bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assay for parvovirus B19 neutralizing antibodies based on human hepatocarcinoma cell lines
Authors: Caillet‐Fauquet Perrine , Di Giambattista Mario , Draps Marie‐Louise , Hougardy Vincent , De Launoit Yvan , Laub Ruth 
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND:  Although intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is used widely for managing parvovirus B19 infections, IVIG products are not monitored routinely for the presence of parvovirus B19 neutralizing antibody.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  An assay has been developed to measure parvovirus B19 infectivity and neutralization activity based on two hepatocarcinoma cell lines (HepG2 and HuH7). The sources of parvovirus B19 were B19‐DNA‐containing plasma samples. Neosynthesized progeny in supernatants of infected cells were quantified by nested polymerase chain reaction. To validate the model, purified rabbit antibodies to different capsid protein sequences and IVIG preparations were tested.RESULTS:  The number of parvovirus B19 infectious neovirions in supernatants of infected cells increased with infection time. Both rabbit antibodies and IVIG products inhibited parvovirus B19 infectivity when incubated overnight with virus. The efficacy of IVIG to neutralized parvovirus B19 was product‐related.CONCLUSION:  This assay for parvovirus B19 neutralization activity provides an improved and more specific method for selecting donors to produce IVIG with a high titer of parvovirus B19 neutralizing activity.
Ecological research for development
Authors: Kayanja F. I. B. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractUganda is rich in aquatic ecosystems. Commercial fishing involves an off‐take that may not be ultimately sustainable. Aquatic ecosystems, like the forests, are under pressure. Forests, for many years to come, will remain the main source of energy for the people. They also continue to be cleared to make way for agricultural use of the land. Research for development must address problems of this kind as they are at the heart of the development process.
Diversity and distribution of sedges on multivariate environmental gradients
Authors: Ssegawa P. , Kakudidi E. , Muasya M. , Kalema J. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractRelationships between environmental factors and the distribution patterns of sedges were studied in the wetland important bird areas of Uganda. Vegetation data were collected using the transect and quadrat methods. Four quadrats were located at each sampling point at 10 m intervals along the transect from dry land to open water. Relative abundances of sedges were recorded in each quadrat. Inventory sampling was done to record species that were not recorded on the transects so as to generate near complete species lists. Human influences on vegetation such as harvesting, fire and vegetation modification were examined along the transects. Soil samples were collected along the transects for analysis of P, K, Na, Ca, Mg and organic matter. Other parameters recorded from water samples included water levels, pH and water conductivity. Rainfall and altitude were also recorded. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to correlate the relative abundances of the species to measured environmental variables. Linear correlation of the environmental variables with principal components indicated that water levels, altitude and rainfall were major factors that influenced the abundance and occurrence of sedges in the different bird areas. Sedge distribution patterns are a function of local geological and edaphic factors; and human‐induced exogenous disturbances.
The role of satellite water bodies in the evolution and conservation of Lake Victoria Region fishes
Authors: Mwanja W. W. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe Lake Victoria Region (LVR) can rightly be regarded as one of the sites of the world's worst vertebrate species extinction of the twentieth century. The LVR, which includes Lakes Victoria, Kyoga, Edward and George, and numerous small satellite lakes around each of the main lakes, originally contained over 500 species of fish. As a result of human influence, including the establishment of a commercial fishery and the introduction of several exotic species, hundreds of endemic species have gone extinct in this evolutionarily young system. Recently, it was discovered that part of the apparently extinct fish biodiversity from the main lakes continues to exist in several of the minor satellite lakes around the main lakes. The findings of the ecological survey of the fish species of the satellite lakes are summarized and results of some preliminary genetic analysis are discussed. Major genetic and ecological changes in the fish fauna that have taken place in the LVR fishery are highlighted. Emphasis is put on the importance of the minor lakes in conserving the endangered fish species of the entire region, and their role as preserves of the history of the LVR. The findings allude to the historical importance of minor satellite lakes as ‘life boats’ and natural refugia for the fishes of the LVR, a region historically characterized by geological and climatic volatility.
Some aspects of wild robusta coffee seedling growth in Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Oryem‐Origa H. , Kasenene J. M. , Magambo M. J. S. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe growth of wild robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Froehner) seedlings was monitored on the forest understorey in Kibale National Park. Various aspects of seedling growth were measured from plots with three different levels of ground vegetation cover.Coffee seedling growth was influenced by the three different treatments. For instance, the removal of ground vegetation cover enhanced seedling exposure to light. This in turn promoted leaf formation, expansion, and general seedling growth as was exhibited by the positive trends in the derived growth characteristics.The survival of coffee seedlings was also better in cleared plots than in those with intact ground vegetation cover.
Folk plant classification by communities around Kibale National Park, Western Uganda
Authors: Kakudidi E. K. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis investigation records the folk conceptualization of the living world with special reference to classification of plants. Six life form categories are described along with characters of typical instances. Below the major folk taxonomic life forms, categories occur that in some cases correspond to botanical rank of genus. The meaning of 43 local names are given, of which the base meaning of 23 species is utility, 12 is morphology, seven is ecology and five is chemistry.
Ecological recovery of an afromontane forest in south‐ western Uganda
Authors: Lejju J. B. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractA study of the regeneration of an afromontane forest was carried out in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP), south‐western Uganda. The area landscape has been subjected to agricultural encroachment for the last 50 years. The landscape was changed by terracing and removing the indigenous vegetation and replacing it with exotic tree species. Stratified random sampling was employed in sampling the vegetation. There was a significant difference in species richness and density in the three habitat types. The natural forest supported the highest stem density (75%) and the lowest stem density (4%) was recorded under exotic woodlots. Seedlings (<2 cm, diameter at breast height) accounted for the majority of juveniles in the three habitats. The natural forest had the highest density (24,625 seedlings ha−1) and exotic woodlots supported the lowest stem density (1350 seedlings ha−1). The level of regeneration in the encroachment area is influenced by the intensity of cultivation and soil nutrients. The advanced growth beneath the exotic woodlots, especially black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) and Eucalyptus sp. stands is relatively impoverished. This condition beneath the exotic species suggests that a low diverse community of native species is able to exploit this environment.
Forest fragmentation and primates' survival status in non‐reserved forests of the ‘Kampala area’, Uganda
Authors: Baranga D. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractPrevious primate studies have concentrated on the effects of forest disturbance on primate populations residing mainly in natural forest reserves. The present study was conducted in 20 non‐reserved forest patches in the ‘Kampala area’, a forest‐savanna‐agricultural mosaic, to investigate the effects of forest fragmentation on the distribution and survival status of arboreal primates in the patches. Mpanga Forest Reserve, as the nearest to the forest patches, was used as a control. Primate census data revealed that the black‐and‐white colobus (Colobus guereza) was restricted in its distribution while redtail monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius schmidti) were cosmopolitan. There was no significant relationship between forest patch size and red‐tail population size, number of groups and group density decreased. Of the trees sampled, 70% were food species while 30% were nonfood species. Basal area of food tree species significantly increased with forest patch size (R2 = 0.5885) but its relationship with red‐tail population size and group density (B = −0.42784, R2 = 0.18305, P > 0.05) was not significant.
Red‐tail monkey groups in forest patches outside the protected area system in the ‘Kampala area’
Authors: Baranga D. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis study was conducted in the ‘Kampala area’, a forest‐savanna‐agricultural mosaic, and was aimed at investigating the ecology and survival of the red‐tail monkey, Cercopithecus ascanius schmidti in fragmented forest patches outside the protected area system. The relationship between habitat variables and red‐tail monkeys' distribution and other demographic factors were investigated. The average group size for red‐tail monkeys in the forest patches was 11.9, while that in Mpanga Forest Reserve it was 23.2. Most of the red‐tail monkey groups had breeding females but there were small populations with no breeding females. The number of breeding females and young varied in different forest patches with the breeding sex ratio ranging from 0 to 1:3. The residential status of red‐tails in the patches was partly influenced by the presence of the vervet monkey and the intensity of human activities in the vicinity.
Aspects of the physico‐chemical environment of the Rwenzori rivers, Uganda
Authors: Busulwa H. S. , Bailey R. G. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractA number of permanent rivers flow from the well‐watered Rwenzori Mountains, which form part of the wider catchment of the River Nile. A study was carried out on the physical and chemical aspects of three rivers on the Ugandan side and in particular the Mubuku–Bujuku system where access up to 4200 m a.s.l. is possible, to assess changes with altitude. At high altitudes above the foothills gradients were steep with frequent waterfalls and cascades over bedrock, boulders and unstable cobbles. The water was cold, between 4 and 14 °C, well oxygenated and dilute with conductivities generally less than 100uS/cm and pH values of 6.3–6.5. Below 1750 m a.s.l. streams are characterized by lessening gradients, wider dimensions, continuing unstable boulder and stony beds but also sand banks, and on the flats some muddy substrates. There is continued predominance of turbulent flow with rapids and riffles, but with an increasing occurrence of smooth glides and occasional backwaters and quieter margins. The water temperature is warm between 12 and 24 °C with generally raised ionic concentrations of about 200uS/cm, but still of a low order of magnitude. It rains with variable intensity in the mountains through the year with some noticeable rains during the dry season. The study suggests that altitude related factors such as the increasing physical harshness including decreasing temperatures from downstream to upstream would be responsible for governing the distribution of biota including fish.
Observations on the biology of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., in two Ugandan crater lakes
Authors: Bwanika G. N. , Makanga B. , Kizito Y. , Chapman L. J. , Balirwa J. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractIn this study, we compare the diet, life history characters and abundance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) stocks between two crater lakes in western Uganda (Lake Nyamusingiri and Lake Kyasanduka) that differ in their history of fishing pressure. Both lakes support native fish communities, but also harbour populations of introduced O. niloticus. Lake Nyamusingiri was characterized by a higher relative and absolute abundance (CPUE) of haplochromine cichlids and a lower abundance of O. niloticus than in Lake Kyasanduka. In addition, the O. niloticus population in Lake Nyamusingiri exhibited a smaller mean size and a lower relative abundance of juveniles than in Lake Kyasanduka. These differences may reflect, at least in part, heavy exploitation of O. niloticus in this lake, as compared with Lake Kyasanduka where fishing was banned in 1988. In both lakes, the maximum size and size at maturity was small relative to other larger water bodies in the region. The Nile tilapia in both lakes were primarily herbivorous; with phytoplankton dominating the diet. In general, the condition of O. niloticus in the crater lakes was low relative to other larger lakes in the region. The low catch per unit effort of O. niloticus in Lake Nyamusingiri (7.8%) relative to Lake Kyasanduka (54.9%) suggests that overexploitation of the fishery is occurring, calling for careful monitoring and management of the system.
Primary production and decomposition of Loudetia phragmitoides (A. Peter) in the littoral wetland of a small satellite lake (L. Nabugabo, Uganda)
Authors: Okot‐Okumu J. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract Loudetia phragmitoides (A. Peter) C.E. Hubbard is one of the dominant grass species occupying the Lake Nabugabo littoral wetlands, another prominent species being Miscanthedium violaceum (K. Schum) Robyns. Lake Nabugabo is a satellite lake, about 5 km to the west of Lake Victoria. It is a unique ecosystem, which is nutrient poor due to the highly leached ancient soils in the catchment. To determine the significance of wetland functions on the open lake ecosystem, the primary production and biomass decomposition process in the wetland of the dominant grass species, Loudetia phragmitoides were assessed. A biomass yield of 1638 gm−2 and an average primary production rate of 941 gm−2 year−1 were obtained for the Nabugabo wetland. Litter decomposed faster in the open lake compared with the littoral wetland with half of the litter weight lost in 110 and 321 days, respectively. Phosphorus leached more rapidly from decomposing litter compared with nitrogen. The study found that wetland dominant grass species can be an important nutrient reservoir and that the decomposition process in the wetland is influenced by the flooding regime, which exports significant nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) to the open lake. The importance of the littoral wetland to the overall ecology of the Nabugabo ecosystem is discussed.
Cultural and social uses of plants from and around Kibale National Park, Western Uganda
Authors: Kakudidi E. K. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis investigation records 89 species are used for 26 cultural and social purposes. The highest numbers of plants are used in wedding ceremonies (25 species), followed by those used against witchcraft (18), religious ceremonies (15), while the others range between 1–9 species. Whole plants contributed 24.8%, followed by leaves (24%), stems (22%), seeds (12.8%) flowers and bark (5.5% each), rhizomes (1.8%) and leaf sheath, root and friut with 0.9% each. Some plants have multiple uses such as Cymbopogon nardus with seven uses. Ficus natalensis, F. ovata, Hibiscus fuscus and Phoneix reclinata with four uses each. A total of nine species have three uses each, 19 species with two uses each, and 56 species with one use each.
Gram‐positive rods prevailing in teeth with apical periodontitis undergoing root canal treatment
Authors: Chávez de Paz L. E. , Molander A. , Dahlén G. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAims  To identify Gram‐positive rods from root canals of teeth with apical periodontitis and to examine their associations with other species.Methodology  Consecutive root canal samples (RCSs) from 139 teeth undergoing root canal treatment were analyzed prospectively for cultivable microbes. Gram‐positive rods in the first RCS submitted after chemo‐mechanical preparation were categorised to genus level by selective media and gas–liquid chromatography (GLC), and identified to species level by sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Associations between organisms were measured by odds ratios (OR).Results  In the first samples submitted a total of 158 Gram‐positive rods, 115 Gram‐positive cocci, 26 Gram‐negative rods and 9 Gram‐negative cocci, were identified. At genus levels Gram‐positive rods were classified into: Lactobacillus spp. (38%), Olsenella spp. (18%), Propionibacterium spp. (13%), Actinomyces spp. (12%), Bifidobacterium spp. (13%) and Eubacterium spp. (6%). The most frequent species were Olsenella uli, Lactobacillus paracasei and Propionibacterium propionicum. In subsequent samples taken during treatment, Gram‐positive rods were also identified, although the number of strains was considerably reduced. Positive associations were observed between members of the genus lactobacilli and Gram‐positive cocci (OR>2).Conclusions  Olsenella uli and Lactobacillus spp. predominated over other Gram‐positive rods. A possible association exists between Lactobacillus spp. and Gram‐positive cocci in root canals of teeth with apical periodontitis receiving treatment.
Shaping ability of ProFile and K3 rotary Ni‐Ti instruments when used in a variable tip sequence in simulated curved root canals
Authors: Ayar L. R. , Love R. M. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAim  To compare the shaping ability of ProFile and K3 rotary Ni‐Ti instruments when used in a variable tip sequence in simulated curved root canals with different curvature and radius.Methodology  ProFile or K3 .06 taper instruments were used to prepare simulated canals of 20° curvature and 5 mm radius (n = 10) and 30° curvature and 3 mm radius canals (n = 10) in resin blocks. All canals were prepared to an apical size 40 at 0.5 mm from the canal terminus using a variable tip crown‐down sequence. Pre‐ and postinstrumentation digital images were recorded, and an assessment of the canal shape was determined using a computer image analysis program. The material removal from the inner and outer wall of the canal was measured at 28 measuring points, beginning 0.5 mm from the end‐point of the canal and the data compared using the Mann–Whitney U‐test.Results  In 20° and 30° canals both instruments significantly removed more (P < 0.05) material on the outer wall than the inner wall in the apical half of the canal. For ProFile files there was no significant difference in the amount of material removed on the outer canal wall between the 20° and 30° canals. However, in the K3 groups significantly more (P < 0.05) outer canal wall was removed in the apical area in 20° canals. When comparing both instruments the results showed that in 20° canals K3 instruments removed more outer and inner canal wall than ProFile instruments (P < 0.05) but that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the instruments in 30° canals.Conclusion  Within the limitation of this study, both rotary nickel‐titanium instruments prepared a well‐shaped root canal with minimal canal transportation.
Pulpal necrosis with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Demirbaş Kaya A. , Aktener B. O. , Ünsal Ç. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAim  To investigate radiographic manifestations of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and whether or not a pulpal necrosis may develop without a pathological history.Methodology  Thirty‐six patients with homozygous SCA were evaluated, and a further 36 individuals without SCA were included in the study as a control group. All 72 patients participating in the study ranged between the ages of 16 and 40 years. General and dental histories of the individuals were recorded. Electrical pulp test, percussion and thermal tests were applied to all the teeth having no restorations. Orthopantomograms of all the subjects were taken. Data obtained from questionnaires, sensitivity tests and radiographic examinations were evaluated by chi‐square and Fischer's exact test.Results  Fifty‐one (6%) of the teeth having no restorations or history of trauma were determined as being nonvital in the SCA group. In 30 (83%) of these patients orofacial and dental pain with no obvious cause was detected and in 24 (67%) of the patients the quality of the bone tissue as examined radiologically had deteriorated. In eight (22%) of the patients cortical thinning and irregularity in the mandible was noted. A statistically significant difference between the SCA and control groups (P < 0.05) was found in terms of pulpal sensitivity and radiological findings.Conclusion  SCA is a genetic and systemic disease which may cause pulp necrosis without necessarily having an identifiable aetiology. SCA causes radiographically observable differences in jaw structure especially in the mandible.
Periosteal grafts as barriers in periradicular surgery: report of two cases
Authors: Tobón‐Arroyave S. I. , Domínguez‐Mejía J. S. , Flórez‐Moreno G. A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAim  To describe the usefulness of periosteal grafts as barriers for bone regeneration in periradicular surgery when advanced periodontal breakdown occurs.Summary  The treatment of advanced periodontal breakdown as a result of an associated endodontic lesion constitutes a multifaceted challenge to the clinician. If the source of the irritation cannot be removed by orthograde endodontic treatment, nonsurgical and surgical endodontic/periodontal intervention may be required. Two cases with suppurative chronic apical periodontitis with apicomarginal communication are described. Clinical and radiological evaluations were completed immediately prior to surgery, a week later and every 2 months after surgery for 10 months. Both patients were treated using split‐thickness flaps and lateral displacement of the periosteum prior to suturing, in order to close the communication between the oral and the periapical surroundings. A remission of the clinical signs and symptoms, and successful healing in the short‐term were achieved in these cases.Key learning points

Periapical and periodontal lesions are closely related through pathways of communication.
Disruption of the cortical plate and the presence of dentoalveolar sinus tracts can have a deleterious effect on the regeneration process after periradicular surgery.
The adoption of supplementary periodontal surgical techniques may help to solve some of the difficulties in the healing process in periradicular surgery.
Periosteal grafts have been shown to have the potential to stimulate bone formation when used as a graft material.