmitted from animals to humans either by direct contact or via the food chain. In this context, risk management has to be discussed regarding prevention and control of the already existing antimicrobial resistance. One of the primary risk management measures in order to control the development and spread of antimicrobial resistances is by regulating the use of antimicrobial agents and subjecting their use to guidelines. Thereby, the occurrence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the human and veterinary habitat can be controlled to a certain degree. There is little information about past attempts to prevent the development of resistances or to control them, and even less is known about the effectiveness or the cost intensiveness of such efforts. Most of the strategies focus on preventing and controlling antimicrobial resistance by means of the reduction or limitation of the use of antimicrobial agents in food‐producing animals.
Onychomycosis in Denmark: prevalence of fungal nail infection in general practice
Authors: Svejgaard E. L. , Nilsson J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe study was initiated in order to get knowledge of the frequency of onychomycosis in patients visiting general practitioners in Denmark. A study design was using a display showing photos of abnormal nails including fungal infection, a clinical examination and a questionnaire. The practitioners obtained nail material. Direct microscopy and culture as well as histopathology, were carried out blindly in two different mycological laboratories. A number of 8546 patients were seen during the 6 months of the study, 5755 (67.3%) took part in the investigation. Clinical abnormal nails were observed in 948 (16.5%) patients, 52% males and 48% females, aged 18–92, mean 55 years old. Onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes were found in 238 (4.1%) and by Candida albicans in 45 (0.8%). Trichosporon cutaneum and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis were isolated each in 15 cases as single cultures. Onychomycosis, was typically seen in toenails as the distal‐lateral type in males more than 40 years old. Predisposing factors were familiar dermatophytosis (22%), trauma (16.9%), diabetes mellitus (6.7%) and peripheral circulatory insufficiency (5.9%).
Prevalence of Candida dubliniensis among germ tube‐positive yeasts recovered from the respiratory specimens in HIV‐negative patients
Authors: Fotedar R. , Al Hedaithy S. S. A. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe present investigation was conducted to identify Candida dubliniensis, from respiratory specimens, recovered from HIV‐negative patients. Over a 7‐month period, 75 germ tube and chlamydospore‐positive yeasts were screened for C. dubliniensis, using a variety of phenotypic characteristics. Their identification was based on sugar assimilation reactions using API 20 C Aux. A total of seven (9%) isolates recovered from sputum, bronchial lavage and nasopharyngeal aspirate were identified as C. dubliniensis. All the isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B. One isolate each showed resistance to fluconazole and ketoconazole, and two were resistant to itraconazole. A significantly high percentage (43%) of C. dubliniensis showed resistance to flucytosine.
Immune response in mouse experimental cholangitis associated with colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium
Authors: NUMATA YOSHIHIRO , TAZUMA SUSUMU , NISHIOKA TOMOJI , UENO YOSHITAKA , CHAYAMA KAZUAKI 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Primary sclerosing cholangitis is frequently complicated by inflammatory bowel disease. Although many colitis models have been reported, little information has been obtained about complicated cholangitis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether hepatobiliary disorders occur in mice experimental colitis, and to clarify the underlying mechanisms.Methods:  The CD‐1 mice were fed standard chow with or without dextran sulfate sodium in the drinking water, followed by histological examination of the liver and colon. Mononuclear cells were isolated from these organs, and cytokine production was assessed. The CD4/CD8 ratio and the population of natural killer T (NKT) cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.Results:  Inflammatory cell infiltration and focal necrosis in the liver were found in 33% of treated mice. In treated mice, the CD4/CD8 ratio increased in the liver, whereas no such change was found in the colon. Also an increase of interferon‐γ and a decrease of interleukin‐4 production were observed. The NKT cell population showed transient changes in the liver and colon.Conclusions:  Hepatobiliary disorders were complicated with experimental colitis in CD‐1 mice. Immunological findings indicate a T‐helper‐1‐dominant underlying mechanism, and NKT cells may play a pathogenic role in this model. This model may help to elucidate the relationship between hepatic and colonic inflammations.© 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Hepatocellular carcinoma in Saudi Arabia: Role of hepatitis B and C infection
Authors: AYOOLA EPHRAIM A , GADOUR MOHAMMED OEH 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  To estimate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in non‐alcoholic patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, 118 patients who were admitted to a regional hospital in Saudi Arabia were compared with 118 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals.Results:  The prevalence of HBsAg in HCC patients (67%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 57.7–75.3) was significantly higher than the rate (6.7%; 95%CI: 3.0–12.9) in the controls (OR: 28.4; 95%CI: 12.6–63.9; P < 0.001). There was a high risk of HCC in the presence of HBsAg alone (OR: 34.3; 95%CI: 14.8–79.1, P < 0.001) and anti‐HCV alone (OR: 12.2; 95%CI: 3.2–47.2; P < 0.001). Although HBV and HCV were independent risk factors in the development of HCC, there was no interactive relationship between the two viruses. Dual infections occurred in only 3.4% and were associated with only a moderate increase in the risk of HCC (OR: 14.6; 95%CI: 1.57–135.9). In 24.6% of the cases no virus was identified as the etiologic factor.Conclusion:  Hepatitis B virus constitutes a major risk factor and HCV contributes a less significant role in the development of HCC. The ongoing program of HBV vaccination may significantly decrease the prevalence of HBV‐associated HCC in this population.
Insulin resistance and C‐reactive protein as independent risk factors for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in non‐obese Asian men
Authors: PARK SEUNG HA , KIM BYUNG IK , YUN JUNG WON , KIM JEONG WOOK , PARK DONG IL , CHO YONG KYUN , SUNG IN KYUNG , PARK CHANG YOUNG , SOHN CHONG IL , JEON WOO KYU , KIM HYANG , RHEE EUN JUNG , LEE WON YOUNG , KIM SUN WOO 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Although insulin resistance is often considered the link between obesity and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the role of insulin resistance, independent of obesity, as a NAFLD risk factor in non‐obese men has been less well established. Systemic inflammation may be accompanied by insulin resistance in healthy subjects. The goal of the present study was to examine if insulin resistance and systemic inflammatory markers are independent predictors of NAFLD in non‐obese men.Methods:  The authors conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 120 patients with NAFLD and 240 controls matched by age and body mass index. Controls had no evidence of alcohol abuse, hepatitis B or C, obesity, or previous history of diabetes, fasting hyperglycemia or hypertension. Diagnosis of NAFLD was based on an elevated alanine aminotransferase level and sonographic evidence of a fatty liver. Insulin resistance was determined using a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR).Results:  The age‐adjusted risk of developing NAFLD was strongly associated with the elevated levels in measurements of uric acid, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and HOMA‐IR, and decreased levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A‐I. Multivariate analysis based on univariate analysis indicated that an increase in CRP (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.77) per 1 SD (1.48 mg/L) and HOMA‐IR (OR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.67–3.11) per 1 SD (0.63) were independent risk factors for NAFLD.Conclusion:  Insulin resistance and systemic inflammatory response are of key importance for inducing NAFLD, particularly in apparently healthy non‐obese men.
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth is a common cause of chronic diarrhea
Authors: TEO MARCUS , CHUNG STEPHEN , CHITTI LAURI , TRAN CUONG , KRITAS STAMATIKI , BUTLER ROSS , CUMMINS ADRIAN 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Often a cause for chronic non‐specific diarrhea (≥3 stools per day for more than 4 weeks) is not identified. Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBO) can occur without morphological damage and remains difficult to diagnose. Often diarrhea is treated empirically with antibiotics with a good response. The aims of the present study were first to investigate the prevalence of SBO in a consecutive series of patients with chronic diarrhea and second to compare the utility of duodenal fluid culture and 14C‐d‐xylose breath/lactulose test in diagnosing SBO.Methods:  In the first study, the cause of chronic diarrhea was prospectively diagnosed in 87 subjects. In the second study, tests of SBO were compared in 18 subjects with chronic diarrhea and 15 subjects with reflux oesophagitis used as control subjects. Duodenal fluid was aspirated at endoscopy and cultured and later a 14C‐d‐xylose breath/lactulose test was performed.Results:  In the first study, SBO was present in 48% of those with chronic diarrhea. In the second study, the diarrhea group had an average (range) stool frequency of 5.5 (3–10) per day and had normal duodenal biopsies. A total of 33%, 50%, 67% of subjects had SBO by duodenal culture alone, by a 14C‐d‐xylose breath/lactulose test alone and by a combination of both tests, respectively. In the control group, 0%, 13% and 13% had SBO by duodenal culture alone, by 14C‐d‐xylose breath/lactulose test alone and by combination of tests, respectively.Conclusion:  Small bowel bacterial overgrowth is a common (33–67%) cause of chronic diarrhea.© 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Combined supplementation of vanadium and beta‐carotene suppresses placental glutathione S‐transferase‐positive foci and enhances antioxidant functions during the inhibition of diethylnitrosamine‐induced rat liver carcinogenesis
Authors: CHATTOPADHYAY MITALI BASU , CB MAHENDRA KUMAR , KANNA P SURESH , RAY RAJARSHI SANKAR , ROY SOUVIK , CHATTERJEE MALAY 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The present study was designed to investigate the chemopreventive effects of combined vanadium (V; 0.5 p.p.m.) and beta‐carotene (BC; 120 mg/kg of basal diet) on diethylnitrosoamine (DEN)‐induced and phenobarbital (PB)‐promoted rat hepatocarcinogenesis.Methods:  All rats were subjected to two‐thirds partial hepatectomy (PH) at the fourth week. After PH they were administered either trioctanoin alone (groups A′, B′, C′ and D′) or a single injection of DEN in trioctanoin at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight (groups A, B, C and D). Two weeks after the DEN treatment PB was administered (0.05% in basal diet) to all the DEN‐treated rats and continued until the end of the experiment. Supplementation of V (groups B and B′), BC (groups C and C′) or both V and BC (groups D and D′) at the doses stated previously were started 4 weeks before DEN administration (at week 0) and continued until the 16th week.Results:  It was observed that in the DEN‐treated and PB‐promoted group (group A) the expression of the numbers and areas of the placental form of glutathione S‐transferase (GST‐P)‐positive altered hepatic foci (AHF) was maximum. Treatment with V (group B) and BC (group C) significantly reduced the expression of GST‐P‐positive AHF by 29.5% and 42.8%, respectively. An additive protection action (65.7%) was noticed in group D, which received both V and BC for the entire period of the experiment. It was also observed that supplementation of V and BC for the entire period of the experiment significantly reduced the number and size of the hyperplastic nodules, while the combination treatment worked as an additive effect, reducing the number and size of the hyperplastic nodules to 22% from 89%. Moreover, a significantly reduced level of cytosolic glutathione (P < 0.001) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (P < 0.001) activity and stabilization of aerobic metabolism and hepatic architecture of the cells as compared with carcinogen control were observed in the V + BC‐treated group.Conclusion:  The present study suggests that V, an essential trace element, may be useful in combination with BC, an antioxidant, in the inhibition of experimentally induced rat hepatocarcinogenesis.