bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF INTRADUCTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR DIAGNOSIS OF INTRADUCTAL PAPILLARY MUCINOUS NEOPLASM OF THE PANCREAS
Authors: Ito Kei , Fujita Naotaka , Noda Yutaka , Kobayashi Go , Horaguchi Jun , Takasawa Osamu
Published: July 2006

Intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) is useful for evaluating the horizontal spread along the main pancreatic duct in cases of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas, thus providing valuable information for the determination of the resection line at surgery. Differentiation between benign and malignant IPMN is also indispensable for management decisions. Measurement of the height of mural nodules by IDUS is expected to be useful for differential diagnosis of IPMN. Because IDUS cannot always demonstrate whole lesions, especially in branch duct IPMN, endoscopic ultrasonography plays a complementary role in such cases.
Prevalence of mitochondrial DNA haplogroups in an Australian population
Authors: Manwaring N. , Jones M. M. , Wang J. J. , Rochtchina E. , Mitchell P. , Sue C. M.
Published: July 2006

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups are ‘neutral polymorphisms’ in the mtDNA genome, which have accumulated and persisted along maternal lineages as the human population has migrated worldwide. Three ethnically distinct lineages of human mtDNA populations have been identified: European, characterized by nine haplogroups H, I, J, K, T, U, V, W and X; African, characterized by superhaplogroup L and Asian, characterized by superhaplogroup M. We studied the prevalence of mtDNA haplogroups in participants of the Blue Mountains Eye Study, a large population‐based survey of vision conducted between 1991 and 2000 of non‐institutionalized permanent residents aged 49 years or older from two suburban postcode areas, west of Sydney, Australia. Total DNA isolated from either hair follicles or blood was available for 3377 of the 3509 participants (96.2%) to determine mtDNA haplogroups by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Approximately 94.2% of samples could be assigned to one of the nine major European haplogroups, whereas a further 1.2% included the African (L) and Asian (M) superhaplogroups. The five principal haplogroups represented were H (42.9%), U (14.1%), J (10.7%), T (9.2%) and K (8.1%), which together included 85% of this population.
Close correlation between chronic sclerosing sialadenitis and immunoglobulin G4
Authors: Kamisawa T. , Nakajima H. , Hishima T.
Published: July 2006

In four patients with chronic sclerosing sialadenitis, serum immunoglobulin G4 concentration was markedly increased and abundant infiltration of immunoglobulin G4‐positive plasma cells was observed in the salivary glands. Autoimmune pancreatitis occurred in the two patients during follow up. Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis and autoimmune pancreatitis would appear to show essentially the same pathophysiological mechanism. Measurement of serum immunoglobulin G4 concentration is useful in differentiating chronic sclerosing sialadenitis from neoplasia.
Reasons for admission to hospital for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Temlett J. A. , Thompson P. D.
Published: July 2006

The management of Parkinson’s disease (PD) tends to focus on the presenting motor syndrome; yet, in the long term, nonmotor complications of the illness and complications of treatment become increasingly troublesome. The aims of this study were to review the reasons for 761 hospital admissions for patients with a diagnosis of PD and to determine the cause of hospitalization. Only 15% were admitted for primary management of the motor syndrome. PD was the secondary diagnosis in 645 admissions. Of the latter, 39% were admitted because of falls leading to fracture, pneumonia, encephalopathy or dementia and hypotension with syncope. Cardiac and gastrointestinal diseases accounted for a further 22% of admissions. Complications of the later stages of PD and associated treatments are more likely to lead to hospital admission than management of the primary motor syndrome. Some of the emergency hospital admissions for PD may be potentially avoidable with better planning of management in the outpatient and community setting.
Studies of scleroderma at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne
Authors: Barnett A. J.
Published: July 2006

Scleroderma had been virtually unrecognized in this country before this study. Our interest in this condition was raised by the discovery that certain patients being investigated for ischaemic disease of the hand had scleroderma. Although uncommon, it is not excessively rare and we have been able to study an increasingly large number of patients, eventually resulting in 177 patients over a period of 35 years. The clinical features in these patients have been delineated. At first, the patients were subdivided into types: type 1, skin changes obvious only in the hands; type 2, skin changes extending beyond the hands but excluding the trunk; type 3, skin changes diffuse and involving the trunk. All types have similar visceral changes, but these are more severe and there is a worse prognosis in type 3 patients. Types 1 and 2 can conveniently be combined as acrosclerosis. Types 1 and 2 have a similar and good prognosis with survival at 30 years of 40%. Type 3 patients have a much worse prognosis, with no type 3 patients living more than 20 years. All types have a high incidence of autoantibodies, but these are generally not related to the severity of the disease and do not occur in relatives or spouses, this being the evidence of the absence of hereditary and environmental factors in their presence. Although patients may receive much relief from symptomatic measures, no treatment had lessened the skin stiffness and there is no specific treatment for the visceral lesions. The cause of the condition remains unknown.
An improved technique for controlling bleeding during simple retropubic prostatectomy: a randomized controlled study
Authors: DALL’OGLIO MARCOS F. , SROUGI MIGUEL , ANTUNES ALBERTO A. , CRIPPA ALEXANDRE , CURY JOSÉ
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE

To compare two techniques of open prostatic adenectomy (OPA) for controlling bleeding, as OPA is the most effective surgical method for alleviating obstructive symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) but there is always a risk of peri‐operative bleeding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised a prospective and randomized analysis of 62 men with BPH who consecutively had OPA between January 2002 and September 2004. Two techniques were used: in group 1, patients had the Millin modified retropubic prostatectomy, and in group 2 they had a classical transvesical prostatectomy. Blood loss during and after surgery was analysed.

RESULTS

The median (range) blood loss during surgery was 362 (50–700) and 640 (200–1500) mL for groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.007). The mean (sd) decrease in haemoglobin level from before to 1 day after surgery was 1.76 (0.31) and 3.15 (0.33) g/dL for groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.001). When comparing the first and third days after surgery, there were no further significant decreases in levels for group 1, at 0.15 (0.31) g/dL (P = 0.175), but there was a significant decrease for group 2, at 0.74 (0.33) g/dL (P = 0.031). There was a similar decrease in haematocrit levels. While three patients from group 2 required a blood transfusion, only one from group 1 had to be transfused.

CONCLUSION

The Millin technique, as modified by one of the present authors, can significantly control bleeding during and after surgery, and reduce transfusion rates, when compared to the classic transvesical prostatectomy.
Variable coding sequence protein A1 as a marker for erectile dysfunction
Authors: TONG YUEHONG , TAR MOSES , DAVELMAN FELIX , CHRIST GEORGE , MELMAN ARNOLD , DAVIES KELVIN P.
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether variable coding sequence protein A1 (Vcsa1) is down‐regulated in rat models of diabetes and ageing, and to investigate the role of Vcsa1 in erectile function, as Vcsa1 is the most down‐regulated gene in the corpora of a rat model of neurogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase‐chain reaction was used to determine Vcsa1 expression in the corpora of rats in three models of ED, i.e. streptozotocin‐induced diabetes, retired breeder (old), and neurogenic (bilaterally ligated cavernosal nerves), and in control rats. To confirm a physiological role of Vcsa1 in erectile function, we carried out gene transfer studies using a plasmid in which Vcsa1 was expressed from a cytomegalovirus promoter (pVAX‐Vcsa1). This plasmid was injected intracorporally into old rats, and the effect on physiology of corporal tissue was analysed by intracorporal/blood pressure (ICP/BP) measurement and histological analysis, and compared with the effects of a positive control plasmid (pVAX‐hSlo, which we previously reported to restore erectile function in diabetic and ageing rats) and a negative control plasmid (pVAX).

RESULTS

In each rat model of ED there was a significant down‐regulation of the Vcsa1 transcript of at least 10‐fold in corporal tissue. Remarkably, intracorporal injection with 80 µg pVAX‐Vcsa1 caused priapism, as indicated by visible prolonged erection, histological appearance, and elevated resting ICP/BP. Lower doses of pVAX‐Vcsa1 (5 and 25 µg) increased ICP/BP over that in untreated controls.

CONCLUSION

These results show that Vcsa1 has a role in erectile function and might be a molecular marker for organic ED. The role of Vcsa1 in erectile function suggests that it could represent a novel therapeutic target for treating ED.
Late relapse of metastatic testicular nonseminomatous germ cell cancer: surgery is needed for cure
Authors: GELDART THOMAS R. , GALE JOANNA , McKENDRICK JOE , KIRBY JULIE , MEAD GRAHAM
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE

To identify patients with late relapse of metastatic, nonseminomatous germ cell tumour (NSGCT) and to evaluate the patterns of relapse, treatment and outcome, as such relapse at >2 years after complete remission to treatment for metastatic disease (late relapse) is uncommon, but with prolonged follow‐up is becoming increasingly recognized.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1980 and 2004, 1405 patients with testicular GCTs were identified who presented to Southampton University Hospital; 742 had NSGCTs or combined testicular GCTs, of whom 405 received primary chemotherapy for metastatic disease. In all, 329 (81%) patients achieved a complete response (CR) to initial treatment, with 101 of them (31%) requiring surgical resection of residual masses after chemotherapy. Any patient relapsing at >2 years after a CR to initial treatment (late relapse) was assessed in detail.

RESULTS

In all, 20 patients had a late relapse, 17 of whom received initial treatment locally and three of whom were initially treated elsewhere. Most (65%) late relapses were asymptomatic and detected by routine cross‐sectional imaging or rising levels of tumour markers. Late relapse occurred at a median (range) of 108 (26–217) months (≈ 9 years) after CR. Fifteen (75%) patients underwent only surgery for late relapse, including five who had invasive malignant germ cell cancer within the resected specimens. Fourteen of 15 surgically treated patients remained alive at a median of 44 (9–184) months from initial treatment for late relapse; one had died with progressive recurrent germ cell/epithelial malignancy. Five (25%) patients were initially treated with chemotherapy for late relapse; three of them died from progressive germ cell cancer and the two survivors both had surgical excision of residual abnormalities after salvage chemotherapy. Overall, 15 of 20 (75%) men remain alive with no evidence of disease; one further patient is currently undergoing salvage treatment for his third relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

Late relapse is uncommon after modern therapy for metastatic GCTs. Surgical treatment for localized disease, where possible, is associated with prolonged disease‐free and overall survival. By contrast, chemotherapy is associated with a low response rate and a poor outcome.
MN‐001, a novel oral anti‐inflammatory agent, suppresses bladder hyperactivity in a rat model
Authors: RAJASEKARAN MAHADEVAN , LOCKE KENNETH W. , PARSONS C. LOWELL
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of MN‐001, a novel orally active anti‐inflammatory agent, in suppressing the bladder hyperactivity resulting from ovalbumin (OA)‐induced mast‐cell stimulation in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague‐Dawley rats of both sexes were divided into five groups of 10 each, with group 1 as the control and groups 2–5 undergoing OA sensitization to produce mast‐cell degranulation using an established method. At 14 days after sensitization, rats were given an acute intravesical challenge: in group 1, by saline (control), and in groups 2–5, with ≈ 2 mL of OA (10 mg/mL in sterile saline). Groups 3–5 received the investigational agent MN‐001 orally at 10, 30 or 50 mg/kg, respectively, 1 h before intravesical OA challenge. Urodynamics were then evaluated to quantify the frequency of contractions (voids), intercontractile interval (ICI) and non‐voiding contractions (NVCs).

RESULTS

Acute intravesical OA challenge in rats in group 2 caused contractions of bladder smooth muscle, leading to a significant (P < 0.05) dose‐dependent increase in NVCs and a decrease in ICI. Rats pre‐treated with MN‐001 at 30 and 50 mg/kg (groups 4 and 5) had significantly fewer NVCs and a greater ICI than rats in group 2 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

OA challenge in OA‐sensitized rats produces bladder hyperactivity, as reflected in significantly more NVCs and a lower ICI. At doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg orally, MN‐001 produces significant protection against the OA‐induced bladder hyperactivity. MN‐001 might have a role in managing mast cell activity and the associated bladder symptoms in patients with interstitial cystitis.
Construct validation of individuating and relating autonomy orientations in culturally Chinese adolescents
Authors: Yeh Kuang‐Hui , Yang Yung‐Jui
Published: July 2006

Adolescent individuating and relating autonomies were compared to the concepts of detachment and public conformity. Participants included 573 junior high and 673 senior high school students. Each type of autonomy had a distinctive function in intrapsychic or interpersonal domains and clearly differed from detachment and public conformity. In the competing model analysis, individuating autonomy was more associated than relating autonomy with adjustment variables in the personal domain, such as the global and personal aspects of self‐esteem, the personal aspect of happiness, and internalizing problems (mainly anxiety and depression). Relating autonomy was more associated than individuating autonomy with adjustment variables in the interpersonal domain such as social skills and externalizing problems (mainly aggression and delinquent behaviour).
Guns, Testosterone, and Aggression
Authors: Klinesmith Jennifer , Kasser Tim , McAndrew Francis T.
Published: July 2006

We tested whether interacting with a gun increased testosterone levels and later aggressive behavior. Thirty male college students provided a saliva sample (for testosterone assay), interacted with either a gun or a children's toy for 15 min, and then provided another saliva sample. Next, subjects added as much hot sauce as they wanted to a cup of water they believed another subject would have to drink. Males who interacted with the gun showed significantly greater increases in testosterone and added more hot sauce to the water than did those who interacted with the children's toy. Moreover, increases in testosterone partially mediated the effects of interacting with the gun on this aggressive behavior.
Multiple Spatially Overlapping Sets Can Be Enumerated in Parallel
Authors: Halberda Justin , Sires Sean F. , Feigenson Lisa
Published: July 2006

A system for nonverbally representing the approximate number of items in visual and auditory arrays has been documented in multiple species, including humans. Although many aspects of this approximate number system are well characterized, fundamental questions remain unanswered: How does attention select which items in a scene to enumerate, and how many enumerations can be computed simultaneously? Here we show that when presented an array containing different numbers of spatially overlapping dots of many colors, human adults can select and enumerate items on the basis of shared color and can enumerate approximately three color subsets from a single glance. This three-set limit converges with previously observed three-item limits of parallel attention and visual short-term memory. This suggests that participants can select a subset of items from a complex array as a single individual set, which then serves as the input to the approximate number system.
First Impressions
Authors: Willis Janine , Todorov Alexander
Published: July 2006

People often draw trait inferences from the facial appearance of other people. We investigated the minimal conditions under which people make such inferences. In five experiments, each focusing on a specific trait judgment, we manipulated the exposure time of unfamiliar faces. Judgments made after a 100-ms exposure correlated highly with judgments made in the absence of time constraints, suggesting that this exposure time was sufficient for participants to form an impression. In fact, for all judgments—attractiveness, likeability, trustworthiness, competence, and aggressiveness—increased exposure time did not significantly increase the correlations. When exposure time increased from 100 to 500 ms, participants' judgments became more negative, response times for judgments decreased, and confidence in judgments increased. When exposure time increased from 500 to 1,000 ms, trait judgments and response times did not change significantly (with one exception), but confidence increased for some of the judgments; this result suggests that additional time may simply boost confidence in judgments. However, increased exposure time led to more differentiated person impressions.
Do Humans and Baboons Use the Same Information When Categorizing Human and Baboon Faces?
Authors: Martin-Malivel Julie , Mangini Michael C. , Fagot Joël , Biederman Irving
Published: July 2006

What information is used for sorting pictures of complex stimuli into categories? We applied a reverse correlation method to reveal the visual features mediating categorization in humans and baboons. Two baboons and 6 humans were trained to sort, by species, pictures of human and baboon faces on which random visual noise was superimposed. On ambiguous probe trials, a human-baboon morph was presented, eliciting “human” responses on some trials and “baboon” responses on others. The difference between the noise patterns that induced the two responses made explicit the information mediating the classification. Unlike the humans, the baboons based their categorization on information that closely matched that used by a theoretical observer responding solely on the basis of the pixel similarities between the probe and training images. We show that the classification-image technique and principal components analysis provide a method to make explicit the differences in the information mediating categorization in humans and animals.
Visual Attention and the Semantics of Space
Authors: Gibson Bradley S. , Kingstone Alan
Published: July 2006

The distinction between central and peripheral cues has played an important role in understanding the functional nature of visual attention for the past 30 years. In the present article, we propose a new taxonomy that is based on linguistic categories of spatial relations. Within this framework, spatial cues are categorized as either “projective” or “deictic.” Using an empirical diagnostic, we demonstrate that the word cues above, below, left, and right express projective spatial relations, whereas arrow cues, eye-gaze cues, and abrupt-onset cues express deictic spatial relations. Thus, the projective-versus-deictic distinction crosscuts the more traditional central-versus-peripheral distinction. The theoretical utility of this new distinction is discussed in the context of recent evidence suggesting that a variety of central cues can elicit reflexive orienting.
The Contribution of Monocular Depth Cues to Scene Perception by Pigeons
Authors: Cavoto Brian R. , Cook Robert G.
Published: July 2006

The contributions of different monocular depth cues to performance of a scene perception task were investigated in 4 pigeons. They discriminated the sequential depth ordering of three geometric objects in computer-rendered scenes. The orderings of these objects were specified by the combined presence or absence of the pictorial cues of relative density, occlusion, and relative size. In Phase 1, the pigeons learned the task as a direct function of the number of cues present. The three monocular cues contributed equally to the discrimination. Phase 2 established that differential shading on the objects provided an additional discriminative cue. These results suggest that the pigeon visual system is sensitive to many of the same monocular depth cues that are known to be used by humans. The theoretical implications for a comparative psychology of picture processing are considered.
Visceral Drives in Retrospect
Authors: Nordgren Loran F. , van der Pligt Joop , van Harreveld Frenk
Published: July 2006

The present research demonstrates that the extent to which people appreciate the influence past visceral states have had on behavior (e.g., the influence hunger has had on food choice) depends largely on their current visceral state. Specifically, we found that when people were in a hot state (e.g., fatigued), they attributed behavior primarily to visceral influences, whereas when people were in a cold state (e.g., nonfatigued), they underestimated the influence of visceral drives and instead attributed behavior primarily to other, nonvisceral factors. This hot-cold empathy gap was observed when people made attributions about the past behavior of another person or themselves, and proved difficult to overcome, as participants could not correct for the biasing influence of their current visceral state when instructed to do so. These different attribution patterns also had consequences for people's satisfaction with their performance. Those who attributed their poor performance to visceral factors were more satisfied than those who made dispositional attributions.
Random albumin/creatinine ratio for quantification of proteinuria in manifest pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Wikström A‐K , Wikström J , Larsson A , Olovsson M
Published: July 2006

Objective  1) To assess the correlation between urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) and 24‐hour urine albumin excretion in women with pre‐eclampsia, 2) to study the influence of potential confounders on this correlation and 3) to assess the variability of ACR between voids during a 24‐hour period.

Design  Prospective study.

Setting  Fetal maternity ward, university hospital.

Population  Women with pre‐eclampsia scheduled for quantitative albumin measurement with a 24‐hour urine collection.

Methods  Random urine samples were obtained for analysis of ACRs during the time of 24‐hour urine collections in 31 women. ACRs were also measured from the complete 24‐hour collections. In five additional women, serial urine samples were obtained during the 24‐hour collection.

Main outcome measures  Correlation between ACRs and albumin amount in 24‐hour urine samples. Variability of the ACRs during a 24‐hour collection.

Results  The random ACR was poorly correlated to 24‐hour excretion of urine albumin (R2= 0.42). Adjustment for maternal age and nifedipine medication significantly (P= 0.044 and P= 0.023, respectively) improved the correlation (R2= 0.60). The mean variability (highest/lowest) of ACR during a 24‐hour period was 222%. The ACR from the 24‐hour collection had an excellent correlation to 24‐hour excretion of urine albumin (R2= 0.96).

Conclusions  In women with pre‐eclampsia, random ACR is not stable during the day and cannot predict 24‐hour urine protein excretion accurately. ACR from the 24‐hour collection is an accurate predictor of total albumin amount and can be used to minimise errors from incomplete collections.
Postmenopausal women undergoing transvaginal ultrasound screening prefer not to have chaperones
Authors: Sharma A , Beveridge HA , Fallowfield LJ , Jacobs IJ , Menon U
Published: July 2006

The Royal College of Radiologists has recommended chaperones of the appropriate gender for those undergoing intimate scans. This has significant implications for clinical and research programmes. Two hundred and fifty women undergoing scanning in a screening trial were sent postal questionnaires to determine their views as to the presence of chaperones and the gender of ultrasonographers. Ninety‐five percent of 198 women stated that they would not like another person to be present during transvaginal scanning. Of greater consequence to women was the gender of the ultrasonographer, with 83.3% expressing a preference for a female ultrasonographer. This needs to be considered in making decisions about allocation of scarce resources.
Maternal total vascular resistance and concentric geometry: a key to identify uncomplicated gestational hypertension
Authors: Valensise H , Vasapollo B , Novelli GP , Pasqualetti P , Galante A , Arduini D
Published: July 2006

Objective  To evaluate the prognostic impact of elevated total vascular resistance (TVR) on the outcome of pregnancy in early mild gestational hypertension (EMGH).

Design  Prospective observational study.

Setting  Data collected from women with EMGH referred to the obstetrics outpatient clinic of Tor Vergata University from June 2003 to June 2005.

Population  A total of 268 women with EMGH (systolic and diastolic blood pressure [BP] 140–150 mmHg and 90–99 mmHg, respectively, without significant proteinuria).

Methods  Women had a maternal echocardiographic examination and BP examination within 24 hours of diagnosis. From this, the TVR was calculated and the geometric pattern of the left ventricle assessed.

Main outcome measures  Fetal/maternal adverse outcomes (pre‐eclampsia, preterm delivery, placental abruption, other maternal medical problems, fetal distress, neonatal low birthweight, admittance to neonatal intensive care unit and perinatal death).

Results  Ninety‐two out of the 268 pregnancies showed adverse outcomes (34.3%). The best independent predictor for the composite of maternal and fetal complications was TVR (OR 64.4, 95% CI 25.9–160.1). The cutoff value was 1340 dyn seconds/cm5 with a sensitivity and a specificity of 90 and 91%, respectively. Concentric geometry of the left ventricle was also an independent predictor (OR 4.72, 95% CI 1.85–12.04).

Conclusions  Echocardiography could help in identifying women with EMGH who subsequently develop maternal and fetal complications, allowing a classification in high‐risk (TVR > 1340 dyn seconds/cm5, concentric geometry of the left ventricle) and low‐risk women (TVR < 1340 dyn seconds/cm5, nonconcentric geometry of the left ventricle) for adverse outcomes of pregnancy.
Cost‐effective media for the rapid and high resolution of small DNA fragments using polyacrylamide‐based electrophoresis
Authors: NEGRO S. S. , CLOOTS R. , GEMMELL N. J.
Published: July 2006

Current Tris‐based solutions for DNA electrophoresis produce a positive feedback loop between current and temperature at high voltage, resulting in long running times for the separation of even small DNA fragments. We optimized the separation of small DNA fragments (90–300 bp) in polyacrylamide‐based electrophoresis at high voltages (200volts/cm) by substituting Tris with low concentration alkali salts (e.g. 1 mm LiCl and CsCl). These media reduced the heat produced during electrophoresis, enhanced the DNA fragment resolution, and allowed gels to be run at higher voltages, reducing gel running times by 25%. In addition, the elimination of Tris and EDTA from the buffer reduced material costs approximately 10‐fold.
A set of highly discriminating microsatellite loci for the Galápagos marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus
Authors: STEINFARTZ SEBASTIAN , CACCONE ADALGISA
Published: July 2006

We describe here the cloning of 12 (7 dinucleotide, 1 trinucleotide and 4 tetranucleotide) microsatellite loci for the Galápagos marine iguana Amblyrhynchus cristatus. When tested for individuals from five different island populations on the Galápagos archipelago, high genetic diversities (9–20 alleles per locus) and heterozygosities (0.200–0.944) were observed. All loci showed no obvious deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The new set of microsatellite loci was able to assign individuals reliably to their island of origin, thus being able to discriminate between residents and migrants between islands.
Quality indexes to assess the reliability of genotypes in studies using noninvasive sampling and multiple‐tube approach
Authors: MIQUEL C. , BELLEMAIN E. , POILLOT C. , BESSIÈRE J. , DURAND A. , TABERLET P.
Published: July 2006

In noninvasive studies, the intersample variance in DNA quality and quantity is large, and produces multilocus genotypes of highly variable quality. Here we propose a standardized method for testing the reliability of the genotyping procedure when using the multiple‐tube approach. The quality indexes generated will allow reliable comparisons among samples, loci, studies, and field and/or laboratory protocols. These indexes represent a powerful tool for the quality management of noninvasive studies.
Characterization of tetranucleotide microsatellite loci and development and validation of multiplex reactions for the study of right whale species (genus Eubalaena)
Authors: FRASIER T. R. , RASTOGI T. , BROWN M. W. , HAMILTON P. K. , KRAUS S. D. , WHITE B. N.
Published: July 2006

A North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) genomic library was developed and screened with a (GATA)8 probe to identify tetranucleotide microsatellite loci. Sixteen characterized loci were polymorphic in North Atlantic and/or South Atlantic (Eubalaena australis) right whales, 12 being polymorphic in E. glacialis, and 15 in E. australis. Fourteen of these were combined with 21 other previously identified loci for a suite of 35 loci which can be used to increase resolution of genetic analyses of these species. Multiplex reactions were developed for genotyping samples at these loci, providing a method that is rapid, reliable and cost‐effective.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers from European pear (Pyrus communis L.)
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ‐FERNÁNDEZ F. , HARVEY N. G. , JAMES C. M.
Published: July 2006

This study reports the development and characterization of 19 microsatellite primer pairs developed from genomic DNA of European pear (Pyrus communis) and their transferability to other Pyrus and Malus material. The primers were designed from two different genomic libraries enriched for di‐ and trinucleotide repeats. When tested in six P. communis cultivars and 15 other Pyrus species, 13 primers revealed single‐locus polymorphism and six showed more complex patterns that suggest multiple loci. Two to 18 alleles were detected per locus and two primer pairs were sufficient to discriminate all accessions. Transferability of nine primer pairs to Malus was demonstrated through amplification of discrete products in two accessions.
Allele frequencies and diversity parameters of 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms within and across goat breeds
Authors: CAPPUCCIO I. , PARISET L. , AJMONE‐MARSAN P. , DUNNER S. , CORTES O. , ERHARDT G. , LÜHKEN G. , GUTSCHER K. , JOOST S. , NIJMAN I. J. , LENSTRA J. A. , ENGLAND P. R. , ZUNDEL S. , OBEXER‐RUFF G. , BEJA‐PEREIRA A. , VALENTINI A. , CONSORTIUM THE ECONOGENE
Published: July 2006

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are useful markers for biodiversity assessment, linkage analysis, traceability and paternity testing. To date, there are no available SNPs for goat in the NCBI dbSNP database and only a few are reported in the literature. Within the European Union Econogene project, we characterized 27 SNPs in goats using a targeted‐gene approach. Polymorphisms were identified in a panel of 16 unrelated individuals belonging to eight different goat breeds selected throughout Europe. Genotypes of 30 goats from each of the eight breeds were determined for all the SNPs characterized and diversity measures were estimated. The caprine SNPs described will be a useful complement to the available genome markers.
Microsatellite loci for the New Zealand trematode Maritrema novaezealandensis
Authors: KEENEY DEVON B. , WATERS JONATHAN M. , POULIN ROBERT
Published: July 2006

Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the coastal New Zealand trematode Maritrema novaezealandensis, an important driving force in the population dynamics of its snail and crustacean intermediate hosts. Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.33 to 0.82, and three to 17 alleles were detected in 22 trematode sporocysts. These loci will be integral for identifying parasite genetic clones within hosts and addressing a range of questions concerning the molecular ecology of this species.
Characterization of six microsatellite markers in Trillium camschatcense using a dual‐suppression‐polymerase chain reaction technique
Authors: KUBOTA S. , KAMEYAMA Y. , OHARA M.
Published: July 2006

Trillium camschatcense is a herbaceous perennial plant distributed in Hokkaido and northern Honshu, Japan. Geographical variations in the breeding system (partial selfing or obligate outcrossing) are reported in the populations of Hokkaido. We isolated six polymorphic microsatellite loci from this species. The number of allele per locus ranged from four to 12, whereas the expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.69 to 0.83. These markers may allow further investigations to reveal the evolutionary and ecological processes of mating system in T. camschatcense.
A minimalist barcode can identify a specimen whose DNA is degraded
Authors: HAJIBABAEI MEHRDAD , SMITH M. ALEX , JANZEN DANIEL H. , RODRIGUEZ JOSEPHINE J. , WHITFIELD JAMES B. , HEBERT PAUL D. N.
Published: July 2006

A DNA barcode based on 650 bp of mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I is proving to be highly functional in species identification for various animal groups. However, DNA degradation complicates the recovery of a full‐length barcode from many museum specimens. Here we explore the use of shorter barcode sequences for identification of such specimens. We recovered short sequences — i.e. ∼100 bp — with a single PCR pass from more than 90% of the specimens in assemblages of moth and wasp museum specimens from which full barcode recovery was only 50%, and the latter were usually less than 8 years old. Short barcodes were effective in identifying specimens, confirming their utility in circumstances where full barcodes are too expensive to obtain and the identification comparisons are within a confined taxonomic group.
Identification and characterization of 17 microsatellite primers for the tick, Ixodes ricinus, using enriched genomic libraries
Authors: RØED KNUT H. , HASLE GUNNAR , MIDTHJELL V. , SKRETTING GRETHE , LEINAAS HANS P.
Published: July 2006

Ixodes ricinus is the main vector for important infectious diseases in both humans and in animals. Microsatellite loci were isolated from a dinucleotide‐enriched library made from I. ricinus sampled in Norway. Seventeen polymorphic microsatellites were further characterized among 24 individuals sampled from an island in the Oslofjord region. The number of observed alleles ranged from two to 17 and the observed heterozygosities between 0.10 and 0.83. Analysis of family materials gives evidence of non‐Mendelian inheritance of several of the characterized loci, among which most could be explained by presence of null alleles.
Number of individuals and molecular markers to use in genetic differentiation studies
Authors: MEDINA RAUL F. , BARBOSA PEDRO , CHRISTMAN MARY , BATTISTI ANDREA
Published: July 2006

Molecular markers are frequently used to study genetic variation among individuals within or between populations. Differences in marker banding patterns can be used to verify if individuals do, or do not, represent distinct groups or populations. Only in 2005, more than 500 studies used molecular markers to group individuals in clusters. Such studies make use of an arbitrary number of molecular markers from each of an arbitrary number of individuals presumed to represent distinct genotypes. However, the greater the genetic variation, the more likely a larger number of individuals and markers will be needed to capture a population's genetic signature. The numbers of both, markers and individuals included thus affect the way in which individuals are organized through cluster analyses, thereby affecting the conclusions drawn. Here we present a method that provides statistical criteria to verify that individual and marker sample sizes are sufficient to accurately depict genetic differentiation among different populations. Our method uses a resampling technique to assess the reproducibility of obtaining a particular grouping pattern for specific data sets. It thus, allows to estimate the robustness of the results obtained without including additional individuals, or markers.
The effect of melatonin on 7,12‐dimethyl‐benz[a]anthracene injury in comparison with vitamin E + selenium in mouse kidneys
Authors: Ozturk Feral , Ozturk I. Cetin , Batcioglu Kadir , Vardi Nigar
Published: July 2006

The aims of this study were to observe the changes in antioxidative defense enzymes and renal morphology after 7,12‐dimethyl‐benz[a]anthracene (7,12‐DMBA) administration in mice and to investigate the possible protective effects of melatonin against 7,12‐DMBA‐induced renal damage in comparison with vitamin E + selenium (vit E + Se). Forty female mice were divided into four groups: control, DMBA, DMBA + vit E + Se and DMBA + melatonin. In the DMBA group, mice were given injections of 7,12‐DMBA (20 mg/kg). DMBA + vit E + Se group mice received injections of 7,12‐DMBA + vit E + Se (20 mg/kg + 90 mg/kg + 1.8 μg/kg). In the melatonin group, mice were given injections of 7,12‐DMBA + melatonin (20 mg/kg + 4.2 mg/kg). The experiment lasted for 21 days. Mice were killed and the kidneys were taken for enzyme analyses and histologic examination. Catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities were found significantly decreased in the DMBA group and in the DMBA + vit E + Se group when compared with the control group (P < 0.05), whereas CAT and GSH‐Px activities were found significantly elevated in the DMBA + melatonin group when compared with the control (P < 0.05) and the DMBA group (P < 0.01). Exposure to DMBA resulted in tubular alterations in renal cortex. Morphometric analysis revealed proximal and distal tubular damage (P < 0.05). These alterations were found to be prevented by melatonin but not with vit E + Se administration. These results reveal that melatonin stimulates CAT and GSH‐Px activities and prevents renal injury better than vit E + Se combination in mice kidneys.
Wader recruitment indices suggest nesting success is temperature‐dependent in Dunlin Calidris alpina
Authors: BEALE COLIN M. , DODD STEVE , PEARCE‐HIGGINS JAMES W.
Published: July 2006

Measures of annual breeding success are an important component of species monitoring programmes. It has been suggested that effective monitoring of breeding productivity for arctic breeding waders may be achieved from an analysis of annual variation in the proportion of juveniles in winter flocks. Here, we attempt to generate a recruitment index for Dunlin Calidris alpina caught during the winter in north Wales. This index revealed significant annual variation and we show that this is strongly correlated with summer temperature (but not rainfall) on the breeding grounds. Years with high recruitment were also correlated with increases in the national winter population estimate. In years of intermediate summer temperature, the recruitment index was highest and we discuss the possible implications this has for Dunlin under scenarios of future climate change. We were unable to generate a significant index for Common Redshank Tringa totanus and discuss possible reasons for this.
Estimation of a Hedonic Pricing Model for Medigap Insurance
Authors: Robst John
Published: July 2006

Objective. This paper uses a unique database to examine premiums paid by beneficiaries for Medigap supplemental coverage. Average premiums charged by insurers are reported, as well as premiums by enrollee age and gender, and additional policy characteristics. Marginal prices for Medigap benefits are estimated using hedonic price regressions. In addition, the paper considers how additional policy characteristics and geographic differences in the use and cost of medical care affect premiums.

Data Sources/Study Setting. A comprehensive database on premiums paid by beneficiaries for newly issued Medigap policies in the year 2000 along with state‐level characteristics.

Study Design. Hedonic pricing equations are used to estimate implicit prices for Medigap benefits.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services contracted for the creation of a detailed database on Medigap premiums. Data were collected in three stages. First, letters were sent directly to insurers requesting premium data. Second, letters were directly to state insurance commissioner's offices requesting premium data. Last, each state insurance commissioner's office was visited to collect missing data.

Principal Findings. With the exceptions of the part B deductible and drug benefit, Medigap supplemental insurance is priced consistent with the actuarial value of benefits offered under the standardized plans. Premiums vary substantially based on rating method, whether the policy is guaranteed issue, Medigap Select, or explicitly for smokers. Premiums increase with enrollee age, but do not vary between men and women. The relationship between premiums and enrollee age varies across rating methods. Attained‐age policies show the strongest relationship between age and premiums, while community‐rated premiums, by definition, do not vary with age. Medigap supplemental insurance premiums are higher in states with poorer health, greater utilization, and greater managed care penetration.

Conclusions. Despite the high cost, Medigap plans are generally priced in accordance with the actuarial value of benefits. The primary exception is the drug benefit, which appears to be subject to substantial adverse selection. Benefits such as the part B deductible and at‐home recovery benefit offer little value to consumers. Several states require insurers to community rate premiums. Such regulation has important implications for premiums, and research needs to consider the impact of such regulation on the Medigap market.
Ultrasound of the post‐partum uterus
Authors: DEANS Rebecca , DIETZ Hans Peter
Published: July 2006

Aims:  To assess the appearance of the post‐partum uterus on transabdominal ultrasound, and to correlate these findings with maternal morbidity.

Methods:  In a prospective observational study, 94 women were seen within 24 h of their delivery and assessed by transabdominal ultrasound. Volumetric data were calculated from measurements of intrauterine echogenic areas. All women were contacted for a telephone interview 1–4 months following their delivery to assess whether they had experienced morbidity associated with their delivery such as post‐partum haemorrhage, pyrexia, prolonged hospital stay, follow‐up investigations or surgical intervention.

Results:  Two areas of echogenic material were identified in the upper and lower segment of the post‐partum uterus. These were assessed independently for dimensions and volumes. The upper segment area had an average thickness of 13.8 mm and an average volume of 35.6 cm3 The lower segment/cervical area held considerably more material with an average volume of 54.8 cm3. The mean duration of post‐partum bleeding was 4.2 weeks. None of the recruited women required a blood transfusion. The average hospital stay was 4 days. Twenty‐two (23%) of the participants experienced a febrile illness following delivery, and 19 (20%) were commenced on antibiotics. None of these parameters of post‐partum morbidity were associated with the ultrasound findings.

Conclusions:  In this study ultrasound evaluation in the immediate post‐partum period revealed unexpectedly large volumes of echogenic material in the uterine cavity. However, such volumes of echogenic material were not associated with postnatal morbidity, and can probably be accepted as normal.
Comparison of the adhesion scoring systems used in animal models and assessment of interobserver reproducibility
Authors: DEMİRTURK Fazli , AYTAN Hakan , CALİSKAN Ahmet C.
Published: July 2006

Two commonly used adhesion scoring systems were compared and the interobserver variability was assessed in 30 Wistar albino rats. Thirty‐five milligrams per kilogram leflunomide was administered orally and intraperitoneally. Two weeks later, adhesion formation was assessed using the two scoring systems. The results showed that the two currently used adhesion scoring systems are subjective and the final results change depending on the observer and the type of the scoring system that has been used.
Right parietal lobe syndrome as a clinical variant of Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease
Authors: KOMURO Ryutaro , KOBAYASHI Katsuji , SHIMAZAKI Masao , SUGIMORI Kaoru , KOSHINO Yoshifumi , SATOU Katsuaki , ODA Yoshio
Published: July 2006

We report a 57‐year‐old patient with Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease that initially presented with right parietal lobe syndrome. He featured early dystonic and hemiparetic posture of the left upper limb, finger agnosia, geographic disorientation and acalculia and developed myoclonus from the left upper extremity and right‐sided periodic synchronized discharges. He died 2 years and 3 months later. Brain autopsy revealed a marked reduction in brain weight, extensive cortical spongiform changes and white matter degeneration. Immunolabeled prion proteins were deposited diffusely in the neuropil. Accentuation of the cortical change was unclear but white matter degeneration was more severe in the right parietal lobe than in the left parietal lobe. Right parietal lobe syndrome is rarely reported as an initial symptom of Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease and can be a clinical variant of the disease.
Study on Mechanical Circulatory Support and Currently Available Supporting Parts in China
Authors: Chen Chang‐zhi , Ye Chun‐xiu
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  The research and development on extracorporeal and assisted circulation in China have been painstaking. On one hand, China has the largest population of 13 billion in the world, and the demands for supporting equipment are huge. On the other hand, as a developing country, China is not wealthy. It is urgent to design and fabricate affordable circulatory support parts, machines, and artificial hearts for Chinese market. In this regard, we have made our own heart–lung machine, mechanical and tissue valves, oxygenators, and artificial hearts and their improved versions. The cost of these parts is much lower as compared with those in the Western market. Although the results of clinical application are good so far, the quality of these lifesaving parts needs to be continuously improved.