bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field validation of the factors related to clodinafop efficacy on Avena species
Authors: ANDREWS T S , MEDD R W , VAN DE VEN R J , PICKERING D I
Published: January 2007

Previous research has shown that historical data and interpolated weather information can be used to correlate environmental and other variables with herbicide efficacy. This article examines this possibility using field experiments and on‐site weather data. Clodinafop was applied to Avena spp. (wild oat) infestations on 46 occasions, in eight separate experiments, during 2003–2004 across the grain growing regions of New South Wales, Australia. Linear mixed models and covariate analyses were used to determine correlations of agronomic and environmental variables with clodinafop efficacy on Avena spp., as measured by plant mortality, panicle density and seed production. Clodinafop dose, maximum temperature on the day of spraying, spray water volume, the spray water volume by maximum temperature interaction and available soil moisture at spraying were correlated with mortality. Minimum temperatures prior to spraying, previously reported to be correlated with clodinafop efficacy, were not a significant factor in this study. On‐site weather data were highly correlated with interpolated, generic weather data and thus there was little impact on which of these meteorological data sets were used to determine the correlations. This suggests that accessible, generic weather data could be used to develop and implement a predictive model for clodinafop efficacy. The relationship between the variables and Avena spp. mortality were generally supported when applied to panicle density and estimated seed production, with some exceptions. The results indicate that it should be possible to incorporate industry and field data to develop a robust predictive model for Avena spp. control with clodinafop.
Impact of the pathogen Pyrenophora semeniperda on Bromus tectorum seedbank dynamics in North American cold deserts
Authors: MEYER S E , QUINNEY D , NELSON D L , WEAVER J
Published: January 2007

Bromus tectorum is a dominant winter annual weed in cold deserts of western North America. We followed patterns of seed carry‐over and abundance of the pathogen Pyrenophora semeniperda over 5 years at B. tectorum‐dominated shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) and sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) sites in southern Idaho. We hypothesised that more seeds could potentially carry over at the drier shadscale site because of minimal autumn precipitation, but that P. semeniperda, a pathogen that primarily kills dormant seeds, would have more impact at the drier site, where a higher density of dormant seeds would likely be present in the early spring seedbank. Successful first‐year seed carry‐over was higher in years with below‐average autumn precipitation. It was lower at the shadscale site than at the sagebrush site (9% vs.16%). The number of seeds killed during incubation by P. semeniperda averaged three times higher at the drier site and the number of field‐killed seeds averaged almost five times higher. This suggests that pathogen‐related mortality caused the greater decrease in seed carry‐over at the drier site. Mortality risk increased dramatically with seed age. This climate–pathogen interaction apparently limits B. tectorum seedbank carry‐over in cold deserts to 3 years or less. Pyrenophora semeniperda shows potential as a biocontrol agent for B. tectorum in these habitats.
Influence of mechanical rhizome cutting, rhizome drying and burial at different developmental stages on the regrowth of Calystegia sepium
Authors: RASK A M , ANDREASEN C
Published: January 2007

The regrowth of Calystegia sepium was studied in three types of experiments during spring 2003 and spring 2004. In one glasshouse experiment, rhizome fragments were planted in pots and either harvested at six different developmental stages to assess their undisturbed development and growth or harvested at 420 day degrees after burial to measure their regenerative capacity. Regrowth gradually declined as the plants had more expanded leaves at the time of burial. Minimum regenerative capacity was found when plants had four to eight fully expanded leaves and this coincided with the growth stage of minimum dry weight of underground regenerative organs. The effects of burial depth and rhizome fragment length were studied in outdoor container experiments. Burial at 15 or 25 cm reduced above‐ and below‐ground biomass in 2004, while 25 cm deep burial was necessary to reduce regrowth in 2003. Fragmentation had generally little effect on production of above‐ and below‐ground biomass, whereas burial and fragmentation delayed emergence time. Sensitivity of rhizomes to drying was studied in a growth chamber. Drying periods of 12 or 24 h did not have an influence on the production of aerial shoots, whereas 48 or 96 h reduced production of above‐ground biomass significantly. The experiments indicated that the minimum regenerative capacity would be at about 5–6 leaf stage and that mechanical disturbance at this stage would optimise weed control.
Efficacy of Sclerotinia minor for dandelion control: effect of dandelion accession, age and grass competition
Authors: ABU‐DIEYEH M H , WATSON A K
Published: January 2007

Control of Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion) and other broad‐leaved weeds in temperate turfgrass has been readily achieved with phenoxy herbicides. The herbicide option has been revoked through municipal and provincial legislation in many regions of Canada, necessitating alternative approaches. We examined the effects of dandelion accessions, age and grass competition on the performance of Sclerotinia minor (IMI 344141) as a biological control for dandelion in turfgrass. Disease symptoms were identical on all 14 different accessions of dandelion and the above‐ and below‐ground biomass were reduced by 94% and 96%, respectively, with no difference among accessions. Foliar damage and dandelion mortality caused by S. minor was affected by plant age and the presence of grass competition. Dandelions of all ages were more severely affected by S. minor in the presence of grass competition. Grass competition had greater impact on foliar biomass, whereas the fungus had a greater impact on root biomass of newly established dandelions. In addition to competition for resources, we were hypothesised that the grass sward provides a microenvironment favouring the success of S. minor as a biological control agent of dandelion. Thus, proper management of the turfgrass environment may be complementary to the efficacy of S. minor as a biocontrol for dandelion.
Root exudation of diclofop‐methyl and triasulfuron from foliar‐treated durum wheat and ryegrass
Authors: DINELLI G , BONETTI A , MAROTTI I , MINELLI M , BUSI S , CATIZONE P
Published: January 2007

In this study, we evaluated the release of diclofop‐methyl and triasulfuron from the roots of foliar‐treated ryegrass and wheat. The study with 14C‐diclofop‐methyl indicated a basipetal translocation of foliar‐applied herbicide in wheat and ryegrass. No root exudation from 14C‐diclofop‐methyl‐treated wheat plants was observed, while 20 days after treatment (DAT) 0.2–0.9% of radioactivity absorbed by ryegrass was found exuded in the growing medium. Root exudation was stimulated three to six times by the presence of untreated wheat or ryegrass sharing the growing medium with diclofop‐methyl‐treated ryegrass. No subsequent uptake of exuded radiolabel by untreated plants (ryegrass or wheat) in the same pot with 14C‐diclofop‐methyl‐treated ryegrass was observed. The study with 14C‐triasulfuron indicated a basipetal translocation of foliar‐applied herbicide in wheat and ryegrass and also into the growing medium. By 20 DAT, 0.5–4.2% of radioactivity absorbed by wheat or ryegrass was found exuded in the growing medium. The presence of untreated plants (wheat or ryegrass) in the same pot as triasulfuron‐treated ryegrass or wheat induced exudation seven to 32 times more. The study also revealed a subsequent uptake of exuded compounds by untreated wheat or ryegrass sharing the medium of 14C‐triasulfuron‐treated plants. This study has demonstrated for the first time that the root exudation of exogenous compounds can be related to plant arrangement in pots. The implication is that herbicide root exudation and transfer, a form of allelopathy, could be significant in the field. A precise estimation of environmental fate, unexpected ecological side effects and residual activity of herbicides may require quantification of such exudation.
Establishment of a stroke unit in a district hospital: review of experience
Authors: Chiu A. , Shen Q. , Cheuk G. , Cordato D. , Chan D. K. Y.
Published: January 2007

Background: The experience and outcomes of co‐locating acute stroke and stroke rehabilitation care in a district hospital were reviewed.

Method: Information for patients admitted to Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals before and after setting up an acute stroke unit (SU) (12 months data for each period), including mortality and length of stay (LOS) at the hospital were obtained from various sources, including the diagnosis‐related group and subacute and non‐acute casemix databases.

Results: There was a significant reduction of mortality (18 vs 10%; P = 0.01) and reduced total LOS (46 vs 39 days; P = 0.01) with similar functional outcomes in the post‐SU period. Fifty per cent of patients were unable to access the acute SU. Patients admitted into the SU had lower mortality (5 vs 14%; P = 0.01) and were also discharged from hospital earlier (35 vs 54 days; P = 0.01) than patients admitted into general wards during the post‐SU period. Thirty‐four per cent of patients received rehabilitation within the rehabilitation facility in the post‐SU period compared with 19% in the pre‐SU period.

Conclusion: The Blacktown experience showed the feasibility of establishing a co‐located SU within rehabilitation facility with good outcomes as illustrated by the significant reduction in the stroke mortality, a reduction in the total LOS and an increase in the number of patients receiving rehabilitation post‐stroke.
Allogeneic bone marrow transplant for refractory mediastinal germ cell tumour: possible evidence of graft‐versus‐tumour effect
Authors: Goodwin A. , Gurney H. , Gottlieb D.
Published: January 2007

Mediastinal germ cell tumours (GCT) carry a poor prognosis, particularly after relapse. We have reviewed the published reports of current treatments and describe a case with a cure after an allogeneic bone marrow transplant, which is not reported in the current published data. We believe that GCT may be susceptible to a graft‐versus‐tumour effect and suggest that patients with relapsed GCT be considered for allogeneic transplantation.
Yam bean seed poisoning mimicking cyanide intoxication*
Authors: Hung Y.‐M. , Hung S.‐Y. , Olson K. R. , Chou K.‐J. , Lin S.‐L. , Chung H.‐M. , Tung C.‐N. , Chang J.‐C.
Published: January 2007

Background: Yam bean is a common food in southern Taiwan. However, its seeds are rarely consumed. We describe five patients of yam bean seed poisoning in Taiwan, one of them life‐threatening.

Clinical presentation: The five patients presented with perioral numbness, nausea and vomiting after eating a same soup made from yam bean seeds. One of them, a 54‐year‐old woman, had difficulty breathing and lost consciousness. Physical examination showed dilated pupils and coma with no focal neurological signs. The initial blood pressure was normal. Laboratory data showed a severe anion gap metabolic acidosis, with a serum lactate level of 185 mg/dL. An initial diagnosis of cyanide intoxication was considered and she was given sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate i.v. Hypotension ensued shortly afterwards and pulmonary artery catheterization showed a decreased cardiac index. Aggressive fluid and inotropic therapy were given and the patient eventually recovered. The other four patients suffered only minor gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms and received supportive treatment. Cyanide levels were negative in all five patients.

Conclusion: Yam bean seed poisoning can cause acute metabolic acidosis and altered mental status, which could be confused with acute cyanide intoxication from a cyanogenic glycoside‐containing plant. To our knowledge, this is the first outbreak of yam bean seed poisoning reported in the English published work.
Effect of leflunomide on the peripheral nerves in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Richards B. L. , Spies J. , McGill N. , Richards G. W. , Vaile J. , Bleasel J. F. , Youssef P. P.
Published: January 2007

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the neurophysiological effects of leflunomide on peripheral nerves in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort trial of 32 patients with rheumatoid arthritis with 16 patients receiving leflunomide treatment and 16 receiving other disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug therapies. Clinical, laboratory and neurophysiological measurements were used to determine the presence of a peripheral neuropathy in these patients at study entry and then after a further 3 and 6 months.

Results: Fifty‐four per cent of the leflunomide group and 8% of the control group had an increase in their neuropathy symptom score 6 months into the study (P = 0.01). No correlation was found between the electrophysiological findings and the clinical symptoms. There was no significant difference between the two groups in upper and lower limb sensory and motor amplitudes and conduction velocities recorded at 3 and 6 months. One patient developed both clinical and neurophysiological evidence of a peripheral neuropathy 5 months into the study that improved after cessation of leflunomide therapy and cholestyramine washout.

Conclusion: After 6 months of exposure we found that leflunomide was associated with an apparent increase in the clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These symptoms did not correlate with neurophysiological studies.
Cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal responses to the progressive exercise performed to exhaustion in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin or glyburide
Authors: Cunha M. R. , Silva M. E. R. , Machado H. A. , Fukui R. T. , Correia M. R. S. , Santos R. F. , Wajchenberg B. L. , Rocha D. M. , Rondon M. U. P. B. , Negrão C. E. , Ursich M. J. M.
Published: January 2007

Objectives:  To evaluate the effects of Metformin and Glyburide on cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal parameters during progressive exercise performed to exhaustion in the post‐prandial state in women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Design and Methods:  Ten T2DM patients treated with Metformin (M group), 10 with Glyburide (G group) and 10 age‐paired healthy subjects exercised on a bicycle ergometer up to exercise peak. Cardiovascular and blood metabolic and hormonal parameters were measured at times ‐60 min, 0 min, exercise end, and at 10 and 20 minutes of recovery phase. Thirty minutes before the exercise, a standard breakfast was provided to all participants. The diabetic patients took Metformin or Glyburide before or with meal.

Results:  Peak oxygen uptake (VO2) was lower in patients with diabetes. Plasma glucose levels remained unchanged, but were higher in both diabetic groups. Patients with diabetes also presented lower insulin levels after meals and higher glucagon levels at exercise peak than C group. Serum cortisol levels were higher in G than M group at exercise end and recovery phase. Lactate levels were higher in M than G group at fasting and in C group at exercise peak. Nor epinephrine, GH and FFA responses were similar in all 3 groups.

Conclusion:  Progressive exercise performed to exhaustion, in the post‐prandial state did not worsen glucose control during and after exercise. The administration of the usual dose of Glyburide or Metformin to T2DM patients did not influence the cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal response to exercise.
Thiazolidinedione insulin sensitizers and the heart: a tale of two organs?
Authors: Buckingham R. E. , Hanna A.
Published: January 2007

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are relatively new agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They act as agonists at the PPAR‐γ nuclear receptor and their therapeutic effects include decreased insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia, an improved plasma lipid, inflammation and pro‐coagulant profile, and amelioration of hypertension, microalbuminuria and hepatic steatosis. The most common side effects of TZDs include weight gain and oedema, with occasional reports of congestive heart failure (CHF). This review discusses the benefit–risk profile of TZDs in treating patients with type 2 diabetes, with particular reference to the heart. To provide context, we explore briefly the epidemiology and pathophysiology of heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes, touch on the association of heart disease and cardiovascular mortality with antihyperglycaemic treatment modalities other than TZDs, and then focus on the effects of TZDs on the heart, cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes. We describe the cluster of host factors, which seems to predispose patients with type 2 diabetes to TZD‐induced or TZD‐exacerbated oedema and CHF and then provide an overview of the putative mechanisms of these TZD‐related side effects. We also propose that certain diuretics (amiloride and spironolactone), by targeting the distal nephron that expresses PPARγ in collecting duct cells, might be of benefit in ameliorating the fluid retention and oedema associated with TZDs.
Use of oxidized cellulose for corporal body grafting and suture‐less correction of severe penile chordee: an experimental study in rabbits
Authors: El‐Assmy Ahmed , Eassa Waleed , El‐Hamid Mohamed Abd , Nour Eman M. , Hafez Ashraf T.
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of oxidized cellulose, SurgicelTM (Johnson & Johnson Medical, New Brunswick, NJ, USA) for patching defects in the tunica albuginea in a rabbit model, with a future application to correct chordee.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised nine New Zealand white male rabbits; a rectangular 15 × 5‐mm defect was created in the ventral tunica albuginea that was covered by Surgicel. The skin was closed with no catheters left in situ after the procedure. The rabbits were killed in groups of three at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. The evaluation included cavernosography and histopathological examination of sections of the penis stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and Masson’s trichrome.

RESULTS

No deaths were caused by the procedure, and none of the rabbits developed bleeding or haematoma after surgery. Cavernosography at 2 weeks showed contrast medium leaking from the site of the Surgicel, but at 6 and 12 weeks all rabbits had a straight erection with patent corpora and no evidence of narrowing or venous leak. Histopathological evaluation revealed evidence of the remnants of Surgicel surrounded by acute inflammatory cell infiltrate with early neovascularization at 2 weeks. At 6 and 12 weeks, there was complete normal regeneration of the tunica albuginea with no foreign‐body reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, Surgicel had a clear haemostatic effect when covering a defect in the tunica albuginea. Moreover, normal tunica albuginea regenerated by 6 weeks and was maintained at 12 weeks. These results suggest that Surgicel might be considered a safe and effective grafting material for tunica albuginea substitution, including the surgical management of penile chordee.
A prospective comparison of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy in the extremely obese patient
Authors: Berglund Ryan K. , Gill Inderbir S. , Babineau Denise , Desai Mihir , Kaouk Jihad H.
Published: January 2007

Associate Editor

Ash Tewari

Editorial Board

Ralph Clayman, USA

Inderbir Gill, USA

Roger Kirby, UK

Mani Menon, USA

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively compare the outcomes of transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (TLN) and retroperitoneal LN (RLN) in extremely obese patients, as LN in such patients (body mass index, BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) is an accepted but technically challenging undertaking, and either approach to the kidney can be used.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 1998 and August 2005, 51 consecutive patients with extreme obesity had 53 LNs at our institution (13 TLN and 40 RLN). Peri‐operative data were collected prospectively in a database approved by the Institutional Review Board.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the two approaches for several variables, including baseline BMI (44 vs 45; P = 0.23), muscle‐splitting extraction incision length (7.0 vs 7.7 cm; P = 0.53), and intraoperative complications (none vs 5%; P = 0.99). RLN tended to cause less estimated blood loss (EBL, 150 vs 100 mL; P = 0.31), a shorter operation (190 vs 180 min; P = 0.11), larger specimen weight (682 vs 938 g; P = 0.078), lower intraoperative open conversion rate (15% vs 0%; P = 0.06), and a shorter hospital stay (53.6 vs 37.5 h; P = 0.33), although none of these variables was statistically significant at P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

In the extremely obese patient, RLN tended to have advantages in EBL, operative duration, specimen weight, open conversion rate, and duration of hospital stay. RLN provides direct access to the renal hilum, and avoids the pannus and voluminous intra‐abdominal fat encountered during TLN. These data and our experience support RLN as the technique of choice for LN in the extremely obese patient.
Bilateral synchronous posterior prone retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy with simultaneous peritoneal dialysis: a new management for end‐stage renal disease in children
Authors: Gundeti Mohan S. , Taghizaedh Arash , Mushtaq Imran
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

To describe a laparoscopic approach for bilateral synchronous posterior prone retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy (BSPPRN) which allows for immediate peritoneal dialysis (PD) in children with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), as PD is the treatment of choice in these children with ESRD who are awaiting renal transplantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Traditionally, children requiring bilateral native nephrectomy have been managed on haemodialysis before being converted to PD at a later stage, but this approach incorporates a conventional open transperitoneal nephrectomy, which had associated morbidity. Between May 2001 and December 2005, 20 children had BSPPRN with initiation or return to PD immediately afterward (mean age at surgery 8.5 years, range 0.5–17). The indications for surgery included steroid‐resistant proteinuria in 14, drug‐resistant hypertension in four, proteinuria and hypertension in one and intractable polyuria in one. BSPPRN used either three or two ports, or the ‘single‐instrument port’ technique. A PD catheter was placed simultaneously in eight children, whilst 10 were already established on PD.

RESULTS

BSPPRN was successful in 19 children; one developed a peritoneal tear, which necessitated conversion to open nephrectomy. The mean (range) operative duration was 160 (110–180) min. There were no major complications and no child required a blood transfusion. PD was established immediately after surgery in 17 children; one had a dialysate leak requiring a period of haemodialysis.

CONCLUSION

In children who require bilateral native nephrectomy before renal transplantation, BSPPRN maintains the integrity of the peritoneal cavity, allowing for immediate PD after surgery. The technique is safe and has all the added advantages of minimally invasive surgery.
Relevance of the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) nanotest compared to the classical PSA test in the organized mass screening of prostate cancer
Authors: Azzouzi Abdel‐Rahmene , Larre Stéphane , Cormier Luc , Roupret Morgan , Valeri Antoine , Mangin Philippe , Berthon Philippe , Villette Jean‐Marie , Fiet Jean , Cussenot Olivier
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reliability of a new measurement of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) using a blotting‐paper assay (nanotest) compared to the standard PSA immunoassay.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The PSA level was measured in 205 men volunteers (median age 70 years, range 41–75) using a nanotest and a standard PSA immunoassay, collected at the same time; 30 µL of capillary blood placed on to a blotting paper were collected for the nanotest and sent by mail to the same laboratory for the two assays. The results were compared statistically using the Spearman test, the intraclass correlation coefficient and the Bland‐Altman test.

RESULTS

The nanotest threshold for an abnormal PSA level was 78 pg/mL, which corresponded to a standard PSA value of 3 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 100%. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.98, Spearman test; P < 0.001) between the nanotest and the standard PSA assay. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.87. The Bland‐Altman test showed a good agreement between the nanotest and the standard PSA assay, but there was an increasing proportional difference with increasing PSA value.

CONCLUSION

There was a very high correlation between the nanotest and the standard PSA assay, especially for standard PSA levels of <5 ng/mL. Economic and clinical studies are indicated to confirm the utility of the nanotest in organized mass screening of prostate cancer.
Side‐effects of treatment for localized prostate cancer: are they valued differently by patients and healthy controls?
Authors: Korfage Ida J. , De Koning Harry J. , Habbema J. Dik F. , Schröder Fritz H. , Essink‐Bot Marie‐Louise
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVES

To determine how men treated for localized prostate cancer and who had permanent side‐effects, and healthy controls, would value five descriptions of health states associated with side‐effects of treatment for localized prostate cancer, hypothesising that patients would value the health states as less detrimental than men with no prostate cancer.

PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In previous research, patients with prostate cancer reported high generic quality‐of‐life scores after primary treatment, despite side‐effects; it was suggested that these patients accepted the side‐effects, i.e. urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunction, as ‘part of the bargain’ because they felt they were saved from a life‐threatening disease. Thus, we asked 54 men who had been treated for localized prostate cancer and had permanent side‐effects, and 53 healthy controls, to value five descriptions of health states. All respondents valued all descriptions using two valuation methods, a visual analogue scale (VAS, range 0–100) and time trade‐off (TTO, range 0–1). The respondent functioning was assessed using the EuroQol‐5D, completed with items on urinary, bowel and sexual function.

RESULTS

Patients and healthy controls had similar valuations for nine of the 10 comparisons (five health states by two methods). Valuations in both groups resulted in the same ranking order of states on the TTO and one exchange in rank order on the VAS.

CONCLUSIONS

When asked to value five health states associated with side‐effects of treatment for localized prostate cancer, there was no difference in the valuation of erectile, urinary and bowel dysfunction between patients with permanent side‐effects after treatment and healthy controls. More likely explanations for the high generic quality‐of‐life scores after primary treatment for prostate cancer are a response shift and insensitivity of generic health‐related quality‐of‐life measures.
A prospective evaluation of the impact of scheduled follow‐up appointments with compliance rates after vasectomy
Authors: Dhar Nivedita Bhatta , Jones J. Stephen , Bhatt Amit , Babineau Denize
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively determine the impact of scheduled follow‐up appointments with compliance rates after vasectomy.

PATIENT AND METHODS

During a study period of 18 months, 228 consecutive men had a vasectomy, of whom 114 were instructed to bring a semen sample to the office and 114 were given a follow‐up appointment to submit samples. All men were instructed to submit specimens at 2 months after vasectomy and at 1‐month intervals until two consecutive samples were azoospermic. The mean (range) follow‐up was 16 (6–24) months. Compliance rates for the appointment and no‐appointment group were compared using a two‐sided Fisher’s exact test. A subgroup analysis used a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

In the appointment group, 96/114 (84%) of patients complied with instructions to bring the first sample at 2 months, and in the no‐appointment group, 74/114 (65%) complied (P = 0.001). In the appointment group, 43/114 (48%) of patients complied with instructions to provide two consecutive azoospermic specimens and in the no‐appointment group, 23/114 (20%) complied (P = 0.005). A subgroup analysis of patients who provided a sample at 2 months indicated that, on adjusting for the results of the first test, patients with appointments were 1.17 times more likely to provide additional specimens than patients with no appointments. Adjusting for the type of appointment, patients who had sperm present in the first test were 6.72 times more likely to provide additional specimens than patients who were azoospermic on the first test.

CONCLUSION

Scheduling an appointment after vasectomy provides a statistically and clinically significant improvement in compliance.
Dynamic dose‐feedback prostate brachytherapy in patients with large prostates and/or planned transurethral surgery before implantation
Authors: Acher Peter L. , Popert Rick , Morris Stephen L. , Potters Louis , Austin‐Smith Susan L. , Johnson Ursula H. , Nichol Janette E. , Beaney Ronald P.
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

To compare the quality of permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB) implants, dosimetric outcomes and urinary morbidity between patients with large (>50 mL) and those with smaller prostates, treated with a dynamic dose‐feedback technique as monotherapy for localized prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The series included patients with pre‐existing bladder outlet obstruction managed with planned transurethral resection or incision of the prostate; 155 consecutive men had PPB implants as monotherapy for localized prostate cancer using a dynamic dose‐feedback approach. Dosimetric variables assessed included the implant volume, the minimum dose to 90% of the prostate (D90), and the volumes of prostate receiving 100% and 150% of the prescribed dose as a percentage of the total volume (V100 and V150), during and after implantation. Urinary morbidity was recorded in terms of acute urinary retention (AUR), the need for surgical intervention after implantation and the American Urologic Association (AUA) symptom score at baseline, 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months.

RESULTS

In all, 38 patients had prostate volumes of ≥50 mL; prostate volume had no influence on any dosimetric variable assessed. Two patients with large prostates (≥50 mL) had AUR and required delayed surgery. Three patients with small prostates (<50 mL) had transient retention; the differences were not statistically significant (Fisher’s exact test). AUA symptom scores peaked at 6 weeks and returned to baseline within a year; there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Eight patients had planned transurethral surgery at ≥4 months before implantation; they all had D90s of >130 Gy and had no incontinence.

CONCLUSION

Using the dynamic feedback technique, there was no adverse dosimetric and urinary morbidity in men having PPB and with prostates of >50 mL. Likewise, there were no impediments, e.g. pubic arch interference, which precluded a favourable dosimetric implant in men with a large prostate. Large prostates should not be a contraindication to PPB and require no hormonal cytoreduction. Patients with obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms can be managed with planned transurethral prostatic surgery before implantation, without compromising implant quality or morbidity.
Deliberative Democracy and Social Choice
Authors: Miller David
Published: January 2007

The paper contrasts the liberal conception of democracy as the aggregation of individual preferences with the deliberative conception of democracy as a process of open discussion leading to an agreed judgement on policy. Social choice theory has identified problems – the arbitrariness of decision rules, vulnerability to strategic voting – which are often held to undermine democratic ideals. Contrary to common opinion, I argue that deliberative democracy is less vulnerable to these difficulties than liberal democracy. The process of discussion tends to produce sets of policy preferences that are ‘single peaked’; and within a deliberative setting it may be possible to vary the decision rule according to the nature of the issue to be decided.
Liberal Democracy: One Form or Many?
Authors: Ware Alan
Published: January 2007

This article examines whether there are significant differences between liberal democracies which warrant them being classified as different forms of democracy. The article begins by outlining six features of liberal democracy which are crucial in understanding how this type of government works. The subsequent section examines the origins of liberal democracy and considers the relevance of arguments derived from American ‘exceptionalism’. Attention is then focused on liberal democratic governments today – by reference to Lijphart's distinction between ‘majoritarian’ and ‘consensus' democracies. Finally, the article looks at whether the form of liberal democracy is changed substantially when it is transplanted into a cultural context different from the one in which it originated. The general conclusion is that there is no case for identifying different forms of liberal democracy.
The Alternatives to ‘Liberal Democracy’: A Latin American Perspective
Authors: Whitehead Laurence
Published: January 2007

Although some conventional liberal democratic regimes are likely to become consolidated in Latin America, the dominant pattern is better understood as ‘democracy by default’, and in a few cases little more than ‘facade democracy’ is to be expected. This paper reviews the major factors accounting for the fragility, instability and policy ineffectiveness of many of these new regimes. Although current fiscal crises lend some plausibility to the ‘neo-liberal’ analyses of democratization, the paper argues that in the longer run consolidated democracies will tend to develop a range of ‘social democratic’, participatory and interventionist features that are at variance with the neo-liberal model. Latin American nation-states are relatively well integrated and contain a stock of human and social resources that should favour constitutional outcomes, so that although many of these new democracies will remain provisional and incomplete for the time being, they possess the potential for subsequent extension and entrenchment.
Serum lipid level in Iranian patients with psoriasis
Authors: Farshchian M , Zamanian A , Farshchian M , Monsef A‐R , Mahjub H
Published: January 2007

Background  Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory and proliferative skin disease associated with abnormal lipid metabolism. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with psoriasis may have an increased risk of occlusive vascular disease.

Objectives  The aim of this study was to determine lipid profile in Iranian patients with psoriasis.

Subjects and methods  A cross‐sectional study was performed in 30 patients with approved psoriasis diagnosis attending the Dermatology Outpatient Department at Sina Hospital, Hamedan, Iran and 30 matched healthy individuals.

Fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride, cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) were measured using standard enzymatic method. The psoriasis activity was evaluated by psoriasis area and severity index (PASI Index).

Results  FBS levels were higher in patients with psoriasis diagnosis but the differences were not significant (P‐value = 0.284).

There were no significant differences between serum levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in two groups. There were no differences in lipoproteins (HDL, LDL, VLDL) compared with control subjects. (P‐value > 0.05)

PASI Index and lipid profile did not have any significant correlation.

The correlation between duration of disease and LDL were significant (P‐value = 0.033).

Conclusion  Lipid profile in Iranian patients with psoriasis did not differ compared with control‐matched subjects.
Malignant transformation of leg ulcers: a retrospective study of 85 cases
Authors: Combemale P , Bousquet M , Kanitakis J , Bernard P ,   the Angiodermatology group of the French Society of Dermatology
Published: January 2007

Background  Malignant transformation remains a rare, under‐recognized and ominous, complication of leg ulcers, although its exact prevalence is unknown.

Patients and methods  This retrospective French study included cases of chronic ulcers of vascular origin complicated by histologically proven carcinomas. For squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), the duration of the ulcer had to be longer than 3 years. For basal cell carcinomas (BCC), a negative previous biopsy of the ulcer was considered.

Results  Eighty patients, accounting for 85 tumours, were included, with a female : male ratio of 2.5 : 1 and a mean age of 75 years. Eighty‐eight percent of the ulcers were of venous origin and their mean duration was 27.5 years. Five patients developed bilateral cancers. Clinical findings included abnormal granulation tissue in 76% of cases, absence of healing in 14% and unusual extension in 6%. Histologically, 83/85 (98%) of tumours were SCC, among which 82% were very well or well differentiated and 18% moderately or poorly differentiated. The two remaining cases were BCC. The overall death rate was 32%; it was higher when lymph‐node (66%) or visceral metastases (83%) were present. Leg amputation was performed in 29/51 (57%) of patients, irrespective of the degree of histological differentiation. For well‐differentiated (grade I) and localized (stage Ia) SCC, simple surgical excision was preferred to amputation.

Conclusion  Malignant transformation of chronic leg ulcers of vascular origin is mainly encountered in elderly patients and manifests as an abnormally vegetating lesion, which may be occasionally bilateral. Malignant transformation usually occurs towards well‐differentiated SCC and only exceptionally towards BCC. The high death rate, especially in metastatic cases, is at least partly due to delay in diagnosis. Surgery remains the treatment of choice. Leg amputation should be considered in the most extensive cases.
Treatment of vitiligo vulgaris with narrow‐band UVB and oral Polypodium leucotomos extract: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Middelkamp‐Hup MA , Bos JD , Rius‐Diaz F , Gonzalez S , Westerhof W
Published: January 2007

Background  The first choice treatment for vitiligo vulgaris is narrow‐band UVB (NB‐UVB), but no satisfactory treatment exists.

Objectives  To investigate if Polypodium leucotomos, an antioxidative and immunomodulatory plant extract, improves NB‐UVB‐induced repigmentation.

Methods  Fifty patients with vitiligo vulgaris randomly received 250 mg oral P. leucotomos or placebo three times daily, combined with NB‐UVB twice weekly for 25–26 weeks.

Results  Repigmentation was higher in the P. leucotomos group vs. placebo in the head and neck area (44% vs. 27%, P = 0.06). Small repigmentation increases (P = n.s.) were observed for the trunk (6% increased repigmentation), extremities (4%), and hands and feet (5%) in the P. leucotomos group vs. placebo. Patients attending more than 80% of required NB‐UVB sessions showed increased repigmentation in the head and neck area in the P. leucotomos group vs. placebo (50% vs. 19%, P < 0.002); no significant differences were seen in the other body areas. Patients with skin types 2 and 3 showed more repigmentation in the head and neck area in the P. leucotomos group vs. placebo (47% vs. 21%, P = 0.01), and no significant differences were seen in the other body areas. No conclusions could be drawn on skin types 4 and 5 due to low patient numbers.

Conclusion  There is a clear trend towards an increase in repigmentation of vitiligo vulgaris affecting the head and neck area when NB‐UVB phototherapy is combined with oral P. leucotomos. This effect may be more pronounced in light skin types.
The likely impact of elevated [CO2], nitrogen deposition, increased temperature and management on carbon sequestration in temperate and boreal forest ecosystems: a literature review
Authors: Hyvönen Riitta , Ågren Göran I. , Linder Sune , Persson Tryggve , Cotrufo M. Francesca , Ekblad Alf , Freeman Michael , Grelle Achim , Janssens Ivan A. , Jarvis Paul G. , Kellomäki Seppo , Lindroth Anders , Loustau Denis , Lundmark Tomas , Norby Richard J. , Oren Ram , Pilegaard Kim , Ryan Michael G. , Sigurdsson Bjarni D. , Strömgren Monika , van Oijen Marcel , Wallin Göran
Published: January 2007

Contents

Summary
464

I.
Introduction
464

II.
Net ecosystem exchange and changes in carbon stocks
466

III.
Elevated [CO2]
468

IV.
Temperature
470

V.
Fertilization and nitrogen deposition
471

VI.
Disturbances and forest management
472

VII.
Feedbacks and interactions
474

VIII.
Will we have forest carbon sinks in the future?
475

Acknowledgements
476

References
476
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites from a marine foodfish species ribbonfish Trichiurus haumela
Authors: YANG WEN TONG , FENG FELICIA , YUE GEN HUA
Published: January 2007

The ribbonfish, Trichiurus haumela, is an important marine foodfish species. Supply of this fish relies on capture from the wild. No information about genetic diversity and population structure of wild stocks is available. Therefore, we developed the first set of 10 polymorphic microsatellites. The average allele number was 13.2 per locus ranging from six to 20. The expected heterozygosity was 0.84, whereas the observed heterozygosity was 0.71. This set of microsatellites provides a tool for assessing genetic diversity and population structure of this species.
Tetranucleotide microsatellites from the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)
Authors: SHAMBLIN BRIAN M. , FAIRCLOTH BRANT C. , DODD MARK , WOOD‐JONES ALICIA , CASTLEBERRY STEVEN B. , CARROLL JOHN P. , NAIRN C. JOSEPH
Published: January 2007

We describe primers and polymerase chain reaction conditions to amplify 15 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). The primers were tested on 30 individuals that nested along the Georgia, USA coast. The primer pairs developed in this study yielded an average of 13.9 alleles per locus (range of 10–21), an average observed heterozygosity of 0.91 (range 0.79–1.00), and an average polymorphic information content of 0.88 (range 0.84–0.92).
Temporal patterns of territory settlement and detectability in mated and unmated NightingalesLuscinia megarhynchos
Authors: AMRHEIN VALENTIN , KUNC HANSJOERG P. , SCHMIDT ROUVEN , NAGUIB MARC
Published: January 2007

In many bird species the sex ratio of adults is male‐biased, which is likely to have consequences for the ecology as well as for the conservation of a species. For example, when some males remain unpaired in a population, there should be strong selection on behavioural traits that enhance pairing success. A surplus of males is also likely to have important implications for the interpretation of breeding bird survey data. In our study population of NightingalesLuscinia megarhynchos, about half of the males stayed unpaired, suggesting that the number of males encountered singing was greater than the number of breeding pairs. Furthermore, the detectability (the probability of encountering a male singing) of mated males was only two‐thirds that of unmated males when censused in the morning or late in the breeding season. The relative detectability was more similar early in the season and during the twilight periods before sunrise and after sunset. Males that arrived earlier on the breeding grounds were more successful in attracting a mate than males arriving later. Some of the unmated males deserted their territories and prospected areas up to 4000 m distant, whereas others settled on the study site only late in the season and may actually have changed territories. We suggest that adult sex ratios and the time of the census should be taken into account when interpreting the results of breeding bird surveys.
A new genus of frogmouth (Podargidae) from the Solomon Islands – results from a taxonomic review ofPodargus ocellatus inexpectatusHartert 1901
Authors: CLEERE NIGEL , KRATTER ANDREW W. , STEADMAN DAVID W. , BRAUN MICHAEL J. , HUDDLESTON CHRISTOPHER J. , FILARDI CHRISTOPHER E. , DUTSON GUY
Published: January 2007

The frogmouth taxon occurring on the Solomon Islands has been known asPodargus ocellatus inexpectatus, a subspecies endemic to four islands in the Solomon Islands of a species that also inhabits New Guinea and Australia. Our morphological, osteological and molecular studies support recognition ofinexpectatusat the species level, and further reveal that it merits placement in its own genus, which we describe here. Compared with the two other extant podargid genera,inexpectatusdoes not seem to be more closely related either toBatrachostomus(confined to the Indo‐Malayan faunal region) or toPodargusof the Papuan–Australian faunal region. We also review the specimen history of the Solomon Islands Frogmouth, and discuss what little is known about its ecology, natural history and distribution.
Female ornaments in the Pied FlycatcherFicedula hypoleuca: associations with age, health and reproductive success
Authors: MORALES JUDITH , MORENO JUAN , MERINO SANTIAGO , SANZ JUAN J. , TOMÁS GUSTAVO , ARRIERO ELENA , LOBATO ELISA , MARTÍNEZ‐DE LA PUENTE JOSUÉ
Published: January 2007

Female ornamentation has received little attention in studies of sexual selection. Traditionally, female ornaments have been explained as a genetically correlated response to selection in males. However, recent findings suggest that female ornaments may be adaptive. Southern populations of Pied FlycatchersFicedula hypoleucaare suited for studies of female ornamentation because, in addition to the white wing patch, some females also express the white forehead patch characteristic of males. We thus addressed the associations of these two ornaments with female age and with some health and breeding parameters in a Spanish population of Pied Flycatchers. Female ornament expression was not associated with haemoparasite prevalences, clutch size or parental provisioning effort. However, females expressing the white forehead patch raised more fledglings, and females with larger wing patches bred earlier, had higher number of hatchlings and showed increased levels of total serum immunoglobulins. Thus, these two unrelated epigamic ornaments may indicate some aspects of female quality. Further experimental studies could test the possibility that these plumage traits might function as signals to the males or might be used during female–female aggressive encounters in competition for nest‐sites and mates.