bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular epidemiology of rubella virus in Asia: Utility for reduction in the burden of diseases due to congenital rubella syndrome
Authors: Katow Shigetaka 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Background
: Rubella is a mild disease mainly of infants, involving a rash and a fever. However, when women who have no immunity to rubella are infected during the early stage of pregnancy, their babies are often born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which is characterized by a few disorders including deafness, cataracts and heart malformations. To prevent CRS, several strains of live attenuated rubella vaccine have been developed and introduced into immunization programs in many countries. In most Asian countries except Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, rubella remains uncontrolled, and the burden of diseases from CRS is high. In order to develop a control program to reduce the number of CRS cases in Asian countries, it is necessary to conduct a survey of rubella and CRS cases, and to then determine the genotype of the circulating rubella virus in each country.
Methods
: Cases of rubella and CRS, based on national reporting systems or active surveillance in the Asian countries, are summarized. Sequences of the E1 gene of the virus isolates from the Asian countries were compared by phylogenic analysis.
Results
: Recent studies of the molecular epidemiology of rubella virus worldwide revealed that there are two genotypes, and that genotype I is circulating almost worldwide, while genotype II is an Asian prototype restricted to the Asian continent. Genotype I viruses fall into a number of groups, some of which are geographically localized. Antigenically these two genotypes are cross‐reactive and immunization with either virus results in immunity to all rubella viruses.
Discussion
: The hypotheses that rubella virus has evolved on the Asian continent is proposed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized that a rubella immunization program can be combined with the measles immuization program. Inclusion of rubella in the expanded program of immunization (EPI) of measles would be ideal in Asian countries, as it would be efficient and cost effective to administer one injection containing a three‐combined vaccine (MMR). It would also be desirable given that WHO require laboratory tests to confirm the presence of measles or rubella as part of it's measles control project, because rubella is often misdiagnosed as measles.
Periventricular low intensities on fluid attenuated inversion recovery imaging in the newborn infant: Relationships to chronic white matter lesions
Authors: Iwata Osuke , Iwata Sachiko , Tamura Masanori , Nakamura Tomohiko , Hirabayashi Shinnichi , Fueki Noboru , Kondou Yoshiaki , Kihara Hideki 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Background
: Neurological disadvantages due to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) are still very serious problems. In order to support the infant with HIE, it is important to evaluate the severity of the brain injury early. The authors performed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the neonatal brain in order to assess the clinical value of periventricular low intensities (PVLI) detected on fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging.
Methods
: A total of 451 MRI from 167 preterm and 113 term infants were sorted into groups according to the corrected age at the time of scanning. Intensities in the white matter were then divided into five grades according to the severity of the finding on FLAIR imaging. Chronic abnormalities such as periventricular hyperintensities (PVHI) were also analyzed.
Result
: In early MRI, which was obtained before 2 months corrected age, the incidence of PVLI was 63%, while it was only 3% and 0% in the middle (2−8 months) and the late (8−18 months) scans, respectively. Instead of PVLI, PVHI were commonly observed both on late FLAIR imaging (89%) and late T2‐weighted imaging (72%). The severity of the white matter damage diagnosed on early FLAIR imaging had a significant correlation with that of late FLAIR imaging.
Conclusion
: F‐PVLI on early FLAIR imaging would be a good predictor of chronic white matter damage. FLAIR imaging would be also useful in follow‐up of infants because of its high sensitivity to the chronic white matter lesion.
Biliary atresia in Turkish children
Authors: AydoĞdu Sema , Özgenç Funda , Atİk Tahir , Ünal Fatih , Tokat Yaman , Yagci Rasit Vural 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Aim
: To evaluate surgical success, survival rate and relationship of outcome parameters with time at diagnosis and operation of extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA) patients in İzmir, Turkey.
Methods
: Clinical and laboratory data were reviewed from case reports of 27 EHBA patients. Twenty‐five patients were operated on using Kasai procedure and two cases received liver transplants without portoenterostomy due to decompansated liver cirrhosis on diagnosis. Post operational success was defined as clearance of jaundice (bilirubine level <2 mg/dL). Patients were studied in two groups: I (jaundice free and/or compensated liver disease with liver transplant if needed after 3 years of age) and II (progressive liver disease with death or liver transplant if needed before 3 years of age). Kasai success, age at diagnosis and operation, survival and correlation of outcome with age, preoperative liver functions were evaluated. Eight patients received liver transplants.
Results
: Median age at diagnosis was 63.5 days (21−212) and portoenterostomy was performed at median age of 67.5 days (25−220). Kasai operation was successful in two cases (8%) and the operation was performed at 35 and 42 days. Age at diagnosis (P = 0.13) and operation (P = 0.2) was not different between the two groups. Group I and II consisted of seven (28%) and 18 (72%) infants. Pre‐existing ascites, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and globulin levels were significantly higher in group II patients (P = 0.008, P = 0.04, P = 0.017, respectively).
Conclusion
: The results of the present study indicate that general practitioners should pay close attention to the evaluation of infants with prolonged jaundice in Turkey. Because of frequent late diagnosis presenting with cirrhosis at admission and also because of the low organ donation rates in Turkey, living related liver transplantation is an option and is currently undergoing detailed ethical consideration.
Bayesian Networks for Imputation
Authors: Di Zio Marco , Scanu Mauro , Coppola Lucia , Luzi Orietta , Ponti Alessandra 
Published: April 2004

SummaryBayesian networks are particularly useful for dealing with high dimensional statistical problems. They allow a reduction in the complexity of the phenomenon under study by representing joint relationships between a set of variables through conditional relationships between subsets of these variables. Following Thibaudeau and Winkler we use Bayesian networks for imputing missing values. This method is introduced to deal with the problem of the consistency of imputed values: preservation of statistical relationships between variables (statistical consistency) and preservation of logical constraints in data (logical consistency). We perform some experiments on a subset of anonymous individual records from the 1991 UK population census.
Consequences of pastoral abandonment for the structure and diversity of the alpine avifauna
Authors: Laiolo Paola , Dondero Francesca , Ciliento Enza , Rolando Antonio 
Published: April 2004

SummaryThere is a long‐term trend of depopulation of rural areas and pasture abandonment throughout the Alps. This trend peaked after the Second World War and is now omnipresent. Its ecological consequences are evident mostly below the timberline, where grassland gradually turns into shrub and, ultimately, to forest. This study addresses the consequences of land abandonment and the decline of pastoral practices on the diversity and structure of the bird communities of the Italian Alps.The breeding birds of Gran Paradiso Natural Park in north‐western Italy were surveyed, and bird diversity, abundance of grassland, ecotone, woodland and shrub species were analysed using regression in relation to a set of explanatory variables including elevation, local habitat variables, landscape variables and grazing intensity.Avian diversity increased in abandoned pastures as higher numbers of shrub species followed tree and shrub encroachment. Conversely, open habitat species that benefited from grazing were mostly confined to pure grasslands and high altitudes.The effects of grazing were more evident in the montane belt. Grazing maintained open habitats by limiting tree and scrub encroachment, thereby favouring grassland bird species. At higher altitudes, however, grazing had little effect on typical open habitat alpine species (choughsPyrrhocoraxspp., water pipitAnthus spinoletta, alpine accentorPrunella collaris, wheatearOenanthe oenanthe, snow finchMontifringilla nivalis, rock thrushMonticola saxatilis) and only skylarkAlauda arvensisand linnetCarduelis cannabinapreferred grazed meadows.Synthesis and applications. This study shows that the abandonment of grazing in the Alps has significant effects on bird species diversity and abundance, especially below the timberline where pastoral decline leads to significant changes in vegetation structure. However, grazing importance differs markedly depending on whether the focus is avian α‐diversity or grassland bird abundance. Pastoral abandonment leads to an overall increase in avian diversity, but most species invading abandoned pastures are already common, whereas several grassland bird species that are dependent upon grazed pastures have an unfavourable conservation status. Overall, in terms of bird conservation objectives, large‐scale abandonment of long‐established pastoral habitats and their complete replacement with scrub, or even forest, is likely to be detrimental.
Platelet storage solution effects on the accuracy of laboratory tests for platelet function: a multi‐laboratory study
Authors: VandenBroeke T. , Dumont L. J. , Hunter S. , Nixon J. , Murphy S. , Roger J. , Herschel L. , AuBuchon J. P. , Gulliksson H. , Dengler T. , Hornsey V. , Prowse Chris ,   for the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion Working Party of the International Society of Blood Transfusion
Published: April 2004

Background and Objectives  Extent of shape change (ESC) and hypotonic shock response (HSR) have been widely used to characterize the in vitro function of platelets and have been shown to correlate with in vivo viability. These assays have been routinely performed using platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) as the test sample diluent. Because of the increasing popularity of storing platelets in synthetic media, it is important to understand the effects of using these synthetic media as test diluents for ESC and HSR measurements. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of using platelet storage solutions vs. plasma for the in vitro testing of ESC and HSR.Materials and Methods  Six laboratories participated in this study. Platelets were prepared by apheresis, the platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) method, or derived from buffy‐coats. Each platelet preparation was divided, half being stored in plasma and the other half in storage solution. ESC and HSR testing were performed in duplicate on days 1 and 5, using each of three diluents: autologous plasma; fresh‐frozen plasma; or storage solution.Results  For both ESC and HSR, dilutions made in each of the three diluents yielded significantly different results. Dilutions made in storage solutions were more than 30% lower for ESC and HSR than those made in autologous plasma (P < 0·0001). Dilutions made in thawed fresh‐frozen plasma were more than 16% lower for ESC and HSR than those made in liquid autologous plasma (P < 0·0005).Conclusions  ESC and HSR test results are significantly affected by the test diluent. Platelets should be diluted in plasma (preferably autologous) for the in vitro testing of ESC and HSR, regardless of the media in which they are stored.
Population status and structure of mountain nyala in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Refera Befekadu , Bekele Afework 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe study on the population status and structure of mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) was carried out in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia during the wet and dry seasons of 2000/2001. Total counts were carried out in an area of 13.1 km2. The count ranged between 682 and 732 individuals. Females comprised 62.9% while males 27.4%. The calf ratio was 9.7%. The group structure of the animals varied with season. Large herds were frequently observed during the wet season and smaller groups during the dry season. Group size changed seasonally. In both seasons, 7–12 individuals were the frequent group size formation. The maximum group (62) was observed during the wet season. The population trend of the animal from 1975 to 1990 indicated a recovery and increase. But between 1990 and 1995 the population showed a continuous and steep decline. However, between 1995 and 2000 the population trend showed a better condition when compared with the previous years.
Spatial dynamics of lions and their prey along an environmental gradient
Authors: Ogutu J. O. , Dublin H. T. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractEstablishing the ecological determinants of the spatial dynamics of large African savanna mammals is necessary for understanding the cumulative impacts on the suitability and resilience of their natural habitats, of progressive habitat fragmentation and temporal shifts in climate, fire regimes and elephant browsing. Systematic directional gradients and small‐scale spatial dependence were evident in rainfall, herbivore biomass and lion density in the Masai Mara National Reserve during September 1990 to July 1992. Lion density, the biomass of resident and all herbivore species were autocorrelated within 4.3, 4.1 and 3.3 km, respectively, and peaked in areas of relatively low rainfall but higher microtopographic and vegetation heterogeneity and complexity and more diverse drainage systems. Rainfall influenced herbivore biomass and hence lion density non‐linearly and that influence was apparently modified by forage mineral nutrients, structural habitat complexity, degree of drainage and distance to waterpoints. Lion density was related to the biomass of resident herbivores, even after controlling for rainfall and spatial trends. Persistence of the recent decline in Mara woodlands and increasing human population along the reserve–ranch boundary would likely reduce the reserve's lion population because most lions spent the daytime within the vegetation mosaic fringing drainage lines, away from humans and domestic livestock.
Human impact on wildlife populations within a protected Central African forest
Authors: Blom Allard , Van Zalinge Robert , Mbea Eugene , Heitkönig Ignas M. A. , Prins Herbert H. T. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThis paper addresses the effect of human activities on the density of large mammals in the Dzanga‐Ndoki National Park and the adjacent Dzanga‐Sangha Reserve in the Central African Republic.Between six and eight 20 km long permanent transects were walked on a monthly basis from January 1997 to August 1999 to assess large mammal populations as well as human intrusion. There were no obvious seasonal or monthly trends in elephant, gorilla or non‐human primate densities.Overall, it appears that human activities negatively influence the distribution of most of the large forest animals in Dzanga‐Sangha. Elephants in particular were significantly less common in areas used by humans, but also other species such as non‐human primates showed lower densities closer to the main road and the town of Bayanga. This study confirms the findings of previous studies that roads have a negative impact on wildlife populations.Results of this study stress the need for conservation of large uninterrupted forest blocks to maintain wildlife populations at normal levels. Simply creating roads, even within a protected Central African forest, is likely to have negative impacts on wildlife populations.
Crop raiding around Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
Authors: Kagoro‐Rugunda Grace 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn areas around Lake Mburo National Park, large wild animals wander in close proximity to human settlements. This poses serious conflict in terms of crop damage. The integration of conservation with other land uses is difficult where densely settled agricultural land surrounds a protected area potentially containing problem animals, as is the case for several parks in Africa and Asia. The intensity of crop raiding was quantified through the use of random crop quadrants/plots and area estimation techniques in a portion of raided fields. The animal species concerned were documented from observations, footprints and any other marks left behind. Three variables were tested as predictors of damage: human population density, distance from the park boundary and season. In this study, data is presented regarding crop loss in the different seasons of the year, analysis of crop damage variation and animal species involved in crop loss. A diverse assemblage of animals foraged on subsistence crops and analysis of crop damage revealed significant crop depreciation by wildlife.
The food and feeding habits of blackspot snapper, Lutjanus fulviflamma (Pisces: Lutjanidae) in shallow waters of Mafia Island, Tanzania
Authors: Kamukuru A. T. , Mgaya Y. D. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractNatural diet and feeding habits of blackspot snapper, Lutjanus fulviflamma (Forsskål 1775) were investigated in Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) and intensively fished areas (IFA) between May 1999 and April 2001. An index of relative importance (IRI) was used to assess the food preference for L. fulviflamma. Feeding habits were studied with respect to sex and size of the predator, seasons and feeding periodicity. Of 4642 L. fulviflamma specimens sampled, 46% had empty stomachs. Brachyurans were the main prey of L. fulviflamma accounting for 48% IRI. Benthic invertebrates dominated by other crustaceans, gastropods, bivalves, cephalopods and polychaetes and demersal teleosts made up the remainder of the diet. Female and male L. fulviflamma were not effectively segregated by trophic dimension in the study areas. Specimens in the 90–120 mm total length (TL) fed exclusively on crustaceans, with shrimps accounting for 40% IRI. Lutjanus fulviflamma in the 270–300 mm TL preferred fish prey accounting for 50% IRI. The diet of fish species showed clear spatial differences, which were dependent on size distributions. Lutjanus fulviflamma fed mostly but not exclusively at night peaking at dusk and dawn. The results clearly demonstrate that L. fulviflamma is an opportunistic forager, which exhibits both diel and ontogenetic feeding habits.
Paraneoplastic immunobullous disease with an epidermolysis bullosa acquisita phenotype: Two cases demonstrating remission with treatment of gynaecological malignancy
Authors: Chamberlain Alexander J , Cooper Susan M , Allen Jill , Dean Diane , Baxter Kay F , Goodfield Mark JD , Wojnarowska Fenella 
Published: April 2004

SUMMARYTwo cases of paraneoplastic immunobullous disease occurring in women with gynaecological malignancies are reported. Both cases demonstrated mechanobullous mucocutaneous blistering as is typically seen in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Their immunopathology, however, favoured a dermal‐binding mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) (or possibly bullous pemphigoid) for patient 1 and laminin‐5 MMP for patient 2. Both patients showed resolution of blistering within 1 year of treatment of their malignancies; uterine and ovarian carcinoma, respectively. These cases are of interest because of their paraneoplastic nature; as well as overlapping clinicoimmunopathological features. In addition, patient 2 is, as far as we are aware, the first report of ovarian‐carcinoma‐associated laminin‐5 MMP.
Intralesional 5‐fluorouracil in the treatment of keloid scars
Authors: Apikian Martine , Goodman Greg 
Published: April 2004

SUMMARYTwo patients with keloid scars are described. The first patient presented with extensive keloid scarring on both cheeks secondary to acne. The second patient developed a keloid scar on her chest following excision of a mole. Both patients' scars were diagnosed clinically and treated with fortnightly injections of a mixture of 5‐fluorouracil and betamethasone acetate and betamethasone sodium phosphate. At each injection session up to 1.6 mL of 5‐fluorouracil at a concentration of 500 mg/10 mL and 0.4 mL of betamethasone acetate and betamethasone sodium phosphate (as betamethasone acetate 3 mg in suspension and betamethasone sodium phosphate 3.9 mg in solution) were used. Multiple treatments were required to obtain resolution of the keloid scars. Improvement was maintained in both patients at 1 year post treatment.
Mouse photoreceptor synaptic ribbons lose and regain material in response to illumination changes
Authors: Spiwoks‐Becker Isabella , Glas Martin , Lasarzik Irina , Vollrath Lutz 
Published: April 2004

AbstractChemical synapses equipped with ribbons are tonically active, high‐output synapses. The ribbons may play a role in the trafficking of synaptic vesicles. Recent findings in retinal rod cells of BALB/c mice indicate that ribbons are large and smooth in the dark phase, and, due to the formation and release of protrusions, small during the light phase. As a consequence of these changes, ribbons may traffick fewer vesicles in the light than in the dark phases. The aim of the present study was to find out whether the above ribbon changes in this mouse strain are strictly illumination‐dependent and which signalling processes may be involved. Here, we show that ribbons form protrusions and release them into the cytoplasm within 30–60 min after lights on, the reverse occurring within 30 min after lights off. Under constant light or constant dark, no circadian rhythm of synaptic ribbon changes is observed. The illumination‐dependence of ribbon structure is supported by in vitro experiments showing that in dark‐adapted retinas, light induces the same morphological changes as in vivo. In vitro, the effect of light on the ribbons can be counteracted by cyclic guanosine monophosphate and melatonin. In dark‐adapted retinas, light effects can be produced by decreasing the calcium ion concentrations in the incubation media. These results suggest that in retinal rod cells, the well known phototransduction signalling mechanisms may be responsible for the ribbon changes presently and previously reported.