bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early‐onset neonatal group B streptococcal infections in New Zealand 1998−1999
Authors: Grimwood K , Darlow BA , Gosling IA , Green R , Lennon DR , Martin DR , Stone PR 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To determine in New Zealand infants the attack rates, risk factors, preventive policies, strain serotype and antibiotic susceptibilities of early‐onset neonatal group B streptococcus (GBS) infection.Method:  A 2‐year prospective active surveillance study was conducted in New Zealand’s 19 neonatal units. Cases had to present within 48 h of delivery, be unwell, possess abnormal haematological indices and have GBS isolated from sterile sites.Results:  Of the 112 402 infants born in New Zealand during 1998−1999, 56 had early‐onset GBS infection, an attack rate of 0.5 per 1000 live births (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38, 0.65). Seven had meningitis and there was one death (case fatality rate of 1.8%; upper 95% CI 9.5%). Univariate analysis identified young maternal age, parity, preterm labour, prolonged membrane rupture, maternal fever and assisted delivery as risk factors. Preventive policies for GBS were reported by 14 (74%) obstetric centres associated with neonatal units. Of the 56 cases, five (9%) were born to mothers receiving intrapartum antibiotics, 32 (57%) had mothers with risk factors but were not treated with antibiotics, and 19 (34%) were born to mothers without identifiable risk factors for GBS prevention. Serotypes Ia and III predominated, while two isolates were resistant to erythromycin and/or clindamycin.Conclusions:  Rates of early‐onset GBS infection are similar to other countries following the introduction of prevention policies. Further reductions are possible with full implementation of these guidelines. Meanwhile, emergence of antibiotic resistance complicates the management of women with penicillin allergy. Vaccine development therefore remains a priority.
Total bacterial populations in three lentic water bodies of the Colombian Andes using the epifluorescence technique
Authors: Canosa Amparo , Pinilla Gabriel 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe epifluorescence technique was used to quantify the total bacterial population in two dams (Neusa and Prado) and in a natural lagoon (Fúquene), which have different geographical locations and physicochemical characteristics. Bacterial abundance was similar in the three water‐bodies (8.4 × 108 cells L–1), but the density of plateable heterotrophs was always lower (1.4 × 106 CFU L–1) when obtained by the plate count method. Results obtained during validation of the epifluorescence technique show: (i) that there are no statistically significant differences between counts of samples fixed in the field and unfixed samples; (ii) that the median count of samples fixed and observed periodically over a period of 8 months was similar; (iii) that plate counts underestimate the population; and (iv) that epifluorescence counts were similar in the three water‐bodies studied, despite their different ecological conditions.
Biodiversity characteristics of small high‐altitude tropical man‐made reservoirs in the Eastern Rift Valley, Kenya
Authors: Mwaura Francis , Mavuti Kenneth M. , Wamicha Wellington N. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe biodiversity characteristics in eight small (0.065–0.249 km2) public man‐made reservoirs in the central part of the Eastern Rift Valley, Kenya, were studied between 1995 and 1998. A total of 71 phytoplankton species belonging to approximately 50 taxa were identified. Chlorophytes and cyanobacteria dominated the crop. The dominant taxa included Botryococcus, Syunura, Microsystis, Anabaena, and Cosmarium. A total of over 40 zooplankton species were identified. The community was composed mainly of crustacea, rotifers and protozoa. The most dominant group was Keratella but Brachionus and Nauplius were equally abundant. The diversity and abundance of benthic invertebrates was not high, and only 18 species were identified throughout the study period with the range of species number being 1–7 per reservoir. The benthic fauna was mainly composed of Lumbriculidae and Chironomid worms. A total of six monthly bird counts found an average of 60 birds per reservoir, and a total of 49 species was identified. Ducks, geese and coots dominated the waterfowl, especially during the dry season. Large‐scale breeding by Black‐headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) and Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) was observed in one of the sites, and other species were also breeding in the reservoirs. The population of waterbirds in reservoirs was closely related to the biomass of benthic invertebrates, and the findings of the study indicate that the structure and dynamics of life forms within small man‐made reservoirs can serve as excellent sensors and indicators of the state of watershed health.
Great Lakes' contaminants reduce sperm production and fertilizing ability in mice
Authors: Chou Karen , Lin Chang‐Yi , Huang Andrew , Inglis Rochelle , Lin Shirley 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe long‐term effects of Great Lakes' contaminants on male reproductive performance resulting from lactational and dietary exposure were investigated. Female C57BL/6 J mice (F‐0) were mated with DBA/2 J male mice to produce B6D2‐F1 offspring. Dams (F‐0) were fed one of three treatment diets during lactation. The three treatment diets were: (i) diet C, containing lab chow and fish oil; (ii) diet I, containing 60% Iowa carp and 40% lab chow; and (iii) diet G, containing 60% Great Lakes' carp and 40% lab chow. Diet C served as a lab‐chow control treatment, while diet I served as a fish‐diet control treatment. Diet G contained 2500 µg of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 300 µg of 1,1‐dichloro‐2,2‐bis‐[p‐chlorophenyl]ethylene (4,4′‐DDE) per kilogram of feed. The offspring (F‐1) were continued on their respective maternal treatment diets from weaning until termination. Greater neonatal mortality and lesser body weights were observed in the F‐1 male mice on diet G. Lesser fecundity was observed in one‐year‐old F‐1 male mice on diet G following pairing with non‐treated female mice. The sperm concentration of F‐1 male mice on diet G was less than 30% of that of mice on diets C and I. The in vitro fertilizing ability of the sperm decreased to 10% of that of mice on the two control diets. Sperm motility, velocity, linearity and amplitude of lateral head (ALH) displacement were also decreased in 15‐month‐old F‐1 male mice on diet G.
High‐performance liquid chromatography‐bioassay profiles of endocrine disrupters discharged from point and non‐point pollution sources in Lake Biwa basin
Authors: Matsui Saburo , Lee Byung‐Cheol , Kawami Fumihira , Shimizu Yoshihisa , Matsuda Tomonari 
Published: March 2003

AbstractToxic pollution loading from both point and non‐point sources in Lake Biwa should be further reduced. In order to tackle toxicity problems, it is necessary to analyse characteristics of toxic pollution. We have developed a new profiling technique to display toxic distributions of endocrine disrupters in complex mixtures of environmental samples, using high‐performance liquid chromatography in combination with yeast bioassays. We have applied this technique to the major point and non‐point pollution sources in the Lake Biwa basin, that is, to municipal sewage‐treatment water (point) and road dust (non‐point). The dominant oestrogenic chemical in sewage‐treatment water was 17 β‐estradiol. The extracts from screened road dust showed arylhydrocarbon‐receptor binding activity (AhR–ligand activity), with much of this located in smaller particles of sifted dust. There were at least seven major AhR–ligand peaks in the road‐dust sample.
Inflow and outflow of agricultural chemicals in Lake Biwa
Authors: Sudo Miki , Okubo Takuya , Kunimatsu Takao , Ebise Senichi , Nakamura Masahisa , Kaneki Ryoichi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe annual pesticide inputs and outputs crossing the boundary of Lake Biwa were estimated. The inputs were calculated from continuous observations in four rivers flowing into Akani Bay, and from simultaneous observations in 65 influent rivers. The annual losses of pesticide from the watershed to Lake Biwa were 1.7% for esprocarb, 4.8% for mefenacet, 2.3% for thiobencarb, 3.7% for molinate, 9.4% for simetryn and 13.0% for isoprothiolane. The outputs from the lake were estimated from weekly observations in the Seta River. The loss of pesticides discharged downstream through the Seta River, compared with the amount applied, were estimated to be 0.9% for esprocarb, 3.2% for mefenacet, 0.5% for thiobencarb, 1.3% for molinate, 10.0% for simetryn and 5.7% for isoprothiolane. Pesticide outputs generally decreased to 30–80% of the input amounts, although simetryn was retained in the lake without substantial elimination.
Effects of plant community composition and exposure to wave action on invertebrate habitat use of Lake Huron coastal wetlands
Authors: Burton Thomas M. , Stricker Craig A. , Uzarski Donald G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractInvertebrate communities from different coastal marsh‐plant communities were compared along wave‐exposure gradients using data from 1994, 1998 and 1999. Data were subjected to correspondence analyses to search for patterns in invertebrate communities in relation to plant‐community structure and wave exposure. In 1994, quantitative plant‐ and sediment‐invertebrate samples were taken from nine habitats: four from inland, subsurface‐connected marshes and five from littoral, emergent marshes. In 1998, sweep‐net samples were taken from 13 plant communities: six on the exposed and seven on the protected side of an island. In 1999, 2–3 plant communities/sites were sampled with sweep nets from four sites around the Bay so that intersite differences between inner, less‐exposed and outer, more‐exposed habitats could be examined. In all three studies, correspondence analyses separated inland, protected or inner sites from littoral, exposed or outer sites, suggesting differences in invertebrate‐community structure. For example, Hydracarina and Asellidae occurred in large numbers in inland sites, but were less common or absent from exposed, littoral sites. Littoral marshes also separated along an exposure gradient with Tanytarsini and Orthocladiinae collectors of organic particles occurring in very high numbers in outer, exposed areas where organic particles from the pelagic zone entered the marsh. Certain plant‐community types clustered together (e.g. wet meadow and Scirpus) while others, such as Typha, stands clustered according to exposure to waves suggesting the importance of both plant‐community structure and wave exposure in determining invertebrate‐community structure. We present a conceptual model that suggests that invertebrates in Great Lakes' marshes are distributed along gradients of decreased mixing of pelagic water and increases in sediment organic matter from outer to inner marsh and between littoral and adjacent inland marshes. Some invertebrates do best on one end of these gradients, while the majority are generalists found across habitat types.
Genomic repertoire of human mesangial cells: comprehensive analysis of gene expression by cDNA array hybridization
Authors: Yano Naohiro , Endoh Masayuki , Fadden Kimberly J , Yamashita Hiroshi , Sakai Hideto , Kurokawa Kiyoshi , Abboud Hanna E , Rifai Abdalla 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY:Knowing when and where a gene is expressed in a cell often provides a strong clue as to its physiological role. It is estimated the human genome contains 80 000–100 000 genes. Assessment of gene activity on a global genome‐wide scale is a fundamental and newly developed experimental strategy to expand the scope of biological investigation from a single gene to studying all genes at once in a systematic way. Capitalizing on the recently developed methodology of cDNA array hybridization, we monitored the simultaneous expression of thousands of genes in primary human mesangial cells. Complex α‐33P‐labelled cDNA probes were prepared from cultured mesangial cells. The probe was hybridized to a high‐density array of 18 326 paired target genes. The radioactive hybridization signals were analysed by phosphorimager. Bioinformatics from public genomic databases was utilized to assign a chromosomal location of each expressed transcript. Approximately 7460 different gene transcripts were detected in mesangial cells. Close to 13% (957 genes) were full‐length mRNA human transcripts (HTs), the remainder 6503 being expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Using special imaging computer software, the transcriptional level of the 957 HTs was compared with the expression of the ribosomal protein S28 (housekeeping gene). The HTs were also classified by function of the gene product and listed with information on their chromosomal loci. To allow comparison between clinical and experimental studies of gene expression, the detected human gene transcripts were cross‐referenced to orthologous mouse genes. Thus, the presented data constitute a quantitative preliminary blueprint of the transcriptional map of the human mesangial cell. The information may serve as a resource for speeding up the discovery of genes underlying human glomerular diseases. The complete listing of the full‐length expressed genes is available upon request via E‐mail: (Abdalla_Rifai@Brown.edu).
Effect of lisinopril on deposition of iron in renal tissue in Tsukuba hypertensive mice carrying human renin‐angiotensin system genes
Authors: Kai Tatsuya , Sugimura Keiichi , Kino Hirofumi , Takenaka Toshihiko , Shimada Seijiro , Kurooka Atsuhiro , Ishikawa Kinji 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY:Tsukuba hypertensive mice (THM) are transgenic mice that carry both human renin and angiotensinogen genes and overexpress the human renin‐angiotensin system (RAS). In the present study, the effect of lisinopril on deposition of macromolecular iron in renal tissue in THM was evaluated. Twelve‐week‐old male THM were divided into the following groups: lisinopril dosage group (ACEI group), hydralazine dosage group (hydralazine group), and a no‐drug group (control group). Age‐matched male C57BL/6 mice (wild group) were used as normal controls. Each mouse was treated with a drug for 8 weeks. All mice were euthanised at 20 weeks of age, and their kidneys were fixed and stained with Berlin‐blue. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the control group than in the wild group, and it decreased significantly to similar levels in the ACEI group and the hydralazine group. Iron deposition was observed in proximal renal tubules in the control group and the hydralazine group, but iron deposition was not observed in the ACEI group or the wild group. The results of the study suggest that the RAS plays an important role in the deposition of iron in the proximal renal tubules in THM, and that lisinopril prevents this deposition.
Carpal tunnel syndrome in haemodialysis patients: early detection by electroneurophysiological studies
Authors: Al‐Homrany Mohammed A. , Khan M. R. H. , Adzaku Festus , Harding M. G. 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY:Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment disorder. It is characterized by pain, paraesthesia and, ultimately, muscle wasting of the hand. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of CTS among haemodialysis patients both clinically and with the use of electromyography (EMG). Fifty‐five dialysis patients on regular haemodialysis treatment were included. There were 34 (62%) female and 21 (38%) male patients. The mean age was 47.3 ± 13.7 years. The mean age at commencement of dialysis was 44.4 ± 14.5 years. The mean duration on dialysis was 37 months. Twenty‐two patients (40.8%) showed normal examination and normal EMG findings. Thirty‐two patients (59.2%) had either abnormal EMG findings or positive physical signs or both. Further analysis of these 32 patients indicated that 13 patients (24%) had abnormal EMG finding compatible with the diagnosis of CTS and there were abnormal clinical features in 26 patients (48%) (seven patients with positive EMG findings and 19 patients with negative EMG studies). There was not a good correlation between EMG and the clinical examination. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the finding of abnormal EMG suggesting CTS and the duration on dialysis, with increasing prevalence observed in patients treated for more than 5 years (P = 0.039). CTS was also diagnosed by EMG in 18% of patients remaining on dialysis for less than 5 years. This study revealed the high prevalence of CTS in dialysis patients and emphasizes the importance of EMG studies in the detection of early cases of CTS. It also provides quantitative data for timely surgical intervention before irreversible changes and during the follow‐up of patients after decompression of the median nerve.
Epileptic seizures and sleep–wake rhythm
Authors: Horita Hideki 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe subjects were 25 children, including West syndrome, Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) and localization‐related epilepsies. Clinical seizures occurred only during waking state in 14 patients (including the cases of West syndrome, CAE and epilepsy with myoclonic absences (EMA)), only during sleeping state (especially during non‐REM sleep in five patients, including the case of benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spike), and diffusely during waking and sleeping states in six patients (including the case of early infantile epileptic encephalopathy with suppression burst). These three types were observed in the cases of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome and localization‐related epilepsies. Subclinical ictal discharges occurred during REM sleep in West syndrome, and during REM and non‐REM sleep especially during non‐REM sleep in CAE and EMA.
Spatiotemporal changes of slow wave activities before and after 14 Hz/12 Hz sleep spindles during stage 2 sleep
Authors: Ueda Kazutaka , Nittono Hiroshi , Hayashi Mitsuo , Hori Tadao 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe present study examined the spatiotemporal changes of slow wave (delta and theta bands) activities before and after 14 Hz/12 Hz sleep spindles during stage 2 sleep, using topographic mapping of electroencephalogram (EEG) power. Both types of sleep spindles appeared after slow wave activities of background EEG decreased. Moreover, the appearance of sleep spindles provided increasing EEG slow wave activities in the subsequent period. Further, the present results showed that an appearance of 14 Hz sleep spindle facilitated slow wave activities at the centro‐parietal areas, while an appearance of 12 Hz sleep spindle facilitated slow wave activities at the fronto‐central areas. These results suggest that sleep spindles provide cortical de‐arousal, and serve to maintain sleep.
Activation of visual cortex in REM sleep measured by 24‐channel NIRS imaging
Authors: Igawa Mariko , Atsumi Yoshikata , Takahashi Kazumi , Shiotsuka Shinichi , Hirasawa Hideto , Yamamoto Ryusei , Maki Atsushi , Yamashita Yuichi , Koizumi Hideaki 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTo visualize dreaming brain functions we studied hemodynamic changes in the visual cortex during the transition from non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, using a 24‐channel Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging method. Results were compared to the activation in visual cortex by visual stimulation during wakefulness. Subjects were four healthy males between 25 and 49 years of age. Five all‐night polysomnographic and NIRS recordings were made. Increases in the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration in visual cortex were observed from nine of 14 REM periods. The activated areas were broader during REM sleep than during visual stimulation. These findings suggest that activation of visual cortex in REM sleep might represent dream‐related brain activity.
Rapid eye movement‐localized apnea in a female patient with chronic insomnia
Authors: KAYUKAWA YUHEI , OKADA TAMOTSU , HAYAKAWA TOSHIJI , IMAI MAKOTO , TOMITA SATOE , TERASHIMA MASAYOSHI , LAN LI , OHTA TATSURO 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA middle‐aged female patient with chronic insomnia showed rapid eye movement (REM)‐ localized obstructive sleep apnea. She visited the Sleep Disorders Clinic and complained of insomnia with loud snoring. Once, in the past, her sleep complaints had disappeared after weight reduction but, 6 months later, she complained of excessive daytime sleepiness. Overnight polysomnography revealed REM‐localized apnea. Careful follow up is strongly recommended for a female patient with chronic insomnia who shows REM‐localized apnea.
Placental pathology in systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Ogishima Daiki , Matsumoto Toshiharu , Nakamura Yasushi , Yoshida Koyo , Kuwabara Yoshinori 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a poor pregnancy outcome. Antiphospholipid antibodies (APL), which include lupus anticoagulant (LAC) and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), are frequently found in patients with SLE, and their presence has been associated with fetal loss. To examine placental pathologic features of SLE patients with APL, we performed a pathologic study on 47 placental tissue samples from 47 pregnant SLE patients with APL (15 patients; four LAC single‐positive patients, seven aCL single‐positive patients, four LAC and aCL double‐positive patients) and without APL (32 LAC and aCL double‐negative patients). The incidence of extensive infarction, decidual vasculopathy, decidual thrombosis and perivillous fibrinoid change, which have been thought to be characteristic lesions of APL placenta, was significantly higher in the LAC and aCL double‐positive patients than in the patients without APL. Conversely, the above‐mentioned lesions between the LAC or aCL single‐positive patients and the APL negative patients did not differ significantly. Among the 15 patients with APL, two of the three patients with both decidual vasculopathy and thrombosis had extensive infarction associated with fetal death. Moreover, the patients having fetal death showed LAC and aCL double‐positivity. In conclusion, this study indicated that the LAC and aCL double‐positivity is an important factor for extensive infarction resulting from decidual vasculopathy and decidual thrombosis in the SLE placenta. Moreover, it was indicated that LAC and aCL double‐positivity is an important risk factor for fetal death in the SLE patient.
Cellulose synthesizing terminal complexes and morphogenesis in tip‐growing cells of Syringoderma phinneyi (Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Schüβler Arthur , Hirn Susanne , Katsaros Christos 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe intramembrane particles and cellulose synthesis of the brown alga Syringoderma phinneyi Henry et Müller were examined using replicas of freeze‐fractured apical cells. Like in other brown algae, linear terminal complexes (TCs) were found in the plasmatic fracture face (PF) of the plasmalemma, which are the putative cellulose synthases. Terminal complexes consist of a single row of particles, each particle composed of two sub‐units, and are found in close relationship with cellulose microfibril imprints. Examination of the distribution of TCs revealed a clear apico‐basal gradient, with a higher density of TCs in the apical part. This seems to reflect the tip growth of the apical cells. The rate of cellulose synthesis per TC subunit was calculated based on the dimensions of the TCs and cellulose microfibrils.