bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oestradiol and FSH in gestational trophoblastic disease: a prospective analysis of their predictive value
Authors: Macdonald Robert , Kirwan John , Thomson Catherine , Hancock Barry , Everard Jan , Tidy John 
Published: June 2005

Objective  To determine whether oestradiol or follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) measured prior to treatment could improve the predictive value of the risk score used to determine treatment in cases of persistent gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).Design  Prospective observational study.Setting  Tertiary referral centre for GTD.Population  All women referred to Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield, with GTD between 1st January 1996 and 31st December 2000.Methods  Blood was taken prior to the initiation of treatment to measure oestradiol and FSH. The results were analysed with respect to the time taken for the β‐hCG to return to normal.Main outcome measures  Time taken to reach a normal β‐hCG.Results  Data on 118 women were collected. Three women died of GTD during follow up. Using Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis, division of the risk scores into high and low risk groups (≤7, >7) demonstrated a significant difference with regard to the length of time taken to reach a normal β‐hCG level (hazard ratio 0.32; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.57) comparing high risk relative to low risk. However, addition of neither oestradiol nor FSH to the Cox regression analysis produced a significant hazard ratio (Ln oestradiol, 0.95; FSH 0.99). Division of the patients' risk scores into three groups of low (0–4), intermediate (5–7) and high (>7) risk groups produced similar results.Conclusions  The measurement of neither oestradiol nor FSH appears to improve the prediction of outcome in persistent GTD when added to the risk score.
The association of hysterectomy and menopause: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Farquhar Cynthia M. , Sadler Lynn , Harvey Sally A. , Stewart Alistair W. 
Published: June 2005

Objective  To determine whether or not hysterectomy leads to an earlier onset of the menopause.Design  A prospective cohort study.Setting  Gynaecology service of large urban hospital.Population  Premenopausal women with and without hysterectomy.Methods  Multivariate survival analysis techniques were used to adjust for differences in initial follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, body mass index, smoking and unilateral oophorectomy between the groups.Main outcome measures  FSH levels were measured for five years following hysterectomy and compared with the comparison group. Menopause was defined as a single FSH measurement of at least 40 IU/L.Results  Two hundred and fifty‐seven women undergoing hysterectomy were compared with 259 women who had not undergone a hysterectomy. Fifty‐three women (20.6%) in the hysterectomy group and 19 women (7.3%) in the comparison group reached menopause over the five years of the study. Women in the hysterectomy group with a pre‐operative FSH <10 IU/L reached menopause 3.7 years (95% CI 1.5–6.0 years) earlier than women in the comparison group independent of BMI, smoking and unilateral oophorectomy. Twenty‐eight women in the hysterectomy group had unilateral oophorectomy and 10 (35.7%) of these women reached menopause over the five years of follow up. Women in the hysterectomy group with unilateral oophorectomy reached menopause 4.4 years (95% CI 0.6, 7.9 years) earlier than women with both ovaries in the hysterectomy group independent of baseline FSH, BMI and smoking.Conclusions  Hysterectomy is associated with an earlier onset of menopause. Hysterectomy with unilateral oophorectomy is associated with an even earlier onset of the menopause in this study.
DJ‐1 is present in a large molecular complex in human brain tissue and interacts with α‐synuclein
Authors: Meulener Marc C. , Graves Charles L. , Sampathu Deepak M. , Armstrong‐Gold Cecilia E. , Bonini Nancy M. , Giasson Benoit I. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractDJ‐1 is a ubiquitously expressed protein involved in various cellular processes including cell proliferation, RNA‐binding, and oxidative stress. Mutations that result in loss of DJ‐1 function lead to early onset parkinsonism in humans, and DJ‐1 protein is present in pathological lesions of several tauopathies and synucleinopathies. In order to further investigate the role of DJ‐1 in human neurodegenerative disease, we have generated novel polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to human DJ‐1 protein. We have characterized these antibodies and confirmed the pathological co‐localization of DJ‐1 with other neurodegenerative disease‐associated proteins, as well as the decrease in DJ‐1 solubility in disease tissue. In addition, we report the presence of DJ‐1 in a large molecular complex (> 2000 kDa), and provide evidence for an interaction between endogenous DJ‐1 and α‐synuclein in normal and diseased tissue. These findings provide new avenues towards the study of DJ‐1 function and how loss of its activity may lead to parkinsonism. Furthermore, our results provide further evidence for the interplay between neurodegenerative disease‐associated proteins.
Oviposition in an eruptive moth species, Yponomeuta evonymellus, is insensitive to the population density experienced during the larval period
Authors: Javoiš Juhan , Tammaru Toomas , Käär Miia 
Published: June 2005

AbstractWe studied if the population density experienced during larval development affects the reproductive schedule of Yponomeuta evonymellus L. (Lepidoptera, Yponomeutidae), a moth species characterized by outbreak population dynamics. More specifically, we predicted that reproduction would be delayed to facilitate emigration from sites with suboptimally high densities of conspecifics. We manipulated larval densities in the laboratory, as well as in those pupae collected from the extremes of natural densities. As the response, we also recorded the timing and sizes of egg clutches laid. The results did not support our initial predictions: the timing of oviposition was not dependent on larval growth conditions. This apparent lack of adaptation might be related to the loss of ‘memory’ during metamorphosis in holometabolous insects. However, oviposition schedules were also only minimally sensitive to elevated adult density. An inability to respond to high larval densities may contribute to the outbreak dynamics in this species.
Behavioural responses in three ichneumonid pollen beetle parasitoids to volatiles emitted from different phenological stages of oilseed rape
Authors: Jönsson Martin , Lindkvist Anna , Anderson Peter 
Published: June 2005

AbstractPollen beetles (Meligethes spp.; Coleoptera: Nitiduliae) are a major pest of oilseed rape, Brassica napus L. (Brassicaceae) in northern Europe. Phradis interstitialis Thomson, P. morionellus Holmgr., and Tersilochus heterocerus Thomson (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) are among the most frequent pollen beetle parasitoids. These three species differ in temporal occurrence, as well as in preferred host stage. The behavioural responses of female parasitoids to odours from oilseed rape at bud and flowering stage were evaluated in two‐choice experiments. The role of visual stimuli was examined by combining green and yellow colours with odour stimuli. All three species were attracted to odours from the bud stage of oilseed rape. Tersilochus heterocerus was attracted to odours of flowering rape, but the two Phradis species avoided the flower odours. However, when the odours of flowering rape were combined with yellow, and odours of the bud stage were combined with green, P. interstitialis was equally attracted to both stimuli, and T. heterocerus showed an increased preference for flower odours, while no effect of colours could be found in P. morionellus. The observed differences in responses between the parasitoids may reflect differences in their biology and may be involved in the niche segregation of these often coexisting species. The volatile blends released from the two phenological stages were identified and compared. Clearly, odours can be reliable cues for differentiating between oilseed rape in the bud and flowering stage. Of 20 identified compounds, 18 were released at a significantly higher rate from flowering plants. The terpenes sabinene, myrcene, limonene, and (E,E)‐α‐farnesene were the dominant volatiles in the bud and flower headspace. A group of aromatic compounds including benzaldehyde, methyl benzoate, and phenyl acetaldehyde were mainly released from flowering rape.
Host preference and suitability of some selected crops for two biotypes of Bemisia tabaci in Ghana
Authors: Omondi A.B. , Obeng‐Ofori D. , Kyerematen R.A. , Danquah E.Y. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe economic importance of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is mainly due to its wide host range, variable kinds of damage, and great intraspecific variation. The delineation of two African biotypes of this pest has been carried by molecular, ecological, and host‐affiliation approaches, with largely consistent results. However, an understanding of its intricate host–pest interaction is necessary as a basis of its sustainable integrated control. This study investigated the host preference and suitability of cassava and okra biotypes of B. tabaci, based on multiple‐choice landing and oviposition preference assays and stage‐specific survival on eight common whitefly hosts. The cassava biotype significantly preferred cassava, Manihot esculenta, for landing and oviposition, but did not oviposit on okra, Abelmoschus esculentus. The okra biotype preferred okra, oviposited on eggplant, Solanum melongena, tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum, garden egg, Solanum integrifolium, and cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, but did not oviposit on cassava. The okra biotype developed on all hosts except cassava, but only survived marginally on cabbage, Brassica oleracea, and pepper, Capsicum annum var. grosum, while the cassava biotype did not develop on okra, cabbage, or pepper. Thus the observed host acceptance of the two biotypes is wider than earlier reported by host transfer experiments and molecular genetic surveys. Mortality was highest in the first instar nymphal stage, during which total mortality occurred on non‐hosts. Development time was slightly longer on marginal hosts than on the preferred hosts. Cowpea, garden egg, and tomato are additional common hosts of the two biotypes, whose role as reservoir hosts and biotype interbreeding grounds should be investigated further.
Influence of temperature on alkaloid levels and fall armyworm performance in endophytic tall fescue and perennial ryegrass
Authors: Salminen Seppo O. , Richmond Douglas S. , Grewal Sukhbir K. , Grewal Parwinder S. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe symbiotic relationships between Neotyphodium endophytes (Clavicipitacea) and certain cool‐season (C3) grasses result in the synthesis of several alkaloids that defend the plant against herbivory. Over a 3 month period we evaluated the effects of temperature on the expression of these alkaloids in tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb, and perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne L. (Poaceae). Response surface regression analysis indicated that month, temperature, and their interaction had an impact on the alkaloid levels in both grasses. We aimed to identify the alkaloids most closely associated with enhanced resistance to the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and clarify the role of temperature in governing the expression of these alkaloids. The dry weights and survival of fall armyworms feeding on endophyte‐infected tall fescue or perennial ryegrass were significantly lower than for those feeding on uninfected grass, whereas endophyte infection had no significant influence on survival. For tall fescue, a four‐alkaloid model consisting of a plant alkaloid, perloline, and the fungal alkaloids ergonovine chanoclavine, and ergocryptine, explained 47% of the variation in fall armyworm dry weight, whereas a three‐alkaloid model consisting of the plant alkaloid perloline methyl ether and the fungal alkaloids ergonovine and ergocryptine explained 70% of the variation in fall armyworm dry weight on perennial ryegrass. Although temperature had a significant influence on overall alkaloid expression in both grasses, the influence of temperature on individual alkaloids varied over time. The levels of those alkaloids most closely linked to armyworm performance increased linearly or curvilinearly with increasing temperature during the last 2 months of the study. We conclude that the growth temperature of grasses can influence the performance of fall armyworm, and that this effect may be mediated through a set of plant‐ and endophyte‐related alkaloids.
The Botanophila–Epichloë association in cultivated Festuca in Oregon: evidence of simple fungivory
Authors: Rao S. , Alderman S.C. , Takeyasu J. , Matson B. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractWe investigated the Botanophila (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)–Epichloë (Ascomycetes: Clavicipitaceae) interaction in cultivated Festuca spp. (fine fescue) in Oregon in western USA. Epichloë spp. are endophytic fungi of grasses in the subfamily Pooideae. They develop a felt‐like stroma on the surface of grass culms and a dense mycelium within the culms that typically prevents seed head emergence. As a result, seed yields are suppressed, and hence the disease is known as choke. Studies of Epichloë spp. on wild grasses indicate that the fly–fungus interaction is an obligatory mutualism. During oviposition, Botanophila transfers Epichloë spermatia between stromata of opposite mating types, and the perithecia that develop after fungal fertilization serve as food for Botanophila larvae. In the current study, we surveyed 19 cultivated fields of Festuca spp. in Oregon, and observed choke caused by Epichloë festucae Leuchtmann, Schardl and Siegl in 10 of these. However, perithecia were observed in only four fields, and on only 1.0–2.6% of stromata. Perithecial development was also low, and rarely covered 50% of the stroma surface. Despite the absence or low frequency of fertilized stromata, Botanophila lobata Collin larvae were present in all choke‐infested fields. Infestation levels ranged from 2.5 to 70.7%, based on an examination of 175–200 stromata from each field. Only eight (= 2%) of the 450 stromata with B. lobata had perithecia, and the greater majority of B. lobata larvae completed development and exited from unfertilized stromata. This is the first report of the B. lobata–E. festucae association in the USA, and of B. lobata larvae developing successfully on unfertilized Epichloë stromata. The average pupal weight (0.0032 g) did not differ significantly from pupae (0.0030 g) originating from larvae that had developed on fertilized stromata of E. typhina on Dactylis glomerata in a neighboring field. This result indicates that in cultivated fine fescue fields in Oregon, B. lobata forages on E. festucae, but fly development is not dependent on the fertilized stromata of Epichloë.
Disease, deficit or denial? Models of poor insight in psychosis
Authors: Cooke M. A. , Peters E. R. , Kuipers E. , Kumari V. 
Published: June 2005

Objective: To examine the evidence for the three kinds of aetiological model that dominate the current literature on poor insight in psychosis: clinical models, the neuropsychological model, and the psychological denial model.Method: Studies pertaining to one or more of these aetiological models were identified, reviewed and critically evaluated.Results: There is little support for clinical models, partly because they lack testable hypotheses. Several studies reveal a positive relationship between insight and executive function, which may be related to frontal lobe dysfunction. However, the extent to which this relationship is specific and independent of general cognitive impairment remains unclear. There is tentative evidence to support the psychological denial model. Recent data combining the latter two approaches suggest that multiple factors contribute to poor insight.Conclusion: Integration of different aetiological models is necessary for a fuller understanding of insight in psychosis. Future research should assess multiple aetiological mechanisms in single investigations.
Breastfeeding and risk of schizophrenia in the Copenhagen Perinatal Cohort
Authors: Sørensen H. J. , Mortensen E. L. , Reinisch J. M. , Mednick S. A. 
Published: June 2005

Objective:  The aim was to study whether early weaning from breastfeeding may be associated with increased risk of schizophrenia.Method:  The current sample comprises 6841 individuals from the Copenhagen Perinatal Cohort of whom 1671 (24%) had been breastfed for 2 weeks or less (early weaning) and 5170 (76%) had been breastfed longer. Maternal schizophrenia, parental social status, single mother status and gender were included as covariates in a multiple regression analysis of the effect of early weaning on the risk of hospitalization with schizophrenia.Results:  The sample comprised 93 cases of schizophrenia (1.4%). Maternal schizophrenia was the strongest risk factor and a significant association between single mother status and elevated offspring risk of schizophrenia was also observed. Early weaning was significantly related to later schizophrenia in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses (adjusted odds ratio 1.73 with 95% CI: 1.13–2.67).Conclusion:  No or <2 weeks of breastfeeding was associated with elevated risk of schizophrenia. The hypothesis of some protective effect of breastfeeding against the risk of later schizophrenia is supported by our data.
UV‐induced Skin Cancer: Similarities – Variations
Authors: Boukamp Petra 
Published: June 2005

SummarySkin cancer, the most common cancer world wide, encompasses different tumor entities, the keratinocyte‐derived basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as well as the neuroectodermal malignant melanoma (MM) and the neuroendocrine Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). While knowledge is significantly increasing about genetic changes contributing to BCCs and MMs, our understanding for the development and progression of SCCs and MCCs is still fragmentary. This review, thus, aims, on the one hand to summarize the present knowledge without claiming completeness and, on the other hand, to provide information on the HaCaT in vitro skin carcinogenesis model that is used to evaluate the functional consequence of genetic aberrations believed to play a role in skin cancer development and progression.
Die Excimer‐Laser‐Therapie der Alopecia areata – Halbseitige Evaluation eines repräsentativen Areals
Authors: Raulin Christian , Gündogan Cüneyt , Greve Bärbel , Gebert Susanne 
Published: June 2005

ZusammenfassungWir berichten erstmals über den Behandlungserfolg einer Alopecia areata am Capillitium durch den Einsatz des 308‐nm‐Xenon‐Chlorid‐Excimer‐Lasers in einem prospektiven Halbseitenversuch. Eine seit drei Jahren progrediente Alopecia areata konnte im Vorfeld durch unterschiedlichste Therapiemaßnahmen nicht beeinflußt werden. Es wurde von mehreren bestehenden Alopeziearealen gezielt ein repräsentativer Herd hälftig behandelt. Nach 27 Sitzungen (200 – 4 000 mJ/cm2, kumulative Dosis 52,9 J/cm2) erreichten wir innerhalb von 3 Monaten nur im behandelten Areal ein Wiedereinsetzen des Haarwachstums. Dies impliziert, daß es sich mit an Sicherheit grenzender Wahrscheinlichkeit nicht um eine Spontanremission handeln kann.
Cost‐of‐illness in patients with moderate and severe chronic psoriasis vulgaris in Germany
Authors: Berger Karin , Ehlken Birgit , Kugland Barbara , Augustin Matthias 
Published: June 2005

Summary Background: Data regarding costs of outpatient and office‐based care, as well as out‐of‐pocket expenses, for psoriasis patients in Germany are not available. Aim of this study was to assess average annual cost and cost per flare of outpatient and office‐based care for patients with moderate to severe chronic psoriasis vulgaris from several perspectives. Methods: In this multi‐center, cross‐sectional, retrospective and prospective cost‐of‐illness study, direct (medical and non‐medical) and indirect costs were considered from patient, third‐party payer (TPP) and societal perspectives. Results: Out of 227 patients enrolled consecutively in 17 centers, 192 cases could be analyzed. On average, TPP reimbursed 864 € per patient annually, 60 % for prescribed medication and 22 % for hospitalization. Patients spent 596 € yearly mainly for alternative therapies and OTC‐medication/skin care products as well as for additional expenses (e. g. ultraviolet lamp, clothes or cleaning agents). Indirect costs per patient amounted to 1,440 € yearly. Total annual costs per patient were 2,866 € and 4,985 € if treated with systemic drugs additionally. 1,173 € if treated topically and/or with phototherapy. Conclusions: The relatively high average annual costs per patient indicate need for efficient control of psoriasis. This cost‐of‐illness study provides basic data for further decision making, including economic assessment of innovative therapies for psoriasis.
Strategy of the review
Authors: Hogan Warren P 
Published: June 2005

This offering is about the ways in which the work of the recent review into aged care was conducted. The account is not exhaustive but is illustrative of some of the major issues experienced. Some of the policy themes and outcomes were explored in the recent Shann Memorial Lecture [1]. The circumstances with which the review was confronted are treated in the second part of the paper. This comes in two segments with the first explaining the measures in place and the second exploring some of the important questions arising from initial considerations of those measures. The onerous nature of the queries should be acknowledged. The following part is about the activities of the review in an effort to cast light on questions raised by the measures in place in relation to the Terms of Reference. The dual task of the review reflected the very substantial lack of empirical work on the aged care industry as well as evidence on the efforts of boards and managements of entities providing aged care services. This coverage is taken further in the final segment which deals with some of the major issues which the review was seeking to address. Some are of the greatest strategic moment.
Host family respite: description and assessment of a program
Authors: Boldy Duncan , Davey Margaret , Crouchley Kathy , Lilly Ellen 
Published: June 2005

Objective:  To describe the characteristics of the Host Family Respite Program and its value within the community, and to discuss some of the issues associated with the use of respite care services. Method:  The study includes a retrospective analysis of the characteristics of 97 families and 33 host family carers taking part in the program between 1998 and 2002. Benefits associated with the program were assessed through information provided by 31 primary carers. Results:  Most care recipients suffered from some form of dementia (93%). Host family carers were primarily women aged 50–59 years. Primary carers described feeling worried, stressed and exhausted prior to using the service, but reported a high degree of satisfaction after their break. Conclusion:  The Host Family Respite Program represents an alternative service that can make a significant impact on and improvement in the quality of life of older people with dementia living in the community, and their carers.