bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Candida albicans binds human plasminogen: identification of eight plasminogen‐binding proteins
Authors: Crowe Jonathan D. , Sievwright Isla K. , Auld Gillian C. , Moore Norma R. , Gow Neil A. R. , Booth Nuala A. 
Published: March 2003

SummarySeveral microbial pathogens augment their invasive potential by binding and activating human plasminogen to generate the proteolytic enzyme plasmin. Yeast cells and cell wall proteins (CWP) of the human pathogenic fungus Candida albicans bound plasminogen with a Kd of 70 ± 11 nM and 112 ± 20 nM respectively. Bound plasminogen could be activated to plasmin by mammalian plasminogen activators; no C. albicans plasminogen activator was detected. Binding of plasminogen to CWP and whole cells was inhibited by ɛACA, indicating that binding was predominantly to lysine residues. Candida albicans mutant strains defective in protein glycosylation did not show altered plasminogen binding, suggesting that binding was not mediated via a surface lectin. Binding was sensitive to digestion by basic carboxypeptidase, implicating C‐terminal lysine residues in binding. Proteomic analysis identified eight major plasminogen‐binding proteins in isolated CWP. Five of these (phosphoglycerate mutase, alcohol dehydrogenase, thioredoxin peroxidase, catalase, transcription elongation factor) had C‐terminal lysine residues and three (glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerate kinase and fructose bisphosphate aldolase) did not. Activation of plasminogen could potentially increase the capacity of this pathogenic fungus for tissue invasion and necrosis. Although surface‐bound plasmin(ogen) degraded fibrin, no direct evidence for a role in invasion of endothelial matrix or in penetration and damage of endothelial cells was found.
The glyoxylate cycle is required for temporal regulation of virulence by the plant pathogenic fungusMagnaporthe grisea
Authors: Wang Zheng‐Yi , Thornton Christopher R. , Kershaw Michael J. , Debao Li , Talbot Nicholas J. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe describe the isolation and characterization ofICL1from the rice blast fungusMagnaporthe grisea, a gene that encodes isocitrate lyase, one of the principal enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle.ICL1shows elevated expression during development of infection structures and cuticle penetration, and a targeted gene replacement showed that the gene is required for full virulence byM. grisea. In particular, we found that the prepenetration stage of development, before entry into plant tissue, is affected by loss of the glyoxylate cycle. There is a delay in germination, infection‐related development and cuticle penetration in Δicl1mutants. Recent reports have shown the importance of the glyoxylate cycle in the virulence of the human pathogenic fungusCandida albicansand the bacterial pathogenMycobacterium tuberculosis. Our results indicate that the glyoxylate cycle is also important in this plant pathogenic fungus, demonstrating the widespread utility of the pathway in microbial pathogenesis.
ATP and 5‐HT are the principal neurotransmitters in the descending excitatory reflex pathway of the guinea‐pig ileum
Authors: Monro R. L. , Bertrand P. P. , Bornstein J. C. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Neurotransmission underlying descending excitatory reflexes evoked by distension was studied in opened segments of guinea‐pig ileum and compared with peristalsis in intact segments. The opened segments were distended by inflating a balloon against the serosa at the oral end and changes in muscle length recorded from the anal end. Distension elicited contractions in both circular (CM) and longitudinal (LM) muscle layers. Granisetron, a 5‐HT3receptor antagonist (10 nmol L−1to 1 µmol L−1) reduced CM contractions (24% control), without affecting the LM. The P2 receptor antagonist, pyridoxal phosphate‐6‐azopheyl‐2′,4′‐disulphonic acid (PPADS; 10 µmol L−1), reduced CM contractions to 31% and LM contractions to 39%. Hexamethonium (500 µmol L−1) enhanced LM contractions, but had no effect on CM contractions. Granisetron (1 µmol L−1) had no significant effect on the threshold for peristaltic contractions in a modified Trendelenburg preparation, but decreased the decay time of these contractions by 37%. PPADS (10 µmol L−1) had no significant effect in this preparation. Thus, the descending excitatory pathways to CM and LM can be distinguished pharmacologically; the former depend on 5‐HT3and P2 ATP receptors, the latter are independent of 5‐HT3receptors. Nicotinic receptors may have little part in either pathway. These properties differ from conventional peristaltic reflexes, which are effectively abolished by nicotinic blockade.
Modulation of human swallowing behaviour by thermal and chemical stimulation in health and after brain injury
Authors: Hamdy S. , Jilani S. , Price V. , Parker C. , Hall N. , Power M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Few data support thermal or chemical stimulation as therapy for neurogenic dysphagia. Our aims were to explore the behavioural effects of thermal (cold) and chemical (citrus) modalities on water swallowing in health (n = 65, mean age 45 years, 44 females) and acute stroke (n = 22, mean age 67 years, eight females). Multiple randomized timed 50‐mL swallowing tests were performed for each of four water conditions: (a) room temperature (RT), (b) cold (CD), (c) citrus (CT) and (d) combined cold and citrus (CD + CT). The inter‐swallow interval (ISI), swallowing volume velocity (speed), and volume per swallow (capacity) were measured. In health, compared to RT, only CD + CT slowed the speed (12.3 ± 0.5 vs 10.3 ± 0.5 mL s−1, P < 0.03) and decreased the capacity (16.4 ± 0.9 vs 14.6 ± 0.7 mL per swallow, P < 0.02) of swallowing. ISI was unaffected, except by CD + CT in healthy young subjects (<60 years) where it was reduced (1.44 ± 0.02 vs 1.30 ± 0.02 s, P < 0.02). Despite smaller volumes ingested by stroke patients, CD + CT, compared to RT, again slowed both the speed (3.8 ± 0.4 vs 4.5 ± 0.5 mL s−1, P < 0.03) and capacity (7.6 ± 0.7 vs 8.5 ± 0.7 mL per swallow, P < 0.03) of swallowing but had no effect on ISI. We conclude that combined thermal and chemical modification of water consistently alters swallowing behaviour in health and after cerebral injury. These findings have relevance in the management of neurogenic swallowing problems.
Mechanisms of damage to myelin and oligodendrocytes and their relevance to disease
Authors: Merrill  , Scolding  
Published: March 2003

Oligodendrocytes synthesize and maintain myelin in the central nervous system (CNS). Damage may occur to these cells in a number of conditions, including infections, exposure to toxins, injury, degeneration, or autoimmune disease, arising both in the course of human disease and in experimental animal models of demyelination and dysmyelination; multiple sclerosis is the commonest human demyelinating disorder. Conventional classical accounts of the pathology of this and other myelin diseases have given great insights into their core features, but there remain considerable uncertainties concerning the timing, means and cause(s) of oligodendrocyte and myelin damage. At present, therapeutic efforts largely concentrate on immune manipulation and damage limitation, an approach that has produced only modest effects in multiple sclerosis. One reason for this must be the limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying cell damage – clearly, successful therapeutic strategies for preserving the oligodendrocyte‐myelin unit must depend on knowledge of how oligodendrocyte damage and death occurs.In this review, mechanisms of oligodendrocyte and myelin damage are considered, and attempts made to relate them to disease processes, clinical and experimental. The hallmarks of different cell death processes are described, and oligodendrocyte‐myelin injury by cellular and soluble mediators is discussed, both in vitro and invivo. Recent developments concerning the pathological involvement of oligodendrocytes in neurodegenerative disease are summarized. Finally, these neuropathological and applied neurobiological observations are drawn together in the context of multiple sclerosis.
Status survey of slender loris Loris tardigradus lydekkerianus in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Singh Mewa , Lindburg Donald G. , Udhayan A. , Kumar M. Anand , Kumara H. N. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA survey of the slender loris Loris tardigradus, a Vulnerable primate, was carried out in the Dindigul Forests of Tamil Nadu, India, in 1996 in order to assess prevalence. Lorises were found in high densities in the open Euphorbia scrub forests and in crop lands nearby. Although most often seen in bushes and Acacia trees, the species uses a wide variety of vegetation and substrates. Individuals were found mostly at an altitude of 300–500 m. Body measurements taken on sample animals revealed that the population belongs to the subspecies L. t. lydekkerianus. Conservation measures for the species in this region include additional surveys and evaluation of prospects for establishing a slender loris sanctuary.
Wildlife rescues—the case of the Petit Saut hydroelectric dam in French Guiana
Authors: Vié Jean-Christophe 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMany wildlife rescues have been carried out over the past few decades but most were not documented and were controversial. However, such operations can be useful, providing risks are evaluated and elementary guidelines are followed. In addition to saving lives and being desirable from an ethical point of view, such operations can be very valuable for both biological research and conservation, and are certainly preferable than the alternative: to do nothing. Previous rescues are reviewed and the operation conducted in French Guiana during the filling of the Petit Saut reservoir is described. Objectives, methods, results and financial aspects are discussed. Around 5500 mammals and reptiles were captured, sampled and translocated to a protected area. The successful results of the translocation, the large amount of original data obtained, the interest shown by scientists in our samples and the subsequent new conservation impetus that appeared in the government corroborate our initial conviction that the operation was worthwhile.
Local community involvement in conservation—the use of mini-guides in a programme for sea turtles in Brazil
Authors: Vieitas Claudia F. , Lopez Gustave G. , Marcovaldi Maria A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe Brazilian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme (TAMAR) was established in 1980 to protect sea turtles in Brazil and to re-establish their natural life cycle, which had been disrupted by humans. The programme is based on grassroots involvement by the coastal communities, and provides jobs and generates alternative sources of income. Within this framework, the mini-guides programme was created. It consists of a summer training course in which local children between 8 and 13 years old learn basic information about marine ecosystems and sea turtles, strategies to promote their conservation, and skills to interact effectively with tourists. After the course, children are given onsite experience by working as interns at the TAMAR visitor centre at Praia do Forte, on schedules designed to avoid conflicts with their studies at school. The children work closely with tourists, informing them about sea turtles and TAMAR's work; they also help the biologists in field activities. In this way, they enhance their own awareness, and by extension their families' and the community's concern about environmental conservation. Their involvement provides them not only with valuable skills, but also an extra source of income, thereby providing economic benefits to their families. The success of this programme is indicated by the excellent approval ratings given by the tourists visiting the area.
The conservation status of the Chinese alligator
Authors: Thorbjarnarson John , Xiaoming Wang 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe Chinese alligator Alligator sinensis is one of the world's most endangered reptiles. At one time widespread throughout much of the lower Yangzi River basin, the remaining wild individuals are now restricted to a small area in southern Anhui Province and perhaps in adjacent Zhejiang Province. Population estimates conducted in the 1980s suggested that only 500–735 wild individuals remained at that time. Current figures suggest that the wild population is c. 400 individuals and continues to decline. The principal factor contributing to historic population decline has been habitat loss, but deliberate killing of alligators and the heavy use of pesticides have also had significant negative effects. The current conservation programme in Anhui Province is based on captive breeding and the establishment of a reserve for small groups of wild alligators. However, the inferred recent decline in the size of the wild population suggests that the reserve design is inadequate for the long-term survival of alligators. Programmes to survey the status of the remaining wild populations and evaluate the feasibility of establishing new wild populations by reintroducing captive-bred animals are currently being developed.
Conserving the African wild dog Lycaon pictus. I. Diagnosing and treating causes of decline
Authors: Woodroffe Rosie , Ginsberg Joshua R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe African wild dog Lycaon pictus has declined dramatically over the past 30 years. Formerly distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, today c. 5000 wild dogs remain in total, mostly in southern and eastern Africa. Wild dogs' decline reflects the expansion of human populations and the associated fragmentation of habitat available to wildlife. Because wild dogs live at very low densities, even ‘fragments’ covering thousands of square kilometres may not support viable populations. Furthermore, packs often range beyond the borders of reserves, so even nominally protected populations are often subject to persecution, road accidents, snaring and disease contracted from domestic dogs. Such edge effects mean that reserves smaller than c. 10,000 sq km will provide only incomplete protection. The highest priority for wild dog conservation, therefore, is to maintain and promote the contiguity of areas available to wildlife. Establishing cross-border parks and buffer zones, and encouraging game ranching on reserve borders, will all be beneficial. In smaller areas, protecting wild dogs requires that edge effects be mitigated by: (i) working with local farmers to limit persecution; (ii) controlling snaring; (iii) routing roads carrying high-speed traffic away from wildlife areas; and (iv) minimizing contact between wildlife and domestic dogs. Most of these measures will also benefit other wildlife.
African elephants and humans in conflict: the outlook for co-existence
Authors: Hoare Richard 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe future persistence of African elephants over the 80 per cent of the species's range that remains outside protected areas is increasingly uncertain in many parts of the continent. Conflict between elephants and agriculturalists is already widespread and can lead to displacement or elimination of elephants, causing a further decline in their range and numbers. ‘Protectionist’ conservation groups have recently attempted to play down the importance of human–elephant conflict, contending that it has been greatly exaggerated by those advocating sustainable use of wildlife. The future of elephants in ecosystems over much of the continent will depend largely upon the attitudes and activities of humans. The realities of survival faced by rural Africans may mean that little attention will be paid to a debate taking place on conservation philosophy in the developed world. Therefore, the IUCN African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) is investigating how human land use can be integrated with the needs of elephant populations in Africa's biogeographical regions. Findings from these studies will be used in attempts to benefit elephant conservation and management in the 37 African elephant range states.
Bird and mammal conservation in Gaoligongshan Region and Jingdong County, Yunnan, China: patterns of species richness and nature reserves
Authors: Lan Daoying , Dunbar Robin 
Published: March 2003

AbstractElevational and latitudinal patterns of species richness for birds and mammals were compared with human population density in relation to nature reserve designation in two areas of Yunnan Province, China. Results suggest that species richness is not the same for the two areas. In Gaoligongshan Region, species richness is inversely correlated with elevation and altitude, while reserve designation is positively correlated with elevation and latitude. In Jingdong County, reserve designations are positively correlated with elevation, but species richness shows no clear trends. In general, the present situation is strongly influenced by human activities. It appears that reserve designation is mismatched with species richness in Gaoligongshan Region, while there is a better fit between the two in Jingdong County. In both areas, however, it appeared that reserves were located primarily in order to reduce conflict with humans rather than to maximize conservation of biodiversity, probably because humans were responsible for forest—especially primary forest—destruction and degradation in the low-lying areas.
A population survey of the estuarine crocodile in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar
Authors: Thorbjarnarson John , Platt Steven G. , Khaing U. Saw Tun 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe estuarine crocodile Crocodylus porosus was formerly abundant in coastal regions of Myanmar, but is now known principally from the lower Ayeyarwady Delta. We conducted a survey during January 1999 to assess quantitatively the status of crocodile populations in protected areas of the lower delta. Spotlight counts were conducted along 275.4 km of waterways. Sixty-one crocodiles (50 juveniles, 4 subadults, 2 adults and 5 eyeshines) were observed in the Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary (MKWS), and the total population was estimated to be less than 100. The Kadônkani and Pyindaye Reserved Forests (RF) apparently no longer support viable populations. Although crocodiles remain critically endangered in the region, a comparison with survey data from 1980 suggests localized recovery is occurring in MKWS. Population declines are attributed to a combination of commercial skin hunting, habitat loss, drowning in fishing nets and over-collection of living animals to supply crocodile farms. A programme of law enforcement, habitat protection and head-starting juveniles is necessary to ensure the continued survival of estuarine crocodiles in the Ayeyarwady Delta.
Status of a reintroduced population of mountain gazelles Gazella gazella in central Arabia: management lessons from an aridland reintroduction
Authors: Dunham Kevin M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMountain gazelles were reintroduced to central Arabia during 1991–95. Hawtah reserve was searched for gazelles during the 1998–99 winter. Gazelles were seen in one wadi system and their signs were found in several others and on the plateau. Sightings were used to calculate the minimum number of gazelles in the Matham wadi system, which previously held most of the population. During October–November 1998, the minimum number was 64 per cent less than 4 years earlier. Frequent observation of recent signs in areas where no gazelles were seen suggested that daytime sightings alone were no longer adequate for monitoring this population. The decline in the number of gazelles seen, an increase in their flight distance and an apparent change in their activity patterns were consistent with the rangers' claim that poaching had commonly occurred. Poaching started after reserve management built, without adequate consultation, a new fence that was intended to bar local people from part of the reserve. Management lessons include the need for the following: continued monitoring of reintroduced populations after the initial postrelease phase; long-term dialogue with local people; effective law enforcement; and the management of aridland domestic livestock in ways that prevent inter specific competition for food causing the elimination of wild ungulates.
Is there a legal obligation to reintroduce animal species into their former habitats?
Authors: Rees P. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSpecies reintroduction programmes are an important feature of global conservation efforts. There is evidence within the texts of some international and European laws of legal obligations to reintroduce species to their former habitats. However, these obligations are inconsistent between legal instruments, and it is not at all clear exactly what it is they are legislating to recreate. In particular, definitions of native species are either absent from the law or unclear, especially in an historical context. Attempts to reintroduce some predators have been met with legal challenges, and so it is essential that conservation authorities have a clear mission in their reintroduction activities and that this mission is reflected in their national law. Successful reintroductions will be achieved only with public support, and this is more likely where clear objectives have been established after public consultation. Conservation authorities undertaking reintroduction projects should use the legal system and the international commitments made by their governments to validate their efforts.
Distribution and status of the Apennine hare Lepus corsicanus in continental Italy and Sicily
Authors: Angelici Francesco M. , Luiselli Luca 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe current distribution of Lepus corsicanus (recently considered to be a distinct species from L. europaeus) in peninsular Italy and Sicily is presented in this paper. Our data suggest that L. corsicanus is declining markedly in mainland Italy, and perhaps also in Sicily, and that it should be categorised as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Conservation recommendations for this species are presented.
Self-reported medical history survey of humans as a measure of health risk to the chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) of Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Adams Hayley Rebecca , Sleeman Jonathan M. , Rwego Innocent , New John C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractKibale National Park (KNP), Uganda, has a number of chimpanzees habituated for tourism. The close genetic relationship between humans and chimpanzees means that there is the potential for disease transmission between the two. The aim of this study was to establish the diseases to which chimpanzees may be exposed by surveying the medical histories of humans in contact with the chimpanzees of KNP. Medical questionnaires were given to tourists visiting KNP and to the population of a village close to the park. The 62 tourist surveys returned indicated a high prevalence of disease symptoms, in particular diarrhoea, as well as ongoing infectious diseases and a lack of current vaccinations. The 50 local surveys returned also indicated a high prevalence of disease symptoms, in particular respiratory disease, along with a low rate of vaccination and a high frequency of visual contact with the chimpanzees both within and outside KNP. This study indicates that humans are a potential source of infection for chimpanzees. The results, which have been communicated to the appropriate authorities, will assist in the devising of proper tourist viewing regulations and provide local health authorities with the information necessary to improve both public health and chimpanzee health. Further recommendations include education of tourists regarding appropriate vaccinations, hand washing prior to the visit, the use of facemasks during the visit, and the provision of latrines. Chimpanzee ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular and protecting the chimpanzees' health will help to ensure that ecotourism is a sustainable activity.